The plane ride was very exciting what with ALL of them on board the flight; Calla, Daniel, Jack, Sam, Teal’c, Nicholas, Annie, Colleen, Sandy and Lilly the plane was quite full and the flight passed quickly. Now everyone was sitting in the limousine waiting to exit into the fray. Callas’ stomach was in knots. “Do I have to go?” She asked Daniel while she stared out the darkened windows at the swarm of reporters waiting to pounce on her. Since returning home from Scotland a few weeks ago Calla had kept to herself and to her family, this was the first look the press was going to get at her since she left Italy almost a month ago. That wasn’t to say that Calla hadn’t been busy, in fact, she’d been very busy at home making all sorts of plans.

“We don’t have to stay long.” Daniel coached as he sat next to her all dressed up in his tuxedo as were the other gentlemen in the car. Callas’ first and last opening was a black tie only event. “Besides, you look beautiful tonight we wouldn’t want to squander you away from the world too much longer. Ready?” Calla didn’t nod. “Take my hand and let’s go.”

“The rest of you, you don’t have to do this, I mean, you didn’t have to come here at all but I’m so very glad you’re all here.” She stammered.

“We wouldn’t miss it.” Sam told her.

“Nope, besides, I heard there was gonna be cake. You know how much I love cake.” Jack said with a smile and adjusted the bowtie at his neck. “This thing’s choking me.”

“Here, let me help.” Sam said, who’d chosen a floor length dark blue sequined gown for the evening, it set off her eyes very nicely as she reached out and loosened Jack’s tie a bit.

Listening to the conversation from the front seat the chauffer got out, walked around the car and opened the door. “Stay with me.” She asked nervously.

“I won’t leave your side for a second.” Daniel brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

The car door opened and she stepped out followed by Daniel and all the rest of their family and friends who were dressed to the nines tonight. At first it seemed no one recognized the old Calla, her hair was longer and a different color. It was held back in a long elegant braid. Her rack was definitely different, it wasn’t pushing against the simp;e V-Neck of the long flowing gown with a floral print in white and pale blue and the simple V-neck and matching hemline. She had a shawl wrapped around her shoulders to keep the chill away. Slowly it dawned on the reporters and cameramen who turned their attention to her and began shouting out questions.

“Callestah, what are you going to do now that Andrew Hartley’s dead?”

“Were you aware that he’d killed Dyer and Booker?”

“We know Mr. Hartley went to Colorado before his body was found here in New York, was he coming to see you, Callestah? Did you see him before he died?”

“Why weren’t you at Hartley’s funeral?”

“Who’s the man with you, Callestah?”

“Where have you been, Callestah?”

Holding tightly to Daniel’s hand she turned around and nervously faced the reporters. “First, I had no idea what Mr. Hartley was up to. Second, while the news of his death is shocking, as was those of Antwone and Tom, unlike them I can’t say that I will mourn Andy. Third, the last leg of the tour in Europe was very tiring and I needed a breather.” As she turned to look at Daniel, her voice grew a little stronger. “Lastly, my name is Calla Jackson, it is not Callestah and the handsome man you see with me is my wonderful Husband, Doctor Daniel Jackson.” There was a definite finality in her tone.

“Does that mean you’ve reconciled?” A reporter shouted.

“Yes,” Daniel answered for her. “My Wife and I will be married for many years to come. If you’ll excuse us, we have to get inside.”

Arm in arm they walked up the remainder of the steps with their friends and family close behind while the reporters continued to shout questions at Calla. Jack turned around. “Don’t you guys ever shut up?” He asked. “Go home, do something constructive.” Jack suggested and then made his way through the door.

The Curator met them at the outer door and led them down the corridor to the large room where Callas’ show was currently in full swing. It just so happened that it was the same room in which Daniels’ parents had died so many years earlier. She stopped him outside the door. “You don’t have to go in.”

If he told Calla that he felt just fine about it he’d be lying and she’d know that. “What do you want me to do? Stand out here in the hall?”

“Whenever you want to leave you just tell me or give me a wave, anything and we’ll go right away.” Calla said.

“Funny, I was going to tell you that very thing. Let’s go Mrs. Jackson they’re waiting for you.”

Hanging onto Daniel’s arm, they walked through the door and Calla a room full of people, also dressed to the hilt, swarmed her and began applauding. “Thank you,” she mumbled with her heart in her throat. Even if they only stayed ten minutes it was going to be a very long night or so she thought. The few reporters who were allowed inside talked to her about her work and that of other artists and what she planned to do now that Andrew F. Hartley was dead. They didn’t ask embarrassing or outrageously rude questions and she did her best to answer them. The reporters were ushered out of the room a half hour after she entered, that was all the time that Andy’s contract with the museum allotted them. Some of the pressure went with them but they weren’t the only people who wanted to talk with her.

Now that Andrew was dead and gone, there were other considerations. Many of the people who came to the event were agents, managers, and/or backers, all of them wanting to represent her and work with her. Calla politely declined each offer saying she didn’t know just how much more painting she was going to be doing but she accepted each business card handed to her with a smile and grace. Daniel didn’t hover but he stayed within earshot of her most of the night keeping one eye on her and one on the crowd.

Other than the aforementioned people, others in attendance included the Mayor of New York City, several City Council Members, the Lt. Governor of the State of New York and several celebrities. All in all the event was a real show stopper one that no one wanted to miss, not given all the circumstances involved anyway. With a willowy grace Calla greeted each person, stopped to talk with them with a sincerity rarely found in such circles and then made her way on through to the next person or small click.

The evening wasn’t exactly Jack O ‘Neill’s cup of tea but there was indeed cake along with a host of other finger foods for the event. In that case, and for Calla he could put up with the snobs and the strange lingo they used. However, there wasn’t a beer or glass of wine in the place. The evening was a dry event at Callas’ insistence. At first, the museum balked at the idea but once she quietly explained to them that she was coming off a slight addiction problem they were happy to go along with her. Tonight there was plenty of juice and soda. There were Virgin Margarita’s and Bloody Mary’s but no booze.

Looking around he saw Calla standing near him. “This is really beautiful,” Jack said as he pointed at the portrait of Daniel and the infant twins. “Nice job.”

“Thanks.” Calla said and blushed. “It seems to be going well.” There was a nervous excitement in her voice as she gazed around at the crowd in their glittering jewels and refinery.

“Yep,” Jack nodded and stuffed the last bit of vanilla cake in his mouth. “You’re a big hit.”

“Are you glad you came or are you sorry you’re stuck in that monkey suit? Which, by the way happens to look very good on you General O’Neill.” Calla said with a smile.

“I wouldn’t have missed this but I could do without this damn tie.” Jack yanked on it again.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” Said a deep voice in a muddled European accent.

Calla turned around to see Duncan standing behind her. “Stan!” She cried and flung her arms around him. “Stan! What are you doing here?”

“I missed your other openings since this is the last one…” Duncan hugged her tightly and then let her go. “You’re looking much better, Ollie.”

“Thank you. I feel much better.” Calla turned to Jack. “General Jack O’Neill I’d like to you to meet my good friend, Duncan MacLeod. Duncan this is General O’Neill.”

While Duncan hadn’t heard too much about Jack, Daniel filled Jack in on Duncan MacLeod a few days ago. The man was much as Daniel described him; tall, dark, handsome, mysterious and kind. “Good to meet you, Duncan.” Jack said warmly.

“You too General O’Neill.”

“Jack.” He smiled. “Jack’s fine.”

“By the Gods! Say it isn’t so, I didn’t think I’d have to put up with you until Christmas.” Boomed a deep voice and everyone in the room turned around to see where it came from.

“Ares,” Duncan smiled and turned around. “Always a pleasure to see you,” Duncan said holding out his hand.

“Hump,” Ares huffed and scoffed at the extended hand. “Duncan is my greatest failure.” Ares quipped to Jack. “Aren’t you Highlander?”

“Ares,” Duncan intoned in a dark voice and falsely warm smile. “He means I’m a great disappointment to him, for which I am eternally grateful.”

“That’s enough. Both of you.” Calla said in a stern voice. “I’m glad you came, Father.” She held her arms out to him and gave him a big hug. “I wasn’t expecting you either.” Calla stepped away from him. “Oh my, look at you!” She cooed and took in the sight of Ares God of War all decked out in tails, his long wavy midnight hair held back in a ponytail for the evening. “Very handsome.”

“It is her night,” Duncan said to Ares. “Let’s behave ourselves.”

Ares mulled it over for a moment. “Fine, but you’ll have to show us both around and stay between us so we don’t argue.”

“I think I can do that,” she purred. Stepping between the two dark haired dark skinned men she took one arm in each of hers and led them down the room to gaze at her artwork. Ares and Duncan had their problems but they also shared a respect for each other one that was hard won and well earned. Walking on down the line, they gazed at her paintings and where appropriate, Calla gave a little description of how the painting came to be. When it came to the depiction of her, Ares and Daniel no explanation was needed. The look on her Father’s face both frightened her and made her feel ashamed.

“I don’t care for that one.” Ares remarked through tight lips.

“Looks like we agree on something.” Duncan said in an equally tight voice.

“Who cares what your opinion is, Highlander?” Ares shot. “Come with me, Daughter.” Ares grabbed her by the upper arm and pulled her aside. “What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you paint something like that?” Ares demanded.

“Lower your voice, Father,” she whispered.

“Lower my…”

“Shush,” she hissed in an insistent whisper, “they’re all looking at us.”

“I hate that painting you will burn it…now.” Ares demanded as his big mitt tightened on her upper arm.

“Stop it,” Calla began quaking. “I had to get it out of my head. I didn’t mean to upset you, I never thought you’d see it! They’re all looking at us. If you keep this up they’ll recognize you from the painting and you have been introduced tonight as my Father! So far I have not had to explain it to anyone and I don’t want to start now.”

“Not even Jackson?” Ares said in a snotty tone which grew louder as he spoke. “I see there are many paintings of him, Callestah, and only one is flattering. How many times are you going to let him break your heart before you call an end to this farce?”

“You broke my heart,” she huffed. “All of these paintings will sell in a few weeks and then it will be gone just like the rest of this nightmare. Then we will never speak of this again, do you understand me?”

“Umpa,” Nicholas said as he walked over to where they were standing. “I think you should let my Mother go now.”

“Are the two of you threatening me?”

“Ye—“

“Never.” Calla interrupted quietly. “I love you Father but not the way you want me to. I love you the way a Daughter should love her Father, not as a Lover. I’m sorry I know how much that disappoints you and I hope you will forgive me one day, Ares.”

“Forg..” Nicholas began to interject.

Calla spoke over him. “But until then, can’t we try to have a normal relationship?”

Lord Ares let go his hold on his Daughter while he stared across the room at the painting. In it, his Daughter’s eyes were wide with fear as she lay under him and Jackson stood in the doorway looking on, her hand extended, reaching, stretching for her Husband. Ares bent deeply at the waist and the knees to whisper directly in her ear. “It wasn’t all like that. Or was it? Was I so cruel…the entire time?”

After the first round and after Enya left and before Daniel woke up there had been a few times in there when, for Ares, he had been kind and gentle with her. Still, it didn’t mean she wanted to be there with him. “No.” Calla wanted to say more but with Nicholas standing so close, well, she didn’t want him to overhear. In a louder voice, she spoke again. “Please Father let us have a nice evening. Celebrate with me.” Without another word, she ushered the two men back to where Duncan was carefully watching the exchange.

Duncan MacLeod wasn’t the only one standing back, watching and waiting. Daniel was staring at them as well. “You all right?” Jack asked Daniel bringing him out of his daze. “You know, being here.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Daniel said confidently. “I thought I’d be a little weirded out but, I don’t know, something just feels calm and peaceful in this room tonight.” Or it did until Ares started having his little snit. That was over now, Calla, Ares, Duncan and Nicholas were strolling down the line of paintings as though there hadn’t been an exchange at all. Even then and even now, everything around him felt peaceful. Whatever Ares said to her, Calla handled it and her Father well. He wished he could do the same.

Jack decided to let that go, if Daniel felt that way then was good enough for him. He turned around to look at the people wandering and taking in Callas’ work. “There’s something you don’t see every day.” Jack remarked to Daniel as he pointed out Calla between Ares, Nicholas and Duncan MacLeod.

“Sure isn’t.” The heated exchange was brief and—for Ares—too quiet but Daniel knew Ares was unhappy with his portrait. Too bad. He should be unhappy with it. Daniel didn’t know if he’d ever feel comfortable around Ares—not that he ever had, but something more than cold civility would be good. He also wasn’t sure if he’d ever get used to seeing Calla smile at her Father like that not after all that happened between the three of them. How could she forgive him so easily? Yes, well then again, that question could be equally applied to Daniel. Gazing across the room, he saw Annie coming over to join the group. Daniel watched Calla introduce her to Duncan. Coley and Sandy walked over with Lilly in her arms. Daniel watched Colleen hand the baby off to Calla. Colleen looked radiant tonight in a champagne gown with her auburn hair piled high on top of her head she looked like a princess.

“I guess I should join them.” Daniel sighed. Now Sam and Teal’c were making their way to the group and saying hello.

“Go on.” Jack said. “I’m gonna get more cake. What? I’ll be over later.”

Taking a deep breath Daniel made his way over to his family. “Hi, honey.”

“Hello, Beautiful.” Calla purred. “I was just introducing Duncan to everyone.”

“Duncan, nice to see you again.”

“Daniel, you’re looking better as well.” Duncan remarked as they shook hands.

“Hello Ares.” Daniel muttered.

“Jackson.”

That was about as far as he wanted to get with Ares right now so he turned to Duncan. “I want to thank for the house but it’s a very extravagant gift.”

“What do you know? Ollie was just saying the same thing.” Duncan smiled as he motioned as the twins and their expanding family. “However, it doesn’t seem you’ll have a problem filling it.”

“Let’s hope not.” Calla cooed happily with Lilly in her arms. Jack walked over and joined them and now their little circle was complete. It was time to start giving out the good news. “But not too soon either. Annie just got a full scholarship to the University Colorado Silver Springs. She’s going to be a veterinarian.” Calla gave Daniel’s hand a knowing squeeze. She’d been hard at work getting the University to go along with her plan and they had. Calla paid Annie’s tuition and the school told her it was a scholarship from them.

“I was very surprised when I got the letter.” Annie said slipping an arm around Nicholas’ waist. Annie too looked very pretty tonight, Calla and she went shopping for the event. Tonight she was wearing a lovely flowing pale blue gown, which costs a $150.00, it was the most expensive dress Annie had ever owned and she was being very careful not to spill anything on it. “Nicholas is starting school too,” Annie told Duncan proudly, “he’s going to study anatomy.”

“Congratulations to both of you.” Duncan said. “Best of luck. And you, Colleen?”

“I’m also going to Silver Springs, in fact I’m already taking classes. I’m not sure what I’m going to major in yet but I’m leaning toward law.”

“A lawyer?” Ares bellowed. “Oh, we’ve got to talk, Granddaughter.” He was already displeased with her choice of a mate but this was going too far.

“Aren’t you going to tell them about you?” Daniel interjected before Coley and her Grandfather could get into a scuffle. “Hum?”

“I’m going to start teaching at the University again after the first of the year, there have been some changes in the Art Department,” she cleared her throat and shyly went on, “I’m going to…help out.”

“Help out. She’s the new Department Head.” Daniel told them. He wasn’t sure how happy he was about that it was a lot of work for her and he’d rather she go back part-time and open another gallery. The University needed her and so she’d taken the offer.

“Department Head?” Sam remarked. “Wow! That’s great.”

“But it’s only….you know….just for a little while, just until they get everything sorted out.” Calla explained. Everyone except Ares looked happy at her news.

“Congratulations, Callestah.” Duncan said with a smile. “Good going. Take it slow though, all right?” He cautioned.

“Yes, Daniel says the same thing.”

The hour was growing late and the room was beginning to empty. The event was over and all came through it unscathed and none the worse for wear. Soon the Jackson family and their extended family made their way out of the room. Daniel and Calla were the last to leave, they lingered a while looking around at her paintings on the wall and taking in the quiet. “It was a smashing success.” Daniel told her.

“Not bad, huh?” Calla asked and rested her head against his arm.

“Are you going to miss this, Kitty?”

“No, but I may miss some of them.” She gestured toward her work on the walls. Calla reached behind her and turned off the overhead lights. There was only the light of the city and the silvery full moon streaming in through the big picture windows. Light and Shadow are strange things, they can make you think you see things that aren’t there. Or maybe they are.

Across the room standing by the picture windows were two couples. A middle-aged man standing with a woman and a boy standing with a girl.

“Dan…”

“Shh…” One arm around his wife and the other raised half in the air in greeting Daniel smiled and said good-bye. His parents looked very happy they were smiling as they stood arm in much as Daniel and Calla were, his mother’s head resting on his father’s shoulder they waved back. Daniel’s eyes misted over and just for a small moment his thoughts lingered over a life that could have been. Danny and Callestah looked equally happy as they stood waving back.

“Good-bye,” Calla whispered to the four apparitions. “I promise to take excellent care of him.” She said to Daniel’s mother.

“They already know that.” Daniel said softly and kissed the side of her head. The four people across the room faded from sight. “Let’s go.”

The kids, Sam, and the rest were waiting in the limousine. Duncan was standing by it. Ares already made his way back to his cave. “Will you come for the auction?” Calla asked.

“You’re going?” Duncan asked surprised.

“Yes, will you come?”

“I don’t know if I can make it but I promise I’ll see you in Colorado on Christmas.” Duncan gave her a hug, a squeeze, and a peck on the cheek. “I’m very proud of you, Ollie, you’re doing very well. Keep it up.” Duncan let her go. “Daniel,” he put his hand out and Daniel took it. “Very good to see you again.”

“You too, Duncan, we’ll see you Christmas morning.”

“I won’t miss it.” Duncan promised. “You’ve got a lovely family.” He said to both of them. “You’re very blest.”

“I know,” Calla said with a grin. “We’re very lucky. Good-bye Stan. Be careful.”

“I will. Bye, Ollie.” Duncan watched them climb into the limo and then drive off.

The troupe in the back of limousine chatted wildly about the evening they shared as they drove through the dark city streets. “Anyone hungry?” Calla asked. “I’m starving, I know a great little deli.”

“You do?” Daniel asked.

“Yeah,” Nick agreed remembering the deli they’d stopped at the last time they were here, “let’s go, that sounds great.”

“It’s late,” Colleen said, “we should get Lilly back.”

“This is New York, it’s early.” Calla said in a lightly pompous voice—a subconscious imitation of Andy. Her voice dropped back to her own. “Lilly’s already asleep, she won’t mind.”

“We are over dressed for a deli.” Teal’c told them. Everyone laughed. No one cared. A good Reuben or Turkey sounded like just the ticket to all of them.

Sitting in the same corner booth as the class they gabbed over massive sandwiches, French fries, cole slaw, chips and sodas. Sam seemed especially struck by the fact that the Lt. Governor of New York showed up to the opening. “You’re really big, Calla.” She remarked.

“Yeah, you could really make a name for yourself.” Jack agreed. “And a lot of money.”

Calla just laughed it off and squeezed Daniel’s hand under the table.

“That was some shin-dig, Mom.” Nicholas remarked and then let out a blench, which smelled like pastrami.

“Nice, big brother,” Colleen said waving her hand in the air.

“Yeah very romantic.” Annie agreed. “But it was a big to-do, mom. Did you see all of those diamonds and emeralds? Some of those women were just dripping in them!” Annie’s eyes grew wider and she blushed deeper as she spoke.

“Not just the ladies.” Sandy said with a big smile. “That was some serious bling.”

The nice waiter came by with the check and she picked it up. “I don’t mean to bother you, ma’am.” He stuttered. “Aren’t you Callestah? The artist.”

“Um, yes, I am.” She told him. “Or I was.” Calla took the bill from his hand.

“I’m not supposed to do this but could I have your autograph?” The young man asked and held out a blank piece of paper with a pen. “I’m an art major at NYU I just love your paintings.”

Under the table, Daniel gave her hand another squeeze then let go of it so she could reach for the pen and paper. “Your name?” Calla asked politely.

“Chris.” He was smiling widely and looking around to be sure his boss wasn’t watching. “Thank you. Good luck with your auction.” Taking the paper from her hand his eyes skimmed across it.

Calla handed her credit card over to pay for the meal.

Some time after one in the morning, their bellies full and each one carrying a doggie-bag, the limousine took them back to the four-star hotel where they were staying—and for which, Calla and Daniel were footing the bill. Riding up in the elevator high-heeled shoes peeled from sore feet and bow ties yanked from tired necks. Lilly was asleep in her carrier and everyone couldn’t wait to get undressed and stretch out after a very exciting evening. The elevator doors opened and good nights were passed around and they all departed for their own rooms.

End of Chapter Four
Tarnished Heroes: Keep the Fire Burning
Continue to
Chapter Five