Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 46 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com

This my second attempt to write so please tell me what you think. This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any members of the Backstreet Boys, Nsync or 98 Degrees are gay, or any of the other celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories do yourself a favor 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.

To those who've been reading Tales of Sol. I want you to know that while there is sex in this story. That is not is sole purpose and yes I do hope the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.

Sol is an adaption from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the Planeteers, The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if we took a few moments to care for it.

Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.

It is also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. While I don't know if my favorite bands 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys or Nsync have ever read this. They saw me through some of the hardest moments of my life and offered in their own way hope. To them I say thank you.

I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US armed service past, present, and future.

I like to thank my friends who I had the privilege showing these chapters with. They helped with editing and inspiration,

John Rivera, Albert-Russ Alan Rivera-Odum, Derbe.D. Hunte Yvette Ortiz Samuel Diaz Jr for all their help in Making The Tales of Sol an enjoyable story to write.

And I have a few other names starting with the beginner of this universe James the author of Tales of a Real Dark Knight. I still hope to reconnect with you dear friend and all the rest of this series.

Blake the author of Tales of a New Phoenix

Jeremi author of the Tales of Young Mutants

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

And now without any further ado I give you the next chapter of Tales of Sol.

The Tales of Sol 46 The Rotten Apple

I walked back despite AJ's advice. I decided to skip the train this time. I wanted to take in New York a bit more. As I walked the streets I heard a yelp followed by a growl. I knew the sound of a dog in distress when I heard one I followed the whimpers

"Come on you fleabag, get up!" I heard an angry voice. I turned a corner into an alleyway to see a dog laying on the road with three guys standing over it as they kicked it. "You rotten mutt!" one of them growled as he set to kick the poor dog.

I grabbed his foot. "What the hell!" He screamed

"Three against one," I snapped his leg around making his spin into my fist he went sailing into a pile of trash "You worthless mongrel," The less then a gentleman said as he stomped the dog's leg it let out a cry in pain.

I came up behind him and tapped on his shoulder "Excuse me," He turned his ugly gaze my way. Winding my fist up I socked the brute in the jaw sending him flying. I grabbed the last guy by his collar and spun him around.

I brought my knee to his stomach and made him cry in pain "Not fun when you are the one in pain is it?" I growled as he doubled over

"This is not your concern," I heard the guy I threw into trash say as he charged me with a bounce on my right leg performing a ninja kick, my left foot came smashing into the brute's chin sending him back into the trash pile. Several bags fell on top of him, I looked around and this time not one of them bothered to get back up.

I quickly moved to the dog. She was crying in pain. Gently I placed my hand on her wounded side, I was still a little weak from training with the X-Men but I sent enough into her that some of her wounds would heal. Her whimpering broke my heart gently I placed my arms under her and with care I picked the poor girl up "It will be alright little lady," I told the dog as I carried it out of the alleyway

"There is a vet this way," I heard and saw Rob Thomas as he walked up to us

There wasn't time to argue, "Show me, she is badly hurt," I requested as the dog continued to cry in pain.

"That was very brave of you," Rob observed as he guided us to the veterinary

"It will be okay little lady," I tried to comfort as she whined "It was nothing," I finally responded

"No it wasn't," Rob said as he got to the door. Letting me enter with my precious cargo.

As we made our way to the front desk "What happened," the girl asked as she came around the counter.

"A victim of animal abuse," I told her

"Who's yours" she demanded

"No Ms." Rob stepped up and said "My friend saved her from three bastards who did this to her," Rob came to my rescue

"Please miss she is badly hurt," I pleaded

"This way please," She directed as she lead the way I followed

"Thank you Mr. Thomas," I graciously said

"Rob please," we were intercepted by a veterinarian.

"Animal abuse?" He guessed I put the crying dog on the metal table.

"Three on one," I told him. The vet began to examine the dog

"Multiple lacerations and possible international injuries," he said as he ran his hands over her. The vet turned to Rob and I. "I will take it from here,"

"Can you save her?" I Pleaded

The Vet looked down and said, "I will do my best,"

Since there was nothing more we could do, Rob and I shook our heads and left the veterinarian.

"How about that coffee I promised?" Rob offered

"I really should get going," I said

"Please after what you just did you deserve a caffeine rush," Rob addressed

"Okay," holding up my hands in surrender I accepted Rob's kind offer

"I hope those friends of your know who they have with them," Rob smiled as he brought me to a coffee bar.

Before I could answer he ordered us a couple of mochas, "I think they have some ideas," I laughed

"That was still very brave of you," Rob remarked.

"I couldn't standby, and watch those lowlifes gang up on that poor dog," I shook my head in disgust.

"I don't blame you," Rob said after grabbing both our cups and bringing them to a table.

"So Mike, what bring you to the Big Apple?" Rob asked

"My boss, asked me to come here for special train," I told him

"Oh?" Rob asked

"Yes, I am Dave Mathew, thought it would be a jolly good idea if I learned additional skills," I smirked

"You know Dave Matthews?" Rob looked at me incredibly

"I am his bodyguard and personal assistant," I answered.

"That is awesome, he is a great person to work for. Even I know of his geothermal plant," Rob acknowledged

Taking a sip of my coffee it tasted very good, I thought to myself.

"And did you learn anything new?" Rob inquired as he took a sip of his coffee.

"You can say that," I said as I took a sip of mine "In any event after hearing that I had to come to New York, my backstreet friends insisted I stay with them," I snickered

"I take it you are having a good time with them," Rob laugh

"They are a hoot," I agreed

"They are that," Rob laughed "It has been sometime since I seen them maybe I should stop by,"

"I am sure they'd love the visit," I agreed. I felt a ping. I looked up in time to see one of the baristas, she was trying to reach for something on the top shelf. It wasn't able to support her weight and started to lean forward. Jumping up and I got there in time to pull her off.

It didn't take long for the whole shelf and everything on it to come crashing down. Sending bags of coffee and mugs and other items flying everywhere. Everyone jump out of the way. The closest tables were bombarded with goods. With one unfortunate patron's laptop getting wrecked when several large glass mugs flew into it. The shelves falling only added to the chaos as they made a very loud crashing sound, drowning out the sounds of shattering porcelain, and glass. Several coffee bags were forced open sending coffee grounds flying in all directions. It took a few moments for the dust and debris to settle the only sound to be heard was the air conditioner as it helped clear the air. No surface was spared there was a fine coating of coffee ground, shattered porcelain and the metallic paper from the coffee begs one everything.

Several patrons began coughing, clearing their lungs of dust and debris; some were still looking at the debilitate with gaping expressions as the whole scene finally sunk in for them.

I finally let the frantic girl go and she geared up as she looked at the mess around us, "I am so sorry," the girl gasped.

Her manager came running out "What in the world just happened?"

Trying to save herself from her actions she pointed a accusatory finger at me, "This guy caused me to knock the shelves over," The girl tried to blame me

In righteous anger Rob came to my aid, "That is not what happened," Rob told the manager,

"He just saved your life, and this is how you thank him by blaming him?" Rob gasped in surprise.

Feeling cornered and on the defense, "You don't know what you are talking about," the girl growled.

A female patron walked over brushing coffee grounds off her nice white outfit, stepped into the fray saying, "I saw the whole thing, you were climbing on that shelf, and it began to topple," the woman in a rescuing gesture the woman pointed at me, coming to my defense the patron stated, "This guy, grabbed you, just before the whole thing came crashing down," the woman snitched on the unfortunate girl.

The Barista was cornered as she looked around at the customers. Her face was flush red with a mix of embarrassment and indigenous the girl tried to look furious, "That is preposterous!" she continued.

My contact with the girl allowed my senses to see how the whole scene was supposed to play out. My actions ruined it. I knew the real reason she pulled this stunt.

"It wasn't me, you were hoping it would save you, was it," I said, pointing to Rob.

"You were hoping that it was Mr. Thomas, who would see you in trouble and wanted him to be the one to save you," I saw the surprised look on her and Rob's face. I had her pegged and she knew it but she tried to save her own hide.

The glaring look from the manager made her cave in when he demanded, "Is this true?"

Unable to contain herself the Barista hollered, "I love you Rob, I want to be your girlfriend," she finally cried trying to throw her arms around him.

In utter disbelief Rob's eyes shoot wide open, and he didn't know how to react to this crazed fan. He tried to get her to let him go. After breaking free of her crazy grip Rob got behind me to keep her away from him. She kept trying to get to Rob but I kept myself between them. She looked angry at me as if I was keeping her from her Prince Charming.

The manager who was full of indignant fury on the other hand, didn't even think twice "Erica you are fired!" The manager yelled.

That made Erica come to a halt,"But?" she gasped, she was shaking badly as if not believing any of this turning her rage on me,

"You did this!" Erica screamed as she advanced on me and tried to get to Rob hiding behind me. I stood my ground and refused to allow Erica to lay a hand on Rob.

"No, you did for being irresponsible, and risking the life, and well-being of others just so a star could get a hold of you," The female patron who had seen the whole this said

"This is none of your business!" Erica screamed

"But it is mine," The manager said "And I said pack your things and get out," he demanded. Since Erica couldn't get passed me and everything she hoped to achieve literally came crashing down Erica stormed off.

The rest of the coffee bar staff looked on in disbelief as they set out to clean up the mess Erica caused. Sweeping up coffee and broken mugs offering patrons free refills and even a cookie or brownie for their troubles.

When things started to calm down the manager turned to turn away from his ruined establishment, to me and Rob "Please accept my thanks and my humblest apology for all of this,"

As Rob finally came out from behind me I waved off the apology as it wasn't the man before me responsible "It was no trouble," I told him.

Taking responsibility for his coffee bar the manager looked me in the eye and said, "Yes it was, this was outrageous,"

Not even allowing me or Rob to play it all down, the manager said. "Your coffee is on the house," he went to the register, and told the barista to return Rob's money.

Turning to helpful woman "Thank you for your assistance," I greeted

"It was no problem in our line of work we see stunts like this all the time," the woman smiled "Rob was lucky to run into you the way to put yourself in the way so that loon couldn't get to him was commendable,"

I blushed at the compliment, I also forgot to introduce myself to the lovely lady who rescued me from Erica's character assassination.

"Mike Pennock," I greeted

"Bette Milder," I was actually shocked I had no idea who she was until she told me her name.

When Rob and I finally sat back down, another Barista came up to us her face was filled shame and embarrassment, "Please accept my sincerest apologies for all of this, Mr. Thomas," She turned her remorseful attention my way, "and you too sir, I should have never told Erica you were here," She apologized

"You had no idea she would do that," Rob said.

"That is not the point, Erica put herself, and others in danger there is no excuse for that," The Barista glowered. She gave us another round of coffee as well as returning Rob his money back.

The Barista turned a grateful and relieved expression on to me, "That was quick thinking," She thanked me.

"I just happened to be at right place at the right time," I simply said

When the Barista moved to help clean up.

Rob and I turned to look at each other. My poor celebrity friend was still coming to grips with the whole thing. I could see the embarrassment at the whole thing. I decided to make light of it. Humor was definitely needed right now,

"You did say I could use a rush," I said as I took a sip of my lukewarm coffee.

Rob looked at my calm and cool composure, not sure who Eric's or mine was the most disturbing, "You are supposed to get the rush from the caffeine in your mocha, not from crazed fans who want me," Rob grumbled.

Taking my hand in an apologetic and very appreciative of my actions in the whole fiasco.

"I am just sorry you put yourself in danger, because she wanted me to save her," Rob sighed

"Star struck people do the wackiest things," I shook my head in disbelief

Rob looked at me in somewhat disbelief, "I am amazed that you aren't all over yourself I assume you too are a fan," Rob said

"I love your music but you are Rob Thomas, and you are more than a singer many don't see that distinction," I held up my coffee towards him. I saw the blush at how I was not making it a big deal that he was a celebrity. "Not that I am not happy to finally meet you,"

We sat there talking now that excitement was over we got the chance to actually get to know each other.

Draining the last of our free coffee Rob smiled and said, "We better get going your friends are waiting for you,"

"You are a friend now too Rob and I hope we run into each other again," I responded by giving him a warm hug. This caught him off guard but unlike Erica who threw her arms around him, Rob accepted mine with gratitude.

As we were leaving the coffee bar we went in different directions. Rob had to return home and I was expected back at the studio. I felt another ping from the Earth. My head shot up, and saw a car sitting at the stop light, just as Rob went to cross the intersection. The driver of that car revved its engine and was gunning for him. There was no time to think, no time to raise my defenses, Honor was all that mattered. I quickly grabbed Rob and threw him to safety before it all went black.

Time had come to a crawl as Rob Thomas rolled on his stomach, trying to piece everything together. One moment he was crossing the street, the next he was laying flat on his back. Still in shock, Rob slowly put his hands under him and picked himself off the cold concrete. Getting up onto his still shaky legs. Rob looked bewildered as tried cautiously to get back up to his feet. From where Mike had thrown him. It didn't seem to register with the pop star and in disbelief Rob looked around trying to reorient himself. Trying to make sense of what just happened. His eyes fell on a traffic stop pole. A car had crashed into it, the front end crushed up against the body of the car and the street pole. There was glass everywhere but in the windshield. Flames licked out and quickly surrounded the car. As the flames traveled up the utility pole, people ran to the car and before anyone could reach. The whole pole came crashing down on top of the car which exploded on impact.

Wincing Rob still in a daze he watched the car street light pole burn. Rob still had no idea what just happened. It wasn't until he saw Mike's prone body, laying face down in the street that everything came together. "Oh my God! Mike!" Rob ran to Mike picking his friend up off the street, turning Mike around. Rob looked down at Mike's limp form, Mike's head fell back into Rob's arms, blood pouring out everywhere. "How did you? Why did you?" Rob stammered as he pulled Mike into a hug.

"Come on Mike, please open your eyes!" Rob cried he didn't know what else to do. A police officer ran to them "Sir help is on the way!" The Officer took Mike from Rob and started to perform CPR.

Helplessly Rob watched, "Mike, why did you?" Rob was shaking as the Officer tried to revive his new friend.

In the Lair Dave and Jake were going through the much larger Command Center adding all of the additions Mike had started. Dave was both very impressed and never realized how claustrophobic the old Command Center was. The two would walk around the Lair making minor adjustments to much larger rooms with Dave when Jake was out of site making callers to his contacts on procuring additional supplies for the newly renovated spaces. Mike left plans on the additions he was planning to implement once he got back from New York.

BEATTI called Dave attention "Mr. Matthews,"

Dave acknowledged "Yes BEATTI what is it?"

"There was an incident in New York," BEATTI reported

"There is always incidents in New York it is a big city," Dave waved off the news

BEATTI wasn't finished, "It involves Mr. Pennock he has been gravely wounded," the computer reported

Jake's head shot up as did Dave's "What!" Dave jumped out of his seat. BEATTI explained Jake was already tearing up "Don't worry Jake I am flying out, call Dana and Blaylock apprises them of the situation," Dave was already leaving for the Subway heading for the Geothermal Plant.

Brian was just coming out of the restroom with a song in his heart he couldn't wait for Mike to come to the studio. When a tear-stricken Nick came running "Brian!"

"What is it Nick," Brian was stunned by Nick's frantic pace

"There was an accident!" Nick cried

"What?" Brian asked, not sure what was going on

"Mike!" was all Nick got out before he broke down and began crying Brian 's heart stopped beating

"What happened?" Brian demanded

"Come on Brian, we've got to get to the hospital Mike needs us," Frank said as he pushed both Brian and Nick towards the exit.

Looking through Planetvision Gaia saw her champion as he was rushed to the closest hospital she was very proud of him. The Nexus has once again shown why he is her champion; his selfless act of saving someone was one such reason.

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com

All comments are welcome

on a side note all of this takes places after the events of 9/11 just so you all have a sense of chronological order and understanding. I began writing Sol after reading Tales of a Real Dark Knight while I was still in the Navy and have been working on it for the last 13 or so years.

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