The Tales of Sol 85A By 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 any of the other celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories, do yourself a favor and 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 were created by R.E Turner and copyrighted by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions
Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyrighted 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 1980s
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 were 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 there is sex in this story. That is not its sole purpose and yes I do hope the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.
Sol is an adaptation from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the Planeteers. The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if we take a few moments to care for it.
Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.
It also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. 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 whom I had the privilege of 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 is 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
I am adding a few more remarks. I have entered into the 21st century of AI editing, I have been 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.
AI Use Disclosure: I used GPT Workspace to generate some text for my story, Grammarly to check my grammar and spelling, Microsoft Copilot to write some code snippets, and Quillbot to paraphrase some sentences. I verified the accuracy and originality of the AI-generated content and cited the sources that I used for reference.
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 85A
Backstreet Back Alright
The crisp, fresh scent of snow filled the air, an unexpected yet unmistakable aroma in the surroundings. Courteous of Dr. Blight, with her penchant for chaos, her Moon Manipulator had conjured an instant blizzard for the entire Mid-Atlantic Region.
The ground had a blanket of snow that hadn't yet had the chance to melt. Despite this wintry intervention, the atmosphere around Veteran Stadium remained surprisingly pleasant. The aftermath of the blizzard was evident in the large mounds of snow piled at both ends of the parking lot, a stark contrast to the usual scene one would expect arriving at a concert.
When my Dodge Ram pulled into the parking area, along with Jake, Dana, and the notably reluctant Galan, we stepped out into this winter wonderland. Convincing the Mage to join us for the concert had proved to be a formidable task, akin to attempting to move the very mountains of snow before us. It took the combined efforts of Jake and his sister, employing their persuasive skills, to coax the reclusive Mage out of his comfort zone and into our adventure for the evening.
Our diverse group, comprising a hero, a mage, a vampire slayer, and an ordinary human, gathered together against the backdrop of a snow-covered stadium, ready to venture into the night and enjoy the music and friendship that awaited us. Despite the challenges and the unusual weather conditions, our spirits were high, united by the shared anticipation of the concert experience.
Galen was joining us for his first-ever concert experience, and judging by the sea of cars filling the venue, it was clear that tonight was set to be a spectacular event. Amidst the excitement and flurry of concertgoers, Galen's curiosity was piqued by the bustling activity surrounding Spectrum Stadium, prompting a question about the commotion there.
"And what is going on over there?" Galen inquired, gesturing towards the Spectrum Stadium with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
I took a moment to fill him in on the unique situation unfolding that evening. "The Veteran Stadium was chosen as the venue tonight for the Backstreet Boys concert, which coincidentally clashes with a WWE wrestling match at Spectrum Stadium. It appears neither party was aware of the scheduling overlap until it was too late, leading to this dual-event arrangement," I explained.
The confluence of two major events -- a highly anticipated concert and a wrestling match -- in such close proximity created an unusual and vibrant atmosphere, adding an extra layer of excitement to our night out. It was a night of entertainment diversity, bringing together fans from different realms under the same starry sky.
Jake's attention was captured by the towering structure of Veteran Stadium, its grandeur eliciting his admiration. "This is an awesome place to see a concert, and I'd much rather see your boys perform anyway," he commented, his enthusiasm for the concert over the wrestling match clear in his tone.
His comment drew a hearty laugh from me, appreciating his directness and the simplicity of his perspective.
Smiling appreciatively at his admiration for the venue, I acknowledged, "Yes, this stadium was indeed designed to accommodate events just like this, though it is indeed showing its age."
Jake's confession about his latent wish to attend the wrestling match didn't surprise me. "Though I do wish we could attend the Wrestling Match," he admitted, revealing a split in interest for the evening's activities.
Laughing in response, I offered a compromise for future outings, "Next time we can go," suggesting that while tonight was dedicated to the concert, there was always room to explore other interests, hinting at more shared adventures to come.
As we navigated our way across the parking lot, our aim was clear - to join the long queue of eager fans. I had envisioned giving Galen the full concert experience, immersing him completely by being part of the crowd and absorbing the shared anticipation. It was an essential part of what made live concerts so special, feeling the collective excitement and being amid the throng of fans. That was the plan, seamless and straightforward until a familiar face broke the continuity of our journey to the entrance.
Eric Cramer's sudden appearance halted us in our tracks. I remembered him all too well from my last visit to this venue with Jeff and the rest of 98 Degrees. His presence now, unexpected and unwelcome, signaled a shift in the evening's previously laid plans. My past encounters with Eric left little to be desired, marking him in my memory as someone best avoided. Yet, here he was, crossing paths with us once again, obliging us to navigate around this unsought interruption.
That particular encounter was not the memory I wanted to carry with me, especially considering it might have been the last time I ever saw Jeff Timmons. The only reason the night didn't end on a sour note was because of Brian, still dripping wet and wrapped in a towel, which painted a far more enjoyable picture in my mind. Just the thought brought a smile to my face and a subconscious, brief touch to my crotch as I reminisced about the more delightful aspects of that evening.
Eric Cramer's greeting was as insincere as I remembered, "Mr. Pennock, welcome back to Veteran Stadium," he announced with a contrived attempt at cordiality, trying his hardest to seem like someone of decency.
I had to physically restrain myself, biting my lip to keep the words I truly wanted to say at bay. Despite my better judgment, I managed a weak smile in response and muttered, "Thank you, Eric."
His artificial demeanor, evidently an attempt to charm or disarm, was wasted on me. If he thought his feigned politeness would have any effect, he was gravely mistaken. I was not so easily swayed by superficial gestures, especially coming from someone whose character I had already judged from past experiences.
I gestured towards my companions, introducing them with a wave of my hand, "These are my friends, Jake Morow, Dana Rachel, and her brother, Galen."
"Hello, hello!" Eric greeted, his enthusiasm visibly increasing at the prospect of acquainting himself with me and my friends. His voice took on a poetic tone as he offered, "Let me guide you past the lines. I hope you all thoroughly enjoy your time here."
On the other side of the door stood Tony Blake. His expression made it clear he was observing Eric's overt attempt to ingratiate himself with us along with trying to kiss up to me.
Striving for politeness, I managed, "Thank you, Eric," my smile strained by the effort to maintain courtesy.
Once ushered through, my smile transformed to one of genuine warmth, relieved and pleased to be in the company of the tour manager, appreciating the escape from an uncomfortable encounter.
Tony joined our group, and I took the opportunity to introduce him to my friends. "Tony, let me introduce you to my shipmate, Jake Morow, along with his girlfriend Dana Rachel, and her brother Galen."
Tony warmly shook their hands, featuring a broad smile as he greeted, "Hello, welcome to our show." Tony's gesture was a stark difference from Eric's because I knew Tony meant it and he wanted my friends to be here tonight.
Jake, never one to hold back, remarked sarcastically with a nod towards our recent encounter, "Do you guys always have such ass kissers as that guy?" He made a dismissive gesture towards Eric with his thumb over his shoulder.
In an attempt to clarify the situation and perhaps diffuse any tension, I quickly interjected, "That guy doesn't work with Wright Industry; he is an employee of Veteran Stadium."
Tony was evidently puzzled by the man's behavior as well. "Mike, would you care to shed some light on this situation for us?" he inquired, seeking clarity.
I began, hoping to provide some context, "Tony, remember the night Frank escorted me back to meet the guys formally?"
Tony nodded in acknowledgment, "Yes," signaling his recollection of the event.
He continued, reflecting on that evening's interactions, "I remember Frank's impression wasn't very favorable. I thought he was being overly critical."
Dismissing that notion, I clarified, "No, Frank wasn't being too harsh. That was the last time Jeff and I would ever see each other." The words were heavy with unspoken feelings of regret.
Catching the mood, Jake shot me a sympathetic look, aware of the unresolved emotions I harbored regarding Jeff Timmons. Hell, after all, Jake had fond memories of the times spent with 98 Degrees himself. They were great guys, and the memories, both good and bittersweet, lingered on.
The weight of the emotions tied to that night - a blend of good memories intertwined with the sad - necessitated a moment for me to recompose myself. I cleared my throat before continuing, my voice finding a steadier, more resolute tone despite the turmoil within.
My gaze found its way back to Eric, who remained engrossed in ingratiating himself with the fans around him. The sight reignited a flicker of annoyance as I recounted the events of that pivotal night. "Drew Lachey had arranged for one of their security guards to ensure I got a good seat for their last performance," I began, setting the stage for the ordeal that followed.
"Eric was manning the doors that night. He gave both me and the 98 Degrees' security guard a hard time," I continued, the memory clearly etched in my mind. "It was only after he discovered who the guard was employed by, and even more so when he realized who I was and who my employer was, that his demeanor abruptly changed," I explained, painting a picture of Eric's opportunistic nature and how recognition of status had dramatically altered his attitude towards us. This incident had left a lasting impression, revealing much about his character.
Jake, with an understanding nod, elaborated on my point, "That would be Dave Matthews, CEO of the Philadelphia Geothermal Plant and one of Veteran Stadium's top donors," he clarified the significant connection.
Tony, caught off guard by this revelation, admitted his ignorance of the situation, "Frank never told me that."
Seeking to lighten the mood and offer a more balanced perspective on the evening's events, I offered a shrug and a silver lining, "It wasn't all bad." I smiled faintly, reminiscing about the positive outcomes of that night. "Aside from the fact that I had a great time with both bands, the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant gained an amazing secretary out of the ordeal."
Jake caught on, "That Stacy chick?"
I nodded, "Eric was treating her equally bad I gave her Dave's business card she called and we hired on the spot, Stacy has been a top-notch secretary " I finished with a brilliant smile.
Jake, curious to understand the dynamics further, posed a direct question, "So what was the deal with him kissing your ass?"
Reflecting on the broader impact of the situation, I responded with a hint of satisfaction, "Eric gained a very important lesson about how to treat others." It was a succinct summary of the encounter's outcome, highlighting the importance of respect and integrity, regardless of someone's perceived status or background.
Dana was quick to catch on recognizing a snake for what it was. The nuances of Eric's behavior identified him for what he was--a sycophant with less-than-sincere intentions. Her observation cut through the facade, seeing past the veneer of Eric's greasy demeanor straight to the core of his character. With a wry chuckle, she remarked, "It seems like he did not get the memo, Mike. He was all up in your ass, and definitely not in a good way."
Her candid observation, shared with a hint of humor, underscored the transparency of Eric's actions to those who knew better, highlighting the shallow attempts at ingratiation that failed to impress anyone genuinely aware of his motives.
I shared a knowing glance with Dana, acknowledging her astute observation. "I was well aware of it," I assured her, wanting to make it clear that Eric's behavior hadn't escaped my notice.
Turning my attention to Galen, I felt it was important to address any concerns he might have about the encounter. "I don't want you to think this was typical," I expressed, hoping to alleviate any negative impression the incident might have left on him regarding such social interactions.
Galen, with a tone of reassurance, replied, "I have met Mages who had similar demeanors, and the Circle was quick to handle them with less grace and patience than you did." His words highlighted not only his understanding of the situation but also his own experiences with individuals of Eric's ilk, suggesting a broader context of dealing with duplicitous characters within his own circles.
Tony's reaction to our recounting of the events was one of visible anger, reflecting his strong disapproval of Eric's behavior. "I am disgusted to hear all this," he said, his frustration palpable. The depth of his indignation was clear as he added, "If I had been present, that bastard would have been fired on the spot."
His strong words underscored a no-nonsense approach to such unprofessional conduct, highlighting his commitment to maintaining a respectful and genuine environment, especially in contexts surrounding the events and people he was responsible for.
Tony's anger momentarily ebbed, not due to a lack of conviction, but because he was careful not to let any of it spill over onto me. It was evident there was a particular reason Tony had met us here instead of waiting for me at the dressing room.
"Mike, I need to speak with you before the concert," Tony stated, his tone serious yet infused with an underlying concern.
Despite the seriousness of his request, Tony was quick to offer reassurance about my friends' well-being in this situation. "I will make sure your friends get into the concert, but I need to see you for a moment too, Mike," he said, making it clear that while the matter he needed to discuss was urgent, he hadn't forgotten about the comfort and enjoyment of my companions.
With that, Tony gently ushered us out of the area, his actions reflecting his role as both a guardian of the event's integrity and a considerate host to us, balancing professionalism with personal care.
Jake lightened the moment with a touch of humor, noting the unfolding situation with a chuckle, "Mike's job is never done." His jest played on the constant adventures and unexpected duties I seemed to find myself in, offering a moment of levity amidst the more serious undertones of our evening.
As we neared the door that led to the area where the performance was set to take place, we encountered a tall and lanky man donning business attire emerging from behind the door. Catching sight of Tony's visibly displeased expression, he couldn't help but inquire about the situation, "Is everything okay?"
Tony, with a resolute tone that left no room for ambiguity, made his intentions clear. "I will be discussing with the Veteran Stadium's management team about how their personnel's treatment of my people," he declared. His firm statement indicated that he was prepared to take necessary actions to address and rectify the mistreatment encountered, underscoring his dedication to ensuring the well-being and respect of his team and associates.
The man responded with a withering sigh, his question revealing a history of issues, "What did Eric do this time?" His reaction, initially caught off guard by Tony's strong statement, quickly shifted to an expression of weary resignation.
I found myself surprised, not just because Tony hadn't explicitly mentioned Eric's name, but also because the man's immediate leap to Eric indicated a pattern. It was clear from his reaction that we weren't the first to have an encounter of this nature; his knowing sigh and direct question about Eric illustrated that such incidents were, unfortunately, all too familiar to him. This acknowledgment from an insider confirmed Eric's reputation and suggested ongoing challenges with his behavior at Veteran Stadium.
Tony elaborated on the situation, gesturing towards me as he explained, "It seems like he was a little too friendly with one of the Backstreet Boy's security guys. And he tried to get buddy-buddy with his friends who came here to enjoy our performance."
The man's gaze shifted towards me, his eyes carrying a hint of concern as he sought further clarification. "Is this man a part of your team?" he inquired, looking for a better understanding of my role and connection to the events that had transpired.
Tony's response was calm yet assertive, effectively conveying my importance. "Mr. Pennock is in fact part of our special security detail and he is a good friend of the band," he stated, the level tone of his voice underscoring the significance of my relationship with the Backstreet Boys.
The man responded with an inquisitive glance, now reassessing the situation and my involvement from a new perspective, given the clarity provided by Tony's explanation.
"And more, I remember seeing the name David Matthews and the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant carved into the marble on your wall as top donors," I added, emphasizing the depth of my connections beyond just my association with the Backstreet Boys. The mention of Dave Matthews and the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant served to underline the significance of my position and the weight my comments carried.
The man's reaction to this revelation was immediate and palpable, his voice tinged with apprehension as he stammered, "Does Mr. Matthews know about this incident?"
I responded calmly, yet firmly, indicating the broader context of my grievances with Eric. "No, but he is aware of past interactions I've had with Mr. Cramer," I stated. My words implied that while Dave Matthews might not yet know of this specific incident, the history of problematic behavior from Eric was not unknown to him, hinting at a pattern that could no longer be overlooked or dismissed lightly. This revelation seemed to imbue the conversation with an added gravity, given the potential implications and the influential figures involved.
The man visibly deflated, the weight of the situation evident in his posture as he processed the information. "I will speak with management about this," he sighed, resignation in his voice. "This is not the first time, and as I remember, we also lost Stacy Ketchum to the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant."
I quickly offered a corrective perspective, keen on highlighting the positive aspects of such transitions. "I wouldn't say 'lost'; rather, I believe Ms. Ketchum was given a better chance to succeed," I countered firmly.
Proud of our acquisition, I bolstered my point by saying, "Having Stacy Ketchum on our team is something we at the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant are very proud of." My statement underscored the value and opportunity we see in individuals, contrasting the apparent trend at Veteran Stadium of not recognizing or nurturing such talent.
Upon hearing Stacy's name mentioned along with mine, the man assessed me once more before connecting the dots. "I remember Stacy mentioning talking to a Mike Pennock that night," he recalled, a hint of realization coloring his tone.
Meeting his revelation with a cool demeanor, I confirmed his suspicion, "I am that Mike Pennock," thereby connecting myself directly to the experiences and choices of those impacted by their interactions at the stadium. This simple admission cemented my role not just as a concerned party in the current discussion, but as a key figure in a broader narrative of change and opportunity.
Tony intervened, bringing the conversation back to the immediate concern, "This can be dealt with later, and these," he gestured towards my friends, "are Mr. Pennock's friends. To ensure they are given decent seats, I am personally making sure it happens," he said with authority.
"Of course, right this way," the man quickly responded, acquiescing to Tony's directive as he led Jake and the others toward their designated seating area.
Tony then turned his attention back to me, a firm yet reassuring tone in his voice, "Do not fear; I have no intention of keeping you long," he assured me as he pulled me aside for a more private discussion.
To be continued
A night filled with music and past interactions both good and bad, this night isn't over yet it is just beginning.
Please remember to Donate to Nifty Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com 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