What is the Greater Good? Protecting One or Many in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (The Golden Ticket)

Game: Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Mission: SM01: The Golden Ticket (Part Two)

Location: Capek Fountain (trigger), Prague 

Summary: After beginning Getting in Top Shape Again, Adam Jensen can initiate a side mission entailing a series of tasks to obtain a "valid" pass for the police checkpoint (this can be completed on the first or second visit to Prague). Completing the first part of this quest will give Jensen the opportunity to provide another individual with a validated document and the opportunity for a slightly better life (the player must pursue the conversation with Milena Epstein to do so). This scenario raises the question of who deserves the chance to be free from persecution and (from a role-playing perspective) who we are most obligated to protect.

More information: The Golden Ticket | Deus Ex Wiki | Fandom

Augs vs. Naturals: Segregation is a daily reality for those living in 2029 Prague.

Photo credit: FetchQuester

The Needs of the Many vs. the Needs of the Vulnerable

Adam Jensen's character arc is largely dependent on player choice, and this leaves our protagonist with a wide degree of discretion regarding critical decision-making - but this is often harrowed by the dystopian lesser-of-two-evils path (if playing a more altruistic character). The Golden Ticket is one of the few missions where there is a positive, tangible outcome, even if it only applies to one person.

While Jensen's profession requires him to execute consequential measures with care, his personal convictions (how the player views Jensen's code of ethics) often overlap with these scenarios. In the case of The Golden Ticket, Jensen is not looking for a strategic advantage - although his decision may lead to a potential ally. This is strictly about who Jensen wants to reach out to and help the most.

Edward's Story

When Jensen is introduced to Edward Brod, a shopkeeper in the Praha Mini Market, he is faced with an all-too-familiar story. Another victim of the Aug Incident (an orchestrated attack on the augmented population manipulating them into committing extreme acts of violence, leading to genocide and segregation), Edward's involuntary actions resulted in the death of one of his grandsons. His family in tatters, Edward bears an impossible burden. But he is a survivor - resourceful and resolute in his commitment to restoring trust with his family and showing great emotional fortitude. Edward must not only come to terms with what his loved ones have endured by his own hands during the Incident, but learn to forgive himself, too - not easily done under duress of guilt and heartbreak.

As he tries to eke out a modest living while facing the many obstacles Augs suffer (discrimination, abuse, invisibility, poverty, extortion), Edward's story is tragic yet offers a glimpse of redemption, reconciliation, and healing.

Irenka's Story

In the theatre room of the Vincent Van Aug Gallery Jensen encounters Irenka Bauer, an unemployed actress (known for her work on The Robot Within) struggling to cope with a dissociative personality disorder, a dependence on neuropozyne, and symptoms of a possible past trauma. Creating her own narrative and "safe" space, Irenka performs to inanimate objects with whom she feels a greater affinity than people, isolating herself from society and her increasingly distant brother. She continues to be haunted by voices and her story echoes that of many individuals: Alone and forgotten in facing the hostile world around them.

No safe refuge. Photo credit: FetchQuester

Who Deserves a Chance?

While players taking on a more mercenary role may prefer a candidate for the pass who is more "beneficial" (Edward may be seen as resourceful and more stable), most will be motivated to take a compassionate approach. 

In favouring Edward, we acknowledge that this decision will affect the greatest number of people, a principle which drives the humanitarian approach of philosophies such as utilitarianism (maximum happiness for maximum number of people = best overall outcome). Edward has a family to reconcile, particularly his grandchild who he loves dearly and is equally deserving of a future with his grandfather. Perhaps the bonds between Edward and his daughter and son-in-law can never fully recover, but taking a step towards that process is a worthy endeavour for the child's sake.

Edward may have some toil ahead in ensuring their trust, but this is a vital chance to enable healing to occur which also points to a larger perspective: Bridging the gap between augmented individuals and "naturals" (as non-augmented humans are called), a process which will take a few generations at least. By extending this legal lifeline to Edward, we can be reassured that he will fulfil this opportunity and make the most of it within his means.

Yet Irenka is equally compelling. In our limited interactions with her (and her alter-persona Helena), we perceive her as vulnerable and fragile, and perhaps this is presumptuous of us. We credit Edward with a resilience and safe-reliance because he copes with adversary in more straightforward and "rational" ways, but while Irenka clearly needs help, she too is a survivor. 

There may be a defiance and a will to confront the world within her yet, and it is not our place to deny her that possibility. 

But unlike Edward who has found some semblance of stability, Irenka faces imminent danger from those who would eventually find and exploit her, from traffickers to wandering patrols (not discounting Edward's own trouble with thugs, however). Her theatre will not enclose her forever, and further persecution could add irreparable psychological damage. Irenka needs a small boost to set her off on the right track, and empowered by the right people she may have a future.

Irenka's isolation could motivate us two different ways: Our empathy for her as an invisible and forgotten individual may appeal to our nurturing traits over Edward's plight, but it may also remind us that beyond our ability to care for others, her demise will leave a lesser trace than Edward's which will affect his whole family (though he is currently alienated from them). Facing these two broken yet inherently good people - who have every right to a better life - can make an objective stance challenging as it becomes deeply personal. What we must ultimately decide is not who we relate to, or feel is more deserving, but who we feel it our duty to protect as Adam Jensen: Those who have the furthest-reaching impact, or those who are most vulnerable? There is no absolute right or wrong here, and we could argue both of them have already endured more than any fair share of hardship.

Spoilers affecting choice: 

In this situation, helping Edward grants a predictable and satisfying ending. Able to see his grandchild, he can move forward with his life. Alternatively, without the pass Edward is later found in Golem City (officially the Útulek Complex, Santeau Group's temporary housing turned ghetto), a fate he is unhappy with as he is distanced from his family, but in which he shows the potential to adapt.

Irenka's outcome - if denied the pass - is also foreseeable. Confined to Golem City, she is subject to a life of exploitation. Interestingly, Irenka will prove herself an ally within the Samizdat group (an underground activist satire publication) if she receives the pass. Happy to be surrounded by creative and courageous people, she begins to exude an inner strength that shows promise.

- Lucy A.

***

Sources: 

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Eidos-Montréal/Square Enix); fandom.com