[Lotor actually isn't sure why "partners" would mean "not getting weapons" and does look a little confused at Lelouch making that connection there.]

Perhaps whatever the - powers that guide these work on has more to do with the future and who will best act in that manner in this situation as it develops than those who display it in their current context now.

[He's very much avoiding commenting on his own. He tries, really, is trying, but he's well aware that the only way it won't get read as "weakness" is if he can prove there's practical, concrete results before the ideological tirade starts.]