Sparky Season 6

“Only bad writers think that their work is really good”. -Anne Enright


I started out planning to write an article about how to write fiction but in doing research I found that others have already done that so much better than I could. So what I have done is compile a list of links to ideas that you might find helpful in your writing.

To be brutally honest, I find a lot of errors in fanfic that frustrate me and make me shake my fist at the education system today. Please, I beg of you, take the time to go through all of this, especially the first two articles. The grammar book link is a good overall reference but please also at least browse over it.

Now I have to go and apply these principles to my own work because I have forgotten enough of this that I am embarrassed to admit to being an English teacher. Please do as I say, not as I do.

Read this first: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/ten-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-one

The above is an article in which well known authors list rules for writing fiction. I include this not so much for its helpfulness but for the joy of reading it and the amusement it will provide. Notice how remarkably similar some of the advice is.

The information found at http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/writefanfic.htm should be read in its entirety by every fanfic writer. I was going to try to digest it all for our purposes but couldn't decide what to cut. Pay special attention to his writing hints, both general and specific.


Everyone needs a refresher on grammar, spelling and punctuation. A good guidebook can be found at http://www.grammarbook.com/english_rules.asp. Just click on the individual sections for all the help you'd ever need. This guide is not perfect, but I include it because it's available online. If you want to invest in a book, I would recommend this one: The Elements of Style http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/020530902X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=02RJ3RKJHSPQM0K2MYYK&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 . And if you want one for your eReader, try The Only Grammar Book You Will Ever Need http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047T748Q/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=11XHNA54R89DV3M0YQEV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846.

Welcome to the working home of Sparky Season 6--a project to provide continuation to the world of the sci-fi television series Stargate: Atlantis.  After five years, the series came to an unfortunate end, leaving many storylines unresolved for many of its loyal fans.

Some of them have decided to do something about it!

( The History of our ProjectCollapse )

What we hope to provide you in the months to come are the products of our labor--an entire season of Stargate: Atlantis, written by talented fans, for the enjoyment of all.  Though we came together on one thread, we have striven to keep in line with the nature of the show as it was written by the original staff, meaning we will attempt to construct a season that most fans of SG:A can enjoy, no matter what their part of the fandom looks like.  One that brings back characters we all miss, provides a continuity of story, and provides all the thrills, laughs, cliffhangers and excitement the original show did.

Come with us, and enjoy Season 6 from a fan's perspective.  Sparky Season 6--our way.  Please feel free to use the following trailers, icons, banners and sigs, with credit to the designers if you can.  :)

( Preview TrailersCollapse )


( Promotional GraphicsCollapse )

( Copyright Disclaimer: We do not own SGACollapse ) 

The Sparky Season 6 Final Timeline

THE OVERALL THEME FOR OUR SEASON IS "HOME".  THROUGHOUT ALL OUR EPISODES, WE'LL NOD TO THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH ATLANTIS, THE ATLANTIS FAMILY AND PEGASUS REPRESENTS HOME FOR THEM.  ALSO, OF COURSE, IS ELIZABETH'S RETURN HOME.

Episode 1: The Return to Pegasus, Part I (Writers: EM & SK)
Episode 2: The Return to Pegasus, Part II (Writers: EM & SK)
Episode 3: Trust (Writer: EM)
Episode 4: To Build A Fire (Writer: SR)
Episode 5: First Year  (Writer: Erin)
Episode 6: Evolution (Writer: EM)
Episode 7: Box of Dreams (Writer: Anuna)
Episode 8: Adoremus (Writer: Erin )
Episode 9: The Pegasus Coalition (Writer: Irish Eyes)
Episode 10: Primum Movens, Part I (Writer: EM)
Episode 11: Primum Movens, Part II (Writer: EM)
Episode 12: Quietus: (Writer: Drewandian)
Episode 13: Found in Translation (Writer: Irish Eyes)
Episode 14: A Day in the Life of Rodney McKay (Writer: Erin87)
Episode 15: Run Through the Jungle (Writer: J.C. Swift)
Episode 16: Blitzkrieg: (Writer: JC Swift)
Episode 17: Gravity: (Writer: Anuna)
Episode 18: Feelings (Writer: SR)
Episode 19: What Dreams May Come (Writer: SK)
Episode 20: Extinction:
Episode 21: The Lost City, Part I (Writers: EM & SK)
Episode 22: The Lost City, Part II (Writers: EM & SK)

Episode SS6: 1 & 2 (two-part episode)
Title: Return to Pegasus, Parts I & II
Writer: EM & SK
Progress: Completed

Continuity Considerations:

- Remember the timing of SGU and SGU's "Air".
- However Pegasus settles in, foreshadowing to Elizabeth's return subtly...maybe a ship approaching the frozen replicators...
- Todd is still on Atlantis

Storyline Summaries:

( Part ICollapse ).

( Part IICollapse )


( Suggestion on the StorylineCollapse )

Episode SS6: 3
Title: Trust
Writer: EM
Progress: Completed

General Plotline: With Atlantis returned to the Pegasus, the Expedition must reestablish order after nearly a year of absence.  But this may prove more difficult than it seems--and for one member of the group, it may mean a heartbreaking change.

Continuity considerations:

- Remember that Atlantis just returned to Pegasus.  Keep in mind:
1) Todd's usefulness
2) The Position of the Athosians
3) Status with Mayel and the Pegasus coalition

( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 5
Title: To Build a Fire
Writer: southernred
Progress: Still in Development

Continuity Considerations: 

- Not many: traditional team elements

General Plotline: The team is stranded on an arctic planet and must deal with the denizens there.
- This has been suggested as a levity/humor episode

( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

( Other Comments & SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 4
Title: First Year
Writer: Erin
Progress: Still in development

General Plotline: As Teyla and the Athosians prepare for Torren's First Year Celebration Ceremony, a local danger forces the group to think fast to protect their own.  

Continuity considerations:

- Remember that Atlantis just returned to Pegasus.  Keep in mind:
1) Power considerations for the city--where are we with ZPM's
2) if we go with the PC story, mention that, so we know we're still working with them

- Double check the true age of Torren--he may be older than 1 year
- Double check the ages of Jinto and Halling, so we have them involved correctly.
- Double check what has been mentioned about New Athos--make sure everything about the Athosians through the Michael arc is addressed/resolved

( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )( Other Comments & SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 6
Title: Evolution
Writer: EM
Progress: Still in development

General Summary: A lonely, isolated planet harbors a secret that may change the face of the Pegasus Galaxy forever. 

Continuity Considerations

- Please check all information available about the evolution of the Wraith
- Tie in the science behind the Hoffan drug, and the experiments performed on Wraith by Beckett/Keller and Michael's experiments on the Wraith.
- Time this episode in accordance with what we have happening as regards the main wraith.


( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 7
Title: Box of Dreams
Writer: anuna_81
Progress: Still in Development

General Plotline: The Atlantis team stumbles upon a previously undiscovered Ancient lab, accidentally setting off a machine that can change a person's life by allowing them to alter decisions they have made in the past. When Teyla becomes a victim of the machine, she must learn what parts of her life she truly values--and what heartbreaking choices must be made to save herself and those she loves the most.

Continuity Considerations:

- Torren's 'Christening' has already occurred.  Remember Teyla's demeanor in that episode when referring to Torren's potential 'non-birth' in one or more of her AU's

- Double check the entirety of Teyla's timeline for SGA.  We do not want to leave out anything important in her memories.  Stuff to consider:
1) the loss of her father, Torren, and her mother, Tagan
2) Her ascension to leadership of the Athosians and her relationship with her people--including the Missing and Kindred arcs
3) The loss/life of Charon
4) Her relationship/potential feelings for John
5) The creation and storyline of Michael, through his death
6) Her Wraith 'gift
7) Her relationship with Kate
8) Her relationship with Carson and the loss of Carson
9) The loss of Elizabeth
10) Her relationship with Kanaan
11) Her pregnancy and life with Torren
12) her relationship with other races of the galaxy, such as Sora and the Genii
13) Her relationship with Ronon

- CONTINUITY TEASE: one of the final scene being John and Teyla discussing what happened, with Teyla mentioning being able to save Elizabeth and John rebuffing that with 'she's gone, we have to accept that'.  Cut to shot of Franibeth alive in a ship, looking over space and a planet or something?

Approved & Popular Suggestions

- bring back Kate Heightmeyer as the one thing Teyla opts to change.
- Sheyla
- Have Teyla rescue herself

( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 8
Title: Adoremus
Writer: Erin87
Progress: Still in development

General Summary: Team Sheppard encounters a planet of seemingly normal Pegasus citizens, who harbor a dark and terrifying secret.

Continuity Considerations:

- Please study up on all episodes pertaining to the Wraith Worshippers
- Keep in mind our development of the Wraith storyline and where the 'true' Wraith are as regards the war with them.
- Update the progress on the "Irati" retrovirus

( Storyline Suggestions...Collapse )

Episode SS6: 9
Title: The Pegasus Coalition
Writer: TBD
Progress: Still in development

General Summary: The Pegasus Coalition comes calling, demanding Atlantis help the Coalition in a new war strategy against the Wraith.

Continuity Considerations

- Study up on Inquisition and all we know about the Coalition
- Make sure the Wraith timeline is set--how far into the war are we?  What's changing?
- Atlantis should refer back to what they know about the weakening of the Wraith from the Wraith Worshipper's episode.


CONTINUITY TEASE

In this episode, the Coalition is motivated to start killing off the Wraith based on the fact they are encountering planets that are completely razed of life, leaving them barren and pockmarked.  A closer study of these planets by Rodney determines that they are actually high in neutronium, the material used by replicators to create nanites, and that large chunks of that material have been mined from the planets.

This alerts our crew to the possibility of the Replicators coming back.  They immediately check on Franibeth, but find to their dismay that all the replicator bodies, they think, have been unbonded.  Rodney's final scene, however, determines that the nanites pertaining to all the other 'rebel' replicators are destroyed except for Franibeth--her body was not destroyed, nor is it anywhere to be found.  This leads us into Primum Movens.

( Storyline suggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 10
Episode SS6: 11
Title(s): Primum Movens (First Cause) Parts I & II
Writer: Erika (ugahill/eri13)
Special Episodes: The Mid-Season Two Parter
Progress: In Development

Continuity Considerations:

- Study up on the Rebel Asgard--including their motivation for controlling replicators
- Go back into SG-1 files and check up on the Spider Block Replicators
- Double check the existence of the Replicator in "Reunion"
- ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT ELIZABETH EXISTS IN FRANIBETH.  FRANIBETH CAN NEVER BE 'EVIL', JUST REPROGRAMMED.
- Double check 'our' Elizabeth's status as of Lifeline--she must match exactly what Elizabeth's body composition was when she was taken
- Check on the status of the PWARG to make sure it's a viable final weapon
- Remember that Kate is back and to everyone but Teyla, she never left.  Use her in consulting with Elizabeth.
- Our Elizabeth has no memories as of now as to what happened her.  Her last memory is of John, escaping in Lifeline.
- Make the disconnect apparent--she doesn't feel like it's been two years, while everyone else does.
- Figure out how her nanites can connect to the Atlantis mainframe believably
- GET THE TECHNOBABBLE correct!  We need to establish Franibeth's ability to be rewritten, her connection to the Primus, her connection to Oberoth and Oberoth's own ability to connect into the body of another of the Collective.

CONTINUITY TEASE

At the end of PM, Elizabeth is still not 'trusted' and has to be operated on.  Completely tease the lockdown scenario by having the episode end with her under guard and confined, with everybody else harboring conflicting emotions about her return.  Happy she's back, but unsure what to think of it.  This leads us into the lockdown episode.


( General PlotlineCollapse )( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 12
Title: Quietus
Writer: Drewandian
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: While attempting to deactivate the nanites in the body of Elizabeth Weir, McKay accidentally connects her to the Atlantis computer, causing the city to respond to her subconscious emotions. 

Continuity Considerations:

- This is the first episode back after Primus Movens and Elizabeth's recovery.
- Occurs a few days to a few weeks afterwards
- Elizabeth's nanites are still considered a 'threat'
- This is not a happy time for people.  They are still suspicious and uncomfortable around her and she is uncomfortable and uncertain of them.
- She has been under guard this entire time.
- Remember Teyla's reaction to Franibeth in GITM in regards to Torren's safety--that may be the same here.
- Remember that Jeannie had her own experience with nanites in Miller's Crossing
- Take into account everything having to do with replicators in MC and in Outcast, both in Pegasus and on Earth
- BY THE END: Everyone will have made peace with the return of Elizabeth in the sense that they are glad she is back.
- BY THE END: McKay assures everyone (especially Woolsey & IOA) that Elizabeth is 99.99% free and completely not dangerous to them.  Convincingly so, so that we can see her rejoin Atlantis again.
- BY THE END: Elizabeth herself is experiencing some anxiety and perhaps fears about whether McKay is right.  Everyone else is confident she's cured; she is not.  This will set up House of Mirrors.

Popular & Approved Suggestions:

- This story is to be an analysis of the other character's feelings about Elizabeth's recovery, their hope for her healing, and their own realization of what this experience has done to her.  Avoid Elizabeth's POV throughout, as we're going to address that in HOM.
- People want to see Woolsey singing.  :)


( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 13
Title: Found In Translation
Writer: Irish Eyes
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: An encounter with an unusual Alien race provide the opportunity to add a new--and surprising--member to John's SG team.

Continuity Considerations:

- Elizabeth is coming off of the lockdown and still a little bothered, though in this stretch she is recovering and not plagued by visions/breakdown yet.
- Team Sheppard is trying to be fully supportive of her.
- Elizabeth has an aversion to guns, always
- Remember Elizabeth's mad language skillz!

Suggestions

- Humor filled episode to ease us back into Elizabeth being there and provide some levity.


( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 14
Title: A Day in the Life of Rodney McKay
Writer: Erin87
Progress: Still in development

General Summary: McKay is forced to live the same day over and over, trying to prevent a horrifying explosion that destroys Atlantis.
- This is meant to be a levity/Humor episode with some high drama twists

Continuity Considerations

- Remember the evolution of McKay's relationships with everyone on Atlantis up through Episode 13.
- Have fun!
( Storyline Suggestions...Collapse )

Episode SS6: 16
Title: RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE
Writer: PKPRD890
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: When negotiations with an alien planet go very wrong, the team must use their wits to survive a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. 

Continuity Considerations: 

- Elizabeth's been back for a few months at this point.  Team Sheppard should be comfortable with her, though she should be still uncertain about her presence in a small, sorta unobvious way.
- Elizabeth is probably too new back to the task force to have her own diplomatic team; but she travels with Team Sheppard for things.
- If there is danger/UST involved, remember--John suffered 2 years without Elizabeth because he couldn't save her, while Elizabeth doesn't feel like any time has passed and never 'missed' him.  Refer to her feelings about him through First Strike; refer to his feelings about her after GITM and the bulk of Season 5.

Suggestions

- Have fun with this one!
- This is a great opportunity for some fun Sparky moments

( Storyline Suggestions...Collapse )

Episode SS6: 16
Title: Blitzkrieg
Writer: PKPRD890
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: The Return of the Pegasus Coalition's Wraith Initiative sends Elizabeth Weir into heavy diplomatic mode. 

Continuity Considerations: 

- This is a very stressful episode, because Elizabeth meeting with the Coalition means all her prior decisions involving Atlantis are put back on the table.
- Elizabeth is beginning to doubt her own sanity and her comfort level with Team Sheppard.
- TIE IN THE PLOTLINE OF THE WRAITH: how strong are they still?
- Bring back BEckett/Keller's progress into the Irati Retrovirus
- Find out what Todd's feelings are about the Retrovirus

CONTINUITY TEASER

- Elizabeth is feeling the pressure of her new role.  She is beginning to succumb to memories that she is not certain are wholly hers, and she wonders about her ability to continue as a representative of Atlantis.  We are leading into House of Mirrors.

( Storyline Suggestions...Collapse )

Episode SS6: 17
Title: TBD
Writer: Anuna
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: John Sheppard is captured and interrogated. 

Continuity Considerations

- John has gone through a lot in the last few years.  Remember all of his S4/S5 development
- Elizabeth's recovery will have placed the biggest toll on John.  What lingering doubts does he have?  Joys?
- Review all the developments throughout Season 6 as far as his friends go--what do Teyla and Ronon's development weigh on him?
- Keep in mind John's static character traits--leave no man behind, self-sacrificing, etc.

General Suggestions

- Whumpage + mental torture = everybody happy

( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 18
Title: TBD
Writer: southern red
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: A mysterious flower pollen causes Ronon to empath the feelings of those around him.

Continuity Considerations

- Elizabeth's mental state is beginning to break
- Sheppard's just come off a torture-and-anguish episode.  Even if this is a few months later, bear that in mind.
- Ronon has sided with the PC in their Wraith War initiative--consider how that makes people feel about HIM.
- Keep in mind all of Ronon's emotional baggage and his relationship with other characters.
- Ronon will be a little less 'caveman' this season: MORE DETAILS TO COME

CONTINUITY TEASER: one of the scenes needs to foreshadow Elizabeth's turbulent emotions which are the result of the anxiety building up in her head.  Ronon can sense this and it scares him a bit; he probably tries to talk to either her or one of the others.

General Suggestions

- this will probably work best as a funny episode that lets Jason stretch his acting chops.
- We should probably have the whole gamut of emotions portrayed her, including crying, elation, extreme anger, maybe some PMS, who knows?

( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )

Episode SS6: 19
Title: What Dreams May Come
Writer: the_scary_kitty
Progress: In Development

General Plotline: Elizabeth Weir finds herself in a mental madhouse after her emotions and concerns finally get the best of her. It'll be up to her friends, and her own strength of will, to find a way to overcome the demons that haunt her.

Continuity Considerations:

- The breakdown of Elizabeth has been building from Primum Movens, through Lockdown
- We'll have foreshadowed a little of her confusing events that occurred or memories, showing her mind is starting to break.
- She had a little respite during the middle episodes, but something has triggered an extreme disjointedness
- Take into account her experiences tracing all the way back to The Real World.

General Suggestions

- this is the pinnacle Elizabeth resolution episode.  We should have it set her to even keel again so she's prepared to be a leader--she'll need to be believably back in control for the finale.


( Storyline SuggestionsCollapse )



Episode SS6: 20
Title: Extinction
Writer: TBD
Progress: In Development

General Summary: The Penultimate episode before the two-part Season finale leads to a significant development in the war with the Wraith.

Continuity Consideration

- bear in mind everything that's happened with the Coalition's war with the Wraith
- Develop a believable scenario with regards to a potential Extinction of the Wraith
- How does Todd fit into this?
- How does the Irati retrovirus fit into this?
- No teaser for the finale.  We're going to do a 'sideswipe', meaning a completely unexpected twist for the finale. 
- Elizabeth is healing from her breakdown, but we're seeing her happier than she's been in a long time.  Perhaps John has finally settled into being completely comfortable around her, too.

( Storyline Suggestions...Collapse )

Episode SS6: 21 & 22
Title: The Lost City, Parts I & II
Writers: Eri13 & Scary Kitty
Progress: In Development
Special Considerations: Two-parter Season Finale

General Summary: A new, unbelievably powerful race takes Atlantis by surprise with one goal in mind: complete domination of two galaxies, starting with Earth.  Now, Atlantis must make a terrible choice--sacrifice themselves, or sacrifice two galaxies.  A two part cliffhanger.


( Current SuggestionsCollapse )

( THE STORY OF SARAH, THE BABY WRAITH QUEENCollapse ).

( THE ALTERNATE (EVIL) ELIZABETHCollapse ).

( Additional Suggestions and Ideas...Collapse )

For all relative scientific suggestions (medical, physics, chemical or the like)

Cuz we'll need them.  :D