[It stings, the reminder of failure. Because with a whole contingent of Knights behind him it shouldn't have happened. He mollifies that by calling it destiny, something that needed to happen for Drift to become what he is. But in the face of that mech's pain, it doesn't quite feel right. His helm bows with the weight of it.]

I was willing to go it alone because we'd exhausted all other options. [He looks up again.] And if others stepped up to join you, would you allow them?

If it isn't, then tell me what it is. Why the harried response? [His tone is tired, not quite pleading, but near to it.]