Kimblee doesn't seem bothered by Lightning's assessment, taking a sip of that tea before he responds. Of course he would want something; no one is that selfless.

"I'm a former military officer, Miss Farron; my experience with engaging the enemy has always been on the front lines. Allowing others to fight my battles for me is something that I've always found to be personally humiliating; this would be why I attempted to assist my friend alone in the first place. I understand that pride has no place in this, but I believe that I can be an asset to you; I'm more than willing to serve as an informant for your organization.

At the same time, I'm sure you understand the risk that I'm undertaking in my willingness to do this. I don't require compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for information; I simply ask for your organization's protection, should it come to that, and a few details regarding exactly whom I'm working with. I can better assist you if I know whom I'm assisting and what they're doing in order to make strikes against Team Rocket; at the same time, I'm neither a fool nor an idiot. I don't expect full disclosure at any time, much less immediately. I simply ask for a chance to gain your trust over time."