[he thinks back on one of the missions, of how Accelerator's (and his own) past came to haunt him. he doesn't recall that fondly. he doesn't think any of the missions have what he would define as 'fond' memories. the trauma blurred over the good parts.]

I have to adapt, Lieutenant. [that's what he was designed to do. but where he would usually include that, he decides to leave it out.] Everyone has to.

[the compliment surprises him. taken aback, he blinks at Hank, brows raised. people don't compliment him very often, let alone humans. thinking back on it, he doesn't think he's received a straightforward compliment like the one Hank is giving him now since he arrived. he'd include his conversation with someone over the network, but Finch's appreciation for AI in general swept over everything else. it wasn't personal.]

Thank you, and - no, that won't be necessary. For what it's worth, I'm proud of you, too. I wasn't lying when I said I enjoyed working with you.