To: The Independent Miners Guild - Friendly Update Etc

[AeternusDoleo]

**** Incoming transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders, IMG
To: Walter Godwin, Gateway Shipping
Subject: Re: Update, Tau facilities access
Encryption: High

Truthfully, the rekindled supply line is welcome to us as well. The Tau mining operations often report a shortage of cargo vessels - the Kusari corporations don't seem too interested in buying large volumes of ore, preferring mostly the refined material. Our own shippers that try to go through Kusari space often fall under attack there - which has caused many transport captains to simply give up on that route. And with the latest disturbing reports of open conflict in the Sigmas, that route might be cut entirely.

As for your request for the Charon: This vessel has been released to the civilian markets - it's open to anyone who can finance the construction costs. You can use as many as your security forces require. Freeport 4 would likely be the best place for you to acquire them.
On the Atlas class transport: Might I ask what benefit you see in this vessel over the heavily armed and armored, but equal cargo hold sized Shire? I've never quite understood the appeal of this vessel over some of the house supertransports - it's designed to ferry large loads a short distance, from mining ground to trading port, so our heavy miners can stay out in the field. For long range ore transportation, I reckon other vessels (such as the Titanic class tanker) are more effective. Still, I don't see an issue with you using our transport class vessels. They are, after all, for civilian use. Simply request the vessels in question on the technology request channel, and pay mind to the restrictions we are placing on their use. I imagine Aland would be the easiest place for you to acquire these vessels.
Being offered the use of the Shire is welcome - it's a transport that will shrug off quite some punishment. But it presents a problem when their route is through Kusari space.

As for a weapons exchange... that will be problematic on several levels. Bretonian vessels might be forced to defend themselves against Kusari raiders - if doing so with our weapons, that could come back to us. Likewise, IMG vessels outfitted with Bretonian weaponry operating in Tau space could anger the Kusari - something we do not need. While I personally would welcome some more heavy-hitting weapons to complement our own highly energy efficient tachyon cannons, the fact that we are spread all over Sirius means we are limited in what we can use, without stepping on anyone's toes.

Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders

**** Transmission Closed ****

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Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.

Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.