Under Fire, by Strix Viara (PG-13)

[fignewton]

Title: Under Fire
Author's LJ/DWJ: gunhilda
Categories: Sam, team, drama, hurt/comfort, theme: super sam
Warnings: language (Jack is in a bad mood); team whumping, especially Sam
Author's Webpage/Fic list: SG-1 Fanfiction by Strix varia
Link to story: Under Fire

Why This Must Be Read: Under Fire opens with a bang right in the middle of the story, as a dazed Sam recovers consciousness to confront an angry, harsh commanding officer who seems to keep demanding a lot more than she's capable of delivering. As the backstory is slowly filled in, together with the gaps in Sam's memory, the reader is left just as puzzled as Sam at Colonel O'Neill's hostile behavior. It seems very out-of-character for him... or is it? By the time SG-1 reaches the safety of the Stargate, Sam's self-doubts have multiplied exponentially, and she has stretched herself to the limits – and beyond.

It's got great characterization, teamy goodness, stubborn Sam and breathless drama. What more could you possibly need?

Sam was acutely aware that her three teammates were staring at her as she desperately tried to find her balance. She was still shaking like a leaf, but she didn’t want them to think it was from fear or cowardice.

Finally, she was able to stand without Teal’c’s assistance. She met her CO’s eyes. “I’m sorry, sir,” she said. “It’s my ribs…I think… I don’t know, but it feels like I may have cracked one or something…” Even to her own ears, it sounded like a feeble excuse for her weakness.

“Can you breathe?” the Colonel asked, his face betraying no emotion.

“Yes, sir,” she nodded, wilting under his piercing gaze. She looked away, willing the tears out of her eyes. She would not cry in front of her commanding officer. She would not cry in front of her team.

“Are you coughing up blood?”

“No, sir,” she said.

“Then you’re just going to have buck up, Captain. Daniel’s hurt, my leg is busted, and we don’t have time to sit around waiting for Hammond to send a rescue party. That leaves you to cover our six.”

“Jack,” Daniel started to protest.

The Colonel turned on him. “I don’t want to hear it, Daniel,” he snapped. “She’s going to carry her own weight back to the gate, and she’s going to guard our butts while she does it, aren’t you Captain?”

Sam swallowed, feeling like a green cadet in front of a hostile drill sergeant. “Yes, sir.” He was in pain, too, she reminded herself. She had to pull herself together.

Comments

[sg_wonderland]

I'd read this one before and loved it the first time. Thanks for rec'ing it so I could read it all over again! I'm happy to report that it has stood up to the test of time, it's still enjoyable.

I have a soft spot for early team fics and this was a great one.

[fignewton]

Oh, yes - it's a stellar example of good early team, when they didn't know each other quite yet. Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!