[ Erik nods, duly impressed. His instinct is to be dismissive of anybody younger than him, unless they happen to be mutants. Everybody else is dilettantes and poseurs. But to readily admit failure speaks of a maturity that many of his peers lack. ]

We've spoken in general about various philosophies. But does that give you the same sort of insight as knowing... [ he scans the card ] What do you look for in a friend?

[ He's amusing himself at this point. ]