The Gamers of Ardann by Lenore (NC-17)
Fandom: STARGATE ATLANTIS
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Length: ~ 9400 words
Author on LJ: scribblinlenore
Author Website: Lenore's Stories
Why this must be read: Amnesia Fic #2, or had you forgotten that's the theme? *g* Terrible jokes aside (mine, not Lenore's), I love this story for its world-building. John's living on a world where the central focus is the distribution of property through a Game. He's Consort to one of the key players, but sometimes in the back of his mind, he's not certain he belongs here. When a cocky off-worlder enters the Game and makes John part of the winnings, John is forced to confront the idea that he may be someone entirely different from what he's been told. There's hot sex and Rodney being perfectly Rodney (smarter than everyone and sort of obnoxious), and Rodney's absolutely the Big Damn Hero of this one. Who else could screw up an entire society in three days as retaliation for what happened to John?
A stranger wearing a plain white sash signifying a new entrant to the Game stepped forward then. He had sharp features, a quick light in his blue eyes, a wide mouth made for sarcasm. Alongside him were two warriors, a man and woman. The Consort assumed they must be his bodyguards.
"Are you ready for a serious opponent?" the stranger addressed Havvia, with none of the deference she was accustomed to. "Or is it more profitable fleecing fools?"
Havvia regarded the stranger with a condescending smile. "You must be from offworld, or you'd know I never decline a worthy challenge,"
"Yes, yes, I'm not from around here. Rodney of At--" The warrior woman shot him a warning look. "Athos." The woman raised an eyebrow, but the man, Rodney, breezed on, "Word has spread of your fascinating game, and I am an adventurer who has come to try his luck."
"You possess the ability to play?" Havvia asked skeptically. It was rare for an offworlder to have the special power.
Rodney stared at the board with intent the way gamers did, and it surged to life with a quiet whoosh.
"Interesting." Havvia gave him an appraising look. "Still, I should warn you that those not raised to the Game find it difficult to master."
"I'm a quick study, trust me."
Read the story / Feedback the author: The Gamers of Ardann
Pairing: Sheppard/McKay
Length: ~ 9400 words
Author on LJ: scribblinlenore
Author Website: Lenore's Stories
Why this must be read: Amnesia Fic #2, or had you forgotten that's the theme? *g* Terrible jokes aside (mine, not Lenore's), I love this story for its world-building. John's living on a world where the central focus is the distribution of property through a Game. He's Consort to one of the key players, but sometimes in the back of his mind, he's not certain he belongs here. When a cocky off-worlder enters the Game and makes John part of the winnings, John is forced to confront the idea that he may be someone entirely different from what he's been told. There's hot sex and Rodney being perfectly Rodney (smarter than everyone and sort of obnoxious), and Rodney's absolutely the Big Damn Hero of this one. Who else could screw up an entire society in three days as retaliation for what happened to John?
A stranger wearing a plain white sash signifying a new entrant to the Game stepped forward then. He had sharp features, a quick light in his blue eyes, a wide mouth made for sarcasm. Alongside him were two warriors, a man and woman. The Consort assumed they must be his bodyguards.
"Are you ready for a serious opponent?" the stranger addressed Havvia, with none of the deference she was accustomed to. "Or is it more profitable fleecing fools?"
Havvia regarded the stranger with a condescending smile. "You must be from offworld, or you'd know I never decline a worthy challenge,"
"Yes, yes, I'm not from around here. Rodney of At--" The warrior woman shot him a warning look. "Athos." The woman raised an eyebrow, but the man, Rodney, breezed on, "Word has spread of your fascinating game, and I am an adventurer who has come to try his luck."
"You possess the ability to play?" Havvia asked skeptically. It was rare for an offworlder to have the special power.
Rodney stared at the board with intent the way gamers did, and it surged to life with a quiet whoosh.
"Interesting." Havvia gave him an appraising look. "Still, I should warn you that those not raised to the Game find it difficult to master."
"I'm a quick study, trust me."
Read the story / Feedback the author: The Gamers of Ardann