Forest, near the Berbil Village, third-Earth, Delta Quadrant, Milky Way Galaxy, Original Universe.  Stardate 49 761.64; April 4, 1993.

The Thunder Cats and two Voyager crew members whirled to see the source of this voice.  "MotherBrain!?" Wilykit demanded.

            Smiling wickedly, the evil brain advanced, followed by Bowser Koopa and all seven of his Koopalings.  "Right first time, Wilykit!" she commented.

            "Well, I easily remember faces and names.  In your case, it would be very difficult to forget either one."

            "My beauty is that stunning, is it?"

            "The term 'stunning' is very appropriate," retorted Wilykit wryly.

            "How did you get here?" Cheetara demanded.

            "Wilykit should know," said MotherBrain.  "She helped destroy a bunch of the devices recently."

            "What?  Kevin and Michael's parents destroyed the data padd!" Wilykit cried.  Suddenly, she gasped.  "Wily gave you a copy of the schematic!"

            "You're so bright, you're about to hurt my eyes!  Ha, ha!"

            Bowser tossed a device to S-s-slithe.  "Hit the yellow button, fast!" Bowser told the Reptilian.  S-s-slithe obeyed, and he, Jackalman, Monkian, and Vultureman were transported to Castle Plundarr.

            Chakotay asked, "And who are you people?"

            "I am Queen MotherBrain Koopa," MotherBrain told him.  "This is King Bowser Koopa, my husband, and these are my step-children, his Koopalings.  We rule the Evil Kingdom of Koopas.  The chief of state of the kingdom and the leader of the evil Brain-Team is our oldest son, Prince Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa."

            "That's I," Ludwig said.  "Commander Chakotay, there can be peace between my new empire and the Federation."

            "I bet that's only if they submit to become a piece of your empire," commented Cheetara.

            "But think of the advantages.  With the galaxy unified under my rule, all worthy planets, including Earth, will prosper, and there will be peace."

            "Maintained in the fashion Emperor Palpatine used in the Star Wars movies Michael showed me?  Not my idea of peace," Wilykit said.

            "Use of terror is pretty effective, Wilykit."

            "It is not the better method, Ludwig."

            "Maybe, but it's efficient, if done properly.  Well, until we next meet."  He pressed a button on his transporter armband, and the Koopa family was gone.

            "Who are they?" asked B'Elanna.

            "I doubt you'll wish to know, but I have a bad feeling you'll find out soon enough," Wilykit said.  "Come on.  Let's get to the Berbil Village.  Tygra and Panthro will love this news.  You do understand sarcasm, I hope."  Chakotay and Torres nodded.  They returned to the village, where Tygra, Panthro, Paris, and Neelix had helped to get the fires under control.

            "Hey," Paris greeted.  "Get my phaser back?"

            "Unfortunately, no," said Chakotay.  "More villains appeared and helped the Mutants escape.  They didn't turn the phaser on us.  Why would they need it?"

            "I'm afraid I have a reasonable explanation," Panthro said.  "Plundarrians have disruptor technology.  They don't have the resources here to construct power containers for disruptors, so when you came, they evidently decided to swipe a phaser."

            "Damn," muttered Chakotay.  "Are our power sources compatible with their technology?"

            Tygra said, "One thing for which we can credit the Mutants is that their weapons can be powered by the most incompatible-seeming forms of energy.  They're brilliant with creating weapons.  Unfortunately, they have very limited social skills for the most part."

            "I believe that."

            Berbil-Bill, the leader of the Berbil community, addressed them.  "Thank you for helping control the fires."

            "Our pleasure, Berbil-Bill," said Tygra.

            Chakotay asked curiously, "Are you androids?"

            "Yes," Berbil-Bill said, "but we have been self-sufficient now for aeons, and we were built to require food to eat."

            "How about letting these people sample your fruits?" Tygra suggested.

            "My pleasure.  Please come with me."

            * * *

            In the conference room of Voyager, Janeway awaited Lion-O and Steelheart's arrival.  They had just beamed aboard, and Lieutenant Tuvok and Ensign Kim were escorting them up to this room.  The door slid open to admit them, and Janeway stood to greet her guests.  "Welcome to Voyager," she said.

            "Thank you, Captain," said Steelheart.  "Maybe you could help me with something.  We're detecting very faint particle emissions from above this planet.  We were wondering if you could help us."

            "What sort of particle emissions?" Kim asked.

            "It's almost undetectable to us.  I doubt you could pick it up.  Very faint impulse signatures orbiting the planet synchronously."

            "Sounds like it might be a cloaked ship," said Kim.

            "No one we know has cloaking technology. . . except the Plundarrians, and theirs is terrible.  Check that.  Have you perused the data we gave you?"

            "Yes," said Janeway.

            "Evil Ludwig has been working on one, but he's locked out of this section of space.  Still. . . I guess we'd best keep our eyes on it."

            "I see.  Please, have a seat."

            "Thank you."

            Janeway sat at the head of the table.  Steelheart sat to her right, Lion-O to her left.  Tuvok sat next to Steelheart and Kim next to Lion-O.  "I've decided that you're technologically advanced enough for us to share information," Janeway said.  "In most respects, you seem more advanced than we."

            "I'm glad you feel that we're advanced enough for us to share information.  Now, all the groups in the N-Team are devoted to helping people in distress or in trouble.  Your problem is, then, that your ship cannot go quickly enough to get home in under seventy years, true?"

            "That's true," Janeway said.

            Lion-O said, "However, we have two things that might help you.  One.  You know that blue portal you went through to get here?"

            "Yes."

            "Well, that's called a warp.  It's similar to a wormhole, but warps are far more stable and far easier to create, though they can drain a bit of energy if they're kept open for a long time.  Your ship probably has the power for the emitters that allow one to open warps at will.  Two.  We used dilithium once, until we discovered how badly it tore up space.  Then, we looked for other crystalline substances that could cause warp, but less violently.  We found it.  We call the substance triberyllium.  Not only did it reduce the subspace trenching to undetectable levels, it also caused much higher speeds with less energy.  It's also more controllable than dilithium.  All you have to do is put triberyllium in there in place of the dilithium and recalibrate the flow of antimatter and matter.  Warp with triberyllium takes you through two levels. . . subspace and hyperspace.  Subspace warp is just like normal.  Hyperspace warp, however, is much faster.  It's generally applied at warp eight because acceleration from warps one through eight is much faster in subspace warp, though it can be activated from warp one.  Hyperspace warp is how we got here two hundred years after we left Thundera, and that was far from full power.  Minimal hyperspace powers will allow you to get home at least in under five years.  The advantage in using warp zones is that, if you know precise directions and distances, you can get precisely where you wish to go in seconds.  I'm not an expert in these fields, and neither is any other of the remaining Thunder Cats, but Tygra and Panthro have studied hyperspace warping quite a bit.  Your chief engineer can study this material and probably understand it pretty well."

            Janeway said, "Ensign Kim and I both know quite a bit about physics, both in Newtonian space and subspace.  In fact, I was a science officer before I moved into the command structure."

            Steelheart said, "Well, I know quite a bit of science, too."

            "Oh, wait.  Wait.  Triberyllium. . . does it occur naturally around here?"

            "Yes," said Lion-O.  "In fact, Tygra, Panthro, and some others modified the spacecraft we've made since we were here to have a warp engine.  They had to keep it weak, though.  The many uninhabited worlds in the Galaxy of Leos that came under Thunderian jurisdiction had the materials needed to create very powerful warp engines, but here, it was all we could do to find materials that could make what we have.  One thing about triberyllium.  It is very stable when replicated, unlike dilithium."

            "I see.  So a ship could practically explore the universe."

            "In fact, that's the initial reason we created suspension capsules, anticipating intergalactic exploration.  But then the Plundarrians declared open war on us, and it wiped out the most powerful ships on both sides.  After the war, our primary concern was rebuilding our empire, so we had little time to explore."

            "Have you and the Plundarrians always been your enemies?"

            "Yes, unfortunately.  Believe me, I'd like nothing better than to make peace with them.  They never seem to take that seriously, though.  I hate to say it, but I think we'll always be at each other's throats.  As far as I know, we did absolutely nothing to them to cause this conflict.  Okay, so maybe a couple of Thunderian captains got a little trigger-happy, but I think the primary reason is our conflicting ideologies.  Basically, we believe in good, they believe in evil.  We believe God should be dominant, while they believe Satan should be dominant.  Their society seems to be the complete antithesis to ours, and yet there still has to be some common ground there.  We have yet to find it."

            "I see."

            "During their stay on third-Earth, each of them has developed an extensive criminal record, to boot."

            "I take it they're very unpleasant people," Janeway said.

            "I doubt that you can avoid discovering that for yourself for much longer.  They have this tendency to uncordially greet newcomers such as you.  Fortunately, here, they don't have the resources to create and use disruptors because they don't have the substances needed to contain the energy.  Hm.  They may be able to develop something based on your phasers' power supply, though, if they get hold of them."

            Janeway frowned.  "But disruptors and phasers use different types of energy."

            "That's one thing about the Plundarrians.  They designed their weapons to be compatible with almost any type of energy without loss of efficiency."

            Suddenly, Chakotay's voice said, "Commander Chakotay to Captain Janeway."

            Janeway tapped her communicator.  "I'm here, Commander," she said.  "What's happening?"

            "The Mutants took Lieutenant Paris's phaser and escaped.  Tygra tells me that they might use the phaser's power supply with their disruptors."

            "I've just been talking with Lion-O, who's told me the same thing.  How did they escape?"

            "Someone called MotherBrain transported in just as we had the Mutants and gave them a transporter device that they used to leave."

            "Did you say MotherBrain?" Janeway asked incredulously.

            "Is something wrong?"

            "Yes, I'd say so.  I'll get back in touch with you, Commander.  Stay down there with the Thunder Cats.  I'll transport to the planet later."

            "Yes, Captain.  Chakotay out."  The communication was cut.

            "I read about MotherBrain.  How did she get here?"

            "Damn," said Steelheart.  "I recently went to the evil scientist Dr. Wily's castle with a small group, and we destroyed some transporters that he was making to get through our system.  However, he obviously gave MotherBrain the schematics just in case.  Blast it!!"

            Lion-O knew Steelheart pretty well, and he knew it took a great deal to upset her.  "Don't worry, Steelheart," he said.  "We don't need to phase three quadrants of this eighth of the galaxy to put those evil ones behind bars for a very long time."

            Tuvok asked, "What sort of justice is performed here?"

            Steelheart answered, "Every person is believed to be innocent before found guilty by a jury in a fair legal proceeding.  No capital crimes are punishable by execution anymore."

            "That applies to us, also."

            Lion-O said, "A first offender, in Thunderian society, can be released by pleading guilty and showing faith in the judge and showing true remorse for having committed the crime.  With our values, it has worked very well.  As you study our files, you'll find that it's been very effective.  Our crime rate has rarely been high, anyway.  The only time it was high was during the Thunderian Wars, and that was two thousand years ago.  You'll find that in the files, too."

            "I see," said Janeway.  "Would we have to compensate you for this technology?"

            "No," Lion-O replied.  "For the warp engine, it's just switching triberyllium with dilithium and adjusting the amount of matter and antimatter.  It's also programming in the hyperspace warp quantities, but that's probably not difficult at all."

            "What about this warp-creator?"

            Steelheart said, "You'll have to talk with Captain N and Princess Lana about that.  Warp zones are VideoLand technology.  I can't make any offers, but I can tell you what I know about it."

            "All right.  Thank you, both of you.  May we rest here and acquire some supplies?"

            "Certainly," said Lion-O.  "Oh, and one more thing.  Please do not sell or give our technology to any non-Federation nations without first asking permission from us."

            "Agreed."

            * * *

            Throne Room, Palace of Power, VideoLand, Delta Quadrant.

            Michael was helping his parents work the computers and run through the computerised home ads and job ads for Monsteropolis and the suburb to which Kevin had taken them.  Kevin entered the throne room, and though he tried to hide it, he was clearly agitated.  Lana stood.  "Hey, Kev," she greeted.

            "Hi," said Kevin.  "We've got bad news, guys.  The Thunder Cats told me the Mutants had swiped a phaser from the Starfleet officers."

            Michael whirled.  "What!?" he demanded.

            "Michael," said Kevin softly but very warningly.  He knew Michael tended to be high-strung sometimes when it came to the N-Team's enemies, but he could not let his brother get upset.

            Michael sighed.  "Sorry, Kev."  He walked over to his brother.

            "That isn't all.  Apparently, Wily constructed some more transporters with schematics that he had copied to Metroid's computer."

            Michael felt his anger try to shoot out again, but he controlled it now.  "How do we know?"

            "Well, we're assuming it from the fact that she appeared to help the Mutants escape."

            "That's wonderful," said Michael very sarcastically.

            "Absolutely.  Brother, would you like to come with me next time I go to third-Earth?"

            "Sure, Kev."

            Lana said, "I think I'll go, too.  What were the Starfleet officers like, Kevin?"

            "They were cautious but willing to befriend us," Kevin said.  "They are pretty far from home, so Lion-O's considering letting them use Thunderian propulsion technology."

            Lana nodded.  "Also, we could give them a basic warp opening device.  Nothing really advanced, just enough to help.  They can probably figure out how to modify the device on their own."

            Ned asked, "How do we know we can trust them?"

            "Cheetara senses their sincerity," Kevin responded.

            "I see."

            Lana said, "Well, guys, let's get to it, shall we?"

            "Sure," said Kevin.  He turned to his parents.  "How about you?"

            "I think we'll stay here," Cheryl said.

            "Yes," agreed Ned.  "We're going to study these lists."

            Kevin smiled.  "Sure, guys.  Just remember to take a break!"  He, Michael, and Lana went to the warp hall and took the warp to third-Earth.

            * * *

            Sky Tomb, Dark Side, third-Earth, Delta Quadrant.

            Aluro and Vultureman completed the modifications.  "There!" laughed Aluro.  "Now, we have disruptor power with the Vari Cannon."

            "Good," Luna said.  "Let's give the Federation ship a scalding warm welcome."

            "Yes-s-s, let's," said S-s-slithe.

            MotherBrain's hologram appeared in the room.  "Greetings, Luna-tacks," she said.  "Good luck against that Voyager."

            "Thank you," said Luna.

            "Wait a moment," said MotherBrain, realising something.  "Ludwig has been working on his cloaking device and has just completed a prototype.  It might prove useful to you."

            Luna grinned wickedly.  "Sure.  Send us one, if you please."

            * * *

            Cat's Lair, third-Earth.

            All the Thunder Cats and Starfleet officers on third-Earth were in the entryhall.  Panthro was using the computer to keep an eye on the Mutants' and the Luna-tacks' activities.  Janeway, Lion-O, and Steelheart entered through the main door.  Janeway said, "Tom and B'Elanna, I'd like to speak with you."

            "Yes, ma'am," said Paris as he and Torres moved over to Janeway.

            "I'd like you two to return to the ship.  B'Elanna, Lion-O has told me about a very powerful substance that can be used in place of dilithium for more powerful warp capabilities.  I'd like you and Harry to look over the files on that."

            "Yes, Captain," said Lieutenant Torres.

            A door from a warp opened, and Kevin, Michael, and Lana emerged.  "Hello, all," Kevin greeted.  "I know what's going on, and we're here to help."

            "Good," Steelheart said.

            To the Starfleet officers, Kevin said, "This is my brother and best friend, Michael Keene.  This is Princess Lana Deschain, ruler of VideoLand."  To Michael and Lana, he said, "This is Captain Kathryn Janeway, captain of the Starship Voyager.  This is her first officer, Commander Chakotay.  This is Lieutenant Tom Paris, their helmsman, and this is Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, their chief of engineering.  And this is Neelix, their morale officer and cook."  Michael and Lana shook hands with each of the officers.

            "Could Michael and Kevin go up to the ship?" Steelheart asked.

            "How old are they?" asked Janeway.

            "I'm nineteen," Kevin said.  "Michael's sixteen."

            "And Michael's not immature, Captain," said Steelheart.  "He and his brother are both very intelligent, and they're both responsible."

            Wilykit said, "Michael can be a little emotional at times, but he is very stable.  More stable, maybe, than some adults I've known."

            "Very well," Janeway said.  She was a little sceptical about Michael, but Steelheart's judgement seemed pretty good.  "Lieutenants Paris and Torres are returning to the ship.  Kevin and Michael, you may accompany them."

            "Thank you, Captain," said Kevin.

            "Wait.  Does Michael have a title?"

            Kevin and Michael looked at each other uncertainly.  Lana said, "Oops.  I guess I never gave him one.  Well, on the N-Team Base, Michael is Kevin's second-in-command, so I guess we could call him Commander N.  I'll just formalise it later."

            Michael and Kevin both grinned at her.  "Thank you, Lana," Michael said.

            "Well, then, I guess we're outranked," said Paris jokingly.

            Amused, Janeway smiled and shook her head.  "Go, please," she requested.

            "Yes, ma'am."  Tom, B'Elanna, Kevin, and Michael left the lair, and Tom pressed his comm-badge.  "Voyager, this is Lieutenant Paris.  Four to beam up.  Energise."  He, Torres, Kevin, and Michael were transported up to the ship.

            * * *

            Tom Paris led the two guests into Sickbay.  "Computer, activate the doctor," he requested.  The doctor materialised.

            "Hello, Mr. Paris," said the mostly bald doctor.  "Who are these two?"

            "This is Kevin Keene, and this is his younger brother, Michael.  Do you know what's been going on?"

            "Kes has been keeping me apprised.  Welcome to Voyager, Mr. Keene and. . . Mr. Keene."

            "Thank you," said Kevin.  "You may just call Michael and me by our first names.  My title is Captain N and his is Commander N, but you needn't refer to us so formally."

            "Very well."

            Paris said, "When Lieutenant Tuvok asked, they agreed to come to be examined, Doc."

            "I see.  Please have a seat on separate tables."  Kevin and Michael each sat on a table.  The doctor first examined Kevin.  "So, how old are you, Kevin?"

            "I am nineteen years, ninety-five days old," Kevin replied.

            "And I'm sixteen years, sixty-seven days old," said Michael.

            "And you're a commander?" the doctor asked.

            "Well, I am my brother's second-in-command in our division of our team."  He grinned.  "Of the biological humanoids, I'm also the youngest."

            "But Michael's very bright and very intelligent," Kevin added.

            Paris said, "You said biological humanoids.  Are there any on your team who don't match that description?"

            "Well,. . . we have two androids on the team," Michael said.  "One's MegaMan, and the other's Roll.  Roll is an ordinary android.  However, some accident happened to MegaMan when his creator, Dr. Thomas Xavier Light, tried to clone him.  Instead of getting two MegaMen, Dr. Light made MegaMan a living machine."

            "Interesting," the doctor said.  "Does he exhibit qualities of both androids and humanoids, then?"

            "Yes.  He's still a robot.  He has robot strength and internal reactors that robots require.  His body is still metal.  However, he is capable of experiencing emotions, of sleeping, of doing many things that humans do.  He doesn't eat, though, since his reactors keep his systems regenerated without food.  He can feel through his metal skin.  I'd love to figure out how his bodily functions all work."

            Kevin grinned.  "You aren't a doctor yet, bro."

            "I know, Kevin.  But I shall be."

            The doctor's eyebrows went up at the mention of this.  "You wish to be a doctor?" he asked Michael.

            "Yes," said Michael.  "I've always been curious about medicine and medical devices."

            "He's also compassionate and kind," Kevin said.  "That would help to make him a good doctor."

            "That's true," said the doctor.  "And, Michael, how comfortable would you be examining female patients?"

            "Just as comfortable as with male patients," Michael replied.

            "How about seeing the inner parts of people?"

            "I guess.  I haven't gotten that far."

            The doctor frowned thoughtfully as he examined his data.  "What is it?" Kevin asked.

            "May I wait to say until after I've examined Michael?"

            "Sure."

            The doctor examined Michael.  He found the age difference, of course, but he found that the brothers were nearly identical genetically.  The only different trait was that Kevin was just a little stronger with his right hand and Michael a little stronger with his left hand.  They were both ambidextrous.  He was even more perplexed.  "You two aren't identical twins, I don't think."

            "No," Kevin said.  "Either that, or Mom carried Michael for four years.  Doubtful."

            "I agree.  You two could certainly pass for twins, especially when you've gotten into your twenties.  How do you get along?"

            "We're best friends."

            "That's right," Michael said.

            "But how could we pass for twins?  I'm right-handed, and he's left-handed."

            "You're both ambidextrous.  For all I know, one of you could have just had a genetic mutation that determined which side of the brain would be more advanced."

            "I write with my right hand most of the time," Michael said.  "I did that because most of the kids in my school seemed prejudiced against 'lefties,' as left-handed people were called.  Actually, our writing system is easier for right-handed people, and so it's easier for me to use my right hand with which to write."

            "Yes," the doctor said.  "You're so similar genetically.  It is not likely, and that's why I'm so intrigued.  It might help me to examine your parents."

            "Sure," Kevin said.

            "Now, the other matter.  I don't know how, but you're genetically very strong all through your bodies.  And yet, you're still humans.  There also appears to be no evidence of genetic engineering."

            "The planet Kevin and I were born on didn't have the capabilities to alter genetics at the time of our births," Michael said.  "However, VideoLand is much more advanced technologically."

            "Where were you born, then?" Paris asked.

            "Earth," answered Kevin.  "Near the end of the twentieth century.  Three and three-quarters years ago, I was brought to VideoLand to save them from MotherBrain because they discovered that I was a good and knowledgeable video game player.  Last year, Michael came to VideoLand."

            "We find VideoLand's system of education far more challenging and satisfying than our home planet's," Michael added.  "I've already learned about three times more than I would in four years of high school about literature, mathematics, and other subjects."

            "Your cognitive abilities are advanced, too," the doctor said.  "Memorisation and thinking.  For example, if you know calculus, you can probably do integration without referring to the tables because you could probably memorise three hundred tables.  How do you two find arithmetic?"

            "Boring," Michael said frankly.  "I can multiply three-digit numbers quickly, and I didn't use to understand why other kids my age had problems with it.  And I was the only left-handed kid in my class."

            Kevin said, "I'm already studying mathematical theory.  I have no problem with it."

            "You could probably be an engineer or science officer if you were in Starfleet, then," said Paris.

            "I do well, but that doesn't mean I want to do it all the time.  Other than playing video games, I enjoy driving and piloting."

            "Yeah, so do I," said Michael.  "Unfortunately, I don't have my driver's licence yet.  Things have been a bit hectic for me to have time to get that."

            This was in Tom Paris's field of interest.  "Well, now!  I like things concerning the twentieth century, including cars."

            "All right!" said Kevin.

            The doctor said, "Kevin, Michael, would you mind bringing your parents?  I would like to satisfy my curiosity.  And I'm also curious about MegaMan."

            "Sure, Doctor," said Kevin.  "Do you have a name?"

            The doctor sighed.  "No, but thank you for asking.  You two have excellent immune systems, and you are carrying no diseases that would harm anyone here.  You're free to go."

            "Thank you, Doctor."

            Paris said, "Well, I'll take you guys to the bridge now.  See you later, Doctor."

            "See you later, Lieutenant," said the doctor.  Paris, Kevin, and Michael left, and the doctor reviewed his results again.

            * * *

            Lieutenant Paris and the Keene brothers arrived on the bridge.  Lieutenant Tuvok said, "Kevin and Michael, may I speak with you?"  The three stopped at Tuvok's station.  "I have confirmed that a ship is cloaked above the planet."

            Kevin sighed.  "That Ludwig will never learn.  I know how to force the ship to decloak, Lieutenant.  It can be done by sending high-frequency sonic waves along a high frequency tetryon wave and directing a small beam of that to the cloaked ship."

            Tuvok did this, and a shuttle appeared on the screen.  "This is the ship."

            Suddenly, the ship disappeared à la Q.  "What?  He hasn't done that before!" Michael said.

            "That looks like something Q would do," said Paris.

            Kevin's eyes widened.  "Q?  As far as I know, Ludwig is not a member of the Q Continuum!"

            "Detecting another ship under cloak," said Tuvok.  "It's coming from the planet."

            Kevin took a look at Tuvok's readings.  "Are those the co-ordinates?"

            "Yes."

            "Then you'd best raise defences.  That is Sky Tomb."

            Tuvok said, "Yellow alert.  All hands to stations."  He raised the shields.  "What about the captain?"

            "The Thunder Cats can help to protect her," Kevin said.  "If the Luna-tacks are up here, she's safer on the surface."

            When Sky Tomb was close enough, Tuvok fired the beam again, and the flying fortress appeared in front of Voyager.  Suddenly, Sky Tomb blasted Voyager with a disruptor beam!  "Red alert!" Tuvok commanded.  "Battle stations!  Lieutenant Paris, evasive manoeuvres."

            Unfortunately, the Vari Cannon was able to direct any beam or blast in the direction of its target, and it got in three more powerful hits before Voyager could get far enough away.  Kim and Torres arrived on the bridge and went to their stations.  "Firing phasers," Tuvok said.  Sky Tomb was not as manoeuvrable as Voyager, but though it got hit a few times, it did not receive much damage.  The Vari Cannon hit them with another disruptor blast, and the jarring knocked Tuvok's grip loose and sent his head crashing back against the wall.

            Kim saw this.  "Tom!  Tuvok's out!"

            "Kevin, can you fire?" asked Paris.

            Kevin looked over the controls.  "Yes," he responded.

            "Then lock on with phasers.  Harry, hail that thing!"

            "Yes, sir," said Kim.

            Kevin said, "Lieutenant, shields are at fifty percent."

            "Damn," said Paris.  "They sure use the power of one little hand-phaser well."

            Kim said, "I have a response, Tom."

            "On-screen!"  A view encompassing all the Luna-tacks and all the Mutants appeared on the screen.

            "Surrender, and we just might let you live," Luna said.

            "Give back my phaser, and I'll consider it," Paris retorted.

            Michael said, "Let them go, Plundarrians.  They don't wish you any harm."

            "Maybe not," said S-s-slithe.  "However, we wish them much harm!  Heh!  If we net that ship for Ludwig, he'll be able to take over the galaxy!  Yes-s-s?  Ha, ha!"

            "Not bloody likely," Paris said.

            Luna said, "Ludwig and MotherBrain can perform any wicked doing.  With our help, of course.  We will deliver this ship to them.  Cease resistance, and you won't die.  Today, at least, and maybe not painfully when you do."

            "Sorry.  This ship is not yours for the taking."

            "Very well.  Then we'll just have to cheat.  Aluro!"

            "Certainly," said Aluro.  Suddenly, everyone perceived bluish radiation.

            "What. . . in hell. . .?" demanded Paris.

            In that ghostly, mesmerising manner, Aluro's voice echoed through the ship.  "Why all this fighting?  It gets us nowhere.  Just give up, and you won't be hurt."

            "Aluro influences people with psionic radiation," Kevin said.  "Do not give in!"

            Paris felt the rays attempting to control him, but he would not allow it to happen.  "Back off!" he commanded loudly.  He keyed in a command.

            "Yaah!" Vultureman screamed.  "Caw!  He's locked in a collision course!"

            "Damn it!" screamed Luna.  "Back away!"  The Sky Tomb moved away and avoided getting hit by Voyager.  "You insolent fools shall pay for this!"  The mesmerising rays cut off, and Sky Tomb pounded Voyager again.

            "Shields are now at five percent!" Kevin warned.

            Realising that the ship would be finished unless he did something, Paris jumped up and went to the security station.  He fired four photon torpedoes at Sky Tomb and destroyed the fortress.  He breathed heavily for several moments after.  "What a blast," he said.

            * * *

            Control Room, Metroid, VideoLand, Delta Quadrant.

            The Plundarrians popped into the room.  Disoriented, they regained their senses.  "Hey. . . what. . . happened?" asked Luna.

            MotherBrain snapped, "Voyager happened!  Paris resisted Aluro's mesmerisation and blew Sky Tomb to hell with photon torpedoes."

            Luna stood up on the floor.  Her metre-tall figure was not very imposing, but her horribly expressive face made up for it.  "Are you saying it's our fault?"

            "I'm not the one to pass the blame, Luna.  I didn't assign you this task.  This is you and S-s-slithe's matter, so you two may decide who is to blame."

            "Aluro!  Get up!"

            Aluro popped up.  "I'm sorry, Luna!" he cried.  "I didn't know Tom Paris would be able to resist!"

            MotherBrain frowned.  "Luna, let's go pay a call on the Mob."

            "Wait," Luna said.  "How did you make these?"  She snatched the transporter from S-s-slithe.

            "Ha, ha!  Mumm-ra delivered Dr. Wily the specifications needed to create a transporter that would defy the N-Team's system.  I used the same data to warp you here before Voyager obliterated Sky Tomb with photon torpedoes."

            "Damn," said Luna.  "We weren't expecting photon torpedoes."

            "Well, now we'll know better," said MotherBrain.  "The Mob should be able to whack them.  The limos are quite manoeuvrable, and Thomas Eugene Paris should be no match for Melodia.  And now we can warn Mon*Star to use torpedo-resistant shielding."

            * * *

            Sickbay, Voyager, third-Earth, Delta Quadrant.

            Paris entered Sickbay.  "How is Lieutenant Tuvok, Doc?"

            The doctor replied, "He had a mild concussion, which I have repaired, but otherwise, he is well."

            "Report, Lieutenant," Tuvok said.

            "The Luna-tacks attempted to control us with modified psionic beams," said Paris.  "Fortunately, thanks to Kevin's example, I was able to control myself, and I destroyed the fortress-ship with photon torpedoes.  They were about to destroy us, which sensor logs will verify."

            "I see.  What is our status?"

            "Our shields are very low, and they knocked out the transporters, but we're all right otherwise."

            "Very well."

            "You're free to go, Lieutenant," the doctor said.

            "Thank you, Doctor," said Tuvok.  "Come, Mr. Paris."  He and the other lieutenant left Sickbay and went to the turbolift.  "What about the Luna-tacks and Mutants?"

            "There was no sign of any of them in the wreckage, and that kind of explosion wouldn't have destroyed them to that degree.  They were probably transported out."

            "It appears that MotherBrain has rescued them from another dangerous situation."  They entered the turbolift.  "Bridge."  The turbolift car took them up to the bridge.

            * * *

            Kim was scanning the wreck of the Sky Tomb.  "Absolutely no evidence of humanoid life or of former humanoid life," he said.

            Kevin said, "Send a low-frequency, low-amplitude X-ray along a high-frequency, low-amplitude tetryon wave, please, Ensign."

            Michael nodded.  This would reflect to the ship if a warp had recently been opened or closed.  Kim did as Kevin had requested.  "The rays are being reflected," the ensign said.

            "Yep," said Michael.  "That means a one-way warp was opened."  He checked Kim's figures.  "Just before the fortress exploded, it appears."

            Kim frowned.  "Are you sure?"

            "Yes.  The percentage of reflection shows, in direct proportion, how long ago the warp closed.  The longer ago the warp was closed, the less reflection there is.  Dr. Light calls it warp heat."

            "All right."

            The turbolift door opened, and Tuvok and Paris exited.  Tuvok relieved the officer at Tactical.  "Ensign Kim," Tuvok asked, "have you been able to determine what happened to the Plundarrians when the ship exploded?"

            "According to readings Kevin suggested I take, a warp was opened to pull out the Plundarrians just before the fortress exploded," Kim said.

            "Very well.  I shall now call Cat's Lair."  He activated the comm-channel.  "This is Voyager calling Cat's Lair."

            Lion-O's face appeared on the screen.  "What's been happening up there?" he asked with concern.

            "The Luna-tacks attacked Voyager," Tuvok said.  "To save this ship, Lieutenant Paris had to destroy Sky Tomb.  However, evidence suggests greatly that the Plundarrians were warped out just before Sky Tomb exploded."

            Lion-O sighed.  "At least you're all right.  Is anything wrong with your ship?"

            "Our shields are critically low, and our transporters have been rendered inactive."

            "Would you like to land?" asked Lion-O.  "We can help you with any needed repairs if you land near the Tower of Omens.  It's the building with power readings similar to ours.  At least you can safely make repairs on the surface."

            "Do it, Lieutenant," Captain Janeway commanded.

            "Aye, Captain," said Tuvok.  "Condition blue.  Attention, all stations:  prepare to land the ship."

            * * *

            Metroid, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy, Q-niverse.  Stardate 1 068 063.01; July 23, 3013.

            Ludwig and Larry stormed into the control room on Metroid in the Q-niverse.  "Did the N-Team here ever know how to make us decloak?" Ludwig demanded irately.

            "I can't recall," said MotherBrain.  "But I doubt it."

            "I had to bring Larry and myself back here because that N-Team knows how to penetrate the cloak on the shuttle.  Is the Warbird ready?"

            "Ready and waiting, Ludwig."

            "Good.  Call a team meeting."

            "Sure."  MotherBrain went to a computer terminal and opened a comm-channel.  "Attention, all Brain-Team members.  This is MotherBrain.  Meet in the Brinstar Grand Hall on Metroid in fifteen minutes.  I repeat, meet in the Brinstar Grand Hall on Metroid in fifteen minutes.  Thank you."  She closed the communication channel.  Everyone who was in the control room went down to the grand hall in Brinstar.

            * * *

            Throne Room, Palace of Power, VideoLand.

            Thomas and Kelly came into the throne room, where Kevin and Lana were gazing into each other's eyes.  Kelly smiled.  "Well, well.  I can see you two like each other."

            "Yes," said Kevin, turning to her.  "At least Lana and I are good friends."

            "Yeah," Lana agreed.  "That's actually the most important part of our relationship."

            "I'm glad," said Kelly.

            His eyes closed, Kevin sighed.  "I never realised just how much I missed Michael until I saw him again, though.  All of my love for him and all of my submerged pain caused by missing him flooded back to me the instant I saw his face again."

            Lana gently hugged him.  "Hey, it's okay," she told him quietly.  "I can understand your feelings, though.  If I had a sibling so close to me as he is to you, I'd probably be upset, too."

            He gently but firmly rubbed her shoulders.  "I appreciate your sympathy," he said softly.  They gazed into each other's eyes again, and they began to bring their lips together slowly.  Just before their lips came together, though, an alarm sounded from one terminal.

            Kevin and Lana released each other and stood up as Thomas strode over to the terminal to see what was wrong.  "Ludwig's shuttle is back," Thomas said.  "It. . . wait.  I'm detecting something large cloaked near Metroid.  The Warbird."

            Kevin sighed heavily.  He did not appreciate interruptions caused by Ludwig.  "Great."

            Thomas found something else.  "Hm.  Wilykat and Wesley's shuttle has also returned to this universe.  They're approaching Hawkhaven."

            "Then let's go meet them," said Kevin.  The four went to the warp hall and selected the warp to Hawkhaven.

            * * *

            Hangar, Hawkhaven, Limbo, Milky Way Galaxy.

            The shuttle touched down quietly onto the floor of the hangar.  The door opened, and Wesley and Wilykat came out.  Kevin said, "Welcome back."

            "Thanks," said Wesley.  "Oddly, I feel mad about something about which I have absolutely no right to be angry."

            "What?" Kevin asked.

            "That universe's Michael, and that universe's Wilykit.  I. . . I just don't understand why I'd be upset."

            "Your feelings probably sense few differences between her and this universe's Wilykit," said Thomas.  "In fact, she is probably more like Wilykit was when you fell in love with her."

            "That's possible.  Well, this universe's Mumm-ra gave that universe's Dr. Wily specifications needed for warp between that sectioned-off region.  To compound matters, Voyager has made contact with the N-Team, and the Brain-Team is beginning attempts to take the ship.  I think the N-Team can handle this, but they'll be seriously outgunned if our universe's Brain-Team gets in on it."

            "I see," said Kevin.  "We detected the Warbird cloaked near Metroid when Ludwig's shuttle returned to this universe."

            Steelwill said, "Then, I suggest that it's time to break out our ship."

            "I agree."  He tapped his communicator.  "Wilykit, this is Kevin.  Your brother and your Amoro Eternamente have returned."

            "All right," replied Wilykit's voice.  "Where are you?"

            "Hawkhaven."

            "All right, I'm coming over.  See you in a moment, everyone."

            "See you," said Kevin.  He tapped his communicator again, terminating the connection.

            Moments later, Wilykit, Chatonne, and Gatinha emerged from a warp.  Wilykit and Wilykat came together and hugged each other, then Wilykit hugged Wesley.  "So, what's up?" she asked.

            Wilykat crossed his arms.  "Ludwig and Larry have returned.  I think it'd be best to report everything to the whole team at once, since there's a lot to report."

            Wilykit nodded.  "Okay.  Can we call a meeting on New Thunderius?"

            "Sure," said Kevin.  "Where?"

            "A casa di Tygra," Wilykit said.  "Steelwill, how is Jean-Léonard Picard?"

            "He's been altered as prescribed," said Steelwill.  "If I know Quicksilver, he'd recommend against calling Jean-Léonard to the meeting just yet.  Also, he and Dr. Picard will want to watch over Jean-Léonard as much as possible."

            "I understand.  I don't want this meeting broadcast.  So, Steelwill, you'll have to tell Quicksilver and Dr. Picard about this meeting once it's over."

            "Sure," said Steelwill.

            Kevin asked, "Thomas, would you go send a call to all N-Team members to ask them to go to casa di Tygra on New Thunderius for a meeting in an hour?  I'll go to Antonio's and get the guys there."

            "Sure, Dad," Thomas said.  He started to the warp.

            "I'll come with you, son," said Lana.

            Thomas stopped and turned to his mother.  "Certainly, Mother," he said, smiling.  The two warped to the Palace.

            Steelwill said, "I'll go get the other Silver Hawks."

            Wesley said, "I'll go to the Palace Hospital to tell Mom and Quicksilver about the meeting."

            "Sure, Wes," Wilykit said.  Wesley entered the warp to the Palace.  "Well, Wilykat, what were my counterpart and Michael's counterpart up to?"

            Wilykat gulped.  "Ah, they, uh, sorta. . . well. . ."

            "Spit it out," she said patiently.

            "Wilykit, they made love!  And that rat Larry recorded it!"

            Wilykit's eyes narrowed in anger.  She quietly asked, "Larry recorded them making love?"

            "Yes.  I. . . think you and Wesley really ought to spend some nights alone together.  I think he feels hurt.  Of course, he doesn't want to admit it."

            "I see."

            Kevin said, "Well, I'll go get 'em."

            "Sure, Kev."

            Kelly asked, "May I come, Dad?"

            "Yes, Kelly," said Kevin.  He and Kelly entered the warp to New Thundera.  Wilykit, Wilykat, Chatonne, and Gatinha then warped to New Thunderius to tell Tygra.

            * * *

            Casa di Cerebra, New Thundera, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Michael sat in the living room and read the information from the terminal.  Steelheart's video game replication system had descriptions of each game.  He called up the specifications for The Legend of Zelda:  A Link to the Past and Super Metroid, two Super NES games.  He knew the former and had already won it, but it was a game that held his interest.  The other game sounded interesting, especially since he enjoyed Metroid and Metroid II.

            He had just finished replicating them when the doorbell rang.  "I'll get it!" he called, putting the two game boxes on the table.  He left the living room and opened the front door.  Kevin and Kelly were outside.  "Well, hey!  What's up, big bro?"

            Kevin asked, "Could you bring everyone together?"

            "Sure."

            Antonio came from upstairs.  "Hello, Kevin," he called.  "What is happening?"

            "Let's get everyone together, Antonio," said Michael.  "It would be the most efficient for him to tell all of us at once."

            "Sure, Michael."  Antonio went to get the people who were upstairs, and Michael went to get those who were downstairs.

            Smiling, Kelly said, "Your brother's as handsome as you are, Father."

            Kevin grinned.  "Is that so?"

            "Yep.  It isn't hard to see part of what drew Mother to you in the first place."

            "Well, thank you, Kelly."  The two hugged each other.  "You're a sweet young lady."

            "Thank you, Daddy."  She kissed his right cheek, then he kissed hers.

            Michael was coming with Steelheart and the Farfâla-twins right behind him.  He stopped and grinned when he saw Kevin and Kelly hugging.  "Awh," he said.

            Kevin and Kelly released each other and looked at him.  Kevin smiled at him.  "Don't make fun of it, bro.  You'll be a father one day, too.  At least I think you will."

            "I will," Michael said.  "At least if the lady who will be my wife wants a child."

            Antonio came downstairs with his brother, Stannous, Johanna, and Johannes.  He asked, "So, Kevin, what's up?"

            "In just under an hour," said Kevin, "there will be an N-Team meeting a casa di Tygra on New Thunderius.  Wesley and Wilykat have returned to tell us some things."

            Stannous asked, "Wouldn't it be improper for me to attend a meeting, as I am not a member?"

            "No.  You are invited to attend, and I hope you will.  You'll probably be safer from the Brain-Team that way."

            "Very well, then."

            Kevin said, "We have some time, but we could head on over there."  They transported to New Thunderius.

            * * *

            Palace of Power, VideoLand, Milky Way Galaxy.

            Thomas stood up from his terminal.  "Well," he said, "that's it, I think."

            Lana smiled at him.  "You do this well, Thomas."

            "I don't mind it.  I like being helpful."

            "You're sweet, too.  It's easy to see why Johanna likes you."  She hugged him and kissed his cheek.

            "Well, thanks," he said.  With no embarrassment, he returned the kiss, then they released each other.  A beep sounded from one of the stations.  "Uh, oh," said Thomas, going to the terminal to see what was up.  "The whole Extended Brain-Team is going to Metroid."

            Neither of them had noticed the elevator door opening.  "What was that, Thomas?" asked Wesley.

            Thomas and Lana turned towards the elevator.  "The Brain-Team is warping to Metroid, Mr. Crusher," said Thomas.

            "Please, Thomas, call me Wesley.  My mother and Quicksilver will be staying, as was expected."

            "All right.  Why don't we go a casa di Tygra on New Thunderius?"

            "Sure.  I know Wilykat can see what the Brain-Team is up to."

            "Yes, he can."  The three went to the Warp Hall and entered the warp to New Thunderius.

            * * *

            Casa di Tygra, outside Pariga {pah-ré-jah}, D.F. {dé áy-fáy}, New Thunderius, Galaxy of Leos, Q-niverse.

            Gatito opened the door to Kevin and the others.  "Hello," said Gatito.  "Come on in.  Wilykit and Wilykat have arrived with Chatonne and Gatinha."

            "Okay," said Antonio.

            Gatita came from the direction of the Rec Room.  "Hey, guys," she greeted.

            Antonio said, "Michael Keene and Jack Stannous, these are Wilykit and Wilykat's cousins, the Astutus-twins, Gatito and Gatita.  Gatito and Gatita, this is Michael Keene, Kevin's brother, and this is Jack Stannous."  Michael and Stannous each shook hands with Gatito and Gatita.

            Gatito asked, "So, Johanna and Johannes, why were you with them?"

            "Mom wanted Antonio and Guillaume to teach us to control and to use our telepathy," Johannes replied.

            "I see."

            Kelly said, "Thomas and Mother went to the Palace to contact the rest of the N-Team.  Have they called you?"

            "Yes," Gatita said.  "They just contacted us.  The whole team will be here in minutes, most likely."

            "Not a problem.  Please come to the Rec Room," invited Gatito.  He and Gatita led the group back there.  In the Rec Room, they found Wilykit, Wilykat, Chatonne, Gatinha, Tygra, and Cheetara.

            "Hello, everyone," Tygra said.

            "Hello," Antonio said.  Michael and Jack were introduced to everyone who filtered in.  The Silver Hawks, the Mason-Team, the Enterprise-Team, and the Syber-Squad came in more or less as groups, but the other divisions did not.

            Lana, Thomas, and Wesley were among the first few to enter.  "Dad," called Thomas.

            Kevin, talking with Michael, Steelheart, Wilykit, and Wilykat, turned to see Thomas, Lana, and Wesley approaching.  "Hey, Thomas," Kevin said.  "What's up?"

            Thomas said, "It seems the whole Brain-Team is transporting to Metroid, possibly for another big meeting."

            Kevin frowned.  "Doesn't sound good."

            "I'll get on it," said Wilykat.  He went quickly to the computer console and quickly isolated its computer from the rest of the N-Team network.  Then, he broke into Metroid's security system as before.

            Meanwhile, Wilykit said, "Wes, could I talk with you?  In private?"

            "Sure," said Wesley.  She led him out and upstairs to the bedroom he had been given.  "Why he-. . .?"  A second after he began speaking, she gave him a very passionate kiss.  Before he could get over his initial shock, she had released him.  "Whoa!!"

            Wilykit was breathing heavily.  "Ho, boy, have I waited a long time for that!" she exclaimed with excitement.  They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, then he grabbed her and kissed her just as she had him.  She gave him a sly grin when he had finished.

            "You're great," he told her.

            "I felt you needed it, Wes.  I know you'll appreciate being alone with me tonight."

            "Being. . . alone with you?  Gee, Wilykit, you've never done this for me before.  I've always had to hint at it."

            "You shouldn't have to all the time.  We won't have more children right now, of course, but we'll have a great time."

            "Ah, 'Kit, I'm. . . I'm not so sure about that."

            "I am not my counterpart from the Original Universe, you know.  I belong to you.  I'm the Wilykit you love, am I not?"

            "What are you talking about?"

            "I think you know what I'm talking about.  Wilykat told me about your reaction to Michael and Wilykit in that universe making love.  I am not that Wilykit."

            Wesley frowned.  "I don't want to think about it."

            "Come on.  Don't you trust me?"

            He turned away.  "Of course."

            "Look me in the eye and say it."

            He gazed into her eyes.  "Yes, I trust you."

            "I cannot tolerate dishonesty."

            "Wilykit!"

            "Don't!  It's one thing for you to lose trust.  With work, we can deal with that.  But don't you dare lie to me to my face like that ever again, Wesley Crusher, or I'll make both our lives miserable!  Either admit the truth, or don't you dare come close to me again!"

            Wesley's eyes widened with guilt as he gulped.  She was serious about this!  "All right," he said weakly.  "I admit. . . -sigh.-"  He went over to his bed and sat down.  He looked into her eyes.  "The Wilykit in the Original Universe is so much like you were when you and I met.  I thought it was you Michael Keene was making love to, instead of some girl I didn't even know."

            Wilykit sighed.  "I'm sorry I had to say that.  I know you didn't want to discuss it, but we have to."  She sat down next to him.  "I've been faithful to you for a very long time, Wesley."

            He smiled.  "I know that."  He gently put his arms around her.  She put her right hand on his left shoulder and her left hand gently on the back of his neck, and they spent a long moment kissing.  She then moved her hands to rub his chest.  As she did this, he kissed her all along her right shoulder, which her clothing left bare.  They always did have the tendency to lose control when they were alone together.

            They also had the tendency to be interrupted just before they reached the point of removing any clothing.  The door signal chimed just as Wesley was moving his hand to remove the strap of Wilykit's top from her shoulder.  "Oh, not again," Wilykit moaned quietly.  She and Wesley stood up.

            "Who's there?" asked Wesley.

            "Just me," Wilykat's voice replied.

            "Come in, Wilykat."  The door opened to admit Wilykat.

            Wilykat grinned.  "Did I interrupt anything?" he asked way too slyly.

            "I hope you have a good reason for this, brother," snapped Wilykit.

            "Well, at least I didn't simply barge in, but it is important.  I've gotten into Metroid's computers.  The Brain-Team is gathering in a conference."

            "I see.  Did you set our recorder?"

            "Yes, but let's go."  He led the way out.  On the way back to the Rec Room, he asked, "So, were you two having fun?"

            Wilykit was about to shout at him, but Wesley put a calming hand on her shoulder.  "About as much as you and Jayna might," Wesley said slyly.

            "Hey!" snapped Wilykat, whirling.  "That's between her and me!"

            "So is what Wesley and I do," Wilykit countered.  "If you want to talk about what he and I are doing, then we get to talk about what you and she are doing."

            "That's un-. . .!  Oops."

            "No, it's not unfair, silly boy.  Now, look.  We have nothing to hide from each other. . . li'l bro!"

            "Haven't I asked you enough times never to call me that?" he asked patiently.

            "Sure.  Of course, I'd probably stop if you didn't let it rile you. . . li'l bro."

            "Wilykit, listen to us.  We sound like a couple of children arguing.  Don't you agree?"

            "Yeah, I guess so."  She grinned slyly at him.  "So, what're you going to do about it?"

            "Why, you!"  He zipped behind her and put his arms between her arms and her body, and lifted her off the floor.

            "Wha-. . .!"

            "Wesley, you know how ticklish she is."

            Wesley grinned wickedly.  "Yeah!"

            "Wesley!" exclaimed Wilykit.  As he began to tickle her tickle-sensitive belly, she at first giggled, then broke into laughter.  "Ha, ha, ha!  Okay!  Ha, ha!  Stop it!"

            "Sure," he said.  After ceasing tickling, he put his left hand on her right shoulder and kissed her lips.  They adjusted their heads as Wilykat gently let Wilykit down.  When they had finished their kiss, Wilykit playfully and gently popped Wesley's rear end.  "Oh, so you're in this mode, huh?"  He was usually very careful in how he tried to play with her.  Though it was very fun to roughhouse with Thunderians - especially between mates or twins, who knew most what felt great to each other - it could be very dangerous to him because Thunderian playfulness could eventually override common sense, and Wilykit might then unintentionally harm him.  But he was not thinking about this.  This was the first time in a long time that he had seen her in this playful a mood, and he loved it.

            Wilykat saw the look they were giving each other, and he knew it all too well.  "Not now, guys!" he snapped before they got into it.  "We have to stop the Brain-Team."  Wesley and Wilykit sighed.

            "You're right, brother," Wilykit said.  They went downstairs in silence.

            In the Rec Room, they went to the monitor that showed the meeting hall in Metroid.  Antonio was at the monitor.  "Hey," he greeted.  "It looks like the whole Brain-Team is about there."

            "Thanks, Antonio," said Wilykat.  By now, most of the team had arrived.

            Wilykit called, "May I have your attention, everyone?"  Everyone hushed up and turned towards her.  "Thank you.  I know it's not quite time for the meeting yet, but the Brain-Team is about to begin one of their own, and I'd like us all to listen in."

            * * *

            Brinstar Grand Hall, Metroid.

            Ludwig announced, "All right, everyone.  It's time to start this meeting.  Mon*Star, is everyone present from the Mob?"

            "Yes-Man remained on Brim*Star to monitor Silver Hawk activity," Mon*Star reported.  "However, everyone else is present."

            "Very well.  Luna, except for Mumm-ra, is everyone present from the Plundarrian-Team?"

            "Yes, Ludwig," responded Luna.

            "Good.  MotherBrain, is everyone from the Brain-Team Base here?"

            MotherBrain surveyed the room.  "Yes, Ludwig," she told him.

            "Thank you.  And, Negaduck, is everyone from the Fearsome Ten present and accounted for?"

            "Yes, Ludwig," said Negaduck.

            "Then, this meeting shall come to order.  Downstairs, we have some villains who will make excellent additions to the team once I have awakened and educated them.  However, we have called this meeting to discuss our first moves to conquer the Original Universe.  As I informed you yesterday, Larry, Mumm-ra, and I recently went back there to attempt to shut down the phasing field.  However, we soon learned that Wesley Crusher and Wilykat, of this universe, had followed us, and they stopped Larry and me from shutting down the field.  We decided to spy on the Starship Voyager, but the Captain N and Commander N of that universe, respectively Kevin and Michael Keene, told the Ops chief how to kill our cloak!"

            Hardware's eyes widened.  "They killed your cloak?" he demanded incredulously.

            "Yes.  We zipped away to watch the Voyager battle Sky Tomb.  Sky Tomb had the upper hand, until Tom Paris resisted Aluro's mesmerisation and sent a photon torpedo that destroyed Sky Tomb.  Fortunately for the Plundarrians, that universe's MotherBrain pulled them out just in time to save them.  That was when we left."

            "How did MotherBrain manage that?" asked Luna.

            "Our Mumm-ra gave their Dr. Wily the specs to create warps that can take anyone to any given point from any given point in that half of the Delta Quadrant.  That's another story.  The Palace detected when Wily used certain equipment in certain ways to make the warp devices, so Kevin, Michael, MegaMan, ProtoMan, Steelheart, and Wilykit went to Wily's castle to stop him.  By the way, ProtoMan is good in that universe."

            "How disgusting," commented ProtoMan.

            "Anyway, to try to discourage Kevin and Michael, Wily took GutsMan and HardMan and forced Ned and Cheryl Keene, the boys' parents, to go to his lab.  Actually, they went voluntarily because they knew he would force them if they refused.  The boys weren't the least bit dissuaded, however, when Wily contacted them to warn them to stay out, and Michael, outraged, ran forward and fell through the holographic floor onto his rear end.  In the end, those N-Twerps foiled Wily and destroyed the transporters.  However, they failed to realise, until just recently, that Wily had given MotherBrain the specifications, and Metroid had shields that prevented the N-Team from detecting his activities there.  Mumm-ra has stayed behind to supervise the situation."

            "I see," said Bowser.  "Have you returned to get some of us?"

            "Exactly, Father.  That's why I asked MotherBrain to get the Warbird ready before I left."

            Larry said, "Some of you may also be interested that Michael and Wilykit were engaged in a very super-personal activity, which I just happened to record.  Of course, the people around here will think it's Kevin cheating big-time on Lana."

            "Wait a second, Larry.  I never told you that you could release that information publicly."

            "Come on, Ludwig!  It'll be fun to see how people react to this."

            "Larry, the people may object, but they know the law.  Any and all extramarital relations are legally permitted in VideoLand.  Besides, have you checked the popularity polls?  Kevin is the most popular monarch VideoLand has ever had, even more so than Lana and her father Charles were.  Their faith is in his ability to rule, not in his marital fidelity.  And I would bet that he's ingenious enough to turn this against you."

            "Ha, ha!  How could he do that?"

            "Review the recording very closely.  If you want to show that video to VideoLand, you'd best make sure it's rock-solid, or this will backfire in your face."

            "Does that mean you'll let me show it?"

            "There's no point in continuing to try to stop you from doing this.  But, Larry, I won't be a very happy camper if you do this and it reflects badly on us.  In fact, I will be very angry.  Do you understand me?"

            "Perfectly, brother."

            "I'm glad.  Ordinarily, I wouldn't care, but I'm not big on this particular sort of thing.  Now, then, since we have such a rotten reputation, I've decided that some of us shall go on the Warbird to the Original Universe and get to it.  First, I shall commandeer the Borg there as I did here.  Then, we'll take out the displacement fields.  Since I have a megacomputer on the Warbird, it should be easy."

            Mon*Star asked, "What about that universe's Brain-Team?"

            "They're going to keep the N-Team busy while we move in.  If they wish to join us, we'll let 'em, as long as they try no funny stuff.  If they're like us, they may want their universe all to themselves.  In fact, we might just sit back and watch for a while.  It'll be interesting to see how they fare against the N-Team without our help."

            MotherBrain asked, "Who'll be going?"

            "Most of us," said Ludwig.  "MotherBrain, you and some others will be staying behind to keep the N-Team from breaking into our lairs."

            "Certainly."

            "Larry and I shall be going.  Mon*Star, Luna, MotherBrain, and Negaduck, I want each of you to talk with your divisions and decide who should stay.  That should be only two or three from any division, except perhaps ours.  At most four or five should stay from ours.  These should be smart, strong people that remain.  In fact, Larry and I shall be doing a great deal of the dirty work ourselves in the Original Universe.  Well, get to it.  I'd like to be out of here soon."

            "Yes, Ludwig," said MotherBrain.  She and the other three division leaders separated the team into its constituent divisions, and they began the discussions.