The Hard Way

The Hard Way was a virtual representation of one of Ratonhnhaké:ton's genetic memories, relived by Desmond Miles in 2012 through the Animus.

Description
Having finished the renovation of the Aquila, Robert Faulkner took Connor out to teach him how to captain the ship.

Dialogue
Connor met with Robert Faulkner near the Aquila. They then took the Aquila to the east coast. Connor then took the helm and started controlling the ship. They reached Martha's Vineyard. They entered a tavern. Connor approached a group of men. They then boarded the Aquila again. Connor practiced with the cannons. They then set sail for the homestead again, but were soon attacked by enemy vessels. The Aquila took down the attacking frigate.
 * Connor: Time passed quickly after that - my days a blur of study, training, and work. What little free time Achilles allowed me was spent learning about the Templars. About Charles Lee and my father. I longed to confront them. To put and end to their schemes. To ensure my people would remain untroubled and free. But I knew it was too soon. That to approach them now would see me killed. All my work would be for nothing. Patience. Restraint. These proved the most difficult subjects for me. But in time I mastered them as well. Days became months. Months became years. And as my skill and knowledge grew - so too did I.
 * Robert: Come aboard and feast your eyes, boy! No no no no, not the left foot! Never the left foot. Horrible luck. Step with your right foot first.
 * Connor: She is... solid.
 * Robert: Aye. Weatherly and sleek. She'll fetch 12 knots in a stiff gale, ne'er a ship from here to Singapore can outrun her on her best day. Wha'dya say we take her out and show you what she can do first hand.
 * Connor: Where would we go?
 * Robert: As it happens she still needs guns and the officers to command them. We'll launch straight away. Don't worry, lad, I'll make sure you sprout good sea legs. Haul in the mainsail! Get up the rigging! Hand over fist! Come on, men!! Let's get her out where she needs to be!
 * Robert: Come on, lad! No time like the present! Come on, come on! She won't bite!
 * Robert: You're connected to her now - Listen and feel. She's idle. If you call for half sail, the men'll hop to it and she'll pick up. Ha ha! The Aquila flies again. D'ya feel it, lad?! Set a course for Martha's Vineyard. We'll find out guns and officers there. She's a nimble vessel but the faster she goes the more cumbersome she grows and the firmer your hand needs to be. Enjoy this stretch of open water 'fore we come upon those shallows. Call for full sail if you like. Wind looks to be shifting. Stay alert, Connor. Gusty winds can be difficult to manage. Now take us through these shallows. Careful not to run up on 'em. The sandbars'll slow us down but the rocks'll put a hole through her hull. And if you want to make a quick tack, call for half sail - she's more maneuverable then.
 * Robert: Drop anchor. We'll go ashore, buy our guns and find our officers.
 * Robert: Oh, hullo, Miss Mandy. You're looking every bit as ravishing as I remember.
 * Amanda: After all these years you sail all the way to the Vineyard to pay me complements?
 * Robert: We're looking for David and Richard Clutterbuck.
 * Amanda: Nice to see you, too.
 * David: Robert Faulkner. Where th hell you been?
 * Robert: Sorry for leavin' like I did lads, but where I was going... no one could know... You two working much?
 * Richard: Nah... between contracts at the moment.
 * Robert: Well, we're looking for gunnery officers. What would you two say to working with me again?
 * Richard: We'd be for gettin' into a few more scraps.
 * David: Good show!
 * Robert: The Aquila is a fine vessel. We're fitting all the guns as we speak...
 * David: Looks like your friend's about to catch a beatin'.
 * Connor: Where is Charles Lee?
 * Church: I don't much care for your tone, boy.
 * Robert: Hey... You don't want to be doin' that, Biddle.
 * Biddle: Bobby Faulkner turned to wet-nursing? Good you finally realized you're a SHITE sailor.
 * Amanda: Whoa whoa whoa! Not in here gentlemen. Better still, not at all. Bobby, take your friends and get out.
 * Robert: Let's go boys. Our guns ought to be ready. Come on.
 * Robert: What the bloody hell was that about?
 * Connor: The older man is a Templar. Who was he with?
 * Robert: A Templar? The young buck was Nicholas Biddle. Nobody. Sails before the mast - midshipman for the Crown.
 * Connor: Are the guns ready?
 * Robert: Aye, but we won't jump in over our heads. We'll find a suitable target and show you how they work. We've fitted her with a modest amount of guns to start but rest assured there's ample room to add more should you feel the need. Looks like a British frigate with half seas over. Should do nicely for a spot of target practice. Bring her around broad side and when all guns are on target call 'fire'.
 * Robert: Well done boy! Now aim all guns at her bow and do as much damage as possible.
 * Deckman: Some ol' powder in there.
 * Robert: Good! Now give the swivel guns a turn. More precise. Hit those old powder barrels and light up the sky. You are a fast learner.
 * Connor: Provided something interests me.
 * Robert: Ah... getting a taste for the open sea are we? We'll make a jack tar out of you yet. Now we should be getting back. The Old Man is like to have my hide for keeping you out so long...
 * Connor: Why is he shooting at us?
 * Robert: Destroying property of the crown. Disturbing the King's peace. Take your pick.
 * Connor: What do we do?
 * Robert: Naught else to do but fight back! Sink the bastard!
 * Deckman: English frigates!
 * Robert: I'll be betwattled, another one! Where in the bloody hell did she come from?
 * Robert: Carry on, sailor. Not bad for your first voyage, eh boy? Now we best be getting back or the Old Man will have my guts for garters.

Outcome
Connor learned how to sail the Aquila, which had now been equipped with cannons and the officers to use them. He also learned of Nicholas Biddle, who seemed to work with the Templars.

Trivia

 * To achieve full synchronization, four contraints had to be completed: no damage could be taken before reaching Martha's Vineyard, three succesful braces had to be performed, two ships had to be destroyed using the swivel guns, and all previous contraints had to be completed in one playthrough.