The Tales of Sol 13 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com
I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US armed forces 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
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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.
Star Wars and all related concepts created by or based on the universe created by George Lucas. Copyright 20th Century Fox, LucasFilms Ltd. and Lucas Books/Ballantine Books.
Gargoyles and all related characters created by Greg Weisman and Copyright by Walt Disney
Here is the next chapter for Sol I hope you enjoy reading, please donate to Nifty.org so that they continue to offer this service.
The Tales of Sol 13 Degrees of Trouble
When I got home I found that the guys were gone probably had other things to do. I was glad because I didn't want them to see me like this.
I sat on the couch and turned on the TV tuning to the local news channel I don't remember anything after that I passed out I was awoken a few hours later by the sound of my phone ringing I answered with a groggy voice, "Hello?"
"Woo did I call at a bad time?" Came Jeff's voice
"No, no I was just catching a quick nap," I told him
"Well the guys were wondering if we could come over?" Jeff asked
"For you guys anything," I replied
"Cool," I heard him replied
We hung up and I once again did an internal check of myself and I couldn't understand why I was being so opened with these guys.
Remembering what it was that the guys like to drink I made sure I had them on hand. I was just about to put some oranges into the juicer when I was hit by biggest ping the Earth has ever sent me. It made me drop the orange I was holding, putting my good hand to my head, and squeezing my eyes shut all I knew was that she was trying to tell me something.. I tried to focus the sensation to do determine what it was the Earth wanted me to know. All I got was I needed to go outside, so I ran out my back door and into my backyard. Kneeling down, I put my hand on to the grass its cool temperature helped me to concentrate but it wasn't enough, trying to clear my mind again and letting the Mother in.
The pain that accompanied the ping won't let up I felt it enter my mind like a cold sharp needle centered right behind my eyes. That coldness spread throughout my body making my body tense up. While I couldn't feel them move as my whole body began to go numb my fingers had pushed themselves into the ground and my hand began to squeeze a good clump making my fingers really dig into the dirt. While my body was numb my mind was full of feeling it was painful but it was the only way I knew that I was still alive. Someone of great power was in pain, even worst this being was dying. They were struggling to hold on, desperate to continue on they didn't want to let go, too much to do, too much to accomplish.
"Mother?" My own voice sounded foreign to my ears as I gasped, my breath barely escaping my lips.
With my eyes clamped shut trying to concentrate on the ping which meant I didn't see energy that passed from the ground and into my hand entering my body. Still crouching on the ground and with my hand still in the lawn I finally saw an image of a blue man floating in midair. It was he who was putting all he had into remain alive but before I could get more then the image the ping, and the pain, and the cries, and the image were gone. They all had left with the same haste as they began, and all of it faded into nothing. Actually I couldn't call it nothing the pain was gone, but what replaced it, was even more disturbing. The feeling of total emptiness took it place it began to consume my very being. It tried to leech out any hope that reside in my spirit. This sudden loss of feelings made my own personal problems seem insignificant I don't know how but I think I just felt someone die.
"Sir your guests have arrived," BEATTI announcement brought me back to the land of the living. When my eyes regain the ability to see I found myself lying face down in the dirt.
I slowly got back up and that sickly feeling seem to stay with me I still felt a little woozy; slowly I made my way back inside. I had to wipe the tears from my face I didn't even know I had been crying. But then with everything that just happened I wasn't too surprised. I made a quick stop to the kitchen to wash the dirt off my hand and by the time I got to the front door I had a mind focusing exercise going and it helped to keep that eerie feeling at bay.
"Wow what happened?" Jeff was the first to ask. as soon as I opened the door At first I thought that he was talking about why it took so long for me to answer the door. But when I saw where his eyes were looking I knew he meant my arm.
"I slip off a jet today at work, and landed on my arm," I lied
"Ouch," Nick said
Thanks to what just happened my mind was very sensitive I could feel some impressions coming from my friends. When I looked into Nick's eyes and the same troubled look was there and my senses only confirmed what I suspected. A secret was buried deep within them and it was affecting him on a very personal level. That is all I got from both it did pinpoint the specifics, but it was enough form me to know that he was in trouble. Judging from the smell of alcohol coming off him and he was doing all he could to hide it.
Apparently his attempts were not all too successful if the disturbed auras and from what I see the eyes of his band mates especially Drew's were any indication.
"So, are you guys going to come on in or are you going stay out here all day?" I asked
"Well, we were hoping you let us in," Drew replied
"Ok come on in." I said.
Letting them come in the rest of the way I then asked "Are you guys thirsty or anything?"
"Well I am a bit thirsty," Nick said
"Well I don't have any YooHoo but I do have some chocolate milk if you like," I told him
"How'd you know I like YooHoo?" Nick chuckled
"Well for one thing I am a fan, and second I looked it up just so I could give back what I owed you guys," I said
"You owe us?" Drew asked
"I will tell you later," I told him.
"Ok," He replied
"Anyway I looked up what you guys like or at least what I think you like." I said
"Well the chocolate milk will be just fine," Nick assured me.
I smiled then went back into the kitchen and going back to the oranges I had out before the ping from the Mother. Putting them in the juicer and turning it on went back to the fridge and pulled out the gallon jug of chocolate milk and poured it into a glass. I heard the footsteps and smiled if he was trying to sneak up on me he failed "Hey Nick," I said "How did you know it was me?" I heard the surprise in his voice. "I do my best to always be alert," I answered "I thought you could use some help," Nick indicated handing him the remaining oranges and pointed to the juicer "I could actually." I smiled
Nick picked up an orange and placed it in the juicer "So, what else do you know about us?" He asked breaking the silence
"That you are just you are just four average boys with a really good job." I told him
"So, you are not going out of your mind knowing that we are here in your house?" Nick asked
"Would you want me too?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"No not really," He chuckled blushing
"That is what I thought, you get enough of it from your female fans. The last thing you need is me acting like some kind of crazy person just because you came to my door," I said to him of course the truth is I couldn't understand why they came to my door in the first place. This is the last place I'd expect them to ever be.
"Well, we thank you," Nick responded
"I've stopped looking at people by their title, but by what they have in their hearts," I told him
"And, what do our hearts tell you?" Nick asked
"There is a hole in yours," I said nonchalantly then turned around to put the chocolate milk away. While I couldn't see it I was sure his heart just stopped there for a second or so. Turning back around I could see what looked like the sign of defeat as if he was tired of hiding whatever it was that was hurting him. I could still see that he was still battling himself though as if he wanted tell me everything but wasn't sure if he wanted to burden me with his troubles
"I?" Nick started putting my hand up I cut him off because I knew he wasn't ready
"It is ok Nick you can say something when you are ready," I told him
I then said "What ever it is you need to remember you are not alone,"
"It is just?" He struggled looking into his eyes I saw the struggle he was fighting.
"What are you doing?" He asked backing away as if he was afraid I was going to attack him.
"I am looking into your eyes." I spoke softly while I couldn't see what it was that caused his pain, I could see the damage it was causing.
"You know?" He asked he looked as if he was going to cry which only made him look even more lost.
"I know nothing," I reassured him not wanting to push him to heard
Changing the subject "Now get that orange juice out to your brothers I will bring out your drink in a moment,"
Nick seemed to smile I could see the relief wash over him as he turn around and walked out.
As soon as he was out of earshot I bowed and prayed "Mother, how do I help? And how did I get myself into this, I pray that you and God will help him find peace that he needs, Amen,"
"Amen," I jumped then spun around when I heard yet another voice coming behind me; it caught me off guard but when I saw that it was Drew. I grew a bit more worried which turned to concern when I could see the despair in his eyes. He was standing at the entrance of the kitchen, then slowly approached , "So, how much do you know?" Drew asked
"Nothing really," I informed him this didn't help him so I went on, "I don't know what is bothering him, but judging by what I see in his eyes, and what I see in yours right now, it is not good," I supplied
"That is putting it mildly," Drew grumbled
"I can also see the affect it is having on all of you," I stated
"That is creepy to tell you the truth," He responded
"It is a gift," I shrugged
"So who else is going to come see me?" I asked I was worried because I didn't know enough to be able to help them in the first place.
"We are just worried that all none of us can figure out what is troubling my brother, and it bothering the hell out of me," Drew said.
"All I can tell you Drew is let him tell you when he is ready," I spoke up "The more you push the more he will pull away," I told him
My own words came back at me as I could see how I was behaving especially when it comes to those closest to me.
"We will give him all of the time he wants, but I am just afraid that he might do something rather rash," Drew said
I grabbed the remaining drinks in my only working arm, and carried them out the others.
"I could helped," Drew pointed out
"Sure," I replied Drew helped me bring the remaining drinks out to the living room the tension was pretty high Drew kept looking at Nick and Nick kept looking at his drink probably wishing it had something stronger in it. Justin broke the ice when he asked about my time with Dave and his power plant this got everyone's attention , suddenly all eyes were on me. It still surprised me that they wanted to know more about my life so I gave them a run down and when I finished my life story. They bombarded me with question and I tried to answer them as best as I could. Finally I thought it was time to have some fun and I also wanted to take attention away from me.
"Hey guys did you see my Holo-Room yet?" I asked
"Holo? What?" Nick asked
"I built a holographic simulator in my basement capable of producing any environment, I use it to either train or blow off steam," I informed them, They all looked intrigued so I took them down to my Holo-Room it was smaller then the one I have at the Lair but it worked just as well. Pushing a few buttons on the wall next to it followed by a quick command to BEATTI to stand by for further instructions.
"Ok Nick if you could do anything at this moment what would it be?" I asked
"I don't know," He replied
"Just think if you wanted to do anything what would it be?" I asked
"I don't know, Mike this sounds crazy," Nick confessed, Smiling back at him, "Good that is the whole point to this trip," I countered "Maybe fly an X-wing off of Star Wars," Nick Shrugged not even sure it made any difference
"BEATTI program Star Wars 955," I ordered
"Running program now you may enter when ready," BEATTI responded
Opening the door when everyone expected to see just another room they all saw instead what appeared to be a very large hanger bay filled squadrons of X-wing fighters, and when we entered our clothes changed to that of the Rebels.
"Wow!" The Guys gasped
"Welcome to the Holo-Room," I smiled and when none of them I turned to them
"Mike is there anything you can't do?' Justin gasped as he looked down at his clothes pulling on it to make sure it was real.
"Like I said I have a knack for technology," I shrugged trying to dumb it down a little but I could see they weren't buying any of it.
"Well, gentlemen man your craft," I told them they all moved and picked a fighter, and I moved to the control room I heard the sound of metal being struck as if they were again testing the program making sure it was a real as it looked.
"Ok for the first few moments I will let you all get adjusted to your fighters," I told them as I watched as they climbed into the fighter they planned on flying. They all nodded when I saw them move their heads around I was certain they were looking down at the controls and when I heard the fighters roar to life. I knew they found the right switch Nick was the first to find the throttle grip and was the first off out of the hanger. Jeff followed right behind him then Justin and Drew bringing up the rear. The room shifted to the view of space and I found myself looking out the window of a starbase where I saw them in a lose formation.
"How are you guys doing?" I asked
I heard Nick's muffled voice as it came over the speakers "This is too cool,"
"Damn Right," Drew confirmed
"I can't believe I am actually flying an X-Wing," Jeff cried
"Neither can I even if's just a hologram," Justin responded
For the first few hours the guys trained in the fighters I watched as they pulled one maneuver after another and when I thought they were getting a hang of the controls I announced, "Ok guys are you ready for your first mission," I told them
"Ready," They all chimed in
"A wing of Tie Fighters is on an attack run they are going to try to attack the starbase, your job is to prevent them from doing so," I informed
"I am ready," Nick reported
"So are we," Drew and Jeff said at the same time
"Let's do it," Justin responded.
"Ok BEATTI, send in the enemy," I ordered
The space came alive with Tie Fighters some of them started firing as soon as they materialized.
"Ok, guys what do you want to do?" Nick asked
"We can pair up, and go after them," Drew suggested
"What do you guys want to do?" Nick asked Jeff and Justin.
"We can do the pair up," Justin replied
"I agree," Jeff called out
"Alright Drew you're my wingman," Nick said
"You got it big bro let's go get them," Drew said
Nick and Drew flew in one formation, while Jeff and Justin flew in another in the first few moments of the firefight the guys seem to be in trouble.
I thought this simulated battle was going to be over shortly, but they've proved me wrong and got it together rather quickly. Nick took some damage when he took a hit for his brother here, and there. Jeff took out a handful of fighters in a single sweep while Justin took care of the fighter harassing Nick I was really impressed at how well they worked together which didn't really surprise me as they relied one another every time they are on stage.
They were doing a really good job that is until one fighter came about and Drew fired upon it. His laser blast struck the Tie Fighter's port wing this sent it out of control right and it flew into Justin's starboard wing. I watched as he tried to regain control but his course sent him a collision course for another fighter he rammed it taking out its starboard wing. That fighter then whirled frantically into Jeff path and when he tried to avoid the pending crash which put him on a beeline for Nick. Who in turn tried to avoid Jeff's fighter and they both rammed each other that domino effect was really a sight be seen up until the Hologrid came up, and the guys were all sitting on the floor. Each had their hands covering their faces in a protective form and it wasn't until they looked around to see the Hologrid then back at each other with the look of disbelief in their eyes. They had forgot that they were playing with a bunch of holograms then another domino effect took hold when Drew started laughing and the rest of us soon followed-suit and began laughing.
"Man what a blast!" Nick roar
"That was far out!" Drew laughed
"What a rush!" Justin giggled
"I had forgotten it was all an illusion!" Jeff cheered
"I am glad you all enjoyed it, I was really impressed with the way you guys used team work, that is up until the very end then I just died laughing at the domino effect Drew had caused." I cackled
"That scared the shit out of me," Drew laughed
This only sent the rest of us off even further, we were all laughing so hard that we had doubled over on to the Holo-Room's floor with tears streaking out of our eyes.
"We'll have to do that again, but right now I am hungry," Nick laughed
Picking ourselves off of the floor "Ok how about you guys go clean up, and I will start lunch." I suggested
Not really giving them time to argue I went upstairs before they could say anything. I heard them come up to the stairs like a herd of elephants making me laugh because I think a herd of elephants would have been quieter . Nick came into the kitchen while I was chopping up a couple carrots.
"That was bad ass man," Nick exclaimed his blood must still be pumping with adrenalin because he was so excited and his hands were still shaking.
"I am glad you all liked it," I smiled while I grabbed the steaks I had let defrost from the fridge.
"So why are you doing this?" Nick asked no doubt curious as to why I'd let even know about my Holo-Room in the first place.
"Doing what?" I asked back
"Well everything really." Nick asked honestly.
"Let's just say I have a few debts that I've been wanting to repay, especially when it comes to my favorite boy bands," I told him.
"What kind of debt?" Nick asked
"The kind that can't be so easily repaid," I somberly the thought of what had happened still plagued my mind even now.
"What do you mean?" Nick queried I could tell if he was digging for gossip or was generally concern.
"Let just say Nick you are not the only one who doesn't like to show his feeling Nick," I told him
He nodded at me as if he understood using the silence I turned around to continue prepping the steaks.
"That kind of weird to hear someone say that," Nick finally said
"I am sure it is my friend," I told him Nick left to get cleaned up and I went back to work on lunch.
We had just sat down to eat lunch when Nick Cell Phone went off.
"Hello?" Nick answer
"Where, the Fuck, are you guys!" we could all hear the voice come screaming out of the phone I watched as everyone at the table expressions change from excitement to worry as Nick replied, "We are at a friend's home,"
"You were suppose to be at the studio an hour ago!" The man yelled into the phone making Nick shutter.
"Oh, Fuck I am sorry George," Nick responded with the look of someone who totally forgot something and just now remembering
"Oh Fuck is right! Now drop what you are doing and get your asses in here on the double." The voice screamed then hung up
"Hey guys we have to go," Nick said reluctantly getting up from the table
"Shit did we forget about something today?" Jeff asked as he did likewise
"Yeah we were supposed to be at the studio an hour ago," Nick replied
"Now hang on one second, does that guy yell at you like that all the time?" I asked
"Well George is one of our agents, and sometime he thinks he own us so yeah he yells at us like that all the time." Drew confirmed
'Not on my watch,' I thought
"Then I am coming with you," I told them as we got up
"Are you sure?" Justin asked I knew he didn't want me to get involved
"Yes it was my Holo-Room that distracted you so I am responsible for this," I replied
'Beside no one has a right to yell at anyone because of a simple mistake,' I thought
"Are you sure George is a forceful guy?" Jeff asked
"Jeff I severed in the Navy for four years I think I can handle this guy." I smiled
They still didn't look like they were comfortable with me coming and my guess was because they wanted to keep me out of the crossfire.
After gathering up our lunch and putting them back into the fridge for later on we piled into my truck, and drove out to the studio, when we got out there the guys told the security officer that I was with them, I drove to a reasonable parking spot, and we entered the building.
The moment we entered the studio I saw a man in his late thirties with neatly trimmed jet black hair he wore a starch pressed black suit with matching black dressed shoes their shine could have put most sailors to shame. He turned and that is when I saw his olive color skin with high cheekbones and he looked like major stiff and was just radiating the superiority complex.
When George I am assuming saw the guys he began giving them the third degree, "It is about fucking time you guys showed up!" He practically spat out the venom as he spoke each of the guys shrunk and looked as if they were going to cry. The shame looked as if it was going to be permanently etched on to the faces and I could see their spirits taking a major beating.
Not being able to stomach, anymore of this verbal abuse I decided to take some of the heat off them and lay the blame on me since I was the reason they had forgotten about today after all.
"Um, excuse me but I am the reason they are late," I stepped in
George turned his attention towards me I think it was the first time he even acknowledged my presence and the daggers that were in his eyes told me that he loved being lord over 98 Degrees.
"And just who the fuck, are you!" He practically screamed at me his eyes were flared with both arrogance and superiority.
"Man have you had your blood pressure checked lately?" I asked
"You haven't answered my question!" George growled
"I am Petty Officer Third Class Pennock United States Naval Reserve," I calmly replied his furry wasn't having the same affect on me as it was having on Nick and the rest. I've dealt with worst ass chewing then this and knowing I was now George's target gave me leverage.
"Well, Petty Officer Pennock do you know who you are with," He cried looking at me as if I was just a bug that he could crush, and I was about to prove him wrong and in more ways then one.
"No,I don't have a clue who these guys are," I mocked
"This is 98 Degrees," He spat
"Really!" I faked surprise which only seem to irk him even more "We sailors can be so slow I can still remember my Chief warning me of this problem," I smirked the fact that I wasn't withering under his wrath only seem to aggravate him more.
"And who the hell do you think you are yelling at them like that?" I spat back at the agent
"I am their agent and it is my job to see to it that they full fill their obligations," He snarled
"Well, if you had asked nicely instead of giving them the third degree, they would have told you that they had stopped to help me when my truck broke down," I stated
"So what! They should have been here and not stopping to help every sap they come across," He cried
This just set me off even further, "Who the hell do you think you are talking to?"
"You are nothing to me Petty Officer," He smirked as if my rank meant I had no real power of him and I was just about to prove him wrong when I pulled out my cell phone, "That what you think," I said as I hit a number on my speed dial,
"Who are you calling?" The Agent practically screamed
"Do you know Dave Matthews?" I asked
"What of him?" He sneered
"Who do you think is his bodyguard?" I smiled
He paled a little but he didn't lose any of his integrity and still looked at me as if I was nothing.
"Now I will give you ten seconds to walk out that door and never, ever come near these guys again or I will not only ask Mr. Matthews for help, But I will bring in the full might of the Navy down on you," I smiled
"You can't do that!" He screamed
"Guys get behind me," I told them the guys did as I pulled out my Fighting Pike and propped it. They did as I instructed and moved behind me.
"Now, the only way you are getting to 98 Degrees is through me," I informed him
"But I own them!" He bellowed
"No you don't!" Nick yelled from behind me, which I am sure he wasn't too happy with letting someone they barely knew to fight their battles. But I was not going to stand by and allow this man to do anymore harm to these wonderful people.
George made an advance on the guys I shot out with my Pike grabbing his right leg and he fell face first to the ground.
"Serves you right," Justin laughed
George just glared at him and got back up "So how do you like it when someone fights back?" I asked
"This isn't over!" George growled he turned and left.
He came back in with the security guard and pointed at me he screamed, "There the man who assaulted me,"
"That is not what I heard," The security guard supplied "I've heard you threaten this group once too often and I ready to support this young sailor," The guard remarked. George just glared at him then he turned his harden gaze on me his eyes held pure hatred in them, and with a final snarl he turned and left without another word.
Nick made a call to their management after the tension in the studio left when George did. He was asking for a new agent when they asked what happened to George Nick finally broke down and told them everything. He finally informed them what George was doing to them and informed them what happened today. I could hear the man on the other side of the phone make several responses that made even me blush. Nick just smiled and when he hung up, "Well, Steve is going to set us up with a new agent as soon as possible,"
"What do we do until then?" Jeff asked
"Well we are to remain here and practiced with Luc we still have one more concert in Newark, New Jersey," Nick replied
"Cool," Justin smiled
As 98 Degrees rehearsed Luc came up to me "Mr. Pennock I want to thank you," "For what?" I asked
"I would watch George tear into those guys and did nothing," Luc stated I was about to say something but Luc cut me off "And not because I didn't want to but because George would threaten all of us if we said anything to management,"
"It was my pleasure especially since I was the reason they were late," I told him
"That maybe but if it wasn't for that it would be for something else," Luc responded
I just shook my head thinking how a little power can corrupt anyone.
The guys practiced for the next two or three hours I've lost count of time when I watched them perform was really exhilarating and boring at the same time. Jeff kept looking at me as he preformed another step the smile on his face was enough to brighten the crabbiest person at least that what I thought.
After they were done for the day, we were still at the studio waiting for the guy's limo to arrive I agreed to stay with them until it came.
"Ugh I can't believe we sang the same song over and over," Drew groaned
"Hey about ninety percent of the teens who listen to that song tend to play it over and over again," I pointed out
"And I am sure you were one of those people," Justin smirked
"I plead the 5th," I told him but blushed a little.
"There he goes again hiding behind the Constitution again," Jeff laughed
I blushed again and they laughed at my expense taking some of the attention off of me Drew asked, "So what are we going to do now?"
"I have no clue," Justin responded
"I am sure that it's not the first time," I smirked
It took Justin as second then he chuckled, "That not what I meant asshole,"
At that moment the limo pulled up and we parted ways
When I finally got home I was feeling a little beat I decided to hit the hay.
I wasn't sure what time it was when I woke up or why at first I thought it was another nightmare and I looked at the clock it read 0200 in the morning. Then I heard my cell phone going off that solved that question Picking it up and putting the receiver next to my ear. "Hello?" I answered
"Mike," I heard him cry
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