D28
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 28: Fathers
Krotan faced Ming from the opposite side of the glass. Once again, the elder man was outfitted in a numbered uniform.
"It's not surprising that both you and Jade failed as parents. You're both ambitious people who think mostly of yourselves," said Krotan. "Interesting that your children were able to find what neither of you ever could: lasting love."
Ming scowled a bit.
"But I'm not the only one who loves Jedda. My wife has been embraced by the people of Mongo as well." He leaned a little closer. "So even if you could stage a successful coup — which you can't — do you honestly believe that you would ever be accepted as ruler again? You'd have to avoid assassination on a regular basis."
"I have some experience when it comes to that," Ming said smugly. "So I suppose it's a risk that I'd be willing to take — especially if it meant reclaiming my planet from you."
Krotan chuckled. "You're still clinging to a vendetta, aren't you, Father?"
"You'd better believe that I am, boy."
"You can't stand the fact that I, of all people, became exactly what you never wanted me to be: King of Mongo."
He rolled his eyes.
"Most rulers are proud when their children succeed them. Most parents dream about it while their children are growing up." Krotan stared, then began shaking his head. "But not you. Not Ming the Merciless. You never viewed me as a son, you viewed me as a rival. That's why you were so abusive during my childhood."
Ming wore an unapologetic stare.
"And that's the very reason I always sought to take over — because I knew that doing so would hurt you." Krotan looked in remorse. "My problem was that I didn't keep my aggression focused on you. For a while, I let myself become just as power-hungry and as forceful as you are."
Ming nodded, letting his eyes wander.
"And if it weren't for Jedda and Vera, I might have stayed that way."
The former king turned back to his son.
"I don't view my child as a rival. Instead, she's taught me to love in a way that I never even knew I was capable of. She drives me to bring out the best in myself."
He scoffed. "Is there a point to this? Something that you're trying to say?"
"I'm saying that the throne is the last thing that you should envy about me." Krotan stood. "I'm saying that fatherhood changed you for the worse...but it changed me for the better."
Though he tried to hide it, Ming fidgeted a little as he watched Krotan leave.
"Earlier today, I visited my father on the prison planet." Krotan paused, then shook his head. "I thought that by doing so, I'd find what I was searching for...but things don't seem to have worked out that way."
The Phantom took a seat across the table, folding his arms. "And what exactly are you searching for?"
"Gratification. A sense that I'm doing a good job as a parent." He let his stare drop to the big yellow crest. "I figured that if I went and 'told Ming off,' that if I announced that I'm a better parent than he ever was, then I'd start to believe that myself." Krotan stroked the back of his neck. "But for some reason, I still have doubts about the progress that I'm making as a father."
The Phantom quieted a moment, then spoke gently. "What do you sense when you and Vera are together?"
Krotan chuckled. His stare rose to the ceiling. "My whole life, people have looked at me like I'm some sort of thief. Ming viewed me as the boy who was destined to steal his throne. And at times, Rick still sees me as the guy who came along and stole Jedda away." Krotan felt something warm brewing within. "But when Vera and I are together, her eyes light up with a certain excitement. My daughter looks at me as though I have something to give."
The Phantom nodded. "That's what being a father is about: giving. It's about working hard. It's about imparting morals."
Krotan looked forward with an attentive stare. He'd seen firsthand evidence of what the Phantom was describing. After all, he'd married a woman who was full of strength and morality.
"So if Vera smiles at you as though you have something to give, then she must be pleased with what you've been giving her thus far."
Krotan's eyes softened.
"That means that you're fulfilling your duties as a father."
Krotan glanced down at his hands, and a calm grin crossed his face. "Thank you," he said, rising slowly.
The Phantom nodded, standing as well.
Before parting, the two shook hands.
"You okay?" Jedda asked in a soft tone.
"I'm fine," said Krotan, tightening his robe as he sat beside her on their bed.
Her face brightened with a mischievous smile. "So what did you and my dad talk about?" She swung her crossed legs upward for a second.
"He gave me a little advice on being a father."
Jedda nodded. "Which was?"
"To keep doing what I've been doing so far."
She wrapped an arm around his waist. "Sounds like good advice to me."
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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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