Living Room, Nuclesís's Mansion, Atom Mountain, Chemistra, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 068 057.53; July 21, 3013.

Nuclesís listened angrily to his stooges' report.  "You idiots!" he shouted with rage when they had finished.  "Curse it, what would it have taken for you to find that brat cousin of mine?  His hiding place is on this very mountain!"

            "Please, Mr. Nuclesís," begged Neutron Brain.  "We almost found him before the N-Team got in our way."

            "The operative word is almost, you dip!  And you can't handle a fifteen-year-old and a lawyer?  I should fire you all!"

            "Please!" they pleaded.  "Don't throw us out!"

            "Calm down!  I wouldn't fire the only three Chemistrians with the stupid-. . . ah, the brains to seek employment with me."

            "Can't you just take a gene sample from one of us?" Electron Charge asked.

            "It has to be from a male family member, and Jack's my closest surviving cousin.  My mother and her sister were fully Chemistrian, and Jack came directly from my mother's sister's lineage.  He is fully Chemistrian.  Blast it, I wish he hadn't run into Chemsos and Physicost that day!  Otherwise, I might have had a chance to pervert his sense of justice.  Now, I must hunt him down. . . and now in a bloody jail cell!"

            MotherBrain appeared in the room as a hologram.  "Charles, please calm yourself."

            "MotherBrain, I want my cousin, or at least a genetic sample from him."

            "And that's why you framed him, I'll bet," said MotherBrain.  "You expected him to head for his childhood hiding place so you might collect him, but Mason got to him first.  And you got rid of an annoying representative to boot!  Hoo, hoo!  Such motive.  Such opportunity.  And I'm talking about your goody-good cousin!  Stannous certainly disliked her views.  You really framed him good.  When it's known publicly that he's related to you by blood, he'll be locked up for good."

            "MotherBrain, you forget one major factor.  Perry Mason is representing him."

            "True, but your cousin has no alibi.  The attorney for the defence will be in hot water this time. . . maybe literally!  Ha, ha!"

            "I wish I could share your enthusiasm, MotherBrain, but I cannot seem to."

            * * *

            VideoLand Police Department, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            Drumm had ordered a sergeant to escort Stannous to a cell.  When the sergeant and Stannous had left, Drumm said, "You know, Tragg, I really don't think he's guilty."

            "Neither do I, Steve," Tragg said.  "Where's Andy?"

            Lt. Anderson and Sergeant Brice entered the room.  "Well, hello, Tragg," greeted Andy.  "Did you catch Mr. Stannous, Steve?"

            "Yes, Andy, but. . . I don't know.  Maybe I'm going soft, but I believe he's not guilty of this."

            "This is a first, Steve.  The evidence is stacked overwhelmingly, and you think he's not guilty?"

            "I know, I must be going stark crazy, but my gut's telling me he's not guilty.  Sergeant, has the team finished analysing the evidence from Representative Ferrosis's apartment?"

            "No, Lieutenant," replied Sergeant Brice.  "Nor has Paul Drake attempted to enter yet."

            "After this team meeting, Andy, let's you and me take Drake and Drake to investigate the scene themselves.  I hate to say it, but maybe they can find something we can't."

            "Certainly," Andy said.

            "Speaking of the meeting," said Brice, "we'd better get moving."  They left for the congregation hall.

            * * *

            Congregation Hall, Palace of Power.

            The N-Team meeting began on schedule.  Every last member of the team and then some were in the royal meeting hall by ten seconds before 14.00.  Wilykit stood at the exact time.  "Thank you all for being here on time.  First piece of business.  Kevin?"  She sat down.

            Kevin stood.  "Thank you, Wilykit.  As I told you earlier today, I have a brother, whom MotherBrain transported to yesterday from 1992.  Here he is."  Michael stood on cue.  "This is my brother, Michael Keene."

            "The resemblance is remarkable," Geordi LaForge commented.

            "Everyone feels that way," said Kevin.  "He and I are very close.  I believe he would like to join the team."

            Wilykit stood.  "Is this true, Michael?"

            "Yes, it is," Michael said.

            "You're only fifteen.  That means you need to continue with your education if you join."

            "I'd do that, anyway."  He indicated his brother.  "Look at my example here!  Besides, I'd do my best even without him around."

            "I can tell you that he can benefit more from the education system here than back home," said Kevin.  "He'll learn like I did, if not better.  I know my kids have been doing so."

            "Do you mind if I get someone other than you to evaluate him, Kevin?" Wilykit asked.  "It's your call, and it is your job to evaluate new members, but you are related to him, and that might influence you."

            "I think that's unlikely, but it is still possible," said Kevin.  "I don't mind it, Wilykit."

            "Good.  Commander Steelheart, do you feel you can adequately perform the task?"

            "Certainly, Wilykit," Steelheart said.

            "Thank you.  When we've finished this meeting, I think you should talk about this."  Everyone besides Wilykit sat down.  "Now, on to another matter.  Lieutenant Drumm, you said that someone whom you've arrested requires protection from Nuclesís."

            "Yes," Drumm said.  "He's presently in the police department.  Jack Stannous, a fully Chemistrian cousin to Nuclesís, has been arrested for the murder of the Chemistrian representative Ferrosis.  According to Stannous, Nuclesís can use a sample of Stannous's DNA to make himself fully Chemistrian."

            "It's true," interjected James Chemsos.  "A partial Chemistrian can use a DNA sample from a reasonably close, fully Chemistrian relative to become completely Chemistrian.  That relative has to be of the same sex as the one being discussed, however.  If Nuclesís becomes fully Chemistrian, it'll be big trouble for Chemistra."

            "Stannous fled," said Drumm.  "He claims to have done it for the safety of VideoLand and Chemistra because he intended to flee from Nuclesís's reach."

            "If he's any normal, patriotic Chemistrian, his explanation is credible."

            "But he murdered a representative, Mr. Chemsos."

            "No, he did not, Steve," Mason said.

            "Perry, he strongly and openly disagreed with her policies."

            "Chemistrians do not deal death for disagreements, Lieutenant," Jane Physicost said.

            "All right, ladies and gentlemen, save the debate," said Kevin.  "I am supposed to judge the guy.  Please wait until I'm out of your presence to continue this discussion.  Now, how do we keep him out of Nuclesís's reach?  I agree that it is best for the safety of VideoLand that we do that."

            "I can handle that," Wilykit said.  "If you agree to let him be held on New Thundera, we'll make sure Nuclesís doesn't get his grubby mitts on Stannous."

            Burger said, "I'll agree to it if one of our homicide officers is permitted to go and keep watch."

            "I agree with Hamilton," Drumm said.

            "I'll agree if someone from my legal team can go keep an eye on him for his legal rights," said Mason.

            "Certainly," Wilykit said.  "We'll get together and work out the details.  Now, what other matters are there?"

            Quicksilver said, "All the N-Team members are, thanks to Michael's help, out of Metroid.  However, ProtoMan seriously injured Jean-Léonard Picard.  The best way to repair his neural damage is with synthetic nerves, and I felt that it would be good to ask his permission that we make him a Silver Hawk.  Dr. Crusher and I have repaired the neural damage, but I wanted to wait to ask the other Silver Hawks about this."

            "I've seen his records," said Stargazer.  "Your idea sounds good, Quicksilver."

            "I agree, skipper," Bluegrass said.  "He's a good guy."

            Steelheart asked, "Do any of you disagree, even you, Melodia?"  No Silver Hawk spoke up.  "Well, then, I think we all agree he'd make a good volunteer.  He's a smart, good, talented person.  Now, Quicksilver, you can ask him if he wants it when we've finished, and go ahead with it if he says yes."

            "Certainly, Commander," said Quicksilver.

            "Now," Wilykit asked, "are there any more matters to be discussed?"

            "Yes," said Batman.  "What about the Commissioner, Batgirl, and Catwoman?  They may wish to join."

            "All right.  Since you know them, Batman and Robin, I suggest you two show them the video records of us and those of our adversaries.  If any or all of them wish to join, Kevin will take care of that."

            "Thank you, Wilykit."

            Dr. Wright asked, "Since we're not dead, we're still members, right?"

            "Let's see.  You were actually not living for some time, but since you're otherwise the same Dr. Wright and Dr. Cossack we knew, you'll be reinstated."

            "Thank you."

            "Sure.  Is there anything else?"

            Wesley said, "Yes, Wilykit.  Do we know what Ludwig's been up to?"

            "We do not, Wesley.  However, I suspect he's planning to invade the Original Universe and take it, as he seems to have the tools he requires."

            Steelheart asked, "Shall we confiscate those tools - the Ring and the two Triforces?"

            "We most certainly shall, but I want no one getting any smart ideas.  Please, do not carry out any sudden plans to try to stop our enemies without consulting Kevin, Captain Picard, Commander Steelheart, and me.  I don't want anyone hurt by doing something they shouldn't do.  Well, if that's all,. . ."  She paused.  No one spoke.  ". . .then we'll adjourn.  Thank you, all."  They all stood.

            Mason, Burger, and the Homicide officers on the N-Team - Lieutenants Drumm, Anderson, and Tragg and Sergeant Brice - went over to Wilykit.  Kevin and Michael were nearby, and they went over to her, also.  Wilykat didn't have to move, since he was next to her.  "We'll get this matter taken care of right now," Wilykit said.  "Stannous will be kept safe from Nuclesís on New Thundera.  I. . . hm."  She called, "Antonio!  Guillaume!  Could I see you for a minute, please?"

            Antonio and Guillaume, who had been heading for the door with Chatonne and Gatinha, moved back over to Wilykit and Wilykat.  "Certainly, Wilykit," Antonio said.

            "You remember what we've said here about Mr. Jack Stannous," said Wilykit.  "Would you two be willing to help protect him in case Nuclesís persuaded MotherBrain to send some Brain-Team goons to nab him?  I have to assume she was watching this."

            "Very well, Wilykit."

            "I still want him to be kept under surveillance for other reasons," Drumm said.  "I'd like Sergeant Brice to make sure Mr. Stannous doesn't try to escape."

            "I doubt he'll try to do that," Mason said.

            "I'll honour his request, Mr. Mason," said Wilykit.  "You also want to send someone with them, don't you?"

            "Yes.  Michael knows legal rights more than most people his age, and Kevin has granted him immunity concerning this matter so he could work with me, so I feel safe to send him to make sure Stannous knows his rights.  I'm pretty sure he does already."

            Steelheart and Steelwill came up to them.  "Then I'd best come along, too," Steelheart said.  "I believe it best to evaluate this guy as soon as possible."

            "All right," said Wilykit.

            Kevin said, "Certainly, Steelheart.  Before you all leave, though, I must take care of something.  Michael, how well does that belt for the Power Pad fit?"

            "Pretty well," Michael replied.

            "All right."  He turned and saw Thomas talking with Kelly, Johanna, Johannes, Heinrich, and Liselotte.  "I'll be right back."  He went over to the six.  "Hello, guys."

            "Hello, Father," Kelly said.

            "Thomas, could you get my brother an appropriate Power Pad?"

            "Appropriate, as to mean it has the Zapper holster on the left side?" Thomas asked.

            "Yes.  The belt length of yours will fit him."

            "Sure, Dad.  It'll just be a moment."  He walked swiftly to the throne room.

            "Dad, he looks just like you, only younger," Kelly said.  "He looks just like you in the first picture Mom has of you."

            "Think so?  That picture was taken when I was fifteen, and he is now fifteen.  Anyway, come on, guys.  I'll introduce you to him."  He and the five went over to where Michael was.  "Everyone, this is Michael."  As he introduced Michael to the other five, he indicated the one he was talking about.  "Michael, these are my daughter, Kelly; Wilykit and Wesley's daughter and son, Johanna and Johannes; and Link and Zelda's son and daughter, Heinrich and Liselotte."

            "Hello, Kelly," Michael said.  "As I told Thomas when I met him, I just want to be called 'Michael.'  Don't bother with the 'Uncle' stuff.  And I prefer 'Michael' over 'Mike' because a former friend of my brother's went by 'Mike.' "

            "All right, Michael," said Kelly, shaking hands with him.

            Johanna said, "Hello, Michael."

            "Hello, Johanna," Michael said.  They shook hands.

            "Hm!  You're as strong as Thomas and your brother."

            "Thank you.  I just want to be as smart as they are.  Hello, Johannes."

            As he shook hands with Michael, Johannes said, "Hi, Michael."

            Then, Michael and Heinrich shook hands.  "Hello, Michael," Heinrich said.

            "Hello, Heinrich," said Michael.  Finally, he shook with Liselotte.  "Hello, Liselotte."

            "Hello, Michael," Liselotte said.

            A moment later, Thomas entered carrying a Power Pad.  He went over to Michael.  "Here you are, Michael. . . a real Power Pad."

            "Thank you, Thomas," said Michael.  He removed the spare Power Pad that he was wearing.  Thomas handed him the new one, which he put on.  He grabbed his Zapper easily now because it was on the left side.  "Golly, that's much less awkward.  Thanks, Thomas."

            "Certainly," said Thomas.  Michael handed him the spare Power Pad.  "Thanks.  I'll take care of this one."

            Wilykit said, "Well, guys, I suggest we get on our way.  After all,. . ."

            Suddenly, alarms began blaring.  The computer announced, "Intruders in the upper jail floor."

            "Great," said Wilykat.  "Stannous is on that floor.  Let's go!"

            * * *

            On the upper jail floor, Stannous was in his cell.  A guard was sitting in a chair nearby.  The alarm suddenly went off, and the startled guard stumbled and fell so that he was knocked out.  Great, thought Stannous.  However, he had anticipated this possibility, and he reached into his pocket and hit a button on a device that Mason had loaned him and that Drumm had permitted.

            Stannous felt dismay when Charles Nuclesís himself strode into the area.  "Greetings, Cousin Jack."

            "Do not call me your cousin, Nuclesís," Stannous snapped.  "As far as I am concerned, since you are so purely evil, I am not related to you at all."

            "Maybe in spirit, but your DNA is closely enough related to mine to make me thoroughly Chemistrian.  Then, I shall make that planet weep in despair!  Ha, ha!"

            "Nuclesís, why in the world are you so evil?"

            "I'll tell you when you're a guest at my house.  Maybe you'll decide to join me and MotherBrain."

            "I am not of such weak moral character as your Atomic Idiots, Nuclesís!  You made a mistake coming here alone.  You'll be apprehended before you lay a finger on me."

            "Why must you blame me?  I killed that representative whom you so disliked."

            "I did not dislike her, Nuclesís.  Far from it, actually.  I merely disagreed with most of her policies."

            "But you could join me, and, after you and I capture Chemistra together, you could implement any policies you wished."

            "You could not even brainwash me into joining you!  Why in the heck did you frame me?"

            "Motive.  Opportunity.  Not to mention the fact that I was very careful to make sure I left your prints behind rather than mine.  Yes, I found your fingerprint file and used an electronic glove set to leave behind your fingerprints.  Some extra stuff I did during the brutal murder could throw in attempted rape, as well!  Ha, ha!"

            "Have you no shame, my dear cousin?"

            "Of course not!  It's so fun being bad!  I also love to terrorise the populace.  You could love it, too!"

            "I don't see how.  But how could you have done it while you were busy plotting destruction for Chemistra?  Where are your motive and opportunity?"

            "I have plenty of motive.  One of the few policies of hers that you liked had the potential to destroy my home.  I could not let that happen.  In addition, it could have forced me off Chemistra permanently.  I have my career as a villain to think about.  And opportunity, pah!  I had all the time in the world the day I killed her.  I had no other plans, so I calculated how to kill her and frame you for it!  Ha, ha!  Am I a genius or what?"

            "You may have that delusion, Nuclesís, but you won't get away with this."

            "And who's to stop me?"

            As if on cue, Jane Physicost and James Chemsos ran into the area.  "We shall!" Chemsos snapped.  He shot Nuclesís with his phaser pistol, and the villain fell unconscious to the floor.  "This time, I made sure the gun was set to stun."

            "I'm sure glad to see you two," Stannous said.

            Jane said, "Did he try to break you out?"

            "I kept that fool jawing until someone could get here, and it's good it took someone precisely this long to get here."  He took a tape recorder out of his pocket.  "I have his confession right here."

            "Ha, ha!" laughed Chemsos.  "He framed you and killed the representative, and now he'll pay for both crimes."

            Tragg and Drumm ran in, their phaser pistols ready.  "I see you two got here first," Drumm said.  He bent down and examined Nuclesís.

            "This time," Chemsos said, "I checked my gun before I fired.  He's merely stunned."

            Michael and Mason ran in next.  "What happened?" Michael asked.

            "Nuclesís is why the alarms went off," Stannous said.  "He came to persuade me to join him, but I kept him talking.  Thanks for loaning me the tape recorder, Mr. Mason.  He confessed his crime to me."  He stopped the tape.  Drumm turned off the force field, and Stannous handed him the tape machine.

            Drumm said, "Let's go upstairs to the conference room, including you, Stannous.  Tragg, wake the guard."

            "Yes, Steve," Tragg said.  He bent down and jiggled the guard.

            The guard quickly regained consciousness.  "Sir!" he exclaimed.  He quickly got to his feet, as did Tragg.  "What. . . what happened?"

            "I believe you were startled by the alarm," Stannous said.

            "Yes, I was.  Curse me."

            Drumm said, "Never mind.  I'm locking Nuclesís in here."  He placed Nuclesís in the cell and activated the force field.  "I'll be back in half an hour, hopefully with a warrant for his arrest.  In the meantime, don't get startled again.  I don't want him to escape."

            "What about Mr. Stannous?"

            "He's being relocated to New Thundera.  I'll explain later.  Let's go, everyone."  They went upstairs to the conference room.

            * * *

            Burger turned off the tape at the end.  "This will be a state exhibit in the case of VideoLand versus Charles Nuclesis," he said.  "Thank you, Mr. Stannous.  This primitive tape machine is not subject to the degree of tampering that. . . well, I believe it, and I believe Mr. Nuclesís's admission.  As far as I am concerned, you're free to go."

            "Thank you, Mr. Burger," said Stannous.

            "Doesn't this make him a material witness, Hamilton?" Mason asked.

            "I'd say so," Burger said.  "That's why he should still go into protection on New Thundera."

            "So," Drumm said, "I need an arrest warrant, Kevin."

            "Of course, Lieutenant," said Kevin.  He went out to the throne room and came back seconds later with a data padd containing a warrant form.  He filled out the form, then gave the padd to Drumm.  "One warrant for the arrest of Charles Nuclesís for the murder of Representative Ferrosis and for framing Mr. Stannous for that murder."

            "Thank you, Kevin," Drumm said.  "I'll go serve this."  He left the room.

            "So," Tragg joked, "will you be representing our latest arrestee, Perry?"

            Mason smiled.  "I don't think so, Tragg.  He's too rotten for me."

            "I'd be sorry for the person assigned to represent Nuclesís," said Burger.  "The guy who represented Rataro couldn't get any more cases for a month, and he nearly went broke.  Representing a real, evil villain must be a strain."

            Mason said, "I usually only take cases if I think or know that the defendant is not guilty or, if the defendant is guilty, if I think I can get the judge and jury to sympathise and give a lighter sentence.  I would not voluntarily represent someone as reprehensible as Rataro or Nuclesís unless I were absolutely certain that they did not do it.  Besides, representing Nuclesís would mean that his interests would conflict with those of at least three other clients of mine:  James Chemsos, Jane Physicost, and Jack Stannous.  That brings up something else.  Mr. Chemsos, have you anything against Mr. Stannous?"

            "Not at all, sir," Chemsos said.  "Jack is a good person.  Whether he's related to my worst enemy is moot.  I have good motive to see Jack protected, since his genes can be used to make Nuclesís fully Chemistrian and since he's a good friend of mine.  Who knows what trouble that Nuclesís can cause if he gets full Chemistrian powers!"

            "What can a full Chemistrian do?" asked Michael.

            "Well, it actually depends.  Most pure Chemistrians - those born on Chemistra with thoroughly Chemistrian background - have telekinetic powers, but generally not in the sense of levitating objects and some such.  Most pure Chemistrians, for example, can freely enter and exit computer circuits, as well as networks, through interfaces such as the screen.  Our powers allow us to alter electron structure - to collapse and expand it - so we can do that.  Some of us have some other special capabilities.  Nuclesís came from one of the most powerful families, as did Stannous, obviously."

            "Proper Chemistrian upbringing teaches strong morals," Stannous said.  "Before my dear cousin came along, we had a very peaceful history.  After he settled there, as you know, our world has had no end of troubles."

            "Now that we have him," said Burger, "he's not going to get away."

            "What about MotherBrain?" Michael asked.  "Wouldn't she try to get him out?"

            "She just might," said Kevin.  "Your job is to make sure she doesn't get Stannous."

            "Understood, brother."

            "All right.  Now, please just promise me:  do not fool around, Michael.  This is serious business."

            "I promise!  You can rely on me, Kevin.  Why do you insist so?  Do you not think I can take something seriously?"

            "I trust you, Michael.  Otherwise, I wouldn't have permitted this assignment.  I just have to be very careful."

            "I intend to be careful."

            "I know.  I don't mean you to think I don't trust you, but I must make sure you understand that you're making yourself at least partly accountable for his safety."

            "I know I'm doing that, Kevin."

            "Good."

            Antonio said, "We'll be around to help, Michael."

            "I'll also be there," Steelheart said.  "I'm to evaluate you, Michael.  All N-Team members have files that are accessible only to the division leaders, first officers, and the member named in the file.  Also, there are general files accessible to all members.  You are permitted to choose which of the two files certain information is placed in, except for certain basic facts, like your name."

            "All right," said Michael.  "Will the police accompany us?"

            "I'm not certain, Michael," Anderson said.  "That's Lt. Drumm's call."

            "Technically, Michael, I am a police officer," said Steelheart.  "All the Silver Hawks are.  However, not all of us were originally cops, though we were all chosen because we had some sense of justice."

            Drumm returned.  "The warrant has been served," he said.  "I don't think he's pleased with these events.  He really roars when he shouts.  I'm surprised the entire Palace of Power didn't hear him."

            "That isn't surprising," said Burger.

            "Lieutenant," Michael asked, "will we be accompanied by the police to Thundera?"

            "Well, I don't think so," Drumm said.  "Stannous is not a suspect anymore, and I need as many guards as I can get to watch Nuclesís."

            "That's all right," said Antonio.  "We'll take care of Stannous.  We'll keep him safe from whomever MotherBrain sends after him."

            Steelheart turned to Steelwill.  "Will, I'd like you to help Quicksilver and Dr. Crusher with Jean-Léonard.  Afterwards, while Quicksilver is working in the hospital, I'd like you to temporarily take my place, as commander-per-tempo."

            "Certainly, Steelheart," Steelwill said.  He went downstairs to the hospital.

            Mason said, "Hamilton, I don't think it'll generate a conflict of interests if we co-operate on this one."

            "I agree, Perry," said Burger.  "Since your client doesn't have any transgressions in his history, it'll be all right."

            "I certainly shall not appoint you to be Nuclesís's attorney, Perry," Kevin said.  "I probably ought to find someone impartial to be the judge, but I don't know of anyone who'd fit the description.  I can still detach myself."

            "Wait," Steelheart said.  "Before we go, I'd better call Stargazer and tell him about this."

            "You can call at Kid Icarus's station," said Kevin.

            "Thank you, Kevin."  Steelheart went over to Kid Icarus's station.

            "Oh, God, I'm hungry," Michael said.  "I didn't realise it until now."

            "Do you have any money?" asked Kevin.

            "Just home-money."  He pulled out his wallet and showed Kevin his hundred dollars.  Then he grinned.  "Rich, eh?"

            Kevin smiled.  "I get it.  They spoiled you when I left."

            "I'm sorry."

            "Don't be!  That sum is worth more here than at home.  Just so there won't be any money-problems."  He pulled out his wallet and extracted two fifty-pound notes, and he and Michael exchanged the money.  "The unit of currency in VideoLand is the pound. . . and here, we drive on the wrong side of the road."  He put his wallet in his back pocket and the dollars in his front right jeans pocket.  Michael put the pounds in his wallet and put that in his back left pocket.

            "Oh, great," Michael said.  "I'm going to have a heck of a time with that.  Well, thank you, brother."

            "Any time.  Here's something you should remember, Michael.  On Thundera and other Thunderian worlds, Thunderians don't always wear clothing.  That's practical for them because of the constantly temperate climate.  Just keep that silly part of yourself reined in."

            "I promise, Kevin."

            Kevin put his right hand on his brother's left shoulder.  "Thank you, brother.  Want a hug?"  At that moment, Michael strongly hugged him.  He returned it.

            "I'll always take a hug from you, brother."

            Antonio and Guillaume almost felt overwhelmed by the feelings that flowed between Kevin and Michael.  "You aren't even twins," said Guillaume.  "However, what we feel between you two is just as strong as what's between the two of us."

            When he and Michael had released each other, Kevin said, "Are we overwhelming you two?"

            "We enjoy the sensation, Kevin," Antonio said.  "It's good to know others have such powerful brotherly feelings."

            "I've known about their feelings for a very long time," Mason said.

            "So've I," Drake said.  "Michael was definitely upset when you disappeared, Kevin."

            Steelheart returned.  "All right, I'm ready," she said.

            "How long will this little trip last, Perry?" asked Stannous.

            "Not too long, I hope," Mason said.  "You'll be there for the duration of Nuclesís's trial while court's not in session.  Since you're a witness, you should be there while court is in session."

            "You have forgotten one slight formality," said Stannous.  "That doesn't matter to me, for I'll be there, but no one has served me a subpoena."

            "Oh, that," Burger said.  "Kevin?"

            "Right," said Kevin.  He took a padd and loaded a subpoena form.  Then, he filled it out and handed it to Burger.  "One subpoena."

            Burger handed the subpoena to Stannous.  "You may consider yourself officially subpoenaed, Mr. Stannous, to appear as a witness for the prosecution in the case of VideoLand versus Charles Nuclesís."

            "It will be an honour and a pleasure," Stannous said.

            "Where will we be staying?" asked Michael.

            "Consider yourselves official guests of la casa di Cerebra on New Thundera," Antonio said.  "After we have lunch in town, we will walk to Guillaume's and my home.  We have more than enough space to accommodate you."

            "Hold it," said Michael.  "I just thought of something.  I'm not inoculated against the diseases here."

            "That's all right," Steelheart said, taking her tricorder.  After keying in a few commands, she scanned Michael's body.  "As I thought, the transporter automatically scanned your immune system.  It updated your system, so to speak, so you're no longer vulnerable to any diagnosed diseases in this galaxy or in the Galaxy of Leos."

            "Won't I still get a cold every couple of years?"

            "Nope.  You won't have to worry about the cold or the flu anymore.  By the end of the twenty-first century on my Earth, medical technology finally conquered the constant mutation of the influenza virus.  We really found out a common quirk in all viruses that we could use to our advantage."

            Michael grinned.  "Wow!  That's cool!"

            "Yes, indeed.  Well, I think we should go."

            Wilykit said, "We'll come along with you.  Wilykat and I haven't had lunch yet."

            "Well, then," said Mason, "I'll talk to you later.  Michael, Antonio, Guillaume, you are responsible for Stannous's safety."

            "We shall keep him safe, Mr. Mason," Antonio said.

            Guillaume said, "Antonio and I swear this on our honour as Thunder Cats."

            "I just swear it," said Michael.  "So far, I have no symbol of honour, just the fact that I don't lie."

            "That's more than enough for me," Mason said.

            "As a Silver Hawk, I also swear to help protect him," said Steelheart.  "While I'm around, I might as well, since I also fight for justice."

            "Very well, Commander."

            "All right," Kevin said.  "Well, I'll see you guys later."

            "See you later, brother," said Michael.

            "See you, Kevin," Antonio said.  Wilykit, Wilykat, Michael, Stannous, Guillaume, and Antonio left to the warp hall.

            "Father," asked Thomas, "do you really believe Michael is up to this?  I trust your judgement, since you've known him longer than I have, but I want to make sure that you are sure."

            "Yes," Kevin said.  "He's pretty smart, Thomas."

            "I know, but this just seems like a pretty heavy task to lay on him just as he's joining."

            "He can handle it.  Besides, he's got at least three people helping him."

            "Yes.  I feel the same way you do, for my initial impressions of him are naught but good, but it's my duty to express my rational concerns."

            "I know, Thomas.  I had the same concerns, but I want to see how he does with this.  Besides," he added with a smile, "he's always been able to kick rear end."

            * * *

            Control Room, Metroid, VideoLand.

            Of course, MotherBrain was watching this.  "Ha, ha!" she laughed.  "Perfect!"

            The Atomic Idiots had come bawling to her once she had called them to tell them Nuclesís had been captured.  Now, they were with her and had watched the recent interactions of the N-Team.  "How?" Electron Charge asked.  "We can't handle people of the Wilykat-Race!"

            "I wasn't speaking of you three fools.  I don't plan to attack them now, of course, because I need time to prepare for Wilykit and Wilykat's inevitable retaliation.  Those two were once just troublemakers, but see what they are now.  My select group and I will take the Cerebra-twins, the Farfâla-twins, Steelheart, and Michael by storm."

            "With whom will you go?" Proton Brain asked.

            "There's plenty of time for me to determine that.  I believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, so I'll wait until after both sides have called Mr. Stannous for the jury trial before we take him.  After the jury has made its verdict, we shall then rescue Nuclesís if he has been found guilty."

            "Captain N won't be too happy," said Neutron Head nervously.

            "Who cares?  I've always used my influence to keep my teammates and allies out of prison.  Ha, ha!"

            "What about Rataro?" asked Electron Head.

            "He's not an ally," MotherBrain said simply.  "His attempts to dominate S-s-slithe and the others show that."  She smiled nastily.  "However, at Luna's request, Ludwig and I agreed to zap him with the ever-living ray.  She and S-s-slithe enjoy torturing him.  I believe, though, that Rataro revealed her little plot to Wilykit and Wilykat, and they decided to go along with it so they could stop us from taking the Ring.  However, they didn't succeed.  Now, with a Ring and two Triforces, we are gathering the strength with which we shall once more conquer the N-Team and take over the universe.  The X-iverse is already ours.  Soon, thanks to Ludwig's scouting, the Original Universe will be ours!  Ha, ha!"

            "Is there an N-Team there?" Neutron Head asked.

            "I honestly have no idea.  Ludwig hasn't told us about it yet.  He and Larry are still scouting the area."

            Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo entered the room.  "MotherBrain, they're back," said King Hippo.  "Ludwig's scout ship just warped back into our universe, and it's nearby."

            "Good," MotherBrain said.  "Eggie, prepare for docking."

            "With pleasure," said Eggplant Wizard.  He went to the computer terminal and entered the commands to open the doors for the small ship.  The sensors showed the ship, cloaked, entering the docking bay on Metroid.  "The ship is aboard."

            "Good work.  Let's wait."  A few minutes later, Ludwig and Larry strode grandly into the room.  "Welcome back to Metroid, guys."

            "Thank you, MotherBrain," Ludwig said.  "Bad news:  that universe has an N-Team.  Good news:  none is potentially Q-cubed.  More good news:  a Brain-Team is there, too.  More bad news:  none of them is potentially Q-cubed, either."

            "I see," said MotherBrain.

            "Have you implemented your plot concerning this brother of Captain N?"

            "Yes.  However, it appears I underestimated Captain N's control.  His brother is here.  The kid broke all the good guys out of here."

            "Drat.  I want a scapegoat."

            MotherBrain indicated Eggplant Wizard, King Hippo, Electron Charge, Proton Brain, and Neutron Head.  "You presently have five selections."

            "Thank you."  He took his sceptre and blasted Eggplant Wizard.  "You idiot!  How dare you let them escape!"

            "I'm sorry!" screamed Eggplant Wizard.  "I won't do it again!"

            Ludwig ceased blasting.  "See that you don't.  Now, MB, what about Jack Stannous?"

            "Nuclesís killed the rep and nearly perfectly framed Stannous," MotherBrain said.  "However, Nuclesís, when he went to the Palace Jail to try to get Stannous to join him, foolishly admitted to his deed.  Stannous had a primitive, untamperable tape machine that recorded Nuclesís's exact words.  At his earliest opportunity, Stannous played the tape for Hamilton Burger.  Burger immediately dropped all charges against Stannous and brought the charges against Nuclesís.  In the process of yakking, Nuclesís dropped his guard long enough to be captured."

            "Great.  Let's see; who now?"  Suddenly, he blasted Electron Charge.  "You idiot!  How dare you permit this to happen!"

            "Yaah!  I won't do it again!" cried Electron Charge.

            "See that you don't!"  He stopped frying the idiot.

            MotherBrain continued, "Since he is a material witness, Stannous will be guarded on Thundera by Antonio, Guillaume, Michael, and Steelheart.  In addition, Steelheart is to evaluate Michael for the N-Team."

            "I see.  I assume from your demeanour that you intend to do something about it."

            "Yes," said MotherBrain.  "After both sides have called Stannous to testify in the official jury trial, I shall take a group to Thundera personally and abduct Stannous.  Since he'll be kept in the Cerebra-twins' abode, Wilykit will respond quickly, so my scheme must be enacted swiftly."

            "All right.  And you plan to save Nuclesís once his verdict is read?"

            "Yes."

            "Very good.  Well, the Original Universe is ripe for the plucking!  Ha, ha!"

            "Good.  The Borg?"

            "They originate in the Delta Quadrant.  The program needed to control them is very similar to the one needed to control the Borg here, except I need to alter exactly two characters in the source code.  I need to replace one number digit with another, and I must replace one letter with another at a very specific point.  But I know exactly what the replacements are."

            "I see.  What about the N-Team and the Brain-Team from there?"

            "Things are a bit different.  Half the Delta Quadrant is occupied by the worlds involved, and that region is divided into four quadrants:  VideoLand, Limbo, the Thunder Cats' region, and Darkwing Duck's region.  They have their half of the Delta Quadrant bounded so that no one can get in or out without approval.  They have in mind people such as the Kazon, who are very savage people.

            "Things get stranger.  To prevent the Brain-Team from being able to unite as a whole, the N-Team has done something really weird.  I'm not entirely certain I can actually describe it without causing confusion.  They have their entire section of the galaxy on some switch.  Every day, three quadrants of their section of the galaxy are phased in another dimension.  There, they all exist, but the rest of the galaxy is not there.  I think they switch to other actual dimensions, except they remain in the same time dimension.  Meanwhile, the remaining quadrant is in the same dimension as the rest of the galaxy.  However, it's not in its proper position.  It is always in the centre of the region.  However, in the dimension-shifted quadrants, the quadrants are pieced together properly.  To make matters more complicated, every day, another quadrant is shown, and the previous quadrant goes to its place in the shifted quadrants.  Ah. . . all right."  He went to the computer.  "Computer, show a square divided into four equally-sized quadrants, labelled one, two, three, and four like a plane graph."  The screen showed what he asked for.  "All right.  Computer, for the moment, remove quadrant one, but leave the other quadrants as they are."  Quadrant one was removed.  "All right.  Quadrant one is now the showing quadrant and these other three are hidden.  This is what happens at one hour after midnight the next morning.  Computer, put quadrant one back and temporarily delete quadrant two."  Quadrant one returned, while quadrant two disappeared.  "At one hour after midnight on the following morning, this.  Computer, replace quadrant two; temporarily remove quadrant three."

            "And then, the following morning at one, the fourth quadrant is shown, and the third returns to the others," MotherBrain said.  "And then the cycle is repeated?"

            "Yes.  It is a four-day cycle.  I studied it for four weeks.  No inconsistencies."

            "Very well.  How did they manage this?"

            "I'm still not sure.  I'm assuming that, if the device that maintains the cycle is destroyed or deactivated, all four quadrants will return to where they were naturally.  The good guys there have the technology to transport freely between the showing quadrant and the hidden ones, but the bad guys do not."

            "I see.  There, as well as here, are the N-Teamsters the goodies and the Brain-Teamsters the baddies?"

            "Yes.  Despite their advantage, though, the N-Team there has yet to crush the Brain-Team.  They might do it, but it probably won't be very soon if they do.  There, the events concerning MegaLand are a bit truer to the MegaMan games as Captain N knows them.  ProtoMan, for instance, though he's not on the N-Team, is obviously on MegaMan and Dr. Light's side.  In addition, their Dr. Wright is known as Dr. Light.  There, Michael did not go on a trip to the Sierras at the time that Mario and Luigi went to L.A. to get Mason.  In fact, we went back in time to observe the event.  I even recorded the encounter on tape."

            "Sounds like interesting viewing," MotherBrain said.

            Dr. Wily and ProtoMan entered the room.  "ProtoMan is repaired," Wily reported.  "Ah, good day, Ludwig and Larry.  I see you're back."

            "Hello," Ludwig said.  "What happened to ProtoMan?"

            MotherBrain said, "When the good guys escaped, ProtoMan severely injured Jean-Léonard with a plasma blast that was intended for Michael.  Wesley Crusher had a phaser set for maximum, which he fired at ProtoMan."

            "I went to pieces, quite literally," ProtoMan said irately.  "That phaser thing's more powerful than a PlasmaCannon or a MegaBuster."

            "His body protected most of his circuitry, and none of his neural circuitry was damaged," said Wily.  "While putting him back together, I also backed up his memory, and then I performed a diagnostic check.  He's fit for N-Team crushing again."

            "Excellent," MotherBrain said.  "Too bad he can't really crush Crusher.  Ludwig, here, has a video to show us.  It would be mean of us, however, to exclude other members of our team from the première.  King Hippo, please call the entire team and invite them to view a video showing one important difference between this universe and the Original Universe.  Make it clear that it's an invitation that they cannot refuse."

            "With pleasure, MotherBrain," King Hippo said.  He got to it.

            * * *

            Café, Tighra, D.F., New Thundera, Thunderian Sector, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Wilykit, Wilykat, Antonio, Guillaume, Michael, Steelheart, and Stannous sat at a table in the café.  "Gosh," said Michael.  "I'm glad I was warned about the habitual lack of clothing 'round here."

            "Old Thundera grew rather hot a few millennia before destruction," Wilykit said.  "The planet may have drifted closer to Thundersol, our old sun, but we no longer have a way to verify that.  Anyway, that's why most of us don't usually go around clothed.  To comply with the clothing traditions of other places, though, Thunderians wear clothing when going elsewhere."

            "I see.  Would you mind an intrusively blunt query?  Kevin might reprimand me if I asked it outright, and I trust his judgement."

            "Ask away, Michael."

            "Does this affect sexual activities?"

            "Not for us.  Thunderians are steadfast to our moral codes.  Simply put, each male has only one female mate, and vice-versa.  This lasts until the shorter-lived member of the pair dies."

            "How do you manage to enforce this?"

            "We don't have to.  Zillions of sources in our huge kingdom promote that relationship.  Actually, I guess that could be enforcement by encouragement.  There are some very special exceptions, but it's the trend."

            "I see.  Now, I probably should wait for my brother to tell me, but just what is sex?"

            "You're right, Michael.  You should wait for Kevin to tell you.  Since you're asking me, though, I'll tell you something.  Even though it feels great, if you're not cautious, there can be consequences.  It is during that act that children can be conceived.  Planning beforehand is always a good idea."

            "I see."

            A middle-aged human came to the table with a writing pad.  "Well, good afternoon, Wilykit."

            "Good afternoon.  I see you remembered from the first time you waited on me that I'm not terribly keen on being called Lord Wilykit."

            He smiled.  "Yes, ma'am.  That was quite a few years ago.  May I get you all something to drink?"

            "I'll take a caffeine-free Pepsi," Wilykit said.

            "Two," said Wilykat.

            "Three," Antonio said.

            "Four," said Guillaume.

            "Five," Stannous said.

            "Six," said Steelheart.

            "Seven," Michael asked.

            "Very well," the server said.  "I'll be right out with that."  He left to the kitchen.

            "Michael, the menus are next to you," said Wilykit.

            "Oh, I'm sorry.  Pardon me," Kevin's brother said.  He got out the menus and distributed them.  There were eight, so everyone had one.  "Let me ask a dumb question.  How am I supposed to pay here with VideoLand money?"

            "That's no problem," said Wilykit.  "We're too prosperous to bother with hard currency in the Thunderian Kingdom.  It's all done through accounts here.  For all practical purposes, though, money doesn't exist here anymore."

            "How's that possible?"

            "Super-technology.  The only aspect of money we usually have to deal with is the electronic aspect, though legally we still have to accept metal and paper currency.  The circuitry is tougher to crack than diamond.  Meanwhile, our enormous supply of gold-laced latinum is stored securely in a vault in the Galaxy of Leos, and it's even harder to break in there than to break into our computer network.  Besides, statistics reveal that all Thunderians and almost everyone living in Thunderian space earn approximately the same large sum - within about a hundred Thunder-dollars of that same sum - so money is not a problem.  Now, we are attempting to assist other lands with their problems, since we have very few.  We have a thriving population, we grow a million times more food than even we can eat, we are prosperous economically, and our species has a zero percent crime rate.  Utterly.  We have been granted very good times, and we are spreading that as much as possible."

            "I see.  What's local cuisine?"

            "Part of that would be number two," said Antonio.  "We have our own cows, bread, tomato, lettuce, and potatoes, not to mention many other things."

            "Hm.  All right."

            "Everyone want a number two?" asked Wilykit.  Everyone nodded.  "Okay, then."

            The waiter returned with a cart that had seven drink glasses on it.  "Here, we are," he said.  He distributed the glasses, then took his pad.  "What would you like for lunch?"

            "I believe we'll each have a number two," said Wilykit.

            The waiter wrote that down.  "Seven number twos," he said.  "Anything else?"  Everyone shook their heads.  "All right.  Thank you.  They'll be out in a few minutes."

            "Thank you."  The waiter left to the kitchen.

            "Great," Michael said, smiling.  "I dislike warm, virtually ice-less soda."  He drank.

            "We adapted ours from Pepsi from the United States on Steelheart's earth."

            "I'm surprised the U.S. kept the ice, what with World War III," said Steelheart.  To Michael, she said, "My world suffered a third world war, wherein the U.S. was defeated.  Europe, an ally of the U.S., won and pretty much rebuilt the world.  You see, all of Europe united early in the twenty-first century.  France, Britain, and Ireland remained virtually unscathed, and they played an important role in uniting the world.  By that time, the English had released Northern Ireland finally.  I'll give a more detailed account later, or you can read up on it yourself, but it's good that the world got under control when they did.  We eventually developed technology similar to what you and Kevin know from the Star Trek series."

            "Hm," said Michael.  "Interesting.  Where are you from?"

            "My brothers and I were born and raised in New York."

            "I'd never have thought you were. . . wait.  Does the term 'Yankee' exist in your time?"

            "Absolutely.  Fortunately, New York City was one city that was unharmed by the third war, though not through lack of trying."

            "What about California?"

            "-Sigh.-  All of western California had been deserted because of the tectonic plate movements.  By now, everything along the San Andreas Fault would be destroyed.  Sorry."

            "That's okay."

            "In case you're interested, I'm also a Nintendo fan."

            Michael smiled.  "Ah.  That must be a neat trick."

            "Not really.  You see, all the information necessary to completely reproduce any game and any Nintendo system was stored permanently in 2010, by a Nintendo company that had based itself in London by the year 2000 on my world.  By the time I was growing up, that stuff was available inexpensively.  By my time, replicators were household items, and anyone with a replicator could inexpensively purchase the permission to replicate any Nintendo system or any game.  Since the ads were so attractive to me, since my parents were quite well off, and since the systems and games were cheap, my parents bought me the rights to replicate any Nintendo system or any game by any manufacturer that was a Nintendo licensee.  There were also many other Nintendo-related items I could create.  All I have to do is enter a command, and I have a game.  I still have the replication command software, and it's compatible with every replication system I've seen to date."

            Michael was grinning.  "Wow.  That's pretty cool."

            "Your brother has a similar set-up at the Palace, except he didn't have to shell out �500."

            "Your parents spent only about seven hundred fifty dollars on that?"

            "Oops, I'm sorry.  Your mental math is good, but I really meant five hundred VideoLand pounds.  That's approximately equal to the dollar you're used to."

            "Yeah.  That's even less, I guess, since Super NES games cost about fifty dollars or more apiece.  My parents honestly told me they almost couldn't afford to buy me the Super NES.  It was two hundred dollars with the Super Mario World game.  It was a tough year last year.  But, they did succeed in gathering enough money to get me that.  That meant a lot to me."

            "Well, if you're going to deal with MotherBrain, I suggest you play Super Metroid, the third Metroid game."

            "Have you played?"

            "Are you kidding?  That's my favourite game series, next to either the MegaMan series or the Final Fantasy series.  Neither MotherBrain nor that frazzled Dr. Wily are willing to give up."

            "Indeed.  How did those two get in league?"

            "Wily joined MotherBrain after MegaMan arrested him and after his release.  About the same time, MegaMan joined the N-Team.  It was after that that Kevin was drawn here."

            "Ah.  I get the impression Simon Belmont wasn't too happy to see the Game Master show up."

            "He sure wasn't, from what I understand.  He's very self-centred.  At the time, the vampire-hunter wished to get Lana to fall in love with him, and he didn't seem to like that Lana was more attracted to Kevin.  Of course, who could blame her?  The N-Team was much more successful against MotherBrain when Captain N came along, and he was a lot nicer and more easygoing with her."

            "I'd have enjoyed helping my brother free VideoLand from that MotherBrain," said Michael.  "My first couple of encounters with her were less than appealing."

            "Hm.  Well, ask Kevin, the next time you're with him, to let you play Super Mario RPG.  That's really good, too."

            "All right."

            "You also have to look out for Ludwig," said Wilykat.  "When he hasn't been around for a year, you have to worry."

            Wilykit smacked her head lightly.  "Darn!  Before we were sent off to the X-iverse, I was going to send Kevin, Wesley, and you, Wilykat, to the Original Universe to keep an eye on it."

            "Ooh," said Wilykat.  "That's right.  Of course, Kevin can't do it right now because he has a trial to preside over, but Wesley and I could."

            "Well. . . are you sure?  Would you be all right?"

            "Sure, 'Kit.  I can take care of myself, and so can he."

            "All right.  After lunch, then, we'll talk with Wesley."

            Frédéric and Élisabeth entered the café and came over to them.  "Hello, Wilykit," Élisabeth said.

            "Oh, hello, Élisabeth and Frédéric," said Wilykit.

            "Élisabeth, I'm very sorry about Jean-Léonard," Michael said.  "I zipped out of the way of that shot without thinking."

            "That's okay, Michael," said Élisabeth.  "He'll live.  I know him pretty well, so you don't have to worry about him hating you.  He's very calm-natured."

            "Actually, I was apologising to you."

            "Thank you for your consideration, Michael, but you're not the one that hurt him.  I'm only sorry that Wesley didn't utterly demolish that android."

            "Now, Élisabeth," said Wilykit, "I advise you to get over this.  After all, Jean-Léonard is still alive."

            "Yeah."

            "And Michael, don't worry.  It won't pay to let your guilt kill you."

            "I know, Wilykit," said Michael.  "I'm just trying to be polite."

            "Oh.  That's different, then."

            "Yeah," Élisabeth said.  "We all appreciate politeness."  She winced.  "Uh. . . something's happening."

            "What?" asked Wilykat.

            On a hunch, Antonio lightly checked Michael telepathically.  "Michael," he asked curiously, "please pardon this question, but do girls seem to be attracted to you for no apparent reason?"

            Michael said, "Well, a lot of girls seem to be attracted to me for my looks, and it seems a bit weird to me, but. . . I guess so, Antonio."

            "You have a mild bit of telepathy.  It works involuntarily.  When your eyes see attractive females, that tiny bit of telepathy magnetises them, in a sense.  It targets those parts of their brains that cause attraction."

            "Oh, God," said Michael.  "-Sigh.-  I guess no one's perfect."

            "And yet, that weak bit of telepathy increases your chances of procreation," Steelheart said.

            "Yeah, I know about genetics and evolution.  Those traits that help a species survive are passed on.  But I don't want girls to all go crazy about me!"

            "Be cool about it, Michael," said Antonio.  "Guillaume and I each have very powerful telepathy.  We can scan your brain in minute detail to find a way to help you control that telepathy."

            "All right."

            Élisabeth said, "Well, we'll see you guys later."

            "See you," said Wilykit.  "Oh!  Have you and the Farfâla-twins been initiated into the Thunder Cats yet?"

            "We four have our insigniae, but we've not been officially initiated yet.  Chatonne didn't feel it was her place to make any permanent changes."

            "Well, then, I'll call you guys later.  I'll let Wilykat do it this afternoon or tomorrow, whichever is best for us all."

            "All right.  Thank you, Wilykit."  She and Frédéric left.

            Michael sighed.  "I feel very guilty right about now.  All this time, I thought girls were just crazy."

            "You cannot be held accountable for something so totally involuntary, Michael," Antonio said.

            "I have openly told my brother that I am attracted to pretty girls.  Of course, I just make a big deal about it.  I'm not really as crazy about 'em as I've unintentionally led him to believe, which I did merely in fun and. . . well, because it seemed to irritate him a little.  However, when I saw Lana. . ."  He closed his eyes.  "-Sigh.-  I'm sorry."

            "That's okay, Michael," Wilykat said.  "You're not the first person to be so strongly attracted to someone else, and you're not going to be the last."

            "The past sixteen hours have been the wildest in my entire life, all of them," said Michael.  "I mean no offence, Mr. Stannous, because you seem a nice person, but I wish now that I hadn't let Mr. Mason talk me into this task so easily.  I didn't realise how tired I am."

            "Don't worry," Antonio said.  "We'll keep Mr. Stannous safe, Michael.  I'm sure you need to rest."

            "Yes, that's perfectly all right," said Stannous.  "I understand what it's like to go through a great ordeal, because I've gone through one myself."

            The waiter rolled out his cart, which held seven plates.  "Here we are," he said.  He distributed the plates.  "I'll bring out some Pepsi refills in a moment."

            "Thank you," said Wilykit.  The waiter returned to the kitchen.

            "This burger looks good already," Michael said.  They all applied condiments to their burgers and French fries and began eating.  The waiter returned and distributed fresh glasses of Pepsi to everyone.  "Thank you."

            "My pleasure," said the waiter.  "Please, let me know if you need anything further."  He returned to the kitchen.

            "This could possibly be the best cheeseburger I've ever had," Michael said after a few bites.  "Certainly nice and thick."

            "Fast food places don't serve things as good as this," agreed Steelheart.  They all completely finished their lunch.

            Once they had finished, Michael said, "Oh, that was great.  I thoroughly enjoyed it."

            "Are you still hungry?" asked Antonio.

            "No.  This was very filling."

            Wilykit's communicator beeped.  "Kevin to Wilykit," Kevin's voice said.  "Please respond."

            Wilykit tapped her communicator.  "Hello, Kevin.  What's up?"

            "I know the Brain-Team's up to something.  Kid Icarus detected a small cloaked ship warp to Metroid from somewhere and dock into Metroid just after you left.  Now, I'm detecting major transporter activity, several Brain-Team members warping there.  It might have to do with the Original Universe."

            "Great timing.  I just finished lunch.  Just a moment.  Antonio, do you mind if we hold a small meeting at your house?"

            "No," said Antonio.

            "All right.  Kevin, you know where Antonio's house is?"

            "Yes, I do," Kevin said.

            "Is Wesley at the Palace?"

            "He is.  In fact, he's recording Kid Icarus's readings now."

            "Get him, and come with him to Antonio's house.  On the way, think of a way to see what's going on inside Metroid."

            "Hey!  I know a way!" Wilykat said.

            "Belay that last bit, Kevin, and move!"

            "Yes, ma'am!" said Kevin, interested already.  The communication was cut.

            Luckily, the waiter chose the next instant to return.  "Anything more I can do for you?"

            "Just the check, please," said Wilykit.  The waiter handed it to her, and she examined it.  "Exactly what I thought."  She pulled a device out of her pocket and ran it over a code on the check.  Then, she typed something onto the device.  A slip of paper popped out of it.  She handed this paper to the waiter.  "Thank you."

            "Thank you, ma'am," the waiter said.  "Have a good day."  He took the slip and the check and left to the kitchen.

            Standing, Wilykit said, "That's that.  Let's go."  All seven of them left, walking quickly to leave town and get to Antonio's house.

            After they had left town, Michael asked, "What is that device?"

            "It's a payer," said Wilykit.  "It automatically transfers the funds from the account of the person holding it, say me, to the account of the person or establishment indicated by that number that was on the check.  It's very easy."

            "More efficient than credit cards," Steelheart noted.

            "You still have those?" asked Michael.

            "No, but I read about them in a class about the history of economics.  Those cards could be tampered with too easily, of course, as well as automatic teller machine cards.  That thing Wilykit used, though, was ninety-nine point nine nine nine percent untamperable.  I say that because there is a chance that anything can be tampered with.  However, with the payer devices, it's very unlikely.  It knows the user by DNA, and it reports if the potential payee is of questionable background.  These devices are used throughout the galaxy, especially in Ferengi space."

            "Ah.  I see.  They're not too reliable."

            "No, they're not."

            "We're about there," Antonio announced after a while.  They had been walking west on the southern side of the highway that led away from the town.  After a break in the trees, the house was in sight to their left.  Fortunately, they were on this side of the road.

            Michael whistled.  "That's one large place," he said.

            When they got onto the porch, Kevin and Wesley arrived by transporter on the porch.  "Hey, guys," Kevin said.

            "Hello, Kevin and Wesley," said Antonio.  "Your timing is impeccable."  He put his hand on a panel next to the door.  The door opened, and he led everyone into the living room.  "Fingerprint lock," he said to Michael.  "You may use my computer, Wilykat."

            "Thank you," Wilykat said.  It was known now that he worked extraordinarily well with computers.  He sat down in front of the computer terminal and turned it on.

            "I'll go see if our cousins are here," said Guillaume.

            "All right," Antonio said.  Guillaume went upstairs.

            Wilykat's fingers flew almost more quickly than Michael could see.  "Gee, you type fast," said Michael.

            "Thanks, Michael."

            "My brother has a wonderful way with computers," Wilykit said.  "Antonio also does pretty well with them, but he doesn't have quite as much experience with cracking Brain-Team security systems."

            Wilykat commented, "Frink is a good programmer, and so is Ludwig, but I can circumvent them both."

            "Good," his sister said.  Wilykat keyed several more buttons.

            "Where on Metroid would they be able to have a large meeting?" asked Wilykat.

            "That room that Wesley, Lana, and I were in was pretty large," said Michael.  "It's in upper Norfair."

            "Gotcha.  I'll check there."  Wilykat keyed some more, and the screen showed the room of which Michael was speaking.  Within was the entire Brain-Team.  "Ha, ha!  Here they be!"

            "Do you have a large viewscreen in here, Antonio?" asked Wilykit.

            "Computer, open viewscreen and show what's on the terminal screen," Antonio said.  A wall opened, and the previously hidden screen showed what was on the terminal screen.

            "Thank you."

            Guillaume and the Farfâla-twins came in.  "Here they are," Guillaume said.

            "Guys, these are Jack Stannous and Michael Keene," said Antonio to Natalia and Leonarda.  "Michael and Mr. Stannous, these are our cousins, Farfâla-natalia and Leonarda, who live here with us."

            Michael shook hands with the two, then so did Stannous.  "We're pleased to meet you, guys," said Natalia.

            "Same here," Michael said, trying to keep his feelings reined in.  Why was it every girl he ran into lately was so darned beautiful?  And there seemed to be something special about Natalia.  Something he had not even sensed in Lana.

            Stannous said, "Same here."

            "Wilykat has tapped into the Brain-Team's computers," Antonio said.  "We're about to listen in on a meeting."

            "Sounds like fair payback for them spying on us all the time," said Leonarda with an unavoidable little smirk.

            "I'll have sound in a moment," Wilykat promised.