Ikora. I'm sure you're wondering at my choice to involve myself further with the Drifter's business, Dredgen that he is. Was. Our relationship has changed, of course—the reports from the Barant Imperium incidents have more detail.

I don't know if I'd call it friendship. Bluntly, our association has gone on far longer than I meant it to. I find I now respect him, though I can hardly believe I'm writing that.

I am not blind. He's charismatic. Many would go so far as to call him likeable, in a roguish way. Gambit sustained its popularity for many good reasons: the material gain, the testing ground for dangerous weapons, but also for the Drifter's…

Charm. Fine, yes; I admit there's charm. That's not the point.

I want to keep the Drifter close. He's touched by the Nine, and a valuable ally to boot. We have to maintain some kind of tie with him, formal or not.

So, we're working together to prepare Guardians, coaching them through the toughest of battles in a controlled setting. Details are attached for your review.

Even then…

I fear it may not be enough.