SGA: "The Rising" Novelization, by Domenika Marzione (PG)

[aurora-novarum.livejournal.com]

(I'm a cheap freebie user with limited userpics, sorry don't have an SGA icon to fit the fic. :-p)

Rec Category: Episode Related (Other)

Pairing: None; Jack O'Neill
Category: Drama; Gen; Ep Related
Warning: minor foul language
Author on LJ: miss_porcupine
Author's Website: http://www.offpanel.net/dmz/sga.html

Link to Story: The Rising

Why This Must Be Read:

Fans of both Stargate Atlantis AND Stargate SG-1 should enjoy this gen fic. I rarely read the former category, but minnow1212 pointed it out, and it was well worth following the link.

The fic is a telling of the first part of the Atlantis pilot from Jack O'Neill's point of view. It expertly weaves in the introduction of the various characters from both series, and fills in the gaps and necessary details that would set them off on this extraordinary adventure: such as the paperwork and negotiations, why Carson doesn't have the Union Jack on his arm, and the drills to ensure all the expedition supplies will get through the Stargate well within the thirty-eight minute window. All this is done in a way to make the Atlantis expedition more realistic, and does not detract from the quick moving plot and anticipation of leaving to a new galaxy.

It's the characters that make this fic shine though. Elizabeth, Rodney, Carson, Sheppard, and a few of the minor characters from Atlantis are very recognizable as what is seen on screen. Sheppard's mysterious background is a subplot of the story, and is handled deftly without forcing a backstory that may run counter to canon. It truly sets the stage for the adventures this unusual group of scientists and military will take together. Elizabeth Weir is seen through Jack's eyes for the strong and capable leader and diplomat she can be (oh, if only moreso on the show itself).

The SG-1 characters are developed equally well. Harriman, Hammond, and of course Jack and Daniel are easily recognizable to fans of this series. Jack's personality, including both his irreverence and his respect for his military career are very well written. The author chose to focus on Jack's special ops/paratrooper background, rather than the canon-correct, but realistically impractical additional piloting experience, but the military knowledge makes the background believable and does not detract from the story. Except for a minor hiccup in saying the thirty-eight minute was merely theoretical, you would never know the author was not very familiar with SG-1's mythology.

Definitely an enjoyable "must read" for fans of either series.