Thankfully Sam had learned years ago how to maintain a straight face as Jack did his brand of small talk. She was accompanying him to one of the many galas and formal dinners he now had to attend to rub elbows. Currently General Knott was telling a story about picking his dog up from the groomers after it had been shaved bare. He didn't even recognize the dog when it ran up to him. A young Captain moved up beside General Knott as he was finishing his story. She stood at attention waiting for him to finish so she could politely get his attention.
"Ah, Jack, this is my new aide, Captain Myers." General Knott looked from the young Captain to Jack and Sam. "Captain, this is General Jack O'Neill and Colonel Samantha Carter."
The young Captain's mouth opened slightly as her eyes widened. She stared at Sam long enough that all three officers began to feel uncomfortable.
General Knott shifted slightly to regain her attention. "Was there something you needed, Captain?"
She jumped slightly. "Oh, yes, yes sir. Senator Minchin has requested to speak with you."
"Well, I ought not leave the Senator waiting. My budget needs his support." General Knott looked back at Jack. "I'm sure I'll see you at the next function we both get ordered to attend."
Captain Myers stood rooted to the spot as her boss walked away.
"Captain?" Sam questioned the woman who was still staring at her.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, I'm just surprised you're real."
Sam's brow knit. "As opposed to?"
"As opposed to a figment of Major Ayers imagination."
Jack glanced from the Captain to Sam and back. "I figment of his imagination?"
The Captain straightened her shoulder. "Yes, sir. Major Ayers talks about Colonel Carter all the time." She looked back at Sam. "All good things, Ma'am. So good in fact most of us believed it was too good to be true." Captain Myers snickered. "Oh, that means you and Major Ayers really did get engaged at Boulder Falls. It sounded so romantic. Can I see the ring?"
Sam was a little shocked as the young lady reached out towards her hand. Her face fell as she saw the lack of a ring on Sam's finger. "Oh, I'm sorry." He voiced dropped to whisper. "I forgot. Major Ayers said you guys were keeping things quiet until you were stationed together again." Her eyes cut towards Jack. "I'm sorry if I messed things up for you."
Sam pulled her hand back. "I'm afraid there has been some kind of misunderstanding."
"Oh, right, sure." The Captain gave her a strained smile as her eyes cut towards Jack. "I understand. It was a pleasure to meet you." The young lady backed away quickly, disappearing into the crowd.
"Boulder Falls, huh?" Jack nudged her with her shoulder.
"It is beautiful."