D96
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 96: Lovebirds
Mandrake eased down on the couch with Atascadero.
She pulling a strap of her tank-top back over her shoulder. "So tell me more about the COE." She studied Mandrake's sweater and slacks, admiring how he looked in casual clothing.
"The COE is the Central Opposition of Extraterrestrials, a military-style organization led by Flash's sister, Abigail. Abby was once an adventurer herself, not unlike Flash and Dale." He glanced over toward a blonde girl in a photo. "As you know, Abby has a child of her own named Sara. She's always been proud of her family's heroics — and has always wanted in on the action as well." He smiled a little.
"Seems like Central City attracts people from a lot of prominent families — and you've housed several of them at one time or another." She watched him for a moment. "What if none of that had ever happened? What if you'd been alone in this mansion for all these years? Would you have stayed?"
"I'm glad I didn't have to find out. Getting to meet all of these people was truly a gift, especially since I haven't been close to my own family for quite some time."
Atascadero looked down at the couch. "Same here."
Mandrake felt sorry for bringing this up. It was quite unusual to see her sad. "Have you ever considered starting a family of your own?"
She looked up at him in surprise. "Are you suggesting something?" A teasing smile arrived on her face.
"I didn't say that." Mandrake cooly looked over at the wall. "I was merely curious."
Atascadero's gaze drifted up to the ceiling. "I'm not sure what kind of mom I'd be."
Mandrake nodded, holding quiet.
She turned to him with an expectant stare. "This is the part where you're supposed to tell me I'd do a great job while listing all of my qualities."
"Oh." Mandrake flinched. "I think you'd do a great job as a mom."
"Thank you. Why is that?"
"First of all, you're caring and loyal. You demonstrated that when you went back to your kingdom. Secondly, you've got a good sense of humor. Being around you cheers people up." He stared at her. "And thirdly, you're beautiful."
Atascadero grinned. "What does that have to do with being a mother?"
"I don't know. I just felt like pointing it out."
She shook her head, then brushed a hand over Mandrake's handsome face.
Mandrake paused, letting his thoughts drift to the Defenders, the COE, Mongo, and Hadea's dominion. He smiled while thinking about the many people in his life. "Sometimes I wish that this little saga of ours could go on forever, but I know in my heart that it has to end," he said. "Many of us will part ways someday..." His stare grew warmer as he looked at her. "Many of us, but not all of us."
Atascadero sensed another suggestion in his tone.
"Once we're convinced that the COE can handle things alone, I may move away myself." He found himself pausing a moment. "Might you consider coming with me?"
Atascadero's face softened with affection. "I think I'd like that."
Mandrake nodded. "So would I."
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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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