I get that it's X-Pletive's thing, but why is he swearing in this meeting? He does it to keep his power up, and he doesn't need to do that here. Since he doesn't like doing it, and doing it here does nothing more than acclimate him more to doing it, I don't see why he'd make the effort.
DStaal--I suspect it's a sort of psychological habit--when he's in costume, I think he automatically falls into "character," and likes to keep some power constantly on "stand-by."
from the strikes we know more than lord's partnership with the rebels. it also shows he was working with the military as well.
all rebels being prepared for the assassination is suspicious, combined with their swift surrender and compliant talks pretty much confirms a guiding hand behind the rebels. the swift response by the military along with the offer to surrender and compliant talks means the military has been prepped for this situation.
typically the military would be confused and angry, while the rebels emotional and disorganized.