The Tales of Sol 18 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
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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 18 Wake Up Call
The remaining two Vampires took off running into the night with me hot on their tails I had a lot of pent up energy, and was willing to share. One Vampire let out a howl while turning down a street I followed thinking this shouldn't be that tough until I came up to a lot more vampires. It was a 12 to 1 odds not in my favor even with my new powers especially since I still had no idea what it was I could do.
Back to the matter at hand I pulled out my Fighting Pike, and getting in a fighting stance. The horde charged me I flipped over them, and they turned back around. Holding up my hand I let loose some fireballs hitting a couple dead on "OK I think it is time I start handing out fliers," I said to myself as I put my Fighting Pike away and pulled out my D'k tahg.
One Vampire grabbed me from behind I turned my Klingon Knife around and stabbed the demon in its stomach he cried in pain I then turned around and in a wicked slash severed his head from the rest of his body the vampire's body exploded into to dust.
Turning to meet more of my enemy head on I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head and soon found myself lying on the ground when I looked back I saw a vampire standing over me he had sucker punched me in a quick fluid movement I brought the up the Fighting Pike and smashed it into the vampires groin my aim was true and he doubled over grabbing his wounded pride. Rolling out of the way and back onto my feet I found myself surrounded by even more vampires "I think it is time I even the odds a bit," I said as looking to the really clear skies "Damn what a time for a clear night!" I complained
"You have command of the elements Mike," came the voice of Gaia inside my head
Pointing my right hand towards the sky, clouds formed rapidly when a bolt leaped out of the clouds and into the hand the formed it I brought my left hand up and pointed it at my vampire friends.
"Today weather forecast 90% chance of a lightning strike," I smirked
The bolt lashed out of my hand and shot out at the clan of vampires they all stood there with their jaws hung some were smart, and bolted. The rest were soon filled with energy hotter then the surface of the sun.
Looking around myself, and smiled all that was left of the vampires was dust in the wind, "Well that was shocking," I smiled pulling out my grappling gun, and fire it off into the night.
"So how did it go out there?" Dave asked as soon as I entered the Command Center of the Lair he was sitting at the main console going over some of the data streaming through.
"I think we need to expand and start putting together a team," I stated
"Really?" Dave asked
"I just took on 12 vampires tonight at once," I responded I saw Dave winch as I told him of the number
"That's too much even for me," I told him
"Wow I am proud of you," Dave praised
"Dave if it weren't for my connection with the Mother and our training cycle I'd be dead," I stated
"I am warrior this is true but I am not a stupid one," I said
"I know I am just amazed that you came to your senses," Dave smirked.
I smiled back "Very funny,"
"So you want to start getting a group together?" Dave asked
"Most definitely I just don't know how to begin. I mean I can't just go out, and ask hey would you like to be part of my group we fight demons of the night?" I stated
"Well aside from your sarcasm I like the idea of forming a group," Dave chuckled.
"Well I have to head home, we have that meeting in the morning," I stated
"You're right," Dave said as I left.
I left for the night and went straight to bed as soon as I got home.
I got up the next morning to the sound of rain splashing at my window. It was very soothing listening to the steady pitter-patter of the droplets striking the glass. I got out of bed thinking about how my life has changed one moment from being a sailor in the Navy to being the whole planet's guardian. But that is the way of the world one moment you are at the top of your game the next it throws a curve ball. I got into the shower thinking about Jeff and wondering if he and I were really meant to be I liked him I really did but I wasn't sure if he was my kindred soul mate.
I hated feeling these doubts and I most certainly did want to hurt his feelings.
Getting dressed and into my truck I drove out to the GEO-plant and was greeted by Dave.
"Morning," He smiled
"Morning," I replied
"So you ready for this meeting?" Dave asked
"What's it for again?" I asked
"I am trying to convince the board to drill a second pit so, and to have us divert part of the water supply to go into that pit so we can start producing adding lines to New York, Ohio, and West Virginia," Dave told me
"What's the problem?" I asked
"They are happy with what we have and don't want to proceed farther," Dave sighed
"This sounds like fun," I commented
"I know but that the down side of running a business," Dave sighed
I let out a chuckle Dave is the father I never had.
"Well if I get bored I can come out here and enjoy the nature trail that was built into the scenery," I laughed
"Actually you should I had that built so people would use it," Dave encouraged
"Really?" I inquired
"You are not the only environmentalist of the group," Dave smirked
"True," I conceded
I definitely wanted to walk the Nature Trail I haven't done that in a week and I needed to get out of the human world for a little while.
"Well it is there when you want to go just remember you are here as my body guard," Dave whispered
"Of course and what type of bodyguard would I be if I didn't personally check out the perimeter," I smirked
"I guess," Dave mocked
"Well I am sure the board is in there just dying to hear what you have to say," I smirked
"Yeah and by the end I am I will be dying from boredom," Dave sighed
"Well that is the price of running a business," I said recanting his earlier statement
"Careful or I will go home for the day and name you my successor," Dave warned
"Nah I don't look half a good as you do in a monkey suit as you do," I responded
"Remind me to invited you to the next company party," Dave snickered
"Oh yeah that should be a blast," I said sarcastically
"So will this meeting," Dave sighed
You got to love the guy he can be so business like one moment the next he's so not so business like.
We entered the boardroom and several members were already there.
I thought I heard Dave let out a sigh when he said, "Good morning Gentlemen,"
"Good morning Dave," They said at the same time.
It was eerily similar to the sound the Borg Collective made when they talked to their victims "You guys remember my personal assistant Michael Pennock," Dave introduced
"Good morning Mike," The Borg Collective greeted again
"Greetings," I replied
Once the rest got there the meeting had begun sometime during the meeting I renamed the room from the Boardroom to the Bored room.
I didn't know how Dave did it though looking at him I saw the same resolve in his face although for professional reasons he kept it out of his voice and actions as he proposed the expansion of the power plant.
I decided to make a discreet exit as if anyone would have even noticed that I was gone well Dave maybe.
I was staring out the large panoramic window, which viewed the wildlife refuge I could make out several deer in the distances some were nestling with their young. Life is so precious just watching these docile creatures made me wonder what they ever did to earn mankind's wrath aside from being at the bottom of the food chain anyway.
"Hey Mike," I turned to see Stella the head security guard coming my way
The stocky African-American had a heart of gold and a chip on her shoulder the size of EA-6B Prowler.
But she was a good soul nonetheless she didn't like me at first. But came around quickly once she realized that I was here more as Dave's friend then anything else, which I found out Dave needed for some time now.
"Hey Stella, are you doing your rounds?" I greeted
"Nah I was bored and saw you standing there and thought I kill two birds with one stone," She chuckled making her whole body tremble
"That's ok Dave's in a bored meeting," I laughed
"Ah yes I've seen a couple and I am surprise Dave is still sane," Stella laughed
"Yeah I got that same impression," I chuckled
"So what are you doing?" She asked
"Sitting here staring out at the wilderness," I told her
"Smart ass," Stella laughed punching my shoulder.
"You did ask," I pointed out
"What, Mr. Matthews sees in you I'll never know?" Stella laughed
"Must, be my charm," I said with a grin
"Yeah I've seen that charm, and I think it's overrated," Stella laughed
"I?" I was interrupted by a ping from the Mother a second later the whole plant began to shake.
Looking back out the window I began scanning the area spotting the deer again. They had their heads up and they too were surveying their surroundings. I felt another ping whatever it was its big, and boy was it, looking towards the river that fed water to the pit, it seemed to be the source of the ping. Enhancing my vision to see down the river a few hundred feet. That is when saw it water had spilled over its banks and a wave was rapidly moving down the river, the Plant and everyone in it was in grave danger.
"By the Mother's Hand!" I swore
"What is it?" Stella demanded
"Stella we need to evacuate the plant now!" I told her
"Why?" She demanded
I pointed to the surge of water just now becoming visible heading our way it was huge and moving fast I noticed the woodland creatures were already trying to get out of harms way.
"Jesus!" She swore she ran to her station, and hit the fire alarm.
Not even thinking I ran outside "Mike, get back here!" I heard Stella yell but I was already heading for the river
"What's going on Stella?" Dave asked as he came running down the steps
"There a wall of water heading this way," Stella reported
"Where's Mike?" Dave asked
"He ran out to the river," She informed
"Get as many people out of the plant as we possibly can," Dave ordered
As he ran to the PA system "Attention staff, evacuate the plant I repeat evacuate the Geo-Plant!" He ordered
"This is not a drill!" Dave clarified
The staff began to run for the nearest exit Dave stayed behind to make sure no one was left behind.
Standing in knee high waters I watched the river as the ever-closing flood seem to move faster
"I must be out of my mind," I complained to myself
"You can do it," I heard Gaia in my head
"Yeah but what can I do?" I asked myself
"You have control over the elements Mike," Gaia reminded me once again
"I guess it is time, I gave these new powers a spin," I commented as I begun to spin my body until I had a waterspout forming in the small stream.
The rushing waters came my way and I increased my speed making the waterspout larger creating a vacuum which sucked up flood into vortex. When I had every last drop I moved out of the stream with the excess water and onto land "Now for a little friction," I commented
Spinning the twister faster, and faster. All the while remaining stationary, the temperature inside the vortex began to rise until it reached boiling temperatures, water vapors began billowing out skyward forming rain clouds.
By the time I dissolved the waterspout it was raining lightly I slowly began to sink back down to Earth; which was still spinning, and in the arms of my mentor. The water from the rain had helped me regain some equilibrium but not by much.
"Are, you ok?" Dave asked
"Just a bit dizzy," I confessed
"I would guess so," Dave smiled
"I am going to have to learn how to do that better," I told him
"What are you doing out here?" I asked
"Beside getting wet from this rain shower you've created, once I made sure no one was left in the plant I came to see if you needed help," Dave replied
"I am fine," I laughed as my equilibrium started settling down but it wasn't there yet "Though, I might have rained of few parades," I chuckled
The world finally balanced out and I could hold myself up without Dave's aid.
"I'd rather have the rain over the flood," Dave said
"Yeah, but then what caused the flood to begin with?" I asked for the first time
"I don't know," Dave responded
"I mean unless a large amount of ice melted from the mountains, or we have a hurricane, and giving the cloudless skies before my intervention. That last one isn't a possibility, floods like that don't usually happen" I pointed out
"Or a dam gave way," Dave suggested
"You are right," I conceded
After the world stopped spinning and my mind could think again a really bad through crossed my mind "Wait a minute, what about everyone else?"
"What do you mean?" Dave asked
Pulling out my combadge I quickly hit it "BEATTI I am at Dave's power plant," I informed her
"I need to you monitor the river that feeds this plant," I ordered
"Checking," I heard her comply
"What, are you worried about?" Dave asked
"If this end of the river got a sudden surge of water, what about the rest of the river?" I queried
"The banks for the rest of the river would have flooded too," Dave understood
"Dave what river does this feed come from?" I asked
"The Schuylkill," Dave answered
"BEATTI send the Sea Dragon now," I ordered
"Now, Mike I know you're not planning to perform the twister act in on the Schuylkill," Dave worried
I turned to him and asked, "Do I have much of a choice?"
"You were just barely able to stop this flood what can you do against a river the size of the Schuylkill?" Dave asked I could hear the concern in his voice, in truth I have no idea what it was I could even do with these powers. I was still getting use to them and I haven't really experimented with them yet.
"I will make you a deal Dave after I figure out how to stop this flood you and I will see what it is I can do," I compromised
"I accept, just be careful," Dave finally gave in
My chopper soared overhead my heart momentarily stopped when she did that, she was a beautiful mechanical bird when she swooped back around and she landed a few yards to my left. Climbing inside turning to close the hatch behind me sitting on the back bench while BEATTI lifted off, once we were airborne I pulled out my Guardian Angel Suit and changed.
"First town to be hit is Norristown," BEATTI reported as I pulled down my hood and sitting into the cockpit.
"Lets head it off then," I commanded grabbing the controls and disengaging the autopilot, setting our flight for Norristown
"Interception in 23 minutes," BEATTI reported
"Estimate time of arrival for Norristown?" I inquired
"22 minutes," BEATTI complied
"We are going be to cutting it close," I sighed
"Yes sir," BEATTI spoke
The Sea Dragon flew over the bridge that the high speed trolley line took back into the suburbs spanned over the Schuylkill. On it was a trolley and I could make out several dozen people on the platform that connected to the Norristown's terminal there was also a train currently at the station taking on passengers. That alone was enough for me to risk trying my tornado imitation again.
We flew a few more miles until I could see the flood waters rushing down the river, it looked even meaner up here as it rushed down the Schuylkill. While the water was dangerous on its own there was debris being swept up with it adding to an already deadly situation.
"Once more into the breech," I quoted as I got up and opening the right side hatch I took a deep breath and took step out of the Sea Dragon, plummeting to the freezing waters below fear took over and I thought was going to hit the river. Remembering Gaia's words I used the air around me to slow my descent coming only a few feet above the water. Before me was the raging flood and behind me was a station with hundreds of lives, "There's no time like present to prefect a method," I said hovering few feet above the river I could still see the incoming floodwater coming quickly. "Round two coming up," I commented
Holding up my right arm over my head I spun myself around until I had formed another twister around me. While I was pretty certain that the people at the station couldn't see me or the flood they were going to be able to see the funnel cloud forming out of nowhere, but that was for later I moved it to intercept the deluge. Creating a vacuum I sucked as much of the excess water up into the tornado as much as I could. At the same time I gathered up all of the debris when I had everything in my vortex. "Let's bring on the heat one more time," said after I off loaded my cargo of debris onto a side road. Turning up the heat steam shot out of the funnel cloud, another rain cloud inconvenienced those who didn't have an umbrella "Now that the immediate danger is over the clean up crew can take it from here," I said as I dissolved the tornado and flew back up to BEATTI, I did notice that this tornado was much easier for me then the last one.
"Well that is a job well done," I smirked
"Well done sir," BEATTI congratulated
"Time to head back to the GEO-Plant, I am sure Dave would want to go home," I commanded I flew us back to the plant where I met Dave as he was leaving for the day. He waited for me to disembark from the Sea Dragon before slowly making his approach, BEATTI took over and returned the bird to the Lair.
"I see you are ok," Dave smirked,
"It just takes some getting use to that's all," I answered after I could hear myself speak again,
"Yes, I just saw on the news that a tornado appeared in Norristown catching a lot of people off guard. From what I heard they are grateful because the sudden flood had caught everyone off guard and the death toll would have been high," Dave informed me. "What about the flood itself any word on what caused it?" I asked
"Yes a malfunction at the dam caused the flood gates to open releasing tons of water into the Schuylkill," Dave informed me
"Norristown is already cleaning up that debris you left them," Dave then answered the question I was about to ask.
"That's, enough power play for one day lets go home," Dave recommended
"Sounds like a plan," I commented we got into our respected car and left for the day.
When I got home a few hours later I called out "BEATTI anything of interest in my email?" I asked
"You have a chance to will a million dollars sir," BEATTI reported
"What, did I do to have such a smart ass for a computer?" I sarcastically complained
"I am that my master had me be," BEATTI spoke up
"Oy," I sighed
"Ok anything of importance then?" I redirected
"No sir however you have message from Jeff he would like to hang out with you if you are available," BEATTI responded
"For Jeff I will make the time," I smiled
"Very good sir," BEATTI spoke.
"Where, does he want to go?" I asked
"I don't think he cares sir," my computer replied
"Well, how am I going to meet him, if I don't know where he wants to go?" I snickered
I knew that she was talking to him on the phone so he heard what I just said.
"He is thinking it over sir," BEATTI reported
"Ok," I said with a straight face.
While I waited for a response I went into the bedroom, and got changed.
"Well?" I asked putting on a black button down short sleeve shirt and pair of gray slacks. "He says anywhere with you would be magical," BEATTI told me
"He is so sweet," I blushed
"How about he meet me in Fairmount Park?" I suggested
"He says that is fine," BEATTI told me
Putting my shoes on I stepped out I got in my truck and left for Fairmount.
When I got there I made my way around the park until I saw Jeff trying to hide amongst the public by wearing clothes that would conceal his identity from those around him. His disguise might have fooled these people, but not me. He was standing at one of the hundreds of outdoor vendors, he looked like he was trying to decide what he wanted.
"He will have two cheesesteaks," I spoke up the man inside smiled and began making the steaks. "Can't have you leave Philly without a heart attack on a roll," I laughed
"Well I've heard a lot about your steaks and never thought of buying on out here," Jeff confessed
We took the steaks once we were done and sat at one of the benches I then asked, "How, is Nick?"
"What do you mean?" Jeff asked back
"I can see the pain Jeff," I told him then continued "And, I can smell it on his breath, he is drinking heavily and I sense it is not because he stressed out by the tour,"
He put his cheesesteak down before continuing, "We don't know he so closed off,"
"We can see that something is bothering him but he won't let us in," Jeff sighed
"He tries to hard to hide the pain and drowns his sorrow in booze," Jeff continued
"Any ideas on what it could be?" I asked hearing so much of myself in how Jeff described Nick's mood.
"No," Jeff said sounding hopeless
"Let's head back to the hotel," I suggested wrapping up left of my cheesesteak going to the vendor again and getting three more.
"Ok," Jeff responded he wrapped up his steak and we left the park.
"Mike, do you think what wrong with you, is what wrong with Nick?" Jeff asked suddenly when we got into the elevator
"What do you mean?" I asked back just as the car started up the shaft
"You, can't lie to me, Mike I see the same thing in your eyes what I seen in Nick, you two have pain concealed in them and while I am sure you don't run to the bottle like he is you are still hiding something," Jeff explained
I didn't know that Jeff could read me like that, or that my trauma was so obvious that he could see it.
"I am not sure why Nick is behaving the way he is, but mine is something I am fighting," I told him not ready to talk about my war wounds.
"And what is that?" Jeff asked
"Myself," I replied as we got off at their floor.
"Why are you fighting yourself?" Jeff asked
"Because, battles don't always leave physical wounds," I replied
We left the elevator and Jeff we to proceed to the common room I put the steaks on the counter while Jeff went to his room. I was hit by a ping from the Mother followed by crying it was coming from Nick's room. Going to Nick's room what I saw made my heart just break. Nick was balled up in a fetal position crying in his sleep. Slowly making my way to him. I could see the tears as they ran down his face and pooled on to the pillow soaking it. My own pain was pushed aside and I focused totally on Nick. My senses were on over drive I couldn't stand to see anyone or anything in pain.
"Why!" Nick cried his voice was barely understandable because of his crying . I slowed my approach not wanting to wake him his bed covers were thrown aside and his amazingly sculpted chest was heaving in despair. I heard soft crying coming from behind me I turned to see Drew holding himself up against the door frame as if he was about to collapse from the grief.
"It's the same thing night after night he goes to sleep, and soon starts crying," Drew bawled
"He tries to hide it behind booze, but its not helping him," Drew cried leaving Nick's side and moving to Drew I grabbed him a pulled him to a hug.
I just held him allowing him to vent whatever emotions he has been walling up.
"I tr. I tried to be strong for him but every-time he goes to sleep he cries and it breaks my heart, I want to be there for my brother but I am at a lost," Drew cried
Not even thinking I let go of Drew and moved back by Nick's side. Kneeling down putting one hand on his naked chest right above his heart.
"What are you doing Mike?" Drew demanded he looked as if he was going to stop what I was doing but a part of him wanted me to continue because he hoped I could do something.
Closing my eyes I felt the Mother's love channeling it through me and into Nick.
A bright golden light starting in the center of my chest began to glow. It spread out until it enveloped me "Wow!" I was barely aware of Drew's awe.
The golden aura moved down my arm and began radiating out from my hand
"Mother, I call up on you this dark hour," I pleaded to her. The golden light starting over my heart traveled up to my shoulder, down my arm and transferred to Nick. First it centered on his heart slowly healing it and soon it began to engulfed my friend. The golden aura had transferred from me to Nick and was absorbed into his body when it had Nick stopped crying and his breathing became regular his natural beauty had returned replacing the darkness that hung over him just now. On his face no longer were there tears and the look of despair in his closed eyes but the return of serenity they looked more at peace and the topper was the smile appeared on his face it had replace the mournful display that was there and for the first time my friend Nick Lachey slept peacefully
I am sure for those who read this are wondering why Mike can't control his powers yet. I have often wondered how super heroes know how to use theirs so fast. It is like they find out they can fly and suddenly they are flying around the world. I know a lot of people like instant gratifications . In life we don't always get that lucky some have to work to get what they want. And it is never easy it is hard and painful. But there is always hope. And that is my hope you pick up on when reading this.
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