Revelations and Second Impressions by Negolith (PG)

[amokeh.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: John Sheppard
Character: Sheppard, Beckett
Category: Gen, Episode Related
Warning: None other than spoilers for “Whispers”
Author on LJ: negolith2
Author's Website: http://www.wraithbait.com/viewuser.php?uid=1943
Link: http://www.wraithbait.com/viewstory.php?sid=14230

Why This Must Be Read:
This is my second rec for Negolith, and it stands out for me because of a couple of reasons. First of all, I love episode tags. It’s the aftermath of “Whispers” - the team makes that long, difficult trip back to the gate with their fallen member, and it serves as a wonderful example of how much important interaction is missing from most action/adventure episodes. Secondly, I like to see how other characters view each other, and this story is told from multiple viewpoints – Carson, Teldy & Sheppard – and each resonates with self-blame and concern for the others around them. Although Carson starts things off, the story is really about Sheppard and how Teldy’s perception of him changes during that long walk back to the gate. It reinforces much that we already know about him, and some of which we may have guessed: that the slouch, messy hair and easy smile are all a façade for the soldier and leader that lie beneath, and that after almost five years in Pegasus, he still has to prove himself to each new soldier under his command. It’s a great character study, and I can’t help thinking that if the writers gave us this much depth every week on the actual show, Atlantis would be heading into its sixth season instead of permanent syndication.