Speaking in Acronyms, by Random (PG-13)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Jack O'Neill

Pairing: none
Categories: Jack O'Neill, gen, character study, drama
Warnings: dark!Jack, major plot point of S9
Author on LJ: randomfreshink
Author's Website: Random at Danielfic
Link: Speaking in Acronyms

Why This Must Be Read: This fic was written for dark_gate, and I found it astonishingly creepy that the Jack of this story fits seamlessly into the Jack of SG-1. The "going dark" for Jack is part of his nature, consciously chosen, and scarily plausible without making any changes to his character at all.

While the story takes place in S10, it's only a single throwaway sentence that sets the fic right before 200. The main point is one of the major plot devices of S9, and what a coldly-determined Jack plans to do about it – and when Jack O'Neill seriously sets his sights on a goal, you can be sure that it's going to happen. This is Black Ops Jack brought to life, only the orders are coming from nowhere but his own head. It's the casual killing of the guard with a knife that convinced me that our Jack can truly go dark if he chooses to do so.

Speaking in Acronyms is told with Random's usual superb Jack voice and with lush characterization – his thoughts about his former teammates, particularly Daniel, ring amazingly true. With a fan-favorite villain, and a surprise cameo from an old/young friend, this is a story that's alarmingly easy to picture taking place right alongside the regular episodes of SG-1… even if no one knows it.

[Disclaimer: I had the privilege of beta-reading this. It's still creepily good.]

 

Tucking away the Beretta, Jack pulled out his cell phone and made the call.  He'd thought about packing the zat himself--it'd be handy--but having one in his desk would raise questions.  And since this worked, why fix it.  Tapping his fingers on the back of the leather couch, he waited for the voice on the other end to answer--irritable and irritatingly young. 

"What d'you want?" 

Jack turned, stared out at what midnight looked like on this side of the world.  "Clean-up on aisle five."

"Oh--you.  Where now?"

"As if you didn't know.  Target BLC--that's Bravo, Lima, Charlie.  I'll leave the phone." 

"Next time I get the first shot."

Jack shook his head.  That's what the little bastard said every time, and he gave the same answer.  "In your dreams." 

Leaving the phone open and on, he tossed it onto the body.  He'd worn two pair of latex gloves, but he'd wipe for prints anyway.  Couldn't be too careful--hell, he watched CSI.  But since there'd be no body, no missing person, it'd be hard for anyone to start up a crime scene. 

One more down, a few more to go.

Comments

[green-grrl.livejournal.com]

Darn, I was hoping to rec this one for "Jack" next month! I love this story -- and it totally fixes that one dumb joke line in 200 for me, too.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Heh. You have no idea how many times other reccers have beat me to stories I was saving to rec in certain categories! I had to cross twelve fics off my Sam rec list.

And the Malibu line? Solid gold. :)