Control Room, Tourian, Metroid, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 066 967.12; June 18, 3012.

Ganon was reporting to his evil allies.  "I left a very tiny magical bug in their dining room," he said.  "As I understand it, something has begun developing between Thomas and Johanna, between Heinrich and Kelly, and between Johannes and Liselotte."

            "This is a natural development," MotherBrain said.

            "They just talked about what happened," Ganon said.  "They discussed no plans."

            "Very well.  Thank you, Ganon."

            "However, the bug followed them when they went out into the palace garden.  Apparently, Captain N has called a meeting for 11.00 this morning.  Afterwards, the six kids will be having lunch in Kakariko town.  I was wondering. . ."

            "Wondering, were you?" asked Ludwig when Ganon stopped.  "If you attack them, the Sword of Omens will immediately tell Wilykit.  In fact, it might tell her beforehand.  Besides, it is possible that some others from the team will be there.  In addition, as I recall, you said Heinrich was already trouble for you."

            "I have foreseen these objections, Ludwig," Ganon said.  "I have a solution to propose.  If several of us attack simultaneously, then we could be in and out swiftly with six new additions to our prison room."

            "All right.  It might be nice to have some more bargaining chips," said Ludwig.  "I want twelve people to go.  I shall decide who would be best after we listen in on the N-Team meeting."

            "Thank you, Ludwig."

            * * *

            Throne Room, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            Kid Icarus was monitoring communications in the throne room this morning.  He had sent the message to the whole team that the meeting would be taking place at eleven, and all the team leaders had replied.  When Kevin, Thomas, and Kelly arrived by elevator, Kid Icarus said, "Hello, guys."

            "Hello, Kid Icarus," said Kevin.  "I trust you've sent all the team-leaders a message."

            "As well as all the people on the N-Team Base and the Mason-Team," Kid Icarus added.  "They've all replied."

            "Good.  Thank you, Kid Icarus."

            "Well, are you two impressed so far?"

            "We sure are," Kelly said.  "I like what I've seen so far."

            "Well, just wait," said Kevin.  "The villains' dwellings aren't exactly pleasant, especially not MotherBrain's or Mumm-ra's.  I feel sure you two may be prime targets for our enemies.  After all, you're the heirs to the throne after me, and you're not experienced in fighting them."

            "We aren't afraid of them," Thomas said.

            "Well, some of them are too stupid to merit any fear from two strong, intelligent kids like you, but make no mistakes about the likes of MotherBrain, Ludwig, Mumm-ra, or any other of the leaders.  Don't fear them, but don't act with any carelessness around 'em, either.  While you hang around Johanna and Johannes, make sure they also follow my directions."

            "Thank you, Father," said Thomas.  "We shall follow your directions."

            "Thank you, guys.  If you have an encounter, let Heinrich and Liselotte deal with it as much as humanely possible.  They're more experienced.  Of course, if they're greatly outnumbered, try to help as best you can."

            The elevator opened, and Wilykit, Wilykat, Johanna, and Johannes emerged.  "Good morning, everyone," said Wilykit.

            "Hi, guys," Kevin said.

            "I see you two selected from our wardrobe," Kelly told Johanna and Johannes.

            "It's sure a lot more comfortable than our old stuff," said Johanna.  "Whatever Mime made that stuff out of. . . uck!  Uncle's tricorder sure can do much."

            "We all noticed that during our stay," Kevin said.  "Every element of your clothing is part of the cultural environment in which I grew to adolescence."  He examined Johanna and Johannes visually.  "You've done well.  However, I've one suggestion, Johanna.  The zipper goes up."

            "Oh," said Johanna.  She zipped it up with quite a naïve, innocent expression on her face.  "But why's it here?"

            "For one thing, it makes the pants easier to put on," Kevin said.  "For another,. . . well, let's just say that it makes going to the restroom more convenient for males."

            "I see."

            "What do you use these pockets for?" Johannes asked.

            "We can carry many small objects in them, including coins and keys.  That reminds me, do you have standard VideoLand pounds?"

            "They have no money," said Wilykit.  "For that matter, Wilykat and I have none on our persons.  Mine is in my account."

            "Well, I recall that on Hyrule, hard currency is still desired for local transactions, though it's not fully required.  They accept standard VideoLand pounds as well as their own money, which is Rupees.  You can have your money withdrawn as pounds, if you'd like, or I'd be willing to lend you some of mine."

            "Whatever is most convenient," Wilykit said.  Kevin extracted his wallet and handed her two twenty-pound notes, which she handed to Johanna and Johannes.  "Thank you, Kevin."

            "Twenty pounds goes farther than twenty Thunder-dollars," explained Kevin.  "You don't actually have to repay me."

            "No, I'll repay you.  When I get back home, I'll withdraw sixty dollars in the form of forty pounds and give it to you when I see you again."

            "If you guys need more," Thomas said, "we'll just give you some more.  I doubt you'll have to worry about it, though.  Pounds are valuable as it is, since inflation is at an all-time low, and money almost triples in value on Hyrule.  The cost of living is very low there, and everything's less expensive.  Even items that might cost a great deal of money here are affordable on Hyrule, and there is no taxation on taking items off the planet to any other planet in the galaxy.  Besides, it's quite a nice place to visit, as Father tells Kelly and me."

            Kevin told Johanna and Johannes, "As I was telling them, in case any Brain-Teamsters show up, I don't want you four to do something you shouldn't.  Don't let fear overcome you, but don't do something stupid, either.  Use common sense in dealing with them.  As I told my kids, let Heinrich and Liselotte deal with our enemies, if that's possible.  Of course, if they're grossly outnumbered, you should attempt to help them."

            "All right, Kevin," Johanna said.

            "Have you all had breakfast yet, as we have?"

            "Yes, we have," said Wilykit.

            "Then, I think now may be the time to acquaint Kelly, Thomas, Johanna, and Johannes with our adversaries, since there's some time before the meeting begins.  Kid Icarus, if you detect anything either overtly or covertly suspicious, call me at once."

            "Yes, Kevin-icus," Kid Icarus said.

            Kevin led the way into the congregation hall and all the way down to the monitor.  "Computer," he said, "copy the Brain-Team identification files into random access memory and display Mon*Star, picture one."  A fraction of a second later, Mon*Star, untransformed, appeared on the screen.  "This is Mon*Star, the head of the Mob and leader of criminal operations in the Limbo section of the galaxy, not to mention the Imperial Koopulan Mob Boss for the universe.  His evil has a nearly charismatic quality, since he can capitalise on people's weaknesses in such a way that they don't know he's doing it.  In the case of Melodia and Timestopper, he took advantage of their poor upbringing and easily talked them into joining the Mob.  He exploited their moral weaknesses and took advantage of their expertise.  Melodia is a musician who designed a musical-to-laser conversion system to make her Sound Smasher a devastating instrument, and she is a great pilot.  Timestopper knows how to create computer devices that can stop time for up to ten minutes, and he can choose mentally whom he wants to remain active.  Computer, display these two."  Melodia and Timestopper appeared on the screen.

            Kevin continued, "During the thousand-year duration of Ludwig's régime, Melodia became attracted to whom she originally thought was her worst enemy, Bluegrass.  He taught her right from wrong, and when the N-Team had formed again, Melodia defected to us, and she has proved her loyalty to Steelheart.  She is now an honorary Silver Hawk.  Also, she and Bluegrass have a thing going.  However, the story is different concerning Timestopper.  He had some idea of right and wrong when Mon*Star found him, though Mon*Star needed to perform little prodding to get that kid to join.  I think we need to find a way to teach Timestopper his lesson, and we'll be able to reform him.  Now, this is Yes-Man."  Yes-Man appeared on the screen.  "He is basically a secretary.  He agrees with Mon*Star's every idea and operates the device that lets Mon*Star transform.  Computer, show the Moon*Star."  The Moon*Star appeared.  "This tiny star emits radiation that gives Mon*Star the ability to transform.  Computer, show Mon*Star's typical transformation sequence."  The screen showed Mon*Star transform to the huge metal monster that the Moon*Star made him.  "He also has a powerful left eye.  Whether he is transformed or not, that eye can emit a powerful piece of energy that can temporarily paralyse or even control a person, according to what Mon*Star desires.  However, Mon*Star cannot use that energy, the Light*Star, indefinitely while untransformed.  When he is transformed, he is immune to many weapons, including phasers and disruptors.  He has a weak spot.  When he's unprepared, a powerful shot in the belly area, the light-coloured plate, can force him to revert to his pre-transformation form.  If he is prepared, however, he can send the energy back to the person who shot at him.  You can usually tell if he's prepared.  He's usually very wary, but he can have a temper that's like ten billion atom bombs.  Few can get so angry as he.  Computer, show Hardware."  Hardware appeared on the screen.

            "This guy's Mon*Star's second-in-command.  He invents all sorts of items to use against the Silver Hawks.  He's extremely nasty, like his boss, and some of his inventions have had the potential to be very devastating.  However, the Hawks have always managed to deal with him.  Computer, show Windhammer."  Windhammer appeared on the screen.  "This guy can control weather with that tuning fork he's holding.  When he hits the prongs against something, the pitch and amplitude alter the weather conditions however he wishes.  He and Hardware work together a bit, and their combined capabilities have sometimes brought the Hawks nearly to their knees, but the Hawks always manage to deal with them.  Computer, show Pokerface."  Pokerface appeared on the screen.

            "This is Pokerface, the boss of Mon*Star's gambling operations.  Gambling is presently legal in Limbo, though barely, but Pokerface is guilty of other transgressions.  He is a crafty individual willing to resort to any means to achieve his ends, and he loves money.  He agrees with Mon*Star's evil objectives whole-heartedly.  Even if he didn't, his current salary from Mon*Star - which is far greater now than it used to be - would suit him well enough for him to go along with him.  His cane is a dangerous weapon that shoots out phaser-representations of the symbols from the four card suits.  It's not very friendly.  Computer, show Zero."  Zero appeared on the screen.  "This guy is Zero, the Memory Thief.  His gun can read information from computers or human brains and transfer it to the disks on his chest.  He can choose to leave the information on the computer or person or to wipe it off.  Usually, it seems that wiping memory better suits his purposes.  Mon*Star employed his services once he heard of him.  Zero likes money almost as much as Pokerface, but with him as well, that's not the primary reason he's working with Mon*Star.  Computer, display Buzz-Saw and Mumbo-Jumbo."  Mumbo-Jumbo and Buzz-Saw appeared on the screen.

            "These two are androids, as is Pokerface," Kevin continued.  "Mumbo, the bull, is Mon*Star's strong-man, and he is quite strong, too.  He has two operating modes.  In the general mode, that circle on top of his head is blue, and his eyes are as you see them.  When he switches to attack mode, the circle turns red, and his eyes turn all white with a red glow at the edge.  Usually, in general mode, he's bipedal, walking like you or I on his rear legs.  In attack mode, he is quadrupedal, like real bulls, and he's very hard to stop.  His pal is Buzz-Saw, who always talks in a mechanical voice with two pitches always in parallel fourths, thirds or seconds.  He launches saws at the enemy from his hands, and these saws can penetrate quite a lot of material.  For heavy-duty cutting, he doesn't launch his saws but 'digs in' himself.  It is quite obvious that Mon*Star and Hardware completely and permanently reprogrammed their memory and attitude circuitry, because they were originally the strongest defence androids on the Penal Planet.  Mumbo also helps Pokerface guard the Star*Ship Casino.  Computer, show Mo-Lec-U-Lar and A-Tom-U-Lar."  Mo-Lec-U-Lar and A-Tom-U-Lar appeared on the screen.

            "These two are brothers.  The younger, Mo-Lec-U-Lar, who is the yellow-coloured one, has been a member of the Mob for longer, but he asked Mon*Star if A-Tom-U-Lar could join the Mob at a time when the Mob was doing very poorly, and Mon*Star agreed.  A-Tom-U-Lar and Mo-Lec-U-Lar can transform into many things.  Mo can only transform on the atomic level, or at least that's what I understand, and that's not good enough to fool all forms of detection and analysis.  His brother can transform on the subatomic level, but he can only transform into the mirror-image opposite of that into which he's transforming.  When he's attempting to fool someone, he usually only transforms if the object or person he's transforming into is symmetric or nearly symmetric along the vertical axis.  Of course, they don't always transform to fool someone.  They sometimes transform for attack or defence.  Now, any questions about the Mob?"

            "Is Mon*Star the worst apple in that basket?" Kelly asked.

            "He certainly is.  Hardware's not much better.  I'd say those two are the worst."

            "What made Mon*Star evil?"

            "I don't know, daughter.  Now, you're making me curious.  Computer, in the Silver Hawk archives, is there any information as to the background to Mon*Star?"

            "Yes," the computer replied.  "That information is in a classified file.  Only Silver Hawks may access that file."

            "I wonder.  Is that the only file that only Silver Hawks - no other N-Team members - may access?"

            "That is correct."

            "Must be pretty bad.  Does the Penal Planet have any such file?"

            "Records indicate that all information pertaining to Mon*Star's background was transferred from the Penal Planet's files to the file on Hawkhaven."

            "Can you find any such background information on Brim*Star?"

            "Negative.  The Brim*Star computer network has been utterly destroyed by two viri."

            "-Sigh.-  Thanks, Steelwill, for the tight security measures.  Computer, is any such information anywhere in the Brain-Team computer network?"

            "One such file exists encrypted on Metroid.  Decompressed, it would be of equal size to the file on Hawkhaven."

            "Is any N-Team member, other than a Silver Hawk, allowed access to any summary of the file on Hawkhaven?"

            "Negative.  Only Silver Hawks may access any part of the data.  The nature of the file requires that all who inquire about this file must inform the current commander of the Silver Hawks within twenty-four hours to avoid legal action."

            "Uh, oh," said Wilykit.  "You'd better go tell her, Kevin.  I can finish this discourse."

            "Sure, 'Kit," Kevin said.  "I'm getting to the bottom of this."  He left the room.

            "Talk about security," said Kelly.  "Mon*Star must have done some terrible things to warrant that kind of file classification.  Now that I know about this, I'm not too sure I want to know so much about him at all."

            "Well, if Kevin finds out anything, he'll tell you whatever you need to know," Wilykit said.  "Are there any other questions about the Mob?  Things that don't require such high-level security clearance?"

            "What sorts of weaknesses do they have?" asked Thomas.

            "Kevin's told you about one or two of Mon*Star's.  Yes-Man's basically just a weakling.  Zero, Windhammer, Pokerface, and Hardware are pretty helpless without their weapons.  Timestopper has a fear of the dark, which interferes with the operation of his time-stopping device, or at least he used to have it.  Smack Mo-Lec-U-Lar or A-Tom-U-Lar with certain substances, and he'll turn to normal.  Mumbo isn't too bright in his aggressive mode, and Buzz-Saw can be harmed by his own saws, as well as some other things.  Do you find this a satisfactory response for now?"

            "Yes, as long as I can find some further information."

            "You can.  Any other questions?"  No one spoke up.  "All right.  The next group of villains is the Thunder Cats' enemies, the Plundarrians and Mumm-ra.  Computer, show Mumm-ra and Ma-mutt, image one."  Mumm-ra, untransformed, and Ma-mutt appeared on the screen.  "You are already acquainted with Mumm-ra, the wicked mummy.  He has been providing no end of troubles to us Thunder Cats ever since we landed on third-Earth.  We have reason to believe he instigated the end of previous civilisations on that planet, but we have no proof of that.  We do know that he gets his powers from the devil through the Ancient Spirits of Evil, but if I had to wager, I'd say he's nastier than the Spirits.  He's about as nasty as Mon*Star can get.  He transforms by invoking the Ancient Spirits of Evil.  Computer, play Mumm-ra's transformation sequence."  The computer played the sequence.  "Sometimes, he invokes more power and becomes larger.  Once, he grew almost as large as this palace.  The Spirits had given him 'til sundown that day to destroy us Thunder Cats.  He failed, and they exiled him and his mangy mutt, Ma-mutt, but they returned them to third-Earth half a year later.  Apparently, they believe they made a mistake exiling him, and they have pledged eternal support to him."

            "Ugh," said Kelly.  "How long has this guy been around?"

            "Well, third-Earth, according to Commander Data of the Enterprise-Team, is the Enterprise-Team's Earth about fifty thousand years in the future.  When we Thunder Cats arrived, there was no advanced civilisation, just basic civilisation.  Now, Thomas and Kelly, your father himself saw signs in Mumm-ra's first Pyramid, the one on third-Earth, that it was the pyramid of an Egyptian pharaoh, and the Egyptian pharaohs were somewhere between fifty and sixty thousand years before the time of the Enterprise people.  So, if he's been around all this time, Mumm-ra's at least one hundred thousand years old, probably more."

            "That's not old!  That's ancient!" exclaimed Kelly.

            "If he's that old, and he's still around," said Thomas, "then it might, indeed, be logical to believe that a possibility exists that he instigated the destruction of several advanced civilisations."

            "Great," Wilykit said.  "Now, I have an awful feeling.  Brother, please continue."  She sat down.

            "Yes, 'Kit," said Wilykat.  "Computer, show Luna and Amok."  Luna and Amok appeared on the screen.  "Luna is the leader of the Luna-tacks and is presently the head-of-state of the Plundarrian Empire.  She has a terrible temper and quite a nasty attitude.  Her diminutive size does not prevent her from making the loudest, shrillest outbursts.  Her steed, Amok, is not very bright, but he is very strong.  He obeys Luna's every command, except when someone tempts him with candy, which he cannot resist.  Apart, they're no match for anyone. . . Luna physically, Amok intellectually.  However, together, they're quite powerful opponents, because Luna's got a powerful brain inside her swelled head."

            "Please try to present a more objective description, brother," said Wilykit.  "They may be watching."

            "I'll try, but that takes half the fun out of it.  Computer, show Red-eye."  Red-eye appeared on the screen.  "This character is from a Moon of Plundarr in which the red-yellow-orange-green-blue-purple spectrum does not exist.  Thus, with his interpreter, he can see the infrared spectrum just fine.  He's also quite aggressive and dangerous.  The part of his interpreter that covers his chest can fire missiles and other nasty things.  Knock that out, though, and you knock him out.  Computer, show Tug-mug."  Tug-mug appeared on the screen.

            "This guy," Wilykat continued, "is native to the Moon of Plundarr that has super-strong gravity, and you can see he's a real heavyweight, so he has an antigravity system that can bounce him anywhere.  Also, he has a Gravity Carbine that can make one super-heavy, super-light, or anywhere in between.  With his limited brain-power, it seems he's only capable of setting the turbine to super-heavy or the opposite or normal weight."

            "Wilykat," said Wilykit warningly.  "Please.  Enough snide remarks."

            "Sorry, 'Kit.  However, it seems those are the three only choices from which he selects.  He's not nice, either.  He and Red-eye team up quite a bit.  Despite their limited socialisation skills, they seem to make a formidable duo."

            "Third strike, Wilykat," Wilykit said, standing.  "You're out."

            "Aw, come on, 'Kit," said Wilykat.  "It's not every day I get to do this."

            "Sit, brother," she said firmly.  "I gave you fair warning twice."

            "-Sigh.-  All right."  He sat down where she had been sitting.  "But I wouldn't speak this way about 'em if it weren't true."

            "Next time, I'll check your mental attitude before I appoint you to this task again," said Wilykit.  "Last time, you were able to describe them without so carelessly exposing your contempt.  You and I shall finish this discussion later.  Now, Tug-mug and Red-eye are two very dangerous individuals, as is each of the Luna-tacks.  Aluro and Chilla are the remaining two.  Computer, display them."  Chilla and Aluro appeared on the screen.  "Chilla's name is quite appropriate.  She comes from the Moon of Plundarr that is thoroughly icy and cold.  She can either freeze a person to the bone with her freezing breath or burn 'em out with her hot hand.  Aluro is an inventor like Hardware, but he can also mesmerise people with that club he has.  He's quite influential, and you have to put up all your mental guard to fight him.  Aluro and Chilla also make a formidable pair.  Together, the Luna-tacks are very powerful.  Unfortunately, they seem mentally unstable, considering the degree to which they'll go in order to do something.  And that's not all.  There are four other Plundarrians.  Computer, show S-s-slithe, Monkian, Jackalman, and Vultureman."  The four popped onto the screen.  "These charming guys are the Mutants."  She snapped her head to her brother.  "Don't you dare say it."

            "All right," said Wilykat in a whining tone.

            "-Sigh.-  He's right, though.  These guys seem to have spent too little time studying.  S-s-slithe, the reptile, is the only one who's really smart.  He's leader of the group.  In addition to being Luna's official consort, he's leader of the Plundarrian military.  Actually, he's a mammal.  His appearance is merely retroevolved to that of a reptile, due to the conditions he and his people lived in.  Monkian can climb trees quickly, but unlike us cats, he can't land on his feet.  On rare occasion, he does display some intelligence, but it does not seem the norm.  Jackalman seems afraid of everything but his own shadow sometimes.  He and Monkian tend to pal around together.  Vultureman is also an inventor, and he and Aluro have teamed up sometimes.  However, Vultureman has very little common sense, and he and S-s-slithe always seem fairly ill-at-ease around each other.  If they were to clash, I'd be sure it would be S-s-slithe who'd win, for he's smarter and slyer than Vultureman.  These six Luna-tacks and these four Mutants are the leaders on Plundarr and, surprisingly, have been for a very long time.  Of course, it's no big surprise this happened soon after Rataro, the Plundarrian emperor who waged open war against Thundera, was imprisoned for life.  Mumm-ra is the leader of the group, and it was he and Luna who instigated the plan to grab the Ring and the two Triforces.  It worked because I wasn't there to stop that Mumm-ra."

            "Don't kill yourself about it, Mom," Johanna said.  "It's my fault."

            "Partly, but I was so stupid not to be there.  Well, let's get on with this before I really do begin to hurt myself."

            "Hold it, 'Kit," Wilykat said.  "You haven't told them about Mumm-ra's chief weakness."

            "Ah!  That's simple," said Wilykit.  "His weakness is his reflection.  He is greatly weakened when he sees it.  Now, the next division is the Brain-Team Base division.  Computer, display MotherBrain."  MotherBrain appeared on the screen.  "This person is the leader of the division and was, during the thousand-year empire, the chief legislator and actual holder of power.  She's the one you should avoid, because she's the most powerful Brain-Teamster.  You can take it from Kevin that she can be really nasty.  Of course, she knows when to pretend to be nice.  She can be most deceptive if you're unprepared.  She has earnestly attempted to learn from her mistakes.  She married this guy.  Computer, show King Bowser Koopa."  Koopa showed on the screen.

            "King Bowser Koopa," continued Wilykit, "is ruler of the Evil Koopa Kingdom.  His good twin brother, Spike Koopa, is on our side.  They each have seven offspring, and father and offspring from one side are nearly identical physically to father and offspring on the other side.  The evil Bowser and his offspring, though, have a prominent B-like mark on their tails, while the benevolent Spike and his offspring have a prominent S-like mark on the bottom of their left feet.  Evil Bowser took command of the Koopa Army and attempted to conquer the Mushroom World.  However, before he could do this, Mario and Luigi stopped him.  Despite every underhanded effort by the evil Tortoisian and his offspring, the Mario Brothers seemed to stop them.  They came to VideoLand and teamed up with MotherBrain.  Following this merger, since MotherBrain and Bowser were greatly in love with each other, the two got married.  They still love each other, though I wouldn't know why.  Bowser is also dangerous, but not quite so much anymore as MotherBrain or Ludwig.  Computer, display Ludwig and Larry."  Ludwig and Larry appeared on the screen.

            Wilykit continued, "These two are, by far, Bowser's smartest Koopalings.  Ludwig currently holds the record for getting through college the quickest.  If it weren't for a few astute Thunderians and a couple of darned smart humans, he would still hold the record for highest overall G.P.A.  I was thinking, Johanna and Johannes, that you might utterly take the record as far as age is concerned, but you haven't.  The Farfâla-twins got really close.  Anyway, Ludwig and Larry both did extraordinarily well in school under assumed identities.  None suspected they were related to the terrible Bowser until too late.  They know quite a bit.  Ludwig can create fiendish devices to rival the best efforts of Hardware, Aluro, and Vultureman combined, and Larry knows a lot of psychology, though he has a reputation as a philanderer.  He tries to have sexual relations with every woman in the universe, practically.  You'd best watch out for him.  Even though Ludwig disapproves strongly of that activity, Larry is still allowed to do it freely.  Also, Ludwig is like MotherBrain.  He should be avoided.  His disgusting suavity can be enough to make you want to leave his presence as soon as possible.  Ludwig and Larry tend to hang out together.  Even if Ludwig didn't have those Q-cubed powers, he and Larry could cause a great deal of trouble.  Ludwig is the leader of the whole Extended Brain-Team, and he was head of state during the empire.  Larry was chief justice during that period.  It's my understanding that Larry is actually quite a fair judge.  Well, you can certainly find more about these two troublemakers.  Computer, show Roy, Wendy, and Morton."  Roy, Wendy, and Morton (Bowser)Koopa appeared on the screen.

            "These are three of Ludwig and Larry's younger siblings.  They weren't blessed with Ludwig and Larry's super abilities to learn, but they're still trouble.  All the Koopas have sceptres that give them power.  Roy is quite a bully.  Wendy is also extremely egocentric, though she has this strange delusion that her stepmother, MotherBrain, is the goddess of beauty.  Morton is quite a loudmouth.  You practically have to use clamps on his mouth to get him to shut up.  I don't think it would be wise for you to tangle with these guys just yet, though you certainly outmatch them in mental power.  Computer, display Lemmy and Iggy."  Lemmy and Iggy appeared on the screen.

            "In Bowser's whole batch of Koopalings," Wilykit continued, "Lemmy and Iggy are the only twins.  They seem primarily concerned with having fun.  They are a bit cunning but ultimately no match for us.  Just be careful around them, and you'll be fine.  Computer, show Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo."  Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo appeared on the screen.  "These two are MotherBrain's stooges, and they ordinarily act very dumb.  Eggplant Wizard can create vegetables and turn people into eggplants, so just watch out for him.  King Hippo, a dumb boxer, attempts to punch out the opposition, but wariness is all one requires in combating him.  You should be capable of handling them. . . and these three, too.  Show Mouser, Try-Clyde, and Koopa-Troopa."  The three appeared on the screen.

            Wilykit continued, "These three are idiots in Bowser's employ.  Mouser actually has a brain, for he's Bowser's sidekick, but he rarely displays his mental capabilities.  He can create bombs and toss them at the opposition, so pay attention when he's around.  If you're astute, you can deal with him.  Try-Clyde and Koopa-Troopa, though, are utter idiots.  Try-Clyde can spit fireballs, which are to be avoided, but it doesn't really take much to beat him, and Koopa-Troopa is easily dealt with.  Now, however, we have some more guys to watch out for.  Computer, display Dr. Wily and ProtoMan."  Wily and ProtoMan appeared on the screen.

            "Wily is one of MotherBrain's most valued subordinates.  He's smart, and he can invent many mechanical terrors, including androids.  He didn't actually make ProtoMan - Dr. Wright made ProtoMan soon before MegaMan - but wicked Wily reprogrammed ProtoMan's circuits while pretending to be a loyal lab assistant to Dr. Wright.  ProtoMan is very dangerous.  He is intelligent and powerful, especially since Wily fitted him with weapons like MegaMan's.  ProtoMan is to be avoided if possible.  If not, Thomas, set your Zapper and laser sabre as high as they will go.  In close range, your sabre would be far better.  Computer, show CutMan and GutsMan."  CutMan and GutsMan appeared on the screen.

            "These are two others of Wright's androids whom Wily reprogrammed.  They're fairly powerful, but they're not too bright.  GutsMan can lift and throw heavy objects, and CutMan's shears are as sharp as Buzz-Saw's saws, but those two can easily be outsmarted.  Just be cautious around them.  Computer, show Ridley."  The evil Ridley appeared on the screen.  "This guy is bad news like Dr. Wily.  Highly intelligent and very powerful, he is MotherBrain's most valued strategist, and his fiery breath can incinerate a forest in moments.  Avoid contact if at all possible.  We don't know what, if anything, he's vulnerable to, besides Samus Aran's missiles.  Now, computer, show Charles Nuclesís."  Nuclesís appeared on the screen.  "Another of MotherBrain's most valued subordinates, Nuclesís is part-Chemistrian, part-MegaLandian, and part-Hyrulian.  When he arrived on Chemistra, he ended the world's peaceful history.  He's smart and strong, but not enough for us.  Be very careful if you encounter him.  He does have super powers.  Here are his three stooges, the Atomic Idiots.  Computer, display Electron Charge, Proton Brain, and Neutron Head."  The three appeared on the screen.

            "These three are very idiotic.  He tortures them, yet they loyally do as he says.  They have the powers of full Chemistrians, and he exploits those powers, sending them to instigate what trouble he wishes.  If they had any intelligence, they'd see what he's doing with them and stop doing his will.  They do not, however.  Well.  Here are the three others on the Brain-Team Base.  Computer, show Malcolm Frink, Sandra Velaztra, and Kilokahn."  The three appeared on the screen.  "Malcolm is currently in police custody in Limbo.  He, his girlfriend Sandra, and Kilokahn co-operate in attempting to conquer the digital world for the Brain-Team.  Malcolm designs the monsters, providing the appearance and the behavioural data.  Kilokahn brings the monsters to life and makes sure they do as Malcolm commands.  Sandra knows how to create powerful computer set-ups.  She invented a device that gives humans the ability to enter the digital world unaided, an ability I might note that pure Chemistrians have naturally.  She and Malcolm can now enter the digital world and supervise the destruction they cause.  Malcolm and Sandra can each also use one computer terminal to break into a secure computer network nearby.  That is why Malcolm has been arrested.  He broke into the Silver Hawks' computers and opened secured files.  Kilokahn is an evil digital being unwittingly created by government computer programmers.  Any questions?"

            "Do we know of any way to stop MotherBrain or Ludwig?" asked Johanna.

            "Unfortunately, no," Wilykit said.  "Removal of Q-cubed powers would be the best thing, but MotherBrain's too astute for that.  Just stay out of their way for now, if you can help it.  The final group is the Fearsome Ten.  Their leader is Negaduck.  Computer, display Negaduck."  Negaduck was shown on the screen.  "This guy is one of Darkwing's worst enemies, and he's always wished to be Public Enemy number One.  Talk about misplaced priorities.  He's not very nice.  He's not that tough for us to deal with, though, because he's physically no match for any of us.  Just be on guard for fiendish weapons.  Computer, display the Fearsome Four."  Mega Volt, Liquidator, Quacker Jack, and Bushroot appeared on the screen.

            Wilykit continued, "These guys tend to pal around a bit.  Mega Volt, the dog with the electric plug hat, can shoot electricity and control certain electric appliances.  He can also be antisocial, and he's not terribly bright, but he is dangerous.  He's susceptible to water.  The Liquidator, the all-water dog, is the second-in-command of the Brain-Team, after Ludwig.  He is smart, and as second-in-command of the whole team, he has authority over Negaduck in all matters.  He can control all fluids, and you should definitely not underestimate his abilities.  Johanna and Johannes, do you know why pudding mix and cement mix capsules are on your belts?"

            "Ah, not really," Johanna said.

            "Do they have to do with Liquidator?" asked Johannes.

            "Yep.  He is susceptible to pudding mix or cement.  You can really take care of two of these guys that way. . . turn Liquidator to pudding and shove Mega Volt into him.  Electroshocked pudding.  There's one thing you must remember, though.  Do not call Mega Volt 'Sparkie.'  Do not refer to Liquidator as 'Waterhead.'  They hate it.  Now, Quacker Jack creates malicious toys, particularly snapping teeth.  He is susceptible to laughing gas, a punch-out, or a drill.  A drill because his toy teeth are scared of drills.  It sounds weird, but it's true.  The duck behaves like a maniacal clown all the time.  Dr. Reginald Bushroot is a duck-turned-plant who controls plant life.  Weed-killer knocks him unconscious but doesn't harm him.  He's really big on environmental protection.  These four are more dangerous than they appear, particularly Liquidator.  They are the members of the Fearsome Ten whom we have encountered most.  Computer, display FOWL Agents Steelbeak and Ammonia Pine."  Steelbeak and Ammonia Pine appeared on the screen.

            Wilykit continued, "These two work for the Fiendish Organisation for World Larceny, or FOWL, on their home planet.  Steelbeak's real beak was blown off in an explosion involving him and Darkwing Duck.  He claims it was Darkwing's fault.  The rooster isn't always very friendly, and I imagine that partly explains why he's FOWL's top agent.  He works a bit with Agent Pine, whose mind was warped by an explosion involving cleaning chemicals.  Now, she's very concerned with cleanliness, and she uses sanitation techniques to mop up her enemies.  These two are fairly dangerous, but they're not terribly difficult for the likes of us.  Computer, display Alwalro Tuskerninni."  Tuskerninni appeared on the screen.  "This walrus type commits crimes theatrically.  He sets big dramatic plots around his criminal activities.  Sometimes, he doesn't use his common sense, and Darkwing foils his plans.  Though he's fairly smart, he's not terribly dangerous, though I'd stay alert.  Computer, show Professors Moliarity and Nimnul."  Moliarity and Nimnul appeared on the screen.

            "These two are friends," Wilykit said.  "Moliarity is from the underground beneath Saint Canard, Darkwing's home town.  He's been trying to get his people above ground, but Darkwing's always stopped him.  Moliarity creates all sorts of inventions, as does his friend, Nimnul.  Norton Nimnul creates fiendish machines for his evil schemes, but a group of small upholders of justice, the Rescue Rangers, always seems to stop him.  They're both smart, but the amount of common sense they have is not enough to stop us, as long as we're careful.  We can handle much of the Extended Brain-Team just by using our common sense.  Try to avoid the ones I have warned you most about.  Are there any questions?"  The four young ones shook their heads.  "Of course, if you have any questions in the future, just ask me, or look it up in the computer.  Computer, deactivate the screen."  The screen turned off.  "Shall we wait out in the throne room?"  She led the way out to the throne room.

            * * *

            Steelheart's Office, Hawkhaven, Limbo, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Steelheart and Stargazer were taking care of correspondence.  "It'd make things easier if they didn't toss this tabloid mess in the mail," Stargazer said.

            "Indeed," said Steelheart.  A code knock hit the office door.  Raising her volume, Steelheart said, "Come in, Kevin."  Kevin entered the office.  "Good morning.  What's up?"

            "This morning, I was telling my kids and Wilykit's about the Mob," Kevin told her.  "When Kelly asked about Mon*Star's past, I asked the computer if there were any such records.  The computer told me one file existed here but that it was under such tight security that anyone who even inquired about it had to come tell you."

            "Despite your calm, logical demeanour, I believe you're upset."

            "Why would I be upset?" the Game Master asked with blatant sarcasm.  "Is there a reason this file isn't accessible to the rest of the N-Team?"

            "Believe me, Kevin," said Stargazer.  "I'm the only one who's seen that file.  I wrote it.  Even a Vulcan would express sheer outrage at what Mon*Star did in his youth.  If you read that file, you will probably wish that you had not."

            "If you permit me to read it," Kevin said, "I'll have to report its content to Wilykit."

            "That file is a confidential Silver Hawk file," said Steelheart.

            "Yes, until the instant I read the first word of it," the Game Master countered.  "Why keep this a secret?  All our files on MotherBrain, Bowser, and Ludwig are open to you.  All the Thunder Cat files on Mumm-ra, Luna, and S-s-slithe are open to us."

            "I was an eyewitness, Captain N," said Stargazer.  "I've been here long enough to see Mon*Star grow, to see the terrible tragedies that befell him, and to see his development into the most evil villain in this section of the galaxy.  And, at this time, I'm the only good person who knows what he was like, what he did.  He is far less bold, far less insolent than he used to be.  Except for Ludwig, none of the other villains have matched his audacity or his immorality, not even Larry."

            "And then what happens if he reverts?" Kevin asked rationally.  "How can we deal with him if we don't know the true extent of his character?"

            "I guess you're right about that," conceded Stargazer.  "It's your call, anyway, Steelheart."

            "Well, despite the nature of the content, I don't really think we should keep secrets from the rest of the team," Steelheart said.  "I'll change the classification when we get through with answering this mail."

            "All right.  Thanks, Steelheart," Kevin said.

            "Why would your daughter want to know so much about Mon*Star?" asked Stargazer.

            "She's very curious, and that's something that I've always encouraged.  I was pretty curious, too, when she brought it up.  Why would you bring action against someone for finding a file?"

            Stargazer said, "Well, you probably asked a few questions about the file.  We would not question you for asking if such a file existed or for requesting access."

            "Yes, I did ask several questions."

            Stargazer picked up an unopened envelope and scanned it with the device over his left eye.  "This scanner is sure better than a pirate eye patch.  Hm.  'You may have already won ten million Limbo-bucks.'  Circular file?"

            "Please," said Steelheart.  Stargazer tossed the letter with his right, unsuited hand, and it landed in the circular trash can.

            "Nice pitch," Kevin commented.

            "I was a baseball pitcher in college and then in police academy," said Stargazer.  "Coincidentally, my team won against several aggressive teams due to strike-outs during those years.  Go figure."

            Kevin smiled.  "And I always thought you were all business."

            Stargazer smiled back.  "No one should be all business, Captain.  At some point, I forgot that and didn't remember until it was too late.  Fortunately, Steelheart didn't forget it.  Of course, as soon as she takes time off, there'll be another emergency."

            "That's always the way," said Steelheart.

            "I know exactly what it's like," Kevin said.  "Whenever I would try to take off time to spend with Lana, stuff always comes up."

            Steelheart opened an envelope and read the letter within.  "Ah-ha!  Kevin, take a look at this letter."  She handed the paper to Kevin.

            Kevin read.  "Yes!  I enjoy good news.  Though they respectfully decline the offer to join the N-Team, Commanders Torreth and Sela and Admiral Tomalak promise to assist us whenever we need help.  And the letter bears the seal of the Romulan Empire."

            "That's good," Stargazer said.  "So, Kevin, what all happened in the X-iverse?"

            "Unfortunately, Wilykit's kids and my kids were unable to stop Mumm-ra from escaping with the Ring.  Mumm-ra appeared disguised as Ganon and took the Ring from the Rhinemaidens.  Johanna shot at him with the Sword of Omens but missed.  My son shot him successfully, and that's when the mummy dropped his piggish disguise and absconded with the Ring.  The young people called Wilykit, who instructed them to go to Mumm-ra's pyramid on that world and make the Thunder Cat Signal but not to enter until she arrived.  She and Wilykat went out there and entered with her kids and mine.  Ludwig and MotherBrain pulled the fiendish mummy out before Wilykit could cream him."

            "Wonderful," said Steelheart.  "At least the natural progression of events up to that point was preserved."

            "Yes.  Now, we have to find a way to get the two Triforces and the Ring back from our enemies."

            "I'm sure we'll find a way," Stargazer said.

            "Well, maybe we should see what his plan is," said Kevin.

            Steelheart said, "I agree.  Well, Mr. Burger's handling the case concerning Malcolm himself."

            "Ah!  I doubt Mr. Mason will be representing that kid."

            "I don't believe he will," Stargazer concurred.  "Thanks to Bluegrass, we have some pretty solid evidence."  He examined another envelope.  "Uh, oh.  Steelheart, you know that file about you and Will?"

            "Yes," said Steelheart.

            "You're being blackmailed."

            "What!"  When Stargazer handed her the envelope, she snatched it and ripped it open.

            "That what you call control?" asked Kevin with much sarcasm.

            "Damn it, I hate that Mon*Star!" exclaimed Steelheart after reading the letter.  "He says he'll put the article in all the tabloids in Limbo unless we fork over twenty million damned Limbo bucks!"

            "What have you told me about cursing?" Stargazer asked seriously.  "If he's reverting to his old self, expect more crap like this, and some crap far worse than this."

            "He's just trying my patience," Steelheart snapped.  "He'll sell it to the tabloids no matter how much money we give him.  Damn, is this going to be humiliating!"  She crumpled the letter into a ball and tossed it at the trash can.  She missed the hole but hit the side, and the force was so hard it knocked the heavy can over!

            "Calm down, Steelheart," commanded Captain N evenly.  "That is an order."  He stood up the trash can, picked up the crumpled letter, and gently put it in.

            Steelheart closed her eyes and began breathing slowly and deeply.  "Computer," she said, "play 'Air for the G String' by Johann Sebastian Bach."  The melodious, peaceful Baroque piece began playing.  "That work always helps calm me."

            "Why'd you throw that letter away?" Stargazer asked.  "That's evidence of a felony, attempted blackmail."

            "His rap sheet is as long as this galaxy is wide," said Steelheart.  "He'll get life for several of them.  I doubt attempting to blackmail us will add much more to his punishment.  Besides, it'll look bad if we don't handle this gracefully.  I'll ask Bluegrass to have the newspapers print this.  At least newspaper journalists can be trusted in this day and age to tell the truth."

            "To print what?" Stargazer asked.

            "The true story about what happened that day.  If I have any control over it, I prefer that we have a good reputation.  Any more letters?"

            "No, Steelheart."

            "Very well.  Now, computer, access the detailed history file about Mon*Star."

            "File is ready," the computer said.

            "Alter file classification.  All members of the Extended N-Team, official or unofficial, are to have unlimited access to all parts of the file."

            "Alteration made."

            "Save and close."

            "Done."

            "And there you are, Captain N," said Steelheart.  "That's that."

            "Thank you, Commander," Kevin said.  "Shall we adjourn to the Palace?"

            "Yes.  Let me just round up all the Hawks, and we'll be ready to go."

            * * *

            Kakariko Town, Light World, Hyrule, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Beethoven was walking southward on a sidewalk in town.  The people here were much like the southern Germans and the Austrians, the culture in which he had lived previously.  Of course, the years he had spent already on New Thundera made him very used to Thunderian ways, and he was more accustomed to those now than Austrian ways.  Yet, he was greatly enjoying his stay here.  Here, as on New Thundera, space was not at a premium.  Everyone had quite a lot of room.  Despite its growing population, Hyrule still had the lowest population density per square kilometre of any world in VideoLand, due largely to the physical size of the planet.  Also, the architecture was more southern English than Austrian.  However, the people's customs and their native music were quite like those of the Austrians and southern Germans.

            Heinrich and Liselotte entered town from the south.  "Good morning, fellow Hyrulians," Heinrich called to everyone in his powerful voice.  "May peace be with you all this day."  This was his normal greeting upon entering the town.

            "Good morning, Prince and Princess!" called all the Hyrulians in range.  This was their normal reply.

            Beethoven approached the twins.  "Good morning, Prince Heinrich and Princess Liselotte."

            "Good day, Herr Beethoven.  One of our purposes in coming here this morning was to tell you that there will be a meeting at 11.00."

            "Oh, in about an hour, then.  Thank you."

            "Are you enjoying your stay?" Liselotte asked.

            "I most certainly am.  This appears to be a most pleasant place."

            "Appearances can be deceiving," warned Heinrich.  "However, the temperature throughout this central region of the country remains fairly constant.  It rarely gets very cold in the winter, nor does it usually get uncomfortably hot in the summer.  The central region includes this town, the castle, the forest in between, the sanctuary, and all the areas directly in between.  The central region is bordered on the east by the hills surrounding the Eastern Palace, on the south by the marshlands, and on the north by Death Mountain and the Lost Woods.  The region sort of extends between the Lost Woods and Death Mountain in the break in between them.  Lake Hylia in the southeast is included in the central region, and the central region extends up to Zora's Falls in the northeast.  Thus, most of the kingdom is included in the central region.  We're about twice as far from our star as Earth is from its sun, but then our star is about three times as large and powerful as Earth's star.  Our planet has about twice the radius of Earth, but its mass is such that the surface gravity here is the same as on Earth, so you weigh the same.  Also, it spins faster than Earth, so that days here are only about a millisecond longer here than they are there.  Our year-to-day relation is exactly the same as Earth's.

            "However," Heinrich continued, "Ganon and his nasty compatriots tend to pop up from time to time.  They don't always do very nice things."

            "They don't ever do very nice things unless they have ulterior motives," corrected Liselotte.  "If they did, it would defy their very definition.  Now, we'd best start heading over to the castle so we can be there before Mom and Dad leave."

            "Sure," her brother said.  "Are you coming, Beethoven?"

            "Certainly, Heinrich," responded Beethoven.  The three left town to the north, went east, and turned south at the nearest break in the forest.  "Ah, I forgot about this detour."

            "Since it's not good for transport vehicles, few use it," Liselotte said.  "However, it's quite a nice place."  The path soon turned left back to the east, and they followed.  In moments, they were in meters of the Castle of Hyrule.  "And here we are."

            "Interesting," said Beethoven.  "Let us continue."  They turned south and went parallel to the west hall of the grand castle.  They turned east at the corner of the castle and soon arrived at the outer gates in the centre of the south wall.  As usual in the daytime, the gates were open for all civilians and all loyal soldiers to visit.

            "Welcome back, Prince," said the soldier on guard.

            "Thank you, Lieutenant," Heinrich replied.  "Come, friends."  The three entered through the gates into the enclosed garden that Heinrich and Liselotte had shown the others the preceding night.  They continued north to the doors to the castle and arrived in the entryhall.  There, Link and Zelda were waiting.

            "Hello, kids," said Link.  "Greetings, Beethoven.  Welcome to Hyrule Castle."

            "Thank you, Link," Beethoven said.  "I have greatly enjoyed my trip here."

            "I'm glad," said Zelda.  "When I was my children's age, this world was on the verge of chaos."

            "I've read the history.  That Ganon is a very unpleasant fellow."

            "He certainly is," Link said.  "His actions indicate definite malicious intent.  To make a huge understatement, no one's very fond of him.  If you ever have the great displeasure of having direct contact with him, you'll most likely agree."

            "I already dislike him for what he did to Kevin, Wilykit, Wilykat, and their children.  The older Wilytwins are friends to me, as is Kevin."

            "Well, let's warp to the Palace," suggested Zelda.  She led the way to the warp hall. . . into the hall to the west, upstairs onto the upper hallway, and along the west wall.  The warps were clearly labelled.  The group went through the one marked, 'to the Palace of Power.'

            * * *

            Throne Room, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            People were starting to come and enter the congregation hall.  Thomas was talking with Johanna in one section of the room.  "Where are we going to sit with all these guys coming in?" she asked.

            "The monitors at each place tell who's to sit there," replied Thomas.  "There's no confusion.  Divisions sit together, usually.  The leader and first officer of the entire extended team usually sit at the head."

            "I see.  Do they usually call roll?"

            "I'm not sure.  I know that they have done so in the past, but I don't know if that's always done."

            "All right."  She smiled at him in merely a friendly manner.  "I think I'm starting to like you as a friend, Thomas."

            Thomas smiled in the same way.  "Me, too, Johanna.  I believe it would be best to pursue that sort of relationship for now."

            "I think so, too, Thomas.  Especially if I can control my feelings."

            "If I can, then so can you."

            "I guess so.  Tell me, Thomas, what do you like to do?"

            "Many things.  I like to read.  I also like to play the 'cello."

            "As in the violoncello?"

            "Yes, literally the 'large viola.'  My dad, Wilykit, and Wilykat began teaching me when I was old enough to begin, and Kelly's learning the violin, which is literally the 'small viola.' "

            "I see.  How well do you play?"

            He smiled.  "You won't get an honest opinion out of me, Johanna.  I'm too modest.  You'll have to ask others."

            "Okay.  Anything else?"

            "Spending time with people I know and love, particularly my sister.  There are instances when she practically needs me."

            "I see.  You care for her very much, don't you?"

            "Yes.  I hope you care for your brother at least as much as I care for my sister."

            "I love him, but sometimes, he does do something silly."

            "I get the feeling that's common."  Kelly and Johannes came over to them.  "Hello."

            "Hi, guys," said Kelly.  She smiled slyly.  "Are we getting better acquainted over here?"

            "For your information, my sister," Thomas said unperturbed, "we have agreed to simply develop a friendship for now and advance on the other aspects of our relationship later."

            "I see.  No wonder you weren't. . . having fun, so to speak."

            Thomas smiled.  "I refuse to understand that joke, Kelly.  You know me better than to think that I'd be like that."

            "Drop it for a moment, little brother," she snapped.  "You can't deceive me."

            Thomas gave her a very stern look.  "Calm yourself, Kelly," he said with great authority.  "There is absolutely nothing happening that should cause you to get upset.  I am not going to get involved in a certain relationship with Johanna prematurely, and that is all that there is to it.  Do you understand me?"

            "Yes.  You do have feelings for her, though."

            "I never deny that, Kelly," Thomas said quite calmly.  "I would appreciate it more if, at this stage, you did not make insinuations.  I know we're at the age when young humans like ourselves make such references, but I'd prefer that you not make them."

            "Okay, Thomas.  -Sigh.-  I was getting carried away, wasn't I?"

            He shrugged.  "Just so you realise now how I feel about the subject.  If you wish, I shall make no such comments concerning you and Hyrule's prince."

            "Thanks, brother."

            Kevin came from the warp hall and was followed by all the Silver Hawks.  Steelheart said to the Hawks, "You all go on in.  Will and I will stay out here and discuss some matters with Kevin."

            "Yes, ma'am," all the other Hawks said.  All the Hawks, minus Steelheart and Steelwill, entered the Congregation Hall in an orderly manner.

            "So," Steelwill said, "that blasted mummy made off with the Ring?"

            "He did," said Kevin.  "Next time they encounter him, I suspect the kids will be more experienced.  Wilykit, I'm sure, has finished telling them about the Brain-Team."

            "I have," Wilykit said.  She and Wilykat came over.  "I have attempted to provide them with a good cursory explanation of the divisions of the Brain-Team after Mon*Star's Mob, which Kevin had explained.  Now, what about that file concerning Mon*Star?"

            "I have changed the classification on that," said Steelheart.  "Now, all N-Team members have access.  Stargazer, the author, felt that it was not pleasant, and so he put a very restrictive classification on it originally."

            "I wouldn't expect it to be pleasant," Wilykat said.  "Mon*Star's probably done some nasty things."

            "I get the impression he was worse in his youth," said Kevin.  "I haven't been had the opportunity to view the file yet."

            "I suggest you be very careful with your composure if you read it," Steelwill said.  "I haven't read it, but if Stargazer wanted to keep it secret, it must be pretty bad."

            "I gathered that from the way he described Mon*Star," said Kevin.

            Thomas, Kelly, Johanna, and Johannes came over.  "Hello," Kelly said.  "Are we missing anything?"

            "Hello, guys," said Kevin.  "These are the Steeltwins, Commander Steelheart and Lieutenant Steelwill.  Steeltwins, these are my young ones, Thomas and Kelly; and these are Wilykit's young ones, Johanna and Johannes."

            "It's good to meet you," Steelheart said.  She shook hands with all four in the order in which they had been presented, then so did Steelwill.

            "You, as well," said Thomas.  "Our father speaks rather highly of you two."

            "He speaks highly of you two, also," Steelheart said.  "I haven't heard too much about you two, Johanna and Johannes."

            "We haven't been in contact for very long," said Johanna.  "Of course, we shall do the best that we can.  Right, Johannes?"

            "Certainly," Johannes agreed.  "Johanna and I have vague memories of most everyone who's coming in here, to varying degrees of familiarity.  We can even place most of the names, but we recall no extensive knowledge."

            "This meeting is exactly the type in which we call the roll, at least just for the sake of doing it," said Steelheart.  "There are those meetings when calling roll would be unwise, and those take place in times of immediate danger.  But this is not one of those times.  I am official roll-caller.  Would you four like your names called?"

            "Sure," Thomas said.

            "Certainly," said Johanna.

            "Call Johanna and Johannes after Wilykat and me on the Thunder Cats' roll, Steelheart," Wilykit said.

            "And call Thomas and Kelly right after me," said Kevin.

            Steelheart took note of this on her data padd.  "Very well," she said.  "If you four don't mind my saying so, I think you look terrific.  I also wonder, Johanna and Johannes, why you chose exactly that attire.  Just curiosity."

            "Well," said Johanna, "I assume you know where Johannes and I grew up."

            "Yes," Steelwill said.

            Johannes said, "The clothes Mime made us were uncomfortable, and Uncle Wilykat offered to replicate us some clothes with his tricorder-replicator.  Thomas and Kelly's wardrobe was on there, so we selected from that."

            "We're glad we switched," said Johanna.  "Wearing this is absolute heaven compared to what Mime made."

            "I see," Steelheart said.  "This stuff was still around when Will and I were growing up.  Heck, on our Earth, it's still around now!  Anyway, good choice. . . at least from our point of view."

            "Thank you."

            Wilykit said, "The choice may not seem so good when they become regular, active Thunder Cats.  It's all right for now, but it's not constructed for all the movements we have to make.  When Wilykat and I begin teaching you two what you need to know, it'll be better to have something like what he and I have.  But we'll see."

            "Okay," said Johanna.

            "But what's the problem?" Johannes asked.

            "Those clothes may not be constructed to stand the movements we can make.  Physically, we are, on the average, much stronger than humans, more agile and quick, and our endurance level is generally much higher.  Human clothing is constructed around human abilities, so our abilities might ruin that clothing.  As I said, though, we'll see."

            "Oh.  I didn't know that."

            "Of course, that doesn't mean you can't wear it.  It just means you shouldn't wear it when you're planning to be active like any other Wilykat.  Your full strength won't come in until you're twenty-eight, but you still should be careful."

            "Sure, Mom."

            Wilykat said, "Too bad Lana and Wesley can't be here.  I'm sure Lana would be happy to see you, Thomas and Kelly, and I'm definitely certain Wesley would be happy to see you, Johanna and Johannes."

            Link, Zelda, Heinrich, Liselotte, and Beethoven came from the same room from which the Silver Hawks had recently come.  "Hello, all," Link said.

            "Good morning, everyone," said Kevin.  "Good morning, Beethoven."

            "Hello, Kevin," Beethoven said.  He came over to Kevin and the others.

            "Guys, this is Ludwig van Beethoven," said Kevin.  "Beethoven, these are my son and daughter, Thomas and Kelly, and Wilykit's daughter and son, Johanna and Johannes."

            "I am pleased to meet you," Beethoven said to the four.

            "Likewise, Herr van Beethoven," said Thomas.  He shook hands with the composer, then Kelly, Johanna, and Johannes did so in that order.

            Wilykit said, "I understand, Beethoven, that you've been visiting Hyrule."

            "Yes," Beethoven said.  "I've almost been there a week.  Like Thundera, it is a very lovely place.  Like on Thundera, a great deal of the people on Hyrule are very nice.  The Hyrulians themselves are a bit like good Germans and Austrians of my time.  The architecture seems to be more English, but I like it just the same.  I'm enjoying my trip, but there's no danger of me moving.  Now, I'm much too accustomed to the way things are done on Thundera to do that."

            "That's all right," said Zelda.  "Thundera's safer, anyway.  No one truly evil is native to that planet, while Ganon and Agahnim are both native to Hyrule."

            "That's wrong, in a sense," Wilykat said.  "However, the evil being from Thundera is no longer around, or so we believe.  Grune, the Destroyer, was once Jaga's friend and comrade, but he allowed greed to overcome him, and he challenged Jaga for power.  After a long fight, Grune was imprisoned in a crystal and banished far away.  He survived, though, and made it to third-Earth, where he had easy pickings with the remaining people until a sorcerer locked him in a tomb.  A seal on the door would prevent his spirit from escaping when he died.  However, a long time later, about a year after we had crashed on third-Earth, two people, attempting to escape the rain, stumbled onto his tomb.  They unwittingly destroyed the seal and released the ghost of Grune, and none of us could stop him. . . none except Jaga, who was a spirit himself.  Jaga let Grune take the Sword of Omens and destroy himself unwittingly."

            Wilykit said, "We believe that was the end of Grune.  Of course, I'm ready for him if he ever shows up again.  Ooh, Jaga, and then there's the Borg.  They outshot from our very race.  Their belief in Unitism went to such an extreme that it was deemed illegal.  The government wouldn't have had to imprison them if they didn't use wanton force to try to impose their ideals on other Thunderians.  They escaped, though, on an advanced ship that took them clear from the Galaxy of Leos to the Galaxy of Léi.  There, those Wilykats experimented with the powerful Thunderian medical technology and made themselves the Borg.  The last ones to be electronically altered probably knew they shouldn't have invented the Borg, but they also probably realised it was too late.  They most certainly did not realise that the computer system linking the minds of those in the Borg collective was susceptible to the evil Ludwig's subtle computer abilities.  He conquered them on the most basic intellectual level and has complete control over the collective."

            Wilykat said, "He's probably also. . . ooh, ooh!  Oh, no!  'Kit, the Borg exist in Wesley's original universe, correct?"

            "Yes, though they originated in the Delta Quadrant of the Milky Way in that universe.  But. . . -gasp!-  Ooh, Wilykat, why do you have to be so smart?  Drat!  If Ludwig takes control of them, he won't need a Ring and two Triforces to conquer that universe!"

            "Great," said Kevin.  "He's probably thinking of exactly that.  That nasty turtle can make me angry enough to burst."

            "Don't get that mad, Father," Thomas said.  "It won't help."

            "Yeah, I know, Thomas."  He sighed.

            Link said, "Ah, well, Heinrich tells me you six guys want to go have lunch in Kakariko Town this afternoon after the meeting."

            "That's correct," said Thomas.

            "Johanna and Johannes, have you money in VideoLand pounds?  Due to the present financial situation on Hyrule, paying directly with pounds or rupees is the most efficient method of paying, and it is definitely the most widely accepted."

            "Yes, we have some pounds," Johanna said.

            Zelda said, "The problem is we don't have enough money in circulation.  At least the rest of VideoLand stays fairly stable economically.  Ever since Ludwig's empire rose, our world has had constant economic troubles."

            Kevin took a look at his watch.  "I think we'd best get in there," he said.  "It's nearly time."