<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/50/15b3a41b63432bcd1c3755c910f8be5c.jpg)</div>Umari nodded in recognition of Lynette's suggestion, considering the matter as he listened to Talitha in turn. When they were done he turned back to Lynette first.<br/><br/>"While the idea of expanding our influence is one that I hope we can one day achieve, I must agree with Talitha. We need to secure and improve what we have here before we can think of expanding further. Our ability to project influence is limited, and the mainland must, I believe, be left to the future. We might be better focusing our early expansion plans here in the West. I believe some of the local powers may respond favorably to our ideals, and offers of alliance. Others most assuredly will not, and we need to have the ability to protect ourselves from them. This brings us neatly to answering your questions," he continued, turning to Talitha.<br/><br/>"You are right that we should prioritise what we need. In that regard, I believe Khrui will be the best person to liaise with, in terms of specific material. In broad terms, I would like us to focus on two main areas. The first is our defensive systems. Many of our more powerful weapon and defensive systems have failed in the centuries since we were established here. In repairing those, we improve the ability to defend our home. And, for that matter, some of the more portable systems could perhaps be emplaced on whatever ocean-going vessels we have available to us. They will be more than a match for almost anything else we might encounter on open water."<br/><br/>"Next, I believe we should focus on our repair and construction facilities. Our Temple-Workshops could do far more in terms of repairing our infrastructure if they themselves were working to their full potential." He gave Khrui a fond smile and gestured towards him. "I have no doubt Khrui and his colleagues would agree with me there. I do not think we could start building anything large, but we could certainly repair what we have, vessels and armour for example, which would help us with further missions in the future."