Darkwing's Tower, on Darkwing's Earth.

Wilykat was overjoyed when Wilykit appeared in the room.  By impulse, he ran over to her and hugged her.  "Oh, Wilykit, am I glad to see that you are all right!" he exclaimed.

            "Yes, I can see that," said Wilykit, obviously being squeezed a little tightly.  "Now, let me go!"  Wilykat did so.  "Thank you.  Next time just don't come on so strongly, okay?"  She smiled reflexively.  "You don't have to be so affectionate.  I'm glad to see you."

            "Right," said Wilykat.  He still smiled.  "The Romulans said they'd go after the Warbird."

            "That is unnecessary," said Wilykit.  "I've just smacked the Brain-Team's cloaking device and the Brain-Team itself."

            "Well, I'm glad you're all right.  Next time, I have to do something as heroic.  So far, you've done it all."

            "Sorry.  Next time, I won't do anything and will let you be captured by the Brain-Team!"

            "Hey!  What's wrong?"

            "Well, you let the Brain-Team capture me, and that's why I defeated them.  If you want to do so, you must fight them!  Understand?"

            "Yes, I understand.  I must fight them."

            "You can do so if they come during the dinner this evening. . . so that I may have dinner with. . . with a friend."

            "Good."  He whispered to her, "Do I know this 'friend'?"

            Wilykit whispered to him, "It's Wesley!"

            "Ah!" whispered Wilykat to her.  Back to normal voice, he said, "Well, I shall defend the dinner from the Brain-Team."

            "You?  Ha!" exclaimed Darkwing.  "What a joke!  Really, how are you going to defend the dinner?"

            "Darkwing, it is evident that you don't have any confidence in my ability to protect it."

            Darkwing said, "That's like saying that Mount Everest is a rock!"

            "I have confidence in him," said Picard.

            "So do I," said Troi.

            "I do, also," said Data.

            "I have more than enough," said Worf.

            Wilykit said, "Certainly, I have extremely much of it."

            "Thank you, my sister," said Wilykat.  Wilykit hugged him affectionately.  "Hey, hey!  Now why are you suddenly so affectionate?"

            "Sorry," said Wilykit, releasing him from her grip.  "I would not have done that if I had known that it would offend you so much!"

            "Wilykit, let's not do that in public.  It's rather embarrassing."  Wilykit smiled.  "Wait a minute.  You wanted me to be embarrassed."  Wilykit nodded, and Wilykat smiled.  "And I did!  It was your trick, right?"

            "Yes!" responded Wilykit.  "I knew that you would be very embarrassed by that!"  She and Wilykat laughed.

            "Excuse me," said Picard, interrupting their laughter.  "What is it?  What is so amusing?"

            "Do you remember about the game about which I told you, Captain?" asked Wilykat.  Picard nodded.  "Well, it was her turn.  Her trick was that big, embarrassing hug.  See?"

            Smiling, Picard said, "Oh, yes!  I understand now."  He did understand.  It was one of those innocent little games played by twin siblings.  They were merely fun, playful little pranks they played on one another, while they served well in uniting the players a little more.  The psychological aspects of the game helped strengthen their bond.  They had no way of knowing this; it was more subconscious than anything else.  Troi motioned Picard over to the side.  "What is it, Counsellor?"

            "Everything they do like that. . . it's psychologically healthy for their relationship," said Troi.  "That little game of theirs does more than give them something to joke about and laugh over.  It helps to strengthen their psychological bonds.  Its strength is rendered subconsciously.  Psychologically, they must argue, also.  Their minds, in some way, provide for what is needed to keep on building and strengthening their bond.  It is very strong already.  Their minds are so. . . so binique, if there is such a word.  Whatever one's knows, the other's must know.  If I did not know better, I would say that their telepathic link goes much deeper than even Betazoids or Vulcans can reckon.  I think that their minds are somehow connected to the same consciousness.  However, their minds do have differences.  The Thunder Kittens behave and react differently to different situations.  Oh!"  She smiled.  "And I believe that nothing can separate them.  They have an extremely strong attachment."

            "Hm," said Picard, digesting this interesting information.  "Thank you, Counsellor."

            "Captain," called Data, "come over here for a moment, if you please."  Picard and Troi went over to Data, who was keeping an eye on the galactic map on Darkwing Duck's computer.

            "What is it, Data?" asked Picard.

            "The Romulan Warbird has just decloaked," said Data.  "With all weapons systems inoperative, it is heading here to Darkwing's Earth."

            "I see," said Picard.  "Please tell Commander Riker not to make a move regarding the Romulans without first consulting me."

            "Aye, sir," said Data.

            As Data called the Enterprise, Worf said suspiciously, "The Romulans coming with their means of offence and of defence inactive?  Sir, this could be a trap."

            "Even if it were," said Wilykat, "it would be impossible for the Romulans to defeat the N-Team.  Their cloaking device can't hide them from us, and we can transport through anyone's shields."

            "As usual, you exaggerate a little," said Wilykit.  "We don't know that, Wilykat.  Though I seriously doubt it, the Romulans' shields just might be strong enough to prevent us from getting through.  That is highly unlikely, though.  Even so, the Romulans, I believe, are not coming to attack."

            Worf said, "Still, I believe that the Enterprise should have a more defensive posture, should it become necessary."

            "We have to convey trust, Lieutenant," said Picard.  "The Romulans might misjudge our moves if we pushed up to Red-Alert and activated all weapons systems.  No, Lieutenant.  Partial shields and Yellow-Alert are enough for now.  We'll wait for their move."  Worf was intensely uncomfortable with that kind of a position, but he found no valid arguments.

            "Aye, sir," said Worf.  He was glad he had chosen not to be a diplomat.  He was much too suspicious and much, much too reactive.  Darkwing went over to them.

            "I've just called Steelheart," said Darkwing.

            Picard began, "Hm.  Mr. Darkwing Duck. . ."

            "Captain, please just call me 'Darkwing,' " said Darkwing.

            "Very well.  Darkwing, will we encounter your friends this evening at the dinner?"

            "Yes, Captain.  Commander Steelheart made it extremely clear that she expects most members of the N-Team to attend."

            "Well, then, 'Kit," said Wilykat, "you can't sneak out of this one, can you?"

            "Oh, leave me alone about it, Wilykat," said Wilykit.  "I don't mind.  Who else is it that she would like to be there?"

            "Ah. . . let me see," said Darkwing.  "Oh!  She said that she would appreciate that most of the senior staff on Captain Picard's ship attend, as well as most of that on the Romulan ship."

            "I see," said Picard.  "Thank you very much.  I must speak with my staff, of course."

            "Meanwhile," said Wilykat, "I can come back up with you guys, while Wilykit remains here to help Darkwing in keeping an eye on things."  Wilykit nodded.  Picard, Data, Troi, and Worf got into a group.

            "Might I have a moment to talk with Wilykat, please?" asked Wilykit.

            "Go ahead," said Picard.  The Kittens withdrew to another section of the room.

            "Wilykat," said Wilykit, "do you know anything that feels foreign, yet it somehow seems to be something you learned, that you've known all along?"  Wilykat thought.

            "Maybe one or two random things," he said uncertainly.  He did not thoroughly understand.  "Why?"

            "I've had a streak of it ever since I telepathically communicated with you," said Wilykit.  "When I was vanquishing the Brain-Team, I actually, without a single thought, spoke Spanish!  Ludwig said that there were certain gaps in our minds, spaces where your memories did not coincide with mine and vice-versa.  He said that the telepathy added your knowledge to my mind and vice-versa.  He said that our minds were so much alike and had such similar memories in the past that it seemed that we just had to know the same things.  It frightened me. . . he reminded me that I had not taken any lessons in Spanish."

            "I've gotten pretty far," said Wilykat.  "I've gotten to all the stem-changing and irregular verb types.  Hm."  He thought.  "I know.  With direct discourse, tell me that you like books."

            "Excuse me?" she asked, not having understood completely.

            "In Spanish," he said patiently, because she had not understood completely, "tell me directly that you like books."

            "Okay."  She had to think for a moment.  �Amo los libros {Ah-mó lós lé-brós} [Spanish] (I like books).�

            "That is not perfectly correct," said Wilykat.  "Actually, it's �me gustan los libros {máy gú-stahn lós lé-brós} [Spanish] (I like books)�, which is literally translated as 'books are pleasing to me.' "

            "Wasn't what I said correct?" asked Wilykit.

            "In the most literal sense, it was, but, technically, Spanish-speakers don't say that they like something.  They say that something is pleasing to them.  The telepathic transfer is not perfectly accurate.  You did do very well.  You conjugated that verb correctly, you left out the subject pronoun, and you basically pronounced everything with correct accentuation, but, plainly speaking, it is just simply not what the Spanish say.  Got it?"

            "Got it," said Wilykit.  "I hate to shove you off, but you'd better beat it."

            "Yeah.  See you later, 'Kit."

            " 'Bye, Wilykat," said Wilykit.  Wilykat joined the Enterprise Away-Team.

            "Ready," said Wilykat.  Picard tapped his communicator.

            "Transporter Room 2, this is Captain Picard," said Picard.  "Five to beam up."  He, Data, Troi, Worf, and Wilykat were beamed up.

            "Well," said Darkwing.  "Now, I have to wait with you."

            "Well, don't overwhelm me with your enthusiasm, Darkwing!" said Wilykit very sarcastically.  "You may watch the warp."

            "Warp?  What. . ."  He suddenly remembered the one to the world dubbed 'Zorro's Earth.'  "Oh, yeah.  That warp.  Okay."  He went over to it and kept watch on it while Wilykit slowly went around the room, meticulously checking every little detail.  "Looking for something?"

            Wilykit answered, �Nada especial {Nah-thah áys-páy-thyahl} [Spanish] (Nothing special).�

            Darkwing was a little surprised.  He asked, "You know Spanish?"

            �Sí {Sé} [Spanish] (Yes),� answered Wilykit.  "Some.  I know it because of a strange source:  by my telepathic communication with Wilykat, who had learned much of it."

            "I see," said Darkwing.  "Let's see if you know enough.  Translate into Spanish:  I like books."  Wilykit smiled.

            �Me gustan los libros {Máy gú-stahn lós lé-brós} [Spanish] (I like books),� said Wilykit.

            "Now, who exactly taught you the structure with gustar {gú-stahr} [Spanish] (to be pleasing)?" asked Darkwing.  "Was it your telepathy, when you were communicating with Wilykat that way; or was it your brother himself, when you were just talking to him?"

            "My dear brother himself," said Wilykit.  "I just used amar {ah-mahr} [Spanish] (to like) instead of gustar {gú-stahr} [Spanish] (to be pleasing) when I was just talking to him."

            "I see," said Darkwing.  "Well, how do you say, 'we shall talk to a friend,' in Spanish?"

            "With or without the subject pronoun?"

            "With it, please."

            "Very well."  �Nosotros le hablaremos a un amigo {Nó-só-trós láy ahb-lah-ráy-mós ah ú nah-mé-gó} [Spanish] (We shall talk to a friend).�

            "Very good, ma'am."

            "Thank you, Darkwing."

            * * *

            Observation Lounge, Deck 1, Enterprise.

            All seven senior officers, Wesley, and Wilykat were seated at the table.  Riker said, "It's a good opportunity to become acquainted with the Romulans."

            Data added, "The best one which we have ever had.  I believe that we should seize it."

            "I agree," said Picard.  "We must also thank the N-Team for their assistance."

            "That is not necessary," said Wilykat.  "We are happy to assist you, Captain Picard."

            "Captain," said Dr. Crusher, "I completed that study for which you asked."

            "Yes," said Picard.  "The physiological comparison of Thunderians to humans."

            "Right.  I can present the report whenever you like."

            "Very well.  You may proceed, Doctor."  Beverly rose and went over to the computer monitor and activated it.

            Beverly said, "Thunderians are systematically like humans.  That is to say that they have similarities where body systems are concerned.  From what I could tell, their systems all have the same types of organs as ours.  That was not such a shock, but it was surprising to me to see what I saw when I got to the cellular level.

            "Thunderians naturally have thinner dermal layers than humans.  I wondered how the Thunder Kittens are able to do what they are able to do with the size of their bodies, and I saw why as I got down to the cellular level.  Each living body cell is exactly like the corresponding type on humans', with chromosomal differences and other small differences in the nucleus.  They have the same number of chromosomes that we humans do, - 46 - but they call for enormously physically stronger traits than human chromosomes.  That is not so surprising.  However, there are certain differences in the nucleus that make them much less susceptible than we.  Certain controllers in the cellular nuclei actually emit subatomic particles to counteract dangerous acids and radioactive radiation, such in the like.  For example, cyanide is deadly to most life forms.  However, a Thunderian's cellular structure can emit oxygen in a way that it splits the nitrogen from the carbon and combines with the carbon to form nitrogen and carbon dioxide.  Since a human doesn't have that ability, the cyanide would be undoubtedly lethal.  Also, Thunderians can go longer without breathing oxygen than can we humans.  Much longer.  For some time, their systems can actually re-extract the oxygen from the carbon dioxide molecule produced during respiration.  In this study, I have determined Thunderians as being much more durable than any other humanoid race we've encountered."

            "Is there anything in the Thunderians' cell structure explaining the bit about emitting subatomic particles?" asked Picard.

            "That's just it," said Beverly.  "I can't find a thing.  I'm not certain; maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree to find the answer."  Data frowned in amazement.

            "Barking up the wrong tree?" asked Data.  "What does that idiomatic expression mean?"  At least he understood that it was an expression.

            "It means I'm looking to the wrong source for my answer in this case," said Beverly.  "Biologically, Thunderians are compatible with every humanoid species we've encountered so far.  Also Thunderians have more control over certain physical urges than humans.  Their brains give them greater ability to learn things more quickly than humans, and the fibres of their skeletal muscles are much, much more condensed than humans', while the muscles themselves take up slightly less volume."  She sighed.  "That isn't the end of it.  Different races within the Thunderian species have different strengths."  She cleared her throat nervously.  "And it seems that, in all aspects, the Wilykat Race is superior to all of the others."

            Troi found it a good time to break in.  "Fortunately," she said, "the Thunderians are also very morally minded.  I've studied them on a psychological outlook.  They have intense devotion to their Code of Thundera, which provides probably the best moral laws of which I have heard.  They have a devotion to honour, truth, justice, and, above all else, loyalty.  The 'truth'-part applies to anyone, unless it is an enemy who unjustly attacked someone else.  When they don't want to tell the full truth and deceive an enemy without actually lying, they can resort to an ingenious device:  the subjunctive or conditional mood.  They can say something in that mood; since anything is possible, they can never run the risk of telling a lie in that mode."

            "I see," said Picard.  "Wilykat, according to Thunderian laws, is there anything which justifies execution as punishment for a crime?"  Wilykat had to think.

            "Well, yes and no," said Wilykat.  "You see, the Thunderian government cannot sentence a person to execution.  However, the case is different for the Amore Eternamente, natural mother, natural father, natural siblings, or natural offspring of a victim of first- or second-degree murder or of the same degrees of involuntary and forced sexual intercourse."

            "Rape?" suggested Riker.

            "Yes," said Wilykat.  "The Amore Eternamente, mother, father, siblings, or natural offspring would legally have the right for revenge.  Now, if that family member does or those family members do something that is not killing to the committer of the crime, that family member or those family members cannot do anything else to that committer, unless that committer strikes again.  It's all very simple.  For example, if someone killed my sister, I could kill that person or those persons.  And I assure you that I would do it!  No exceptions.  Tygra could do it, too.  Understand?"

            "We understand," said Picard.

            "Very well," said Wilykat.  He turned to Wesley.  "Understand?"

            "Yes, I understand," said Wesley to him.  "But I would never hurt her."

            Wilykat said, "I know that.  You can't hurt her.  You are her Amore Eternamente."

            "Right," said Wesley.

            "And, if someone kills her, you also would be justified, by Thunderian law, in fatally punishing the person who had done it."

            "Well," said Picard, rising, to everyone, "if there are no more questions, we shall adjourn."  No questions.  "Very well.  This meeting is dismissed."  Everyone left the Observation Lounge.

            * * *

            Bridge, Kazara.

            Torreth, Sela, and Tomalak were conferring on Torreth's 'throne.'  All were standing.  Tomalak said to them, "I am beginning to think that diplomacy is the best way in which to handle our situation."

            "Me, too," said Sela.  "I might even become friends with Captain Picard."

            "Nothing is impossible," said Torreth.

            "True," said Tomalak.  "And we might even establish better diplomatic relations with the Federation."

            "You were not like this when we had first met," said Torreth.  "At that time, you wanted to conquer the Federation."

            Tomalak told her, "Yes, but, now, I no longer think that we should do that. . . especially now that we have a common friend and a common enemy, and especially since we met the Silver Hawks."

            "Oh, I agree," said Sela.  All three of them were being very serious and very, very honest.  They were beginning to believe that they should help create an alliance between the Federation and the Romulans.

            * * *

            Control Room, Metroid.

            "What went wrong?" demanded Ludwig.  "It was that Wilykit!  If we had known that Wilykit would escape and destroy our plan, we would not have kidnapped her!  I hate her!"

            "Oh, so do I," said MotherBrain.  "That little witch-with-a-B and her son of a witch-with-a-B brother are going to do us in if we don't stop them."  The south door opened, and Eggplant Wizard came running in.

            "Hey, guys!" said Eggplant Wizard.  "Wilykit's not going to be guarding the dinner in Saint Canard!  Maybe you could capture her brother and brainwash him into destroying her!"

            MotherBrain said, "Hm.  It's an idea.  Not a bad one at that."

            "Yeah. . . if we can subdue Wilykat, it could work," said Ludwig.  He raised his voice a little.  "Computer, locate the file entitled 'The Thunderian Wilykat Race,' input by Wilykat of the N-Team, in the N-Team computer network."

            The computer produced a beep and said, "File located."

            "Scan the file," said Ludwig, going over to the computer and looking at the monitor.  "Find anything that discusses weaknesses of the Thunderian Wilykat Race."  The computer beeped again.  The title 'Chapter 19' appeared on the screen.

            "Chapter 19 is the only chapter with such information.  The description states that the entire chapter is devoted to comparing the weaknesses of other Thunderian races to those of the Wilykat Race."  (For some reason, all the Brain-Team's computers and the N-Team's computers used Lwaxana Troi's voice.)

            "With normal set reading size, show the first displayable textual part of the chapter."  Some text jumped onto the screen.  As he scrolled through it, he found no real weaknesses to substances of any kind. . . just a comparison.  Ludwig did discover that the radioactivity of certain different isotopes of Thundrainium affected certain Thunderian races, but it appeared that nothing would weaken any member of the Wilykat Race who was over exactly twenty-seven years of age.  "Which proves why the calcium Thundrainate did not work on them," mumbled Ludwig to himself.  Surely enough, the computer showed Ca₂TuO₂ as one of the substances that weakened all Thunderian races except for members of the Wilykat Race.  It was not radioactive, but the electrons were arranged in the Thundrainium atom so as to be hazardous to all Thunderian races except, again, for members of the Wilykat Race.  It seemed that, no matter what compound could be formed with it or in whichever isotope it could come, Thundrainium just could not affect members of the Wilykat Race over twenty-seven years, zero months, zero days, zero hours, zero minutes, zero seconds of age.  "Damn it, is there nothing which will weaken those blasted Thunder Kittens?  Thundrainium is more reactive than even fluorine, but no compound formed with it, it seems, can weaken members of the Wilykat Race over 27."  He was disgusted.  All these Thundrainium compounds, and none could overpower the ones he needed to overpower.

            "I thought that fluorine was the most reactive nonmetal," said MotherBrain.

            "It should be that way," said Ludwig, "but it is not.  Thundrainium comes right under astatine, which is very rare and is radioactive.  Thundrainium has only recently come to my attention.  With an atomic number of 117, it is the next naturally nonradioactive element after bismuth, which has an atomic number of 83, and it is the next natural element after uranium.  Although very rare in our galaxy, it is one of the most common solids in the universe.  As a monatomic element, Thundrainium is extremely reactive.  Since it is a halogen, it very readily forms bonds with the alkali metals.  It is so reactive that it could never possibly exist naturally as a neutrally charged monatomic element except when prevented from coming into contact with metals and metalloids.  However, it is unlike other elements of such high atomic numbers in that it forms diatomic Thundrainium.  As a diatom, Thundrainium is as stable as helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon.  It is more common as a diatomic element than a monatomic element.  Monatomically, it binds most readily with lithium, the most reactive metal.  And lithium Thundrainide is one of the most effective ways to weaken any Thunderians except for those danged ones from the Wilykat Race.  Calcium Thundrainate can be formed more easily, and it's almost as effective."  As he continued down the list of substances, his eye caught an unnatural combination:  Tu₂He (diThundrainium monoheliide, or, more commonly, super-Thundrainium).  What caught his eye even more was the statement just below it that said that that was the only substance that could weaken members of the Wilykat Race.  "Hm.  DiThundrainium monoheliide, or super-Thundrainium.  How's it formed, I wonder?"  He switched the computer to a different program.  It showed a molecule with two Thundrainium atoms (with 117 protons each) surrounding a helium atom (with only two protons).  The diagram showed that each Thundrainium atom had seven outer electrons, the helium atom two.  It also showed that the helium shared its electrons with the Thundrainium atoms.  "Hm!  The helium is between the two Thundrainium atoms so as to use its valence electrons to stabilise the energy levels of both atoms."

            "If it were an alkaline earth metal, said MotherBrain, "such as calcium, the calcium's two valence electrons would ionise the Thundrainium atoms, and, there, you would have calcium Thundrainate."

            "Yes," said Ludwig, reading the information written on the screen.  "DiThundrainium monoheliide would appear similar to an ionic compound.  It is a crystalline solid at room temperature.  The bond of one molecule of diThundrainium monoheliide can be broken by exposure to electricity and two atoms of lithium.  The electricity knocks the helium electrons out of their orbitals, breaking the bond between the helium atom and the two Thundrainium atoms.  At this time, the lithium binds with the Thundrainium as the helium reattracts its electrons.  The helium gets back its electrons, but the lithia get the Thundrainia."

            "How much electricity?"  Ludwig took a look at his readouts.

            "Hm!  5 247 kilojoules per mole, 8 716 British-billionths of a joule per molecule.  Darn, those helium atoms don't want to lose their electrons, do they?"

            "I should guess not," said MotherBrain.  Ludwig took another look at his readouts.

            "Hm!  Says here that Thundrainium is the only element with which helium will ever combine naturally.  Hmm, hmm!  If we use helium-4 and Thundrainium-234, one mole of the stuff should weigh around. . ."  He figured up a total in his head.  That ability alone had rendered him fame before he revealed his true identity.  ". . .four hundred seventy-two grams.  Therefore, we should use a quarter of a mole.  MotherBrain, get me an eighth of a mole of helium."

            "Yes," said MotherBrain.  She turned to a replicator.  "Computer, I require a quarter of a mole of helium in a sealed test tube."  A sealed test tube materialised on the replicator platform.  MotherBrain handed it to Ludwig, who put the test tube in a device.  He closed a hatch on the device, pressed a button on that device, and it drained every helium atom in the test tube into itself.  When it was finished, it sealed up the helium in a stable chamber.

            "Now," said Ludwig, "get me a quarter of a mole of diatomic Thundrainium."  MotherBrain turned again to the replicator.

            "Computer," she said, "get me a quarter of a mole of diatomic Thundrainium."  Several small crystals of Thundrainium appeared on the platform.  MotherBrain handed them to Ludwig one at a time, and Ludwig quickly placed them in another chamber on the device before any elements present could react with them.  Though they were to a great degree unreactive, they could react.  When he had them in the chamber, he sealed the chamber and drained all the air out of it.  He pressed a series of buttons, and every single one of the 150 500 British quadrillion molecules of Thundrainium were ripped apart.  The end result was 301 000 British quadrillion atoms of Thundrainium. . . extremely volatile.  If Ludwig had decided to open that thing up and dump a bunch of lithium in there, that place would explode.  He pressed a button that linked the helium chamber and the Thundrainium chamber.  He pushed the Thundrainium into the helium chamber with a switch.

            "We must be patient," said Ludwig.  "Helium is hardly reactive at all.  It will probably take time for all of it to bind with all of the Thundrainium."  At his computer, he called up just how much the diThundrainium monoheliide would affect a member of the Wilykat Race.  He was rather disgusted.  "Fifteen percent decrease in energy for the mass I have chosen.  It's better than nothing, I suppose.  As for the others,. . ."  He pressed another button.  Some more readouts appeared.  ". . .it will affect them more greatly than any other compound with Thundrainium."  He smiled wickedly.  "Good."

            "Ludwig," said MotherBrain, "there's a weird readout over here.  It would seem that a part of the side of Q's shield that protects the Romulans, a part corresponding in size to the one we used to forcefully enter the Federation, has weakened greatly.  I believe that we can turn the situation to our advantage."  Ludwig thought about it.

            "It's possible," said Ludwig.  "But our cloaking device on the Warbird has been whacked.  It will be unable to remain shielded from the Romulan ships' sensors, which are as good as those of Federation ships.  However, we could fit Metroid up with molecular disassociators more quickly than fixing the Warbird's cloaking device."  He smiled wickedly.  "Even better, Metroid's cloak is enough to hide it and the Warbird.  All we'd have to do is to attach Metroid to the Warbird. . . and I know the perfect place!"

            * * *

            Main Bridge, Enterprise, orbiting Darkwing's Earth.

            Around 18.30, the Romulans appeared well ahead of schedule, despite their detour.  This rather bugged Riker a little, but he wasn't complaining. . . yet.  The Romulans had taken no adverse action, and that was probably a good sign, but the sight of that huge Romulan Warbird hanging a half-million kilometres away was very disconcerting.  He was not used to a Romulan ship and a Federation ship hanging in the same orbit, both ships with their shields entirely down and their weapons systems entirely inactive.  He was relieved that Worf was keeping a constant watch on the Romulans' weapons systems.  Not just constant, constant.  Worf gave it ninety-nine point nine percent of his attention, perhaps more.  The status-bars indicated Yellow-Alert. . . approved by the captain, though barely.  Riker was still nervous.  That was a fairly large ship.  The knowledge that both Tomalak - now an admiral - and Sela were aboard, even though each in a passive position, augmented his worry.  Tomalak had almost come to the point of destroying the Enterprise, and that was one of the many times when Riker was grateful for the Klingon-Federation alliance.  He had never met Sela before, but, from Picard's descriptions, she was one of the most formidable opponents they had ever faced because of the way she could predict human behaviour.  He knew Sela was half human.  But how Yar could even think about allowing herself to mate with a Romulan was beyond his comprehension.  He knew little about Torreth, although he knew that she was the Romulan with whom Troi was forced to work as a member of the Romulan Intelligence.  Only the way Troi so perfectly emulated one of those officers was what put off Torreth, and Troi was more or less forced to tyrannise the ship because of that role.  If the purpose for Troi's capture had been anything other than what it was, Riker would have been more than a little annoyed.  As it was, he was already very perturbed that the Romulans had kidnapped Deanna and had made her help them to take Vice-Proconsul M'ret and his two aides to the Federation.  At least it was for the Romulan Underground Movement, and no one had hurt her other than surgically altering her.

            Riker looked around the Bridge.  Data was diligently working at Ops, as was Ensign Ro at Conn.  Worf was manning Tactical.  Wesley was helping Worf a bit.  There were some others around.  He remembered that Picard, Troi, and Wilykat returned to Darkwing's Tower as soon as the conference in the Observation Lounge had terminated.

            Something at Tactical beeped, and Worf checked it.  He said, "Sir, Darkwing Tower is calling the Romulans and us.  The Romulans are responding."

            "Respond," ordered Riker.  Worf pressed a key.

            "Channel open, visual," said he to Riker.  The viewscreen showed Torreth at the centre of the right half of itself and Darkwing at the centre of the left half.

            "This is the Enterprise," Riker told Torreth and Darkwing.  "I am Commander William T. Riker, First Officer of the Enterprise."

            "This is Commander Torreth of the IWB Kazara," said Torreth.

            "I am Darkwing Duck, representative member of the N-Team in this sector," said Darkwing.  Something beeped on Worf's panel.

            "Captain Picard is beaming back," said Worf.

            Riker said, "Thank you, Mr. Worf."  He reverted his attention back to the screen.  "A pleasure, Commander."

            "As here," said Torreth, giving a slight bow of the head.  She was being very polite. . . a good sign, thought Riker.

            "Could you wait for our captain?" asked Riker.

            Nodding, Torreth said, "Yes, I can.  I shall."

            "I suppose so," said Darkwing.  Riker was correct in feeling that DW was a few quacks short of sanity.  A few minutes later, the door of a turbolift opened, and Picard got out of it.

            "Commander Torreth," said Riker as Picard came down to him, "this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise."

            "A pleasure," said Picard, facing the screen.

            "Same here, Captain," said Torreth.

            Darkwing snapped, "Finally!  Now, maybe we can finish this business!"  Wilykat came onto the screen with Darkwing and was angry with him.

            "I wonder why Steelheart chose you to represent the N-Team."

            "Well, I give you that task, my dear Wilykat!" snapped Darkwing.  "I told her I'm no diplomat, but I didn't have an excuse to give her!"

            "Very well," said Wilykat.  "You have an excuse now."  Darkwing left the image immediately to the left.  "Please pardon him.  He isn't exactly the most diplomatic member of the N-Team.  He isn't the most intelligent one, either.  Now, to start with.  Commander Torreth, on behalf of the entire N-Team, I welcome you and your ship to this world, called Darkwing's Earth."

            "Thank you," said Torreth very politely.  "Might you please tell us the time?"

            "Certainly, Commander.  Down here, it's. . ."  He looked at his left bracelet.  ". . .18.30."

            "Thank you.  It is four hours, then, 'til the dinner?"

            "Precisely," said Wilykat.  "With what we are doing here, we shall all have to be very alert.  Prince Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa is a very serious threat.  We down here in Darkwing's Tower, the base of the N-Team on this world, are attempting to monitor his activities so that he may not attack the meeting this evening."

            "Can they come and attack it while under cloak?" asked Torreth.

            "Unfortunately, that may be so," said Wilykat.  "Only the cloaking device on their ship called the Warbird has been rendered ineffective.  Theirs which is on Metroid, their 'capital' planet, still functions.  If they connect Metroid to the Warbird, they will be able to cloak both.  The N-Team scanners can see them through their cloaks because of a cloak detection grid we have.  If they. . ."  Something beeped in his background.  "Excuse me for just a moment, please."  He exited to the right of the screen and went to someone.  Something on Tactical beeped.

            "Captain," said Worf, "Metroid is doing something."

            "What kind of something?" asked Picard.

            Worf began, "It appears that. . ."

            Suddenly, Wilykat zipped back onto the screen and interrupted, "Excuse me, but we've a small problem!  The N-Team's sensors in the sixth of the galaxy where Metroid now is have detected that Metroid is joining Ludwig's Warbird on the head-portion.  It would appear that the Warbird would have a brain so large that it wouldn't fit inside the head."

            "Sir," said Worf, "Metroid and the Warbird appear to be fading from our sensors."

            "Verify," Torreth told someone on her bridge.

            "Confirmed," called her weapons officer's voice.  "The two bodies are cloaking."

            "Can we detect them?" asked Torreth.

            "No, sir," said the weapons officer.  "Their cloak is more efficient than our own."

            "We may be able to do so," said Wilykat.  He turned to his left.  "Darkwing, let's not waste time arguing about who has authority over whom.  Just activate that cloak detection grid, please."

            "Yes, Wilykat," called Darkwing's voice.

            Picard asked, "Lieutenant Worf, can you detect either the Warbird or Metroid?"  Looking at the Enterprise's sensor readings at Tactical, Worf shook his head.

            "Our sensors cannot detect Ludwig's Warbird, sir," said Worf.

            "Blast," exclaimed Torreth and Picard in unison.  They surprised each other slightly.

            "Wilykit," called Wilykat to his right, "can we detect Metroid and/or the Warbird?"

            "I cannot tell," replied Wilykit's voice.  "I'm only getting a faint sensor signal, and that can be anything."

            "Well. . . darn it, increase the detection capability, please."  If he had not added that 'please,' she would have snapped that he was trying to order her around.

            "Very well."  Some beeping in the background.  "Ah. . . I'm picking up something extremely faint.  It appears to have the mass and shape of Metroid and the Warbird.  It is heading for the unknown region of VideoLand, but I am as yet too uncertain to tell where."

            "Very well," said Wilykat.  "Commander Torreth and Captain Picard, for purposes of energy conservation, I suggest that you come down here.  It is a bit strenuous on the power supply of this structure to communicate visually for an extended amount of time."

            "Very well," said Torreth.  "I believe also that we should meet in the same area."

            "As do I," said Picard.

            "Okay, Darkwing," said Wilykat.  "Transfer the appropriate transport co-ordinates to the Kazara."

            "Fine," replied Darkwing.

            "Bring any senior officers you feel necessary," said Wilykat.

            "I shall," said Picard.

            Torreth said, "As shall I."

            "Please try to make it within ten minutes," said Wilykat.  "Darkwing's Tower out."  The left half of the screen faded black, then back to the starfield which had been on it before.  Torreth nodded to an officer to her left, and that half of the screen faded black and back to the starfield, as with the other half.

            "Commander Data," said Picard, "please come with me."

            "Aye, sir," said Data.

            "Pardon me, sir," said Wesley.  "May I come along?"

            "Very well, Mr. Crusher," said Picard.  Wesley followed Picard and Data into TurboLift 2.  They were gone before Riker could make an objection.

            "Mr. Worf," said Riker, "keep the sensors on Q's fence.  I have a feeling that the Brain-Team may try their tricks there."

            "Aye, sir," said Worf.

            * * *

            Bridge, Kazara.

            "Commander Sela and Admiral Tomalak, please come to the Bridge," called Torreth on the intercom.  She rose from her seat and turned to Narak.  "Sub-Commander Narak, you will have command of the ship until I return."

            "Very well, sir," said Narak, bowing slightly.  The door from an adjacent hallway opened, and Tomalak entered with Sela.

            "We've been called by the planet," said Torreth.  "The communication was between it, the Enterprise, and us.  It was suggested that we come down there to discuss certain matters."

            "I see," said Tomalak.  "And, therefore, meet Captain Picard in person?"

            "Yes," said Torreth.  "I would like that you two come down with me."

            "I thank you, Commander, and shall come down with you," said Tomalak.

            "I do and shall do the same," replied Sela.

            "Let us go, then, shall we?" said Torreth.  They left the Bridge to a transporter room.