The Knowledge to Act

Caldari epic arc - Penumbra
Chapter 2 - The Bottom Line
Previous mission: Forewarning
Next mission: Slipping Away (Hyasyoda path) OR Home In Peace (Caldari State path)

Type	Branch
Objective	Choose your path
Extra	Decides the final reward

Mission briefing

The Knowledge to Act Hirmuolio Pine, good. I talked to that old friend of mine about a compromise between Ishukone and the other corporations, and we've managed to come up with a solution he believes they'll agree to. We're meeting shortly, but I wanted to update you on the progress. I believe we can solve this amicably, without pushing Ishukone into a corner. I can't imagine a better result myself, given the current situation. It comes down to you, though. I'm not about to pretend that Katsen doesn't still have other ideas about how to deal with this. My guess is that he wants you to keep digging, to properly back Ishukone into a corner. Well, you're free to go off and start that war if you think it's necessary, but I won't be there alongside you. Sometimes conflict isn't the solution. Take it from a man who has been fighting his whole life. There's some things my guns could never change, Hirmuolio Pine. Either you understand that and you're with me, or you can go the other way and learn the lesson yourself. I'll push for a compromise either way, but it would help to have you in my corner on this one, more than you might appreciate. Home in Peace >> If I'm honest, I wasn't sure that you and I would ever see one another again. I know that Katsen probably offered you all kinds of things to continue pursuing Ishukone. You didn't take it though, so good work. Maybe there were other temptations, perhaps? A few other bets you were hedging on the side? Hmm, yes, don't worry, I won't push the matter, but something tells me perhaps you're starting to appreciate things many Caldari forget to. So then…let me catch you up. My friend and I believe a deal can be struck easily if we can put aside the question of moving recovered Ishukone personnel to their Headquarters in Malkalen. If you were to offer your help, it would lend a tremendous amount of credibility to the operation. Ishukone may not trust you, but they trust the Navy, and they will trust that you have the ability to do the job, if not the loyalty. Personally, I know you'll do what's right. You wouldn't be here otherwise. There's a huge risk here though, Hirmuolio Pine. You'll be moving people from a low-security system in a warzone through to the heartlands of State space. Thousands of lives will depend on your ability to maintain a low profile. Slipping Away >> In any other situation, a request for more time would be fine, Hirmuolio Pine. But there are hundreds, thousands of people waiting on us. What am I supposed to tell my friend in Ishukone, too? That things have to wait because the capsuleer we've been depending on needs to deal with something else? Your request comes at a bad time, friend. Crielere; a parable told to all aspiring young Caldari “There once was a great rich merchant,” she began hesitantly, suddenly all too aware that all eyes in the room were on her. But she plunged on regardless, steeling her nerves. “He lived to a grand old age and possessed every wealth a man could dream of. Many looked to him in awe or envy, coveting his treasures and desiring to imitate his great successes. Yet the old man was never happy and on his deathbed, a young clerk working for him asked: ‘You must feel that your life has been one great success story, what with all the wealth you have accumulated.' But the old man replied. ‘My life has been one of misery and sorrow. As a young man I chose wealth over family, discarding the love of my life. When I die all that I will leave behind in the world is money. But money is the same all over, mine is no different from anyone else's. Once my wealth has been scattered, all that I will be is dust and vague memories. My life is a failure young man, don't make the same mistakes I did.'

The last choice, select:

• Home In Peace: leads to 25m ISK and Caldari State Faction standing increase as final reward
• Slipping Away: leads to Standup Hyasyoda Research Lab Blueprint and Caldari State Faction standing increase as final reward