L is for Lockdown, by sg_fignewton (PG)

[chocolatekettle.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Janet Fraiser
Pairing: None
Category: Character
Warning: None
Author on LJ: sg_fignewton

Link: sg-fignewton.livejournal.com/121301.html

Why this must be read : Military doctors walk a fine line between two oaths and two, sometimes contradictory, sets of training.  This is Janet, struggling not only with the precarious balance, but with the possible consequences.

Rothman by Clair Beaubien (K)

[thenightsfall]

Rec Category: Daniel Jackson
Pairing: None
Category: Gen; Angst; Friendship; Episode Related (The First Ones); Daniel Jackson; Jack O'Neill
Warning: None
Author on LJ:  Unknown
Author's Website:  None
Link:  Rothman

Why This Must Be Read:  Canon doesn't inform Daniel of Robert Rothman's death in The First Ones, nor show us his reactions to it, so this author takes on that task in this beautifully poignant tale of the immediate aftermath of that episode.  Told from Jack's POV, he is with Daniel every step of the way in this insightful portrayal of what his friends mean to Daniel, what Daniel means to them, and how past losses and current friendships make him the man he has become.

Birth of a Rebellion by Kenshul (PG)

[roeskva]

Rec Category: Genre: Other (Tok'ra)
Pairing: None
Category: Drama, Egeria
Warning: None
Link: Birth of a Rebellion

Why This Must Be Read: This story is in some ways more about a Goa'uld than about a Tok'ra. It is about Egeria and her long way to become Tok'ra, as well as how and why she chose to go against the Goa'uld. Note that I am only 90% sure that this story is complete, as the ending is a little strange. It is, however, well worth reading and it is one of the best stories I have seen about Egeria's past.

Speaking of Vala, by Salieri (PG)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Gen
Pairing: none
Categories: gen, Daniel, Vala, character study
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: troyswann
Author's Website: Outside the Box
Link: Speaking of Vala

Why This Must Be Read: The premise of this fic is so powerfully plausible that it has largely entered fandom consciousness as canon.

Set in early S9, when Daniel and Vala were very much at loggerheads, here is Daniel's first real glimpse into Vala's past. Salieri includes marvelous stage dressing, sharp dialogue, and the creeping, horrifying realization of things that are done in the course of a war... and what happens to those caught in the fallout.

Read this one slowly, and then wonder if you'll ever look at the word "interface" in the same way again.

( snippet of fic... )

When in Rome by penknife (NC-17)

[scrollgirl.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Ronon Dex
Pairing: John Sheppard/Ronon Dex
Category: slash, Ronon Dex, John/Ronon, vague OT4
Warning: slash, NC-17, consensual D/s (mild)
Author on LJ: penknife
Author's Website: Penknife to Paper
Link: When in Rome

Summary: It's not just that they keep winding up in situations where one of them has to pretend they own the rest of the team; it's that it's starting to seem a little... kinky.

Why This Must Be Read: First off, it's hot like burning. Secondly, it's full of team-y goodness and fun. Third, it features John's issues. Fourth and lastly, Ronon breaks my heart. I think what I love best about this fic is Ronon's growing understanding of John and John's relationship with his team. What's subtle and understated is Ronon's own feelings for John. He's so restrained, and so generous with John despite his disappointment. It's lovely.

It's What You Don't See by telesilla (NC-17)

[skinscript.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Alternate Universe
Pairing: Rodney McKay / John Sheppard
Category: Alternate Universe
Warning: None
Author on LJ: telesilla
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/sga_santa/114538.html

Summary: Rodney McKay's been a loner for close to 400 years now, which is why it makes no sense when he falls hard for a Blood Bank worker named John Sheppard.

Why This Must Be Read: telesilla always writes wonderfully characterised stories, but this one is, I think, special. Rodney in particular is fully fleshed out as a centuries old vampire, but is still completely recognizable as himself. The story includes a full backstory, with intriguing hints of how the universe evolved and the prevailing culture.

Male Enhancement (The Soul and the Company Store Remix) by Leah (R)

[skinscript.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Alternate Universe
Pairing: Rodney McKay / John Sheppard
Category: Alternate Universe
Warning: None
Author on LJ: taste_is_sweet
Link: http://leahwoof.livejournal.com/10024.html

Why This Must Be Read: This is a remix of lavvyan 's wonderful "Male Enhancement". Rodney orders a sex bot and ends up with something completely unexpected, though his robot is undeniably hot and willing. I love this story because of the way Leah makes us feel for John and his desperation, and how he learns about love and sacrifice, and how he demonstrates the nature of courage. It's a beautiful story with the addition of Leah's characteristic low-key humour.

Muscle and Blood and Skin and Bones, by Leah (PG-13)

[skinscript.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Alternate Universe
Pairing: None
Primary Character: Evan Lorne
Category: Alternate Universe
Warning: None
Author on LJ: taste_is_sweet
Link: http://community.livejournal.com/sga_flashfic/667825.html

Why This Must Be Read: This story is set in the same universe as "Male Enhancement (Soul and the Company Store Remix)", but can be read as a standalone. It features Lorne, who is pulled from his regular duties to babysit and help shape the personalities of some baby AIs. The brilliance of this story isn't in Lorne's sweet and recognizable characterisation, but in that of of the AIs, revealed through the stream-of-'consciousness' command/response.

Time Baby by Jenda Vis (PG-13)

[scrollgirl.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Ronon Dex
Pairing: John Sheppard/Ronon Dex
Category: slash, John/Ronon
Warning: slash, PG-13, swearing
Author on LJ: jendavis
Author's Website: her sga tag on LJ
Link: Time Baby

Summary: John should have hauled Ronon over to the infirmary the first time he tripped over his own feet, but he didn't. Two days later, Ronon has to be reminded who John is.

Why This Must Be Read: This fic takes the de-aging trope and delivers a tense, frightening, almost horrifying story. The fic is fast out of the gate and just never lets up, keeps rushing headlong toward the inevitable conclusion. It's very much a John and Ronon story, but Rodney and Teyla also play their parts, and you really get the sense that all of Atlantis is gathering around Ronon, caring for him. The love John has for Ronon, and his fear and grief, will hit you like a punch to the gut.

Spoilers: In case you're worried, rest assured no one dies.

Forget your cute kidfic. Read Time Baby instead.