Heiji was trying to piece together the context of Nux's story. Nux had worked (lived?) as part of a group, apparently among other similar groups. The security of their territory was something of a concern. And Nux hadn't been very high on their totem pole -- at least not at the time the story had taken place. Otherwise he wouldn't have been assigned to guard detail.

He frowned at the scars on Nux's face and noted the disdain about being required to rest. "So I take it you're not a big believer in dyin' peacefully in your sleep? That's what most people want -- these days, anyway."