stargateficrec | Long Ago (and Far Away) - by Kristen999 and Everybetty) (T)

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Alternate Universe
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex, Carson Beckett, Evan Lorne, Original Characters
Categories: Gen
Warnings: No AO3 warnings. The author notes: "Includes swearing and ethnic, racial and gender-based slurs as was typical of the time.
Author on DW:

kristen999
Author's Website: see the AO3
Link: Long Ago (and Far Away) on AO3
Why This Must Be Read: This is a novel-length World War II AU, set in the South Pacific and illustrated throughout with lots of period photos from the time. It's told from all of the team's POVs, particularly John's (he's a pilot, of course, with Rodney and Ronon on his flight crew and Teyla as a local liaison with intel about the enemy). Naturally, John gets thoroughly whumped, in the best genfic tradition. There's tons of atmosphere, friendship, teamwork, action and adventure, and it's a great read and a real tour de force.

The two of them stood there, watching the flying fortresses take off next and silently wishing all the crews success. The lighter, more maneuverable P-38s would engage any Japanese air opposition and hopefully clear the skies for the heavy bombers to drop their payloads.

“I can‘t imagine flying one of those beasts,” Lorne said, pulling out another cigarette.

“I have.”

“Of course you have.” John shot him a dirty look and Lorne smiled. “I mean, with your colorful career, I shouldn’t be surprised you‘ve been in a B-29.”

“Is that your kind way of saying I’m old, Captain?”

“You weren’t there when the Wright Brothers took off at Kitty Hawk?”

John only had three or four years on the Captain. “You know, my engine had a hell of a squeal on our last mission. Maybe I should have you dismantle it and oil all the gears. Shouldn’t take you more than ten hours.”

Lorne’s smile disappeared. “Or maybe I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Now you’re talking,” John said, clapping him on the back.

“Besides, I doubt McKay would let me touch a single cog of his precious modifications,” Lorne snorted.

John wanted to throttle the genius who put the officers’ club in the middle of camp. Walking through pockets of steam made his t-shirt fuse to his skin and he flapped the collar of his over-shirt in a futile attempt to cool down.

Lorne took a long swallow from his canteen and pressed it to his sweaty forehead. “Maybe Pete scored some ice today.”

“I’ll give him my Miss June pin-up for a cold beer.” John laughed then stopped short in front of the large, inviting tent. “Crap. I forgot to check the daily fuel reports,” he sighed, and started to turn away.

Lorne grabbed John’s shoulder. “With all due respect, sir, we’ve done over five hundred sorties in the last three months. We have a couple days off. How about enjoying them?”

“And if this week’s supply transport got hit and all our extra fuel and ammunition are at the bottom of a coral reef?”

“Then it’s Colonel O’Neill’s problem for the next seventy-two hours, sir. Let him duke it out with the Navy brass. That’s his job.” Lorne pushed open the flap. “There’re real electric fans in there.”