Under Fire, by Strix varia (PG-13)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

I've managed to snag the Gen category this month! I hope to present you all with a diverse selection of fics for this wonderful category.

Rec Category: Gen

Pairing: none
Categories: gen, Samantha Carter, team, drama, action/adventure, hurt/comfort
Warnings: language (Jack is in a bad mood); team whumping, especially Sam
Author on LJ: gunhilda
Author's Website: SG-1 Fanfiction by Strix varia
Link: Under Fire

Why This Must Be Read: I have been known, from time to time, to express my love for gen Sam fic. And for early team fic. This wonderful, gripping story combines both, and the only reason I haven't recced it before now is that someone beat me to it in the Samantha Carter category. :)

Under Fire opens with a bang right in the middle of the story, as a dazed Sam recovers consciousness to confront an angry, harsh commanding officer who seems to keep demanding a lot more than she's capable of delivering. As the backstory is slowly filled in, together with the gaps in Sam's memory, the reader is left just as puzzled as Sam at Colonel O'Neill's hostile behavior. It seems very out-of-character for him… or is it?

By the time SG-1 reaches the safety of the Stargate, Sam's self-doubts have multiplied exponentially, and she has stretched herself to the limits – and beyond. And when explanations are finally offered, the reader will be as awed at Sam at her commanding officer and the solidarity and cohesiveness that SG-1 brings to the table.

It's got great characterization, teamy goodness, stubborn Sam and breathless drama. What more could you possibly need?

Sam was acutely aware that her three teammates were staring at her as she desperately tried to find her balance. She was still shaking like a leaf, but she didn’t want them to think it was from fear or cowardice.

Finally, she was able to stand without Teal’c’s assistance. She met her CO’s eyes. “I’m sorry, sir,” she said. “It’s my ribs…I think… I don’t know, but it feels like I may have cracked one or something…” Even to her own ears, it sounded like a feeble excuse for her weakness.

“Can you breathe?” the Colonel asked, his face betraying no emotion.

“Yes, sir,” she nodded, wilting under his piercing gaze. She looked away, willing the tears out of her eyes. She would not cry in front of her commanding officer. She would not cry in front of her team.

“Are you coughing up blood?”

“No, sir,” she said.

“Then you’re just going to have buck up, Captain. Daniel’s hurt, my leg is busted, and we don’t have time to sit around waiting for Hammond to send a rescue party. That leaves you to cover our six.”

“Jack,” Daniel started to protest.

The Colonel turned on him. “I don’t want to hear it, Daniel,” he snapped. “She’s going to carry her own weight back to the gate, and she’s going to guard our butts while she does it, aren’t you Captain?”

Sam swallowed, feeling like a green cadet in front of a hostile drill sergeant. “Yes, sir.” He was in pain, too, she reminded herself. She had to pull herself together.

She felt Teal’c’s eyes on her, measuring her. She thought the former First Prime probably doubted her ability to carry through. She’d often wondered what he thought of having to serve with a woman on his team. It wasn’t like there appeared to be any female Jaffa warriors. That he hadn’t openly questioned her presence on the team was probably something of a marvel. Although, after her performance today, perhaps that would change.

She nodded again, gripping her weapon tighter, realizing that she wanted to prove herself to Teal’c as much as to her commanding officer. Colonel O’Neill was military. She understood what he expected of her. But Teal’c… Teal’c was intimidating to her in a way that no military officer would ever be, given that her father was a general. Teal’c was enigmatic, a true warrior, the epitome of strength and self-control in the face of danger. If she could prove herself to Teal’c… well, that would be a real accomplishment. “I’ve got our sixes, sir,” she said, trying to sound more confident than she really felt.

“Right,” the Colonel nodded. “Let’s move out.”