Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:44:21 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: The Tales Of Sol 41 The Tales of Sol 40 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 of the celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories do yourself a favor don't get caught. The same goes for those people whose countries have these sites made illegal. And for everyone else enjoy Captain Planet and related characters was created by R.E Turner and copyright by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyright by Warner Bros. Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Transformers and all related characters, and props are trademarked by Hasbro inc. Copyright Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment CO He-Man, She-Ra, related characters, and props are trademarked by Filmation 1980's Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. 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 41 Turning the Key When I got home I grabbed a shower and as I was finishing getting dressed my doorbell chimed "Who could that be?" I asked, opening the door I saw Frank "Can I help you?" I asked "Mr. Carter asked me to pick you up," Frank explained "He knows I can drive right?" I quizzed "Possibly but he felt it would easier for you to get to them if I escorted you to the Spectrum," Frank voiced "Okay let me arm my house and I will be right out," I told him I was grabbing me keys as Frank stepped back making sure I grabbed my Fighting Pike and placed my combadge into my pant pocket, "Okay BEATTI arm up and keep me informed of any dangers," I said as I stepped out "House is armed and have a good time sir," Frank was standing by an SUV a black Chevy Tahoe with tinted windows, a typical vehicle used in security. After opening the door for me I got in and Frank followed and had the driver take off. "I heard what you did for 98 Degrees," Frank said "What did you hear?" I asked "Their former tour manager George," Frank said Relief washed over me as I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. "Hey I was the reason they were late to their practice, I couldn't let them get in trouble because of me," I said dismissing the whole thing. "Mike, I met the bastard more than once and if not for my job, even I would have decked him myself," Frank told me "It was nothing really," I waved it off "All I ask, if you see anyone in our company treating the Backstreet Boys the same way George treated 98 Degrees," Frank said I was shocked when he continued "I ask you to do the same for them." "You trust me that much already?" I asked "Not yet but it takes courage to stand up to bullies," Frank said "He was no bully just a person who let power get to him," I retorted "The very definition of a bully," Frank smirked As we were driving up to the Spectrum something caught my eye "Frank," I pointed to a person trying to climb the fence. He pulled out his phone and called Spectrum's security "There is a climber on the west gate," we watched as their security surrounded the person "I hope you are not gunning for my job," Frank smirked "Nah, Dave would be very upset if I left," I laughed We came up to the security gate "Good call the guy thought he could sneak in," the guard said "I wish I could take the credit but my friend here was the spotter," Frank pointed to me "Thank you sir we are in your debt," the guard acknowledged "Just one guard helping out another," I dismissed as we drove through once parked. Frank escorted me to where the guys were practicing. "Baby, even in my heart I can see you are not being true to me" I heard Brian singing before I saw him. When Frank and I came to the arena my heart missed a beat. Brian standing on stage with the mike in hand, singing his part of Quiet Games with my Heart, was something I never thought I would see this side of a concert. He was indeed the most beautiful man in the world. My eyes and ears finally acknowledged the rest of the group when Frank and I came right up to the stage. They all sounded fantastic. A well dressed man with red hair, green eyes and a five o clock shadow for a red beard, came walking up to me "Greeting Mr. Pennock, I am Tony Blake the Backstreet Boys' tour manager," extending his right hand friendly manner. I accepted his gesture and returned the salutation "Greeting Mr. Blake thank you for allowing me to watch," I shook his hand feeling more at ease then ten seconds ago. "It is our pleasure the guys rarely get to interact with their male fans," Tony smiled "You are definitely much more pleasant then the last tour manager I dealt with," I smiled "George, we all heard," Tony growled I was astonished. "You did?" I asked "Of course this is a tight and close business, Mr. Pennock and when word gets out, about a tour manager abusing their power we all hear about it," Tony growled then he quickly said, "I want to reassure you that I will never do anything to hurt these guys," I chuckled nervously. The last thing I needed was a poor reputation where management has to walk on eggshells around me. "You don't have to fear me Mr. Blake," I reassured "I really didn't intended for George getting fired in the first place," I stated "Oh no, George did that all on his own, I have had my own dealings with him," Tony reassured "Oh?" I prompted "Oh yes, he was arrogant and tight lipped a bad combination," Tony shuddered "All you did Mike is knock George off his high horse," Tony stated With each word from Tony the knots in my back loosened and I felt more at ease. "It was my responsibility for making Jeff Timmons and the rest of 98 Degrees late, I was just making sure I took the blame and not them," I finally found my voice. Tony just nodded then said, "Mike all I ask if you ever come across someone like George, while among us please bring them to my attention right away," Tony requested "What makes you think I am going to be around long enough to encounter such a person?" I asked "Just call it a hunch," Tony smirked With that out of the way Tony and I returned to watch the guys practice. I was getting lost in their music, but not so focused on it when I felt a Ping from the Earth, I wasn't sure what for. As the Ping grew louder I began to tune out all of this noise. The singing and other chatter melted away as did the hammering and other maintenance work. Until in the distance and almost like a whisper I could hear what sounded like swaying. Now knowing the reason for the ping I followed the noise. Until I saw several rather large and really heavy speakers moving back and forth. As I concentrated harder I could hear the heavy duty cable line straining. My looking around must have alerted Frank, he was by my side in an instant "What is it?" He demanded "What makes you think something is wrong?" I asked as I continued to hear the straining noise "I am a bodyguard Mike and a person's body language speak volume," Frank reminded me Before I could respond the straining sound turned into a snap as the cables began breaking, "Get everyone clear!" I suddenly screamed. I ran for the stage pushing Brian and the rest of the Backstreet Boys off the stage. Frank didn't even hesitate; he grabbed Tony who cleared the area around the stage just as those speakers came crashing down. Shielding the Backstreet Boys from the flying debris as the speakers shattered on impact. When the dust settled and echo from the crash faded. We all got back on our feet. Brushing the dust out his red hair, Tony was the first to break the silence "What hell, just happened?" Tony demanded looking at the mess on what used to be the stage "I am not sure but thankfully Mr. Pennock was here," Frank said as he slowly approached the smashed speakers "Mike how?" Tony demanded "The term `keep your head on a swivel,'" I started to say "Was something every sailor quickly picks up on a busy aircraft carrier, Tony," I tried to explain, "I also had to be able to pick up on various sounds that are normal for flight deck operations,"I told him. "And whenever there a change in that noise usually mean trouble," I explained "I was able to hear those speakers," I indicated the pile of rubble "I heard them swaying," I answered Tony's head shot up, "Those speakers don't sway they are supposed to be bolted to the catwalk," that got Frank's attention as he looked down at the wreckage. "I also heard what sounded like wires straining," I reported "Those are good ears Mike," Frank said as he found the broken cable lines "You should ask Dave about all the accidents I help prevent some times," I smirked The guys were still shocked "We would never had seen that coming," Kevin gasped "No one would have seen that coming," Nick said "We really have a guardian angel looking out for us," Brian spoke I blushed a little if he only knew. "Keep those ears open," AJ eyed the wreckage "And eyes," Frank spoke up this got Tony's attention "I didn't get the chance to report the climber Mr. Pennock spotted while we were driving in," Frank told Tony "If my eyes were that good I would have spotted those speakers much sooner," I dismissed "I am just glad you saw them when you did," Howie said as the stage crew and Spectrum employees began to clean up the wreckage. "Why don't you guys get some lunch while they clean this mess," Tony suggested "Only if Mike comes along," Brian requested, which sounded more like a plea than any. But I could just be misinterpreting but I could also hear Kevin and AJ softly chuckling. "As long as Frank is with you all," Tony countered, no one objected to that. Frank had the Tahoe brought around, and we all got in, "Any place you recommend?" Kevin asked "Actually yes," I told the driver to take us to the Old City Tavern "If you are going to be in Philadelphia you should taste a bit of history," I told them. "Why there?" Nick asked "According to legend it was where the Benjamin Franklin, William Penn and the like used to come to discuss business," I told them "You mean to tell me they came to a tavern for politics?" Howie looked dubious "Taverns like Old City were the Starbucks of their day," I told them. When we got to Old City Tavern my demeanor changed. I went from friend to security guard. I had the driver pull up at a secure location, Frank and I left to make a reservation, to secure a way to get the Backstreet Boys in without causing a commotion. Old City Tavern was very accommodating. Especially when they found out that they were really hosting the Backstreet Boys. After having a section closed off so they wouldn't be bothered by the other patrons Frank and I escorted them in. the waitstaff were informed not to let it be known we were here. "Mike this place is way cool," Nick said holding up a metal cup that looked like it came from the 18 century "Everything here is cooked the same way it was cooked in the 1700's," I told them a waitress came up and said, "Our menus hasn't changed in that long either," "You will of course join us right?" I directed my comment to Frank and his security staff "Mike we?" Frank protested not wanting seem like they are "Can't protect us on an empty stomach," I pointed out "Tony would kill us," Frank said nervously "Oh we will bring him a doggy-bag," I quipped "But if you are that worried I will pay for your meal," I told them "You don't have to, Mike," Kevin tried to wave off. "Nonsense my idea and everyone here deserves to be treated to history," I waved off the comments. The waitress had the tables moved around so the security staff could sit with us. We all placed our order and were treated to authentic 1700's meals from the looks on their faces. They told me they were enjoying themselves. Frank and his crew seem to enjoy the experience. I was only sorry I didn't treat Jeff and the rest to this experience but what is done is done. "Do we have time for dessert?" I ask as everyone finished up "We do have to get back soon Tony will be expecting us," Frank said "Then we will get them to go," Kevin said as we placed our dessert order and I made sure I got Tony a plate. "You didn't have to do that Mike," Howie said as we took our to-go orders. The waitress assured us they would be waiting for us in the rear as we were escorted back out. "It is nothing really," I said as we left the Old City Tavern. I got this sensation of a hunter stalking prey and we were the prey. We were halfway to I-95 when I was hit by another Ping, and that same feeling that we were prey for a deadly predator. It made me lookup and spotted something in the rear view mirror of a car, seven cars behind us. As we would casually switch lanes this hunter stuck to us. Still eyeing the suspension vehicle "Driver, take the road coming up on the right in three miles," I spoke up. I wanted to verify that the car was the reason for the Ping. The Driver looked at Frank who seemed to be eyeing me "Do it Steve," he confirmed everyone in the SUV got quiet. "What is it?" Frank demanded "Seven cars down, I think we have a predator, look in the rear view mirror," I told him. Frank instead looked through his sideview mirror when we took the road I suggested just as the seventh car passed, the eighth turned on to our road, "Keep driving Steve, take as many side roads as you can. Just make sure they have an outlet," I recommended Frank backed me up. Like any predator this car behind us was stuck on our tail. I could feel everyone tensing up "Good eyes, Mike," Frank whispered Brian whispered "How?" "Let's just call this prey instinct," I replied in a very low voice and never took my eyes away from the mirror. It didn't take long for me to change my definition of this person, even a lion knows when to give up the chase. This person was more like a shadow, "What time is it?" I asked "For what it is worth Mr. Pennock it is 3 pm," Steve answered "3 pm, you say, time to lose this shadow," I snarled. Giving Frank my cell phone "Call Tony and let him know we are going to be a touch late," While we tried to lose this shadow Frank made his call' Spotting a silo holding sand coming up on our right, "Steve take the next right," I told him. The driver took the road I said, looking at the silo in my mind I could hear the Kwame's Earth ring. The whole silo began to shake until a crack formed in its side. Just as we drove past the tower a split in the silo's walls was wide enough for the sand to come spilling out taking more of the silo with it. The resulting avalanche of sand and silo sent a ton of dust into the air. The road was now effectively blocked and The flying debris obscured our SUV, not taking any chances. I instructed, "Steve there is a series of warehouses coming up on your left," I pointed them out to the driver he spotted. "I will direct you through them to make us as directionless as possible," I informed "Sir this is crazy and is going to make us really late," Steve complained "Do it," Frank ordered with me guiding I was able to get us back on I-95 without our shadow. "Now if there is no further delays I think we should end this road trip," I quipped It took longer than expected but when we finally returned to the Spectrum. No one spoke the whole ride back Frank and I kept an eye out for the shadow but we had finally shook it. "Mike, I thought I was good," Frank said as we drove through the security entrance. "I used to be able to spot submarines periscope on the ocean surface," I told him "I get the feeling there is more to this then that," Frank glared "Then let's call this wild instinct as soon as we left the City Tavern I felt as though we were being watched," I informed Frank "You could have warned me," Frank glared at me "At the time it was just a feeling,and it was possibly some fan who recognized Nick or Kevin for all I knew," I countered even though Frank couldn't intimidate me. Frank thought about it then asked, "When did you realize it was not just some star struck fan?" before I could answer we pulled up to the Spectrum, and saw a not happy Tony who was out waiting for us, he looked very angry "You guys sure took your sweet time," Frank spoke up "You can thank Mr. Pennock," Tony turned to me about ready to chew me out "It is not what you think Tony, it was absolutely necessary," Frank stepped in Tony went from being very angry to being very worry "I spotted a car following us," I told him "Yes our friend really has good eyes," Kevin said "He does have nice eyes," I heard someone mumble. That got Tony attention "That car followed us even though Mike made take some crazy turns out there," Nick said "How did you finally lose it?" Tony asked "While we passed a silo its wall collapsed and filled the street and air with sand," Brian said "That was lucky," Tony sighed in relief "Mike directed us the whole way through, even at the end he tried to make us look seemingly directionless turns just to make sure we lost that car," Frank finished his report "Mike I am sorry I didn't mean to," Tony began "Don't even apologize Tony, there really was no way we could have informed you at the time," I told him "But you gave me your phone so I could call Tony," Frank said. "That driver knew where we were, I wasn't taking any chance that he found a way to tap your phones," I answered "But he couldn't have picked up on your phone because you weren't suppose to be with us," Kevin picked up "Enough of this, you boys need to get back to practice Mike, I want a word with you as they practice," Tony said We heard them practice their song "Shape of My Heart" and it was as beautiful as the first time I had ever heard it. Tony pulled me into an empty room "What the hell are you trying to pull?" He demanded I was shocked. "What do you mean?" I asked not sure what I had done. "You come in here with the pretense to care about the Backstreet Boys and to gain their trust so you can crush them with it?" Tony scolded "What?" my own temper was beginning to raise `How dare he call my honor into question' I thought to myself. "Oh we've seen your type before," Tony spoke as he looked down on me Once again I demanded "What type?" "You come here schmooze with the band get one of them to fall in love with you and when you have what you want, you threaten to out one of them so you can destroy them from the inside out," Tony sneered "Mr. Blake," I dropped the first name crap and turned on my own defense. "I have no idea what you are getting at but if anyone has anything to lose it is me," I stormed. "I am just a nobody and at anytime thrown to the side like yesterday's trash," "But I could care less because I know who I am and I know who they are," I continued, not letting him get a word in. "And I can tell you if it came down to hurting any of my friends in any way I would walk away and return to my miserable life knowing that I did what honor demanded and defended my love and his friends from harm," I growled at the last word. "Would you really do all of that?" Tony asked "I swear on the Earth," I reiterated. I thought I had gone overboard. My temper can do that sometimes. Then I saw the smile form on his face "I am glad to hear that Mike and I can tell you this, if I threw you out I could kiss my job goodbye because Brian would have left with you and the rest would have followed," I sighed in relief. Tony then grew serious again. "This doesn't explain how you were able to spot that car, and did you set that up just so you could win our trust?" Tony demanded. "Absolutely not, I have nothing to gain in such a ploy," I was offended by the very notion "You have much to gain," Tony countered. I did tell Tony about the same uneasy feeling of us being watched as we left the City Tavern and when I told him the same thing I told Frank about it being a possible fan. Tony nodded "We see stuff like that all the time here so I can see how that is possible," "But to answer your question I spotted the car, while we were driving towards I-95 your own driver was doing his best, to look as inconspicuous as possible." I informed Tony "Most of the other cars were not even paying attention to us, but our shadow seem to have other ideas," I told him "Every time we changed lanes that car would too, he must have thought because he was so far behind us, that it wouldn't have looked suspension," I informed Tony "But you caught on some how," Tony said "I have 6 years of military training Tony on top of that, I am Mr. Matthews personal assistant, and I guess you would call me, his bodyguard," I informed him "Still even with all that I can't help but wonder how you could have spotted the person when my own guys didn't it seem too coincidental," Tony said "Tony, Nick called me out of the blue, while I was in Dave's office feel free to call him to confirm it too, then Frank came and got me, I was by your side and the Backstreet Boys' side from here at the Spectrum to Old City Tavern," I told him. "When I went inside to Old City, Frank was by my side the whole time I didn't have an opportunity to call anyone," I informed him "I will check with Frank to make sure, Mike, but I have to admit I believe you," Tony finally conceded We left the room Tony went to talk to Frank. I was left behind so I pulled out my combadge. "BEATTI come in," I ordered "Yes sir?" she answered "Home in my probe," I ordered Tony was right about one thing, it was too coincidental for that car to have been there "I have you sir," my computer reported. "I need you to bring up the Old City Tavern probes look for a car that seem follow us just as we left it," I ordered after I gave her the car's description "Also bring up the Spectrum as well, I want to know if there was any unusual activities going on before Frank got us here," I also said "Yes sir I should have it complied by the time you are done there," BEATTI reported I ran into Brian as I exited the room "Is everything alright Tony wasn't giving you a hard time?" Brian asked "Nah, there was too much about this, that needed answers," I told him "I wanted to thank you," Brian said "For what?" I asked "You saved me," Brian stammered "I mean us from those falling speakers," In the distant AJ saw Brian and Mike were talking AJ and Kevin looked in our direction "So Kev, when do you think Bri will tell him?" AJ asked "I don't know AJ," Kevin confessed Nick stepped in and asked, "What are the two of you, talking about?" "Nothing Nick," Kevin said "Oh please I can see how Brian looks at Mike and I really hope he tells soon," Nick laughed "Brian couldn't take his off Mike at Old City Tavern," AJ laughed "Mike had his eyes on Brian the whole time we were practicing," Kevin grinned "I wonder who will break the ice first?" Nick pondered When we reentered the room everyone was quiet, "Okay what is going on?" I asked "Nothing we are just waiting on Brian so we can finish practice," Nick mockingly complained While they went back to practicing Tony pulled me aside again, this time with Frank with him "Mike, Frank confirmed everything you said," Tony said softly "We are concerned because I should have picked up on this," Frank said "Don't beat yourselves up," I said "No Mike you understand this is not just about the car," Frank said "What is it about?" I asked "Those speakers," Tony said, "What about them?" I asked "They didn't come loose on their own, someone put acid on those bolts," Tony informed me "You spotted two dangers we missed," Frank told me "I just happened to be at the right place at the right time," I said nonchalant "Mike someone knows our security," Frank said "You are the only unknown factor here," Tony said "Not only could you not have known about that car, but you couldn't have known about that sabotage to those speakers," Frank said "I will keep an eye out while you guys here in Philadelphia," I told them "We are hoping you would think of a temporary job with us," Tony said "What job?" I requested "We can't ask you to stay with the whole tour, but maybe you can come with us to New York," Frank answered It seems fate is stepping in again "I don't know I have a lot to do here in Philadelphia," I told them "Please Mike we need someone like you with us, at least on the next stop I am starting to fear for their safety," Tony pleaded "Guys we are just starting to build this friendship I don't want rush things," I got nervous "We can get you on a plane without too much trouble, and we will see to it that it looks like you are only there as their friend," Tony wouldn't let this go "I will have to clear it with Dave," I said, "We will abide by your employer's decision," Tony agreed but it really looked like he was booking a seat for me on that plane. We reentered the practice. I could see Brian while he was singing his eyes were on me the whole time I could almost feel the worry coming off from him. 'No he couldn't,' I thought the reset seemed to be just as worried for some strange reason. The rest of the practice session went without incident. I even sang along with them a few times. "Mike, you are coming back with us to the hotel right?" AJ asked but really was telling me I laughed "Gee, I don't know I have a lot of homework to do," I pretended to consider. "Mike you have to come back with me," Brian said then quickly corrected "You got to come back with us," I heard the rest snicker "I don't know I didn't even tell Dave I was playing hooky, he might be a little upset that I didn't show up at work," I teased Brian grabbed my phone, found Dave's number and dialed it before I could even react. This made everyone laugh not only at my shocked expression but Brian desperation. "Hey Dave, it is Brian Littrell, we are kidnapping your assistant," This made everyone laugh. I was still trying to form words. My super sensitive hearing picked up laughter coming from Dave, as he asked if he could have his assistant back, Brian replied "No you can't have him back, he is with us now," "Help Dave! They won't let me go!" I screamed, Nick covered my mouth and I mumbled through his hand. "Hush you, we are taking you with us now, you have no excuse," Nick laughed. Even Tony and Frank were laughing as Brian hung up on my mentor, and gave me my phone back "You are spending the night with us," Brian said. Brian said, "us," but I heard, "me" in that sentence. Nick dragged me to the limousine. It wasn't until we were already out of the parking lot that he let go of my mouth. "You can do your homework later," Nick snickered. I laughed but I couldn't help but wonder why they wanted me to join them tonight not to mention being in the same limo as them. I looked out of the sunroof and even in the tinted windows I saw Gaia looking down at us. She was just as amused as she smiled a motherly smile as she watched her champion. Being kidnapped by his favorite band I said to her telepathically "You can save me you know," "Not a chance Mike," She replied Now I knew I was in trouble, I laughed on the inside as even the Spirit of the Earth wouldn't let me off easy. I could see her laughing as well. We got to the hotel where everyone of them abandoned me to go to their room "Gee they drag me here only to leave me sitting here," I laughed as I looked around the common room I decided to call Dave while I waited "I hear they kidnapped you," Dave laughed "Yes even a certain someone wouldn't step in when they had the chance," I laughed "Really?" Dave laughed "Her exact words were, `Not a chance Mike,'" I laughed "Oh man talk about abandoning you to your fate," Dave cackled Then I heard my mentor say, "Mike have fun if you do I will forgive you playing hooky," I told him about Tony's request and I heard him take a breath "You should go Mike," "Dave, you know I have my responsibilities here," I told him "Mike, I was going to wait till you got here later, but that computerized pain in the butt of yours has finished that report you requested," Dave said "What is that?" I asked "You, Tony, and Frank are on to something big," Dave said "Are you sure?" I asked "Absolutely there is something else going on here," Dave told me Tony came into the room "Dave how certain are you?" I asked "Let me put it to you this way, an eagle just landed on window ledge, and is staring right at you," Dave answered That ran a chill down my spine, Tony took note of my demeanor as he waited for me to end my call. "Tony is here now, Dave should I let him know?" I asked that got the tour managers attention "Yes," was all he said then hung up Tony looked with me "Let's take a walk can you bring Frank in here and let the guys know you wanted to see me real quick" Tony called "Frank just wait here for them, and let Brian and the rest know, Mike isn't going anywhere," "I should be there, let me get someone else," Frank insisted he called into his radio a moment later Steve the guard who was the driver of the SUV came in. "Steve, stay here and let Brian know we are not kicking Mike out," Frank ordered. Steve acknowledged the order and waited. All three of us left the room and found an empty room. "What is it Mike?" Tony demanded "You all left me in that room, so I called Dave and asked him to look into the matter," I told them They were confused at how we could help in a matter that was only now just starting to reveal itself. "We have resources," I told them "And," Frank asked "We are onto something," I answered "Then there is danger," Frank said "We are just not sure what that danger is," Tony confirmed what we were all feeling. "Guys, I am new here," I informed them "And that gives us an edge, whoever is after the guys, isn't going to expect you," Frank acknowledged "We better get back before they think you are throwing me out," I smiled We entered the common room and the guys all let out a sigh of relief Steve said "I told you they weren't kicking him out," We all laughed. Tony said "Guys I have asked Mr. Pennock to join us he will accompany us to New York," "Thank you, God," I heard someone whisper "Yes I already confirmed it with Dave who practically insisted on it, I enjoy my time with you and see New York," I told them of course it was Gaia who really wanted me to go to New York. "Yes, alright!" They all said I was taken back. They didn't even know me but wanted me with them. "If you excuse me I got to inform Mr. Wright about the added person to our tour," Tony said as he left the room. Frank and Steve left right behind him "Guys I hope you won't get sick of me and throw me out the plane," I laughed nervously "Not a chance," Nick said as he hugged me. I felt something in him and the underlying issue that he had buried deep. "It seem fate want me to go to New York," I chuckled "Oh?" AJ eyebrow went up "Yeah my Boss asked me to go to New York for some extra training," I told him "Well then it is settled you are coming with us no ifs, ands, or buts," AJ laughed, Kevin had called for dinner to be brought up to us, and Howie was looking for a movie we could watch. Nick and AJ would ask me questions, but Brian was silent the whole time. I would see Kevin look at his cousin, and a look of disappointment would cross his face, as if he was expecting him to say something. I wanted to say something to Brian myself but I just couldn't bring myself to talk to him after dinner. The movie was Sum of all Fears Nick had turned the lights off. With everyone's attention on the movie I managed to sneak away and I made my way to the balcony. The feel of the wind on my face reassured me of the Mother's presence. "What in the world am I doing?" I asked the night sky the stars offered no answer "What's wrong Mike?" I turned to see Kevin coming out onto the balcony "Nothing I just needed some space," I answered "Mike if you don't want to come with us to New York I will tell Tony," Kevin said "It is not that Kevin there is so much going on, I haven't been able to even wrap my mind around," I reassured him the silence between us was not helping much. "Hey Kev I got a question," I finally had to ask "Oh really, what is, on you mind," Kevin prompted "Your cousin," I started "What about Brian?" Kevin urged "Is he?" I asked I knew it was something I should not ask his cousin. "Is he what?" Kevin seem to know where these lines of questioning was going "Well I know, I shouldn't ask but is he gay?" I asked "I mean I know Brian and Jeff talked, about what, I don't know but?" my voice trailed off "Maybe, why do you ask?" Kevin urged "Well, I will be, lying if I said , I didn't think he was hot," I found the courage to confess "So you are gay?" Kevin asked but as if he already knew the answer "Yes, I sorry if I makes, you uncomfortable," I sighed "Mike, I already figured most of this out after watching you look at Brian it is obvious that you have feelings for the Backstreet," Kevin said but I interrupted,"Brian," I saw the smile creep up. That made Kevin take a second to hear what I said and then he smiled knowing where my interest really lie. We turned to come back and I asked, "Kev don't tell Brian what I said please? "Don't worry, my lips are sealed," Kevin reassured "Thanks Kev," I sighed "You got it," Kevin replied just as we came back inside. "Well as much as I like to stay the night I have a flight I now need to prepare for," I said "We understand Frank will take you home and pick you up in the morning," Kevin said as he called their bodyguard. Please remember to Donate to Nifty Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com I also recommend the following stories it was because of them I got into writing in the first place. "Tales of a Real Dark Knight" by authorjames "Marvel Knights" also by authorjames "Tales of the New Phoenix" by Blake "Tales of a Superhero Band" by Leo "Tales of a Young Mutant" by Jeremi "Tales of a Thunder God" by Tony Justiss