The idea that you might have encountered Brigands on every trip through the Tau regions strikes me as somewhat alarming - assuming, of course, that you are not exaggerating. Certainly, there has been no indication of a major uptake in Brigand activity over the course of the past months and years, as far as the Royal Navy's data shows. Personally, I would have thought that those rock rats should have been easily sent packing by any competent escort wing.

However, I do recognise the need for our Crown-sanctioned corporations to maintain some degree of autonomy in defending their pilots, personnel, and cargo from the numerous dissident factions within the Tau cluster and beyond. I am well aware of the shortcomings of the Eclipse-class heavy bomber when it comes to operating against smaller craft, particularly in asteroid-dense regions. Furthermore, I have led more than enough patrol wings against Asco-class gunships to know that they are best dealt with using full measures, rather than a halfhearted approach towards stamping them out.

With these factors and others in mind, I am inclined to permit your request. Naturally, the Royal Navy cannot provide even a Crown corporation with ships fresh from the foundries - you will have to make do with older models of the XJ-series snubcraft. I have also pulled two of our most venerable Perilous-class corvettes, the Triomphant and Chartres, from the reserves to be transferred to your security division forthwith. Each is rather old, but still very serviceable for escort duties and auxiliary work. You may send crews to Nimes Station at your convenience to pick up these vessels at your earliest convenience.