Echo of Freedom takes us into a completely different SGC to the one we are familiar with. This SGC is a male environment: harsh, intolerant and xenophobic. Sam and Teal'c would not be welcome here and play no part in the story. We are not told specifically but America does not appear to be a liberal democracy, and it may even be run by the military as choices appear fewer and life harsher. This Daniel was brought up in a government run group home but made the same career choices. Jack is career military and, as the motto 'for life' implies, once you have entered it, the military has you for life from barracks to retirement home. Jack and Daniel meet on Abydos but after this the story diverges from the tale we are familiar with. Apophis' Jaffa have devastated Abydos and Sha're has been killed. Despite this, Daniel wants to remain with the Abydonians and help them rebuild. Jack refuses to permit him to stay and brings him back to stand trial for the desertion of Earth. Despite his previous exemplary record of help for the military, Daniel is convicted of treason and becomes a prisoner of the air force with Jack as his warden. Jack is portrayed here as a man of honour and duty. He puts the air force before everything; he lives to serve. He reaches Daniel to learn to obey and keep quiet while working as a linguist for the SGC; he also forces him into his bed. The story begins three years after Daniel's imprisonment and deals with the consequences of Daniel's total lack of control of his life, and Jack's conflict between his growing awareness of his need for Daniel and his duty to the air force. Daniel, and those like him who have chosen to serve the military rather than face life imprisonment, are termed 'fucks'. They are distinguished by a blue tattoo on their hands and therefore cannot remain invisible. Most are general dogsbodies and gophers while others are used just as the name implies. While many of the military men are hard working anddecent, others see Daniel and those like him as beneath contempt and treat them accordingly. Daniel is, to a degree, protected by Jack's rank and reputation but even that cannot protect him from men of higher rank who can demand Daniel's services from Jack. The story sets up a scenario that takes Jack off world with our favourite grey Asgard, Thor, and due to the military's inborn distrust of aliens and some misadventure, has him declared MIA. This leaves Daniel vulnerable to his second in command, a sadistic and domineering man who wants to humiliate, degrade and debase Daniel. The rape and violence inflicted on Daniel and other 'fucks' is horrifying and disgusting. The total contempt and lack of respect shown to Daniel and the other prisoners is shocking. We are reminded that this is only a certain element of the military that thinks like this, but it appears that officers can do what they want to their 'fucks', including killing them, and no one will demur. It is perhaps this element of the story that is the most difficult to accept. Granted, in a male dominated world and in a rigid hierarchical structure, it is unsurprising that the prisoners are gong to be at the bottom of the heap. It is also not unsurprising that some men will want to show their domination sexually. It does seem somewhat over the top that officers are permitted three 'fucks' and that sexual domination and degradation is allowed to take place so openly and apparently unopposed by those in charge. The Jack of the first half of this story is frankly unappealing and cold. Off world, left with his thoughts and fears over his relationship with Daniel, he slowly begins to appear more like the Jack we know, although our Jack's cynical and slightly insubordinate nature is never a part of this world's Jack. Daniel is more subdued and withdrawn. His sense of wonder and curiosity muted. He is never going to be allowed off world again and must make his excitement in his translations. The ending is most definitely not sweet. No fairy godmother waves her magic wand and gives Jack and Daniel fulfilment and happiness. They still live in a system that Daniel cannot hope to thrive in and one that Jack can only countenance if he sticks hard and fast to the rules and duty and accepts the status quo. The inflexible world view gives Jack no opportunity to work towards having Daniel's sentence commuted. However, Quinn does offer both of them something worth fighting for. This story is most definitely not for those who like their Jack and Daniel cosy and romantic. This is a dark, powerful, bleak and disturbing vision. It is, however, very well written and ultimately fascinating. While I might not want to read too many stories like this, coming across one now and again challenges my thinking. I recommend it - just read the warnings. |
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