Storge, Philia, Agape:
The Love Between Londo and Vir
by Hobsonphile
"Londo never liked the Pak'ma'ra. They were stubborn, lazy, obnoxious, greedy"
"They kind of look like an octopus that got run over by a truck."
"That too. But you know, one day, Londo and I were walking past their quarters, and we heard them singing."
"Singing? They can sing?"
"There's nothing about that in the literature."
"Apparently it's something they only do at certain times of the year as part of their religious ceremonies. You may not believe this, but it was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. I-I couldn't make out the words, but I knew that it was full of sadness and hope and wonder and a... terrible sense of loss. I looked at Londo and- this is the amazing part- there was a tear running down his face. I said, 'Londo, we should- we should leave. I mean, this is upsetting you.' But he just stood there and... listened. And when it was over, he turned to me and he said, 'There are 49 gods in our pantheon, Vir. To tell you the truth, I never believed in any of them. But if one of them exists... then God sings with that voice.' You know, it's funny... After everything we had been through... all he did... I miss him..."
-"Sleeping in Light"
The friendship between Londo and Vir has gone through the crucible, and yet it remains the oldest (Vir has been at Londo's side since they fired the starter pistol), one of the strongest, and the most enduring of Babylon 5's friendships, thanks in large part to Vir's innate compassion. I have always been touched by the unconditional faith and love Vir holds for Londo- he remains convinced of Londo's fundamental goodness even when the others have given up.
To Be Trusted and Included
There is far less material we can use in the first season to capture a sense of the relationship between Londo and Vir in its earliest stages, but what *is* there suggests a relationship similar to that between a father and his son. Londo is at times irritated by Vir's over-eagerness and at other times gratified by it. Londo scolds Vir one moment and squeezes his face or pats his shoulder the next. Vir for his part is sometimes frightened of Londo and his expansive temper, but is still unflinchingly obedient.
I believe it is "The War Prayer" that gives us the clearest snapshot of the relationship between Londo and Vir at this stage. Londo is every bit the stern though curiously affectionate father figure in this episode, explaining to Vir (and to Vir's cousins) with as much patience as his naturally combustible temperament allows what Centauri tradition demands. From this and from his praise of Vir's studies at the end of the episode, it is reasonable to conclude that Londo has, either on his own or at the behest of Vir's guardians, taken upon himself the responsibility of seeing to Vir's social and political education.
What I find particularly interesting in "The War Prayer" is the fact that while Londo asserts himself as Vir's definite superior, delegating everything from scheduling to menial household tasks to the young Centauri (Who else among the diplomatic aides help their bosses get dressed? Part of me wonders whether Vir is responsible for drawing Londo's bath as well. Assuming, of course, that diplomats are allowed to use water on B5. *g*) , he does in fact *allow Vir to make his objections* regarding the traditional Centauri view of marriage without seriously scolding him for insubordination. And Vir, though for the most part respectful and deferential, *appears to feel comfortable making those objections*. Even here, there was a degree of openness in the relationship that no doubt was highly unusual among the Centauri political class, especially between officials and their subordinates.
Here, I think, we see one source of Vir's later loyalty. As we learn in later seasons, Vir was a subject of ridicule in his family who was exiled to B5 simply to get him out of the way. There is a *very* strong implication that Vir grew up intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually neglected by others.
"Everywhere I go, I don't fit in, or I'm asked to leave."
"What you wish. What they wish. I don't even know what I wish. Back home, I'm swallowed by silence, and here I'm swallowed up by secrets. I'm caught between fire and flood, and if there's a way out, I sure don't see it."
-Vir to Londo, "There All the Honor Lies"
"Swallowed by silence." Before Vir came to Babylon 5 and before Vir met Londo, no one gave a damn what fat little Vir Cotto thought. He was a fool, a joke, something to be pushed aside. He was probably shuttled from one job to the next completely dependent upon the whims of his superiors.
Londo, however, is different, likely because *Londo himself* is an outcast. For all of Londo's scolding and mistreatment of Vir- and for all of Londo's attempts to maintain the traditional power balance- he allows Vir into his private orbit.
The scene in the garden in "The War Prayer" is remarkable because it is so intimate- for one moment, Vir sees beyond Londo's blustery façade to the sadness beneath. Londo really can't help himself. As often and as forcefully as he declares that he is fine being alone, at base he *craves* emotional intimacy and is constantly seeking the companionship of others.
Imagine how the previously ignored Vir must feel to be entrusted with something so deeply personal because in a sense, Vir has his own emotional gap to fill. In the final book of the Legions of Fire trilogy, a much older Vir identifies it as a need to be needed.
Throughout the series, Vir is most gratified when he is told that he is indispensable. Even as early as "Born to the Purple," when Vir was at his youngest and most child-like, we see how being entrusted by Londo with an important negotiation makes his face light up like a Christmas tree. Though Londo is certainly unaware of it at the time, that small display of trust is probably one of the first moments of positive attention Vir has ever received from an elder. Even Londo's injunction not to "give away the home world" doesn't distract Vir from that feeling of genuine pride.
In addition: When I watch Londo in the first season, I see many possibilities any number of might-have-beens. The anger, the depression, and the bitterness are all there, but so too are a core of nobility and romanticism, a natural sensuality, and a heart formed for friendship. *Everyone*, aside from the important exception of G'Kar, is a "good, dear friend" in Londo's universe. He is un-self-conscious in a crowd, unafraid to laugh out loud or look foolish. Garibaldi's line in "The Fall of Night" describing the early Londo as "our pain in the butt" encapsulates the exasperated affection Londo inspires in others.
It is entirely fathomable that Vir also gets swept up by this same affection. With Londo's tendency to rope in whomever happens to be there, the celebration in "Parliament of Dreams" is probably not the only social gathering to which Londo drags Vir. Londo is often genuinely likable and fun, and the sense of inclusion he provides for the shy and awkward Vir must be like rain in a desert.
Because Vir is a minor character in the series, especially in year one, it takes a lot of guesswork and retroactive insight to explain the origins of Vir's attachment to Londo. The best explanation I believe is the one I've attempted above: Londo is the first elder to take an even remotely positive interest in Vir's growth, he is the first to trust Vir with anything important, and he is the first to truly include Vir in the fun of general society. In essence, it is Vir's emotional starvation and Londo's irrepressible personal warmth that set the stage.
But the thing that makes the relationship between Londo and Vir truly noteworthy- the one great irony of the relationship- is the fact that the relationship grows *deeper and stronger* through events that may have shattered it.
Londo's Conscience
In one sense, Londo and Vir begin as kindred spirits- both are outcasts, both are ridiculed. But in another very important sense, they are very different, for while Londo reacts to his status with deep resentment and shame, Vir simply never imagines that he could be anything else. And in assuming nothing, Vir is given a very crucial advantage. He is able to "walk through the corridors of power and not be touched" because the others believe he is a harmless fool and even more importantly because *he himself* believes he is nothing special. Inoculated from the negative influences in the royal court, Vir has been allowed to develop an unusually strong sense of right and wrong and, amazingly, given the probable neglect in his background, an equally unusual well of compassion. Though appearing naïve on the surface, Vir has emerged from a lifetime of abuse with a wisdom that exceeds his years.
All of this starts to become apparent at the start of the second season with "The Geometry of Shadows," though one has to pay careful attention to see some of it, as Vir is still very much a quiet background character at this point.
As the episode opens, we are introduced to Lord Refa, a scheming and ambitious Centauri noble who has come to seek an alliance with Londo and with the mysterious force Londo now holds in his hands. Vir is allowed to remain in the room as the agreement is finally made, a darker manifestation of Londo's trust. Watching this scene with the intent of focusing on Vir's reaction is quite interesting, for while Vir has no lines during the encounter, he is clearly discomforted by Refa.
"Vir, do you believe in fate?"
"Well, actually, I believe there are currents in the Universe. Eddies and tides that pull us one way or the other. Some we have to fight, some we have to embrace. Unfortunately, the currents that we have to fight look exactly like the currents we have to embrace. The currents that we think are the ones that are gonna make us stronger, they are the ones that are going to destroy us. And the ones that we think are going to destroy us, they are the ones that are going to make us stronger. Now, the other current--"
"Vir! Yes or no?"
-Londo and Vir, "The Geometry of Shadows"
In this context, one can understand the above exchange as a subtle attempt by Vir to warn Londo of what Vir instinctively knows- that Refa's faction is bad news. And these gentle nudges continue throughout the episode as Vir first counsels Londo to simply leave the Technomages alone and then counsels Londo to apologize for his presumption. In this way, Vir takes the stage as Londo's conscience.
Just as it is a turning point for the relationship between Londo and G'Kar, "The Coming of Shadows" is a turning point for the relationship between Londo and Vir. In the intervening time, Vir's suspicion of Refa has only intensified, this time to such a degree that Londo himself registers and acknowledges it. In a moment that we ultimately see is typical of their interaction, Londo asks Vir if Refa's machinations make him uncomfortable. Vir's response is an emphatic "Yes!" Londo nods and says that is one thing they have in common. As I suggested before, the openness that Londo displays here and elsewhere is surely against the current of his own society- it is remarkable that he is willing to express doubt before a subordinate in this manner. *This* is the very thing that Vir latches on to in the years ahead. *This* is the very thing that drives Vir's panicked response when Londo makes his first conscious decision to use the Shadows against the Narn. Able to see what lies ahead and desperate to reach the part of Londo that doubts, Vir's voice takes on a frightened and pleading edge we've never heard him use previous to this point:
"Londo, don't do this!"
"I have no choice!"
"Yes, you do! Londo, please, please, please. I know you don't listen to me, but I'm asking you just this one time, don't do this! There's no turning back once you start down that road!"
-Vir and Londo, "The Coming of Shadows"
As Londo plunges into the darkness, Vir's principle dilemma takes shape. Even though every fiber of his being is screaming that things are going very wrong, Vir finds he is unable to simply cut his losses and leave Londo behind, even when the perfect opportunity presents itself. What Londo has already given him so far is too much to give up.
When Vir receives word in "There All the Honor Lies" that Centauri Prime is seeking a replacement for his position, he is driven to seek solace in liquor for the first time. In one scene, Londo is given a glimpse of the turmoil that Vir has been sitting on since "The Coming of Shadows." Vir doesn't know what he feels. He is angry with Londo, angry that he is being pulled down with him, and a part of him would like nothing better than to escape. But he can't add another failure to a life filled with failures, and he can't go back to the loneliness and disdain that defined his early life. For all that Londo is and for all that Londo has done, he at least occasionally treats Vir like a person. Drunk and on some lines close to tears, Vir pours much of this out before an unprepared Londo and stumbles away, apologies on his lips. And though Vir is touched when Londo sincerely attempts to "fix it," the conflicted feelings remain for years to come.
The events in "Knives" I'm sure only intensify Vir's troubles. With the opening scene, we are reminded that Vir's life with Londo is punctuated by many genuinely *good* moments. In a life filled with darkness and secrets and war, Vir can still sing arias with Londo and know what it feels like to have your arms around a friend and his around yours. Vir also sees Londo go to the mat for a friend, sees Londo in tears holding that same friend, now dead, in his arms, and sees the ghosts, the tragedy in Londo's eyes in the aftermath. He sees the might-have-beens. He sees hope, and he seizes upon that hope in scene that is almost too painful to stand:
"Perhaps some good can come from this tragedy. It's not too late to make some new choices."
"No. The blood is already on my hands. Right or wrong... I must follow the path... to its end."
-Vir and Londo, "Knives"
Away from the Fold
As the second year comes to a close and the third year opens, not only has Vir come to love Londo in a troubled, very complex fashion, but Londo has come to love Vir in return. This, however, presents a problem for Londo, who is at this point so deep in the pit that the light seems very far away indeed. Vir is speaking his mind with even greater relentlessness, and while the younger Centauri remains loyal, disappointment is ever present in his eyes. Everything in Vir's demeanor says "You are better than this," and it is this expectation that cuts to the bone more than anything. Convinced that his damnation is pre-determined and no longer able to stand Vir's reproachful gaze, Londo does the only thing he thinks he can do- he puts Vir away from him and convinces himself that he is doing it for Vir's benefit.
"Over the past two years, to my considerable surprise, I find I have grown very fond on Vir. Sometimes in his eyes I see a younger version of myself before... Well, he would be better off away from here. Away from what must be. He would only get in the way."
"I think, perhaps, you need him."
"Need? No, I don't need anyone. He is an inconvenience to me- a blight, a pox, a stone around my neck. Here, I give him to you."
-Londo and Delenn, "A Day in the Strife"
"Londo, if I leave, you'll be alone."
"Pah. I have always been alone."
-Vir and Londo, "A Day in the Strife"
Delenn in her wisdom understands what is happening, and Vir does as well. It is with great reluctance that Vir accepts the position on Minbar. Poignantly, as Vir departs, he keeps looking back at Londo as if to ask, "Will you be okay? Really?" Londo nods, but as he walks away from customs, we know he won't be.
The process of Vir's belated adolescence continues on Minbar. His horizons are broadened, he comes to appreciate the Minbari as a people, and, as we find out later, he is empowered in his new position to act on his beliefs. But with this growth seems to come a new determination to fight for Londo's soul.
"A darkness carried in the heart cannot be cured by moving the body from one place to another. I don't think there is anything that can be done for him now."
"That's because you don't know him. One day he will surprise you."
-Lennier and Vir, "Dust to Dust"
In "Dust to Dust," we are given another extended chance to evaluate the state of Londo and Vir's relationship. Interestingly, while Vir's confidence is rising daily, he still seems somewhat dependent upon Londo's affirmation. He brings his reports to his mentor, and, predictably, frustration results (This becomes the running joke of the early-mid third season). One wonders whether Vir might be attempting, subconsciously, to steer Londo towards his point of view. But touchingly, despite the increasing rockiness of the relationship, he stands before Delenn and Lennier and declares his faith in Londo- his belief that Londo will find the light again. And, after both Londo and Vir are assaulted by G'Kar, Vir gets out of his bed in Med Lab, ignoring his own injuries, to stay by Londo's side.
The final scene between Londo and Vir in "Dust to Dust" is heartrendingly sad. You almost wish Vir could stay a few more days. Because as much as Londo may verbally deny it, he *does* need Vir very much- especially at this point, as he works through the shame G'Kar's mind rape has brought to the surface. But Vir has own his responsibilities and his own life to live, and Londo acknowledges this to some degree with an incredible parting gift:
"Good. Good. They are seeing the value of your position. It should never be a joke to them, Vir. Never let them think that."
"I won't"
-Londo and Vir, "Dust to Dust"
Londo gives Vir the one thing we have just learned he has never received- the belief that one's life and one's work *matter to someone*.
However, the acknowledgement is not complete, for while Londo's affection for Vir is very real, he still cannot quite see Vir as anything other than his protégé. This belief is challenged as the third season continues, first by Lady Morella's prophecy, which leaves Londo and Vir amusingly suspicious of each other for a time, and second by the exposure of Vir's activities as Abrahamo Lincolni.
"Sic Transit Vir," to my mind a vastly under-rated episode, finds Londo once again in the father role. For one scene, we are thrown back to an earlier version of Londo- he can barely contain his glee as he introduces the unsuspecting Vir to his new fiancée. (I feel my own rush of maternal affection when, in his shyness, Vir attempts to hide behind Londo's hair. *g*) This paternalism takes on a darker edge, however, when Londo learns of Vir's efforts to aide the Narn:
"Well, I suppose it is my fault as much as yours. I was foolish in sending you to Minbar before I had finished your training. You fell in with bad company- free thinkers, anarchists, Minbari. They took advantage of your naivete. Well, it happens. Sometimes the bird leaves the nest and flies away. And sometimes it falls onto its beak and needs to be helped back into the nest for awhile. That is you."
-Londo to Vir, "Sic Transit Vir"
What's interesting about this scene is not Londo's protracted scolding so much as Vir's reaction. Where before Vir might've been completely cowed by Londo's tongue lashing, he now sits in a not particularly apologetic silence. The days of Vir's unstinting obedience are over. And as we come to see in "And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place," Londo, on some level, has come to realize this as well. Londo knew upon launching his scheme to dispatch Refa that Vir would probably have to be threatened ruthlessly if he was to comply.
I Thought I Knew You
There's some dispute in my mind as to when precisely Londo hits rock bottom. Part of me believes bottom comes in "The Long, Twilight Struggle" with the bombing of Narn and the humiliation of G'Kar. Part of me believes bottom comes in "A Day in the Strife" with Londo taunting Na'Far and sending Vir away in an attempt to hide from his own conscience. And part of me believes bottom comes after the murder of Adira in "Interludes and Examinations," when Londo rekindles his association with Mr. Morden and arranges Refa's death in an attempt to avenge her.
To put it in the most blunt manner possible, in "And the Rock Cried Out, No Hiding Place," Londo threatens Vir and his house, forces Vir to lie for him, and sets Vir up to be mentally assaulted by a telepath- and he does all this in the name of vengeance.
"You used me."
"Of course I used you. I knew Refa had a telepath with him."
"Londo, they could've killed me!"
"Nonsense, you're not important enough to kill."
"But I'm important enough for you to lie to! I thought I knew you, Londo, but I guess I never really did know you, did I?"
-Vir and Londo, "And the Rock"
Londo's actions in "And the Rock" could have utterly destroyed his relationship with Vir. Recall that what Vir needs most is to feel that he is needed and trusted, and Vir's anger becomes even more understandable. In essence, what Londo has done, whether he intended it or not, is imply that Vir *is* dispensable given an appropriate cause. *This* is what hurts Vir more than anything. It's not that Londo is capable of manipulating people, and it's not that Londo is capable of seeing to someone's grisly demise. Vir knows these things already. It's that Londo would be so willing to betray Vir's trust.
It is a true testament to Vir's strength and compassionate character that *even this* does not drive him to abandon his friend. However, there *is* a disturbing finality to his words in that last scene. Though Vir remains at Londo's side, one senses the end of an era in their relationship, a sensation that grows more acute as the fourth season begins.
A Conspiracy of Equals
"Vir, it is a terrible truth that as one accumulates power, one loses friends. One only has those who wish to use you, and those you wish to use. And yet, through all of this, you have somehow managed to walk through the corridors of power and not be touched. I can only assume you have not been paying attention. But still, the hideous truth is, you are the closest thing I have to a friend. I am as shocked and dismayed by this as you are, but there it is. I need a friend, Vir, and I need a patriot, and you are both. Will you help me?"
"If you had any doubt what my answer would be, would you have asked me to come this far?"
-Londo and Vir, "The Hour of the Wolf"
How Londo and Vir achieve a reconciliation after the conflict in "And the Rock" remains unknown. But it is clear from the above scene that Londo's impression of Vir has changed remarkably. Londo does not order Vir to assist him in the conspiracy to assassinate Emperor Cartagia- he *asks* him to as a friend. And Vir is clearly touched to be treated with such respect and regard. The significance of this shift cannot be overstated.
The traumas of the early fourth season forge the relationship between Londo and Vir into something even deeper, more poignant, and fiercer than before. As author Selena has observed, for the first time, the two Centauri find themselves working towards a common goal- ridding Centauri Prime of the Shadows' influence. Londo begins to turn away from the evils of his past, and Vir ages at least a decade in the space of six episodes.
"The Long Night" has always been a favorite, particularly because of the Centauri-Narn arc. The "parade" of G'Kar ending with G'Kar breaking his chains through sheer determination is, of course, a powerfully enduring image. (Londo says in Armies of Light and Dark that "it may well be the most remarkable thing that ever was," and I don't think that is excessively hyperbolic.) But the story on Narn is also defined by the two major scenes between Londo and Vir, the first endearingly funny and the other sweet and sad.
"How fast does the poison work?"
"Very quickly, he said almost instantaneously."
"'Almost'? How fast is almost? Time enough for him to stagger back into the main room and cry out: 'Londo killed me'? Or maybe just enough time for him to say: 'Londo kill aargh'?"
"And then he won't even get that out, I mean, maybe he'll just go: 'Lon arrgh'. Or maybe he'll be totally delirious and then say everything backwards and say: 'Kill Londo! Arrgh' ... I was just making a play on..."
"Well, it's time."
-Londo and Vir, "The Long Night"
I've always found the above scene to be so emotionally true, especially for the inexperienced Vir. Anxiety can induce funny things, including oddly-placed hysteria.
"Don't you know that all I ever wanted was just a good job... A small title, nothing fancy... Maybe a wife I could love... maybe even one who could actually love someone like me. I never wanted to be here... I never wanted to know the things that I know, or to do... To do the things that I've done."
"I know... I know, Vir. I never wanted you in that hole. I never wanted you to I remember when you first arrived on Babylon 5. You were so full of life... innocent. I was not kind to you. I treated you poorly. I think that I did that because I was... envious of you. Envious that you had come so far and yet were still... innocent, in your way. You still believed. I, on the other hand... I cannot tell you that your pain will ever go away. I cannot tell you that you will ever forget his face. I can only tell you that it was necessary. You may have helped to save our people. You did a hard thing... but you still have your heart, and your heart is a good one. You would not be in such great pain otherwise. It means there is still hope for you. And for that... I find I still envy you."
-Vir and Londo, "The Long Night"
The above is a wonderful, *wonderful* scene with stellar performances by Peter Jurasik *and* Stephen Furst, who generally gets fewer opportunities to display his acting chops. Not only does this scene serve to define the true strength of and the profound affection within the relationship between Londo and Vir, it is also *the* pivotal moment in Vir's mini-arc. There is a difference between innocence and *virtue,* and Vir's story is about revealing that difference. Vir arrives an innocent- untested, naive, obedient, and uncommonly gentle, but not truly *virtuous* because he has never really seen evil and has never been presented with the choice between evil and good. Throughout the first three years, we see Vir start to go through a profound transition from the innocent to the virtuous man- arguing with Londo, then apologizing to G'Kar, then *acting* on behalf of the Narns as Abrahamo Lincolni, etc. This scene in the early fourth season marks the *end* of the transition in a moving and painful way. *Here*, Vir becomes an adult at last. But, as often occurs when one grows up, Vir grieves for the loss of the innocence and the simplicity of his childhood. And Londo, like many parents, grieves for the loss as well.
As I've mentioned before, Londo is an old romantic at heart. He believes in true love, no matter how many times he publicly tries to deny it. He dreams of chivalry, heroes, bravery and past glories- he has a touchingly wistful line way back in the first season in "A Voice in the Wilderness" that encapsulates this marvelously:
"When I was a young and foolish Centauri, I *swore* that I would die on my feet doing something noble and brave and futile. Perhaps that was not so wild a dream as I thought. Or as foolish."
-Londo, "A Voice in the Wilderness"
I have no doubt that in all of his studies of human culture, our heroic epics would resonate with Londo the most.
The romantic in Londo desperately wants to preserve Vir *as is*- "full of life innocent." He doesn't want Vir to become like him- old, jaded, hopeless, and doomed. As he says to Delenn in the early third season before sending Vir to Minbar, "Sometimes, when I look into his eyes, I see a younger version of myself, before" I think a big part of him believes that in saving Vir, perhaps, in an odd way, he is saving what *he* was. I'm sure it tears at Londo's heart here to see Vir attempting to drown his sorrow in drink in a sad parody of himself- the last thing he wants is for Vir to follow in his footsteps. But the Universe doesn't allow one to preserve another like a butterfly under glass, no matter how hard you fight to do so.
Further ensuring that the bond between Londo and Vir will be eternal is the events in "Into the Fire," particularly their shared moment of terror as the Vorlon planet killer eclipses their sun. I think Selena's treatment of this is the perfect treatment. In this moment, we see a relationship defined by honesty (although it saddens him to do so, Vir does not back down from pointing out that Londo has been corrupted as well) and trust (in a stunningly noble moment, Londo asks Vir to kill him for the sake of their planet). Although Londo's paternal feeling never completely disappears, by the time Londo and Vir share a sweetly awkward hug at the end of "Into the Fire," their relationship is quite firmly one between two adults.
We get one more chance in the fourth season to reflect upon the maturity of the relationship between Londo and Vir in "No Surrender, No Retreat":
"I don't always like the way Londo does things... well, me and most civilized worlds, but you know, sometimes he's right. So I force myself to give him the benefit of the doubt."
-Vir to Garibaldi, "No Surrender, No Retreat"
This is not blind faith or loyalty. This is open-eyed, unconditional love.
An Eternal Love: The Later Years
"Do you want to live?"
"What difference does it make? Is there anyone back home who truly cares if I live or die?"
"Almost certainly not."
-Londo/Delenn and Londo, "The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari"
"You must let go of this, or you will die here, alone, now."
"Perhaps that is for the best then."
"No. Not for the best."
"Why not?"
"Because... I will miss you."
"And I suppose... that I would miss you."
-Londo/Vir and Londo, "The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari"
The larger drama of "The Very Long Night of Londo Mollari" deals with Londo coming to terms with and atoning for his sin. But there is something else going on here too. Londo is coming to terms with the fact the he *matters* to someone- so much so that he is *obligated* to face the demands of his own conscience and survive. It is Londo's subconscious awareness of Vir's love for him that ultimately spurs him to "turn around."
Does Vir even know how much of an impact his love has had on Londo?
The relationship between Londo and Vir is somewhat eclipsed by the relationship between Londo and G'Kar during the rest of the fifth season, but we are still treated to glimpses of its strength. For example:
Vir being willing to accompany Londo to Centauri Prime in "And All My Dreams, Torn Asunder" without a second thought;
Vir rushing to Centauri Prime to make sure Londo was all right in "The Fall of Centauri Prime"- in fact, being so desperate to see him that he almost knocks *G'Kar* over in the hallway (Interestingly, this scene suggests that the relationship by this point has achieved such a degree of openness that it is not unusual for Vir to walk into Londo's room without announcement.);
And Vir trusting that Londo had a "good reason" for delivering the speech he did in "The Fall of Centauri Prime."
The Legions of Fire trilogy continues the relationship between Londo and Vir in much greater detail than the fifth season provides- and, with Londo now under the control of the Drakh via the Keeper, the events in these novels put the relationship to some very severe tests. While I don't believe all the elements in the Legions of Fire series were equally effective, I was very touched by how willing both characters were to risk life and limb on behalf of the other. Again and again, despite repeated warnings from Londo and from the technomages, Vir's thoughts return to saving Londo. And Londo in return fights to protect Vir at all costs.
"He stood over Vir's prostrate form, and naturally, as he had already expected would occur, Shiv'kala emerged from his state of perpetual hiding. Never had the Drakh seemed more grave than he was at that moment. 'This one must die,' Shiv'kala said.
'No,' Londo said.
'Pleading will not help.'
'That was not a plea. That was a statement.'
Shiv'kala looked at him with pure danger in his face. 'Do not defy me.'
Without a word, Londo crossed the room to a sword hanging on the wall- ornamental but nonetheless lethal. He pulled it from its sheath and turned to face the Drakh. He held the sword firmly in his right hand. His intent for its use was clear.
'I defy you,' said Londo. 'I will kill you if I have to.'"
-The Long Night of Centauri Prime
"'So swear to me that you will not speak of these matters again. That you will return to Babylon 5, and keep your head out of the line of fire. Can you swear that to me, Vir?'
Vir gave it a long moment's thought.
'No. I'm sorry, Londo I can't,' he said finally. 'I will never stop hoping that you retreat from the road that you're walking. I will never stop searching for a means to turn you away from it. And I will never stop being your friend even if, eventually, I find I have become your enemy.'
At which point Vir firmly expected that the manacles would be reattached to his hands, and that he would be tossed back into his cell, to be forgotten by all.
Instead, Londo smiled. Then he patted Vir on the shoulder and said, 'Close enough.'"
-The Long Night of Centauri Prime
"'Londo cannot be trusted. It's that simple.'
'It's more complicated than that,' Vir shot back. 'Despite everything that's gone on- in fact, now that I know the truth, it's more like, because of everything that's gone on- Londo is my friend. He-'
'He cannot be trusted,' Galen said, indicating that the subject did not warrant discussing.
'It's not just a matter of trust. We need to help him.'
'You wish to help him? Kill him.'
The cold-bloodedness of the suggestion was horrifying to Vir. 'Kill him. Just like that,' he echoed with incredulity.
'Just like that, yes.'
'I, personally, don't expect you to do that, Vir,' Gwynn said with a glance to Galen, 'but, in many ways, you would be doing him a great favor.'
'Forget it. He's my friend.'"
-Armies of Light and Dark
Although the mages were right in the sense that killing Londo would've saved him from many years of suffering, I believe Vir's dedication ultimately led to the best result. Vir's resistance depended upon access to inside information- inside information that Londo, in his own covert way, provided. It also depended upon Vir's life being preserved, something else that may not have happened without Londo being alive and willing to risk torture to safeguard Vir's person.
The mages didn't "get" it, but Vir, crucially, did. In a sense, it was the love between Londo and Vir- the closeness and trust that they shared- that saved Centauri Prime.
