Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 42 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 42 Now Boarding

After Frank dropped me off and reminded me he would be back in the morning to pick me up.

I told him I would be ready I went to the secret stairs to my new subway line to the Lair

When I got there Dave, Jake were already there. "They let you go?" Jake laughed

"I am free for the moment but I am being hauled off to New York," I smirked

"Are you ready?" Jake asked

He was the only one in the room who knew the real reason I was avoiding New York

"I don't have much say too many events are converging and I can't turn away," I said somberly

"Mike why have you been avoiding New York?"Dave asked

Jake knew actually and I could see the same look of concern on his face.

"We should contact the X-Men and let them know I have come to a decision to come to New York," I spoke

"BEATTI will you put a call through?" Dave requested

"Let me know when they answer I want to prep the Sea Dragon I want BEATTI to fly it to New York," I told them as I left the Command Center

Dave turned to Jake demanding, "Okay, you know something,"

"Dave haven't you figured it all out?" Jake asked

"No my protege has kept me in the dark about it," Dave admitted

"It is staring you in the face Dave,"Jake said

"If you don't answer my question," Dave demanded

"Dave, think about it New York, Mike left the Navy and has been avoided New York" Jake prompted

"I still can't see the connection," Dave admitted

With a sad look, "He was there, we both were Dave," Jake said

"9/11" Dave finally put it together

"Mike is very protective of Philadelphia haven't you noticed," Jake pointed out again

"Was he in New York?" Dave asked

In a very mellow tone filled with sorrow, "No the Front Line," Jake answered

I was in the main helipad where the Sea Dragon once again rested. I was loading provisions and adding my Guardian costume "BEATTI, how is that remote setting? Can you control this whirlybird all the way to New York?" I asked

"Yes sir I can control the Sea Dragon as far as Ohio, and Vermont," BEATTI reported

"Mike, we've got the X-Men," Dave said over the intercom

"I will be right there," I said as I made my way back to the Command Center

When I got there everyone had a determined look but I knew they discussed me while I was gone.

"Yes Mike really likes redecorating," Dave was on the video call as he and Xavier talked about the Lair's new looks.

"And you say he did it all himself?" Xavier marveled at the new command center.

"Yup from moving the hangar bay to gutting and revamping the interior, to sinking the whole building into the ground," Dave regaled Professor Xavier with the tale of how the Lair was remodeled.

"I am very impressed Mister Matthew, it is good to speak with you again," Xavier

"And you too Mike has agreed to come to New York but, he will be traveling with friends and we will need an excuse for him to come see you that wouldn't sounding suspicious," Dave said

"That shouldn't be a problem," Professor Xavier replied

"There is one more thing I need to ask you Professor," I asked

"What is it Mr. Pennock?" Professor Xavier asked with a raised eyebrow.

"While I have these powers I still don't know how to use them nor do I know how to control them," I told him

"Mr. Pennock to help train some one of your potential," The Professor smiled

"How do you know of my potential?" I had to ask

"My people do report back to me especially when you save them from a Sentinel," Xavier told me

I should have known that but I still had to ask. "They are very bad dancers by the way," I remarked

This made Xavier chuckle "But I hear they make great trash cans," this prompted Dave and I to laugh "The City of Philadelphia has thanked the Guardian for donating them. I also hear those plastic pellets are going to be used to make plastic mats for playground safety," Dave joined in.

"And after seeing what you have done to your own base of operations I am eager to know as much about you as we can Mr. Pennock," Xavier commented

"I will be leaving with my party later on tomorrow morning," I told him

"And what party would that be?" Xavier asked

I blushed deeply because I knew how Dave would take what he's about to hear then said, "The Backstreet Boys," This made Jake head shot up as he looked directly at me his entire demeanor perked up I saw a small smile form on his handsome face.

"We will be waiting for your arrival," Xavier signed off.

"Dave, the Sea Dragon is ready to leave for New York with me I have a feeling I am going to need her,"

With a slight nod that told me he wanted to know more Dave simply replied "Okay,"

Jake on the other hand wasn't going to let this matter go."So, you and the Backstreet Boys, which, one?" Jake winked

"None of them at the moment, right now I am going to find out, what is going on with them," I answered

Jake's expression went from joy to concern, "What is wrong?" Jake asked

Dave turned his attention to the main computer and pulled up the probe records for Spectrum Stadium.

This is the first time I am watching them myself "The probes picked this up at Spectrum," Dave reported as the probe revealed a figure climbing down the fence.

At which point one can see security converging on him "That was when I spotted him," I noted

"Yes and now watch," Dave said as the person probes revealed earlier footage of our party crasher climbing that fence and was able to make his way into the Spectrum by climbing the stadium walls and then leaving the same way.

I was astonished, "So our fence climber was already inside before I got there," I said

Nodding in a worried expression"Yes," Dave said

"Dave we need a printed copy of this so I can give them to Tony and Frank," I remarked

Sensing caution Dave questioned, "Are you sure that is wise,"

Jake interrupted, "Wait, what is going on?"

"This is why Tony and Frank want me to go to New York," I told my friends.

"While I was there at the practice I saw a fence climber as he was leaving," I answered Jake as we watched our gatecrasher get into a car that I spotted.

Our SUV left the Spectrum and that car had followed us to Old City Tavern. It then followed us as we made our return trip.

After Dave paused the feedback, I looked back at Jake "At the time it looked as if he was just some fan trying to break in," I finally put the pieces together,

"I can see how it would have looked like that if you only spotted that guy on the fence," Jake said as the video played "While watching them practice I felt a ping from the Earth and while I couldn't see it I heard cable lines to several really heavy speakers snap I got the stage cleared in time to save everyone," I informed them

Jake was horrified, "Holy shit if you hadn't been there the whole band would have been injured or killed by those heavy speakers,"

"Tony sent the Backstreet Boys to lunch and I was asked to come along," I spoke I told Jake and Dave about introducing them to the City Tavern and when we left I also felt like we were being watched and how I had thought it could have been some fan. Dave and Jake agreed at how I could have come to that but when we turned back to the monitor,

"It wasn't until we were making our way back to the highway that I got another Ping from the Earth and spotted that car on the way back to the Spectrum,"

"Mike that person wasn't expecting you to be there," Dave said

"And that is why Tony wants me in New York," I acknowledged

"Because who ever he is he doesn't know you will be along, and with your senses and powers and training you might be able to catch him before he hurts or kills one of them," Jake said

"None of them know about my powers yet so far it is all being chalked up to my military training and I am trying keep it that way," I stated

"Just don't hold on to that secret too long Mike," Dave advised

I knew Dave was right but for now I had more pressing concerns.

"As I said too many events are converging on me I can't avoid New York any longer," I said

"Will you be okay?" Jake asked

"I put my fate in the hands of the one who has sent this all into motion," I said, looking at the image of the guy climbing down the side of the Spectrum no matter how it happened the Earth sent this in motion and I must follow through.

"So, Mike, you and the Backstreet Boys, this also has to be something set into motion," Jake smiled

"Something possibly but I won't put too much stock in anything yet whatever happens will happen," I said

"I better get ready for the flight out tomorrow," I said as I left the command center and left for home

"Okay what is that all about?" Jake asked

Dave smirked "He met his other half but doesn't know how to approach him,"

"Oh man that got to be killing him," Jake groaned

"It's Brian isn't it?" Jake asked

Dave gasped, "How?"

"Mike has had a crush on him for a long time. He drove me so crazy about it on the Carol Vinson," Jake responded nonchalantly which made my mentor laugh hearing the story.

"Yes it seems the two were meant for each other," Dave said

"And now that fate is bringing them together," Jake noted

"It happens when Mike is still figuring out why the Earth chose him to be her champion," Dave said

"Now I know this is killing him," Jake sympathized

I left the Lair and packed for my trip what I couldn't fit into my suitcase I teleported to the Sea Dragon making sure to pack my Guardian outfit, and my Klingon swords were on board the Sea Dragon while I kept the Fighting Pike with me, I made it out materials that wouldn't be picked up on a metal detectors and if the bags were opened in its compact mode it wouldn't even be noticed. Once I had what I thought I might need for New York packed I grabbed a shower and went to bed.

Waking up early I was able to grab a quick breakfast and a shower I was just putting on a gray polo shirt and was just putting my combadge into my pocket when BEATTI informed me that I had a guest at the door.

"Gaia I hope you are right about this?" I whispered

"I am," I heard

Answering the door I found Frank at the door "Morning Frank,"

"Morning Mike I hope you are packed ," Frank greeted

I grabbed my two suitcases and my laptop bag from where I left them the night before.

Frank took one of the suitcases and we went to the SUV.

I was surprised to see Nick and AJ inside the Tahoe

"What do I owe thee pleasure of this company?" I smiled

"We are here to make sure you get to the airport on time," AJ smirked

"So you ready yet we need to get to the airport like now?" Nick asked

I got the now common whistles from Nick ,"Nice place,"

"Yes too bad we don't have time to check it out," AJ remarked as he looked at my home.

"Thanks," I spoke as I climbed into the SUV we were off. "So what is there to do in New York?" I asked

"Plenty," AJ said

"Outside of bars, that is?" I asked

"Well then there isn't much to do," Nick laughed

"Damn," I snapped my fingers in mock disappointment.

"So what do you think of Brian?" Nick asked

My heart stopped beating for a moment and then I spoke, "I felt like I had met the person I've longed for,"

"Well that's nice and all but what do you think about him?" Nick laughed

"Ok," I gave it a fake thought and said, "Well what isn't to like about him he's smart, funny, sexy, handsome, great eyes, awesome smile," I listed

"Well I think that covers what he thinks of Brian," AJ laughed

"Yeah I guess," Nick mocked sigh

"And he has awesome friends who I am dying to get to know," I added

"Now that is more like it," Nick cheered

"Wait," it just dawned on "How long have you two?" I stammered

"Mike most of us figured it out pretty quickly," AJ smirked

"Yes we are waiting to see when you are going to finally ask him," Nick snickered

"Am I that noticeable?" I asked

"Only to those who know how to read people," I heard Frank say from the front of the seat, I blushed

We finally arrived at Philadelphia International Airport where we met the rest Brian was by my side the instant I was there. "I was wondering why AJ and Nick came for me but my newest friend opted not to?" I asked him

"Public appearance really," Brian stepped in

We had our bags checked and we went to the waiting area "So Mike what is it that you do?" Brian asked

"Well I have two jobs really one I work for Dave Matthews as his bodyguard, and I am a Naval Reservist," I answered

"Cool," Nick spoke.

"So did you think of the concert?" AJ asked

"It was awesome, but it was also very somber moment" I responded

"How so?" Kevin had asked

"I have come to consider Nick, Drew, Jeff and Justin as friends and was enriched by getting the chance to get to know them," I told them

"That concert was their last one in Philadelphia," Howie said

"Yes and with no way of knowing when they'd be back, it felt like I was saying goodbye to them forever," I sighed

"I hope you don't feel that way about us," Brian finally found his voice

"I would be a liar if I didn't think it was possible, I mean you guys travel a lot, and I have my own responsibilities in Philadelphia I can't always tag along," I sighed

This most definitely brought the mood down "Knowing we have a friend in Philadelphia would give us a good reason to keep visiting," Nick pointed out to the band

"Yes I can say we will visit as often as we can," Brian said reassuringly

"Attention passengers, we will be starting our per-boarding here in a few moments. Please have all your belongings with you and please have IDs ready for inspection," the Flight Attendant announced.

We gathered out stuff and got ahead of the line. As the flight attendant took their tickets I came up "Excuse me but this is for businesses and celebrities only wait til it is time for you to board," She commanded

Tony was by my side "He is with us his ticket is for first class,"

The flight attendant finally looked at my ticket and then blushed "My apologies sir, I should have looked at the ticket first,"

"No problem Miss. You were just doing your job," I dismissed the issue

We were led to the first class seat Brian called the window seat while I took the middle and with Nick sitting in the aisle. "Wow First Class!" I giggled

"Hey, nothing but the best for our fans," Nick laughed.

"Thanks," I said, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. I had a momentary flash of images when I pulled away. However the color of his cheeks were enough to make my concerns temporarily go away.

"Hey Nick that is a lovely shade," Brian snickered

The engines began powering up which made Nick tense up "Are you ok Nick?" I asked

"He's fine Mike, Nick and Brian don't care much for flying," Kevin answered up

Chuckling softly I knew better than to make fun of one's fears. When I felt Brian tense up I took hold of his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. This gave him some comfort. I saw him relax. Kevin smiled as he saw us holding hands

As the plane made its way to the runway Brian and I were talking, "So what are you going to do while you are in New York?" Brian asked

"Dave asked that I go to a school for some special training," I told him

"Are you going to be spending all of your time there?" Brian asked I could see the concern on his face as if I wasn't even going to hang out with them.

"No just while you are practicing," I told him

Tony leaned over "You are still going to be there right,"

"Absolutely Tony this was part of the reason I couldn't right out say I could make it," I told

"You never asked me if I had other businesses to attend to in New York," I stated

Tony's face nearly matched his hair as a blush formed.

"Yes I should have asked," Tony admitted

Brian sighed with relief knowing I was still going to hang out with them, and the silence was long as the plane's engines roared as they built up the necessary power for takeoff.

Once airborne I began to ask Brian questions, firing one after another. Nick finally put his hand over my mouth laughing, "Give the man a chance to answer,"

I blushed while Brian answered most if not all of my questions then, Brian and Nick began to fall asleep which wasn't surprising given they used a lot of energy at the concert.

As our plane traveled along its course behind it trailed a shadow that was invisible to the plane's own radar system. BEATTI flew the Sea Dragon behind my plane.

I had fallen asleep dreaming about the life Brian and I could have, the minute we entered New York City's airspace. My dreams quickly changed. I was assaulted with images of the entire sequence up until those planes crashed into the World Trade Center still filled the air. This like all great tragedies linger even after the meaning behind it has been lost to time. Because the Earth remembered everything and did her best to preserve them so such things never happen again. Not that it didn't help me at this moment. I had my head in my hands trying to push those images out. "Mike what is it?" Brian whispered as he tried to wake me,

My eyes open "I came too soon," I sobbed

"Too soon for what," Brian grabbed my hand

"This was not the time for me to return," I cried as the images I saw overlapped with the ones still plaguing my mind.

I didn't know what I was thinking when I thought I could be here.

"Mike talk to me," Brian voiced his concern

"Too many images can't stop them from coming," I gasped

"Brian what is going on?"Nick ask as he sees Brian trying to comfort me.

"I don't know he was fine one minute the next he was crying," Brian was lost

"Mike, you are not making sense, what is happening?" Brian was desperate to find out why I was sleeping one minute the next crying.

"I can't block these images," I sobbed

Professor Xavier was in his office when he felt my psychic pain, putting his head into his hand. "Professor what is it?" Jean asked

"Now it makes sense," Xavier sighed

"What makes sense?" Scott was now by Jean's side

"Why Mike Pennock has been avoiding New York," Xavier explained

Jean finally opened her mind to what her mentor was sensing and she too felt it and saw it "What is it what is going on?" Scott demanded

"We pushed him to this and now we are seeing not only what torments him but why he is who he is," Xavier stated

"I had no idea we should have picked up on this sooner," Jean wept with me.

"I wish you two would tell me what it is you are sensing," Scott stated

"Mike Pennock has a lot buried in his mind and coming to New York. Is forcing much of them to come forward much sooner then he would have been ready too," Xavier sighed

Gaia watched her Nexus as he endured his trauma, his friends trying to consult what they didn't understand. Gaia regretted having Mike Pennock endure this, but if he was to be the champion she knew he would be then he had to move on from this moment. She watched as her Nexus bore witness to all the Earth saw in just one place, and how much she endured along with those who mourned.

"You are the Nexus, Mike Pennock and we are with you," Gaia said in a motherly tone as she spoke into Mike's mind.

I held my head still in my hands, and just when I thought it was never going to end I heard "I am sorry Nexus but you coming to New York had more to do with this moment then it had to do with your training with the X-Men,"

"Why, Gaia why?" I sent back

"The Earth had asked the same thing when it happened," Gaia said

"But I wasn't ready for this?" I cried

"No one is ever ready for tragedy, which is the point to them only by learning from them, can we all do our part to insure they never happen again," Gaia consult

"I was still not ready to deal with this," I shot back angrily like anyone would when they are forced to deal with something they weren't ready to face.

"With that attitude you would never receive Sol," Gaia said

"Sol?" I gasped

"Yes with Captain Planet gone and only his soul remaining it made sense to call that power Sol," Gaia answered

"So in order to receive Sol I had to relive the day I have tried hard to keep down?" I asked

"No, in order to receive Sol, you have to learn to forgive yourself for events that even God couldn't have stopped,"

I cried but I could feel Gaia as she wrapped me in a motherly hug

"You've been running from this moment ever since it happened, it is why you left the Navy," Gaia held me as I continued to cry into her "Those tears that you shed, are the same tears that myself, the Earth, and both Mother God and Father God cry. Every time we think of this moment," Gaia comfort me

"But I left to protect all that I swore to protect. I knew it was coming. I could have done something," I pulled away from her grasp.

"I knew I would be going to war, I could have said told someone, anyone who would have listened," I growled

"And it would have changed nothing this moment had to happen," Gaia told me

"What?" I looked her in the eyes to make sure I heard right

"Humanity is on the verge of a major change and there is always a price to be paid for such change," Gaia said

"Take heart Mike the Power is Yours," Gaia said

I find myself back on the plane with the Backstreet Boys all looking at me "Mike, are you alright?" Brian asked

"No, but that is irrelevant," I said

"What happened?" Nick asked

"I am very sensitive to the world and when we entered New York the imprint of 9/11 still hung in the air. I was unprepared for it," I told them as I began a mind-focus exercise to get me back under control. This exercise consisted of me building a wall brick by brick. Focusing on the brick until I had the first side complete.

"We are sorry Mike," Brian apologized

"For what?" I asked

"If we had know you would have this reaction we wouldn't have asked you to come along," Brian responded

"You guys have nothing to apologize for, this was something I had to endure for the sake of the Earth," I shook my head as the wall in my mind completed another section. It blocked out the imprint enough for me to regain some dignity.

The fastened seat belt sign came on as the plane prepared for its descent into New York City.

While waiting at baggage claim I managed to avoid looking at New York but I still felt the imprint even here but my mind-focusing exercise was keeping the worst of it at bad I got a call from Dave "Mike your ride home will arrive soon,"

"Okay Dave we should probably secure it a hangar for it," I recommended

"I was on the phone with a friend of mine at the airport. He should have someone there to meet you," Dave said as if on cue a big burly looking security guard approached me "Mr. Pennock?"

"Yes my name is Derrick your boss has made arrangements with us," I hung up on Dave and turned to "Tony, If you guys will excuse me for a moment Dave needs me to attend to something while I am here at the airport,"

"Don't be long we must get to the hotel as soon as we get our bags," Tony commented

"Don't worry Mr. Blake, Mr. Pennock will be back with plenty of time to spare," Derrick replied as we moved off

Once we were out of earshot Derrick said, "Mr. Matthew secured you a hangar for your uses while you are here in New York,"

"Thanks I don't know how long we will be here," I replied

"It is okay," Derrick said "My boss and yours are good friends,"

Derrick brought me to a SUV and we drove out to the hanger there was a single guy with light batons guiding my chopper which was coming to a hover right over its own helipad "The remote program works great," I smirked

"Yes Mr. Matthew warned us it was operating in drone mode," Derrick said

As the Sea Dragon came to rest "Now will anyone else have access to this hangar while I am here?" I asked

"No we had all security cameras turned off and all it other security measure deactivated while you are here," Derrick answered "You will have to provide your own security while here,"

"That is not a problem for me I have my own requirements that I will provide," I told him

The huge hangar doors were opened so the Sea Dragon could pilot itself into place once there the doors were closed behind it. As soon as the hangar doors were secured we left to return to baggage claim. Derrick left me to rejoin the rest I found a small hide away so I could pull out my combadge "BEATTI I want you to activate all jammers and EMI blockers,"

"Already done sir all surveillance equipment on or off are now completely inoperable," My computer answered

"I will be back to complete linkups and other security measures when we get settled at the hotel," I told her

"Understood sir," I put my combadge back into my pants and went to baggage claim

"Finished with whatever you needed to do?" Brian asked

"For now hopefully our ride to the hotel won't be as eventful as the flight," I answered

Once everyone claimed their luggage they were loaded onto a luggage cart and were wheeled out to the limo waiting for us.

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com

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