The City in the Sea by Kodiak Bear (M by author; PG13 by reccer)

[duonoaikouka.livejournal.com]

Show: SGA
Rec Category: John Sheppard
Characters: John Sheppard, Ronon Dex, Evan Lorne, Teyla Emmagan, Carson Beckett, Elizabeth Weir, Radek Zelenka
Pairing: none
Het/Slash/Gen: gen
Warning: main character death
Author on LJ: kodiak_bear 
Author's Website: Master List on LJ
Link: The City in the Sea

Why this must be read:

I know there are people thinking what the heck I'm thinking introducing John Sheppard with this fic, but this piece is one of the most raw and painful things I've ever read, in Stargate fandom or anywhere. Kodiak Bear, that genius at emotional writing, just shatters  John after making him watch Rodney get fed upon by a Wraith and only being able to watch in horror and agony. The trip through the anguish of losing a best friend in such a horrible way is so vividly played out that I dare you to read this without tearing up at least once. Kodiak breaks John, takes him through Hell and back, and at the end, gives him a glimmer of healing. This stark portrayal of grief will leave you gasping for breath through the tears and wishing like hell that you could just give John Sheppard a hug!

Story Summary: When Rodney is killed, Sheppard has to find a way to live.

“John, you’re not being fair.”

I ground my heels to a dead stop in the hallway, and spun around, angry. She’d followed me from the briefing and confronted me in a public place instead of the semi-private room I’d just left moments before. “What part of ‘he’s a dick’ is being unfair?” I replied, caustically. Clearly, I knew what part.

Elizabeth didn’t even flinch. She stared evenly at the few people openly watching, until they retreated into their own business again, before turning her attention back to me. “Let me see,” she mocked. “The part where you called him a ‘dick’ or maybe the ‘incompetent buffoon’ and ‘self-serving ass’…did I miss one, because I’ve got the report right here.” She held up the manila folder.

“Elizabeth,” I stated, more calmly then I felt. “You asked me to make an assessment, and I did.”

“An assessment, John – not a character assassination,” she stressed.

I was tired, and I could see she was, too. This little face to face wasn’t going to get us anywhere, but I had to ask. “What do you want from me? You want me to lie – pretend he’s Mr. Incredible?”

The frown marred her face, and then it melted. The folder dropped to her side, held loosely in her fingers. “John, stop expecting them to be McKay.”

Comments

[kodiak-bear.livejournal.com]

You're recommendations make my head spin! You are very kind. *hug*

[duonoaikouka.livejournal.com]

Well, m'dear, your fics make me dizzy will happiness, so I'm glad you're getting dizzy, too. :) *huggles right back* :D

[secretdreaming.livejournal.com]

I've been loving your recs the last couple of months. Keep it up - they're truly appreciated!!

[duonoaikouka.livejournal.com]

Wonderful! This is my way of giving back to fandom since I stopped writing years ago, sharing along the love of ficcage so others can enjoy what I enjoyed. :) I'm tickled that you found at least some enjoyment out of the recs. Thanks for letting me know. Let's me know I'm going in the right direction. :D *cyber huggles*