Down to business then. I need a specialized torpedo engineered and produced. It has some odd design characteristics which make any currently available models useless. Namely, it should be capable of penetrating multiple levels of hull on a multideck ship, but without causing significant structural damage to the target or venting of too much atmosphere. After penetration it should disperse an aerosolized liquid, which I can give you the physical characteristics of.
Shields will not be a problem; you can assume it will be fired upon an unshielded hull. There are the basics. I have the technical data on a chip for you if you're interested."
Pearl waited for questions which were surely incoming.
Annelies smiled as she heard the description of the project.
Well, There are hull perforator torpedoes in existence, indeed. So we already have a the technology, we just need to make some modifications.
As for the dispersed liquid, we might have a problem, currently Daumann focuses in explosive and radioactive materials on our combat equipment, however I'm sure we can contact a few parties with the expertise in the fields to develop this liquid. We will need to know if this liquid is organic or not for starters.
She paused for a few seconds.
We need a high energy impact warhead, the ones used to puncture ships on strategic places. The warhead itself is a directional explosive, the hard part will be to make the torpedo penetrate several layers of hulls or decks. Now if we could look at that technical data, we would have a clear idea of what we are looking to make.
"The liquid is a complex organic compound which I have put extensive work into creating, as it happens. You need not worry about its development. On this datachip are a list of its properties. Boiling point, viscosity, a number of other requirements such as materials it cannot come in contact with. Unfortunately, I cannot provide a sample at this time because of its rather extreme cost. Every milliliter counts. It should be simple to create a 'practice sample' using the data on that chip, with similar properties.
I am not a weapons specialist, or indeed a chemist, which is why I came to you. If you do need to enlist other help on the chemical end, I would appreciate notification of who is involved.
In any case, time and price estimates are what I need from you now. Shall I leave you some time to consult with your team? And is there somewhere I can wait shipside?"
The datachip on the table contains all the technical specifics of the torpedo.
We will review the specifications on the chip. Depending on the characteristics of the compound we might be able to replicate it. Cryer pharmaceuticals might be able to develop it if its an organic compound. Daumann is not specialized in chemical weapons but we have been testing a few prototypes; we might be able to do it on our own.
Annelies looks at the computer screen for a few seconds.
Well we will notify you as soon as we have reviewed the specifications. If you are planning on mass producing the torpedo the cost might be low, however if you are planning on constructing small quantities, the price will greatly increase. We might find options to reduce its costs. Give us at least a week for our engineers to analyse the data, and we will contact you with the estimates.
Annelies takes the chip and inserts it into the computer port.
The Munificent is headed towards New Berlin, it should arrive in 2 days. If you wish, my assistant can take you to a guest room and you can leave when we reach our destination, otherwise you are free to leave whenever you want.
"Feel free to contact who you will in order to create a liquid for testing. I leave development in your capable hands. Notify me about production time and costs when you have had a chance design the torpedo."
My contact information is also on the chip. The channel over which I first contacted you is reserved for my use.