Welcome to Athens was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2018 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[]
Kassandra accepted Herodotos' offer to meet Perikles in Athens.
Dialogue[]
Kassandra and Herodotos made their way ashore in Attika.
- Herodotos: When you're ready, meet me at the Pnyx in Athens.
They went their separate ways, and eventually Kassandra found herself in Athens. Meeting with Herodotos at the Pnyx, she witnessed Perikles talking to a crowd.
- Perikles: The Spartans may draw near to our walls, but we must come together now for the glory of Athens.
- Civilian: Glory for you!
A civilian threw food at Perikles, hitting him.
- Kleon: Friends! Friends, please! Just because the Spartans are near our walls does not mean we can act like them.
He picked the food off of Perikles, eating it.
- Kleon: A good crop! Shame the Spartans burned the fields where it grew. The Parthenon is glorious, Perikles, but at what cost? How many triremes could we have built instead?
- Perikles: We must not become divided—
- Kleon: We are divided, and the Spartans are winning! Act, Perikles, or I will!
Herodotos came upon Kassandra as she listened.
- Herodotos: Oh good, you came. Things are worse than I feared. Kleon has turned the mob. We have to hurry.
- Kassandra: Where?
- Herodotos: To Perikles.
They approached Perikles, only to be blocked by an Athenian soldier.
- Athenian Soldier: Stay back.
- Herodotos: She's no threat to Perikles, I assure you.
- Perikles: Ah, Herodotos. It's fine. Let them through.
Kassandra and Herodotos greeted by Perikles
Perikles shook the hands of Herodotos.
- Herodotos: It's good to see you again, Perikles.
- Perikles: And you as well. I only wish it were under better circumstances. And who's this?
- Kassandra: Kassandra.
- Perikles: Welcome, Kassandra. And what did you think of your first taste of Athens?
- Kassandra: I think you and Kleon both made good points.
- Perikles: Good points aren't at all what the crowd seemed to care about. They're afraid, and Kleon indulged their fear.
Kassandra stayed quiet.
- Perikles: Nothing to say? Others would do well to realize silence is as much as an answer as anything else. A crowd would seize the first easy answer that comes its way, like a hungry dog on a bone.
- Kassandra: We're all after something, even you.
- Perikles: You're better at reading others than you let on.
Perikles tasking Kassandra to help his associates
- Perikles: First, check on my colleague, Metiochos. He was meant to meet me today, and it's not like him to miss an appointment.
- Kassandra: Done.
- Perikles: My friend, Phidias, needs to be taken out of Athens as soon as possible.
- Kassandra: Anything else?
- Perikles: Yes, there's an ostracism vote taking place that could use your... influence.
(If players choose "Who is Metiochos?")
- Kassandra: Metiochos... you said he was your colleague?
- Perikles: A politician and ally. He's one of my most loyal friends.
(If players choose "What did Phidias do?")
- Kassandra: Phidias... the famous sculptor? What did he do, exactly?
- Perikles: He stands accused of multiple offenses and is awaiting trial. You'll find him under close guard at his workshop.
(If players choose "What's an ostracism?")
- Kassandra: Ostracism?
- Herodotos: Exile is a term you may be more familiar with. Here in Athens, we vote between two people to decide who should leave.
- Perikles: It's between the sophist, Anaxagoras, and another man. On trial for impiety. My contact near the agora will give you the details.
- Kassandra: I'll do it.
- Perikles: I'll expect you to use discretion.
Perikles took his leave.
- Herodotos: That went well! It isn't exactly an invitation, but the promise is just as good. Although I'm sure he'll still ask Aspasia if it's OK.
- Kassandra: So long as it comes.
Outcome[]
On Herotodos' suggestion, Kassandra met the Athenian statesman Perikles at the Pnyx. There, Perikles requested Kassandra to help him with a number of errands in exchange for the information that she needs.
Gallery[]
