The 2011 hlh_shortcuts exchange ficathon has revealed its authors. I read more than half of the 28 stories, and beta-read one. My personal top favorites were:

• "Neutral Good" (PG, ~4K) by marbleglove. Starring Duncan and Methos. This plot winds astutely around obstacles of exterior identity for immortals, offers well-tuned references to Tessa and Richie, and ends satisfyingly. Smart!


• "Trefoil" (PG-13, ~3K) by jinxed_wood. Starring Methos, Duncan and Alexa. These "missing scenes" weave in and out of "Deliverance" with strong canon awareness, keeping "Timeless" and "Methuselah's Gift" in view. Bittersweet!


• "Fortitudine" (R, ~5K) by enviropony. Starring Joe. Semi-retired Joe hits two birds with one stone when he volunteers at Bethesda Naval Hospital. History repeats? Shining! (Bonus subtle SG1 cameo.)

The one I got to beta was "Faith, Hope and Charity" by sholio (PG-13, ~5K, starring Joe and Amanda). It begins with a caper and concludes in a celebration of friendship. It renders Joe and Amanda as people who consider themselves fundamentally unsentimental, but who carry sentiments.

Runners-up include "The Street of the Booksellers" (PG-13, ~3K, Methos/Duncan and Connor) by tryfanstone, a demanding post-Gathering construction; "Oh, My Mountain" (PG-13, ~2K, Methos and Duncan) by merriman, a light adventure with thoughts on the rules of holy ground; and "Names Familiar and Not" (PG, ~2K, Rebecca and OMC) by morgynleri_fic, introducing another of Rebecca's students (with bonus subtle Henry V cameo).

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