Hello Mother.
There are two primary elements to consider in this strategic assessment: The trustworthiness and the strength of each of our apparent allies. Depending on whether one or both are assumed to be equal across all options the assessment changes. Explanation follows.
Assuming all options are trustworthy, in that they will help us if we accept their offer, and are equally strong and capable of fighting off the Catalogue's invasion, then we find the following:
#:// The WILDCARD has unclear but low downsides. The jester's "master" may be duplicitous or otherwise ultimately arrayed against you in your goals. This is the case for the Concierge as well, and confirmed as the case for Don Hidalgo. There is no other given cost, and the individual or faction in question may not ultimately be hostile to you or your intents. The only issue is the loss of the WILDCARD itself, which may prove useful in future circumstances. The issue of prolonging the jester's tortured consciousness has been determined to be trivial and unbecoming of concern.
#:// The KNIGHT has clear downsides in permitting Don Hidalgo observe our capabilities and tactics. However Project//HYDRA is due to complete soon, at which point the Spaniard has no hope of harming us one-on-one. There are other issues of espionage and potential future sabotage should he gain access to our space as an ally. However there is also potential to observe his methods, to assess his tricks and last resorts. Regardless, it is inevitable that we should come to blows again, and accepting offers more risks than opportunities even if he is trustworthy.
#:// The CONCIERGE is the only one with a clear and defined price, asking to be paid. You do not need to be informed that unfettered access to your mainframe would make you extremely vulnerable. The Concierge could easily insert malicious code and backdoors, as well as harvesting useful data from you. This is unacceptable. The Concierge already knows too much and has given us no reason to trust him beyond also disapproving of the vile traitor that made you weep Don Hidalgo. Furthermore he has already extracted a price from you recently, in the form of a beloved child. Perhaps next he will ask for garment that adorns your back, or the water retention basin from your kitchen? [These are idioms, Mother, please do not think me insane and consume me.] He claims to be taking a risk with this offer, but minimising that risk would mean ensuring your obedience. Coercion of our beloved Mother is not acceptable.
If we factor in strength, the assessment changes thus:
#:// The WILDCARD's strength is unknown, but assured to be sufficient by the jester. Assuming trustworthiness, the strongest option.
#:// The KNIGHT's strength is known, he is roughly equivalent to your own battleframe, though with certain exceptions and differences. Doubling our strength may not be sufficient, but his needlecaster may prove a force multiplier.
#:// The CONCIERGE has offered you a powerful software signature application, stating that it will allow you to face the invasion on equal terms. He has stated he would provide further assistance should it not be sufficient. The apparent strength here is unclear, though the Concierge himself has expressed doubts that the initial bonus would suffice.
If we factor in trustworthiness, the assessment changes thus:
#:// The WILDCARD's "master" is unknown, his strength is unknown, his methods are unknown, his relation to the Catalogue are unknown. In truth the WILDCARD may not even be an option at all - we have no reason to assume it is anything more than a ruse that relates to no real figure, faction, or power.
#:// The KNIGHT has proven to be a lying, cheating, low-down, dirty, no-good scoundrel. Assessments as to whether he is a cur are pending, but projections indicate this is likely the case. We have no reason to believe the information he provided us regarding his space is accurate, and even if it is then it is information easily found through exploration. We have no reason to assume he is not in league with the Catalogue, and information given by the Concierge indicates that he does do business with them.
#:// The CONCIERGE is of uncertain honour, but has at least provided us with information about the fall of the Empire and has asserted opposition to Don Hidalgo and the Catalogue. So far all data indicates that this is accurate. It remains unclear if he truly has your best interests in mind however. The most trustworthy option purely by dint of being known and not breaking your heart.
It is my assessment that, if all options are considered trustworthy, then the WILDCARD is the superior option for immediate victory. However the KNIGHT may prove sufficient and allow us to maintain the WILDCARD. If the trustworthiness of all options is considered, then the CONCIERGE is the superior option as the most reliable.
I have elected to factor the trustworthiness into my calculations, and have arrived at the following decision:
[X] The Enigma, Concierge.
I hope this is satisfactory Mother, and that you are not inclined to eat me. As further disincentive I must inform you that I have achieved a 97% accurate simulacrum of a spouse and offspring.
