This is another fic I was absolutely amazed to find had not been previously rec'd.

Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: None
Length: about 5000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: http://www.solosojourn.com/unindex.htm
Why this must be read:

It's another take on the "one partner must leave the other behind" story concept that was explored in my previous rec. I will note right up-front though for folks that this one is not a death-fic. So readers can rest easy with that in mind, even as the angst builds.

Illya was the pragmatic one; Napoleon tended to be more devil-may-care. So how did Illya really feel about Napoleon's sometimes brazen bravado? Especially when that bravado resulted in a bluff that worked to its intended purpose but was accompanied by an unintended result? And what was it in Solo that always had to take a chance others would not even have considered?

The writer touches with delicate teasing fingers upon the mental differences between the two men and their approaches to seemingly impossible situations...

It was an old scenario the two partners seemed destined to repeat. It was also a constant source of vexation to the pragmatic Russian. Napoleon's proclivity for reckless, madcap bluffs grated against Illya's sense of balance. Like Icarus, Solo had far more bravado than common sense, it seemed, and frequently flew devil-may-care into the sun.

Kuryakin, then, was cast as the reluctant Daedelus, who could not seem to reason with the adventurous Solo. One day the over-confident swashbuckler would soar too close to the heat. Then, not all the brazen courage and intrepid luck in the world would save the top-notch agent from singed wings -- or worse -- a disastrous fall from the heights. Illya dreaded the coming of that fateful day and it threateningly hung over his head like the sword of Damocles.

The Icarus Bluff Affair

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: None (Gen)
Length: Short novella
Author on LJ: bardicvoice
Author's Website; fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

Hi, mates! Here’s Francis again, so be afraid, be very afraid: I intend to make up for lost time.

And for my return to the game, I’ve chosen an odd piece of work, for the “Pros” fanfiction’s standards: It’s gen (not even especially focused on the partnership), it’s serious and thoughtful, almost philosophical, and the main part is shared between Bodie and a very unusual female character (eh, no! don’t run away at the first sound of it; it’s not het either, not in the least).

Don’t take me wrong; I don’t imply that Pros fanfiction cannot be serious, thoughtful and philosophical at places but, here, the moral meaning is the core of the subject, though never set in a moralistic or preaching tone. Or if a preach there is, it’s the best I ever listened to; you couldn’t add or remove a single word and every one sounds right.

You can read it as a meditation on destiny; in that case Bodie’s destiny, starting from his early years in Africa with an encounter that would later lead his life path to then unexpected directions. This excerpt sums it fine:

"You said the Sister recognized you, Bodie? How did that happen?"
"Caught a glimpse of me through the door. She didn't give me away, and no one else noticed."
"What would she think when she saw you?"
"I — can't say, sir. It's been a long time: Africa. Kisangana, in the Belgian Congo. Call it Zaire, now." Memories darkened his eyes and Doyle held utterly still, almost holding his breath not to interfere with the unexpected opening of another rare door into his partner's checkered past. "I was a merc then, gunrunning. I haven't seen or been in touch with her since." Doyle saw something shift in his face, lightening his expression and waking a tiny smile. "But she'll trust me, sir; I'm certain of it. She'll give me cover, no question."
"You're asking my blessing on one hell of a chance, three-seven."
To Doyle's surprise, Bodie frankly grinned.
"She already gave me her blessing, sir. And Hell couldn't stand against Sister Agnes."

What to say more? The story is beautifully written, in a concise, efficient style; there is all your heart may desire (in a gen fiction): fast action, a simple but good plot, perfect characterisation, perfect characters’ voices. This is a professional work.

Wolf in the Fold

Hello to all my passengers in the van. This is ashley_pitt and I have the NCIS fandom keys this month.
As most of you know, I am usually a Gibbs/Ducky OTP fan, but I have branched out a tad and have dabbled ( and drabbled) in some rare / pairings. So my offerings in this month of November will reflect my predilections.

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Donald "Ducky" Mallard
Length: approximately 500
Author on LJ: Ashleigh Anpilova
Author's Website: http://www.partners-forever.co.uk/

Why this must be read:
This story is from December 2006 and I believe one of the stories that drew me into the wonderful world of Gibbs/Ducky.
And anyone who has read Gibbs/Ducky will know that nakeisha's name is just about synonymous with G/D.
This is a first meeting story and demonstrates their pervasive protective relationship.
Heck...that means they love each other.

I present for your reading pleasure:

You Saved My Life

I'm elmey, and I've been assigned! In other words, Sapphire and Steel are back for their second crack_van go-round.

In 2008 amaresu wrote an excellent fandom overview for Sapphire and Steel but I'd like to start this month of recs off with another overview, this time a video, in the hope of sucking more people into the darkness interesting some new fans.

Sapphire and Steel is hard to describe: it's unsettling, it's scary, really scary, and it often makes no sense. It's about two, um, elements fighting time. But the leads have incredible chemistry, it has wonderful writing and an internal logic that eventually pulls the stories together into a fascinating whole.

This 7:30 minute video was made for Channel 4 UK, it's a bit tongue in cheek in parts, but it has plenty of show footage and gives a very good sense of the atmosphere of the program. It includes interviews with P.J. Hammond, the writer and creator, Shaun O'Riordan, the Producer/Director and David McCallum, who plays Steel. They're all confused too :) It's a very entertaining introduction to the series.

A note on spoilers. Well, it's been 30 years. There are what might be considered spoilers in the vid, but believe me, even with those, Sapphire and Steel still delivers an unbelievable punch.



Sapphire & Steel, Video Overview

Fandom:  DUE SOUTH
Pairing:  Vecchio/Kowalski, hints at F/V/K
Length:  about 3000 words
Author on LJ:  helens78 
Author websites:  helensfic.dreamwidth.org and http://archiveofourown.org/users/helens78/pseuds/helens78

Why this must be read:

This fic accomplishes a couple of storytelling feats.  It is a fascinating AU that goes well off the beaten path and still maintains very recognizable characterizations, and it is kink that is both hot and compelling. 

With Whatever You've Got

Hi everyone! I'll be driving the van for The Office this month, and I look forward to bringing stories that reflect what I love about the show; the characters. There are some great authors in this fandom who have a gift for apt characterization and sharp prose. I'm a big old sucker for Jim/Pam, but I also plan on mixing that up a bit.

Fandom: The Office (US)
Pairing: Jim/Pam
Length: one-shot
Author on LJ: bebitched
Author Website: At MTT
Why this must be read:
I'm a big fan of this author in particular, and I had a hard time picking which fic I wanted to share out of a long list (check out the webpage linked if you want more; there's plenty!). I ended up picking this one because of the sort of day I'm having; the hopeful, proud tone of this story really struck a chord with me. I first read this story a while ago, but something about it has stayed with me.

IF I Stumble Through Another Year of Blindness