The Tales of Sol 5 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com
This my second attempt to right so please tell me what you think. This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any of the celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories do yourself a favor don't get caught. The same goes for those people whose countries have these sites made illegal. And for everyone else enjoy
Captain Planet and related characters was created by R.E Turner and copyright by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions
Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyright by Warner Bros.
Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount
Transformers and all related characters, and props are trademarked by Hasbro inc. Copyright Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment CO
HE-Man, She-Ra, related characters, and props are trademarked by Filmation 1980's
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.
Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.
X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.
The Tales of Sol 5 The Lair
The day had dragged as they always did when you are eager for it to end, but when we were finally finished for the day Dave lead me back to his office hitting a few commands into his keyboard a section of the wall slid open revealing a secret stairwell. A short trip down the flight of stairs we came to a platform with a subway car resembling one from the 1940's waiting for us. Boarding the subway it took off with a impressive speed, much faster than most mass transit subways were permitted to achieve. It was another twenty minutes till we came to the end of the line and stepped off onto exiting platform. This lead to another stairwell that had more of a military appeal to it ones I've seen on ships throughout the fleet. Built to be rugged but had no estic appeal to it when we reached the top we came to a steel door and judging buy how large and solid it looked it looked to be at least three feet of solid steel. Which is typical in a military installation Dave confirmed this by saying, "This place used to be a nuclear missile silo complex back in the Cold War and when they closed it down I bought it,"
Once inside and I got a good look at the corridor I knew the class, while never seeing one in person I've seen schematics "Titan class missile silo if I am not mistaken," I said remembering the configuration. The shock look on Dave face was priceless he said, "I guess you would know,"
Coming up to an elevator with equally thick doors as the subway entrance Dave informed me this would take us to the Command and Control section of the silo. Most of the equipment was still in place and Dave just made some small modifications to make them work for him, when the elevator's doors opened again it revealed a large room.
"This is the heart of this complex the Command Center," He stated when he came to the main section
There was a large screen in the middle and several smaller monitors all around us each looked like they data back to the 1980's probably top of the line in their day.
I saw computer monitors everywhere it was the standard size for a Titan class missile silo where dozens of Air Force personal would be stationed so they could monitor every aspect of the silo complex and to launch the warhead if called to do so.
"Each of these monitors is set to survey a different part of Philadelphia and the outlying suburbs,"
"I have a very simple computer system which control this place," Dave told me
"Well I can see how I can help here," I smiled
"How's that?" Dave asked
"I need to bring you into the twentieth first century," I smiled
"Oh, how so?" Dave was actually intrigued
"If you can get me the supply I will do the rest," I told him
"Just tell me what you need," Dave responded
"Cool," I told him
"Ok, let's continue the tour," Dave agreed
Leaving the Command Center through another pair of hatch on the far side of the complex we came to a short hallway leading to another segment.
This complex design apparently was divided into three separate section again this would have been in where the crew was slept it also would have been where the surface egress would have been. With it beginning so close to the surface this is where the antennas would be housed. "This is the Lair's lab and below us is the communication center," Dave stated as he opened the hatch and we entered another sizable room once again, my mind was racing with ideas on how to make this better and more efficient the possibilities were endless.
We moved up another flight of stairs into a very large library with an assortment of books again some of them appeared to pretty old it at also looked as though this is where Dave storied his logs as well. I thought about updating this too but figured that the books would be left alone I knew better then to mess with history. Plus you can never go wrong with having hardcopies of logs and information. We exited the library leaving the complex coming to another passageway that lead to the silo itself. We had to take another elevator down to the very bottom of the silo. The room we got off at used to be where the exhaust from the missile went now Dave had it as power center I could hear the generators "What are you using to power the Lair?" I asked
"Steam I had special crew brought in to tapping the underground water and I had them make a small geothermal pit constructed we recycle the steam by transforming it back into water, which supplies the Lair," Dave informed
"Cool," I said I also thought of way to augment this power system but waited to tell Dave when we finished the tour. I saw an unmarked door so I asked "What that?"
"That is where I stored the fuel for my vehicles before they became obsolete and fell to disrepair," Dave informed
"Wow," I awed
"So how do you get from place to place via public transportation?" I asked
"No in fact I will be honest I haven't been doing a lot of patrolling lately because of the lack of mode of transportation," Dave confessed
I shook my head we continued the tour into another empty room "What this?" I asked
"I am hoping you would know since I have no idea what I wanted to do with this room," Dave laughed
I had an idea but it could wait till the time was right.
We moved to the next level of the Lair it had various vehicles in it most of them looked like rust buckets I could tell that Dave didn't use them as often as he had like.
The next level was the armory, which had various hand-to-hand weapons all looked as if they hadn't been used in years given their poor upkeep. I could see Dave's walking stick sitting in the corner which looked to be the only weapon that didn't look all rusted and forgotten.
The next level was the Galley it too looked in bad need of repair before going farther I turned to Dave hoping not to offend my new friend, "Forgive me Dave but Lair isn't turning out as I was expecting," I confessed
He sighed in disappointment not at my comment but at his lack of care, "I know after I lost my last apprentice I haven't had the heart to hold this place together," I could see it in his body language he had lost all heart for this place and it seems that his lost apprentice only furthered that distain.
"What happened?" I asked
"He was killed several years ago when we took on a crime boss I was cornered, and he was pushed into an oncoming train," Dave told me
"Since then I haven't had the heart to continue, but for some reason last night I couldn't stop myself," Dave sighed again
I cringed feeling bad for the guy, and it did explained this place I've seen many Sailors and Marines lose heart when they've taken too many beating I was one of them truth be told.
"Mike this is why I brought you on board I know in my heart you can pick up where I left off," Dave told me
"I am hoping, and praying you will pick up where I left off," Dave pleaded
"This city has been without a protector in such a long time," Dave sighed
"Surely there, are others out there?" I asked
"Yeah but none with my resources," Dave sighed
"Let's see the rest of the Lair," I suggested
The next level was a recreation center with a complete gym.
The next two levels were empty but it got me thinking about what to do with them.
"Ok Dave I here and now I swear by the Mother's hand that I will do what I can," I told him
"Thank you Mike," Dave smiled
"So where do you want to begin?" Dave asked
"Let's start by fixing up the Lair and let fate tend to itself," I told him
"Ok let's begin, there how do you want to start?" Dave agreed
"Hum," I thought
"Let's get back to the command center," I told him
"Sound good," We left for the command center.
"What is the first thing you want to do here?" Dave asked
"Well..." I started
Three months passed since Dave first brought me in on his past experiences as the Phantom. We sparred in between construction and upgrades so Dave could accurately gauge my fighting style and helped me improve on areas that I didn't often use. He had my mediate so to make my connection to the Earth stronger so I could understand the pings better and how to use them in a fight or other such occasions. As for the Lair he pretty much let me have the run of the mill he knew just the right people to contact and as did I. Using my contacts within the service I was able to procure items that Dave could not. I was able to bring much of the Lair up to date with the help of the people Dave brought in to make it happen. I was amazed how many people knew of the Lair and how many could keep it a secret. We got the Lair's research lab up to date, as well as the galley and recreation center. I had a segment of the recreation center walled off for a later project. I was able to have a terminal put in the library that had secure connection to the Library of Congress. I even had Dave bring in a crew to erect solar panels and wind turbines to augment the geo-pit power demands. I also had trees planted in and around the Lair as they grew they would hide the ground level entry from orbital surveillance. The whole process and rebuild was somewhat daunting at first because I was getting eager to make a difference. I had to remind myself several times that it will be worth the wait. I used my contacts in the service to bring people who knew how to convert the two top levels of the silo into living quarters with top level in the style of Navy barrack living quarters. While the level below it was converted to look more like a ship's berthing with rack giving the Lair the ability to house close to a thousand people if the need ever arisen.
Wiping the sweat from my brow and still feeling the tingles from the last wire connection I made. I groaned as I got out from underneath the master control panel and stood up then approached the master keyboard and began typing a series of commands. Putting the last touch to my latest project if she works she would be my first attempt at creating artificial intelligence. After typing a few more algorithm and after seeing the main viewer began flashing various colors and displays around it began flash in sync with the main trying to comply with its own central processor I smiled then said, "Ok BEATTI time to rise and shine,"
There was a series of beeps and blips then a crackle and static, "Come on," I whispered
The static continued for a few more minutes then the voice of Majel Barrett the voice of the Starship Enterprise came over the speakers "Good Morning sir," I heard her first sentence and I was floored I even had my
BEATTI is an acronym it's short for Binary Engineered Artificial Thinking Transforming Intelligence
She is my first attempt at AI and it appears that I was successful.
"Status?" I asked
"All system working within normal parameters," She replied
"How is it going?" I heard from behind me
"See for yourself," I told Dave
Dave surveyed what three months has produced and I could see the pride in his eyes "Mike I must admit when you told me three months ago you could turn the Lair around I was a bit skeptic,"
Just with the Command Center alone Dave could tell how far we've come from the latest in liquid crystal displays, touch screen keyboards, to multi tracking digital camera security system. The entire Lair is network of fiber optic and high speed cable control, and I had sound power telephones installed in all areas of the Lair for a more secure internal communication in case of an emergency.
Dave began calling up every display for the Lair and was amazed at what I was able to accomplish with the help of the team that Dave assembled not to mention the guys from the service I had help me.
"I am truly impressed I haven't seen the Lair like this in nearly twenty years," Dave admired
"Ok phase one is complete," I told him
"So what is phase two?" Dave inquired
"Finding my code name and outfit," I told him
"That can wait till tomorrow we have that staff meeting coming up and I need you to at your best," Dave told me
"Beside according to computer logs Mr. Pennock has been working nonstop for the last 17 hours 53 minutes and 23 seconds," BEATTI chose this moment to pipe up
Dave turned to me "Mike,"
"Dave don't start this is nothing compare to the work I am use to doing," I interrupted
"In the Navy, and I bet they wouldn't have you go on like that if they want you to be at peak efficiency," Dave rebuked
"But they've never got in my way when I had a job to do," I countered
"Mike you have done a great job but you need to remember to take a break every once and awhile," Dave pointed out
As much as I hated to admit to it he was right but I still had too much stuff to do. I still haven't decided what to call my alter ego was going to be nor what he was going to look like.
"Dave I appreciate the concern but the `Needs of the Many, out way the Needs of the One'" I quoted one of my favorite Vulcan phrases
"True but any war veteran knows you can't fight a multi-front war," Dave pointed out
"Mike for someone believes that Earth does things at the appropriate time you are sure in a rush," Dave stated
"You know it's not I am in a rush to finish I am in a rush to matter," I told him truthfully
"You do matter Mike and if I am not mistaken you receive pings from the Earth to prove that," Dave spoke softly
"That true and still trying to figure out why the Mother picked me of all people," I responded
"That for another time right now we have that meeting in the morning and I'd like my bodyguard rested," Dave smiled
"Alright I am off," I conceded finally giving in I got home a few hours later I still couldn't believe that Dave helped get my home finished and in recorded timing too.
The next morning and after the bored meet I was back to work on the Lair one trying to wake up this board meeting was quite dull and I wanted to get to work. Hours later I heard "Mike, are you here?" I heard Dave but I was still under the console putting in more hard drives and video connections. "I am!" I answered "Did that thing start to eat you already?" Dave laughed "No just giving BEATTI a bigger memory capacity," I laughed softly "And he's been at it for the last five hours," BEATTI reported
"Ugh I've created a monster," I laughed "Mike we've talked about this," Dave scolded "I like to work is that so wrong?" I tried to plead my case
"It fine but I think you can use a break," Dave rebuked
"Fine what do you want to do?" I asked knowing this was one battle I wasn't going to win.
"Well you are supposed to be my bodyguard and I plan on going shopping.
"Gee for a straight man you do more shopping then the average gay man," I laughed
"I know but who better to help me shop then a gay man," Dave giggled
I just laughed and we headed out of the Lair we arrived at the Granite Run moments later.
Dave and I were going into a shoes store on the second level he was looking for a new pair of work shoes the one he wore looked like they were retired ten years ago. Which of course I pointed out on many occasions "I am so glad you decide to put those shoes out of their misery," I guffawed
"Quit picking on my shoes they are fine," Dave joked
"Dave you know I only do this to you because I care," I smiled
"I am glad you get such pleasure at expanse," Dave mocked anger.
I was about to respond when I felt a ping from the Mother which made me stop what I was saying and start looking around but I didn't see anything.
Dave noticed my distant look, "What is wrong?"
"I don't know," I replied
I felt another ping and my attention was drawn to a mall attendant he was pushing a pail down the hall and coming out to one of the intersection. He was mopping up the floor, and with his back turned away from the crowd he wasn't paying attention to what was going on behind him. At that same moment a little girl had wondered from her mother without thinking I ran in their direction. They were on an intercept course one that would send the little girl through a gap in the railing to a one story drop to the first level of the mall.
"Mike?" Dave asked
"By the Mother's Hand let me make it," I prayed going as fast as my combat boots would let me go as I ran for the stairs.
Just as the little girl passed the intersection the disaster played out just as I saw it in my head. The janitor not paying attention bumped into the girl through the gap in the railing a she began her express trip to the level below.
I made it to the top of the stairs from there I jumped over the railing grabbing hold of one the flags that was hanging off the ceiling. Swinging from the flag to midair I was able to intercept her in mid fall.
Bring her close to my chest, and holding her securely we both fell towards the tiled floors below. Landing feet first I tried to stop but the inertia we had was still too strong so I fell forward using free hand I tried to prevent me from falling onto the child I was attempting to save. While it didn't stop me it did allow me to roll. Ducking my head and protecting the child as best as I could under the circumstances I rolled onto my back, and I came up on my feet again skidding along the waxed tiled floors fall over again as continued on this wild ride in the mall. When I came back up on my feet the third time the momentum lessened enough that I could maintain my footing. But not enough to keep me from falling one last time and with my free hand out to brace for the fall we came to a stop. Rolling on to my back trying to catch my breath still feeling the adrenal coursing through my veins I just looked up at the ceiling for a few second. Still breathing heavily I thanked the Earth that I was able to reach her, still trying to catch my breath I rolled onto my knees and tried to get back on to my feet taking the time to quickly look the girl over. Despite the fact that I still held her firmly against my chest to make sure she was all right from what I could see besides a little scrape on her head she was fine. Of course I wasn't a doctor but the fact that she was still breathing made me smile
"Thank the Mother," I sighed I fell back down my body was still too charged to respond properly.
"Stacy!" I heard the child's name being screamed at our direction turning I saw the mother arms stretched out. Running down the mall towards us the sheer panic in her eyes was evident and etched in her ash white face. Dave was not too far behind her both raced towards us and behind them was mall security also running to the scene.
I tried once again to get up but my legs were still too wobbly and I fell right back down. "Stacy huh that a pretty name," I said as my breathing slowed down but not by much, and I tried once more to get on my own two feet by moving my right from a kneeling position to a more crouched one on it left to get a better footing and steady myself at the same time. The fact that I was now crouching was a good sign from there it was a slow but steady climb back up
The mother came running up "Thank you mister you're a real guardian angel!" She squawked
"It was my pleasure ma'am," I replied handing her daughter back to her. Relieved of the child my hands flow onto my lap and I bent over a little to steady both my breathing and my nerves.
"Stacy! How many times have I told you stay with me?" The mother cried pulling her into a motherly hug.
Dave came up putting a hand on my shoulder even thought I was still hunched over "Mike that was fantastic!" he awed the praise coming from him was just what I needed and I was able to straighten up.
"Tell me about," I huffed as my heart still pounding away in my chest and my breath still labored.
"How did you know?" Dave asked
"I mean we were twenty feet away?" Dave asked again
Before I could answer the Mall security team finally reached us "Thank you for your timely rescue," The one guard praised putting his hand out; I took it and shook it.
"I am just glad I was at the right place at the right time," I told him
"That was the most amazing thing I ever seen," The second guard squealed as he too offered his hand I accepted and gave it a shake.
"It was nothing any soldier would have done it." I replied trying to sound somewhat modest.
"Well we thank you again," The Guard thanked once I gave my statement Dave and I went back to shopping. But the woman's words came back to me "Guardian Angel?" I whispered
After getting Dave his shoes we left the Mall and headed home,
"Ok, Mike how?" Dave pried when we were well into our trip.
"The Mother," I said simple as if it answered all question
"How does the Earth fall come in to this?" Dave asked
"It is as I've been telling you Dave the Earth is always sending us hints and warnings when danger is upon us we just have to know when to listen," I told him
"When she sent the first ping it got my attention when she sent me the second ping and I saw both the janitor and the girl I saw the whole event in my head and knew what was about to happen," I told him
"I want you to continue your meditations and deepening that connection to the Earth with instincts like that Mike it will be essential especially with you fighting crime," Dave pointed out
"I agree and I think I have a name too," I told him
"What is that?" He asked
"I was thinking of Guardian Angel what do you think?" I informed him
Dave thought it over for a few minute saying the name a few time.
"Well?" I inquired
"I like it now we have to get you a costume," Dave replied.
Dropping me off at my place Dave waited till I was inside then drove off I got in and went straight to bed I didn't realize how tired I was until my head hit the pillow.
But that is when the nightmares hit and I again woke up in a cold sweat. Looking over at the clock it read two in the morning I tried to go back to sleep but it was futile I kept tossing and turning. So I went down stairs and just popped in a DVD not even paying attention to what it was.
It wasn't until the Babylon 5 logo came up that I realized what I was watching at this moment was `Grey 17 is missing'
I came to the part in which Marcus was fighting Neroon and I became intrigued with both his uniform and his weapon.
"Why not combine Mythology with Science Fiction?" I asked myself.
It wasn't a bad idea really I finished watching the show then tried to get some sleep.
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