I asked

...

Why didn't Vila just tell Blake to get lost and teleport anyway?

Sally suggested:

Why doesn't Vila just take two steps to one side, say "well can *I* go then?" and take silence (or the abstracted semi-shrug, semi-nod as assent?

Why not indeed? Its a technique I use at work all the time, as I suapect plenty of us do. Works just about every time.

Maybe he doesn't actually want to leave Blake alone.

I am usually quite happy to suspend disbelief in a good cause, but I have my limits <g>.

Cheers Chris