Simon Hathaway

Professor Simon Hathaway (born 1980s) is a British Templar historian and, as of October 2016, the head of Abstergo Industries' Historical Research Division and member of the Inner Sanctum of the Templar Order.
==Biography==
===Early life===
Simon was born into the Templar Order; his parents were both members of the Order, as was his grandmother, who worked in the background of Winston Churchill's war office. He followed the footsteps of those before him as he pursued on his career as a historian. He attended Cambridge and afterwards worked in Abstergo Industries' Historical Division under his fellow Cantabrigian Isabelle Ardant. At some point, Hathaway went hiking in the Scottish Highlands and climbed . He also had a romantic relationship with his fellow Templar Anaya Chodary, who was a field agent at the time. However, their work and devotion to the Order eventually kept the two apart and ended their relationship.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 3
Later, Ardant became impressed by his work and mentioned him several times in her files, catching the attention of the CEO and Grand Master Alan Rikkin. This served crucial during the Inner Sanctum's hunt for Ardant's replacement.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 1
===Induction to the Inner Sanctum===
Hathaway was inducted to the Inner Sanctum in October 2016. Upon taking his position in the Inner Sanctum, Hathaway gave a presentation to its other members in which he put forward his belief that the Animus was not being used to its full potential in their search for Pieces of Eden and Assassins. Seeing the methods such as those by Abstergo Entertainment—which utilized people largely ignorant of the significance of what they witnessed in the past—as more data gathering rather than application of knowledge, Hathaway argued that greater work could be done in less time by sending a Templar like himself into the past who could appreciate the greater context of what they saw and therefore discover clues that others simply didn't know to look out for.
To that end, he put forth a theory that the Sword of Eden which had become damaged as it was passed down through history from Grand Masters Jacques de Molay and François-Thomas Germain to the Assassin Arno Dorian and eventually into the office of Alan Rikkin himself was the very same weapon wielded by Jeanne d'Arc during the Hundred Years' War. It was Hathaway's belief that by exploring the memories of his ancestor Gabriel Laxart, who fought besides Jeanne d'Arc, he would be able to observe the Sword's abilities firsthand and thereby have the opportunity to reactivate them in the present day.
===Restoring the Sword of Eden===
====Day 1====
Rikkin gave Hathaway a deliberately tight one-week schedule to test this new direction that the professor wanted the Historical Research Division to take and assigned Victoria Bibeau to assist him, a move which immediately reduced the timeline to six days as Bibeau needed to fly in to London from the Aerie.
====Day 2====
He was officially introduced to her during their meeting in Simon's favorite restaurant, Tempest in the Teapot, where they discussed the Bleeding Effect. He also had to summarize the Hundred Years' War and Joan of Arc's involvement to the uninformed Bibeau, much to his annoyance.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 2
During their ride to the Historical Research division, the pair encountered Anaya Chodary, who was now Abstergo's ethical hacker, in the lift. Initially shocked, the two later shared a friendly conversation and parted ways. This was commented upon by Bibeau, who Simon learned shared the same views on romance as him. They continued on to the technician Amanda Sekibo to strap him in the Animus.
With his first attempt in the Animus, he violently desynchronized during Gabriel's first meeting with Joan. Bibeau later realized, from the chemicals released from Hathaway's brain, that the cause was not Simon himself, but the teenage romantic attraction of his ancestor to the maiden.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 4 After more observations, he realized that Gabriel and Joan had extraordinary amounts of Precursor DNA, and that their ally Jean de Metz was an Assassin.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 5 Desynchronizing from the Animus again after his excitement of finding an Assassin overloaded the signal. Aware of the growing potential of his project to both the history of the Assassin-Templar War and DNA tracking, Simon became more confident that Rikkin would start having interests. Simon and Bibeau also discussed the ancestor of the late Warren Vidic, Geoffroy Thérage, Jeanne's executioner. Simon noted that not many people liked or missed Vidic. Bibeau then advised Simon to go home and rest, to which he initially complained about but eventually complied.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 6
====Day 3====
The next morning, Simon came in early to work after a restless sleep. After Bibeau arrived, Simon then gave her exposition on Joan getting an audience with Robert de Baudricourt. When reliving Gabriel's journey to Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, Simon had a hunch where the Sword was.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 7 While on break, Simon and Anaya met up and she told him of the new job she applied for. Simon is happy for her, but couldn't help lingering feelings coming back to him. Back to work, Simon theorized to Bibeau that Joan may have been in contact with the Isu Consus.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 8 When reliving his ancestor's memories again, Simon caught a quick glimpse of what he assumed to be the French Assassin's Mentor, but could not identify them.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 9
After learning that his ancestor was an Assassin ally, Simon was disgusted. However, after seeing the graffiti of Jacques de Molay in the Fort Coudray of Château de Chinon, he sour mood lightened. He marveled at the opportunity to have it analyzed by Zachary Morgenstern in Cryptology.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 11 After several hours in the Animus, Bibeau was ready to pull Simon out. His vital signs were starting to concern Bibeau. With the Sword so close in sight, Simon was adamant to continue. Victoria reluctantly agreed but warned him she will pull him out at the first sign of danger. Simon resumed Gabriel's memories and found the Sword of Eden. At that moment, however, Simon passed out. He awoke to Bibeau, Sekibo, and two other technicians standing over him. Eager to resume he is stopped by Bibeau, who insists he have a rest day. Simon refuses although to no effect. Bibeau suggested to email Rikkin the next day asking for an extension and explaining the current situation. Left with no other option, Simon agreed to go home.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 12
In the cab on his way to his flat in Kensington, Simon received a text from Anaya informing him that she got the job, and replied that he was happy for her. Closing his eyes to rest a while, he started suffering from early onsets of the Bleeding Effect, seeing Latin and hearing French when he slept. He was jolted from his sleep when the cab driver called to him, expressing concern. Simon looked pale, and the driver offered to help him to his flat. Simon denied the need for assistance, and after tipping the driver, entered his flat. After a hot shower, Simon saw Gabriel's reflection in the mirror for a mere second.
====Day 4====
After a stressful night he had overslept, Simon met with Victoria expressing his frustration at not being able to send Rikkin the email. His interactions with Victoria become snappy, although he apologized for it. Trying to organize to meet with Rikkin via his secretary, it became impossible as Rikkin was planning a trip to Madrid, Spain. This news frustrated Simon, who insisted that they continue working.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 14
Back in the Animus, Simon relived Gabriel training in Assassin techniques from de Metz. Simon jokingly noted to Victoria about how all the training could make him as chiseled as an Adonis. After training heavily inside the simulation for a whole day in Gabriel's time, Simon was taking a short break in the Memory Corridor. Brushing aside Victoria's comment about wanting to switch sides, he continued onward. Training how to use the Hidden Blade through Gabriel, Simon felt his hesitance about taking a life, Gabriel soon received a letter from Jeanne, detailing her activities in Poitiers, including her upcoming meeting with Queen Yolande, mother-in-law to the Dauphin. Victoria asked if Simon needed a break but he declined. Some days later inside the simulation, Jeanne greeted Gabriel and de Metz, and when handed her Sword, it lit up in her hands, they realized its potential in winning the war. Simon also realized that they were on the right track and that was the Sword of Eden they were after.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 15
Simon then sent the drafted email he'd done up previously to Rikkin, outlining their progress, requesting to personally examine the sword, and asking for an extension. Several hours later, Rikkin responded, agreeing to the sword examination but denying the extension, emphasizing the need for focus. After Victoria pulled him out of the Animus, Simon marveled at the Sword's reaction to Joan's touch. After a break and a shower, he headed to Tempest in a Teapot to meet with Victoria, ordering a drink as he waited. Noticing a change in the serving staff, his favorite waiter Poole had since been replaced by Lyndsey, he encountered Anaya and her replacement, Benjamin Clarke, an American. Simon navigated the interaction, subtly sharing information about tea. Victoria arrived, sending a coded text about Rikkin's message. Despite his frustration, Simon gained access to the Sword and vowed to share Joan's reaction with Rikkin. The breakfast discussion hinted at a Templar connection for Ben, leading Simon to promise him a city tour. As Simon left, Anaya sought a talk but was deferred. Returning to the Animus Room, a mysterious package awaited him—Piece of Eden 25, devoid of any significant energy. Undeterred, Simon delved back into the Animus, determined to uncover the French Assassin Mentor's identity. Eventually, Gabriel accompanied Jeanne to see the Queen of Aragon, and later meet the Assassin's Mentor, only to discover they were one in the same, Queen Yolande of Aragon.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 16 Simon was frustrated at such a revelation, so sure, like his ancestor, that the Mentor was the Duke of Alençon.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 17
After experiencing Gabriel's own astonishment at the reveal, Simon pulled himself into the Memory Corridor. After getting his breathing under control, he processed the new information, he informed Victoria not to pull him out. His stats, good with the occasional spike due to shock, were no signs of concern. He calmly resumed his session, finishing the full meeting and the Queen's promise of support, Simon pulled himself into the Memory Corridor again for another breather. Still annoyed at himself for never considering the Queen as a candidate for Mentor, he denied the need for a break and pushed forward to 21 April 1429 when Jeanne was with her new army.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 18
Witnessing through his ancestor, Jeanne had been given new plate armor, a horse supplied by the Duke of Alençon, and a scabbard for her new sword. They traveled from Tours to Blois, gaining support and supplies from Queen Yolande and d'Alençon. They made preparations with Jean de Dunois the "Bastard of Orléans" and Jeanne's brothers. Jeanne then using the charismatic abilities of her sword chased out many camp followers from her ranks.
After the simulation concludes, Simon and Victoria discuss Joan's use of the Sword of Eden to discipline camp followers, debunking rumors spread by Alençon. Simon is relieved by Joan's family reconciliation and speculates about Isu DNA in her parents. He recounts Joan's father's nightmare, anticipating her joining soldiers, and they prepare to proceed with the simulation to Orléans. As they prepared to besiege the city, Jeanne and Gabriel were approached by one of the camp followers, one Jeanne dubbed "Fleur" after the latter had promised to relinquish her sinful ways and go to confession.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 19 Contacting Victoria, they talk about how unlike Jeanne to take Fleur as a friend especially due to her former occupation. However, Simon wanted to keep going despite doing multiple simulations that day. Victoria reluctantly agreed. After experiencing the beginning of the Siege of Orléans,Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 20 Victoria pulls Simon out citing increased risks.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 21
Despite his desire to proceed, Simon is scolded by Victoria, leading to a confrontation. After some reluctance, Victoria apologizes, and Simon continues reading about Joan of Arc. Anaya contacts him to meet, and during their interaction, she reveals Victoria's lies. They debate the reasons for secrecy in Simon's project and later check Simon's flat for bugs, hugging each other while discovering at least two bugs, leaving Simon pondering his next steps.
====Day 5====
Simon, now constantly looking over shoulder after a night of bad dreams, sits at Tempest in a Teapot and anxiously searches his surroundings, wondering if Abstergo was watching him. Soon, Victoria came over and apologized once more for her behavior yesterday. Though their conversation quickly switched to strictly business as they talked about what periods of time to relive despite Simon's desire to go through the battles Joan endured. They later agree to relive the fourth day of the siege where Joan and her army strike the Les Tourelles.Assassin's Creed: Heresy – Chapter 22
===Managing Historical Research===
On 7 November, Simon met with Layla Hassan, a promising young Abstergo employee, praising her and giving her advice. A week later, she sent an email thanking him for his kind words and asked to be assigned to more Person of Interest assignments.Assassin's Creed: Origins – Subject header: "Assignment Type Request" A month later, while Layla was on an assignment, she became behind on logging operation reports. Simon threatened her tardiness with a formal complaint to Operations and more mediation training.Assassin's Creed: Origins – Subject header: "Re: Xmas Vacation"
In March 2017, the Inner Sanctum invited the new Black Cross to a meeting in Quebec, during which Simon was present. Displeased that he auto-proclaimed himself their inquisitor, they threatened him and demanded to know his identity. The masked man responded that he came only as a courtesy, to inform them that he was investigating an hostile fifth column within the Order. After affirming his independence, the Black Cross dropped a smoke bomb and disappeared.Assassin's Creed: Uprising – Issue #02
In October, Hathaway assigned a team consisting of Layla Hassan and Deanna Geary to Egypt to recover an artifact of utmost importance in the Qattara Depression.Assassin's Creed: Origins – Subject header: "Egypt" Layla's refusal to check in with Abstergo led to the company deploying Sigma Team to find them,Assassin's Creed: Origins – Modern day although it is not known if this order was from Simon or not.
==Personality and traits==
As a scholar and historian, Hathaway was very eager to witness Joan of Arc's battles in his ancestor's eyes. Despite his excitement, he kept an objective and third-person viewpoint, almost giving him immunity from the Bleeding Effect. This also enables him to desynchronize on purpose.
Simon always valued authenticity. During his initiation into the Inner Sanctum of the Templar Order, he noted that the ritual garb had been made by hand and not machines. This caught his admiration, as he loved that the Templars genuinely put in effort to replicate the ancient traditions. He still uses a whiteboard to present his points, something which, as noted by David Kilkerman, most people today do not do.
He also valued knowledge over information. He stated that while information told where to find a Piece of Eden, knowledge would allow the Templars to understand its workings and designs. He also believed that knowledge would give them a better advantage over the Assassins rather than just data collection. Hathaway also adores tea and considers coffee as a "demon".
===Skills and equipment===
Simon Hathaway's typical attire consisted of a three-piece suit plus an overcoat. In addition to English, Simon is also fluent in Russian, Spanish and Arabic. Learning Gabriel's skills via the Bleeding Effect, Simon was able to effortlessly perform a Leap of Faith and possessed enough stamina to run up more than nine flights of stairs. He also used some minor knowledge from Gabriel's sword-training to disarm two Abstergo security personnel.
==Behind the scenes==
Simon is a common biblical name, from Hebrew Šimʻôn (שִׁמְעוֹן), meaning "listen". It is also a Ancient Greek name, derived from the adjective simon (Σίμων) meaning "flat-nosed". Hathaway is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, it can be derived from the Middle English hath, meaning "heath", plus the Middle English "way."
While not clearly confirmed, Assassin's Creed: Heresy hints that Simon is a descendant of Jeanne d'Arc, as after her faked execution the maid shared her life with Simon's known ancestor, Gabriel Laxart, who fathered children during that time.
==Appearances==
*Assassin's Creed: Heresy 
*Assassin's Creed: Uprising
*Assassin's Creed: Origins 
==References==
pl:Simon Hathaway
fr:Simon Hathaway
Category:1980s births
Category:Individuals
Category:British people
Category:Scientists
Category:Historians
Category:Abstergo Industries employees
Category:Templars
Category:British Templars
Category:Master Templars
Category:Inner Sanctum of the Templar Order
Category:Individuals who held Pieces of Eden
Category:Individuals with the Bleeding Effect