D59
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 59: Resolution
The Present
Lothar took a seat at the table and looked over at his son.
LJ folded his arms, taking a deep breath.
"All right..." said Lothar. "Let's talk about your mom." He looked down at his cupped hands. "First, tell me everything you remember about your mom. Tell me the details of our family's history, from your perspective."
LJ suppressed a frown. "Why?"
"Because I'm about to give you what you've asked for. I'm going to tell you what's true, and what isn't."
LJ sighed, then took a quick glance at the ceiling. "You and Mom fought crime together for a number of years — until she was framed by one of your enemies. Just as the police were closing in on us, Mandrake created an illusion to make it look like Mom was dead. After that, she went on the run, and you and I didn't know if we'd ever hear from her again." He looked down at the table now. "Then, a few years ago, we heard that she'd died...but, of course, it turns out that she didn't."
Lothar nodded, running a hand along the side of his head.
"So what did I get right, Dad?"
"Just about everything, save for one detail at the beginning." Lothar looked up at his son. "She wasn't framed, LJ. That's what you insisted on believing when you were younger — so Mandrake and I chose not to argue. We knew that the truth would've broken your heart."
LJ narrowed his eyes. "What are you telling me?"
"Your mother was guilty of her crime, son."
LJ simply held quiet while eyeing Lothar. He recognized his father's tone. It was the kind that Lothar used when he was trying to hammer something into LJ's head, something that LJ didn't want to accept.
"Mandrake and I agreed to use that illusion so that she could avoid prison time. But after that, I told her that she had to leave."
LJ's voice had dropped to a murmur. "Why did you do that?"
"Because if she had stayed, me and Mandrake could've faced charges ourselves for harboring a fugitive." Lothar frowned a little. "And because I wouldn't allow you to be raised by someone who was willing to cross the line that she did."
"You're talking about Mom as though she's some kind of villain."
"No," said Lothar, shaking his head. "I don't think that her crime defined her as a person. She got desperate and nervous, and she made a mistake. But that ultimately didn't excuse her actions. If she could do it once, then I knew that she could do it again. I couldn't let my son be exposed to that — because I knew that it would hurt you even worse than it hurt me."
LJ ran a hand over his face and looked away. "All this time, all these years...you let me think that she was innocent. You- -"
"If you want to hate me for that decision, then I can't stop you. I'm unable to change any of that now, son. I've explained my reasons. You'll either accept them or you won't."
The younger man quieted again, staring at his father for what seemed like quite a while.
Lothar held quiet as well, his hands trembling as he rubbed them together.
"I don't hate Mom..." said LJ. "And I could never hate you either, Dad."
Lothar felt a slight smile crossing his face.
"Do you know where she's gone now?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure where she is, or when she'll be back. But I do know that she loves you, just as much as I do."
LJ nodded. "I understand why you kept that secret from me. I was only a kid." He sat up a little. "But the fact is, I'm a man now. So from this point on, when a family issue arises, let's face it together — like two men should."
Lothar smiled again. "It's a deal, son."
The two reached across the table and slapped hands, grinning as they stared upon one another.
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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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