[identity profile] eolivet.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] rec50
Claim: "Without a Trace," Jack/Samantha
Title: The Right Thing to Do
Author: Mariel
Characters: Paula Van Doren, Jack Malone, and a cameo by Martin Fitzgerald. References to Samantha Spade, Maria Malone and Agent Farrell.
Prompt: 31. Discovery.
Rating: PG.
Length: Long.

Brief summary: This story ratchets up the obvious "office politics" involved in an intraoffice affair by taking the perspective of Jack's boss, Paula Van Doren, during and after the events of "Fallout" in season 1. Van Doren's take on both the parties and events involved manages to stay very neutral, up until the final discussion with Jack, where she gives her tacit blessing. It's surprising, yet perfectly in line with this office's policy of not caring what people do with their personal lives, as long as their work isn't affected. This minor character, who played a major role in the first season finale, acts as the perfect vehicle to communicate the author's insightful take on the relationship.

Link to the story: The Right Thing to Do