D65
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 65: Circle
Rachel took a seat across from Dale, setting two cups down on the coffee table.
"Thank you," Dale muttered, closing her eyes a moment. "Even in the old days, I knew that Kurt wasn't someone I could fully trust."
"Let's not talk about him, let's talk about us — seeing as there appears to be an 'us,' " said Rachel, now sporting her usual long-sleeved shirt and loosened hair. "I want the truth. You keep acting as though we're old acquaintances or something. Why?"
Dale took a deep breath, letting her eyes sweep over the younger woman. A conversation over 20 years in the making had finally arrived.
Rachel waited patiently.
"I've known your mother for a very long time." Dale glanced out at the gleaming stars. "Shortly after you were born, Jade decided to put you in foster care, rather than letting Kit raise you as his own. She asked me to keep him from finding out about you — to intercept all news, documents, and records relating to your existence." She quivered, holding her gaze away from Rachel. "So, for a few years, I put my skills to the test...and I succeeded."
Rachel began staring a hole in Dale, appearing calm on the surface, but seething within. For the past few hours, she'd regretted having to harm this woman during their fight. Now she was ready for Rachel vs Dale II. She closed her eyes, running a hand over her face. Her tone was very quiet when she finally managed to speak. "Why did you do that?"
Dale sighed. "I honestly thought it was for the best."
"You're going to have to give me a much better explanation than that."
"Krotan's sisters — Aura and Castra? I knew them when they were little girls." Dale nodded while continuing. "I've watched all of you kids your whole lives. Castra and Aura hated each other when they were younger, because they were competing for a position of greatness. If you and Jedda had grown up together, you would've been competing for the same thing.
"That's because none of us are part of normal families, we're part of dynasties. I kept you and Jedda apart because I knew that you were bound to end up as enemies."
"Or, it might not have happened that way." Rachel fell silent, her face reddening as she scowled at Dale for a long moment.
Dale let her tense gaze fall to her lap.
"Jedda and I are not Aura and Castra. You don't know anything about my relationship with my sister. The two of us obviously didn't grow up together, yet we love each other now, and we would've loved each other then." Rachel folded her arms and lifted her stare to the ceiling. "My whole childhood, I wondered what it would've been like to live with my family. I can see now that it would've been wonderful. Yet I never had that experience, because you robbed me of it." She scoffed. "Gordons are supposed to prevent bad things from happening, not good things. Isn't that what your clan is famous for?"
Dale closed her sullen eyes, then slowly opened them again. "There's always a bright side, Rachel. You got to build your own future, just like Jedda. If you'd grown up here, you probably would've become the Phantom when Jedda became Queen of Mongo. Instead, you went out and chose your own path in life." She looked her over. "You're proud of what you've accomplished, aren't you?"
Rachel hesitated. "Yes," she said quietly.
"I know this doesn't mean much to you right now, but I'm proud of you too. I kept an eye on you as you moved from one foster home to the next." Dale shrugged. "I even helped get you into some of those homes, like the Hanson family's. And I was in the crowd when you won that gymnastics competition in junior high school."
Rachel shook a little, and she eyed her companion in surprise. It wasn't everyday that a stranger began reciting things you'd experienced several years ago. It felt both unnerving and mystifying.
"In any case, I could always tell that you had a bright future."
Rachel studied Dale closely. Her face became calm and placid. "I don't know whether to be angry or touched right now. All I know is that you tried to steer and shape my life as you saw fit, and you didn't have a right to do that."
"If you want to hate me, then hate Jade as well," Dale murmured, though a part of her didn't mean it. "She's the one who put you into foster care in the first place."
Rachel leaned forward and brought her hands over her mouth. She took a deep breath and exhaled through her fingers. "I don't hate either of you, Dale...but a part of me pities you. You've both made some questionable decisions all throughout your lives — and you both appear to be rather lonely right now."
Dale shuddered, looking away.
"I don't think that's a coincidence," said Rachel, rising from her seat and walking back toward her room.
Jade aimed her blaster at the man across the room. "If there's one thing I'm getting tired of, it's people barging into my home uninvited," she said.
Kurt reached beneath his shirt and gripped his taped shoulder. "I need your help, Jade," he muttered, sitting down at a table.
Jade sighed. "What are you doing here?"
Kurt chuckled. "You never used to say that when I visited you in prison — back when we were planning revenge against my dear brother."
She nodded, lowering her weapon as she thought back to that period. "Our introduction was based on hatred," she said. "But these days, I'm beginning to learn that hatred isn't getting me anywhere. So I'm afraid that you're going to have to work alone."
"Actually, I've been working with Dale."
She flinched in surprise, recalling how Dale and Kurt had met while visiting her in jail.
"She and I kept in touch," Kurt continued. "I always figured that she could be of use to me someday, and I was right."
Jade scowled at the shamelessness of his statement.
"Dale helped me construct a machine, but it's been destroyed. From what I recall hearing, you're a decent mechanic, so I figure that you can help me repair it."
"What happened to Dale?"
"We got separated, but she's fine," Kurt assured her, not knowing if it was true.
"And what's in it for me if I do fix this machine?"
"I can help you find Rachel. She came to the Bandar village yesterday, but I didn't know who she was at first." Kurt winced while glancing at his shoulder. "You could say that she and I have...encountered each other since then."
Jade scoffed. "I've got news for you. Rachel and I were reunited last year. We see each other occasionally."
Kurt quieted, looking a bit stunned.
And then another voice arrived. "That's true, Kurt."
Jade and Kurt swung their heads toward the doorway.
The Phantom stood quietly, watching them both.
Jedda looked down at the phone in her hand, staring at Rachel's face on the screen. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Rachel nodded. "I'm sure," she muttered.
"I can bring you to Mongo if you want. We can talk about this in person. Dad and I just spoke, and he seems to have the situation with Kurt under control."
"Good to know. But I should stick around here in case anything else comes up."
Jedda paused a few seconds. "All right," she said quietly. "I'm here if you need me, Rach."
Rachel smiled. "Thanks, sis."
They ended the call.
Moments later, Krotan eased down beside Jedda. The two were sitting in a beautiful sunlit room with elegant furniture, one that always reminded Jedda of Renaissance paintings. "Everything all right?" he asked.
She nodded. "My other family is going through some issues right now. Mother seems conflicted between duty and desire. Rachel just learned that Dale played a certain part in her past. And, sure enough, it's the same old, same old with my dad and my uncle." She shook her head slowly. "It's like we just keep going around in a circle, you know? Villains rise and fall. The past catches up with the present. And all of this drama just goes on and on."
Krotan wrapped an arm around her. "Things are going to be all right, Jedda," he said hopefully.
"I know," she murmured, watching the wall with a half smile.
"Again, with all of the 'issues' surrounding the Walkers, I wish that I could've welcomed you into a more stable, harmonious family here on Mongo. But mine obviously has its issues as well."
Jedda grinned a little. "Despite all that, I'm proud of both families. I'm proud that I'll always be a Walker, and that I'll always be a royal."
He held quiet while stroking her arm.
"You don't have to feel sorry at all, Krotan," she said. "I'm Queen Jedda Katherine Mongo, and I couldn't be happier about that."
Krotan kissed her head. "Neither could I."
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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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