He has the grace to at least look sheepish, and he scratches his head as he speaks "Actually, yes. I mean, the Vanguard is always issuing orders, but... I mean, between Lake and, well, you, I couldn't pass it up." He composes himself a little bit before speaking again, "I've heard rumors about some kind of conflict between two rogue Guardians, both old friends of mine. Aries, whose friend just dropped you, and Erik, someone I haven't seen in a long time. I have a feeling that whatever knowledge you collected about Lake will be important. You were close to Lake, weren't you? I can see it in your face when I mention him."