Thomas Hickey

Thomas Hickey (unknown - 1776) was a member of the Templar Order and later a soldier in the Continental Army.

During the French and Indian War, he also ran a black-market underground for use of gaining information and money for the order, while simultaneously working as an assistant to William Johnson.

Colonial Templar
Hickey was part of the Templar Order in 1754 as an assistant to William Johnson. He was tasked to retrieve Johnson's stolen research on the American Indian Tribes from mercenaries, with the help of Grandmaster Haytham Kenway and Charles Lee. Hickey continued to serve the Order and Haytham's plans by participating in the infiltration of Southgate Fort and months later assisted in the assassination General Edward Braddock. This allowed Haytham to gain information and locate the mysterious "Precursor Site", though Haytham decided to abandon further pursuit and chose to focus on expanding Templar power and influence throughout the colonies.

Assassination of George Washington
By 1776, Hickey was based in New York where he headed a black market forging counterfeit currency. He was tasked to murder George Washington, general of the Patriot Armies, in order to be replaced by Charles Lee. The Assassin, Connor, learned of this after assassinating John Pitcairn and was informed by Benjamin Tallmadge of the counterfeit ring as a lead.

Connor traveled to New York and tailed one of Hickey's subordinates to where he was located. Hickey fled while Connor chased, but the both of them were arrested and imprisoned for counterfeiting. Hickey was approached by Haytham and Lee who reprimanded him for his recklessness. They informed him that they could not pardon his release due to the charges against him hence instead moved him to a more comfortable cell with better roam of the prison. Connor was able to steal the prison warden's and went to kill Hickey in his cell, but was ambushed by both Hickey and Lee who revealed that he will be trialed and executed for the murder of the warden and attempting to assassinate Washington. Hickey's plan not only framed Connor but would allow him an opportunity to murder Washington who would personally attend the execution.

Death
Hickey escorted Connor to the gallows after omitting the supposed trial. Connor was rescued by the aid of the Assassins, forcing Hickey to make a desperate attempt to kill Washington as he rushed through the crowd. However as Hickey attacked Washington's bodyguards, Connor was able to catch up and delivered a fatal strike with his tomahawk. With Hickey's death and intent to kill Washington exposed, Connor was able to prove his innocence.

Personality and Characteristics
Hickey was a self indulgent and lecherous man, he often lazed about in taverns, drinking much alcohol and enjoyed the company of women. Hickey took his orders and duties lightly hence was often reprimanded for his reckless and unprofessional behavior. Despite this, he was far from cowardly and was still a strong and capable fighter. Hickey had very little care and commitment to the Templar's vision of a New World Order, instead he served only as a means for personal profit and power. As a result, similar to Juan Borgia, Hickey died with little to no regret, content that he had already fulfilled his desires and earthly pleasures.

Final words
Ratonhnhaké:ton briefly looked away in disgust, and then turned solemnly back towards Hickey.
 * Thomas: Dammit. I thought I'd at least live to see another day. Shame.
 * Ratonhnhaké:ton: I want answers. Why did Johnson try and buy my people's land? Why was Pitcairn targeting Adams and Hancock? What purpose would Washington's murder have served? Why does your order support the British?
 * Thomas: How should I know? The Templars. Lee. The big man, Haytham. They 'as the money. They 'as the power. That's the reason I threw in with 'em. That's the ONLY reason. Sure, they 'ave some sort of vision, for the future too. I didn't give a damn about any of that. They can sing their songs about mankind and its troubles. They can make their plans and spring their traps, don't bother me none. They paid me so I said yes. Didn't bother to ask who or how or why. Didn't care.
 * Ratonhnhaké:ton: You chose to side with men who would rob us of our humanity simply because it was more profitable?
 * Thomas: What else is there? I'm not some blind fool who'd give up all I've got on principle. What IS principle anyway? Can ya bring it to the bank?
 * Thomas: Don't look at me like that. We're different, you and I! You're just some blind fool who's always chasin' butterflies, whereas I'm the type of guy who likes to have a beer in one hand and a titty in the other. Thing is, boy, I can have what I seek. Had it, even. You? Your hands will always be empty.

Reference

 * Assassin's Creed III