"Sure. Excuse me, could I get two eggs scrambled and some hash browns? Oh, and a glass of orange juice, please!" he says, flagging down a staffer. "Thanks."

He turns back to Shinjiro with a huge smile. "I can't believe I just ordered food at a restaurant. I mean, I've been in situations where I could move in the open before, but it's still novel. I don't suppose you know of any machine shops that are hiring?"