Walked Right Out of the Machinery, by Rydra Wong (PG-13/R)

Rec Category: Episode related
Pairing: none
Categories: episode related, gen, AU, Jack O'Neill, drama, team, novel
Warnings: language, violence, minor character death, psychological trauma. Did I mention the language?
Author on LJ: rydra_wong
Author's Website: fic post
Link: walked right out of the machinery

Why This Must Be Read: This story is made of wow. You can tell, from the very beginning, that Rydra worked on this novel for months. It's not just written; it's crafted, and it is a seriously amazing piece of work.

Rydra takes us into a harrowing AU, complete with realistic shifting of storylines and stellar characterization: the events of Abyss go differently. Kanan does not leave Jack before they're captured by Ba'al, and events twist and dance away from canon as Jack's prolonged absence from the SGC creates a new reality.

Fury and frustration, and an amazing rendition of the Tok'ra; competent Sam, and an achingly-beautiful Jack and Teal'c friendship (the scene where Teal'c offers solace with silence will break your heart); the stuggle for the definition of self and honor and right and wrong. Jacob Carter and Bra'tac have marvelous cameos, as does a frustrated Ascended Daniel. Hammond is the leader we know and love, and several other minor characters - Malek of the Tok'ra, Satterfield, Pierce, and more - are brought vividly, lovingly, to life.

But most of all, this is Jack O'Neill's story. Stubborn to the last, amazingly himself. I dare you to read this and not fall in love with it.

( snippet of fic... )