When in Rome, by Sylvia (R)

[figs_sg1_rec]

Rec Category: Team

Pairing: none
Categories: team, gen, drama, crossover, Daniel Jackson, Jack O’Neill, Samantha Carter, Teal’c, friendship, hurt/comfort, action/adventure
Warnings: violence; major whumping of various characters, especially Jack and Daniel; sexual assault; language; some nudity; possible disturbing religious imagery
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: Sylvia at Alpha Gate
Link: When in Rome

Why This Must Be Read: This long, engrossing story is chock-full of teamy goodness, deep friendship, drama, and sacrifice. It also has a healthy dose of wincingly painful violence and some pretty horrific scenes of torture, so read this one at your own risk.

And I’d say it is worth risking, because when Sylvia drops SG-1 into what seems to be Ancient Rome – complete with slavery, Caligula, and an unexpected royal ally – the reader races breathlessly from one scene to the next, rooting for our characters as they struggle to find each other and somehow get back home. Every one of SG-1 has their shining moment in the spotlight. There are victories and setbacks and deep emotional conflicts… and finally, most satisfyingly, triumph.

Daniel knew right where the maps were. Good thing, too, since they were SG-1's only way home. He unrolled them, holding first one, then the other close to his face, then spread them out on the floor of the cart. "We are not on Earth. Near as I can tell, we have been immersed in a live action role-playing scenario that encompasses the lives of the players. This map shows an exact replica of Italy, down to the islands off of the coast but, as you can see, it is not attached to the Europe that we know." He pointed out a very different coastline, though the Mediterranean Sea looked about like Sam remembered it.

"It's Italy, but not really. Got it. Go on."

Daniel pulled out Claudius' scroll and handed it to the Colonel. "The caption at the top says 'Welcome to Rome.' It's written in a derivative of Latin and Etruscan that was in use several hundred years ago, Claudius' time. Apparently, the park owners, for want of a better term, have a way of diverting the Stargate system temporally. They've gone through history, according to this, and plucked up famous and not so famous people at the point of death and brought them here." O'Neill handed the scroll back after giving it a cursory looking over.

"They temporarily divert the 'Gate?"

Sam piped up. "Temporally, Sir. They move in time, as well as in space. But I don't see how that's possible, Daniel." The scientist in her rebelled at the very idea of time travel, never mind that they had done it themselves not so very long ago. "The only way we know of is based almost entirely on chance."

Jackson waved at her impatiently. "I know, and I don't understand it either, but that's what it says, the best I can make out. And the main complex is on Ponza." He pointed to a small island midway down the peninsula. "That's where we find our way home. There's a 'Gate there." He held the scroll close to his eyes again. "In the grotto beneath the city, you will find the Chapp'ai. We hope you will enjoy your stay." Daniel rolled up the scroll and rubbed his eyes. The sun was just past noon and the light must have been bothering him.

It did not escape the Colonel's notice. In a quiet voice, he asked, "You doin' okay, Daniel?"

"Oh, yeah. Just a little eyestrain, Jack. Nothing to worry about." He pushed absently at the bridge of his nose. "Have you seen the amphorae Caupona sent with us? They are amazing examples of late period pottery and design."

"Don't change the subject. What's with the squint and where'd you and Carter come up with those lovely bruises?"

Placing her hand to the faded, yellowing bruise on her cheek, Sam said wryly, "Probably the same way you got yours, Sir. Not doing what we were told."