In message 24854648.983492641594.JavaMail.imail@derby, M nova_m1@excite.co.uk writes
I didnt know about the 'cannon', but I have to say I disagree, I dont think Avon knew Cally would not let him die. He might suspect, but after Anna and his lack of trust anyway - to trust a Cally taken over by an alien, her track record isnt very good. I think at that point he believed he could be killed.
Just to settle this one by reference to external factors - Tanith Lee has stated in an interview that she saw Avon as walking death wish. (No, I don't have access to the interview at the moment - I did transcribe it a few years ago, but I have enough respect for copyright not to put it up for public access and I don't have access to my files at the moment.)