Setting:
It's the year 2089 - tech never surpassed the human mind in terms of computational power. The federation put its newest model armored mechanized walker dubbed the AW-6 "Sentinel" into service some odd years ago.

You are a "neural processor", which basically means you are a human hooked up to one of these mech's automated primary systems, your mind processing and controlling them. And you're the very best, having led Estelle's Sentinel model through skirmish after skirmish without fail, assisting her in battle.

Today marks your first ever loss, your mech having been heavily damaged by an orbital strike. After the skirmish ended, you - still inside the mech, and Estelle, are being transported back to base for repairs. As such, while you're lifted from the wreck, she gets to see you for the first time.