June 30, 1993

Samantha Carter walked through the corridors of the Pentagon toward Major General Robert West's office, trepidation mounting with each step. She had an appointment in fifteen minutes with General West and a woman named Dr. Catherine Langford about an Air Force project that they wanted her to be a part of. Most likely, it would be another assignment that her father had assembled to keep her out of special ops.

She arrived into the reception area and sat next to an older woman who wore a curious necklace. Sam tried to tell herself to either stop looking at it or ask her how she had obtained such a beautiful amulet, but it was no use. She was almost mesmerized by it. She studied it in great detail, the way she imagined Daniel would have if he had seen it. She recognized the Eye of Ra, and realized why she had thought of her archaeologist brother. He was after all, one of the world's foremost experts on Ancient Egyptian culture.

"You like the amulet." The woman said, an amused smile on her face.

Sam looked up sheepishly. "I'm sorry. It's just that my brother has a PhD in Egyptology. He would have loved your amulet."

Catherine Langford smiled, but before either could continue their conversation, General West stepped out of his office. "Dr. Langford. Captain Carter."

Both women stood.

"General West." Catherine greeted.

"General." Sam said, snapping a sharp salute.

He motioned for both women to enter his office and have a seat. "Captain Carter, the assignment you have been transferred to is classified top secret."

Her heart fluttered; her father hadn't had anything to do with her appointment. In fact, it had probably been against her father's direct orders. "I understand." She said, remaining outwardly calm.

"Good. Dr. Langford wants you to head up a team of scientists conducting research on a device found by her father in 1928."

"It was found in Egypt. The Giza plateau. Scientists have been studying it off and on for more than fifty years. This administration hopes to make their dreams of solving the puzzle a reality."

Sam couldn't help but grin in excitement. "When do I start?"

"All in due time, Captain." The General said, eyeing the young woman. "As I understand, you were an assistant to one of the Physics professors at the Academy."

Inwardly, Sam groaned. It had just been another cushy job that her father had pulled strings to get her. "Yes, sir. I was."

"You were stationed in Colorado Springs, correct?"

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

"You have two weeks to move to Washington, D.C. The Air Force is willing to help you find adequate housing."

"Thank you, sir." She said as the General stood. She and Catherine stood as well. "Welcome to the team, Captain Carter." Catherine said as she reached out to shake Sam's hand.

"Thank you, Dr. Langford."