D54
Dynasties
By James
Chapter: Talk
"How?" Jade asked, releasing Dale from a hug. "I heard that you were killed on Mongo."
"But not before I was cloned on Mongo."
Jade fidgeted, looking at Dale as though her hair had just turned blue. It was unsettling to hear that she was talking to a clone, and that she'd just hugged one.
Dale took a seat across from her friend. "You remember my father's cloning project. The one I told you about while you were in prison."
"It actually worked?"
Dale leaned her head to the side, lifting her shoulders with a smug little grin that Jade immediately recognized. "Fortunately for me."
Jade noticed that her tension was beginning to fade. She'd known Dale since before they'd become mothers, and the woman before her seemed no different than the 'original.' Her memories and mannerisms were entirely the same. But, apparently, her body had changed. Jade sat down, eyeing her in fascination. "How do you feel? Are you all right? What is this like?"
"So many questions," said Dale with a chuckle. "The short answer to all of them is, I'm fine."
"I don't understand. Where have you been all this time?"
"Planet Kona, until recently. Flash and Rick brought me to Hadea's dominion. I ran into Rachel down there." Dale paused, her gaze drifting upward. "It was quite stunning to see her again."
A wave of affection fluttered up in Jade.
Dale smirked a little. "Of course, I've seen your old husband Kit as well."
Jade rolled her eyes now, looking quite irked all of a sudden. "I'm surprised you still recognized him from the picture I gave you. That was a long time ago."
"Hard to forget that handsome face."
A part of Jade wished that she could. "I recently met your husband too," she said. "He and Kit came barging in here after they found out about Rachel."
Dale let her gaze wander. "Interesting that we never got to meet each other's husbands in the old days."
Jade shrugged. "We were young super-heroines, married to young super-heroes. Those were busy times. Me and Kit were flying around the world...and you and Flash were flying around the galaxy."
Dale grinned, letting the memories come to her for a moment.
"Speaking of the old days," said Jade, "back then, I hardly ever got the chance to thank you. So, thank you."
"For what?"
"While I was in prison, I asked you to make sure that Kit didn't find out about Rachel. You did that, and I'm grateful."
Dale looked away. "I'm sure my motivation was a bit different than yours." She ran a few fingers along her chin. "If your daughters had grown up together, they would've been competing to become the next Phantom. Chances are, Jedda and Rachel would've ended up like Aura and Castra — two sisters with barely any relationship at all." She turned back to Dale. "I simply couldn't allow that to happen."
Jade fell silent for a moment. "In any case, it turns out that Rachel isn't Kit's daughter anyway. It was probably for the best that she ended up in foster care."
Dale let herself think back to those days again. "I monitored her progress from one foster home to another, keeping an eye on her as she grew."
Jade's stare became a little warmer. "You didn't have to do that."
"Oh, I wanted to, honey...because I knew I'd have a favor to ask of you someday, and I wanted you to realize how much you owe me."
Jade winced, and her eyes narrowed a bit. "So that's what this visit is really about. I assume you've come to collect."
"And you assume correctly."
She spread her arms. "What do you think I can do for you, Dale?"
"I'm progressing toward my goal one step at a time, Jade, and I need your help with the current step."
Jade looked a little confused.
"You know, if I'd just become a secretary instead of a super-heroine, none of this would be happening." Dale smiled while thinking back a little. "But my life has revolved around my passion for science and adventure. And do you know what got me interested in those things? Hearing about all the 'fun' that my father the explorer was having on his journeys. When I was a kid, most little girls wanted to go to Disney World...but I wanted to go to Netherworld — the place with a real kingdom, and a real queen."
Jade recalled hearing this story once before, a long time ago when they were much younger.
"I remember the first time I followed my dad to the Netherworld." She shook her head a little. "He was so mad when he found out I'd tagged along, but it was much too late to send me home. So he brought me with him to the palace...and I got so excited. I was expecting to see some amazingly elegant ruler when I stepped inside." Dale released a smug chuckle. "Instead, the person sitting on the throne was a quiet little blonde girl, just like me. Turned out her parents had left her behind to rule the kingdom alone."
Jade squinted while thinking about Hadea.
"I reached a certain conclusion that day."
She shrugged. "Which was?"
"There are some seriously chaotic families out there." Dale nodded her head in Jade's direction. "You should know that better than anybody. You've created a lot of the friction in the Walker clan."
Jade scowled.
"And I should know too, because I married into a wild family myself." Dale looked upward with a boldness in her eyes. "To be a Gordon means to face the royals of Mongo. To be a Gordon means to fight the royals of Mongo."
Jade's eyebrows lowered, a hint of distrust appearing in her expression. "My daughter Jedda happens to be one of those royals now."
"I know. I'm familiar with all of them. It's sort of my duty to be." She looked over at Jade. "You know that I'd never take any action against your children. However, there's one royal in particular who I've got my eyes on at the moment, a certain prince by the name of Tevrok."
"Who's he?"
"Do you remember when I spoke of the great rebellion? Remember when I visited you in prison, and said that Flash and I were heading up to Mongo for a big battle?"
Jade nodded.
"That was the rebellion. It happened when Rick was a preteen," said Dale, recalling how difficult it was to leave him in another's care. "Shortly after Flash and I joined that battle, we allied ourselves with Princess Castra and her future husband, Tevrok. It was Flash's first time meeting them both...but I'd already met Castra when she was a girl."
"So this Tevrok is married to Castra now?"
"He is indeed, and he's now at the center of my plan. A few hours ago, Flash got some news from Castra that he relayed to me. She's going to execute Ming herself, and she's invited us to attend." Dale casually waved a hand about. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's discuss this favor." She leaned forward. "Rachel's been thinking about returning to the Netherworld, as queen. I want you to discourage her from doing that."
Jade looked quite perplexed. "Why?"
Dale cupped her hands and looked down at them. "Because I want to become queen myself."
Krotan loved the look of the palace at dawn. Huge rays of light pierced the wall-length panes.
He sat all alone at the table's head. To his right sat Zyna, who sported her sling. To her right sat Ming, whose hands were bound. Jedda was sitting to Krotan's left, donned in her usual tiara and gown. Her long hair rested around her shoulders.
As Krotan lifted a remote and clicked a button, a picture of Vera and Lowe appeared on a large screen behind him. Vera's smiling face peered down on the meeting, while Lowe had the curious stare of a newborn baby.
Krotan began looking around the table. "All of us are part of the same family — which means that all of us are part of the same legacy: Mongo's."
Ming threw a resentful glance across the table.
Jedda held up a bold stare, gradually rolling her eyes elsewhere. Even though she was fully aware of the answer to this question, she still couldn't help but ask it in her head sometimes: How in the world had she and Ming the Merciless become family?
Krotan faced his parents. "We've all been given a place in that legacy. The two of you represent Mongo's past, Jedda and I represent Mongo's present, and those children behind us represent Mongo's future." He closed his eyes a moment. "The problem is that there are a couple of people at this table who keep forgetting their place. Father, you've claimed that you'll never stop trying to conquer Mongo. Mother, you recently offered to help him do it.
"You've both been issued punishments for your offenses. However, plans have recently changed."
Zyna and Ming each felt a flutter of hope within their hearts.
"Mother, you were originally scheduled to be incarcerated upon your recovery. As a favor to Rick, however, Jedda and I are going to let you off with a mere warning. Father, you're still going to be executed — but not in the capital. Instead, Castra will see to your execution in her kingdom."
Ming flinched a little, then nodded at Krotan. "So you don't have the guts to execute me yourself." His face began trembling as he laughed. "You had to ask your big sister to do it."
A distant voice came from across the room. "He didn't ask. I volunteered."
Everyone turned their attention toward the entrance, where Princess Castra stood with two of her guards. Her thick ponytail hung over her shoulder, and she wore a long cape behind an elegant gown. She glanced over at Zyna, who she hadn't seen in months, then approached the table while studying her father again.
Ming produced a false look of shock and hurt. "Why, Castra?" he pleaded. "I've offered you nothing but love."
"You've offered me nothing but lies. You've used your own daughter as a means to your ends. And those ends involve nothing but tyranny and destruction. You recently attacked our people out in the street, and, if we allow you to, you'll only do it again. The legend of Ming the Merciless has reached its conclusion."
Ming let the mask of hurt slip away, replacing it with an angry scowl. "Big talk...but nothing more than that. I'm your father, little girl. Don't presume that you can fool me. I know that your motivations aren't as noble and as selfless as you'd like everyone to believe."
Castra quivered a little. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm well aware that many people in your kingdom want a new ruler, and Aura is gaining more and more supporters each day. I suppose it's merely a coincidence that you've offered to execute me right before the election. You're hoping to sway support in your direction."
Another voice came from down at the doorway. "I have such a clever little sister, don't I?"
Everyone turned toward the entrance again. Princess Aura had arrived now. She was dressed similarly to Castra, and a slew of guards were flanking her as well.
Castra rolled her eyes while turning away.
"So nice to see you too, Cassie dear." Aura smirked, then turned toward Zyna. "Mother..." she said, making little effort to hide the coldness in her tone.
Zyna turned away in annoyance.
"Enough," Krotan said. "We're going to maintain a peaceful atmosphere."
"Peace?" Aura chuckled. "I know that you and Jedda are living a fairy tale here, Krotan, but let's try and stay a little in touch with reality. Our family doesn't know the meaning of that word."
"Why is that?" Jedda asked, shaking her head as she eyed the sisters. "How did the two of you get this way? I've never heard the whole story."
Aura shrugged. "There are two sides to it. Castra will tell you one version...and I'll tell you the truth."
Castra scoffed. "That's not exactly an area where you excel."
Jedda looked over at Zyna, silently asking for her account.
Zyna turned away from the others. "Aura and Castra have been rivals since they were girls. Ming made them believe that whoever pleased him most would become Queen of Mongo someday." She eyed her husband hatefully. "But I knew that he had no intention of keeping his word. Instead, he intended to manipulate them into lying, killing, and prostituting themselves once they came of age."
Krotan turned to Ming with a look of utter disgust.
"I knew that I could only save one of my daughters from that fate," Zyna said. "Hiding both of them would be too difficult. So I chose Castra...and fled from this very palace."
Krotan stared down at the table. He'd been a young boy when his mother had rushed off into the night, and he could still recall watching the scene from a window in his room. He'd cried himself to sleep that evening, unaware that far away, on a distant planet, another child was crying out for her mother as well. That girl had grown up and become his wife.
"Aura was raised here for many years. But once she realized that Ming was manipulating her, she escaped from the palace on her own. That left Krotan as the only child remaining." Zyna stared at her son solemnly, knowing what he'd endured while living with Ming.
Jedda gazed at Krotan in silence as well, then looked back across the room. "So that's why the two of you don't get along — because Ming made you view each other as rivals instead of as sisters."
Aura and Castra avoided looking at one another. Neither showed any signs of regret over the way their relationship had played out.
Krotan shook his head and chuckled. "With relatives like these, who needs Gordons?" He swung his gaze around the table. "We're beginning to make peace with Flash, Dale, Rick, and the others. Wouldn't it be nice if we could find peace among ourselves as well?"
Everyone held silent.
"If there's one thing we've learned over time," Krotan said, "it's that internal conflicts create nothing but chaos within our family. That chaos has had various effects on each of us. It's created anger, arrogance, anxiety, sadness, hatred, ambition, and a number of other things as well." He looked over at Ming. "That's why I'm not going to execute you myself, Father. I'm not even going to watch. I'd feel as though I was indulging in hatred if I did either of those things, and I'm done with that now." He turned to Jedda, who reached over and touched his hand.
Ming glanced at his youngest daughter. "So instead of Krotan indulging his hatred, Castra will simply indulge her ambition — thus maintaining her hold on power."
"I'm not indulging anything," said Castra. "I'm going to execute you for the good of Mongo."
"Tell yourself what you want," Ming uttered, "but we both know that you're killing your father in order to defeat your sister. What a wonderful family we have." He looked across the table. "Jedda, you've been with us for how long now? Eight years? People talk of all the great changes that you've made out there..." He motioned toward the window. "But even you can't change certain things in here."
Jedda interlocked her fingers on the table. "All I know is that things will be better once you're gone. You're not going to scar my children the way that you've scarred your own." She rose. "Aura. Castra..." Jedda hesitated a moment. "I'd like it if the two of you could stay a bit longer."
Castra turned to her men. "Take my father to our vehicle and transport him to the castle. I'll return later."
Ming struggled while being pulled away. "Don't think for a moment that this is truly over."
Aura nodded to herself in satisfaction. Her sole reason for coming was to witness Ming's anguish, and she found herself quite pleased right now.
Zyna turned to Krotan. "So now that your father's fate is determined, what's to become of me?"
"As I said, you're free to go, Mother. But please, go in peace."
Zyna rose, turning her stare toward Castra.
Castra purposefully kept her eyes averted.
Zyna sighed, and slowly left the room. A group of palace guards escorted her out of the building.
Jedda addressed Aura and Castra again. "Please follow these women," she said, motioning toward a pair of servants. "They'll take care of you."
The sisters made their exit, avoiding eye contact as they walked within the small group.
Once Krotan and Jedda were alone, the king took a deep breath and faced his queen. "I'm sorry, Jedda."
"For what?" she asked softly.
He frowned while shaking his head. "I'm sorry that things are so...difficult...within my family."
Jedda took his hands in hers. "First of all, it's our family. And we're simply in the midst of some issues right now."
"It isn't just right now. This sort of strife has been in our family for generations. Several kings and queens before us have either endured this chaos or contributed to it, and many of their children have as well. In short, a number of royals have suffered through this — and some of them have made Mongo suffer right along with them."
"I know..." Jedda directed his attention to her right. "But I have a feeling that all of that is coming to an end...because something tells me that Mongo is on the verge of a bright future."
Krotan turned, noticing the picture again.
Vera smiled down on them, with Lowe at her side.
Krotan met Jedda's grin with one of his own, and the two stood together quietly while holding hands.
You're Reading
Dynasties
Rachel sat down across from Jade. "Let me be clear on this: First you wanted me to leave the Defenders, and now you want me to stay away from the Netherworld too?"
Jade sighed. "I want you to do what you think is best. Not what Hadea or anyone else wants you to do. You left the position of queen for a reason. You didn't think it was the right fit at the moment. I can't see how things could have changed so soon. All I'm saying is give it time. Hadea will find another queen — and if things don't work out with her, then you can consider going back."
Rachel felt uncertain of what she wanted to do now. She eventually took a deep breath and rose from the table. "All right. I'll tell Hadea that she should choose another."
Jedda, Aura, and Castra were sprawled on their stomachs atop three long cots. Towels were wrapped around their waists, and the sun was soothing their bare backs. A number of birds chirped quietly above the round stone balcony.
Jedda turned to her left and right on occasion, attempting to open conversation between the two sisters. Each of the women were more than willing to speak with her, but generally avoided interaction with each other. Eventually, Jedda let out a soft sigh. "How much longer will you two keep this up?" She paused. "And I'm not talking about today, I mean in general."
After a bit of hesitation, Castra rolled onto her side, looking toward the other two women.
Aura held her stare elsewhere.
"Ming's taken a lot of things from a lot of people," said Jedda. "It's a shame that he robbed the two of you of your relationship as well."
Aura turned over, facing them. "It's not Father's fault that we don't have a relationship. This has never been about him. It's been about common sense."
Castra nodded. "Aura and I simply had different definitions of that while we were growing up."
Aura chuckled. "You see, as the oldest child, I always knew that I had a natural right to be queen. Castra here disagreed with me."
"Because leadership isn't simply about age." Castra glared. "It's about who can do the job best."
Aura turned away, resting her face against the cushion. "That's the problem with our family. There's always been a clash between traditionalism and idealism."
"No," Castra said. "The problem, Aura, is that too many people in our family have been driven by ambition. It's been that way for generations."
She flipped over again. "People like you, for example? Why don't you tell Jedda the whole story, Castra? Tell her what happened after Mother took you from the palace. Tell us why you rarely speak with Mother now."
Castra trembled, looking away.
Jedda squinted in confusion, moving her gaze back and forth between them.
"It had nothing to do with any flaws in our mother's character," said Aura. "You were simply resentful toward her for robbing you of your chance to become queen. So you went and joined that little rebellion."
Castra licked her lips, keeping her eyes averted. She gripped the cushion while holding quiet for a while, then managed to speak up again. "In any case, Aura, I think we both can see that Mongo ended up with the right queen."
Jedda shyly looked downward.
Castra narrowed her bold eyes. "And I think we can agree that Mongo will have a better future without Ming."
Several days later, Dale stood with Hadea before a line of newly refined spacecrafts.
"This is magnificent, Dale," the empress remarked. "Due to your contributions, it appears that my people and I will finally have the ability to travel into space. I'm going to make the announcement across all five kingdoms. This is a monumental day, unlike any other."
Dale grinned. "Thank you, highness." Exactly the reaction she'd wanted.
"How might I possibly repay you?"
"Oh, I want nothing in return. I'd only like the opportunity to continue serving here, to continue making contributions."
"It sounds as though you already have another one in mind."
Dale tightened a fist and took a deep breath. "Forgive me if it's inappropriate to discuss this, but I have heard that you'll be training a new Queen of the Netherworld soon."
"Yes. It appears that Rachel won't be returning to the position."
"In that case, I would be honored beyond words to become a candidate."
Hadea turned to her in surprise. After studying Dale with a long, curious stare, she let herself smile. "You appear to have the appropriate qualities for the role. You're well-mannered and hard-working. And, as a mother, you know what it's like to nurture others. With what you've contributed already, I think that you've earned the right to be considered."
Dale nodded and lifted her chin, speaking deeply as she eyed the horizon. "Thank you once again, highness."
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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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