Too Much of a Good Thing

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Too Much of a Good Thing was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Pentheus' mind was at peace, but he still suffered in life. Hippokrates knew of a way to ease his pain, but too much could be fatal.

Dialogue

Hippokrates called Kassandra for her assistance.

• Hippokrates: If you have a moment, I would ask you to help me with something.

As Kassandra faced him, she briefly glanced back to the resting Pentheus.

• Kassandra: He seems to be resting peacefully now.
• Hippokrates: Yes, you helped ease his mind, but he'll never truly be at peace until he takes his last breath.
• Kassandra: When will that be?
• Hippokrates: It's hard to tell. Judging by his symptoms, it'll be sooner rather than later.

They paused on the depressing situation.

• Hippokrates: I can lessen his pain, but to do so, I'll need some hemlock.

Accept – I'll get the hemlock.Leave – Not right now.

• Kassandra: I'll collect the ingredients you need.
• Hippokrates: Thank you. It won't stop the pain entirely, but I hope it'll help him feel more comfortable.

• Kassandra: I don't have time for this right now.

Kassandra returned.

• Hippokrates: I still need hemlock for the pain if you're able.

(Back to dialogue choice one.)

• Kassandra: He doesn't want to feel better. He wants to die with some dignity.
• Hippokrates: True dignity would be fighting through this so I can analyze his symptoms further.

You're letting him suffer.You're doing the right thing.

• Kassandra: He wants to die and he's in pain. You should respect his right to choose instead of treating him like an experiment. What you're doing is wrong.
• Hippokrates: I will not be lectured on the morality of my work by a sell-sword. I have a responsibility, like all healers, to use my knowledge for the betterment of others.

• Kassandra: I can't imagine how difficult this must be, but I know you're doing what you can to help him.
• Hippokrates: Sometimes I worry that it's never enough. First the plague, and now this. The ailments that afflict man are as varied as the gods. It would take me many lifetimes to learn about them all.

(If players asked "Where is the hemlock?")

• Kassandra: Hemlock is rare. Where do you harvest it?"
• Hippokrates: It grows all across Boeotia, but check near the Tumulus of Plataia. I'm sure I saw some when I was last there.

(If players asked "Why hemlock?")

• Kassandra: Why are you treating him with poison? Hemlock is deadly.
• Hippokrates: Only in the wrong dosage. If my observations are correct, it should lessen the pain wracking his body.

(Leave – "I'll go now.")

• Kassandra: I'll get the hemlock you need.

Kassandra left and rode south outside the city. When she arrived at the bridge north of the Ruins of Plataia, she found it surrounded by wolves. She dealt with the pack then found hemlocks under the bridge by the river bank.

• Kassandra: That looks like hemlock.

She picked a bunch and returned to Hippokrates in Thebes.

• Kassandra: I got the hemlock you wanted.
• Hippokrates: Thank you. I know this task was a little beneath you, but it will help my friend here.
• Hippokrates: I've prepared the elixir base, but I need you to grind the herb and add it to the mixture.
• Kassandra: I think I can handle that.

Kassandra moved towards the table at the corner.

• Hippokrates: Be mindful of the amount you add. While the hemlock is an excellent pain inhibitor, too much can be lethal.

She talked to herself while finishing the mixture.

I'll add too much.I'll add the right amount.

• Kassandra: Just as the doctor ordered.

A while later, after Hippokrates gave Pentheus the potion Kassandra finished, Kassandra joined Hippokrates as he observed Pentheus.

• Kassandra: He seems to be calmer now.
• Hippokrates: The potion is working. With what I learn here, I could help many more who still have a chance at life.

Kassandra nodded in agreement.

• Kassandra: Gods protect you, Pentheus.

A while later, after Hippokrates gave Pentheus the potion Kassandra finished, Hippokrates knelt down to check on him. All the while, Kassandra has her back turned, arms crossed.

• Hippokrates: Come now, Pentheus. We must check to see how your symptoms are progressing.

Pentheus lay still, unresponsive.

• Hippokrates: Pentheus?
• Hippokrates: Pentheus?!
• Hippokrates: What? What's happened? He shouldn't have died yet.

After realizing what transpired, Hippokrates became infuriated and turned his attention to Kassandra.

• Hippokrates: What did you do?

I ended his suffering.Lie – I did what you asked.I did what you couldn't.

• Kassandra: He was suffering. I did what was necessary.

• Kassandra: I did nothing except what you asked me to do.
• Hippokrates: Do you think I'm stupid? I know enough to see when someone has been poisoned.
• Kassandra: He wanted a peaceful death, and I gave it to him.

• Kassandra: I did what I knew was right—and what you couldn't do.

• Hippokrates: It wasn't your place. I needed more time—there was still more I could have learned.
• Kassandra: Keeping him alive so you can study him isn't right. He was in pain and wanted to die.
• Hippokrates: My job was to save his life, not end it. I chose to not help Galeos and I was wrong.
• Kassandra: You and I both know that's not why you kept him alive. Stop hiding the truth behind your code.

Kassandra struck a chord on Hippokrates and he paused for a moment.

• Hippokrates: You're right. I knew I couldn't bring myself to end his life, but I thought the more I learned, the better chance I would have of saving others in the future.
• Kassandra:' It was a noble cause.

They both briefly looked down on the dead Pentheus.

• Hippokrates: Treating patients should come before studying ailments, but I have a higher calling. If I'm to learn all I can, I need to travel and analyze the conditions other physicians are treating.

• Kassandra: Good luck, Hippokrates. I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Hippokrates smiled and nodded before she left.

Outcome

Kassandra helped Hippokrates make a sedative by harvesting Hemlock. Knowing how it can also be poisonous, she made a choice of whether to discreetly euthanize the terminally ill Pentheus, or let Hippokrates study his illness further.

References

• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey