Modest Ambitions

"So you're finally leaving."

"You sound as if you already predicted this outcome in advance."

"You're a gem in a pile of trash. Anyone who has spent enough time around you will realize that as long as you don't get yourself killed for a stupid reason, you are destined to go further. This day had to come sooner or later. I just didn't expect it to happen this soon, but that proves that the mechers have a good eye for talent."

"I don't blame you. I share the same thoughts. Moving up at this time is both a curse and a blessing. On the one hand, I can gain access to much greater knowledge and resources than before. On the other hand, I've become so exposed that every move I make will have massive implications. A part of me still yearns to go back to the life of a relatively quirky and dispensable second-class mech designer."