Blakes 71978

Roj Blake:
[sits with Avon in the bridge pit] The others have decided to go with me.

Kerr Avon:
[smiles] I thought they would. Not very bright, but loyal.

Roj Blake:
That leaves you.

Kerr Avon:
I have thought about it.

Roj Blake:
And?

[silent pause]

Roj Blake:
Come on Avon, stop playing games. Are you going to go with me or not?

Kerr Avon:
[looks hurt] Well, of course. I am surprised you ever doubted it.

Roj Blake:
Thank you.

Kerr Avon:
Frankly, I don't see how you can do it without me. Your strongest enemies are going to be the defense computers. I am the only one qualified to tackle them.

Roj Blake:
Yes, that had occurred to me. You better start getting kitted up. Do you want to tell me why?

Kerr Avon:
I like the challenge.

Roj Blake:
You don't want to tell me why.

Kerr Avon:
If we succeed, if we destroy Control, the Federation will be at its weakest. It will be more vulnerable than it has been for centuries. The revolt in the Outer Worlds will grow. The resistance movements on Earth will launch an all-out attack to destroy the Federation. They will need unifying. They will need a leader. *You* will be the natural choice.

Roj Blake:
Possibly.

Kerr Avon:
Don't be modest, Blake. You are the only one that they would all follow. You would have no choice. You would have to stay on Earth and organize the revolt.

Roj Blake:
If there's no other way.

Kerr Avon:
There wouldn't be.

Roj Blake:
That still doesn't explain why you're backing me.

Kerr Avon:
With you running the campaign on Earth, somebody has to take charge... of all this.

Roj Blake:
[laughs] You want the Liberator.

Kerr Avon:
[almost laughs] Exactly. If we succeed, the destruction of Control gives us both what we want.

Roj Blake:
Could be you're planning just a little far ahead.

Kerr Avon:
[nods] Perhaps. But sooner or later, I will have my chance.

Roj Blake:
There's no hurry.