“Don Juan McKay and Other Universal Improbabilities" by liketheriverrun (T)

[patk.livejournal.com]

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Team
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex, various OCs
Pairings: none
Categories: gen
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: liketheriverrun
Author's Website: none
Link “Don Juan McKay and Other Universal Improbabilities" by liketheriverrun This is the link to the first part, the rest is linked from there (word count: 48 000)

Summary by the author:
While tracking down a lead to find the Athosians, the team is arrested on a secretive planet. Little do they realize how their plan of escape can change the course of history for the world where they're being held and their escapades will become the stuff of legends.

The story is set soon after Trio.

Why This Must Be Read:
Because "hilariously funny while still perfectly in character" is just an irresistible mix and hearing the "legends" that are told and then comparing them to what really happened is just plain fun. Also, it's exceptionally well written and an engrossing, thrilling read plot-wise. Loved the world building and how the OCs are carefully fleshed out without taking over the story.

All the time while reading this I tried to imagine what it would have looked like on screen. I would have *loved* to see that one as an episode.

An older man, probably in his early seventies, looked up from his cup and silently motioned McKay forward. He was tall with a wiry build, dressed in clothing similar to Rodney's, only in a deep green trimmed in scrolling embroidery that matched the silver of his braided beard and hair and the bushy eyebrows arching over storm gray eyes. Without the man even speaking a word, Rodney knew this was Sovereign.

The man's confidence seemed to set the air around him shimmering, like the ripples of heat rising from the hard earth outside, and Rodney felt the sweat blossom on his skin when the man's lips curved the smallest amount when he lifted the life signs detector that sat next to his plate of fruit.

"You can operate this mechanism."

It wasn't a question and McKay felt like he had when he was a kid and his father had called him in to punish him for something Jeannie had accused him of doing. No gathering of facts, no asking Rodney's side of the story. Granted, just like this time, Rodney typically had done what Jeannie had said, but the surety in the voice had McKay feeling like he was ten years old again.

Trying his best to sound confident in return, (and when the hell had that ever been a problem before?) Rodney raised his chin. "Yes, I can. Along with any other Ancient device you might have lying around."

One silver eyebrow climbed higher at Rodney's presumptiveness. "You can not only operate the devices of the royal race but you can repair them." Again there was no question. "You, therefore, possess the bloodline and by Al'amenda law, this makes you a member of the royal household, which means that I have the right to pardon your indiscretion at breaking said law."

Rodney stammered in surprise. "Pardon? You're going to pardon me?"

"In addition, your repair of a section of the water system has put you in my favor. Therefore, you will continue to repair the entire system, as well as the other equipment in Al'amenda."

"Of course, I'd be honored to help out," Rodney assured him happily. Holy crap, he wasn't going to be executed!

The Sovereign paused in raising a berry to his lips to regard McKay and Rodney realized it hadn't been a request but an order. When Rodney sobered, the Sovereign seemed satisfied that he had made his point and popped the fruit in his mouth.

"You may take today to familiarize yourself with your new home. Your servants are well versed in the workings of the estate and will assist you with anything you may be unfamiliar with. I will have the schematics of the water system that have been mapped delivered to your quarters. "

When the Sovereign turned his attention back to the food before him, Rodney took that as a dismissal and turned to leave, only to stop abruptly when the older man informed him, "Tomorrow we will choose your bride."

Trying not to trip at the news, he looked back at the Sovereign. "Excuse me, did you say… bride?"

Comments

[popkin16]

liketheriverrun is one of those author's whose fic I've always meant to read, just haven't done so yet (both gen and slash). I've read one or two, but no more. I'm taking this as a sign to get started - and I'm starting with this fic.

Thanks for the great rec!