Michael's Room, Palace of Power, Milky Way Galaxy, Original Universe.  Stardate 49 761.64; April 4, 1993.

Michael awoke not long after dawn.  Wilykit was lying next to him, asleep.  Her face was turned to him.  He gently pressed his lips to hers and kissed her.

            This awoke her.  She looked into his eyes.  "Good morning," he told her.

            "Good morning," she replied.  They hugged each other and kissed for several seconds.  Then, they released each other and got out of bed.

            The door signal chimed.  "Come in," Michael said.  The door opened to admit Wilykat.  "Hello, Wilykat."

            "Good morning, Michael and Wilykit," said Wilykat.  "Earlier this morning, sensors detected a ship heading for this section of the galaxy from outside."

            Wilykit asked, "Is it hostile?"

            "No way to tell until it reaches the gate.  It doesn't have hyperspace communication capabilities."

            "I see."

            "There is evidence of megawarp scouring on their hull.  Either they don't have the ability to detect it, or they can't repair it.  It's not enough to undermine their structural integrity, but it is good evidence that they're not from around here.  It appears that they may have been yanked here from elsewhere in the galaxy, maybe Quadrant Three."

            "Hm."

            "They will be in efficient subspace communications range with our external hyperspace transmitter in about an hour and a half.  We shall then see whether they're hostile."

            "All right.  We've finished here. . . I think.  Is it okay by you if I go to the Lair, Michael?"

            "Sure, Wilykit," Michael said.

            "You can join us if you'd like to, Michael," said Wilykat.

            "Thank you, Wilykat.  However, I'd like to spend time with my parents."

            "Sure."

            Wilykit said, "I'm going to get dressed."  Michael and Wilykat nodded.

            As Wilykit was getting ready to go, Wilykat said, "So, Michael, you like her."

            "I sure do, Wilykat.  She's bright and intelligent.  She's also rather nice."

            "I know.  How about the fact that you find her beautiful?"

            "I do, but that's secondary.  I think I'll enjoy spending time with her.  She and I played Super Mario 3 and Super Mario World together."

            "I see.  How did she do?"

            "She did pretty well.  She seemed to take to it rather easily."

            "I see.  Did you two do anything after I left?"

            "Just went to sleep."

            Wilykat nodded.  That was okay by him.  "How does sex feel?" he asked quietly.

            "It feels great, under the right conditions.  I really love her, Wilykat."

            "Well, I trust you," said Wilykat.  "I believe you're pretty mature mentally for your age."

            "That's not too hard when your best friend has a good head on his shoulders and has influenced you your whole life.  I don't idolise Kevin - and frankly, I never have - and I wouldn't want to be exactly like him, but he's really influenced me in a good way.  I think it may actually have helped me, though, that he was taken away.  I might have developed a dependency on him.  I think I actually did, but not to an irreversible degree.  I can now take care of myself without him.  However, he and I are still best friends."

            "Do you want to be a doctor?"

            "I would like to be.  Of course, I still have a way to go.  I've never dissected anything before or seen anyone cut open, but the subject interests me."

            "You also have a natural tendency to be able to put people at ease," Wilykat told him.  "That's a very good quality for a doctor to have.  What got you interested?"

            Michael shrugged.  "I guess I've always had a fascination with it.  I always inquire as to what medical instruments are, and the doctors know I'm not asking out of fear.  I've always tried to help others when they get hurt.  I loved it when Quicksilver told me how to use a medical tricorder."

            Wilykit came up to them.  She was holding a bag that contained the items that Michael had replicated for her.  "I'm ready," she said.

            "Snarf's fixing breakfast," Wilykat told her.

            "Okay.  Michael?"

            "I'll go check on my brother."

            "All right.  See you later."

            "See you guys later."  Wilykit and Wilykat left.  Michael then got himself dressed and went over to his brother's room.  He hit the signal button.  After three tries, he opened the door and walked slowly into the dark room.  Kevin was not in there.  Michael left and signalled at Lana's room.

            The second signal brought a response.  "Who's there?" asked Lana's drowsy voice.

            "It's Michael.  Is it a bad time?"

            "No, come on in, as long as you don't mind seeing us naked."

            The door opened, and Michael came in.  Lana was awakening Kevin.  "So, how is it with you responsible adults?" he asked wryly.

            Kevin smiled.  "We're well, you irresponsible minor," he said jokingly.  He and Lana, both naked, got up and stretched.  Michael was not bothered by their physical state.  "Ooh, boy.  I feel like a nice, hot shower.  Michael, could you get me some shorts and a T-shirt?"

            "Sure," said Michael,  "Shall I gather your clothing for you and take it back to your room?"

            "Sure," Kevin replied.  "Thank you."

            Michael gathered Kevin's clothes.  "No problem.  I'll be back in a moment."  He left to his brother's room.

            "Well, I'll go take a shower, myself," Lana said.  "Shall we go have breakfast after we've prepared ourselves?"

            "Sure."  They kissed each other for a few seconds.  "See you in a few minutes."

            "See you then.  I'll come to your room when I'm ready."  Lana stepped into her bathroom and closed the door.

            Kevin stepped out of view of the main door.  Michael came back seconds later with a pair of undershorts and a T-shirt.  "Here you are," Michael said.

            "Thanks, bro," said Kevin.  He put on the garments, and the brothers went to Kevin's room.  Kevin immediately removed his garments and entered the shower.

            Michael and Kevin thought nothing of being naked around each other.  It did not really matter to them.  "So," Michael asked, "how did it go last night?"

            "Pretty well," said Kevin.

            "I see," said Michael, more loudly than normal over the running water.  He entered the bathroom and sat on the toilet seat.

            "So, where's Wilykit?"

            "Wilykat dropped by this morning to tell that a ship was approaching the gate.  It had megawarp scouring that indicated that it had been yanked out here from some distance."

            Suddenly, the water was turned off, and Kevin opened the curtain.  "Did he describe this ship?"

            "No."

            "Hm."

            "He and Wilykit returned to the Lair to help deal with this.  The ship has only subspace communication capabilities, so it has to get in range of a hyperspace signal converter to communicate efficiently."

            "I see."  Kevin closed the curtain and turned the water back on.  "Any indications of hostility?"

            "None so far," replied Michael.

            "Could you pop over to the Lair and get a visual description of this ship?"

            "Sure!"  Michael stood.  "Just don't go to breakfast without me."

            "I won't," replied Kevin.

            "Then I'll see you in a few minutes."  Michael swiftly left his brother's room and went to the warp hall.

            * * *

            Control Room, Cat's Lair, third-Earth, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Lion-O, Cheetara, Wilykat, and Wilykit were all watching the monitors while eating their breakfast informally.  Snarf had prepared their breakfast to be portable this morning, and they appreciated that.  The door opened, and Michael came through.  Lion-O greeted, "Good morning, Michael."

            "Good morning," Michael replied.  "I told Kevin about what was happening, and he asked me for a visual description of the ship."

            "Sure."  The starship appeared on the monitor.  "It is the U.S.S. Voyager."

            Michael suddenly realised that Kevin was a bit suspicious.  This starship bore a little resemblance to the U.S.S. Enterprise-D from Star Trek:  The Next Generation, except it was smaller.  "How many people are aboard?"

            "We can't count at this distance, but judging from the size, I'd say it could probably hold about two hundred humans comfortably," Wilykat told him.

            "May I upload this picture to my tricorder?"

            "Certainly," replied Lion-O.  Michael took his tricorder and uploaded the picture into it.

            Wilykit stepped over to Michael.  "Michael, what's wrong?" she asked.

            "Did I make any indication that something is wrong?" replied Michael.

            "Well, no.  I just sensed it."

            "I don't think I've told you about Star Trek, one of my world's television shows.  That ship looks like it might be from the Federation, an interstellar representative democracy and the principal place of action in Star Trek.  As you know, several shows with which Kevin and I are familiar are reality."

            "I see," said Lion-O.

            "There is text that says, 'United Federation of Planets,' " Cheetara said.

            "That's it, all right," said Michael.  "If they're from the Federation, then they're pretty far from home.  To them, this section of space is most likely the Delta Quadrant.  If so, their home quadrant would be the Alpha Quadrant, which we call Quadrant Three.  They were probably brought here by some force in this quadrant.  From which direction are they coming?"

            "They're coming from the outer rim, and their trail indicates that they were very near there no more than four years ago," Wilykit said.

            "The Federation's propulsion technology is not as advanced as what your people developed.  They haven't discovered triberyllium yet, or they hadn't when I last saw the show."

            Cheetara said, "Well, they're clearly using dilithium.  They've fortunately found a way to greatly minimise subspace trenching, but there is still a little damage."

            "What's subspace trenching?" Michael asked.

            "Dilithium subspace warping destabilises the barriers between subspace and normal space.  However, triberyllium subspace and hyperspace warping do not."

            "I see.  Well, I'd best go tell Kevin about this.  See you all later."

            "See you later, Michael," Wilykit said.  Michael left.

            * * *

            Kevin's Room, Palace of Power, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Michael entered just as Kevin stepped out of the shower to start drying himself.  "Hey, Kev," Michael said.

            "Hey, Michael.  What's the story?"

            "This ship is from the United Federation of Planets.  It's called Voyager."

            "Hm.  So, I guess Mr. Roddenberry also has a pretty accurate imagination."

            Michael laughed.  "They're still using dilithium crystals.  Cheetara told me about subspace trenching."

            "Uh-huh.  Is Voyager trenching up space?"

            "She said they'd found a way to minimise the trenching effect, but yes."

            "I see."

            "There was enough evidence to determine that they were near the outer rim at most four years ago.  Not surprising, with Federation warp technology."

            "Yeah.  Well, they're sure a long way from home, then."  It did not take him long to get dressed after he had dried himself.

            "So, are you and Lana going to get wild again?"

            "Oh, maybe.  Maybe not.  But it doesn't really matter.  What matters is that we love each other."

            "I agree."

            The door-signal chimed just after Kevin had added the final touch to his outfit. . . his Power Pad and Zapper belt.  "Come."  The door opened to admit Ned and Cheryl.  "Good morning, Mom and Dad."

            "Good morning, guys," Ned said.  He asked jokingly, "So, what happened with you and Lana last night?"

            "Ned," snapped Cheryl.  "Please.  Kevin and Lana are entitled to their privacy.  Your father wasn't the type to pry into your love life, and especially not at a normal fifteen-year-old's level of maturity."

            "Mom, he is entitled to ask me whatever he wishes," Kevin said.  "I just don't have to answer if I don't wish to.  Lana and I shared a very intimate activity last night, and neither of us regrets it."

            "How long did you stay with her?" Cheryl asked softly.

            "Until we both had awoken this morning.  I wouldn't leave her unless she asked me to, Mother."

            Cheryl smiled at him.  "That's good.  It can be psychologically bad for her if she doesn't find you with her when she wakes up after making love.  Or is that what you did?"

            "You got it," said Kevin.  "I hope you're not mad."

            "No.  I have a very good feeling about her.  You're obviously mature enough to act with discretion.  I believe you are, too, Michael.  Well, are we ready for breakfast?"

            "Lana's coming by when she's gotten ready," Kevin said.  The door signal chimed again.  "Come in."  The door opened to admit Lana, who was dressed in her normal outfit.

            Lana smiled.  "Family meeting?"

            "Just an informal gathering," Kevin replied.  "Well, now, let's have breakfast, shall we?"  They all agreed.  Kevin led to the kitchen, where he and Michael prepared breakfast.

            * * *

            Bridge, Starship Voyager @ warp 6, Delta Quadrant, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Lieutenant Thomas Paris announced, "ETA:  one minute."

            "Come to a full stop," Janeway ordered.  "Lieutenant Tuvok, keep an eye on your sensors."

            "Aye, Captain," Tuvok said.

            The ship came to a full stop kilometres from the gate, which loomed ahead on the viewscreen.  "Analysis," said Janeway.

            Ensign Harry Kim said, "This gate is a high-energy field.  It will cause a lot of damage if we try to go through."

            "Captain," said Tuvok, "we are receiving a subspace hail."

            "Respond."

            Lion-O's face appeared on the screen.  "Greetings," he said genially.  "Please identify yourselves."

            "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager of the United Federation of Planets."

            "I am Lion-O, Lord of the Thunder Cats and acting regent of this section of space.  Where are you headed?"

            "I'm afraid our path will require passage through the blocked section of space."

            "We would be pleased to allow you passage, but we will keep your ship under surveillance constantly.  I feel it only fair to warn you that we can keep watch on your defensive and offensive systems from halfway across the galaxy - and I mean that quite literally.  I don't mean to threaten you, but we don't want barbaric people like the Kazon in our space.  If you've met them, you know what I mean.  Other than that, you are free to pass through our space and rest for a while, if you wish.  You may also take on supplies, if you would like."

            "We thank you for your offer," Janeway said.  "And I hope you will find that we are certainly not like the Kazon."

            "I'll open a portal through the gate to lead to the planet from which I am transmitting."  He operated some buttons, and a large blue warp opened between Voyager and the gate.

            Kim analysed the warp.  "A bluish field has opened, Captain," he reported.  "It is not a wormhole, and it is certainly much more stable than one, but it appears that its function is similar to a wormhole's.  It appears to be harmless."

            Janeway sensed sincerity in the new person.  He seemed to go right through her training and make her believe him. . . and that scared her.  Still, she asked, "Do we need to do anything special to go through?"

            "Go on sublight," Lion-O said.  "Warp speeds are inadvisable if you don't know the precise layout of the space at the portal's other end.  You will emerge in the middle of a solar system.  We'll contact you when you enter orbit around the third planet."

            "Thank you."

            "Certainly.  Lion-O out."  His image disappeared from the screen.

            "Mr. Paris, take us through."

            "Aye, Captain," said Paris.  He piloted the ship through the warp, and they came out between third-Venus and third-Earth.  "We've come out in the middle of a star system."

            "Scanning," said Kim.  "We're between the second and third planets."  He fed the information to the navigational computer.

            "Setting course for planet three," Paris said.

            "Engage at full impulse," instructed Janeway.

            "Yes, Captain."  The ship approached third-Earth.

            Kim said, "Captain, we are fairly deep into this space."

            "Thank you, Mr. Kim," Janeway said.  She expected as much, somehow.

            "This planet bears much resemblance to Earth," said Tuvok.  "Or, rather, to a possible future Earth.  The geology is several thousand years in the future.  Several signs of primitive habitation appear, as well as signs of heavy destruction, as if from aeons ago.  There are a few advanced structures.  Two bear important technology similar to our own.  Two others are technologically advanced as well, but the equipment is not as sophisticated.  One structure, a pyramid, appears to absorb much of the electrical energy of the surrounding sky.  I cannot analyse further.  I could guess that there are several peoples living here.  There is evidence, in the most advanced structures, of materials that don't seem native to this planet, so they might not be natives."

            "I see," Janeway said.

            "We are receiving a hail from one of those two structures."

            "Respond."  Lion-O's face appeared on the screen.

            "Welcome to third-Earth," greeted Lion-O.

            Third-Earth? Janeway's mind asked.  "Thank you, Lord Lion-O," she said.

            "Please, just call me Lion-O.  I find the word 'Lord,' personally, to have too dominating a ring to it."

            "Very well, Lion-O.  I wish to send down an away-team to investigate."

            "Certainly.  By shuttle or by molecular transporter?"

            This guy sure knows how to cover his bases.  He must also be well aware of molecular transportation technology.  "By molecular transporter."

            "Very well.  Please give us an hour to get ready."

            "Gladly.  What are the co-ordinates?"

            "You may transport down to the ground across the chasm from this structure," Lion-O said.  "Are your instruments able to pinpoint this location?"

            "Yes, thank you."

            "Very well.  We'll see you in an hour, then."

            "See you then."  Lion-O cut the transmission.

            Tuvok said, "I am detecting communications activity to the other of the two most advanced structures."

            Chakotay said, "He's unlike some of the people we've met before.  Notably, he seemed to communicate well with you, Captain, if I may say so."

            "I noticed," said the captain.  The Kazon had put her down as a female.  If these people believed in equality of the sexes like humans currently did, one major roadblock would never have to be torn down.  "Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Tuvok, you and I shall go, along with Kes."

            "Very well, Captain," Chakotay said.

            * * *

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

            Lion-O called the Tower of Omens to speak with Tygra and Panthro.  "Good morning," he greeted when Tygra and Panthro had appeared on the screen.

            "Good morning," said Tygra.  "So, what's up with that ship, the Voyager?"

            "They require passage through this region of space.  They're going to rest here, and they'll be sending down a landing party."

            "All right.  Do you want us to put up the electronic safeguards here and come over?"

            "Yes, Tygra.  You have plenty of time.  They'll be here in an hour."

            "Very well.  We'll see you in a few minutes."

            "See you then."  Lion-O switched off the screen.  "Wilykat, please run a continuous scan for Mutant and Luna-tack activity."

            "Certainly," Wilykat agreed.  He set up the scan.

            "Of course, they would pick a time such as this to attack," said Wilykit.  "This time, we have to be ready because we have guests."

            "They never learn," Cheetara commented.

            Wilykit said, "The warp monitor indicates that Captain N and Steelheart have warped here."

            "All right," said Lion-O.  He was going to call Steelheart.  Whenever he thought about it.  He stepped out to the entryhall.  "Good morning, Commander Steelheart and Captain N."

            "Good morning, Lion-O," Steelheart said.

            "Michael told me what was going on during breakfast, and I decided I'd tell Steelheart," said Kevin.  "Have you had contact yet?"

            Lion-O said, "Yes, we have.  The ship is in orbit around this planet now.  They will send an away-team down in about an hour.  Meanwhile, Tygra and Panthro will be heading here."

            "All right," Steelheart said.  "I have had considerable diplomatic experience, so I can handle this, if you'll allow me."

            "Certainly."

            "How did you get your diplomatic experience?" Kevin asked.

            "I served as an ambassador a few times, before and after I became a Silver Hawk," said Steelheart.

            "I see."

            Lion-O said, "The ship's commander is Captain Kathryn Janeway.  She does say her ship is from the United Federation of Planets."

            "May we see the ship?" Kevin asked.

            "Certainly."  Lion-O led his visitors to the terminal in the wall near one of the stairways, and he called up the image of Voyager.

            "That ship bears some resemblance to the U.S.S. Enterprise, model D.  It's not nearly as large, though.  That Enterprise had capacity for about twelve hundred people to live on comfortably."

            "Why so large?"

            "Well, its primary purpose was space exploration, so it might be away from port for several years at a time.  The Enterprise-D's ship class was constructed so families could stay together.  Not everyone aboard the ship was Starfleet.  Some were civilians, too."

            "Is Starfleet a military organisation?"

            "Not exactly.  Many ships are equipped for battle in case defence is necessary, and Starfleet officers are trained in combat, but Starfleet is not overtly military.  They have firm distinctions of rank, though saluting is not necessary among them as it is in my time."

            "We Silver Hawks are kind of letting the hand-salute slip, too," Steelheart interjected.  "Is their rank system more logical?"

            "It is like the U.S. Navy's.  Ensign, junior lieutenant, lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, and captain.  I don't know the ranks of the admirals."

            "I see.  With the Silver Hawks, it's commander, captain, lieutenant captain, colonel, lieutenant, junior lieutenant, sergeant, and cadet, in descending order.  There are others in there, too.  The lieutenant or colonel is generally the commander's second-in-command, though it can go to one of the captains or anyone else.  Mostly, the determination is based on records.  Quicksilver and Steelwill are the most likely because of their records.  Our system is weird, but it works okay because there are so few of us."

            "Well, you're free to hang around during the interval," Lion-O said.

            "Thank you, Lion-O."

            * * *

            Transporter Room, Starship Voyager, above third-Earth.

            About fifty-five minutes later, Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, and Kes were in the transporter room.  "Do you sense anything, Kes?" Janeway asked.

            "No, Captain," said Kes.  "Maybe I will once we get to the planet."

            "Maybe."  The four stepped onto the transporter pad.  To the ensign at the controls, Janeway said, "Energise."  The ensign energised the transporter, and the four officers were taken to the surface.

            * * *

            In front of Cat's Lair, third-Earth.

            Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, and Kes materialised in the field between the lair and the trees.  Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, Wilykit, Wilykat, Kevin, and Steelheart were there, facing the Starfleet officers.  "Welcome to third-Earth," Lion-O greeted, stepping towards the Starfleet officers.

            "Thank you," said Janeway.  "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway.  This is my first officer, Commander Chakotay.  This is my security chief, Lieutenant Tuvok, and this is Kes, our medical assistant."

            "I'm Lion-O, leader of the Thunder Cats.  This is Tygra, my second-in-command.  These are Panthro and Cheetara.  These are the Wilytwins, Wilykit and Wilykat.  We are the Thunder Cats, and we are part of a large team based in this blocked-off fourth of the quadrant.  This is the N-Team leader, Commander Steelheart, and this is the first officer, Captain N, whose given name is Kevin Keene."  People shook hands.  Lion-O finally suggested, "Let's go inside, shall we?"

            "Very well," Janeway agreed.  The Thunder Cats led into the lair.

            "By the way, are those phasers you're carrying?"

            "Yes, they are.  We use them only for protection."

            "Glad to hear it.  You may keep them, then."

            Tuvok scanned everything he could when they entered the lair.  "The power source appears to be fuelled by a substance unknown to us," the Vulcan said.  "It seems remarkably efficient, as well."

            "That substance is called Thundrillium," Lion-O said.  "We use it to power many of our devices.  I understand that your path requires you to go through this section of the quadrant."  He went to the computer terminal in the wall and called up a map of the galaxy's quadrants.  The map clearly indicated the area enclosed by the barrier.  "Would you mind indicating where you're heading?"

            "Earth, our home planet, is here," she said, pointing at where Earth was.  It was on the line that separated the Alpha and Beta Quadrants.  She indicated the section of the galaxy just to the left of Earth.  "Most of the Federation is here, in the quadrant we call the Alpha Quadrant."

            "How did you get here?"

            "An array pulled us from the Alpha Quadrant to near the outer rim of this quadrant, which we call the Delta Quadrant."

            "I see.  Do you know about megawarp scouring?"

            "No.  Why?"

            "Well, it's present on your ship's hull, and we could determine just from that that you're not native to this region of space.  Your small ship must be pretty strong to escape the kind of megawarp that pulled you out here with only a little megawarp scouring.  If you'd like, we can help you take care of it.  It shouldn't cause any major problems, but it might."

            "What is megawarp scouring?"

            "It's what we call damage caused by high-speed hyperspace warping that is performed improperly," replied Tygra.  "A lot of it can weaken structural integrity.  And speaking of warping.  We can help you get home with means less destructive than dilithium crystals.  We know you've evidently found a way to decrease the subspace trenching effects significantly, but they're still there."

            "How do you know about this?" Tuvok asked.

            "We very nearly found out the hard way when a neighbouring nation did find out the hard way.  So, our sensors can now detect the least little nuance suggesting subspace trenching."

            Janeway knew that they were either lying through their teeth or telling the complete truth.  She felt it was the latter.  "Are you native to this planet?"

            "No," said Lion-O.  "We have some reason to believe, however, that our genetic structure is native to this world.  We were forced to abandon our homeworld when it exploded."

            "Where was it?"

            "Another galaxy."

            "Then how did you get here?"

            "We crossed from there to this planet in two hundred years.  We used suspension, which decreases physical ageing by one-twentieth, so we only aged ten years."

            "I see."  The gap between this galaxy and any other was too large for any Federation ship to pass through in that short a time, at least at present.  That meant that these Thunderians had very powerful propulsion technology.

            Tuvok considered what they had been told so far.  It seemed a bit far-fetched, but it fit logically.  It would fit even more if he had more evidence.  "Do you have transporter technology?" the Vulcan asked.

            "Yes, but right now, it's all in our computer," said Tygra.  "This planet does not have the materials we need to produce molecular transporters, and our escape ship was cranked out so rapidly that they did not have time to put in even an energy teleporter, much less a molecular transporter.  An energy teleporter is more efficient than a transporter when a ship is near the planet's surface."

            "I see."

            Panthro said, "We believe that the original humans here dug out most of the natural resources wastefully.  They haven't regenerated yet."

            "Was there some cataclysm here?" Chakotay asked.  "We detected some evidence that might indicate one."

            "From what we've uncovered, we believe so," Tygra said.  "We also know who most likely caused it."

            Lion-O asked, "Would you like a collection of our cultural files to study?"

            "Certainly," said Janeway.  "Before you give it to us, though, we must warn you that we have a Prime Directive.  We cannot interfere with your matters, nor can we give you any technology or information if your level of technological advancement is below ours.  However, we are allowed to accept any assistance you can give freely."

            "That is acceptable to us," Lion-O said.

            Steelheart said, "Lion-O, you may give them the entire general N-Team data directory in addition."

            "Certainly, Steelheart.  Wilykat, could you go access the directory?"

            "Yes, Lion-O," Wilykat replied.  He went up to the control room.

            "How old are he and Wilykit?" Janeway asked curiously.

            "We're twenty-seven," said Wilykit.  "The physical form of members of our race matures about fifty to a hundred times more slowly than the form of most humans, but our minds don't."

            "I'm different," Kes said.  "I'm of another species.  My body matures more quickly.  Few among my species live beyond nine years."

            "I see," said Lion-O.  "Lieutenant Tuvok, you don't look human, either."

            "I am a Vulcan," Tuvok replied.  "I come from Vulcan, a planet in a solar system not far from our Earth's solar system."

            Janeway asked, "Commander Steelheart, are you biological or. . . what?"

            "I'm a biological human," Steelheart replied.  "It's all right, because I anticipated the question.  This metal you see is just a suit, except that I possess a mechanical heart to replace my human heart."

            "Is 'Steelheart' your true name, then?"

            "No.  It's my Silver Hawk code name.  Of course, now, I'm fully used to it, since I am called that all the time.  My birthname is Emily Heart, but practically no one calls me that anymore, except my brother sometimes."

            "I see.  And you, Captain N, are you human?"

            "Completely, unless one or both of my parents were unknowingly descendants of aliens," Kevin replied.  There was no joke in his voice as he said this.  "Unlike the case with Steelheart, all my friends mostly call me Kevin rather than Captain N.  It's just a title."

            "And what is that device you're wearing on your belt?"

            Kevin indicated his Power Pad.  "This?"

            "Yes."

            "It's a Power Pad.  The black directional pad zips me in the direction I point to with it.  The black, rectangular buttons each temporarily stop time on whomever I wish, but it only lasts about five seconds.  I can force it to do it longer, but that drains energy very quickly.  The two red circular buttons each can be used in several ways.  When I don't specify verbally, the one on my right lets me run very swiftly, and the other lets me jump very high."

            "I see."

            "He and his brother know how to use their Power Pads, too," Wilykit said.

            Wilykat stepped out of the control room and stood on the balcony above the entry area.  "I've finished calling up the directory," he announced.

            Tuvok said, "Captain, I can download the files and help convert them for Voyager."

            "Very well, Lieutenant," replied Janeway.

            "Come on up, then," Wilykat said.  Tuvok went upstairs, and Wilykat led into the control room to the terminal where he had called up the file directory.

            "This is the control room?" Tuvok asked.

            "That's right."  Wilykat pulled up another chair.  "Please have a seat," he said, sitting in front of the computer.

            Tuvok did the same and analysed the computer with his tricorder.  "Interesting," he said.  "The operating system on this computer is very similar to ours.  The files should be compatible, then."

            "The entire N-Team computer network uses this system," Wilykat said.  "We decided to combine the most powerful aspects of all the different systems and write this system so all our old files and new files would be readily compatible."

            "I see.  What storage technology do you use?"

            "We have isolinear silicon chips," said Wilykat, holding up one.

            "May I examine it?"

            "Certainly."  He handed the chip to Tuvok, who used his tricorder.

            "This, too, is readily compatible with what we use," Tuvok said.  "However, there are enough differences simply to tell that it's not Federation technology.  In fact, the capacity on this one is far greater than on any of ours.  Thank you."  He handed the chip back to Wilykat.

            Wilykat inserted the chip into a data slot.  "Then I can just transfer the files to this chip," he said.  He activated the data transfer sequence.  "Do you have a universal translator?"

            "Yes, we do."

            "So do we.  What language do you normally speak?"

            "Terran English, which is Federation Standard," Tuvok said.

            "Really?  Our language is called English, too.  Can you turn off the translator temporarily?  I'm curious."  He went to the main computer and turned off the translator.

            "Certainly," said Tuvok.  He took his communicator off and pressed a spot on the back.  "Can we understand one another now?"

            "Yes, we can.  Amazing.  Can everyone in your group speak English?"

            "Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay can, as well as most of the crew.  Kes is learning, but she still has to use the translator occasionally.  She came aboard after we were pulled to this quadrant of the galaxy."

            "She's Ocampan, isn't she?"

            "Yes, she is.  How did you know?"

            "As Lion-O told you, we have powerful sensor equipment.  We tend to monitor external subspace communication traffic.  Quite frankly, we've already heard some stuff about this Federation ship that's been terrorising the Kazon.  We know what the Kazon are like, though.  Also, whatever you've done out there is not legally applicable here."

            "What rights do your people believe in?"

            "Free speech, free press, free religion, freedom to defend oneself, freedom not to have to incriminate oneself, freedom against unauthorised searches, and so on.  Females and males have all the same rights in our society.  We do have a ruling class, but they are required to learn to rule democratically."  He sighed.  "However, as far as we know, there are only nine of us humanoid Thunderians left."

            "That is regrettable," said Tuvok.  "Why, though, could only nine of you escape?"

            "Six of us escaped on the flagship, which was the only one to survive the attack our enemies placed on it.  The Plundarrian Mutants.  If you wish to contact them, I advise extreme caution.  They have been known to be most treacherous.  Much like the Kazon, in fact."

            "I see."

            Wilykat's terminal beeped.  "It's ready."  He went over and ejected the chip, then logged off the terminal.  He handed the chip to Tuvok.  "Here are the files, Lieutenant."

            "Thank you, Wilykat."  They left the room to the entryhall after Tuvok had reactivated his universal translator.

            Wilykat said, "Lion-O, our universal translator won't be necessary.  These people have their own, and the captain, commander, and lieutenant speak a dialect of English very close to ours."

            "I see," Lion-O said.  "Then go ahead and turn it off, Wilykat.  It eats up Thundrillium if we don't need it."

            "Sure."  Wilykat returned to the control room to turn off the translator.

            "There are other similarities," Tuvok reported.  "Our data storage methods are similar enough to be efficiently compatible."  He handed the chip to Captain Janeway, who examined it.

            "Arabic numerals and Roman letters," she said.

            "I analysed the operating system, and it is also efficiently compatible with ours."

            "Very interesting," said Janeway.

            "Of course, there are differences.  The only effect of the differences is to indicate that what's theirs is what they created and what's ours is what we created.  In fact, the capacity of their storage media far exceeds ours."

            Janeway nodded.  "That's all I need to know."

            Chakotay asked, "Would you mind showing a group of us around this planet?"

            "It would be our pleasure," Tygra said.  "Just bring your phasers, in case our enemies, the Mutants, show up.  We don't expect you to defend us, for we can take care of ourselves.  However, they may attack you, too, while keeping us busy."

            "Understood."

            Steelheart said, "In the meantime, after you, Captain, have had a chance to review the files - I advise you to skim the more general ones first - we can meet and discuss some things."

            "I agree," Janeway replied.

            Lion-O said, "Well, it was good to meet you, Captain Janeway."  He shook hands with her.

            "It was good meeting you, too, Lion-O. . . and you, Commander."  She shook hands with Steelheart.

            "Same here," Steelheart replied.

            * * *

            Sky Tomb, Dark Side, third-Earth.

            The Mutants arrived at Sky Tomb with their vehicles and entered.  "Why have you called us here, Luna?" S-s-slithe asked the diminutively sized female leader of the Luna-tacks.

            "We picked up a ship being warped here from the outside," Luna told the Reptilian.  "It has warp capability and an active energy transporter."

            The Mutants' eyes widened.  "An active transporter?" Vultureman demanded.  "Are you sure?"

            "Absolutely!  Ha, ha.  The shielding technology would be no match for full-power Plundarrian disruptor technology."

            "But all our disruptor technology is buried in the Desert of Sinking Sands!" Jackalman snapped.

            "Have you no brain?" asked Aluro.  "They transported to Cat's Lair.  If we can get our hands on one of their phasers, we can use that as a model to adapt the Vari Cannon to be a disruptor cannon."

            "Caw!  Brilliant idea, Aluro," Vultureman said.

            "So we rip off one of their phaser pistols?" asked S-s-slithe.

            "Yes," Luna said.  "We need the energy packs especially."

            "In that case," said S-s-slithe, "we shall be watching them.  And we shall attack when they are out in the open, yes-s-s!"

            "Caw!  I have an idea, S-s-slithe," Vultureman said.  "You just might like it."

            * * *

            Starship Enterprise-E, Neutral Zone, Beta Quadrant, Milky Way Galaxy.

            The Enterprise had picked up a Romulan message from within the Neutral Zone, and Captain Riker decided to speak with its originator.  The message told them to go precisely twenty light-years inside the zone and wait.  This would put them about halfway in where they started.

            When they reached their destination, the security chief Lieutenant Martin said, "Subspace fluctuations are heading in our direction."

            "Like from a cloaked Romulan ship?" asked Riker.

            "Yes, sir."

            "Yellow alert, except I want the shields to go up only if we are sufficiently provoked."

            "Understood, sir."  She set yellow alert.  In moments, a Romulan ship decloaked in front of them.  It was about a third the size of a normal Romulan Warbird, though it bore the same shape.  "The signal originated from this ship.  We are being hailed, Captain."

            Riker stood and straightened his uniform.  "Respond."  The screen switched to a view of the female Romulan commander.

            "I am Commander Torada Ramor of the Imperial Science Ship Galthong," she greeted.  Riker observed that her tone was not at all imperious.

            "And I am Captain William Riker of the U.S.S. Enterprise.  May I ask why we have been called here?"

            "If I may be permitted to come aboard your vessel, I can explain far more efficiently in person."

            "Very well.  When can we expect you?"

            "In fifteen of your minutes."

            "Very well, Commander."  The transmission was terminated.

            Riker asked, "Counsellor, Lieutenant, did either of you two sense anything?"

            "She's being sincere," Counsellor Troi replied.  "I sense no threat or contempt from her."

            "I feel the same way," Lieutenant Martin verified.

            "Good," Riker said.  "I'm going to see the admiral, and then we'll go to the transporter room.  Lieutenant Martin, please have a security officer there to accompany us and Commander Ramor."

            "Aye, sir."

            Riker entered the turbolift and went down to Admiral Picard's quarters, which also served as his office.  The former first officer rang the chimer.  "Come," Picard said.  The door opened, and Riker entered.  "Ah, Will.  What's the story?"

            "We've met the commander on-screen," Riker said.  "She's Commander Torada Ramor of the Galthong, a science ship that looks like a small warbird."

            "I see.  What does she want?"

            "She wishes to discuss it here."

            "All right."

            "She'll be over in a few minutes.  Counsellor Troi and Lieutenant Martin detect no hostility from her, nor any insincerity."

            "That's good.  I wonder what this is about.  It isn't often that the Romulans call us to meet them in the Neutral Zone."

            "That's true.  Would you like to be at the meeting?"

            "Certainly, Will."

            * * *

            Riker and Picard led Commander Ramor into the conference room.  The three sat at the table, while the security officer stood at the door.  "A little over twenty years ago," the Romulan scientist began, "my father, Telek Ramor, was on a deep-space mission in this quadrant when he found a decaying wormhole.  Through this wormhole, he communicated with another ship.  This other ship had sent a probe through the hole, but the probe became stuck before it reached the other side.  It turned out that this hole also spanned a gap of time.  This side of the wormhole was present-day, but the other side was twenty years from the future."  She took a data chip from her pocket.  "Here is the relevancy.  My father told me it would boot up an archive file in a Federation computer terminal."

            She handed the chip to Riker.  "What is on here?" he asked.

            She shook her head.  "My father did not tell me much.  He just asked me to give it to the Federation at the right time, in case he died before he could."

            Riker got up and went over to the replicator.  "One isolated smart computer terminal," he ordered.  The terminal appeared in the slot, and he took it and went over to the table.  He plugged the chip into the data slot and activated the computer.

            The face of a female Starfleet captain appeared on the screen.  "Greetings from the Delta Quadrant," she said.  "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager.  The year is 2372, and the Stardate is 48 584.90.  Our ship was not destroyed but was transported to the Delta Quadrant.  On this chip is a personal file from the personnel of Voyager to our families.  I have also included my log, to date, of what has happened since we were pulled to the Delta Quadrant.  We should reach the Federation in approximately seventy years at worst, but hopefully, we shall find a faster way home than warp.  I now leave a directory of the files on this chip.  If you receive it, please see that the messages go to the proper people.  Thank you."  Her face disappeared, and the directory appeared.

            "Is this true?" asked Picard.

            Torada Ramor understood their scepticism.  "Yes, it is," she said.  "I trusted my father every year I knew him, and I still trust what he told me.  I can lead you to the location of the collapsing wormhole, if you'd like.  It's pretty far into the Neutral Zone, though, so if you want to go, I advise you tell your leaders."

            "Thank you," Riker said.  "We'll call our superiors and request that we be allowed to go along.  Will the Romulan Empire permit us to go?"

            "Yes," replied Ramor.  "I'll return to my ship and await your response."

            "Certainly."  The three stood.  "Good day, Commander."

            "Good day, Captain."  Ramor turned to the security officer and permitted the officer to escort her to the transporter room.

            Riker took the terminal, and he and Picard went onto the bridge.  Riker took the terminal to Data.  "Analyse this, please, Commander."

            "Aye, Captain," Data said.  He immediately began his work.

            Troi asked, "What did she want?"

            "I'll tell soon enough," Riker assured her.

            * * *

            Later, the ships arrived at the site of the collapsing wormhole.  It was still there, amazingly.  "This wormhole is very small," Martin said.  "It appears, indeed, to be collapsing."

            "Its process of collapse is taking a very long time to complete," Data said.  "Captain.  I am detecting the remnants of a crushed Starfleet probe near this side of the hole."

            Riker frowned.  "Would it be possible for us to send a probe of our own?"

            Data said, "Yes, but the chances of it reaching the other side are minimal.  There are eddies within the hole.  They are what caught the other probe, and they are worse now.  Of course, it would be a reasonable risk to try.  Micro-probes are highly expendable."

            "Then let's do it," Riker said.  "Lieutenant Martin, tell the Galthong what we're going to do."

            "Yes, sir," Martin said.

            Data went up to a science station and prepared a probe.  "The probe is ready," said the android.

            "We have received verification from the Romulans," said Martin.

            "Then let's send in the probe," Riker said.

            "Aye, sir," said Data.  He launched the probe into the wormhole and carefully guided it through.  He kept it from getting stuck, and it exited the other side.  "The probe has made it safely through, Captain."

            Riker got up and joined Data.  "What are we picking up?"

            "The year is 2393 there," Data said positively.  "I am setting the computer to log everything the probe picks up.  The subspace eddies in the wormhole are not disrupting the telemetry."

            "Good."

            "Uh, oh.  Picking up some traces of Borg activity many light-years away."

            "Hm.  Did Voyager leave a trail?"

            "Yes, Captain.  It headed in the shortest direction towards Earth."

            "All right.  Feed the co-ordinates of the other side of the wormhole into the navigational computer, and then have the probe self-destruct.  I don't want the Borg to find it."

            "Aye, sir."

            "Since I've sent the contents of the chip to the Federation, we're going after Voyager, with Starfleet's permission.  This will give us a chance to test our brand new warp engines.  Lieutenant Martin, hail the Galthong."

            "Yes, Captain," said Martin, tapping in commands.

            Commander Ramor appeared on the screen.  "Did you get what you wanted?" she asked.

            "Yes, we did," said Riker.  "We'll be heading back now."

            "Very well.  We'll escort you back to your side of the Neutral Zone and then resume our business."

            "Thank you for your help.  Enterprise out."  He told the ensign at Conn, "Proceed with the Galthong until she leaves, keep going for a few minutes, and then set the course for the wormhole's other end and engage at our new maximum warp."

            "Aye, sir," the ensign said.

            * * *

            Ludwig's Shuttle, above third-Earth, Delta Quadrant, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Ludwig had moved his ship to observe the interaction between Voyager's crew and the Thunder Cats.  "It appears that the N-Team will help the Voyager get home more quickly," Ludwig said.

            "What shall we do about that?" asked Larry.

            "We'll let the local villains have their fun.  The Plundarrians are planning to assault the do-gooders.  Maybe if MotherBrain gets our ship ready in time, we'll be able to do some rumbling, too."

            * * *

            Tygra led the group through the forest near Cat's Lair.  He, Panthro, Cheetara, and Wilykit were leading Chakotay, Paris, Torres, and Neelix towards the Berbil Village.  "This is quite a nice region," Chakotay said.

            "We do not find it to equal the natural beauty of Thundera," Cheetara said.  "But it is very beautiful here."

            "How much farther is it to this village?" asked Paris.

            "About a kilometre," Wilykit said.  Suddenly, she stopped.  "Wait.  I hear something."  Everyone stopped as she listened.  "I think the Berbils are under attack!"

            "Come on!" Tygra said to her, Cheetara, and Panthro.  The four Thunder Cats broke off in a run towards the village.  The Starfleet officers took off after them.

            Cheetara and Wilykit reached the village first to find the Mutants setting fire.  "Yo, S-s-slithe!" called Wilykit.  "Stop this at once!"

            S-s-slithe turned to the Thunder Cats.  "Welcome to the party, Thunder Kitties!  And I see you brought your guests from the starship, too.  I am very honoured."

            "Save it and get packing," commanded Cheetara.  She pulled out her staff.  It was in its short form on her left bracelet, but when she extended it, its length was a few centimetres greater than her own height.  S-s-slithe dodged her swing.

            Monkian and Jackalman came out to assist their wicked leader.  Monkian was surprised when he was tackled from behind.  His tackler, Tygra, had wrapped his whip around his waist and thus rendered himself invisible.  Tygra now pulled his whip off his waist.

            Meanwhile, Panthro pulled out his nunchucks and fought Jackalman.  Wilykit watched, mainly because the three Mutants were being successfully occupied. . . or were they?  There were four of the Mutants, while only three were attacking.  She whirled to the four watchers from the Voyager.  After a gasp, she called, "Lieutenant Paris!  Watch out!"

            Vultureman had stealthily approached the Voyager away-team.  All attention was being focused on the battle, so Vultureman had an easy time of it.  He lunged for Paris, the closest crewmember, just before Wilykit noticed him.  With his greater weight, the scavenger knocked the pilot on his back, swiped his phaser, concealed the phaser, and took off towards Castle Plundarr.

            Torres helped Paris up.  He had only been knocked down, though now he had a real headache.  "Tom, are you all right?" the half-Klingon asked.

            "Yeah, just dizzy," replied Paris.  "I think I hit my head."

            The other three Mutants knew that Vultureman had done his job and took off in his direction.  "Hey, you!" called Panthro.  "Get back here!"

            Paris cried, "That bird got my phaser!"

            "B'Elanna, let's get after them!" commanded Chakotay, he and she drawing their own phasers.  Chakotay and B'Elanna Torres chased after the fleeing Mutants.  Panthro and Wilykit followed.  When they were near enough, Wilykit tossed a pellet containing a very sticky substance at the Mutants.  When it hit them, they stuck together and to the ground!

            "No, caw!" cried Vultureman.

            "Blas-s-st!" S-s-slithe seethed.

            Wilykit said, "Be careful, Commander and Lieutenant.  Get too close, and you'll be stuck, too."  She put her hands on her hips and approached the villains.  "Toss out the phaser, scavenger."

            "You'll have to come get it!  Yes-s-s!" snapped S-s-slithe.

            "Oh?" Wilykit countered.  She gave the Mutants a sly smile as she slowly pulled a pellet off her belt.  "This pellet contains itch gas.  Very effective on Plundarrians, it is."

            "No!  You wouldn't!"

            "Try me!  Give them back their phaser, S-s-slithe, unless you want to be scratching for days."

            "You're a Thunderian!  You're not supposed to torture us!"

            "Believe me, itching is mild compared to a whole lot of things I could do.  Now, toss out the phaser."

            "Back off!" called a low female voice with a heavy Southern accent.