Challenge Two Options

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Challenge One for Stargate: Atlantis ends tomorrow, October 26th. Get in those last recs!

[Poll #1285101]

If you have a fandom in which you would like the mods to issue a challenge, please drop a note on this post.

The Blink of an Eye Series by DevineM27 (PG to PG-13)

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Fandom Category: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: John Sheppard/Teyla Emmagen and Elizabeth Weir/Rodney McKay, Aiden Ford/OOC
Fic Title: The Blink of an Eye Series: Prologue: The Emmagen Lineage, The Blink of an Eye Parts I-IX: Alive, Frustration, Guilt, Chosen, Bond, A 'Little' Execise Never Hurt, A New Athosian Leader, Multiply, Growth
Author: devinem27
Link: www.fanfiction.net/u/824018/DevineM27
Rating/Warning(s): PG to PG-13 for violence and sex depending on part
Genre: Epic Action-Adventure Romance (with humor)
WIP?: Complete

Why This Must Be Read: This phenomenal series has everything you could want: two love stories, laugh-out-loud humor, incredible action scenes, an AU in which we learn more about the history and culture of the Athosians, angst, time-travel (darn those solar flares!), John's ancient and Teyla's wriath gene powers explored, Ancient/Wraith war flashbacks, meeting John's family (way more enjoyable than on the show), Aiden and Ronon on the team as good buddies and fellow McKay torturers... I could go on and on. Every time I reread this series, I find something new to enjoy, from John as a father (and he's an incredible one), McKay and Zelenka as the evil terrorists up against John and the entire Atlantis Marine contingent in what may be one of the most hilariously written war games ever, how John adapts himself to become one of Teyla's people (no cultural imperialism here), the slow and subtle courtship of Elizabeth by Rodney, the hijinks caused by an Athosian aphrodisiac, four(!) weddings, wonderful appearances by Caldwell, Jinto and SG-1 and the destruction of the Wraith. Most of alI, I recommend this series and go back to reread it because of the insightful characterizations. The author is very thoughtful in considering how choices and personalities are shaped by the realities of these peoples' lives, backgrounds and cultures; this keeps even the minor characters vivid in an epic with a large cast.

The story begins in early season two and goes AU when John realizes how much Teyla means to him after a close call and embarks on a fast and electric courtship (their chemistry is smoldering). Once they are married, the series' focus switches onto how their union, as a symbol of the meeting of two galaxy's peoples, becomes the catalyst for huge change in Pegasus, Atlantis and all our characters' lives. I love how she creates one of the most adult, balanced, respectful and loving marriages I've seen in fanfic. Their love, mental connection and intense admiration for each other as leaders and warriors ground the series as it swings from humor to space battles to the McKay-Weir courtship and more. This is a great depiction of Elizabeth and Rodney as a couple. Elizabeth must deal with the stresses and toll of leadership; Rodney is quite nurturing of her. Their intellectual and physical attraction feels very real.