The Proposal
"Maybe I forgot to mention my other profession," said Jack, as he took out a custom-made cross badge and placed it on the table. "Apart from being a killer, I'm also a Templar."
Anderson's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at the intricate badge. "You mean the Poor Knights of the Temple of Christ and Solomon?" he asked with a hint of excitement.
Jack was taken aback by Anderson's knowledge of the Templars. "Uh, not exactly," he replied, slightly confused.
Anderson leaned forward, a grin spreading across his face. "The Knights Templar, huh? That name has a certain ring to it. As long as you're not here to kill me, I don't see a problem."
Jack chuckled at Anderson's nonchalance. "Well, technically speaking, the Templars and the Assassins are mortal enemies."
He proceeded to explain the history and complex relationship between the two groups, and how the Brotherhood of Assassins had split into the High Table and the Brotherhood of Assassins after their victory in the war. Anderson listened intently, his curiosity piqued.
"So, let me get this straight," Anderson said, summing up what he had just learned.
"You're a Templar Knight who's gone undercover as an assassin at the Continental Hotel to take out the High Table and the Brotherhood of Assassins. How many of you are there, and how certain are you that we can help?"
Being a governor, Anderson was well aware of the destructive impact of the High Table. But despite the dangers, he wondered who would be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
He understood that although many people were willing to put themselves on the line, it would be nearly impossible to unite them in such a short period and pass a decision to take action against the Continental Hotel.
There are few people who aren't afraid of death, let alone an entire organization. It's a rare situation, especially in a country that values freedom like the United States.
But despite this, some have voiced concerns about the High Table, suggesting it be dismantled. However, the suggestion is met with disagreement and ultimately goes nowhere.
Those who dare speak out often meet with unfortunate accidents, no matter how tight their security may be.
Protecting all members of the congress is a daunting task that requires a significant amount of resources and time. The High Table's intelligence organization is quick to react, with beheading operations and other threatening actions.
Even if Congress were to pass a suggestion to dismantle the High Table, implementing it instantly would result in enormous national casualties. As a result, the matter has been put on hold.
But, if a force comparable to the High Table emerged, or even a force that came close, and was willing to take them on, the United States would be willing to provide some hidden assistance.
"So how many people are there on your organisation, Jack?" Anderson asked.
Jack raised his five fingers as a response.
"So five hundred members?" Anderson asked.
Jack shook his head.
"So five thousand members?" Anderson asked bewildered.
Jack shook his head.
"Please, dont tell me your organisation has more than 50,000 members." Anderson shouted.
Jack shook his head and replied, " No, just five members."
"...."
The room fell into an awkward silence. Anderson was speechless, not knowing how to respond. After a few moments, he managed to stutter out a question. "Five people? That's all?"
Jack nodded seriously. "Yes, five people."
Anderson rubbed his chin skeptically. "You're not playing a prank on me, are you?"
"Do I look like a jester to you?" Jack asked with a smirk.
Anderson raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of this strange man who appeared out of nowhere.
"Can the five of you be able to take down the continental hotel.' He asked.
Jack chuckled. "I assure you, Mr. Anderson,we are more than capable."
Jack leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Do you know where the headquarters of the Assassin Brotherhood is?"
Anderson nodded slowly. "I do."
"Excellent," Jack said, a glint in his eye. "Then I need you to keep an eye on them for me. And I promise you, Mr. Anderson, once you see what my team and I are capable of, you'll want to join us."
Anderson considered Jack's proposal, weighing the risks and rewards in his mind. "And what makes you think I won't just report you to the authorities?"
Jack smiled confidently. "Because I know you're a smart man, Mr. Anderson. And you know that going up against me and my team would be a losing battle."
Anderson nodded slowly, impressed by Jack's self-assuredness. "Alright. I won't report you... for now."
"Good choice," Jack said with a nod. And with that, he disappeared before Anderson's very eyes.
Anderson was left stunned, unsure of what he had just witnessed. He looked around the room, searching for any signs of Jack's presence. But apart from a cross left on the table, there was no trace of the mysterious man.
Anderson's bodyguard stepped forward cautiously. "Sir, is everything alright?"
Anderson shook his head, still processing what had just happened. "I... I think so. Let's just... let's just give him some space for now."
As the bodyguard retreated, Anderson picked up the cross left by Jack, examining it closely. There was something about this man that intrigued him, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
From Jack's strange way of disappearing, Anderson already knew that Jack had entered easily, and he couldn't blame the bodyguards for their lack of protection.
Anderson was astonished and pondered over the possibility of a human being able to perform such a feat. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but feel a bit of confidence in Jack's abilities.
He decided to wait and see what would happen next.
Jack left without looking back, confident that Anderson wouldn't play any tricks. He had vanished in a blink of an eye, thanks to his ability to enter a stealth state.
Even without using stealth, Jack could still achieve the same effect. However, it would make a lot of noise and cause a commotion. The stealth state allowed him to move silently and swiftly without creating any disturbance.