21st century conversations

Over the course of his training to become an Assassin, Desmond Miles had various conversations with different people, along with other Assassins and major characters interacting with each other throughout modern times.

Assassin's Creed

While being held captive at Abstergo Industries, Desmond secretly had multiple conversations with Lucy Stillman, Dr. Vidic's assistant. Before each Animus session, he would also have conversations with Vidic, who would discuss certain details of Abstergo's goals.

The Experiment Begins

Unknown: I applied my heart to known wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing at the wind. For in mush wisdom, is much grief, and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Lucy: We've got a problem. I can't anchor him to the memory. Too much psychological trauma. He's rejecting the treatment, retreating. Vidic: Desmond, I need you to try and relax. Lucy: Let me try and stabilize it... Vidic: Focus. Listen to the sound of my voice. Recognize that what you're seeing isn't real. Just a picture of the past. It can't hurt you. Lucy: Damn it! It's not working. Vidic: Give it a moment, Ms. Stillman. He'll adjust. The first time is never easy. Lucy: We're losing him! Vidic: That's enough, Ms. Stillman! Lucy: We need to pull him out. Now. Vidic: Alright, Desmond. We're going to try and bring you out now. Lucy: You ok? Desmond gasped and inhaled in deeply. Vidic: I told you he'd be fine. Desmond: Bastards! Vidic: Now, now, I just saved your life. Desmond: Saved my life?! You kidnapped me! You strapped me into that... thing! Vidic: Animus. It's an Animus. Desmond: I don't even know you people! Why are you doing this to me? Vidic: You have information we need, Mr. Miles. Desmond: Information?! I'm a bartender, for Christ's sakes! What do you want me to do, teach you how to mix a Martini?! Vidic: We know who you are. What you are. Desmond: I don't know what you're talking about. Vidic: Don't play coy with me, there isn't time. You're an Assassin; and whether you realize it or not, you've got something that my employers want, locked away in that head of yours. Desmond: But I'm not an Assassin! Not anymore! Vidic: Yes, your file indicated as much. Something about an escape. Most fortunate for us. Desmond: What do you want from me?! Vidic: For you to do as you're told. The Animus will allow us to locate what we need. Once we have it, you'll be free to go. Desmond: I am not going back in there! Vidic: Then we'll induce a coma, and continue our work. When we're done, you'll be left to die. Truth be told, the only reason you're still conscious is because this approach saves us time. Desmond: You're insane! Vidic: So what is it, Mr. Miles? Live or die? Lie down! Lucy: Lie down, Desmond.

Genetic Memory

Vidic: A wise decision. Desmond: Whoa. Where am I? Vidic: You're inside the Animus. Desmond: Which is?... Vidic: It's a projector that renders genetic memories in three dimensions. Desmond: Genetic memory? Vidic: Seems you'll need a bit of a tutorial. Very well, we'll start simple. What is a memory, Mr. Miles? Desmond: It's the... recollection of a past event. Vidic: Specific to the individual remembering the event. Desmond: Yeah, sure. Vidic chuckled wryly. Vidic: What if I told you that the human body not only housed an individual's memory, but the memories of his ancestors as well? Genetic memory, if you will. Migration, hibernation, reproduction. How do animals know when and where to go? What to do? Desmond: That's just animal instinct. Vidic: Now you're arguing semantics, Mr. Miles. Whatever you call it, the fact remains. These creatures hold knowledge absent the requisite first-hand experience. I've spent the past thirty years trying to understand why. I've discovered something most fascinating. Our DNA functions as an archive. It contains not only genetic instructions passed down from previous generations, but memories as well. The memories of our ancestors. Desmond: And the Animus lets you decode and read these DNA files. Vidic: Precisely. Lucy: But there's a problem. This is the specific memory we're trying to access. Unfortunately, when we try and open the memory, your mind withdraws. You lack the confidence to step into your ancestor's body. That's what happened earlier. You got knocked out of the target memory and pushed back to a more stable state. Desmond: Why? Lucy: It's your subconscious. It's resisting. We found similar reactions among patients who undergo hypnosis to relive traumatic events. They can't jump directly into the specific memory. They need to be eased in. Even then, there can be problems. Desmond: So how do we fix it? Lucy: We find a memory you can synchronize with, and move forward from there. You'll get used to it. This is the closest we can get, so it's where we'll have to start. I'm uploading the tutorial program now.

Tutorial

Animus: Warning, data stream unstable. Attempting to restore synchronization. Hello subject 17. This tutorial has been prepared to better acclimate you to the animus control system. Instructions will follow shortly. The synchronization bar represents how in sync you are in your ancestor's memories. If you ever fall, completely out of sync, the Animus will restore you to your last synchronized position. You are currently dangerously close to desynchronization. Please follow all incoming instructions to restore system stability. The Animus utilizes a puppeteering concept to control the access of your ancestor. I'm loading subroutines to validate your body's adaptation to the Animus. We will begin by exploring the default actions of each input.

Breaks

Vidic: He's experiencing a far better adoption rate than the other subjects. Lucy: I'm still pulling him out. He's been in there way too long. Vidic: No, not yet! We're still so far from where we need to be. Lucy: We shouldn't risk it. Vidic: What's another hour or two?! Lucy: Why don't we discuss this in the conference room? Give Desmond a minute to stretch his legs. Vidic: I really don't see the need- Lucy cut Vidic off. Lucy: Warren, please. Vidic: Fine! Desmond eavesdropped on their conversation through the ventilation system in the bathroom. Vidic: I don't appreciate you questioning my authority in front of the prisoner. There's a word for that. I believe it's called insubordination. Lucy: And I don't appreciate you trying to kill him. There's a word for that too. I believe it's called stupid. Vidic: Lucy! This isn't my decision. I don't set the deadlines, but I'm smart enough not to challenge them! Do you want to wind up like Leila? Lucy: I know the accident has everyone on edge. Vidic: Which is why we don't have time to coddle him! Lucy: If you push him too hard, he'll shut down. And then, we'll have nothing! Vidic: We have nothing now! Lucy: But we will. You just need to have a little faith. Vidic: Fine. But I want you thinking of ways to improve his staying power. We can't afford to stop every time the man breaks a sweat! It's bad enough that we have to traipse through these useless memories! Lucy: I'll do what I can. The pair came out of the conference room. Vidic: That's enough for today, Mr. Miles.

The Farm

Lucy: So, you're really an Assassin? Like Altaïr? Desmond: Yes and no. Lucy: What do you mean? Desmond: I was supposed to be one. But I ran away from "the Farm" when I was 16. Lucy: Farm? Desmond: Yeah, that's what they called the place where I grew up. "The Farm." Like Masyaf, I guess, only not so, uh... creepy. Just a small desert community out in the middle of nowhere. About 30 of us living, you know, off the grid. Lucy: Why? Desmond: I thought my parents were a bunch of crazy hippies trying to stick it to the man, you know. My dad was always going on about our enemies, how they'd be looking for us, how we have to be prepared. But... no one ever came. Nothing ever happened. Lucy: Why did you run away? Desmond: I could never leave the compound. Do you have any idea what it's like being stuck in a place, knowing there's a whole world out there you'll never get to see? Lucy: Don't you miss your parents? Desmond: No. As far as I'm concerned, they were never my parents. They were my wardens and I was their prisoner. Lucy: It sounds like they only wanted to protect you. Desmond: With all that's happened... I don't know. Seems like they were right. Lucy: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dredge up the past. Desmond: It's all right. Gives me something to think about. Lucy: Try and get some sleep. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

Tracking

Desmond: Got a question before I turn in. Lucy: Sure. Desmond: How did they find me? I mean, I haven't been near another Assassin in ten years. Lucy: Use your real name? Desmond: Never. Not before today. Lucy: Credit cards? Desmond: Cash only. Lucy: Telephone number? Desmond chuckled. Desmond: There's no one to call. Lucy: Driver's license? Desmond: Motorcycle. Guilty pleasure. Lucy: There's your answer. Photo, fingerprint. Desmond: This is a drug company! What's Abstergo got to do with the DMV?! Lucy: Desmond, these guys are everywhere. They... I... I'm sorry. I really can't talk about it.

The Right Idea

Desmond groaned as he woke up, and spotted Vidic staring down at him. Desmond: Gotta say that's a little creepy, Doc. Waking up to you standing over me. You been watching me sleep? Vidic: We're always watching you. Now get up. We've got a lot of work to do. Desmond responded sarcastically. Desmond: Ooh, wonder who I get to kill today. Vidic replied back in a terse manner. Vidic: Don't be so cavalier! Your ancestors almost had the right idea, Mr. Miles. If the deaths of a few people – evil people, no less – could save the lives of thousands more, well... it seems a small sacrifice. Desmond: What do you mean, "almost?" Vidic: They didn't go far enough! To use a rather tired analogy, corruption is no different than cancer. Cut out the tumors, but fail to treat the source and... well, you're buying time at best. There's no true change to be had without comprehensive, systemic intervention. Desmond: Chemo for the masses. Vidic: Education. Re-education to be more precise. But it's not easy, and it doesn't always take. Desmond: Let me guess, you've got a better solution. What is it then? Vidic chuckled. Vidic: Now, that would be telling.

Deadline

Desmond: So, care to tell me who shoved the stick up his ass? Lucy: We have a deadline. One week... well, six days now. Desmond: Deadline? Lucy: I can't talk about it. Desmond: Man, put yourself in my shoes. I'm being held hostage by a group of scientists—at least I think you're scientists—and forced to spend all day in some crazy-ass machine. You won't tell me what you're looking for or why you want it, but I'm supposed to be thanking you for keeping me alive. This is so fucked! Lucy looked up at Desmond. Desmond: Sorry, but it is. Lucy: What do you want me to do? Desmond: Hmm, let's see... I don't know... maybe give me some answers?! Lucy: I can't! And it's better this way. Safer. Desmond: Safer for who? Lucy: Both of us.

Translation

Desmond: Hey, you know what? I think I have a question you can actually answer. Lucy: What's up? Desmond: Why is it that sometimes the guys in there talk like they're from the future? Lucy: The future? Desmond: I mean the present. Now, today, whatever. Lucy: You've probably noticed that English has become the official language of the Holy Land. Desmond: Yeah, I was going to say... Lucy: The Animus is translating speech it deems vital into more modern English. So expect a few anachronisms. I could probably make it more authentic, but... you ever read Chaucer? Desmond: Who? Lucy: Yeah, definitely not for you.

Abstergo

Desmond: Can you tell me more about Abstergo? Or what goes on here, beyond the whole keeping me prisoner thing. Lucy: Abstergo is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Their primary focus is anti-depressants. There's some information on the computer over there. Desmond: But you already said this wasn't about testing a drug. So, what's the deal? Lucy: I don't like where this is going. Desmond: So it's safe to assume the Animus isn't a part of their public face. Lucy: What, you haven't seen the commercials? Desmond: Oh my God. She has a sense of humor. Lucy: I'm sorry, Desmond. I've got a lot of work to do. Like I said, if you want to know more about the company, take a look at the computer. The telecommunication stuff is particularly interesting.

Order

Vidic: Let's go, Mr. Miles! Time's wasting! Desmond: Where's Lucy? Vidic: Oh, don't worry, she'll be with us soon enough. Desmond: So why are you doing this, Doc? What're you hoping to accomplish? Vidic: You turn the television on lately? Read the newspaper? Desmond: Never cared much for that stuff. Vidic: Then let me sum it up for you: The world's a mess! It's pathetic, really. You've seen it first-hand yourself. A thousand years between you and your ancestor and society remains just as barbaric, just as stupid. Desmond: And your point is... Vidic: Order, Mr. Miles. The world needs order. That is what we are working towards, and that is what you are helping us to achieve. Desmond laughed. Desmond: You expect me to believe you're building a better tomorrow?! Vidic: That's exactly what we're doing! The human race calls out for direction. They want to know why they're here, what they're meant to do. Well... we're going to tell them. And once they understand how to live their lives, everything will be better. Desmond: Better how? Vidic: An end to all conflicts, large and small. Isn't that what you Assassins strive for? "Peace in all things?" Desmond replied harshly. Desmond: I told you, I'm not an Assassin. Vidic: Right, right. Desmond: I still don't know where I fit into this. Vidic: In time, Mr. Miles. In time, you'll understand... or you won't! I don't care either way, just as long as you show us where it is. Desmond: Where what is?! Lucy: Sorry I'm late. Ready to go? Vidic: Yes, we are.

Tensions Overheating
Vidic: God damn it! What's the problem now? Lucy: I'm getting weird temperature readings. I think the Animus is overheating. Vidic: Christ! It's always something! How long? Lucy: Too soon to tell. Vidic: These delays are unacceptable, Ms. Stillman! I demand progress reports every hour! Lucy: It's gonna be a while, Desmond. Why don't you go lie down or something? Get some rest.

Guest of the Company

Desmond: Why is he always yelling at you? It's his machine. Lucy: His theories. He's not the one who built it. Desmond: Who did? You? Lucy: No, Abstergo has a team of engineers. Not much they don't have. But I did oversee the assembly. Guess that's why he gets so angry with me. Desmond: He's a dick. Lucy: He's under a lot of pressure. We all are. Desmond: I can't believe you’re defending the guy. Lucy: Warren saved my life. So, if he wants to yell a little, let him. Desmond: What do you mean he saved your life? Lucy: You're not the only one who doesn't get to go home at night. Desmond: Wait, are you saying you're a prisoner? Lucy walked over to the Animus. Lucy: When they first approached me, I was finishing up my Ph.D. The university made it clear I had no future there. They didn't like the subject of my doctorate... called it pseudo-science. Said keeping me on would discredit and embarrass them. It was the same everywhere. Other universities... companies I interviewed with... pretty soon I was out of money and out of time. Lucy pinched her fingers together. Lucy: I was this close to waiting tables. Then, I got a letter. Desmond: From Vidic? Lucy: He said he'd been following my career since undergrad. That he believed in my work and wanted to meet to discuss my future. You have no idea how good it felt to hear that. So I met with him. What did I have to lose? Desmond: And he offered you a job. Lucy: Yes. Here at Abstergo. Helping out on the Animus Project. I'd have a chance to test my theories and prove the professors wrong. How could I turn that down? Desmond: Think I'm missing the part where you became a prisoner. Lucy: Sometimes I wonder if they weren't behind it all. If they manipulated events so I'd get desperate. They can do that. They can do anything. I didn't think when I agreed to come here... they even told me I'd be trapped. For 6 months, a year max. Once the product launched, there'd be no need for secrecy anymore. But, until then, I'd be a "guest of the company". At least... that's what they said. Desmond: And when the Animus was ready? Lucy: They came in while I was sleeping. Three guys... guns... Lucy got up and walked over to the nearby windows. Lucy: They dragged me out of bed... God... the worst part is, I knew them. One guy, Richard, we ate lunch together sometimes. And now he was gonna... They were cracking jokes... I tried to pull away... he hit me... and that's when he told me I was going to die. Desmond: Christ! What did you do? Lucy: Nothing. I kept telling myself it wasn't real. And then Warren was there, shouting at them to get away from me. And they listened. Desmond: Jesus... Lucy: He's not a happy man, Desmond. I wouldn't even say he's a good man, but he saved my life. They never came for me again. And he promised they never would. Desmond: But you're still stuck here working for these nutjobs. Lucy: But I'm alive. Anyway, I really do need to get the Animus repaired. I'll see you tomorrow, Desmond.

Abstergo's Work

Vidic: Rise and shine! We've got quite a day ahead of us! Desmond: You're in a good mood this morning. Vidic: Ms. Stillman has made some modifications to the Animus. You should be able to remain inside even longer now. Desmond: And help you with your treasure hunt. Vidic: This is serious business, Mr. Miles. I don't think you fully appreciate the work that Abstergo does. Desmond: Maybe because I don't actually know what you people do. Vidic: We change the world. Every day in a hundred different ways. Did you know that nearly every single breakthrough of the past millennia, be it medical, mechanical, or philosophical, has come from Abstergo or its predecessors? Desmond: That's a bold claim, Doc. Think you might be exaggerating a bit? Vidic: Not in the slightest. Oh, we certainly don't take the credit. That would arouse far too much suspicion. We choose our beneficiaries with great care. Desmond: Why? Vidic: Isn't it obvious? It means we're in control. Desmond: But how? What makes you guys so special, so smart? That you happen to invent all these things while us mere mortals stumble around like idiots? Vidic: To be fair, we don't invent them. We find them. Desmond: Find them? Vidic: They're gifts, Mr. Miles, from those who came before. We'll have to continue this discussion later. Time's wasting.

The Templars

Desmond: We're done already? Vidic: Get up. Desmond: Whatever you say, Doc. Vidic's phone rang and he answered it, starting a conversation. Vidic: I'm ending the session... I'll be right there. You're sure about this?... Yes. No. Everything's Denver... I don't see how he could... Of course... I understand. Vidic hung up, and then addressed Desmond. Vidic: You're in a lot of trouble, Mr. Miles. Vidic walked out of the laboratory. Desmond: What's his problem? Lucy: They're coming for you. Desmond: Who's coming for me? Lucy: Assassins. Desmond: Hey, I've got nothing to do with this! Lucy: Sounds like they're mounting some kind of rescue attempt. Guess you're more important than you realized. Desmond: Man, things just keep getting weirder and weirder around here. Lucy: It was bound to happen. Desmond: What do you mean? Lucy: That little fight your ancestor started during the Third Crusade? It never ended. You're being held by Templars. Desmond: Vidic's a Templar? Lucy: There's no way you could've known, they hide it so well. But to answer your question, Vidic works for them. We all do. Abstergo is their company. Desmond: I thought Templars were old dudes with funny hats who sat around drinking beer, plotting world domination with like the... lizard people. Lucy: No. Except the part about world domination, I guess. Look, Desmond, it's complicated. Half the stuff they say about the Templars comes from crazy tin-foil hat-wearing nutjobs. The other half is misinformation intentionally produced by the Templars themselves. Desmond: But they are the "bad guys," right? Lucy: If there's one thing I've learned since I started working here, it's that there's no such thing. It's all so relative. I guess the best way to explain it is... what they want is good. But the way they're going about it... It's bad, really bad. Desmond: What are they trying to do? Lucy? Lucy's phone rang and she answered it. Lucy: Yes? Vidic's voice could be heard through Lucy's phone. Vidic: Ms. Stillman, I need to speak with you. Get up here, Now! Lucy: On my way, Doctor. Lucy hung up. Lucy: I'm sorry, Desmond, I have to go. You should turn in for the night. The answers to all of your questions are right in front of you. You just have to know where to look.

The Piece of Eden

Desmond: I think there's a problem with the Animus. Lucy: Nope. It's working fine. Desmond: I'm pretty sure it just ejected me- Lucy: I'm pretty sure you should shut up. Desmond: You ready to finally tell me what's going on? Lucy: We have to stop them, Desmond. When they access that last memory of yours... they're just getting started. They want to change everything. The way we live, the way we think, the way we are. You've gotten the lecture from Vidic. About what's wrong with the world, how we need "order and discipline." So, they're going to give it to us. Only, we don't have a say in the matter. Desmond: How? Lucy: The Templar treasure. They think it– Lucy's phone rang and she answered it. Vidic responded through the phone. Vidic: Ms. Stillman! Lucy: I'm here. Vidic: I need you to upload Desmond's files to the database. Lucy: Got it. Lucy hung up. Desmond: So, what? They're using me to find the Templar treasure? What do they call it? The "Piece of Eden?" Lucy: Yes. Desmond: Well, it's looking like it's at Masyaf. So I don't know why they're wasting all this time with me. Why don't they just send their people to pick it up? Lucy: They can't... it's not that simple. The artifact from Masyaf... they had it. It was destroyed in the accident. Desmond: Then, what are they hoping for me? For my ancestor to tell them? Lucy: They're hoping he'll show them where the other ones are. Desmond: You mean there's more than one of these things?! Lucy: Oh, Desmond. You have no idea. Lucy's phone rang again, with Vidic on the other end. Vidic: Is there a problem, Ms. Stillman? Lucy: No, Warren. Everything's Denver on my end. Vidic: Then, where are the files? Lucy hung up again. Lucy: I've gotta move these files before he gets suspicious. We'll talk more later. Desmond: What does "Everything's Denver" mean? Lucy: It means everything's fine. Desmond: Why Denver? Lucy: It's a reference to Denver International Airport. There's an underground facility there. It's where the accident happened.

Accepted History

Vidic: Time's wasting, Mr. Miles! Desmond: Yeah, yeah. I'm comi– Vidic: We're nearly done, you know. Desmond: And then what? Vidic: You'll see. Maybe they'll even let you watch when it begins. It's not as terrible as you think. Desmond: Look, I know you're not gonna let me leave. So why not tell me what's going on? Humor me. Vidic replied shrewdly. Vidic: I'm not an idiot, Mr. Miles. I think you've already learned quite a bit. Desmond played coy. Desmond: I don't know what you're talking about. Vidic: Of course not. Desmond: All right, let me ask you something else then. Vidic: Yes? Desmond: Some of the stuff I'm seeing in the Animus... sometimes it seems... wrong. Untrue, like the history's off somehow. It doesn't– Vidic interrupted Desmond. Vidic: It doesn't what, Mr. Miles? Match up with what you read on an online encyclopedia? What your high-school history teacher taught you? Let me ask you something: do these supposed experts have access to secret knowledge, kept hidden from the rest of us? Desmond: There are books, letters, documents... all sorts of source material from back then. Some of it seems to contradict what the Animus is showing me. Vidic: Anyone can write a book, and they can put whatever they want on its pages. Anything. Used to be that we thought the world was flat. Desmond: Some people still do. Vidic: Yes, and they publish books about it. Or that the moon landing was a hoax. I believe there's also a book that claims the Earth was created in seven days. A best-seller, too! Desmond: Where's this going, Doc? Vidic: The point, I suppose, is that you shouldn't trust everything you hear. Everything you read. What's that your ancestor said? "Nothing is true?" Desmond: "Everything is permitted." Vidic: Yes, exactly. It's part of what makes the Animus so spectacular. There's no room for misinterpretation– Desmond interrupts Vidic. Desmond: There's always room. Vidic: Touché, Mr. Miles. Now that I've answered your question, can we begin?

Failed Rescue

Vidic: I said get up, God damn it! Listen! Vidic turned on the intercom, through which gunfire could be heard. Lucy: Oh no. Vidic: Seems your Assassin friends found us! Desmond: What? Vidic: How'd you do it, Desmond?! Desmond: Hey, look, I don't know what you're talking about, but whatever's going on down there has got nothing to do with me! Vidic: They are here for you! And I sure as shit didn't invite them! Vidic talked into the intercom. Vidic: What's the situation down there? Abstergo guard: We're taking heavy fire! Vidic: Can you contain it, or do I need to evacuate the prisoner?! Abstergo guard: Only five or six! We've got them outnumbered! Couple of wounded, but we'll pull through. We'll get it under control. Vidic switched off the intercom and turned to Desmond. Vidic: God damn you, Desmond! You couldn't leave well enough alone! Desmond: I told you I had nothing to do with this! How would I even contact them? Telepathy? Come on! Vidic: Doesn't matter, they'll be dead soon enough. Here, have a listen! Vidic turned the intercom back on and the gunfire continued, before stopping abruptly. Abstergo guard: Threat's been neutralized. Vidic switched off the intercom for the last time, before turning back towards Desmond. Vidic: Looks like the cavalry won't be coming. Desmond: Don't know, Doc. You were freaking out a minute ago. Your little research facility isn't as secure as you thought it was? Worried they'll be back with more? Lucy: I don't think so, Desmond. Vidic: What Lucy is trying to say is that there aren't any Assassins left to come for you. We've been very busy this past year, hunting down your little enclaves, your desert communes and whatnot. I'm afraid you're on your own. Rest up, Mr. Miles. Tomorrow, we finish this! Vidic walked out. Lucy: I'm sorry, Desmond. Desmond: He mentioned the desert. Do you think– Lucy: They sent a team there, but the place was deserted. I don't know where your parents are, and I can't promise they're still alive. But I think they got away. Desmond: Thanks. Thanks for checking. Lucy: It's not as bad as it seems. Desmond: What are you talking about? They just killed – literally killed – my only chance of getting out of here! And then, I find out the Assassins are all but destroyed and... Christ, I still don't know what these people are planning! But I do know they plan to kill me when they're done! I am screwed, okay!? What do you want me to do!? Lucy: Just try and have a little faith. Lucy bent her left ring finger, symbolizing the Assassins. Desmond: You're... Lucy: Have faith. Rest up, Desmond. You're gonna need the energy.

The Eagle and The Apple

Desmond finished the final memory of Altaïr. Desmond: What the hell was that? Rikkin: Well?! Vidic: We've got the map. Rikkin: How many? Vidic: At least half a dozen. Rikkin: We don't need them all. Vidic: We should assume some amount of decay. I can't imagine they'll all still be functioning. At least two appear to reside on landmasses that no longer exist. Rikkin: We'll dispatch teams to each site and determine viability. We only need one, after all. Vidic: What about the rest? Rikkin: Collect them! Let's not leave anything to chance! Last thing we need is some damn survivor making trouble for us in the New World! Vidic: And the Assassin? Rikkin: We have what we need. Kill him. Lucy: Wait. You know how these things work. I doubt we'll be able to walk right in. Rikkin: What's your point? Lucy: We might need him. His memories. I'd recommend we hold him until we have confirmation that there aren't any surprises waiting for us at the sites. Vidic: This is a waste of time. Lucy: You said it yourself. We shouldn't leave anything to chance. Rikkin: Very well. Ensure we have no further need of him, then kill him. Vidic: Fine. Vidic replied to Lucy. Vidic: Stop undermining my authority! Lucy: I just saved your ass. Vidic: Let's go! We've got a lot of work to do. Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Miles! We'll be back for you soon enough. Desmond got up and activated Eagle Vision for the first time. Many symbols could be seen on the floor in the Animus room. Desmond: What the hell is that? Desmond went to his bedroom and noticed more symbols on the wall. Desmond: Oh my god! It looks like... is that blood?! Who the hell were they keeping here before me? What happened to him? What does it mean, I wonder...?

Assassin's Creed II

After escaping Abstergo, Desmond was introduced to fellow Assassins Shaun Hastings and Rebecca Crane. These two would assist Lucy in training Desmond to be an Assassin.

Escape from Abstergo

Lucy: We have to go. Desmond: Lucy! Where have you been? Why did they– Lucy: Now. Get in. Desmond: What's with the blood? Are you okay? Lucy: Look, we have maybe ten minutes – maybe – before they figure out what I've done. If we're not out of here and on the road before then... Desmond: Wait, we're leaving? Lucy: Desmond, I promise I'll answer ALL of your questions. Later. But right now, I need you to just shut up and do what I say. So please – get in the Animus. Desmond: Alright... Desmond entered the Animus and witnessed the birth of Ezio Auditore. Lucy: Get up. Let's go. Desmond: Ya well, uh, I'm gonna need a second... Lucy: There isn't time, Desmond. We have to leave. Desmond: We're really gettin out of here, huh... Abstergo's got some fucked up interior decorators... Lucy: Quiet. Stay close. Two guards noticed Lucy and Desmond escaping. Abstergo guard 1: Hey! You're not supposed to be up here! Lucy typed in a code and locked a door, preventing the guards from following them. Abstergo guard 2: Open this door! Abstergo guard 1: I'm calling it in! We have a breach in the research wing. I repeat: there's been a breach in the research wing. Requesting backup from all available security personnel. Subjects appear to be armed. Desmond: Glass walls. Fancy. Boy these must be a bitch to clean. Lucy and Desmond were spotted by the Abstergo guards. Abstergo guard 1: There they are! Don't let them get away. Lucy fought with the guards, swiftly taking them down. The pair then entered a nearby elevator, traveling downward. Desmond: Holy shit... Look at this place... What about the cameras? Lucy: I rigged them to loop old footage. How do you think I managed to hide all your nighttime snooping from Abstergo? Desmond: You're good... Lucy: So I've been told. But they're onto us now. We need to hurry. Careful... We need to get to that elevator on the other side of the room. Follow my lead. But keep an eye out for security. I'd rather avoid a fight. Desmond: Is that an Animus? Lucy: Wait... Careful... Desmond: What the... How many of them are there? Lucy: Stay with me... Desmond: Hey, what's the plural for Animus? Is it Animus-es? Or Animi? What do you think, Lucy? Lucy? What do they need with all of them? Lucy: Desmond. Shut. The fuck. Up. Please. Lucy swiped a card into a keypad and entered a code, which failed. She then attempted another time, to no avail. Lucy: Fuck! I thought this card would work. It must be on separate system and I don't have the code. Desmond: Wait... Desmond tried his hand at entering a code into the keypad. Desmond: Shit! Oh come on! Desmond used Eagle Vision to see the fingerprints on the keypad and entered the code "2374". Lucy: How did you do that? Desmond: I don't know. Lucy: Let's go. It's always something... Desmond: What was that in the Animus? Subject Sixteen? Ezio... Audi... Audisomething? Lucy: I think we've been wrong all along. That's why we need to get out of here. Vidic and the Templars - they're only part of the problem... Desmond: What do you mean? Lucy: I'll explain when we get there. Desmond: Get where? Desmond and Lucy reached the parking lot and fought off a squad of guards. Afterwards, they ran for Vidic's car and Lucy opened the trunk. Lucy: Get in. Desmond: You're joking? Lucy: It's for your own protection. Desmond: Oh man. Desmond got into the trunk of the car. Lucy: We're almost there... Desmond shot a dirty look up at Lucy, who slammed the trunk door shut.

The Team

Finally, Lucy opened the trunk and Desmond sat up. Desmond: Thanks for that. It was great...being shoved in the trunk, bouncing around. Loved it. Lucy: This way. Desmond got out of the trunk and followed Lucy. Desmond: So...gonna tell me what's going on now? Lucy: There was a reason for the escape, Desmond. Desmond scoffed. Desmond: Figures. Lucy: We need your help. Desmond: For what? Another treasure hunt through time? Lucy: Abstergo's gonna replace their Apple of Eden. The map your ancestor found guarantees it. The other Assassins... They'll do what they can, where they can. But... Desmond: What...what is it? Lucy: We're losing this war, Desmond. The Templars are too powerful. And every day more of us die... Desmond: I still don't see how I fit into things... Lucy: We're going to train you - turn you into one of us. Desmond replied in a shocked manner. Desmond: What?! No, no...you've seen me in action - I'm no good at this. And even if I was... It would take months – years, even. Lucy: No. Not with the Animus. Not with the bleeding effect. Desmond: But I'm just one guy... Lucy: Sometimes that's all you need. Desmond: So that's why you found him... My ancestor. What was his name? Ezio? Lucy: If you can follow in his footsteps, you'll learn everything he did – just like he did. Years of training absorbed in a matter of days. Desmond: You broke me out of Abstergo and brought me here just to make me an Assassin? Lucy turned around. Lucy: Look, there's more to it than that, but it'll have to wait. Trust me, okay? Desmond: Alright. I'm in. Tell me what you need. Lucy: Really? You're sure? Desmond: I thought you'd be happy about this. Lucy stammered a little. Lucy: Sorry... I'm just a little surprised. I spent the whole ride over here figuring out how I was going to convince you to do this... Desmond: Save it. After what those Templar bastards put me through, I'm ready, willing, and able. Lucy hugged Desmond warmly. Lucy: Thank you. They kept walking into the hideout, and Rebecca jumped up when she saw Lucy. Rebecca: Lucy! You made it! God! It's been so long! Seven years! Can you believe it?! Shaun: Indeed. Welcome back. Shaun noticed Desmond. Shaun: Ah, so this must be the infamous subject seventeen... Desmond Miles, was it? Desmond: Who are you? Shaun: I'm sorry... Where are my manners? I'm Shaun Hastings - this is Rebecca Crane. Rebecca: Nice to meet you, Desmond. Shaun: Right, well it's been lovely chatting, but if you don't mind, Desmond, it's best we get straight to work. Time is precious. Doubly so these days. Rebecca: We've got everything set up and ready, Lucy. Just say the word and we'll get going. Lucy: Here. I brought you something. A parting gift from Abstergo. Rebecca responded excitedly. Rebecca: Whoa! The memory core! This is amazing! With their data, things are gonna go a lot faster! I'll get to work on merging the code... Desmond walked over to Lucy. Desmond: Hey... Listen. I just wanted to say thank you. And that I'm sorry. Lucy: Sorry? Desmond: Ya you know, before. Everything at Abstergo. It was just... I wasn't ready. Lucy: It's okay. Desmond: No. Going through all that. Knowing that the Templars still exist. What they're planning... Lucy: What's done is done, Desmond. You're here now and that's what matters. Desmond: Lucy, I've been seeing things. Symbols in my bedroom. The code on the keypad... Just like Altaïr. Lucy: It's from the bleeding effect. You're taking on more than your ancestors' memories. You're taking on their skills too. In this case, Eagle Vision. Desmond: Skills? Lucy: You're more receptive now. So if all goes well, everything Ezio learns in the Animus, you'll learn too. Desmond: You really think this will work? That I'll become an Assassin? Lucy: You already are an Assassin. You'll just be better at it. Shaun: Yeah, hopefully much better at it. I mean - seriously - I saw the tapes from Abstergo. You didn't even TRY and escape. Desmond: What a dick... Desmond walked over to Rebecca. Rebecca: Hey Desmond! What's up? Desmond: Just wondering what your role is in all this. Rebecca: I take care of Baby. It's my job to keep her up and running. Desmond: Baby? You mean the Animus. Rebecca: Actually, I prefer Animus two-point-oh, since Baby's twice as awesome as anything you'll find at Abstergo. The Templars might have deeper pockets than us, but they've got no ambition. No passion! No competitive edge! That's why, even with all their resources, anything they can do, I can do better. Faster, too! Anyway, take a seat when you're ready, and we can get started. I just need to make a few more adjustments... Desmond approached Shaun. Desmond: What's all this stuff for? Shaun: This stuff, Desmond, oh this stuff is nothing special, really, this stuff is just the stuff that keeps our entire operation from falling apart, really. It requires a great deal of concentration to keep it all moving, so you'll forgive me if I don't have time to play meet and greet. Rebecca: Shaun's in charge of maintaining our knowledge archives – it's like a digital library. He'll be riding shotgun with me while you're in the Animus. So if you come across anything of note – people, places, events, etcetera – he'll create database entries you can consult for additional information. Shaun: Y-yeah, it's not just databases, though. I also provide tactical support for the other Assassins. You know, Desmond, the ones who are out there – actually doing stuff. Risking their lives, little things like that. Desmond sat in the Animus chair. Desmond: So how does this work? Rebecca showed Desmond a cord. Desmond: Of course. Rebecca: Deep breath! Rebecca stuck the catheter into Desmond's arm. Desmond: Ah! Shaun: Oh, what are you? A tiny child? Rebecca: Shaun! Shaun: Well... Rebecca: Here we go!

Glyph Hunting

During Memory sequence 2: Shaun: I've got a little request for you. I've identified several strange markings that I've discovered right across Renaissance Italy. Now, I don't know what they're doing there, but I want you to help me find out. Rebecca has marked their general location in the database with an eye icon and she's made them glow as well. Keep an eye out. After Desmond found the first Glyph. Shaun: There's one of the symbols! What does it mean? It must be there for a reason. Can you take a closer look? Hey! Try using Eagle Vision. Rebecca: Wait, that's not possible. This can't be... hold on, that's computer code. Let me compile it... aw shit, it's an encrypted file. Shaun: Upload it to my computer. I'm a master at decryption. Rebecca: I can't. It's only compatible with the Animus itself. Shaun: Up-upload it to Desmond then. I can't believe this. After listening to Subject 16's recording. Shaun: What the he–! How did this get inside our Animus? Lucy: Oh, oh. The Memory Core, we transferred Sixteen's Memory Data from Abstergo into the Animus 2.0. He must have hacked the machine when Vidic left him alone between sessions. Desmond: Hold on, wait a second... The signs on the walls in Abstergo... The ones written in blood. Those were clues! He was telling us to look for them inside the Animus. After Desmond discovered the first Assassin Tomb: Shaun: Look at that statue! It's identical in one in the Villa Auditore! I think you've stumbled onto one of the Assassin's Tombs Ezio's uncle mentioned. Rebecca: Now that we know the way in, I'll tag the landmarks containing tombs in the database.

Precautions

After Memory sequence 6: Desmond: Everything all right? Lucy: Better than all right. You're making amazing progress. Shaun: "Amazing" is quite a strong word. Desmond: Then why are we stopping? Rebecca: Prolonged exposure to the Animus can have, uh, side effects. Desmond: Awesome. Lucy: It's nothing to worry about. You haven't shown any of the symptoms. Desmond: Symptoms? What symptoms?! Rebecca: Degradation of cognition, temporal hallucinations, multiple awareness issues, overlapping realities, you know. Desmond became worried. Desmond: So what you're saying is... Shaun: What we're saying, Desmond, is if you're not careful, you may not need the Animus to visit with your ancestors. Which wouldn't be a bad thing assuming you could control it. Up until now, though, no one has. Desmond: Subject 16. Lucy: We have safeguards, Desmond. And they kept him in the Animus for way too long, sometimes days at a time. We're being careful with you. Desmond: I hope so. Lucy: Anyway, I was hoping we could test out your skill retention. See if you've picked up some of Ezio's abilities. Desmond: I'm game. Lucy: Great. Meet me downstairs when you're ready. Desmond initiated a conversation with Rebecca. Rebecca: Hey! Nice work today. You're a natural. Desmond: Thanks. it's definitely getting easier. I gotta say – after all the crap I went through at Abstergo – It's nice to be with the good guys. Shaun: "Good guys?" Let's not get carried away. Rebecca: What's that supposed to mean? Shaun: In case you've forgotten, Rebecca, we're Assassins. I could look it up for you, if you like. Basically, it means we assassinate people. Desmond: Only when we have to. Shaun: It's a choice. You're choosing to kill. Desmond: I haven't killed anyone. Shaun: No. Not yet. But what do you think all this is for, eh? You think Lucy is giving you Ezio's abilities so you can build schools in South America and deliver rice to starving Indonesians? What are you Desmond, a vegan? You'd be the first vegan assassin in history. Rebecca: Look, it's not ideal. And taking a life is never easy. But sometimes there's no other way. Sometimes, Desmond, people have to die for things to change. Shaun: She's got a point. But don't fool yourself into thinking you have no say. I mean, isn't it that what we're all about here? Safe-guarding free will? Rebecca: Sorry... I didn't mean to make it into a whole big thing. Desmond: Nah, it's cool. So, how's she treating you? Rebecca: The translation software is still a bit laggy... You're probably catching the odd bit of Italian. Sorry about that. Desmond: No worries. Abstergo's machine wasn't perfect either. And the subtitles... definitely a big plus. Desmond walked over to Shaun. Desmond: What could 16 have found that needs so much secrecy and security? Shaun: Oh, I don't know, do I? Lucy thinks it's something about the Codex, but I'm not so sure. I'm all ears, if it's as life changing as 16 says. Blimey, if I was allowed to use the Animus, I'd be the one in there finding out. Instead, as usual I'm forced to sit here on the sidelines. Desmond: What are you up to? Shaun: What am I – who are you, my mum? I've been running traces on the Codex pages. Looking to see if any of them are still around. Desmond: And? Shaun: Nothing concrete. Reports on one in the archives of the National Central Library in Florence. Maybe a few in the hands of collectors... probably Templars. I'd send someone to check it out, but we're very short on manpower. Desmond: How do you think the Codex wound up in Italy? I mean... it seems so random. Shaun: Dante Alighieri by way of Marco Polo. Desmond: Seriously? Shaun: Something happened in 1321, yeah. Now, I'm still working on making the connections... But from what I can tell, Polo encountered the Assassins while visiting Kublai Khan. That's right, this must be when he obtained the Codex. Now, when he returned to Italy, he passed it on to Dante. Dante was close to them – if not an Assassin himself. Now, I have no idea what brought the two of them together... But I tell you what, I reckon we can find out. Desmond: I don't think Lucy wants us messing with the Animus. Shaun: Yeah, you're right. We've got enough to deal with. I guess satisfying my curiosity will have to wait. Desmond: How did you get involved in this? Shaun: Most Assassins, Desmond, are like you, yeah? They're "born" into the Brotherhood. Not me, though. Rebecca: Ugh, here we go. Shaun: What?! He asked. Anyway, I've always been fascinated by the unexplained. There's something exciting there, you know, a sense that life is more interesting, more mysterious than we've been led to believe. Desmond: So, what, you just stumbled across the Assassins? Shaun: No, I found the Templars first, actually. Abstergo's a big company. It's too big, which means there were slip-ups, you know, like that mess they're having right now with the fluoride. Only I was tracking this stuff years ago. I must have been, what, 14? 15? Desmond: You knew Abstergo was a Templar company? Shaun: No, not at first. I just knew they were up to no good and I figured maybe I could do something about it. So I starting digging up everything I could on the company, posting stuff to news groups, trying to spread word, looking for people with stories to tell. Desmond: You must have gotten Abstergo's attention. Shaun: Well, fortunately, I got Rebecca's first. Otherwise I'd be at the bottom of a river. Rebecca: You're welcome. Shaun: Yep, she tried to warn me. Told me I was messing with the wrong people. Rebecca: And what did you do? Shaun: I thought you were mental. Rebecca: But now you know better. Shaun: Yep, now I know you're just a bit mental. Rebecca: Long story short, I saved his ass! Multiple times! Should've just dropped him and let Abstergo have their way. Shaun: Listen to you, trying to be all "bad-ass." Desmond: So what happened? Shaun: I have a gift, Desmond. I have a gift for seeing things. Making connections, like your eagle vision, you know. Only useful. Rebecca: We offered him a place with us. Shaun: Yes, you did, yeah. The alternative? A life on the run from the most powerful organization on the planet. I decided to prolong my life. I'm eccentric like that. So I signed up. I've been doing research and analysis for them ever since. Best part is, I love it. Desmond: What are you doing? Shaun: I'm keeping tabs on the other teams. Desmond: Other teams? Shaun: The Templars have been hunting down the Pieces of Eden using the map they got from you at Abstergo. Luckily, Lucy has provided us with a copy as well, allowing us to pursue them. Desmond: How's that working out? Shaun: So far, so good. Desmond: If they find even one piece, we'll have problems. Shaun: Oh, you're picking up on that, are you? That is why we're training you. Once you've acquired the necessary skills, we'll be able to send you into the field. Desmond: And you? Why aren't you out there? Shaun: I'm not out there cause my expertise lies in other areas. And to be honest, I prefer it that way. But make no mistake, Desmond, I'm an Assassin through and through. I've killed before, I expect to kill again. It's just that I'd prefer not to.

The Bleeding Effect

Desmond: So what's the plan? Lucy: We're going to see what you've managed to retain. Come on. They both walked into the warehouse together. Lucy: Abstergo's out there, waiting for us. They're better funded and better equipped. So it's only a matter of time before they find this place. We need to be ready for them when they do. I want you to activate the warehouse's defense system. I'll let you figure out how to reach the sensors. Desmond: Aw, come on. Not even a hint? Lucy: Open your eyes, Desmond. Desmond started the course and began to suffer from the Bleeding effect. Desmond: Uh, Lucy... I'm seeing things. Lucy: Do the hallucinations last longer than thirty seconds? Desmond: No. Lucy: Then it's nothing to be worried about. It'll pass. Desmond: So how am I doing? Lucy: You've picked up every single one of Ezio's skills. The adoption rate is fantastic! Another day or two and we'll be done. Desmond: All right, you've gotta tell me. Why Ezio? Why Italy? I mean, we could've just gone back to Altaïr again. Follow him during his early years. Lucy: It started with Sixteen... Desmond: Ah, good old Subject 16. He repainted my room, y'know... with his blood! Lucy: I've been going through his files. Vidic flagged a couple of his Animus sessions. A bunch of different ancestors, different dates and locations... ancient Africa, the Middle East... but towards the end, he became obsessed with Italy. I think he knew about the Vault. A few of the records of his later Animus sessions are missing, and the sessions that are there... After everything the Templars put him through... after everything I put him through... it's all scrambled. If we hadn't pushed Sixteen so hard, we'd have all the answers already... and maybe he'd still be alive. Desmond: So you're after the Codex and the Vault? Lucy: I knew you had an ancestor in Italy who was at the center of all this. Desmond successfully reached all of the sensors. Lucy: Alright, I think we're done for today. Desmond: Lucy, what happened to Sixteen wasn't your fault. You were just as much a prisoner as I was. Lucy: Thanks. Good night, Desmond. I'm glad you're here. Desmond went upstairs to the hideout. On the way, he experienced another vision and lost consciousness.

Altaïr and Maria

Desmond relives Altaïr's memories in Acre. Desmond: What the hell... What is this?... Where am I?... It's Acre. And... Altaïr? How the hell... I'm not even in the Animus. I must've passed out. Just having some kind of weird dream... Going without sleep for who knows how long... Guess I shouldn't be surprised... Desmond noticed a person who ran once they spotted Altaïr. Desmond: Hmm. That must be his target... Altaïr chased his target to the top of the tower, where they took off their hood. Desmond: Hey, it's the woman from Acre. What was her name? Maria. Yeah. Wonder what he wants with her... Altaïr and Maria kissed. Desmond: Whoa... Alright, wasn't expecting that... Part of the memory skipped. Altaïr performed a Leap of Faith and left Maria, but the focus of the memory didn't follow him. Desmond: Wait a second... Why aren't I following Altaïr? I'm stuck here with Maria. Oh shit! That must mean... This is one weird dream...

Back to Work

Desmond woke up, and Rebecca came to speak to him. Rebecca: Sorry to barge you on like this, but it's getting late and we were... Hey, you okay? Desmond: Yeah, yeah... All good. Weird dreams. That's all... Rebecca: All right. I'll let you get ready. See you in a few. Shaun: Ah! Good of you to join us. Desmond: Sorry, long night... Shaun: What a professional, what a professional approach! Rebecca: Leave him alone! Shaun: Well, you'll forgive me if I want to get some actual work done. Hmm, madness, isn't it? Lucy: Shaun! Please. That's enough. Shaun: Alright... Desmond struck up a conversation with Lucy. Desmond: Hey... Lucy: Uh, hi. Desmond: Are you okay? Lucy: Yeah, I'm fine. Everything's fine. Desmond: You sure? Lucy: We lost two more teams last night. That's eight of us just... gone. Desmond: I'm sorry. Lucy: I don't know what to do anymore... It just keep getting worse and worse. Desmond: Hey, remember what you told me? You gotta have faith. And look. Here we are. Safe and sound. Lucy: For how long? And when they find us? Then what? Desmond: When that happens – if that happens. We'll deal with it. I'll keep you safe. Lucy: Anyway – enough with my little breakdown. I should get back to work. And so should you.

Corrupted Sequences

After Memory sequence 11: Lucy: Are you okay? Do you want to stop? Desmond: No, I need to go back. Right now. Desmond: Everything okay out there? Rebecca: Hold on, I'm gonna try to find a workaround. This one's corrupted too... Let me check another. This one seems okay. I'm gonna run some diagnostics. But at least now you can continue. Lucy: Or we can take a break if you want. Shaun: No, I would advise against that. I'm picking up a fair amount of radio chatter. Abstergo is none too pleased about losing you and Lucy and it's only a matter of time before they wind up here. We'd better finish with this before then. Desmond: Alright. But what about the missing years? Anything important happen that we should know about? Shaun: Alright, let's take a look, shall we... According to this, it's a rather tumultuous time for Florence. Following Lorenzo's death, the Medici are deposed, and a Dominican priest named Savonarola is given control of the city. Now he promptly turns it into the most miserable place on Earth. According to this, it's when the Bonfire of the Vanities took place. Rebecca: Hey, I liked that movie! Shaun: Oh, did you like that movie? That's interesting! What other movies do you like? Rebecca – the grownups are talking! Now let's see what else we have here... Some entries on Machiavelli, some trouble in Forlì, a rather amusing anecdote about Caterina Sforza and, well, her reproductive organs... I'll tell you later... O-oh... oh dear... Lucy: Shaun? Shaun: Of course... How could I have forgotten? Desmond: You wanna share with the rest of us? Shaun: Rodrigo Borgia is elected Pope in 1492. Which means Ezio's greatest enemy is now also the most powerful man in Italy. Desmond: Always wanted to visit the Vatican. Shaun: Well, your luck's in Desmond, happy days. 'Cause that's exactly where you're going.

Entering the Vault

A hologram of the First Civilization member, Minerva, addressed Ezio. Minerva: Greetings, prophet. It is good you have come. Let us see it. To give thanks. Ezio showed the Apple of Eden to Minerva, who "touched" it, and then Minerva spoke through Ezio to Desmond. Minerva: We must speak. Ezio: Who are you? Minerva answered Ezio's question. Minerva: Many names. When I died, it was Minerva. Before that Merva, and Mera. And on and on. The others, too: Juno, who was before called Uni; Jupiter, who was before called Tinia. Ezio: You are... gods. The projection of Minerva laughed. Minerva: No. Not gods. We simply came... before. Even when we walked the world, your kind struggled to understand our existence. We were more... advanced in time. Your minds were not yet ready. Minerva turned to Desmond. Minerva: Still not, maybe never. No matter. You may not comprehend us. But you will comprehend our warning. You must. Ezio: None of what you are saying makes sense. Minerva addressed Ezio once more. Minerva: Our words are not meant for you. Ezio: What are you talking about? There is no one else here! Minerva reprimanded Ezio. Minerva: Enough! I do not wish to speak with you, but through you. You are the prophet. You've played your part. You anchor him, but please be silent! That we may commune. Minerva returned her focus to Desmond. Minerva: Listen. When we were still flesh, and our homes still whole, your kind betrayed us. We who made you. We who gave you life! We were strong. But you were many. And both of us craved war. So busy were we with earthly concerns, we failed to notice the heavens. And by the time we did... the world burned and naught remained but ash. It should have ended then and there. But we built you in our own image. We built you to survive. And so you did. Few were our numbers. Your kind and mine. It took sacrifice. Strength. Compassion. But we rebuilt. And as life returned to the world... We endeavored to ensure this tragedy would not be repeated. But now we are dying. And time will work against us. Truth turned into myth and legend. What we built, misunderstood. Let my words preserve the message and make a record of our loss. But let my words also bring hope. You must find the other temples. Built by those who knew to turn away from war. They worked to protect us – to save us from the fire. If you can find them... If their work can be saved... so too might this world. Be quick, for time grows short. And guard against the Cross, for there are many who will stand in your way. It is done. The message is delivered. We are gone from this world. All of us. We can do no more. The rest is up to you, Desmond. Ezio: What? Who is Desmond? I don't understand! Please, wait! I have so many questions! Desmond: What the fuck?

An Old Friend Returns

After Memory sequence 14: Shaun: ...there's only about ten minutes until they get... Rebecca: ...need all of my equipment... Lucy: ...ready to go before they do... DESMOND! Desmond: Yeah, yeah. Lucy: Alright, Shaun. I need you and Rebecca to get everything in here packed up and loaded into the truck. Lucy turned to Desmond. Lucy: You and I'll deal with the Templars. Desmond: What, they're here? Shaun: It was only a matter of time before they discovered us. To be honest, I'm surprised it took them as long as it did. Lucy: Let's go. Shaun: Stop screwing around, mate, and help her. Desmond, go and help Lucy. Desmond: So what's the plan? We ditch this place and then what? Lucy: There's another safehouse. It's – We've got company. The truck's just up ahead. Vidic: Mister Miles! This is an unexpectedly pleasant turn of events! And here I thought I'd have to waste more men on you! Kind of you to save me the trouble. Desmond: What do you want, Vidic? Vidic: For you to come home. We miss you terribly. There's still so much work for us to do together! Lucy: It's not happening, Warren. Vidic: You continue to disappoint in every conceivable way, Ms. Stillman. I saved your life once. Do you remember? And THIS is how you repay me? Lucy: You saved me so you could keep experimenting on people – destroying their lives – and for what? Vidic: Oh, this tired argument again. As I recall, you were there – at my side – every step of the way... Their blood is on YOUR hands just as much as MINE. Lucy spoke to Desmond. Lucy: You need to stop him. Desmond: I'm on it. Desmond and Lucy fought with Abstergo guards. Vidic: Well, well! It seems Mister Miles learned to fight! It's only a matter of time before you're both back where you belong! Is this necessary? Desmond incapacitated all of the guards with the help of Lucy. Desmond: Uh-oh, Doc. Looks like it's just you and me now. Vidic: Enjoy your victory Mister Miles, temporary as it is. Vidic's truck drove away. Rebecca: Desmond! We have to go! Shaun: There you are! Come on. Help Lucy into the van. Hurry, Desmond! We need to go! Lucy: You'll have your turn, Desmond. Warren's gonna get what he deserves. I promise. Desmond: So what now? Where are we headed? Lucy: There's a cabin up north. We should be safe there – at least for a little while. I have to analyze those tapes from your session – figure out what's happening. Desmond: And then what? Rebecca: Here we go. I've got you all hooked up. Got a long drive ahead of us. Figured you might want to play around with the Animus on the way... Desmond: Alright, but I've got some questions first, I mean – what the hell was that in the Vault? Lucy: What you saw proves everything I was afraid of. The Templars aren't our biggest threat. Not by a longshot. Desmond: So... what, the sun is? What's it going to do? Cook the Earth? Lucy: I doubt it, but... I don't know. There's been some speculation that the Earth's magnetic field is weakening... A sufficiently strong flare could flip the poles and cause geomagnetic reversal. It's all theoretical. But if it happens – the planet could become geologically unstable. Very unstable. Shaun: It's meant to be the stuff of pseudo-science – but clearly something catastrophic happened to the people of the first civilization. And that woman, what was her name? Minerva, was it? – she seemed to think we were due for a second round. Desmond: So either way, we're fucked. Lucy: I don't know yet... We'll keep reviewing the tapes. And you can keep digging through your memories. Maybe there's more to discover. Desmond: Alright. Guess I better get started...

The Truth
Rebecca: Wow. Shaun: Was that what I think it was? Lucy: We'll send the video out for analysis as soon as Desmond's done in the machine. Desmond: You okay? Lucy: He'd be able to explain the whole thing to us. If only we could ask him.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Broken Sequence
The Assassins try to access Memory sequence 9, but it is corrupted. Desmond: Uh, Rebecca? What's going on... Rebecca: I have to run some diagnostics, I'll get back to you. Desmond started to relive Ezio Auditore in the first memory sequence.

Arrival in Monteriggioni

Rebecca: Lucy, I can't seem to get a position on Ezio's P.O.E. Desmond: P.O.E? Could one of you tell me what's going on? Lucy: Sorry, Desmond, Piece of Eden. In the Vatican, Minerva talked about other temples, that they're the key to preventing whatever terrible thing is about to happen to the Earth. Desmond: Right. Lucy: To find the temples, I'm convinced we need to get our hands on Ezio's Apple of Eden. Minerva altered it somehow when she "touched" it. Desmond: Wait. We're at the Auditore Villa? Lucy: Yes. It's our last safehouse in Italy. It turns out the Templars are watching the border. Rebecca: Ezio hid the P.O.E. sometime in 1507, but when I try to access that DNA sequence, he seems to be... remembering something else. Desmond: Like a memory inside a memory? Rebecca: Yes. Exactly. Maybe. Desmond: Exactly maybe? Shaun: I believe you experienced something similar back at Abstergo, didn't you? Lucy: Subject 15 exhibited memory-within-memory-like patterns, but she was pregnant. The memories of both the fetus' father and mother were competing. Shaun: Desmond's not pregnant. At least, as far as I can tell. Might have just had a big lunch. Lucy turned to Rebecca. Lucy: Can you skip ahead to a later memory? Rebecca: No, it doesn't work. Lucy: Well that sounds familiar. We couldn't access Altaïr's later memories until Desmond had improved his synchronization. Shaun: Then it's possible something similar has occurred here. Ezio's troubled state is being transposed onto Desmond, destabilizing the memory. Either that, or Rebecca's just not a very good engineer. Rebecca: Thanks, asshole. Shaun: What? I'm simply listing possible explanations. And that is amongst the most likely. Touchy... Rebecca: This place isn't secure. Cell phone surveillance can see right through the walls. Desmond: Don't you mean satellite surveillance? Rebecca: Are you kidding? Abstergo upgraded to cell towers ages ago. The waves go through everything above ground. They're gonna find us. Lucy: No they aren't. Come with me. Lucy led Desmond and the other Assassins inside the Villa, to Mario's study. Lucy: There's a beam blocking it from the inside. We're not getting in this way. Rebecca: What's our next move? Lucy: The road just loops back into the highway. This is not a good place for us to be right now. Rebecca: Do we have any tarps? We need to cover up the van. Shaun: I really hate to stress this, yeah, but we are running out of time. Lucy: Well help us then, Shaun. Do you have any ideas? Shaun: I don't know, maybe there's another way into the Sanctuary? Desmond: Hey, I think I've got something. Desmond beckoned Lucy. Desmond: Follow me. Desmond performed his first Leap of Faith, astonishing Lucy. Lucy: Desmond, that was... pretty awesome. Desmond: It just felt natural. We can get in through here. Lucy: Good job. Shaun: We'll just wait up here then shall we... yeah? All alone, with massive targets painted on our backs. Desmond and Lucy entered the Auditore Crypt, though their glow-sticks didn't work at first. Lucy: Why won't this turn on?... Desmond: It's great to be out of the Animus. Lucy: This isn't exactly my idea of a good time. Desmond: Let me guess: you're more the in-bed-at-six type. Lucy: What? Desmond! I know how to have fun. Desmond: That's very convincing. Yeah, I'm convinced. Lucy: Okay, okay. After we save the world, I'll show you. Desmond: Wait, can I get that in writing? The two managed to get their glow sticks to function. Lucy: We have light!

Path to the Sanctuary

Desmond suffered the bleeding effect and saw the forms of Monteriggioni's townspeople escaping, with Ezio Auditore assisting them. Desmond: What was that? Lucy: I don't see anything. Ezio: Run! Get out before i soldati (the soldiers) catch you! Correte! (Run!) Go! Ezio pulled a lever, and a gate impaled a Borgia soldier as it fell. Afterwards, the apparitions faded away, revealing the guard's skeleton. Desmond: They escaped through here. Lucy: What? Desmond: Ezio and the villagers. After the attack, I can see them now. Lucy: I know it's difficult. But try to compartmentalize, Desmond. Focus on the present. Desmond: What if I can't stop the visions? How long before I start painting symbols on the walls? Lucy: Don't joke about that. Sixteen is dead. We're focusing on the present, okay? The two of them walked up to the gate and Desmond pulled a nearby lever. The gate only raised a few inches above the bones of the guard, before Desmond let it go and it dropped back down. Desmond: Great. It's stuck! Lucy: I can get under there. Desmond: Ready. Desmond lifted the gate and Lucy quickly crawled under it. Desmond: Any chance you can lift that gate? Lucy: Not unless you want me to end up like that skeleton. Desmond: I'll find another way around. Lucy: I can drop into the corridor below through here. Desmond cracked a joke. Desmond: Watch out for bats. Lucy replied in a slightly frightened manner. Lucy: Where?! Desmond laughed. Desmond: I meant in case you see any. Lucy scolded him back for his prank. Lucy: Remind me not to make you a lookout. Afterwards, Lucy jumped down, and Desmond began to see more figures through the Bleeding effect. Lucy: Desmond? Desmond: More ghosts. Lucy: I'm here, okay? Just stay with me. Desmond heard a conversation between Claudia Auditore and Ezio, due to the Bleeding effect. Claudia: Ezio! Ezio: Did anything fall on you? Claudia: No. Is Mother all right? The ghostly forms disappeared. Lucy: Desmond? We can't climb this. Desmond: How about you give me a boost? Lucy: That's a bad idea. Desmond: I could throw you into the air and you grab on. Lucy: Even worse. Desmond: Follow me. Desmond walked toward a lift, and pulled Lucy close to him. Desmond: How about this? Lucy: What are you going to– Desmond kicked back the lever on the lift, and the two of them rocketed upwards to a ledge. Lucy: Nice job. Desmond: I aim to please. They began to freerun through the tunnel. Desmond: I wonder how old these tunnels are. Lucy: Middle Ages, probably. Luckily, these beams still hold our weight. Desmond: After all this time in the Animus, I'm not so sure. Lucy: Ya, I didn't want to say anything, but you're really getting fat. Desmond: Ouch. Lucy replied back jokingly. Lucy: I even told Rebecca to widen the Animus. Desmond: Seriously? Lucy: No. Desmond: You know when I came here last... Lucy: When Ezio came here. Desmond: Yeah, I meant Ezio. Lucy: I shouldn't put you through this. It's not right. Desmond reassured Lucy. Desmond: Hey. All joking aside, I'm having the time of my life. And it's thanks to you. Lucy: Just focus on where you're going, okay? They both came to another gate and lever. Desmond: When did this become my job? Lucy: If I pulled all the levers, then what would be left for you? Desmond feigned innocence. Desmond: Nothing. Lucy: Nice try. Desmond: Ready. The gate opened and Lucy rolled under it. Lucy: Found a switch. Lucy pulled a lever, and grinding noises could be heard. Desmond: Something's opened. Lucy: I'm stuck over here, but I can see a lever across the water. Desmond: Great, Ezio gets a bath with Caterina Sforza and I get... a swim in a toilet. Desmond pulled a lever to help Lucy progress. Desmond: I've got this one! Lucy: There's another lever up ahead. Come over here. Desmond jumped into the water, and was shocked at its temperature. Desmond: Oh man. It's freezing! Lucy: Stop whining! Desmond: It's easy for you to say! You're not the one swimming in medieval toxic waste! Ugh! Desmond climbed out of the water. Desmond: I smell terrible. Lucy: You're exaggerating. Desmond climbed up some scaffolding near to him. Lucy: Remember, this is the time of your life. Desmond: Yeah, yeah. How come you don't have to get wet? Lucy: Because you're here. Desmond: Charming. Lucy: Aren't I? They both rappelled up another pulley, and the Bleeding effect provided Desmond with some more visions. Claudia: Ezio! We are on the other side! Hurry! Soldier 1: Cazzo! (Fuck!) Soldier 2: Dio mi salve! (God save me!) Desmond: Great. The bridge is out. We can't jump this. Lucy: I have an idea, but I'll need your help. Stand on the edge and get ready. Desmond: Ready. Lucy ran at Desmond, who catapulted her to the supports. Lucy: Made it! Let me see... Desmond: Oh, you go on ahead. I'll just stay here to die in the dark with the bats! Lucy provided Desmond with a platform to cross, allowing him to progress. Lucy: Jump across. Desmond: Nice work. Lucy: The bats will be disappointed. Desmond: For now. Another short vision appeared to Desmond. Soldier: Soldati! (Soldiers!) I have found an entrance. Desmond: Strange. You would think that these stairs lead somewhere. Lucy: But they don't. Desmond: Oh, life is full of disappointments. They came to a bridge, sealed against the cave walls. Lucy: I'll wait here. Desmond: Good. Let me just go and get that bridge down for you. Lucy: Uh, I did the last one. Desmond: And I'm sure that will be your last one. Lucy: Ha ha, very funny. Desmond: Got it. Lucy replied back in a whimsical manner. Lucy: Thank you, Desmond. They came to another collapsed bridge. Lucy: Now it's my turn to even the score. Desmond: Thanks. It's a start. Lucy: Do your magic. Desmond: Up you go! Lucy: Thanks. We make a good team. I can see the Sanctuary up ahead.

Setting Up

Upon entering the Sanctuary, Desmond saw an image of an aged Ezio, due to the Bleeding effect. Desmond: Wow. He looks so... old. Ezio must have come back here long after the attack. But why? Lucy: Desmond! Desmond: Right. Let's get that door open. Desmond noticed a triangular symbol on the wall, opposite to the bookcase that acted as a door to the hidden passageway which the two were behind. Desmond: There's something here. Shaun could be heard, although muffled, from behind the passageway door. Shaun: Can you open the damn bookcase, Desmond? Desmond pulled up the locks and the bookcase opened, with Shaun and Rebecca walking through afterwards. Rebecca: You guys did it! Shaun: About bloody time! Shaun noticed the symbol on the wall. Shaun: What's that? Desmond: Looks like something Ezio left behind. Desmond activated Eagle Vision to try and learn more about it, and noticed three numbers. Desmond: There are numbers underneath it. 1419, 1420, 1421. Lucy: Maybe you should lie down for a bit. Desmond: Nah, its all right. I'm fine. Rebecca: Whoa, they built this place to last. No signs of structural damage. No cell signal either. Let's get the Animus set up down there. Lucy: All right, that's good. Shaun, hide the van in town, and make sure you aren't followed. Shaun: What is that smell?! Desmond: It's... my clothes. Shaun: They smell like you swam through a sewer. Desmond replied back in a playful way. Desmond: It was Lucy's idea. Lucy shot Desmond a dirty look, as he had called her out. Rebecca: Wait a minute guys. We need power down here. There's a line nearby that I can hook into but the wattage is weak. Rebecca handed Desmond some circuit breakers. Shaun: Yeah, of course. Yeah, yeah. Anything else you two would like? You know, some caviar perhaps? Maybe you'd like me to knit you a lovely hat. No. Fine. Shaun turned to Desmond. Shaun: Follow me. Shaun led Desmond outside. Shaun: Right, look around Monteriggioni for circuit boxes. Rebecca's little doodads, they'll reroute small amounts of electricity to the power line underneath the Villa. Don't ask me how they work, if I understood that, I wouldn't be the fellow hiding the van.

The Improved Animus

After powering up the Sanctuary: Desmond: I'm back. Lucy: Just in time. The sun's rising. Rebecca: Yes! It's booted. We're good to go. Shaun: Did you miss me? No? Anyone? Hello, am I speaking out loud? Hello? Workaholics. Lucy: Let's get started. Desmond went over to Shaun to talk. Desmond: Do you have any clue about those numbers under the drawing? Shaun: 1419, 1420, 1421. Maybe something to do with the Hundred Years War. Or wait... In 1419, Pope Martin V arrived in Florence, right? He left for Rome in 1420, and that was the same year Brunelleschi began building the Duomo. And in 1421... in 1421... Yeah, I'll have to do some more research I think. Desmond: So, what do you think of Monteriggioni? Shaun: This is not Monteriggioni. Monteriggioni existed during the Renaissance. Ask me how the town was in 1554 when it was seized by Florence and I'll tell you. Desmond: Huh. I figured you'd like it nowadays. Seems not to have changed much. Shaun: Exactly. History is the study of change. Change is life. When things become static, it means they're dead. Desmond then went to talk with Lucy, regarding the Assassins. Desmond: What are we going to do about Abstergo? Lucy: Wait it out. As soon as we find the Apple, I'll get in contact with our other teams in Europe, but as far as Italy goes, we're on our own. Shaun: It would be nice to have some help from above. Lucy: Our top Assassins are busy gathering info about the Templar satellite launch. We've pinpointed several possible facilities in the U.S, China, and Russia, but there are no clear leads yet. Desmond: What are the other teams doing? Lucy: Combating Abstergo's search for Pieces of Eden. As far as I know, Abstergo has no clue about the Temples and Ezio's Apple. We might actually be ahead for once. Desmond then went to bother Rebecca, with her work as the topic of discussion. Desmond: You seem focused. Rebecca: I've been busy patching new systems into Baby here. She's only gonna get better. Shaun: Is Desmond going to be able to relive memories this time? Rebecca: As a matter of fact, he will. Desmond: You always been a tech geek? Rebecca: Nah, I was into sports, but then I broke my leg and started playing with computers. Who knew that coding could be just as exhilarating as strapping on a board and dropping out of a helicopter? Shaun: Just FYI, you might want to get your adrenal glands checked. You know, because that, that is not normal. Desmond then re-entered the Animus. Rebecca: As you may have noticed in the van, I made some improvements to the Animus and I've also patched in a new VR Training program. Here you can show off all those flashy moves you've picked up from your ancestors. Let me open one of the missions. Desmond attempted one of the virtual missions and completed it. Rebecca: You can access more VR missions to the Animus Desktop. As you complete training sessions, I'll add additional challenges. To stop your subconscious from rejecting Ezio's later memories you'll gonna have to live them in order his genome recorded them. Highlight Sequence 2 for me, Desmond. Desmond selected Memory sequence 2. Rebecca: Good, now select it and you'll gonna see the memories inside. Once you've unlocked the memory by accessing this menu you can relive it as many times as you want. Desmond: And what if there are memories I just want to forget? Lucy: Desmond, this is very important. If you need to take a break, log out of the Animus. You can leave the machine whenever you like. Desmond: I'm all set to go, don't worry. Rebecca: One last thing: as you raise your synchronization by executing events the way Ezio lived them, you might even discover some repressed memories. Okay, let's get started. Select the first memory. Shaun: Desmond, I've been looking about these gibberish five-digit codes from the end of Subject 16's files and I seem to discovered a remarkable coincidence. The codes correspond perfectly with coordinates inside the Animus. I've tagged the landmarks pinpointed by the coordinates with eye icons in the database. Now, odds are you won't find anything there, but well, who knows?

After Memory Sequence 2

Desmond struck up a conversation with Shaun. Desmond: You still managing the teams out in the field? Shaun: No phone line. Rebecca's working on patching us into the network. Desmond: So how does it feel, letting the lady do all the work? Shaun scoffed. Shaun: She's no lady! Rebecca: HEY! Desmond: You think we're safe here? Shaun: I'm more concerned about the other Assassins out there. If Abstergo stumbles onto information about the Temples, we could have a disaster on our hands. Desmond: The only people alive who've heard of the Temples are in this room. Shaun: For now, but who knows? Maybe they're listening to this conversation and you just gave everything away! Desmond: You brought them up first. Shaun: You are paranoid, Desmond. Desmond: Ah, well played. Desmond then went over to check up on Lucy. Desmond: Everything all right? Lucy: I don't like being stuck underground with them out there looking for us. Desmond: You're doing a great job. We're safe here. Lucy: But for how long? Vidic won't give up. I know it. Desmond: Neither will we. After talking with Lucy, Desmond inquired about Rebecca, and whether she tried out the Animus for herself. Desmond: Why do we have to stay down here all day? Rebecca: Abstergo's still looking for us. It'd be better if we never went out at all, but then, we'd run out of supplies. Desmond: It's like being stuck in a cave during a rainstorm. Rebecca: Well, knowing the Templars, monsoon season's about to arrive. Desmond: You ever use the Animus? Rebecca: Your ancestors have such interesting lives. I went in once. It was lame. Shaun: Yeah, what were you? Must've been a spinster, probably. Rebecca: Worse, a Prussian mercenary. I spent hours firing guns. BORING! Shaun: Yeah, guns are for sissies!

After Memory Sequence 3

Desmond decided to talk to Lucy, regarding Abstergo's motivations and her link to them. Desmond: Any news from the outside? Lucy: Rebecca's patched in a phone line. The Templars are still guarding the border, and Vidic seems to be busy too. Desmond: Doing what? Lucy: From the look of things, he's using Animus data to train Abstergo operatives. Desmond: Meaning? Lucy: Abstergo's planning for a full on assault. Desmond: Weren't you the only Assassin at Abstergo's Animus facility? How are you getting data from them? Lucy: Some old passwords work, but I can't dig very far into the network. Desmond then went to Shaun to discuss ciphers and his love life. Desmond: Any theories on that cipher Machiavelli handed me? Ezio, I mean. Shaun: I can't decode it without the key. It's a one-time disposable pad. Desmond: What's that? Shaun: It's a cipher with a unique, disposable key. Imagine if someone used the first letter of every word in the Declaration of Independence to encipher something. Well, without the Declaration, you couldn't decrypt it. Rebecca: I bet I could run it through the computer. Shaun: There are some things even a computer can't do... like– like love, Rebecca. Like love. Desmond: So, Shaun, any lions outside the pride? Lucy: Who was that girl you were dating? Kate? Shaun: Ah yeah, Kate. Katie, Katie, Katie, kitty-kat-Kate. Charmed the pants right off her, I did. Rebecca: Yeah right. I know for a fact you two didn't make it to second base. Shaun: Oh, di– di– ...wait, what, what? Rebecca: We had lunch! Shaun: You... had lunch... with Kate? Rebecca: Whatever, I got work to do. After speaking with the other two members, Desmond approached Rebecca and asked whether she had taken a life. Desmond: You ever killed anyone? Rebecca: Hello to you too. I dated a guy who was an electronics engineer around the time the Assassins first contacted me. Desmond: And? Rebecca: Now I'm single. Desmond: Are you kidding?! Rebecca: Of course I'm kidding! You think I would actually joke about someone I actually killed?! Death is only funny when it's not happening in front of you! I should know, and that's all I'm gonna say about it. Desmond: I noticed you didn't patch the translation software. Rebecca: Nah, it's still buggy. There's only an occasional glitch in the Italian, but if you hit any German or French, watch out. Desmond then went on to do other things around the Sanctuary, such as staring at Altaïr's statue. Desmond: Hey, wassa matta you, Altaïr? Rebecca: That's racist! Desmond replied back in an insulted manner. Desmond: You're racist! Lucy: Really? This is what you guys are doing? Desmond: Oh no, God forbid I take a break! I've only spent the past THREE FUCKING WEEKS inside that machine! Lucy: No, no, you're right. Let's all screw around while the world falls to pieces! Desmond: Hey, this isn't easy, you know! Rebecca: Right, like we're all on vacation out here? Lucy raised her voice to try and drown out the others who were arguing. Lucy: ENOUGH! Look, everyone's under a lot of pressure, but we're the only ones who can stop Abstergo. So we need to keep it together. Still displeased, but somewhat calmer, Desmond replied back. Desmond: She's right. We need to be a "hive mind" here, people. Shaun, previously uninvolved with the argument, cut in nonchantly. Shaun: Anybody up for some reconciliatory yoga? Anyone? Lucy: Very funny, guys.

After Memory Sequence 4

Desmond struck up some conversation with Shaun, revolving around Caterina Sforza and the main Assassin HQ. Desmond: What happened to Caterina Sforza? Shaun: She went back to Florence and petitioned unsuccessfully for the return of her lands. Then, she died of pneumonia. Desmond: That's sad. Shaun: That's life. Well, that's death technically, but you take my point. Desmond: We ever going to visit the head Assassins? I heard about this meeting place when I was younger. Shaun: Apparently, it exists. Though I'm not sure because I've never been. Lucy: You'll get to see it once we have the Apple. Shaun: Well, I expect amazing things. A private espresso bar for example. Lucy: What a waste of money. Shaun: You obviously aren't an espresso drinker. After speaking with Shaun, Desmond walked over to Rebecca to chat about the power and the Animus. Desmond: How's the power situation? Rebecca: It's okay for now, but the power lines are from the stone age. Shaun suddenly cut in with a complaint. Shaun: Bloody third world country! Rebecca: You're talking about Italy? Shaun: No, Europe in general. Rebecca: I didn't know England is a third world country. Shaun: England is not in Europe actually, Rebecca. We tolerate Europe... You know, like a person tolerates herpes. Desmond: How did you manage to create a copy of the Animus? Rebecca: Oh, you know. Lucy sent me schematics. Desmond: I thought she couldn't get anything out of Abstergo? Rebecca: She had her ways. I improvised on the rest. Desmond: Huh. A hungry Desmond then went to Lucy, concerning the food supplies, as well as to inspire some hope in her. Desmond: We going to get any food in here? Lucy: People who don't work, don't eat... An brief awkward silence filled the Sanctuary. Lucy: I'm kidding! You knew I was kidding, right? Shaun: Riiight. Smile and nod. Lucy: Someone just volunteered to get the food. Shaun: It was worth it. A short while passed. Lucy: Sometimes I feel so disconnected from everything out there. Nearly a decade of my life gone, searching for those Pieces of Eden. Desmond: Think how great you'll feel when we finally stop the Templars. Lucy: I'm not sure it will ever end, Desmond. I can't do this forever. Desmond: I can't buy it. The Lucy I know brought me here and taught me how to see. She would never give up. Lucy: I guess I trained you well, huh? Desmond: You did alright. Once Desmond ate a hamburger, Rebecca made what could be her vegetarianism known. Rebecca: Carnivore! Shaun: Hypocrite! Did you know plants give off chemicals which attract predatory insects when they're attacked? Sounds pretty animal-like to me. Rebecca: You know too much for your own good. Shaun: That's what my priest used to say.

After Memory Sequence 7

Wishing to know more about Ezio's nemesis, Desmond approached Shaun for some information. Desmond: Any good stories about Cesare? Shaun: Are you kidding? He was notorious. Get this: in 1502, his top captains rebelled against him. He made concessions to all of them and they rejoined his army. Then, on New Year's Eve in 1503, he got them together inside a room in Sinigaglia. Everyone was arrested. Two were put back to back and strangled by Micheletto that very night. The rest were thrown into chains and... and killed a few weeks later. Desmond: Wow. Shaun: The amazing thing is that Cesare was so friendly during the months before, they never saw the trap coming. Machiavelli called him the master deceiver. Desmond: So Cesare was pretty secretive. Shaun: Yeah, he was, yeah. Except, weirdly, when it came to sex. After his wedding, he sent a letter to the Pope explicitly describing the intercourse on his wedding night. According to the letter, Cesare and his French bride did the deed eight times. Rebecca: Isn't that a Catholic thing? Desmond: What? Rebecca: You're supposed to send the Pope a letter about your wedding night. It lets the old guy live a little, you know? Shaun: You know... that sounds quite plausible actually. From there, Desmond spoke with Rebecca about his psychological state, in connection with the corrupted sequence. Desmond: That disrupted memory seems to be getting clearer. Rebecca: It's amazing. The sequence is repairing itself, as if we're helping you work through psychological trauma. Desmond: So I'm going to be more balanced person by the end of this? Rebecca: Oh, I have no clue. But the idea's cool. Shaun: Are you saying that because you feel guilty about frying his brain? Rebecca: Shaun's on latrine duty! Lucy: Deal. Shaun: Ah, of course, you side with her. Communists. Following that, Desmond went to talk with Lucy, inquiring about the amount of time they had left to improve his skills. Desmond: How long do we have before the Templar satellite launch? Lucy: It's October 8th, so that leaves us with... 74 days. Desmond: Not much time. Lucy: Think about all that you've been through in the last month. 74 days is a long time. Desmond: We're getting closer to the Apple. I can feel it. Lucy: If it were up to me, you'd take more breaks. Desmond: Good thing the fate of the world doesn't rest on your shoulders. Lucy: Hey, joke all you want but your mental health is a serious concern. It only takes a couple of months for most Animus users to exhibit extreme side effects and you've been in for prolonged stretches of time. Desmond: I'll rest once we have the Apple. Lucy: I was afraid you'd say that.

The Miracle is in the Execution

Desmond: There's nothing here. Rebecca: Strange. I'm seeing a massive amount of data. Lucy: What does he mean "The miracle is in the execution?" Shaun: I don’t know. Some kind of commentary on nihilism? Desmond: He's playing with us... unless– Rebecca: ...it isn't a video! Hang on. Launch it yourself, when you're ready. Desmond found himself in a virtual maze. After some free-running, he found Subject 16. Animus voice: Compiling subsystems. Infrastucture. Tendons. Heart. Subject 16: Voice. Desmond: Subject 16? The virtual construct of Subject 16 laughed. Subject 16: Yes, yes, Subject 17. Desmond: You're dead. I saw your blood! Subject 16: No time. It is far later than you know. Too late to save them. Desmond: Who? Subject 16: She is not who you think she is. Everything you hope to become, everything you hold dear, it’s already gone. Desmond: Explain. Please. Subject 16: Eden. She... in Eden. Find Eve. The key. Her DNA... Desmond: Tell me! Subject 16: I cannot... The sun... Your son... Too weak... Must replenish energy... Desmond: Don't go! Subject 16: I am with you 'til the end. Find me, in the darkness. Subject 16 disappeared, and Desmond removed himself from the Animus. Lucy: Desmond! You're safe. We thought we'd lost you. Desmond: I'm here. I saw 16, I think. I don't know whether it actually happened. It feels like a dream. Rebecca: Well, whatever it was, it's gone now. The Animus is behaving normally. Lucy: Take a break before going back in there, okay? Desmond apologized to Lucy. Desmond: Sorry for frightening you. Lucy: Don't worry about me. Desmond: Okay. Lucy: When you're ready, let's continue.

After Memory Sequence 9

After fully synchronizing with Ezio, the four-man Assassin team discovered the location of Ezio's Apple. Desmond: We've got it. The Colosseum. Lucy: Let's go. We can be there before dawn. Rebecca: Wait. There was something about that door. I don't think I saw a handle. Let me run an analysis. Shaun: Great. So we need some kind of futuristic key? Rebecca: It seems to open with a verbally triggered mechanism. I've never seen anything like it. Lucy: You mean it needs a password? Shaun: Try humming Beethoven's Fifth. All of a sudden, the power cut out. Rebecca: Damn European power grid. Now we can't scan Ezio's memories to find the password. Lucy: We have to find that password. Rebecca: Ezio knows the answer. Problem is, he's dead. Shaun: I can't believe we're stuck here. While the three brainstormed ideas in the Sanctuary, Desmond headed upstairs to the triangular symbol on the wall. Desmond: Hey. Maybe it has something to do with this. The other Assassins walked up to Desmond. Rebecca: The symbol matches the one on the door to the Vault. Desmond: 1419, 1420, 1421... What if they aren't dates? Shaun: 1419, 1420– Oh my God. Desmond: What? Shaun: God. Rebecca: Tell us already! Shaun: I am, I am. The Tetragrammaton. The 72 names of God. You see? They're all contained within three verses. Exodus 19 through 21. And get this, you'll like this, if you arrange the four Hebrew letters in God's name within an equilateral triangle, their numeric values add up to the same number: 72. Rebecca: Are you absolutely sure about this? Shaun: That's kind of why I'm saying it out Rebecca, yeah. But, I haven't got to the kicker yet. Construction on the Colosseum began in the year 72. Rebecca: I think we have our password. Lucy: Shaun, go get the van.

The Colosseum

Desmond: Déjà vu. Rebecca: I bet. Lucy: Let's go. Shaun: What about us? You might actually need a historian down there. Lucy: Shaun's right. That tunnel should lead under Capitoline Hill. I'll help them find another entrance. Be careful, Desmond. Rebecca: I'll drive. Shaun: Ah, nice try. I've seen your car. Lucy, Shaun and Rebecca departed, leaving Desmond to go forward. From this point on, any contact between Desmond and the other three was through a radio connection. Desmond: Lucy, I'm making my way toward the entrance. Lucy: Okay. Good. Shaun: If you see any gladiators, my advice would be: leg it! Desmond: I'll keep that in mind. I can't believe I'm actually going to hold the Apple. Lucy: It's been a long time coming. You've earned it. Desmond: I wonder if it will change things. Whether it can tip the scales in our favor. Shaun: I'm sure it will. It has to. Desmond: What do you think we'll find? Lucy: Hopefully, a map to the Temples. Shaun: The Apple's just going to give it to us, yeah? Or is that Elvis over there? Desmond: Hey, maybe this time we'll be lucky. There's so much construction. This place is like a maze. Shaun: The hypogeum housed the cages of the gladiators and the machines which raised them to the surface. The whole area you're in right now was originally covered by the arena. Desmond: Good to know. Lucy: Something's bothering me. Today's date is October 10th. Desmond: So? Lucy: Guess how many days there are until the Templar satellite launch? Desmond: I have a feeling I know the answer: 72. Lucy: Why is today so important? We're just picking up the Apple and leaving. Desmond: It's the door code. Someone wants to make sure we get it right. Lucy: Yeah, I guess. Desmond: Okay, I'm back on familiar ground. Desmond found the hidden entrance and Juno appeared to him, though only he could hear her words. Juno: We commit to this space the epilogue of our ending. Let it be found by he who is deemed worthy. Let it guide him. Let it shape his path forward. Let it save the world we leave behind. Desmond: Who are you? Lucy: What's going on, Desmond? Desmond: Nothing. Juno: In the beginning, we set our truths to parchment. To stone. To the memory of men. These proved impermanent things. Cleansed by fire. Cleansed by famine. Cleansed by flood. All the world is innocent once more. Innocent and ignorant. Lucy: We've traced your position. I think I've found an entrance. Desmond: OK.

A Knife to the Heart

Desmond entered Santa Maria Aracoeli through a secret entrance, while Lucy, Shaun and Rebecca waited at the door outside. Desmond: I'm coming. Desmond unbarred the door. Shaun: Took you long enough. Desmond: What is this place? Shaun: Santa Maria Aracoeli. See those columns along the aisles? They're lifted from Roman ruins. Now, supposedly, this church was built on top of the ancient Temple of Juno. Rebecca: I like the ceiling. Shaun: You like the ceiling. Oh well, you are a fascinating travelling companion. Lucy: Where to now? Desmond had a vision of Ezio climbing up the altar. Desmond: There's something up there. Shaun: Oh well, we'll just stay down here shall we... and just pray or something. Desmond activated what would turn out to be a wall lever, and multiple poles shifted out of the ceiling, constructing a series of free-running obstacles. Juno: We did not build them to be wise. And now they are our final, faulted hope. You are they. You possess the potential for understanding. But you broke our tools. Or turned them against one another. We have destroyed what we could. Sealed away what we could not. Most. Not all. And it does not take many to unwind the world. Here is a safe place. Eternal. To store objects. Words. Wisdom. But not life. Almost did we have the means. But time... time erodes us. We can distract him. We can see past him. Feint left when he strikes right. But his reach is so very long. His stamina unending. We cannot evade his grasp. Not forever. Desmond activated another switch, and a ladder came out of the wall. Desmond: Something's opened. Here goes. Desmond eventually activated a switch on the highest platform, and a pedestal came out of floor at the front of the church. Shaun: Hello. That wasn't in the blueprints. Lucy: Desmond, get down here! Desmond: On my way. Shaun: Whatever this is, it doesn't do anything. It's a dead end. Desmond: I'm not so sure– Desmond moved his hand above the pedestal, which activated into a lift on sensing his First Civilization genes, that took the Assassins underground. Lucy: What's going on?! The lift stopped, and the entrance to Juno's Temple could be seen. Shaun: Yeah, if you want to kill us mate, you're going have to try a little harder than that. Lucy: We're here. Desmond: Now, for that password. If Shaun's right, that is. Shaun: I'm always right. Desmond: About that dead end... Shaun: That never happened. I was misquoted. The Assassins approached the door. Desmond: Do you think it speaks English? Rebecca: Just say it. Desmond: Okay... seventy-two. The door opened. Shaun: After you... I think. Desmond: You guys have to see this. Lucy: This is amazing. Rebecca: Wow. Shaun: I'm actually impressed. Lucy: The Apple seems to be in the center. Desmond: Time to find out where those Temples are. Desmond activated the pedestal, and multiple platforms and beams came out from the floor and walls. Rebecca: Hey, Desmond. Those beams poking out of the wall look like switches. If you hit all of them, you might get some power to the central platform. Shaun: Or you might cause this room to turn into an alien spaceship and fly away. Think about it! Juno: A hundred years I might speak and still you would not know us. You with five senses. Us with six. The one we kept from you. To be safe. Now, you can never know. Only try. Grasp. You can SEE. SMELL. TASTE. TOUCH. HEAR. Knowledge has been locked away. After, when the world became undone, we tried to pass it through the blood. Tried to join you with us. You see the blue shimmer. You hear the words. But you do not know. WE SHOULD HAVE LEFT YOU AS YOU WERE. It is hard to stay contained. Knowing as we do. We wait for you, Desmond. You will come here. You will activate it. You will know only when it is too late. Desmond: Do you hear any of that? Lucy: Any of what, Desmond? Desmond activated all of the switches, and stairs to the central platform came out of the floor. Desmond: We did it. Lucy: I can't believe we're finally here. The Assassins approached the Apple of Eden. Shaun: So where are the temples? Desmond: You want me to ask it? Lucy: Or think it or something. The Apple activated and showed many different symbols around it. Lucy: You sure you asked the right thing? Shaun: I know this, I know this symbol. That's a Phrygian cap. It stands for freedom... and that, that's a Masonic eye. Now those two come together in only one place– Desmond touched the Apple, and it took control of his body, while the other Assassins were frozen in time. Desmond: What's happening? I can't move! Juno: Your DNA communes with the Apple. You have activated it. Desmond: Let me go! Juno: On the 72nd day before the moment of awakening. You, birthed from our loins and the loins of our enemies. The end and the beginning, who we abhor and honor. The final journey commences. There is one who would accompany you through the gate. She lies not within our sight. The cross darkens the horizon. Desmond: What are you doing? Juno: The Path must be opened. You cannot escape your part in this. The scales shall be balanced. Desmond: Stop. Please... Juno: You know very little. We must guide you. Cease your struggle. Desmond: No! Forced to move by Juno, Desmond unwillingly approached Lucy and stabbed her in the stomach with his Hidden Blade. Juno: It is done. The way lies all before you. Only she remains to be found. Awaken the sixth. Go. ALONE! Afterwards, both Desmond and Lucy fell to the ground, with blood seeping out from her wound, while Desmond's mind began to lapse into unconsciousness. Following this, a short conversation between two people could be heard after a few minutes. Harlan: Shit! He's gone into shock! William: Put him back in the machine! It's the only way to fix this! Harlan: But the Animus did this to him! William: Am I the expert or not? Do it! Desmond: No... Desmond then began experiencing Ezio's memories of a repressed memory sequence. Desmond: What was that? Voice: What's happening? William: Ezio seems to be remembering something. Something from 1506. Voice: Desmond's heart rate is increasing. I'm administering the sedative. William: No. The missing data may be there. The Piece of Eden is useless until we have it. Let him continue. Voice: Yes, William. Desmond finished exploring the repressed memories. William: You can sedate Desmond now. We have the information we needed. Voice: It's too late, the damage is done. He seems to have entered some kind of coma. William: He'll find his way out. He always has in the past. Voice: I've run the data through the computer, we have a location for the temple. William: Then what are you waiting for? Let's go.

Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Animus Island

Rebecca: We can keep him like this for a few days, maybe a week. William: Call ahead, tell them we're on our way. Rebecca: As soon as we're clear. OK, I shut down the Animus monitoring system to free up a lot of memory, but even like this, it's still risky. William: Desmond will be fine. The partition worked, the Animus is stable, and his signs are good. Rebecca: For now. But this was built to recreate memories, not simulate entire cognitive processes. William: The Animus will do its part, and Desmond will do the rest. Desmond woke up in the Black Room, before taking some steps forward to adjust to his surroundings. Meanwhile, the digital construct of Clay Kaczmarek (Subject 16) initialized nearby. Clay: Just walked right past me. Desmond: 16? Clay: Aw, they didn't tell you my name? Desmond: Oh God damn it, I'm still in the Animus?! Clay: Quite a shock you've suffered out there. Desmond: Rebecca! Get me out of here. Clay: They can't help you Desmond. You're a broken man. Your mind, it's... broken. Desmond: Broken? I feel fine. Clay suddenly relocated himself close to Desmond's position, startling him. Clay: So did I! Clay laughed longly. Desmond: Hey! Clay: Look at me now! Let's talk buddy. Walk with me. Desmond: What is this place? Clay: It's nice isn't it? We're in the guts of the Animus, the original test program. No memories here, just basic physics, weather simulations. Hello world! You're lucky someone up there had the sense to plug you in here. Saved your life. Desmond: Saved it from what? Clay: Right now you should be sitting in a hospital ward, drooling and chewing on your tongue! For now, the Animus is keeping you intact, keeping all your ancestors from collapsing into one big mess. But if you can't find a synch-nexus, all those personalities will smash together. And that won't be pretty. Desmond: A synch nexus? Clay: I'm getting there, hold on. Clay pointed to the Synch Nexus. Clay: There, that thing, is your way out. Desmond: You're screwing with me. Clay: Here's the problem, your brain is hash – too many ghosts in your head, too many voices, so, how do you fix that? You claw your way back into the stored data, you find unfinished memories and you crack them open. Finish what you started – until your ancestor has nothing left to show you. That, is a Sync Nexus. Find it, and the Animus can separate Desmond from Ezio and Altaïr and send you home – back to your body. Desmond: How do you know all this? Clay: Because it happened to me. But my body, it's worm food now. So I'm stuck here. A word of warning – when you step through there, everything changes. Nothing feels... normal. But you are still in control and it's up to you to find your way out. Desmond: Right. Clay: If you hurry, you might make it back in time for Lucy's funeral. Desmond: What? Clay: Oh. I thought you knew. Desmond collapsed to the ground, as images flashed through his mind. Desmond: Lucy... Oh God... I'm so sorry. It wasn't me, it wasn't me, it was that voice! Juno! She took hold of me, she made me... what am I doing? What have I done? A digital tone could be heard, similar to that of when a telephone was answered. Afterwards, a conversation between Rebecca, Shaun and William Miles began. Rebecca: It's Shaun. Shaun, what's going on? William: Let me talk to him. Rebecca: Did you... hold on, I'm putting you on speaker. William: Shaun, it's William. Is everything taken care of? Shaun: Oh, well, hello to you too. For Christ's sakes, man, have some class! William: All right, calm down. Shaun: Oh, that's rich, yeah. Lucy's dead and you want me to act like it's Easter Sunday, do you?! How's Desmond anyway, kipping in? William: That's enough, Shaun! Shaun: What if he's a Templar, Bill? Eh? What if he's been programmed?! It's happened before! William: No. Not Desmond. Shaun: Right. You would say that. William: Shaun...

After DNA Sequence 1

William: This Apple... it is a remarkable piece of work. Feel the material... hard as steel but very light. Rebecca: You really want to be fooling with that thing? William: I do. I absolutely do. I have been waiting a long time to get my hands on one of these. Rebecca: Okay, you're making me nervous, Bill. William: Don't be. I don't think I have the right genes to properly wield it. Rebecca: Oh, but Desmond... you think he does? Desmond was forcibly returned to Animus Island from Ezio's memories. Desmond: What the hell just happened? Clay: You were snooping. Wandering outside the Desmond partition. So once the Animus located you, it pulled you back here. It's just following orders... like a failsafe program. Trying to keep your poor head intact, whether you like it or not. Desmond: And what are you doing here exactly? Clay: Playing. Learning. Waiting. A lot of waiting. I keep the Animus distracted as best I can. For you, so you can explore. Otherwise it might hunt you down like a little virus and ah... delete you. Desmond: Well, my guardian angel. Clay: There's no such thing. Clay disappeared. Desmond: Yeah I– Thanks. Another conversation between Rebecca and Shaun could be heard through Animus Island. Rebecca: Shaun, it's me. What's happening? Shaun: Are you at the airport? Rebecca: Yeah, we're chartering a jet. Are you coming? Shaun: Yes. Yeah, I'll be there soon. Rebecca: Good. Shaun: They... they buried her already. Rebecca: I heard. Shaun: In a little cemetery outside Rome. Nice place. Rebecca: God, things got so fucked up so fast. Shaun: Is Desmond still out? Rebecca: Yeah. We're seeing a lot of brain activity, but with the monitoring system shut down, we can't record anything. Shaun: Well, keep me posted, okay? I'll see you soon.

After DNA Sequence 2

Once more, a conversation could be overheard, which featured Rebecca and William Miles. Rebecca: I'm seeing very strange activity in the Animus. William: Oh? Rebecca: The CPU should be fairly idle. But the system monitor is spiking regularly. Sometimes as high as 85 percent. William: Is it serious? Rebecca: I'm not sure. Desmond's signs are stable. William: Well, if there isn't a problem, let's not try to fix anything. Rebecca: Fair enough. God, I need a drink. Desmond then came across Clay, lamenting on his misfortune. Desmond: 16? Clay: Desmond, think about this... What if... I went with you? Desmond: With me? Where? Clay: It could work. Just for a while. Until I found a way out. Another body maybe. Or... I don't know. I just don't... I don't want to be here anymore. Desmond: That's... that's not going to happen. I'm sorry. Clay: No... I guess I had my chance. And I wasted it. Clay disappeared. After a while, a discussion between Rebecca, Shaun and William Miles could be eavesdropped on. William: Were they close, Desmond and Lucy? I mean... closer than friends? Rebecca: Ah... Well, there was the occasional misty-eyed moment, but– Shaun: She liked him, Bill. That's what she told me. William: Hmm. Interesting. Rebecca: That's it? Just... interesting? William: I spent a lot of time training each of them when they were younger. She was a remarkable woman, and I find this whole situation... quite sad. Shaun: Sad? Are you finally going soft on us, Bill?

After DNA Sequence 6

Some time later, another talk between Shaun and William Miles took place. Shaun: You know something, don't you? You know what's out there. William: I have a hunch, yes. Shaun: Come on, Bill. You never do anything halfway. What do you think we'll find? William: If we're lucky, another prize. If we're very lucky... something that'll end this miserable war. Shaun: You're talking over my head, mate. William: Listen Shaun, I have no idea what we're going to find. But I do know that whatever it is, the Templars can't have it. After this exchange, Clay inquired about Desmond's life, which at first he was nervous to reply to. Clay: Do you regret anything Desmond? Desmond: Like what? Clay: Running away. Leaving your parents behind. Finding a shit job, and pretending to be productive. What's it like spending your whole life, avoiding hard decisions? Desmond: Come on. Clay: Sure, you're an Assassin, but it wasn't your choice. Desmond: Do you have a point? Clay: I want to know, if you regret anything. Desmond: Sure. I wish I'd been more patient with my parents. I wish I'd listened. And Lucy... maybe things could have been different if I'd– I'm not sure. Clay: Thank you. Desmond: For what? Clay: For making sense. Once Clay's curiosity was fulfilled, another group conversation with those outside the Animus started. Rebecca: Shaun, you feeling okay? Shaun: Sure, yeah, yeah, I'm fine yeah. We're Assassins, after all aren't we, eh? Why should we be surprised if one of us dies every now and again? Rebecca: Every death is a tragedy. To somebody, somewhere. Shaun: What I want to know is... is Desmond worth all this trouble, you know? What is he... is he the chosen one, is that it? Little Jimmy Special or some bollocks like that? William: I'm afraid not. But what he has is rare. His genes contain high concentrations of First Civilization DNA. Only about one in ten million are so lucky. Rebecca: Ah. The bleeding effect. Is that part of it? William: I believe so. I wish I could say we knew about his gift earlier. But it was the Templars who realized this. And they found him first...

After DNA Sequence 8

Following Desmond exploring more of Ezio's memories, the Assassins outside of his coma planned to relocate themselves, and him along with them. Gavin: Bill! Good to see you. Listen, we've got a customs officer waiting to talk to everyone. William: I hope you have something for us. Gavin: Absolutely, passports and papers for everyone. Shaun: Ah brilliant, so I'm... I'm what, a neurosurgeon now, am I? Gavin: You're a medical team from SUNY upstate, just back from Rome with your patient, experimental gene therapy. William: Good work, let's get this over with. Rebecca: Wait look, this is crazy! William: What's wrong? Rebecca: Not sure, but Desmond's brain is lighting up like a string of firecrackers! Meanwhile, inside the Animus, the machine planned to wipe Animus Island of all its contents, with Clay and Desmond along with it. As the threat of being deleted was finally at hand, it spurred one last conversation between the two. Clay: Here it comes... Desmond: What is that?! What's going on! Clay: This is the end Desmond. Scheduled for deletion! Clay embraced Desmond tightly, bewildering the Assassin in the process. Desmond: What are you doing?! Clay: What is a man but the sum of his memories? We are the stories we live! The tales we tell ourselves! Jumping to the conclusion that Clay intended to take both of them to their deaths, Desmond pleaded with him. Desmond: Don't do this! Clay: I'm saving you, idiot! GO! Clay pushed Desmond towards the Sync Nexus, as he began to be erased by the system deletion. However, it would not stop him from shouting out one final command to Desmond. Clay: GO!

The Sync Nexus

Once Desmond had achieved the necessary synchronization with his ancestors, he found himself communicating with Jupiter, one of the First Civilization, as Juno and Minerva stood at either side of the ancient figure before him. Jupiter: Do you hear me, cipher? Can you see me? Ah. There you are. Good. A strange place, this nexus of time. I am not used to the...calculations. That has always been Minerva's domain. I see you still have many questions. Who were we? What became of us? What do we desire of you? You will have your answers. Only listen and I will tell you how. Both before the end and after, we sought to save the world. We built vaults within which to work, each dedicated to a different method of salvation. They were placed underground to avoid the war which raged above, and also as a precaution, should we fail in our efforts. Each vault's knowledge was transmitted to a single place. It was our duty – mine, Minerva's, and Juno's – to sort and sample all that was collected. We chose those solutions which held the most promise, and devoted ourselves to testing their merits. Six we tried in succession, each more encouraging than the last. But none worked. And then the world ended... The Earth shook for days. The fires burned for weeks. And when the ash had settled, less than ten thousand of your kind still lived... and far fewer of ours. But we carried on, together. To rebuild. To renew. Listen. You must go there. To the place where we labored... labored and lost. Take my words. Pass them from your head into your hands. That is how you will open the way. But be warned: much still remains in flux. And I do not know how things will end – either in my time or yours.

After DNA Sequence 9
Following Jupiter's message and having fully separated himself from his ancestors and their memories, Desmond began to awaken from his comatose state. Rebecca: Wait, look! His vitals are stabilizing... Something's happening... He's... He's moving! William: Desmond, can you hear me? Son? Desmond: I know what we need to do.

Animi Training Program

On the advancement of the Animi Training Program, select Abstergo recruits were allocated to the second stage of the program, and came into contact with Warren Vidic often, as well as some other Templars. Welcome Taking place in a dark, dimly lit room, Warren Vidic introduced himself to the prospective Abstergo recruits who had excelled in the program's first stage. Vidic: It is a privilege for each one of you to be invited up here. Everyone in this room has proven themselves as more than mere killers. Your skill acquisition in the Animus thus far has been far superior to that of your colleagues, who, as I speak, continue to struggle down below us. But the test of your true worth has barely begun. You think you know of our Order. Of our founding in 1119, our quest for domination during the Crusades. The vast treasure and the decline at the end of the 12th century. And, finally, our resurgence as Abstergo. You know nothing. It is time to begin your real education. As you continue your training in the Animus, those worthy will be admitted to the secrets of our Order. My assistant will monitor your progress. Once you exit this room there is no turning back. Succeed, and a bright future awaits, fail... and far more than your contract will be terminated. First Steps From their previous first meeting, one Abstergo recruit, Juhani Otso Berg, had began to impress the Templar Order, so much so that Vidic offered encouraging words to help motivate him to climb higher. Vidic: You served Abstergo well, and your skills in the Animus continue to impress. I do not use that term lightly. If you continue at this rate, it is a foregone conclusion that you will be the one to enter our inner chambers, and learn our most trusted secrets. Once you cross that threshold, your eyes will be opened, and you will see this world for what it truly is. Don't muck this up. Abstergo is counting on you. Promises As usual, Berg had built upon his progress at a quick rate, which impressed Warren Vidic's assistant and called for another meeting with him. Vidic: Moving up through the ranks nicely, I see. Exactly as predicted. My assistant's reports have been glowing, although I find he is a little bit of a panderer. Do not let his flattery fool you. We will only continue to educate you as long as you continue to show promise. Prove yourself, however, and we are prepared to give you far more. Privileges With Berg's development bolstered as he invested more effort into the Animi Training Program, his effort began to bear fruit, while Vidic provided a commentary of what differed him from the rest of humanity. Vidic: For the vast majority of humankind, life is an ordeal to be suffered. Berg chose a designer watch from a box before him, courtesy of Abstergo. Vidic: One painful failure after another, followed, mercifully, by death. Berg then took a glass of champagne offered to him and entered a private jet. Vidic: Mortgages, car payments, waiting lists, bills. Berg casually strolled through an airport. Attendant: Right this way, sir. Vidic: Most are kept far too busy to look at the big picture. But not you. From now on, you will be at the front of every list. Transportation, maids, cooks will all be provided. From there, he entered a limousine and picked up a bottle of expensive wine. Vidic: Vacation homes, tranquility and privacy will surround you. Your children will attend the best schools, and your parents will be cared for. Berg pulled up at a remote countryside mansion. Vidic: Any woman, or man, you desire will be yours. For most, life is an unwinnable game. Berg opened the door and stepped out of the limousine, and Vidic walked out of the mansion's entrance, waiting to greet him. Vidic: The Order of the Knights Templar welcomes you. After all, we engineered it that way. Inducted Following Berg's luxurious treatment, Vidic prepared to impart an important message to him, though he was interrupted. Vidic: I hope you are enjoying the new comforts we have granted you. Of course, you know there is no backing out now. We have plans for you. An important part of this company's future. Truth is– Intercom: Dr. Vidic. You are wanted in the processing plant. Vidic: Well... I suppose the truth will have to wait. Clearance Determined not to disappoint, Berg had progressed even more since Vidic's last visit, prompting him to tempt at allowing Berg deeper into the Templar Order. Vidic: I see you have been busy while I was gone. Continue to increase in skill, and you may be invited to visit our inner offices. Be respectful, far more than your job is on the line. I have put in a request to have your security clearance raised, allowing us to share sensitive information with you. Something to look forward to... If you make it, of course. Active Agent Soon enough, with the growth of skill that Berg had shown, Vidic made mention of his first mission, as well as his final briefing, as he encroached upon the completion of the Animi Training Program. Vidic: Your training is almost complete. Allow me a rare moment of emotion, I feel proud of my accomplishment. Soon, you will become an active agent. Others have been sent to gather the intelligence required for your first mission as we speak. Conclude your training and the final briefing will occur upstairs. May the Father of Understanding guide you. One of Them Rather slowly, Berg entered the secret chamber located within the corporation after using a fingerprint scanner, making sure to pay attention to all of he saw. Hearing a voice, he sat down as he was asked, before Laetitia England introduced herself to him. Laetitia: Very few people ever see this room. It was first decorated in 1937, when we first founded the company. Laetitia England. Warren has told me so much about you. Quite impressive, reaching such a privileged position. The remnants of the Assassin Order are scattered across the globe. The time has come to end this fight. And you will be on the front lines. It comes down to trust. We must be certain that ours is well placed. A gruff sounding voice suddenly stated an order. Daniel: Don't move. Panicking slightly, Berg attempted to get up, but was held still by an arm around the throat, the hand holding an injection gun. Laetitia: Daniel, I give the orders. Daniel: Fine. Laetitia: Thank you. Now, go on. Proceeding onward, Daniel implanted Berg with a microchip from the injection gun. Daniel: There. Laetitia: From this day forward we monitor your every move. Welcome to the fold Master Templar. Target Acquired Newly appointed as a Master Templar, Berg sat observing the figures before him during his briefing, who had an announcement to make regarding the Assassins. Vidic: You have all been brought here because our intelligence gathering has progressed rapidly in the last week. Daniel: What have they found? Vidic: Be patient Daniel. I have an announcement to make. We now know where the Assassin leader, William M., is located. Laetitia: Brilliant work. We need to send a retrieval team. The two Templars then turned to Berg, staring straight at him. Vidic: Well, what are you waiting for? Go get him.

Assassin's Creed III

Arrival at the Temple

Desmond and his team arrived at the Grand Temple in upstate New York. William Miles opened the doors to their van. William: We're here. The other Assassins gathered up their equipment while Desmond waited at the mouth of the cave. William: Let's go. Desmond led the Assassins into the cave, stopping at the door, which was covered in modern graffiti and ancient Native American cave paintings. The Apple of Eden began to glow, and Desmond took it out and stuck it in a spherical concave imprint in the door which activated and opened. Shaun: "In another moment, down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again." Desmond bent under the door and walked under it, with the rest of his team following. The Assassins continued down a long empty hallway for some time before coming to a sloping drop which led to another door. Again, Desmond used the Apple to open the door. Desmond: I think we're... here. Beyond the door was a sliding drop. Desmond slid down this and then made his way into the main hall of the Temple. Upon entering it, he saw a bright glowing cube on the ground in front of a power bank. Desmond picked up the cube and inserted it into a matching slot on the bench-shaped structure, which activated the entire Temple, especially the great door at the very back. The Assassins made their way towards the door. As they reached it, Desmond heard Juno's voice. Juno: ...the key... you must...find...the key. Desmond began to experience the bleeding effect. William: Son? Desmond turned to face his father, but saw instead Haytham Kenway's coachman. Coachman: Sir? Desmond: Here we go again. Desmond collapsed. Some time later he awoke in the new Animus 3.0 Rebecca: Desmond? William: Do you hear us? Desmond responded in a dazed manner. Desmond: Yeah. What happened? William: The Temple triggered a bleeding effect. You collapsed and entered into a fugue state. Desmond: So naturally, you dropped me in the Animus instead of... I don't know... making sure I was okay? William tried to calm his son's anxiety. William: You weren't in any danger. Besides, the Temple appeared to be communicating with you, and I didn't want to risk severing the connection. At least not until we knew what it wanted. Desmond: Right. Of course. William: Son, I... Desmond: No, it's fine. I get it. And I know what I'm looking for, by the way. It's a key. Just don't know where it is, though... Guess that's why she triggered the bleeding effect. William: She?! Desmond: Juno, dad. She's... talking to me. Desmond then began the refresher course Rebecca set up for him.

After Sequence 3

Desmond got out of the Animus, shocked about learning Haytham's true loyalties. Desmond: You all saw that, right? Rebecca: Wow. Shaun: Wow, indeed. Desmond: The key must be the amulet Haytham took from London. William: We might know what it looks like, but we're no closer to finding it. Desmond, you need to keep going. At this, Desmond showed his disgust at William's seeming inhumanity. Desmond: Hey, he was your ancestor too. Why don't you hop in the Animus?! William: Really? That's your response. It's like dealing with a six year old. What is wrong with you, Desmond? Finally, Desmond let loose his rage and anger at being exploited. Desmond: You wanna know what's wrong?! I'm sick of being treated like I'm not even here! Desmond, do this! Desmond, do that! Desmond, you'd better figure things out because the sun is going to turn us all to ash and I know I was really nice to you but actually, I'm just another Templar plot-twist and, yes, I would like very much for you to be controlled by a magic space wizard so that you can murder me! So there's you're answer! I'm sick of being a goddamn pawn! I thought it might be different with you! I mean you're my FATHER but is turns out you're no better than the fucking Templars! Angered to his own breaking point, William punched Desmond in the jaw. William: Don't you EVER equate me with those bastards again! You hear me?! EVERYTHING I do-EVERYTHING I have DONE-has been for you! Maybe I pushed a little too hard? Asked a little too much? But try to remember exactly what's at stake here. You need to get it together, kid! We're running out of time! At this point, Shaun decided to break up the fight for an announcement. Shaun: Riiight. That was unusual. Well, I'm just going to pretend that this never happened and get back to bringing everyone up to speed on where we stand. The news isn't good. It appears this Temple is powered by a collection of um... well, I guess they're batteries. You found one on the way in. But there aren't any more. At least... not down here. Desmond: Any idea on where we can find replacements? Shaun: Not yet. So, I intend to tiptoe into the Abstergo database. Now, if I can cross reference these particular devices with their database, I might get lucky. William: See what you can do. Shaun agreed, though he appeared just as disgusted with William's indifference as Desmond. Shaun: Obviously. Anyway, Desmond-you can either take a look around here or we can head back into the Animus.

Before Sequence 4

The argument settled, Desmond spoke to Rebecca. Desmond: What are you working on? Rebecca: Lots of different stuff. If you're going into the field, we need a way to keep tabs on you and stay in touch. Hacking into local security systems won't cut it. Desmond: Thanks. Rebecca: For what? Desmond: I don't know...everything. You've sacrificed a lot for me. You and Shaun both. You upgraded the Animus, helped train me, pulled me out of that coma... You put all that work into the database. Helped me solve Clay's puzzles... I know I haven't been the easiest person to work with... And I'm sorry for that. And I just want you to know that even if I'm shitty at showing it-I appreciate everything you've done. Rebecca: You really think we'll finally get some answers down here? Desmond: Maybe. Talking to the First Civ has always been a pain in the ass though. William: Imagine what it must be like for them. Rebecca: What do you mean? William: They've been separated from us by tens of thousands of years-A completely different language and  culture...possessed of an intelligence vastly superior to our own. We're lucky they've communicated as much as they have. Desmond: I don't know why they had to make this all so complicated. I mean if they need something from me, they should just come out and say it. William: I've been wondering about that myself. I get the sense Juno and Minerva didn't exactly see eye to eye. I'm studying everything I can get my hands on...But maybe you'll find something down here that can shed light on the mystery. What happened between them-and why? Rebecca: What do you think is behind that door? Desmond: No idea. Rebecca: Do you think it can save us? Desmond: The First Civ seemed to think so. Rebecca: What if it's dangerous? Desmond: It's not like we have a lot of alternatives. Rebecca: Well, we could...I don't know...warn the President? Desmond: And what's he gonna do? And who's to say he's not in bed with Abstergo. Seems everyone is these days... Rebecca: What if we went to them? To Abstergo, I mean. Desmond: Thought about it actually. Showing them what we've seen. Trying to work together... They must know so much more than we do. But... Rebecca: What is it? Desmond: It's possible that they know what's going to happen. That they WANT it to happen. For all we know they're hiding out in bunkers right now, waiting for the world to end. And then when its all over-out they come-ready to take control. Rebecca: God, I hope you're wrong. Desmond: So do I, Rebecca. So do I... Desmond then ran over to Shaun who was inspecting the door. Shaun: Would you look at that... Rebecca: What is it? Shaun: If I had to guess, I would say that's a counter. And judging from the iconography, I think it's safe to say when that's emptied...the end begins. Shaun noticed Desmond. Shaun: Hello, Desmond. How's things? Desmond: Same old. Another day, another ancestor. Shaun: Who'd have thought that you had a Templar in your family tree? Desmond: I think he started out as an Assassin. They must have turned him... Shaun: Right you are, in fact! I've been reviewing our archives and it appears that Haytham's father was indeed an Assassin. Which means he was likely one too. At least for a little while... Desmond: What else did you find? Shaun: That fellow from the opera – Reginald Birch – Grand Master of the London chapter of the Templars. He and Haytham's father – a man named Edward – well, they were longtime rivals. Now, it appears Birch got his hands on Haytham at a rather young age – working his wiles to convince Haytham to switch sides. Wonder how he did it. I'll see if I can't dig up more... Shaun then asked Desmond about their situation. Shaun: Hon–Honest answer please, Desmond: Do you think we're getting out of this alive? Desmond: I don't know... I mean – it's a pretty tall order. If the First Civ couldn't save the world – how the hell are we supposed to swing it? Shaun: We have some time. Desmond: We have less than two months! They had decades and a lot more resources. And the worst part... is that we knew this was coming for, what, hundreds of years? Shaun: History repeats, it seems. The First Civ was so busy with their war against us – no one even noticed what was happening. We get advanced warning and then fall to fighting with the Templars... Lovely. Desmond: Hopefully, whatever's behind that door will make a difference. Shaun: And if it doesn't – well, at least we tried.

Field Mission One: New York City

Desmond got out of the Animus, having experienced Connor's early memories. Shaun: Welcome back, Desmond! You'll be happy to here there's actually good news for once. Desmond: Yeah? Shaun: I've managed to locate a power source. And it's relatively close by. Up for a trip to Manhattan? Rebecca voiced concern. Rebecca: Is it safe to leave? Abstergo's got to be looking for us. Shaun: Obviously, it's not safe. We can't just sit around here hoping to get lucky, though, can we? We need that power source. Besides, I'm sure you can cook up some way to hide our movements. Rebecca: Maybe. The Templars have access to all kinds of satellites and camera systems. We'll need to find a way to mask our digital signature. I can probably camouflage the van, too. But there's not much I can do for US. Desmond: That's an easy one. Desmond pulled up his hood. Minutes later, all the Assassins were in the van listening to the news on the radio. Radio Announcer: ...local utility companies have assured the public that they're completely prepared for the upcoming solar maximum. Disruptions to service are expected to be minimal. Shaun turned the radio off. Shaun: If only they knew... Rebecca handed something to Desmond. Desmond: What's this? Rebecca: A remote-operated camera. It'll provide us with a feed while you're on mission. This will let us talk to each other. William: We're almost there, so listen up. The artifact is in an office penthouse in lower Manhattan. At this time of night, direct infiltration is going to get you noticed. I think we're better off having you drop in from above. Desmond: What do you mean above? William handed Desmond a backpack with a parachute in it. Hours later, Desmond was in New York, getting out of a service elevator on the Freedom Tower of the World Trade Center. Tossing up the camera, he tested his earpiece. Desmond: Can you hear me? Testing. Testing. One. Two. Three. Rebecca: Yup! Read you just fine. Now why don't you power up the camera... The camera flew out of Desmond's hand like a mosquito. Rebecca: Got picture. Running diagnostics. Perfect! I've got a nice strong signal. Just a heads up – there's no elevator access from here on out. You'll have to get up there the old fashioned way. Desmond made his way through the construction site. When he got to a sliding door, he slid under it and almost fell over the side. He found himself looking over Manhattan, and freaked out from near-vertigo. Shaun: Oh, that's a... Hold still. That's a lovely view. Desmond: Seriously, Shaun, fuck you. Desmond continued to make his way up cranes and across hanging beams and power cables to the top. Desmond: Jesus... Rebecca: Look on the bright side – no security to worry about. Shaun: And on the not-so-bright side, the slightest misstep means that you're effectively... paste. Rebecca: Shut up, Shaun. Desmond kept climbing up until he finally reached the topmost floor, still under construction. Rebecca: Almost there, Desmond. Once you reach the top of the lit up crane, you should be high enough to make the jump. Desmond: Should? Rebecca: It'll be fine, don't worry. Shaun: Well – you might want to worry a little. I'm pretty sure she was high when she was running the numbers. Rebecca: Shaun! Shaun: A joke. It was a joke – or was it? Desmond free-ran his way to the top of the crane arm. Rebecca: Jump when you're ready, but wait for my signal to open the chute. Timing's really important here. Too soon or too late and you'll miss the building. Desmond made a Leap of Faith from the crane. Rebecca: Now! Open your chute now! Desmond struggled momentarily to open his parachute, but eventually succeeded and glided down towards the building, landing on the helipad. Making his way inside, he reached the room with the power cube, which was sealed under glass. Desmond smashed the glass with his elbow and retrieved the cube. Desmond: That wasn't so bad. But as Desmond turned to leave, he was surprised by a figure in the doorway. It was Daniel Cross. Daniel: So, you must be Desmond. Not what I expected. But I guess your kind doesn't have many options these days. Desmond: Who are you? Daniel: Ask your father. Now give me that. Desmond: I don't think so. Daniel: Look – I'm not supposed to kill you, but the bossman didn't say anything about fucking you up. So you've got to the count of– Desmond interrupted Daniel by twisting his arm and clobbering his jaw with the power cube. Unconscious, Daniel lay on the floor while Desmond fled. The Assassins left New York immediately and made a two day detour through Boston. Upon returning to the Grand Temple, Desmond demanded to know about Cross. Desmond: So who the hell is Daniel Cross? Shaun: Believe it or not, he used to be an Assassin. THE Assassin, the way I've heard it told. But it turned out that he was a sleeper agent for Abstergo, trained to infiltrate and bring down the organization. William: How did he know you were there? We could be compromised... Shaun: They must have caught me snooping inside their network and sent Cross to see what we were after. If they were aware of our current location, we'd know. Though I will say this – it doesn't bode well for future expeditions. Rebecca: I've set up some cameras topside. If anyone shows up we'll see it. Shaun: I'd suggest you go see about finding a socket for that power source. Or we can return to Connor if you prefer. All the artifacts in the world won't mean a thing without the key.

Juno encounters 1 & 2

Desmond explored the Temple while looking for a socket for the battery he'd just acquired. Along the way, he encountered Juno, who explained the solutions the First Civilization had tried to save the world from the First Disaster. Juno: In the beginning, when we thought we could be saved, we sought to face the sun's wrath and contain it. Four towers would be built– to pull her fury into this place and dispel it. But even with all we knew... with all we had... It would take too long. A thousand years we could labor and still the work would not be done... The first tower was never completed, the project abandoned... We moved on. But while we labored on other endeavors, a few returned. They thought to automate the process... Metal might finish what flesh could not. If we could not meet the sun's cruel embrace... Perhaps we might rebuke it. Already we could generate the fields – to protect us in times of strife... But these were small and simple things. To replicate them on a scale the size of a world... We lacked the energy to make it so. Half the world, they said, then. It is better than none at all. We tried. Again, we failed. A quarter, they asked. Even this, we could not do... A sixth! An eighth! A tenth, they cried! The answer was still the same. Perhaps in time, a city might be spared... But it was time we did not have... So we moved on.

Before Sequence 6

Desmond soon found a socket and plugged the power source into it. When this was done, he returned down below and talked to Rebecca. Rebecca: I know everyone thinks I'm being silly, but I can't shake the feeling we're being watched. Desmond: We are being watched. By Juno. Or some version of her. Rebecca: Do you think it's a recording? Or is she a ghost? Or... something else? Is she talking to us the way Minerva talked to Ezio? Desmond: No clue. I mean, who knows what else they were working on down here. There are still so many rooms we don't have access to... Rebecca: But... do you think she's like literally down here? Waiting somewhere? Still alive? Shaun: Still alive, that's mental! That would mean she'd be at least – 75? 80 thousand years old? They were powerful, yeah – but not that powerful. Rebecca: They came down here looking for a way to survive... Maybe they found one? Rebecca then nervously asked Desmond about his encounter with Daniel Cross. Rebecca: Was it weird seeing Cross? Desmond: What do you mean? Rebecca: It's different for you. You don't know what happened, I guess. For a long time he was... important to us. He was a different person. Desmond: Shaun said he was a sleeper agent. Like Lucy. Rebecca: It was different. She made a choice. But Cross... if you read the files... Abstergo just... they did terrible things to him. Desmond: Rebecca? Rebecca: You're lucky. We all are. We have people who care about us. Who look out for us. He was all alone – and the people he thought he could trust, they used him. Desmond: Did you know him? Rebecca: No... But... I knew Hannah. Desmond: Who's that? Rebecca: She tried to help him. She trusted him. But there was a raid about a year ago... She stayed behind so the others could escape. Tried to reason with him. To see if she could fix things... Desmond: What happened? Rebecca's voice broke as she related what happened next. Rebecca: What do you think happened? He killed her. That's what he does. That's all he knows how to do. Sometimes, it seems that's all any of us know how to do... Desmond: Rebecca... Desmond then spoke to his father next. William first tried to apologize for the earlier punch, then to make peace for Desmond's rough childhood. William: Son? I... I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have lashed out like that. You have to understand I've never been very good at this. Nevermind that we live rather... extraordinary lives. Desmond: Yeah... I kinda liked my ordinary one. William: You can't escape who you are, Desmond. Desmond: So I've noticed. William: Look... it's silly for us to go back and forth like this. I admit, I did a shitty job raising you. I apologize, I'm sorry. But it's important you understand it didn't come from a bad place. You're my son. I love you. I guess I was so busy trying to make sure nothing bad happened, I didn't... consider the consequences. Truce? Desmond: I can't believe it's taken me so long to ask, but – how's Mom? She's not... William: No, no. Your mother's fine. We decided it would be better if we split up for this job. Desmond: Always assuming the worst. William: Hmm. For good reason. Desmond: Can I at least say hi to her? William: I'm sorry... it's too risky. Maybe when we're done... Desmond: Right. When we're done. Desmond then asked his father if the Assassins and Templars had ever worked together. Desmond: Have... Have we ever tried to make peace with the Templars? William: Throughout our history, there have been moments... Several, in fact. But... It's impossible. There are... existential differences. Insurmountable. If there were to be unity, it wouldn't be a truce so much as a submission. Desmond: But knowing what's about to happen... Wouldn't it make sense to try and talk to Vidic? Come to an arrangement? Even if it's only temporary? William: We'd all be so busy watching our backs, nothing would be accomplished. Imagine that, we're more productive at war... Desmond: Well, have we tried... sending in someone? Doing to them what they did to us with Lucy? Or Cross? William: We have. And it's never worked. We either sent in people who were either too weak, and found themselves turned – or too strong, and were unable to carry out the charade. Desmond: I just feel like we all want the same thing. William: We use the same words, but that's all they are... words. In the end, it all comes down to freedom. We seek it. They detest it. And so there's never an end to the fight. Not until one side is completely gone. Desmond: Is that even possible? William: Probably not. Our two groups have existed in one form or another since... well... forever. But things can be better than they are. And that's something. Desmond then asked William about whether he had ever looked for him. Desmond: Did you look for me, Dad? When I was gone. William: Every day. Desmond: Come on... William: I mean it. Every night I'd look. Searching for your name – or variations of it – hoping you'd slip up. Abstergo only found you first because they had better access. A few more days and it would have been me. Desmond: Well, I'm here now. William: And I'm glad. Desmond: Do you think Lucy regretted what she was doing? William: I used to think I knew her well, but clearly, that wasn't the case. So I can't give you an honest answer. Desmond: She seemed so sincere, though. Like she really wanted to make a difference. William: Yes, well, when I first met him, I thought the same thing about Cross. Desmond then lamented the fact that more often than not, the Assassins kept defecting to the Templars than vice-versa. Desmond: It just keeps happening over and over again. William: What does? Desmond: Everything... William: Don't get weird on me, Desmond. Desmond: No. It's fine. I'm fine. Don't worry. William: Alright, then. You should think about getting back in the Animus. We've got to find that key. Desmond then made his way over to Shaun, who wanted to use the Animus to go back to the beginning. Shaun: Oh, Desmond, there you are! Can I ask a favor? Desmond: Maybe... Shaun: When this is all over, I'd like to try turning the dial back on the Animus. Like, ALL the way back. To the time of the First Civilization. Desmond: You think it would work? Shaun: There was no real loss of fidelity when you visited Altaïr. Then again, that was about a thousand years ago, and I'm looking at going back at least seventy thousand more. Desmond: Sure, I'd be up for it. Would be interesting to see what things were like back then. Shaun: Excellent! I think it would prove most enlightening. Shaun then launched into seeing the American Revolution from a decidedly British perspective. Shaun: So this is how it started... Desmond: What are you up to? Shaun: Just brushing up on my American history, I... I say history. They certainly teach you strange things in the states. Desmond: Like what? Shaun: Well – for all the talk of this being a "revolutionary" war, it was more of a civil one. Well, not THAT kind of civil. I mean there was no America versus Britain. It was Brit on Brit action. And you can clearly see how the whole thing got started: one war gave birth to the other. Desmond: You mean the Seven Years War? Shaun: Exactly. Seems the Crown overspent in its attempt to keep the French out. Wound up with a great deal of debt. Believing that the colonists should help to shoulder the burden, new taxes were created. It was a reasonable request – even if Parliament was rather, well, undiplomatic about it. Desmond: It's not really fair to tax people for a war they didn't want any part of... Shaun: What?! Didn't want any part of?! Did you not notice George Washington with Edward Braddock? He was right in the middle of it! So here you have the Crown spending who knows how much money to secure a place for the colonists to thrive – and then when they ask for a little bit of help... Right, look, think of it this way. King George and the colonists, they all go out to dinner, right. And when the bill comes, George asks them to kick in and pay their share. Fair enough! But keep in mind, his family's been taking them out to dinner, gratis, for DECADES now. But the colonists, oh no, they insist they only had a glass of water and a side salad. Nevermind the table is FULL of half-eaten food and empty bottles of wine. And then when the King points this out, what do the colonists do? Oh! They flip the table over and storm out of the restaurant – probably intending to return later and burn it down. Desmond: You left out the part where the King pointed a GUN at the colonists and forced them to cover dinner for EVERYONE at the restaurant. Shaun: Riiight. Right, yeah. Interesting take. IF he pulled out a gun – and it's not fair to say he did – it would only have been after the hundredth failed attempt at getting them to pay their fair share. Desmond: But how do you define someone's fair share? Shaun: With a war, apparently. Shaun then wondered how many other First Civilization vaults there were still to find. Shaun: I wonder how many other places like this exist... Desmond: There are dozens of them. All over the world. Shaun: And somehow no one's ever found one before us? Desmond: I don't think that's true. Shaun: Oh? Desmond: When I was at Abstergo, Vidic talked about silencing discoveries made by non-Templars. And I'm sure Abstergo has dug up plenty. Shaun: The things they must know... Desmond: Regretting throwing in with us? Shaun: Hah. No. Just looking forward to when we can finally trounce those bastards so I can dive into their archives.

Before Sequence 9

Shaun expressed his frustration at American politicians. Shaun: Unbelievable... Desmond: What's up? Shaun: Your politicians are constantly referencing the founding fathers – and insisting they must have been in support of one thing or another. I have never seen such a blantant disregard for history. Desmond: That's just typical politicial propaganda. Shaun: It's also dishonest and delusional. How could anyone claim to know what these people wanted based off scraps of paper and wishful thinking? Desmond: They're looking for intent – what these men envisioned for our country and its future. Shaun: Idealistic... and unlikely. I don't think most of your presidents and senators and judges care what the founders thought. They just want to know how they can bend old words to achieve modern goals. Who cares if they were deists or theists or wanted a central bank. Why do people need the validation? What should matter is what you – as an individual, believe. And why you believe it. What? Are we so insecure that we have to find 18th century letters to validate our beliefs? Oh, look mom! A dead man agreed with me. Maybe. If you transpose the letters in his shopping list you can plainly see he was on my side. Desmond: Jesus Shaun. That's a cynical way to look at it... Shaun: Doesn't make it less true. I keep trying to understand how men like Washington and Jefferson could dedicate their lives to the pursuit of liberty and equality, yet have no problem owning slaves. It's hypocritical in the extreme. And your history books make only passing mention of the subject. As if... as if it were of little consequence. Desmond: They had a war to win. A country's future to secure. How could they deal with all these issues at the same time? Shaun: Spoken like a true apologist. We hear it today too. That matters of civil rights and equality must wait. There are conflicts to settle. Economies to salvage. What do any of these things matter if the people are not free and equal. ALL of them.

Juno encounters 5 & 6

Juno: A new world approached. One that was dark and cold. It would consume us. For we were flesh and flesh is frail. Though suits and shields might offer comfort – such adornments would not suffice... Not to save us all... So we sought to change what we were. In this manner we might thrive in a world made poisonous... It was Aita who volunteered to see if it might be done. Aita, my husband, my love. In the end it changed him... Ruined him... He was made a prisoner of the machines. The body might survive – but his mind became brittle to the touch... He begged me for release. For days – for weeks – for months. I pleaded with him to give us more time to find another way. But there wasn't one. Not for him. Not for us... What is consciousness but a series of electrical impulses... And the body a vessel to hold these sparks. But it is weak. In time, it decays and crumbles into dust... We asked ourselves, then: what if it might be replaced – with something stronger. Something better. So we forged a new vessel. One that might endure. It proved easy enough to enter... But to leave... To leave required something more... Something wrong... And so this too they abandoned. I wondered, though... were they right to turn away...

Before Sequence 11

Shaun expressed his regret at not asking Desmond to hack into the Abstergo servers. Shaun: I regret not asking you to hack into the Abstergo servers while you were there. A couple of well-placed relays and we'd be swimming in information. Desmond: We have everything we need. Shaun: Yeah, except the key! Desmond: We're close. Shaun: How do you know? Desmond: I just... do. Shaun talked about his discovery of manna. Shaun: I've been poking around a bit. Did you know that there are machines down here that make... well, manna. Rebecca: Wizard manna or Biblical manna? Shaun: What do you think? Biblical of course. The Greeks called it ambrosia. The Indians, Amrit or Soma. Most cultures around the world refer to a divine food, though I'd say it's taste is anything but. William: You ate something that came out of a seventy five thousand year old machine? Shaun: And I lived to tell the tale! Desmond: So... what did it taste like? Shaun: Cardboard. The taste of cardboard. Hardly the stuff of legends... Though I wonder if the first civilization didn't taste differently than we do. Rebecca: Maybe the flavorizer broke. Shaun: Flavorizer? You've certainly got a way with words, Rebecca. Shaun mentioned news from the outside to Desmond. Shaun: Things are getting worse outside. Desmond: What do you mean? Shaun: Every day for the past two weeks the sun has been throwing off larger and larger flares. Older satellites are starting to malfunction, I hear rumblings of recalling the crew on the international space station. There's already work being done as well to shield power stations and transformers on the ground. Not that any of it matters. This goes far beyond some brownouts... We all saw what's ACTUALLY coming. Desmond: Do you know how it works? Shaun: Look, I'm no physicist, but it's, it's something to do with the Earth's magnetic field. The flares and mass ejections disturb it, which appears to trigger seismic events. I've tried reaching out to people who might know better, but they all insist it's bunk. And I don't blame them. It sounds ridiculous... Desmond: I wish it was. Desmond went to see his father. William: Hello. Desmond: Hey. You think killing Vidic set Abstergo back? William: I doubt it. Sure, he pioneered the Animus, but they've had the technology for decades now. Plenty of other people can take his place. Desmond: And Cross? William: He was a loose cannon – I doubt anyone's mourning his death. I think these days he was more a symbol than an asset. Desmond: Hmmm... William: Sorry. I don't mean to dismiss what you did. But it's going to take a lot more than a couple of deaths to stop the Templars. Desmond and William talked about the latter's capture by Abstergo. Desmond: Did Vidic put you in an Animus when you were at Abstergo? They'd be able to search your memories and track you back here. William: Oh they definitely tried. But I made things difficult for them. You can resist, you can cloud up the transmission or just refuse to move. Eventually they would have gotten what they needed but still it would have taken them weeks. Desmond: Vidic threatened to put me in a coma once. William: It would have made you more pliable. But if the user isn't engaged, it's a mess. I know they've been working on ways to extract memories and let others sift through those memories. Maybe they're even analyzing mine right now. Maybe they'll find us, I don't know... What I do know is that we've got to get through that door. Desmond: Yeah... I should probably get back into the Animus.

End of a Hero

Desmond, William, Shaun and Rebecca approached the gate inside the Grand Temple. Desmond: Moment of truth. The team proceeded to make their way towards the ending of the path, leading to a round device. Juno: Yes... Come... Here... at last. You know our story now. Of how we tried. Of how we failed. All our hopes extinguished. Save one. Your touch, a spark. A spark to save the world. Minerva: Wait! Do not touch the pedestal! Desmond: Minerva...? Juno: You... But how? You left! You destroyed the device! Minerva: Did you think there was only one? William: What the hell is going on here? Minerva: You must not free her! Desmond: Free her? Minerva: Juno dwells within these walls, awaiting release. I will explain. While we worked to save the world, she sought, instead, to conquer it. She used our machines to set her plans in motion. Divination through numbers. There is a pattern to existence. To comprehend the calculations is to tame time. This was my focus. And so I built the Eye to aid us. But she turned it towards her own ends. When we discovered her treachery, we put a stop to it. And then we left. But first we called to you... That you might try again. We thought it would be safe with her gone. Now I see we were deceived. She survived. She endured. And then she began to work... For centuries Tinia and I walked the world, hoping to rekindle the spark of civilization. We shared what we knew as best we could. We were not the only ones. But for all the power we wrought, still death would claim us. But before it did, I would have one last look to know if we had succeeded. Desmond: That's how you're here now? Minerva: I had hoped you might find this place – and finish our work. But it is too late. You and the Templars have squabbled over our refuse. You have wasted centuries. And so you have lost your chance. You cannot hope to stop the end now, Desmond. Only to survive it. Juno: She's lying! Only touch of the pedestal and the world WILL be saved. Minerva: Better the world burn than she be loosed upon it. Juno: Is that so? Show him, then. Minerva: But he will not understand. It is complicated... It is... Desmond: Show me. Desmond was shown a vision of what would happen to the world if he refused to use the device. Juno: If you heed Minerva the sun will have its way. The ground will crack and spit fire into the sky. All the world will burn. But this does not end the world, merely heralds its arrival. Darkness follows. Then you emerge... Resolving to lay a foundation that such a tragedy does not befall the world again. You will become a symbol to those who survive. Hope. Knowledge. Determination. You will inspire them to rebuild. To thrive once more. And as the world heals, so too will humanity... But you are just a man. Frail and mortal. You pass from the world, leaving behind only a memory. A... legacy. You will be remembered first as a hero. Later as a legend. And in time... As a god. It is the cruelest fate. To have written words that meant well – and see them made wicked and unwise. What was meant to encourage life – used instead to justify taking it! And so now you see... That what was shall be again. So tell me: How is this better? Desmond, Juno and Minerva then continued their conversation. Juno: She would sacrifice you – sacrifice the WORLD – for no other reason than to deny me vindication. Minerva: They will enslave your kind, Desmond. Is this not why you fight? Is this not why you came here? To ensure more than just your race's future, but its freedom? Juno: What future? What freedom? Billions dead and the whole cycle begun anew? This world has known nothing but heartache and horror since we left it. Minerva: Our gift to them. And you'd see it all returned. Desmond: ENOUGH! Minerva: You must not do this. Desmond: Whatever Juno's planning – however terrible it might seem today – we'll find a way to stop it. But the alternative, what you want... There's no hope there. Minerva: If you free her – you'll be destroyed. Juno: It will happen in an instant. There will be no pain. Minerva: You mustn't! Desmond: It's done, Minerva. The decision's made. Minerva: Then the consequences of this mistake are yours to live – and die – with. Desmond: You need to go. All of you. Now. Get as far away from here as you can. William: Come with us. We'll find another way. Desmond: There isn't time! William: Son... Desmond: You know it's true. It's already started. I need to do this now. So go! GO! Desmond touched the pedestal, killing himself instantaneously but saving most of the world in the process. News reporter: ...it's some sort of global aurora borealis... ...never seen anything like this before... ...eyewitnesses describe electrical storms and erratic displays of unusual weather... residents are being asked to remain INSIDE and wait for... ...geological surveys are now reporting seismic activity throughout the ring of fire... northeastern Canada is said to be experiencing the largest... on record... ...satellites and transformers are failing as the flare increases in intensity... Worldwide reports of blackouts and... ...seems to be receding...Residual seismic activity and volcanic activity is being reported, but nothing approaching earlier levels... Obviously it will be a while before experts are able to assess the full extent of the damage caused by today's event. But it appears the worst is behind us... We'll be sure to bring you more as this story develops... Juno: It is done. The world is saved. You played your part well, Desmond. But now... Now it's time that I played mine.

The Cloud

An Abstergo employee began explaining to a colleague on how to synchronize Desmond's data to the cloud. Abstergo employee: Alright! We're up and running. This code is hacked to all hell– nicely hacked but hacked. The worm found three pivots before failing, so we've got those. You need to locate the remaining pivots on your own from inside. The three we've got will triangulate the rest. It's a sweet bit of hacking on my part if I dare say– each pivot detects the others in proximity. The should be twelve total. Every one you find is supposed to produce a hex cipher and that's what we're after. Once you find them all, we'll sequence the code, package the data and Bob's your uncle. Now, don't putz around too much in revolutionary America– I know it's tempting. So I've planted two of our pivots, not easy from my end, believe you me, but there they are. You can see those two activating a buried one... kinda. If you drop the third one we have, the buried pivot's precise location should resolve. Then go gather the hex cipher, rinse, and repeat. If you get a chance I'd love to see Franklin's Glass Harmonica in person... just a side note. Have fun! After finding all pivots, Desmond's data was uploaded to the cloud. Abstergo employee: Holy crap. We did it. It's done. His data's uploading to the cloud! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Vegas baby! Vegas!

References

• Assassin's Creed
• Assassin's Creed II
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations
• Assassin's Creed III

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