But you've been here for a while, at least. Everyone else I've spoken to seemed to have arrived around when I did, and no one much of anything. It would have been nice to know that there are some who've been managing this for some time now...

[god, if he'd known this from the start he'd have attached himself to takeshi right away. in a situation like this, those who know the most are the most valuable, and he likes having useful allies.]