Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 29 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com

This my second attempt to write so please tell me what you think. This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any of the celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories do yourself a favor don't get caught. The same goes for those people whose countries have these sites made illegal. And for everyone else enjoy

Captain Planet and related characters was created by R.E Turner and copyright by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions

Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyright by Warner Bros.

Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount

Transformers and all related characters, and props are trademarked by Hasbro inc. Copyright Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment CO

He-Man, She-Ra, related characters, and props are trademarked by Filmation 1980's

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.

Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.

X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.

To those who've been reading Tales of Sol. I want you to know that while there is sex in this story. That is not is sole purpose and yes I do hope the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.

Sol is an adaption from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the Planeteers, The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if we took a few moments to care for it.

Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.

It is also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. While I don't know if my favorite bands 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys or Nsync have ever read this. They saw me through some of the hardest moments of my life and offered in their own way hope. To them I say thank you.

I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US armed service past, present, and future.

I like to thank my friends who I had the privilege showing these chapters with. They helped with editing and inspiration,

John Rivera, Albert-Russ Alan Rivera-Odum, Derbe.D. Hunte Yvette Ortiz Samuel Diaz Jr for all their help in Making The Tales of Sol an enjoyable story to write.

And I have a few other names starting with the beginner of this universe James the author of Tales of a Real Dark Knight. I still hope to reconnect with you dear friend and all the rest of this series.

Blake the author of Tales of a New Phoenix Jeremi author of the Tales of Young Mutants

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

And now without any further ado I give you the next chapter of Tales of Sol.

The Tales of Sol 29 Warrior's Cry

Jeff and I got back home a few moments later "You two sure took your sweet time I hope you enjoyed yourselves," Drew snickered

"We decided to go to school," I answered

"Go to school?" Drew asked

"We came across a kidnapping at the Kindergarten Center," Jeff corrected

"Oh my," Drew gasped

"Unfortunately I am still no closer to understanding what is going on there then I am with the soldiers trapped in the train station," I sighed

"Mike you will figure both out I have faith in you," Jeff said

"You just found out I had god-like powers and you already have faith in me?" I inquired

"Mike even before I saw those powers in action, I saw you and I know you will figure this out," Jeff reassured

I fell back into my seat "I wish I had your faith in me,"

"Mike you are Captain Planet, or at the very least you have some of his powers, those ghost and those kids couldn't ask for a better person to rescue them," Drew said as he came into the room and he said next to me giving me a reassuring hug, "have faith in yourself Mike, we do," Drew said into my ear.

Jeff looked at us smiling warmly and with certainty, "You told the Devil to take a hike for Christ sake," Jeff said

"I did, didn't I," I chuckled

Drew moved aside so Jeff could wrap me in his trademark hug, "Yes and if you can do that then you will figure this out,"

"Drew was right those kids and those spirits have a champion in their corner they are in good hands," Jeff spoke with certainty

I was very touched by their words when I looked up at my living room wall. I saw Gaia and she too gave me a knowing smile.

I made dinner a short time later and after we all ate I was shooed out of the dining room while Justin and Drew took care of the dishes. Jeff and Nick went upstairs to change so I went back to work connecting to the Lair so I could see any new information whether on those missing children or my trapped brothers. At one point while a I was looking over different images of the abandoned train station I heard from behind me, "Wait a minute I've seen this photo before," Jeff said suddenly

I went to ask him but he was already at one of my bookshelves. Pulling out a book on trains with a playful smile Jeff snickered, "You sure loved trains,"

"What little boy doesn't love those iron horses?" I snickered

Jeff nodded knowing I was speaking truth and he laughed, "I found this one and began to look through it,"

Jeff flipped through the book, while Nick, Drew, and Justin rejoined us. Until he came up on the picture and it showed the station on fire.

"See this is that station isn't it?" Jeff queried.

Absentmindedly I put my hand on the picture, In my mind's eye I could see them all of them as if I was there, I could hear their screams mixed in with the roar of the flames, I could feel their pain and I could almost smell burning flesh as they were all burned to death. I could hear the roar of the flames as it went on unchecked. I tried to zero in on one person but they all came at me like a tidal wave with all of their raw emotions of fear and anguish. I felt those who tried to remain brave despite their impending doom. I could sense some who acted heroically as they tried to comfort their loved ones, shielding them from falling debris. The whole scene kept coming and no matter how hard I tried calming this storm it raged on and would not be stopped even as my mind tried to push them back out.

"Mike!" Jeff screamed as he saw his lover's body going convulsions. Jeff could only guess what was going on. His cry got everyone's attention. He grabbed hold of me trying to get me to stop shaking.

I could sense Jeff's presence as his support as it tried in vain to stop the sudden rush of raw emotions. They rushed forward like a flood threatening to overload my mind. But in the distance was my boyfriend as his love tried to cut through.

While it was comforting, it wasn't enough. The dam had burst and the spirits were drowning Jeff out, now that they knew someone could finally hear them these guys were going to be heard. It was now apparent that I didn't even need to be at the train station to hear them. Thanks to the Earth I could be there now.

Jeff looked at his boyfriend and saw tears flow down Mike's. Drew put his arms around Mike followed by Nick and finally Justin, "What is happening?" Justin gasped

"I don't know why I showed Mike this photo," Jeff groaned.

In the mist of the onslaught of the overwhelming emotions I felt the presence of the others; my loving friends were each there putting their arms around me. Their combined love was enough to push back more turbulent minds.

"By your powers combined," the group weakly heard, making 98 Degrees all look at Mike his eyes were still shut but his convolutions had lessened.

The combined love and support of 98 Degrees helped me to push back and gain some control over chaos. I was able to focus on the feelings of the spirits. Every soldier who had died at that train station, I felt everything, all of their dreams, all of their hopes. I took in all of their love, and faith and just when I thought I couldn't take any more. The love of my friends gave the Earth herself the window she needed to step in, the Mother was finally able to breach the barrier of raw emotions to allow my mind to finally shut down.

Each one let go of Mike when he finally stopped shuddering all except Jeff. He held on to Mike tightly offering his lover comfort.

Looking down at their now sleeping friend Drew ran his hand through his hair trying to make sense of what just happened, "What the Hell was that?" Drew demanded

"I don't know," Jeff said as he held his lover close he would remain until Mike recovered.

By the time the sun had set I began to come around my head still hurt from the stuff I was forced to bear witness to. I woke up to see Jeff holding me. It seemed to be a role reversal because the last time we were like this I was comforting the popstar when he came out to me.

Smiling warmly he looked at me, but I could hear the concern in his voice when he asked, "Hey, how are you doing?"

"Can we stay like this?" I asked as I put my arms around my lover and squeezed.

"I am feeling much better thanks to all of you," I reassured him

"What happened?" He asked allowing me to rearrange myself

"While looking at the picture everything seemed to come at me like a runaway train, I could feel them all. Not just their fears, but their hopes, and their guilt, and their expectations, their anger. Total feeling of injustice, I felt it all and it sort of overloaded me," I told him

"I wish I never showed you that picture," Jeff sobbed, pulling him closer

"You guys came to my aid," I offered

"How?" Jeff was intrigued

"You, Nick, Justin, and Drew when you all hugged me your love was enough to punch through those tormented souls looking for anyone who could hear them," I responded as I looked back on what happened in that moment.

"Your love and compassion gave me the support I needed and I was right about the one problem with their situation," I said as I adjusted myself on the couch.

Jeff helped me up to a better sitting position "What was that?"

"Of all the emotions good and bad they were missing the one," I relived the impression

"And that would be?" Jeff asked

"The one as a sailor I know all to well, Jeff," I responded

"How did you, being a sailor, make the connection?" Jeff asked

"It wasn't Guardian or even Captain Planet who could have understood it, But the sailor in me that made the connection," I stated

Jeff just sat there patiently as I went on, "Those spirits were robbed of their Honor, they died in uniform," I said in disgust

"Those soldiers are my brothers in arms. We all swore upon the Flag of the United States to uphold the ideals for which this country was founded upon. We swore for as long as the Constitution exist and as long as our flag continues to fly high that we would defend them no matter the cost," I said

"That was amazing," Jeff chuckled in delight

"What?" I asked not sure what he was talking about.

"I just felt your heart while you were talking and it actually began beating faster," Jeff replied

"Every time I think about my uniform I am proud to know that I fulfilled my mission and kept the flag flying, those guys died for us Jeff never forget that," I told him

"You really do care for their spirit don't you?" Jeff inquired

"Yes I do, the sailor in me fears what plans that demon has for my brothers in arms, it would dishonor their sacrifice," I said with a shudder.

"Mike, will you do me a favor?" Jeff asked

"Sure," I said

"But I don't think the couch will last under us," I stated

"No not that," Jeff laughed

"Ok," I laughed

"Will you put on one of your uniforms for me?" Jeff asked

I was taken back by it then said, "I would be delighted,"

Thinking of the time frame I pulled out my Dress whites, and put them on to feel a shiver putting it on for the first time in a long time.

When I came back down I heard Jeff whistle and say, "I wish I met you when you still wore that,"

"Thanks Imzadi," I said

Jeff hugged me and as he pulled me closer to him my lover began to sing "I'm proud to be an American where at least I know that I am free, I won't forget the one who died to give that right to me,"

I just held him there as he sang that song. I pulled away from him and said,"You are beautiful," I gave him a kiss.

"So are you," Jeff responded, returning the kiss.

We just looked into each other's eyes, until BEATTI decided to interrupt the moment.

"Sir I have Razeel online," She called out

"I am still amazed at your technical knowhow. I would have never known this house was very much alive," "Jeff said in wonder.

"Your Probes are designed that if you say Guardian or mine three times that it will alert BEATTI and she will alert me," I told my lover

"I have to admit I don't like the idea of being tagged but I also can't fault you for doing it when we were kidnapped by those guys at Dave's party. It would have been a great relief to know the Guardian knew where we were," Jeff admitted.

Before I could go on Jeff said, "We can talk more later you have soldiers to save,"

I nodded and left for the Geothermal Plant thinking about a better way to get to the Lair.

When I arrived I went straight to the Command Center where Dave was going over something on the missing children while Razeel, and Blaylock were still talking with the Council.

"Hey, what did you find?" I asked

"According to the Council in order for Elizar to revive those soldiers he'd would need the warrior's blood," She said

"As for the ritual he somehow got his hand on Book of Dead, which was being house in the Council someone stole it and had it brought here," Blaylock said still with the cold response

"Okay now what do we do?" I asked

"Well we have to stop Elizar from completing the spell," Dana said

"I got that but how do we stop him, and is there a chance that we might do some harm to them?" I responded

"Damage to whom?" Blaylock asked

"My brothers in arms, is there a chance that between our fighting that we will do them harm?" I responded

"I don't know why?" Razeel asked

"Because I want to find away to free them, and give them the peace they deserve," I told her

"Guardian I know you have some sense of loyalty to these ghost, but if we have to choose between them and this city I choose the city," Blaylock stated

"Blaylock, I am a combat veteran and know all to well about making the hard decisions," I snapped "But there was a grave injustice done to those soldiers and I have a duty to them and to correct that," I commented

Blaylock looked like he was going to interject but I cut him off,

"My code does not allow me to do otherwise," I turned to the Watcher who is about to get a mouthful from me "We have to return their honor and give them the rest they have well earned,"

Dave left the terminal and came up to me as if to lend me support "Those warriors were robbed of their honor when they told the United States that they would give their all, but were unable to perform it because of freak accidents," I growled at the total disgust of the notion,

"I owe it to them to do all I can to ensure that they are given the warriors death they deserved," I said with conviction. For once Blaylock looked almost respectful of my cause but he lost none of his smug superiority "that is all nice Mike how does that apply here here?"

"Easy Blaylock if we return their honor, they can cross over and therefore rob Elizar of those spirits either way we are serving the greater good, if you were listening?" Dave spoke up pointing out the benefits to what

"Mike concerns are valid as are yours Blaylock,"Dave stepped forward

"Elizar is trying to raise an army of vampires who cares how he is doing it we must stop him," Blaylock crowed he was trying to fight this and it was nonsense.

"Blaylock your concerns with Elizar turning those poor souls into vampires which is fine," Dave injected but he wasn't letting Blaylock speak, "Mike is concerned with the rest you can't fight a battle based solely one objective not when there is more at stake then what we see before us," Dave came to my defense

"I still don't get what it has to do with these people regardless of our feeling we must stop Elizar from turning them into vampire the shear size would disastrous," I began to growl coming right up to Blaylock

I had reached my snapping point, "The point sir, is that there is no excuse whatsoever, not to have compassion even in war,"

"And in this case the call of honor trumps even the dangers that lie ahead" I stated firmly

"Mike go and work out your frustration in the Holo-Room I will deal with Blaylock," Dave recommended I did an about face and left the Command Center once he was sure that I was gone "Blaylock in the future if you want to earn his respect you need to tread very carefully," Dave stated

"He need to respect me regardless I am a Watcher there he should be listening to me," Blaylock growled

"It is that attitude which made me not want to work with the Watchers Council you guys are usually so full of yourselves and so righteous that working with you is tedious and distracting," Dave remarked

"We've been protecting those like you from the forces of darkness long before that amateur got his fancy powers," Blaylock said snidely

"To have to take orders from the likes of him is an insult to one of my order," Blaylock sneered

"That amateur is the one who should be afforded the respect not you," Dave countered, not giving the pompous jerk an inch. "Power, Blaylock is so easy to abuse hell I can see that even in you, as you try to instill some kind of power here it must be hard for you that Mike isn't intimidated by you," Dave smirked there at the end.

"But then Mike who has an awful amount of power. I know I'm helping him understand a fraction of that power," Dave reiterated "Since your arrival all you have done was to flaunt a superiority complex that doesn't exist, I will back my pupal any day of the week over you because that fact,"

Blaylock just simmered when he had to contemplate that he wasn't the one in charge over here "Razeel what are you waiting for we have to work to do," the Watcher ordered

"I was going to see how Mike is holding up," Dana said

"I said let's get back to work, our host demands us to do more work," Blaylock ordered. The tone in her Watcher's voice told her not to defy him. She turned to the main screen and got to work.

"You are lucky Mike didn't see that either," Dave scolded

"What you do in this mundane base is your businesses Razeel is my charge and you do well to keep it at that," Blaylock snapped he was desperately trying to hold on to his power,

"I can't speak for Mike but you show Dana disrespect like that in his presents he wouldn't be as gentle as me," Dave snapped back "In fact if I see it again I won't be as gentle," Dave said then walked away before Blaylock could make a comeback.

The Holo-Room wasn't going to cut it this time I needed to do something else. I had gone above ground and the night star filled sky illuminated the landscape. This is what I liked most about the Lair's location: there was no light pollution to blockout the night sky. It had a very calming effect as I looked out at the dark landscape, I could make out the dark silhouette of the hangar against the open field. I have been meaning to do something with it for some time now. It made a great place to house the Sea Dragon when Quenton came to evaluate us. Who knew that he would get even with me by sticking Blaylock with us. I loved Dana she is a woman of great intergaty. But Blaylock was such a self imposing figure it took all my efforts not to give him a hot foot. His arrogance really got me hot under the collar. In truth it wasn't even Blaylock who was my biggest problem.

If I was truly Captain Planet I would have had a handle on these situations. I would have found those missing children and I would be able to save my trapped comrades. Letting out an unsatisfied growl I found myself walking the field to the abandoned hangar. We did modifications to it but it was largely left alone. I don't even know if I ever made a link outside of the probes and the old security system. It was in fact two levels the large berth that could house three CH-53 Sea Dragons. There were adjoining rooms for the maintenance crews. There were meeting rooms and offices at the top with good size windows for each office. And extending the full length of the front section were frosted bay windows. They helped bring light into the cavernous bays; the whole hangar was the length of two football fields and a hundred feet deep. The amount of space we would need will be more than enough. The first step will be to move it. I needed to test my strength and I needed to work off this frustration.

So many had faith in me and so many were and are counting on me. In rage that came from the mounting frustration I stomped my foot and a crack formed in the ground and encircled the hangar. Another stomp opened the ground a bit more allowing me to go under. I found the center and with a push I lifted the whole hangar from its spot and moved it. Punching the underside just enough to knock all the dirt off the foundation.

Despite the complete darkness of the night sky I made my way back to the Lair where Dave was awaiting me. Even in the dark I could see the satisfactory smile "That explains the sudden earthquake we felt underground,"

"You might want to move Dave, this is rather heavy," I groaned as I moved so the furthest corner of the hangar was just over the two separate sections of the original missile silo but still well clear of the silo doors. So the Sea Dragon could still get out.

Dave moved out of the way by the time I got there so when I put the hangar back down it still shook the ground, while the whole building remained intact. I heard Dave chuckled "Okay what are you planning now,"

"With the addition of Dana and Blaylock and possibly more, Lair which was a nuclear missile silo was never really meant to house personnel the way we are now," I answered

"This is true," Dave acknowledged "Which reminds me we still have to work on knowing just how strong you are,"

"I barely broke a sweat," I guffawed

"Feel better I know Blaylock was getting under skin," Dave asked as he eyed the dark silhouette of the hangar in its new location.

"It wasn't just Blaylock but everything, we have missing children we can't seem to find, and now we have trapped soldiers who are about to be turned into vampires," I huffed as I fell against the wall of the hangar and slid down to the cold ground. "And if I was truly Captain Planet I would have all of this figured out by now,"

"Mike we will all figure this out you are not alone here," Dave reminded me, "don't forget Mike without you we would never have known there were children missing, nor would we know about those poor souls,"

"I would feel better if we could save them all," I sighed

"We will Mike and I get the feeling with this new addition you are planning we will be even more prepared," Dave spoke making a gesture towards the other exterior entrance since I know effectively closed off the main entrance.

"I will begin work as soon as a possible at least this is a problem I can fix," I sighed

Dave reminded me as we reentered the Lair we both had to be at the power plant. We still had several meetings to attend.

I knew he was right and I sighed as we still didn't solve either issues this night or morning in any case

We left both got into the subway I then said "You know we need to come up with a more efficient way for me to get to the Lair beside access through the Geo Plant,"

"Yes I know," Dave remarked

I got home a few hours later Jeff was still in bed, as were the rest of the band as they slept soundly. I grabbed a shower and then crawled into bed with a sigh of contentment. I wrapped my arms around my love and he unconsciously took hold and I fell asleep in his love.

The next morning it was a rush for all of us, Jeff and the rest had to leave for the studio and I was needed at the Power Plant.

Dave and I were going over the various meetings that were planned for the day. He had a board meeting in 20 minutes and then a meeting with the power plant guild, followed by a meeting with both the State Governor and City Mayor. Then we had to meet with the plant's department heads and with Stella over the recent security issues that Jared Evens unfortunately made necessary.

I was going over all of our notes and I was certain we had more items on the agenda but our papers weren't adding up. While Dave was on the phone confirming several of his meetings. I left to confirm with Margret Dave's secretary who was having a bad morning and most of Dave's meeting schedules had gotten mixed up on a number of notes and messages and her calendar was incomplete. There were stacks of mixed papers. It took far longer than necessary as it seems Margret was having computer troubles for days and hadn't informed IT. It took me six seconds to figure out the problem and with aid from Harvey the head of IT we found all of the information Dave would need for the day.

As Harvey was working on Margret's computer I also spotted several important documents that Dave was waiting for, and I took them as well.

I had her set up lunch for me and Gregg so I could see how he was holding up. When I returned Dave was just wrapping up his video call to Chief Rodgers on our current issue.

I let out a sigh when I got to his desk, "Dave we need to talk about Margret,"

"Is she giving you a hard time again?" Dave asked

"No it is not that, she didn't have your appointments ready when I went to her, she had computer issues that she never bother to call IT about and there were several important messages from the department heads just sitting on her desk and she never mentioned them," I reported giving Dave not only his schedules but the messages from Justin Hurts and several other department heads one of which I recognized as the complaint about Jared's behavior on the loading dock which was made by the foreman two days before Dave had done his tour.

Dave looked at the reports I gave him and he gasped "Justin asked me about this one yesterday and got upset because he thought I was ignoring him, He told me Margret was given the report and she told me she lost it,"

At that moment several board members came into Dave's office cutting short our conversation, Dave greeted them and soon the rest followed and the board meeting was on. About a half hour in I left so I could have lunch with Gregg.

I found him at his shipping desk finishing up on this morning's delivery status and checking the invoices. "How is it going?" I asked

"Not too bad all things considered, it is not the most exciting job but it definitely pays far better than my last job and Krystal loves having me home at a normal hour," Gregg answered

"I am very glad we could help you both," I was relieved to hear.

We left to go to the cafeteria for lunch, Gregg filled me in on what has been happening since he got hired. The relief was obvious just by how relaxed my dear friend was.

"How are things with you and you know?" Gregg asked

"We are just fine, he has been very supportive and vice versa," I informed my friend.

"Mike what is this I hear about you, and an employee who attacked Dave?" Gregg asked

I was wondering when he was going to ask that, "It was more complicated than it appeared," I answered

I then told him about everything that happened since "Are you freaking kidding me!?" Gregg gasped when I told him how many children were missing and then I told him, "I wish I were and I afraid it almost became personal,"

"How?" Gregg inquired, I told him that it was believed Krystal was almost abducted by the very people behind these string of kidnappings.

"You mean some bozo tried to kidnap my daughter, why?" Gregg demanded

"That is a very good question one much smarter people are trying to solve," I huffed

"That being said it is the reason I want Krystal to go to my home if she ever feels threatened," I reiterated

Gregg and I finished up lunch and we both went back to work, Dave was just finishing up his meeting with the board and had many more meetings to come.

I got back in time for the board meeting to let up, I was greeted by several members who expressed their gratitude towards me for reminding them how easily mistakes can be averted. They had begun their own inspections similar to what Dave had begun here and they were appalled at how much of their business was hurting in that area. Several more were still impressed by my ability to stand up to them. They praised me for helping Luis and Jared and they were all glad I was on their side.

I was shaking the hand of Mr. Vests when I asked, "Sir, when was the last time you had your limo inspected?"

Mr. Vests shrugged, "I have it routinely inspected,"

"I suggest you have it re inspected the sooner the better," I recommended

"Why? My mechanic assures me it is in working order," Mr. Vests waved off

"Then take it to a new mechanic and tell them to look at the exhaust system," I prompted

Dave came up behind "Do it Cal, when my assistant says something it is in your best interest to listen,"

Cal Vests just looked back at me and asked, "what makes you suspect there is something wrong?"

Looking over Mr. Vests, "Well for one your skin complexion is slightly pale compared from the last board meeting," I pointed out everyone stopped and looked at Mr. Vests and Mr. Hanson finally said, "Cal I meant to say something when I saw you,"

"Cal take that limo in and then go to the doctor," Mr. Jinkons also encouraged

"Okay, okay I will have it looked at," Mr. Vests conceded as he walked past a reflected surface Vests looked at himself and gasped "I never realized how pale I had gotten," Mr. Vests gasped

The board left Dave had a few minutes until the Pennsylvania's Governor and Philadelphia's Mayor but Dave said, "I will never know how you know what you do,"

"Mr. Vests has all the signs of carbon dioxide poisoning," I simply stated

"That is just it we all saw Cal and no one put it together until you said something," Dave gasped in embarrassment

Before I could answer Governor Randell and Mayor Street entered Dave's office.

"Good Morning Governor," Dave smiled as he offered his hand

"Good Morning Mr. Matthews," the Governor accepted the hand

"And good morning Mr Mayor," Dave greeted

"Good morning Dave," Mayor Street smiled and shook my mentor's hand.

"You both remember my personal assistant," Dave introduced me to them both

The Governor smiled, "Of course excellent work you have done with Mr. Evens by the way,"

Mayor Street agreed, "Yes it is appalling that we should learn from that assault that nearly 300 children have gone missing, believe me we will be doing a thorough investigation into the Philadelphia Police Department for missing something this big,"

"It was nothing sirs I am sorry I can't do any more than that," I waved off the compliment

"It was not nothing," Mayor Street corrected

"There is no way 300 children should ever go missing and nothing is done about it," Governor Rendell agreed

"I just wish I could be more of a help it pains me that all I did was bring this to light," I grimoused

Taking the heat off of me Dave changed the subject, "This meeting is about how my power plant can further benefit the city and the state,"

The Governor had expressed his desire to increase the Geothermal output so that the state could phase out the older coal power plants, and the Mayor discussed ways to promote better commute so that this plant could offer more job opportunities. I offered the idea of talking to our transit system about setting up a bus route that would help bring people here.

Mayor Street liked the idea and said he would talk to SEPTA. It was all talk right now but it would lead to creating new job opportunities.

When the meetings wrapped up Dave got a call from Mr. Vests and he was ecstatic telling Dave he took his limo into a different shop and that mechanic found a leak in the exhaust system that was sending enough fumes into the whole limousine. Then Mr. Vests had himself and his driver check themselves into the doctors. Who confirmed that they were slowly being poisoned and would have died if they had to drive long distances in it. "How the hell did your assistant know?" I heard him demand

"The same way he knew that section of wall in Geo pit was about to collapse, an investigation into it found a leaky pipe that left unattended would have led to costly repairs and possibly injuries or deaths among my staff." Dave countered

"I am having that mechanic look into, the new guy had explained that there was no way this kind of damage could have been missed," Mr Vests steamed as he told Dave of the extent of the damage that lead to the failure in the exhaust system. "I am never going to doubt your assistant again and I now fully support your efforts to maintain that power plant," Mr Vests acknowledged.

After hanging up on Mr. Vests, Dave was still smiling proudly, "First you saved Luis's Wife and child, then you stopped Jared which lead to 300 children being reported missing, and now you saw something in Cal and insisted he look into his damaged limo,"

I tried to wave off the compliments but Dave wouldn't let me, "Mike, I don't think you appreciate your own instincts which I believe you need to work on more than anything else,"

"I didn't do anything important," I dismissed

"Nothing?" Dave snapped "You quite possibly saved Cal's life that is not nothing,"

Dave had one more meeting and I took my leave to walk the nature trail. I came up to a stream and knelt down beside it "You are not alone Mike," I was startled out of my self-reflection, and I turned to see Gaia's ghostly image in the waterfall "Gaia?" I pondered "I know I am not alone I have Dave, Dana and that pompus twit Blaylock," I said

"They will help you, however you are not alone in this injustice," Gaia reiterated

"Are you referring to my trapped brothers?" I asked as I looked back down at the water.

"I am the Earth is grieving with you and so are the Heavenly Host, and they want to correct this just as much as you do," Gaia spoke softly to me

"Why did it happen?" I frowned "I am not asking how they could have been killed in those storms, I am asking how they became trapped,"

"That is what makes it a tragedy they weren't supposed to become trapped Mike they were all destined to die that was unavoidable but they weren't supposed to remain Earthbound, how ever it happened it must be corrected," Gaia answered with her usual gentleness

"I don't know how to save them I need the Earth's help but I can't open myself up to her without getting overwhelmed by the very spirits I am trying to save," I huffed in frustration

"The answers you seek are right before you and you must save them tonight or they will be trapped in a fate even worse than their own trapped confinement," Gaia reminded me of both.

Dipping my hand into the stream I felt its cool and refreshing flow as it also seemed to take my self doubt with it.

"I am a soldier of the United States I will adapt and overcome," I said firmly getting up and then went back inside the power plant Dave was just wrapping up his last meeting and everyone was now going home,

I walked over to my mentor "It is time I stopped moping and get down to business I have my brothers to save,"

Dave actually smiled "I am glad to hear it," we left for the secret subway and were soon on our way to the Lair

That is it for this chapter more to come.

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I also recommend the following stories it was because of them I got into writing in the first place.

"Tales of a Real Dark Knight" by authorjames

"Marvel Knights" also by authorjames

"Tales of the New Phoenix" by Blake

"Tales of a Superhero Band" by Leo

"Tales of a Young Mutant" by Jeremi

"Tales of a Thunder God" by Tony Justiss