I know I am somewhat getting ahead of myself, but discussions...

I know I am somewhat getting ahead of myself, but discussions would have happened for after Z 20m on board?

From both NKP point of view. (and Z)
You don’t battle though idiocy, greed and bureaucratic obstacles to get all cashed up. Then roll up at Everest base camp and say "I'm not really sure what we should do now? Anyone got any ideas?".
"guys, what are our options?"
"there seems a big hill over there if we get bored, but it looks pretty cold, and I have bunions"
"with all the stuffing around, I never really thought that far ahead, what was it we were we supposed to be doing here anyway?"
"We could just camp here for a while, and see what happens. We all get along real well now, the word 'besties' comes to mind. and it is very pretty scenery"
"Doing nothing has worked pretty well for us for the last few years, hasn’t it? maybe we should just sit tight"

Were we so desperate that there has genuinely not been any discussion of options?