D74
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 74: Faith
Rick walked into the chamber overlooking the battle-simulation room. As always, the orange area below was big and empty — a canvas waiting to be illustrated by thoughts. After letting out a deep breath, he slouched into a chair and slipped on the thought-transference cap.
Within seconds, a large and beautiful bedroom appeared below. The space around it was cloaked in darkness.
Rick typed a command into the computer before him, then slipped off the cap and rose from his chair. As usual, his breathing grew heavy as he looked over his shoulder. After taking a moment to ensure that he was alone, he dimmed the lights in the chamber, then walked down to the bedroom.
He removed his jacket, followed by his shirt. Then he kicked off his boots and unbuckled his belt. Little by little, piece by piece, his clothing began to pile up on the floor.
Once he was completely naked, he walked over to the bed and pulled aside the cover. The room's holographic images were more tangible than ever. From the softness of the carpet, to the smoothness of the sheets, everything largely had the presence and feel of actual matter. However, the holographs were fragile, and had to be handled with care, as they were prone to fading if one applied too much pressure.
Rick slipped under the cover and turned to the figure beside him. "Honey?" he said wearily. "I'm home." As he pulled a blanket aside, a hologram of Jedda turned and smiled at him.
He grinned back and closed the distance between them, letting himself enjoy the feeling of holding her close.
After a few minutes of cuddling, Rick broke the silence. "I keep telling myself that I'll stop doing this," he said, running a hand between her shoulders. "But every now and then, I start to miss you a little...and this is the closest I can come to getting you back." Rick paused, letting his eyes linger on the ceiling. "It doesn't look like I'm ever going to have the real Jedda again."
The Jedda hologram held perfectly quiet, completely indifferent to the smell of alcohol on Rick's breath.
"I mean, maybe one day, when Vera and Lowe are old enough to take care of themselves...I could have another chance with you. Maybe you'll be single, or available then." Rick shook his head a little. "I know that's unlikely, though." He chuckled. "Actually, if I haven't fully gotten over you by that point, I'll probably need some professional help." He looked around the room, analyzing his creation. "Who knows? Maybe I need that now. After all, I'm a guy who uses computers to recreate what I've lost. Been doing that for years." He closed his eyes and sighed. "I think I had too much to drink..."
Suddenly the bedroom began to fade, right along with the holographic Jedda. Rick staggered up just before the bed disappeared, standing alone and unclothed in the large orange room. As he'd learned, without an actual person sitting at the thought-transference cap, the computer could only maintain the simulation for around 10 minutes.
Once everything around him had faded, Rick dropped to the floor and curled up on his side, holding his head as he closed his eyes. A part of him wanted to cry, but the tears didn't come.
Kurt tightened his raincoat and stepped onto a small vessel. Just as he was about to leave the docks behind, an unexpected guest hopped aboard his boat.
Kurt paused, eyeing his passenger in silence.
"Skip the part where you ask what I'm doing here," Rick said, zipping up his jacket. "Just sail. Please."
After a few seconds, Kurt turned around and began guiding the boat forward.
"How's the girlfriend?" Kurt asked.
Rick shook his head. "Our relationship is pretty much on-and-off. Seems we're kind of in the off phase right now." After looking up at the stars for about a minute, Rick began eyeing Kurt with a curious stare. "I want to know something," he said. "How did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"What we were talking about earlier. How did you stop wanting something you knew you couldn't have?"
Kurt turned to Rick, then looked back at the water. "I didn't stop wanting it. I don't think it works that way."
Rick stroked his chin while considering that.
"I just increased my efforts to let go, to move on," Kurt continued.
Rick wore a somber smile. "Letting go. Moving on." He sighed. "If only those things were as simple as they sound."
Kurt scoffed. "Well, I'm no expert, but I'd say the first step is to cut back on the late-night drinking sessions."
Rick blushed. "Noted."
"Secondly, for me, part of the 'moving on' process involved giving myself a new focus, a new mission." Kurt motioned around the boat. "That's what I'm involved in these days."
Rick had certainly heard stories about Kurt's endeavors out at sea.
Kurt looked Rick over in confusion. "Why would you come here, of all places, to ask these questions? Most people don't view me as a role model."
Rick chuckled a bit. "Don't worry, I'm not going to be the first." He gazed out at the horizon. "I guess I just wanted some reassurance that people can overcome their issues, even the ones that stick with us for years — and you seemed like a good example of that."
Kurt shrugged, then looked aside. He hadn't received many compliments in his life. He figured that was one of the better ones.
"Thanks for the ride," Rick said.
Hadea leaned back against the Phantom's bare chest, arching her knees beneath the covers. She closed her eyes while feeling his strong biceps, letting herself believe that she never had to move.
"The position that you hold now..." the Phantom said. "Is this what you've always wanted for yourself?"
Hadea smiled while resting her head. From what she could tell, most married couples claimed to know "everything" about each other — and many of them were quite proud of that. But with Hadea and her husband, it was the other way around. Learning new things helped to keep the marriage fun. "Why do you ask?"
The Phantom hugged her a little closer. "I know that you were practically forced into rulership when you were a girl...but is that the only reason you took the job? Did any part of you actually want the throne?"
"Yes," she replied, glancing down at the covers. "As a child, I always dreamed of being a ruler. I simply wasn't expecting it to happen until I reached adulthood." Her eyes became distant as she thought back to that period. "My early ascension was an unpleasant surprise."
The Phantom suddenly regretted bringing it up. He never wanted to be the cause of anything painful in her life. "I'm sorry for mentioning it," he whispered.
"Don't be," she continued. "It obviously had a pleasant side as well."
"Tell me about that."
"Like Jedda on Mongo, I became rather proud when I realized that I could perform my duties well." She brushed a hand over his. "Unlike Jedda, however, I didn't simply become proud...I became vain." Hadea quieted, then closed her eyes again. "But I've left all of that behind me now."
"Indeed you have," the Phantom said. "These days, I'm the one who gets to be overly proud of your many qualities." He stroked her hand. "That's because I have the most wonderful wife I could ask for."
Hadea nuzzled her cheek against him. "And I can say the same about my husband."
The morning after his chat with Kurt, Rick found himself on another unexpected journey.
"You didn't have to follow me," Kristina said, sounding annoyed by the man who was walking behind her.
"Actually, I did," Rick replied. "You can't leave the city without supervision, so I did you a favor by tagging along. You would've been violating your contract if I hadn't."
After stepping through a pair of automatic doors, the two were standing within a large rehabilitation center. Plush carpeting covered the floor, and a sweet scent filled the air.
"So who exactly are you here to see?" Rick asked.
Kristina walked up to a desk and addressed the receptionist. "My name is Kristina Graf. I called earlier." She let out a deep, anxious breath. "I'm here to visit my mother."
Five minutes later, Rick and Kristina stepped out to an area with bright green grass and smooth stone walkways. In the distance, they could see a tall black fence surrounding the compound.
After a bit of searching, Kristina froze in place.
Rick eyed her for a second, then looked ahead. He spotted a blonde woman sitting alone at a table, one who bore a strong resemblance to the person beside him.
Kristina stepped forth, leaving Rick behind. "Mother?"
The woman held her eyes on a book.
"Can we talk?" Kristina asked.
She quietly responded without looking up. "I've told you already...we don't have anything more to discuss, Kristina."
Rick looked a tad surprised as he listened on in the distance.
Kristina dug her hands into her pockets and lowered her gaze to the ground. "You and I should talk while we have the chance. They aren't going to let me come here often."
Kristina's mother paused in her reading, but held her silence.
"I'm working for the government now. I'm serving a term with the Defenders of the Earth."
The older woman nodded while eyeing the page. "Well then...perhaps you'll finally do something decent with your life." She turned away.
Kristina held still and silent for a while. After realizing that her mother wasn't going to face her again, she finally turned and headed for the exit.
Rick looked back and forth between the women, then began following after Kristina once more.
Moments after her visitors had left, Kristina's mother threw a sorrowful look in her daughter's direction.
Krotan and Jedda sat quietly on their thrones, watching as several palace workers walked about while exchanging pleasantries. It was a beautiful day in the kingdom.
"I think we should bring an end to all of our teleporting and traveling across the galaxy," Jedda said. "Not for good, but for the most part."
Krotan turned to her with a look of pleasant surprise.
"I obviously have friends and family on Earth, but I can bring them here when they want to visit." Jedda eyed the palace proudly. "Mongo is our home, ours and our children's." She grinned at Krotan. "This is where we belong."
Krotan reached over and took her hand in his.
Rick walked into the living room and handed Kristina a warm cup.
She thanked him while avoiding eye contact.
He took a seat across from hers, letting a bit of silence linger. Every time he looked up at her, it was apparent that Kristina had been hurt, and on a very personal level. He wasn't quite sure how to make things better. He wasn't even sure why he wanted to try.
After a few minutes had passed, Rick finally settled on something to say. "Let me ask you something, Graf." He lowered his stare to the carpet. "If you were the one who had a daughter right now, would you want her to join the Sky Band when she grew up?"
"Yes."
Rick flinched a little, lifting his gaze to her again. "Yes?"
She let one of her trademark smirks arrive. "Not the answer you wanted to hear?"
"No. Because after all that the Sky Band has cost you — your freedom, a relationship, and nearly your life — I was hoping that you'd grown a little wiser by now."
"The Sky Band is my family's legacy," she retorted. "It's what I want to honor."
For a few moments, Rick simply eyed her in fascination. "It sounds like you want to be a part of something 'special.' You actually remind me a little of my cousin Sara. You've got a lot of passion, and a lot of devotion. The problem is that your passion and devotion are entirely misplaced. You need to let go. You need to move on..." Rick found that his words were fading, and, for a moment, he couldn't help but recall the discussion with Kurt. "You're at the point where you've got nothing left to lose, and you know that's not a good place to be."
Kristina fell silent as his statement sunk in.
"Listen. It's actually a good thing that the Sky Band is gone, because now you can give yourself a new focus, a new mission in life. As long as you're working here, you've got a chance to build a better legacy than the one you've had in the past."
She mumbled a bit while staring at her lap. "It sounds like you truly believe that can happen."
"Why not? I've already seen you take steps toward change." Rick looked aside and rubbed the back of his head. "And it seems I still need to make a few changes myself."
Kristina looked up, watching him in surprise.
"It's taken a while, but I'm beginning to believe that I can succeed. And right now, I don't simply have faith in myself...I have a little faith in you. I guess it's just a question of whether you do as well."
After holding eye contact for a few seconds, she found herself shyly glancing away. It wasn't everyday that Kristina heard someone say such things about her. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it.
He stood and looked her over for a few seconds. "Anyway... I've got some things to do. I'll talk to you later."
As Rick was making his way to the door, Kristina glanced up, watching him leave. "Rick," she called.
"Yeah?" he replied, glancing over his shoulder.
Kristina hesitated a second. "Can you call me by my first name?"
"Pardon?"
She leaned her head to the side. "You tend to address me as 'Graf.' I'd like it if you called me 'Kristina.' "
Rick felt his lips rising into a small grin. "Okay...Kristina."
She nodded and looked back down at her cup.
Before he turned and left the room, he thought he saw the slightest hint of a smile.
Rick stepped back into the chamber overlooking the simulation room. After logging himself into the main computer, he pulled up a list of people who could access the simulations.
Rick found his name and highlighted it, then typed in a command and awaited the response. Seconds later, the computer asked if he was sure about the decision he was making. Did he actually want to be disallowed access to the machine in the future?
He turned away and held his gaze elsewhere, feeling a wave of hesitation sweeping over him. Then he took a deep breath, looked back at the computer, and proceed to remove himself from the list.
Rick sat back and looked up at the ceiling. To his surprise, he wasn't as sad as he'd expected to be. After taking one last glance at the simulation room, he rose from the chair and left the chamber.
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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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