D46
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 46: Resignation
Rachel emerged from a shady hall, flanked by a number of Netherworld guards. She sported her usual long brown cape. "Greetings, Empress." She flashed a bold smile.
Hadea leaned her head against the back of her hand, eyeing the younger woman with a rather charmed smirk. "How often must I tell you? When you're serving as queen, you must dress like a queen."
Rachel grinned. She didn't know why, but she'd begun to detect more amusement than annoyance from Hadea lately.
"Is there something that you need help with?" asked the empress.
"No," Rachel muttered.
Hadea chuckled under her breath. "I never expected that you'd stop by just to say hello."
"Actually, I'm here to say goodbye." Rachel stood a short distance in front of the throne. "I've heard the good news. You recently accepted a proposal from the Phantom. He's about to begin a one-year leave from the Defenders." She paused, then nodded at Hadea. "I'm going to be filling in for him while he's away from the team."
Hadea winced in confusion. "That would require a fair deal of your time. How do you intend to fulfill your duties as queen?"
"I- -" Rachel was interrupted by a soft buzzing sound. "Just a second..." She pulled a small device from her cape, eyeing a pink screen with white text. A stream of newly received messages scrolled upward:
'Offer from K. Turner and B. Turner: Seeking mercenary to retrieve artifact. Contact us for details.'
'Memo from agency: Operation Storm Front scheduled for Thursday morning.'
'Message from unknown: Miss Walker, this is Director Ruiz at the CPA. We're wondering if you'd be interested in...'
Rachel put the device away, then looked up at Hadea again. "Listen...I've spent the past day trying to figure out how I can juggle being a sergeant at my agency, a mercenary for hire, Queen of the Netherworld, and an active Defender." She shook her head with a somber smile. "And I've reached the conclusion that I can't juggle everything. Not this time."
The empress spoke softly. "What do you plan to do?"
"I need to resign from one of my positions." A flutter of regret arose in her. "So I'm choosing the one that I feel I'm least good at. I'm stepping down as queen."
Hadea's jaw dropped a little.
"Come on. Don't look so surprised. We both know that I was never an ideal fit for the job."
Hadea looked the younger woman over for a moment. "I..." She hesitated. "I knew that accepting Kit's proposal would lead to repercussions — most life-changing decisions do — but I never expected this to be one of them."
Rachel looked off shyly for a moment.
The empress rose and walked to a window, casting her stare toward the pale horizon. "You once said that the two of us don't have much in common...but perhaps we have more in common than you think. We both know what it's like to grow up without a mother present." She turned to Rachel. "Can you actually bear the thought of putting your son through that as well?"
Rachel frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about? I don't have any intentions of doing that to Daniel."
"I wasn't suggesting that you intend to. But if you continue on your current path, it could still end up happening."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that you live a life of adventure — which means that you live a life of danger."
Rachel was on the verge of responding when another buzz came from within her cape. She glanced back and forth between her torso and the empress, sensing a blush spreading over her face.
Hadea studied Rachel for a couple of seconds, then turned back toward the window. "It seems to me that there are two possible endings to your story, Rachel. In one of them, something happens to you during a mission, you wind up dead, and Daniel grows up without his mother." Hadea lifted a palm to the glass. "In the other, you avoid being killed, you continue raising your son, and you carry on in your efforts to do good where you can." She turned back toward her guest. "We both want the latter to come to fruition, and there's a simple way to increase the likelihood of that: Become queen full time. Drop everything else. That would be better for Daniel, and it would be safer for you."
"It's not that simple. Like I said, the Defenders will probably need some help in the Phantom's absence."
"They can find someone else to take his place there."
"You can find someone new to take my place here."
"I don't want someone new. I want you." Hadea fidgeted upon realizing she'd let that slip.
Rachel flinched. "What do you mean by..." Her device sounded off again, providing Hadea with a welcome distraction. Rachel ran her eyes across the screen:
'You have new messages from Flash Gordon, Jedda Walker, and Jade Walker.'
After tucking the device away, she looked Hadea over with a befuddled stare. "You want me to stay here. Why?"
Hadea sighed. She lifted a hand to her temple and stroked her face, then found herself turning away. "Has Jedda ever told you about the day that she became my daughter?"
"You brought her down here and saved her life, right?"
Hadea's voice shifted into a somber tone. "I was supposed to raise her from that day onward." Her gaze lowered to the floor. "One of my biggest regrets is that Jedda and I never really got the chance to live together. I had so many plans for the two of us. I wanted to watch her change people's lives while making the Netherworld her home. I longed to show her off when we traveled to other lands. I dreamed of seeing her grow as my princess, and ascend as my queen." After a brief moment of silence, she cast her gaze over at Rachel again.
Rachel's words came slowly and softly. "You've begun to see me as a sort of replacement for the girl in that fantasy."
"Perhaps at first, but not anymore. When I look at you, I don't see Jedda, I see Rachel." She nodded a little. "The two of you do have certain things in common. You're both hard workers, and you're both rather playful..." Hadea paused, shaking her head with a grin. "But you, Rachel, have certain charms that are all your own — certain qualities that I found irksome at first, but find endearing now."
Rachel dug her hands into her pockets and threw a confused glance at the ceiling. "Why do people find me amusing? Most of the time, I'm simply trying to do a job."
"And I want you to keep doing one here." Hadea found herself smiling again. "I enjoy watching you succeed and stumble while addressing your court. I like having you at my side as we travel about on our affairs. I love seeing how much you're learning and growing."
Rachel felt a sudden warmth within. Hadea's statement had affected her in a very unexpected way. "I..." She let her gaze wander from side to side, then slowly looked back at the empress. "I appreciate that," she mumbled. Rachel took a deep breath while holding her eyes on Hadea. "That's exactly the sort of thing that I always wanted to hear from someone while I was growing up."
A hint of surprise appeared on Hadea's face.
"I'm glad that my time here was beneficial to all of the people who we're trying to help." Rachel's voice lowered into a sweeter tone. "And I'm glad that it was beneficial to the two of us as well."
Hadea licked her lips, blushing a little.
Rachel stepped forth slowly, then wrapped an arm around Hadea and pulled her close. "See you around, Hadea."
The empress shook a little in the younger woman's embrace.
Moments later, Rachel departed.
Lights began fading all across the prison.
A blue-skinned guard ran into the warden's office, coming to a halt before his like-colored superior.
"What's happening?" asked the warden.
"Sir!" He slammed his arms against his sides. "It appears that someone's tampered with our power."
"Who?"
"We're still trying to find out. The backup generator should be kicking in momentarily."
A surveillance screen flickered on, giving both men a view of the dim gray halls. It appeared that only a portion of power had been restored throughout the prison.
Someone in a dark red cloak could be seen on the monitor, someone who was wandering freely throughout a distant cell block.
"Who's that on the screen?"
The guard flinched. "It appears to be an intruder."
"Wait. Has that person broken into section 12?"
"Yes, sir."
"Ming's section?"
A fast laser flew through the darkness, blasting into one of the prison's guards. As the man collapsed, his attacker approached Ming's cell and blew the door open.
Ming rose, eyeing the cloaked figure with a tense stare. As the intruder pulled back her hood, Ming saw a face that he could never forget. His eyebrows lowered amidst a confused frown. "Zyna?"
"We've little time," said the former Queen of Mongo, motioning for her husband to follow her lead.
Soon after exiting the prison, the pair arrived at the space cruiser that Zyna had traveled in.
Ming clamped a hand on her shoulder and turned her around. "Wait. Tell me what it is that you're planning."
Zyna swung her nervous gaze back and forth. "I've tried to let go, and I've found that I can't." She steadied her eyes on Ming. "I want the royal palace of Mongo back, even if I have to share it with you. It's time for our planet's true rulers to retake their thrones."
Ming scowled a bit. "How do you expect us to do that?"
"I've met with a small squad on planet Calina."
He looked suspicious.
"I've further information within the ship," she insisted. "They've agreed to lend their assistance if you're at our side."
"One squad isn't nearly enough to take on Mongo's army."
"We intend to wear our opponents down, one battle at a time. We'll grow our army as our successes mount. Under your leadership, I know that we can succeed."
Ming let his eyes drift to the dark sky. He couldn't help but find the prospect tempting.
"However..." said Zyna, flashing a stern expression. "You'll not harm our son, our daughter-in-law, or our grandchildren."
He paused a few seconds, then shook his head. "Wouldn't dream of it." He shrugged. "Actually, I would, but not right now. I think I have a much better idea."
She glared. "What's that?"
Ming snatched Zyna's weapon and a fired a shot straight through her chest.
Zyna gasped, her eyes widening in horror.
He threw a casual glance behind her as he spoke. "I appreciate the help, Zyna, but I'll take over from here."
She began to wheeze as she quivered in place. Her hands dragged lazily down Ming's chest before she collapsed.
"I'm not going to Mongo," he said. "I'm going to Earth."
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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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