“The skimmers were modified from the water darts. That in itself indicates the High Command was concentrating on other priorities. When you modify a design instead of devising a new one, inadequacies and shortcomings are inevitable. Then you modify the modifications. The result is the kind of sloppy performance you just witnessed. In short, you invest a lot of time and effort to produce a device of dubious value. I personally would rather see the work put in on something specifically designed for the situation it will be used in.”
“Then you agree the skimmers are poorly designed?” I asked.
“To a point I was surprised the Warriors accepted them.”
“We didn’t. Our formal protest was turned down by the High Command.”
“Really?” He sounded surprised. “My respect for the Warriors is strengthened knowing that.”
I decided to seize the opportunity while it presented itself.
“Realizing we are in agreement on this point, is there a chance your team could design further modifications to the skimmers?”
He thought for several moments.
“Possibly,” he said at last. “Though after watching the actual performance of the craft, I would be more inclined to discontinue it completely. We could disassemble them and perhaps use the parts in another design completely.”
“How long would it take for such a project?”
“I obviously can’t commit to a specific time span, but with the team I have here-“
“Commander.”
Tzu was beckoning from the View Screens.
“Zur wants to confer with you.”
Something was wrong. Zur wouldn’t need my counsel unless there was a major change in the situation.