Assassin's Creed 1 - Story walkthrough [now with subtitles!] - Part 2 - Of 4

Let's go, Mr. Miles! Time's wasting! Where's Lucy? Oh, don't worry, she'll be with us soon enough. So why are you doing this, Doc? What are you hoping to accomplish? You turn the television on lately? Read the newspaper? Never cared much for that stuff. 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. And your point is...? Order, Mr. Miles. The world needs order. That is what we're working towards, and that is what you're helping us to achieve. Haha, you expect me to believe you're building a better tomorrow? 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. Better how? An end to all conflicts, large and small. Isn't that what you Assassins strive for? Peace in all things? -I told you, I'm not an Assassin. -Right, right. I still don't see where I fit into things. In time, Mr. Miles. In time, you'll understand... Or you won't! I don't care either way, as long as you show us where it is. Where WHAT is?! Sorry I'm late. Ready to go? Yes, we are. You've done well, Altair, and I'm confident that this is but the first of many successes. Tamir spoke as if he knew you well. He implied my work had a larger meaning. Significance comes not from a single act, but the context within which it is performed. The consequences borne of it. Then is there more I need to know? Altair, your greatest failure was borne of knowing too much. If I choose to withhold information, it is only to ensure you do not make the same mistake a second time. I see. No, you don't! And it will remain this way until you have learned your lesson! Still, you have performed competently, and as such I restore a rank, and will return a piece of your equipment. Go now... either to Acre or Jerusalem. There are men in both cities who require your attention. The Bureau leaders can tell you more about what needs to be done. God damn it! What's the problem now?! I'm getting weird temperature readings. I think the Animus is overheating. Christ, it's always something! How long? Too soon to tell. These delays are unacceptable, Ms. Stillman! I want progress reports every hour! It's gonna be a while, Desmond. Why don't you go lie down or something? Get some rest. Why is he always yelling at you? It's his machine. His theories. He's not the one who built it. Who did? You? 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. He's a ***. -He's under a lot of pressure. We all are. -I can't believe you're defending the guy. Warren saved my life. So, if he wants to yell a little... let him. What do you mean he "saved your life"...? You're not the only one who doesn't get to go home at night. Wait, are you saying you're a prisoner? When they first approached me, I was finishing up my Ph.D. The university had 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. I was this close to waiting tables. Then, I got a letter. From Vidic? 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? And he offered you a job. 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? Think I'm missing the part where you became a prisoner. Sometimes I wonder... if they weren't behind it all. If they manipulated events so that 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. And when the Animus was ready? They came in while I was sleeping. Three guys... guns... 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. -Christ, what did you do? -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. Jesus... 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. -You're still stuck here working for these nutjobs. -But I'm alive. Anyway, I really do need to get the Animus repaired. I'll see you tomorrow, Desmond. What the hell? Someone's been in here. Looks like some kind of access code... Rise and shine! We've got quite a day ahead of us! You're in a good mood this morning. Ms. Stillman has made some modifications to the Animus. You should be able to remain inside even longer now. And help you with your treasure hunt... This is serious business, Mr. Miles. I don't think you fully appreciate the work that Abstergo does. Maybe because I don't actually know what you people do. 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? That's a bold claim, Doc. Think you might be exaggerating a bit? 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. Why? Isn't it obvious? It means we're in control. 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? To be fair, we don't invent them. We find them. Find them? They're gifts, Mr. Miles, from "Those Who Came Before". We'll have to continue this discussion later. Time's wasting. -Morning, Desmond. -Yeah. Hi. Altair, my friend. Welcome, welcome! Whose life do you come to collect today? His name is Abu'l Nuquod. Oh, the Merchant King of Damas, richest man in the city! Quite exciting, quite dangerous! I envy you, Altair! Well, not the bit where you were beaten and stripped of your rank, but I envy everything else! Oh, except for the terrible things the other Assassins say about you. But yes, aside from the failure and the hatred, yes, aside from those things, I envy you very much! If you're finished... I've gathered the information required to begin my task. You work quickly. Tell me what you've learned. Abu'l Nuquod is corrupt to the core and despised by his own citizens as a result. It appears he's been stealing money meant for the people of Damas and spending it on himself. Even as we speak, he flaunts his greed preparing for a lavish party. His guards and servants should have their hands full dealing with the guests. They won't even know I'm there. Most impressive, my friend! The others said you'd make a mess of things, but not I! No, I was sure you'd come through, and come through you have! The Bureau is yours to do with as you please until you're ready to begin. * Fast-forwarding memory to a more recent one... * [music and conversation] Welcome, welcome! Thank you all for joining me this evening. Please... eat, drink, enjoy all the pleasures I have to offer. Take your time, I will wait. I trust everything is to your... satisfaction? [applauding, cheering] Good, good. It pleases me to see you all so happy. For these are dark days, my friends, and we must enjoy this bounty while we still can. War threatens to consume us all. Saladin bravely fights for what he believes in, and you are always there to support him without question. It is your generosity that allows this campaign to continue. So I propose a toast then! To you, my dear friends: You have brought us to where we are today. May you be given everything you deserve for it. [cheering] Such kindness! I didn't think it in you! You... who have been so quick to judge me! And so cruel. -[crowd becomes angry] -Oh, do not feign ignorance! Do you take me for a fool? That I have not heard the words you whispered behind my back? Well, I have, and I fear I can never forget. But this is not why I called you here tonight, no. I wish to speak more of this war, and your part in it. You give up your coin, quick as can be, knowing all too well it buys the deaths of thousands. You don't even know WHY we fight. The "Sanctity of the Holy Land" you'll say. Or, the evil inclination of our enemies. But these are lies you tell yourselves! Hehe... no. All this suffering is borne of fear and hate! It bothers you that they are different, just as it bothers you that I am different!! Compassion, mercy, tolerance. These words mean nothing to any of you! Mean nothing to those infidel invaders, who ravage our land in search of gold and glory! And so, I say ENOUGH!! I've pledged myself to another cause. One that will bring about a new world, in which all people might live, side by side, in peace. A pity none of you will live to see it. [coughing, screaming] Kill anyone who tries to escape! How?! How did he do that?! Save me!! Be at peace now... their words can no longer do harm. Why have you done this? You stole money from those you claim to lead, sent it away for some unknown purpose. I want to know where it's gone and why. Look at me! My very nature is an affront to the people I ruled. And these noble robes did little more than to muffle their shouts of hate. So this is about vengeance then? No, not vengeance... but my conscience. How could I finance a war in service to the same God that calls me an abomination? If you do not serve Saladin's cause, then whose? In time, you'll come to know them. I think, perhaps, you already do. Then why hide, and why these dark deeds? Is it so different from your own work? You take the lives of men and women, strong in the conviction that their death will improve the lots of those left behind. A minor evil, for a greater good? We... are the same. No, we are nothing alike. Ah, but I see it in your eyes. You... doubt. You... cannot stop us. We will have... our new world. Come, Altair. Speak with me a moment. As you wish. Word has reached me of your success. You've my gratitude, and that of the realm. Freeing these cities from their corrupt leaders will no doubt promote the cause of peace. Can you really be so sure? The means by which men rule are reflected in their people. As you cleanse the cities of corruption, you heal the hearts and minds of those who live within. Our enemies would disagree. What do you mean? Each man I've slain has confessed strange words to me. They are without regret. Even in death, they seem confident of their success. Though they do not admit it directly, there IS a tie that binds them. I'm sure of it. There is a difference, Altair, between what we're told to be true, and what we see to be true. Most men do not bother to make the distinction; it is simpler that way. But as an Assassin, it is your nature to notice, to question. Then what is it that connects these men? Ah, but as an Assassin, it is also your duty to still these thoughts, and trust in your Master. For there can be no true peace without order, and order requires authority. You speak in circles, Master. You commend me for being aware, then ask me not to be. Which is it? The question will be answered when you no longer need to ask it. I assume you called me here for more then just a lecture. Very well. A rank and weapon are again restored to you. Two more leaders remain. Go and see to it that their rule is ended. Rafiq. Word has spread of your deeds, Altair. It seems you are sincere in your desire to redeem yourself. I do what I can. And sometimes you do it well. I assume it is work that reunites us? Yes. William of Montferrat is my target. I've done as asked and armed myself with knowledge. I know what I must do to reach him. Speak, and I will judge. William's host is large and many men call him Master, but he's not without enemies. He and King Richard do not see eye to eye. It's true, they've never been close. This works to my advantage. Richard's visit has upset him. Once the King has left, William will retreat into his fortress to brood. He'll be distracted. That's when I will strike. You're sure of this? As sure as I can be. And if things change, I'll adapt. Then I give you leave to go. End the life of Montferrat, that we may call this city free. I'll return when the deed's been done. * Fast-forwarding memory to a more recent one... * Three thousand souls, William. I was told they would be held as prisoners, and used to barter for the release of our men. The Saracens would not have honored their end of the bargain. You know this to be true. I did you a favor. Haha... oh yes! A great favor indeed. Now our enemies will be that much stronger in their convictions. Fight that much harder! I know our enemy well. They will not be emboldened, but filled with fear. Tell me, how is it you know the intentions of our enemies so well? You, who forsake the field of battle to play politics? I did what was right! What was just!! You swore an oath to uphold the work of God, William. But that is not what I see here, no. I see a man who's trampled it. Your words are most unkind, my Liege. I would hope I might have earned your trust by now. You are Acre's regent, William, set to rule in my stead. How much more trust is required? -Perhaps you'd like my crown? -You miss the point! But this is nothing new... Much as I'd like to waste my day trading words with you, I've a war to fight. We'll have to continue this another time. Do not let me delay you then, your Grace. I fear there will be no place for men like him in the new world. Send word that I wish to speak with the troops. We must ensure that everyone is doing their part. Warn them that any negligence will be severely punished. I'm in no mood to be trifled with today. Yes, my Lord. The rest of you, follow me. Rest now. Your schemes are at an end. What do you know of my work? I know that you were going to *** Richard and claim Acre for your son, Conrad. Haha... for Conrad? My son is an ***, unfit to lead his host, let alone a kingdom! And Richard? The All-See-Know is no better... blinded as he is by faith in the insubstantial. Acre does not belong to either of them. Then who? The city belongs to its people. How can you claim to speak for the citizens? You stole their food... disciplined them without mercy... forced them into service under you. Everything I did, I did to prepare them for the new world. Stole their food? No... I took possession so that when the lean times came, it might be rationed properly. Look around... my district is without crime, save those committed by you and your ilk! And as for the conscription, they were not being trained to fight. They were being taught the merits of order and discipline... these things are hardly evil. No matter how noble you believe your intentions, these acts are cruel and cannot continue. Hehe... we'll see how sweet they are, the fruits of your labors. You do not free the cities as you believe, but rather damn them... And in the end, you'll have only yourself to blame... you, who speak of good intentions. Come, Altair. I would have news of your progress. I've done as you've asked. Good, good. I sense your thoughts are elsewhere. Speak your mind. Each man I'm sent to kill speaks cryptic words to me. Each time I come to you and ask for answers. Each time you give only riddles in exchange. But no more. Who are you to say "no more"? I'm the one who does the killing. If you want it to continue, you'll speak straight with me for once. Tread carefully, boy. I do not like your tone. And I do not like your deception! I have offered you a chance to restore your lost honor. Not lost... taken, by you! And then you've sent me to fetch it again like some damn dog! It seems I'll need to find another! A shame, you showed great potential. I think if you had another, you'd have sent him long ago. You said the answer to my question would arise when I no longer needed to ask it. So I will not ask. I DEMAND you tell me what binds these men! What you say is true. These men are connected, by a blood oath not unlike our own. Who are they? Non nobis, domine, non nobis ["Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us"] Templars. Now you see the true reach of Robert de Sable. All of these men... leaders of cities, commanders of armies... All pledge allegiance to his cause. Their works are not meant to be viewed on their own, are they? But as a whole... What do they desire? Conquest. They seek the Holy Land, not in the name of God, but for themselves. What of Richard and Saladin? Any who oppose the Templars will be destroyed. Be assured, they have the means to accomplish it. Then they must be stopped. That is why we do our work, Altair... to ensure a future free of such things. Why did you hide the truth from me? That you might pierce the veil yourself. Like any task, knowledge precedes action. Information learned is more valuable then information given. Besides, your recent behavior had not inspired much confidence. I see. Altair, you mission has not changed, merely the context within which you perceive it. And armed with this knowledge, I might better understand those Templars that remain. Is there anything else you want to know? What about the treasure Malik retrieved from Solomon's Temple? Robert seemed desperate to have it back. In time, Altair, all will become clear. Just as the role of the Templars has revealed itself to you, so too will the nature of their treasure. For now, take comfort in the fact that it is not in their hands, but ours. If this is your desire... It is. You are restored another rank. Take back your weapon. Use it to bring honor to the Brotherhood. Altair, before you go... Yes? How did you know I wouldn't kill you? Truth be told, Master... I didn't. I took a leap of faith. -We done already? -Get up. Whatever you say, Doc. [phone rings] 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. You're in a lot of trouble, Mr. Miles. What's his problem? -They're coming for you. -Who's coming for me? -Assassins. -Hey, I had nothing to do with this! Sounds like they're mounting some kind of rescue attempt. Guess you're more important than you realized. Man, things just keep getting weirder and weirder around here. It was bound to happen. What do you mean? That little fight your ancestor started during the Third Crusade? It never ended. You're being held by Templars. Vidic's a Templar? 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. I thought Templars were old dudes with funny hats who sat around drinking beer, plotting world domination with like the... lizard people. 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. But they are the bad guys, right? 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. What are they trying to do? [phone rings] Lucy? Yes? Ms. Stillman, I need to speak with you. Get up here, now! On my way, Doctor. 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. Please, Desmond, I'm gonna get in trouble if I don't leave. And I can't leave until you're in your room.