Spike Harris perused Alan Kell's hangar on Gran Canaria from where he stood at the door of the shuttle.
"I reckon the spares should be in the workshop Kate."
Kate stalked out the door. "Why are your people so suspicious of Zoners Spike?"
"Look, don't blame me. It's probably something to do with some military actions against Bretonia that were traced back to Zoner sources I guess. No reason to worry. I'm sure they'll validate our marriage soon."
Kate turns on him, standing with hands on hips. "You just don't get it do you? We were pushed back down the docking queue at New London by a police patrol because I'm a Zoner! Where do your loyalties lie? With me or with Bretonia?"
"Look, it isn't my fault Zoner tagged ships have been attacking Bretonia. We could just stay out here in the border worlds if you like."
"But you have your career, status..."
"You know I'd give it up in a heartbeat if that's what you want."
Kate's eyes soften and she moves closer. "I know you would. I'm not angry at you, just those pencilnecks in their plush offices..."
Spike holds her close for a moment. "I know. And it pisses me off as well... We'd better get a move on loading this ship anyway. We've already lost enough time since that message came through."
Kate's demeanor turns businesslike as she pulls away. "You'd better get to work loading the spares then. I'll go aboard the YTC and plot our path."
Spike walked to the workshop and started searching for the spares Alan Kell had requested in the recent message.
His thoughts returned to Kate. Her problems with Bretonian immigration were unlikely to go away. She'd been able to bypass customs while serving on Exeter, which was perhaps why this was becoming such an issue now.
As Spike checked the spares rack, he identified the requested parts and loaded them on a trolley before his thoughts returned to the problem.
Zoner IDed ships had been involved in terrorist attacks on Bretonia, which was likely to make life difficult for both Kate and Spike. Could they make a life together here on Gran Canaria though? Kate wasn't even listed on records and Spike was an outsider. All they had was a certificate of union, not that that was unusual in Zoner regions.
Reggie might be able to put in a good word with the rest of the Zoners but Alan Kell had offered even more assistance, including the Huegenot that dominated the hangar. Spike decided it might be for the best to make the move.
As he walked up the boarding ramp of the Huegenot, Spike hoped the Zoners would understand his wish not to be involved in any action against Bretonia if the situation got worse.
Entering the command deck of YTC-2362, Spike relaxed a little and gave Kate a warm smile as she looked up from the nav station. "Want to take her out Kate?"
Returning his smile, she checked the controls. "Should be simple enough on this automated bus. Ready to go Captain?"
Spike took his seat at the command chair and checked ship status before replying, "Confirmed. Take her out."
The Huegenot lifted smoothly and blasted away into the cool morning sky.
