The Hanged Man by M (NC-17)

[paian]

Rec Category: Jack/Daniel
Pairing: Daniel Jackson/Jack O'Neill, implied Daniel Jackson/Sam Carter, brief Daniel Jackson/Teal'c in flashback, possible implied Jack O'Neill/Sam Carter
Category: SG-1, slash, Daniel/Jack, Daniel/OFC, Daniel Jackson, Jack O'Neill, adult content, bdsm, character study, dark, explicit sexual situation, team
Warning: Explicit sexual content, rough sex, language
Author on LJ: samdonne
Author's Website: d e r i v a t i v e f i c t i o n, b y M.
Link: The Hanged Man

Author's summary: The day they don't drag him back, it'll be time to let go.

Why This Must Be Read:

M writes a particularly gritty, edgy brand of SG-1. If gritty and edgy are your thing, go straight to the fic and when you're done click the 'home' button at the bottom and read everything else she's written -- it's all fascinating, gripping stuff. If you're looking for J/D romance, you're not going to find it in this one; there's nothing soft or gentle here, and although one brush of near-tenderness stands out the more starkly for that, it's a fleeting moment in a harsh encounter. But the rewards in character insight are worth the pain -- and that the themes play out between Daniel and Jack isn't authorial whim or convenience. It's exactly how this story had to be told, and says a lot about the bond between them, whatever form it takes, even if it's the last strand of a fraying rope.

I especially love the resonance of the title, which evokes all the interpretive symbolism of the twelfth card in the major arcana of the tarot, and adds all kinds of layers to this portrayal of Daniel. It's a good name for the fic-as-fic, too: you can look at it right side up or upside down, and it'll always be looking back at you the other way.

About 5500 words, set sometime in Season 5.

Excerpt:

Mackenzie's had it right all along. They've gone insane, divided from themselves, trapped in a circle of cognitive dissonance until there was no more distinction between alien and human, no boundaries between familiar and strange, home and the universe, individual and team. They remember what to save the world from, but they have lost sight of what they save the world for, and Daniel is tired of holding the memory for them, when they will not hold him.

Comments

[paian]

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm feeling my way thru this structured reccing thing, and the feedback is really encouraging and helpful. This one's the middle of a mini-arc of owchiness, and it's the one that pushes the comfort boundaries the farthest with this pairing, so your response is great to hear!

[ninja007.livejournal.com]

I ADORE Maayan...

She is a fantastic writer. I've read everything she's written.

[paian]

Yes! So glad to hear that you're a fan of her fics too.

[sg-wonderland.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with Princessofg, I couldn't write this kind of a fic because it is way, way, way beyond my comfort zone. However, this is a well-written fic and I can't help but admire folks who can write these folks as f***ed up as they have to be.

[paian]

Absolutely, me too. That dark edge is so compelling but so challenging, and with all that the characters go through on the show, it's great to have writers who do such a good job grappling with the harsher consequences.

[shutthef-up.livejournal.com]

To me, this is one of the classic fics for SG-1. I first read it a long time ago and it completely kicked me on my ass.

Thanks for reccing it, so I could read it again!

[paian]

To me, this is one of the classic fics for SG-1. I first read it a long time ago and it completely kicked me on my ass -- Same for me, exactly.

I'm so glad that you re-read, and so pleased that you let me know, thank you!