The Tales of Sol 83B By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com
This is a fictional story; it is not intended to imply that any members of the Backstreet Boys, Nsync, or 98 Degrees are gay, or any of the other celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories, do yourself a favor and 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 were created by R.E Turner and copyrighted by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions
Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyrighted 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 1980s
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 were 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 there is sex in this story. That is not its sole purpose and yes I do hope the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.
Sol is an adaptation from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the Planeteers. The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if we take a few moments to care for it.
Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.
It also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. 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 whom I had the privilege of 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 is 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
I am adding a few more remarks. I have entered into the 21st century of AI editing, I have been using various AI programs to help with grammar checks, clarity, and improvements to my story.
This story was edited with the help of GPT Workspace, Grammarly, Microsoft Copilot, and Quillbot AI software.
AI Use Disclosure: I used GPT Workspace to generate some text for my story, Grammarly to check my grammar and spelling, Microsoft Copilot to write some code snippets, and Quillbot to paraphrase some sentences. I verified the accuracy and originality of the AI-generated content and cited the sources that I used for reference.
References:
GPT Workspace. (2024, January 9). Version 1.0. [AI tool]. GPT Workspace Inc. https://gptworkspace.com/
Grammarly. (2024, January 9). Version 5.6. [AI tool]. Grammarly Inc. https://www.grammarly.com/
Microsoft Copilot. (2024, January 9). Version 2.3. [AI tool]. Microsoft Corporation. https://copilot.github.com/
Quillbot. (2024, January 9). Version 4.2. [AI tool]. Quillbot Inc. https://quillbot.com/
The Tales of Sol 83B
Conflict of the Heart
The noxious smog that Doctor Blight released into the air clung to me like a malevolent shroud, its potency sapping my strength and sending me plummeting toward the ground. As I lay there, regaining my bearings, the residual haze began to disperse, leaving no trace of Blight or MAL. They had seized the opportunity to vanish into the night.
With the malevolent workings of the Moon Manipulator now mere memories, the storm abated as swiftly as it had arisen. In its wake, the equilibrium of the natural world was reinstated, and the tumultuous skies yielded to a serene canvas sprinkled with stars. The moon, a sentinel in the heavens, cast a serene glow upon the snow-dusted landscape -- a silver lining to the earlier chaos.
A lover of winter's stark beauty, I found solace in the scene unfolding around me, the crisp air carrying the clean scent of liberation from the storm's remnants.
"No need to linger," I murmured to myself, feeling the pull of the Lair beckoning me back to warmth and safety. With a gentle push against the earth, I ascended into the night sky, journeying the short distance back to our hideout.
Landing on the now-visible ground near the Lair, I could appreciate the craftsmanship of our hidden fortress. The closed shutters retracted, unveiling the expansive glass that allowed us a panoramic view of the world we protected. The mast of the Island stood tall, a monument to our vigilance, the mechanical whir of the radar adding a comforting harmony to the whisper of the winter breeze.
I paused, allowing the sheer tranquility of the night to wash over me. The cold air proved an ally, clearing away the last vestiges of Doctor Blight's debilitating concoction. With each deep breath, vitality coursed through me anew, a testament to the resilience of both the guardian and the man. With tonight's crisis averted and equilibrium restored, I was reminded once again of why our mission was paramount -- to safeguard the delicate balance between humanity and the elemental forces that shape our existence.
Remembering I was still Sol, the familiar warmth of Sol's energy began to wane, I declared, "The Power is Yours," allowing the embodiment of Earth's elemental might to retreat and replenish itself within the Crystal Matrix. The vibrant energy surrounding me dissipated, signaling Sol's departure and my return to simply being Mike Pennock.
Kneeling there, with my right hand and knees sunken into the snow and touching the cold earth, a conduit for Sol to return to the Earth, I bid a quiet farewell. "Until next time, dear friend," I whispered, acknowledging the deep bond shared between Guardian, and Sol.
As I withdrew my hand and stood up, I hardly noticed the dampness seeping into my sleeve. nor the cold damp feeling centered on my kneecap.
My sigh, visible as a puff against the frigid night, was a mirror to my inner turmoil, swirling with doubts and questions yet unanswered.
Gaia's ethereal presence appeared at my side, almost blending seamlessly with the night. "You are still filled with uncertainties," she observed.
"Fully," I admitted, my gaze fixed upon the sweeping expanse of white in front of us. "The why of it all--the purpose of me being chosen--it's still beyond my grasp."
With a sweep of my hand, a breeze disturbed the snowy vista before settling once again--a metaphor for the fleeting clarity I sought in the ebbs and flows of my role.
"Why me, of all people?" I mused, my frustration giving rise to a growl that escaped my throat. "Were there not others more deserving to wield this power?"
Gaia's smile was understanding, a beacon amidst the shadows of self-doubt. "Worthiness is not the measure," she gently asserted. "It's about what you've accomplished and the unique qualities you alone possess."
At her words, I countered, voicing the darkness that often clouded my days. "Depression? Because it haunts me, every single day."
Her wisdom was firm, unwavering. "Your depression is a challenge you must confront, for it has the potential to sway your abilities. Yet, it is not the criterion of your calling."
Feeling exposed and vulnerable, I questioned further, "Is it because I'm gay? Is that it? There have to be others out there, far braver and more apt for this than me."
Gaia's response held the silence of the night. "Your sexuality is a part of who you are, but it is not why you were chosen, Mike. There is something more--a strength, a resilience, a love that underpins your being. These are the traits that make you invaluable, that make you Sol and Guardian." Her words were not just an affirmation but a reminder to look beyond my perceived inadequacies and to see the strength in the entirety of my being.
Gaia's smile was comforting in the stillness of the night. "Your sexual orientation is irrelevant to your purpose," she reassured me, her presence a bastion of acceptance and understanding.
"The love you share with Brian is genuine and profound. It enriches your life, but it does not define your destiny or your capacity to carry on Captain Planet's legacy," she continued, dismissing the notion that my personal life influenced my selection as a guardian of the Earth.
My thoughts raced as I wrestled with lingering doubts, questions that reached the core of my identity. "If not love, if not these facets of who I am, then what? I'm at a loss, Gaia. How did I become the vessel for such a responsibility? Why was I entrusted to become Sol?" I asked, the emblem of the globe resting against my chest under my shirt, a constant reminder of the power and mystery woven into my very being.
Gaia approached me, her form almost merging with the elements around us, an ethereal figure of maternal care. "It's not only about who you are, Mike--it's about what you can become. You were chosen not simply for the person you are today, but for the potential that lives within you," she declared softly.
"The heart that beats within your chest, the compassion and drive you possess, your unwavering commitment to protection and justice--these are the qualities that drew the spirit of the Earth to you. You are more than just the keeper of a legacy. You are Sol because you embody the essence of what our world needs--a defender, a steward, a friend. Trust in that purpose, Mike, and in the unwavering support the Earth offers you." Her words resonated with me like the very pulse of the planet, stirring a renewed sense of conviction within my spirit.
"Hell I still don't understand why the Earth came to me that night," I scolded as memories of that transformative night aboard the USS Carl Vinson came flooding back--the gentle breeze that caressed my face as I stood beside the F/A-18, the visceral surge of connection when I first felt the Earth's embrace.
"It was that heart of yours that drew us to you, Mike your heart is one of the most powerful I have encountered in a long time, you give without question, and your selfless acts," Gaia continued, affirming the depth of empathy and altruism that defined my actions.
She repeated a lesson I'd come to know well, "Without a heart to guide them your other powers are useless"
I grappled with the enormity of her assertions. "It's baffling, all of this interest from the Earth. I'm just one person," I persisted, struggling with self-doubt. "How can I, a simple man, a 'nobody,' be the focus of such cosmic concern?"
Gaia's response was tender, yet firm. "Do not diminish your worth, Mike," she counseled. "Look to those in your life, to Brian, Dave, Jake, Gregg--to your friends, to the Backstreet Boys. They see the immense value in your being."
The names she recounted were reminders of the bonds I had formed, the good impressions I had made upon others who moved in different circles. "You've left an indelible mark, not only on your close companions but on figures like Jeff Timmons and the rest of 98 Degrees, and Rob Thomas," Gaia continued, each name a testament to my influence.
Her recounting didn't end there, as she highlighted the broader impact of my principles. "You've altered perspectives, like Marshall Mathers and Jordan Knight. You've defended the marginalized, namely the X-Men and other mutants," Gaia said, her list serving as a testament to the diverse lives I had touched in more ways than I could grasp at times.
A deep sigh escaped me as I admitted, "I'm sorry, Gaia. Despite all this, I sometimes feel I'm not the stalwart that the Earth deserves. Perhaps another, someone more robust, could serve better."
But within Gaia's gentle gaze rested an unspoken truth--the Earth had chosen me, with no expectation of perfection, but for my capacity to grow, to effect change, and to extend endless love.
"More than you realize, Mike," Gaia affirmed, her voice a reminder of the inner fortitude I carried within my spirit.
As she departed for Hope Island, I lingered at the threshold of the Lair, my eyes drawn skyward by the celestial ballet of two meteors streaking across the heavens. Their fiery tails were a marvel, bridging worlds and fueling wonder, yet they also carried the potential for devastation upon impact. My gaze fixed on their luminous trails, fascinated yet wary.
"BEATTI, let's keep tabs on those meteors. Can we monitor their trajectory?" I asked, seeking to assuage the lingering concern that their beauty may be a force of destructive chaos.
The response came precise and calculated, "Tracking now. One appears to be on course for the Atlantic, the other bound for Arizona," BEATTI informed, the supercomputer already mapping the projected paths.
"See if you can plot their landing, just in case--" My command was cut short as both meteors burst like cosmic firecrackers, disintegrating into the ether.
A sense of relief settled over me. "It seems the universe took care of that worry," I mused, watching the stars fade into the night.
With the celestial show concluded, I turned back to the realm of man, the heavy doors of the Lair closing behind me. Returning to the Command Center felt like slipping into a familiar embrace, the screens and dials of our high-tech sanctuary greeting me with silently blinking assurance.
Here, within the heart of our operations, I found solace in knowing that, meteor or not, the Earth's mantle and sky alike were under my--and our--guardianship. Whatever challenges lay in wait, we stood ready to meet them together.
Exhaling sharply, I voiced my exasperation. "Dealing with a certain 'doctor' who's more interested in havoc than the beauty of scientific discoveries," I said, a mix of frustration and concern tugging at my words.
Dave, perceiving the underlying discontent, probed further. "What's troubling you, Mike?"
A sigh slipped from my lips as I tried to articulate the crux of my dissatisfaction. "It's just that when science and technology are harnessed responsibly, they have the power to achieve great things--real wonders. To see them twisted for harm... It gets under my skin," I admitted.
Dave nodded, inviting me to delve deeper. "Go on."
I reflected on the origins of the word. "In its roots, 'science' simply means knowledge. And from knowledge should come understanding, enlightenment," I explained.
"So, what about this 'quack'?" Dave pressed, seeking the connection.
Shaking my head and leaning forward, I punched Doctor Blight's name into the keyboard and her profile came up, Dave read over it as I said. "Doctor Blight--she's a testament to the misuse of intellect. Her brilliance isn't dedicated to progress or the betterment of humankind; instead, she weaponizes it," I confided.
Dave's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "But how can knowledge--science--be inherently good or evil?"
I leaned back in my chair slightly, emphasizing my point. "By itself, it can't. Science, like any tool, is neutral. It's in how we apply it--constructively or destructively--that its impact is realized. Like a hammer or wrench, it can create marvels or be the instrument of destruction," I articulated, hoping to convey the dual-edged nature of such powerful entities.
Dave's compliment was affirming, especially in light of the moral complexities that had been weighing on my mind. "That is a very adept analogy, Mike," he said with an approving smile.
"Thanks, Dave," I acknowledged, appreciating his understanding of my sentiments.
The conversation then shifted to the matter at hand--Doctor Blight. Dave posed the question, "So, what's your plan moving forward with Blight?"
I considered the scientist's humanity, despite her destructive tendencies. "For now, we monitor. She's human, and there's always room for redemption. Maybe she'll come to see the harm in her actions." I responded with a hint of hope.
"But isn't she warping the science you hold in such high regard?" Dave's concern was valid; if Blight continued unchecked, the consequences could be dire.
I sighed, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "I could intervene, yes. Yet to do so might make me no better than the forceful arbiters I've opposed my entire life," I reflected aloud. It was a tough balance to strike--action and restraint, each with its own implications.
"We're afforded free will for a reason, and even as Sol, it's not my place to strip that away," I continued, my tone somber.
Dave then offered a sentiment that warmed my heart. "For someone so newly equipped with power, you're showing remarkable poise, Mike."
I then said, "That doesn't mean we don't try to put a stop to whatever evil and wacky schemes Doctor Blight comes up with; I just can't physically cause her harm."
"That is a good start Mike I am very glad to hear the way you speak," Dave pointed out
Humor lightened my reply, the smile reaching my eyes despite the internal battle I continued to wage. "It's a daily challenge, one I'm learning to navigate," I shared, a touch of levity lessening the weight of the conversation. The journey of Sol--and of Mike Pennock--was one of constant learning and evolving choices and consequences. The path was laid out before me, and with each step, I strived to remain true to my principles while wielding the might that the Earth had seen fit to grant me.
I turned my focus to the console, returning to examining the design for the upgraded combadges displayed on the screen. Dave peered over curiously. "What's the latest project on deck?"
I gestured to the prototype diagram. "I'm reworking the comlink--I've realized that our current models won't suffice as our ranks expand."
Dave raised an eyebrow, assessing the tech. "And these new combadges--what'll they offer that our existing wrist units lack?"
"They'll be universally accessible for starters," I replied, already picturing the expanded reach. "You'll need one; everyone will."
"Sounds like a plan," Dave replied, acknowledging the logic behind the update.
"It's about upgrading the entire system. The old comlink was built before Sol's empowerment, without his enrichment of knowledge," I explained.
Dave's question hinted at a deeper concern for my well-being beyond the technical scope. "You've always had a knack for technology. What edge could Sol possibly provide that you hadn't already mastered on your own?"
I grinned at the reminder of past innovations. "What about creating a 150 feet high, 20 feet wide, and 200 feet long. Island from the remnants of ships and shattered glass? Sol's essence didn't just augment my connection to the Earth; he sharpened my understanding and granted me a new perspective."
Dave shrugged, conceding the point with an amiable "Touché."
"As Sol, I've gained insights--clearer visions for the tech I create, making the Lair's defenses robust and innovative," I asserted, the possibilities blossoming before me.
A beat of silence lingered, and then Dave's sincerity shone through. "Just don't forget, Mike. Sol is a facet of you, not the definition," he cautioned.
I nodded in acknowledgment of his wisdom. "I'll remember," I promised, diving back into the intricate work.
Dave lingered for a moment, his eyes drifting to the snow-blanketed field beyond the windows. "With all your juggling, Mike, do you ever take a moment to just... pause?"
His question fell softly, and I found myself considering the tranquility of the untouched snow. Perhaps a moment to breathe, to reflect on life beyond the whirlwind of my responsibilities, was overdue--for Mike Pennock, the man beneath the mantle of hero.
The truth in my words was self-evident, but the fatigue behind them was just as palpable. "There's simply too much to tackle," I admitted, though I felt the stark void left by Brian's absence sharpening the edge of solitude. "The silence at home is far too loud without him."
Dave's concern shone through, his brows furrowed in the ambient glow of the monitors. "You push yourself too hard, Mike. There's a thin line between diligence and burnout."
A wry chuckle escaped me as I acknowledged my tendencies. "A workaholic, that's certain." My hand skimmed over the uniform--my Guardian guise--subtly modifying the fabric to embed the newest iteration of our combadge, a union of necessity and innovation. I inserted the carbon fiber casing with precision, ensuring a seamless integration. "But I've always believed in the utility of every moment--idle hands aren't my style," I stated as I admired my handiwork.
As much as I deflected, Dave's wisdom was not lost on me. "With the energy bestowed upon me by the Earth, I can keep going longer than most," I justified, knowing full well the limits of human endurance.
"That may be," Dave acknowledged with a nod, "but even boundless energy can't substitute for the need for human rest."
His reminder prompted a playful response as I shrugged off the weight of his caution. "I just took a 'break' in Hawaii," I quipped, with a smirk that belied the vacation's true nature--a trip fraught with its share of heroics and danger.
Instrument in hand, tweaking gadgets and defenses, I remained driven by an unwavering dedication to the cause. Yet somewhere, in the back of my mind, I conceded to the merit hiding beneath Dave's advice. A genuine respite might not be the enemy, and perhaps, if only for a brief moment, I might allow myself a quiet reprieve from the unceasing call to guard the Earth and those who dwell upon it.
Dave recounted the events in Hawaii as though to remind me that what I considered leisure was nothing of the sort. "A 'break' that involved dueling with irate volcanoes, maritime rescues, and saving a child's life seems more like a full work schedule than a vacation," he pointed out with a knowing smile.
I couldn't help but maintain my skewed perspective. "Well, once the mayhem was managed, I did manage to enjoy some downtime. Besides, it's like that for the Lair and for your plant--the more effort I put in, the more we all reap the rewards," I said, justifying my relentless drive.
At that moment, BEATTI interjected with a logistical update. "Sir, we're running low on the components necessary for the new combadges."
My surprise was evident. "I was certain I'd stocked up adequately," I responded, concern creeping into my voice.
BEATTI's electronic tone was clinical yet insistent. "You have used up your supplies of leftover Sentinel parts; the supplies that remain are sufficient for a prototype or two, assuming perfection in the first go," it informed me.
"So, I'm at a standstill then," I concluded reluctantly, sensing an enforced halt was imminent.
"Regrettably, yes, sir," BEATTI confirmed.
An involuntary grumble escaped me, but Dave's lighthearted chuckle soon followed. "Looks like you're being directed home for some shuteye," he teased as I directed my glare his way. He assisted in shutting down the workstation. "Call it a night, Mike. Fresh eyes tomorrow."
Together, we rode the subway back to the power plant where I collected my truck, and before long, I found myself back in the quiet of my home. Succumbing to exhaustion and the gentle insistence of my mentor, sleep claimed me the moment I rested on the bed, a world away from duty, the toil, and the never-ending vigil of being Guardian, being Sol.
To be continued
Despite all his powers, Mike's own self-doubt about his own worth will continue to be a problem, and it will be put to the test. There are more to come.
Please remember to Donate to Nifty
Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com
All comments are welcome
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