D79
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 79: Defenders
Ming the Merciless sat quietly in a small gray fortress, the very last of his bases hidden around the Earth. The interiors had a familiar feel about them, looking very much like his old station across the world.
Upon making his return, for the first time in years, he'd found that several dormant devices were still functional. These included his computers, his vehicles, and his two chief subjects.
"Octon," Ming said. "Report."
The dome-shaped robot glittered in response. "All of the explosives are in place...sire. Once we have damaged its main generators, Central City will be left without electricity."
"Excellent," Ming replied. "That will create an opportunity — which I very much intend to seize."
A pair of doors slid open, and Garax entered the room. "Lord Ming, the ice robots are now complete. I await your order to lead them to battle."
"We must first confirm that the power is down. Only then will our forces depart."
"But mighty Ming, the humans are surely asleep at this hour. If we depart now, we can catch them off-guard."
"Silence! We will not attack until their power is off. I have precious few ice robots at present. I'll not lose them carelessly." He turned to his left. "Octon. Send out the detonation signals."
All of the lights had gone out at Mandrake's mansion — save for the candle in a young woman's hand.
Atascadero walked about in a large living room. She was the only one present in the entire home.
Waves of rain inched down the building, spreading a soggy curtain across the wall-high windows. Flashes of lightning swept over the area, casting a blueish hue throughout the huge dark room.
Being alone wasn't scary. It was actually kind of fun. After all, she'd been in far worse places than a big black mansion.
A ringing phone caught her attention. She crossed the floor and answered the call.
"Atascadero," said Mandrake. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, but the storm knocked out the power here."
"It wasn't the storm, it was a series of explosions. Word is that several of them went off one after the other. A blackout has spread all across the city."
Atascadero paused, her lips parting a little. "Explosions?"
"No one was harmed."
She quieted again for a moment. "Are you okay out there?"
"I've found shelter with some of the power technicians." He glanced around. "I'm all right, but I have a couple of favors to ask of you. First of all, tell me what you're wearing."
She frowned in confusion. "Pardon?"
"I'm surrounded by big, burly men in hard hats, my dear. I'd like to picture something beautiful instead. So please, tell me, what are you wearing?"
Atascadero flashed one of her naughty smiles. She leaned forward and propped an elbow on the table. "Pink tank-top. Soft gray pants."
"Thank you." Mandrake paused with a grin.
"What's the other favor?"
"A couple of our friends from the COE are coming to visit today. They were on their way over before the power went out. If they happen to arrive before I return, I'll need you to let them into the mansion."
"Sure," she replied. "What's this visit about?"
"They're coming to pick up a package from Monitor. With the power down, however, no one can enter the base."
Atascadero heard the doorbell. "Mandrake, someone's here."
A wave of static swept over the call. "What did you say?" he asked. "I can barely hear you now."
"Mandrake? What's going on?"
"I'm getting bad reception in here."
Atascadero hadn't heard him clearly. "Mandrake?"
"I'll call back," he said, hanging up the phone.
Atascadero paused where she stood. Moments later, the doorbell rang again. She glanced at a video monitor, seeing a plain black screen. Upon remembering that the security cameras weren't working, she walked over to the door and peeked through its hole.
A girl in a brown leather jacket stood quietly in the rain, water dripping from her long blonde hair. Standing beside her was another blonde woman in a dark raincoat, her short locks covering an unusual pair of ears.
Atascadero recognized the younger girl from a photo. She pulled the door open with a curious stare.
A COE badge dangled around the girl's neck. She looked Atascadero over, then made a polite nod. "My name is Sara Gordon. I'm here to see Mandrake."
"Come in." Atascadero stepped aside, letting Sara and Astra into the house. "Mandrake's not here..." She began closing the door. "But he did tell me about- -"
A strong hand shot forth out of the rainy night, holding the door open amidst a clap of thunder.
Atascadero nearly leapt back in shock, then relaxed upon seeing a familiar face.
Kristina lifted an eyebrow amidst a smug stare, as though she was watching a jumpy child. "Too much caffeine today?" She whipped her coat off and stepped into the mansion.
Atascadero nodded. "Something like that, I suppose."
Kristina flinched upon seeing the others. "Astra?" She noticed a COE badge dangling from her old partner's neck. "You're working with them now?"
Astra shrugged. "It's preferable to being imprisoned, is it not? They offered me a similar deal to the one they gave you."
Sara eyed the floor while shaking her head, clearly displeased with how things had played out. As a proud Gordon, she didn't like the idea of working with a royal of Mongo.
Kristina noticed Sara's distress. "Are the two of you partners?"
Sara scoffed. "No. But my mother wants us to try playing nice together, so she gave us a real easy assignment today: drive over here, and pick up a package." She looked over at Atascadero. "Speaking of that, I don't imagine that we can get into Monitor while the power's out, can we?"
Atascadero began closing the door again. "I don't think so. I- -"
"Hold the door," a distant voice called out.
Atascadero turned around once more, seeing someone in a cape sprinting across the yard. She paused in surprise upon recognizing the woman.
Rachel stepped up to the doorway. "Hi," she said, catching her breath. "I'm Rachel."
"I know."
Rachel flashed a suspicious smile. "Wait a minute. You're Atascadero."
She nodded with a grin.
"Wow," Rachel whispered, her face lighting up a little. "It's great to finally meet you."
"Likewise. I've heard all about your many endeavors. Not just the fighting, but the adventuring too. You've found a couple artifacts that I couldn't find."
Rachel blushed. "I'm a much better soldier than I am a treasure hunter. But you...you're the hunter who everyone looks up to."
"We'll have to travel the world on a quest someday." Atascadero stepped aside. "But that's probably not going to happen anytime soon — at least not until they get the power working again."
Rachel entered the mansion. "Is Flash here?"
"Just us five."
Rachel glanced around, greeting Sara with a smile and getting one in return.
Atascadero looked the other women over. "Everyone can...well, make yourselves comfortable, I guess."
The others began moving into the house.
Atascadero took a long and hard look at the area outside, wanting to be absolutely sure that no one else was coming. After realizing that it was just the five of them indeed, she took a deep breath, and closed the front door.
Rachel sat in a hallway with her back to a wall, reading through a novel with a small flashlight. She'd visited several rooms, glimpsing a number of sights: Kristina had crawled onto a couch and tucked her head beneath a pillow; Atascadero had entered a rec room and began a game of pool, smirking every time she made a shot in the dark. She wasn't quite sure what the others were doing.
In the living room, Sara noticed Astra walking to a coffee table and taking a seat across from her. Seconds later. Sara returned her stare to the window, ignoring her companion while watching the rain.
Astra let a quick scoff out. "Believe it or not...you and I have a few things in common."
"You and I have nothing in common."
"I'm a royal, and you're a Gordon. For a long time now, my family has served Mongo, and your family has served Earth. Growing up, we both knew that we were part of two great dynasties. I may not have been born into mine — Aura adopted me during her youth — but I am as much a part of my family as my relatives are."
"Believe me, I know. With all the stuff you've done, I'd say you fit in quite well."
Astra rolled her eyes. "The point I was making is that we've both been inspired by certain members of our families. That's made both of us very passionate about the things we fight for. You and I are fighting on the same side now, so shouldn't our passions be united, rather than divided?"
Sara threw a glance across the table. She wasn't quite sure what to make of this moment. Why was Astra suddenly interested in reason and peace? Why would someone so wild want to play nice with a Gordon? After a few moments of contemplation, Sara shook her head and rose from the seat. "I know that some members of your family can be trusted these days...but I highly doubt that you're one of them." She turned around and left the room.
Elsewhere, Rachel walked down a hall and found a pair of glass doors. She opened them and entered a small study chamber. A couch was positioned in the center of the carpet, and a desk sat just before a rain-soaked window. She'd visited this room a bit earlier in the evening, but she could sense that something was different now. It felt like she wasn't alone this time.
Rachel cast her gaze at the back of the sofa, then walked around and inspected the front.
Kristina stared back without saying a word.
Rachel turned away, stepping over to a bookshelf. "I never thought I'd see the day when a Graf and a Walker were on the same side." She shook her head a little. "Yet here we are, two part-time Defenders."
Over in the rec room, Atascadero overheard Rachel through a speaker. After a bit of confusion, she recalled that Mandrake had battery-powered sound monitors all around the mansion. They were somewhat similar to the ones used for infants, and provided an easy means of communication throughout the large house.
Kristina paused, looking Rachel over. "There's something I can't quite figure out about you."
"And what's that?" Rachel replied.
Kristina looked aside, brushing a hand through her hair. "I know that people disagree with some of the choices I've made, but I made them because I wanted to honor my dynasty. Why didn't you choose to honor yours?"
Rachel quieted, staring a hole in the woman. "Pardon?"
"It's obvious that Jedda will not succeed the Phantom...and it appears that the same can be said about you. Why is that?"
A hint of surprise crossed Rachel's face. She felt a tad shy and looked down at the carpet. "I have nothing but respect for the family legacy. I'm just used to doing things as I do them now."
Atascadero reached over to switch the sound monitor off. She didn't want to eavesdrop on the conversation. As a wave of curiosity swept over her, however, she found her hand lingering right before the button.
Rachel eyed Kristina again. "Jedda and I have taken different roads in life. She's a queen, and I'm a knight. I think that each of us simply followed our hearts — and the Phantom has said that he's proud of us both."
Atascadero smiled a little. Just before she could hit the button, she heard a peculiar sound coming from outside of the building. Judging by Rachel and Kristina's words, the two of them could hear it too.
Moments later, all five women ran out on the lawn, blades of grass fluttering as they looked toward the moon. The rain had slowed, and the skies were clearer.
Everyone eyed an aircraft that was approaching Monitor. It clearly wasn't a Defender jet.
Atascadero squinted. "That looks an awful lot like one of Ming's ships. But how?"
The plane began heading for Monitor's landing area.
Rachel glared. "I'm guessing there are more than a few ice robots inside of that thing. This has to be the reason for the explosions and the blackout. Ming wants to attack Monitor while its defenses are down."
Kristina and Sara glanced nervously at each other.
Atascadero felt a bit confused. "Why isn't he targeting the mansion?"
"Because the mansion is no threat to him." Rachel eyed the ship boldly. "We've got to get up there and stop that attack."
Astra winced. "The five of us?" She looked among the others. "Are you certain that we can do this?"
"Nothing's certain," Atascadero replied. "All we know is that the great eight aren't here at present...so this mission falls to the fabulous five."
Astra rolled her eyes. "Gallows humor. Quite charming."
"Come on," Rachel said. "We'll take the quickest route." She paused to look over at Sara. "You can sit this out if you want."
"Are you kidding?" Sara said, feeling her courage rising. "I'm coming with you."
Up on the landing strip, the ice robots began marching toward Monitor. Their instructions were simple: blow their way into the base and destroy everything in sight.
Just before they could enter, a slew of lasers began flying their way.
As a few ice robots began to fall, the women leapt onto the strip and continued their assault.
The robots retaliated with their own laser weapons. Each of their targets sprinted for cover.
After a brief standstill, Rachel peeked out and fired a flurry, dropping a couple of machines before taking cover again.
Kristina focused and fired a well-placed shot, hitting two robots with a single attack.
Just as a laser was flying toward Astra, she felt a quick tackle drag her to the ground. As the shot passed harmlessly over her head, she was surprised to see who'd rescued her.
"Stay down," Sara said, firing at the robot who'd targeted Astra. The machine was destroyed with two quick shots.
Atascadero disarmed an attacker with a swing of her whip, then fired from a blaster with her other hand.
Astra heard an explosion right behind her head. Upon swinging around with a nervous stare, she found that Sara had saved her from another machine.
As the robots' numbers began to dwindle, the pilot in their vehicle turned the ship around. "This isn't finished, Defenders!" said Garax. He quickly departed.
Kristina and Sara fired the final shots, standing side-by-side as they finished off the robots.
Just before the group could celebrate, Central City began to sparkle again. The base rumbled a little as the electricity returned.
"The power's back," Atascadero said. "The technicians must have gotten things working."
Rachel looked outward as light after light appeared around the city, a breeze ruffling her cape atop the high perch. Then she grinned and breathed a sigh of relief. "Nice work, team."
Several of the women felt awkward upon hearing that. But while looking about among their circle, each felt a newfound respect for the others as well.
Ming eyed a screen with a furious stare, watching as the lights came back all around the city. "Octon! Report."
"The power has been restored, our robots were defeated, and Monitor still functions. Your plan has failed...sire. Records suggest that the Defenders will attempt to locate this facility."
Ming growled, hammering his fist on the chair's arm.
Around an hour after the girls had walked back into the mansion, Astra got a moment alone with Sara. "It's good to see that I was right."
"Right about what?" Sara replied.
Astra smirked. "You can go on and on about our family feud, but none of that matters to you in the heat of battle. When a fight starts, you don't care about grudges — all you care about is your passion in life: being the super-heroine you've always dreamed of being."
Sara turned away, hiding the blush on her face.
"You proved that tonight, when you saved me back there." She touched Sara's shoulder while passing. "So whether I like you or not — and trust me, I don't — the bottom line is this: there's no one else I'd rather have watching my back than Sara Gordon." Astra left the hallway.
Sara stood alone, feeling strangely moved as she absorbed Astra's words.
Elsewhere, Atascadero was wrapping up a call. "So you'll be back in the morning?" she asked.
"I will," Mandrake replied. "I'm going to see if I can help with the recovery work."
"All right then. Be careful out there."
"You do the same. Each of you have my sincerest thanks for what you did tonight."
Atascadero ended the call. She leaned toward a device and projected her voice through an intercom. "If any of you girls can hear me, wherever you are, Mandrake says he appreciates what we did for Monitor." She yawned. "Anyway, I'm going to get some rest now."
She dimmed the lights in the living room, then crawled onto a couch and cuddled up on her side.
Soon afterward, Rachel entered and sprawled out on a sofa nearby.
Sara followed, carrying a sleeping bag that she'd found. For her, there was something fun about using it on the floor of a mansion.
Astra arrived next, surprising everyone with her presence. She, herself, was rather surprised that she'd joined them. After a bit of hesitation, she moved to a small sofa and crawled under a cover.
Kristina appeared last, and took the final couch available. She felt a strange sense of camaraderie with the others at present, but told herself that she was just joining them in case another emergency arose.
Atascadero smiled while eyeing her companions, then closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Before long, the others had done the same.
The next morning, Sara and Astra stood before Mandrake at the door. The former was holding the package that they'd come for.
"Thanks again," Sara said.
"Thank you," Mandrake replied.
Astra and Sara entered their vehicle, beginning the trip back to COE headquarters.
"I'm going to be heading out now too," said Rachel. She got a hug from Atascadero and a smile from Mandrake. Then she walked outside and waved back at them. "See you later."
After they'd closed the door, Mandrake turned to Atascadero again. "So then, my dear, did you wish to tell me a little more about what happened last night? The mood in here seemed so...calm this morning."
Atascadero smiled. "You're surprised by that?"
He chuckled. "I was under the impression that certain people among your group didn't get along."
She shrugged. "I guess you could say there was a time when they didn't. But it looks to me like the times are changing."
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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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