Heh. That tone of voice is familiar to him, the voice of someone who's had that debate a few times before. He can see it in him when he talks, military, an officer, not without frustration with the institution he serves but still with pride in his service, and he can't help but smile a little at it. It's, ah. Nostalgic? He used to be like that too, and now. Now that feels like a different lifetime.

"Sounds like you're the kind of CO I'd have been proud to serve under, Alenko." His voice is warm, genuine. He's had a lot of fucking piece of shit COs in his life, and it's led him to be more than a little naturally cynical of the good ol' chain of command, but really, maybe it was all just luck of the draw. He moves a hand to help steady the cart as it shifts, leaving the pitchfork standing nearby as he braces both his hands against it. He'd ask for his rank, but Wash knows that'll result in that same question being asked in turn, and he might not really want to answer that. He'd like to avoid lying, he likes Kaidan well enough.

A slight pause, then, curious, probing. Listening for how he'd answer, if he'd dodge. "The Cetagandans were keen on figuring out the anomaly, when I was back there. Think they'll find you a way to your outfit?"