Generally speaking, Ves did not possess much enthusiasm at the notion of collaborating with a bunch of Masters.
He had done it a few times with a number of Hexer mech designers for specific high-end variants, but at least these incredibly smart and arrogant women showed enough deference to him due to his outsized status in Hexer society.
Ves did not expect to receive the same level of respect and deference from the Masters. These older figures would no doubt feel annoyed for having to collaborate with a Journeyman on an equal level.
It would be much better if he managed to become a Senior prior to collaborating with any Masters on any projects. The gap in status and design capabilities would be a lot more tolerable if that was the case. Ves would also be able to gain a much greater voice in the direction of the commissioned projects.
Perhaps the colonial administration understood his concerns, because Reina Kernsk moved quickly to reassure the Larkinsons.