Sands of Time by Alyjude (NC-17)

[tatkreiswok.livejournal.com]

Generally speaking, fans have a bent for writing characters’ past lives, or simply for setting them in another time and place. For readers, it’s an amusing diversion from the standard "let’s-get-'em-into-bed" devices commonly employed. It can also make for a great exercise in spotting subtle – and not so subtle – character traits. Because of Jim's heightened senses and Blair's shamanism, though, AUs get a fresh spin by fans, and it often makes for a very worthwhile read. This is a favorite…

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Author on LJ: alyburns
Author Website: The Kennel, or look her up at 852 Prospect
Why this must be read:

What starts as a visit to a special exhibition at the Cascade Museum of Natural History, leads to the murder of one of Blair's old academic mentors. In solving this case, will Jim and Blair unravel the mystery behind a double homicide in Ancient Egypt, as well?

This thoroughly enjoyable story has everything: murder mysteries, archeology, anthropology, sinister villains, past lives, a post TSbyBS Jim and Blair who work and play well together, zippy banter, delicious sex, and Hapshepsut. Alyjude ties it all together, and sets mood and location masterfully here, making each time period and its characters, wholly believable. The action is riveting, and even though you know there’s going to be a “happy ending” (because it’s an Alyjude tale), you still thrill to every twist, peril, and turn.


They high-fived each other, then Jim glanced over Blair's shoulder at the museum.

Following his gaze, Blair asked, "We gonna get out of the truck, man?"

"I'm thinking about it, Chief. I'm thinking about it."

Blair waited patiently, knowing that Jim had something to say—

"Sometimes in my life, I've gotten this—feeling in the pit of my stomach, you know?" At Blair's nod, Jim went on. "It's like this excited churning and almost, well, kind of anticipatory. And it's always been right on. Something usually happened. The something could be good, not always bad. I had it the morning I went to Cascade General almost four years ago—for some tests because I thought I was going crazy. Met up with this scrawny little guy who called himself Dr. McCoy/McCay."

Jim's eyes sparkled with the memory and Blair grinned back, but said nothing as Jim's expression turned serious. "And I had it before the chopper mission in Peru."

Jim peered out the windshield, ducking his head so that he could see the top of the museum as he said quietly, almost ominously, "And I have it now."

Blair watched Jim's face and when the older man looked back at him, asked, "Jim, do you trust us?"

The question was so not what Jim expected, that he was flummoxed. Blair took his hand and repeated it.

"*Do* you trust us?"

Jim thought back over the last three and a half years, thought of all they'd been through and the answer came easily. "I do."

"Then know that it's going to be all right. Whatever's happening, it's going to be all right."

"Okay, so what are we waiting for, uh?"

Blair rolled his eyes.


Sands of Time