crack_van | Vila's Emails by Vilakins/Nicola Mody (PG?)

Fandom: BLAKE'S 7
Pairing: Vila and ensemble
Length: Very long
Author on LJ:

vilakins
Author Website: Breaking Orbit or (and I'm not sure how much crossover there is) Nicola Mody on AO3, Vilakins on Ao3
Why this must be read: I am shocked this hasn't been recced before...

Blake's 7 from Vila's POV (as related to his mother) with various other emails coming in from other members of the Liberator and Scorpio crew, as well as other luminaries such as Servalan, Travis, Carnell, etc. Firstly, it's a very funny take on the series as shown, but also -

vilakins is a strong believer in the Avon-Vila (the dash implies strong platonic relationship, rather than sexual or romantic) friendship and it shines out as the primary concern of this fic. The silly, fun email format allows us to get another layer of 'what Avon is OK with saying in a public and private space' (this is - in addition to the show) and the way Vila responds to that - both to Avon and around Avon.

Also - on a historical note... I think this may be the first fic I've recced that is only available online, rather than in a zine, although B7 fandom has been online since 1992 and this fic was written in 2002.

vilakins, who I will talk more about later, is one of (for me) the primary figures of internet-only B7 fandom, having started up most of our LJ comms, one of the two major internet archives (Hip Deep in Heroes, closed as of this year). She's also written a huge amount of very good fic about Vila. This is one of the most iconic.

Excerpt: I think have the first two.

To: Jandy Restal [jrestal@deltalevel17.londondome.terra]
From: Vila Restal [vila@liberator.rebel.org]
Subject: Hello

Dear Mum,

Guess where I am! On the Liberator – the fastest, most powerful ship in the galaxy! I bet you’re surprised to hear from me – after all, no-one ever escaped from the Cygnus Alpha penal colony before. That was a pretty dire place – full of depressing stone buildings in the early maniac architectural style, and a lot of crazed priests whose religion looked like it included human sacrifice and possibly cannibalism. Mind you, they wouldn’t have enjoyed eating me – terror tends to make meat very tough.

I’ve got all the comforts of home here though – more in fact! A nice comfy cabin, wide-screen TV on the flight deck (though they won’t let me tune it to any commercial channels), and enough food for decades. Haven’t found any vindaloo so far though.

Remember that rebel-leader guy Blake from a few years back? Well, it’s his ship - now - and I’ve joined the rebellion! I’m no longer Vila Restal, master thief, but Vila Restal, rebel hero!!! I’m going to be the one who breaks into, and out of I sincerely hope, Federation installations for them. Blake said he was very lucky to have me! :-) I’m a bit sorry I stole his watch now.

You can get me on this e-mail address from now on.

Your loving son, Vila. xxx

To: Vila Restal
From: Jandy Restal
Subject: RE: Hello

My darling Vila,

I’m so proud! That must be your fastest escape ever! The Liberator does sound like a nice ship, dear, and much more suited to one of your sensitivity and delicate constitution than those rough colony worlds.

I’m surprised you’ve joined the rebellion though; you never showed the slightest interest in politics. I suppose it’s a good career move. I’ll be checking the viscasts to see if you get a mention.

You shouldn’t have taken Blake’s watch, love. Friends don’t steal from friends, you know that. Besides, you’re the top in your field, that sort of thing should be below you.

Your doting Mum. ooo xxx

Link: Vila's Emails