~Sophie's Canaria Cafe~

[Ant]

Alan Kell entered the Cafe to see Spike and Kate at a corner table, Kate sitting on Spike's lap, an arm around his shoulders. He approached to hear the couple arguing.

"...don't know why it matters Spike? I mean money is money and it's not like we really have any enemies..."

"But Kate, it's irresponsible to go selling advanced weaponry to just anyone! I mean, what if they're terrorists or pirates? What if the weapons get used against civilians? What happens if the military or police find out?"

Alan took a seat opposite the couple. "Perhaps I can help with your questions Spike."

The couple turned towards him, Kate looking relieved and Spike's eyebrows raising questioningly.

Alan sat and prepared his thoughts for a moment before speaking, "The Zoner position is very tentative. Any false move could lead to war with one faction or another, war we cannot afford.
"There are Zoner bases all over Sirius. We're very spread out and vulnerable to attack. If a large attack were made against one of the Freeports, it would take a while to muster our ships. While we're off fighting, all our other bases will be vulnerable to attack.
"We have a system that works. The weapons we sell aren't easy to trace. We equally supply those who are on friendly enough terms with us and they observe our neutral zones in return. If they cross the line, we covertly hire bounty hunters or mercs to take them out... but that's another matter.
"Don't forget, there's also the situation of the Outcasts and Corsairs fighting, with Zoners in the middle. Most of the other factions are linked to that war in one way or another. We can't afford to be seen as openly taking sides."

Spike's expression changed to a thoughtful frown. "I think I understand better now. You don't want to be police because that would turn the pirates against you and you don't want to openly support pirates or terrorists in case the houses see you as a threat." Spike turned towards Kate. "Sorry Kate. I guess it's a bit more complicated than I thought."

Kate hugged him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Enough of the "you's". You're a Zoner now, unless you want to go back to your wars."

Spike's shoulders sagged a little. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Old habits die hard though."

Alan sighed again. "What we're building here on Gran Canaria might one day become much more... but it could become tied up in a senseless war or be wiped out completely."
Alan noticed an alarm pop up in the display built into his glasses. "Damn! I have to go. I wanted to talk to you about your time with the robots on Planet Gammu. I guess we'll have to schedule it in for another time."

Kate looked up as Alan stood to leave. "Thanks Alan."

Noticing Spike looking down at the table, Alan gave her a wink. "Happy to help."