[Archer nods slightly at the question. The subject change is a bit abrupt, but it's not something he's opposed to discussing.]

Yes, that's it exactly. Even from the beginning I kept a tight leash on him. Things were... difficult back then. There was no reason for him to continue to listen solely to me after he was reinstated, but that's just how he works, I suppose. I'm certainly not complaining any; this way he can provide support and protection no one else can.

[Of course he's still speaking of Kimbley in the present tense. It's difficult to acknowledge that his best friend is dead - and the shock of finding the watch here has only made things even more complicated. For the time being, he's just going to pretend Kimbley is alive back in Amestris. And who knows, maybe when he returns home it will be to a point in time where Kimbley will still be alive. No one knows how this works, after all.]