Act 1 — Taking out cruisers

Hope you guys can help. I just recently began playing EOC, and I’m having a trouble with a couple of missions in Act 1. Both involve taking out three cruisers before “borrowing” some small arms and some reactor fuel pellets. I am trying very hard to trade for seeker type missles (or get them anyway I can). Is there any advice out there. (Otherwise, the game is going well — the Stepson’s have just sent an email requesting a meeting. Basically, I haven’t been able to upgrade my ship’s (tug) armaments even though I’m taking in a lot of cargo. Thx — “Blackbeard” 😀