Outside the Box, by Bethj (G)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Original Character

 

Pairing: none

Categories: original character, Daniel Jackson, Jack and Daniel friendship, character study, gen, pre-series, episode related, kidfic

Warnings: none

Author on LJ: unknown

Author's Website: unknown

Link: Outside the Box

 

Why This Must Be Read: Daniel’s unique ability to think “outside the box” is instrumental in opening the Stargate and saving the world. In this engaging story, Bethj gives us Barbara Warner, Daniel’s childhood neighbor, who first introduces nine-year-old Daniel to the idea of solving a challenge by considering the problem from a different perspective.

 

The story begins with Daniel as a child, pauses at a single scene when he’s eighteen, then shifts to the beginning of the SG-1 years, complete with Jack and Daniel sitting on Jack’s roof to watch the stars after the destruction of Apophis’ motherships. With so much fanon emphasis on Daniel’s imagined abused childhood, it’s doubly charming to read of a long-term placement with caring foster parents, complete with good neighbors and solid foundations. This story is a quiet slice of character and a quick yet thoughtful read.

 

(And no, Bill and Susan Mitchell, Daniel’s delightful foster parents, are not related to Cameron. This fic was written before Season Five aired.)

 

“I have something for you. A going-away present."

She bent down to pick up the brown lunch bag that had been sitting on the porch and handed it to him. He opened it up and drew out a small wooden box. He lifted the hinged lid and looked inside. It was empty.

"It's a box," he said.

"Yes." She waited to see what he would make of it. She was rewarded with a brilliant smile, the one she seldom saw.

"Think outside of it, right?" he asked.

"Exactly! I knew you would understand. And don't concern yourself with people who are stuck thinking inside it."

"Thanks, Mrs. Warner. I'll remember."

Comments

[sg-wonderland.livejournal.com]

Awww. that was so sweet. I try not to fall into that Daniel-only-had-bad-foster-parents trap when I write. I like to think someone, somewhere, gave him the confidence to be so self-reliant. Like these folks.

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Yes, he had to get that confidence from somewhere, didn't he?

And I want to thank you for taking the time to let me know you're enjoying the recs. Feedback to reccers only encourages more reccing, so it's win-win all round! :)

(And the latest rec might make you smile, so go take a look.)

[sg-wonderland.livejournal.com]

I do try to let authors know when I like their stuff, how else can I get them to keep writing?
And thanks for the rec. I'm always incredibly flattered to know other folks like what I do.

[damietta.livejournal.com]

Great rec! chattycatsmeow is writing a wonderful series called "Small Boy Big City" in which Daniel has a great set of foster parents. I have never subscribed to the bad-foster-parents theory as Daniel turned out to be a wonderful person. He had to have help along the way!

Even though it is a work in progress, if you ever want to read a good story here's the link: http://chattycatsmeow.livejournal.com/tag/young+daniel

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked it! And I'll check out the link, thanks. :)