A Delicate Alliance

A Delicate Alliance was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories relived through the Animus.

Description

Basim met with Roshan and the rebels at the Water Mill outside Baghdad.

Memory Animus Feedback System

• Decrease your notoriety
  • Remove Wanted posters or bribe a Munadi
• Regroup with Ali
  • The Rebels are at a watermill on the northern outskirts
• Speak to Ali
• Speak to Roshan

Dialogue

After Ali escaped from the Damascus Gate Prison, Basim departed from the prison, fending off the Caliphate's guards.

• Basim: The guards remain on high alert. Until I change that, I should not regroup with Ali. The risk is too great.

After some time, Basim managed to lose his pursuers and reduce his notoriety.

• Basim: Ali has gone and regrouped with the rebels. Roshan should be there by now as well.

He made his way to the Water Mill in the northern outskirts, where Roshan and the rebels awaited.

• Basim: This looks like the place. Now, where is Ali?

He spotted Ali speaking to his men from atop a crate.

• Ali: It was through the might of Allah that I was destined to escape from the depths of that ghastly prison and return to you all, a roaring fire in my belly and a strength renewed.

Ali saw Basim approaching nearby.

• Ali: All credit where it is due. For this man came to my aid at my darkest hour. And from what I have heard I am not the only one.

Ali praising Basim for his rescue from the prison

The rebels cheered silently when Ali praised Basim for his rescue. He got down from the crate.

• Ali: I will pay a great tribute to you in a chronicle of our exploits. But we must first write the end of it. Come.

The crowd dispersed while Basim and Ali entered the building behind them. Inside, Roshan was examining a collection of documents over a table. As Ali closed the door behind him, Basim pulled his hood down.

• Basim: I see you two have met.
• Ali: Only briefly. But the night is young and there is much to discuss. About what you can procure for me.
• Roshan: Our means are limited, but rest assured I will listen to your needs, Ali. Later.

Ali's lively expression dimmed.

• Roshan: Share what you know about Al-Ghul so that Basim may do what he's come here to do.
• Ali: Yes, yes, yes... Your affairs before mine. But just this once.

Ali handed Basim the notebook he had collected from the guards quarters inside Damascus Gate Prison.

• Ali: Al-Ghul sends orders to the prison guards detailing where to dig around Baghdad. But it's not just prisoners he's using.

Ali and the Hidden Ones discussing their findings

Basim read the book, with Roshan beside him.

• Basim: There is a promissory note for workers here. It looks like Al-Ghul arranges to purchase migrant laborers as well.

Roshan turned her back, thoughtful.

• Roshan: Who in Baghdad could make those sorts of arrangements without raising suspicion?
• Ali: There is but one man. Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob. He runs Baghdad's soap mills. Finds paying work for foreign settlers. Most of them Persian.
• Roshan: So he forces these laborers into working his dig sites, all under the guise of providing them with a livelihood.

As they were talking, Ali's second-in-command Beshi rushed into the room, appearing injured.

• Beshi: (labored breathing)
• Ali: Beshi!

Beshi sat down behind a cabinet to rest, with Ali and Basim kneeling close to him.

• Basim: He tracked down one of Al-Ghul's dig sites. Posed as a prisoner. What happened?
• Beshi: The search turned up nothing. But that did not stop the guards from trying to silence us. I cracked one's skull and fled. I doubt the others were as lucky.

Ali stood up in anger.

An injured Beshi revealing his findings

• Ali: A foolish thing to do with nothing to show for it.
• Beshi: Not nothing. Al-Ghul will be at the caravanserai. I overheard the guards talking.

Basim stood up as well.

• Basim: Of course... Merchants from all over stop there to rest. If Mas'ood is buying migrant workers, it is likely the caravanserai is where he conducts his affairs. What does he look like?

Beshi stood up, having regained his strength.

• Ali: He is a large man. Favors adornments like jewels and silks from the East.
• Roshan: Then he will be hard to miss. It is time, Basim.

Ali approached the Master Assassin.

• Ali: What is your plan?
• Roshan: That will be for Basim to decide.
• Ali: Basim? Alone? No, let me gather some men—
• Roshan: And allow for foolish spectacle? Your day to display your prowess will come. But this day belongs to Basim.

Roshan stating Basim will eliminate Al-Ghul

Basim put his hood up again as Roshan leaned over the table.

• Roshan: Consider it part of our agreement. Basim?

Ali walked off with Beshi following behind. Basim spoke to Roshan.

I'm readyGive me a moment

• Basim: I need a moment to reflect.
• Roshan: Understood, but be quick. This is not an opportunity we can squander.

Basim nodded. After he had thought a while, he spoke to Roshan again.

• Roshan: Basim. Have you gathered yourself?

• Basim: I am ready.
• Roshan: Then walk with me.

Roshan put her hood up as well, with her and her pupil leaving the building.

Outcome

The Hidden Ones and the rebels gathered clues to uncover Al-Ghul's identity and learned he was the soap merchant Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob, who forced captured laborers to dig sites on behalf of the Order of the Ancients. Thanks to Beshi's information, they identified a caravanserai south of 'Aqarquf Dunes as Mas'ood's place of operation. Roshan negotiated with Ali to allow Basim to be the one to eliminate Mas'ood.