Vindication, by Brenda Anders (PG)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Jack and Daniel Friendship

Pairing: none
Category: Jack and Daniel friendship, gen, humor
Warning: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: Brenda's gen page at Bunnyfic

Link: Vindication

Why This Must Be Read: This fun little fic is such a classic that I've actually seen it referenced by different authors. It's the perfect example of Jack's very real... Jackness in providing Daniel with staunch moral support in a difficult situation.

In Vindication, Daniel braves the scorn of his so-called "fellows" in academia in order to give the eulogy for an old professor who had supported Daniel when he was being mocked for his theories. Jack comes along and, with a little advice from Carter, manages to turn the tide of events solidly in Daniel's favor.

Great friendship, wonderful moral support, sneaky snarky Jack humor... What more could you want?

As they stepped into the auditorium for Doctor Isaac Erickson's memorial service, Daniel slid a sideways look at Jack. "I still don't know why you wore your dress blues, Jack. You're not exactly going to blend in with the crowd."

"Told you, Danny. It's the best suit I've got. Besides," O'Neill stood up a little straighter, if that was possible, "if it's good enough for Uncle Sam --"

"--it's good enough for a room full of grave-robbers. Yeah, I heard you the first time."

"Then why'd you ask?" O'Neill asked with raised eyebrows. With a flourish, he pulled his 'dress shades', as he referred to them, out of his pocket and slipped them on.

Daniel stared at him in disbelief. "Jack, I really don't think you're going to need sunglasses in here."

"Goes with the uniform. Come on, Danny, I see food over there."

Jackson was left with little alternative but to trail along after his friend as Jack made a beeline for the food table.

As he picked through the offerings at the buffet, Daniel noted that Jack seemed oblivious to the stares and whispers being directed their way; but he was only too aware of them. He'd seen many familiar faces as they'd made their way to the buffet, but no one had deigned to acknowledge him. He smiled grimly. He felt like he should have the word 'pariah' emblazoned across his chest. Oh, let it go, Jackson, he thought crossly. Just get it over with, for Isaac, and then get the hell out of Dodge. Tomorrow they'd be back home and this would just be another unpleasant memory. He should be used to them by now.

"Doctor Jackson!"

Daniel tensed at the sound of the rumbling bass voice behind him, then took a deep breath to compose himself, and turned. He had rather been hoping to avoid this. "Doctor Dawson."

The portly, but still handsome, man gave him a patronizing smile. "I didn't expect to see you here tonight."

"I was asked to deliver the eulogy." Daniel paused, then added pointedly, "My name is on the program."

Gerald Dawson ignored that. "We haven't heard anything about you since... let's see, when was it?"

"Two years ago," Daniel furnished, refusing to rise to the bait.

"Yes...two years. Here in Los Angeles, wasn't it?"

"You should know," Daniel said with a thin smile. "You attended my lecture."

"Ah yes, your 'lecture'. Well, it was hardly that, was it? More like the ramblings of a --"

"Excuse me, Doctor Jackson. Is this man bothering you?"

Daniel jumped as Jack suddenly appeared at his side in full C.O. mode, directing a glare at Dawson that made the man involuntarily take a step back.

"I beg your pardon!" Dawson spluttered, wide-eyed.

For an instant Daniel was tempted to say, Yes, Jack, he is bothering me. Shoot him! But sanity took over just in time.

Comments

[green-grrl.livejournal.com]

I love this story! I run across it every now and again, and it always makes me smile. I can't believe it hasn't been recced before! Thanks for doing so.

[alphekka-alpha.livejournal.com]

I second that in its entirety. Thanks!
--

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Thanks, both of you, for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the story. I think there are lots and lots of classic fics out there, just waiting to be rediscovered. :)