The echo fo the knocks breaks her concentration from the current paper she is skimming. Her gaze turns up towards the door as it opens. She smiles when the face of JAMES BAKER pops through the crack.

She sets down the document and leans back in her chair, folding her hand over her laps, “Hi James! Yes, please, come in!”

A polite gesture motions towards one of the two chairs across from her, “My doors are always open for you! What do you need help with?”

---

JAMES BAKER

james soon finds the familiar seat, though he does not settle in as comfortably as he once might have. it feels rigid, out of place.[break][break]

"well, there is really no easy way to say this so i might as well just come out and say it."

"i've been offered a position with the silph company...and i've been thinking of taking it."

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

Eva tucks away her busy work to give James her undivided attention. The stiffness does not go unnoticed. This isn’t the first time she’s had a similar conversation.

When he admits his reason for his visit, her expression doesn’t change much, just more thoughtful, “Oh? Well, that’s exciting news!” Exciting for James, it would be a loss for the Morales laboratory, James was a hard worker and a great, budding scientist, but he couldn’t stay an assistant forever.

James did come to ask for advice though, not just tell her he’s leaving, “What are your concerns about the offer?”

---

JAMES BAKER

"just whether or not it would hurt our efforts here, i think."[break][break]

because he's loyal if not anything, but he's also a dreamer — someone who wants to strive to be the best and to contribute more to society and to the world. he could do that here, sure, but he feels as though he could do it faster should he move.[break][break]

"the job itself looks promising! they're opening up a new division and need people to head it up."

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

Eva thinks on his words for a moment. Part of her job as a mentor is to guide and help them grow. As much as she enjoyed James’ company, she knows there will be a time when he will need to move on somewhere where he can climb the ladder and reach his dreams.

“Well, you can’t stay an assistant forever, James,” she smiles, it’s a pleasant one but she can’t hide all of her distaste for idea of losing a valuable member of her team.

“Do you feel like you’re ready for it? To ‘head up’ a division?”

---

JAMES BAKER

"i think i am."[break][break]

but it's hard to say, which is strange considering how confident james usually is when it comes to work.[break][break]

he leans back in his seat, leg bouncing slightly.[break][break]

"did you ever feel like you were ready?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

Eva smiles, it was a trick question. If he was quick to answer ‘yes’ she would doubt his ability to be able to critically evaluate himself. Self-reflection and growth are important parts of leadership. Especially in science.

“Nope, I never felt ready. I was given an opportunity and expected to rise to the occasion,” even to this day imposter syndrome sits heavily on her shoulders. Is she really the best choice for Head Professor? Is she doing right by Hoenn? Is she strong enough to do what it takes to build a better Hoenn? These questions frequently scroll through her mind, laying the groundwork for a determination and critical review of all her actions.

“I would be sad to see you go,” and it would selfish to stop him, “But you can’t stay an assistant forever. And for what it’s worth . . . I think you’re ready.”

---

JAMES BAKER

"i suppose it's like i'm in your shoes now, then."[break][break]

because the opportunity that awaits him is one that, while unfamiliar, is equally as exciting. plus, the pay is nice, but that really isn't one of the main selling points (okay, it kinda is).[break][break]

her reassurance draws a smile from him.[break][break]

"thank you, professor. it has been an absolute pleasure to work with you."[break][break]

he means it.[break][break]

"could we still keep in touch?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]

“I suppose that’s right,” she decides as well, taking a moment to reflect on the meaning of it. As you advanced in your career, it was expected of you to mentor other and help them reach their potential and accomplish their goals.

Eva nods in response, “Don’t thank me, James, it’s part of my responsibility as a scientist to advance this field by making the next generation better than my own. And now it’s your responsibility too.”

Eva answers his question by standing up and offering her hand to shake his, “I look forward to collaborating with you in the near future.”

---

JAMES BAKER

his biggest concern when taking the job was that he'd be burning bridges so to hear eva reassure him means everything to him. he smiles, standing to accept her hand.[break][break]

"me too."[break][break]

that's that, then. a chapter in his life now over as he begins another.

[attr="class","ooc"]Eva Morales[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-manectric"]