On Guard
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | On Guard |
| Author(s): | Gloria Lancaster |
| Date(s): | 1995 |
| Length: | |
| Genre(s): | slash |
| Fandom(s): | The Professionals |
| Relationship(s): | Bodie/Doyle |
| External Links: | online at the Circuit Archive |
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On Guard is a Bodie/Doyle story written by Gloria Lancaster.
It was originally published in No Holds Barred #10 and then later posted to the Circuit Archive.
Reactions/Reviews
This is a sweet, gentle story which I feel great affection for every time I read it. Through Doyle's eyes we are introduced to the enigma that is 'soldier', the man who helps save Doyle's life and who Doyle - in his vulnerable state in a foreign land - becomes in turn emotionally attached to, then fascinated by this man of mystery. [1] [2]
Years before their partnership, Doyle was rescued by Bodie in Africa. Since then Ray's been unsettled by his feeling towards his partner. This story, though relatively short, stretches over some years and actions and seems alot longer than it actually is. [3]
A mildly AU weaving of Doyle's memories of being rescued in Africa while doing charity work by a man he knows only as Soldier with Doyle's meeting him unexpectedly again two years later at CI5. While Soldier is a stranger to Doyle, the pov character, we know who the mercenary is from the story's first line...When they meet again, the story becomes a charming Origin tale. Gloria Lancaster's stories are laced with gorgeous imagery that makes me soar with happiness for its own sake...
This story hits my protective Bodie kink square on the head. I love this portrait of Bodie, and I love the way he loves Doyle. [4]
Why this must be read: Because there’s a vivid African backdrop, a separation until CI5, a gradual slide towards each other (a recurring kink with my recs, it seems:)), and a terrific Bodie. Or 'Soldier' as he’s simply known for the first half of the story.It’s actually half an AU, in that CI5 is their world in the second half, but it imagines a different first encounter between the two men. One that takes place in Africa, with Bodie as a young merc who saves the life of a volunteer (Ray Doyle), who is there on a three month sabattical. Soldier waits while he heals, and then takes him by jeep and on foot to a town where Ray can find safe passage back to England.
Quite apart from this beguiling premise, Gloria Lancaster has a great ear for the way they interact, together with a subtle, humorous lyricism which suits Pros perfectly. [5]
References
- ^ from Noble Sentiments, posted June 2007
- ^ reference link for more comments
- ^ from 2007 rec50
- ^ 2010 comments by istia, prosrecs, Archived version
- ^ from Crack Van (December 16, 2008)