D55
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 55: Action
Dale strode forth from a cloud of fog, sporting a leather
jacket as she moved boldly. She wasn't in a very good mood right now. Being on Mongo wasn't something she liked.
Aura emerged right across from her, donned in a long regal dress and cape.
Each of their guards stood a distance away.
"I'm surprised you actually showed up." Aura smirked. "I didn't expect such courage from a Gordon. After all, you people- -"
Dale yanked Aura forward by her shirt.
"Hey!"
"Listen to me, you arrogant brat. I put up with your crap when you were a little girl, but I don't have to do that now. Out of respect for your mother, I'm offering you a fair warning." Dale shoved her back.
Aura stumbled a bit, then regained her footing with a scowl.
Dale scoffed. "You know, I've been following a lot of you youngsters since you were little. You, Castra, Rick, Krotan, Jedda, Rachel, and some of the others as well. Most of you turned out just like I expected, and you're certainly no exception."
The princess glared.
"If you're ready to act like an adult, let's get on with business. I've got to be gone before it gets too sunny."
Aura took a deep breath. "How did you even have the resources to reach Mongo?"
"I'm acting ruler of the Netherworld." Dale looked her over. "And I understand that you'd like to be a ruler yourself. Not an acting one, but a real one. You want to replace your sister as ruler of her kingdom."
"So you were paying attention when we spoke," Aura said with mock surprise. "What is it you're proposing?"
"Step one: Have your brother-in-law, Prince Tevrok, delivered to me. I want him subdued and I want him bound."
Aura lifted an eyebrow, then raised a hand to her hip. "All right. Then what?"
"I'll worry about the rest."
"No." Aura chuckled. "I want to know what I'm getting into."
"I'm not giving you any more information than necessary. I don't trust royals of Mongo."
Aura held still, locking her steely eyes on the woman.
Dale glanced at her wrist as though eyeing a watch. "Do you want to become a ruler or not? This has to be done today."
After a few more seconds, Aura turned and addressed her guards while walking away. "Summon additional men."
Hours later, a battered and bound Tevrok was dragged to the area. His thin tunic exposed fresh scars along his torso.
Dale stepped out of her space cruiser, finding a spot within the shade.
"Dale?" Tevrok watched her with stunned eyes. He'd heard about Dale's awakening, but she was the last person he'd expected to see right now. "What's going on?"
Dale's gaze softened a little. "I'm sorry, Tev, but I have to do this."
"I don't understand. The two of us are friends. We fought side by side during the rebellion."
Dale thought back to that violent battle. "Things were different then," she said.
"How?" Tevrok struggled and glared.
"You hadn't taken Castra as your bride yet." She sighed. "You're part of the royal family of Mongo now, Tev. That means that you and I are on two opposing sides. I don't view you as an enemy, but I have to view you as a target — especially if you can help me get what I want."
An enormous crowd of Mongoians had gathered before a large stage. Castra was sitting on one side of the platform, while Ming was kneeling in the center.
A bulky executioner stood with an axe in hand.
Numerous armed guards were present as well, while several others were stationed around the crowd.
Flash and Rick were sitting in the front row of the audience. Both looked tense while quietly watching the scene.
Castra leaned toward a nobleman. "What's the news on Tevrok?"
"I'm sorry, highness," he replied, "but I've yet to hear of any new developments. Naturally, our people will continue the search."
The princess closed her eyes, then ran a hand along her face for a second.
"Do you wish to delay the execution?"
Castra looked over at Ming, simply watching him for a moment. Then she looked out at the crowd, recalling part of her motivation for doing this. "No," she mumbled. "Proceed with it now."
The noble walked over to the executioner, informing him of Castra's order.
The man nodded, and lifted his axe.
Ming took a number of long, deep breaths. Beads of sweat ran down his face.
Just as the executioner was approaching Ming, a flash of static appeared on a huge video screen above. One second later, a transmission was broadcast from a dark room.
"Tevrok!" said Castra, leaping from her chair as she spotted him on the screen.
Flash quickly rose as well, one hand shaking as his tense eyes widened.
Tevrok's wrists were still bound, and his wounds were still visible. A pale man was pointing a blaster at him.
"Attention, Princess Castra," said an unseen woman. Her voice was disguised with a mysterious device. "You will fly Ming to the bottom of the nearby canyon immediately. Do not send anyone other than the pilot, and do not attempt to contact Queen Jedda. I'm monitoring your transmissions. Once Ming is in our custody, Prince Tevrok will be released. If you fail to obey any of these instructions, your husband will be killed."
The image of Tevrok lingered on the screen for several more seconds, then disappeared.
A stunned Castra began glancing back and forth around the stage.
Flash and Rick mumbled to each other below.
Elsewhere, Dale lowered the camera that she'd been holding on Tevrok, then glanced over at her allies and issued instructions. Dale's men were dispatched to retrieve Ming, Aura's were told to guard Tevrok, and Dale herself headed back to her space cruiser.
Castra stared up at the blank screen, wishing for Tevrok's image to return, wishing for him to tell her that he was okay, wishing for him to be safely within her arms. Eventually, however, Castra reached the conclusion that she couldn't merely wish for these things to happen. She would have to take some form of action as well.
And before long, Castra decided that there was only one thing that she could do at present. Seconds later, the princess walked up to a microphone and addressed the crowd. "I-In light of...certain new developments..." She paused, letting out a deep breath. "I have decided that Ming the Merciless...will not be executed today."
A wave of rage swept across the audience. Numerous men and women began rushing the stage.
The guards fired their weapons toward the sky, scaring off the would-be rioters.
Flash and Rick both shook where they stood, dodging and ducking as people ran past them.
Ming smirked as he was being escorted away.
Amidst the chaos, a number of guards escorted Castra to safety, while Rick and Flash began making their departure as well.
At the very back of the crowd, on a small stone perch, Aura looked on with her arms folded and her cape fluttering. A huge grin was present upon her face. "Try and win the election now, sister."
A small vehicle floated down to the bottom of the canyon. Ming was thrown out alone as the ship landed.
Within seconds, a slew of pale men rushed forth and took hold of the former king, who quickly recognized them as guards from the Netherworld.
"What is the meaning of- - "
Ming was shoved into their vehicle before he could complete the question, and the men began driving back to the site of their space cruiser.
Prince Tevrok stumbled toward the castle he called home. A bloodied opponent was slung over his shoulder.
"Tevrok!" yelled Castra, rushing outside along with numerous guards.
Tevrok dropped the man he'd been carrying, then staggered toward his wife. As the lovers met in a long embrace, Flash and Rick began approaching as well.
"Tevrok," called Flash. "Are you all right? What happened?"
"I managed to defeat my captors," said the prince.
Castra studied Tevrok's unconscious foe. "Wait a moment," she said, "isn't this one of..."
"Yes," Tevrok replied. "Aura's guards. I didn't recognize them at first."
"Aura..." said Rick, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "Why am I not surprised to hear that the royals of Mongo are plotting against each other somehow?"
Tevrok wrapped an arm around Castra. "I'm afraid that isn't the end of it, Rick." He turned to Flash. "Someone else was involved. I didn't see Aura, but I did see her partner."
Flash lifted his hands to his hips, ready for action. "Think you could recognize them if you saw them again?"
"I could," he mumbled. "And, unfortunately, so could you, my friend."
Flash squinted. "What do you mean?"
A small cruiser had left Mongo and was now speeding through space.
Ming was laying bound within a shady area. Amidst the silence he began to grow restless. "You there. Woman," he called, addressing someone whose back was turned. "Are you too cowardly to show me your face?"
The woman simply held quiet.
"What is the meaning of this?" he snapped. "Why am I here?"
She unfolded her arms, then spoke quietly. "Why are you here?"
Ming's eyes widened in awe as she turned around.
"Come now, Ming," said Dale. "Did you honestly think I'd let someone else have the pleasure of killing you?"
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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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