D15
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 15: Forward
Flash arrived on Zolan and flew toward a prison. Stars were gleaming high above the large gray square. A number of searchlights shone out of the towers.
Moments later, he entered the jail and took a seat at a table.
A uniformed Ming was escorted in. The creep looked surprised as he studied Flash.
Flash interlocked his fingers, running a thumb over his knuckles.
The former King of Mongo seemed perfectly calm, flashing a hint of smugness every now and then.
"My team's getting a new computer," Flash said. "It's a gift from the government, to help us run our base."
Ming smirked. "And you felt the need to come all the way up here just to tell me that. I'm touched."
Flash rubbed the stubble along his chin. "In order for it to be installed, our current one needs to be shut down."
Ming lowered an eyebrow, his grin giving way to a more curious stare.
"My teammates agreed to it...but I refused." He glanced away, waving his hand with a chuckle. "I'm the guy who's holding things up."
Ming crossed his arms and averted his stare. "And why is that?"
Flash turned back to him slowly. "You're a smart boy, Ming. I imagine that you can tell me the answer to that question."
Ming held quiet for a moment, staring into Flash's hateful eyes.
Seemingly tired of the silence, he looked away with a sigh. "Because letting go of Dynak would mean letting go of Dale."
Flash began stroking his knuckles again. "Everyone says that she would want me to move forward...but it seems that all I can do is dwell on the past." He leaned in with a whisper. "It seems I just can't stop thinking about the man who took her from me."
Ming refused to flinch.
"I came because I figured that if Dale's essence is finally going to die...then maybe it's time for you to die too."
Mandrake stepped into the doorway and made an uneasy smile. He hoped this wouldn't be as awkward as expected. "Rick...there's something that we've all been meaning to speak to you about."
Rick threw one last shot at a punching bag, then began pulling a shirt over his muscular chest. "Sure. What's up?"
He licked his lips. "In addition to giving us the computer, the government also wants to offer a new member." Mandrake paused. "A woman."
The younger man stilled. His lips opened and his eyebrows rose.
Mandrake tried wearing a sympathetic face. "We've been a seven-man team for many years now. We always knew that we might replace Jedda someday." He stepped forth with a playful chuckle. "It's happened a lot later than we ever expected, hasn't it?" He placed a hand on Rick's shoulder, smiling again. "Are you going to be all right with this, son?"
"Yeah," he mumbled. "I'm fine. I mean, I'm over Jedda." He quieted a tad. "It's just going to be a little weird having someone here in her place." Moments later, Rick shrugged his shoulders. "But I'll be fine."
"Good. Why don't you come and meet her now?"
Rick tensed. "What? She's here already?"
"Just for a visit. She's a bit earlier than I expected."
Rick's eyes began to wander. "I...I can't right now. There's something that I was planning to do."
"Rick..."
"Say hi for me, all right? I'll catch up with you later."
Mandrake watched quietly as Rick disappeared into the distance.
"So you've come to kill me?"
Flash's fists began to shake as he looked across the table.
"Then get it over with," Ming said, glancing at the prison's walls with unabashed spite.
"Believe me, I was tempted to during the entire trip here." He shook his head slowly. "But no...I'm not going to get myself locked up in this prison like you. Dale wouldn't want that."
"Then I suppose you have some other means of vengeance in store." Ming rolled his eyes. "I suppose you've found a way of making me suffer, as you have suffered."
Flash chuckled. "You, Ming, could never feel the same pain that I felt when you killed Dale...because you don't love anybody. You never have, and you never will."
Ming looked down at his hands. After a few seconds, a faint grin crossed his face. "I loved once."
Flash scoffed.
"I honestly did."
"Honesty has never been your strong suit. You married Zyna out of pure lust."
"And that lust gave way to a genuine love. I simply grew to love power more." He let his eyes drift up to Flash. "You and I aren't so different in that regard."
Flash quivered, then casually crossed his arms. "And how's that?"
Ming smiled. "Who's being dishonest now?"
Flash held quiet, trying not to flinch.
"We both know that you could've left the 'adventure' business after Rick was born. You had a chance to simply love your partner, raise your son, and settle into a quiet life." Ming eyed him closely. "But you couldn't do that, could you? Because adventure is in Flash Gordon's blood. You can't feel alive unless you're flirting with death. You can't feel fulfilled unless you're beating the bad guys. Your adventures have brought you a series of triumphs — and those triumphs have brought you a sense of power."
Flash scowled, trembling again.
"We share the same urge, if not the same motivations." Ming leaned back in his chair. "And that is something that I respect...even if it's made you my nemesis."
Flash shook his head. "You ought to take a job as a therapist, Ming."
"I won't have the chance," he grumbled. "Because you're going to kill me." There was a hopeful element to Ming's tone. "Come on, coward. Don't let your precious Dale die alone."
Flash locked eyes with him, staring for a while.
Ming held silent, his fingers trembling.
"No," Flash finally uttered.
Ming glared.
"As I said, I don't intend to be locked up here in your place. And I certainly don't intend to give you the relief that you're seeking." He stood, moving toward the exit. "So I'm going to let you live, Ming. I'm going to let you 'suffer, as I have suffered.' "
A guard arrived, opening the door.
"Gordon," Ming called.
Flash stopped, holding his stare ahead of him.
After a long silence, Ming murmured into the air. "Keep Dynak running."
Flash paused at the door, glancing over his shoulder.
Ming held his stare on the table.
Moments later, Flash quietly exited.
Mandrake beamed with an apologetic grin. "I'm sorry that it's just us here for now."
"Don't worry about it," said a young blonde woman with a pack over her shoulder.
"I thought that Rick would be available." He frowned a little. "But it seems he's..."
"So this is Sandi," Rick finally said, calling out from the distant door.
Both of them turned.
Rick paused, then approached slowly. "I'm Rick."
Sandi nodded, shaking his hand. "I know who you are." She smirked. "Pretty impressive file."
"Thanks," he chuckled. "Likewise."
Mandrake began to stare, stroking his chin with a smile.
Flash stood before Dynak's screen. The computer was turned off.
A tear welled in his eye, but didn't roll down his face. After a moment, he took a deep breath, then let it out with a smile.
Pulling his phone, he began dialing a number. "Lothar, it's me. Yeah... Pretty good..." Seconds later, he chuckled upon hearing something. "Tell me about it. Hey, look, about the computer..." Flash swallowed. "Tell them that we'll take it." He quieted again. "I'm okay... Thanks, buddy."
Rick sat in the passenger's seat, staring out at the road. "So you finally agreed to it."
Flash maneuvered the wheel, licking his lips. "I had to take a new step forward today."
Rick nodded and glanced down at his lap. His voice softened, and he let himself smile. "Me too."
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Chapters
Volume I
Shorly after Jedda leaves the team, Queen Hadea begins a galactic conquest.
Jedda finds herself back on Mongo — and reunited with Prince Krotan.
Despite their affection, Jedda endeavors to counter Hadea's plans.
Seeking to resolve the matter with Hadea, the Defenders begin a climactic mission on Mongo.
Rick enjoys a meaningful reunion.
Volume II
Jedda and Krotan confront their feelings.
Against the wishes of his wife, Krotan grows tempted to pursue a vendetta.
Rick has a difficult time moving on.
In the wake of Krotan's actions, Jedda faces a difficult choice.
Hadea reunites with an old acquaintance.
The Royals of Mongo organize what's supposed to be a friendly feast.
A glimpse into the future on Mongo.
Volume III
Instead of spending a romantic evening together, as Jedda intended, Hadea and Phantom find themselves pursued.
Amid their exploits, Phantom and Hadea discuss personal matters.
Flash visits Ming's prison while thinking of Dale, and Rick learns that a new girl will be joining the team.
A vengeful woman targets Jedda.
The Defenders face an internal crisis.
Will she choose affection or ambition?
Needing to depart Mongo on business, Jedda and Krotan ask Hadea and Phantom to fill in for them temporarily.
Volume IV
As the enormity of his situation sinks in, an anxious Rick finds unexpected comfort.
Hadea continues to counsel Rick by reminding him that his actions have consequences.
Phantom and Hadea are advised to marry.
The acting rulers face a variety of issues on their big day.
The Defenders consider returning to solo work.
Volume V
Krotan and Jedda try to find time for their marriage while tending to duty.
Someone from Jedda's past returns.
Krotan and the guards attempt to defend the kingdom without Jedda.
Krotan and Ming have another confrontation under different circumstances.
Flash and Rick have a personal discussion.
As Rick prepares to leave the team, he and LJ receive a surprise visit.
Volume VI
The new trio embarks on a mission.
The Phantom is left startled by the recent development.
After spending a couple of days with Jedda, Rachel departs for the tme being.
In the future, Vera receives advice and comfort from her mother.
Jedda reflects on the recent years.
In the aftermath of an attack on her land, Hadea seeks help from a mercenary.
Flash is stunned by his discovery on a distant planet.
Volume VII
Hadea makes an announcement that leaves the Phantom unsettled.
The Phantom works to undo his mistakes.
In the future, the Royals of Mongo enjoy quality time together.
Rachel assists LJ and Hadea in very different ways.
Rachel adjusts to her new position awkwardly.
With Rachel and Jedda at her side, Hadea learns more about the history of her kingdom.
Volume VIII
The Phantom plans to propose.
Hadea and the Phantom attempt to work through their issues.
Rachel visits Hadea to discuss new intentions.
The Defenders confront a group of aliens who have descended on Earth, while Ming continues to scheme behind the scenes.
Flash, Rick, and Krotan engage Ming in battle.
Jade reunites briefly with her daughters.
A special occasion has finally arrived.
Volume IX
Rick has a meeting with Zyna that leaves him staggered.
Flash and Rick travel to another planet to investigate news.
Dale begins to set her agenda in motion.
The Royals of Mongo have a lengthy discussion about the past and future.
Dale takes bold steps forward.
Flash and Rick confront Dale to discuss her actions.
Empress Hadea appoints new queens.
Volume X
In the future, the royals have a discussion about politics on Mongo.
LJ and Lothar discuss family affairs.
Jedda views her official government profile to learn where she ranks among Mongoian queens.
Castra and Aura look to put their differences aside.
The Phantom learns more about Hadea's duties.
Volume XI
The Phantom, Hadea, and Rachel depart for a mission in the Bandar village.
Rachel heads off to find Kurt on her own.
Dale provides answers for Rachel.
Jade observes a significant discussion beween Phantom and Kurt.
Phantom learns that the village mission affected Hadea on a personal level.
Volume XII
Jedda and Krotan renew their commitment.
Krotan pampers Jedda as they discuss the future.
Nearly everyone joins the Phantom for a mission via boat.
The group arrives on Raven Island and learns the identity of the opposing team's leader.
Flash, Dale, and Rick spend time with Flash's sister, Commander Abigail Gordon, and her daughter Sara.
Rick and Kristina head off on a late-night mission.
Kristina, Rick, and Hadea confront their personal matters.
Once again, someone lands on Mandrake's yard during a storm.
Volume XIII
A woman arrives in the Netherworld, claiming to be the rightful ruler.
LJ, Rick, and Rachel investigate the Netherworld matter.
Flash and Dale's date is interrupted by news that Rick has been captured, and it's up to Kristina to save him.
While grouped together one night, several people must team up suddenly in order to defend the mansion.
Atascadero discusses her upbringing with Mandrake.
Volume XIV
Soldiers from Atascadero's kingdom come looking for her.
Ata heads to her kingdom to resolve the issues there.
Vera begins learning more about Jedda's past.
In response to the recent events, Hadea makes a controversial decision.
Rick attempts to resolve a certain personal issue.
Rick and his girlfriend decide to go their separate ways.
Flash, Dale, and Rick reunite with Dale's father, as well as Flash's.
Jonathan Gordon becomes overzealous, leading to repercussions.
Flash and Dale chase Ming down.
Kristina bonds with Rick in the aftermath of the events at the base.
Volume XV
In the future, Jedda and Krotan have to teach Vera the value of humility.
In the future, Vera is courted by several boys.
Rick and Kristina become stranded on an island.
Hadea is approached by an old suitor.
Kristina and Rick grow closer while stuck on the island.
Ata and Mandrake discuss their relationship.
Castra and her husband have a talk about their longtime commitment.
Krotan and Jedda discuss the past, and look to the future.
Flash and Dale reaffirm their feelings.
The series finale.
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