Without a Paddle by Grey Lupous (PG-13)

[michelel72.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate Atlantis
Rec Category: John Sheppard and Rodney McKay friendship
Characters: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay
Het/Slash/Gen: Gen
Warning/Spoilers: Per author, "A teensy bit of language, maybe? Unrepetant H/C?" | Spoilers up to 4x17 "Midway"
Author on LJ: greyias
Author's Website: Shades of Grey
Link: Without a Paddle

Why this must be read:
Wordcount: 10,300
Summary: Rodney should have known that the mission was going to suck the moment he stepped through the Stargate, took in a deep breath of the fresh, clean mountain air — and swallowed a fly.

Another day, another mission gone horribly wrong. With Teyla on maternity leave, the rest of the team has been sent on a "routine" negotiation mission, though Rodney notes that three less likely negotiators would be hard to find. The story starts with John and Rodney on the run through the woods, separated from Ronon and (theoretically) making their way to the gate. Rodney ponders their predicament as they make their way through the woods ... but as if the mission weren't already bad enough, something else is very wrong, and Rodney must trust John to get them both out.

In her stories, Grey consistently paints Rodney and John as having a classic sibling-style relationship: They tease and mock one another mercilessly (though Grey doesn't descend into the cruelty that so many writers portray between them) ... but each knows without question that the other can absolutely be trusted. Humor is one of the trickiest types of writing to get right, but she makes it look effortless, offering line upon line that had me laughing out loud or remembering bits with a smile hours later — and every now and then, when you're distracted, she slips the knife right in. (Rodney's thoughts on the scheduling of medical appointments hurt.) Present-tense is not ordinarily my favored presentation style, but it works perfectly here. This is ultimately a meditation on friendship and absolute trust, using a classic hurt/comfort trope to bring the issue forward while always keeping sight of how these two guys actually communicate (or, ordinarily, don't).

( Excerpt )

The Singer and the Song by Toomuchplor (NC-17)

[margarks.livejournal.com]

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Ronon Dex
Characters:: Ronon Dex, Elizabeth Weir
Pairing: Ronon/Elizabeth
Het/Slash/Gen: Het
Warnings/Spoilers:Highlight: Up to and including 4.10, This Mortal Coil. Canon character death.
Author on LJ: toomuchplor
Author's Website: Fic Index
Link: The Singer and the Song

Why This Must Be Read:This is such a deep look at Ronon and his life before Atlantis. It starts off with the usual team banter that (if you haven't read the author's notes) would make you assume that this fic is humorous, but then it turns into this sad look at Ronon and all the things he is, and all the things he's willing to share, and all the things he isn't.

I love the way she tells the story of Ronon and Elizabeth's relationship. It's so Ronon and so sweet in a way that cuts to the heart of things, just like Ronon. And though there is sadness laced throughout the entire story, the ending leaves you with hope.

( Excerpt )

If I Were King of Babylon, by Julie (PG)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate SG-1

Rec Category: Sam and Daniel friendship
Characters: Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c, Jack O'Neill
Het/Slash/Gen: Gen
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: splash_the_cat
Author's Website: Moments of Adoration
Link: If I Were King of Babylon/feedback on LJ

Why This Must Be Read: In this hilarious team fic, Wonder Twins action goes more than a little awry, leaving both Sam and Daniel slightly whumped and Daniel quite literally hanging. Humor, snark, friendship -- all here, and all fun!

( snippet of fic... )

Benched by Speranza (NC-17)

[margarks.livejournal.com]

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Sheppard/McKay
Characters:: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Het/Slash/Gen: Slash
Author on LJ: cesperanza
Author's Website: Speranza's Fiction
Link: Benched

Why This Must Be Read: Rodney gets to be brave. John is forced to wait behind while someone else goes to rescue Rodney. John goes a little batty.

I'm a sucker for emotional angst, and this fic definitely delivers. John's characterization is spot on, his restless, guilty frustration is exactly the way I would picture him reacting to a situation like this. And added to that frustration is his endless worry and wonder over what may have been the last time he ever sees Rodney. The banter and the dialogue are so perfect, even through all the angst I was smiling because of it.

( Excerpt )

And All Shall Be Well by Daygloparker (R)

[8macabea.livejournal.com]

Show: Stargate SG-1
Rec Category: Samantha Carter/Jack O'Neill
Pairing: Sam/Jack
Category: Het, Jack/Sam, angst
Warning: Mature
Author on LJ: daygloparker 
Author's Website: Not sure
Link: And All Shall Be Well

Why this must be read: Because it's beautiful. :). It's a Moebius fic, and there's three different segments, or rather timelines, including our Sam/Jack, AU! Sam/Jack, and one with simply lovely Cassie. Daygloparker used the word 'finality' in the first timeline to describe the atmosphere, and I feel as though it can apply to all three. Sadness, regret, and hope are three themes that are woven into the timelines beautifully, and I was so thrilled to catch sight of this story. Very skilled author. Also, I'm a huge huge huge sucker for Moebius fics, and if anybody else knows of any good ones I would so very much appreciate any recommendations. :D