Better to Light a Candle, by Redbyrd (PG)

[aurora-novarum.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Episode Related (Other)

Pairing: None; Daniel POV; team friendships
Category: Angst; Drama; Hurt/Comfort; Gen; Ep Related
Warning: canon character deaths of secondary characters
Author on LJ: redbyrd_sgfic
Author's Website: http://www.mindspring.com/~redbyrd
Link to Story: Better to Light a Candle

Why This Must Be Read:

This relatively new fic was already rec'ced in the Daniel category a month or two ago, but it definitely deserves to be in the episode related section, since it's by someone I consider the best consistent author of great missing scene fic.

It's the story of "the Light", a bizarre episode in and of itself. This fic tells the story from Daniel's point of view, and since he was pretty out of it, some of the stranger periods of the tale are covered plausibly without dwelling too far on the surreal aspects.

Redbyrd deftly covers several of the awkward transitions in the episode, including how/why was Daniel changed into BDUs from the medical scrubs. She also always remembers Daniel's point of view will be limited by what he remembers of what happens. When he hangs out on the balcony of the palace, he can't quite understand Jack's strange reaction, but anyone who's seen the episode will get the reference instantly.

Daniel's suffering through his own demons as well. Redbyrd sets this fic up close on the heels of the events in "Absolute Power", so he's still wrestling with the dream. Some of Daniel's conclusions, like his interactions with Sam run a bit awkwardly, but are certainly food for thought. Other conversations with Jack are spot on.

Daniel's relationship with fellow orphan of archeology parents Loren is sweet without becoming too sappy. And Redbyrd's conclusion of what happened to the boy is one I've adopted as fanwank canon. But my favorite section of the fic is the beginning, with the camraderie of the ill-fated SG-5 are another matter that set this fic apart. She adds layers to the team that gives their death meaning. It also shows that all the SG teams, not just SG-1, are an impressive group of the best of the best.

Fallout by Denise (PG)

[aurora-novarum.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Episode Related (Other)

Pairing: None; Sam; some Teal'c
Category: Angst; Drama; Hurt/Comfort; Gen; Ep Related
Warning: Squick warning of aftereffects of mass murder
Author on LJ: skydiver119
Author's Website: http://www.jackfic.com/emeraldcity/index.htm

Link to Story: Fallout

Why This Must Be Read:

Those unfortunate dead Jaffa of "Endgame" were barely considered beyond Teal'c's few seconds of grief in the episode. Here, the fallout of the Trust's attack is seen from Sam's and somewhat Teal'c's point of view.

It starts off with a scene from the canon. Why did Sam tell them not to bother with one particular planet? Denise's plausible answer was because it was where Ishta's Hak'tyl had taken refuge. Sam's role as observer as missile after missile was shot through the Stargate seemed to have a cumulative effect. She offered to go on the clean up mission with Brightman and SG-3 to help herself mourn, and to take a constructive role in the devastation.

Of course, the mission takes some twists and turns, including getting other Jaffa's perspectives on the Tau'ri, and the rumors of the fair haired female who "stinks of Goa'uld" (a clever euphemism for Sam's naquadah blood). These Jaffa, still loyal to Ba'al, are treated as individual personalities, both in their dealings with each other and later with Teal'c.

Brightman's appearance and Sam's observations of her are a nice nod to continuity, considering Brightman barely appeared in Season Eight. Colonel Reynolds and the rest of SG-3 have some welcome personality during the adventure.

Teal'c's characterization in the story is disquieting. He blames the Tau'ri, and in some ways, Sam, for the deaths of the Jaffa. Although I'm not certain I would agree with this interpretation, it does give a needed mourning for Teal'c to adjust to witnessing the death of so many of his brethren, and at the hands of a race of people to whom he has pledged his allegiance.