Floating conversations

Over the course of their lives, Haytham Kenway and Ratonhnhaké:ton had various conversations with different people.

Haytham Kenway

The Providence

On the second day of the voyage on board the Providence, Haytham entered one of the cabins and spoke to its inhabitant, Rupert Martin.

• Haytham: Have a moment to talk?
• Rupert: Ah, a fellow Londoner! Good to see I'm not the only man of means aboard. Rupert Martin, pleased to meet you.
• Haytham: Haytham Kenway. Pleasure.
• Rupert: Seems we picked an excellent time to leave the city.
• Haytham: Oh?
• Rupert: You didn't hear about the murder at the opera house?
• Haytham: No. What happened?
• Rupert: They're still trying to sort it out. And I suspect they'll be at it for a good while.
• Haytham: Any word on the motive?
• Rupert: They've ruled out robbery. So perhaps it was a business arrangement gone sour. Or something more personal... more lurid. Who knows. But I am glad to be away from it. The city grows more dangerous by the day.

Haytham entered the infirmary, and spoke to the doctor, who was tending to a sailor.

• Haytham: Good morning, Doctor.
• Doctor: To you as well.
• Haytham: A question, if I may. Do you serve aboard the ship? Or are you simply taking passage?
• Doctor: A bit of both, actually. I've been commissioned by the royal navy to study maritime illness. I'll be observing the crew during the journey. We have found that sailors fare far better on the open seas than the rest of us. I hope to discover why that is.
• Haytham: Well, I hope you are successful in your endeavors.
• Doctor: As do I. Thank you for the kind words.

Haytham then made his way to the upper deck, where he met the ship's captain, Samuel Smythe.

• Haytham: Captain.
• Samuel: Mister Kenway.
• Haytham: I just wanted to thank you again for taking me aboard, and apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused.
• Samuel: Inconvenience would be an understatement.
• Haytham: I'm sorry, I don't follow.
• Samuel: My ship was held in port for two days that we might accommodate you. I lost several contracts as a result.
• Haytham: I had no idea...
• Samuel: Of course not. You nobles are all the same...

Following the encounter with the sailors, Haytham spoke to the man at the helm.

• Haytham: Do you expect we'll have a pleasant crossing?
• Helmsman It is a quiet time of year - though rogue storms and troubled waters are not unheard of. But no need to fret. At worst they'll prove an inconvenience. I'm more concerned about pirates and rogue privateers.
• Haytham: Have you encountered them before?
• Helmsman: Aye. But the Providence is a strong ship - and her crew well trained. They will surely keep us safe.

Several days later, Haytham encountered Hector Graves while inspecting the lower deck for signs of mutiny.

• Graves: You lookin' for another fight, that it? Go away.

Haytham approached Quill.

• Quill I ain't got nothing to say to you.

Haytham continued his search.

• Mills: Quite the basting you gave Graves and Quill.
• Haytham: Wasn't by choice.
• Mills: Aye. Blockheads, the both of them. Where are my manners. Louis Mills. Pleased to meet you.
• Haytham: Haytham Kenway. So should I be watching my back?
• Mills: I think the boys learned their lesson. they're normally not so nasty. Honest. It's just the past few crossings have been a bit... rough.
• Haytham: Oh?
• Mills: Captain's trying to cut costs. Reduced rations, lower wages, more dangerous cargo... It's put the crew on edge.
• Haytham: Is there cause for concern, then?
• Mills: Not if I can help it. But the Captain needs to think about the way he treats his men...

Upon speaking to James, Haytham returned to Smythe.

• Samuel: You must expose whatever they're plotting.
• Haytham: Your crew is a tight-lipped bunch, but I'll see what I can do...
• Samuel: Well, hurry up!

Benjamin Franklin

During his time in Boston in 1754, Haytham met Benjamin Franklin inside a general store.

• Franklin: Hello again.
• Haytham: More Almanac pages?
• Franklin: Not quite. It's a treatise, actually.
• Haytham: Oh? Concerning what?
• Franklin: The benefits of taking an older woman as a lover.
• Haytham: Really? This, I'd like to hear.
• Franklin: First and most obvious - they're wiser. And so this makes for far more stimulating conversation. Makes other things more stimulating as well. But more on that in a moment.
• Haytham: Alright. Your argument for experience makes some sense.
• Franklin: Second, when beauty fades, women must improve their utility - lest they be discarded and forgotten. Rare is an old woman who is not also kind, compassionate, and good.
• Haytham: That's something of a generalization.
• Franklin: But also true. Now onto the third! Older women cannot conceive! Which means one less thing over which to fret. In fact, you also decrease the chance of acquiring something like the French Pox - its presence clearly visible - or the woman dead.
• Haytham: And should one desire a child?
• Franklin: Then make a young woman your wife. Let the older woman be a mistress. And that brings me to my fourth point: With age comes prudence. An older woman is less likely to reveal your indiscretions.
• Haytham: Yes. I suppose you know quite a bit about that.
• Franklin: And proud of it, thank you! As to the fifth reason: Because in every animal that walks upright, the deficiency of the fluids that fill the muscles appears first in the highest part: the face first grows lank and wrinkled, then the neck; then the breast and arms; the lower parts continuing to last as plump as ever: So covering all the above with a basket, and regarding only what is below the girdle, it is impossible of two women to know an old from a young one. And as in the dark all cats are grey, the pleasure of corporal enjoyment with an old woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every knack being by practice capable of improvement.
• Haytham: You mad bastard!
• Franklin: Well it's true. And believe me, I should know - I've sampled a great many. You should try one as well! Like a fine wine, they only improve with age. Although... I suppose if left unattended too long, they have a tendency to sour. And that, my friend, is a most unpleasant experience. Better to work in a field often plowed, you know?
• Haytham: Is there more?
• Franklin: Indeed, indeed. The sixth is this: the sin is less. To take a maidenhead is a great responsibility. Mishandled, it can ruin lives. No such risk with an older woman. And this implies the seventh: younger women are more given to compunction. Anxiety and unease are not present in the more aged and experienced. And as to the the last of my reasons. Well it's really quite simple. Older women are so very grateful for the attention.
• Haytham: You make a compelling argument, Mister Franklin. I might just have to run a few tests myself.
• Franklin: I highly recommend it!

Ratonhnhaké:ton

Samuel Adams

After attending the Second Continental Congress on 16 June 1776, Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke with Samuel Adams.

• Adams: Still here, are you?
• Connor: I was just wondering... What happens now?
• Adams: There's quite a lot to do. Commander Washington must determine when and where we'll strike next. And we need to get to work on our message.
• Connor: Message?
• Adams: We must contact the broadsheets at once - ensure it's clear to everyone that it was the Loyalists who fired the first in Lexington.
• Connor: But no one knows who fired first...
• Adams: Which is exactly why we must spread the news quickly. We'll determine public opinion.
• Connor: This seems... dishonest.
• Adams: Perhaps. But so what? People must believe we acted in self-defense. Else, we've committed treason.
• Connor: But you have.
• Adams: Better to bow and scrape before a tyrant then? Is that what you suggest?
• Connor: No of course not. No one should be denied freedom. And yet... To change the truth... It seems a dangerous road to travel.
• Adams: Understand, Connor, this is a war fought not just on the battlefield, but within hearts and minds as well. There's nothing wrong with a bit of theater - especially if it saves lives.

Deborah Carter

After recruiting her to the Assassin order, Connor spoke with Deborah Carter in a tavern.

• Dobby: How do you do, Connor?
• Connor: I am alright. And you?
• Dobby: It's nice to be a part of something. Until now I was sort of drifting about the neighborhood getting irate when I saw things unjust. Sometimes I'd intervene, other times I would come here. Now I feel like all my energy is pointed at something.
• Connor: I am grateful to have your help. How did you come to be... you?
• Dobby: Ha! Funny question but I get your meaning. I was an orphan, pretty common around the ports with all the sailors and whores mucking about. I wanted to be out on my own so I did what I had to do. That's when I decided to pretend to be a boy. That worked for a time, until nature decided otherwise and it just became a bad joke. Folks around the borough still called me "Dobby" but the old codgers started leering and getting fresh. That's when I got tough. Took a good many shots to the face before I learned to defend myself properly but now I dare any man to come at me. They learn the price quick.

Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Dobby once more.

• Connor: Hello, Dobby.
• Dobby: Connor. You look well.
• Connor: I have been better.
• Dobby: Do you ever sleep? I really don't know how you do it.
• Connor: I try not to think about it.
• Dobby: A strong man, stronger than any I've ever met. How is it a man like you has no wife?
• Connor: I do not have the time to give a woman what she deserves. Perhaps when all this is over, I will be able to settle and have a family. I hope.
• Dobby: Of all the lecherous and deceitful men out there who are fathers you'd be a godsend. But I suppose that's how it is, the good ones are too busy for it and the louts have nothing better to do. In any case, if you ever think it's time, make sure I get the first crack!
• Connor: Hmm, I promise.

Stephane Chapheau

After recruiting him to the Assassin order, Connor spoke with Stephane Chapheau in a tavern.

• Connor: Stephane. How is your ale?
• Stephane: Pisse (Piss), but it gets the job done - my father would be disgusted - but after a day's work with you a man needs to unwind. I would prefer a nice bottle of wine but these Colonies lack refinement.
• Connor: Your father?
• Stephane: Mon père (My dad). He was a great man. A cook in the French Army during the Seven Years War. He marched all across the white North, feeding Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and his officers. Cooking them feasts from sticks and berries. When the Commander-in-Chief opted for open conflict instead of manning the battlements of Quebec, every man was called to arms, including my father. He died on the field. But I'm told he fought ferociously. It matters little. He's gone now.
• Connor: He would be proud of you.
• Stephane: This is my one hope - that he smiles upon the choices I've made.

Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Stephane once more.

• Stephane: Connor! Do you have time to sit?
• Connor: I do.
• Stephane: Good! I have been meaning to ask you, how did you come to all this?
• Connor: I did not ask for it, but I feel it was meant to happen. I was just a boy when I met Achilles. He made me a warrior.
• Stephane: That easy? I miss the kitchen if you can believe it. I had more control in that world than I ever will in the one we inhabit. But more people get to taste the fruit of my labor in this line of work and for that I am satisfied.
• Connor: We may change things yet, if we press on.
• Stephane: Frenchmen from the North never grow weary, just ask the women! Ha!

Jamie Colley

After recruiting him to the Assassin order, Connor spoke with Jamie Colley in a tavern.

• Connor: Thirsty I take it?
• Jamie: What's wrong with taking a draught or two when the time is right?
• Connor: Nothing, Jamie, nothing.
• Jamie: Then why don't you join me then?
• Connor: Not right now, maybe later.
• Jamie: I suppose you got important business to attend to. I understand. Don't worry about me though, I can handle my booze. If you need me, I'll be there, Connor.

Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Jamie once more.

• Jamie: Hey Connor.
• Connor: Taking it easy today?
• Jamie: Things got a little out of hand the last time you saw me. Keeping an even keel.
• Connor: Good. Where are you from?
• Jamie: Here. Born and raised but I'm a mutt if that's what you're really asking. Think I even got a little of the Far East in my blood. That's what my father said, wherever that bastard got off to.
• Connor: What about your mother?
• Jamie: She's down south. Haven't seen her in five years or so. She works on a plantation - keeping care of the slaves. Pff. Slaves. That's why I left. Can't support that business. Owning a human isn't something any man should do. She doesn't agree so I leave her to it. I make my life up here now. I'm an Assassin. This is my family.

Duncan Little

After recruiting him to the Assassin order, Connor spoke with Duncan Little in a tavern.

• Duncan: Oi, lad! How's it going then?
• Connor: I am well. And you?
• Duncan: Oh, can't complain. There was something I've been meaning to tell you... I met your Da. It was a long time ago in London. I was just a boy - well, I didn't meet him really, just saw him do a fella in at the London Opera House. I was sitting in the balcony with an uncle of mine. Went to have a piss and when I came back, there's your Da. Dashing as they come, he was shirt, jacket immaculate. My uncle was just slumped there. Looked like he was sleeping. But I knew better even if I was a child. Your Da locked eyes on me. And I don't think I've ever been so frightened as I was in that instant. It wasn't a fear that he was going to cause me pain, it was a sense that he saw right through me - into my heart - and he'd crush it if it pleased him. But he didn't. He just raised his finger to his lips and gestured for my silence. I complied. Then he was gone.
• Connor: That must have been in the days before his betrayal was made public. He would have sailed for the Colonies not long after. I'm astonished that you were actually there.
• Duncan: You can imagine my surprise when I saw is face. Took me a while to piece it together but... there you have it. Thought you'd like to know.
• Connor: Thank you.

Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Duncan once more.

• Connor: How are you faring?
• Duncan: Not bad. Not bad. All this reminds me of being back in the Old Country. Fightin' for land, fightin' for the right to see God my way. Didn't take long before I realized the fight was futile and stepped aboard a ship bound for the Colonies. People over there are so wrapped up in HOW you perceive the Lord they forget we're all part of his flock. Stories change, Connor. The way people tell them evolves. It's no different in the Bible and I believe that's the real root of all the strife back home. But nobody wants to listen to me - if you don't see it their way, you're a heathen. But I feel we're honestly making a difference here. That our presence is felt if not appreciated by all. Ah! And it makes me sleep easy at night and that's all a man can ask for really.
• Connor: I would like to visit your home country some day.
• Duncan: Oh, would you now? You'd turn a head or two on the Emerald Isle, I'll tell you that. Maybe one day, I'll muster up the courage, go back and I'll bring you with me - would be good for a laugh at any rate!

Clipper Wilkinson

After recruiting him to the Assassin order, Connor spoke with Clipper Wilkinson in a tavern.

• Connor: You do not partake?
• Clipper: No, sir. I need to stay sharp in case you call upon my rifle. Spirits do me in right quick. Drank half a flask of rum out in the bush with my brothers a few years back. Went for a run in the buff before I found myself rolling around in deer skat being sick all over. I don't want to go there again. No thank you.
• Connor: A smart choice given the circumstances.
• Clipper: I want to fight like you someday.
• Connor: You have everything it takes to be a great Assassin.
• Clipper: That means something coming from you.

Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Clipper once more.

• Connor: Where did you learn to shoot like you do?
• Clipper: Ranging with my dad and brothers in Virginia country. My family's been surveying and prospecting out there since my grand-pappy.
• Connor: How did you end up here?
• Clipper: I'm the youngest of four brothers. I was always going to be a runner-up with them so I set off alone to do my own business. Out west of Ohio's territory that no man of the Colonies' ever trodden. Figured I could find contracts out of New York. Then the war started.
• Connor: And you sided with the Patriots.
• Clipper: Not really. My family's for the King. I just don't like seeing boys forced to fight against their will is all. But I know that I want to be free, for all to be free. If that means I'm a Patriot, I guess I am.
• Connor: You are an Assassin. Nothing else.
• Clipper: That I am. And proud of it.

Jacob Zenger

After recruiting him to the Assassin order, Connor spoke with Jacob Zenger in a tavern.

• Jacob: Ah! Connor! Sit! Sit!
• Connor: How are you Jacob?
• Jacob: Missing the beer gardens back home - but I am well.
• Connor: How did you arrive in the colonies?
• Jacob: Like most other men like me. The Army. I was a Hessian for a time. It was a good job while I had it. I only felt it was time for something different once I arrived. Not long after I am meeting you so it seems my feeling was useful, no?
• Connor: Certainly.
• Jacob: I am hoping to send for my family when the time is right. But we are fighting a war of our own, and I will not put them at risk.
• Connor: Hopefully things will die down soon.
• Jacob: No rush, Connor. I am in their hearts, and they are in mine.

Some time afterwards, Connor spoke with Jacob once more.

• Jacob: I received a letter from home.
• Connor: What news?
• Jacob: My son is the strongest boy in our village. Standing tall and proud. My heart grows heavy for them, now and my patience wanes for bringing them across the ocean. I have sent money for passage. War or no war.
• Connor: We will keep them safe from the fighting when they arrive.
• Jacob: I am having no doubts about this. My worry is now of the crossing itself. Many miles overland to a port in France. There they must be purchasing safe passage aboard a ship coming to the colonies. Then they must brave the voyage itself. Many risks.
• Connor: Your son can lead them, you said yourself he is strong and capable.
• Jacob: My son? Ha! No matter how strong he grows he will never be as strong as my wife. Wihelmina is the most able person I have ever met - else I would not have left them. It is more matters of fortune that trouble me. Storms, pirates.
• Connor: These are things none can control, but I am sure if pirates try and take their ship, Wihelmina and your boy will make the brigands rue their decision.
• Jacob: Yes! Yes, you are right!