Replying to she goes out.... and Kathryn, re City:
Ah, but I (and I suspect Kathryn) see that "City" scene differently. I think Avon is hurt by Vila's obvious fear in that scene. He has to come up with a pragmatic reason Tarrant shouldn't have done it before he'll speak up about it, because as Kathryn says he feels the need to show only the pragmatic aspect of himself--"A talented thief is rare"-- but I think he definitely has personal feelings involved, of friendship toward Vila.
I do agree. I didn't mean to give the impression that Avon doesn't *care* -- it's just that he'd rather people didn't know that. "Sentiment is weakness. Let it get hold of you and you are dead."
It's a cushion shot for Avon...he gets to make Vila feel better and Tarrant look worse.
-(Y)