D48
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 48: Nemesis
Flash watched as a white-haired anchorman shuffled his papers, facing the TV audience with a nervous stare. "Continuing with our coverage of the news breaking around the world... The government has confirmed the return of extraterrestrial criminal Ming. Intelligence agents believe that Ming is holding the woman on your screen, Rachel Walker, in an unknown location.
"In addition to working with the Defenders of the Earth, Ms. Walker is believed to work for other agencies within the government — the identities of which have not been revealed." He glanced off suddenly, lifting a hand to his ear. "I've just been informed that we're receiving a message from Ming himself, which is being sent to us from an undisclosed area." He paused again upon receiving more information. "Ming has demanded that this message be aired live. In the interests of Ms. Walker's safety, this network will comply."
One minute later, Ming appeared on-screen. He stood near the center of a wide gray room, surrounded by what looked like high-tech equipment. "I'll keep this short and sweet, as you humans like to say." He threw a quick glance over his shoulder.
Rachel was sitting in a chair with her hands bound behind her back, wriggling as she tried to free herself.
"I know that this woman is valuable to a lot of people — the Defenders, Hadea, and all of you mighty government officials out there." Ming's expression grew smug. "We're going to find out which of you wants her most. The highest bidder will get her back alive. I'll open direct contact shortly. Afterward, I'll provide instructions on the payment I require, and details on how to transfer it."
Ming's transmission was replaced with a pitch black screen.
Flash and the others were a tad surprised by the identity of their latest visitor.
"Krotan..." Rick said.
The King of Mongo was flanked by a slew of guards. "I came as soon as I heard about my father's return. Is it true that he's holding Rachel?"
"It is." Flash nodded. "Where's Jedda?"
"She's on a diplomatic visit to planet Korden. Members of my court are attempting to contact her and inform her of the current matter." He glanced around. "In the meantime, I'll help in any way that I can. What's your situation?"
Mandrake was sitting at a table with his fingers interlocked. "Right now, we're attempting to trace the signal behind a recent transmission."
"Actually," LJ said, "we've just succeeded in doing that. It appears that Ming is at a base not too far from here. It's been pretty well-hidden up till now."
Kshin stretched his arms casually. "And back to battle we go."
The Defenders all rose.
"Wait a second, guys," Flash said. "I know it's been a while, but it is Ming we're dealing with, so this could be a trap. Instead of all of us rushing in at once, we're going to leave in small teams, one after the other. The first team will consist of Rick, myself- -"
"And me," said Krotan.
Everyone flinched in surprise.
Krotan began pulling off his cape, which was dutifully secured by one of his guards. "I will fly and fight alongside you."
Rick and Flash briefly eyed each other.
"Fine," said Flash. "Follow us." He paused to glance back and forth between the two young men.
"You're not going to get what you're after," Rachel said. She fidgeted while struggling against her bonds.
Ming gave no response as he walked about.
"I don't have enough value to the Defenders or Hadea. And my agencies won't pay you off, because they won't risk exposing themselves."
He simply continued moving throughout the room.
"You know as well as I do that someone's tracking your signal. They're going to come here, and they're going to kill you. Your best option is to simply give up now."
He scoffed, glancing at her for a second. "This will end exactly as I want it to. Once they see- -"
"You know what, man? I've been hearing about you since I was a little girl. Time and again, I got word of your latest attempt to take over the Earth...or whatever your wicked little plan of the week was." Rachel shook her head. "I always figured that by the time I got in this game, someone would've taken you out of it." She sat up straight. "Guess I'm just going to have to do that myself."
Ming glared.
"What? Is this the part where you walk over here and give me a quick backhand to shut me up?"
"Actually, I don't intend to hurt you. But I do intend to kill you."
Rachel held up a brave face.
"I've learned some interesting things since escaping from prison." He folded his arms over his chest. "You've been a very busy girl, haven't you, Rachel? Traveling around the world, destroying my bases. According to my computer, this is the only one that's still active."
"Well enjoy it while you can." She shrugged while glancing around. "Because once I'm free I'm going to destroy this one too."
Ming chuckled, shaking his head. "You've caused me setbacks that will linger for years. So, you see, I've been very much looking forward to this day. I obviously need to keep you alive until the ransom is paid, but your value expires after that."
Rachel began looking him up and down, carefully studying the various parts of his body. "I know of so many ways to hurt you, Ming. And, yes, you can rest assured that I'm imagining all of them right now."
He scowled at her again.
Unbeknownst to both Rachel and Ming, someone was listening in on their conversation.
"You might as well retire from the super-villain business," said Rachel. "As long as me and Jedda are around, you're never going to conquer my planet or hers."
He stopped and squirmed upon hearing that. Whenever someone referred to Jedda and Krotan as Mongo's rulers, a wave of hatred crossed Ming's face. He cringed at the thought of Jedda Walker sitting upon the throne. And it irked him that a statue of Jedda had been added alongside those of other rulers, as though people viewed her as a part of Mongo's royal legacy.
An angered Ming began stepping toward his captive. "Changed my mind. I think I will hurt you after all."
A stumble arrived within the shadows of the base.
Ming swung around, whipping out a hand blaster. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
Jade Walker stepped forth, wielding a blaster of her own.
Rachel leaned back and kicked the weapon out of Ming's hand, sending it flying across the room.
Jade began firing a number of shots.
Ming ducked and ran for cover.
Moments afterward, Jade reached Rachel and began untying her.
"How did you know where I was?" Ming heard Rachel utter.
"I learned about this place while Ming and I were working together. I- -"
"Mom! Look out!"
Ming fired across the room and hit Jade in the shoulder. Jade gasped, collapsing where she stood.
Rachel freed herself from the loosened ropes, then leaned down and secured her mother's weapon.
Ming again took cover as shot after shot began coming his way. In only a few seconds, he began to notice a particular sound coming from outside. Ming's eyes filled with tension. There was no mistaking it: A group of jets had arrived.
He fled from the room and rushed to the nearby hangar. Minutes later, his purple spacecraft took to the sky, flying over another great body of water.
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Flash spotted Ming from his cockpit. "Follow that ship," he said. He was behind the others just slightly.
Ming tore through the air.
Within seconds, Rick was flying straight after him. Krotan followed moments later, and Flash zoomed by shortly after that.
Rick began aiming at Ming's ship.
After a few seconds, Flash got confirmation that Rick's weapons were locked on. He heard his son's breathing on the radio. "Been waiting a long time for this, buddy," Rick uttered.
Suddenly, a barrage of lasers began flying backward from Ming's vehicle. One of the shots tore through Rick's left wing.
Rick's jet began flying out of control. It made a series of spins before landing in the water.
"Rick. Are you all right?" Krotan called through a communicator.
"I'm...fine." He groaned. "Get him."
Flash spoke up. "Stay calm, Rick. I'm calling for help."
Ming's ship whizzed ahead, and Krotan's jet followed it.
According to Flash's sensors, it
wasn't long before Krotan had locked on to his father's vehicle.
The prince hesitated. Flash heard a
deep breath. "Goodbye, Father," Krotan said.
Another wave of lasers flew straight from Ming's craft.
Krotan jerked backward as a small explosion wracked his jet. The plane fell amidst a trail of smoke, and Krotan joined Rick down in the water.
"Krotan," Flash called. "Can you hear me?"
"Copy," he replied, wearily.
Flash swung his gaze right up to the sky. Ming was flying far out in front of him.
Three seconds later, Ming sent another wave of lasers back.
Flash dodged all of them easily.
"I'd know that maneuvering anywhere," Ming said over the radio.
Flash heard clicks. The firing stopped. It seemed his opponent was all out of lasers.
Swearing quietly, Ming turned around.
Flash scowled a bit as the craft charged toward him.
Seconds before their vehicles could hit, both ejected from their cockpits and flew through the sky. The planes collided in a huge explosion. Flames roared to life right beneath them both.
As their parachutes opened, each of them whipped out hand blasters. Flash fired a shot, and Ming did the same. The lasers missed their intended targets, instead hitting the straps of both men's parachutes.
Flash and Ming grabbed each other amidst their descent, twirling through the air, falling through the smoke, and finally landing with a powerful splash.
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Following a struggle that occurred underwater, Ming emerged with a gasp, and crawled to the coast. After pulling himself onto the sand, he took a moment to look toward the waves.
Everything remained still and silent.
Ming fell onto his back and spread his arms, feeling an incredible sense of relief.
Flash shot up above the surface, holding a hand blaster on him.
Ming closed his eyes and shook his head, letting a loud wail of frustration loose.
"Ming the Merciless," Flash Gordon said, "it's my pleasure to inform you that you are under arrest. Again."
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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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