Disclaimer for "The Tales of Sol 90D"
Author: 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 that any other celebrities mentioned are homosexual. If you are not old enough to read these stories, please refrain from doing so. The same applies to those in countries where such content is illegal. For everyone else, enjoy!
Copyright Notices:
Captain Planet and related characters were created by R.E. Turner and are copyrighted by AOL Time Warner Company and trademarked by TBS Productions.
Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and are copyrighted by Warner Bros.
Star Trek and all related characters were created by Gene Roddenberry and are copyrighted by Paramount.
Transformers and all related characters and props are trademarked by Hasbro Inc. and copyrighted by Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment Co.
He-Man, She-Ra, and related characters and props are trademarked by Filmation (1980s).
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and all related characters were created by Joss Whedon and are copyrighted by 20th Century Fox.
Batman and all related characters were created by Bob Kane and are copyrighted by DC Comics and Warner Bros.
X-Men and all related characters were created by Stan Lee and are copyrighted by Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.
Author's Note: To those who've been reading "Tales of Sol," I want you to know that there is sex in this story. However, that is not its sole purpose. I hope the sex scenes are enjoyable, but the story is meant to express hope and show how music can impact our lives. My favorite bands, 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys, and Nsync, have seen me through some of the hardest moments of my life and offered hope. To them, I say thank you.
I dedicate "The Tales of Sol" to all my brothers and sisters of the US Armed Services, past, present, and future. I also want to thank my friends who helped with editing and inspiration: John Rivera, Albert-Russ Alan Rivera-Odum, Derbe D. Hunte, Yvette Ortiz, and Samuel Diaz Jr.
Special thanks to:
James, author of "Tales of a Real Dark Knight"
Blake, author of "Tales of a New Phoenix"
Jeremi, author of "Tales of Young Mutants"
AI Use Disclosure: I have entered the 21st century of AI editing, 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.
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 90
Mechanical and Flesh Priorities
The next morning I had to get to the Geothermal Plant.
Dave greeted me when I pulled up in my truck, Dave smiled "Hey Mike how are you doing?"
"I can't wait for Brian to return from Europe," I answered
"Ah finding the bed a wee bit empty?" Dave asked
"Just a bit," I blushed
"You at least made contact with Brian via telepathy," Dave sympathized
"I didn't say much outside, `I love you,' to him and just wanted Brian to know I was still with him," I answered
"That is more than most people get normally Mike," Dave's sympathetic response made it easier.
Then Dave turned to remind me, "Don't worry he'll be home sooner than you know it," Dave attempted to cheer me up.
"Now I know how sailor wives feel when their husbands leave for sea duty," I commented
Trying to change the topic, "Any ideas on who it might be watching you?" Dave asked
"None I am making discreet inquiries I don't want to tip them off just yet, that I am well aware of their activities even if I am not sure who they are or why they are following Mike Pennock," I replied
"I think I should look into my source to see if they can find out anything," Dave suggested
"If these people know about me they more than likely know all about you too Dave," I reminded him
"I have thought about it and while I don't think they made their way here I can't discount it either," Dave acknowledged
We began our tour of the plant. Dave talked to every employee. We didn't have anything as exciting as the last time we did this Jared was back to his normal self and he was a very hard worker. Jared made sure to tell me that Sarah absolutely loved her doll. I told him in the future just come to me with Dave interjecting "Next time come to us," as we walked off Dave reminded me that because of me, that is, Guardian's actions, more than one family was reunited and having Jared back is another defeat for the Pie Piper. That was still a tedious process. Many of the children have been lost for decades it seems and many families they had were either dead or had given up hope of ever finding them.
By the time we finished today's inspections, the day had ended and I was once again in the thick of things when it came to Optimus.
This whole business with Optimus was serving another purpose. I was distracting myself from missing my lover. On my way back to the Lair, Brian called me and we talked for a good while. Brian even confirmed that He felt my presence and it greatly helped him. Knowing I was always in the back of his mind made him feel that we were still connected which made it easier for him to sing.
Upon arriving at the Lair via subway from home I returned to the Lair's repair bay where the metal giant laid the immobile. Optimus was an amazing sight really and except for the big gaping hole in his side he looked great externally anyway.
Internal was another story Optimus had massive damage including some that I had done while trying to fix him. "Okay girl where have we left off?" I asked BEATTI.
"The last thing done was getting his power supply back up and running," BEATTI reported.
Hooking Optimus directly to the hydroelectric generator even in the cold and the ice covering there was still a decent flow of water going over the turbine to keep the generator going once the ground thaws. As the power transfer to Optimus began I followed its flow to see where power was going. This also helps me find breaks in the Autobot's power relays. I terminated the power just so I could replace several broken wires along Optimus' infrastructure. This alone was a long and tedious process but I was happy with the progress. I went to my new stockpile of Sentinel parts where I had BEATTI make contact with Telatraan1.
So we could make sure these parts were going to work for the Autobot. While I waited for Telatraan to make the necessary changes I stepped outside to feel the cold air against my skin. It helped me concentrate. I returned a short time later BEATTI after Telatraan1 to make sure the spare parts I was using were compatible with Optimus's systems. I was installing the components and connecting wires to them. I heard a very reassuring buzzing noise running throughout Optimus's body.
It was about six wires later that Optimus's circuits made a bleeping noise. I looked up and his eyes were flashing blue and his head now looked directly at me. I connected another series of wires and Optimus's eyes stopped flashing and were now a solid glowing blue.
His mouth plate began moving up and down, at least it was an activity I wasn't sure if the robot was trying to talk. Without sound, Optimus could simply try to loosen his stiff gears. I bent back down again and connected a couple more wires, which got Optimus making noises himself. It was more of a static than words but at least I was able to confirm that he was trying to speak. I connected even more wires than I could hear his computerized voice trying to make out words or something like it.
"BEATTI download our language files to Optimus," I ordered
"Yes, Sir," BEATTI complied. I connected even more wires and moved around circuit cards,
I heard a buzzing, almost broken voice, "Wh, wh, what ha, hap, happened?" I turned to see him speak
I was jumping for joy, I had managed to fix Optimus Prime "I don't know what happened to you," I told him
In a deeply rich and filled with bass, yet mechanical voice only a leader can possess, "Where am I?" Optimus asked
"You are on the Planet Earth," I told him
"And before you ask more questions I need to know how you are feeling?" I queried
"I am feeling better thank you," Optimus informed me.
"How long have I been offline?" The Autobot asked
"This is going to be hard to hear, but roughly 4 million years have gone by since your ship crashed on Earth," I answered
"How did you find us?" Optimus Prime inquired
"I have a very smart computer who spotted your ship using one of this country's satellites, and I have a friend who confirmed that there was something, but we weren't really sure what we would find," I honestly answered
"That is understandable, our battle with our enemy the Decepticons, left me the only survivor and I am grateful for your assistance," Prime's gracious words made it difficult for me to even come to terms with Optimus's loss.
I went back to fixing him up with him talking now I could now more accurately narrow down his damages. As the work went on we both continued talking. I expressed my condolences for the loss of his crew. He told me all about a planet called Cybertron and I told him about Earth including what I had stored up in my head thanks to Sol.
As the work progressed I had to broach the subject of one of the reasons I needed his help.
"Optimus I hate to ask you this especially while I am repairing you, but I must ask you for help," I finally asked
"How can I aid you?" Optimus asked
"There is a group of humans on this planet who feel it is their right to judge others. They call themselves the Friend of Humanity. They have taken it upon themselves to hunt down and kill a group of people known as mutants," I told him
"If you want me to hurt them I must tell you I can not do it," Optimus told me
"It's not them that I need help with, Optimus it is their Robotic hunting party that I need help with," I told him I walked over to one of the monitors "BEATTI display Pennock 010," I ordered
On the screen were the images of mutants fighting off one Sentinel; most of them were losing the fight. Images of the Sentinels harming innocent people from all walks of life.
"Optimus, these metal monsters are called Sentinels. They are built to do battle with mutants and they are vicious. They've killed both mutants and normal humans alike," I told him.
He just looked at the records, "I am one the few who actually deal with them anyone who tries,"
"If that is true then what do you need of me?" Optimus asked
"Even with all of my powers I still can only do so much; especially since I have to be careful with others around," I told him
"I understand and I need to think about it," Optimus replied
That was all I could ask of him so I went back to fixing some of Optimus' damage.
It was about several hours later when even Optimus sent me away. "Not you too," I laughed even with all the help I gave him. It was going to take another couple of days for Optimus to be fully functional. Before I left I had BEATTI interface with him and download everything about Earth. The amount of information should at least keep Optimus from getting bored.
When I got home Jake demanded that I make him dinner. "What can't you make your own?" I mocked
"I tried it once and the last thing I remembered was you telling me that I wasn't allowed to cook in your kitchen again," Jake remarked
"That is because you almost burned down our home," I laughed
"It wasn't as big as you make it out to be," Jake complained
"Oh it wasn't just large enough to be seen from orbit," I laughed again
"All this time you are wasting on me can be better put into making us dinner," Jake pointed out
"Yes sir," I mocked saluted
I made us a spaghetti dinner while Jake set up the table "So how is Optimus Prime coming along?" Jake asked
"He's back in the Lair going over the information I am having BEATTI show him," I answered as I brought dinner out to the table.
It took a moment for it to register, "He's awake?" Jake amazed
"Yes thanks mostly to the Sentinels," I replied
"Who would have thought you would be thanking what you consider a scourge of technology," Jake commented as he grabbed the iced tea.
"They are but their parts have come in handy and they make nice park benches," I responded
"Really I haven't sat on one made by them," Jake laughed
"How are things with Dana?" I asked wanting to get off the topic of Sentinels for one night.
"She is amazing I can't believe she is for real," Jake swooned
"Dana has said pretty much the same thing," I deadpanned
This made him blush "And how about you and Brian?" Jake asked, trying to turn the tables on me. I huffed
"I miss him," I growled. I knew he was out doing what he loved and I would never ask him to choose between me and his career. It didn't stop me from missing though.
"Hey he'll be home soon," Jake reassured feeling bad that he brought my boyfriend up.
"I know and I await his arrival but it had a lesson the pain my heart feels for his absence," I commented
"And as the old saying goes Mike 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder,'" Jake spoke this was one of the few times where he's shown some seriousness when we are together.
"Thanks," I smiled. We ate and after cleaning up we went to bed. And when I would often have a nightmare tonight I dream of my other half.
Howie paced back and forth on the balcony. He wanted to tell his friends everything but he wasn't sure he'd.
"No Howie me sweet you shouldn't," Hades appeared before him
"Hades!" Howie growled
"I know, I know you hate yourself for saving Brian's life," Hades snickered
"I don't regret that, I regret being turned into your person puppet," Howie growled
"But you are so good at being my puppet and the sex is also good," Hades grinned
All Howie wanted to do was throw up thinking about what it was he had to give up to save Brian's life not that he regretted it.
"And when this world is mine I promise Howie that you will be made part of it and your band will be able to sing their heart out," Hades said
"And none of them will have to worry about hiding themselves from the public ever again," Hades went on.
Howie wasn't sure he liked the sound of that, "No you don't but that is ok we will talk again when I rule this miserable mud ball," Hades said then vanished
The woman walked into an unseemly-looking office "Sir here is the latest of the Guardian," She handed her report over to the stern-looking man.
"Good I want to know everything there is to know about him and what he is truly capable of," the man complimented
"Sir we should watch him at NAS Willow Grove we can easily put someone on the base and watch Guardian in his military attire, and we can also have someone infiltrate the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant his," the woman suggested.
"Negative, we know his boss has had several run with us both in hero days and as the businessman plus we also are very well aware of his connections, Dave Matthews has his own resources that would surely see through our spying" the man countered
"If we try to spy on the Guardian at his job then he will surely know we are watching him and as for the military base that too would be a bad place to watch him, someone there would likely spot us that is a chance I don't want to take," the man answered
"Understood but if we keep this up the Guardian could get suspicious," the woman stated
"It is possible he knows already but either way for now just `observe'," the man wrapped up the meeting.
I was back in the Lair's repair bay and Optimus Prime was still going over the information I had sent him.
"How are you this morning?" I asked
"I am fine thanks again to you," Prime regarded me
"I am glad to hear that I hope to get your legs and transformation systems working today," I told him
"Mike you have done too much already," The Autobot said
I climbed his stomach again and opened the panel that gave me access to his legs and began to remove all of the damaged and destroyed components.
"I do have to thank you for bringing me up to speed in your world. It has much to be commendable on," Optimus Prime said.
"I know it does, I just wish some of its children could see it that way," I sighed.
"You speak as if you are responsible for them?" Optimus regarded my words
"Well as the Earth's guardian I have an obligation to her children as well," I told him
"I wish we transformers were also more respectful to our world Cybertron," Optimus stated I looked at him
"Our war with the Decepticons has drained much of our world leaving it as much as a dead world as any lifeless rock," Prime said
I shuttered "That is what I fear that humans of Earth will do to her, if they continue on the path they are on now," I remarked
I jumped off of the Autobot to get some parts that I salvaged from the Sentinels "How did you acquire these parts you are putting in me?" Optimus asked
"From the Sentinels I fight I hate them and everything they stand for but their internals are no different than yours," I told him
"When you speak of these Sentinels I have to wonder if you hate all machines," Optimus Prime questioned
"Oh no, when it comes to technology or mechanics, I have nothing but praise for most of them," I quickly responded
"And as much as I complain about my AI, BEATTI she is a great help when it comes to my fight against the darkness and man-made destruction," I told him
"I see and these Sentinels?" Optimus Prime inquired
"For thousands of years humans have created great beauty and great acts of horror," I told him Optimus looked at me
"What these Sentinels are is nothing short of fear and hate manifested in the form of a machine," I fumed
"I can understand that," Optimus finally understood my resentment toward the Sentinels.
"I hope you don't misunderstand my feelings towards machines or AI," I resented myself for making even this new friend feel unconformable
"No from the way you speak I can see that you don't hate Sentinels in general but what they represent," The Autobot remarked.
"And if that is why you want me to help you take them out then I will do all I can to help," Optimus stated
"Thank you Optimus Prime,"
"Now try your legs," I suggested. Optimus tried to move his legs and they moved a few inches but it was a start.
Looking in the compartment as he moved "Hold up I think I found the problem," I told him I found a linkage that was beyond repair so again I went to the Sentinels and pulled what I needed and replaced the useless component.
With a strained groan, Optimus Prime's legs moved their full length and were fully functional again. I could almost see the joy on the robot's face, although I couldn't tell if he was smiling. "Ok, let's try again. For all their faults, those robot rejects make exquisite parts that I can put to better use repairing the honorable leader of the Autobots," I commented with pride at saving Optimus Prime. "Thank you again,
Mike. You are quite the technician," Optimus cheered.
"My pleasure," I said as I wiped some sweat off my face and on the pair of coveralls I had on.
"You should go rest Mike," Optimus suggested.
In an annoyed glance, "Ok I have to put up with one AI telling me what to do I don't need two," I mocked angrily
"Fine, how about your mentor?" I turned to see Dave coming into the repair bay
"Optimus Prime, I would like you to meet my mentor Dave Matthews," I introduced.
"Dave Matthews, I would like you to meet my newest friend Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots," I redirected my introduction.
Dave gave Optimus Prime a cheerful smile. This was a sight to behold. Dave knew how dedicated Mike gets and the Autobot Leader was proof of his young protege's determination, "So you're the one who has occupied my student," Dave said
Moving his arms around he got them to loosen up, "He has done a great job," Optimus remarked.
With a prideful scold, Dave said, "That he can, but he needs to remember, when to take breaks,"
I couldn't go anywhere just yet, we finally arrived at the most critical moment in Optimus's repairs "I have to see if I got transformation mechanisms working again before I can call it a day," I urged the both of them. This was a pinnacle moment, I still had to repair Optimus's weapon systems but they weren't as important as this.
Dave regarded me he was absolutely proud even if Optimus Prime wasn't able to transform yet, Dave knew Mike too well not to expect it to happen, Dave smiled and conceded, "Actually Optimus I am glad to see you doing as well as you are. Even if you aren't able to transform yet, If it were anyone but Mike here, they would have given you up as a lost cause,"
"Really?" Optimus Prime questioned
"Yes my young friend doesn't know the meaning of the word," Dave's comment touched me deeply
"It is just too easy to give up when the going gets tough," I said.
"Well I can think of one thing that might make you stop working," Dave smirked
"The Lair's, imminent destruction?" I inquired
"Well that too but no Brian's plane will be landing in a few minutes," Dave answered
"Who is Brian?" Optimus Prime asked
"My boyfriend," I answered
"Oh that is wonderful then I won't keep you from meeting him," Optimus remarked
"Can I at least see if you can transform?" I asked
Optimus moved to get off of the bed he was on and then he tried to transform Dave and I watched as Optimus struggled to change his form. We could hear his gears as they tried to work again after four million years of motionless activity, "Come Optimus you've got this!" I exclaimed as I tried to encourage Prime to change into his vehicle mode.
Dave was there fist pumping as he watched his protege's diligence in action "That is it Optimus Prime you can do it"
Dave and I both said words of encouragement and it took a few moments but Optimus Prime was able to make the change into that semi-cab. I jumped for joy as Optimus transformed back to robot mode. Prime did it again but this time it was a very smooth transformation from truck to robot.
"Thank you Mike it feels good to be back to normal," Prime said
"It is my pleasure Optimus," I smiled
"Well done Mike," Dave praised, he was all smiles then he hardened his stare, "now go get a shower and meet Brian before he kills me for not sending to pick him up," Dave ordered.
"Yes Mike I've kept you long enough," Prime commented.
Knowing when I was outnumbered "Ok thank you both I'll be back to finish whatever repairs still need to be done," I reassured "Or I can stay and help Optimus," Dave recommended. I just smiled and left for my stateroom and got a shower. I did want to see Brian.
I got home before the Backstreet Boys were supposed to arrive in Philadelphia I made dinner for all of us but I set aside two plates for Brian and I
Once I was done I went to take another shower. I got out to make the dinner I had planned for Brian and me. I was going to make extra for the rest so they don't complain. This was pretty much what I did all day getting ready for the date I had planned. The sun began to set. I went outside to lower the flags, bringing each one at a time. I came back outside and touched the ground thanking the Earth for all that she has given me.
I went back to the kitchen and the dinner had just finished when I ran downstairs and called out "Let the Power Combine!"
I felt the rush as Sol made me whole again. I grabbed our plate and flew out to the Appalachian Mountains. Picking the perfect spot I held out my hand a table formed as did a set of chairs I set the plates of food on the table and knelt on the ground asking the Planet above to keep an eye on our dinner. I felt her saying she would let no harm come to it. I chuckled then took off to the sky flying to meet Brian who should be walking off his plane.
When I landed I heard "I can't wait to see what Mike has in store for me," Brian say excitedly
"Psst." I tried to get his attention without laughing.
succeeded and he came my way "What are you doing here?" Brian asked into the dark.
"Hey, Brian what's happening?" AJ asked.
"I think there was a change in my plans, " Brian laughed
"You ready?" I asked.
"I am all sweaty," Brian complained I snapped my hand, and in an instant he was clean He looked amazed at himself
"Now you ready?" I asked
"I guess so," Brian replied.
"Good," I said holding out my hand
"What? If you think I am going up there, with you? You are crazy." Brian laughed
"That I am crazy for you, Trust me this is the only way to get there." I smiled.
"Ok but if you drop me," Brian laughed.
"You will give a whole new meaning to falling for me," I smiled.
Brian lightly hit me "I will see you guys soon," turning to the rest, Kevin smiled when he saw Brian and
me about to enjoy our spontaneous date night.
I said, "You guys also have a warm meal waiting for you as well,"
AJ was beaming with joy as they got into the Limo and drove off.
I took Brian in my arms then took to the air. Brian clung to me like wet clothes. "You can look, love. I would never let anything happen to you as long as I am breathing." I told him
"Mike sweetie I will look as soon as we land okay," Brian replied. Once we landed Brian let go I stepped back a bit
"The Power is Yours!" I let out. Sol retreated from my body I turned to see Brian lost in the view
"Wow this is amazing," He said in awe
"That is why I picked it, it is amazing what the Mother puts together," I responded holding out my hand
"You hungry?" I asked
"You bet," Brian, replied. I took him to the table where he sat in his seat. I sat in mine "This place is gorgeous even for the night." Brian commented.
"It not done yet," I said
"oh?" Brian gave me a questionable look.
Looking at my watch I said "Look up," he did and right on time we were blessed with a meteor shower
"Oh wow how did you know?" Brian asked.
"It is, as I told you, when we stop and look at the Earth it will give a warning that something is going to happen," I replied.
"It also helps when you are the keeper of Sol the Guardian Huh?" Brian smiled.
"Yes, it does but even before Sol I believe that the Planet was more than what her children think," I told him.
"It is just a little weird to think of this Planet being alive," My Lover replied honestly
"You are not the only one Love, there are millions who think this Planet's whole purpose is to sustain us," I said
"Hey I didn't mean to doubt you," Brian said quickly.
"I know Brian, but when you stop and look at the human race we have abused her, raped her, mutilated her, even burned her," I told him.
We finished our supper "Mike I never felt so stuffed before thank you," Brian smiled as he patted his belly. "
"I love you, Brian Littrell, from the bottom of my heart I would give up my powers for you," I told him.
"I love you too Michael Pennock there aren't words to describe how much I love you," Brian replied we then kissed each other.
The instant our lips touched the world literally lit up for us it was like something out of a fairy tale "Wow that was out of this world Mike I never felt anything like that." Brian said breathlessly.
"Tell me about it, I think my heart stopped for a few minutes," I told him. We went in for another kiss this time itself seemed to come to a halt. I was in heaven.
I wished the night could have lasted forever but unfortunately, it did. We cleaned up the area I used. I then transformed back to Sol taking us back home where the night finished off with the magic of love.
To be continued this is a long chapter I know, so much was happening from Optimus Prime coming back to life, to Mike and Brian having their first official date.
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All comments are welcome
I also recommend the following stories. It was because of them I got into writing in the first place.
"Tales of a Real Dark Knight" by authorjames
"Marvel Knights" also by authorjames
"Tales of the New Phoenix" by Blake
"Tales of a Superhero Band" by Leo
"Tales of a Young Mutant" by Jeremi
"Tales of a Thunder God" by Tony Justiss