D53
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 53: Plans
"How's she been?" Rick asked, standing beside Hadea atop a golden balcony. Both were looking down at Dale, who crawled about in a plain white gown while tending to a garden.
"She appears to be settling in well," said Hadea.
"And how much longer will she be your guest at the palace?"
"Until I can decide which kingdom she'll live in. Your mother seems to have a preference for the Netherworld, but I still haven't found a new queen there. I'd rather she live someplace that's a bit more stable."
Rick looked at her for a second. "I'm kind of glad that she's still with you."
Hadea looked somewhat surprised.
"Every time me and my dad 'get her back,' it feels like there's always a string attached: We can't have her in the flesh, or we can't have her for very long, or we can't live with her the way we used to." Rick's gaze grew a bit sadder. "Sometimes it feels like fate is trying to tell us something..."
Hadea placed a hand atop his shoulder.
"In any case, if my dad and I have to be apart from her right now, then I'm glad that she has you to turn to," he said. "I myself know all about the benefits of that."
She turned Rick toward her, pulling him in for a hug.
Rick wrapped his hands around Hadea and closed his eyes.
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Down below, Dale was watching Rick and Hadea closely.
Moments after Rick had left, Dale appeared behind Hadea's shoulder. "My son seems to harbor a lot of affection for you."
Hadea flinched, then turned around. "Dale," she whispered. "Rick was looking for you."
"I saw him on his way out." She took a step forward, narrowing her eyes. "I've been wanting to ask you about something that I heard before coming here."
The empress cupped her hands behind her back and nodded.
"Is it true that some of your vehicles can travel to space now?"
"Yes and no. We've recently developed cruisers that are capable of space travel. However, we're still working on perfecting them," Hadea said. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I can help. With enough time, I might be able to help your men make the proper refinements."
Hadea hesitated, studying Dale for a moment. "That would be wonderful," she said with a nod. "I've asked Flash and Rick, but they've been rather busy lately."
"Trust me, I know all about that." Dale rolled her eyes with a smile.
Hadea chuckled, offering a grin of her own.
A man appeared behind Dale and addressed Hadea. "Pardon me, highness, but you've received a video call."
"Excuse me," said Hadea.
"Of course." Dale nodded.
Dale stepped onto the balcony, looking out at the horizon. After a few minutes, another servant arrived behind her.
"Highness?"
Dale turned around.
"Oh, pardon me," said the man with a shake. "I was looking for the empress."
"Something wrong?"
"Not at all," he replied. "I merely meant to inform her that Miss Walker has arrived."
Dale lifted an eyebrow. "Jedda Walker?"
He shook his head. "Rachel Walker."
Dale opened her mouth a crack, freezing where she stood. Her stunned eyes began staring a hole in the servant.
The man watched her a bit strangely while noting her reaction.
"Show her in," whispered Dale. "She can wait for the empress here."
The man nodded and made his exit.
Dale turned and gripped the railing with both hands. She began taking a series of long, deep breaths.
"Hi," said a calm, feminine voice behind her.
Upon turning around, Dale saw a woman whose hands were hidden in a long brown cape. Her dark hair was partly fastened in a small ponytail.
"I'm Rachel."
Dale held her mouth closed. Her eyes were full of calm awe.
"Are you okay?"
"What? Oh. I'm fine," said Dale, snapping out of her trance. She began to mutter while looking Rachel over. "It's just nice to see how much you've grown."
Rachel drew back a tad. "Pardon me?"
"Nothing," Dale said, shaking her head.
After a few seconds of silence, Rachel spoke up again. "I was scheduled to meet with the empress today, but I hear she's a little busy right now. I was going to wait, but I'm actually short on time myself. Could you possibly give her a message for me?"
"Certainly."
"She's asked me to become Queen of the Netherworld again..."
Dale flinched, looking utterly startled. She had no idea that Rachel had ever been queen.
"I'm trying to lighten my current schedule, so I might be available to serve here in the near future. I don't want to make any promises that I can't keep, but I do want to be here for Hadea if I'm able to. I guess my answer is 'maybe.' Could you just let her know that I'm thinking about it, and that I hope things will work out?" Rachel asked.
Dale nodded. "I will."
"Thanks." She smiled, looking the woman over. "I haven't seen you around before..."
"I'm a guest of the empress."
Rachel licked her lips, then made a quick nod. She could tell that Dale didn't want to give her name. "Oh," she said quietly. "Well, I'd better be going. Thank you again."
A few minutes after Rachel had departed, Hadea arrived in the room once more. "I hear that one of my former queens was just here."
"Rachel?" said Dale. "You just missed her. She says that she appreciates your offer to return, but, unfortunately, she'll probably have to decline."
Hadea sighed, looking quite disappointed. "I was truly hoping to get her back."
Dale averted her gaze, brushing a finger along her cheek as she glanced off to the side.
Stars gleamed over a small kingdom on Mongo, a land that was ruled by Ming's youngest daughter, Princess Castra.
On the highest floor of a tall castle, Castra and her husband Tevrok were laying side by side in bed.
"I'm going to execute Ming myself," she said. A white sheet was tucked firmly atop her chest, leaving her rounded shoulders bare. Her black locks were sprawled like a shining star, and her emerald skin glowed faintly within the dark blue light.
"Why?" asked Tevrok, rolling onto his stomach. His bare muscles bulged as he moved, and his thick brown stubble brushed against his neck. "Tell me that this has nothing to do with the election."
Castra held her gaze on the ceiling. "I would...but we both know that I don't want to lie to you."
Tevrok closed his eyes. "Cas." He sighed.
"Aura wants to replace me as ruler of this kingdom. She's got a pretty decent chance of doing it this time. But if I execute Ming, the people will definitely reelect you and me. It's very simple: I win the people's love by exploiting their hate."
"Listen to yourself, Castra," said Tevrok, opening his eyes and staring at her. "Listen to what these conflicts with Aura and Ming are doing to you. You're beginning to sound as ambitious and as cold as the two of them."
Castra opened her mouth a tad.
"This chaos within your family almost destroyed Krotan." He rolled over and faced the wall. "Don't let it actually do that to you."
While laying in bed, Jade Walker heard a rustle within her living room.
She opened her eyes and reached under a pillow, drawing a hand blaster as she pulled aside the cover. One minute later, she crept into the main room of her home, where she noticed a shady figure sitting in her favorite chair. "Don't move," she said, pointing her weapon. While keeping her stare straight ahead, she reached over to the wall and hit a switch. As a small bit of light cut through the darkness, Jade's eyes widened, and her jaw slowly dropped. "Dale?"
Dale leaned back against the chair, her long hair spreading along her dark leather jacket. "It's been a while, Jade." She flashed a smirk. "You'll never guess who else I ran into today."
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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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