[The way that she presents her question — with the correct answer provided up front, almost daring him to disagree — makes Liem's lips twitch faintly, though he doesn't quite smile. Although she asks in a somewhat endearing way, the question is a fair one. It only makes sense for a new arrival such as herself to learn more about those who have come before.]

It was primarily the latter, yes.

[He's not confident this actually does make him seem wise in her eyes, but she's welcome to her own opinions, either way. It's hasty to put too much stock in an impression one forms over the course of a single conversation, in any case.]

I chose Meridian's cause because I wasn't willing to give up on returning to my home — not until I had a compelling reason to believe that I must. But the Tribune and his people have not earned my faith, though I have promised him my service. I rely still on my own judgement, and pursue lines of investigation according to my own curiosity.

[It might seem a bit mercenary, but he's been in Kenos for less than a year so far. How could he possibly have enough trust in anyone yet to do otherwise?]

I'm Liem Talbott, by the way, [he says, because he has no qualms about introducing himself, even if she has declined to share her name.] I was one of the first shard-bearers of this generation to arrive.