The Paths That Are Hidden

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Penumbra
Chapter 1: Proof of Intent
1 The Intermediary 2 Trust And Discretion 3 Their Loss, Our Profit 4 The Paths That Are Hidden 5.1a An Honorable Betrayal 5.2a Proof of Intent 5.3a Return to Isha 5.4a Re-examining Options 5b Two Steps Into Hell 5c Playing It Safer 6a Almost Unmasked 7.1a Some Light Theatrics 7.2a Untouchable 6 Too Close for Comfort 7b The Crimson Decoy 7c Pre-Emptive Opportunities 8 A General's Best Friend
Chapter 2: Blackness Rising
9 Meet Sinas 10 Right Tool for the Job 11 The Breakout 12 Whisper of a Conspiracy 13 Practical Solutions 14 Forewarning
Chapter 3: The Bottom Line
15a The Knowledge to Act 16a Slipping Away 17a Across the Line 15b A Difference of Opinion 16b Learning by Doing 17b The Price of Silence 16c Home In Peace

Type	Branch
Objective	Choose next mission
Extra	Choice here decides possible rewards at end of the arc

Mission briefing

Apparently Hyasyoda are more furious than I anticipated. I'm thinking we should probably move the formula sooner rather than later. I don't exactly want their Corporate Police Force prying into our business. I've already lined up a buyer for us. All you need to do is move the goods. There's a slight complication though. As I'm sure you can appreciate, my associates – that is, the ones with an interest in highly-illegal booster manufacture – they're stationed at a somewhat remote NOH office outside of CONCORD jurisdiction, where the Chief Executive Panel finds it difficult to keep a close eye on everything. Ideally, I would like you to deliver the goods to our facility in KFR-ZE yourself, but I can make arrangements for the staff at KFR to retrieve it from a nearby low-security system if you prefer. That will, of course, reduce your cut of the profits. If you can fly a Covert Ops – or an Interceptor – anything like that, then I would recommend you make use of it now, but how you proceed in light of this situation is up to you. All I want is for the sale to be made; I care less about how. Two Steps Into Hell>> I'm sure you're aware how dangerous a place Syndicate can be. Serpentis are everywhere, and your fellow capsuleers have given the region a reputation for constant violence and war. I have mapped a route you could take through Genesis, via Faurulle, that will limit the amount of lawless space you need to traverse. That will make the trip longer, but safer. I guess that depends on how you feel about the short route and the jump into PF-346 it entails. That one system alone must have claimed millions of souls over the years; it is notoriously dangerous. Personally, I would advise discretion, and that you limit your risks. I suggest you take something evasive, be that through speed or cloaking, and avoid the busiest systems. I will have an agent on standby in KFR-ZE at a secure Nugoeihuvi facility near our Station offices. I suggest you avoid the station unless there is a need to dock there. Capsuleer pirates love to corner unaware travelers there; we have to deal with the combat on our doorstep all the time. Playing it Safer>> Our people in KFR-ZE come down to State space via Faurulle at times. This is the quickest route out of Syndicate and often the most desirable one for that very reason. We've lost a few convoys recently, trying to pass through PF-346 along the shortest route to State space. In case you don't know it, <Character>, the PF-346 system has been made notorious by bloodthirsty capsuleers. I think it is perhaps best for all involved that we take no risks on this one and use the Faurulle drop-off. This is where you will be taking our formula. I will have my people on standby at a secure facility in-system. Please, though, do not linger there. There are no stations in system, so anyone noticing you will know that you're out in space somewhere. The very last thing we need is some pirate scanning you down in one of our own facilities, and especially not in that one. An Honorable Betrayal>> You want more time? Very well, <Character>. I'll hold the job for you a little longer, but if I get the impression that you won't be returning, then I'll just hand it off to someone less busy. Business is business, my friend. The Liberal Faction The second faction is the liberals, whose views are completely the opposite of the practicals in regards to interstellar trade. The liberals believe in fostering improved relations with all the other empires, creating a world where there are no trade barriers and free-flow of goods. They believe in trade deals that mutually benefit the participants and the empires can come together in a peaceful, prosperous future world only through cooperation. The liberals are led by the Ishukone Corporation and also include the Hyasyoda mega corporation. Their strong position within CONCORD is accentuated by their belief that it is their main vehicle in promoting universal peace and stability so that trade can flow freely and cultures mingle peacefully.

This mission has 3 different branch options. The final reward of this Epic Arc is based on your decision here. Choosing either "Two Two Steps Into Hell" or "Playing It Safer" will side you with Nugoeihuvi and you will later be able to chooce either Nugoeihuvi reward or Caldari state reward. "An Honorable Betrayal" on the other hand will side you with Hyasyoda allowing you to choose either Hyasyoda reward or Caldari State reward later.

Even though the Hyasyoda path contains more missions it may be faster than Nugoeihuvi path. The Hyasyoda path contains six "talk to agent"-missions (three of which can be completed without moving at all), one courier mission and one "hack a single container"-mission. Nugoeihuvi path on the other hand contains one "talk to agent"-mission, one courier mission and one combat mission.

Note: Making the selection completes the mission.

Two Steps Into Hell
Deliver S.I. Formula Sheet to the Nugoeihuvi Cargo Facility in KFR-ZE (Syndicate) in Null Security (27 jumps though null route). The final reward will either be from Nugoeihuvi (20x Nugoeihuvi Synth Blue Pill Booster + Caldari State standing) or from Caldari State (ISK + Caldari State standing) depending on your choice later.

Playing It Safer
Deliver S.I. Formula Sheet to the Nugoeihuvi Cargo Facility in Faurulle (Solitude) in Low Security (30 jumps though low route). The final reward will either be from Nugoeihuvi (20x Nugoeihuvi Synth Blue Pill Booster + Caldari State standing) or from Caldari State(ISK + Caldari State standing) depending on your choice later.

An Honorable Betrayal
Report to Arikio Kuretsu in Wuos (Wuos V - Moon 1 - Hyasyoda Corporation Mining Outpost) in High Security. (Make sure to bring S.I Formula Sheet). The final reward will either be from Hyasyoda (1x Hyasyoda Research Lab Blueprint + Caldari State standing) or from Caldari State (isk + Caldari State Standing). Even though Hyasyoda path seems much longer it isn't much longer than Nugoeihuvi path as most of the extra missions are very fast "talk to agent" missions. After talking to Arikio Kuretsu you will come back to choose between the other two options.

The branching nature of this chapter.