Broken Dreams, Shattered Memories, by Moonshayde (PG-13)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Daniel Jackson

Pairing: none
Category:  Daniel Jackson, gen, team, drama, angst, episode-related, Jack/Daniel friendship
Warnings: emotional whumpage
Author on LJ: moonshayde
Author's Website: Scribal Traditions
Link to Story: Part One; follow links, or read individual parts on the series page

Why This Must Be Read: This long, satisfying Daniel-comes-home story is actually seven shorter, linked fics, telling the story of Daniel's return to himself from the moment he stepped through the Stargate until the moment, post-Orpheus, that he and his teammates start apartment-hunting. Each section is told from a different person's POV, so we're treated to the thoughts of Janet, Hammond, Sam, Teal'c, Jack, and even Jonas on Daniel's return.

Moonshayde doesn't make it quite as easy as canon for Daniel to get his memory back. While we follow along the first few episodes of S7, Daniel is struggling, especially with the team's expectations. The breakthrough finally comes with, of all things, a bar of chocolate... and that, for me, is when the fun really begins, because Moonshayde takes us on a roller-coaster ride of seven years' worth (including the movie and Abydos!) of Daniel's mixed-up memories. From that first dazed bite of chocolate to the finally, climactic scene in an all-too-familiar storeroom, Daniel's recall of past events leaves the reader breathless and hoping for more.

There's plenty of teamy goodness, and lots of Jack and Daniel friendship, and a wonderfully satisfying look back at all the things that make Daniel Jackson so special. Reserve a good chunk of time to read this, because you won't want to stop before you're finished.

"Sam…I'm okay, really."

She ignored him, her fingers speedily running through the items in the drawer. Chocolate bar. She tossed that on the desk. Notepad. Threw it aside. Lipstick. Pocketed the tube. Aspirin. 

Smiling, she held up the bottle of pills.

A slight frown tugged at her lips. "Daniel?"

He was staring at her desk. No, the chocolate bar. He was actually ogling the candy. Intensely. 

"Okay, here's the deal. I will give you half my chocolate on the condition that you take some aspirin," she negotiated, shaking the bottle.

The rattling brought Daniel out of his daze. "Just half?" 

"Hey," she said, feigning irritation. "It is my chocolate bar."

He smiled.

Sam unwrapped the candy bar, breaking it in half as Daniel finished taking the medication.  He appeared eager, maybe even excited, as she handed him his portion.

"Have you had any chocolate since your return?" she asked him.

He stared at the candy in his hand. "No, first time. Actually, I hadn't even thought about it until I saw it on your desk."

She wasn't sure whether to be happy or worried. Daniel not having the urge for candy? Then again, he instantly remembered the moment he saw the snack. That was comforting.

"Well, then I think this is going to be the best chocolate you have ever had in your life," she said, a devilish grin forming on her lips. She took a bite of her portion, and smiled with satisfaction.
 
He grinned in return, bringing the bar to his lips.  His eyes closed, and he moaned slightly, ecstasy melting his features as he chewed. 

Sam couldn't help but giggle. See? This is why she didn't need a man.  She had chocolate. 

"Hey," Sam joked, watching Daniel savor the chocolate bar.  "I am feeling a little used here."

He gasped, his eyes snapping open. 

The reaction caused her to jerk. "It-it was just a joke," she stammered.

 "Bonniwae."

 She blinked at him. What had he just said?

 "Bonniwae?  Daniel?  What are you saying?"

 "I have no idea."

 Sam stared at him flabbergasted. He was staring, a peculiar glassiness in his eyes. "Daniel?" She waved her hand in front of his face, eliciting no response. "Daniel? Can you hear me?"

"Now, don't say ka until you've tried it." 

Oh boy.  

Sam rushed to the phone, dialing the infirmary quickly. As the line rang, she watched Daniel carefully, not missing the growing haze in his eyes.

"This is Major Carter. Get a medical team down to my lab, stat."