<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/50/15b3a41b63432bcd1c3755c910f8be5c.jpg)</div>"With the aid of our new allies, I believe that any rituals to empower the temple-workshops will be looked upon much more favorably than if I were to attempt them alone. Bringing them back to full operation would certainly be helpful ..." He let his voice trail off as he steepled his fingers together and stared into nothing for a few moments.<br/><br/>"You do raise a good point," he continued, looking to Talitha. "While we are not immediately threatened, at least not deliberately, once we do start to expand our influence, we are likely to draw allies and enemies both. If we can restore our temple-workshops, that should decrease the time we'll need to repair our other systems." He gave a slow nod. "Yes, I think you have the right of it."<br/><br/>He turned to Khrui, gesturing towards Talitha as he spoke. "Khrui, I would like you to assemble a list of our requirements. Divide them into what we consider essential, and what would be simply useful to have. If you can provide likely locations for spares, the systems that the recovery team would be best investigating to gather what we need, that would also be useful. Also, make a list of those of your staff who would be best suited to accompany the recovery team."<br/><br/>He turned then to Pearl, to ensure she did not think her contribution overlooked. "Do you believe that the Sea Folk would be amenable to joining us here? They would definitely be a boon in exploring any sunken locations, both here and ones we might seek to investigate later. Are there any nearby? Our records were accurate centuries ago, but we cannot know if the Sea Folk settlements we once knew off have thrived or been destroyed. If you know others, might they be close enough for you to visit en route to searching for the other Manse? If not, how long of a journey would be required to reach them?"