"Balancing Acts" by BadgerGater (PG)

[fhartman.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Jack O'Neill
Pairing: None
Category: SG1, Vignettes, Humor, Angst
Warning: Spoilers for "Fragile Balance"
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author's Website: O'Neill's House
Link: Balancing Acts

Why This Must Be Read: Once again, we go to the inimitable BadgerGater for some of the best in Jack O'Neill characterization. This time, BG takes a stab at the inner workings of Fragile Balance, taking a look at some of the missing moments from this ep from the POV of Daniel, Sam, Young Jack, and "real" Jack through a series of seven connected vignettes as they move through the chronology of the episode. There's all parts of the spectrum here, from the sublime to the ridiculous, and I like how these differing viewpoints really serve to flesh out not just the events of the episode, but all of Jack's character. Most fic only pays lip service to the fact that MiniJack really *is* Jack O'Neill - the convergence of memories is a handy plot device - but these fics use the deux ex machina of a second chance at life to correct all of Jack's mistakes. This is a great exploration, though mostly implied, of the fact that these two people really are just the same guy. It's sad, funny, and sweet all at the same time.