Assassin's Creed: Modernity - Book 1

Interlude: Operation New World Part 5

Location: ONW HQ

Time Zone Unknown 15:04 Date Unknown

Mission Debrief

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A sizable crowd stood around the sarcophagus, gawking. Jersey stood on it, depicting their mission with great exaggeration.

"And we were surrounded by two-hundred Templars, and in the middle, stood a three-meter-tall man! With a mini-gun!" There were gasps from the audience. Many, however, knew of Jersey's wild stories. "The Dakota came up with an ingenious plan. She had us shoot our foam guns at the Templar gunner and she rammed into him with a truck!"

York sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. At least he got something right.

"We then quickly dispatched of the rest of the Templars, only to find that the Sarcophagus was actually a sarcophagus!" There were gasps of amazement from the spectators. 

Oh boy, York thought as he smacked his forehead with his palm, didn't see that one coming.

"Then we loaded the  sarcophagus onto the truck and rammed through the door of the warehouse, only to be met by at least five-hundred Templars! Dakota ran over most of them, while the rest of us mowed the rest down. Then we spun around a corner, and the sarcophagus slid right off the bed and int the chopper that was waiting for us!"

The audience erupted with applause. Even those who knew most of the story was fake clapped and cheered as Jersey grinned and bowed. 

York shook his head slowly. "Jersey!" he bellowed over the cheering mass. Jersey lightly jumped down from the sarcophagus and strode over to York. "We've got a debrief to get to."

Jersey threw his arm around York as the started towards the war room. "Wha'd you think? Pretty good right?"

York said nothing but shook his head slowly, once more. They walked together in silence down the metal corridors. Dakota, Utah and the Chief looked up as they entered the war room.

"Mission report."

"We successfully retrieved the Sarcophagus from the Templars," York replied.

"No thanks to you," Dakota muttered towards the Chief. 

"Good. We set out for the Temple at 06:00 tomorrow morning."

The four Assassins looked at each other. They had never heard anything about 'the Temple' before.

"Dismissed."

York knocked on the door to the Chief's office. "Come," came the voice of the Chief. York opened the door and walked into the surprisingly small and barren office. There was one desk and chair. The Chief occupied both and was staring at the single picture on his desk. 

York crossed his arms and glared daggers at the Chief. "I need some answers."

The Chief continued to stare at the picture. "I owe you that much."

York was taken aback. He hadn't expected this to be so easy. 

"I'm sure you're aware of Desmond Miles' story and the Animus." York nodded. He was very familiar with the story. Templars had kidnapped Desmond to use his genetic memories, encoded in his DNA, to relive the lives of his ancestors and find the Pieces of Eden. "The artifact that you failed to procure was a Piece of Eden, like the sarcophagus. The Pieces hold great power, as you're well aware. When put together, the artifact- the key- and the sarcophagus can revive the dead."

York was stunned. He knew the Pieces of Eden could achieve insane power; mind-control, healing any injuries, even locating anyone on the planet with a vial of their blood. But to revive someone? That was lunacy. 

"The sarcophagus only needs one sample of DNA. It reads the DNA and genetic memories, rebuilding the person from scratch. If we could use this power, we could revive the greatest Assassins and crush the Templar Order, once and for all."

York shook his head. "That is too much power for one an to have."

"Did I ever tell you of my wife?"" York shook his head once more. The Chief turned the picture in front of him around. The woman was beautiful, with shining brown hair and piercing green eyes. Beautiful green eyes. "She was killed by Templars. Her life was taken by those monsters. If we can wipe them out, we can stop innocent lives from being taken! Do you not see, we can end this, forever!"

"You're planning on committing genocide!" 

"It's for the greater good."

York turned and walked out of the room. "Can't you see?! There's a purpose," the Chief shouted after him.

Dakota, Utah and Jersey stared at York in disbelief. Jersey and Utah glanced at each other and nodded almost imperceptibly. Almost. York noticed the movement.

"And you'e sure this thing can revive the dead?" Dakota asked, still not believing her ears. York nodded.

"Are we talking like, zombies . . . or what?"

"Jersey, this is not the time for jokes. We have to do something."

"Well, he doesn't have the key. It's useless," Dakota said hopefully.

"I think he has a backup plan. Probably at the Temple."

"Well, then, we stop him at the Temple,"Jersey said, being serious for once. The others nodded. 

An apprentice ran in excitedly. "Tex wants to challenge you!" she said, giddily to Dakota.

"Texas?"

"Yes ma'am!"

Dakota stepped out onto the large training ground. What brought this on, she wondered. Dakota wanted to fight her, but it seemed odd. She shook the thoughts from her head as she approached Texas. 

Texas was in full combat gear, like Dakota. Texas's armor was a dark blue and she had her hood pulled up, covering her face. 

Both fighters held up their fists. Without warning, both fighters charged at each other. Texas slid at the last moment and Dakota had to flip over her to avoid being tackled. As Dakota landed, Texas spun around and swept her legs out from under her. Dakota managed to roll and avoided injury. Texas launched a flurry of punches and kicks, and Dakota who was barely able to keep up the blocks. 

Texas put all of her power behind and punch and broke Dakota's blocks. Texas spun a 180 and elbowed Dakota in the chest, knocking her to the ground. Dakota growled and swept Texas's legs out from under her. Texas rolled like Dakota and the two combats resumed their original position. 

Dakota and Texas ran back at each other and Dakota threw a roundhouse punch. Texas slid under it, but Dakota skimmed her hood. Dakota turned and saw Texas slowly standing. Her hood was down and her back was turned. Her black hair was drawn back in a pony tail. Texas turned and Dakota saw her piercing green eyes. Beautiful green eyes. 

Texas pulled her hood back on and started towards Dakota. Both women were poised to punch when a voice rang over the field.

"Who authorized this session?" the Chief asked over the loudspeaker.