D4
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 4: Succession
Flash whipped the jet through Mongoian skies, pushing past the clouds as he made a descent.
The ship stirred a little. Everyone shook.
"What's the matter?" asked his masked co-pilot.
Flash made a squint. "Just trying to avoid all these flying things."
The skies were filled with swarms of "Divers" — large creatures that looked like hybrids of stingrays and birds. Despite the nickname, they were usually timid; each scattered as the craft continued to descend.
Flaah glanced backward. "Brace yourselves. We're going in."
An assortment of hands began clenching blasters.
A very big moment had finally arrived. They'd been looking for Jedda since she'd disappeared, but it was hard to search a galaxy for just one person. It also didn't help that they'd been hindered by law.
Due to a recent transmission, however, they'd finally learned of Jedda's location — and not only Jedda's, but Hadea's as well.
"How do we even know that Hadea's really here?" Rick's brooding voice called out from the back.
Suddenly, a flurry of plasma blasts tore through the sky, all clearly aimed at the vehicle.
"Oh, I'd say she's visiting, son." He looked toward ground, where a horde of pale warriors were shooting at them. "There's her army right over there."
Flash pulled the craft to bottom of a canyon. He wasn't concerned about the current attack, but didn't want to draw out Hadea herself. According to the message that they'd received, she'd somehow regained the Necklace of Oros. It'd happened at the base two years ago.
The ship touched down. The engine stopped.
As the pale soldiers converged on the scene, each of them suddenly froze in plce.
Flash and Rick stood with laser rifles in hand. LJ and Lothar stood at their side. Even Kshin got to join this time. Above them, two companions sat atop the vehicle, readying weapons that were on the craft.
Amidst the ensuing battle, a bevy of shots ripped through the air.
Eventually, Flash called out to the others from behind cover. "I'm going after Hadea. Someone has to get the necklace before she can use it against us." He broke away while dodging blasts.
While firing from atop the vehicle, Mandrake heard his the Phantom speak up as well.
"Apologies, friend."
The magician turned, and noticed that his teammate had disappeared.
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Over at the palace, Queen Hadea stepped out onto the grassy plains. She crossed her arms as the distant shots sounded off. "It appears that I have guests."
The queen felt a sudden presence nearby. Seconds later, a blast shot straight at her.
Without adjusting her stance, Hadea summoned a force field and deflected the attack.
Then she glanced at the culprit with a smugly raised eyebrow, wondering who had bothered setting him free.
Ming stalked forth with a tremble. "You said that you didn't kill me because you didn't fear me. You should have."
Just as he was about to fire again, a telekinetic pull tore the rifle from his hands. The weapon spun around and shot him in the leg. Ming screamed, falling to one knee as an eruption of blood flowed freely from his wound. The rifle rose a bit, aiming at his head now.
Hadea stepped forward. "I suppose I should take this opportunity to correct my 'mistake.' "
Just then, another blast shot forth and blew the rifle apart.
Flash approached with weapon in hand, eyeing Ming with a spiteful glance. "Don't think that I was doing you any favors." He looked up and aimed at Hadea. "I just couldn't risk having her use that rifle on me."
As his finger began pulling back on the trigger, the weapon exploded in his hands. Flash fell with a glare, pressing his bloody palms against the ground.
The queen eyed her handiwork, continuing her approach. "People always said that Flash Gordon and Ming the Merciless would kill each other someday. Not quite...but you will die together."
"That's enough, Hadea." Another voice had called out.
She turned, seeing a shady figure atop a sun-bathed hill. As he stepped forward, her mouth opened in silence, and her heartbeat sped up a tad.
The Phantom approach with a stern stare. "Where's my daughter?"
The smugness in her expression slowly disappeared, and she spoke in a low and soothing tone. "Our daughter."
A curious frown crossed the Phantom's face. Seconds later, Hadea had telekinetically halted his approach. Rather than struggle, the Phantom merely spoke. "Why did you bring her here?"
The affection lingered within her voice. "Because Jedda is as much mine as she is yours. Because the three of us belong together."
He noticed someone approaching over Hadea's shoulder, but quickly brought his eyes back to the queen. "Then why leave me behind all this time?"
"Because I didn't want to use force again. I wanted you to realize that if Krotan and Jedda could build a successful marriage over time, then the same thing could happen for the two of us."
As Jedda lunged for Hadea, the queen sensed her presence and suspended her slightly above the ground.
"What are you doing?" Hadea asked with a stricken stare.
Jedda looked down on the scene, her hair and dress wavering in the breeze. "I can't let you invade the Earth. And I won't let you hurt my father."
"That invasion is for your benefit. And why would I ever 'hurt' your father?" Hadea scowled. "Have you listened to nothing that I've told you over the past year? Why must you assume that my intent is to harm you — or to harm anyone else for that matter?"
Jedda raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps because the entire time that we've been together, you've exerted control upon others. Me, my father, and even the whole galaxy."
"I've exerted control in order to make life better." She let her gaze sway between the Phantom and Jedda. "I've offered your father pleasure amidst a life filled with pain. I've offered you the mother that you've always wanted. I've offered the galaxy a leader with limitless power.
"And yet, all I receive in return is resistance and strife. Can no one appreciate what I've done, or why I've done it?"
Jedda's expression softened.
"I'm trying to give my daughter and my mate a better life than I ever had." Hadea looked at Jedda. "Where I was burdened with expectations, I'm giving you affection." She turned to the Phantom. "Where I was burdened with isolation, I'm giving you a companion."
The Phantom shook a little in her grasp, appearing uncertain of what he would do if he were free.
Hadea's eyes dampened — and in that moment, it seemed that everyone present saw something that they'd rarely seen before: the woman who was invulnerable had suddenly become vulnerable. "None of my actions are meant to elicit hatred...all I want is to be loved."
Jedda turned away slowly, then closed her own eyes.
The queen held utterly silent.
The younger woman lifted her head, facing Hadea again. "I'm sorry." She looked to the sky, appearing to focus...
Immediately, a Diver swung from the air and tackled
Hadea from behind. As the she fell, the Necklace of Oros slipped from
her neck. Jedda, Hadea realized, had used her telepathic power.
Jedda and the Phantom were quickly set free.
Feeling fright like never before, Hadea began summoning the jewel back to her. Before she could do so, however, the Diver snatched it up, and dropped it in Jedda's hands.
As Jedda pulled the necklace on, assuming full control of it, she looked Hadea in the eyes and spoke gently. "It's over...Mother."
Moments after Jedda had spoken that word, Hadea felt her fear being replaced by a mysterious warmth in her heart.
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Concentrating, Jedda sensed a familiar aura as she used the necklace for the first time in years.
Over on the battlefield, Hadea's army suddenly disappeared, prompting the other Defenders to pause in confusion.
As the sound of battle faded, Flash turned to Jedda. "What did you do?"
"I banished them to the Kingdom of Oblivion." The necklace had given her the ability to discern its location.
Hadea locked eyes with Jedda, watching her with a shaky stare. "Why?" asked the queen. "Why would you do this?"
"You have the right to receive love, but you don't have the right to take it," said Jedda. "It simply doesn't work that way, Mother."
Hadea quivered.
"You'll have plenty of time to learn that someday."
With the Defenders at her side, Jedda teleported to every planet that Hadea had conquered, freeing each of them from the hordes of troops. As the necklace could undo anything it had done, she'd revived the soldiers who had fallen in battle.
Ming was imprisoned on one of the worlds that he'd ravaged, while Hadea had received that punishment as well.
The former queen sat quietly in a white round cell, her sparkling tiara nowhere to be found. Apart from her cell mate, the person who she spoke to most was Jedda, who came to visit her every now and then.
After several long weeks of work and travel, the Defenders gathered up once again on Mongo. All had converged just outside of their ship.
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Watching from a distant palace window, Krotan could tell that they were leaving for Earth. His breaths were heavy and his palms were damp. From his position, it wasn't quite clear who had boarded the ship, and who was still on the surface. He searched desperately for a good view of Jedda.
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Just outside of the humming space craft, the Phantom took Jedda's hands in his own. "I want you to know that I have never been ashamed of you. I'm more proud of you now than I've ever been."
As a shaky grin overtook her face, Jedda pulled him close in a hug.
Soon afterward, she stood before a younger man with familiar features — ones that she'd come to love seeing through the years.
The muscular build was still there, as were the brown curls. However, the trademark smile was notably absent.
Rick looked her over, throwing odd glances at Jedda's tiara, her gown, and above all, her ring. Eventually, he took her hands in his. "Come with us."
Jedda's lips began to quiver as she interlocked their fingers. "Rick..."
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Moments later, Krotan saw the ship rise into the air. A mass of white smoke lingered on the surface.
His jaw lowered as the vehicle shot through the sky, tearing through the clouds and disappearing into space.
Clenching a fist, Krotan lowered his head with teary eyes. Upon gazing upward, he looked out toward the surface once more — and saw Jedda stepping out of the smoke.
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As Jedda neared the palace, Krotan rushed out and took her in his arms. "You stayed."
Her eyes were watery as well. "I told them that they would always have my love." She sniffed, settling her stare on him. "But I also told them that I'm the Queen of Mongo now, and that my place is with my people, my planet..." She paused to smile. "And my husband."
Krotan grinned back, holding her shoulders. "You aren't just the Queen of Mongo, Jedda," he said, eyeing the necklace on her chest. "You're the ruler of the galaxy now."
Jedda smiled shyly at her feet.
It slowly dawned on her that Hadea may have been right. Perhaps destinies chose people, and perhaps this was hers. Why else did the necklace keep coming back to her? Oh, well, she thought with a shrug, not bad for a girl who graduated high school only a couple years ago.
"There are plenty of people who will come to need you," he said, "but none more so than I."
Jedda wrapped her arms around his neck, and they shared a slow and passionate kiss.
Then they turned toward the palace, and walked each other home.
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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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