D95
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 95: Paradise
Kristina sat with Rick within a small dark cave, waiting quietly for a storm to pass.
"Don't worry," Rick said. "It'll stop soon." He leaned against a wall and made a little soft sigh. "Wish I'd brought a deck of cards along for this trip."
Kristina hugged her knees while looking over at him. "Have you ever heard of 'Truth or Dare?' "
"Of course." Rick studied her face, then shrugged a bit. "Why? Do you want to play?"
She hesitated, looking a tad uncertain. Before long, she figured that they might as well pass the time somehow. "If you'd like to."
A hint of caution appeared on Rick's face. "Before you ask any questions, let me just say that I don't really want to talk about Jedda."
"Fortunately, neither do I."
Rick winced. "Oh. Good then." He chuckled.
She stroked her arched knees while holding her stare on him. "What makes you think that I want to ask you about Jedda?"
Rick blushed. "I don't know," he mumbled, looking aside. "But anyway, if we're going to ask questions, we should do it as part of the game. So then, truth or dare?"
Kristina paused, staring into his eyes. "Truth."
Rick's gaze became deeply curious. "What are you going to do once your term is over, and you're done with our team? What are you going to do with your life, I mean?"
She looked outside of the cave. "Until recently, I was thinking about moving to an island someday."
Rick let out a laugh, then began staring at her in silence.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing."
Kristina rolled her shoulders. "My turn now. Truth or dare?"
"Truth."
Kristina fell quiet for a few seconds. "Why do you want to know what I'll do with my life?"
Rick lowered his gaze to the ground. "I guess I was just a little curious — maybe a little concerned."
"I'm a big girl."
"I know...but still." Rick was about to continue, but simply fell quiet.
Kristina studied his shy expression, wishing for a moment that she could read his mind.
Jonathan Gordon sat alone in a gray jail cell, staring absently at the floor. He hadn't expected to be recognized and arrested in this little port town. This was supposed to be a quick stop for supplies.
A series of footsteps caught his attention. He looked up to find Flash and Dale on the other side of the bars. "What are you two doing here?"
"We were out looking for Rick and Kristina when we got the call that you'd been captured." Flash narrowed his eyes. "Have you seen them?"
"They were in a COE helicopter," Dale added.
Jonathan quivered as a wave of tension rushed through him.
"What is it?" Flash asked.
"I was out at sea a few days ago. I shot a COE helicopter down."
Dale froze, feeling her whole body stiffen. Her cold eyes became locked on Jonathan.
"There are islands out there," Flash noted. "Rick and Kristina had parachutes."
Jonathan looked hopeful.
"Come on," Flash said to Dale. "We've got to make a search schedule."
Dale looked through the bars. "If you've taken my son from me, you'd better find a way to escape before I return."
A new day had arrived on the island, and the sun was shining down on the beach. Kristina had stripped down to her bra and panties, and was using a tree branch to do a series of pull-ups.
Rick threw a number of quick glances her way. He watched as her biceps bulged, and as her shoulders stiffened. She was in better shape than he'd realized. After snapping himself out of his transfixed state, he turned around and resumed his fishing.
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Kristina dropped to the sand and looked toward the shore, catching sight of a shirtless Rick. The sun glimmered against his dampened chest. His moist hair was hanging down the sides of his head. She found herself staring, then turned away when he noticed.
"Hey," Rick called. "You want to have lunch a little later today? Might be best to wait out this wind before we start a fire."
"Sure," Kristina replied.
Around an hour later, the two were sitting beside each other while having their meal.
"Truth or dare?" Rick suddenly said.
"Truth," she replied.
He kept his stare away from hers. "Have you ever had a boyfriend?"
She turned to him. "Why would you ask me that?"
"I don't know. I just figured that some of your past activities probably kept you too busy. I don't just mean the Sky Band, but before that, when..." He suddenly looked aware that he was babbling. "Anyway, I guess I'd be surprised to hear that you haven't had one."
Kristina glanced down and grinned. "And why is that?"
Rick squirmed a little. "Because you've got some things going for you. You're funny, you're strong, you're..." Rick's words trailed off as he looked at her.
Kristina held quiet while looking back. She wasn't sure what to make of this moment. All she knew was that there was nowhere else she wanted to be right now.
They leaned toward each other, bringing their faces close. And then, the sound of a helicopter began catching her attention.
She and Rick looked out into the distance, then sprung up and started waving their arms.
She sat in the back seat of the chopper with Rick.
"I'm so glad that you're both okay," Flash said, directing the chopper back toward town.
Dale threw a relieved glance toward them.
"I'm glad you found us when you did." Rick smiled. "Not that I would've minded it happening sooner."
Kristina stared out at the clouds. "Or a bit later."
Rick turned to her in surprise.
Kristina hesitated, then offered a rare grin.
Rick returned the expression until she looked away, and the two sat together in silence during the rest of the trip.
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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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