D34
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 34: Intermission
18 Years Into The Future
Vera sat alone in the dining room, sulking over her breakfast. She didn't bother looking up when a distant door swung open.
The shadow of a long-haired woman appeared on the table.
Vera held still, remaining oblivious to her presence.
"You know," said the guest, "the purpose of the palace guards is to keep people from sneaking in. Kind of hard for them to do that when you're constantly sneaking out."
Vera's face lit up as she lifted her head.
Jedda stood in the doorway, hands hanging at her sides.
Both women were clad in long gowns and sparkling tiaras — an outfit worn by countless Queens of the Netherworld, which had become the official fashion of Mongo's royal ladies as well.
"Why do you keep trying to wander off at night?" Jedda took a seat in the corner right beside Vera. "Is this because Colt left guard duty for field duty? Are you going around chasing after him?"
Vera shook her head with a smile.
"Then what is it that you're looking for out there?"
"Challenges. Adventure."
"Why? You're not a warrior, you're a queen."
"But I'm also a girl, and I want to have fun."
Jedda flashed a suspicious smirk. "And what exactly is your idea of fun?"
"Running around on missions, just like you used to." She beamed. "I want to join Colt, Lowe, and Daniel on their journeys." A hint of nostalgia appeared in her eyes. "The four of us had a play group going when we were kids, so shouldn't we still be together on a team today?"
Jedda chuckled while shaking her head.
"What's funny?"
"The fact that you've been craving action and excitement your whole life. When you were little, you used to try and imitate me while I was working out." Her face grew a bit more serious. "We offered you this job to keep you away from adventures. Your father and I simply want you to be safe."
"I know." Vera frowned a tad. "But when you were around my age, you were determined to choose your own path in life. Shouldn't I be allowed to do the same thing?"
Jedda opened her mouth a crack, then simply looked down at the table.
"Lowe gets to run around on adventure from time to time."
"And it's worrisome enough when he's out there," said Jedda.
Vera sighed.
After a long silence had passed, Jedda spoke up again. "But yes, I suppose you should be allowed to follow a path of your own choosing." She looked up, facing Vera. "Do you want me to come back and take over for you? Do you want to step down from your position as queen?"
"Are you saying that I still have a choice?"
"You definitely do — as long as you aren't going to try anything reckless or careless."
Vera exhaled softly and looked deeply into Jedda's eyes. She felt her skin beginning to tingle.
Jedda interlocked her fingers and held perfectly quiet, trying to appear as supportive as possible.
"In that case," said Vera, "my answer is no." She flashed a playful grin. "I've actually gotten used to the job, and I want a chance to get better at it. I'm getting a lot of help from the advisors, and a lot of support from the others. I want to be a good queen for them, and for the people as well." She looked off with a somber smile. "I just wish that I could've been like you — a warrior first, and a queen later. Sometimes I wish that I could even combine the two."
A sudden thought entered Jedda's mind. "You know, when I was a Defender we had a training machine that could produce holographic battles and adventures within a special room. I might be able to install some of the technology here."
Vera's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Really." Jedda moved her chair closer to Vera's. "But remember — being a queen means that work comes first, and play comes second," she said. "And when you're not doing either, why don't you come visit the mansion more often?"
Vera smiled. "It's a deal."
Jedda reached over, quietly stroking her daughter's hair. Then she lowered her hand and held both palms out. "Gimmie ten."
A rush of nostalgic warmth swept through Vera. She brought her hands down on Jedda's, and Jedda did the same to her.
Afterward, she and her mom pulled each other close in a tender embrace.
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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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