Suicidium, by DawnC (PG-13)

[figs_sg1_rec]

Rec Category: Episode Fix

Pairing: none
Category: episode fix, Daniel Jackson, team, angst, hurt/comfort
Warning: attempted murders
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: Stargate SG-1 Angst Fiction
Link: Suicidium title page, with links to story parts

Why This Must Be Read: After previously reccing an episode fix for Forever In a Day with a decidedly happy ending, I suppose it's only fair to balance the scales with Suicidium, a bleak story that nevertheless concludes with the rifts in SG-1 healed and Daniel persevering in his quest to find Sha're's son.

Maybourne, still angry at Daniel's involvement in rescuing the Tollans during the events of Enigma, seizes the opportunity of Sha're's death to get rid of Daniel entirely. His initial murder attempt, designed to look like suicide, is thrwarted by Jack's timely appearance; but the apparent suicide attempt is enough to get Daniel removed from the SGC. Frantic to keep his final promise to Sha're despite everyone's conviction that his vision had been nothing more than a delusion, Daniel goes rogue, leaving through the Stargate on a solo quest to find Kheb and "the boy."

One of the best aspects of the story is the tight continuity, referencing many past episodes without being pedantic. Daniel visits Nem, the Land of Light, and the Byrsa; the Tollan and the Tok'ra come to the SGC. Maybourne, in his persistent efforts to demolish Daniel's reputation, puts together a report of past events, including Need, Hathor, and Legacy. The story doesn't take place in a vacuum, but rather within the context of past events - as it should be.

While a wounded Daniel wanders through the galaxy in search of clues to Kheb, the remaining members of SG-1 do their best to clear his name and find a way to locate him and bring him home. And when even that might not be enough, SG-1 goes to the limit - and, in Teal'c's case, even beyond - to get to the truth and reinstate Daniel, both as their friend and their team member.

Lots of angsting and Danny whumping. Lots of teamy goodness, with special emphasis on the Daniel/Teal'c angst after Sha're's death and support from Jack. Smarmy Maybourne, for those people who are odd enough to like him, and lots of nasty politics. Hammond defending his people within the framework of his orders. Janet at her spitfire best.

All that has got to be enough to tempt you, isn't it? :)

"So," Daniel looked down at his own blocks, "has the official forensics report on my apartment come back yet?"

Jack nodded slowly. Damn, what a way to spoil a game. "Uh, yeah."

"When?" Suspicion laced Daniel's voice.

"This morning."

"Ah. I'm guessing you haven't said anything about it because it's bad news. They didn't find anything to corroborate my story, did they?"

Jack shook his head. "No, they didn't, but like you said, it was a long-shot. Not even Maybourne is that stupid. If it's one thing those NID folks tend to do well, it's hide their tracks."

Daniel frowned, his eyes never leaving the blocks on his lap. "So, what now?" He placed a domino on the table and jerked his chin toward the pad. "Five."

Jack scribbled the score down, grateful for the brief distraction. He looked down at his remaining pieces. Silence dragged as he stared blankly at the blocks while trying to decide the best way to break the news to Daniel.

Hell, there was no way to do it other than straight. He looked up at Daniel and sighed heavily. "It's not good."

Daniel leaned back, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "Let me guess. I'm grounded pending a full psychiatric evaluation."

Jack shifted in his seat. "Uh, no. Hammond received orders from the President." He grabbed his dominoes and tossed them on the table, frustration clawing at him.

Daniel's eyes narrowed, and he set his jaw firmly. "Yeeeaah?"

Damn. Jack took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Daniel. The President wants you dismissed from the SGC."