“So you see,” Jovan took over the conversation, “we need you.”
“Trevan needs you.” Illianna floated down from her perch. “Will you accept the training of our son?” she asked.
Half forgotten, Trevan’s holographic figure picked up a block and threw it with such force that it bounced out of the surrounding area.
Colli heard a crash.
“Oh dear, what have you broken now?” A sing-song voice, much like the one in the chamber, wrapped around the scene. Before Colli could wonder who it belonged to, a frail looking woman with white hair joined Trevan’s hologram.
“I don’t want to stay here anymore.” Trevan stomped his foot. Gone was the ethereal child. He flashed angry blue eyes. Bolts of lightning aimed into the cavern. Dust billowed in the holographic air.
“Trevan.” The woman sat down hard on the floor. “What have you done?” she cried.
“Nana. I’m sorry.” The soft caring child once more took over.
Illianna climbed the stairs to Colli’s chair.
The holographic image faded.
“My son has great potential.” Illianna leaned toward Colli.
“Without guidance he could turn out like his uncle.” Jovan remained at the chamber floor.
“Or worse.” Once more Sung broke into the conversation. “He could be taken over by evil. They are on their way to earth with that very intention.”
“Then we’d better get going.” Colli stood.
“Yes.” Mary jumped with glee.
Colli didn’t wait for a reaction from the others. She stepped down from the platform. With little effort she found the hallway that had led them here. Voices grew behind her. That didn’t bother her. Whether anyone followed her did.
“Keep going.” Keleon’s voice whispered with a rasping calm. “We’re with you.”
Dark and silent, the car waited in the field of bright colors.
Colli shivered as she once more took the passenger seat. Would there always be something disquieting about traveling inside this chunk of metal?
“You get used to it.” Keleon sat in the pilot’s seat. Sung and Mary laughed from the back.
“Ready?” Keleon asked.
Colli nodded.
“Then close your eyes and concentrate. I’ll let you know when you can open them.”
The transport lifted off, leaving Command Central easily behind.
“What about the others?” Colli asked, fighting the impulse to open her eyes.
“They’re right behind us,” Sung answered from the back. “Remember you’re leading the way now.”
Why that thought didn’t terrify her, Colli would never understand. But it didn’t. More than anything it brought a sense of calm.
“We’re almost there.” Keleon’s hand pressed into Colli’s. “You should be able to hear the voices again soon.”
“But…” Wonder filled Colli. “I never lost them.”
“That’s as it should be,” Sung said with complete understanding. “You grow stronger the more you use your gift.”
Gift? Yes it is a gift. How could I not have realized that before? Colli wondered.
“We’re back.” Keleon gave her permission to open her eyes.
When she did, Colli was astonished. Darkness surrounded her. Despite the fact that the hull was transparent, no light shone inside. Solar illumination gave only enough radiance to project a ghostly appearance from the surrounding planets. Each world looked lonely and colorless as the craft progressed into the solar system towards earth.