"It got simpler when the Reaper invasion began," is a dry answer that contains a multitude of questions that Kaidan doesn't answer except to reflect that there's "Nothing quite like an existential threat to get everyone marching in the same direction... eventually. But you'd know that pretty well, I'm guessing," he concludes, with an acknowledging nod of his own. One doesn't have to be around Barrayarans for long to get a sense that the various Counts make cats look herdable.

Piotr's reflections on the Cetagandans and their tinkering earn him a thoughtful look, and while Kaidan continues to spread the clean straw in the stall next door, there's something measuring in the attention he's paying his new commanding officer. "So, where do you draw the line on genetic engineering, sir? I should let you know that I've had some myself, like every other Alliance soldier." His tone is respectful, no challenge intended, but it's clearly not ashamed for it either -- his mods are what they are, as he is what he is.