Retrograde by Martha Wilson (PG-13)

[just-katarin.livejournal.com]

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: gen (though later parts include McKay/Teyla/Sheppard and Sheppard/Mitchell)
Author on lj: ltlj
Author's website: WaterGate
Why this story has to be read: Retrograde is an AU, based on the premise that the Atlantis mission went missing for three years.

The Atlantis expedition has been lost for three years. SG-1 goes to find them, and arrives just a little too late. The summary says, and that doesn't even begin to cover it. This fic hits so hard for me because the idea of being betrayed like this, by people you expect to be able to trust is just staggering. The distrust and brokeness and none of that coming from the Wraith, or some other foreign invader but from home knocks me on my ass just thinking about it.

The inclusion of SG-1 is very effective without in any way playing down the parts of the Atlantis people. And despite the fact that everyone is seen through the eyes of the SGC personnel, a very complete vision of each of the characters is given. Even Teyla, who's a bitch to write on a normal day, let alone when you've got to approach her from the point of view of an outsider. This fic isn't to be missed and considering I've recced to everyone I know I figured I'd give it its due here on crack_van


Retrograde

Comments

[purna.livejournal.com]

Wow, excellent choice, and I'm amazed that it hasn't been rec'd here before. I only found this story recently (since I don't tend to read a lot of gen), but it immediately shot up to my favorite.

[sally_maria]

I'm glad you recced this - I've been pushing it onto as many of my Atlantis or SG-1 reading friends as possible, it's a wonderful story.

[loriel-eris.livejournal.com]

This is one of the best SGA fics I've read. The epicness, and all round awesomeness of it are just amazing.

[logovo.livejournal.com]

A wonderful rec. This fic is a personal favorite.

[mardahin.livejournal.com]

I remember reading this back as it was first coming out, and I just adore the complex AU world-building because it's done so thoughtfully and carefully.