January 4.

            "The Thunder Kittens?  Ha!  How do you want them?"

            "I want them destroyed, Mumm-ra.  Transform, then come over here to Metroid.  Here, I'll tell you what you have to do."

            "Very well, MotherBrain."  MotherBrain's image faded from the cauldron.  Lightning flashed onto the four obelisks surrounding the Pyramid.  The obelisks transferred the lightning to the top of the Pyramid, which flashed it into the tomb chamber.  The eyes of the four man-beast statues, representing the Ancient Spirits of Evil, lit up.  Mumm-ra began his transformation process.  "Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form to Mumm-ra, the Ever-Living!"  By the last word, he was in that form.  "Ma-mutt!  Here, boy!"  His atrocious dog, Ma-mutt, came to him from the sarcophagus.  "Good boy.  We're going to get a couple of Thunder Cats!  Ha, ha!  Let's go."  A dark portal opened behind them.  They stepped through it and entered Mumm-ra's warp chamber.  Mummy and mutty stepped into the warp to Metroid.

            * * *

            Control Room, Metroid, VideoLand.

            "Welcome, Mumm-ra," said MotherBrain.

            Mumm-ra asked, "What evil shall I perform for you today, MotherBrain?"

            "I'd like you and your canine companion to go over to Chemistra and fix the Thunder Kittens at Arthur Physicost's office.  I'm sending you to the Secret Brain-Team Division member 'assigned' to Chemistra, who is Charles Nuclesís; he will fill you in on the necessary details."

            "Very well."

            "How's he going to fix them?" asked Eggplant Wizard.  "Will he do it surgically?  Or will he just use his magic to zap away their reproductive organs?"

            "Not that kind of fixing, you idiot!" screamed MotherBrain.  "Git him, Ma-mutt!"  Ma-mutt chased Eggplant Wizard out of the room.

            "Ma-mutt, come back here!" Mumm-ra ordered.  Ma-mutt returned.  "Heh, heh!  Good doggie!"

            "Yes," said MotherBrain.  "Nuclesís himself has three idiots in his employ."

            "Oh?  Who are they?"

            "Neutron Head, Proton Brain, and Electron Charge.  They're about as idiotic as Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo."

            "Ah."

            "Excuse me, MotherBrain," said King Hippo.

            "What is it?" MotherBrain asked.

            "I've been monitoring the Palace of Power for you, and I have something interesting here."

            "Good.  You may yet prove of some value, King Hippo.  Turn on the screen."

            * * *

            Throne Room, Palace of Power.

            Lana was looking for her search warrants.  "So," said Kevin, "is there any specific reason Mr. Mason selected you two, Wilytwins?"  He spoke in exactly the same range as Wilykat.  Jane found Kevin attractive as well.  Of course, she sensed something between him and Lana, and she had James, anyway.

            "We were there," said Wilykit.  "We had approval to go visit him."

            "That Nuclesís," said Jane.  "He'll get his as soon as we present that security tape.  He is affiliated with MotherBrain."

            "Affiliated with MotherBrain?" Kevin exclaimed.  "That's it!  I'm in this, whether Perry likes it or not!  The second I hear MotherBrain is involved, I'm in it!"

            "You've my permission to cool down," said Lana.

            "Sorry.  I just don't like that despicable brain.  Besides, I'm the Game Master.  I have to block her every attempt to take over any place, especially if that place happens to be in or near VideoLand, Hyrule, or the Mushroom World.  She's always been this kingdom's worst news."

            Simon said, "I'll come along, too.  Can't let you take all the credit."

            "Sorry, Simon.  Just the Thunder Kittens and I should go with Jane Physicost.  Of course, Perry can marshal all the forces he needs from his division."

            "But, Kevin-icus, I've never explored Chemistra-cus," said Kid Icarus.

            "Nor have I," MegaMan said.  "We want to look around there."

            "I'm sorry, guys, but a small group will not draw as much attention as all of us.  Besides, I've got a subspace radio.  I can call if things get too hairy."

            Wilykit said, "And then Wilykat and I each have a special Thunderian radio, and the Sword will notify Lion-O if we get in trouble."

            Duke, Kevin's dog, nudged Kevin's leg.  "Sorry, Duke.  You'll have to sit this one out."  Duke whined, then went to lie on a pad next to Lana's throne.

            "Be careful, Kevin," said Lana.  "We don't know what MotherBrain may be plotting."

            "Thank you, Lana.  I usually am."

            "Now where are those things?  Ah!"  Lana found and filled out a search warrant.  "Here, Jane.  Just take this to Mason and Drake."

            "Thank you," said Jane, taking the warrant.

            Kevin said, "Let's go, everyone."

            * * *

            Control Room, Metroid.

            MotherBrain's tentacles were glowing, showing her anger.  "Damn it!  That Captain N's going to ruin the plan!"

            "Not if I stop him," said Mumm-ra.  "Come, Ma-mutt.  Let's be on our way to Nuclesís's mountain home."

            "I'll call ahead, Mumm-ra."

            "Thanks, MB."  Mumm-ra and Ma-mutt left for the warp area.

            MotherBrain operated a lever.  "MotherBrain to Nuclesís.  Come in, Charles."

            Charles Nuclesís appeared on her screen.  "Hello again, MotherBrain."

            "Hello, Charles.  Mumm-ra and his delightfully putrid cur, Ma-mutt, have left for your home.  They should arrive shortly.

            "However, the case has just taken a drastic turn for the worse for us.  Captain N has joined in the fun with the Wilytwins."

            "The Game Master!  Well, he won't interfere with the plan.  I'll see James Chemsos gone yet!  That son of a gun exposed that I am a villain.  If only you could influence the prosecution, but they're on the good guys' side."

            "Yes.  In the N-Team, Mason is Burger's boss.  Don't you consider Jane Physicost a problem?"

            "Truthfully, I don't know what to make of her.  I know she's part of the secret division of the N-Team, but other than that, I don't know what sort of threat she poses."

            "Well, I'll leave you.  Speak to you soon."

            "Later, MB."  He disappeared from the screen.

            * * *

            Living Room, Nuclesís's House, Atom Mountain, overlooking Chemico-Physic City, Chemurope, Chemistra.

            Nuclesís's three idiots, Neutron Head, Electron Charge, and Proton Brain, were sitting on the spacious and comfortable couch.  They could easily be confused as triplets; they were the same height, which was a few centimetres shorter than Nuclesís, and they had brown hair and blue eyes and the same build.  Electron Charge wore a red jump-suit-type outfit, Neutron Head a yellow, and Proton Brain a green.  They were respectively a tenor, a baritone, and a bass.  They were quite ignorant and had no knowledge of morality, which had made them perfect pawns for Nuclesís.

            Nuclesís entered, kicked them off the couch, and lay down on it.  "How many times have I told you?" he asked irately.  "Stay off the comfy furniture!  Go get a chair out of the storage room if you want one, or just sit on the floor."

            "But, boss," said Neutron Head, "the chairs in the storage room have springs showing, and the floor's hard as diamond."

            "Would you imbeciles dare object to my authority?"

            Proton Brain said, "No!  Of course not, Mr. Nuclesís."

            "Good.  We have a guest coming.  Try to behave in a civilised manner."

            A warp opened.  Mumm-ra and Ma-mutt emerged.  "Good day, Nuclesís," said Mumm-ra.  "I am Mumm-ra, the Ever-Living.  This is my doggie, Ma-mutt."

            "Good day, Mumm-ra," said Nuclesís.  "Allow me to introduce my three assistants:  Electron Charge, Neutron Head, and Proton Brain.  I shall explain to you about this case.  Arthur Physicost was brother to Jane Physicost, who is James Chemsos's fiancée.  Arthur had a profitable business of making nuclear waste products reusable.  He had the misfortune to meet me; I destroyed his consciousness and made him my slave.  Ever since, I have made him be nasty to his little sister.  One day recently, James Chemsos, my archenemy by the way, made an appointment to see Arthur.  He went with Jane.  In Arthur's office, Jane and James showed their N-Team ID to Arthur, and I had Arthur attempt to kill them both with a phaser.  However, with Jane's help, James got the phaser and, without checking the setting, blasted Arthur.  I had intended for James to be killed; I hate him so.  It so happens that a security camera was recording these events; Perry Mason can use it to prove James killed in self-defence.  I don't want that to happen, Mumm-ra.  I want him to go to jail for life!"

            "And the recording is what Jane Physicost, the Wilytwins, and Captain N are after," said Mumm-ra.  "True?"

            "Exactly."

            "Very well.  I can deal with them.  I shall lie in wait in Arthur Physicost's lab for them to arrive.  I shall bring you the recording if, as I anticipate, the four don't prove too difficult to deal with."

            "Very well."  Nuclesís got a map of Chemico-Physic City out of a table in the centre of the room.  "This map will lead you to the laboratory.  May you be successful, Mumm-ra."  He handed the map to Mumm-ra.  "Please keep in mind that traffic goes on the left side of the road."

            "Thank you, Nuclesís.  Let's go, Ma-mutt."

            "Proton Brain, kindly show Mumm-ra to the door," said Nuclesís.

            "Yes, Mr. Nuclesís," Proton Brain said.  "This way, please, Mr. Ever-Living."  He led Mumm-ra to the door.

            * * *

            Perry Mason's Suite, Hotel of Lake Electros, just outside Physica, Chemurope, Chemistra.

            "Very good," said Mason, examining the search warrant.  "I want you four and Paul to retrieve that tape."  He handed the warrant back to Jane.

            "Intuition is acting up," said Wilykit.  "I feel slightly uneasy about this, like danger is lurking somewhere."

            "Yeah," agreed Kevin.  "You get the same thing when you're Game Master of VideoLand."

            Wilykat said, "I'm not the pessimistic type, but I also feel a little uneasy about this."

            "I agree that we should be on our guard," said Jane.  "And, that being the case, I think we should make a stop at my house in the city on the way to Arthur's office."

            "Better get going," said Perry.  "Lana, Burger, and I have agreed on a date of 7 January 1993 for the preliminary hearing."

            Kevin whistled.  "Just shy of my B-day."

            "Right.  Also in the near future.  Now, get that evidence before Tragg does."

            "Yes, sir, Mr. Mason," said Wilykit.

            The door received three knocks.  "Come in," said Mason.  Paul Drake, Sr., came in.  "Hi, Paul."

            "Hi," said Paul.  "Sorry I'm late, guys, but I was telling my son what he had to do."

            "That's fine.  You're going with our four friends, Paul, to retrieve that tape.  They've got the search warrant."

            "Good.  I don't think Tragg or Anderson knows anything about the tape yet.  They've merely combed the office for physical evidence."

            "All right.  Get going."

            * * *

            Arthur Physicost's Office, Chemico-Physic City, Chemurope.

            Mumm-ra and Ma-mutt arrived in the office as gnats.  "Ha!  We'll wait until they arrive, my malicious hound!  Then, we'll destroy them!  Ha, ha, ha!"  They hid under a desktop.

            Soon after, Wilykit opened the door.  "Hello?" she called.  "Is anyone in here?"  No reply.  "No one's here, guys."  She came in.  Wilykat, Jane, Kevin, and Paul Drake, Sr., followed her.  "So, Miss Physicost. . ."

            "Excuse me, Wilykit, but please call me Jane," interrupted Jane.  " 'Miss Physicost' sounds a bit too formal, considering we're on the same team."

            "Certainly, Jane.  Now, where is the camera you're talking about?"

            "Up there.  It's carefully camouflaged."

            "Ah!"

            Jane went to the camera and carefully removed it.  "I think Arthur usually took the security tapes home with him," she said.  "However, the one we need is still in here."

            "We got what we came for," said Kevin.  "Let's beat it.  Gamer's intuition tells me we'd better not stay here too long."

            "I have the same feeling," Wilykit said.  "Let's go."  They began to leave.

            However, Mumm-ra and Ma-mutt materialised in front of the door.  "Not so fast!" said Mumm-ra.  "You should have listened to your instincts and stayed away from here in the first place.  Now, you will be destroyed!  Ha, ha!"

            "Well," said Kevin, "if it isn't Mumm-ra, the Ever-Rotting!"  He drew his Zapper.  "Move or eat Zapper, bandaged freak!"

            "Well, aren't we high-strung today!" said Mumm-ra.  "Allow me to help."  He blasted a beam at Kevin, who hit the A button on his Power Pad and jumped out of the way of the beam.  "What!  Curse you!"

            "Jane, is there a mirror around here?" asked Wilykit.  "The best way to defeat Mumm-ra is to show him his reflection."

            "Sure," Jane said.  "Farther down the hall."

            Wilykat said, "I'll take care of him, ladies.  Hey, Mumm-ra!"

            "What is it, Thunder Brat?" Mumm-ra asked.

            "Come and get me before your stinky preservation fluid wears off!"  He ran out.

            "Why, you!"  Mumm-ra ran after Wilykat.

            Wilykat ran down the hall and found the mirror.  "Here I am, you miserable mummy!  Betcha can't catch me!"

            "I'll make you regret that, Wilykat!" said Mumm-ra.  He stopped when he saw the mirror.  "No!!  Yaaaaah!!"  He returned to his original form.  "Damn you, Thunder Kitten."

            "What?  I'm going to have to get you for using that language."

            Kevin, Paul Drake, Jane, and Wilykit came along.  "Yeah," said Wilykit.  "It offends Thunderian ears."

            "I'll get you for this!" said Mumm-ra.  "You haven't seen the last of me!  Ma-mutt, get over here!"  Ma-mutt came running to his master.  Then, Mumm-ra zapped himself and Ma-mutt to Nuclesís's home.

            "Fixed our bandaged buddy, eh?" said Kevin.

            "Yeah," Wilykat said.  "You could say we reflected on the situation.  Now, what say we get that tape over to Mason's and see what's on it?"

            "Great idea," said Paul.

            * * *

            Mason's Temporary Office, Hotel of Lake Electros, just outside Physica, Chemurope.

            "Good," said Mason after viewing the tape.  "This will save James Chemsos.  Fortunately, in VideoLand, the police cannot confiscate defence evidence from an attorney once the attorney has the evidence.  The system is more favourable here than in the United States of Kevin's and my day.  Of course, here, the lawyers have quite a bit more incentive to conduct themselves ethically and legally."

            Drake said, "Well, Ken and my son are going around asking questions about what Chemsos said about Miss Physicost's brother."

            Jane said, "That won't help or hinder either you or the prosecution.  He never spoke about my brother except to me.  I know; I've read his mind."

            "What about the physical evidence at the scene?" asked Della.

            "I'm afraid that's in Hamilton Burger's favour, as if it matters in the end," Drake said.  "This tape is all that will prove that Chemsos acted inadvertently and in self-defence."

            "What now, Mr. Mason?" asked Wilykit.

            "Now, we wait," Mason said.  "Until Ken and Paul's son turn up something or until the hearing, whichever comes first."

            "No doubt MotherBrain was watching us," said Kevin.  "Assuming, of course, that it was she who sent Mumm-ra after us."

            Jane said, "It wouldn't surprise me in the least.  I've heard many bad things about that crafty villainess."

            "Do you know any other members of the N-Team?" asked Mason.

            "Dr. Wright and Dr. Cossack.  They help James and me obtain some of the chemicals and supplies we sell."

            "Mr. Mason," said Wilykat, "how can that tape be used?"

            "Just to the extent that it can prove that James Chemsos did not deliberately kill Mr. Physicost," said Mason.  "In this trial, we aren't supposed to discuss that Nuclesís stole Mr. Physicost's mind and used him to try to kill both Chemsos and Jane Physicost unless part of that helps to show that Chemsos shot in self-defence.  It probably can, in fact."

            "At the hearing," said Drake, "Burger will try to show that Chemsos cold-bloodedly and deliberately killed Arthur Physicost.  I'm sure glad we're in VideoLand.  On Earth, we'd never be able to admit that tape as evidence because we removed it from the scene of the crime.  On Earth, we'd never get the search warrant, either."

            * * *

            January 7.

            Palace Jail, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            Just before the trial, Mason was talking to James Chemsos.  "Glad you got that tape," Chemsos said.  "Jane stopped by a couple of days ago and told me about it."

            Mason said, "She told me.  Mumm-ra tried to stop the group that went to get it."

            "She told me about that, too.  To what lengths will that MotherBrain go to make sure I go behind bars?"

            "Any, especially if Nuclesís is one of her agents."

            "I was afraid of that.  Does the tape have any information you can use to our advantage?"

            "Most certainly.  All we have to do is show it during the optional defence part of the hearing.  However, all it will do for us is prove that you only killed unintentionally and fired in self-defence.  Now, after I get you off the hook so to speak, I can ask that Burger look into Nuclesís's connections with MotherBrain and Arthur Physicost."

            "All right.  How will the judge punish me?  According to Chemistrian law?"

            "Yes.  Fortunately, there's no difference between Chemistrian law and VideoLand law, save that VideoLand law is subject to change solely by the ruler.  Lana doesn't make laws on a whim; she's basically a democratic ruler."

            "That's why Chemistra decided to join VideoLand, Mr. Mason.  Captain N also dropped by.  He's a pretty nice guy."

            "Yes, he is.  He's well-liked and highly respected across VideoLand.  He will do almost anything in his power to keep Prince Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa and MotherBrain from conquering the galaxy."

            An official came in.  "The trial is about to begin, Mr. Mason."

            "Well, I'll get to the courtroom," said Mason.  "See you there, Mr. Chemsos."

            "Hey," said James.  "We're on the same team.  Call me 'James.' "

            "Yes, James; you may call me 'Perry.' "

            "See you in the courtroom, Perry."

            * * *

            Palace Courtroom, Palace of Power.

            "The court is now in session," said Simon, presently bailiff.  "I remind all of the distinction between 'thou' and 'you' and the forms of each; please remember them when speaking for the record."

            "Let us begin," Judge Lana said.  "Mr. Prosecutor, if thou wouldst state the charges against the defendant."

            Burger stood.  "Yes, Thine Honour.  The people of the Republic of Chemistra charge that the defendant James Chemsos committed the first-degree murder of Arthur Physicost.  In this preliminary hearing, the prosecution intends to show that the crime took place and that Mr. Chemsos could be responsible for the crime."

            "What is the plea?" Lana asked.

            Mason stood.  "Thine Honour, the defence pleads not guilty to the specified crime.  However, the defendant pleads guilt to unintentionally killing Mr. Physicost and to shooting the weapon in defence of himself and of Jane Physicost, who was with him at the time."

            "Very well," said Lana.  "Would the prosecution accept such a plea bargain?"

            "Not at this time, Thine Honour," said Burger.  "However, I'll agree to let the defence present a case after mine.  If they can show that it occurred as Mr. Mason said, then I'll accept a plea bargain."

            "I thank thee, Mr. Burger," said Mason.  He sat down.

            Lana said, "Please begin thy case, Mr. Prosecutor."

            "I thank thee, Thine Honour," Burger said.  "I call Lt. Arthur Tragg to the stand."

            Tragg stood and stopped at Simon.  "Please raise thy right hand," said Simon.  Tragg did so.  "Dost thou swear to this court that thou shalt tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help thee God?"

            "I do," Tragg said.

            "Please state thy name and occupation."

            "I am Lieutenant Arthur Tragg, head of the VideoLand Homicide Department and member of the Mason-Team Division of the Extended N-Team."

            "Thou mayest be seated."

            Tragg sat in the chair on the witness stand to the left of Judge Lana as Iggy (Spike)Koopa monitored the record of this hearing.  Burger got his laptop computer of his desk and held it so he could easily read some notes he had put in.  Burger asked, "Lieutenant, please explain how you discovered that Mr. Physicost was dead."

            "The defendant himself called me," said Tragg.  "He reported that he had killed Arthur Physicost in Physicost's office with a phaser pistol.  I neglected to tell him to stay put, so he left.  The next day, I found him with his new attorney, who was trying so hard to get away from a murder that he ran right into a new one."

            "Court recorder, please strike that final clause from the record," said Lana.  "From 'who was' to 'new one.' "

            "Yes, Thine Honour," said Iggy.

            Lana said, "Lt. Tragg, please refrain from any such comments in the future.  They are in excess to what is required."

            "Yes, Thine Honour," Tragg said.  "I apologise."

            Burger said, "Did you find the phaser pistol?"

            "Yes, I did.  I gave it to MegaMan, whom I asked to check to whom the pistol belonged.  I asked Quicksilver to examine the body.  Sergeant Brice examined the room for fingerprints."

            "Thank you.  What was the setting of the phaser pistol?"

            "I saw that it was set to kill."

            "Thank you, Lieutenant.  Thy witness, defence."  Burger sat back down.

            Mason stood.  He was determined to antagonise the opposition.  "Lt. Tragg, how did you know the pistol was set to kill?"

            "It has a little window, Mr. Mason," said Tragg, knowing that Mason was playing with him.  "It tells you what the setting is."

            "Did it have numbers for settings or any other item to indicate intensity?"

            "Why, yes, it did.  In fact, it was set for maximum kill."

            "Thank you, Lieutenant.  Now, the defendant told me a fight had been taking place.  Is it possible that he could have shifted from minimum stun to maximum kill in the middle of a fight?"

            "Objection!" said Burger.  "Irrelevant."

            Mr. Mason knew he could fight down this objection, but he did not waste the time.  "I withdraw the question.  Is it possible that Mr. Physicost had already set the pistol to maximum kill and that, during the fight, Mr. Chemsos grabbed the pistol and shot Mr. Physicost in defence?"

            "That is possible," conceded Tragg.

            "Did you notice any security equipment?"  Tragg's face flushed red slightly, but just enough for Burger to do something about it.

            "Objection," Burger said.  "Improper cross-examination.  The matter of security equipment was not brought forth in direct examination."

            Lana said, "Sustained."  But Mason had made his point.

            "Very well," said Mason.  "No further questions."

            "Re-direct?" Lana asked.

            Burger stood.  "No, Thine Honour."

            "Witness is excused."  Tragg stood and left the stand to sit next to Burger.  "Call thy next witness, please, Mr. Burger."

            "I call MegaMan to the stand."  MegaMan came to Simon.

            "Please raise thy right hand," said Simon.  MegaMan did so.  "Dost thou swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help thee God?"

            "I do," said MegaMan.

            "Please state thy full name and occupation."

            "I am MegaMan, defender of the Republic of MegaLand, member of Her Highness's court, member of the N-Team Base division of the Extended N-Team, and Palace Ballistics Expert."

            "Thou mayest be seated."  MegaMan sat in the chair on the stand.

            Burger stood.  "MegaMan, you did examine the phaser pistol as Lt. Tragg said?"

            "Yes," said MegaMan.  "It was set on maximum kill, as he testified."

            "Didst thou examine the fingerprints?"

            "No.  I handed the gun over to Sergeant Brice so he could do so.  As I can manipulate weapons so as not to eliminate the fingerprints, though, I went ahead and examined it."

            "Since thou art an expert on such weapons, would it take long for the pistol to kill Mr. Physicost at that setting?"

            "Not at all.  It can kill a Chemistrian after half a second."

            "Didst thou consult with Quicksilver?"

            "Unfortunately, no.  I had other matters to which I had to attend.  However, it is requisite in my training as a ballistics examiner to know such a matter."

            "Very well.  Thy witness, Mr. Mason."

            Mason stood as Burger sat.  "No questions."  Mason sat back down.

            "Thou art excused," said Lana.  MegaMan returned to his seat.

            Burger stood.  "I would now like to call Quicksilver to the stand."

            Quicksilver stood and came to Simon Belmont.  "Please raise thy right hand," said Simon.  Quicksilver did so.  "Dost thou swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

            "I do," said Quicksilver.

            "Please state thy name and occupation."

            "My name is Jonathan Quick.  I am more commonly called Quicksilver.  I am colonel and second-in-command of the Silver Hawks, a division of the Extended N-Team, and I am also head doctor of the hospital here in the Palace of Power."

            "Thou mayest be seated."  Quicksilver seated himself.

            Burger stood.  "Thou examinedest the body of Arthur Physicost, correct?"

            "Yes, Mr. Prosecutor.  Lt. Tragg gave me his body before any post mortem processes had set in.  I examined in particular the phaser wound.  I had learned enough about phaser weapons to know that the wound was inflicted by a very short beam but by a weapon set to kill."

            "Very well.  Thank you, Quicksilver.  Thy witness, Mr. Mason."  He sat.

            Mason stood.  "Quicksilver, how dost thou know about phaser weapons?"

            "As a Silver Hawk, I had to learn very much about those," Quicksilver said.  "Even though phaser weapons have been purged from Limbo until very recently, we learned how to deal with them."

            "Very well.  How soon after the death did you get Mr. Physicost's body to examine?"

            "Only a couple of hours.  With the setting that MegaMan said was used, Mr. Physicost was killed almost instantly.  With medical evidence, I can say that Mr. Chemsos called Lt. Tragg very, very soon after shooting Mr. Physicost."

            "Thank you, Quicksilver.  I have no more questions."

            Burger said, "No re-cross."

            "Thou mayest step down," said Lana.

            "I would now like to call Sergeant Brice to the stand."  Sergeant Brice went to Simon, was sworn in, and took his seat.  "Now, Sergeant, what fingerprints didst thou examine?"

            "I examined the fingerprints on most of the equipment in Mr. Physicost's lab," said Brice.  "I also examined those on the gun.  On the door-handle, I found the prints of Mr. Physicost, Miss Jane Physicost, and Mr. Chemsos.  On the gun, I found Mr. Physicost's and Mr. Chemsos's prints.  On most of the equipment, I just found Mr. Physicost's."

            "How long after Tragg was called did you check the prints?"

            "In the laboratory, only a half-hour.  On the gun, a day, since MegaMan had been examining the gun."

            "Thank you.  That is all."

            "No questions," said Mason.

            "Thou art excused," said Lana.  "Next witness."

            "Thine Honour," said Burger, "I call Jane Physicost to the stand."

            Jane went to Simon.  "Please raise thy right hand," said Simon.  Jane did so.  "Swearest thou to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help thee God?"

            "I do," said Jane.

            "Please give thy full name and occupation."

            "In the language of my world, my name is Genas Phîsícos {jáy-nah fih-sih-kó}, and each word ends in a silent S.  In English, it is Jane Physicost, which I am more commonly called.  With James Chemsos, I am importer of valuable chemicals from VideoLand."

            "Thou mayest be seated."  Jane sat in the chair on the witness stand.

            Burger stood.  "Miss Physicost, what is your relationship with the defendant?"

            "We are Amorys Eternys.  It is an eternal bond of love, which should not affect the trial, since love is subjective."

            "You're right, Miss Physicost.  Now, what sort of chemicals do you import?"

            "They are very rare on our planet.  We have discovered that they are very useful in Chemistrian life, particularly for keeping the natural life alive.  That is the primary reason for all our industrial and technological techniques; Chemistrian mentality dictates that nothing may bring harm to plant or animal ecosystems."

            "I see.  Those chemicals you import, what do they do for the masses?"

            "They help to increase our quality of life without harming the environment.  In particular, they are useful in weather control."

            "That's good.  Now, Miss Physicost, didst thou witness the murder of your brother?"

            "Yes, I did.  He. . ."

            "Please do not elaborate.  Just tell me one thing.  No embellishments; just yes or no.  And I remind thee that thou art under oath.  Did Mr. Chemsos pull the trigger?"

            "Yes."

            "Thank you.  Thy witness."  He sat down.

            Mason stood.  "I have no questions at this time, Thine Honour, but I reserve the right to re-call this witness."

            "Very well," said Lana.  "Thou mayest step down."  Jane stood down.  Her manner was serious and logical, yet James could tell she would not let him be convicted of first-degree murder.

            Burger stood.  "Thine Honour, I believe that I have established a prima facie case.  I move that the defendant be bound over for trial in superior court."

            Mason stood.  "Thine Honour, defence now wishes to open its case."

            "Very well," said Lana.  "Prosecution's motion is denied for now.  Go ahead, Mr. Mason."

            "Now, I would like to call Jane Physicost as a witness for the defence."

            "What?" cried Burger, jumping up.  He was hot in an instant.  Yet, the next instant, he knew he had no reason to be upset.  "I apologise, Thine Honour."  He sat back down.

            As Jane returned to the stand, Lana said, "I remind thee that thou art still under oath."

            "Thank you," said Jane.

            "Now, Miss Physicost," said Mason, "thou and James Chemsos came to my office the day after the crime, did you not?"

            "Correct.  James enlisted your aid; then Tragg came and took him away."

            "Now, why art thou not allowed to discuss what James told me?"

            "Because I am his Amoras Eternas.  A rule of confidentiality similar to that which binds thee in relation to thy client binds me in relation to him and him in relation to me."

            "I see.  After Tragg led him off, tell the court who called."

            "The Wilytwins called and asked you if they could come over; you said they could.  Thou madest them swear to confidentiality by the Code of Thundera so that, like thy secretary, they could not discuss anything James Chemsos had told thee with anyone else."

            "Now, tell me about something you noticed in the lab while you were there, something that I said you could discuss."

            "In the lab, there was a highly camouflaged security camera.  Actually, I didn't notice it was there; Arthur had told me about it when he first got the lab.  He told me he used 24-hour tapes to record all the actions in the lab and took the tapes home with him so he could review them, see who had been in or out."

            "I see.  Thou toldest me about it."

            "Right.  Thou sentest the Wilytwins and me to Her Highness, the ruler of VideoLand, to obtain a search warrant so we could get the tape that was in that camera.  At the Throne Room of the Palace of Power, Captain N, hearing about a connection with MotherBrain in this case, decided to come along with us."

            "When you returned with the search warrant, what happened?"

            "Thou sentest Paul Drake, Captain N, the Wilytwins, and me to the lab to retrieve the tape.  While we were there, we were assaulted by Mumm-ra, whom Wilykat subdued."

            "Did the tape contain anything valuable?"

            "Yes.  It possessed the information required to prove that James Chemsos was only guilty of that to which he has pled."

            "Thank you.  Now, what kind of person is James Chemsos?  From thy personal experience, would he intentionally kill someone?"

            "Only if that someone were threatening him, me, his parents, or his two younger siblings, who are twins."

            "Why would thy brother threaten him?"

            "As the tape will show, my brother was literally not himself.  Physically, he was, but not mentally.  And I do not mean crazy."

            "That will currently suffice.  Thank thee.  Thy witness."

            "How wouldst thou know whether James Chemsos was planning to kill thy brother?" Burger asked.

            "We have a telepathic link.  If he had been planning it, I would have known."

            "About this camera, why would Tragg not notice it?"

            "I guess he just overlooked it.  After all, as I said, it was highly camouflaged."

            "I see.  No further questions."

            "No re-direct," said Mason.

            "Thou art excused," said Lana.

            "Thank you," Jane said.  She returned to her seat.

            Mason said, "I now call Wilykit to the stand."  Wilykit stood and came to Simon.

            "Please raise thy right hand," said Simon.  Wilykit did so promptly.  "Dost thou swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help thee God?"

            "I do," said Wilykit.

            "Please state your full name and occupation."

            "I am Kit Astutus van Wily or, more commonly, Wilykit, and twin sister to Wilykat.  I am the second-youngest member of the Thunder Cats, a division of the Extended N-Team."

            "You may be seated."

            Wilykit sat in the chair on the witness stand.  Mason stood and asked, "Do you confirm all that Jane Physicost said?"

            "Yes," said Wilykit.  "All that included me, at any rate."

            "Now, out of curiosity, does this confidentiality prevent thee and thy twin brother from talking about what James Chemsos told me even between yourselves?"

            "No, Mr. Mason.  Anything that keeps twins from freely sharing anything between each other is out as far as Thunderians are concerned."

            "I see.  Now, how did Wilykat subdue Mumm-ra?"

            "He showed Mumm-ra his reflection in a mirror down the hall from the lab.  The mummy then retreated.  Where he went, I don't know."

            "Why would he be there?"

            "Objection:  irrelevant," said Burger.

            "I withdraw the question," said Mason.  "That will be all, Wilykit.  Thank you."

            "No cross-examination," said Burger.

            "Thou art excused," said Lana.

            Wilykit returned to her seat.  Mason said, "I now call MotherBrain to the stand."

            MotherBrain came to Simon, was sworn, and went near the witness stand.  "I can't sit on the stand, Thine Honour," said MotherBrain.

            "Obviously," said Lana.  "Thou mayest stay there during thine examination."

            "Thank you."

            Mason said, "MotherBrain, didst thou spy on me when Chemsos requested my services?"

            "Yes, sir, Mr. Mason," said MotherBrain without shame.  "When Miss Physicost told you about the security camera, I called the Brain-Team member 'assigned' to Quemistras {káy-més-trah}, Charles Nuclesís.  I sent Mumm-ra to his house to stop Paul Drake, Captain N, the Wilytwins, and Miss Physicost before they got the security tape.  Obviously, he failed because of the last witness's twin brother."

            "So, thou knowest what was going on, dost thou not?"

            "Precisely, Mr. Mason.  I even confirm the testimony of thy witnesses, as I have spied on the entire event from its beginning."

            "Thank you.  No further questions."

            Burger said, "No questions at this time, Thine Honour."

            Lana said, "Very well.  Thou art excused, MotherBrain."  MotherBrain returned to her spot in the back of the room.

            "Now," said Mason, "I call Paul Drake, Sr."  Drake came to Simon, was sworn, and sat in the chair on the stand.  "Dost thou confirm the testimony of my prior witnesses, so far as thou art included in what they saw and did?"

            "Yes," said Drake.

            "Dost thou have the security tape, as I asked thee to bring it?"

            "I do, Mr. Mason."  He removed it from his coat pocket and gave it to Mason.

            "Thank you.  Now, Thine Honour, I intend to show the proof that Mr. Chemsos is only guilty of what I've said he's guilty of."

            "Very well," said Lana.  "Doth the prosecution have any objections?"

            "No, Thine Honour," Burger said.

            "Very well.  Bailiff Belmont, please bring forth the tape player and hologram projector."  Simon did as ordered.  Mason put the tape in the tape machine and turned on the projector.

            "Here we have it," said Mason.  He turned on the machine.  He showed first a section where Arthur Physicost revealed that his true spirit had been destroyed by Nuclesís and that he was now thoroughly under Nuclesís's power, then the scene in the lab narrated in the previous act.  This convinced everyone.

            Burger stood.  "Thine Honour, I agree to the plea bargain, that James Chemsos is guilty of unintentionally killing Mr. Physicost and shooting in self-defence."

            "Very well," said Lana.  "The defendant will rise."  James rose.  "James Chemsos, for this act, I sentence thee to twenty-four hours in the Palace Jail.  Since it is 11.30 now, thou shalt be released at 11.30 on 8 January 1993.  The deed that thou hast committed is far from a felony."

            "I understand, Thine Honour."

            * * *

            Living Room, Nuclesís's House, Atom Mountain, overlooking Chemico-Physic City, Chemurope, Chemistra.

            "Damn!!" cried Nuclesís.  "It can't be!  Oh, that damned James Chemsos will be free!"

            "Ludwig and I had the same problem when we framed Captain N," said MotherBrain.  "In both cases, a tape was involved."

            "Band-Aid-Body won't be workin' this town again, will he, boss?" said Proton Brain.

            "If you call me that once more," said Mumm-ra in the rumbling depths of his bass-baritone voice, "I will personally see to it that you never emerge from the deepest depths of Hell."

            "Don't insult Mumm-ra!" Nuclesís commanded in a higher register of his voice.  He thumbed a button on his coffee table.  A trap door opened underneath Proton Brain and sent him falling into the stone basement.  "Now, Jane Physicost will regret helping her boyfriend!  Hee, hee, hee!  NEUTRON HEAD!!!  ELECTRON CHARGE!!!  GET YOUR LAZY BUTTS IN HERE!!!"  The two idiots zipped into the room.  "I want you two to kidnap Jane Physicost."

            "Uh, uh!" said Neutron Head.  "If we do that, Mr. Chemsos will beat the stuffing out of us!"

            "Which is worse?  His beating the stuffing out of you or my beating the stuffing out of you?"

            "Uh. . . we're outta here!"

            "Not so fast," said MotherBrain.  "This operation needs an overseer, Charles."  She opened a radio link to Metroid.  "ProtoMan, get me Ridley on the line!"

            "Yes, MotherBrain!" ProtoMan replied.

            A few seconds later, Ridley said, "Yes, MotherBrain?  What dost thou desire, my commander?"

            "Warp to my location, child of my own brain.  I have a task for thee."  A warp opened; Ridley emerged from it.  "Ah, my dear Ridley.  This is Charles Nuclesís."

            Ridley shook hands with Nuclesís.  "A pleasure," Ridley said.  "The one to bring havoc to the Chemistrians' so-called ideal society."

            "Yes," said Nuclesís.  "It's a pleasure meeting another of MotherBrain's top officers.  Here are two of my buffoons, Electron Charge and Neutron Head."

            "I assume you overheard the trial of James Chemsos as I asked?" MotherBrain said.

            "Yes," Ridley said.

            "Well, I want you to supervise the capture of Jane Physicost by Nuclesís's idiots, my dragon."

            «Avec plaisir!  {Ah-vehk pleh-zér!}  [French]  (With pleasure!)»  "Let's go, fools.  There's a young woman to kidnap!"

            * * *

            Jane Physicost's House, Chemico-Physic City, Chemurope.

            Jane had invited Captain N, Perry Mason, Della Street, and the Wilytwins for lunch.  "Thank you all for helping James and me," said Jane, serving sandwiches that were more filling than they appeared.  Chemistrians carefully sized meals to hold until the next.

            "You're welcome," said Perry Mason.  "I don't care that it was on my vacation."

            Upon tasting and after swallowing, Wilykat said, "Mm!  Very good."

            "Thank you," Jane said.  "I heard Thunderians had sensitive taste buds, particularly those of your race."

            "We can tolerate almost anything that's edible," Wilykit said.  "However, this kind of sandwich is definitely something to consider adding to our menu."

            "Well, thank you, Wilykit."

            Kevin began to grow uneasy.  "Something's wrong."

            "What?" asked Della.

            "I don't know.  I just have this feeling."

            "Yeah," said Wilykit.  "I'm getting it, too."

            Jane sat down.  "Well, I don't like the sound of it.  I also feel something's wrong."

            The kitchen door flew in and smashed against the wall behind Perry Mason!  "Hey!" said Wilykat.  "Who. . . Ridley!"

            Ridley entered, followed by Nuclesís's two idiots.  "Yes, Thunder Kitten.  You seem to know my name very well."

            "What are you doing here?" Kevin demanded.

            "Oh, you know, Captain N.  Wherever I go, I am operating for the great MotherBrain.  Neutron Head and Electron Charge, do as your lord commanded while I hold off the kitties and the so-called Game Master."

            "You'll regret that nasty comment, dragon-breath!" said Kevin.  Ridley blasted a ball of fire at him; Kevin pressed the 'up' button on his Power Pad to jump and evade the fire.  Upon landing, Kevin took his Zapper and blasted Ridley, who unfortunately was not susceptible to it!  "Uh, oh!"

            "That's right!"  With his left hand, Ridley grabbed Kevin's right arm, making sure the claws dug in.

            "Yow!  Let go, Puff!"

            "That's what I intend to do!"  Ridley easily picked up Kevin and tossed him through the large glass window in the sliding door to the back yard, knocking him unconscious and wounding him.

            "Hey!" said both Thunder Kittens.  "You can't do that, Ridley!"

            "I just did, Thunder Twerps!  Quit dawdling, you two imbeciles!"

            Finally, Electron Charge and Neutron Head managed to get hold of Jane Physicost by the arms.  She was struggling feistily.  "Let me go, you idiots!" she shouted.

            "Now, we can't let go of you," said Ridley.  "You have an appointment with Charles Nuclesís!  Ha, ha, ha!  Take her away in your flying car, you fools, and don't stop to crash on the way!"  He knew full well that Proton Brain, the one who was not here, was the Atomic Idiot most competent in driving.

            "Got it, Ridley!" said Electron Charge.  "Let's get the lady out of here, Neutron Head."

            The fools left.  "Oh, no you don't!" said Wilykat, getting his rope ready.  As he swung it, using it as a lariat, though, Ridley grabbed it and yanked it, causing Wilykat to fall on his chest onto the floor.  "Yah!  Oof!"

            "Ha, ha!  Gotcha, kid!" said Ridley.  "What about you, Wilykit?  Give up?"

            "Never," said Wilykit.  "You'd better get out of here before I get Samus in here!"

            "I am so scared!  That space-woman doesn't scare me, Thunder Kitten."

            "She'd better.  She gave me this!"  Wilykit took a pellet, tossed it, and hit Ridley.

            "That's the best you can do?  Ha!  I. . . yah!"  He started scratching everywhere.  "Damn you!  Damn her!  Metroidian Itch Powder!"  He grabbed Wilykat.

            Wilykat cried, "Hey!  Let me go!"

            "Do as he said, or else!" said Wilykit.

            "Not very persuasive," Ridley said.  "Good-bye!"  He left quickly.

            "Stop!!" yelled Wilykit.  She ran outside after him, but he and Wilykat were gone with no trace.  "Where'd they go?"

            * * *

            Living Room, Nuclesís's House, Atom Mountain, overlooking Chemico-Physic City, Chemurope.

            "Ha, ha, ha!" laughed MotherBrain, in a screen that took up an entire wall.  This was the huge screen that Nuclesís and Ridley were using to communicate with her.  "Good work, Ridley!  Lion-O will pay dearly to get that little squirt back."

            "I'm no squirt!" Wilykat snapped back.  "If I already have all the strength I'm naturally supposed to have by the time my next birthday rolls around. . ."  He stopped in mid-sentence to make a dramatic point.

            MotherBrain, however, did not believe him.  She knew what he was talking about, but she knew he was not that strong yet.  "Ha!  You're just trying to scare us."

            "You should be scared!  My race is the strongest of all the Thunderian races, and according to Tygra, Wilykit and I are from the strongest family of our race."

            "Hmph.  I strongly doubt that you have that strength yet," said Nuclesís.  "Otherwise, you'd have stopped Ridley."

            "Where are your buffoons, by the way?" Ridley asked.  "They left Miss Physicost's house a few moments before I arrived here, and that was half an hour ago."

            "The idiots never regard the speed laws," said Nuclesís.  "They also don't know how to calculate the proper flight trajectory to get them up here quickly.  Save for Proton Brain, of course; he's the real driver of the bunch.  But I had to trap-door him; he was being a fool."

            The front door opened.  The two idiots came in with Jane Physicost.  "Well, if it isn't Charles Nuclesís himself," said Jane.  "You dirty, conniving snake.  And then there's MotherBrain.  I hear a law a day keeps the wrinkle away."

            "Why, you rotten little do-gooder," said MotherBrain.  "These aren't wrinkles!  They're beauty lines!"

            Wilykat said, "Oh, please.  They only contribute to your ugliness."

            "Do not continue to insult my commander!" Ridley warned.  "I don't take kindly to it."

            "Don't hurt him yet, my loyal friend," said MotherBrain.  "I must call Steelheart and make my demands.  Hee, hee!  Nuclesís and Ridley, make sure your hostages are secure.  Do with Jane Physicost what you will, but I want Wilykat alive for now and in an area with a camera so we can show him to the N-Team, just to show them we've not hurt him."

            Wilykat bore his teeth.  "You won't get away with this, MotherBrain."

            "Well, that's news to me.  MotherBrain out."  The screen flipped off.

            * * *

            Palace Hospital, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            Quicksilver healed Kevin's wounds.  "I'm glad you brought him here so soon, Wilykit," Quicksilver said.  "That glass could have caused some permanent injuries."

            "Well, they've got my little brother," said Wilykit.  "I'm going to do something about that."

            The doors opened.  Steelheart, Lion-O, and Princess Lana came in.  "How is he?" Lana asked.

            "He's going to be all right," said Quicksilver.  "I'd appreciate it if he didn't strain himself within the next forty-eight hours."

            Steelheart said, "That's all right.  I won't let him do anything strenuous within the next forty-eight hours, then."

            "I really shouldn't let James Chemsos go early," said Lana.  "However, he and Jane Physicost are the only ones who know about Nuclesís, and I wouldn't send anyone to confront Nuclesís without Chemsos."

            "I have a feeling that MotherBrain doesn't plan on immediately hurting Wilykat," said Wilykit.  "It seems more to me like she's going to use him to use us."

            "That's possible," said Lion-O.

            A radio in the office beeped.  Quicksilver went over to it and saw that a certain button of many was blinking.  He tapped it and said, "Steelwill, this is Quicksilver.  What is it?"

            Steelwill popped on the viewscreen on the wall behind Kevin's table.  "We've received a transmission from Metroid.  It's for Steelheart."

            "I'll take it here, Will," Steelheart said.  "Thank you."

            "Any time, Steelheart."  The image on the screen faded to blackness; then, MotherBrain's image appeared.

            "Howdy, Commander," MotherBrain said.

            "Let's cut to the chase, MotherBrain," said Steelheart.  "You've captured two members of the Extended N-Team."

            "Yes.  Word travels quickly when little squirts like Wilykit are around."

            Wilykit said, "You retract that nasty name right now, MotherBrain."

            "Okay; I retract the comment 'squirt' in reference to you.  Anyway, Nuclesís is holding Jane Physicost and Ridley is holding Wilykat, both in Nuclesís's house.  I cannot guarantee the safety of Physicost.  However, if you want that precious little Thunder Kitten back alive, I suggest you do as I demand.  First, though, here he is."  Wilykat appeared on the screen.  He was in perfect health, but he was occupying a dark cell.  "Satisfied?"

            "Yes.  What do you want?" Steelheart asked.

            "Thou and Lion-O turn Captain N and yourselves over to Ridley, who is at Nuclesís's house, by one hour after noon tomorrow.  Until that time, I promise that he shall remain completely unhurt.  After that, though, Wilykat may be a roasted kitten, or worse.  Hee, hee, hee!"  MotherBrain disappeared from the screen.

            "By turning the three of us over to her, we will be disintegrating the command structure of the Extended N-Team," said Lion-O.

            "I have an idea," said Steelheart.  "MotherBrain is not likely to release Wilykat or Jane Physicost.  We'll still turn ourselves in.  Wilykit and James Chemsos, however, can sneak into the house and get us out."

            "Sounds interesting," said Wilykit.  "Shouldn't you call in Mario, Perry Mason, and Darkwing to inform them of this plan, though?  I mean, they're next after you, Kevin, and Lion-O."

            "Of course," Steelheart said.  "Considering the unlikely possibility that you will fail, of course.  And I do trust that it is most unlikely."

            "Yes.  You don't misplace your trust when you trust me."

            "And, if MotherBrain does keep her word, you'll have an even greater chance of success."

            "Of course.  Wilykat will have been through some of the corridors of Nuclesís's house."

            * * *

            Palace Jail, Palace of Power.

            Steelheart had called Kevin, Lion-O, Mario, Perry Mason, Darkwing Duck, and Wilykit to Chemsos's jail cell so that the plan could be discussed in Chemsos's presence.  Steelheart began the meeting by saying, "MotherBrain, Ridley, and Nuclesís have captured Jane Physicost and Wilykat and are holding them at Nuclesís's house on the Atom Mountain."

            "Holy stuck-up pipes!" exclaimed Mario.

            "Well, if you ask me, the little twerp's been asking for it," Darkwing said.

            "Please be quiet, Darkwing," said Steelheart.  "The assault occurred this afternoon when Kevin, Perry Mason, Della Street, and the Thunder Kittens were having lunch with Jane Physicost at her house.  Wilykit?"

            "Ridley and two of Nuclesís's imbeciles unceremoniously popped in," said Wilykit.  "Kevin attempted to stop Ridley, but Ridley, whom Kevin's Zapper would not harm, threw Kevin through a large window of glass in a sliding door.  Nuclesís's servants took Jane and drove with her back to Nuclesís's mountain home.  Wilykat tried to lasso them with his rope, but Ridley grabbed the rope and caused him to fall.  After I struck MotherBrain's dragon with itching powder and he started scratching, he took Wilykat and warped to Nuclesís's house before I could catch him.  I got Kevin to the hospital and told Steelheart, Lion-O, and Princess Lana what had happened."

            "At the hospital," said Steelheart, "MotherBrain gave us a call.  She said she wants me, Kevin, and Lion-O in exchange for Wilykat; she told us to go to Nuclesís's house by 13.00 tomorrow.  I think she's just leaving Jane Physicost to Nuclesís.  Anyway, I've decided we should turn ourselves in to her.  In the meantime, Wilykit and James Chemsos will sneak into Nuclesís's house and save us.  I don't think MotherBrain will really release Wilykat.  If she does, though, he's to go help Mr. Chemsos and Wilykit."

            "James," corrected James Chemsos.

            "Of course, James."

            "What kind of plan is that?" demanded Darkwing.  "You're leaving me to lead the N-Team if you fail!  I don't particularly. . ."

            "Just a minute," said Mario.  "Darkwing, I came fourth after Steelheart, Kevin, and Lion-O during the election.  I would get the position.  You'd lead only if I were eliminated, then Perry Mason.  You're making a metropolitan, New-York-sized plumbing shut-down out of a clogged bathtub pipe."

            "Mario, I don't intend to let Steelheart, Kevin, and Lion-O stay captured," said Wilykit.

            Steelheart said, "Kevin, Lion-O, do you agree to the plan?"

            "Yes," said Kevin.

            "Yes," Lion-O said.

            "What about you, James?" asked Steelheart.

            "Yes, I agree," James Chemsos said.  "I've been in Nuclesís's home before.  My telepathy will lead me to you three, Jane, and Wilykat.  Wilykit, you'll have to go to Jane's and my house to get some supplies.  We should enact this plan as soon as I'm released."

            "Very well," said Wilykit.  She removed a notepad from a zipper pocket on her pellet-belt, took a pen from the same pocket, opened the notepad, and prepared her pen.  "What do we need?"

            * * *

            January 8.

            Nuclesís's House, Atom Mountain, overlooking Chemico-Physic City, Chemurope, Chemistra.

            Steelheart pressed the doorbell button.  She looked back to her companions, Kevin and Lion-O.  The two young men had courage and determination in their faces.  The three of them trusted Wilykit and James Chemsos a great deal to be taking such a dangerous risk.

            She looked back to the door when she heard a sound of activity within.  The door opened and revealed Charles Nuclesís.  "Good morning, Mr. Nuclesís," said Steelheart.

            "Ah, good morning, Steelheart, Captain N, and Lion-O," Nuclesís said.  He moved aside.  "Do come in."  The three entered the house; Nuclesís then closed the door gently.  "Have you come in response to MotherBrain's demand?"

            "Yes, we have," Steelheart said.  "But first, bring in Wilykat."

            "Certainly."  He pressed a comm button next to the door.  "Atomic Idiots, the three N-Team members have come.  Bring the Thunder Kitten up to the living room gently.  So much as a bruise on him, and I'll blast you fools to Oz!"  He pressed the comm button again.  "Follow me, please."  He led Steelheart, Kevin, and Lion-O into the living room, where he activated the enormous screen.  "Nuclesís calling MotherBrain.  Come in, my evil commandante."

            MotherBrain appeared on the screen.  "Yes, my loyal Nuclesís?"

            "The three N-Teamsters are here.  I've called my idiots to bring Wilykat up to the living room."

            "Good.  For their sake he'd better not be hurt in the least.  I promised Steelheart that."  She sweetly addressed Steelheart.  "And how are you this morning, Steelheart?"

            "Could be better," said Steelheart.

            "Aw.  I'm deeply sorry to hear that."

            A door from the back hallway opened.  The three idiots brought Wilykat in.  A side door opened, and Ridley came in.  "Look him over, good guys," said Nuclesís.  "Let me know if one physical detail is awry."

            "I'll do it," said Lion-O.  He looked Wilykat over.  "Nothing's wrong, that I can see.  How are you feeling?"

            "Okay, except for being around Nuclesís's annoying idiots," Wilykat replied.  "They also don't know how to please the Thunderian palate like other Chemistrians."

            "How dare you!" said Nuclesís to his idiots.  "Didn't you fools find him suitable food?"

            "I thought you told us to give him what was in fridge A," said Electron Charge.

            "You idiot!  That's for Physicost!  I told you to give him what I had bought yesterday, not the dratted leftovers!  To whom did you give that food, anyway?"

            "Oh, it wasn't ours?"

            "Oh, you ignorant idiots!!  You get what's in fridge A, too!!"

            "That stuff tastes awful," said Wilykat.  "Why do you give it to your servants?"

            "Because I have demonstrated my superiority over them, of course.  You incorrigible idiots!  I want a report."

            "On what?" Proton Brain asked.

            "On how many giganto-bats are in the basement caverns!"  He hit a button under the screen.  Proton Brain, Electron Charge, and Neutron Head were standing on a trap door that opened down under them, so they were sucked down into the basement.  Their screams were heard until he shut the door.  They really hated giganto-bats, which were what their name suggested:  bats five times the size of normal bats.  They inhabited the caverns in the mountain.

            "Hee, hee!" said MotherBrain.  "You sure have some interesting ways of dealing with your trio of idiots!"

            "Thank you, MB," said Nuclesís.

            Kevin demanded, "How can you do this to them?"

            "Don't you know that they are like Wile E. Coyote?" asked Nuclesís.  "As long as I do not use evil magic, they will spring back from whatever punishment I dish at them.  I could toss them from the top of this castle down into the city, and they won't be hurt."

            Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo appeared in the room.  "Wilykat, you're free to go," said MotherBrain.  "I have bigger fish to fry.  Nuclesís, Ridley, instruct my idiots to take the three N-Team commanders to their cell.  I'll be over shortly with Ludwig and Bowser; we will then interrogate them."

            Mumm-ra entered the room, fully transformed.  "Count me in, MotherBrain!  Heh, heh.  Also, invite my pal Mon*Star."

            "Excellent idea, Mumm-ra.  Wilykat, I suggest you leave."  The screen turned off.

            "I'm not going to leave you three to be tortured by the Brain-Team," said Wilykat.

            "Go, Wilykat," said Lion-O.

            "You can't help us from here," said Steelheart.

            "Leave while you can," said Kevin.

            Nuclesís opened the doors with his control pad under the enormous screen.  "You may leave, Wilykat," said Nuclesís.  "Within the next sixty seconds."  He looked at his watch.

            "Okay," said Wilykat.  "But I'll be back!  Count on it!"  He left the house.

            Smiling, Nuclesís closed the doors after Wilykat had gone.  "Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo," said Ridley, "escort our guests to their chamber.  I'll lead the way."

            "Okay, Ridley," said King Hippo.  Ridley led into the back hallway.  The three N-Team members followed him, and then King Hippo and Eggplant Wizard.

            * * *

            Back outside, Wilykat stared at the closed door, which was exactly north of him.  "How am I going to save them?" he asked himself.

            Wilykit and James Chemsos came around the west corner of the house.  "That's we, little brother!" said Wilykit.

            "Wilykit!" he exclaimed.  He zipped over to her and hugged her tightly.  "Oh, Wilykit.  Did you help Kevin?"

            "Yes.  He was injured, but Quicksilver repaired the injuries."

            James took off his glasses and wiped them with a special cloth he had in his breastpocket.  The environment was a little cold, and frost was forming on the spectacles.  "Well, I suggest we get started," said James.  "What did they say they were going to do with our leaders?"

            "MotherBrain, Bowser, Ludwig, and Mon*Star are coming to - quote - interrogate - end-quote - them, if you know what I mean," said Wilykat.

            "Increasing the urgency of our getting to them," said Wilykit.  "Come on, James.  Let's all get in there and save our leaders."

            Once James had replaced his glasses to his face, they ran around to the back of the house.  "He never knows how I get in," said James.  "He never locks the back door."  When they had gotten to the back door, he opened it.  "Here we are.  This leads to the kitchen."  They entered the kitchen, a fairly pleasant and clean place.  "This is the nicest room in the whole place.  Come on.  The evil ones will have our leaders downstairs in the dungeon basement.  Unlike the other basement levels, it is the most straightforward.  Nuclesís has it deep in the mountain to keep people from breaking out.  Come."

            He led the way through a blue door.  For a quarter of an hour, they carefully descended the slippery stairs.  "What about his fools?" asked Wilykat, whispering.  "In the living room, he sent them to the cavern basement."

            "That's the red basement," said Chemsos.  "It is a twisted maze as convoluted as the most complex maze in Metroid.  He goes down into that basement with the red door.  His fools will be out of our way long enough for us to get Jane and our leaders and then to leave.  I'm more concerned about our more intelligent enemies."

            When they reached the blue basement, or the prison basement, they carefully explored.  They saw several unoccupied cells.  Some of them had remnants of former inhabitants.  "The labyrinth was already here," said Chemsos.  "Nuclesís used the entire mountain as the foundation for his castle.  He kept the caverns and rooted the castle here by root-like extensions of his castle downward into and through the caverns.  He has them mapped out thoroughly in his head."

            "Hm," said Wilykat.  "He definitely put this thing here to stay."

            "Yes.  I've mapped many of them in my own head, as well, as I've been down here several times, thanks to him.  It helps him that geological activity on this planet stopped a hundred years ago."

            "I love mazes.  I enjoy complex mind-games."

            "Yeah, and I thought you just liked to play," said Wilykit.

            "That, too."

            "Wait," said James.  "I sense their presence.  I also sense Jane!  Follow me."  The three went to a cell.  "Jane!"

            Within the cell, Jane, got up and felt her forehead.  "Boy, was I out of it.  James!"  She ran to the door.  "James!  I'm glad to see you."

            "We'll open this cell," said Wilykit.  "Stand back, both of you."  Jane and James stood away from the cell door.  Wilykit and Wilykat hit the door with special pellets and turned it into rust, which fell into a pile on the floor.  "Ferric oxide.  All we did was catalyse a chemical reaction."

            "Very impressive," said Jane.  "Come on.  I heard Ridley, Eggplant Wizard, King Hippo, Mumm-ra, and Nuclesís pass by with Steelheart, Captain N, and Lion-O.  I then heard a warp and felt the presence of MotherBrain, King Bowser Koopa, Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa, and Mon*Star."

            "Oh, great," said Wilykat.  "That's a lot of bad guys."

            Wilykit said, "We're not going to fight our way out of this, Wilykat.  You have several warp capsules, right?"

            "Yeah."

            "I have an idea on how to get our leaders and us out of this."

            * * *

            "Hee, hee!" said MotherBrain.  "We have you now, good guys!  Without you, the galaxy will easily fall into our hands."

            "What are you going to do with us?" Steelheart asked.

            "We question you, then we eliminate you," said Ludwig.

            "Yeah," said Eggplant Wizard.  "You'll be squashed into nothing.  Ha, ha, ha!"

            "Shut up," said Mon*Star.  He blasted the idiot with his Light*Star.

            Ludwig said, "Now, Steelheart, you and your comrades have only two options.  Respond to our questions, or suffer extensive pain.  I warn you that Dr. Wily has developed a particularly nasty interrogation machine."

            "It will do you no good," said Captain N.  "We won't talk.  Since you plan on eliminating us anyway, I see no reason to answer your questions."

            "Fine.  Suffer.  I think that our interrogation techniques will force you to talk, though."

            "Steelheart," said Mon*Star, "I suggest that you talk.  The interrogation will be a most unpleasant experience.  I wouldn't want you to suffer any pain.  Hee, hee, hee!"

            "I care not how pleasant or unpleasant it is," said Steelheart.  "If you finish us, you finish us."

            "Fine," said King Hippo.  "Dr. Wily's device will knock you out!  Ha, ha!"

            Bowser said, "Be quiet, you insolent idiot.  It really doesn't matter whether you N-Teamsters tell us anything.  Mario, Mason, and Darkwing don't quite possess the leading abilities of Steelheart, Captain N, and Lion-O.  They can't marshal the forces of the N-Team as well.  The galaxy will fall into our hands, become our empire, because of your sympathy for a minor member of your team."

            "He is not a minor member," Lion-O snapped.  "Wilykat and his sister have the potential to be the most powerful members of the N-Team.  They're already two of the most brilliant; you remember how they snatched the Triforce out of Prince Ludwig's hands."

            "A minor setback," countered Ludwig.

            "I see no logical reason to continue this conversation at this point in time," said Mumm-ra.  "I think we should leave and return with Wily's interrogation device.  After all, these guys aren't going anywhere!"

            MotherBrain said, "I agree.  Thanks to Nuclesís's chemical engineering, you good guys won't be able to break out of the cells, for the steel is nearly impenetrable.  You don't have the device needed to penetrate the steel.  Farewell until we get back!  Hoo, hoo, hoo!"  She pulled a lever on her tank, and all the bad guys were warped up to the living room.

            "It won't be long before Nuclesís detects our presence," said Chemsos.  "Let's do it."

            They went over to the cell.  "Hey!" said Steelheart.  "Can you get us out?"

            "We sure can!" said Wilykit.  "Stand back."  She hit the door with her catalyst capsule, and the steel door turned into a pile of rust.

            "Amazing," said Lion-O.

            Chemsos said, "It won't take long for those evil idiots to find us.  Let's go."  Wilykat took a warp capsule from his belt, tossed it to the ground, and warped them all to the Palace of Power.

            * * *

            January 9.

            Congregation Hall, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            The next morning, Lana was guiding Kevin blindfolded into the Congregation Hall.  "Why do I have to wear this?" Kevin complained.  "I can't see."

            "You'll see in a moment," promised Lana.  She led him to the head of the conference table.  "I'll let you know when you can look.  No peeking, now."

            "All right."

            Lana went to the back of the room, where the Wilytwins and Perry Mason were waiting.  "Is everyone ready?" she asked quietly.

            "Yes," replied Perry just as quietly.

            Wilykit silently said, "Tygra and Cheetara have made and brought what you sampled."

            "Thank you," Lana said.  "Let them in.  I'd appreciate it if they took their seats quickly, but not at the expense of silence."

            "Right," Wilykat replied.  He opened the door and instructed everyone to seat themselves silently.  Most of the divisions were there in their entirety:  the Thunder Cats, the Silver Hawks, the Mario-Team, the N-Team Base, the Mason-Team, and Darkwing Duck's Justice Ducks.  From the 'Secret' Division, James Chemsos and Jane Physicost were there.  Tygra and Cheetara had a cake large enough to give everyone two large slices; it was in three separate layers.  Upon the top layer of the cake were nineteen candles glowing in a brilliant blue, due to the way Thunderians knew how to make them.  Almost everyone had a box; Steelheart and Steelwill had one representing both of them, as did Tygra and Cheetara, Wilykit and Wilykat, Lemmy and Iggy (Spike)Koopa, Queen Peach and King Spike, Mario and Luigi, MegaMan and Kid Icarus, Link and Zelda, Paul Drake and Paul Drake, Darkwing Duck and Gosalyn, and Jane Physicost and James Chemsos.  Bluegrass also had his Laser Guitar with him.

            Once every detail was in place, Lana said, "Okay, Kevin.  Now you can look."

            Kevin removed the blindfold.  He was surprised and pleased by what he saw.  "Happy birthday, Kevin!" everyone shouted.

            Bluegrass stood.  "Allow me to suggest an appropriate piece."  Expertly providing melody and harmony on his guitar, Bluegrass played 'Happy Birthday' all the way through once.  The next time, everyone sang the tune for Kevin.  They left out the verse, 'How old are you?'

            Lana said, "Make a wish and blow out the candles, Kevin."

            Kevin said, "With pleasure."  He closed his eyes for a moment, then stood, took a deep breath, and blew out all the candles with a strong blow.  Everyone applauded him.  "Thank you.  I'll do the honours."  He took the knife and cut the cake, giving everyone generously sized slices.

            When everyone had been served, MotherBrain appeared in a hologram.  "Happy birthday, Captain N!  Ha, ha, ha!"

            "Thanks," said Kevin.  "Now, beat it!"

            "I must congratulate you for escaping from our clutches," MotherBrain went on.  "We were going to waste you."

            "You should congratulate the Thunder Kittens.  Nice of you to let Wilykat go, but it was partly your undoing; he was carrying warp capsules.  Wilykit had the capsules that turned the doors into the piles of rust you saw where Jane Physicost had been and where Steelheart, Lion-O, and I had been.  Lion-O told you they were clever."

            "We'll deal with all of you some day," said MotherBrain.  "It's just a matter of time.  We will establish a galactic empire to last a thousand years at least.  Have a nice day, N-Team.  It will be one of your last nice days.  Ha, ha, ha!"  She disappeared, laughing.

            "MotherBrain is nutty to the maximus!" said Kid Icarus.

            "She'll never beat us," MegaMan said.

            Simon said, "She's probably having delusions of grandeur."

            Lana said, "We won't let her spoil this day.  Right, Kevin?"

            "Sure, Lana," said Kevin.  He tasted the cake.  "Mm!  This is good!"

            "A special recipe," said Tygra.  "We didn't notice it in anyone else's data banks or recipe books, so we decided to use it."

            "Good choice," said Link.  "We Hyrulians tend to have rather particular taste buds."

            "Best cake I ever had," said Gosalyn.

            "She's speaking from experience," Darkwing said.

            King Spike said, "The cake is great."

            Once the cake was all eaten, the presents all went Kevin's way.  He was pleased with all that he received, but he particularly liked some things.  The day went without incident, and it was quite fun for everyone.

            No one could see what awful event would occur before Kevin's next birthday.