The Saucer Module of the Enterprise is well on its way to Hawkhaven, where it will arrive in about an hour.  In the meantime, the Star*Drive is speeding at maximum warp back to the Q's gate, which has, unfortunately, just been penetrated by a being who we now know is Prince Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa of the Evil Koopas.  He is in his Romulan Warbird style battleship, the Warbird.  Joining us on the Star*Drive is Wilykit, one of the Thunderians whom we had met previously in our visit to the world known as third-Earth, very remarkably similar to how our own Earth will appear in several hundred centuries.  I only hope we can stop Ludwig and his Warbird before they can destroy the Federation.

            July 11.

            Battle Bridge, Deck 8, Star*Drive Section, Enterprise.

The Star*Drive was zipping at super speed to quickly get to the Q gate.  Once, they had to drop back in speed before the warp engine burned out.  As it was, they were already exceeding the specs. . . at warp 25.2.  Six months ago, exceeding warp 10 was not even dreamt possible. . . or what warp 10 was on the old scale.  Warps 1 through 9 are the same as they used to be, but the new "warp ceiling" was warp 35 rather than warp 10.  The new engine specifications had megaexponentially decreased the warp-trenching effect that merged normal space and subspace.  Even at this speed with these new engines, they were not doing nearly as much warp-trenching damage as would be done by a ship with a 9.x-limit warp engine propelling a ship at even warp 1.  The merging effect was not nearly so dramatic anymore, and that meant a lot.  If the subspace scientists at Starfleet had done one thing, it was decreasing the 'pollution' down to a favourable level.  Also, the decrease of the Saucer-Section provided a valuable gain in engine efficiency.  Still. . . "Lefler," said Wesley, "we need some more."

            Lefler replied, "I'm sorry, sir, but warp 25.2 is the best I can give you. . . 25.3 at the most."

            "Then, push it up to 25.3!"

            "Okay, we'll try."  The comm-line snapped shut.  Wesley was almost angry.

            "Status of warp drive," said Wesley.

            "We are gaining speed," said Data.  "Holding at warp 25.25."  Wesley sighed.

            "ETA to the Q gate."

            "Nine minutes, thirty-three seconds, at present course and speed."

            "Thank you.  I. . ."

            Over the intercom, Lefler's voice said, "Sir, I can push it up to 25.3, but it will be extremely hazardous.  I've overridden the automatic shutdown."

            "Push it up, Lefler," said Wesley.

            "Acknowledged."  The comm-line snapped off again.

            "Worf, Yellow-Alert!"  The Klingon lieutenant activated Yellow-Alert.  The alarms honked loudly four times.  The normal light on the Battle Bridge was yellowed.  Wilykit felt her tension jump with the sound of the alarm.  "Speed, Mr. Data?"

            Data calculated this.  "Warp 25.29. . . warp 25.3."  Wesley tapped a comm-panel.

            "Nice work, Lefler," said Wesley.

            Lefler replied, "Thank you, sir.  I cannot push it up a millimetre per year more without risking serious damage to the warp core.  As it is, this burst will only last about two hours."  The comm-link was shut off.  Somehow, Wesley just knew where Ludwig was going to go.  He did not know how he knew, just that he knew.  Plainly and simply.

            "Data," said Wesley, "estimated distance of hole in Q's gate to the nearest entrance to the Neutral Zone."  The entire bridge reacted with glances to his request.

            "If we turn 98� to starboard," said the android, "it would be seven hundred light-years."

            "Thank you," said Wesley.  "So, as soon as we get in the Q's gate, hang a right 98� and slow to warp 21."  He stood.  "I'll be in the Ready-Room.  You have the Battle Bridge, Mr. Data."  Wesley stepped into what was temporarily his Ready-Room.  Data keyed the Ops control to Geordi at Conn and moved to the command chair.

            "I'm not sure I get it," said Wilykit to Data.  "What does he intend to do?"

            "I am not certain," answered Data.  "However,. . ."  A comm-link opened.

            Wesley's voice said, "Wilykit, please come to my Ready-Room at once."  There was no room for any love in it.  It was firm and strong.  It was perfectly neutral.  And Wilykit perfectly understood and approved.  She tapped her N-Team communicator.  It was of invaluable assistance that the N-Team and Federation computers just happened by some weird coincidence to be entirely compatible.

            "Be right there," she said.  Data nodded to her.  She entered Wesley's Ready-Room.  There, Wesley was waiting with a program on his terminal.

            "I feel I have to show you my game plan," he said to her.  "This involves a little co-operation with the Romulans."

            "Hm," said Wilykit.  "From what I have read of them, the Romulans don't seem the type to do that."

            "True, it may sound awkward, but you have to understand the circumstances.  We are heading for neutral territory.  We would need the authorisation of the Romulan Empire if we were to enter the Empire."

            "Okay.  Tell me about this."  She sat in the chair across from Wesley.  Wesley turned the terminal so that he and Wilykit could see it.  There was a map on that screen.

            "Here is the Federation, here is the Neutral Zone, and here is the Romulan Empire."  He pointed to the places as he said them.  "For a Federation vessel to enter the Romulan Empire without permission would be an act of war, as would a Romulan vessel entering Federation territory.  The Romulans are rather. . . they rather tend to be creatures of extremes.  One minute, they are furious beyond description.  Another, extremely kind.  They have an overwhelming belief in their own superiority, more than can be attributed to arrogance.  They will not be the first to initiate a thing.  They are counterpunchers."  Wilykit nodded.

            "Presuming, of course," said Wilykit, "that we may be dealing with typical Romulans."

            "Yes, presuming that.  Unfortunately, we have no idea what Romulan we may be dealing with.  For all I know, it could be that awful Tomalak."  Wilykit almost shivered at the name.

            "He's more than awful," said Wilykit.  "I've studied that S.O.B."  Wesley nodded.

            "I hate him," said Wesley.  "Of course, we could be automatically thrust into a conflict with the Romulans.

            "There is another possibility.  Ludwig may not even be going near the Neutral Zone.  However, I judge that he will, based on your descriptions of him."  Wilykit nodded.  "We could be dealing with Romulans, Ferengi, Cardassians, Orion, you-name-it."

            "The Borg?"

            "Another possibility.  Yet another is that there will be nothing waiting for us in the Neutral Zone."

            "Yes, that is true.  Wes, you need to relax a little."

            "Heh, heh!  I don't have time to relax, 'Kit.  We could be on the brink of disaster here.  The presence of the Enterprise may mean the difference between war and peace."

            "You have to relax.  You've strained yourself.  I'm sure Data can take over for you."

            "No.  Picard left me in charge.  That means that I have to make the decisions."

            Typical human male arrogance, thought Wilykit.  Must be embedded into their damned genetic code.  But they're well worth the trouble to have as friends, especially Kevin and Wesley.  "You're tired."

            "You're right, but I can't let a little thing like fatigue stop me."

            "A little thing like fatigue.  If you push your luck, Wesley, that's just what it will do, and it may be right in the middle of a Romulan attack!"

            "Okay!  I'll get Mom to inject some stimulants into me."

            "Blast it, Wes!  You don't need stimulants!  You need rest!  I am experienced enough to have figured that out."

            "Do you just want me?"

            Impulsively, she began, "No, I. . ."  She stopped to think.  "Well, that may be part of why I want you to get off-duty for a short time, but a very small percentage, I can assure you."

            "Oh, all right."  He left with Wilykit trailing behind.  On the Battle Bridge, Wilykit took the seat in front of Dr. Crusher's station.  "Mom, do I need rest?"

            "I was wondering if I was going to have to make you get some," she told him honestly.  "It is 1.30."

            "Okay," said Wesley.  "Everyone get some rest for a few hours.  We'll meet back here at 6.30.  Except you, Data.  Keep an eye on everything."

            "Aye, sir," said Data.

            "And tell Engineering to leave a skeleton crew of recent arrivals to let the others go to bed.  We may need all our strength if we are attacked."

            "Aye, sir," repeated the android.  Everyone got up and stretched.  Something appeared on Beverly's console.

            "Sir," said Dr. Crusher, "incoming transmission for Wilykit from Hawkhaven."  Wesley looked at Wilykit.

            "You may take it in my Ready-Room," said Wesley.

            Wilykit said, "Thank you."  She entered the Ready-Room and switched on Wesley's desk terminal.  "Wilykit here."  Steelheart appeared on the screen, and she was not too thrilled, but she would not scream or yell.  "Hello, Steelheart."

            "Hello," said Steelheart.  " 'Kit, I told all of the others to be careful, but Kevin let something called love get in the way of his thinking.  He took a little ride in his car to Hyrule with Princess Lana.  Link describes them as having done 'the right thing at the wrong time.' "

            "Why?"

            "Well, let's just say they were demonstrating. . ."

            "Spit it out, why don't you!"

            "Okay!  They were beginning to make love just off the shore of Lake Hylia.  Anyway, Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo came up and forcefully separated the two by King Hippo's grabbing Lana.  Then, MotherBrain appeared.  She ordered King Hippo to toss Lana into the warp.  In indignation, Kevin shouted at MotherBrain and ran into the warp.  MotherBrain said that he was unfortunate that the warp was a one-way deal.  Then, Link thought he had the opportunity to get the three villains.  Before he managed to do that, however, they transported to wherever and beat it."

            Wilykit sighed.  "Thank you.  Any idea where that warp led?"

            "Sure," said Steelheart.  "It's in the damned unexplored territory of VideoLand.  Not to 19th-Century Earth, but somewhere a few light-years away from there.

            "By the way, what's happening out there?"

            "We'll soon go through the Q gate," explained Wilykit.  "Wesley ordered that we proceed immediately to the Neutral Zone.  I am not entirely certain as to what he wants to do, but I think he suspected that Ludwig may have gone there first."

            Steelheart nodded.  "The Saucer is almost here.  The Mirage is near the hole in the Q gate.  You should stop and call them."

            "Thank you.  Good idea," said Wilykit.  The Red-Alert sirens sounded again.  "Darned Red-Alert sirens!  I'll be right back."  She left the Ready-Room and went onto the Battle Bridge, where everyone still was.  "What is it?"

            "There appears to be a very small vessel near the hole in the gate," said Worf.  "It has powerful phaser weapons."

            "May I see it?"  Worf put the vessel on-screen.  It was the Mirage.  "It's just the Mirage, Lt. Worf.  The Silver Hawks' ship.  It's designed to carry five adults, the pilot being the one in the central pod."

            "Silver Hawks' ship?" Worf asked.  He pressed a series of buttons.  The Yellow-Alert status was activated.  "Standing down Red-Alert."  Wes nodded.

            "Steelheart just told me that we should call them," said Wilykit.  Beverly got back to the Communications station and pressed a button.

            "Starship Enterprise battle-section to Mirage," said Beverly.  "Please come in."  The image presently on-screen changed to show Bluegrass.

            "Well, howdy!" said Bluegrass.  "I thought the Enterprise was en route to Hawkhaven."

            Wesley said, "I am Wesley Crusher, temporarily captain of this part of the ship, which was separated.  This is the Star*Drive Section.  The Saucer Section is heading for Hawkhaven."

            "Is that where Wilykat is, Wilykit?" asked Bluegrass.

            "Yes," answered Wilykit.  "Now, tell me what happened out here."

            "To begin with," said Bluegrass, "we found Ludwig out here just as we arrived.  He done blasted that thar gash in that thar gate, he done cloaked that danged ship of his, and he done entered into that thar hole."

            "Please excuse the poor English of Steelheart's associate," said Wilykit to the Enterprise crew.  Imitating his poor English and his Texan accent, not to mention the enormous diphthongs a kilometre long, she said, "He done grown up in Texas."

            "That's right!" said Bluegrass.  "I pilot well a good ship, I play a mean laser guitar, and I speak a good mess of español {áys-pah-nyól} [Spanish] (Spanish), too."

            "He speaks Spanish better than he does English," stated Wilykit jokingly.

            "Okay, you two," snapped Quicksilver's voice.  "That will do."  The screen shifted to Quicksilver.  "I am Colonel Quicksilver, M.D., second-in-command of the Silver Hawks. . . not to mention head doctor of the VideoLand Hospital."

            "Now, there is a good leader," said Wilykit.  "About as good as Commander Steelheart."

            "Thank you, Wilykit."

            "I am afraid, Colonel, that there has been a recent - ah, might we say - crisis."

            "Oh?"

            "Yes.  Steelheart just called us and said that Link called her and told her that MotherBrain, Eggplant Wizard, and King Hippo tossed Lana in a one-way warp on Hyrule, and Captain N went after Lana.  MB and her two nit-wits teleported away before Link could do anything."

            "To where have Lana and Kevin been transported?"

            "Don't know, Quicksilver.  All I know is it's in the unexplored area of VideoLand."  She turned to Wesley.  "I left Steelheart on your terminal.  Do you think that I should get it?"

            "Probably," said Wesley.  Wilykit quickly entered the Ready-Room and got the terminal off of Wesley's desk and brought it out to the Battle Bridge.  Steelheart was still on it.

            "Commander," said Wilykit, "I've brought the terminal on which I received your transmission to the Battle Bridge."  She turned the terminal so that Steelheart and Quicksilver faced each other.  "And here is Colonel Quicksilver on the screen."

            "Quicksilver," said Steelheart, "I need you guys to go with the Star*Drive of the Enterprise.  I trust that the situation with the Extended N-Team's first officer and VideoLand's princess has reached you?"

            "Yes," said Quicksilver.  "Via Wilykit."

            "Very good.  Wesley Crusher, here,. . ."  Wesley made a slight bow noticeable enough for Quicksilver to see him.  ". . .is the Acting Captain of that part of the vessel.  The Saucer will be here at Hawkhaven in a few minutes."

            "Okay," said Quicksilver.  "What should be done?"

            "As I said," said Steelheart, "you should go with the Star*Drive.  Once we tend to this darned matter with Captain N and Princess Lana, I may send out Lion-O, Copper-Kidd, Tygra, and Wilykat in the Feliner to help.  And, everyone hearing me, be careful.  I suspect that Ludwig won't be too happy to find that the Silver Hawks will have come along.  As it is, he'll be boiling if he finds out Wilykit's there."

            "Got it," said the acting captain of the Star*Drive, stepping down into the command section.  "And what would you suggest that the Enterprise should do?"  Wilykit turned the screen to Wesley.

            "I suggest," said Steelheart, "that you fire the instant they become vulnerable.  They can raise their shields 1.5 seconds after beginning decloaking.  They can use their weapons one second after beginning decloaking."

            "Doesn't leave us much time," said Wesley.

            "He got the best resources in this part of the galaxy," said Steelheart.  "Just be glad that he did not manage to make the ship so that he could fire weapons and raise shields while cloaked or so that he could phase his ship while cloaking.

            "Also, unless there is a special conflict of interests, I suggest that the three Silver Hawks from the Mirage come aboard.  The Mirage can only go hyper 240, a speed exactly equal to your warp 24.0.  The only reason it can go that fast is because the Thunder Cats lend us their technology."

            "Still," said Wesley, "that's darned fast.  We'll follow your suggestion."  He turned to Worf.  "Lieutenant, can the Mirage come into a shuttle bay?"  Worf checked.

            "Yes, sir," said Worf.  "Shuttle Bay Two, Deck 13."  Wesley turned to Quicksilver.

            "The Mirage can come into Shuttle Bay Two.  We shall have the running lights point in that direction."  He nodded to Worf, who altered the running lights on the outside.

            "We see them," said Quicksilver.  "Thank you."  The screen flashed back to the image of the Mirage outside.  Wilykit bade Steelheart farewell and returned the screen to Wesley's Ready-Room.

            "Lieutenant Worf," said Wesley, "you and Data go down there and greet our visitors."

            "Aye, sir," said Worf.  He and Data entered the turbolift and went down to Shuttle Bay Two.

            * * *

            The Mirage moved slowly along the running lights, and it turned for entry into the shuttle bay.  Bluegrass cut the engines as the tractor beam locked onto the Mirage and pulled it in without incident through the force field.  As soon as the Mirage had traversed the force field, another tractor beam pulled the Mirage in and set it down gently in the middle of the shuttle bay.  "That thar landin'," said Bluegrass, "was finer 'n frog hair."

            Quicksilver, slightly puzzled, looked towards the cowboy.  "Ah. . . right, Bluegrass.  Let's go."  In the cockpit, Bluegrass tapped the two outer release buttons.  Quicksilver's and Steelwill's pods opened, and Steelwill and Quicksilver got out.  Bluegrass also opened the cockpit canopy and got out, bringing along his trusty Laser Guitar.  At this moment, Worf and Data entered the shuttle bay, Worf suspicious as ever with a tricorder.

            "Welcome to the Enterprise," said Data.  "I am afraid that we had to meet you in two pieces. . . one heading for Hawkhaven and the other here.  I am Lieutenant Commander Data, second officer."  He and Quicksilver shook hands.

            "And I am Colonel Quicksilver of the Silver Hawks," said Quicksilver.  "These. . ."

            "The tricorder detects some weapons!" said Worf.

            "Oh. . . one of those must be my Laser Guitar," said Bluegrass.  "Don't worry, sir.  I shut off the blaster.  Also, the other two have laser blasters within their suits for protection or for combating criminals."

            "Yes," said Worf.  "I see that.  I can let those go."

            "As I was saying," said Quicksilver, "these are my companions:. . ."  He indicated Steelwill.  ". . .Lieutenant Steelwill and. . ."  He indicated Bluegrass.  ". . .Captain Bluegrass."

            "Captain?" asked the ever-inquisitive android.

            "Yes, it is silly," said Quicksilver.  "Silver Hawk ranking system, as I have found out, is rather rank, but, anyway, Commander, Captain, Colonel, Lieutenant, and Sergeant is the rank order, Commander being at the top and Sergeant at the bottom.  On top of that, I am leader whenever Commander Steelheart is not around."

            "This is our chief of security, Lieutenant Worf," said Data, indicating Worf.  Worf simply nodded.  "And, in case you are wondering about how he looks, he is a Klingon."

            "Would you mind taking us to your commanding officer?" asked Quicksilver diplomatically.

            Data replied, "No, Colonel."

            "You may just leave off the rank," said Quicksilver.  "Or you may call me 'Doctor.' "

            "Very well, Quicksilver."  Data lead them to the turbolift.  Once the five of them were in, he said, "Battle Bridge."

            "Are you an android, Data?" asked Steelwill.

            "Yes," said Data.  "On that line, are you completely human?"

            "For the most part," said Steelwill, "but the outfits that we wear increase the strength of most of us and provides added protection."

            Quicksilver said, "Steelwill and Steelheart are the only ones who do not need the parts that increase the strength because they are naturally stronger than most humans.  They're still stronger than any of those of us that do have the strength-augmenters.  However, they did need some surgical operation."

            "Yeah. . . our darned hearts were going to fail, so they were replaced with artificial ones."

            "So," said Data, "the term steel in your names is accurate in more than just your suits?"

            "Yes," said Steelwill.

            "Would you need those suits to survive?"

            "Not really, Data.  They're just why we're called 'Silver Hawks.' "

            "The name 'Silver Hawks' implies the element silver."

            "Well, they just decided to call us that.  Quicksilver's suit isn't completely silver, either.  It uses some iron and steel to reinforce it."

            "I see.  So, the name uses 'silver' simply for convenience?"

            "That's basically it, I think, especially for the lustre quality.  I find the term 'Silver Hawks' to be both romantic and classical at once."  The five arrived on the Bridge, where Wesley, Wilykit, and Dr. Crusher still were.

            "Hello," said Wesley, rising from the command chair and going over to Quicksilver.  "I am Acting Captain Wesley Crusher."

            Wesley and Quicksilver shook hands.  "And I am Colonel Quicksilver."  He indicated Steelwill.  "This is Lieutenant Steelwill,. . ."  He indicated Bluegrass.  ". . .and this is Captain Bluegrass.  And the Silver Hawk ranking system is rather rank, as its order is Commander, Captain, Colonel, Lieutenant, and Sergeant.  I am Commander Steelheart's second-in-command.  That is, I'm second-in-command of the Silver Hawks, not of the N-Team."

            Wesley nodded.  "You've already met Data and Worf."  He indicated Beverly.  "Dr. Beverly Crusher, chief medical officer of the ship and my mother."  Beverly simply nodded.

            Quicksilver turned to Wilykit.  "How did your brother let you come on what would probably be the more active mission, Wilykit?"

            "I don't know, Quicksilver," said Wilykit.  "He just plain said, 'You go, 'Kit.'  So, I did come."

            "Why in Limbo Lion-O even let you go on this mission is beyond me," Bluegrass whispered to himself.  The instant he had finished he realised his mistake.

            "What was that!" she demanded.  "My brother and I are perfectly capable of being part of a diplomatic mission, Captain Bluegrass!"

            "Pipe down," said Bluegrass.  "I's just fooling."  Before she attempted to say 'excuse me,' Bluegrass said, "And I excuse you.  You done had a legitimate reason.  I keep forgetting your age."

            "Thank you," she said.  "Just as long as you don't forget that again, I won't mention a word of this to our commander."  Her communicator beeped.  "Wilykit here."

            "Wilykit," said Steelheart, agitated again, "we have another problem."

            Wilykit sighed.  "What in the world is happening now?"

            "MotherBrain's evil home planet, Metroid, has just decloaked above Darkwing's Earth."

            * * *

            High-Surveillance Penitentiary for Super-Villains, Audubon Bay, Darkwing's Earth.

            The Fearsome Five - Liquidator, Mega Volt, Bushroot, Quacker Jack, and Negaduck - had been sentenced to hard labour.  They had to do work on the grounds of the prison in which they had been placed.  "I hate this place!" complained Negaduck.  "It's too damned cramped!"

            "I hate it, too," said Bushroot.  "It's too dirty here."

            "Since we all agree on hating this place," said Liquidator, "we must agree on how to get out of it.  Chances are that some member of the Brain-Team will come to rescue us."  He took a glance in the sky.  He turned back to his work; then, he remembered noticing something.  He looked back up.  He could make out the effects of a cloaking device being deactivated.  "Hey. . . hey, hey, hey!  Someone's decloaking up there. . . 100% guarantee!"

            "What is?" asked Mega Volt.  "Metroid?"

            "Yes!  Yes, that's it!  It's Metroid!"  The five then shimmered and disappeared!

            * * *

            Control Room, Metroid, orbiting Darkwing's Earth.

            They shimmered and reappeared in the Metroid Control Room.  MotherBrain had transported the five up to Metroid.  Eggplant produced an object with which he subsequently neutralised and removed the special devices placed on the five of them to keep them from using their awesome powers.  "Thanks, MotherBrain," said Liquidator.

            "Aw, don't mention it," said MotherBrain.  "We've got places to go.  Eggplant, take us out of orbit and to Hawkhaven at warp 20, and recloak the planet."

            "Aye, ma'am," said the lackey.  As Metroid turned toward Hawkhaven, it faded out of view.  "Course set at warp 20; we have recloaked."

            "ETA?"

            Reading a monitor, Eggplant Wizard answered, "Twelve hours."

            "What if we push it up to warp 30?"  Eggplant Wizard did some calculations.

            "Half an hour."

            "Push 'er up to warp 30."  Eggplant Wizard changed the speed to warp 30.  The cloaked Metroid sped along to Hawkhaven.

            * * *

            Command Centre, Hawkhaven, Limbo.

            ". . .and they just recloaked, heading for Hawkhaven," said Condor.  The Saucer Section of the Enterprise was just coming into view.  "The Enterprise Saucer Section is about here."

            Something beeped on Copper-Kidd's computers.  "They are hailing us," said Kidd.

            "Route it through to my office," ordered Steelheart, entering the passageway to her office.  Kidd did as she ordered.

            In her office, Steelheart sat in her chair.  She flipped a switch, and the bookcase split to reveal the blank monitor.  When a green button beeped, she pressed it, and the Bridge of the Enterprise came on the screen.  "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise," announced the person standing in the centre of the screen.

            Steelheart opened a channel.  "And this is Commander Steelheart, leader of the Silver Hawks and of the Extended N-Team.  Welcome to the Limbo Galactic Area of the Milky Way Galaxy and to Hawkhaven, Captain."

            Picard said, "Thank you.  Would you mind my beaming over?"  The man to Picard's right turned to glance at the captain.

            "Certainly not," said Steelheart.  "If you would like, you may mute, and thanks aren't necessary."  Picard turned to the officer above the command chair at Tactical and made a 'mute'-sign.  That officer pressed a button and said something to the captain, after which the captain had a small conversation with the person to his right.  Watching their lip movements, Steelheart could tell they were conversing about why captains should not lead Away-Teams.  Picard argued that the Away-Team to third-Earth had encountered no danger.  In the end, Picard won out. . . strictly because of his authority.  He nodded to the officer at Tactical, who pressed the button again.

            "Commander," said Picard, "my first officer doesn't seem satisfied that I would be safe in going to Hawkhaven."

            "I can assure you," said Steelheart, "that Hawkhaven is probably the safest place in Limbo.  Where is Wilykat?"  Wilykat came from someplace in the background and appeared on the captain's left.

            "Right here, ma'am," said the Thunder Kitten.

            "Good," said Steelheart.  "I trust you ran into nothing on the way, other than finding out that which required the ship's separation?"

            "No, ma'am.  And I relented and allowed my sister to get what would probably be the more interesting part just because. . . well, I'll explain it in person."

            "Good," said Steelheart.  "If you're coming here, Captain Picard, I suggest that you leave behind someone who can pulverise an enemy, because one of Ludwig's most loyal and familial troops is coming out to Hawkhaven:  his stepmother, MotherBrain."

            "I suggest that, if you insist on going, I remain, sir," said the person to Picard's right.

            "I thoroughly agree, Number One," said Picard.  "We'll be right down, Commander Steelheart."

            "Okay," said Steelheart.  "I'm transferring beam-down co-ordinates."  She pressed a series of buttons.

            The man at Tactical said, "Receiving co-ordinates, sir."

            "Thank you," said Picard.  "Enterprise out."  The screen turned blank.  Steelheart flipped the same switch the other way, and the bookcase closed, hiding the screen.

            "Better get out there," said Steelheart.  She left to the Command Centre.

            * * *

            Transporter Room 1, Deck 6, Saucer Section, Enterprise.

            "I still object to this!" said Riker while Picard, Troi, and Wilykat got on the transporter pad.

            Troi said, "I assure you that Commander Steelheart bears no malice toward us at all.  I sense no deception from her."  Picard nodded.

            "Stop being such a mother hen, Number One," said Picard.  "Keep it up, and you're likely to grow feathers."

            "Very funny," said the first officer.  "Have fun down there."

            "Thank you, Number One.  Energise," Picard ordered.  The person at the transporter controls activated the transporter, which transported Picard, Troi, and Wilykat to the Command Centre of Hawkhaven.  Riker left to the Bridge.

            * * *

            Scout Ship Karnara, Neutral Zone.

            There had been some subspace distortions near the Romulan border of the Neutral Zone for some time that night.  That was why Commander Torreth of the Romulan Warbird Kazara had ordered him to check them out in his scout ship.  As he entered the Neutral Zone, Narak thought, I wonder what is happening.  I do not like this one little bit.  Of average height, the same both for humans and for Romulans, Narak had black hair and the standard greyish Romulan uniform.  Also, like all Romulans, a bone above the eyebrows pointed downwards towards the nose, giving to humans the impression of an eternal frown.  In Vulcans, this was less pronounced; the only physical feature to show for it was the eyebrows, which always pointed downwards over the eyes.

            His ship was one of the Romulan Scout Ships with a cloaking device, and he was grateful. . . very grateful.  Still, his ship still didn't have the awesome might of the Kazara, recently upgraded to D'Kazanak Class.  It was now the most powerful warship of the Romulan Fleet, with a max cruising speed of warp 25 (like the Enterprise's, the Kazara's warp engines had been modified to create an extremely small amount of subspace warp trenching), and he somehow just felt comfortable on it.  However, it was possible that even the Kazara could be overpowered, and that was why he had been sent to investigate this phenomenon.  He knew that this could not possibly be the Federation; the distortions were those caused by a faulty cloaking device, and the Federation, although they had one cloaking device, would never use it.  He thought of the Klingons.  He thought not; the Klingons would not be likely to loiter at the Romulan border.

            As he neared the distortion, it became more detectable.  He hid his ship behind an asteroid and studied the distortion.  It showed something huge moving, but it was slow. . . at ¹/₈ impulse.  The distortion was about two light-years away from the border of the Romulan Empire.  Too close, he thought.  He checked his chronometer.  The time on it equalled the Federation time 7.00.  Suddenly, his sensors went crazy.  A Federation vessel was approaching the distortion at warp 15, but it was still seventeen minutes away.  He still had time to call Torreth.  He pressed the key that activated his cloaked subspace line to the Kazara.  "Karnara to Kazara," announced Narak, keeping his eye on his sensors.  "Please come in."

            Commander Torreth's alto voice rang loud and clear.  "Yes, Sub-Commander Narak.  This is Commander Torreth.  Have you found the source of the disturbance?"

            "Yes, sir," answered Narak.  "It is huge. . . over three times the size of the Kazara.  It is a ship with a slightly faulty cloaking device.  My ship is cloaked behind an asteroid two light-years away from it.  The ship is five light-years away into the Neutral Zone from the outpost on Konara III.  Also, a Federation Starship is coming toward the disturbance.  It will be here in 17 minutes.  It appears to have an interest in the disturbance, but one never knows."

            "Right.  The Kazara will be coming immediately," said Torreth.  "We will be there in two minutes."

            "Yes, sir," said Narak.  "Karnara out."  As he cancelled the communication, he took one last look at the sensors.  The huge ship still appeared to be oblivious of his presence.  The Federation ship would be there in sixteen minutes.  He would wait for the Kazara.

            * * *

            Unknown Planet, 'Unexplored' Area, VideoLand.

            Kevin and Lana had been knocked out by the warp.  Now, Kevin woke up and looked around.  "Princess?" asked Kevin.  "Are you all right?"

            Lana awoke.  "Ooh. . . yes, Kevin, I'm all right.  I guess we got a little carried away."

            "Yeah.  I hate that MotherBrain.  King Hippo tossed you into a one-way warp.  It closed after I went through."

            "Where are we?"

            He was operating his tricorder.  "I've concluded that we are on a planet in the unexplored portion of VideoLand.  I haven't identified it yet, but it appears to have late 20th-Century technology.  Not my Earth."

            As consciousness returned to her, Lana saw that they were on an alley in a rather dark-natured city.  "Not your Earth," she repeated.

            "You should return to the Palace," said Kevin.  "I'll explore.  Tell the commander what's up."

            "Okay," said Lana, noticing the difference in clothing.  Kevin had the right stuff for a 20th-Century American; Lana, on the other hand, did not.  "See you later, Kevin."

            "Later, Lana."  They kissed each other good-bye.

            Lana then tapped her communicator.  "N-Team Transporter, transport one to the Palace of Power."  She was transported there.  Kevin went out of the alley and onto a sidewalk.  It was still rather dark.  He took a glance at a clock, and it said that the time was 7:00.  He concluded that it was in the morning.  He noted that the roads here were right-sided instead of left-sided, the latter of which prevailed throughout most of VideoLand.  Suddenly, he saw a car with a clown-face on it followed by a bat-type car.  He suddenly knew where he was. . . this was Batman's earth!  He was having too much. . . Star Trek was real, Silver Hawks was real, Thunder Cats was real, Zorro was real, Darkwing Duck was real.  Now, Batman was real!  He knew that Batman must be chasing Joker, so he decided to render assistance.  He grabbed his trusty Zapper and shot a hole in a tire in the Jokermobile.

            The Jokermobile, a convertible car, spun, and, pressing the 'select' button on his Power Pad, Kevin shouted, "Pause!"  He quickly ran to the Jokermobile, put Joker's foot on the brake instead of the gas, and forced the gearshift into neutral.  He even had time to yank up the parking brake.  Just before his pause wore off, Captain N leapt out of the Jokermobile and bolted to the sidewalk.  When time was restored, the Joker was confused as his auto skidded to a very rough stop.

            "What!" exclaimed the Joker.  "What is going on?!?"  He was shorter than Kevin.  His hair was green, and his skin was all white.  He wore a purple, clowny tuxedo with a flower in the left pocket.

            Batman, too, was surprised.  He entered the second lane and stopped the Batmobile a little beyond the Jokermobile.  He got out of the Batmobile with his young partner, Robin, and they ran to the Jokermobile.  "All right, Joker," said Batman.  "You are under arrest."  Robin noticed the Joker's bag of stolen goodies and took it.

            Batman was about Kevin's height.  He wore a greyish costume with black boots, a black cowl, and a black cape.  He had a bat symbol on his chest, and he had a yellow utility belt.  Robin, who was shorter than his companion, had a more colourful outfit; his costume was red, his cape yellow.  He had a black mask and black hair.  He had black boots.  There was an R over his left breast.

            "Hey!" said Joker.  "That's mine!  I stole it fair and square!"

            "That's what you say," said Robin.  A police car came up and stopped behind the Jokermobile.  Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock came out.  Both were between Batman and Robin's heights, and both wore suits.  Gordon had greying hair and glasses.  Bullock was a bulky individual.

            Batman said, "Good morning, Commissioner.  Here's the Joker."

            "I have to hand it to you, Batman," said Gordon.  "This time, this madman won't escape Arkham. . . I can guarantee it."  Bullock was, naturally, not at all happy about the situation.  He knew Batman was good news for the city, but he just did not like having caped vigilantes running around doing police work.

            "What the hell happened?!?" the Joker finally exclaimed.  "I was speeding along at ninety-five miles an hour, trying to get rid of Batsy.  Suddenly, my foot was on the brake, the gear was in neutral, and the brake was up!"

            "You obviously expect us to believe that," said Robin.

            "Well, it's true!" said Joker.  "Not even your pal, Superman, can alter time to do that!  Besides, he wouldn't do it.  He would lift the car up into the air."

            "Well, what can I say?" asked Batman.  "I hear Arkham is nice this time of year."  He, Robin, and the police officers smiled.  Joker was not amused.  A police officer cuffed Joker.  Robin handed the stuff to Gordon.  A tow-truck came along to take away the Jokermobile.  At the end, Batman and Robin were very bewildered.  "I wonder. . . he may be telling the truth, Robin."

            "Joker, tell the truth?" asked Robin rather incredulously.  "If he wasn't lying intentionally, his memory must be going as crazy as the rest of him."  Kevin stepped up to them.

            "He isn't lying," said Kevin.  "I stopped his car for you."

            "And who are you?" asked Batman.

            "I am Captain N.  My friends call me by my birth-name, Kevin," answered Kevin.

            Batman said, "Well, Kevin, how did you stop Joker?"

            "My Power Pad.  By pressing the 'select' button and calling out 'pause,' I can stop anyone and anything for a few seconds.  Just feel lucky I'm on your side."

            "In what sense?"

            "Stopping evil-doers, ensuring justice."

            "That's our side, all right.  You know who we are?"

            "Yes.  Batman and Robin."

            "Got us there!" said Robin.

            "Want to see our hideout?" asked Batman.

            Kevin said, "Certainly, sir."

            "Of course, we will have to put you to sleep long enough for us to get there."

            "No doubt."  The three entered the Batmobile, and the canopy closed.

            Batman got a canister.  "Don't worry, Kevin. . . this won't hurt."  He sprayed Kevin with the gas in it.  Kevin went to sleep.  Batman put the canister away and drove the Batmobile out of town.

            * * *

            Steelheart's Office of Hawkhaven.

            "Thank you for letting us come," said Picard, sitting across from Steelheart.  "My first officer, Commander William Riker, does not like the concept of my leading Away-Teams."

            "Undoubtedly," said Steelheart, "it can be pretty dangerous."

            "Undoubtedly."  He indicated Wilykat.  "Wilykat took most of the trip over here telling Counsellor Troi and me who the members of the N-Team and of the Brain-Team are."

            "Good job, 'Kat," said Steelheart to the Thunder Kitten.  "I. . ."

            A communications button lit with bright red.  Out of the speaker, Wilykit's voice said, "Wilykit to Hawkhaven.  Please come in."

            Steelheart pressed the button.  "What is it, 'Kit?" she asked.

            "Something interesting. . . we're running along the border of the Neutral Zone, and, in about thirteen minutes, we're going to come face-to-face with the cause of a disturbance within it."

            "How large is this disturbance?" asked Steelheart.

            "We cannot tell yet," said Wilykit.  "I only know that it's the disturbance caused by a faulty cloaking device."

            "A faulty. . . you should proceed, but with caution.  It may be Ludwig's ship."

            "My thoughts exactly, Steelheart."

            "Also," said Picard, "you should keep an eye out for the Romulans.  They don't take too highly to Federation ships in the Neutral Zone."

            "Of course," said Wilykit.  "Wilykit out."  The button shone with its bright red again.

            Steelheart pressed it again, and she said, "Hawkhaven here."

            "This is Princess Lana," said Lana.  "Right now, I'm back in the Palace of Power.  Kevin and I landed on another world in the unexplored area of VideoLand.  I returned, but Kevin stayed behind to check things out."

            "Very well," said Steelheart.  "You okay?"

            "Yes, ma'am, I am," said Lana.

            "Fine," said Steelheart.  "Hawkhaven out."  She tapped the button again.  Then as an alarm sounded, the button flashed again. . . this time, yellow.  Growing impatient, Steelheart, tempted to just smash it, tapped it and said, "Steelheart here."

            "Steelheart," said Condor, "Metroid has arrived."