Bullets by the Door by Nifra_Idril (R)

[smilebackwards.livejournal.com]

Show: SGA

Rec Category: John Sheppard
Characters: John Sheppard, OCs
Pairings: background Sheppard/OFC (I think this was written prior to the Nancy backstory)
Categories: Gen
Warnings: War violence/injuries, swearing
Author on LJ: nifra_idril
Link: Bullets by the Door

Why This Must Be Read: This has been recced before but it was over a decade ago so I'm bringing it back. It remains a fantastic pre-canon view of John who is at once part of his communities — military, family — and at the same time utterly disconnected, who loves places others might consider desolate. When we meet John in 'Rising', he likes Antarctica. In this story he loves Afghanistan, and with writing this vivid, I can understand why.


Morning starts while it's still dark. The barracks stretch restlessly, then stand to attention -- sheets folded back, boots polished, eyes front to the long sandy horizon. John's just another camouflage coat between two soldiers in the mess line, as coffee slops into cups, milk onto cold cereal, he's not anybody's son, anybody's mentor, anybody's protégé. He's just another Air Force guy cleaning his weapon and nodding seriously at the sad, solemn face of his commanding officer as they go through the pre-op briefing. The camp outside masses for the attack, and John's helicopter jumps to life under his hands when he turns it on.

Comments

[mific.livejournal.com]

Nice character piece, enjoyed it.

[nagi-schwarz.livejournal.com]

It was beautiful.