Speaking frankly, the snubfighter itself is payment if you're willing to let people study its technology.

[A slender redhaired woman in the sort of clothes that say 'business wear' no matter what galaxy you're in is on the other end, eyeing Wedge with mild surmise and the sort of air of general competence that's similar to that of... well, a lot of the women of his acquaintance, really.]

A water landing's both good and bad. Did you get a sense of how deep it's down there? I haven't had to deal with this sort of recovery on Verdana, but back home my company has had the odd test demonstation go awry before.