Monsieur Tavernier, it has been some time since we last spoke. I'm merely calling to enquire as to your company's progress with regard to the new model Lynx we discussed last month. As I'm certain you are aware, the project would a be a tremendous boon to the Royal Navy as a whole and the Foreign Legion in particular. Naturally, then, I am sure you can understand that there is a degree of impatience associated with such a valuable breakthrough. The fact that I have not yet been reassigned a Lynx in flyable condition, and instead been relegated to a Caracal - a ship hardly fit for engaging long range shipments, is something of a contributing factor individually.
I would be grateful for any news you could provide.
Let me begin by apologizing for the delay in replying to you transmission. My attention has been occupied with some family health issues, and I have been amiss in the necessary dedication owed the Crown's Navy. I hope you'll forgive me.
Our current efforts as reported to me yesterday have focused primarily on converting some larger experimental craft to use H-Fuel. However, the benefits of my position do have their . . . advantages. We've managed to prepare a small wing of three Lynx fighters with a similar operational set up to the craft you so graciously tested for us. While I apologize that they have not been delivered, I will see that they are as soon as possible. If you do not find them aboard the Carcassonne in a few days, I'll have a discussion with the requisitioning officer.
As a side note, this small wing has been converted to a modular hull design developed by a contingent of our engineers. Instead of replacing hull panels and other parts individually, we're attempting to make a full transition to modular repairs. Thus, damaged engines will be replaced entirely instead of being mended, a state of affairs that will hopefully cut down on repair and replacement time. Wing segments will similarly be added in their entirety. Those modules that are damaged in combat will be studied and recycled back into the manufacturing process. It is our understanding that the further the Navy pushes into the southern systems, its pilots are encountering various forms of weaponry the Lynx was not originally designed to handle. We hope to remedy that.
There is no need to apologise, Directeur. Your provision of the extended-range wing is more then adequate compensation for any delay, and I am certain that you will continue to treat Crown matters with the appropriate measure of diligence, as EFL has always done. I trust your family are now in good health and that the matter will not continue to divide your attention. The transition to a modular spacecraft will, I'm certain, be of significant use on the front-lines, though I hope ease of repair does not translate to an increased need for it.
While present circumstances do not permit me personal access to Carcassonne, I shall be certain to inform the Officers on duty to await your delivery. As always, Monsieur Tavernier, I look forward to seeing the products of your labour first-hand.