crack_van | Face Value by Minnow (R)

Fandom: STARGATE ATLANTIS
Pairing: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard
Author on LJ:

minnow1212
Author Website: None, but her fic is indexed in this post.
Why this must be read:

Telepathy is a staple plot device in sci-fi fandoms but Minnow gives it the best kind of twist -- the fact that even though McKay can read most peoples surface thoughts, he can't read Sheppard's. It's a great turn around and makes for a wonderful story.

And it's not just the Sheppard/McKay part of the story that's enjoyable, it's also the way the other major and minor characters react to the situation. The first part with Beckett makes me laugh every time and I love the way Minnow threaded the McKay/Zelenka friendship through it all.

--

"Dear god," Carson said when they'd reached the infirmary and explained the problem, taking a step backward. Rodney hadn't been specifically aware of Carson's thoughts before that point--maybe interest in whatever he'd been reading whenever they'd interrupted him?--but as soon as Carson understood the problem, his thoughts instantly became loud and strident and intrusive. Also not relevant to the situation: BROCCOLI BROCCOLI BROCCOLI.

"Stop that! You shouting about broccoli is not going to be at all helpful," Rodney said, and Zelenka sent them both questioning glances while Carson took another step backwards. Rodney winced and slumped over a lab table, burying his head in his arms. "And no, adding other vegetables for variety doesn't make it better."

Face Value
Part One
Part Two