this is a great portrait of a phase of their relationship we missed out on in the show itself.

Thank you. While I can understand we didn't get to see this particular scene due to the necessary structure for And the rock cried out, no hiding place - we were strictly in Vir's pov, knowing only what he knew - I had always wondered and speculated, because of the many "firsts" - first meeting alone after Dust to Dust, first cooperation, first leap of faith on G'Kar's part - so I was delighted when hobsonphile gave me this assignment.

I'd thought before that Londo was cruel to send Vir to face something like that when he knew how awful it could be; but he also knows it's something that can be recovered from.

Yes. Which doesn't make it less ruthless, of course, but then this is arguably Londo's darkest point in the entire show.