D87
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 87: Distant
Rick eyed the clouds from the jet's rear seat. His father and mother were at the controls. Kristina leaned over, looking concerned.
"So what can I expect from your grandfather?"
Rick sighed a tad. "I haven't seen Grandpa in several years, but from what I remember...he's a little bit nutty."
The jet touched down by a large white lab. Once Rick and his party had entered the building, Flash walked over to a seated secretary.
"Hi. We're looking for Dr. Neil Arden."
The woman turned to her computer, then smiled at her guests. "Dr. Arden is on the third floor."
Flash gazed at Dale in apparent relief. "We've finally found him."
Dale trembled, looking excited.
Upon reaching the third floor, they entered a large room full of computers and beakers.
Flash glanced over toward a shady corner, seeing a gray-haired man leaning over a monitor. "Neil?" he called.
The man by that name turned around, eyeing his son-in-law curiously. "Flash? Is that you?" Dr. Arden adjusted his white lab coat.
"It's me." Flash nodded "I've been trying to contact you for months." The two men hadn't met or spoken in years.
"Grandpa?" Rick said, stepping forth.
"Rick," he replied, looking the younger man over. "You haven't changed much." He turned back to his work.
Rick made an awkward face. As usual, he wasn't sure what to make of his grandfather's demeanor.
"Dad?" said a feminine voice.
Dr. Arden looked across the room again, and saw Dale stepping out of the shadows. As the sight of his daughter's face began sinking in, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "Dale?"
Dale could feel tears welling up. She moved forward and opened her arms.
"Remarkable," Dr. Arden said. "After all these years, it's finally confirmed: my cloning technology did work." He eyed her proudly. "I've wanted to test it out for so long. I just couldn't do that without the research that you took."
Dale's smile faded, giving way to a frown.
He stepped forth, studying her. "Dale, tell me how you feel. Are there any noticeable differences?"
Rick's eyebrows lowered, and he began to scowl.
Dale murmured. "I..." She looked her father over, then turned away.
"Go on, girl. Out with it," he said.
Dale sighed. "I can't be exposed to direct sunlight for very long."
Dr. Arden nodded. "Anything else?"
"No," she whispered.
"When were you cloned?" the doctor asked. "It had to be around the same time that your original body died." He shook his head in awe as a rush of excitement hit him. "This opens so many new doors as far as my current research is concerned."
Flash scoffed and walked up beside Dale. "So you've finally got your daughter back, and all you're happy about is the fact that your cloning device worked? All you can think about is experimenting with her?" He glared at his father-in-law. "Now I remember why you and I never really got along much, Neil."
Dr. Arden spread his hands a bit. "I'm happy to see Dale again, but I'm just as happy about what all of this means. I see the potential to change the world. Finally, the Arden name will be associated with science, rather than adventure."
Kristina glared, but held quiet and turned away.
"How can you even think about any of that right now?" Flash asked.
Dale shook her head, studying her father with a somber look. "Do you remember what you said when we came in, Dad?"
"What? What did I say?"
"You mentioned that Rick hasn't changed much, and it appears that the same can be said about you. Let's go, Flash."
Rick eyed his grandfather angrily, then turned around and walked off with the others.
Dr. Arden watched the group in confusion. Before long, his heart began to sink as he realized why they were so upset.
Flash wrapped an arm around Dale as they moved.
"Dale," Dr. Arden called.
She paused, then turned back toward him.
He approached her and placed something small in her palm. "Please take this. It should help with the problem that you told me about."
Dale found a pill in her hand. She eyed her father again, and then swallowed it.
Flash watched her nervously. He looked at the doctor with untrusting eyes.
After a bit of silence, Dale spoke up. "I don't feel any different."
"You will," Dr. Arden said. He lowered his stare to the floor. "I'm sorry that I haven't been the father that you've always wanted..." He looked at the others. "But I'm glad that you have people in your life who provide the love that you deserve."
Dale briefly found herself at a loss for words. "Thank you, Dad," she quietly said.
During their trip home, the group found themselves flying over the nearest COE base.
Rick and Kristina looked down at the fortress, thinking back to their late-night adventure.
Dale narrowed her eyes in suspicion. An unusual set of vehicles were lined up outside. "What's going on down there? Those aren't jets. Those are spacecrafts."
Flash stared. "Looks like the soldiers are planning a long-distance trip."
Dale's confusion grew. "But why would Abby be sending people into space?"
Flash couldn't help but question that himself. It occurred to him that he should've heard about all this. Who in their right mind would go on a space mission without bringing Flash Gordon along? He flipped a switch and began to hail the fortress. "Calling COE tower. Come in please."
About one minute later, a response arrived. "This is Commander Jonathan Gordon."
Rick flinched in surprise, drawing a glance from Kristina.
Flash eyed the distant fortress with an awestruck stare. "Dad?"
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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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