D88
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 88: Strike
Several rows of soldiers sat in a large gray room, each wearing a green uniform and a COE emblem on their chest.
Flash walked through a hallway that led toward the gathering. His father, Jonathan, moved right beside him. The older man was well-muscled, and still in shape. He sported a tan military uniform that symbolized his rank.
"What's going on down here, Dad? Where's Abby?"
"Your sister had to leave the country for a week. She put me in charge."
"All right. Fine — at least I hope. You want to tell me what you're about to do with all those space crafts and pilots?"
Jonathan lifted a handheld video device. "Earlier today, I received this message."
Ming appeared on the small screen, wearing a smirk as he stroked his chin. "It's been a long time, Jonathan. I was hoping to reach Abigail or Flash, but this is a highly pleasant surprise. From what I remember, you're a far bolder man than that son of yours. Now's your chance to prove it again. I'm sure your people can trace this message, so come and find me, if you have the courage." The screen went black.
Flash swung his arms in and out repeatedly. "No, no, no. He's just trying to lure you into a trap."
"Of course he is. Do you think I'm stupid, kid? I'm about to turn the tables on him. Rather than going after Ming, I'm going to draw him out instead."
"How?" Flash scowled. "You don't have anything that he wants."
Jonathan looked toward the end of the hallway. "I will as soon as this space mission's complete."
Flash shivered as a thought came to him. "Dad...where exactly are those pilots headed?"
"We're heading up to Mongo, son. We're going to take over the capital."
"Are you out of your mind?"
"It makes perfect sense," Jonathan insisted. "We need to remove Krotan and Jedda from power. Ming won't attack as long as they're in charge. But once he sees an old man on the throne, he'll view that as a chance to take his planet back. That's when we'll have a trap waiting for him."
"Dad, this plan is completely insane. Listen to me." He held his father's shoulders. "You cannot...attack...Mongo. You're going to stir up trouble between that planet and this one, and you're going to waste the lives of those soldiers in there. There's no way you can win." Flash scowled, shaking his head. "Abby would never approve of this."
"Abby's not here," Jonathan countered. "We're doing things a little differently under my command."
"She should never have trusted you to take her place. For some reason, she still believes in the man you once were." He glared. "She doesn't see you for who you're becoming."
Jonathan lifted an eyebrow, showing little sign of remorse. "I'm sorry you view me that way, son. But I believe that I'm doing what needs to be done. I'm going to stop Ming before he strikes again. Someone has to. You, Dale, and Jedda have all had your chances. It's time I got another crack at him."
"Not this way," Flash said. "You're not doing this. I won't let you." He moved past his father and entered the room.
Jonathan stood in the hall, staring after his son.
Many of the soldiers were wearing solemn stares. All of them felt uncertain about what they were doing. Upon seeing Flash walk onto the stage, however, everyone's faces lit up in surprise.
"My fellow pilots," Flash said. "For many years now, my family has fought to create peace between Mongo and Earth. With the help of Mongo's king and queen, that peace has finally come about. Your acting commander is asking you to change all of that...but I'm asking you to do something else. Think of what your true commander would want. If Abigail Gordon was here, would she be sending you to attack Mongo right now?"
Several of the soldiers glanced at one another.
"If you don't believe that she would, then leave the room now, and resume your normal duties. No one has to go on this crazy mission."
After a long period of silence, the soldiers quietly rose and exited the room.
Flash breathed a sigh of relief. Moments afterward, he left the building and walked back toward his jet. Dale and the others were waiting outside of the vehicle. Many of the pilots he'd spoken to were outside as well.
Jonathan's voice arrived through a loud speaker. "Attention, pilots. If you need Abigail Gordon's approval, you now have it. I've just received a message from your commander. She's ordered that this operation proceed as planned."
Flash froze, shooting Dale a nervous look which she immediately returned. Both of them knew that Jonathan was lying. "No!" he yelled at the pilots. "That's not true!"
Jonathan continued. "Board your cruisers and begin the flight to Mongo."
The pilots hesitated, then reluctantly did as they were told.
"Wait a minute!" Flash said. He motioned toward his companions. "Rick. Kristina. Try and get them to stop."
The younger Defenders began rushing around the base.
Within minutes, the cruisers had begun rising into the sky — and that was when a familiar voice yelled out. "Now!" Ming pointed.
A slew of ice robots fired at the spacecrafts.
Flash and Dale froze in horror as the lasers appeared.
Each of the cruisers were sent crashing to the ground. A wave of screams and explosions followed.
"No!" Flash yelled, seeing the mayhem around him.
Smoke rose from burning cockpits. Splatters of blood decorated the hatches.
Ming stood near the outskirts of the base, smiling proudly as he folded his arms. "Jonathan, Jonathan, Jonathan...thank you for being so predictable." Ming had no idea where the soldiers were headed. He didn't know, and he didn't care. All that mattered to him was that Jonathan had taken the bait — right when expected.
Jonathan Gordon rushed outside, studying the chaos with a steely stare. He tried to appear more bold than shaken.
A number of soldiers ran onto the grounds, and all of them fired at Ming's forces. As each of his robots began to fall, Ming slipped into a cruiser and revved the vehicle up. A minute later, the craft shot toward space.
Victims were pulled from their destroyed cruisers, and a number of soldiers lay sprawled on the ground.
Blankets were whipped out to extinguish the flames. Medical personnel began rushing toward the scene.
Flash caught sight of an unconscious victim, and his eyes widened in stark horror. "Rick!"
"He's okay," Kristina said, lifting Rick's head onto her knees. "He was just knocked about by one of the blasts."
Dale knelt down, tending to him.
Flash turned around, finding Jonathan standing still amidst the ruckus around him.
The older man eyed the area with a bold stare, apparently doing his best to look composed.
Flash scowled. "Are you happy now?!"
Jonathan turned to him, saying nothing.
"Answer me!" Flash took a few steps forward, then rushed his father. He tackled Jonathan to the ground, gripping the man's shirt.
Jonathan showed little trace of sorrow. "Pull yourself together, son."
Flash glared. "Don't you call me that. Don't you ever call me that again." He drew a hand blaster from his waist, aiming it directly at his father's head.
Jonathan watched the weapon calmly.
As Flash trembled while holding the trigger, he felt a soft hand touch his wrist.
Dale pulled Flash's arm away from his father, eyeing the older man with a cold stare.
Flash gritted his teeth, then slowly stood.
Dale spotted a few space cruisers that hadn't been touched. Each were intact and ready to fly. She looked in the direction that Ming had gone, then turned to Flash and tapped his shoulder. "Come on," she said. "It's time to do what we do best." She zipped her jacket up and entered one of the vehicles.
Flash looked over at Rick once more, seeing that Kristina was still caring for him. Then he studied the base, and his heart sank again.
"Flash," Dale called. "We have to go."
Flash hesitated, then walked over to a cruiser and began revving it up.
Moments later, Dale's craft whizzed toward the stars, and Flash's zoomed right behind her.
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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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