Chapter 2: Rescue and Captivity
-New York City, Present Day-
Ororo hummed along as she pushed a shopping cart through the grocery store to get things she and Joshua needed at home, Laura happily snug and secure in her baby tote while she took a nap, hugging her favorite stuffed tiger close to her.
Said tiger was handmade by Joshua after Hobbes, a tiger from a favorite comic series, and—due to it being a present from her father—Laura was extremely possessive about it.
As Ororo put some eggs in the cart, she took notice of some Abstergo agents nearby, counting at least two. Luckily for her, though, she wasn't their target. They were after someone else.
It wasn't until she started packing away the last of the items on her list that she noticed who it was.
The target was a rather large man—she guessed someone between six foot seven or possibly even six foot eleven—with a very robust muscular body, short brown hair that was slicked back, and his face showed his age—which she guessed was fifties or sixties—and a round face with a strong and blocky jawline.
He was dressed in a very fine suit and wore rectangular glasses. Which made Ororo recognize him immediately.
This man was the Senator of Colorado: Theodore Jefferson Armstrong. The most American… American in the country.
'What is Abstergo thinking?!' She thought incredulously. Going after a Senator was rather high-profile, even for Abstergo.
Even so, she figured it would be best if she helped the guy out before he was killed or abducted.
The woman slowly tucked her daughter and cart away and slowly moved towards the Abstergo agent, pulling a K-Bar knife from her boot.
Seeing that they were heading into an empty aisle, the white haired woman followed them. She couldn't afford to kill anyone in this store, so she would have to settle for knocking them out for now.
And using the skills that she managed to get from Mateo, she did just that, even grabbing one guy around the neck and suplexing him with her legs.
The other agent saw what happened to his partner, but before he could react, Ororo knocked him out, too.
"I was hoping you'd take care of them." The Senator commented, turning to her.
"Pardon?" The white haired woman asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, sorry. I saw you coming a few paces back." The man explained. "Pardon my manners, my name is Armstrong. Senator Theodore Armstrong." He added, holding out a rather large and rugged hand.
"Ororo Munroe." The woman replied, shaking his hand. "I'm a little confused at how calm you seem to be. Most would be concerned that hitmen were sent after them." She remarked.
"Oh, Abstergo and I have been at blows with each other ever since I was elected. This is hardly anything new." The Senator replied, dusting the woman off.
"May I ask why you've been trading blows against them?" Quetzalpetlatl's Sage questioned. Theodore looked around before leaning into her ear.
"Because I found out about their war against you and your Assassin Brotherhood." He whispered, causing the woman's eyes to widen in shock.
How had he found out?!
"How?!" Ororo gasped as she backed away.
"Oh I've been watching your groups for years now. And I've taken a personal interest in it." The man explained as the woman retrieved her buggy, Laura still being fast asleep.
"The fact you didn't pop up on the Brotherhood's radar until now must mean you've been very discreet." The woman stated. "I suppose I should bring you to the others I'm working with." She added with a sigh.
"Oh, so there are others now?" The man questioned.
"You didn't think there was just one of us, did you?" Ororo asked rhetorically. "But yes; Having you on our side will be a big help in numerous ways." She added.
"Of that I have no doubt." Armstrong nodded.
(Later)
-American Brotherhood Sanctuary, Present Day-
"Wait, you're what?!" Joshua exclaimed as Ororo arrived at the Sanctuary about fifteen minutes later.
"I'm pregnant." Sarah repeated.
"Yeah, she literally just told me yesterday." Calvin nodded.
"When did this happen?" Ororo questioned as she, Laura and Armstrong walked in.
"Just yesterday." Her lover replied before noticing the Senator. "... Uh, honey, why is the Senator of Colorado with you?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"He knows about our war against Abstergo." The woman told him as Luna walked up to the newcomer.
"I've been tracking what's going on between you Assassins and the Templars for years. Abstergo actually tried to take me out at the store, where this lovely lady intervened." Armstrong explained as he let Luna sniff him. "I think it's in my best interests to help you out. Plus, it pays to have allies in high places." He added, petting the she-wolf's head.
"True enough, and I'm guessing you've had to fight off Abstergo plenty of times before you even met my wife here?" Joshua questioned as he wrapped an arm around his lover's shoulders.
"Hahaha! Indeed. But I don't tend to worry because I can easily break most of their men with my bare hands!" The Senator howled in laughter.
"You certainly look like you can." Calvin remarked.
"He really does." Ororo nodded before she handed Laura off to Joshua. "But I think it's time I took a look at what comes next for me in the Animus." She added.
"Wait, you still have a few days before it's safe." Joshua said, turning towards her.
"I know, but after what happened at the store, I feel like we'll need to expedite things a little." The African woman told him in response.
"An attempt on a politician's life is a big deal." Mael nodded.
"I'll keep an eye on her neurological condition." Sarah told the man.
"I guess we'll have to hope for the best." Joshua sighed.
"Got any problems with me sticking around? I'd like to see how this usually goes for you guys." The Senator asked.
"By all means." Calvin nodded. "Luca, mind showing our guest around while Desa's in the Animus?" He asked.
"Gotcha." The male clone nodded in reply.
"Alright, Ororo, you're free to go." Sarah told her best friend.
"Thank you." The white haired woman nodded before she sat in the chair for the device and let it activate.
Animus Active
Sequence 2
User Interface Monitor [On]
Synchronizing…
-New Spain, Mexico, 1518-
Mateo yawned as he rested on a couch in the Oak Cross, while Cortez, Miguel and Rodrigo were taking some time for rest, and it seemed to be drawing to a lull now.
"There has to be something for us to do! I'm getting bored just sitting here!" Miguel complained.
"Indeed, maps and maths are going to do us little good if we cannot find someone who knows this country well." Rodrigo nodded.
"Have you any luck with your local contacts?" Cortez questioned, sipping a goblet of wine.
"They could be of use, but we'll need to earn their trust before we can use them." The man replied. "Particularly with how the tribes I'm in contact with are under the thumb of the Aztec Empire, who has been rather aloof and unpredictable as of late." He added.
"Is there anything we can do to earn that trust?" Mateo questioned.
"I think I may have an idea for how we can affect that." Miguel said, a bottle of a distilled liquor called tequila in his hand.
"By all means, tell us." Cortez nodded.
"There's a man who's taken to enslaving natives. If we rescue them, they'll owe us a boon or two." The blonde replied.
"Any ideas on where they may be?" Cortez asked.
"Afraid not." He replied.
"Well, it would appear that we have some investigating to do." Mateo commented, taking out his list. "Phillipo De La Desmas may know how we may find these Natives." He mused. "According to his majesty the man is a finder and a fixer." He continued, handing Cortez the list. "He's also on our list." He added.
"I know where his residence is. Come, Mateo." Cortez nodded as he turned to leave.
(Later)
"Phillipo? Phillipo De La Desmas? Are you there?" Cortez questioned as he knocked on the door, but got no answer. "Wonderful." He sighed, trying to open the door to the house, but finding it locked.
The part of New Spain they were in was much more developed than the coastal towns, looking more like a typical Spanish town but on a smaller scale due to being a colony.
Mateo, seeing the dilemma, decided to just take matters into his own hands. With that in mind, he kicked the door open.
"There we go." The young conquistador quipped as he and his mentor walked inside… And found that it looked to have been ransacked. Furniture had been smashed along with food being splattered all over the place. There was a bit of dried blood, too. "What happened here?" He wondered.
"Seems we're not the only ones looking for our friend senior De La Desmas." Cortez mused.
"Coraquo! He could be anywhere by now!" The younger man groaned, running a hand through his hair. That's when an idea hit him.
Taking a look at a picture showing a middle aged man with black hair in a ponytail, a Spaniard's mustache and a pair of yellow and blue eyes in a set of period clothes common among surgeons, he got it down to his level before he took out his sword and used it to cut out the face.
"What are you brewing in that head of yours, Mateo?" Cortez questioned.
"We won't get far if we do this ourselves. Our best bet is to look for answers among the locals." Mateo replied. "Watch what I do, and hold this." He added, giving his mentor the image.
(Later)
The two then left the building and Mateo made his way into the town square with his mentor close behind. Town cryers called out recent news, farm animals moved throughout the streets, children played with each other and with pets, people conversing and bartering and all manner of lively things.
"You're certain we can find some answers among the locals, Mateo?" Cortez questioned.
"Yes. Just watch." Mateo nodded as he looked around. Spotting a pair of civilians, he got close to them discreetly. Seamlessly getting between a crowd of people so he could listen without being seen.
"Should we write to his superiors, do you think?" A woman questioned as she spoke to a man beside her.
"Not our place to meddle, even if we have the best of intentions." The man replied.
"The man was resisting! And you saw what state he was in for that!" The woman countered. "Honestly, dealing with such people, it's hardly honorable behavior!" She added.
"And from someone who aims to be a surgeon." The man nodded. "Perhaps we should retrieve him, before his reputation can be damaged any further beyond repair." He mused.
The discussion ended there, prompting Mateo to walk off in search of more info.
"I think I will solicit help from the locals here with painting." Cortez nodded.
"Meanwhile, I'll get to higher ground…" Mateo nodded as he walked away.
After a bit, he came across a pair of soldiers patrolling a courtyard talking about what had happened. This prompted him to tail them silently.
Seeing a set of boxes forming some steps, he started free running up them to the rooftops, and tailed them from there—until he reached the local cathedral and synchronized at the top, leaping off into a haystack.
"Did you hear about what happened with De Le Desmas?" One of the two asked his comrade.
"Indeed. I say we drag the man into the street, put him in stocks and make him pay the price for his crimes." The second soldier nodded.
"I think they took him to the warehouse. They probably wanna get their pound of flesh for what happened." The first one noted. "But let's not speak too loud of that. Could stir the common folk to mutiny on our 'abuse of authority'." He added, getting a nod from his companion as Mateo left them behind to find more info.
Then he came across some guards near the marketplace who were idling. Mateo hid among a crowd to eavesdrop on them.
"… And he says to Phillipo, that one way or another, the debt would be paid." The first said. "I don't envy the man, he's grim times ahead." He nodded.
"Poor bastard probably won't even be recognizable after the torture's done." The second sighed. "What do you think they're planning?" He questioned.
"I don't know, but it can't be good. Diablo's with them." The first man said.
"Must be trying to get a place quiet to do the deed." The second nodded. "From what I hear tell? His work involves quite a lot of screaming." He added.
"Ugh, don't remind me. I actually heard him "working" once, and I ran off the second I heard it!" The first shivered.
Mateo had everything he needed after that. He walked off and was joined by Cortez once again.
"As you can see, sir, I know my way around this. We'll have our man in no time." The young man said.
"So I see." The man nodded, having seen the expertise of his charge. "Shall we get going?" He prompted.
"Si." Mateo nodded as they made their way to the warehouse district.
"Where did you learn these skills? They don't seem like the trade of a conquistador." The nobleman questioned.
"Some time ago, I came across a group that operates in secrecy. The public has no knowledge of them, period." Mateo explained. "When I found them, I noticed that they do certain things in their operations, so I began to study them as best I could without compromising myself." He continued.
"Interesting." The man nodded as they reached their destination, where Mateo advanced by free running to the rooftops and maneuvered around the guards and dropped down to the door, with Cortez trying to open it. "Locked." He sighed.
"It would appear that we'll need to find the key." Mateo noted as he looked around. "I'll handle it." He told him before he ran off to find the key.
He then vaulted to the top of the building's roof to get a better view… and then Ororo saw a notification on the Animus.
Eagle Vision Available.
"Why is that appearing now?" Joshua wondered with a raised eyebrow.
"Maybe I had to get a certain amount of synchronization before I could unlock his full abilities." Ororo mused.
"That's a little odd." Sarah commented with a confused frown. That hadn't been a factor before, so why here?
Nevertheless, Ororo had Mateo use his Eagle Vision to mark a captain that had the key in his possession.
Taking his position, the young man waited for the guards by him to leave, before he leapt from the roof, and landed on the man, stabbing him at the same time and killing him instantly.
Taking the key, he was quick to return to Cortez, who was waiting patiently.
"That didn't take long." He remarked.
"I do aim to serve well." The young man nodded as he unlocked the door, where they found Phillipo tied to a chair and being tortured by two men.
One being a fellow conquistador that the men didn't immediately recognize, and the second being a Mestizo half breed that reminded the modern crew of a Spanish armored Danny Trejo, wielding an obsidian knife.
"Phillipo, you just had to cause unnecessary commotion." The conquistador sighed in mock-dismay.
"Vete a la mierda, Matias! I won't pay for protection I don't need!" The surgeon snapped back.
"Are you sure?" Matias hummed. "Diablo, what do you think?" He asked his half-breed subordinate.
"I think, maybe, I'll cut off his hands, cut out his tongue and castrate him." The man added, obsidian knife wagging.
"Hm… In that case, I best take my leave. I lack the constitution to bear witness to such barbarism." Matias hummed.
"How many Conquistadors lacked that constitution but took part in the barbaric acts against the natives anyway?" Joshua asked rhetorically with a scoff.
"No one really said that they weren't hypocrites." Ororo mused.
"You'll regret this, Matias! I'll have your head!" Phillipo yelled.
"No… You won't." The man corrected before he walked out the door.
This was the moment that Mateo and Cortez made their move, cutting down the two guards flanking Diablo and the younger of the two taking his sword and stabbing the man from behind right through the middle.
"Apologies for the mess." Mateo said as he cut the surgeon loose.
"It's no trouble since I'm still breathing." Phillipo told him with a nod as he rubbed his wrists. "Who are you?" He questioned.
"I am Hernan Cortez, this is my protege Mateo Montoya." The older conquistador replied, gesturing to his student as they sheathed their swords.
"Well, I thank you both for the rescue." Phillipo nodded in gratitude. "Come. We should be off before we're found." He added, walking toward the door.
"Indeed sir, indeed." Cortez nodded as the three left.
(Later)
It was a day or two later at the Oak Cross and the group was taking a well deserved rest while Phillipo was acquainted with everyone.
"Rodrigo has told me what you intend." The surgeon said, drinking a bit of Iberian cerveza or ale. "As it happens, the same man who had me is the one you're looking for: Matias Posada." He continued.
"So he is the one enslaving the natives. How colorful." Mateo grunted.
"Do not let him deceive you, he's as evil a creature as ever I've come across." The man said. "He has at least three hundred men, 100 of which are Conquistadors." He added.
"All this for slaves, though. If he wanted labor, then Africa seems an easier method." Cortez mused.
"He probably doesn't want to have to pay any shipping fees." Miguel quipped as he took a swig of his whiskey.
"He's also a commander." Phillipo nodded. "In charge of the El Dragoon fort." He added, causing Cortez and Mateo to hum.
"I suppose we'll have to think about it." Cortez nodded. "Meanwhile, Mateo and I will tend to our final recruit." He added.
"Diego Santo is our man, I'll take you to him." Mateo nodded as he stood up.
"Then by all means. Lead the way." The man nodded as they left the tavern together.
Memory Complete
Bleeding Effect Detected
Rest Period Recommended
Ejecting User
-Sanctuary, Present Day-
Ororo groaned as she came out of the Animus, rubbing her head.
"This is looking more and more like it's gearing up to be a big ass plot twist." She sighed as she sat up.
"So that's how the magic happens." Armstrong commented. "Hard to believe Abstergo came up with this." He mused.
"Yeah, but hey, we had no problems stealing blueprints to get our own copies up and going." Calvin shrugged.
"As well as adding our own features that Abstergo doesn't have." Joshua nodded.
"Speaking of…" Calvin hummed as he rolled over to his computer. "Hey Luca. Toss me the chip!" He called.
"Heads up!" The blonde called as he threw a chip his way.
"What is that?" Joshua questioned.
"A prototype AI." Calvin shrugged casually in reply. "Uncle William let me borrow the apple, and using the Helix virus, Sage personality transfer tech, and Juno's back door code as a base, I basically created a military artificial intelligence designed for strategic orbital or land warfare, capable of controlling thousands of satellites, weapons, and run thousands of simultaneous simulations in mere seconds." He explained. "It's the pinnacle of military intelligence, a 'Warmind' if you will." He continued as he inserted the chip into his computer. "Say hello, to Rasputin." He added as his screen came to life.
"Hello, everyone." The Ai greeted with a thick Russian accent.
"... Where did you learn to make an AI?" Joshua asked with a blink. He didn't recall his friend knowing anything about this during their time in college.
"What? You thought I was taking all those programming classes for fun?" Calvin replied. "Plus, like I said, the Apple allowed me to do more than I could on my own. But the rest is all me." He added.
"Not bad." Armstrong nodded in satisfaction. "Let me guess: He's about to be Abstergo's next big headache?" He guessed.
"More like their worst nightmare." The bespectacled man nodded. "He may be a prototype now, but Red here is capable of adapting to any problem thrown his way, adapting his programming to fit—so he becomes stronger the harder he has to work." He continued. "And the best part? Recent tests show that, not only could he take control of every weapon of mass destruction and electronic system on the planet, but he could also make his own—and potentially even hack into and control Isu tech." He added.
"So he's basically Skynet, but better?" Desa summed up, coming out of the Animus.
"And more alive, thanks to the Isu tech invested in me." Rasputin chipped in.
"That's another thing, unlike a lot of AI, Rasputin has a moral compass and damn near is about as human as the rest of us." The program's creator nodded. "I mean, he seems to have a thing for classical music. Most robots in the movies don't even have interests." He added.
"That's probably part of why they were flawed: The lack of a moral compass." Sarah mused.
"That would be a contributing factor." Mael nodded in agreement.
"I look forward to showing you what I am capable of." The Warmind chuckled.
"So do we, Red." Calvin nodded. "But I think it's best we all turn in for now, so let's get some shut-eye." He added.
"Yeah." Joshua nodded.
"See you again later, Senator?" Ororo smiled.
"Without a doubt." The man nodded, shaking the woman's hand.
The group all left together soon after, and as they did, Rasputin's red orb-like image pulsed as he hummed.
"I'd say it's time to see what I can do on my own." The Warmind hummed as he split his code into a piece to travel elsewhere, heading to a place where he could easily test himself by wreaking havoc.
Namely? Abstergo Entertainment Headquarters, Paris, France.
Dragon Emperor0: Hey guys. Sorry for the wait, we've been busy as of late. And as you can see, we're working things from our other stories to make sure that these stories remain connected and consistent. Hope that's a good thing.
ThermalsniperN7: It's not just other stories we were working on; we had IRL stuff going on, too, that took up a bunch of time. Me, I had a ton of house work to do. That's just one such thing that happened.
Dragon Emperor0: That aside, the first act of this story is beginning to reach its climax, and by the looks of things, it's probably gonna lead to a plot twist. That's gonna break things.
ThermalsniperN7: Yeah, and it's gonna make our modern crew flip out. It's gonna be mental.
Dragon Emperor0: Also, looks like we have the most American American on board as well… Seriously, if Armstrong was in the real world, he wouldn't just get votes, he'd be very popular, at least with Independents and Conservatives.
ThermalsniperN7: No shit. Anyway, see you guys next time.