Draygon's Lair, Zebesian Maridia.

While the others went to Samus Aran's ship, Samus, Wilykit, and Kevin beamed to Draygon's {drehy-gahnz} Lair in Maridia.  Yes, Thunderians can breathe water, Wilykit thought.  Kevin's Zapper-Varia converted the water to air so he too could breathe.  "I'm not familiar with Draygon {drehy-gahn}," said Samus.  Four fish converged at a point on the floor and sank into it.  As they retreated, an enormous fishy monster emerged!

            "Hello, Samus!" said the monster.  "And Kevin and Wilykit.  My name is Draygon!  MotherBrain sent me so that I may destroy you!  Actually, it's Ridley who sent me, but it's all the same.  Good-bye!"  Draygon moved away as Samus pelted its armoured back.  "I have an armoured back, you imbecile!"  In the wall, broken circuits shot charges at the three.  They evaded the sparks.  Draygon came in from another angle.  Samus blasted it in the belly.  "Hey!  Be careful!"  It suddenly realised its blunder.  "Oh, shoot!"  Wilykit decided to end the fight.  She made the Thunder Cat Signal in the same way again.  This time, the roar was even fiercer.  The beam shocked Draygon in the belly.  "No!  Good-bye!"  Draygon dropped onto the ground.  The fish returned and pushed him underneath the sand.  MotherBrain's horrendously painful scream filled the Zebesian corridors once more.

            * * *

            "That hurt!" yelled MotherBrain.  "Ridley!"

            "Your clone shall be ready shortly," said the real Ridley.  "The final genetic info for the pseudomutation drain-ray-attack is being implanted."

            "Wilykit's powers are too much for me here," MotherBrain said.  "Get my despicable stepson, King Hippo."

            "Yeah, Big MamaBrain," said King Hippo.  Ludwig appeared on the screen.  "Whoa!  He is callin'!"

            "Thou art correct, most foolish buffoon," Ludwig told Hippo.

            "Wilykit is just too much, Ludwig," said MotherBrain.  "She channels her power through the Sword."

            "Tell your clone to make calcium super-Thundrainide," ordered Ludwig.  "Then, leave there as soon as possible."

            "Yes, stepson," said MotherBrain.  "Talk to you later."

            "See you," said Ludwig.  His image disappeared from the screen.

            * * *

            Phantoon, invisible, dropped plasma balls.  The three heroes evaded them.  Phantoon appeared, ghostlike, at the ceiling.  Its upper body was spherical, and it had tentacles dangling down.  Where the tentacles joined the body was an eye on one side, which was protected by a mouth that closed.  Its weak point, its eye, was closed.  It shot strings of plasma at Kevin, Samus, and Wilykit, and it was all they could do just to evade them.  Phantoon then disappeared.  Wilykit quickly said, "Kevin, whenever it next opens its eye, pause!"

            "Yes, Wilykit," said Kevin.  Phantoon appeared; its eye opened.  Pressing Select, Kevin shouted, "Pause!"  Phantoon was frozen.  Wilykit made the Thunder Cat Signal once more.  The roar was fiercer than before, and the beam blasted Phantoon in the eye.  When the pause wore off, Phantoon began to flow away.  He finally dissolved into nothingness.

            * * *

            "Not Phantoon!" said MotherBrain upon hearing the Thunder Cat Roar.

            "Your clone's ready," said Ridley.  Another MotherBrain materialised in the room.  The real MotherBrain held back the scream when the unbearable pain hit her brain.

            "I serve my counterpart," said the clone.

            "Destroy Samus, Wilykit, and Kevin when they get here," ordered the real.  "Once your glass is destroyed, pseudomutate and replicate calcium super-Thundrainide to weaken Wilykit.  Use the drain-ray-attack to finish off Samus; you may need to do it more than once.  After Samus, drain Captain N's Power Pad by letting him fire at you; he will ultimately run out.  Then, a dose of the drain-ray will finish him.  Finally, attack Wilykit by powering up the drain-ray as much as you possibly can and draining her drier than Captain N and Samus combined.  Kill the larva if it attempts to help them.  Understood?"

            "I understand and shall obey," the clone said.  The real MotherBrain and the Brain-Team warped to Planet Metroid.  The clone took its place on its pedestal.

            * * *

            Samus, Wilykit, and Kevin arrived in the room with the four statues.  The eyes of Kraid popped out, then the statue turned grey.  Then, Phantoon's statue, then Draygon's, and finally Ridley's.  Ridley's had a villainous glint as its eyes popped out, and it was a tad red after it had turned grey like the other three.  That he was above the other three was a sign of his domination.  He had been by far the most difficult one to defeat; even Wilykit suffered a small strain while blasting him.  The statue sank into the ground, and the floor gave way.  The three jumped down through where the floor had been and wound up on a platform just beneath the statue of Ridley but just above the other three statues.  They jumped to the floor of this lower chamber and found a lift.  They promptly took this lift down and arrived in Tourian.  They went down to a door and continued west.  They encountered several nonmutated Metroids, each of which they froze and obliterated with one super-missile.  Their path led west, down, east, and down again, into a chamber below a shaft.  They encountered two enormous creatures, which they destroyed with several super-missiles.  They continued west and saw the dust of lesser monsters from Samus's previous quest here.  "I have a horrible feeling about this place," Wilykit said.  In the corridor, they encountered more dust figures.  Wilykit touched one resembling a skree, a bird-like creature that attacked by diving from the ceiling.  It crumbled.  "Somehow, it felt real, as though its life energy had just been sucked right out of it.  Not even Plundarrians or Cardassians would deserve such a cruel fate.  I estimate that these creatures were put in here to feed Metroids."

            "Ugh," said Kevin.  "There may be more."

            "And we've not encountered the larva yet," Wilykit noted.  They entered another part of the hallway.  The Eye flashed, but all three saw the danger:  one giant Dessgeega {dehs-jáy-gah}.  Wilykit thought, What if that's not the danger?  "Let's not destroy this Dessgeega!  If we do, we may be in enormously more danger than we see."  All three took the advice.  A giant Metroid came and latched itself onto the Dessgeega!

            "Look at that one's size!" exclaimed Kevin.

            The Dessgeega fought and fought, but the Metroid was too strong for it and sucked out all its energy.  The victim faded to a light grey.  "I see!" said Samus.  When the gargantuan Metroid released the Dessgeega, the latter disintegrated.  The Metroid then grabbed Samus!  "Yaah!  Beat it, you two!"  However, before the Metroid absorbed even a unit of Samus's energy, it released her and squealed like. . . "The larva!  It's the larva!"  The Metroid left.

            "It couldn't hurt its mother or its mother's companions," Wilykit explained.  "Had we killed the Dessgeega, the Metroid would've killed poor Kevin purely by accident."  Kevin scratched his head.  "Let's go see MotherBrain, shall we?"  They continued west, down, east, and down again, until they arrived at the door to MotherBrain's lair.  "Samus, you cream the Zebetites.  Kevin and I will mash the Rinkas."  Samus and Kevin nodded their agreement.  Samus bashed the door open with a single super-missile.  Once they were inside, lava rose as Samus smashed the four Zebetites.  Kevin and Wilykit dealt with the Rinkas.  When they got to MotherBrain, they immediately became suspicious because of her calmness.

            "Hi, good guys!" said MotherBrain.  "Have fun blowin' my brains out!  Ha, ha, ha!"

            "What's your game?" Samus asked.

            "Oh, you'll see.  Just have fun blowin' me away!  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!  Hee, hee, hee!"  She continued her malevolent laughter as Samus, Kevin, and Wilykit blasted her, as her glass continually cracked.  Her wicked laughter continued after her glass was broken, as Inner Tourian fell away.  Soon, her laughing stopped, though the malevolent smile remained.  The chamber now contained only her and the heroes, along with a few monitors.  Wilykit was incredibly, incredibly uneasy.

            "Oh, MotherBrain," shouted Wilykit after a few seconds, "whatever you're going to do, do it already!"

            "She seems dead," said Kevin, but he did not really believe that.  Nonetheless, when MotherBrain's smile suddenly broadened, he was surprised and scared out of his mind.  "She is not!"

            "You'll never leave here alive!" said MotherBrain.  "Pseudomutator, do your stuff!"  She began to get up.  Her brain, face, and tentacles were the head part for an enormous body that was slightly humanoid in appearance.  "I've pseudomutated and you're all in trouble now!  Replicator!  Make it!"  The replicator near one of the monitors produced a turquoise substance.  Suddenly, Wilykit began to weaken.

            "Wha. . .?" demanded Wilykit.  She fell to her knees and dropped the Sword.  Her body had contained much more energy than anyone could possibly imagine.  Now, it contained less energy than a human's.  "What is that?"

            "Something, my dear, that every good little Thunder Kitten should get for Christmas:  calcium super-Thundrainide!  Ha, ha, ha!"

            "Why, you!  I would use the word that begins with F if my conscience did not keep me from doing so!"

            "Ooh!  I'm hurt!"  Her brain turned red.  "Now, Samus, I'm a-goin' to wipe you out first!"  She spat blue laser rings at Samus.  Samus evaded these, aimed her arm-cannon up at MotherBrain at an angle, and continually blasted her with super-missiles.  MotherBrain continually retaliated with infernal power.  "Your end is near, Samus!"  She activated a compact disc player.  "To the tune of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony!  I love listening to the classics!  Hee, hee!"  As the music began, she closed her eyes and drew power into her brain cells.  "Too bad you won't live to hear von(Bowser)Koopa's Overture to Death!  But then, all good things must. . ."  As the beginning beats were being repeated, MotherBrain pinned Samus to the wall with the drain-ray-attack!  ". . .COME TO AN END!!!  HA, HA, HA!!!"  Kevin tried to get to Samus, but the beam repelled him.  He watched helplessly as MotherBrain drained out Samus's energy.  When the brain had finished, Samus was very weak, with only 30 energy units, no missiles, no super-missiles, and no super-bombs remaining.  "One more dose'll do it!  Samus, it's been a blast!  Nice knowin' ya!"  She charged again.  Kevin drew his Zapper and tried to blast her.  However, this was ineffective.  "Captain N, you'll be next!  Ha, ha!"  Just as MotherBrain was about to drain Samus of her energy, the larva latched onto the brain!  "NO!!!"  Kevin suddenly realised what he should have been doing.

            "Wilykit!"  The Thunder Kitten was helpless.  "Don't worry.  I'll help you."  He went to the replicator and had it turn the super-Thundrainide back into air.  It did so.  "Whew!"  He went over to her and helped her up.  "Y'all right?"

            "Yes, thanks, Kevin," Wilykit said.  Their look into each other's eyes lasted longer than they intended. . . too long.  Too intimate.  "Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony seems mildly appropriate for MotherBrain's Metroid-on-Brain syndrome."  Kevin nodded.

            "I'm your mother!" screeched MotherBrain.  The Metroid was draining her energy.  "No!  Stop!  Ah. . ."  After a minute, MotherBrain sat.  She became light grey and appeared quite dead.  The attention of Kevin and Wilykit was fixed on the Metroid as it clung onto Samus and completely refilled her energy tanks.

            "The Metroid is convinced that Samus is its mother," Wilykit said.  Telepathy was so useful.  She felt evil bordering on her feelings.  She turned to MotherBrain.  "Oh, my God!"  MotherBrain's colour was returning.  "SHE'S STILL ALIVE!!!"

            Kevin turned.  "Yah!  This is impossible!" exclaimed he.  "The Metroid. . ."

            Her eyes opening, MotherBrain shouted, "METROID!!!  HOW DARE IT!!!"  She weakly got up.  "IT IS I WHO AM THE MOTHER OF THE METROIDS!!!  SUCH BEHAVIOUR IS INEXCUSABLE!!!"  She shot blue laser rings at the Metroid.

            "She'll kill it!" said Wilykit.  She grabbed the Sword and once again made the call.  The powerful Thunder Cat Roar did not affect MotherBrain, but the signal-beam itself did.  The signal blasted her brain with a hyper-beam.  MotherBrain's screaming was nearly unbearable.

            "I'M GONE!!!" the brain finally screamed.  As she disintegrated, however, her sinister laugh returned.  "Wrong brain, Thunder Kit!  Good-bye!  Ha, ha, ha!"

            A voice warned, "Time-bomb set.  In three minutes, the entire Planet Zebes will blow sky-high."

            After having tapped his communicator, Kevin ordered, "Transport three people and a Metroid to Samus's scout ship!"  They were transported there.  The Metroid decided not to attack anyone who was present.  Samus went to the cockpit and piloted the ship out of the system and toward the Palace of Power.  About three minutes later, Zebes engulfed itself in an enormous explosion caused by a tiny time-bomb planted in Ridley's lair.

            * * *

            Control Room, Cat's Lair, third-Earth.

            Quarter 'til four.  Tygra would have to get some sleep.  He was still worried about Wilykat and Wilykit. . . his kits.  They were still and would always be his kits.  His daughter was still on Zebes, for all he knew.  Keeping them chained down had made him feel awful.  Kits needed to have their own little adventures.  Still. . . his daughter on Zebes!  Wilykit was his favourite.  She was so intellectual.  She was extremely strong for her small size and brave.  She hardly ever was a smarty-mouth.  That seemed Wilykat's biggest fault, his smart-mouthing. . . Tygra scorned himself for basing distribution of love on anything.  He loved both of them so much. . . he was both mother and father to them.  It was hard.  That twins entertained each other by themselves made his job easier.  Cheetara, his Amora Eternamente; Bengali, his younger brother; and Panthro, one of his best friends, had each been of invaluable assistance to him, but a great deal of what the Kittens were now was influenced by Tygra.  He was wiser than he understood or than he would boast about.  He was modest, not overly proud.  He was proud enough.

            Panthro came in.  "Tygra, Cheetara, get some rest.  Ol' Panthro will hold the fort down."

            "Good idea," said Cheetara.  "Tygra?"

            "Okay," Tygra said.  Just as he was about to gratefully get up, the transmission indicator lit up.  "Someone is calling."  He tapped a button.  He was extremely relieved to see Wilykit's face in one piece.  "Wilykit!  Oh, I'm so glad to see you."

            "I thought you might be," said Wilykit.  "I didn't want to wake you if you were asleep."

            "I couldn't sleep while you were on Zebes, my daughter."

            "Zebes is no more.  Wilykat and I shall be over shortly to explain our situation.  Lion-O may wish to hear."

            "Of course.  He shall be here, 'Kit.  Boy, am I relieved to see that you are all right."  Wilykit smiled.

            "Thank you for your concern.  Wilykit out."

            * * *

            In a few minutes, the Thunder Cats Lion-O, Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, and Wilykit and Wilykat were all in the control room, as was Snarf.  "On Planet Zebes?" demanded Snarf.  "It's dangerous there!  Snarf, snarf."

            "Pardon me, Snarf, but I do not need a nursemaid," said Wilykit.  "Still, I feel that something is terribly wrong.  What MotherBrain said as she disintegrated.  'Wrong brain, Thunder Kit!'  And why would she laugh at her own destruction?"

            Lion-O said, "I wish I knew, 'Kit.  How helpful was the Sword of Omens?"

            "Very," said Wilykit, handing it back to him.  "It could economically channel my power so that I could destroy MotherBrain's evil super-monsters.  Ridley was a bit tough."

            "I have the strangest feeling," said Wilykat, "that the Ridley whom you defeated was bogus."

            "I feel somewhat that way, as well," Wilykit admitted.  "At least the prisoners and larva have been saved."

            "Yes," said Lion-O.  "And MotherBrain's gone."

            "I wouldn't say so yet," Wilykit said.  "Not until someone like Samus checks Planet Metroid.  My dear brother was told by Jayna and Zan that in 1985, Ridley and MotherBrain left clones in Zebes so Samus would not destroy the genuine articles but rather the clones."

            "Yeah," said Wilykat.  "And what would keep them from doing an encore of such a performance?"  Lion-O's eyes narrowed.

            "I understand that, guys," Lion-O said.  "What about the Borg?"

            Tygra said, "I'm afraid that a very careful analysis of Mr. Data's has revealed that the Borg circuitry's basic parts are of Thunderian technology from the 10th century.  Do you think it would be safe to look around their ship?"

            "Check a Borg ship?" demanded Snarf.  "Oh, snarf, snarf!"

            "Sure it would," said Wilykit.  "Although Ludwig may control them, it would be most likely that they ignore you unless you began trying to 'bust up' the ship."

            Lion-O asked, "Tygra, do you suggest that we transport a team to the Borg ship to investigate?"

            "Yes, Lion-O," said Tygra.

            "Very well," Lion-O concluded.  "At 9.00, you, Cheetara, Bengali, and Pumyra will meet and transport to the Borg ship with the necessary equipment to investigate, Tygra."

            "Thank you."  He stifled a yawn.  "Now, I can finally turn in."  He left for his room.

            Cheetara could not stifle her yawn, but she did cover her mouth.  "Good night, Thunder Cats," she said.  "Or good morning."  She left the room.  When the door had closed, she called, "Tygra!"  Tygra, in front of her by a couple of metres, stopped and turned around.  She walked quickly and joined him.  "I'm sorry about what happened a few nights ago, Tygra.  I could have waited.  I was apprehensive, though, of restarting our relationship after so long."

            "I forgive you, my love," said Tygra.  As he held her right hand in both his hands, the two kissed for a few moments.  "I confess that I would have interrupted if you had not.  I was just as nervous."

            "Suppose, Tygra, we became parents of children whom we produced.  How would that make the Wilytwins feel?"

            "I honestly do not know, Cheetara.  They might possibly feel that I'd love my natural children more than I would them, but I certainly would not."

            "Why don't you bring that up with them?"

            "I shall.  Would you care to try again?"  Cheetara smiled.

            "Certainly."  They went to Tygra's room.

            * * *

            In the control room, the Thunder Kittens were rather nervous.  Lion-O had pointed that out and asked why.

            "Cheetara and Tygra seem to be spending more time together than usual," Wilykat responded.

            "That bothers you?" asked Lion-O.

            "Well, yes, to a degree, Lion-O.  They're Amore Eternamente, like 'Kit and Wesley."

            "Oh!  Now I see!" said Lion-O.  He understood completely.  "What exactly is bothering you two?"

            "What if the two have children whom they produced?" Wilykit asked.  "What we're worried about is that Tygra might love them more than us."

            "Now, I'm certain that nothing could be further from the truth!" Panthro assured them confidently.  "That's what older kids worry about when their parents have more children.  The concern is unwarranted.  I know because I had a younger sister.  I guarantee that Tygra won't love you any less.  Sure, he may pay less attention to you, but he would have to supervise the younger ones as they grow, just as he did you two.  He's a much better father than he gives himself credit for; that is revealed in you two.  He worries about you when you're not here, you know."

            "Well, thanks for your assurance, Panthro," Wilykit said.  She and Wilykat were much relieved by this pep talk.

            "I have an Amora Eternamente," said Wilykat.

            "Oh, really!" said Panthro.  "Who is she?"

            "It's Jayna," answered Wilykat.  "She's very nice.  She is the younger Wondertwin, by 1.5 seconds.  She is extremely shy, but that's because of the Cardassians."

            Lion-O said, "Yes.  Didn't they conquer her race's homeworlds?"

            "And killed her parents.  She was only 15."

            "That's a real tragedy."

            "The more I hear about those blasted Cardassians," snarled Panthro, "the more I want to use their heads for bowling balls!"

            "They'll do a lot of damage with what Ludwig's given them," Wilykit said.

            "We have an edge," said Lion-O.  "Our hyper drives are capable of speeds far greater than their warp drives."

            "True," said Panthro.  "Only we know how to produce triberyllium crystals."

            "A secret that will be revealed to the Federation as well as to the Romulan and Klingon Empires," Lion-O said.  Something beeped on Panthro's sensors.  "What's up, Panthro?"

            Investigating, Panthro said, "Give me a moment, Lion-O."  He became nervous.  "A ship is entering the galactic area from intergalactic space.  Appears to bear the Thunderian insignia."

            "How possible?" demanded Lion-O.  "What class of ship?"

            "It's Lightning-Class," said Panthro.  That only added to the mystery.  "How?  Only the Wilykat-Race used that kind of ship."

            "Is it operating?" asked Lion-O.

            "It is, Lion-O.  That ship's large enough to hold as many people as a Borg ship can.  The ship's in great shape.  It seems to be following our old spaceship's path to third-Earth.  Wait a moment!  It's stopping."

            "Oh, Jaga.  Any people on that ship?"

            "Can't tell.  We should check it out."

            "In about 1770, we discovered that 50 000 Wilykats were missing. . . unaccounted for," said Wilykit.  "Among them were our immediate aunt and uncle, our uncle being the twin of our mother and our aunt being the twin of our father.  A document in our book says so.  At the same time, one large Lightning-Class starship was also found missing."

            Panthro suggested, "Say those missing guys took or, more likely, bought the ship.  What would you say?"

            "They'd still be doomed from Rataro's poison, but their children would not.  The child in the mother's womb is protected from the poison.  We made our ships able to remove harmful impurities like Rataro's poison from the air."  Her eyes widened.  "We've got to search that ship!  It is very possible that some Wilykats managed to escape from Thundera!"

            "Very well," said Lion-O.

            "Shall we take the Feliner?"

            "An excellent suggestion.  Kittens, you and I'll go.  Panthro, keep an eye on us."

            "Right, Lion-O," said Panthro.  Lion-O and the Thunder Kittens ran out to the Feliner to prepare for take-off.

            * * *

            Castle Plundarr.

            "Caw!" squawked Vultureman.  "S-s-slithe, Luna!  Something's happening!  Caw!"

            "What's going on, bird-brain?" demanded S-s-slithe.

            "A ship is entering the galactic segment from intergalactic space," answered the scavenger.  "Caw!  The ship bears - caw! - the flag of the Thunderian Empire.  Caw!"

            "S-s-so," said S-s-slithe.  "I thought that all the Thunderians-s-s, exc-s-s-sept those repugnant Thunder Cats-s-s, had been thoroughly eliminated!"

            "If you wish to play an integral part in that ship's destruction, come with us Luna-tacks," said Luna.  "It's time to fly the unfriendly skies!  Ha, ha!"

            "Well, then, let's go!" S-s-slithe said.  Luna (and Amok, on whom she was sitting as always), S-s-slithe, and Vultureman were transported to Sky Tomb.  The flying fortress was cloaked and in orbit around third-Earth.

            "Aluro," Luna barked, "set course for the Thunderian ship!"

            "Yes, Luna," said Aluro.  He input the course.

            "Warp 15!"

            * * *

            The Feliner was a light-year ahead of Sky Tomb.  Lion-O was now an excellent pilot.  "Whoa!" Wilykat exclaimed.  "The Luna-tacks are in pursuit!"

            "Cloaked?" asked the Lord of the Thunder Cats.

            "Yeah."

            "Shoot.  I know they'll cause trouble.  Panthro's been trying to find time to work on a cloaking device, but to no avail.  At least Luna-tacks still use the lithium based power source."

            "True.  The Romulans' disruptor technology provides them with a greater defensive force than ours."

            Wilykit asked, "Shall I increase speed?"

            "Hyper 245," responded Lion-O.  Nodding, Wilykit input the new speed.  The Feliner sped up.  "Well, what're the Luna-tacks doing?"

            "Trying to catch up," said Wilykat, smiling.  "Their max is hyper 240."

            "They're still a problem.  A big problem."

            "Yes," agreed Wilykit.  Lion-O frowned slightly.

            "I've forgotten, guys.  What's your maternal name?"

            "It is Astutus {ahs-tú-tus}," answered Wilykit.

            "So, your full name is Wilykit Astutus?"

            "Yes.  What's yours?"

            "Lion-O Leã {leh-ahⁿh}."

            "I see.  I do suspect the Plundarrians are going to cause trouble."

            "Well, what are you going to do?"

            "Maybe Wesley could help."

            "Maybe."  Wilykit telepathically called out to Wesley.

            * * *

            Main Ready-Room, Enterprise.

            "Captain, I'm honoured," said Wesley.  "I do realise there are difficulties in commanding a ship."

            "You impress me, Wesley," said Picard.  Suddenly, something struck Wesley's mind.  The new captain put his right hand on his forehead.  "Wesley?  Are you all right?"

            "Ooh.  Yes, sir.  Wilykit's reaching to me telepathically."

            Wesley! the voice of his sweetheart called.  It's Wilykit.

            "How do I talk to her?  Rats, I forgot."

            I hear you, Wes.  I have a problem.

            "A problem, 'Kit?  What kind?"

            If you'll transport to where I am, I'll tell you.  I don't want to do it telepathically.

            "I wish I could, 'Kit.  I'm still captain until this mission ends.  I'll send Data, okay?"

            I'd like you to come, Wes.  However, if it is necessary, that will be acceptable.  Just have him tell me something from you.

            "I will, 'Kit," Wesley said.  "See you later."

            Later, Wes.  He could tell that she was disappointed that he, Wesley Crusher, was not going to come to her.  It had its effect on him.

            "She wants me to come.  I really wish I could."

            "Wesley," Picard said, "you are trying to be too serious.  If you do not go see her, I shall take back the ship."  Wesley smiled.  "Wilykit loves you.  She's very special.  Of all things, you had better not lose her."

            "Right," said Wesley.  "Wilykit, bring me to you."

            You're coming? asked Wilykit telepathically.  Why'd you change your mind, Wes?

            "Well, you seemed rather upset when I told you I wasn't coming.  I don't want you to be upset, 'Kit."

            Okay, Wes!  Stand by!  In a moment, Wesley was transported to the Feliner.

            * * *

            The Feliner.

            Wilykit was the first to greet Wesley.  "Hi, again," said the Thunder Kitten.  "How's it going?"

            "Great," said Wesley.  "Hello, Lion-O."

            "Hello, Wesley," Lion-O said.

            "Good evening," said Wilykat.

            "Hi, Wilykat," Wesley said.  "What's happening?"  Wilykit telepathically gave him the information in less than a second.  "I see."

            "I said nothing," said Lion-O.

            "I gave him the information telepathically," said Wilykit.

            "Oh!  I see, 'Kit."

            "And," said Wesley, "you specifically want the Enterprise to help?"

            "I request it, Wes," said Wilykit.  She put her hands on his shoulders.  "This is not meant, by the way, as a means of persuasion."  The two kissed.  Lion-O averted his attention to his control panel.  Wilykat did not.  Wilykit and Wesley finished their kiss.

            "I love you, 'Kit," Wesley said.  "However, the Enterprise can't get to that ship in time to help."  Wilykit removed two pellets from her belt.

            "Fire these through the photon-torpedo-tubes of the Enterprise away from the Palace," Wilykit said.  "A warp zone will open.  Wish it to take you to the Thunderian ship as the Enterprise enters, and you'll be there.  The warp can even be permanent if you wish."

            "Yeah!  Thanks!" said Wesley.  As he attempted to take them, Wilykit quickly moved her hand.  "What?"

            Seriously, Wilykit said, "Ask the Romulans to come along with you, please.  I sense a danger greater than the Sky Tomb.  Otherwise, I would not even have bothered you."

            "Certainly."  Wilykit put the pellets into his hand.  They kissed again for a moment.  "I love you, Wilykit."

            "I love you, too, Wesley."  She tapped her communicator.  "N-Team Transporter, transport Wesley Crusher to the Main Ready-Room of the Enterprise."  Wesley was transported there.

            * * *

            Sky Tomb.

            "Yes-s-s!" said S-s-slithe.  "There is a cloaked Plundarrian Bird of Prey pursuing the Thunderian ship.  I have called it."

            "Good," said Luna.  "The Feliner stands no chance against a Bird of Prey.  Which race of Plundarrians?"

            "Reptilians-s-s and Monkians-s-s.  Yes-s-s!"

            "Ooh!  I like this already!"  Ridley materialised in the room's centre.  "Ridley!  We thought. . . wrong."

            "Yes, if you thought that MotherBrain and I were destroyed with Zebes," said Ridley.  "To the N-Team, she and I are deceased, dead.  Got it, Luna?"

            "Got it."

            "Fill me in on your activity.  Prince von(Bowser)Koopa and Queen MotherBrain must know."  Luna explained the situation to him.

            * * *

            The Feliner.

            The Lightning-Class ship had the outward elegance of the Enterprise.  The ship had a majestic look about it.  It appeared birdlike, but it was not menacing; it showed classical beauty in form and romantic beauty in content.  The ship had stopped a light-year within the galactic border.  The Feliner was in front of it.

            "Fifty thousand Wilykats," said Wilykit.  "This is the ship.  The registry number checks."

            "Has anyone responded to our hail?" asked Lion-O.

            "No.  They're all in suspension."

            "Oh."

            "The automatic release is down.  Someone must do it manually.  The 200-year duration has passed."

            "What's manual life-support like?"

            "Working well," she answered.  "It has Thundera's life-zone atmosphere."

            "Good," said Lion-O.  A warp opened near the ship.  The Enterprise and the Kazara emerged.

            "They're both hailing."

            "Respond to them both at the same time, please," said Lion-O.  His screen showed him the image of the two bridges.  The human captain spoke first.

            "We're here, Lion-O," Wesley said.

            Romulan Commander Torreth spoke next.  "Maybe we should speak in one place.  I invite a party from the Enterprise and one from the Feliner aboard my ship."

            * * *

            Conference Room, Kazara.

            The Enterprise party and the Wilytwins were led by Commander Sela to the great ship's conference room, where Commander Torreth and Admiral Tomalak were patiently waiting.  Captain Wesley Crusher, Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Captain Picard, and Lieutenant Worf were the ones from the Enterprise crew who had come.  "Good day," greeted Torreth.

            Wilykit said, �Jornùs buonùs, Comandanta Torrêth /transliterated/ {Zhór-nus bwó-nus, kó-mahn-dahn-tah tó-rrehth} [Romulan] (Good day, Commander Torreth).�  Torreth was amazed and pleased at the same time.  The stress, enunciation, and everything else were perfect.  She also felt like Wilykit was respecting her as a Romulan by addressing her in the Romulan language, though English was in general use among the Romulans.

            "Good day," replied Torreth.  "How is it that you speak Romulan, Wilykit?"

            "I have studied it," Wilykit said.

            "When'd you have time?" asked Wilykat.  "That's right.  You're a quick study."

            "That's right, as are you, my brother."

            Tomalak said, "Well, have a seat, everyone."  Everyone had a seat at the table in the room.  Tomalak, Torreth, and Sela made sure that they sat down last.  "I assume that this ship that you found, Thunder Cats, holds something important?"

            "Yes," answered Wilykit.  "Fifty thousand important somethings, in fact.  Those 'somethings' are Thunderians and members of Wilykat's and my race.  Our sensors indicate that they went into suspension 200 years ago.  Suspension decreases the rate of ageing so that one ages at the rate of only one year during 20 years.  Furthermore, one suspension can only last 200 years.  After the duration, one must be released from suspension.  Normally, suspension capsules automatically release the person after 200 years.  However, that auto-release system on the suspension control of that ship either is not working correctly or was not activated 200 years ago.  It is imperative that someone go over soon to release them manually."

            Worf was not extremely happy with that.  "What if they attack?"

            "I would say that that's ridiculous, but then I would forget that your concern would be warranted in certain cases.  Attacking instantly is not a Thunderian trait.  We are extremely cautious, but we don't attack unless provoked.  Thunderian instincts are different from other races' in that we don't merely try to survive.  We innately try to learn as much about things as possible before acting.  There are times when we act on instincts like other races, but only when warranted.  It's been observed that we are physically powerful, but we don't abuse it.

            "Anyway, the situation on that ship is only bad because of the suspension situation, as far as we can tell.  The files on the ship indicate that the main languages are English and Ancient Thunderian.  A boarding party would have to wear translators.  Fortunately, that will be easy to arrange."

            "Cmdr. Riker, Cmdr. Data, and Lt. Worf, you will be the Enterprise part of the Away-Team," Wesley said.

            "Aye, sir," said Riker.

            "Sub-Cmdr. Narak, Centurion Kranos, and Cent. Nekras will compose the Romulan part," said Torreth.

            * * *

            Transporter Room 1, Enterprise.

            The Thunder Kittens were handing a communicator to each Away-Team member except themselves and Data.  He had Ancient Thunderian in his language program.  However, Riker, Worf, Narak, Kranos, and Nekras did not know the language (although it was similar to Romulan), and they wore the communicators, each of which served as a translator.  "Shall we go?" asked Wilykit.  Everyone nodded.  The eight-person Away-Team got onto the pad.

            "If you have any trouble," said Wesley, also in the transporter room and with Lion-O, "call.  We'll beam you back.  The Kazara and Enterprise are going to cloak as soon as you arrive on the Thunderian ship."

            "And we won't have to worry about the Feliner," said Lion-O.  "Cmdr. LaForge let me put it in a shuttle bay."

            "Ready to transport," said the operator of the transporter.  "Bridge of the Thunderian ship."

            "Yes," said Wilykit.  By agreement of all people involved, she was chosen as leader of the Away-Team.  She was the only female in the team; so be it.

            Wesley ordered, "Energise."  The operator activated the transporter.  The Away-Team of three Romulans, one human, one Klingon, one android, and two Thunderians disappeared into glittering molecules.  They reintegrated on the bridge of the Thunderian ship.  There, Wilykit surveyed the area.  They were facing the main viewscreen.  The bridge was spacious.  "It appears to me," said Wilykit, "that the layout of this ship's bridge is like that of the Enterprise bridge."  So it was.  Behind the Away-Team was the three-chair horseshoe-shaped command centre.  In front were two stations.  As she examined them, she discovered that the one to the right was Conn and that the one to the left was Ops.  The words on the station were written in three languages:  Ancient Thunderian, English, and Thunderian Portuguese.  The Thunderian Portuguese was in the Roman alphabet; it could be written either in the Roman alphabet or the Cyrillic alphabet.  It appeared that the user had the option of switching to the language easiest for her or him to comprehend.  Wilykit read what was on the Ops station; it was in Ancient Thunderian.  "This ship is mainly expending energy to life-support and suspension."  Data had gone to Tactical.  "What does Tactical say, Lieutenant-Commander?"

            "It appears," said Data, "that the layout on this station is almost identical to that on the Enterprise Tactical, except that there is a switch for choosing one of three languages:  Thunderian, English, and. . . what is the name of this other?"

            "It is Pórtuguès Trovãiã {pawr-tü-gáy tró-vahⁿh-nyahⁿh} [Thunderian Portuguese] (Thunderian Portuguese)," answered Wilykit.  "It is almost entirely phonetic, except that the consonant on the end of a word is not pronounced unless there is an E there or unless the next word begins with a vowel.  Unaccented E's are not pronounced.  If I had known that Thunderian Portuguese was also spoken, I would have programmed it into the translator.  Data, you can probably understand it since you know Spanish."

            "I see," said Data.  "The name of this ship is Effugium {ehf-fú-jyum}."  He turned around and saw three science stations and an engineering station.  In the middle of the floor was the Cat's Eye symbol.  "Wilykit, what exactly does the Cat's Eye signify?"

            "It's the symbol of Old Thundera, of Thunderius, of New Thundera, of the Thunderian species, of the Thunderian Empire, and of us Thunder Cats.  It symbolises the constant watch of the Code of Thundera."

            "I comprehend.  Where is everyone?"

            "The suspension deck.  Data, could you explore the ship with Lt.-Cmdr. LaForge after asking him to come over and with Cent. Nekras, please?"

            "Certainly."

            "If you get lost, touch a comm-panel and ask a question as to where you are.  Lt. Worf, please accompany them.  The rest of us shall go find the suspension area.  Each door should be marked in three languages:  Ancient Thunderian, then English, and finally Thunderian Portuguese.  You should be able to find your way around."  Everyone nodded.  Wilykit's group entered a lift.  "Suspension area," said Wilykit.  The lift car moved downward quickly but tolerably.  When it slowed to a halt and the door opened, the five disembarked and continued to a door marked, 'Senior Suspension Area' in the three languages Wilykit had mentioned.  The group entered the room behind this door.

            The room was circular, with ten suspension capsules.  It appeared to be five pairs.  The group easily surveyed them.  "Only two, who appear to be the oldest as well as who appear to be twins, wear an insignia and clothing," remarked Data.  "All are Wilykats.  Five females, five males.  Five pairs of twins.  Wilykit, about the clothing?"

            "Thunderians do not deem it necessary," said Wilykit.  "As you probably know, Data, we have an extra body part that covers certain organs when they're not in use."

            "Ah.  I understand.  Was Thundera a hot world?"

            "Rather.  During most of the year, the temperature was slightly above body temperature.  It did drop in winter, but it takes much more cold to harm a Thunderian.  And I know it should be much less heat.  About twins.  Almost every Thunderian has a twin sibling.  It seems that we should release the two Thunder Cats first.  The male seems to be the older."  Next to the male Thunder Cat's capsule was a set of keys.  Wilykit typed 'Release.'  Slowly, the young person's colour changed from a pale blue-grey to a colour like Wilykit's.  Life-slowing elements left the capsule.  The top raised open.  "It'll take a moment for him to awaken," said Wilykit.  The outfit was like Wilykat's, but it was light blue and lacked the capsule compartments on the belt.  The insignia was on the chest as well.  The hair was identical to Wilykat's, except that the part that was black in Wilykat's was white in this other person's.  His shoes were like Wilykat's.  He sighed lightly.

            He muttered, "Oh, I gotta get up."  He rubbed his forehead.  "I just discovered that I hate suspension."  He opened his eyes.  For a second - one second - terror filled him.  Then, he noticed that two of them bore Thunder Cat insignia.  "Good day.  Who are you?"

            Wilykit introduced herself, "My name is Wilykit Astutus.  This is my younger-by-a-second twin brother, Wilykat.  This is Cmdr. Riker, this Sub-Cmdr. Narak, and this Cent. Kranos."

            "Your. . . are you any of those that left Leos for the Milky Way?"

            "Wilykat and I are.  What is your name?"

            "My name is Astutusgatito {ahs-tú-tus-gah-té-tó} Wily."

            "Oh, Jaga," said Wilykit.  "Are you related to the Wilykats - specifically Wilykatze {wahy-lé-kaht-suh} and Astutusfelus {ahs-tú-tus-fáy-lus} - that became missing in 1770?"

            "Sure am.  The two you mentioned secretly purchased this ship.  They promised 49 998 people - 24 999 married couples, that is - a way for their progeny to survive.  The two you mentioned were my and my sister's parents.  Anyway, in '70, 50 000 people left our poisoned land in this ship.  In '76, Astutusgatita {ahs-tú-tuhs-gah-té-tah}, my younger twin sister, and I were born.  We were the first ones born here, so I inherited my dad's leadership position.  By '85, 25 000 sets of twins had been born.  My parents died of Rataro's poison that year.  They were. . . they were the last to go."  This was evidently hard for him to say.  A tear streamed down his face.

            "I'm sorry," said Wilykit.  "I am your direct cousin.  My brother and I were born to your father's twin sister in '75.  Your mother's twin brother was my father."

            "How did you manage to escape the poison?"

            "Our mother left us in the Tiger-Race's area a few weeks after our birth.  Tygra, our adoptive father, found us and raised us as his own children."

            "I see.  I was taught very, very much from '79 to '85.  I had to have all the people on this ship learn like my sister and I did, except they didn't have to learn about being Thunder Cats like my sister and I did.

            "In '88, we noticed the flagship going out of the galaxy toward the Milky Way.  It took us until '93 to get the engines on-line and learn to pilot this ship.  We set it on course after the flagship and told it to stop after it got right in the Milky Way.  We estimated it would take about two hundred years.  What is the year, by the way?"

            "It is 1993."

            "Oh!  Good.  From 1793 to 1993."

            "We used suspension as well. . . from 1787 to 1987.  In 1987, we landed on third-Earth."

            "What people travelled from Thundera to this third-Earth?"

            "Lion-O, a Lion and the Lord of the Thunder Cats; Tygra, a Tiger and my adoptive father; Cheetara, a Cheetah; Panthro, a Panther; Bengali, a Tiger and younger brother of Tygra; Pumyra, a Puma; Lynx-O, a Lynx; Snarf, a Snarf; Snarfer, another Snarf and Snarf's nephew.  Oh, and my brother and I, the two Wilykats."

            "All Thunder Cats," interjected Wilykat.

            Gatito said, "I see."  He went over to his sister's capsule.  "My sister, Astutusgatita.  Above all, I feel the need to protect her most of all.  My sister is naturally the dearest person in the universe to me."  With the keys next to his sister's capsule, he typed, 'Release.'  What had happened to him happened to Gatita.  Her natural colour, too, was similar to Wilykit's.  When the capsule was open, Gatito looked at her.  She resembled him closely like Wilykit resembled Wilykat.  Gatita looked a lot like Wilykit.  A tad shorter, though, and with white in her hair instead of black.  Gatita's outfit was similar to Wilykit's, though it was emerald green where Wilykit's was blue.  Also, Gatita's belt had no capsules or capsule compartments, and the insignia was in the centre of the belt rather than on the chest area.  Gatito gently put his hands on his sister's shoulders.  "My twin, I would like you to wake up," he said calmly.  Wilykit noticed that Gatito did not use his voice quite as deeply as Wilykat did.  "Please wake up."

            "It takes a moment," said Wilykit.  "You don't have to worry."  Gatito nodded.  "If we speak Ancient Thunderian with each other, should we use the familiar form of 'you' or the formal?"

            "Familiar," said Gatito.  "Same for Thunderian Portuguese.  After all, we're cousins."

            "That's good."  Gatito rubbed Gatita's right hand gently with both his hands.  She soon awakened, her orange eyes shown.

            "My twin," she said.  She used her voice slightly less deeply than Wilykit.  "What year is it?"

            "It's A.J. 1993," Gatito told her.  "We have guests."

            "I see," responded Gatita.

            "I will explain the situation to you," said Gatito, "as we go to the bridge."

            * * *

            Bridge, Plundarrian Bird-of-Prey Jägare {yeh-gah-ráy}.

            S-s-slithe once more took command.  His position, that of Commander-in-Chief of the Plundarrian Military, was quite advantageous.  "Now, there are Thunderians to eliminate!  The Unholy Species must conquer the Christians!"  The Reptilians and Monkians loved it.  All Plundarrians and all Thunderians believed there was a God, almost exactly the one that Christians on Earth believed there was.  Plundarrians, however, were evil - purely evil.  They, Mumm-ra, and most of the Brain-Team had aligned themselves with Satan and Hell.  The Plundarrians felt that Satan controlled Plundarr and attempted to shield the evil ones from God.  The Plundarrians were against the Trinity and openly defied the Ten Commandments.  They were determined to destroy all good in the mortal and immortal planes.

            The Thunderians were good, on the other hand.  They, the Chemistrians, and the Exorians tried to follow God's rule as well as they possibly could, for they did not have a sinful nature.  They believed in the Trinity, loved it, and respected it.  As well as they could, they obeyed the Ten Commandments that God had given Israel.  Three hundred years had almost separated Thundera from God, but He saved them by sending part of Christ's spirit to them, embodied in the one they called Jaga.  Jaga, his race, and the Wilykats shamed the other Thunderians, who followed his words.  God saw the Thunderians could help control evil, but not unless it provoked them to an extent.  He had endowed them, the Exorians, and the Chemistrians with abilities that no other species deserved more. . . for they were good and knew that He had saved them from Hell.  Yet, they did not adopt attitudes of holier-than-thou.  For the most part, they were good, anyway, and a decreasing portion of them were bad as time progressed.  They did not intentionally test the Lord's wrath.  They made mistakes, but they knew God forgave them.  Also, they knew that the Bible was a book written by the hands of people, and that God would not let any creation of His burn in Hell unless that creation had really, really ticked him off and had not shown the slightest indication of repenting.

            It is true that the Plundarrians were purely evil.  They would seek to destroy or instil fear into anything even remotely good.  Right now, they wanted to destroy the Effugium.  S-s-slithe the Wretched commanded the military of the Plundarrian Empire.  "Does-s-s this ship have the ability to fire while cloaked?" he demanded.

            "Yes, General," replied a Reptilian at the tactical station.  "Temporarily."

            "A good improvement.  Fire on the Thunderian ship with the disruptors!"

            "Aye, sir!"

            * * *

            Bridge, Effugium.

            "There!" said Gatito.  At Tactical, he had just set the suspension system to release the remaining 49 998 Wilykats in suspension.  "Now, Gatita, get our defences and propulsion systems back up, please."

            Gatita said, "Sure, bro.  Shall I also send a message to the suspension deck to inform everyone that we have friendly guests?"

            "Sure," Gatito responded.  Gatita went over to the Ops station, sat down, and made these adjustments.  "Computer, search for any Plundarrian ships."

            "Searching," said the computer.

            "I don't think you'll find any," said Wilykit.  "There is one, a flying castle, called Sky Tomb, but it poses little threat.  Our cloak detector found no major Plundarrian ships."

            "I'll take your word, Wilykit.  However, those old Plundarrian dogs have a nasty habit of learning new evil tricks."

            "That is true, unfortunately."

            "Our propulsion is on-line," said Gatita.  "As are our defences."

            The computer suddenly said, "There is a Plundarrian Bird-of-Prey behind the Effugium.  She is cloaked."

            Gatito began, "Raise the shi-. . ."  The ship shook.  Panels on the walls blinked red, and a siren sounded.  "Shields up!"  The shields were risen.

            "Our disruptors aren't on-line yet!" said Gatita, worried.  "All we have are laser cannons."  Her brother was not pleased.

            "The ship was visible for the second it attacked.  It's attacking again!  Viewscreen, reverse angle!"  The screen came on and showed the space behind the ship.  For a second, a Bird-of-Prey was visible.  During this second, it shot a disruptor blast once more at the Effugium.  Right after the Plundarrian ship had disappeared from view, the disruptor blast hit the Effugium.  The shields absorbed most of the blast.  "Ninety-eight percent shields left.  Gatita, get those disruptors working."

            "Yes, bro."  The Plundarrian ship was about the size of a Romulan Warbird, while the Thunderian one was about the size of Ludwig's Warbird.  The Effugium could keep this up all day.  "This ship is larger than the Plundarrian ship."

            "I'll laser 'em."  Gatito activated the laser cannons, which blasted the Jägare with laser beams.  Though this was weak against shields, it would probably knock out the cloaking device.  It did.  The Jägare was forced to decloak.  "The ship's cloaking device has been damaged.  Wilykit, what do you want me to do?"  Wilykit thought.

            "Call 'em," said Wilykit.  "I have a feeling about their commander."

            "Sure."  Gatito tapped a button.  "The evil ones respond."

            S-s-slithe and Luna appeared on the screen.  "S-s-so!  If it isn't Wilykit," said S-s-slithe.

            "Hello, S-s-slithe and Luna," said Wilykit.  "Who authorised you to take command of that vessel, Reptilian?"

            "For your information, I am a general, in charge of the Plundarrian Empire Military.  I would thank you for removing Rataro from the picture.  He's not fit to rule a jail c-s-s-sell.  Yes-s-s?"

            "You Thunderians shall submit," Luna said.

            Wilykit smiled.  "Oh, really, Luna?"

            "Or be destroyed.  Your disruptors and phasers seem rather off-line."

            "That really does not matter, Luna.  Too bad MotherBrain is finished, or she could save your evil, stupid hides.  Terminate the link."  Gatito pressed a button, and the Plundarrians' image disappeared.

            "Gladly!" said Gatito.

            "Commander Torreth is ready," Narak said.

            Riker said, "As is Captain Crusher."

            "Then signal them, if you please," said Wilykit.

            * * *

            Bridge, Ludwig's Warbird.

            Ludwig was displeased.  More Thunderians had survived the explosion of Old Thundera.  The Thunder Cats had become a painful thorn in his side, especially Wilykit.  She was dangerous, extremely dangerous.  She would have to be downed in a personal encounter.

            Of course, Ludwig was powerful.  Q had just now let it slip big-time that he, the Prince of the Evil Koopas and leader of the Brain-Team, was Q-cubed.  It was more powerful than being Q.  Ludwig hated Q, but at least Q had been honest with him so far.  Q had warned him that Wesley, the Wilytwins, and the Wondertwins were also Q-cubed.  Q had assured him that as far as he knew, there were no other Q-cubeds in the universe.  Evil Ludwig would keep this a secret from all but MotherBrain, Bowser, Larry, and some other Brain-Team members.

            Ludwig was listening to a report given personally by the evil and powerful Ridley.  He told of the events on Zebes and those concerning S-s-slithe's current activities.  One thing that pleased Ludwig was S-s-slithe's powerful position in the Plundarrian military.  "How many people came aboard the Thunderian ship?" asked Ludwig.

            "Exactly 50 000 Wilykats," answered Ridley.  "Two, the oldest, are Thunder Cats, as well as direct cousins of the Wilytwins."

            "Great," said Ludwig.  "Just what we need. . . more cats underfoot."

            "Oh, yes.  The things are so repulsive, aren't they?"

            "How right you are, Ridley.  MotherBrain must leave temporarily so the N-Team won't find her.  And I believe I know how."  He had ordered that the ship cloak and warp to the location of the Thunderian ship.  The Plundarrian ship, as he saw on the screen, had just decloaked.  According to Ridley, the Enterprise and the Kazara, the Feliner in an Enterprise shuttle bay, had cloaked around four ten.  It was now 4.45.  The Thunderian ship was larger than the Plundarrian; it was smaller than Ludwig's Warbird, in fact, by only one or two cubic metres.  Not too good, at least not for Ludwig.  Unless. . .

            Suddenly, the Enterprise and Kazara decloaked.  "Evil big bro-man," said Roy, "they're heading for the Jägare with weapons armed."

            "Where is Gul Ra Lett?" asked Ludwig.

            Bowser checked.  "Coming here, my son."

            "Thank you, Dad."  The door from a corridor opened, and Cardassian Gul Ra Lett, followed by a Borg intermediary, came onto the Bridge.  The Borg was a Wilykat.  Ludwig almost laughed.  That a Thunderian could be evil. . .  "Welcome, Gul Ra Lett and Parlatis of Borg."  Parlatis was a female, only about nine years old.  Except for babies, of course, she was the youngest Wilykat Borg in her collective.  Using her as an intermediary was dangerous, but no one realised that, not even the Borg.  Her motions were more humanoid and lifelike than those of other Borg.  Her twin, Parlasus, had come with her to the ship.  He was nearly exactly like her except for the reproductive organs and chromosomes.  At this time, he was resting in their quarters on the Warbird.  The two were naturally the strongest ones among the Borg.  Using them as intermediaries was so dangerous because they had not become completely 'Borguised' yet.  Their organic brains were still battling with the implants.  A brain from any Wilykat family more powerful than Parlatis and Parlasus's would actually win that battle; as it was, Parlatis and Parlasus's brains were stronger than any of their ancestors', and they were very powerfully combating the implants; the Borg just assumed the implants would win.  If the N-Team became aware of this. . .  "Watch, please.  Roy, disengage the cloaking device and bring up our shields.  Larry, approach the Thunderian ship."

            * * *

            Bridge, Effugium.

            Gatito smiled.  "The Mutants are powering down."

            "I was hoping they'd do so," Wilykit said.  "Any more activity?"

            "Not that. . . wait a minute!" said Gatito.  "A large ship is decloaking.  Nearly the same size as this one, but Romulan in configuration."

            "Great Jaga!  Put all the power you can into the shields!  That ship's not Romulan!"

            "You don't have to repeat."  He did as told.  When Gatito had done this, the giant Warbird blasted the nearly equally massive Effugium.  "The shields absorbed the energy, fortunately.  Whose ship is that?"

            "Ludwig's."

            "Ah."

            "Shall we call the evil rat?"

            "I don't know, 'Kit.  You make him sound so unpleasant."

            Gatita turned to face him.  "Come on, big bro.  Are you scared?"

            "Me?  Scared?"  He tapped a button.  "I'm not scared, little sister!!"

            "Sorry," said Gatita, almost frightened by him.  It was clear that he commanded her.  The structure had been necessary on this ship.  "I. . . I didn't mean it."

            Gatito was sorry he had snapped at her.  He sure hated it when she felt intimidated by him.  "I'm sorry.  It's all right."  Wilykit moved to a spot on Gatito's right, Riker one on his left, and Narak one on Riker's left.  Wilykat, feeling sorry for her, stood to Gatita's left.

            * * *

            Bridge, Ludwig's Warbird.

            "They're hailing us," said Bowser.  "The Thunderian ship."

            "Respond," Ludwig ordered.  Nodding, Bowser tapped the necessary buttons.  "On-screen."  The bridge of the Effugium flashed on-screen.  Ludwig immediately noticed Wilykit.  "Wilykit.  I would have known.  You and your brother are acquiring the nasty habit of showing up beneath every stone I turn.  Or should I say you have acquired it?"

            "Ludwig, I point out that it is not I whom you ought to be addressing," said Wilykit.  "It is my cousin, Astutusgatito, commander of this ship, to whom you should be speaking."

            "Excuse me," said Ludwig gracefully.  "I am Prince Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa, mad scientist by necessity, ruler by birth, composer by self-compulsion, and evil by nature."

            The person to Wilykit's left said, "I am Astutusgatito, leader by necessity, good by nature, haven't figured the rest out yet.  Commander of this ship.  There in front is Astutusgatita, my twin and first officer.

            "My cousin, Wilykit, has told me how evil you are."

            "All true, I bet," said Ludwig.  "I've been informed that there are 50 000 Wilykats aboard, 25 000 sets of male-female twins produced by 25 000 married couples who escaped from the poisoned Wilykat-Race Country in that ship purchased legally by the most powerful married couple, who invited the other 24 999 to leave with them.  Am I right?"

            "How the devil did you find that all out?" Riker demanded.

            "S-s-slithe sent me the proper files, Commander Riker, William T.  What'd you expect?"

            "How the hell'd you read them?  They weren't even in English!"

            "Oh, come now!  Ancient Thunderian and Italian, as you should know, are quite similar.  I know Italian.  Ha, ha!  And I have degrees in several languages.  I ought to skin you alive for killing MotherBrain, Wilykit.  You may have been justified, but I'm still awfully dratted angry about it."  Inside, he was laughing because there was nothing to prove that MotherBrain and Ridley were still among the mortals.  "Anyway, meet Cardassian Gul Ra Lett."  Ra Lett came to the screen.  "By now, I'm sure you guys are aware of the Koopa Kingdom's alliance with the Cardassian Union."

            "And of the fact that the Cardassians have declared war on us Romulans," said Narak.

            "Something of which I approve," said Ludwig.  "I won't fight you myself, of course, but I won't have to.  What I'm doing now is sufficiently dastardly.  Farewell!  Oh!  Wilykit, I have something for you."  Something was transported to the Tactical station of the Effugium.  "Until we meet again.  Dad, deactivate viewer!"  Bowser hit a button.  The transmission link was cut, and the cluster of ships was shown on screen.  "Tell S-s-slithe to follow us while cloaked to Metroid at warp 25.  Roy, put up our cloak.  Larry, set course for Planet Metroid at warp 25."

            Bowser hit a key.  "S-s-slithe, this is King Koopa.  Follow the Warbird to Planet Metroid at warp 25."

            "Yes-s-s, King Koopa," replied S-s-slithe.

            "Cloaked."

            "Got it.  Our cloak is repaired."  Roy activated the cloaking device.  Larry laid in the course that would take them to Metroid and set warp 25 as the speed.  Soon, the Warbird and the Jägare, both cloaked, were heading for Metroid at warp 25.