Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2022 21:01:48 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: The Tales of Sol 53 The Tales of Sol 53 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 53 Drama of All Sorts After seeing Tony off to his flight I returned to the hotel and was met by Frank who informed me that Tony had called him "Tony says you have something from the studio fire," Frank informed me "Yes our shadow was involved," I confirmed "But he says that the two of you have confirmed that he didn't act alone," Frank was just check out the information he received "That is very true we couldn't see who let the snake into this garden," I huffed in frustration "Now that I've said, I wish I hadn't, I shouldn't shame snakes with the shadow," I grumbled as I thought about it. "Why it seems to be a correct analogy," Frank was confused Shaking my head in disagreement, "Snakes despite their poor reputations still serve a purpose in nature to help keep the balance," I retorted "The shadow has no such composure he is killing indiscriminately," I said thinking about the fire and how many were at risk because of it. I told Frank about how we saw the Shadow tampering with the studio's doors. "I can agree comparing this bastard to a useful predator as tasteless as I know you felt," Frank remarked he also said "That being said he is still, a deadly serpent, that found a way in and is as you said killing indiscriminately so now we need to find out who he is," I would never confuse this bastard to a creation of nature, "There is still a lot of video to go through, but we also have to find the person he roped into breaching security," "I am looking into that myself Tony mentioned you two saw one of our staff Hector taking photos of our schedule," Frank reaffirmed "The video was inconclusive there too," I growled "It doesn't matter like any this is a marker on a road map that will lead us to where it we need to go to protect the Backstreet Boys," Frank stated we parted so I could grab a quick shower before the guys returned I got out of the shower and still had a half hour before the guys got back. I decided to call Dave. "How are things on your end?" Dave asked I told him more about my time with the X-Men and the training we went through. I even told him of giving them free building supplies courtesy of the Sentinels. "Come now Mike you don't expect me to believe the Sentinels would give Professor Xavier new siding," Dave laughed "No I said I gave Professor X free building supplies," I reminded "The Sentinels made for great aluminum siding," I smirked that really made Dave laugh "And according to Logan they make great baseball bats," I snickered. Mirth left my voice when I told him about the fire at the studio and possible leak in the Backstreet Boys' company. The fact that it was a deliberate attempt to kill them I heard Dave gasped "I have BEATTI checking out the probes' memory but even with Tony's help we couldn't narrow the list down," "How do you know Tony wasn't the leak?" Dave asked "His reaction to the security breaches and finding out he could have been a victim of this lunatic, were one of someone surprised and angered and he was not faking any of those feelings, He didn't seem to like the idea of someone trying to kill the guys for profit either,"I stated "Yes I don't like that thought either," Dave said "I am still looking and just to be sure I now can monitor Tony's phone just in case I am wrong, if he is the leak I will find out," I told him "Does he know that?" Dave asked "What kind of ex-sailor do you take me for?" I asked "One who is always two steps head of trouble," Dave said "That too," I conceded "I don't think he is the trouble and Frank is also looking for the possible leak too," I noted then with a smile, "Though he did offer me a position as security for the Backstreet Boys," I told Dave "Poaching my assistant is he?" Dave laughed "I turned him down," I told him "Why you could be with Brian everywhere," Dave suggested "And be paid to see Brian no I don't think so," I retorted I heard Dave sighed in agreement "Beside Philadelphia still needs me and I can't abandon it again," I told him "This city is hardly fragile Mike," Dave replied rather sharply I heard the elevator "I am still getting my footing there as it is and how would it look if the Guardian just up and left?" I asked "I know better than to argue with you. Besides, you are too damn good as my assistant too. I am not letting you go that easy," Dave snickered at the end. I was still touched by his remarks. The door to my room opened and in came my sneaky lover he started kissing my ear. "I have to go Dave," I tried to finish as Brian began to nibble on my ear. "My," I tried to talk as Brian worked me over. "My other half is trying to get my attention," I managed to finish. I heard Dave laugh. "Tell him I said hi and I will see if I can help track down the person who set that fire," Dave said "Okay Dave," I groaned out as Brian ran his hands under my shirt and tweaked my nipples, I hung up "Speaking of fires," I smirked as Brian turned me over and began to kiss me, pushing me towards our bed. "How was practice?" I asked "Shush let just," Brian said as he pressed his lips to mind. He pressed himself on top of me and I could feel all of him as he thrust his pelvis into mine. "You are my Fire, the One desire," Brian sang between kisses he moved from my lips to my ear licking as he went "I want nothing more than to spend this moment just like this," Brian whispered lovingly. I had no idea Brian already felt this way towards me. I loved him all my life but he only just met me for a short time. I was about to say something when a pounding interrupted us, "Brian they are releasing Nick from the hospital," We both groaned "And just like that the mood was broken,"I retorted and Brian snorted "We will be out in a moment," Brian yelled back we both quickly got dressed and when the door opened we saw both AJ and Howie standing there "You guys can nooky after we bring Nick home," AJ smirked We left for the hospital. Brian grumbled, "Not if you guys keep interrupting," I did see Howie and AJ both start laughing until they saw how frustrated Brian was getting. The dower looks on both AJ and Howie's faces, spoke volume. "We are sorry Bri," Howie regretted "Forget it Nick needs our support," Brian waved it off AJ shook his head "No, Bri, you and Mike, need time to yourselves too, and we need to remember that," We left for the hospital with my senses leading the way. While we were making our way to the hospital Frank was investigating my claims of an inside leak to the supposed shadow who keeps trying to get to the Backstreet Boys. Frank was sure Hector, was the key to all of this as he made his way to the room Hector was staying at knocking on the door he heard "Hello?" "Hector it is Frank can we talk?" Frank requested "Ah sure Frank," He heard the uneasiness in the staff member's voice followed by rustling papers when the door opened. The young Hispanic nervously let Frank in. "What can I do for you Frank?" Hector asked "I just want to talk," Frank said softly, Hector gestured Frank into his room "What is this about Frank?" Hector requested Frank noticed several papers and photos sitting on Hector's couch and coffee tables. "There seems to be some trouble in the group and I am trying to understand it all," Frank searched for the right words to say as he was getting suspicious at the paperwork before him. "What kind of problem?" Hector was starting to get really nervous. He was now sweating and Frank hadn't even started to talk about it. "There is a shadow as a friend called it, that seems to be following us everywhere we go," Frank used Mike's description of the bastard but didn't not use Mike's name. "There are always fans who want to be close to the Backstreet Boys," Hector retorted, but it was only a cover for the fear that was now radiating from the boy. "This is very true, and I have come across many of those die-hard fans," Frank conceded the point "But this one seems to know our every move," Frank noted as he kept eyeing the photos on the coffee table "He seem even to know when the Backstreet Boys were going to restaurants that are impromptu destinations," Frank's voice was getting more stern as he continue the investigation "He seem to know what hotel, and what floor the Backstreet Boys were staying even though that information was suppose to be confidential," The more Frank talked the more Hector seem to squirm "There has been too many seemingly random acts of happenstance here," Frank snapped Hector was now sweating profusely "Like a fire that just happen to start in a studio," Frank's stern gazed seem to penetrate the staff member. "And here I thought I was being so careful," A condescending voice came out of nowhere when a person stepped out of Hector's bedroom. Frank's jaw dropped. "Here I thought I was being so clever," The bastard mocked "Devin!" Frank gasped just as a fist came his way. With his attention on Devin, Frank didn't see Hector sucker punch him "That will teach me to think too much," Devin said as he kicked Frank hard in the stomach causing the bodyguard to scream in pain. Both Devin and Hector took turns landing blows on the helpless man as he tried to get up. They refused to let Frank get away. When he was finally laying in a pool of his own blood, Devin kicked the guard in the face rendering him completely unconscious. "That was fun," Hector snickered "Now how do we proceed?" Hector turned to Devin who had a large Bowie knife in his hand "I cover my track better," Devin said as he shoved the blade into Hector's gut. With a surprised gasp of his last breath Hector fell forward into a heap on the room's floor. Devin looked down at the fools who both laid on the floor. One thought he could keep him from his `Brian' and the other who was stupid enough to trust him. Devin carefully whipped the knife's handle making sure not to disturb the bloody blade. Devin knelt down next to the bloody guard and whispered into Frank's bleeding ear, "This is between me and Brian, he is going to die," Devin put the knife in Frank's hands. Then he made sure that all traces of his own present in Hector's room were gone. Devin exited through the bedroom's window. Making sure to wipe away any fingerprints on the glass before he walked away from the crimes scene with an evil grin on his dark expression "Now there is no one who will get between me and Brian," Laying in his own blood Frank with a mouthful of blood spat out, "He will stop you," was the last thing Frank said before he lost consciousness. We got to the hospital, and with my sense leading the way we made our way to where Nick was recovering from the fire days earlier, Just as I was about follow my phone went off Brian turned to see me not following them "I will be there in a moment Brian," I moved to answer my phone Brian smiled and entered Nick's hospital room "This is Mike?" I answered "Mike it is Tony," I heard him answer in a frantic voice "What is it Tony?" I replied trying to keep the worry out of my voice, but whatever happened I knew was bad "They've found Frank badly beaten," Tony wailed "What!" I snapped seeing heads shoot up as I screamed. I left the waiting room and found an unoccupied room and closed the door. "Tell me everything," I dictated "Your theory of an inside leak panned out, and it looks like Hector was our mole," Tony ranted "How?" I sneered "A couple of stagehands were meeting for coffee, and Hector was suppose to go along with them," Tony explained "When they entered Hector's room they found both Frank and Hector," Tony voice was shaking he was very upset "I will have a word with Hector," I reassured Tony "You can't," Tony was now on a verge of hysteria "Tony calm down, why can't I talk to Hector? Is he refusing to talk?" I tried to calm the tour manager. I heard Tony trying to get a grip on his breathing, But his voice told me Tony was anything but calm, when I heard the tour manager take a deep breath before answering, "You can't talk to him because Hector is dead," "What?" I was shocked "From all accounts it looks like Frank had confronted Hector, who in turned attacked Frank, and Frank trying to defend himself drove a knife into Hector's stomach," Tony explained "You don't buy that for a second," my voice hard with contempt "Not for microsecond Mike," Tony's voice was filled with the same rejection of the facts that I felt. "For one the police say that it looks like Frank was attacked by more than one person," Tony growled "Okay the only thing we do know is that Hector was indeed our inside man and that is all," I pieced the information that we only had before us and the only one that stood out. "And that he did indeed or was at least involved in the attack on Frank," Tony conceded to what we only knew for sure. "Mike, Johnny is very concerned about all of this," Tony informed me "As he should be," I grumbled I was becoming more determined after hearing about Frank and the impending threat. "It just means the only person standing between this threat and the Backstreet Boys is me," I firmly stated feeling even more determined to find this Shadow before he can strike. "I don't doubt you will do all you can to protect them," I heard both the conviction and plead in the same few words Tony expressed there. "Tony, I will not anyone harm them you have my word," I swore before him and the Earth, "This threat will have to deal with a force of nature to get to them," I vowed "I've got to let the guys know about Frank, Tony and that is not a conversation I am looking forward to when they should be happy that Nick is being released," I growled at this bastard not allowing my friends a moment of happiness. "I have confidence you will do what you need to do," Tony said as he finally hung up. Sighing in disgust at the conversation I now needed to have with the Backstreet Boys I left this room, I walked over to the nurse station "Pardon me miss I need to insist no one enters Mr. Carter's room until I allow it," I ordered. The Nurse looked ready to object but when she looked into my eyes. she knew that it was not open to discussion "Yes Mr Pennock," I made my way to Nick's room knocking on it. AJ opened "Mike you don't have to knock you know that," AJ pointed out "I like to be courteous," I smiled trying to keep my voice as pleasant as possible. I didn't want to break this to them like this "I understand but you are family," AJ stated. I was taken aback by that statement. I didn't know what to say. As we moved into the room I discreetly put a do not disturb sign on the door handle. What I had to say was not one I wanted to have. Having a doctor or nurse coming in would only make it worse. "Thank you AJ," I replied, feeling my eyes misting over the pop star that allowed me to enter the rest of the way. Nick was off his ventilator but he was still in his bed talking to Kevin. It pained me to break this joyous moment with the news of Frank's attack so for the moment I held off they needed some happiness."I understand that I have Guardian to thank for rescuing me," Nick said "As I've had said he is always there when you need him," I replied "And I am glad he was I rather go to a barbecue and not be barbecue," Nick commented That image was something I could have done without but I didn't comment on it, turning to the rest I saw that I wasn't the only one who wasn't going to say anything. "In any case I am glad Guardian was there," Nick said when he saw how uncomfortable we all were. Finally I couldn't hold off the unpleasant news I had to tell them "Guys that was Tony who called me," "Please tell me he was just telling us there is a technical difficulty with our trip to Orlando," Kevin seem to be pleading "I hope not I told mom I meet her there," Brian said quietly "I wish," I tried to sound apologetic "You all know that Tony, Frank, and I have been looking into the threat that seems to be following this band," "Yes you called this threat a shadow and a predator," Nick sighed in confirmation "This person is anything but a predator," I fumed at the prospect "Why?" AJ asked "Predators are vital to our ecosystem to keep the balance," I firmly stated "This person has no such desire he is killing indiscriminately," I went on as I told them what Tony and I uncovered about the studio fire. I saw them all trying to come to grips with the fact that if not for Guardian if not for me they would have been killed by this madman. "That investigation has as revealed a leak from within your band itself," my voice was filled with revolt at the notion "You found the leak didn't you?" Brian frowned "Yes," I answered, then informed them about how our investigation turned up. Nick turned to me "Yes I remember seeing Hector come running yelling about the fire but by then it was already too late," Howie and AJ nodded in agreement "I saw him too. It was strange that well after you had caught that beam and the whole studio was ablaze," AJ confirmed. "Frank was able to confirmed it Hector how betrayed your company," I replied "Why don't I like where this is going?" AJ sounded discouraged "Because the news isn't good," I came right out with it "Of course not, why should it," Howie sarcastically snorted Ignoring the sarcasm, Kevin looked into my eyes, "Mike what happened?" Kevin reluctantly and softly asked "Frank was found badly beaten," I saw no reason to sugarcoat it anymore they needed to know I heard them all gasp Nick and Howie scrunched their eyes I heard Brian pray, Kevin looked angry and AJ aghast "By who?" Nick with his eyes still squeezed shut finally asked "By all accounts Hector one of your stagehands ," I repeated what Tony passed on to me at least what the reports said and not what was evident This made them even more afraid knowing it was someone in their company was involved "And Hector I hope he was arrested," Howie growled "That is no longer an issue and one that is problematic for Frank," I again couldn't sweeten this sour situation "How so?" Brian who was still praying and still praying that what I am saying is some kind of practical joke "Because Hector was found stabbed to death, by a knife that was found on Frank," I couldn't hide this from them. The looks on their faces told me that they rather be practicing for their concert and not thinking of Frank's predicament. "No one in the company believes?" Kevin demanded his face contorted as Kevin tried to fight the tears coming out of his eyes "Jesus, we need you now more than ever," I heard Brian pray under his breath. "They don't know what to think right now," now came the part I had to say before we ventured too far "There is more to this tale, and I am afraid that what I have to tell you is not some made up story," "Give it to us straight," AJ still trying to come to grips with Frank's problem "The reason Frank confronted Hector in the first place is because of the Shadow," I tried to keep my composure knowing Frank only went to Hector because of what Tony and I found "Our stalker, what about him?" Kevin snapped "I have information that I had shared with Tony, he saw Hector acting suspiciously, and proof of the Shadow's involvement into the studio fire," my words made them all shudder. I heard more than once 'My God' being said over and over again. "There is a video of the Shadow being allowed entry into the studio but no proof who it was who let him in, but it does look more likely that Hector was at least there," "Mike how the hell are we supposed to have that concert worrying about that deranged gunman," Howie was shaking like a leaf in a windstorm I walked over to Howie and placed comforting hands on his shaking shoulders "I will be there Howie," Pulling back and turning so I could see them all I spoke in a soft and as gentle voice as I could muster, "You are going out there, and perform like nothing is wrong," "How can you say that and expect us to not worry that someone in the crowd isn't thinking of ways they can kill us and possibly everyone there?" Kevin's frayed nerves were being pushed to their ends. Right now the Backstreet Boys need something they can believe in and not think about the Shadow gunning for them. This time I stepped into the light like an eagle with its wings in a defensive posture, its beak ready to strike. The words I spoke were as sharp and deadly as the eagle's screech. "Because you have a Guardian watching over you, and he will not let that this bastard ruin it," The looks on their faces seem changes slightly "I will be there the only thing the Shadow hasn't been able to predict," The guys looked at each other. AJ's usual cool and collected manner came back slightly when he smirked "Mike you seem to have a flare for drama," this made us all laugh which helped to lighten the dower mood in the room. When I allowed the doctor to finally enter the room he agreed to release Nick and we went straight to the hotel. I went straight to my room I finally had to release the pent up emotions I held inside me and the emotions I absorbed from all around me I fell to my knees and bowed my head until it hit my bed "Mother please watch over us," I pleaded to the Earth "I sincerely hope that I can do this," I pushed myself to admit. I stayed like that until I felt a hand on my back. "So even with all the powers you possess you still have to seek guidance?" I looked up to see Brian standing over me. Brian sat on my bed I looked into my lover's eyes and said "Only a fool would ignores fear especially, when that fear is justified," I sighed in uncertainty "Mike do you want to know something," Brian pulled me up to his lap giving me a kiss on the lips "When you spoke there in Nick's room especially at the end," Brian moved to kiss my temple I took comfort in his tender love and care. Brian continued, "I thought I was seeing things but we all saw the same thing," "What? you saw a jerk making a complete fool of himself?" I snorted in self disgust "No," Brian said as he pulled back so we were looking into each other's eyes. Brian's eyes had the look of a moment of spiritual assurance "When you walked into the light, your shadow had an eagle perched on your shoulder," I was astonished I felt the eagle I don't know the others could see it, Brian confirmed that by saying, "The eagle's wings were on full display, as if show us, that the strength of your talk, carried more than just words, you had someone backing those words with action," I was surprised Brian was able to get all that out in a single breath from how flush he looked "I don't know if it was the Earth or God but or a combo of the two," Brian pulled me into a hug and kissed me in a loving manner pulling back Brian then said, "But when we saw that we knew that we had a Guardian who was indeed watching us," I was stupefied. I really had nothing to say Brian took the moment to kiss me some more. Before we could go any further a loud pounding took us from our surreal moment "How the hell do they do that?" I growled "They have a special instinct," Brian laughed "You guys can nooky after we eat!" Nick complained Brian laughed "Okay, Nick okay we are ready," as Brian moved into the room Nick stopped me "You better not hurt him," "He can do more harm to me then I ever could do to him," I reminded him "Not from where I am standing he love you very much, and I will be damned if you hurt him," Nick said "I wouldn't never, ever, hurt him Nick, I love him just too much,"I said seriously then I said "I just don't know how he could love a nobody like me," Nick turned to me. "You are not a nobody Mike and we love you very much too," Nick hugged me "Brian found a good man and seeing the doubt in your eyes tells me everything," Nick said "Thanks Nick I love you guys too," I started tearing up Brian was by my side in an instant. "Mike, what is wrong? Nick, what did you say to him?" I smiled "He is your protector Brian, I wasn't crying because he upset me, I am just really touched by these events that brought me here," I hugged him "Let's go to dinner, I am hungry," Nick said, pushing us out the door making us laugh. A very bright flash of light followed by a very loud and room shaking thunder clap decided that minute to announce itself. "What the hell was that!" Brian asked as he was thrown into me. Looking out the window which only moments ago blue skies could be seen now were very dark and dangerous clouds hung, turning the entire room near pitch black. "God must have had one hell of a strike," I commented Brian looked at me "When I was younger my mother used to tell me thunder was God striking pins while he bowling," I clarified Brian laughed and said "My mother said something similar," another flash of light followed by God striking bowling pins shook the room "And he gets another strike," Brian commented as I tried to get both him and Nick out of the room just as the next flash of light and thunder strong enough to shatter my room's window, Driven by the gale force wind. Glass and other debris came our way. putting myself between Brian and Nick, I took the brunt of wind driven rain and several shards of glass to my back. Doubling over in pain, I made sure to bare the brunt of it all. "Holy Shit!" Nick screamed as he entered the now very dark common room flashes of lightning would show water cascading down the patio door. I slammed the door to my room shut. I felt water dripping down my soaked back which caused my injuries to flare up even more. Brian cried out his cousin's name "Kevin!" who came running out. "What the hell is going on? It looks like a hurricane just struck New York!" Kevin gasped Testing another theory I fished my combadge out of pant pocket "BEATTI can you hear me!" I demanded the storm was throwing up enough EMI that it was blocking all but the most secure frequencies. Putting my hand up to the door I could feel the pressure in my room take a dramatic drop. The door's own integrity was failing at the moment. Howie came running into the common room yelling "Kevin there is!" "A storm, yes I think we all figured that out," Kevin noted the obvious. Brian finally saw my back with glass sticking out and covered in bloody water. "Mike your back!" Brian pointed out. I kept my hand on the door feeling the pressure plummet. A sudden explosive along with AJ screaming, made me ignore the pain caused by Brian and Nick tried to pull the larger pieces out of my back. I ran to AJ room. I tried to open the door but sucking air kept the door shut "AJ please be decent!" I yelled as I punched his door it flew into the room and out the gaping hole where his window used to be. The suction made it almost impossible to see AJ as he clung to his closet door frame trying not to get sucked out the window. Everything in the common room was now being sucked through the door and out the gaping hole in the room. I was the only one not moving with a rush of air, I still had to proceed with caution as I slowly moved into AJ's room. Just as the pop star lost his grip I took hold of his wrist "I've got you AJ!" I screamed over the roar of decompression. Putting myself between AJ and the violent winds which ironically sucked all the glass out of my back. It happened so fast I barely registered the pain, I moved us back to the common room. Once I got AJ through the door I gave him to Howie and Kevin. I grabbed the closet couch and pushed into the door frame. The winds died down enough for everyone to momentarily let go of whatever they were holding "What the hell is going on?" Nick repeated the same damn question again "I wish I knew, I can tell you that storms like this don't appear out of the blue like this," I winched as Brian ran his hands over the back of my ruined shirt. The shards of glass were gone but the wounds they inflicted were still healing. A cracking sound filled the room as we all saw my temporary plug was giving way along with the door frame and wall. There was no time to think there was only one place that would be safe. "Everyone gather around me!" I quickly said when they were I snapped my fingers in a flash of light a multitude of things happened, One I brought us all to my hangar at John F Kennedy Airport. Two the place was brightly lit which was a sudden change. Three, the sounds of rain and the wind were vastly softer than at the hotel. All of which made us all look up and around. I figured the hangar would be better suited to weather this sudden storm, it was definitely holding up far better then our rooms. The sudden change in pressure wasn't lost on anyone as Brian and the rest patted themselves down reassuring themselves they were in one piece. In a voice much louder then he intended, "Where are we?" Kevin asked and he quickly blushed afterwards, looking up and around seeing my much brighter, very spacious and obviously utilitarian hangar. Spotting my girl, "And what is that?" Howie gasped pointing at my CH-53C "Any port in a storm, that is my secret weapon, and my lift home, and this is my hangar," I told them "Your hangar?" Nick gasped. "Your ride home?" AJ stammered at the same time. "There is more to you then you have told us," Brian smiled "Much more that is for later, right now this is our shelter until this storm is over," I said "Anything we can do while we ride out this storm?" Nick asked "Hang on first thing first," I entered the Sea Dragon. They all followed as I powered up the monitors and brought up the radar. The storm was half way over by the look of the radar but the heaviest was still coming judging by the deep red bands making their way into our area. A beeping noise caught my attention. It was Tony beating me to the punch by calling my chopper first, hitting several keys on the console. "Go ahead Tony," I answered, "Mike! I can't reach Kevin or anyone else. What the hell is going on?" Tony demanded "We seem to be in the middle of monsoon season another storm hit us, and I am afraid we had to leave the guys phones back at that hotel," I told him "Where are you," Tony frantically asked "We are currently at my hangar at JFK. It was the only place I could think to take them where they would be safe," I told him "You drove the Backstreet Boys there in that mess?" Tony yelled "It is okay Tony I got them here in a snap," I quipped "This isn't funny Mike! Can you get Kevin?" Tony asked. Since Kevin was next to me I pointed to a switch. "Just hit this button Kevin, and let Tony know you guys are safe, I will see to your other needs," I moved everyone out of the way so Kevin could talk to Tony. "Mike, what are we going to do?" Nick asked "At present moment we are stuck here, and I didn't exactly stock this place," I made a mental note for any future plans that I would stock any hangar just in case but that was for later. "It is only supposed to temporarily house my chopper until you guys fly out after your concert," I told them. "We understand that and we are supposed to be in a new hotel after today's session and we left most of the stuff at that hotel," Howie said. I went back into my Sea Dragon and went to one of the compartments and pulled out several MREs bars; they were all I had. I gave them to the guys "This is the best I can do at the moment," I told them Nick grumbled but still took the bar "This is dinner I take it," In total disgust at his band mates remark AJ snapped at Nick "Um, Nick, I don't think you figured it out, but Mike just pulled us out from a hotel room," AJ gave Nick a glowered look. Howie was equally aggravated, "One that was literally being sucked out the window, did you think he'd have a fancy meal prepared while he was trying to rescue us?" Howie chastised This made Nick look at least uneasy Brian glared at his best friend and turned my back to so Nick could see the tears in my clothes and the bloody water that soaked the back of my shirt. "Injuring himself in the process when he shielded us from when the window in his room shattered, you should be grateful for the clothes on your back and knowing you are safe," Brian also said as he accepted the MRE and said "Thank you love," I was a little upset that I couldn't provide everyone's needs. AJ saw the troubled look and said, "Mike, you just saved our hides. I for one am grateful for that alone," "You just pointed out that this place is a temporary situation for your monster helicopter there was no way you could have anticipated needing it to save us from this crazy ass storm," Howie stepped up waving to still very dark skies and water still pouring down the side of the hangar's large bay windows. Howie was offering me comfort which was a switch. Brian also smiled softly, "You don't have to see to our every need," As everyone talked Nick looked at his unappetizing bar and tears welled into his eyes. Everyone talking was making Nick feel very ashamed at his reaction. Nick was now very upset over his behavior. I quickly pulled him into a hug as he began to cry into my shoulder, "Mike please don't think I was ungrateful," "I don't actually, disasters bring out the best and worst in all of us," I reassured my dear friend by gently squeezing him. "In many ways I think we would have been a bit more concerned, if you didn't let your stomach do the talking for you," I remarked with a little chuckle as I patted his stomach. Making everyone laugh, AJ then delightfully snorted, "I would have been a little shock especially since we supposed to go to dinner," "Since I am the only one who can withstand this storm I will head back and see what I can find," I told them "You guys look around the hangar and see if you can find anything just stay inside and stay away from the windows," I recommended "The heavy rains should obscure the view but I don't want to take a chance anyone will spot you," I recommended making them all agree. "These hangars often have some sort of television or something left behind from anyone who was using it at the time," I guessed as I haven't had time to really check this place out. I snapped my fingers again returning to the hotel while everyone went on a scavenger hunt. In a flash I was back in the common room being pelted by wind driven rain. The scene was something out of the movies. The common room looked worse now, then when I pulled everyone to safety. It was a shell of its former self with shattered glass and twisted aluminum and shattered wood frames and stone masonry laying everywhere. The waterlogged carpets from the rain still coming through the gaping hole that was the large patio sliding doors. The shredded curtains still flapped about in the high winds. Every piece of furniture showed signs of damage. I went to each room, everyone of them showed signs of damage in one form or another Kevin and Howie's rooms showed the least amount of damage, I found their suitcases that still had clothes in them grabbing and teleporting them to the Sea Dragon. Nick and Brian's room had been ruined by the wind driven rain. Water soaked everything. I was surprised when I found their suitcases they were damaged but the clothes were fine and found their wallets placing them in the suitcases I sent them over to the hangar. I went to AJ's room and it was nothing but bare walls whatever was in here was sucked out of the gaping hole that used to a window. I came to the closest AJ had clung to, to find a single suitcase had been lodge in the door frame. I opened it to see the clothes at least looked good, But as I moved to check my own room I found AJ's cell phone along with his wallet they had fallen between the wall and dresser. AJ's phone was still in working order. Putting it into AJ's suitcase and sent it to the Sea Dragon. I made it to my room and it was in the same shape as AJ's room nothing in this room was salvageable. Thankfully I had stuff in the Sea Dragon. I moved throughout the hotel taking the time to use my powers to dry me off, I wanted to make sure no one needed help. Every room was empty and showed various signs of storm damage. This place was beyond repair. I would hear creaking sounds "BEATTI anyone left in the hotel?" I called into my combadge "No sir the building is empty those not killed by the vampires have evacuated when the storm got worst," my computer said "How are you making contact with me?" I asked her "I switched to a very highs frequency that is immune to most of the EMI coming from the storm," BEATTI reported "Okay I still have to do something about food for us I didn't expect us to need the hangar," I said "The hotel is empty sir I recommend looking in their kitchen and pantry," BEATTI said "That would be stealing," I said "Sir, according to the probes the structural integrity of the top floors of that hotel has been compromised by this storm," BEATTI reported. This made me shake as I didn't want to be here when those rooms came crashing down, "That hotel is not going to last much longer, it is going to collapse very soon," That got my attention. I left to find the kitchen where I grabbed bread, meats and cheeses and anything that I thought would at least could be used to make sandwiches. I found plastic ware and even bottles of water. I placed them all on a counter, Just as I was grabbing some apples when a loud explosion followed by the whole building shaking violently. Dust and debris rained down all around me. "Sir! you have to get out of there! The top floors supports have failed and the hotel is collapsing!" BEATTI reported what I could already see happening. I snapped my fingers and brought what I gathered with me to the hangar. Just as I left the kitchen was pulverized by falling hotel floors. I know what a time to end this chapter but standby more is coming 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