The Tales of Sol 8 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com
I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US armed service past, present, and future. 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 thank you one and all. I hope you are enjoying this story. If you have read The New He-Man and wondering where he went do not fear he too will return, I've spent some time working on both the Tales of Sol and the New He-Man improving them and hopefully making them more enjoyable and now with out any further delay here is the next chapter.
The Tales of Sol 8 An Angel for 98 Degrees
"Aaugh!" I screamed myself out of my nightmare it was the same nightmare I have had since my first cruise. I don't like telling people I have them because it makes me feel weak.
So instead of waking up Dave and telling him I went to the Holo-Room and had BEATTI give the toughest warriors on the hardest level.
The Holo-walls changed and before me warriors of the Dominion the Jem'Hadar charged me I produced my Fighting Pike and fought them off for a good 20 minutes.
"BEATTI, freeze program," The voice of my mentor broke through air.
I turned around to see a Jem'Hadar warrior standing there ready if not for the safeties in place it would have been a fatal blow.
"Good call," I said with a force smile.
"I know, but if you wanted to die I could have done it, it would be it painless." Dave replied. Giving me a towel so I could wipe the sweat off my face after a moment of silence he asked "Mike why are you trying kill yourself?"
"I am not I am training I know I will soon face stronger foes the longer I am in the racket, and I want to be ready," I told him.
"That is a lie, and you know it why can't you just tell me what wrong?" Dave demanded.
"Because every time I get close to people they use and abuse me, I no longer know who to trust outside of the Mother, and God." I replied "So I haven't earned your trust even after all of the months we have had together?" He asked sounding more disappointed then angry.
"That what my shipmates asked," I told him "But I am not your shipmates," Matthews stated "True but I still need more time I mean the last time I confine to someone I had my heart torn to pieces," I told him "Well my company is hosting a concert tonight," Dave Matthews told me "A concert what kind of concert?" I asked.
"One that is right up your alley judging from your taste in music," He replied.
Outside of the Lair Dave is a successful businessman who built Pennsylvania's first geothermal power plant, which produced enough power to supply the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. He had gone down in history for his company.
I agreed to go to this concert on the condition that he drops this topic with an eerie silence. I finally announced that I was going to take the Sea Dragon on a test flight hooking the bird to a track I had installed into the Lair's repair bay. The Sea Dragon was moved to the helipad in the center of the missile silo which was part of the original elevator system used to raise the warheads in the old days. I just had it reconfigured so it could go all the way to the surface and hold an elevator slab similar to the ones used on US Aircraft Carriers. As the lift rose I began my preflight checks and by the time I did them the helicopter was on the surface, at this point the rotors were going pushing forward on the throttle and pulling back on the flight control stick and we were airborne. I took the chopper on a series of twist and turns just to see her limitation were. While in hover mode I placed weights onto the wench system to see what its limits were. Basically making sure it would hold me without it holding me. All of the tests were being monitored by Dave and BEATTI including the datalink system I had in place so all events could be monitored. One of the system I made sure was working was BEATTI's control over the Sea Dragon since there will be times were my control over the old girl could be compromised. The remote unit worked perfectly BEATTI could control almost every aspect from the power up to actual flight controls even the shutdown.
I was in the middle of a maneuver when Dave called over the speakers "You better come back Mike we have that party in a few hours,"
"Right, BEATTI log all records and file them away for further analyst," I told her as I brought the Sea Dragon back to the lift.
"Understood," my computer complied just as the elevator begun its trip back underground.
Just as the rotor blades dipped beneath the surface the massive silo doors began to close cutting off all sunlight into the shaft. Light switched on giving us a poor substitute for the natural light by the time we came to a stop the lights were bright enough to allow me to see the hatch which had its own light source for safety reasons I changed into the tux I had in my stateroom then put my Guardian Angel costume in a duffel bag.
I met Dave in the main control room where we headed for the subway car returning us to the Geo Plant "So, who is playing at this concert anyway?" I asked as the subway car rolled down the tracks its metal wheels clicking and clacking as it moved over the seams in the rails.
"That is a secret my friend, one which I hope will cement our friendship to where you can trust me," He replied "I thought we were going to drop this," I responded noting the cold response in that tone.
Dave seemed to notice to because he dropped it again.
"Then I know you will like what I have planned," Dave smiled "We'll see," I said The ride to the concert hall was pretty quiet excepted for the sound of the subway as it sped across the rails.
'Dammit, Dave was right why can't I talk to him?' I cursed at myself 'We are friend after all, so why can't I talk to him?' I wondered to myself and while I thought it out I couldn't shake the feeling the strange feeling the Mother was telling me followed by a ping.
"Dave is there something you aren't telling me?" I asked "Why do you ask?" He asked back "I just got a ping from the Mother something about tonight isn't right," I told him.
"Really, did she tell you what it was?" He asked
"It is not something I can pin point but the ping I got was strong, really strong so now I ask is there something you aren't telling me about tonight?" I responded.
"Nothing that I can think of this is supposed to be a benefit concert dedicated to the Geo Plant," He said I closed my eyes long enough to get the confirmation from the Mother.
"Ok, I just can't shake the feeling that something is about to go wrong tonight," I said
When we arrived at the power plant we exit from the back and came around so it would appear we were coming from the parking lot "Greeting, Mister Matthews it is good to see you," the doorman greeted "Evening Harry," Dave made short with the pleasantry "I want you to go to security and have them monitor everything, and I mean every little detail I don't want anything to go wrong tonight," Dave ordered not wasting time it was comforting to know that he took my words seriously "Yes sir," Harry complied running off to the security room
I opened my mind to the world so to keep me completely aware, I was given another ping but this one was, more loving then the last.
"Dave, it is good to see you!" the person before I saw them It was Nick Lachey from the boyband 98 degrees and next to him were the rest of his band Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Justin Jeffery, They all wore smiles on their faces and a very relaxing demeanor, and of course they were all extremely good-looking, I couldn't believe they were here and I was in their presence.
Especially Jeff of all people he had smile on his face that was like seeing this sun coming out after a stormy day.
"It is good to see you too Nick, I would like to introduce my newest assistant and friend Mike Pennock," Dave introduced.
They all turned to me "I am repaying a debt to this young sailor," Dave replied making me blush he did this knowing he'd get this type reaction out of me, 98 Degree on the other hand all looked at me with both awe and respect. As the each offered a hand and I accepted, the Earth was overjoyed with these four not that she had her favorites but these four like so many others brought hope and joy to the world and for that they have the Earth's gratitude.
"Well, reserve sailor is more like it I ended my active duty to the Navy almost a year ago but the Navy wouldn't let me go so they downgraded me to the Reserves." I smiled "Well it is still a pleasure to meet you," Jeff said his voice sent shivers down my spine "Who, me I should be saying the same to you I mean I am just a sailor you are well popstars who could well careless." I replied already biting my tongue.
"Why would we careless about the job you do?" Drew asked "Yes one of the reasons we can sing is because of the work you do." Justin commented I didn't know if I should cry or not.
"Thank you," was all I can say.
"For what?" Jeff Timmons asked "What you just said it is easy to think that the work I did was some times for nothing especially after?" I Trailed off.
During the months of meditation I learned to do mind-focusing exercises to keep me calm and one of those exercises was needed now so I began it.
It didn't let me forget the ping I got from the Mother so I was pleased with it but it did help get my emotions under control. This one in particular was me forming the Galaxy Class Enterprise in my head and raising its shield to block out unwanted emotional outburst.
"Well then you are welcome Mr. Pennock," Justin smiled "Please call me Mike," I responded "As you wish Mike," Drew replied
These guys are amazing I felt nothing but good things from them, the Mother had nothing but praises for them.
"Well if you will excuse us we are suppose to be mingling," Dave said "Actually, if you don't mind Dave, I need to step outside for a few moments," I said I was feeling a bit overwhelmed Seeing the discomfort I was in Dave quickly agreed, "No I don't,"
I shook my head "If you guys will excuse me," I said to them I walked out the door and walked over to a tree, placing my hand on its strong and steady trunk. I used the strength of the plant to boost my own uncertain feelings and anxiety, a breeze brushed passed the both of us I could feel the Mother's love in it. The sun has long since sent and thanks to the lack of light pollution I could see the starry night sky normally the sight would be soothing but at this moment with my hand against the tree's rough bark and the sight before me I needed answers "Mother, what is it what is going down I need you to be more specific?" I asked I opened my mind quitting the mind-focus exercise so I could feel the Mother as she entered my mind it touched my soul letting me know she was there, which didn't really answer my question my attention was interrupted by a presence I felt him come up from behind me.
"Hey Mike, are you alright?" I heard from behind me turning and surprised to see Jeff Timmons standing at the doorway. He was looking at me with great concern in his eyes. This was a turn of events not what I was expecting why on Earth did this popstar care enough to follow me out here and asks such a question "Yes I am fine I was just asking the Mother for some advice." I replied "The Mother?" He asked His blue eyes were really shining in the now rising Moonlight, 'By the Mother's Hand he was beautiful' I thought to myself I felt the breeze and a ping as I answered, "The Earth,"
"So, you talk to the Earth?" He asked while I didn't hear any negative in his voice I still took defense to it.
"Is that so hard to believe?" I asked back not meaning to go on the defenses but the last thing I needed was this guy judging me on my beliefs.
"No, it is kind of cool really," Jeff replied seeming to sense my mood.
"Good, because I am tired of seeing the Mother being abused by her children," I replied rather bluntly "You really care about the Earth don't you?" Jeff asked "I do," I replied softly before he could ask another question I turned to him
"We better go back in your concert was about to begin." I recommend Jeff agreed and we walked back in he joined his band mates and I rejoined Dave.
The concert started without any hitches and 98 Degrees started their first song and like voices of Angels "You can hardly wait to tell your friends kiss taste sweet like wine," Nick started off to sing 'Invisible Man," next they sang 'Yesterday's Letter' For last half hour they sang and the audience were spellbound I was so involved in the concert that I nearly missed the major ping I got from the Mother, "Dave, get these people out o?" I started to say and then it was as if time itself had slow down and the world seemed to be going in slow motion. At first there were no sound, just bright flashes of light followed by being forced to the ground by the compression wave. Close behind was the popping of my ear drums came next as the air pressure changed, followed by my skin flaring up as it felt the sting of heat generated by the blast. The last thing was feeling the debris on my back, arms and legs as it rained down on everything. It felt like hours and not minutes had passed when I finally put my hands under me getting myself in a pushup position, pulling my feet under me I used them to stand back up a bit wobbly but at least I was up again. Not that the situation had improved any the air was acerbic with stench of smoke and debris that lingered this made it hard to see anything beyond three feet. I began coughing violently and my eyes began to water as my body tried to rid itself of these foreign objects. As if the visual difficulties weren't bad enough I could barely hear the people screaming in the background at least I thought it was the background my ears were still ringing from the explosion. I tried opening my senses up to the Mother hoping the Earth could tell me what my own senses couldn't but the concert hall was too chaotic for my senses to penetrate. I could scenes the fears and uncertainty from nearly a dozen people and they were inhibiting my senses. The dust began to clear a little letting me see the interior of the hall better. I was able to make sense of what I saw around me there were dozens of people lying on the deck most of them were unconscious.
When my Naval training finally kicked into action, I was extremely grateful when it did because nothing else I did was working. Going to the closest person I could find a woman lying on the hall floors, her hair was unruly and her dress had several tears in it, she didn't look bad just some minor lacerations to her arms upon a closer look it looked as if she only received minor injuries yet, she was not breathing. So I knelt beside her and place my hand on her neck and to feel for a pulse from there I began to minister CPR trying to revive her. When she began coughing I knew she'd be ok, I got back to my feet to see if anyone else needed my help. I turn to see Dave I was relieved that despite his hair being in disarray, and his cheek had a cut on he was still alive.
"Go find them!" Dave yelled over the screams and groans
I just looked at him for a moment I didn't understand what he was saying until I did another survey of the hall. Thankfully at this time the air had thinned to the point that I could see much more of the hall. I noticed that it was missing its main attraction of tonight concert the guys from 98 degrees were gone turning back towards Dave I asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yes the Medics are on their way we don't need you but Nick, and his friends could definitely use a Guardian Angel!" Dave replied screaming over the chaos.
Without hesitation I ran for the door and going to Dave's office to don my Guardian Angel outfit. When I was done I hit some controls on the latest improvements to my suit a Combadge that I placed into my hand I commented, "The time has come for our newest weapon to make its big d?but BEATTI," "It is on its way sir time of arrival fifteen minutes," BEATTI replied
Fifteen minutes later as I was exiting out the window in Dave's office and landing to the ground below. The sound of the beast approaching from up above caught my attention I could make out her silhouette in the distant in the starlit sky.
By all the Gods she was gorgeous clearing the building and getting more into the opening I fired my grappling gun in her direction I managed to latch on to starboard pylon. I wheeled myself up the chopper as we flew off into the night sky when I reached her slide door they parted so I could get inside of her.
"Perfect timing girl," I smiled "I aim to please sir," Came the computerize voice of BEATTI.
With my awe now over and I made way to the cockpit taking control of aircraft we had work to do I had friends to find after all.
"Ok girl we have some friends to find access the probe network," I ordered
"Working sir," BEATTI reported as I looked down at the displays as images flew across their screens.
While waiting for the network to pick something up, I began to fly in a search pattern BEATTI piped up "Sir I have intercepted a phone call directed towards the Philadelphia Police,"
"On speakers!" I demanded "What do you want?" The officer on the other line demanded "We want a million dollars or these faggots will die," the ringleader demanded
"You have one hour to deliver the money or one will die every five minutes till we get our money," The gang leader demanded "BEATTI, can you triangulate?" I asked "One moment." BEATTI responded "I have them sir call originated in a warehouse along the Schuylkill River," BEATTI reported as the multi color display brought up a map of the city and a star indicated the source of the call.
I flew us to the Schuylkill "Hang on guys helps on the way," I said to no one
Tied together the guys of 98 degrees were frightened they had barely been in town and now they were facing God knows what. Nick thoughts were troubled as he was thinking of his lost love and how he might never see her again. That his searches were now in vain his thoughts were interrupted when his little brothers nudged him "Nick, what are we going to do?" His little brother Drew asked his voice laced with terror.
"I don't know Drew I just don't know," Nick replied softly "Well praying might be a good thing," Jeff recommended "Yeah right," Justin said in sarcasm "He is right why would God listen to you anyway? You are all a bunch of fags, and God hates Fags," A voice echoed from one of the gang members.
They all laughed at their captives "And we are going to kill you even after we get paid. For no other reason but because we hate you," The ringleader stated "We just need to have faith guys," Jeff said he then prayed a very deep prayer
Flying to their rescue the Mother sent me a ping I could feel Jeff's plead for help.
"How, much longer, girl?" I asked "Fifteen minutes sir," BEATTI reported Moving the throttle to increase the power to the rotors of the helicopter I was able to decrease our time of arrival to ten minutes.
Bringing us to a hover over the warehouse by about ten feet I ordered, "Ok girl lets light up their life,"
The CH-53C's powerful forward spotlight came on, and was directed at the rundown building. Going to the winch and grabbing hold of the cable line, I slid down the line a foot then swung from it. Leaping through the window in the roof I came crashing through with the spotlight was still blaring through the windows no one could make out my position "Father God sends his regards," I stated over the sound of my choppers blades.
Jeff heart sang as he looked for the source of their rescuer voice.
"Who the Hell is that?" I heard one of the gang members asked the light moved slight to see me in a crouched position almost Batman like.
"The name is Guardian Angel remember it well scum," I said placing my hand to my belt pulling out my Fighting Pike hitting the release button it made an audible clink as it ready itself for battle I then charged them. The first victim I managed to hit one in the stomach, and the next bully I struck in the chin. I swung my Pike back around catching one coming up behind me in the groin, and another in the shin with in minutes the majority of the gang neutralized I turned my attention to their leader.
He pulled out a knife but he was shaking he sneered trying to retain some dignity, "What are these fags worth to you?"
"This is my city and all thought who live in it are under my protection," I snarled
"These guys don't live here," The gang leader quivered "No they are our guest and we must be courteous to them," I remarked. Using my Pike like a pole vault and kicking the leader in the chest sending him flying into one of the support beams knocking him out. Dave gave me another gift pulling out a knife with a delta shape tip, and space separating the two sided blade smaller blades stuck out of the handle that were an action release button to bring them out the brown handle ended with a spikes coming out of it ever the Trekkie I called it a D'k tahg.
I cut their bonds and said, "There is a Helicopter outside head for it I will deal with these honorless bigots."
Nick and the guys raced for the door where BEATTI awaited them.
Turning my attention back to the gang I found what I could and bounded them then left the warehouse.
"Girl put a call into the police tell them that 98 Degrees is safe they are returning to the Geo Plant, and there is a pile of trash that needs pick up." I told her
I turned to Nick Lachey and the rest and asked, "Are you guys alright do you need any medical attention?"
"We are just fine thank you, just a little shaken up but we should be fine," Nick responded
"How did you find us?" Drew Lachey asked
"Let's just say you have friends looking out for you from high places," I smiled
"Your timing was most appreciated." Jeff Timmons smiled
We could hear the approach of the police. "My pleasure now how about we get you the hell of this place," I recommended
"That is the best thing I have heard all day." Justin Jeffery replied
We boarded the Sea Dragon, and lifted off into the night sky.
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