As the group watched, Taja began to blink her eyes again and return from her trance-like state. She looked comfortable, no longer doubtful and anxious. The five minutes that had seemed like fifty were a great benefit to her peace of mind.
"What just happened? I'm curious." Catherine looked to the aliens.
"She showed me my world, told me its story, my story. It is safe, Michael, even if we are not." Taja looked into her eyes.
"Show me."
Taja looked at Kytanna, who only nodded. Flickering her arm towards a mirror handing over the chest of drawers. An image swirled from the center, then solidified into a concrete image.
Michael, Maria, Vincent, and Catherine all watched a whole world's history unfolded in a single moment.
When it was over, the image faded into the reflection of the room.
"I think I know my power! Can anyone else project their thoughts?" excitement rang in her voice.
Maria shook her head. "No. That one's definitely yours."
Kytanna's image began to shimmer and fade. "I am no longer needed, Michael. When Max, Isabel, Liz, Kyle, and Alex show up tomorrow, I will come to you all again to finish my tale. Farewell and good luck."
"No! Wait!"
Taja's demand was uttered too late and she vanished with a flash of light.
*****
The rest of the day went by slowly for Michael, Maria, and Taja. Vincent and Catherine went to talk with the Council regarding their engagement then spent the day with Father making arrangements. Taja took Michael and Maria back to her chamber where they began filling in the details of their lives. The two siblings warmed quite nicely to each other and got along fairly well. Maria could already see the 'big brother' syndrome developing in Michael. Never having a big brother of her own, she gently reminded Michael to be loving and supportive, never condescending or cruel. She also reminded him to never boss her around; Taja was a big girl and had been taking care of herself for a while now.
The group arrived a few days later and more of their story was revealed. Vincent and Catherine revealed their plans to the Tunnel Community, which were overjoyed. Catherine moved Below and established a normal routine working with Mary in the candle room, teaching the children, and working full time with Peter setting up a trust fund for Tunnel children wishing to go to collage and establish a career.
Time flowed smoothly around them and life moved on.