D78
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 78: Generations
The area they'd arrived in brought back memories, reminding them of a night in New Orleans. A series of orange lights hung over the street, catchy music filled the air, and a number of party-goers flooded the roads.
Dale and Flash took their seats at a table.
A waiter indicated that he'd be right out.
"Seriously?" Dale smiled. "This is your idea of the perfect date?"
"Why not?" Flash grinned, adjusting the collar of his beach shirt.
Dale stared a hole in him, then snickered a little. All around her, youngsters were downing drinks and making out. "This isn't exactly our type of crowd," she replied.
"And what makes you say that, little lady?" He leaned back and placed his hands behind his head, biceps bulging as a breeze ruffled his hair.
Dale rolled her eyes. "You know what? Stop trying to be cool. Flash Gordon isn't cool. I'm your wife. I would know."
Flash laughed, straightening himself. "You were saying something about the date we're on?"
She looked around. "It seems about 20 years too late for you to bring me here."
"That's exactly the point. We hide in plain sight. These kids are so young that none of them recognize us."
A voice called out. "Flash Gordon? !"
Flash looked to his side, seeing a star-struck young man who'd stopped in his tracks.
"You've got to be kidding me," the boy said. "I'm one of your biggest fans, dude."
Flash chuckled, and shook the boy's hand. "How you doing, buddy?"
"Great, man. Yourself?"
"Pretty good..." Flash glanced over at Dale. "You were saying something about me not being cool?"
Another voice cut through the noise. "Hey. Isn't that Flash Gordon over there?"
"Yeah... And that's Dale Arden with him, right?"
"Who else could it be?"
A small crowd gathered around the table. As several people held out pieces of paper, Dale and Flash pulled out their pens.
It took a few minutes for the crowd to disperse. The final boy to receive an autograph gave Flash a quick nod. "All right. Thanks, bro," he said. "Hey..." The boy pointed. "I might just become a Defender myself in a few years."
Flash laughed again. "Anytime you're ready."
The youngster grinned. "You take care, man. You were my hero growing up." He and Flash slapped hands and shared a hug.
A smiling waiter walked up to the table. "Are you ready to order, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon?" he asked.
"You know what?" Flash said. "I think we'll have our meal inside."
Moments later, the two sat down in a shady booth.
Flash noticed Dale looking rather unsettled. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's just..." She threw an absent glance across the room. "Some people get confused when they recognize me. Some of them still say, 'I heard that you died.' "
Flash took her hand. "And what do you tell them?"
Dale took a deep breath. "I usually say, 'Well, not quite.' " She quieted, shaking her head a little. "Coming back into society is a pretty complicated thing."
"I know," Flash said, stroking her fingers. "Actually, leaving society is pretty complicated as well. After Jedda moved to Mongo, Kit had to handle all kinds of issues with social security, the IRS, and other agencies who wondered where she went. It was like she, well...disappeared off the face of the Earth."
Dale giggled a little.
"I'm pretty sure Kit will have to do the same thing for himself, once he moves to Hadea's realm on a permanent basis."
"And when's that happening?"
A sad smile swept over Flash's face. "I don't know," he muttered.
Dale paused, studying his somber expression. "Sounds like you'll be sorry to see him go."
Flash shook his head. "He belongs with his partner in life. That's the way it's supposed to be." He looked over and grinned at her.
"I agree," she said, smiling back.
Flash straightened a little and looked down at their hands. "You know what? Next time we do this, we'll have to go someplace elegant."
She lifted her eyebrows teasingly. "Elegant..."
"You know. One of those places we were always too busy to go to in the old days. Someplace high off the ground, and well-lit, where they play soft piano music and all that cheesy stuff."
Dale giggled again.
"I- -" Flash was interrupted by a ring from his video phone, the one he generally reserved for important matters. Upon answering the call, he was greeted by an image of Kristina Graf, who'd been working overseas on a mission with Rick.
Right away, Flash knew that there were three things he didn't like about this picture. One: Kristina looked extremely nervous. Two: Blood was splattered across her face. And three: Rick was nowhere to be found.
A scowl of distrust and confusion crept into Flash's stare. "What in the world is going on over there?"
Dale winced in surprise, then moved beside Flash. Her jaw fell open as she saw the screen.
Kristina took a deep breath. "Rick's been captured."
Flash closed his eyes, then opened them. "By who? Start at the beginning."
"He and I were working undercover in a pub. Our mission was nearly completed...and then a complication arose."
Dale glared, growing red in the face. "What kind of complication?"
Flash eyed the blood on Kristina's cheeks. "There shouldn't have been any fighting involved. This was supposed to be a simple scouting job, Kristina."
"It was — until some of my old associates walked in and recognized me. I had no idea that they would even be here."
Flash felt his tension rising. "What sort of 'associates' are we talking about?"
"Women who I had a falling out with while I ran the Sky Band." Kristina glanced off. "I sort of swindled them out of some money, then arranged for them to be arrested."
Dale closed her eyes in frustration, running a hand over her face.
"Rick and I were outnumbered...so we ran for it."
Flash scowled. "How was he captured while you weren't?"
"The two of us got separated during the chase." Kristina wiped a spot of blood from her skin. "I fought one of our pursuers off, but the others caught Rick. I think that they're going to- -"
Dale pounded her fist on the table. "I knew we shouldn't have let him team up with her."
Flash threw a worried glance at Dale, then turned back to the screen. "Kristina...do you know where they've taken him?"
She took another deep breath. "I just managed to beat some information out of the girl who attacked me. If she was telling the truth, then I might have an idea of what to do next."
A crescent-shaped space craft hovered quietly in the sky. The carrier was just large enough to hold a number of small jets.
Just inside of the main chamber, Rick hung from the ceiling with his arms bound above his head. His chest was bare, revealing a few fresh bruises. He was surrounded by women in blue and gray uniforms, each of them seemingly indifferent to his presence. "So how long are you going to keep me here?" he asked.
One of the women glanced at him, then tapped away at a control panel. "Until Kristina gives us what we're owed. I'm trying to contact her right now."
"And if she shows up with your money, you'll just let us both go?"
"No," she said, placing a hand blaster in her holster. "When Kristina arrives...I'm going to give her a punishment that's long overdue. And I'm going to make it nice and slow."
Rick scowled, struggling against his restraints.
A distant sound caught everyone's attention. It began growing louder as the source grew nearer.
"What's that?" asked one of the women.
The leader flashed a curious scowl. "It sounds like..."
Suddenly a small aircraft crashed through the vehicle, half of its length smashing straight inside. All of the Sky Band soldiers were thrown across the chamber.
Rick closed his eyes while swinging about.
The impact triggered an explosion at the back of the carrier, and the large spacecraft began slowly descending.
Kristina crawled out of the jet that had crashed — the very same one that she and Rick had traveled in. She pulled out a blaster and fired just above Rick, freeing her partner with a well-placed shot.
The vengeful leader drew her weapon. "Kristina!" she screamed while taking aim.
Kristina fired first, hitting the woman with a blast that left her twitching on the floor.
Kristina hurled a small explosive at a distant wall, blowing a second hole in the descending vehicle. As a gust of air whipped into the chamber, she rushed over to Rick and helped him stand.
It was then that Rick noticed the parachute on her back.
"Come on," she said, guiding him across the floor.
Rick and Kristina leapt out of the vehicle, drifting to the sea as their parachute opened.
Catching his breath, Rick turned to Kristina and eyed her in awe.
She watched the vehicle with a distant stare, holding Rick closely amid their descent.
The two dropped into the water, keeping each other afloat. In the far distance, they saw a number of police boats surrounding the carrier, ready to secure anyone who'd survived.
"Did you call those officers beforehand?" Rick asked.
"I did," she answered.
He shook a little while holding onto her. "Thank you," he muttered. "Thanks for coming after me."
For a few seconds, they merely looked into each other's eyes while bobbing about.
Kristina glanced over at the officers again. "That wasn't the only call I made," she said. "I also told your parents that I'd get you home safe..." She turned back to him. "So I'd better go about doing that."
"I'm okay," Rick said, speaking into the phone.
Flash and Dale both eyed him in relief.
"Sorry to have ruined your night out." He smiled. "But I'm sure that you guys can continue your date right there in the mansion."
Dale grinned. "Just get home as soon as you can."
"Will do."
"Rick..." she muttered. "Put Kristina on for a minute."
Having overheard the request, Kristina appeared with a curious stare.
"We want to thank you for what you did," Dale said.
Flash nodded. "Greatly appreciated."
Kristina slowly returned the nod. "We're on our way back."
Moments later, the four of them ended the call.
Flash and Dale exchanged small grins, then pulled each other close while cuddling on the couch.
----------
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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