Upper Norfair, Metroid, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 068 057.53; July 21, 3013.

Ludwig addressed the entire Brain-Team.  "I thank you all for coming.  Anyone whom MotherBrain has not informed as to Kevin having a brother named Michael, please say so now.  I promise to cause no harm to anyone who speaks up, nor to anyone who doesn't."  No one spoke up.  "I'm glad.  Now, it was only recently that Michael Keene arrived in VideoLand. . . in our universe.  However, Larry and I have been scouting the Original Universe over the past year, and we have found one interesting difference.  It occurs at the time when our Brain-Team Base counterparts there decided, as we did long ago, to frame Captain N for the theft of the Sacred Square of Tetris.  I have made a video of the Mario Brothers' trip to Earth to request the services of Perry Mason and of Hamilton Burger for the Case of VideoLand versus Kevin Keene.  I shall now play the video for you."  He flipped a button on a monitor.  The following scenes were displayed for the entire Brain-Team.

            * * *

            Congregation Hall, Palace of Power, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Original Universe.  Stardate 49 052.05; July 19, 1992 (Federation year 2372).

            Princess Lana was speaking with the Mario Brothers.  "We must bring these attorneys from your world, Mario," Lana said.  "Everyone has a right to legal representation, but VideoLand has no attorneys able to handle this."

            "Yeah, Princess Lana," said Luigi, "but how shall we do it?"

            "I know where Perry's office is, but I could never find a warp pipe in the Mushroom World that leads to Los Angeles, California," said Mario.

            Peach Toadstool said, "I must have memorised my warp pipe map of the Mushroom World to the 'T,' and I don't remember anything about a warp leading to Los Angeles."

            "What about the Ultimate Warp Zone?  It brought Kevin from California.  Won't it take us there?"

            Lana said, "It just might!  Come with me."  Everyone went into the room with the Ultimate Warp Zone.  The Power Glove revealed the location of the other end of the Ultimate Warp.  "This presently leads to a large sign that says, 'Hollywood.' "

            "All right!" said Mario.  "That Hollywood place is close enough to L.A.  L.A. is the acronym for Los Angeles."

            Luigi said, "Don't worry, Lana.  We shall bring Mason and Burger here."

            Samus said, "Get going.  There's no telling what may happen if you don't."

            Peach said, "I'd better come with you."  Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach warped off to Hollywood.

            * * *

            Hollywood, California, U.S.A., 20th-Century Earth, VideoLand.

            The three emerged from their warp.  "Well," Mario said, "here we are."

            "Good," said Princess Peach.  "What a nice sign!"

            Luigi said, "We were here on the free tour we took when we became Plumbers of the Year!  Of course, that was the only time, but we still remember as though it were yesterday."

            "Yes, and I still have my road map of Los Angeles and Hollywood," Mario said.  "Of course, it is probably a little out of date."  He looked at his map.  "Good news!  It is only a few miles to downtown Los Angeles!"

            "Uh, how do we get to Los Angeles?" the princess asked.

            "Simple!  There must be somewhere between fifty and a million cabs in Hollywood.  We just hail one."

            Luigi said, "Yeah.  All we have to do is find one."  Bad news warped into town. . . Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo!

            Eggplant Wizard said, "Yeah, and you never will, once I turn them all into potatoes!  Ha, ha, ha!"

            "It's Eggplant Wizard!"

            "Do not forget me, you three N-Dodos!" King Hippo said.

            Mario said, "I'll show you who's a dodo!"

            "Yeah!" said Eggplant Wizard.  "You are!  I'm going to beet you!"  He turned Mario into a beet.

            "Hey!" Mario said.  "Could you turn me into a tomato and put me on a spaghetti?"

            Luigi asked, "Mario, can you only think of your stomach?"

            "I think of other things."

            "Let's see you two fools mess with Caped Luigi!"  Luigi got out a Cape Feather and turned into Caped Luigi.

            King Hippo laughed, "Ha, ha!  Let me deal with this plumbing shrimp!"  Before King Hippo could act, though, Luigi bashed him with his cape.

            "Serves you right, King Hippo!  Now for you, Eggplant Wizard."

            "Oh, yeah?  I'll fix you with my string bean net," said Eggplant Wizard, launching five green beans into the air.  These beans turned into a net and entrapped Luigi.

            "Yaaah!  I've been beaned!" cried Luigi.

            "Yeah!  What do you want, Princess Curmudgeon?"

            "I want you to turn Mario back to normal and to release Luigi," Princess Peach Toadstool snapped.

            "Sorry.  That permission was not given to me by the extremely beautiful Princess Wendy."  Simon came up the Ultimate Warp with his whip ready.

            Simon said, "Oh, yeah, Egg-breath?  Well, maybe my whip has something to say about that!"

            "It's Simon Belmont!"

            "I shall brain him!" said King Hippo.

            "How can you brain me when you have no brain yourself?" Simon asked snidely.  "Whip, do your stuff!"  Simon swung his whip at King Hippo and knocked the little crown off the brainless boxer's head.

            "Hey!  That's my crown!"  He turned around.  "Aha!  There it is."  When he bent over to pick it up, his pants ripped, revealing shorts with little green Koopa-turtles.

            Peach laughed, "Ha, ha, ha!"

            "Your Fatness, your - giggle, giggle! - pants are - giggle, giggle! - ripped!" said Eggplant Wizard before bursting into uncontrollable, hysterical laughter.

            "Aw, shut up, Eggplant Breath!"  King Hippo, extremely irritated, snatched Eggplant Wizard's Veggie-wand.

            "Hey!  That's my Veggie-wand!"

            "Yeah.  Ain't it, though?"  King Hippo broke the wand.  Mario turned back to normal, and the string bean net disappeared from Luigi.  "Oops!"

            "Now look what you've done!  Princess Wendy is going to be very upset with you."

            "Aw, shut up!  Let's get back to Metroid!"

            "We shall be back, Ninny-Team!"  King Hippo and Eggplant Wizard went into their warp zone to Metroid.

            Mario said, "Thank you, Simon!"

            "Simon Belmont shall never shirk his duties as a hero," Simon declared.

            "Well, let's get on with it," suggested Luigi.  "Coming, Simon?"

            "Oh, I must get back to the Palace.  I have to make sure that MotherBozo and the Binky-Team don't come snooping around the Palace.  See you later, guys!"

            * * *

            A few minutes later, in front of the edifice where Perry Mason's office was located, Mario, Luigi, and Peach arrived by cab.  As they disembarked, the cab driver said, "That will be $8.50."

            Mario withdrew his wallet and pulled out a ten-dollar bill.  "Let's see. . . I have it."  He handed the bill to the driver.  "Thanks a million, buddy, and keep the change!"

            "Good luck, and thanks for the trip!"

            As the cabbie drove off, Mario and the others walked along the sidewalk towards the front door to the building.  "Gee," Princess Peach said, "Perry Mason must have picked the largest office building in the city!"  In a flash, Mouser, Try-Clyde, and a blue Koopa-Troopa arrived by warp.

            "And soon, you will be picking some bomb-pieces out of your teeth, you rotten Mario Brothers!" Mouser said in his customary German accent.

            "Mouser, Try-Clyde, and Koopa-Troopa!" said Mario.  "What are you three doing here in L.A., as if I didn't know?"

            "Oh, I thought I should see the San Andreas Fault. . . and dump you Mario Brothers in when I create the worst earthquake in history with my powerful bombs!  Ha, ha, ha, ha!"

            Koopa-Troopa said, "I'll bag Princess Peach Toad-stooge for Princess Wendy, Mouser!"

            All Try-Clyde's heads said, "Good thinking, Koopa-Troopa!  I'll get Luigi!"

            "And I'll handle Mario," said Mouser.  Then, a person stepped over to them. . . a police officer named Lieutenant Arthur Tragg.

            The homicide detective asked dryly, "And who has me, Mouser?"  His pistol was aimed at the villains.

            "Well, sir, I. . . -gasp!-  Lieutenant Arthur Tragg!?"

            "Yes.  If you three bother Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach Toadstool again, I shall book you for disturbing the peace."

            "Oops!  I don't want to get whomped even worse than usual!  Where is the nearest warp zone out of here!?" demanded Try-Clyde.  He, the Koopa-Troopa, and Mouser respectively ran through the warp to Metroid.

            Mario said, "Thank you, Tragg!  I thought the coast would be toast!"

            "I just got your last letter from the Mushroom World," Tragg said.  "Seems you're having a slight bit of trouble from MotherBrain now."

            "Boy, are we glad you got that letter!" said Luigi.

            "I assume that you are here to see my old friend Perry Mason."

            Mario said, "Yes, Lieutenant.  We would like you to meet Princess Peach Toadstool of the Mushroom World."

            Lieutenant Tragg tipped his hat.  "Good to meet you, Princess."

            "Good to meet you, Lt. Tragg," Peach replied.

            "Whatever your problem is, I'm sure that Mr. Perry Mason and Mr. Paul Drake can handle it.  Just don't tell them that I said so!  Also, if you need my help, I'll assist."

            Mario said, "Thank you, Tragg.  See you later, pal."

            "See you guys later."  Mario, Luigi, and the Princess entered the building.  They went to the service desk.

            "Pardon me, ma'am," Mario said.  "Could you please tell us on which floor Mr. Mason has his office?"

            The desk clerk said, "Yes, sir.  It is on Floor 47.  Just go straight after leaving the elevator.  His office is clearly marked."

            "Thank you," Luigi said.  When they entered the elevator, Mario entered '47' on the floor selector panel.

            Peach asked, "When did you meet the good Lieutenant Tragg?"

            "We met him on our visit out here.  That free trip came along with the award for 'Plumbers of the Year.'  He found us interesting, and we've remained pen-pals."

            * * *

            In Perry Mason's office, the great lawyer was speaking with his confidential secretary, Della Street.  "One day, Della, we're leaving both California and Colorado behind."

            "I've grown attached to both places, but I am kind of in the mood for a change," said the secretary.  "I wish I knew a good place."

            Mason was about to open his mouth when the phone rang.  Mason picked up the receiver.  "Yes, Gertie? . . . Sounds intriguing!  Send 'em in."  He hung up.  "You might not believe who's here, Della."

            "Try me."

            "Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach Toadstool."

            "Really?  As in Tragg's friends?"

            "Yes."  Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach Toadstool came in.  "Welcome.  My name is Perry Mason.  This is my secretary, Della Street."

            Mario said, "Good day, Mr. Mason, Ms. Street."  He shook hands with the lawyer.

            "Have a seat.  My friend, Lt. Tragg, has told me about you.  It is true, I assume, that you won a Plumbers of the Year award, which included a tour that brought you clear out here from New York City?"

            "Yes, sir.  We met Tragg on that trip and have been in correspondence with him ever since."

            "From his description, I only wish I had met you when you first came out this way from New York.  And the lieutenant has also told me about you, Princess Peach."

            Peach said, "He seems like a nice fellow.  He. . ."  Just then, a code knock hit the private door.

            Mason almost laughed.  He knew instantly what was about to happen.  Although he wasn't a kid, he knew a bit about the Super Mario Bros. games by Nintendo, and thanks to Kevin eagerly showing him some Nintendo booklets, he had visually recognised Mario, Luigi, and the princess on the spot.  Of course, he was slightly surprised to find that Lt. Tragg's friends were so much like the ones in Kevin's games.  "Oh, I should've seen this coming!  I'll explain that comment momentarily.  One minute, please."  He went to the private door and opened it.

            Michael Keene walked in, his eyes on Mason.  "Good afternoon, sir," he said.  Mason indicated Mario and the others.  "What the. . ."

            "You. . . but you're. . ." began Mario.  Mason expected Michael to be confused, but he had not expected any real confusion from the others.

            "Me?  I'm just Michael Keene.  But you!  You're Mario!  You're Luigi!  You're Princess Toadstool!  How in heck. . . oh, God."

            "You look exactly like Captain N!" Luigi cried.

            "Mr. Mason, what's happening?" demanded Michael in excitement.

            "Hang on a minute, Michael," Perry said.  "Let me explain.  These people know Lieutenant Tragg.  About the time that your brother was on trial for his life, Mario and Luigi came out on a trip they had won along with the Plumbers of the Year award.  Then, back in Brooklyn, they were sucked down a drain-pipe and have been helping Princess Peach Toadstool in adventures against the Koopas."

            "Exactly," said Mario.  "We came here to consult Mr. Mason because, as far as lawyers are concerned, there ain't none in his league where our princess lives."

            "The good lieutenant is a nice fellow," said Peach.  "He met us in the front of the building."

            "Yeah," said Mario.  "He saved us from having to fight three of our stupider adversaries, Mouser, Try-Clyde, and a Koopa-Troopa."

            "Your exploits are in video games here!" managed Michael.

            Mason said, "Tragg's told me about those three imbeciles, too.  Frankly, I'd rather not get caught by those creeps.  However, this Ludwig von Koopa fellow, he intrigues me somehow."

            Mario said, "All I can say is, 'Beware of that creep and of his brother Larry!'  They're too smart to be evil."

            Michael had temporarily forgotten why he was upset, as had the others.  "Wow. . . you're real, live video game characters!  I never thought that it would be rationally possible!"

            "Well, get used to it!" Luigi said.

            The telephone rang again.  Mason responded.  "Yes, Gertie?. . . Four others?  Who are they? . . . Hmm."  He covered the sound transmitter.  "Ludwig von Koopa, Larry Koopa, Roy Koopa, and Morton Koopa, Jr."

            "Uh, oh!" said Mario.

            Luigi asked, "What can they do to us here, Mario?  We are protected by the law of a culture that believes that only humans are sentient beings."

            "-Sigh.-  Let them come in, if you want to."

            Toadstool said, "We only mind a little."

            "Uh, send them in, Gertie," said Mason, "but have them give their sceptres to you first. . . . Okay."  He hung up.

            Michael zipped over to the law library.  "I'll just get in here and eavesdrop."

            "Good," Mario said.  "It'll only be. . ."  Suddenly, the knob of the door from the reception room turned.  Michael had hidden himself in the law library an instant later.

            Ludwig and his brothers came in.  "Good day, Prince," Mason said.  "What may I do for you?"

            Ludwig said, "I hope that you are able to help these three good people, Mr. Mason.  There has been, shall we say, a most disturbing event in VideoLand."

            "And I bet that you are behind it, von Koopa!" snapped Mario.

            Ludwig said, "Calm down, Mario.  I shall not exercise my vast powers wickedly in this world.  Unless you vex me.  Now, Mr. Mason, could you direct me to the office of Mr. Hamilton Burger, the district attorney of Los Angeles?"

            "Sure.  His office is on Floor 38 in this building, since the court is virtually next door and is quite crowded with judicial offices.  Turn left after you exit the elevator."

            "Thank you, Mr. Mason.  Tah, tah, all.  Excuse us, please."  Ludwig and the others exited.

            The law library door opened, and Michael came back out.  Mario said, "That 'most disturbing event' is what we came to you about, Mr. Mason."

            "Oh?" asked Mason.  "What's happened?  Bowser run amok?"

            "For that not to happen would be highly unusual.  Actually, the evil MotherBrain and King Koopa have gotten hitched, Ludwig is really terrorising VideoLand, and the beautiful Princess Lana is in despair because someone has set up Captain N, whose name is Kev-. . . oh, God."

            Michael's eyes widened.  "Captain N, whose name is Kevin Keene?"

            "Yes."

            "Kevin?" asked Mason.  "I've known his family quite well for a long time.  For the past three and a half years, his family and my private investigator's agency, Paul Drake's, have been searching for him without a trace,. . ."

            ". . .and now you tell us that my brother is in VideoLand?" finished Michael.

            "That's true," Luigi said.  "On September 11, 1989, at 7:00 P.M. Pacific daylight savings time, he was pulled by the Ultimate Warp Zone from his TV set into VideoLand."

            "I noticed his absence at 7:30," said Michael.  "I'd just gotten home.  Mom wanted me to remind him to take out the trash.  I don't know why, but she always wanted him to do it.  I saw he had been playing the game Punchout!!.  He and Duke had vanished.  Wait!  Did Duke go with him?"

            "Yes," said Mario.

            "That relieves me.  How often does my bro save VideoLand, or does he at all?"

            "He does so quite often," Luigi said.  "His birthday ought to be a national holiday by now.  But now he's been booked for the robbery of one of the most powerful items in VideoLand, the Sacred Square of Tetris!"

            "I've heard of Tetris, but I haven't heard of a Sacred Square.  What does it do?"

            "It controls Tetrads.  Believe me, it's really powerful."

            Mason asked, "What can I do to help?"

            "You are the best defence attorney we know of, though Tragg says you deny it with all due modesty," Mario said.  "The preliminary hearing for is case is at 8.00 tomorrow morning.  Princess Lana of VideoLand wanted us to ask you to defend Kevin.  She said licenses from any U.S. state are good in VideoLand, and since she's the absolute ruler there, whatever she says goes.  For reference, VideoLand Mean Time is the same as Pacific Daylight Savings Time, so don't worry about jet lag."

            "Michael, would you like to come?" Mason asked.

            Michael grinned.  "Of course.  Nothing better to do."

            "All right.  Della, leave a note for Ken."  He called Paul Drake, Senior, the private detective who often worked with him, on the intercom.  "Paul, this is Perry.  Literally drop whatever you're doing into your son's hands and meet me outside.  Tell him we'll be gone for a while."  He hung up, then dialled another number.  When he got a response, he said, "Hello, Ned.  It's Perry.  I'm going off for a couple of days, and Michael would like to accompany me.  I'll just take care of all his needs. . . ."  He smiled.  "Of course.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "You get to come, Michael."

            "Yes!" Michael exclaimed happily.

            Mason turned back to the Mario Brothers and the princess.  "If you also need a prosecutor, Hamilton Burger is planning to resign from his office in the near future.  He may be able to help.  He is a good friend of mine."

            "I see," said Mario.

            Della said, "Well, Perry, I have a feeling that this is going to be a most interesting case."

            "So do I, Della."

            * * *

            Upper Norfair, Metroid, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 068 057.53; July 21, 3013.

            Ludwig stopped the tape.  "Actually, we recorded the entire Case of the Tetris Puzzler, from 19 July to 27 July 1992."

            "I see," said Luna.  "Is that kid trouble?"

            "Yes, he is," Ludwig said.  "Real trouble.  Exactly as much trouble, in fact, as Captain N."

            Larry grinned nastily.  "How about that one video you said I could show?"

            "-Sigh.-  Very well, Larry.  But if you step out of line, I'll hook you so fast your head will spin clear off your neck."  He stepped to the left to allow Larry a position in the spotlight.

            "This is a part of our archives of the time when the extended teams formed, in late 1992.  This is from 12 December, after the Silver Hawks and Kevin had gone to third-Earth and made warps to Hawkhaven.  I call this little piece. . ."

            "I'm going to call it finished if you don't play it before I change my mind," Ludwig said warningly.

            "Okay.  This little segment is in the hangar of Hawkhaven.  Michael had accompanied Kevin out there.  This was the night just before the trial of Hardware, Windhammer, Melodia, and Mo-Lec-U-Lar."  He started playing the video.

            * * *

            Hangar, Hawkhaven, Limbo, Milky Way Galaxy, Original Universe.  Stardate 49 463.01; December 16, 1992.

            Wilykit and Wilykat were looking at the vehicles in the hangar.  "Golly, these space vehicles sure are impressive," Wilykit said with awe.

            "Yeah," said Wilykat.  "Kind of reminds me of the pictures of Thunderian space fighters from the Plundarrian War in the Fifteenth Century."

            The elevator opened, and Michael came out.  "Hello, guys," he said.

            "Hey, Michael," Wilykat greeted.

            "Aren't these things fascinating?" asked Wilykit.

            "They sure are."  He looked at the Mirage.  "Boy.  I saw these things in cartoons.  I never imagined I'd be meeting the Silver Hawks or you Thunder Cats in real life."  He turned to the Wilytwins.  "I wish I could take one of these things out for a spin myself and save the galaxy."

            "Ha, ha!" laughed Wilykat.  "He's only fifteen, and he's like us. . . ready to conquer the cosmos!"

            "Physically, I'm more mature than you are," he rebuked in a good-natured manner.

            "Hey, he can fight back!" said Wilykit, smiling.

            "I guess he can hang out with us, then," her brother said, also grinning.  He went across the hangar and sat down on a bench.

            Wilykit stepped over to Michael.  "There's something I like about you and Kevin."

            "Well, if you want either of us as your friend, you'll have to settle for both of us."

            "Kevin told us the same thing."  As she looked at him, the smile gradually disappeared from her lips.  Some new feeling sprang to life within her.  "Oh, gosh."

            "Oh, no," said Michael.  "Please tell me you're not attracted to me."

            "I can't lie, Michael."

            "Oh, boy.  I. . . I. . ."  He closed his eyes and turned away.

            "What's wrong?"

            "I can't believe this.  I'm so stupid."  He sighed very loudly.  "You're the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

            "Are you joking?  There must be thousands of pretty girls in VideoLand.  Why, Princess Lana is very beautiful."

            Michael turned back with a lost look in his eyes.  "None is prettier to me than you are."

            "Hey, whatcha doin'?" Wilykat asked.  Michael and Wilykit were presently out of his sight.  "I can't hear you!"  He approached and stopped metres away at the sight of Michael and Wilykit staring into each other's eyes.  "-Gulp.-  What's happening?"

            "I wish I knew," said Wilykit.  She put her right hand on Michael's left shoulder.  "You're so good-looking, yourself."

            "Is that sincere?"

            "Definitely.  Michael, what's happening to us?  My feelings are so. . . jumbled, but I have this urgent feeling that I need to be with you."  Moments later, the two were pressing their lips together.

            "What. . . what are you doing?" asked Wilykat, though he knew exactly what was happening and that he couldn't prevent it.  And strangely enough, he found that he did not want to prevent it.

            * * *

            Upper Norfair, Metroid, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 068 057.53; July 21, 3013.

            Larry turned off the viewer.  "We know what's developing between those two," Larry said.  "Now, think.  If any of you saw that without the dialogue, who of you would think that this is Michael rather than Kevin?"  There were many puzzled expressions but no responses.  "You'd all think it was Kevin, wouldn't you?  Kevin, very loyal to his wife."

            "I see where this is going," said Ludwig.  "It would be a lie, Larry, to use this to say that Captain N was unfaithful."

            "But then, brother, I do lie, as do you," Larry said.  "That looks enough like Wilykit and Kevin making out to fool anyone."

            "No!" Ludwig snapped.  "If we show this, Wilykit will be mad as hell!"

            "Even if she doesn't know we're responsible?"

            "She'll know, all right.  She's brighter than a star.  You might as well not argue, for you'll fail."

            "Oh, very well," said Larry.  Perturbed, he sat down.

            "That N-Team has encountered more success against the Brain-Team of that world than the one here has against us," Ludwig said, "but then, they have been able to block that Brain-Team from acquiring the necessary technology.  Given the circumstances into which they have been forced, our counterparts, as villainous as we are, are holding out quite well."  Dr. Wily raised his hand.  "Yes, Doctor?"

            Dr. Wily had a small computer with him.  "Ludwig, you asked me to notify you when I had finished analysing the information about how the quadrants are shifting."

            "Ah.  You've finished, I presume?"

            "With the information you have given me, I have determined that the shift is caused by devices stationed in Hawkhaven, Cat's Lair, Darkwing Tower, and the Palace of Power in the Original Universe.  The field they create determines which one of the four quadrants is visible and which three are out of dimension at a given time.  The field is altered once every twenty-four standard hours, so that the next quadrant is visible and the previous is returned to the other two.  The Alpha Quadrant, the quadrant with the Silver Hawks, is, for the sake of convenience, the first.  The Beta Quadrant, the Thunder Cats', is the second.  The third quadrant, the Gamma Quadrant, is Darkwing's, and the Delta Quadrant, the fourth, is VideoLand.  Again, for the sake of convenience, let's say the cycle begins with the Alpha Quadrant.  On day one, then, the Beta, Gamma, and Delta Quadrants are phased in their proper configuration and moved to another dimension so that they are 'below' the rest of the galaxy, so to speak.  There's also a little phase variance between the three quadrants, not large, but it's more than sufficient to keep the villains from traversing from one phased quadrant to another phased quadrant.  In the centre of the territory occupied by the four quadrants is the Alpha Quadrant.  Twenty-four hours later, Alpha Quadrant joins the Gamma and Delta Quadrants in its proper place in the configuration, and the Beta Quadrant leaves Gamma and Delta and goes where Alpha had just been.  Day three, Gamma goes and Beta returns.  Finally, on day four, Delta goes and Gamma returns.  On the fifth day, Alpha goes and Gamma returns, and the cycle continues like that.  The N-Team there calls the progression of four days a dimensional cycle, and each year has ninety-one and a fourth cycles, except that each leap-year has ninety-one and a half cycles.  If the field is disrupted - that is, if one of the transmitters is destroyed or rendered inoperable - then all four quadrants return to their proper configuration and all appear safely in the galaxy, in their natural state."

            "Who created these things?" asked MotherBrain.

            "The scientific minds on the N-Team," Ludwig said.  "Tygra, Steeltwins, Dr. Light, and others."

            "The transmitters are very heavily guarded," said Larry.  "The Brain-Team of the Original Universe can't even touch them."

            "Then, in order to succeed against those do-gooders," Mumm-ra said, "we must find a way to take out those transmitters."

            "Exactly," said Ludwig.  "Mumm-ra, that sounds like a good job for you to take part in."

            "There is one thing," said MotherBrain.  "How shall we get to the transmitters?"

            "Ludwig has located the source of each transmitter," Wily said.  "We know where they are."

            "That is good, but that is not precisely what she asked," Ludwig said.  "She asked how we'd get to the things.  We'll find a way, even if I have to use my Q-cubed powers.  Hang on.  Mumm-ra, your counterpart was betrayed by the Ancient Spirits of Evil and done in by Wilykit on New Thundera.  The spirits there denied him powers because of his consistent failure.  He was, as I say, defeated, left in the lurch."

            "That has a familiar ring to it," Mumm-ra said.

            "No matter how permanent or temporary it is, Mumm-ra.  You can take his place."

            "Hee, hee!  It will be interesting."

            "I imagine."

            "Are Borg there?" asked S-s-slithe.

            "Good question, S-s-slithe.  Yes.  It won't take much to control them.  Most of my program is good for them, also.  I have changed the two characters that required alteration and compiled a whole new program.  The Original Universe is, as one might say, ripe for the picking.  Ha, ha!  Mumm-ra, Larry, and I can handle this.  You others should keep the N-Team here occupied.  We'll leave our complete archive of N-Team activities in the Original Universe in Metroid's computer."  Larry winked to Roy, who got the message.  "All right.  Larry, Mumm-ra, let's get moving.  We'll probably still be here for the next fifteen minutes, preparing our shuttle-ship for the trip.  Oh, and MotherBrain, could you ready the Warbird A while we're in the Original Universe?  We may need it."

            "With pleasure," MotherBrain said.

            * * *

            Living Room, casa di Cerebra, New Thundera, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Michael was nearly in shock.  "What. . . what. . ."

            "Cool off, Michael," said Kevin gently.  "Don't get steamed."

            "It's not your fault, Michael," said Steelheart.

            Michael gulped, then glanced at Wilykit.  "Then why do I feel so guilty?" he asked softly, his eyes closed.

            Kevin sighed.  "Oh, man," he whispered to himself.  "That wasn't you, little brother.  That was someone else.  Your counterpart in the Original Universe.  It appears that most of us have counterparts there."

            "Oh, Kevin, I've never felt so terrible."

            Kevin hugged him gently with much compassion.  "It's okay, kid.  Don't worry."

            "I've really missed you for this, Kevin."

            "You can be strong without me, Michael, and it'll be better for yourself if you learn to be.  Don't allow frustration.  Don't allow sadness.  Don't allow guilt or anger.  I'm not saying don't feel them, but don't let them take over."

            "Just allow serenity," Michael finished.  "I remember."  He hugged his brother tightly.  "-Sigh.-  I think I can deal with this.  My emotions are too powerful.  Why didn't Dad train me?"

            "They're worst when you're adolescent, trust me.  Especially at fifteen and sixteen."  His brother was already calming down.  "That's it.  Think peaceful, serene thoughts."

            Michael was breathing deeply and slowly.  "Yes.  Brother, would you be able to teach me control?"

            "Sure, but not too much."  Kevin smiled.  "After all, you just love having fun."

            Michael was amused.  "Well, yeah."

            Antonio said, "That's not all, Kevin.  Your brother has a very mild bit of telepathy.  When he sees a girl he finds attractive, that telepathy acts unconsciously to draw the girl or girls to him."

            "Oh!" said Kevin, smiling.  "I should've known you'd be irresistible," he said a little too naughtily.

            Michael smiled at him.  "Of course."  His smile disappeared.  "I'm not sure, though, that the other Wilykit's feelings for the other me were caused by that."  He thought as best he could.

            "My bro and I were pretty wild back then, more so than now," Wilykit said.  "Michael, you seem the type that, if you're really in love with someone, you express it more readily than your brother.  And, wild as I was, I'd probably have readily responded, just like that.  I know I did with Wesley."

            "I bet Larry wanted real bad to use that material," Wilykat said.  "You know, he was right.  Those creeps would do anything they could to try to discredit Kevin, and Larry wouldn't let sex stand in his way."

            "While Ludwig was informing the team that he would leave the archive in the Brain-Team computer," said Natalia, "I noticed Larry send a visual signal to Roy."

            "Uh, oh," Wilykit said.  "That could be trouble.  Wilykat, can you find the archives?"

            "I think so," said Wilykat.  He turned back to the computer.  "Uh-huh.  I see 'em.  Want me to download?"

            "Won't they detect that?" Michael asked.

            "Not with what I am about to do, as long as I make it fast.  'Kit?"

            "Do it," said Wilykit.

            Wilykat initiated the download.  "I've routed this so circuitously that the Brain-Team won't detect us at this end.  Of course, it's best that they not find out anyone's downloading, so I'm doing it as quickly as possible."

            "How long will the download take?" Kevin asked.

            "Not long.  I can make a fourteen point four kilobit-per-second modem act like a zillion kilobit-per-second modem."  After a second, the archive was in the terminal's storage disk.  "See?  Now, to get out of there."  He quickly withdrew the connection.  "There.  Now, they won't know we've been in there."

            "Good," said Wilykit.  "If I'd known you could do this, I'd have asked you to sneak into their computers long ago!"

            "I didn't know I could do it," Wilykat said.  "I probably ought to have asked before, but is this terminal on a separate connection?"

            "Yes," Antonio said.  "So that the computer system in the house won't go haywire if I pull up some destructive program on this computer."

            "Good, just as I hoped.  I'll open this archive."

            "Of course," said Wilykit, "I still don't expect MotherBrain to leave you alone, Stannous."

            Stannous said, "I agree, ma'am."

            "You are welcome to stay as long as you must stay or wish to stay," Antonio said.

            "Thank you, sir."

            "Staying?" asked Natalia and Leonarda curiously.

            "Oh, I'm sorry," said Antonio.  "I have agreed to provide lodging for Jack Stannous, Michael, and Steelheart.  Perry Mason has assigned young Michael to help watch over Stannous, and Steelheart is assigned to evaluate Michael, since he's entering the N-Team.  I'm sure you remember what was said in the meeting about Stannous's connection to Nuclesís.  We're assuming MotherBrain intends to catch Stannous for Nuclesís."

            "I see," Natalia said.  "So, we all are going to keep him safe?"

            "Yes.  His expressed motives for wanting security are noble."

            "So is the fact that you wish to keep him secure," Wilykit said.

            "Pardon me, sister," said Wilykat.

            "Yes, 'Kat?"

            "Conveniently, they've arranged the archive chronologically.  They have videos of several Original Universe N-Team events."

            "I see.  I suggest that you and Wesley acquaint yourselves with that material, because I would like you two to go to the Original Universe to thwart Ludwig.  Wes, since you are your own counterpart, you can appear if you wish, but Wilykat, I don't want you to show yourself unless absolutely necessary."

            "Right, 'Kit."

            "Just what do we do?" asked Wesley.

            "I'd like you to maintain a connection with me and report what Ludwig is up to," said Wilykit.  "Wes, you may not know that this N-Team has designed and built a ship. . . the Enterprise-Effugium, with Thunderian propulsion systems, Romulan cloaking and weapons systems, and Federation shielding systems.  Each shuttlecraft is self-sufficient and self-powering with anything one would need for a very long mission for up to five people."

            "Ah," said Wesley.  "Does each shuttle have hyperdrive propulsion systems?"

            "Yes.  Intergalactic distances can be crossed in hours or days.  Each craft is equipped with an emergency device on its own power source that, when activated, will warp the craft automatically to the Palace of Power in this universe."

            The doorbell sounded.  "I'll get it," said Leonarda, the closest to the door.  She went to the door and opened it.  Élisabeth and Frédéric were outside.  "Good afternoon."

            "Hello, Leonarda," said Élisabeth.

            "Please, come in and go to the living room."  The Astucieux-twins did as she requested.  After closing the door, she followed them.

            "Hello, guys," Wilykit said to Frédéric and Élisabeth.  "What's up?"

            "We got this feeling that something's up," said Frédéric.  "Since you were still on the planet, Wilykit, we decided to come to where you were."

            Kevin said, "At the Palace, Kid Icarus detected a small ship as it popped into existence and docked into Metroid.  Not long afterwards, I detected major Brain-Team transporter activity on Metroid.  I called Wilykit and told her, and she suggested we meet here.  She wanted me to bring Wesley, so I got him, and we arrived here when they did."

            "Once we got here," Wilykit said, "my brother tapped into Metroid's computer and allowed us to spy on a meeting."

            "I recorded it," said Wilykat slyly.  "Now, the rest of the team can view it easily."

            "Good work, 'Kat."

            "I see," Élisabeth said.  "Wesley, have you checked on Jean-Léonard?"

            "Yes," said Wesley.  "When I left the Palace, Quicksilver and my mother had just started.  First, they have to set up about a dozen life support units.  Then, they have to carefully remove the remains of the damaged nerve bundles.  Only then can they put in synthetic nerves as replacements, with Steelwill's help."  He sighed.  "He's really quite lucky, as you should know.  A slightly different angle, and his brain could've been harmed.  Quicksilver himself is an example of a successful nerve-replacement procedure."

            "Yeah.  How are his chances of surviving?"

            "Getting better all the time.  His circulatory system, miraculously, was entirely unscathed, and his brain and heart are working fine.  He'll just be very hungry after this procedure."

            "Will he still be able to play the violin?"

            "Yeah.  His advanced skills will have to re-tune themselves as he gets used to his new nervous system, but once that happens, he should play like usual.  Maybe even better."

            "I certainly hope so.  He really enjoys it."

            Wilykit said, "While we're all here, Élisabeth, Frédéric, Natalia, and Leonarda, are you four ready to become Thunder Cats?"

            "Certainly, Wilykit," Élisabeth said.

            "Yes, Wilykit," said Natalia.

            "Well, we have witnesses, and Wilykat is here."

            "Initiation won't take very long," Wilykat said.  "You already have your insigniae."

            "Could Chatonne and Gatinha be there, too?" asked Élisabeth.  "They've greatly helped each of us."

            "I don't see why not," Wilykit said.  "Could you call them, please, Antonio?"

            "Certainly," said Antonio.

            * * *

            Throne Room, Palace of Power, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Thomas and Kelly were supervising operations in the throne room.  Kid Icarus kept his eye on communications, while MegaMan monitored defence systems.  The elevator door opened, and Lana came out into the throne room.  "Hello, Mother," Kelly said.

            "Hi, everyone," said Lana.  "What's Kevin up to?"

            "He found there was a bit of transporter activity on Metroid," Thomas said.  "He called Wilykit to tell her about it.  She asked him to get Wesley Crusher and go with him to the Cerebra-twins' residence."

            "That was about an hour and a half ago," added Kelly.  "He hasn't called back yet, but he left us in charge up here."

            "All right.  Thomas, do you know how to use the Power Pad, Zapper, and laser sabre?"

            "I sure do," Thomas said.  "I had three superb teachers."

            "What else have you learned?"

            "We've both learned quite a bit."

            "Hey, why don't you two get your violin and 'cello-cus?" suggested Kid Icarus.

            At that moment, Kevin, Wesley, Wilykit, and Wilykat appeared in the room.  "Hi, everyone," Lana said.

            "Hello," said Kevin.

            "What all has happened, Father?" Thomas asked.

            "Well, the Brain-Team just held a meeting on Metroid.  It seems that Ludwig and Larry have been scouting the Original Universe.  They've been able to create video archives of the past of the N-Team there.  That N-Team has managed to keep the Brain-Team there from getting together.  Also, there, Mumm-ra has been 'destroyed.'  Of course, that's happened several times, and he's always come back.  Anyway, Ludwig and Larry and Mumm-ra are going there now to attempt to destroy that N-Team's advantage.  Worse, since that universe's Mumm-ra is currently out of commission, our Mumm-ra will be taking his place."

            "Just wonderful," Kelly said.

            "That's not all," said Wilykit.  "This next news is probably better, however.  In that universe, Michael did not go on a trip to the Sierras in July 1992.  In fact, on the day that the Mario Brothers and Peach Toadstool went to Kevin's homeworld to bring Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger, Michael went into L.A. to visit Mr. Mason.  It happens that he entered the office while the three were there.  He hid in the law library when the Koopalings arrived.  Ludwig showed his archive of that."

            "How did you manage to mega-spy on their meeting?" asked MegaMan.

            "My brother tapped into Metroid's computer very circuitously and used their own security system so we could view their meeting in Antonio's living room.  He also managed to copy their archive, so we can view it ourselves."

            "Oh!  I see."

            Kevin said, "That Larry showed something else.  It was from the evening before the trial of Mo-Lec-U-Lar, Hardware, Melodia, and Windhammer.  In that universe, Michael accompanied my counterpart to Hawkhaven.  That universe's Michael and Wilykit developed a certain relationship that evening.  In short, they kissed in the hangar."

            "I see.  What's wrong with that?" Lana asked.

            "Just that Michael looks a heck of a lot like me," said Kevin.  "Larry was planning to use that visual evidence against Wilykit and me.  The ignorant would immediately jump to the conclusion that. . . well, you know."

            Lana shut her eyes and sighed.  "Yeah.  I understand your point, Kevin."

            "Ludwig stopped Larry," said Wilykit.  "However, the astute Farfâla-natalia saw Larry make a signal to Roy.  I don't think we're out of the doghouse on this."

            "Why would Ludwig stop Larry from trying to slander you two?" asked Kelly.

            "Ludwig doesn't seem to like sex, and he doesn't like it when Larry tries to use it against people," Kevin said.  "He especially doesn't like it when Larry forces girls to do that with him."

            "That fool tried to do it to Wilykit once," Wilykat said.  "Tygra and Ludwig thought we didn't understand, but we did.  Thanks to that little incident, Ludwig released Tygra, whom Larry had captured."

            "Guys," asked Lana, indicating Thomas and Kelly, "just why are we talking about this around these two?"

            "It's okay.  We don't have to be shielded from it, Mom," said Kelly gently.  "We understand."

            "Well. . . okay.  I just don't like discussing that nasty turtle's disgusting habits."

            "As long as there are creeps like Larry around, Lana," Kevin said, "we should, at least to some degree.  Parents have to warn their children against such dangerous individuals and do their best to keep their children from growing up that way.  Of course, Thomas and Kelly are now mature enough for me not to worry about them too much."

            Wilykit crossed her arms and sighed.  "I feel like that was denied me."

            "Hey, I'm the one who has more of a right to feel that way, and I don't," Wesley said, putting his hands gently on her shoulders.  "I don't want you to feel terrible about this, 'Kit."

            Wilykit put her arms around him.  "Oh, Wesley.  I miss you whenever we're apart."

            "Same here."  He put his arms around her.  "But I just jumped from our kids' first birthday to yesterday evening, so I didn't have much time to miss you."

            "At least one of us didn't have to deal with it."  She gently rubbed his back in just the right place.

            "Ooh, yeah," he said, smiling.  It had really been very difficult for the girlfriends he had had before Wilykit to release his tension or cause any purely physical response.  However, Wilykit did it with no trouble at all.  She also caused exactly the right reaction.  Her actions caused no erotic feelings, but they did make him feel good.  "If you make me feel any better, I might just. . . -Rrow!-"  Wilykit laughed.  "Make me feel great, and then expect me to run off?"

            Wilykit sighed.  "No," she said.  "You don't have to go tonight."

            "Pardon me," said Lana, "but go where?"

            Wilykat said, "Wilykit wants Wesley and me to go to the Original Universe and prevent Ludwig from conquering."

            "I see.  And Kevin. . . ooh, Nuclesís's trial."

            "Precisely," said Kevin.

            Wilykit said, "You two can go tomorrow, Wilykat and Wesley."  She and Wesley released each other.  She smiled a bit goofily.  "Should we?"

            "Why not?" Wesley said.  The two kissed each other.

            Very consciously, Kevin put his right arm around the back of Lana, who was to his right.  She looked up at him and smiled as she put her left hand on his right, which was on her right shoulder.  The two smiled as they gazed into each other's eyes.

            "You don't look a day over nineteen," she said.

            "Nor do you," he returned.  "There is exactly one thing for which I'm grateful to that wicked Ludwig."  Gently, he moved closer to her and put his left arm around her.

            "Hey," she asked.  "What about. . ."

            "They're not babies," said Kevin.  "But I guess you'll have to get used to that."  The two kissed each other.  As they did so, Kevin gently rubbed her back.

            Wilykit and Wesley had stopped kissing.  "Well, look what we caused," said Wesley softly, looking at Kevin and Lana.

            "We didn't cause it," Wilykit said.  "Yet, we helped."

            Kevin and Lana stopped kissing.  "Don't stop rubbing me, Kev," said Lana, putting her arms around him.

            "I won't, pretty lady," Kevin told her.

            "Flatterer."

            Kelly joked, "Don't you like each other at all?"

            Kevin and Lana released each other.  "Not a bit," said Kevin, continuing to joke.

            Lana said, "It's a wonder we can stand each other.  Thomas, could you hold her?"

            "Well, sure," Thomas said.  He moved behind his sister and held her securely.

            "Hey!" said Kelly.  "What's that about?"

            "Just this," Lana said.  "Ever been tickled before?"  She went over to Kelly.

            Kelly almost laughed.  "Oh, no!  Please, Mother!"

            "Come on," said Thomas.  "Her tickling can't be as bad as mine."

            "Uh, oh," Kevin said, grinning.  "Then you both need it."

            Before Lana could begin to tickle Kelly, Kid Icarus spoiled the entire mood by crying, "Kevin-icus!"  Nearly instantly, Kevin was at Kid Icarus's terminal.

            "What is it, Kid?" asked Kevin.

            "I just detected a nanosecond-long blip between Metroid-icus and the Léi Galaxy."

            "Did you get anything out of it?"

            "It was so sudden, I couldn't catch it in time-icus."

            Kevin smacked his communicator.  "Palace to Hawkhaven."

            Stargazer responded, "Stargazer here, Kevin.  What's up?"

            "May I speak to the person at communications?"

            The communicator beeped.  "Moonstriker here, Kevin."

            "There was a nanosecond-long blip from Metroid to the Galaxy of Léi."

            "Yeah, I was watching the console for Steelwill."

            "Kid Icarus couldn't read its contents.  Did you?"

            "Yes, Kevin.  I read the sensor readings into a fairly large, detailed file.  Its contents are now on disk."

            "Thank you very much.  Could you bring your readings to the Palace?"

            "Certainly."

            "Go ahead, Moonstriker," Stargazer said.

            "Thank you, Stargazer."

            "Thanks, Silver Hawks," said Kevin.  "I'm in the throne room.  Kevin out."  He tapped his communicator.

            Kid Icarus turned to Kevin, who was now with Lana, Thomas, and Kelly.  "Gee, I'm sorry-us maximus," he said.

            "That's okay, Kid Icarus," said Kevin.  "Kelly?"  Kelly practically leapt into his arms.

            "Oh, Father," she said.  "-Sigh.-"  Kevin gently rubbed her back.

            "It's okay, Kelly," he said softly.  "We'll have lots of opportunities to horse around."

            Lana put her left hand on her daughter's right shoulder.  "Yeah, Kelly."

            Thomas went on Kelly's right and put his right arm around her back.  "You okay, kid?" he asked kindly.

            "Yeah, bro," his sister told him.

            Thomas put his left hand on his father's right shoulder.  "Father, would it be too much to ask you if I could go with Wesley and Wilykat?"

            Kevin was merely curious.  "Why, Thomas?"

            "Well, I'd really like to explore that place.  I'd also like to help them."

            Kevin smiled wryly.  "And get in good with Johanna's father?"

            Thomas returned the smile.  "That's also a possibility."

            "All right by me.  I trust you, son.  Don't do anything foolish."

            "I won't, Father."

            "What about me?" Lana asked.  "I hardly know you, Thomas."

            Thomas hugged her gently.  "I'll be back, Mother.  I promise you."

            Lana smiled.  "Thomas, you're as strong as your father.  If he trusts you, then so do I."

            "Thank you, Mother."  After releasing Lana, he turned to Kelly.  "Sister?"

            Kelly just smiled and held her right thumb up.  "Go get those stinkers, bro!"

            Thomas smiled back.  "Sure, Kelly."  The two hugged each other for a few seconds.  Then, he turned to Wilykit.  "Do I have your permission, Wilykit?"

            "You do, Thomas," Wilykit said.  "I know you well."  She smiled mischievously.  "Keep these two guys out of trouble, my friend.  They mean well, but they can't resist it."

            "Very funny," said Wilykat.

            "We'll get you for that, Wilykit," Wesley joked.

            Moonstriker entered the throne room with a data padd.  "Hello, all," he greeted.

            "Hello, Moonstriker," said Kevin.  "Got the info?"

            Moonstriker handed him the padd.  "Right here, Kevin."

            "Thank you."  He read the information on the padd.  "Hm.  This is strange.  This appears to be a Thunderian modulation code."

            "A Thunderian modulation code?" Wilykit demanded.  Kevin handed her the padd.  As she read, her eyes widened with anger.  "Why, that cursèd turtle!" she exclaimed.  "He's using a tenth-century Thunderian programming language.  It looks high-level, but the standard compiler creates an executable file that is exceptionally small and fast."  She tapped several keys.  "Wow.  This is brilliant.  He figured out how to tap into the Borg consciousness itself, so he and MotherBrain can control them telepathically."

            "Great," said Kevin.  "Can we stop it?"

            Wilykit sighed and shook her head.  "We'll have to study this," she said.  "This programming looks pretty solid, though.  Unfortunately, the high degree of Ludwig's genius is not overstated by any means."  She turned to Moonstriker.  "However, thank you very much, Moonstriker.  This is the first chance I've gotten to see what he's done to the Borg."  She handed the padd back to Kevin.

            "You can keep that," Moonstriker said.  "That stuff is stored in the permanent sensor logs in Hawkhaven."

            "All right," said Kevin.  "Thank you, Moonstriker."  He handed the padd to MegaMan.  "MegaMan, could you and X get together with Data tomorrow and see if you can analyse any of that beyond what Wilykit has already told us?"

            "Sure, Kevin," MegaMan said, taking the padd.

            Moonstriker said, "Well, I'll see you guys later."

            "See you later, Moonstriker," Kevin said.  "Feel free to report this to Steelwill when he returns to Hawkhaven."  With a nod, Moonstriker left.

            "Well," said Wilykit, "please keep an eye on Metroid, Kid Icarus.  If they have another gathering, I'd like to know about it."

            "Yes, Wilykit-us," Kid Icarus said.