Falls the Shadow by Just Jen aka Niko (R for language and violence)

[magician113.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Characters: Blair Sandburg, Jim Ellison
Length: 40K words
Author on LJ: nikojen
Author Website: at AO3

Why this must be read: It’s an engrossing combination of case, angst and friendship. The story begins with an operation gone bad. Jim and Blair are right in the middle of what should have been a routine roundup of penny ante criminals. It’s complicated by the fact that the cop that Jim is working the case with is actually dirty. He’s set things up so that back-up has gone to the wrong location, so Jim and Blair are outnumbered. There’s a firefight and, while Jim has his hands full, the dirty cop confronts Blair, forcing Blair to shoot and kill him.

This alone would be bad enough. But Blair was instrumental in convincing Jim and Simon to give the dirty cop another chance, after he bungled an arrest. So, not only does Blair have to deal with the aftermath of the shooting, but he calls his own judgment and usefulness into question. As icing on the cake, Internal Affairs clears Blair of any wrongdoing, but the higher-ups find him too much of a liability and order Simon to pull his credentials.

This is just jam-packed with personal and professional bits. Blair is trying to deal with the personal crisis of taking a life. Jim, knowing the shooting was justified, is trying to find a way back to normal. With his suspension from the PD, we see Blair dealing with university issues. While Jim is coping without Blair, a horrific high-profile murder takes place. And Simon is facing the reality of having to be the substitute guide.

This was first posted during the hiatus between Season Three and Four and, as a result, veers from canon. It takes place somewhere mid -S3. Incacha is mentioned, but Megan is not and there’s no mention of Blair’s drowning. It was at the Idol Pursuits site for years, but it's now at AO3. Enjoy.

Falls the Shadow by Just Jen aka Niko (R)

If you like this, take a moment to tell the author. You will absolutely make her day!

Comments

[unbelievable2.livejournal.com]

I've only skimmed this so far, but will be back for a proper read. It's an amazing story, full of detail and *such* an interesting premise. And it makes me green with envy at her skill in writing such a complex story so imaginatively and fluidly! Thanks for the rec!

[magician113.livejournal.com]

Ah, thanks for letting me know. I was kind of gob-smacked when I first found it and started reading. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Cheers.

[unbelievable2.livejournal.com]

Oh I agree. Truly gobsmacking.

[stargatesg1971.livejournal.com]

I liked the dramatic and realistic feel to this piece, it was a great emotional ride and very well written. Thanks for another great rec.

[magician113.livejournal.com]

thanks as always for your encouraging comments. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one.

[nikojen.livejournal.com]

*Squee!* Thank you kindly, ma'am. This is such a nice surprise! I don't write much, so knowing this fic has held up over time is a lovely little esteem booster. :)

[magician113.livejournal.com]

thank you so much for the enjoyable read. so glad you decided to post this at AO3 so a whole new set of readers could find it.

[finlaure.livejournal.com]

I have to have a loooong talk with my computer,,, I didn't get this rec either. I Really liked the way it shows their partnership in the bad times. As much as I try to stay with mostly not this much angst, maybe I am missing out on stories that are This good! I am very glad that I read this one and VERY VERY glad that you rec'ed it to read!!!

[magician113.livejournal.com]

Heh. i also am not a fan of uber angst and it's pretty easy to find in this fandom. but sometimes it's necessary and that's what makes a good story. very glad you took a chance. thanks for letting me know. :)