Mime's Cave, Rhineland, Light World, Hyrule, X-iverse.  Stardate 1 051 969.86; June 19, 2997.

Mime was beginning to regret - but ever so slightly - having taken in Johanna and Johannes.  They were too curious for his taste, and they had a sense of morality - ugh!  It was clear they would not serve his purpose, but he could do nothing about that.  He would keep them around until they were adults and had learned to forge.

            Their chronological age did not seem to match their intelligence, though.  They were about four months from being two years old, yet they seemed more intelligent than anyone he knew.  They must not be human, but if they were not, what were they?  They certainly looked human; their bodies were well proportioned and very strong.  Yet, blended perfectly in their mostly human-like features were some feline-like features.  Not too much, just enough to give the vague appearance of cats.

            Mime decided not to dwell on these thoughts, for they made him too uneasy.  He did not understand how these two could seem so much like cats and yet so much like humans.  In a way, he saw that they would be very attractive, especially when they reached maturity.  Yet, something about them frightened him.  He did not know exactly what.

            This was not the time to worry about it, though.  He had to leave to procure supplies from the forest.  Those two could keep out of trouble while he was gone.  "Johanna!" he called.  "Johannes!"

            The two came from a door in the back.  "What is it?" asked Johanna.

            Mime grabbed his sack.  "I'm leaving to get supplies.  I'll be back later."

            "Take your time," said Johannes.  He personally would not mind if Mime never came back.

            Neither would Johanna, who said, "Yes.  Good luck."

            "Thanks," said Mime.  "See you later."  He left through the main door to the outside.

            "If we didn't need him, I'd just leave," Johanna said.

            "Double that," said Johannes.  "Unfortunately, we must learn to forge so that you can forge the Sword of Omens back together."

            "Yes.  I wish we didn't have to wait fifteen or sixteen years for Siegfried to do it."

            "Well, Johanna, that's life.  Mother didn't say it'd be easy or easily tolerable."

            "I know.  We'll just have to wait."

            * * *

            Forest, Rhineland.

            Mime easily found everything he was looking for.  That was not strange, of course, since he knew where everything was.  The Rhine flowed through the forest, and he was able to get water from one of its tributaries daily.

            He much preferred the environment in the underground world of Nibelheim.  It was dark there (which was why he usually went out at night), and the sulphurous mists appealed to his senses more than this fresh air.  Yet, he could not live any longer in the same place as his brother Alberich.  He could not stand being hated by his own kin.  Alberich was almost kind before he got that Rhinegold, but once he had it, he mistreated all, especially his brother Mime.  But Mime plotted revenge upon Alberich.  Once he got the Ring, Mime would rule the world, and with more care than his brother.  He would not lose the Ring to anyone in the manner Alberich had lost it to Wotan (but only thanks to Loge's trickery).

            A sound out of the ordinary hit Mime's ear just as he was about to leave for his cave.  A sigh.  It was a sigh of weakness, from someone who seemed unable to continue on with what he or she was doing; it was most likely an exhausted person.  Mime cautiously approached the source of the sound. . . farther down the river, farther from Mime's cave.  Yet, he continued.  He could now safely say that the sound was from a woman.  He did not know exactly how he knew, but he thought part of the voice was in that gasp.  He soon saw the source of the sound:  a nearly starving woman lying flat in front of a tree near a clearing.  Her clothing was torn, and it did not help her that she was pregnant.  She looked as though her baby would be coming in little more than a month, or even a week.

            She was startled by Mime's approach.  "Do not have fear," Mime told her gently.  "I heard you sigh.  Can I help you?"

            "Who would help me?" the woman asked weakly.  "I flee from Wotan only because of the baby in my womb.  Siegfried, my son, will be the greatest hero of the world, and I must protect him from the god's wrath."

            Mime found this more convenient to him than Wilykit's story had been. . . greatest hero?  Hm!  "I will not harm you, good woman.  If you allow me, I will help you keep your child safe from Wotan's anger."

            "Good dwarf, I am ever in your debt," Sieglinde said with heartfelt thanks.  "I am Sieglinde, who will bear Siegfried, son of the Volsung Siegmund."

            Mime could barely contain his excitement.  Surely, he would get the Ring from the powerful son of the strong hero Siegmund!  Nothing could stop him now.  "I'll lead you to my home.  You can rest there and bear your child safe from the terrors of these wild woods."  He helped her up.

            "How can I thank you?"

            "Don't worry about it."  Because your son will pay for it for you, thought Mime.  Sieglinde was weak.  She would most likely not survive childbirth.  All the better, for Mime would be able to rear the child himself, and Siegfried would ignorantly perform Mime's will. . . whether he liked the dwarf or not, whether he wanted to or not.  Mime knew it would be best to keep the boy stupid, in the dark about the gods' laws and everything else in the wild world.  Any hitches in this brilliant plan could be eliminated easily.

            * * *

            Mime's Cave, Rhineland.

            Johanna hated Mime.  The stunted, stupid little troll looked uglier than those nasty Ferengi she had studied, but that was not half of it.  The nasty Nibelung had little to no sense of morality, for he wanted to use Johanna and her brother for his own purposes.  That, she had decided, would not be done or else.  His puny brain could not perceive the danger in trying to use the young Wilytwins, because even now, they could seriously injure him, yet they would not, for they understood the Code of Thundera quite well.  Killing the nasty creature out of spite alone was against their principles, and they knew that well.

            Johannes had wanted to leave the Nibelung almost since the day Wilykit had brought them there.  Johanna fully agreed.  However, Wilykit had left them with a mission:  repair the Sword of Omens.  She was their leader, the Lord of the Thunder Cats, and most importantly their mother, and they had to obey her unless the circumstances became such that they were unable to obey. . . such as Mime getting clobbered.  Even though it meant they had to stay with Mime, they were willing to obey their mother's command.  At least they did not have to like staying with the humanoid creature from subterranean levels.

            "Do you think he's lost?" asked Johannes, almost relishing the thought.

            "No, unfortunately," Johanna replied.  "Though he's been gone several hours, I doubt he's lost.  He knows this forest like the back of his wrinkled old hand."

            Footsteps approached the door.  "-Sigh.-  I guess he's back," said Johannes.    The door swung open, and Mime helped a very weak human female into the cave.

            "Don't fear them, Sieglinde," said Mime.  "They won't hurt you."  They wouldn't even hurt me, he thought.  He led her to a chair, where he helped her sit down.

            With great concern (more than she knew Mime felt), Johanna said, "You're very weak.  What happened to you?"

            "I am Sieglinde, and I was the unwilling wife to the cruel Hunding, who is now dead.  I will soon bear the Volsung Siegmund's child, Siegfried.  Months ago, Siegmund stumbled into Hunding's and my home.  His strength had abandoned him.  I gave him drink to comfort him before Hunding came home.  When he arrived, he ordered me to bring dinner and invited Siegmund, who had introduced himself as Wehwalt {váy-vahlt}, to stay the night and eat with us.  Wehwalt told us the story of his tragic childhood.  He prematurely lost his mother and twin sister, he lived with his father until he lost him as well, and he was hated and despised by many people, though many who lived in fear whispered of his bravery.  Wehwalt finally told us how he'd lost his sword and shield protecting a woman who was being forced by her family to marry someone she did not want to marry.  He killed many of her kinsmen to help save her but was finally overwhelmed.  He was wounded and was forced to watch her be killed.  Hunding had been called away from home to find out who had done this, for this woman's kinsmen were also his own.  He found the culprit waiting in protection in his own house.  Not wishing to violate the rules of hospitality, he challenged the weaponless Wehwalt to fight in the morning.  I drugged Hunding's night-drink with a sleep potion so I could talk to Wehwalt at night.

            "I told him about the sword that an old man had stuck in the stem of the ash-tree that was in the centre of our house on the day of my wedding to that awful Hunding.  I had recognised that man as my father!  No one who tried could pull out the sword.  We later found out that we were twins.  I told him his true name was Siegmund, since the old man had undoubtedly stuck that powerful sword in the tree for him.  Naming the sword Nothung, he pulled it from the tree, and we escaped into the night.  Since he was the only one who loved me and I was the only one who loved him, he made me his bride.  Days later, Siegmund fell to Hunding, and Hunding was slain on the spot.  However, the Valkyrie Brünnhilde saved my life at the price of her godhood.  Her father, Wotan, was after me, so she sent me into these woods after telling me just who was in my womb and telling me that Wotan rarely came here.  I have managed to survive this long."

            Johanna said, "In this state, it is highly probable that you won't survive bearing a child."

            "I know, but I must do it.  The Valkyrie told me that.  He will be Siegfried.  He will be handsome and strong.  He will save the world."

            Wrong.  He will serve my bidding, Mime thought to himself.  "I will rear him, Sieglinde, if you do not survive.  I can teach him to survive in this world, for I have lived for over a hundred years."

            "Thank you, Mime," Sieglinde said.

            * * *

            Wilytwins' and Kevin's Cave, Rhineland.

            It had only taken half a year to make the cave inhabitable.  The Wilytwins could even use the intense heat created by the oven to produce electric power.  They and Kevin had tricorders that could be used as powerful computers.

            Comforts were another matter.  The Rhine provided plenty of water, and between the three of them, they had the knowledge to create a plumbing system (one of which Mario might be proud), but they had no real beds yet. . . unless, like a Klingon, one considered a slab of rock or wood a bed.  If this had any sort of upside, it would make Kevin's children grow up to be very appreciative of modern comforts in VideoLand.

            Luckily, Thomas and Kelly were developing rather rapidly. . . more so than normal humans, though a little less so than normal Thunderians.  They had the teeth to chew up that Kevin and the Wilytwins could feed them.  Wilykat's tricorder was also a replicator, and he could replicate any food.  The electricity they produced from the furnace was enough to charge the tricorders and, thus, keep their food supply coming.

            All in all, the situation had gone far better than they could have planned.

            In the main room, the furnace chamber, Wilykit regarded the fragments of the Master Sword.  She would have to forge that sword back together herself.  Luckily, the steel in that sword was not as hard as that in the Sword of Omens.

            Wilykat stepped resolutely into the room.  "Well, sister, my surveillance system worked," he said with some perceptible measure of pride.  "Mime has found Sieglinde and taken her to his cave."

            "All right, brother," replied Wilykit.  "Things are going as they should."

            Wilykat's eyes widened involuntarily.  "Wilykit!  I feel Jayna's presence somewhere on this world!"

            "Hey, you're right!  Near her, I feel Zan, Data, Steelwill, and Jean-Léonard."

            "Yeah.  Hm.  What are they doing here?"

            "Probably trying to find us or stop Ludwig.  We must reach them."

            "We could contact them telepathically, you know.  Zan, Jayna, and Steelwill are telepathic, and Jean-Léonard can receive a telepathic transmission."

            "Great idea!  I'll call 'em."

            * * *

            Woods, southeast of Kakriko Village, Hyrule, X-iverse.

            Several months after volunteering to look for the senior Wilytwins, the junior Wilytwins, Kevin, and Kevin's twins, the Wondertwins, Steelwill, Data, and Jean-Léonard had no success, either in the Dark World or the Light World.

            "We know they've got to be here somewhere!" exclaimed Jayna, sitting on a large rock.  "We know they're on this world."

            Data said, "If I may make a suggestion, Zan, I now believe we may be searching in the wrong area of this world."

            "Why do you think that, Data?" Zan asked.

            "I have seen nothing to suggest the presence of the Ring.  All that I have seen that I could possibly conclude to belong to the world of the Ring of the Nibelung is Death Mountain and the river that flows north from the Death Mountain Falls beneath Death Mountain.  There could be a subterranean cavern leading north through Death Mountain to the other side, a cavern through which the river flows and becomes the Rhine."

            "All right, Data.  If that's a suggestion, I'm taking it.  Let's go up there and see if we can find such a cavern."

            Jayna got up.  "Well, what, if anything, are we waiting for?"

            "Nothing."

            Zan, Jayna, Steelwill, Jean-Léonard, and Data! Wilykit called telepathically.

            "Wha-. . . Wilykit!" exclaimed Steelwill.

            "Where is she?" Data asked.  "I do not see her."

            "She's communicating telepathically," Zan said.  "Since you're an android, you may be unable to perceive her.  Any biological being with a brain can receive a Wilykat's telepathic transmission."

            Jean-Léonard said, "I heard her.  I'm not a telepath, but I did hear her."

            Listen guys, said Wilykit.  You tell Data what I tell you, all right?  Rhineland is on the other side of Death Mountain, as I sense you hope.

            Jayna said, "Wilykit has confirmed, Data, that Rhineland is to the north of Death Mountain."

            Data is also correct that the Rhine begins with the waterfall against Death Mountain and flows north in a cavern beneath the mountain.

            "You were also correct about the Rhine starting with that waterfall and flowing north in a subterranean cavern into the Rhineland, Data."

            Now, listen up, Wilykat told them.  Ganon intends to snatch the Ring.  You must not interrupt the flow of events that Wagner outlined.  Mime has met Sieglinde and has promised to rear her son.  Johanna and Johannes are with the dirty toad.  However, something feels very wrong to me.  If you could do a little snooping, we'd be grateful.  We guys have to lie low.

            "How do we get to the cavern leading to the Rhineland?" Jayna asked.

            Go north to the waterfall and follow the river west.  Where the river bends back south, below the surface to the north will be a hole through which much of the water flows.  That is the beginning of this world's Rhine River.  To the north, against the cliff, is a passageway hidden behind a rock.  Go through it to the north, and you will descend into the cavern.  Continuing north, you will eventually ascend to a few metres above sea level.  You will emerge in the Rhineland.  I suspect that the trouble is farther down the river.  I'd follow it.

            "I think this calls for some Wondertwin transportation," Zan said.  "Where are Kevin and his children?"

            Wilykit told them, They and we Wilytwins have found a large cave.  A furnace here gives intense heat that we can convert into electricity and use to power our tricorders.  Since Wilykat's tricorder has a built-in replicator and it's in good working order, we don't have to worry about having enough food to eat.

            "That's good," said Jayna.  "Well, Wilykit, we're on our way north."

            Very well.  We'll call you again.

            I love you, Jayna, said Wilykat.

            Jayna smiled.  "I love you, too, 'Kat."

            "All right, Wonder-sister," Zan said.  "It's time for an Exor-change."  He held up his left fist.

            Jayna held up her right fist at the same height he held his.  "Wondertwin powers," they commanded together, "activate!"  They crashed their fists together, and their powers activated.

            Zan ordered, "Form of an ice-jet!"  He turned into a jet made of ice.  "All aboard!"  Everyone boarded him.  "Thanks to my Q-cubed powers, I won't melt.  Data, if you'd be so kind as to pilot me."

            "Certainly," Data said.  "Where do we go?"

            "We go to the bend in the river to the west of the witch's hut," Jayna said.  "I'll tell you what Wilykit told us while we're moving."

            * * *

            Ganon's Tower, Dark World, Hyrule, X-iverse.

            In the form of Ganon, Mumm-ra was in Ganon's spy room watching the Wondertwins, Data, Steelwill, and Jean-Léonard.  "So, more pests," Mumm-ra mumbled to himself.  "Too easy!  Ma-mutt can take care of them when they reach my pyramid!  Hee, hee!  Ma-mutt, this is your master, Mumm-ra, speaking.  The Wondertwins, Steelwill, Jean-Léonard, and Data are on their way to the pyramid.  Capture them!"  He heard two soft disembodied woofs as reply.  "Good.  Heh, heh!  See you later!"

            Agahnim came in.  "Ganon, I'm ready to cause the disasters that you have described."

            "Excellent," said Mumm-ra in Ganon's voice.  He pointed to the globe with which he had seen the Wondertwins and the others.  "First, let these guys enter the Rhineland.  They are old acquaintances of mine.  I have a nasty surprise in store for them!  Ha, ha!"

            "Certainly, Ganon.  When do we go to surprise them?"

            "Oh, the surprise has already been set up.  Hee, hee!  We just have to make sure they follow the Rhine."

            "Very well."

            * * *

            Bend in the River, west of the Witch's Hut, Light World, Hyrule, X-iverse.

            Working together, Data and Steelwill effortlessly moved the boulder in the mountain wall to the north of the river-bend.  "Ha, ha!  There is a passage here!" exclaimed Steelwill triumphantly.

            "Let's go, guys," said Zan.  "The longer we stay here, the more time whatever-it-is will have to do something to our friends."  The quintet entered the passage in the mountain.  Soon, as Wilykat had said, there was a gradual downward incline, and they found themselves in an enormous underground cavern.

            "Boy, Wilykat wasn't kidding about this cavern being here," said Jayna.  "It looks huge!  Look, the river is flowing down the middle."  They were to the west of the river.

            "North is this way," said Data, indicating the direction.  "Shall we continue?"

            "Yes, let's," said Zan.  They continued north through the cavern for some time, then entered a passage leading farther north.  Soon, the path inclined upward. . . not drastically, nor enough to cause trouble, but noticeably.  After a few minutes, they emerged in a land showing varied landscapes.  To the west was a dense forest.  To the east was a path leading up the mountain to the south of more forest.  The Rhine, coming from the underground cavern, split the scenery they could view roughly in half.

            Jayna said.  "Wilykat said to follow the river northward."

            "Well, then," said Zan, "let's get to it."  They followed the river on the west bank.  After a while, they reached an area where a land bridge stretched across the river.  To the east, the forest thinned, and they saw a monstrous cave lurking in the distance.  "I don't think that was what Wilykat was concerned about."

            "Nor do I," Jayna said.

            Steelwill said, "Then let's continue north."

            They did so.  The Rhine soon deepened dramatically, as one could tell from the darker appearance of the waters.  "This must be the Lorelei {ló-reh-lahy}," said Jean-Léonard as they were walking.

            "Which is where the Rhinegold was kept by the Rhinemaidens," Zan said.  "Thus, this is also the place from which Alberich stole the gold, though much deeper in the water."

            "Right," said Jayna.  "We'll worry about that later.  Right now, we have to find what Wilykat was talking about."

            They continued following the river on the west bank.  Soon, the forest on both sides thinned considerably as the river rapids formed.  In a few more minutes, the group could see a large object in the distance. . . a large pyramid-shaped object.  "There's something up there," Steelwill said.  "Could be what we're looking for."

            Zan's eyebrows went down.  "Data, correct me if I'm wrong, but that object looks suspiciously like. . ."

            ". . .Mumm-ra's Pyramid!" Jayna finished.

            "Yes, you are correct," Data said.  "I can also see objects that appear to be obelisks. . . four, I believe, one for each corner of the square base of the pyramid."

            "Why, that blasted mummy!" said Steelwill.  "If he's here, he'll need more than a few metres of bandage to hold him together!  I'd better send a telepathic message to Steelheart, just in case."

            "All right," Jayna said.  "I'll boost your telepathic signal with my Q-cubed powers."  The group stopped walking.  Jayna closed her eyes in concentration.  "Okay, Steelwill; you're on."

            Steelwill closed his eyes and sent his telepathic message through Jayna's mind, which boosted the signal, to Steelheart's mind.  "Steelheart," he said, "this is Will.  "Do you read me?"

            * * *

            Command Centre, Hawkhaven, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 051 969.86; June 19, 2997.

            Steelheart came into the Command Centre from her office and went over to Bluegrass's station.  "Any word from our group, cowboy?"

            "Not yet, steel-lady," Bluegrass responded.  "In fact, I've heard nothin' from them for a few days."

            "They're overdue.  If Ludwig is indeed in on this and they know it, they might not risk normal communication.  In fact, Will might. . ."

            Right on cue, Steelwill's voice said at normal volume in her head, Steelheart, this is Will.  Do you read me?

            "Yes!  He did decide to contact me telepathically.  Yes, Will, I read you.  What's up?"

            Well, my dear sister, we have arrived in the Rhineland finally.  Wilykat and Wilykit have communicated with us telepathically and told us to search for trouble along the Rhine, and guess what we found.

            "What did you find?"

            Well, nothing much.  Only a pyramid just like Mumm-ra's, that's all.

            "Uh, oh.  That doesn't sound good.  Keep your telepathic connection with me, and ask Zan to contact Wilykat and Wilykit for what to do."

            Roger, sis.

            * * *

            Near Mumm-ra's Pyramid, Rhineland, Light World, Hyrule, X-iverse.

            Steelwill said, "Zan, could you contact Wilykit and Wilykat?"

            "Sure, Steelwill," Zan replied.  He closed his eyes to concentrate on sending the telepathic signal  When it was active, he reopened his eyes.  "Wilykit and Wilykat, this is Zan.  Can you read me?"

            We sure can, Wilykit responded, her voice sounding in everyone's mind except Data's.  What have you found, if anything?

            "Well, in the distance of where we're standing is a pyramid that looks entirely like Mumm-ra's."

            Hm.  That is not good.

            "Wilykit, Steelwill's holding a connection with Steelheart's mind with Jayna boosting his telepathic signal."

            Ah, good.  Steelheart, this is Wilykit.  Can you hear me?

            Yes, I can, Steelheart responded, her voice now sounding in everyone's mind except Data's.  What's going on, Wilykit?

            Ganon wishes to obtain the Triforce, I know.  We learned from Rataro that Luna and Mumm-ra have formulated a plan to expose his treachery, and I know he is planning treachery.  Mumm-ra's presence will undoubtedly complicate matters.

            Now, asked Steelheart, what about the seven of you?

            When he destroyed his X-iverse counterpart and obtained the X-iverse Triforce, Ganon destroyed the X-iverse Master Sword, as Ludwig had the Sword of Omens, and 'forced' me to give my children to Mime for rearing.  Actually, I only did that because they will learn, from watching Siegfried reforge Nothung, how to reforge the Sword of Omens.  As for Kevin, his children, and us two, we've found a cave with a furnace that radiates enough heat to power our tricorders.

            And Wilykat's tricorder can be used as a replicator, Steelheart added.  So, you're all right.  What's the plot?

            I'm able to reforge the Master Sword, and I will do so.  Mime has just taken in Sieglinde and agreed to care for her child.  The plot should continue mostly as Wagner prescribed, and Johanna should reforge the Sword of Omens after Siegfried reforges Nothung.  The plot of Siegfried and then that of Götterdämmerung {geuh-tehr-dehm-muh-rúng} should proceed as Wagner wrote.  When Brünnhilde has tossed the Ring back to the Rhinemaidens, however, the plot deviation should form.  Ganon plans to snatch the Ring out of the Rhinemaidens' hands, I believe.  I plan that at least one of us seven will be on hand to stop that evil pig.

            All right.  What about these five?

            They are going to investigate Mumm-ra's filthy pyramid and report what that bandaged fiend has planned.

            You guys should exercise caution, Steelheart told her brother, the Wondertwins, and Jean-Léonard.

            "Don't worry, Steelheart!" said Zan flippantly.  "My middle name is 'Caution'!"

            Well, Steelheart replied sarcastically, I'll be sure to make the appropriate change in the N-Team Member Database!  Seriously, be careful.  Mumm-ra could have anything waiting.

            "We will, Steelheart," said Zan seriously.  "Count on it."

            Wait a sec, Steelheart said.  Wilykit, at what position in that world are you staying?

            We're on the west side of the Rhine, Wilykit replied.  Just set your tricorders to look for a cave emitting a heck of a lot of infrared radiation, and you'll find us.  First, though, group, investigate that pyramid.  I tell you what.  Zan, is it a strain to keep telepathic contact with me?

            "No, I can manage," Zan said.

            All right.  I suggest we maintain contact with each other so I'll know if you step into trouble.

            "All right, Wilykit."

            Very well, Steelheart replied.  Can Jayna hold Will's contact with me?  I would like to know what happens as well, so Captain Picard and I can plan our next move.

            "Yes, I can do that pretty well," said Jayna.  "He need only concentrate a small part of his telepathic energies to it."

            "I can stand that," Steelwill said.

            Very good, said Wilykit.  There will be contacts in both places.  Now, explain things to Data, then pay a visit on our decaying friend.

            "Yes, Wilykit," said Zan.

            * * *

            Tomb Chamber, Mumm-ra's Pyramid, Light World, Hyrule, X-iverse.

            With the cauldron, Ma-mutt saw Zan, Jayna, Steelwill, Jean-Léonard, and Data approach the pyramid.  He looked up at the four man-beast statues, which represented the Ancient Spirits of Evil, the powerful demons who gave Mumm-ra power, and their eyes shone red for a moment.  He then hid behind the sarcophagus, which, to fool the N-Team, was closed.

            Minutes later, the five N-Team members cautiously entered the chamber.  "Look," said Zan.  "Mumm-ra's dozing in his sarcophagus.  We can wake him up and interrogate him."

            "Good idea," Jayna said.  "You can turn yourself into a reflective slab of ice to weaken him, bro, and Steelwill can keep him out of that coffin of his."

            Steelwill was suspicious.  "Something's wrong.  This looks too easy.  I think it's a trap."

            "I tend to agree with Steelwill," said Data.  "We should keep on our guard."

            "It's too late for that, robot!" exclaimed Mumm-ra's voice.  "You've already stepped into my trap.  Ma-mutt, now!"  Ma-mutt popped out from behind Mumm-ra's sarcophagus.  He barked loudly.  In reply, the eyes of the statues lit up.  Suddenly, the sarcophagus quickly slid open and blasted the 'visitors' with a paralysing ray!  It even affected Data.

            "What. . . what's happened?" Jayna demanded.  "I can't move!"

            "Ha, ha!" laughed Mumm-ra's voice.  "Ma-mutt's paralysis spell has immobilised you.  Now, to sever any telepathic connections you may have!  Ha, ha, ha!"  The five disappeared in thunderously loud magic.

            * * *

            Wilykit, Wilykat, and Kevin's Cave, Rhineland.

            "Yah!" snapped Wilykit, but not from pain.  "That blasted Mumm-ra has cut us off!"

            "Then, let's call Steelheart," Wilykit said.

            "Good idea.  Steelheart, this is Wilykit.  If you can hear me, please answer me."

            * * *

            Control Centre, Hawkhaven, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.

            "Yah!" snapped Steelheart, but not from pain.  "Will!  Oh, drat.  That cursèd mummy cut us off!"

            "What had he done to the group?" Stargazer asked.

            "He had that damned mutt of his paralyse them!"

            "What have you told me about cursing?"

            "I know, Stargazer, but I'm blazing mad at that blasted mummy!  You know I only curse when I'm furious."

            Suddenly, Wilykit's voice rang loud and clear in Steelheart's mind:  Steelheart, this is Wilykit.  If you can hear me, please answer me.

            "Wilykit?  Yes, I hear you!  Are you in contact with our group?"

            No, drat it.  That cursèd Mumm-ra and his blasted mutt managed to cut us off.

            "-Sigh.-  Great.  What do you want me to do?"

            Get all the division leaders together.  By the way, it was a good precaution not to let any division leaders or first officers go on that trip.

            "That's how Picard and I did it, and you see why.  All five of them chose to go.  Anyway.  Bluegrass, I want you to get the division leaders on the horn and ask each of them to come here with at least one other member of their group."

            "All rightie, then," said Bluegrass à la Ace Ventura.

            "Commander Steelheart does not like Ace Ventura, cowboy," Steelheart told Bluegrass warningly.

            "Oops.  Sorry, Commander."  He began calling.

            Wilykit told Steelheart, In case you have anyone else go, Steelheart, tell them how to get to the Rhineland.  The Kingdom of Hyrule on this planet has much the same layout as the Q-niverse Hyrule.  Near where the river flowing west from the Zora Falls turns south just to the west of the witch's hut, on the land to a north is a boulder that conceals a passageway.  The river also turns north and becomes the Rhine.  Along the river, go north.  The path leads north, down into a subterranean passageway.  Continue for a while.  After some time, the path will incline back upwards, and you'll emerge into the Rhineland.  We are in the forest to the west of the river near where something that appears to be Fafner's cave is.  Continuing north along the river, near the rapids, you'll eventually find Mumm-ra's Pyramid.

            "All right.  Thanks, Wilykit."

            Sure thing.  Talk to you later, Steelheart.

            MotherBrain's less-than-gorgeous self appeared in the room in a hologram.  "Hi-de-ho, Silver Hawks!"

            "And what do you want, MotherBrain?" Steelheart asked.

            "Oh, nothing at the moment, Steelheart.  Melodia, are you in here?"

            Melodia came from a terminal on the other side of the central complex.  "Yes, I'm here, MotherBrain," Melodia said.  "What the heck do you want?"

            MotherBrain was honestly hurt, and she showed it.  "My dear, you must have me confused with Mon*Star.  I don't take advantage of people like he did of you."

            Professor Xavier's voice said, "You're still on evil's side, MotherBrain!"  Professor Xavier, Cyclops, and Rogue entered the Command Centre.  "Why don't you just go invade a universe devoid of sentient organisms and keep out of ours if you intend such evil?"

            "Oh, now, Professor!  You know that wouldn't work."

            "You will lose in the long run, MotherBrain," said Steelheart.

            "Now, Steelheart, are you suggesting I quit while I'm ahead?  Ha, ha!  You amuse me!"

            "Oh, you may be ahead now, but you'll lose at the end of this escapade."

            "Ha, ha, ha!  Oh, you're killing me!"

            "I'm not joking, MotherBrain."

            MotherBrain assumed a quite nasty smile.  "Well, you are quite mistaken, Steelheart.  We will not be defeated this time, I assure you!"

            "We shall see about that, MotherBrain!"

            "Yes, certainly.  Now, I suggest you find out what happened to your pals out on the X-iverse Hyrule."

            "What do you know about that?"

            "That's for me to know and you to find out.  See you later!"

            "Hang on a minute!" snapped Picard's voice.  He had just emerged from the turbo-elevator with Riker.  "My son was on that mission, and I want to know what has happened to him."

            "Then, you should send someone to search for them, shouldn't you?  It is not necessary to accuse me, Captain Picard!  I have done nothing to them.  It's Mumm-ra who made them disappear.  If you don't believe me, he will be happy to call you.  Now, see you later, N-Team!"  Her hologram disappeared.

            "That bottled brain is really cruisin' for a bruisin'," said Bluegrass.  "Every division leader's comin', Steelheart."

            "Good work, Bluegrass," said Steelheart.  "Hello, Picard."

            "Hello, Steelheart," Picard said.  "What's happening?"

            "Our group found a Mumm-ra Pyramid, and we lost contact when they entered."

            "My God," said Riker.

            "On the other hand, though," Steelheart continued, "we gained contact with the Thunder Kittens.  Many things are going according to Wilykit's plan.  I'll explain just what happened once everyone's here."

            Link, MegaMan, and MegaMan X came into the Command Centre.  "Hello, all," said Link.  "What's happening, Steelheart?"

            "I'll explain when all the team-leaders have arrived.  What's wrong?  You three have this. . . this hidden expression."

            "We're concerned about Kid Icarus," said MegaMan.  "He's going through another of his unfortunate states related to his size."

            "-Sigh.-  That's not good, especially not in our present situation.  I hope we can help him feel better soon.  For now, I think it would be a good idea to adjourn to the conference room.  Bluegrass, tell the others who come that we're in there."

            "Right, Commander," Bluegrass said.

            * * *

            Prison Room, Metroid, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Ganon screamed again.  He was now truly sorry for plotting to destroy Ludwig, and he would cry that aloud during the next break between torture treatments.

            MotherBrain and Luna were torturing him.  Their methods - which, as many are particularly gruesome, will not be described in detail here - proved most effective in making Ganon feel the most pain.  Right now, they had him in a device that sent shocks through the nervous system at intervals that guaranteed the most pain.  After firing a nervous impulse, a nerve must wait for a short time before it could fire again.  The device actually took advantage of this, for the instant Ganon's nerves could fire again, it shocked him again.  However, the nature of the electrical shocks was such that they could only cause Ganon extreme pain, not harm him for a long time or kill him.  He'd just be limping for a couple of days.  After a couple of minutes, MotherBrain deactivated the device.  "All right," she said, this torture session complete.  "Now, Ganon, did you learn anything from this torture treatment?"

            "I repent!!" screamed Ganon at the top of his tenor voice.  "I'll be a loyal swine!  I won't plot against you or Ludwig ever again!"

            "Good.  If you do, you won't be let off quite as easily next time."  She pulled a lever and, thusly, released Ganon, who could hardly stand.  "Now, return to your tower and await further instructions.  And try no funny stuff."

            "Got it, MotherBrain."  He limped out of the room.

            "Has he really learned his lesson?" asked Luna, doubtful.

            "Yes," MotherBrain said.  "His thoughts revealed that that was true.  He gets this way once every so often, and I can usually get him back in line.  Now, on to business."  She spoke with greater volume.  "ProtoMan, this is MotherBrain in the prison room.  What is the N-Team up to?"

            "Their leaders are in a meeting in Hawkhaven," ProtoMan replied.  "I've been monitoring them.  Looks like Mumm-ra really P.O.ed Steelheart and all the others.  Heh, heh!"

            "Excellent."

            Luna remarked, "The mummy does amazingly good work.  And unlike Ganon, Mumm-ra is wise enough to know that his power is nowhere near as great as yours is, MotherBrain, so he doesn't try any stupid stuff like that stupid hog does."

            "That is indeed true.  Proto, I'm coming up there.  When I've arrived, I'd like to see the N-Team leaders in their meeting on the viewscreen."

            "Sure thing, MotherBrain," said ProtoMan.  The channel was cut.  MotherBrain and Luna went up to the control room.

            When they arrived, they saw the N-Team leaders in Hawkhaven on the viewscreen.  "Excellent," MotherBrain said.  "Now, some sound, please."

            "Sure thing, MB," said King Hippo.  He flipped a switch.

            Those in the control room heard Steelheart say, "Well, we can't sit here and do nothing, but we don't want to risk more people getting captured in the X-iverse."

            "My very sentiments," Picard said.

            Cerebrantonio said, "Yet, I feel like going to investigate."

            "That's out of the question," snapped Chatonne on impulse.  "You'd be placing yourself in jeopardy, Antonio."

            "Well, something must be done about the present situation, Chatonne," Antonio replied rationally.  "Do you not think so?"

            "Logically, yes, I do.  But I don't like the idea of anyone entering any pyramid that belongs to that blasted mummy.  It's dangerous."

            Tygra said, "When they were Antonio's age, Wilykat and Wilykit would have jumped into anything termed as 'dangerous,' Chatonne, and so would you and Gatinha."

            "I still would," proclaimed Gatinha.  Chatonne sighed.

            "I still think it's too dangerous," Chatonne said, "but if anyone expresses the intent to go, I'll entertain the request, at the very least."

            Steelheart said, "Well, I'm sure Mumm-ra has a hand in Ludwig's operations in the Rhineland, so we don't need to determine that."

            Dr. Beverly Picard, also present at this meeting on which the Brain-Team was spying, said, "I wish you hadn't let Jean-Léonard go, Jean-Luc."

            "I couldn't have stopped him, Beverly," Jean-Luc Picard replied.  "Probably not even if he were on the N-Team."

            The Astucieux-twins were also present.  Élisabeth said, "Well, I, for one, want to go in and get those people out of Mumm-ra's lair."

            Her brother, Frédéric, smiled.  "Now you're thinking like me, sister, while I'm thinking like you.  We need to investigate before rushing in headlong."

            "First comes the investigation," said Antonio.  "We must figure out just what's going on rather than rush in headlong and get ourselves killed."

            "All of you four are absolutely not going all together," said Chatonne, using redundance for emphasis.  "Two, but no more.  I suggest a 'cellist and a woodwinder.  Of all four of you, the two 'cellists seem the more mature and the two woodwinders the more impulsive.  The combination of two different thought processes should help."

            "You mean you'll let two of us go?" Guillaume asked.

            "That's exactly what I said.  Specifically, I want one Astucieux-twin to stay and one Astucieux-twin to go, and the same for you Cerebra-twins."

            "Oh, I absolutely want to go," said Élisabeth.  "I want to find out what that mummy's up to and sock it to him before he hurts Jean-Léonard."

            "Please, friend, stay objective," said Chatonne.

            Antonio said, "Guillaume, you go with her and help find out what Mumm-ra's doing."

            "With pleasure, Antonio," said Guillaume.  "I'll make the longest, ugliest, most disgusting oboe reed in history when I've finished with his bandages."

            "Remain objective," Antonio told him firmly.  "Make sure Élisabeth stays objective, too.  Got that?"

            "That takes all the fun out of it, but since it decreases the possibility that we'll rush madly into a trap, very well, Antonio."

            "I hope I can ignore the first independent clause, Guillaume," Chatonne warned.

            "So, Guillaume and Élisabeth are going," said Steelheart.  "Who else?"

            Geordi LaForge said, "I'd like to go.  I'd like to find out what's happened to Data and the others."

            "Sure," said Picard.  "Just come back in one piece, Geordi."

            "Thanks, Captain, I'll try."

            "I'd like to go, Commander," asked Moonstriker.  "In college, I took many courses that dealt with early Germanic oral literature, and not just to fulfil literature requirements.  Also, I want to sear Mumm-ra's bandages off if I get the chance."

            "Very well, Moonstriker," Steelheart said.  "So, it's Guillaume, Élisabeth, LaForge, and Moonstriker.  All right, guys.  Who among you knows Hyrule really well?"

            "I do," said Guillaume.

            Élisabeth said, "So do I."

            "All right, you two.  The Light World on the Hyrule in this universe is much like the Hyrule in the X-iverse.  However, something's different where the river running west bends south in the north near the witch's hut. . . where that hut is on that Hyrule, where it used to be on this Hyrule.  Behind a rock in the mountain near that bend is a passageway.  I'm certain LaForge can detect it."

            "Okay, Commander," Élisabeth said.  "Who's leader of our little expedition?"

            "You, if you can stay objective and focused.  If not, Guillaume becomes leader.  As it is, I want all four of you to keep your heads on straight.  Guillaume, I want you to contact me at least once a day."

            "Yes, Steelheart," Guillaume said.  "And Wilykit?"

            "Yes, her, too, as a matter of fact.  That way, we'll all know if you're all right.  If you don't call, we'll know something's wrong."

            "And," Guillaume added, "if you don't respond, I'll know something's wrong."

            "-Sigh.-  Unfortunately, that's a possibility, Guillaume.  I suggest you four prepare to leave once this meeting is adjourned."

            "Right," Élisabeth said.

            "Meanwhile, two of our people are trapped on Metroid still.  Link?"

            "I feel uncomfortable telling anyone to go there, Steelheart," Link said.  "It's highly dangerous, and MotherBrain does have Q-powers."

            "That she does.  Is there anyone who would even consider going there?"

            "I would," Samus Aran said.  "Maybe that highly insane Lt. Tragg would also give thought to it."

            "Possibly, barring nasty comments.  Were he here, Kevin would also go, I'm sure."

            "MegaMan and I would like to go, too, Commander," said MegaMan X.  "We've talked about it."  MegaMan nodded.

            Professor Xavier said, "Rogue, didn't you say you'd like to go, also?"

            "Sure did, Professor," Rogue said.  "If I could, I'd like to go with you four."

            "Certainly, Rogue," said Samus.  "In fact, you could be of great assistance."

            "All right," Steelheart said.  "If you'd like to, you five get together and discuss it, decide whether to go.  If you decide to go, come to me or Captain Picard."

            "Yes, Steelheart," said Samus.

            "Aye, Commander," MegaMan said.

            "Yes, ma'am," said Rogue.

            Steelheart said, "Very well.  The rest of us should have the whole team alert.  That blasted MotherBrain could decide to do something that's not too nice."

            "Right," replied Chatonne, Mario, Link, Perry Mason, Sam Collins, Professor Xavier, and Darkwing Duck, the division leaders, in chorus.

            "Then," Picard said, "this meeting is adjourned."

            MotherBrain operated the switch that turned off the screen.  "So, we may soon have visitors," she said distastefully.

            "Curse them," said Luna.  "I wish I had five pence for every time those rotten do-gooders have annoyed me!  I'd be the richest woman in the universe."

            "My leader," Ridley told MotherBrain, "we can turn this to our advantage."

            MotherBrain asked, "How so?"

            "Well, MotherBrain, we still control the Borg of this universe."

            "Ah-ha!  We could have them lying in wait for those rotten do-gooders!"

            "Yes!  Ha, ha!" laughed Luna.  "Thus, we shouldn't have much trouble, at least not from Samus, Tragg, MegaMan, or MegaMan X."

            "And I can take Rogue myself," MotherBrain said.  "She hasn't had much experience yet with her Q-cubed powers, and I doubt strongly that she can stop me."

            "Heh, heh!" laughed Ridley.  "It'll be like old times, yes?"

            "Yes!" MotherBrain laughed deep in the dark depths of her alto voice.  "Ha, ha!  With all the do-gooding Q-cubeds out of the way, nothing is to stop Ludwig and me, the evil Q-cubeds, from conquering every universe in creation!"  The villains all cackled madly.