The portal closed soon after Tommy was through it, and moments after there was a noise before them. Not the sort of noise one would expect of a formal delegation of people coming to meet the Emperor's honored guests. No, instead it was laughter. The laughter of children. And before Billy and David could do much more than laugh in confusion, two children, Skrull clearly, passed THROUGH the wall to Billy's left.

There was no doubting these were the children Teddy had called for help with. They were green of skin, without the distinctive Skrull chin ridges. Their eyes were a brilliant blue and snow white hair. And the second the children saw them they squealed with delight, talking in rapid Skrull, or Kree, or something. Hand in hand, the twin boy and girl threw themselves past David and Billy and wrap themselves around Tommy's legs. This meant they couldn't hold hands, but they clearly were clinging happily to the speedster.

"What in the world?" Billy asked in shock.