Marian wrote: <I'm inclined to consider Vila's statement as a typical example of his improvisational boasting that can't be taken seriously.>
and Jacqui: <He was probably also trying to annoy Tarrant.>
But Tarrant isn't there to hear it - Vila is talking to Avon and Cally, who've known him a long time, remember - and there's no evidence that he ever brought it up again in Tarrant's hearing.
I'm inclined to think [a] yes, he could have bought a grading to stay out of the military, but the bit about captains is an exxageration inspired merely by the fact that he's thinking about one as he's burbling; and [b] Tarrant IMO told the truth, but as there was no proof one way or the other, neither Vila *nor* Avon is taking it for gospel at this point (after all, what does it *matter* what rank he used to be?). _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.