On a High Horse

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On a High Horse was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Sokrates caught a man stealing a horse and wanted Kassandra to decide what to do with him. As always with Sokrates, the outcome wasn't going to be as simple as it seemed.

Dialogue

Kassandra passed near the Port of Piraeus in Athens and saw Sokrates admiring a horse. Assuming it was his, Kassandra engaged him in dialogue about it.

• Kassandra: That's a nice horse, Sokrates.
• Sokrates: It's a very nice horse... a sturdy horse. It's also a stolen horse.

(If players chose "A good citizen would report this.")

• Kassandra: It looks like I'll have to report you, Sokrates. It's what a good citizen would do, right?
• Sokrates: Oh! Very good. Although a bit preemptive without all the details, wouldn't you say?
• Kassandra: It was a joke.
• Sokrates: The real question is whether there is truth behind the joke, or if one's mind can be changed once the whole story is revealed.

(If players chose "I never took you for a thief.")

• Kassandra: Sokrates the horse thief... I can almost hear the stories they'll tell. Aristophanes will love this.
• Sokrates: Unfortunately, those stories would be entirely fabricated. Although, I would like to see if you believe the story should still be told once you know the truth.

Regardless, Kassandra listened for the whole story, albeit annoyed.

• Kassandra: What story is that?
• Sokrates: There is a man nearby who is responsible for stealing the horse. I've been contemplating the proper course of action, but I'd like to know what you think is right.

(Accept - "I'll decide what's right.")

• Kassandra: And how should I make my decision?
• Sokrates: Your thoughts are your own, but speaking to the thief himself may help you decide. Can such a crime be justified? It's an interesting thought.
• Kassandra: Where's the thief now?
• Sokrates: I told him to wait by the stables southwest of here.
• Kassandra: If you caught him stealing a horse, what's to say he won't just run away?
• Sokrates: The hope of keeping the horse. That's where you come in. I'll let him tell you the rest.

Kassandra left Sokrates to go speak to the horse thief.

[dialogue]

Kassandra returned to Sokrates to render her decision.

• Sokrates: Have you decided what should be done?

He should give back the horse.He should keep the horse.

• Kassandra: It doesn't matter why he stole the horse - it belongs to someone else.
• Sokrates: You surprise me yet again. I truly believed you would choose the other side.
• Kassandra: Because I am a misthios?
• Sokrates: Of course! Yet, when it comes to someone else, you decided a crime deserves a consequence no matter the reason. A safe choice, although I can think of times when it may not be right.

• Kassandra: If he needs the horse more than the man he stole it from, let him keep it. It will do him more good.
• Sokrates: So determining whether a crime deserves a consequence or reward is dependent on the reasons behind it. An intriguing thought, although I can see how dangerous such thinking might be.

(If Kassandra did not speak to the thief and made her decision anyway)

• Kassandra: When I thought about it, I realized I didn't need to talk to the man to make the decision.
• Sokrates: So you didn't feel a need to know why he stole it? Your decisiveness is something to both marvel at and question.
• Kassandra: The real question is whether my decision matters at all, or if this was just another test to see what I would do.
• Sokrates: There's a good chance it is both, but an equally good chance it is neither.
• Kassandra: Now you're not making sense on purpose.

Sokrates had one more question for Kassandra.

• Sokrates: Let me ask you one more thing. If one man kills another in order to save many, can his actions be considered just? Or should the man be punished?

He should be punished.His actions are just.

• Kassandra: The outcome may be better, but he should still be punished for his crime.
• Sokrates: That is true, yet if his peers were to decide - especially those he saved - they may argue that though the action was wrong, it was necessary and just.
• Kassandra: I'm not sure the law cares about the reasons.
• Sokrates: But if we are to decide whether the law should act on a man, or if his crime should be pardoned, the worthiness of the action should be taken into account, should it not?

• Kassandra: If the action was for a good reason, then he is in the right.
• Sokrates: So in times like these, people like us get to determine the law? Many would believe a murder still deserves consequence.
• Kassandra: The people whose lives were saved would disagree.
• Sokrates: Then perhaps making choices that affect the most people for good is the correct path, wouldn't you agree?

• Kassandra: Are we done yet? I can't stay here all day.
• Sokrates: Of course you can't. It is a luxury few can afford. Even those with the time for it often lack the mental capacity for such things.

Kassandra rolled her eyes.

• Kassandra: OK.

References

• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey