A/N: To the small but persistent cadre of people who are coming back to read these, thanks.
At some point, rendering Carter speechless had become one of Jack's favorite pastimes. This, however, was something special.
She'd met the President before, but standing in the Oval Office seemed to have shut off her brain entirely; when he welcomed her to the White House, she didn't respond. Fortunately, President Hayes possessed a healthy sense of humor, because disregarding a direct address from the President of the United States was usually considered more than a bit insulting.
"Carter," Jack said softly.
"Yes, sir," she answered; while it wasn't entirely clear to whom she was speaking, it would do for form.