Alternate universes are often confused with alternate realities, probably because outside of sci-fi alternate realities aren't very common - and if they are, they're usually called AUs. What makes a story an alternate universe then? Well, imagine your favorite characters stripped of everything except their personalities (there might be differences here based on different life experiences, though), get picked up and placed in a whole new sandbox! Suddenly, there is no Stargate, no Air Force and no aliens. Yet, there is still friendship, chemistry and in the case of our favorite ship - a whole lotta UST!Think... The Changeling, the origin of the very popular fireman!universe.
Don't worry if the differences aren't entirely clear yet - just take a look at remaining nominations in this category and see if you understand it after reading these fabulous stories!
The continuation of the Best Alternate Universe Category!
AU fics are defined as stories that are set in a completely different environment, like the firefighter universe from The Changeling.
