Fanfic recs (new Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars and Alias)

[selenak]

So, I'm totally not jealous and envious and bursting with frustrated fannish greed because you people on the other side of the Atlantic get to see:

1) Serenity, though by now I get the impression every American on my friends' list has managed to see it in a pre-screening, while I have to wait till November

2) The second season of BSG premiering soon, though it will be horribly tough to avoid spoilers then (will have to found a "we shall be strong" with k_julia).

At least the newest school year report of that Potter kid will be published at the same time and given to me via Amazon.

So, because I'm totally not envious and the shroud of the dark side has not fallen on me, I searched for BSG fanfic as balm to my deprived soul, and lo and behold, found a great take on Lee that for once did not center on either his feelings for Starbuck or for his father, and an excellent story about Laura and her changes through the season. One observant reviewer to my untitled Padme and Palpatine story from yesterday - and incidentally, I need a title for that one! - noticed I included one of Laura Roslin's most pointed quotes in the story. Miss my favourite President and her mixture of ruthlessness and vulnerability, I do. Bet that set the Jedi Council and the Sith straight, she would. Know why I did not request a duel of wits between her and Palpatine for the Multiverse 2005 challenge, I do not.

And speaking of Palpatine: "Between the Stars" is a great and intense look at the dynamic between him and Anakin. Palpatine pov.

***

You know, sometimes when you whine about something long enough, you get it in fandom. Witness all my whinings about the lack of Londo and G'Kar fanfic two years ago and the current situation. My whine du jour is lack of stories about the Arvin Sloane-Jack Bristow relationship (and I don't mean in a slashy sense, though I'd take that, too - hell, anything; it's one of the most interesting relationships on the show, and what do people write? Jack/People He Barely Talks To or Sark/Anyone). And lo and behold, a few weeks ago andrastewhite wrote that delightful pre-show "Get Me To the Church On Time", yahtzee63 wrote the great and twisted epilogue to In Dreams, and now kangeiko made me happy with "Fool Me Twice" . Sometimes, you dream about killing Arvin Sloane is the ideal way to start a Jack Bristow pov, if you ask me.

Comments

[k-julia.livejournal.com]

The second season of BSG premiering soon, though it will be horribly tough to avoid spoilers then (will have to found a "we shall be strong" with k_julia).

We'll probably need all the determination we can muster, indeed. *sigh*

So, because I'm totally not envious and the shroud of the dark side has not fallen on me, I searched for BSG fanfic as balm to my deprived soul, and lo and behold, found a great take on Lee that for once did not center on either his feelings for Starbuck or for his father,

Isn't it great? It's got some of his relationships with everyone, but it's not all about X.

Oh, by the way: what you said about the first six episodes of B5's fourth season? Very, very true. I tried to stop in the middle, not really having the time for six hours in front of the TV, but it was a lost cause. *g*

[k-julia.livejournal.com]

And this is what happens when I hit submit too fast...

Miss my favourite President and her mixture of ruthlessness and vulnerability, I do. Bet that set the Jedi Council and the Sith straight, she would.

Just to say: that's so cracked. And probably true. *g* Totally with you on the missing, too. When I'm not fretting about her fate in my utter wimpishness, that is.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Just to say: that's so cracked. And probably true.

I stand by my claim. Laura Roslin would wipe the floor with Yoda and Palpatine and be Chancellor herself with a firmly reorganized Republic. Though I wouldn't put it beyond her to ruthlessly sacrifice, say, Obi-Wan's and Anakin's friendship (if this is the prequel era) or Leia's trust in Han and Luke (if this is the OT) on the way.*veg*

[merrymaia.livejournal.com]

Laura Roslin would wipe the floor with Yoda and Palpatine

I would REALLY love to see you write a crossover fic about this!

Pretty please?

[selenak.livejournal.com]

And the list of seductive plot bunnies grows...

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Oh, by the way: what you said about the first six episodes of B5's fourth season? Very, very true. I tried to stop in the middle, not really having the time for six hours in front of the TV, but it was a lost cause. *g*

They are irresistable this way. And not to go all fangirl for you, but aren't the scenes on Centauri Prime with Londo and G'Kar and Londo and Vir and Londo and Cartagia the cream on an excellent cake here?

[k-julia.livejournal.com]

That is very good stuff, yes. I hadn't seen those episodes before (and now at least I know why the fourth season didn't really make sense to me!), and Londo's storyline is just fantastic.

Though I have to say that the scene in a later episode, when Londo wants to have a drink with G'Kar, is probably the one in season four that I found most touching. So sad and awkward and moving at the same time...

Generally, I have a lot more appreciation for the Londo and G'Kar stuff this time around, and with that, season four was quite the experience.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

That would be the scene that makes yours truly and andrastewhite and hobsonphile regularly turn into fannish goo. Between this scene and the one later near the end of the episode when G'Kar does come by and has a drink with him (see icon), we never can remember what else happened (some humans shooting at other humans in the Earth civil war - sheesh *g*).

Of course, now that you've seen these episodes, I must pimp fanfic. (Excluding everything set in season 5 or post-show for now.) Firstly, mine own, as I am narcistic that way:

Vir mid-fourth season (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1474348/1/)


Lost in Translation (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1920799/1/), some backstory on Londo and the Narn.

Negotiations (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2119849/1/), aka the first time Londo and G'Kar worked together, the agreement re: Refa we didn't get to see on screen in season 3

In the Pale Moonlight (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2126534/1/) (aka Selena loves to give DS9 titles to B5 stories and B6 titles to DS9 stories - this one is about Cartagia and Londo)

And something more lighthearted (sort of): Diplomatic Relations (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2150793/1/), aka my take on the affair between G'Kar and Londo's third wife Mariel which is implied in the season 2 ep Soul Mates.

And now for some of Andraste's:
Camera Obscura (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1856807/1/) (missing scene - Londo visits G'Kar in his cell after the whipping)

Neutral Ground (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1722589/1/): Season 1 Londo and G'Kar, after Adira left.

[k-julia.livejournal.com]

How very efficient. :-) Thanks for the pimping, I look forward to checking these out!

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

it's one of the most interesting relationships on the show, and what do people write? Jack/People He Barely Talks To

*snicker* Not liking the Jack/Vaughn eliade writes?

Sark/Anyone

Now ain't that the truth...

You know, sometimes when you whine about something long enough, you get it in fandom.

Absolutely--you, as a fan, can make a difference. I remember cheering on yahtzee63 after she wrote that li'l Jack/Nadia drabble, she was pleased to see that the dynamics she saw appealed to others, wrote more, sparked a whole lot of J/N love on LJ especially, initiated a ficathon with great contributions...and made me write. PLOTFIC, even! ::fans self:: Quite a lot of stories grew out of these seeds.

Off to read the piece you recommended, for yes, 'tis an ideal start.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

*snicker* Not liking the Jack/Vaughn eliade writes?

*looks innocent*

No, seriously, I'd have to read it to dislike it (or not). Now she's an excellent writer, as I know from the Season Noir series, but there are some pairings I just can't bring myself to be interested in, and believe in, or not be squicked by. Buffy/Giles and Spike/Xander fall in these categories in the Jossverse, or in fact Giles/Any of the Scoobies (well, except Cordelia). And in the Aliasverse, the mere idea of Jack/Vaughn gets a "huh"? followed by "why?!?". I mean, Jack/Marshall would be more believable (and has more canon interaction to start with).

Plus really, if you have to slash Jack Bristow and are a good writer, I just don't understand why you don't go for the candidate with the most shared backstory other than his wife...

/ end spoiled fangirl rant /

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

there are some pairings I just can't bring myself to be interested in, and believe in, or not be squicked by.

Oh, I understand; some pairings don't tickle my fancy no matter who writes them--Willow/Tara, for example, or Connor/anyone. Squicked, I think, I've only been by few things--Buffy/Dawn is incredibly creepy, and I've stumbled across Buffy/Giles that made me hit the "back" button. But if I like the author and his previous work very much, I am usually inclined to give it a try.

the mere idea of Jack/Vaughn gets a "huh"? followed by "why?!?".

*grin*

It's an unlikely mix, indeed, but especially this last story works with the premise that they aren't especially fond of each other, initially, merely thrown together by a twist of fate and making the best of it. I would have been the first to admit that maybe it simply hits a kink of mine, but seeing as the three J/V stories Anna has written so far were quite different in content if not in style, I really don't think that's it--it is her characterisation, the way she writes and makes them come to life.

I confess that Jack/Marshall has more basis in canon. Please, we know Marshall has such a crush on Jack! The Dixon pairing I don't see at all, though; we've seen more grudging interest for each other in Vaughn and Jack.

That said, for me, it generally helps to be find both characters of a pairing attractive, which is why I had great trouble with Spike/Xander at first--I still do not like canon!Xander much--and why I understand you aren't drawn to the J/V pairing. Of course, "attractive", as it turns out, doesn't mean sexually attractive--I certainly don't think of Arvin Sloane as sexy, and even Jack Bristow I wouldn't necessarily want to see naked and writhing on a bed, but they are such incredibly compelling characters that yes, I consider them attractive with regards to their status as romantic partners in some otherwise appealing pairing.

In other news, I am struggling with this J/N scene. It's Yahtzee's birthday tomorrow, and I do want to finish the story. But oh, they are stubborn...

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Squicked, I think, I've only been by few things--Buffy/Dawn is incredibly creepy

Indeed it is.

I confess that Jack/Marshall has more basis in canon. Please, we know Marshall has such a crush on Jack!

He's the Andrew to Jack's Spike.*g*

The Dixon pairing I don't see at all, though; we've seen more grudging interest for each other in Vaughn and Jack.

Okay, this is a challenge. Here's how I'd justify Jack/Dixon if I had to. (Ignoring that both strike me as resolutely het, as always.) Jack mentions having recruited Dixon for SD6 and feeling responsible. How often does Jack evidence any interest or feeling of responsibility in someone who isn't Sydney? Not often. Dixon, for his part, tried to be there for Jack and offered someone to talk to when the bad news about the Irina/Arvin affair came out (and was rebuffed, naturally, but it shows Dixon would like to be Jack's friend if Jack let him). All of which are seeds that could be used for fanfic. Especially that Jack-recruited-Dixon-for-SD6-thing.

Of course, "attractive", as it turns out, doesn't mean sexually attractive--I certainly don't think of Arvin Sloane as sexy, and even Jack Bristow I wouldn't necessarily want to see naked and writhing on a bed, but they are such incredibly compelling characters that yes, I consider them attractive with regards to their status as romantic partners in some otherwise appealing pairing.

Oh, same here. Neither of them are poster boy material, and I certainly don't want to see nude scenes with either (though I think JJ was very tongue in cheek when he showed us Sloane shirtless, repeatedly, before Will and Vaughn got to strip for the public benefit). But they're so interesting that this makes them attractive. (Same with Londo and G'Kar, btw.)

Good luck with Jack and Nadia!

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

Same with Londo and G'Kar, btw.)

I just *knew* you'd sneak them in here somewhere. & ;-)

He's the Andrew to Jack's Spike.*g*

Hah! You know, that comparison works amazingly well...

All of which are seeds that could be used for fanfic. Especially that Jack-recruited-Dixon-for-SD6-thing.

::continues to look skeptic::

Of course, I maintain that almost everything is possible given the right premise, care (time, effort, a backstory from here to Vladivostok, if necessary), and characterisation.

And thanks!

[selenak.livejournal.com]

I just *knew* you'd sneak them in here somewhere. & ;-)

Well, they are exhibit A for my claim that finding characters attractive works via personality, not looks, for me.*points to icon* *g*
I hardly could quote anyone from the Jossverse because everyone there is either unearthly beautiful or at least solidly handsome.

Hah! You know, that comparison works amazingly well...

When Marshall said he was Jack Bristow, my mind immediately flashed back to season 7 and Andrew in his Spike leather coat get-up...

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

Well, they are exhibit A for my claim that finding characters attractive works via personality, not looks, for me.*points to icon* *g*

I know. & ;-)

I hardly could quote anyone from the Jossverse because everyone there is either unearthly beautiful or at least solidly handsome.

Yes--and this is what has always bugged me about some fans' complaints. "Oh, you only love Spike because of his cheekbones! Because he's teh pretty!" always made we want to reply with "Sweetie, you *have* noticed this TV show features visually pleasing characters only?" Seriously...

Andrew in his Spike leather coat get-up...

Heh. There should definitely be fiction utilising this parallel.

::goes back to her books, woefully neglected yesterday during writing::

[janewt.livejournal.com]

Well, I sure haven't seen Serenity. I ran into someone who had and everyone in the room glared at him and threatened him with bodily harm if he told us anything about it.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Hail, fellow sufferer! But you'll still see it before I do, because the German release date isn't until November.

[hobsonphile.livejournal.com]

I have not seen it either. Because I actually have a very busy, very full life and don't have the time to sit in front of my computer and refresh Fandango over and over again. :(

[midnightsjane.livejournal.com]

I am very sad because there is a showing of Serenity here in Vancouver on June 23 and it sold out before I even heard about it!!! Waah.

[hobsonphile.livejournal.com]

That is precisely my problem. By the time I get on the net in the evenings and see the notices on my flist, DC has already sold out. It's very frustrating, especially since I know there are many people who are going to see it more than once. Can't they give someone else a chance?

[smashsc.livejournal.com]

I should be able to do the same thing with season 2 of BSG as I did with season 2 of Carnivale if you are interested.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

I would feel even more guilty that I haven't gotten around to that Sheridan in late season 4 story yet, and more than throw myself on your feet.

[smashsc.livejournal.com]

Unless something unforeseen happens to the internet in the next month I'll totally get them to you.

(-:

[merrymaia.livejournal.com]

Serenity, though by now I get the impression every American on my friends' list has managed to see it in a pre-screening, while I have to wait till November

Not every American! I haven't seen it, either.

Thanks for the links!

[andraste]

1) Serenity, though by now I get the impression every American on my friends' list has managed to see it in a pre-screening, while I have to wait till November.

It's premiering on the 27th of September here, and I plan to be there opening day, or at worst the day after. I'd suggest you fly down here, but ...

2) The second season of BSG premiering soon, though it will be horribly tough to avoid spoilers then (will have to found a "we shall be strong" with k_julia).

Just as well we both have people who can *ahem* acquire those for us *g*.

Also, your whining may be paying off some more, although of course I do not make promises.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Just as well.*g*

And of course I love the father and daughter icon.

Also, your whining may be paying off some more, although of course I do not make promises.

*makes puppy dog eyes*

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

And of course I love the father and daughter icon.

Yes!

::smiles happily::

::wants everybody to ignore J.J.'s sudden hints for the purpose of her story::

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Oh, I don't think they were. Hints, that is. I saw that conversation and it never occured to me it was anything but a wry self-depreciating joke on her part (with relief Jack doesn't hold it against Nadia whose daughter she is), and was very surprised fans took it another way. Apparantly so was the casting director who when directly asked replied basically with "huh? Here's what the script says, people ("then, a joke"), and also, Sloane is the father and shall remain the father and Jack is never ever going to be".

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

. I saw that conversation and it never occured to me it was anything but a wry self-depreciating joke on her part

Ah, interesting. It did strike me upon first viewing all by myself, but maybe I'd been influenced by other fans' wacky theories beforehand--or my own fears, of course; even objectively, this relationship is a little less than innocent.

(with relief Jack doesn't hold it against Nadia whose daughter she is)

There was something teasing about it, though--your reading that it was directed against herself makes sense, but I read it as very much focused on Jack.

was very surprised fans took it another way. Apparantly so was the casting director who when directly asked replied basically with "huh?

*g* I'm relieved but would like to suggest cleaner script-writing nonetheless--there were simply too many fans who, independently of one another, interpreted this as a hint in light of the...somewhat unusual family situation.

Here's what the script says, people ("then, a joke"), and also, Sloane is the father and shall remain the father and Jack is never ever going to be".

Whee!

As I said it before--the story wouldn't have made much sense otherwise, but well, you know how it goes...

[andraste]

And of course I love the father and daughter icon.

I thought you might *g*. I was tempted to write something on it, but in the end I thought it spoke for itself.

Also, this one has one of my favourite Sloane lines. It's funny because it's true.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is.*g*