Yes Avon tried to risk only himself in that episode, it had a personal flavour to it. It was between him and Blake and Servalan in hindsight. It's interesting because it departs from the normal mode of Avonness...self preservation, but then he also said he looked apon self interest as his great strength. Nevetheless he took risks in achieving his aims. A rumour of Blake was just too good a carrot to let slip without investigating. Again on Gauda Prime, it's a lot of trouble to trace a line through the pattern of infinity - 'cept if you have Orac.

Leadership had it's draw backs and Blake had more charisma in that department, Avon wasn't entirely free to pursue his own interests even as new "leader" of the group. He merely inherited a new set of problems,most of which centred on group friction and justifying position and decision making.

Dayna: "don't you get tired of always being right Avon?" Avon: "Just with the rest of you being wrong."

or, Villa: "I don't follow you?" Avon: "Oh but you do and thats the problem!"

and then classic B v A... Avon: "you were very lucky, they were almost ready to leave you this time. one more death, just one and they will." Blake: "then you had better be very careful, it would be ironic if it were yours."

You're right, it was the ideal time to resurrect blakes legend with the Federation hot on their heals and no base to operate from, they were more vulnerable than ever. nathan,

Nothings so difficult as a beginning/ In poesy, unless perhaps the end. Byron.

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