The Tales of Sol 85B 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 85B
Added Responsibilities
Pulling me into an unused room Tony began, "You have been the talk of the company recently."
Hinting at the topic of our impending conversation. His tone was slightly more business-like, hinting at the seriousness of the subject matter, yet he did not sound unhappy. Given his relaxed stance, it seemed this discussion would be approached from a positive angle--a good sign, I hoped. This mixture of anticipation and uncertainty colored the moment, leaving me eager to understand the context and implications of being a topic of conversation within the company.
Trying to maintain a composed demeanor, I expressed my concern, "I am hoping it is nothing serious." My curiosity was piqued.
Tony's response was somewhat reassuring, yet it carried weight. His smile hinted at the significance of the topic before he confirmed, "It is, in fact," leaving a pause for emphasis.
"What became clear was that we were not doing enough to ensure their safety," Tony then elaborated, shifting the conversation to a matter of security and well-being.
Intrigued and now deeply interested, I urged him to continue, "Can you explain?"
Tony's next words carried a tone of regret, "We should have known about Mauna Loa, Mike," he lamented, referring to an oversight regarding the potential dangers posed by the volcano.
Reacting quickly to his statement, I clarified my own position, "Tony, even I was not entirely aware of Mauna Loa," aiming to mitigate the weight of the expectation placed upon me.
Tony, however, broadened the scope of his concern, "However, I have seen the data now being released by the USGS, and it was clear even to my uneducated mind that a volcano was bound to erupt. It doesn't matter if it happened before or after the band and its entire team had come and gone," he admitted. Tony's admission revealed a sense of personal accountability for not foreseeing a natural disaster, underscoring the seriousness with which he took the safety of everyone involved.
Tony's frustration was clear as he continued, "What matters is that we unintentionally sent hundreds of people into danger by taking them to an island with active volcanoes, and according to reports, the only reason they all survived was because you were forced to join them." His voice reflected a mix of anger and relief, the gravity of what could have been a catastrophic oversight weighing heavily on him.
I took a moment to process his words, my mind racing back to those tense days. "When I was there, Tony, surrounded by all that geologic activity, I did not pick up on Mauna Loa until the third small quake," I admitted, the memory still vivid. The recall of that moment, standing in the USGS station in Hilo with the realization of impending danger, sent a shiver through me. The anxiety that enveloped me then, upon confirming we were in for an explosive stay in Hawaii, was a feeling I would not soon forget.
My words were an attempt to convey the complexity and unpredictability of the situation, as even with my close connection to the earth, the signs were not immediately clear. It was a situation that served as a sober reminder of the power of nature and the importance of vigilance in the face of potential disaster.
"Mike, you knew after only three quakes, which is the point, you are not to blame; we applaud you," Tony swiftly reassured me, dispelling any self-doubt I harbored regarding the situation in Hawaii. "But I read and reread those reports; there were dozens of small earthquakes just like the ones you reported; they already knew Mauna Loa was on the verge of an eruption; the information was all there, and we at Jive missed it," he admitted, acknowledging a collective oversight on the part of their team.
After taking a brief pause, as if to gather his thoughts and brace for the next part of our conversation, Tony introduced a new element to our discussion. "The reason I am bringing this up is because of this," he said, handing me an envelope. Curious, I opened it, only to find another Backstreet Boys band ID within. My bewilderment must have been apparent as I looked at him, clearly puzzled. "Didn't you give me a badge like this before? And the last time I checked, I informed you that I could not assume any responsibility for their security."
The situation presented by Tony seemed to imply an elevation of my involvement or a renewed request for my engagement in a capacity I had previously expressed reservations about. His gesture, symbolic through the ID, hinted at a deeper discussion to be held about my role and the potential expectations tied to this reissued badge.
"First of all, you have already acted on our behalf multiple times," Tony proceeded to elaborate, recounting the contributions I had unwittingly made. "Kevin and Howie both told me how you ended their tour because Mount Kilauea changed on you all," he mentioned, highlighting a moment where my actions were essentially in line with the kind of responsibility they envisioned for me.
"Second, yes, we gave you a badge because when you are with the Backstreet Boys, you can speak on our behalf." Tony's clarification underscored the trust and authority the band, and by extension, Jive, placed in me--a gesture of faith in my judgment and capabilities.
Faced with Tony's reasoning and the tangible proof of the band ID, it became clear that, albeit unintentionally, I had already embraced the role of safeguarding the band. My initial hesitations aside, the evidence of my past actions spoke volumes, and I found myself conceding to the reality that I had indeed assumed a level of responsibility for protecting the band, aligning with the expectations symbolized by the badge now in my possession.
"We want you to keep doing what you have been doing, but we are not looking to take you away from Dave and the Geothermal Plant. You have been given more authority, especially since neither Frank, Stacy, nor I can always be there to act on their behalf," Tony reaffirmed, highlighting the balance they sought to maintain between my existing commitments and this additional role.
Faced with this clarification and the significant trust being placed on my shoulders, a mix of apprehension and responsibility washed over me. With a glance that betrayed my underlying concern, I looked down at the card in my hand and voiced a crucial question, "Please tell me you are not paying me."
My query was rooted in the complex dynamics of my relationship with the band and their management. Accepting payment for what had largely been instinctive, protective actions on my part could formalize the arrangement in ways I hadn't fully anticipated, raising questions about the implications for my primary commitments and the genuine, heartfelt nature of my support for the band.
"Mike, we do have to compensate you for your effort; it is required by law," Tony explained, taking note of the concern evident in my expression. His words highlighted the formal aspect of the arrangement that mandated compensation for the role I'd be undertaking.
Feeling the weight of the implications, I responded, the card in my hand became heavy suddenly it seemed more significant, "But I am getting paid by the company, to be with Brian." My objection was rooted in the existing financial arrangement I presumed was in place for my time spent with Brian and potentially the band.
Tony clarified the situation further, dispelling my misunderstanding, "No, Mike, the company is not doing that. This is a legal matter, and we know you are making more than enough with Dave and the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant." His words made it clear that any financial remuneration I was receiving was separate from the specific role the band required me to fill, emphasizing the legal necessity behind their decision to compensate me for my services.
Tony continued, underscoring the crucial need for my role, "But we also need someone like you who will always be by their side to be able to act on our behalf." This sentiment spoke to the unique blend of trust, reliability, and authority I brought to the table, making it clear that while they respected my existing commitments, they saw an indispensable value in formalizing my role within the band's support structure.
"This is a lot of responsibility," I expressed, my unease about the situation persisting. The magnitude of what was being asked of me felt overwhelming, a sentiment difficult to shake even with Tony's reassurances.
Tony, understanding my concerns, sought to affirm their recognition of my unique position. "We acknowledge that and the fact that you have other obligations of your own. We only ask that you keep doing what you are doing because it is enjoyable," he explained. His acknowledgment of my responsibilities as Guardian and Defender of Philadelphia reflected an awareness of the broader scope of my duties, a balance they aimed to respect.
Tony then addressed a more personal concern, one that struck at the heart of my relationship with Brian. "But we do not want you to think we are now or will ever pay you to be with Brian because the love you two have is very real, and we will not do anything to jeopardize that," he said thoughtfully. His words were a reassurance, a promise that their intentions were rooted in safety and professionalism rather than any attempt to commercialize my personal life.
"The whole point is that if they are ever trapped in a situation like an exploding volcano, we want you to be free to do what you need to do to ensure everyone's safety without anyone second-guessing it because you have been more right than wrong on too many occasions," Tony elaborated, highlighting the practical reasons behind their decision. This clarification framed the compensation not as a payment for companionship or love but as a formal acknowledgment of my critical, life-saving role--a role they valued not just for the sake of the band, but for all involved in such perilous situations.
As I gazed down at the card once more, the voices of encouragement from Dave and Jake echoed in my mind, urging me to embrace this new role. I could sense, too, a kind of support from the Earth itself, as if the very ground beneath my feet was affirming the importance of my actions and the broader impact I could have. Despite these affirmations, a nagging discomfort persisted--the sensation that, in some way, this arrangement translated to being compensated for my relationship with Brian.
This internal conflict highlighted the complexity of intertwining professional responsibilities with personal relationships, particularly when those relationships hold deep emotional significance. The challenge lay in reconciling the formal recognition and necessary compensation for my unique contributions with the genuine, unaffected nature of my bond with Brian, ensuring that one did not diminish or overshadow the essence of the other.
"Tony, is there any way you could donate what you are paying me to a nonprofit organization?" I wondered.
Tony pondered my suggestion for a moment, an opening of possibility in his expression. "I believe we can," he said thoughtfully, showcasing his willingness to find a solution that aligns with my values. "Do you have one in mind?"
"Yes, I would like you to take what you, believe you owe me, to go to the American Ovarian Cancer Society," I specified, choosing a cause close to my heart and one that could genuinely benefit from the contributions.
Feeling the need to explain my position further, I was candid with Tony. "I understand that you must follow the law and compensate me for my efforts, I can't do it my conscience won't let me, I love Brian too much to ever consider accepting money for being a part of his life, even if it comes from his company. It still feels too much like I'm taking money from Brian himself."
Tony looked momentarily taken aback by the depth of my conviction. "Mike, we..." he began, perhaps not having expected such a resolute stance.
I interrupted to underscore my point firmly, "If I am going to do this, Tony, please make sure the money goes toward helping others instead of going toward my own personal expenses."
This request was about more than just finding a workaround for a legal necessity; it was about ensuring that my contributions remained grounded in altruism and support, both for the band and for causes that needed assistance. It was my way of reconciling the professional and official aspects of my involvement with my deeply personal relationship with Brian, ensuring my actions could bring about broader positive impacts beyond any individual interests.
Tony's response warmed the atmosphere, his smile conveying understanding and appreciation. "I will talk to Johnny, but I think we can work it out. We need more people like you in the world, Mike. There are not enough with your level of selflessness," he complimented, acknowledging the gesture not just as a solution to a contractual detail, but as an embodiment of values worth aspiring to.
With a friendly gesture, placing a hand over my shoulder, Tony guided me towards our next destination. "Come on, by now they ought to be in the dressing room," he said, steering the conversation towards a lighter note as we moved forward, leaving the heavier discussion behind.
Upon our arrival, the unmistakable sounds of lively chatter and laughter spilled out from the dressing room, immediately signaling the presence of the Backstreet Boys. The ambiance suggested a mix of pre-performance energy and camaraderie, a hallmark of the band's dynamic. Each voice contributing to the commotion was a reminder of the relationships and responsibilities that had brought us all together for this moment.
As Tony and I entered the dressing room, the scene before us was a vibrant snapshot of the Backstreet Boys in their natural, pre-show element. Nick and Kevin were halfway through getting dressed, Howie appeared completely stage-ready, Brian was clad only in a towel, and AJ sported just a pair of boxers. The varied states of readiness added a layer of casual intimacy to the atmosphere, a testament to the years they'd spent together on the road.
Unable to resist the humorous situation, I had to make our, er, my presence known. I announced our entrance with a playful shout, "Do you know how many people would kill for a moment like this?" My laughter filled the room, breaking whatever focus the guys had on their preparations.
They immediately seized upon the opportunity for some pre-show fun. "AJ, you are still in your boxers!" I pointed out, inciting even more laughter.
Just as I began to tease Brian with a loving remark, "Brian Love, you are..." My sentence was abruptly cut short by Nick's impromptu decision to jump on my back, effectively tackling me in a display of affectionate chaos.
Reflecting on their years of practice at making quick changes under pressure, AJ and Brian didn't miss a beat. Moments after my comment, both had managed to slip into pants and quickly joined in on the fun, their actions underscoring the camaraderie and tight-knit bonds formed over countless tours and performances. This spontaneous burst of energy and laughter was a perfect prelude to the night's performance, setting the tone for an evening fueled by friendship, music, and shared memories.
"Don't you even think you can escape me, little man!" AJ bellowed his competitive spirit, not the least bit dampened by the situation.
"Ah, oh!" was all I managed to let out in a mock shriek as Tony tactfully abandoned me and retreated, leaving me at the mercy of the band.
In no time, I found myself at the center of attention, albeit in the form of a playful ambush. The whole group converged on me, their strategy of attack involved relentless tickles. Laughter spilled out of me uncontrollably, to the point of struggling for breath. The scene was one of absolute chaos, yet filled with the kind of joy only true companionship can bring.
Despite the overwhelming numbers against me and the tickle onslaught, I knew I could extricate myself from the dogpile if I really wanted to. Yet, the thought never seriously crossed my mind. This was way too much fun. The shared laughter, the camaraderie, and the sheer delight of the moment were too enriching to cut short. In the grand scheme of things, these moments of unadulterated fun amidst the pressures of touring and performing were what truly mattered.
Soon, we found ourselves in a tangled heap on the floor, gasping for air amidst fits of laughter. It was a scene of pure joy and disarray.
Peeking in from behind the slightly ajar door, Tony could barely contain himself, tears of laughter streaming down his cheeks at the spectacle before him. His presence at the periphery, an amused observer of the chaos unleashed inside.
Finally, recognizing the need to transition from play to professionalism, Tony had to intervene. Knocking on the door to grab our collective attention, he announced, "It is time!" His voice carried both a directive and the infectious remnants of his laughter, signaling it was time to wrap up our antics and prepare for the main event.
The call to action saw the guys springing into action, peeling away from the pile to finalize their preparations for tonight's show. The shift in focus was immediate, driven by the impending performance.
As for Tony, his earlier abandonment of me in the face of friendly fire was met with an 'evil glare' from my side. Yet, he simply laughed it off, unrepentant but also unbothered, knowing full well that the camaraderie and teasing were all in good spirits. His laughter in response to my mock indignation was a clear sign of the easy rapport and understanding shared among us, a testament to the bonds that extended beyond the professional into the realm of true friendship.
After tidying up my clothes and regaining my breath, I opted to take a step back and observe the excitement unfold.
Nick casually began humming the iconic tune 'I Want It That Way,' a melody that acted like a spark, igniting a swift response from AJ and Howie, who couldn't resist joining in. Kevin and Brian weren't far behind, lending their voices to fill in the lyrics, transforming the room into a spontaneous rehearsal space. Midway through their impromptu performance, they paused, their collective gaze shifting towards me.
"What?" I inquired, puzzled by the sudden attention.
"Look at you getting a free preview; you won't even join in," Nick teased, his jest highlighting my role as a spectator amidst their burst of musical camaraderie.
"You guys have the talent for singing voices," I defended, alluding to the noticeable gap in musical aptitude between them and me.
AJ's laughter cut through any lingering hesitation, his words a rallying call, "Who gives a shit! Join us?" His invitation was devoid of any expectations of vocal prowess; instead, it was an open embrace into the moment's joy and unity.
Encouraged by their camaraderie and AJ's outright dismissal of any need for musical talent in this casual sing-along, I found myself drawn into their circle, a testament to the inclusive and supportive atmosphere that the Backstreet Boys cultivated. Moments like these--filled with laughter, music, and genuine connection--underscored the unique bond we shared, one not easily defined but deeply felt.
Yielding to the warmth of their invitation, I surrendered to the moment, starting off with "You are my fire," my voice blending with theirs in an atmosphere charged with connection and togetherness.
Brian followed with "The One Desire, believe when I say, I want it that way," each word a testament to the bond that music could forge among people.
"But we are two worlds apart, can't reach to your heart, when you say," Nick contributed, his voice a familiar thread in the tapestry of our makeshift chorus.
"That I want it that way," we all concluded in unison, our voices merging into a single, harmonious declaration. The song carried us away, transcending the dressing room walls until a second knock reminded us of the awaiting stage.
"Guys, as much as I hate to break up the camaraderie, it is time," Tony Blake, their road manager, interjected gently. His words signaled it was time for the night's performance, pulling the Backstreet Boys towards their waiting fans.
As they made their way to the stage, Tony lingered a moment longer with me. "You have a way with them," he observed, offering a nod of acknowledgment toward the seamless interaction that had just unfolded.
"Thank you for your help," I replied, my words laced with laughter, acknowledging our collective effort in corralling the pre-show energy.
Raising his hands in a gesture of mock defense, Tony clarified, "I was not the one who drew attention to myself," hinting at the playful dynamics and mutual respect that defined our interactions.
This exchange, light-hearted yet steeped in mutual understanding, was a reminder of the many roles we each played in the intricate dance of supporting the band, be it through laughter, music, or guidance. Each moment, whether behind the scenes or on the stage, contributed to the magic that the Backstreet Boys shared with the world.
"Yes, yes, I have to watch my sarcasm from time to time," I mock-sighed, playing along with the light-hearted banter that seemed to encapsulate our interactions.
Tony shifted the conversation to a more sincere note. "You have no idea how much just being able to roughhouse with you has impacted the entire band," he confided. His words carried a weight of appreciation, acknowledging the positive influence that came with the playful and genuine moments shared among us.
"Thanks to you, those guys have changed for the better since you came along," Tony added, reinforcing the sentiment. His acknowledgment of my role in fostering a change within the band highlighted the unforeseen but deeply valued impact of camaraderie and support beyond mere professional engagements.
Faced with such genuine appreciation, I could only respond with heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to be part of their journey. "I am glad to be here," I said, my smile reflecting the joy and fulfillment derived from these connections. The exchange with Tony underscored a shared understanding that the strength of these bonds extended far beyond the frame of the stage, contributing significantly to the group's dynamic and well-being.
Multiple vampires converged from the outskirts, encircling both Veteran Stadium and Spectrum Stadium. One of them exclaimed in excitement, "Yo, Folks, this is the ideal scenario--two stadiums, brimming with unsuspecting crowds. Tonight, we reign supreme."
Another vampire added with a sinister chuckle, "And of course, an abundance of leftovers for dessert."
To be continued
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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