Present Tense, by Debby (PG)

Rec Category: General Hammond

Pairing: none
Category: General Hammond, episode related, character study, angst, timefic
Warning: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: unknown
Link: Present Tense

Why This Must Be Read: This short story, told entirely from Hammond's POV, leads up to the events of 1969 from the painful position of one who knows what is going to happen and is afraid to stop it. How difficult was it for George to set things in motion, knowing how dangerous it would be for SG-1 to follow the time loop back into the past?

Unlike my other 1969 rec, this short fic concentrates entirely on the "night before," when General Hammond sees the gash on Sam's hand and realizes that it's finally time for him to do his part for destiny. Most moving, to my mind, was his determination to give them a proper, quiet sendoff - not by spending those last few hours with them, aware that too many things might happen that might prevent them from coming back, but by ordering them home for a good night's rest.

As George himself puts it, it's never easy - even for those who never step through the Gate.

( Snippet of fic... )

Changing the Guard, by Aelfgyfu (PG)

Rec Category: General Hammond

Pairing: none
Category: General Hammond, Jack O'Neill, character study, episode related
Warning: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: Aelfgyfu's Mead Hall
Link: Changing the Guard

Why This Must Be Read: Well, it will make you miss George even more.

“What is Siler leaving you that you had to be sure he didn’t die?”

In this short story, set sometime after Moebius, George Hammond turns up on Jack O'Neill's doorstep to discuss his upcoming promotion and move to Washington. Jack might not like to hear much of what George says, but he can't deny the truth in his old CO's words. General or not, Jack is still too much a part of SG-1 to be impartial enough to make the right decisions, and it's time for him to move on.

Aelfgyfu has a wonderful knack for good, flowing dialogue. There's snarkiness and candidness in equal doses. Here, we get a wonderful look at the two men who led the SGC as they ruefully acknowledge close ties and the inevitable advantages and shortcomings of that closeness. We're offered a reasonable explanation for the scattering of SG-1 at the beginning of S9, a candid confession on how retiring just doesn't seem to be an option for these two, and a painful look back at the agonzing duties of two COs who have lost too many people under their command.

Painful truths and a look to the future. What else would you expect from George and Jack?

( Read more... )

Hazardous Duty, by Tenaya (PG-13)

Rec Category: Humor

Pairing: OC/OC
Category: humor, gen, Daniel Jackson, sg-1
Warning: some innuendo
Author on LJ: Tenaya
Author's Website: Tenaya at AO3
Link: Hazardous Duty

Why This Must Be Read: Daniel, on a dig with SG-3, is taken aback by out-of-character behavior by the Marines. Once he discovers the real truth behind their actions, poor Daniel isn't quite sure whether to laugh or cringe. At least Jack's expectations were literally right on the money!

This is one of those real gems: a humor fic which is neither a parody or OTT, but rather a look at everyday life in the SGC and the inherent humor of the bizarre culture clashes between Marine, archeologist, and the SGC as a whole. It's a pleasure to read a scene that the reader could easily picture taking place on the show itself. Daniel's earnest willingness to help out fits right into the expectations of the two Marines who set up the entire scenario, but it's Jack's casual assumptions that hit the highest note for me.

Daniel helping two Marines break the regs is fun enough, but French-kissing the bride...? Priceless. Especially when it's on her terms!

( Snippet of fic... )