I find it kind of funny but at the same time extremely amazing how the fan-fiction trope “Sentinels & Guides” is SO popular and spans on so many different fandoms. Yet I’m pretty sure only 5% (or even less) of the people have seen the TV show The Sentinel (1996) from which it’s originated.
Perspective flip, rich boy ceo John has a random employee yelling at him!!
OOooh! OK. John's POV from the start of Season's Greetings:
(This...got a little longer than I intended. Thank you for asking!)
It's not that John's looking forward to being snowed in, not precisely. But he is happy to avoid two parties, dull and formal social obligations that he, as the still new CEO of Sheppard Industries, is expected to attend. He gets it, the need to schmooze and flash smiles and nod at people who he might need a favour from in the future, or who owe him. Sure, the food will be decent, and the drinks better than decent, but the company? Polished, smooth, uninteresting, and sometimes predatory.
So the incoming blizzard is great timing.
The generators are full, the cook baked a batch of cookies before he sent her home at noon, well in advance of the storm, he's got great sandwich ingredients on hand, and wood is stacked by the fireplaces. He's got a few issues of Acta Mathematica that he hasn't had a chance to check out, and all in all, it's looking to be a good night. Or couple of days.
At this point, he'll take what he can get.
He's half-way through his second article, beer in hand, the snow outside starting to coming down in thick, fluffy flakes, when he hears knocking at the front door. It's unexpected, and he figures it's maybe someone lost, or anxious about the snow, and he mentally sighs at the thought of having to let them in, let them warm up and wait out the storm.
But it's not like he can just leave them out there. So he opens the door, tries not to show his annoyance, and –
He's assailed by a guy, under-dressed for the weather, face red, expression irritated, and words – "Yes, whatever, greetings, salutations. What the fuck is this? – fast and demanding.
The guy – who looks vaguely familiar, in that 'I should probably know you way' – is holding up the company holiday card, and it seems patently obvious that's what it is, so John says, a little bemused, "It's a seasonal holiday card?"
And then he's being shoved aside as the guy pushes into his house, still talking, still demanding answers for some apparent slight that John doesn't quite understand, calling John's picture sexy and looking…remarkably interesting at the same time.
When the guy finally introduces himself, John thinks, oh, and huh, and he's heard the stories, and Dr. Rodney McKay? He's pretty much what John would have expected.
But also more. John likes the set of his shoulders and the intensity of his gaze, and the way his hands don't quite stop moving. And no one talks to him like this.
Ever.
He grins, holds out his hand and introduces himself. Then he asks, just barely resisting the urge to wink, "So, you think I look sexy in the photo?"
And he grins some more, wider, and laughs a little when McKay stutters and manages to look affronted and embarrassed, righteous and annoyed, all at once. He leans in, lets his voice drop a little, and asks, "You cold? I've got cookies and hot chocolate," before walking deeper into the house.
McKay follows him, muttering about unfortunate mistakes and that he's allergic to citrus, and who even sends a photo of themselves out as a holiday card, that's some kind of rich person nonsense, clueless and gauche.
Oh yeah, John thinks, happily. This is going to be fun.
A short list of some of my favorite Stargate Atlantis fanfics in no particular order. These are stories I’ve read more than once and really enjoyed. Ratings vary and tag warnings apply.
Just So Long and Long Enough by busaikko
Unidentified by fiercelydreamed (locked)
Harsh Continent by 30toseoul
Crimes Against Humanity by seperis
The King of Atlantis by Punk
Everyone Around Here Gets a Little Strange by skoosiepants
Weapons of Some Distraction by shrift
About a lamp by torch
A Distinct Lack of Glitter by Persiflager
The Matchmaker by lavvyan
Fireball by celli for slodwick
String Theory: A Concerto for Violin in D Minor by Toft
SEF has read the Radek is poisoned and attacks Rodney story that Dasha and I wrote lo these many years ago, and done a gorgeous job! She reminds me why I loved Atlantis so hard (and still do) all over again. Her podfix (how do you make that plural?) are all wonderful and you should spend the week browsing through her complete catalog but this is my favorite yet.
It's still a bit early but finished this one last night and decided to share already as it's only couple of months away from the 20th anniversary!! YES, WE'RE THAT OLD.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my all-time favorite series!
This poll is a celebration of fandom history; we're aware that there are certain issues with many of the listed pairings and sources, but they are a part of that history. Please do not take this as an endorsement, and refrain from harassment.
Down to Earth (SGA fic, McKay/Sheppard, T+, spy AU)
Summary: "I don't understand," Chuck says, "how you keep getting caught by the Pilot." Rodney frowns. "He's wily. I told you that." (Rodney is a super spy. And he has a nemesis).
On July 16th, 2004, the pilot aired. Here's a handy little primer for anyone who doesn't know what the heckity heck this show is about. Everything is totally accurate, 100% true and very, very serious.
So.
This is the lost city of the Ancients, Atlantis, in the Pegasus galaxy, about 3 million light years from Earth. (The Ancients can go fuck themselves. Long story.) Atlantis is a city/spaceship approximately the size of Manhattan. She's semi-sentient, but not really, except actually yes, maybe, sometimes, totally. The whole city can go underwater or into hyperspace. Loves her humans. Home. Declaration of independence imminent.
The Atlantis expedition consists of civilians and military from at least 34 countries (in later seasons, the original expedition was just over a dozen). In no particular order:
Dr. Elizabeth Weir. The first leader of the expedition. The only adult. Sometimes. Okay, not very often. Is not above a little war crime for the good of the galaxy—or at least, for the good of Atlantis. Left a boyfriend and a dog on Earth, but we all miss the dog more than the boyfriend. Eats UN representatives for breakfast. Is terribly awkward on dates and really good at solitaire. Loves her chaos children. Which are:
Lt. Colonel Suicide Mission John Sheppard. Walked through the Gate and Atlantis said, "dibs". Thinks people who don't want to fly are crazy. Not good with emotional stuff. (He's getting better.) Loves his found space family and would die for them, often literally. Stop that. Also loves Ferris wheels, things that go fast, and Rodney McKay. And no, we don't know how he gets his hair to go like that.
Dr. Meredith Rodney McKay. Four degrees, two of which are PhDs, none of which are in social skills. Smartest man in two galaxies. Used to be an asshole, but got himself some friends who loved him such a stupid amount that he had no choice but to change. Still a work in progress. We love to see it. Blew up three quarters five sixths of a solar system. (It was uninhabited.) (Mostly.) Deathly allergic to citrus. Loves fully charged ZPMs, arguing with Dr. Zelenka, MREs, and John Sheppard.
Lieutenant Aiden Ford. Went ass first through the Gate with a grin and a whoop on his very first trip. One of the youngest members of the expedition. Is not allowed to name anything, ever. Mild case of hero worship when it comes to his commanding officer, which is totally understandable. A cautionary tale of how addiction messes up not only you, but the people around you.
Ronon Dex. Used to be hunted by the Wraith, lost his people in a terrible war, and is now a member of Sheppard's team where he gets to shoot things and beat up bad guys. Doesn't talk much, but when he does, he has something to say. Good friend. Excellent hugs, but have Carson check you out for any cracked ribs after. Is one bottle of Athosian wine away from staging an intervention regarding the Sheppard/McKay situation.
Teyla Emmagan. In possession of the team's one brain cell. Leader of the Athosian people. Will rock a baby to sleep and then go outside where a Wraith is dangling from the highest tower of the city and stomp on his hands until he falls 800 feet. Can either beat you up in the gym or force you to meditate on your problem, your choice. Has the aforementioned bottle of wine ready and loaded.
Dr. Radek Zelenka. Keeps the science team sane because Rodney sure as hell doesn't. Loves pigeons, cursing in Czech, and overseeing the thriving black market underground economy that has developed in the city. (Thanks @shaddyr for that lovely headcanon). Zachránil všechny naše zadky víc než jednou.
Chuck the Technician. Aggressively Canadian. Doesn't have a last name, doesn't need one. Is ALWAYS in the control room, seriously man, when do you sleep? Reads trashy sci fi novels on night shifts and organized a betting pool in 5 different currencies when Ronon was fighting Teal'c. Needs to share his eyelash routine because we're jealous.
Dr. Carson Beckett. The most Scottish Scot to ever Scot. Brilliant medical doctor who is not above the occasional unethical unorthodox treatment method. Sweet cinnamon roll of a man. Beloved by all. Loves his mom and wee baby turtles. Someone should take him fishing soon. 🥹
Colonel Samantha Carter. Member of SG-1. Legend. Awesome. Boss. Absolute BAMF. Punched a Goa'uld system lord in the face once. We all have a crush on her.
Dr. Jennifer Keller. Is very doctor-y, for better and for worse. Was all of us when she freaked out being on an alien planet for the first time, like a normal person would. Should totally have gone on a date with Captain Vega in that one deleted scene. [WE COULD HAVE HAD IT AAAAALL]
Jeannie Miller. Rodney's sister. Gave up a career in science to be a mom. Solved Rodney's math problem in her spare time, with finger paints. Loves her brother even when he's being an idiot. Fanfic canon says: her house is always open for him and certain Air Force Colonels to crash in. Don't you dare get a hotel room. Yes, the guest room has Only One Bed, Mer, what's your point?
Major Evan Lorne. If you are a moron and get yourself captured and imprisoned off world, he will swing by real quick with a couple Marines and bust you out. Co-parents Atlantis with Dr. Weir. Is actually a really talented painter. Needs a raise, a holiday, and a drink.
Colonel Steven Caldwell. Grumpy. Has to deal with Elizabeth's chaos children on a regular basis. Will make the enemy ship go away with a big boom and save your sorry ass in space. AGAIN.
Richard Woolsey. Used to be a New York City lawyer, one of the most ruthless creatures in the universe. His wife got the Yorkie in the divorce. Broke his heart. Is actually pretty cool if you let him do his thing (like get you out of an intergalactic war crimes trial by bribing the judges).
I know some characters and all the villains are missing, but this post is already longer than a trip on the Daedalus, so there you have it.
Stargate Atlantis. A show about wormholes, life-sucking aliens, ancient civilisations, space battles—and family, friendship, allowing yourself to love and be loved, and what it means to be home.