Hi, I'm vilakins AKA Nico, and I'm your Blake's 7 driver for this month. I haven't driven the van before, so bear with me; I'll try not to swerve on the corners.

Fandom: BLAKE'S 7
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Blake's 7 Stories
Why this must be read:

I enjoy Avon and Vila's relationship in the first three seasons. They're both complex, intelligent, and witty people, and their relationship is similar, a subtle one hidden behind a mask of insulting banter. They're almost opposites in some ways (an extrovert to whom people are more important than anything else, and an introvert who would prefer a universe without them, but ends up liking a few of them against his will) and so alike in others (their love of games, words--and crime).

This story shows this odd friendship well, and it also has an interesting plot with hints at aspects of the Federation grading system. Avon and Vila are having another go at the Federation banking system in between insulting each other when the alarms go off. Avon chooses to stay, and though Vila at first is unwilling to leave him, he flees, evading the 'wasp' security flyer. Avon isn't so lucky, but Vila shows the bravery he's capable of when there's no-one else to be the hero. As ever, neither likes to express what they feel, but some of their words are revealing.

"Come on, Avon. Don't die on me now. Who would I swap insults with then?"