Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2015 19:57:22 GMT -5
Titans of Justice: Nightvision mini:
A Blackbird in the Bat Tree Part 1 of 2
Written by Nightvision
Editor: Power Guy
From the pages of Brenda Troy’s journal…
This should be the happiest day of my life, but it really isn’t in some ways. Being a part of Dashen Dome, I already know that Brendon is going to propose to me tonight after he is done with his gymnastic practice. With all the connections to Dashen Dome, they already know what my engagement ring looks like and have a copy of it as well as gave a copy to me to show what they know. They told me when this first started that once you join, you are in until your body can no longer sustain life.
Looking back, it is ironic that when they first sent me to go after Brendon that I hated him so much due to his family’s past with the master. It took every fiber in my being to be nice the way they conditioned us to what he and others were like. Slowly in college and in gymnastics, a bound grew. He didn’t care who the person was. He took his time to help out about anyone whether it would be me, a classmate, someone on the street, or even someone that hated him. When we started going out, I was still wary of him with all the information Dashen Dome gave me, but tried to remain objective. He started really caring for me in class and took the initiative to be a great partner and invite me overseas to be his inspiration in training. That I think may have really hurt me and him in the long run.
When we went to Russia, I was starting to know what cloud nine felt like. So much I acted like I cared for him, but he broke thru that wall and I really started knowing who he really was and not what I learned. I learned in college that history is fact and fiction and you have to decipher what is the truth and what people think is the truth. In the case of Brendon, I realized I was getting the truth from him. Everything was great until Brendon stopped to buy a scarf for me from what turned out to be a foreign Dashen agent. Later that day, we ran into Talia who talked to Brendon. I knew in my classes how much passion and hate she had for the Bat family as she taught us about his legacy and did one on one study with me about Brendon. While Brendon did some training later that day, Talia made it a point to get me away to tell me what I was there to do and what it would cost me if I failed. I tried to get back to what I was assigned to do as Dashen Dome helped me in the past and provided for my education, but in my heart, I knew that I could not do what they wanted me to do.
Then came the offer to go to Tamarrean. How could I even pass up an opportunity that most people could never do. Go into space far, far away and go to a distant planet. It was awkward being “on the other side” and being with such great heroes of the past and possibly future heroes, but Brendon was there and I knew that I would be alright. Once we touched done on the planet, I instantly fell in love with it. The beautiful plant life, the fresh air, and the home away from home feel it gave. Everyone on the trip was so nice to me. How could I turn my back and hurt or change one of their own. The night they sat down and reminiscence really hurt me. I was trained to hate these people and at the same time, I really didn’t have any past with all the conditioning and training I went thru to be their solider for Dashen Dome cause. I asked Brendon if he could walk with me to get away but also so I could have someone by me that cared for me. That is when the whole Dashen Dome bond with me broke. We sat by one of the most beautiful lakes I know I would ever see. The Tamarrean Orchids in the moonlight was something I had to draw a picture of. Brendon and I sat there then laid there enjoying the beauty of the whole scene. We really opened up to each other that night. We talked about if we got married that it would be great to get married at that spot. We talked about fears, life, love, and about everything it seemed. The more we talked, the more my bound with Dashen Dome broke and I was willing to pay the price because I loved him and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It was a great feeling talking to him and then waking up to realize we feel asleep. That was the 1st time I every felt relaxed in my life. We walked up back to camp in time for some great camp cooking for breakfast.
That gets back to this big day. I love Brendon so much, but I can’t help but be disappointed that the surprise is not there. Yes I love the fact he is going to propose to me, but knowing what the ring looks like, knowing basically that it will be done tonight, and Dashen Dome knows all of this, I can’t help but feel pessimistic.
WOW! I need to get ready. I lost track of time. Brendon will be leaving practice shortly, and I have to get ready to meet him at the theater in the old crime alley to watch “The Flying Graysons”. I have to act like I don’t know and at the same time enjoy the night. Odd, a blackbird just hit the window by where I am sitting. Have to ignore that it could be a bad omen and leave. Will write what happens later….
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOOO, my head. Still trying to figure out all what happened. I can somewhat remember waiting for Brendon by the theater when a couple of people came towards me. I got a bit scared and tried to go to the theater when I felt a sharp pain in my neck like a dart or needle hitting it. Then I woke up. I looked around to see a note not far from me with a bag. The note read simply “One and done”. Starting to remember more as I write. I made a pact with Angela Jordan who I was very close to in Dashen Dome and in college. We said that if we felt that the other’s death was unjust by Dashen Dome that we would try our best to go thru the Lazarus Pit procedures for the deceased and help them come back. Basically the “One and done” pack as if we could get by with it, we knew we only had one chance in our lives to do it. Angela and I talked about how I felt for Brendon, and she knew Dashen Dome didn’t like it, however she also understood that everyone dreams of having someone there for them, and Angela didn’t want to take that away from me. Dashen Dome had people everywhere, so my guess is that when a member “dies” that they consider “unworthy”, they take the bodies for disposal and basically the funerals are closed casket with only the personal items like jewelry, pictures, mementos, etc of the individual in the casket. I opened the bag to see some clothes, a few pieces of jewelry, and money to help me get started. Sadly with the pact, we knew that our identity may be gone forever and the money we had would be donated back to Dashen Dome however Angela and I kept a secret stash of cash and added to it each year, so the other could have their stash if they died. I know I couldn’t go back home as it has been stripped and probably redistributed to someone else.
I finally realize that I am somehow back in Gotham City which Angela knew I loved this city and time as sure past since my “return”. I get dressed and put sunglasses on for a disguise to get back out in the world. One of the first places I came across is the newsstand in Robinson Park that was near Wayne Tech. One of the newspaper’s front pages caught my eye “Is Batman back in Gotham?” I bought the paper to read the article. It told about criminals being captured in Batman-like ways. The vigilante had a dark edge and brought fear to the criminals the article continued. The description of the vigilante sounded similar to Batman until it talked about a bat shaped mask
I try to find a place to stay for now until I can rebuild my life and get income again. I want to go out tonight to see if I can get a chance to see what this vigilante looks like. Something tells me that I am not going to like it.
Here I wait chasing a “bat” in the dark. Need to stay away from trouble as I can’t risk being revealed to be alive. Then it happens. A goon tries to hold up a lady nearby a bank ATM when out of the darkness swings the masked vigilante. The bat mask looks like references of another Robin in my Dome education. The Bat emblem on his chest is for sure a symbol of Batman. The boot’s design looks familiar. Wait! That is the same design Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl wore. Then the vigilante pulls out a pair of pair of Escrima sticks like Dick Grayson aka Nightwing used. OH MY GOD! MY FEARS ARE TRUE! MY DEATH HELPED DASHEN DOME!!! This new vigilante is Brendon. It makes sense. His moves are like what he did in gymnastics, he got equipment from his mom Barbara and his Dad Dick and is keeping the Bat legacy alive. My death created Brendon to be what Dashen Dome wanted. How can he stop from crossing the line after being hurt by my death and not join Dashen Dome? I tried so hard to get away, and in the end, Dashen Dome still won. I was in a no win situation. Brendon, if you ever learn the truth, I hope one day you can forgive me….
In Brendon Grayson’s Loft in Innwood
Nightvision enters from the secret entrance to his loft. “Brendon, are you OK?” Brenda asked as Brendon took off his mask.
“I’m fine.” Brendon answered abruptly.
“I have been worried about you. You have been going non-stop since Huntress died. Do you need to talk?” Brenda asked with some concern
“I’m fine.” Brendon said with a slight bit of anger.
“Your dad came by to check on things while you were gone on your missions,” Brenda said in a timid voice.
“WHAT!” Brendon yelled. “I told him that I had things under control. Did he see you? Did you make it appear like you were living here?
“No, he didn’t see me, and I seen that he was coming, so I would hide. I am not trying to make you angry. We haven’t talked much since I came back into your life, and I know you have been busy with Titans of Justice matters.” Brenda tried to explain.
“LOOK! I couldn’t stop Huntress from being hurt as well as the others in Sting Ray’s and company’s attack on STAR Labs. Others may write them off as dead, but it doesn’t make sense, and until I see evidence they are dead, I don’t believe it. Plus, I get a cheap shot from some dressed up Red and Green Arrow wanna be then find out that he was the one I thought was forming a new team on the satellite in space. To add more to the situation, a team member has been revealed to be one of the world’s greatest villains right under our noses the whole team yet is good in one appearance and deadly in her true appearance. On top of all of that, I am looking at someone that appears to be someone I cared deeply about only to find out before Huntress “left” that she was an agent for one of my grandfather’s enemies and allies Talia Head. I just thru patrolling the streets after a brief absence since I am the only one that can do that right now, so please back off.” Brendon said in a stressed and worn out voice.
“Where are you going?” Brenda cried.
“I need some air.” Brendon said
“Are you coming back tonight?” Brenda asked as the secret entrance opened for Brendon and closed for his departure.
Just then sirens rang in the street. Brenda went by the skylights to see what was going on. Police cars did their nightly racing by. Brenda started to cry, turned towards the shadows of the loft and walked away from the window.
Brendon entered thru the secret passages to the Clocktower. Fortunately his mother kept some of the past weeks papers there for him to catch up. The most recent papers referred to a new vigilante being in town and others asked if Huntress has returned.
“Great. Either Helena has a lot of explaining to do, or I got another ‘I want to be Batman/Batwoman”. Brendon exclaimed.
The article referred to the masked vigilante being female. She attacked with darts with feathers among other things in her belt. It says she “flew in the sky” with arms out. The appearance was vague as people thought she looked liked Huntress to looking like an animal or her moving so fast then could see her.
“Well that is for another night. I need to get some sleep for the meeting with Dad and the other department heads in the morning. Might as well try to sleep here tonight in order to get away from things.” Brendon said
Wayne Tech
The next morning, Brendon walked to Wayne Tech and back to his office. “Welcome back from your trip, Brendon. How were the meetings” Tatiana asked.
“Very informative but stressing at the same time.” Brendon said, “Any calls that I need to return?”
“They are in on your desk sir with some other reports. Your father is in there too, “Tatiana said.
“Thank you.”
Brendon entered his office “HE’S ALIVE” Dick yelled trying to joke with his son. “You OK?”
“I’m as good as I can be right now, Dad. Is Grandpa and Grandma still mad?” Brendon asked.
“It will be something they can get over. They are still worried and care about you.” Dick explained. “Well, we can catch up soon; we have a meeting to attend about something you have to separate day and night from, OK”
“OK, Dad” Brendon said.
As they walked into the boardroom, Dick addressed everything “Thank you all for coming. We got a lot to do, so let’s get this started. First order of business is Wayne Tech’s role in helping the devastation caused in the STAR Lab explosion. Wayne Tech has been asked for some assistance as well as from other companies and financial institutions. As one of the heads of the Wayne Foundation, I have agreed to help STAR Labs in any way overcome this disaster. Who would like to lead this endeavor?”
Brendon jumped to his feet, “I would sir. My department can assist and I can head the Foundation’s role in rebuilding.”
“Thank you Brendon, however I don’t think you may fit into this role at this time plus I need you elsewhere. Your department will still be needed in this endeavor though. Any other volunteers?”
Brendon fumed for a minute. He was volunteering to help out with the destruction which gave him a chance to see the scene and find out what happened to Huntress and the others, yet his father balently stopped him from it. “WHY?” Brendon asked himself
“Well since there are no volunteers, I will review to see who I feel is best suited for this role. Next order of business…” Dick said as the meeting continued.
Brendon listened to his father for the rest of the meeting, but nothing was said about what he would be doing that would take him away from STAR Labs. The meeting was over just prior to lunch.
“How about your old man taking you out for a good lunch?” Dick said.
“I am not really hungry, Dad?” Brendon said in a disgusted voice.
“Well you need to eat, and we need to talk. Drop your things off in your office, and we are going out for a dual-business lunch meeting” Dick stated.
Dick and Brendon left the office and went to one of the finest restaurants in town. There Dick made sure they sat in an area where they could talk freely. “I have a bit of explaining to do. I know you are mad at me about not leading Wayne Foundation’s role in the rebuilding of STAR LABS…” Dick started to say.
“YES I AM DAD. WHY…” Brendon said in anger only to be interrupted by his father.
“Brendon calm down. What I was trying to see is I know you are mad. However, I know your other job is more important to helping STAR Labs preventing this from happening compared to anything you could do with the Wayne Foundation’s help. Plus, you thinking of the people lost will hinder the efforts to rebuild. You would need to be their as a solid leader and not distracted by what happened there. I will find someone that can lead that part, but your role with STAR Labs is not done as you know.” Dick explained.
“I see what you are saying Dad. Sorry for blowing my top. A lot has happened, and I shouldn’t take it out on you.” Brendon said as he apologized to his father.
“I understand Brendon. Your mom and I bother had a lot happen to us during the years. Not like you have had per say, but we do understand. Helena was just as important to you as to Bruce, Selina, Mom, or I. Plus your determination and heart is like all of ours. You don’t like failing even though you did the best you could. Seems like other things are bothering you too. What else is going on?” Dick asked.
“Well, I can’t get into it all right now, but let’s say the impact of STAR LABS hit home hard twice and another shocker was revealed. Venus is not who she said she was. She was actually Black Orchid” Brendon whispered as the devices around the table blocked anyone from spying.
“What?” Dick said. “Venus is actually Black Orchid? How”
“We don’t know yet. For some reason, they don’t remember when they are the other person. Plus Dark Arrow formed a new JLA.” Brendon continued.
“You do have a lot going on. I know your mom wants to talk to you too about some things. Look. I know you said I didn’t need to check on things while you were out, but I felt I needed to be sure you were safe, so I did go to your loft. I must say for having all of this going on, everything looked very clean and professional almost liked someone else came in to clean.” Dick said.
“Nope, just me. Wanted to keep things clean, so I could jump back into things when I came back. What made you think someone was there to clean? Did you see someone in my loft?” Brendon asked.
“No, just you have never been known to be a perfectionist in terms of cleaning, but your loft appeared to be perfect. Maybe you are just changing” his father laughed.
“Maybe Dad, maybe.’
Brendon wanted to tell his dad about Brenda, but he knew it was not the right time. His dad was worried enough about him, and what Brendon told his dad about the journals may make things worse with the whole Brenda situation. At the same time, Brendon worried about his mom knowing as usually his mom contacted him when they needed to talk.
“Dad, have you heard anymore about this vigilante running around? Seems like someone wants to be a hero that probably shouldn’t be.” Brendon asked.
“No. Your mom has done some checking, but they are so much in the shadows that it is taking a bit more from your mom to find out about who this person is and why they are doing this.” Dick said.
The two gentlemen finished their meals and went back to work. Brendon tried to get as much in his office done as possibly as it seemed like forever since he was in there. Reviewing reports, calling people back, checking with department heads to see how is department was doing, and even going to his department to meet with his employees. After a long day, Brendon closed down his office and left for the night. He walked back to his loft and thru the regular entrance to see if Brenda was picking up the mail or if his dad did. When he got up to the loft, he looked around. No one was there. “Brenda, I’m here.” Brendon yelled. No one answered. Brendon looked around but could not find her. He decided she may be hiding or somehow out, so he didn’t think much more about it and went to the secret passage to get to the Clocktower.
A Blackbird in the Bat Tree Part 1 of 2
Written by Nightvision
Editor: Power Guy
From the pages of Brenda Troy’s journal…
This should be the happiest day of my life, but it really isn’t in some ways. Being a part of Dashen Dome, I already know that Brendon is going to propose to me tonight after he is done with his gymnastic practice. With all the connections to Dashen Dome, they already know what my engagement ring looks like and have a copy of it as well as gave a copy to me to show what they know. They told me when this first started that once you join, you are in until your body can no longer sustain life.
Looking back, it is ironic that when they first sent me to go after Brendon that I hated him so much due to his family’s past with the master. It took every fiber in my being to be nice the way they conditioned us to what he and others were like. Slowly in college and in gymnastics, a bound grew. He didn’t care who the person was. He took his time to help out about anyone whether it would be me, a classmate, someone on the street, or even someone that hated him. When we started going out, I was still wary of him with all the information Dashen Dome gave me, but tried to remain objective. He started really caring for me in class and took the initiative to be a great partner and invite me overseas to be his inspiration in training. That I think may have really hurt me and him in the long run.
When we went to Russia, I was starting to know what cloud nine felt like. So much I acted like I cared for him, but he broke thru that wall and I really started knowing who he really was and not what I learned. I learned in college that history is fact and fiction and you have to decipher what is the truth and what people think is the truth. In the case of Brendon, I realized I was getting the truth from him. Everything was great until Brendon stopped to buy a scarf for me from what turned out to be a foreign Dashen agent. Later that day, we ran into Talia who talked to Brendon. I knew in my classes how much passion and hate she had for the Bat family as she taught us about his legacy and did one on one study with me about Brendon. While Brendon did some training later that day, Talia made it a point to get me away to tell me what I was there to do and what it would cost me if I failed. I tried to get back to what I was assigned to do as Dashen Dome helped me in the past and provided for my education, but in my heart, I knew that I could not do what they wanted me to do.
Then came the offer to go to Tamarrean. How could I even pass up an opportunity that most people could never do. Go into space far, far away and go to a distant planet. It was awkward being “on the other side” and being with such great heroes of the past and possibly future heroes, but Brendon was there and I knew that I would be alright. Once we touched done on the planet, I instantly fell in love with it. The beautiful plant life, the fresh air, and the home away from home feel it gave. Everyone on the trip was so nice to me. How could I turn my back and hurt or change one of their own. The night they sat down and reminiscence really hurt me. I was trained to hate these people and at the same time, I really didn’t have any past with all the conditioning and training I went thru to be their solider for Dashen Dome cause. I asked Brendon if he could walk with me to get away but also so I could have someone by me that cared for me. That is when the whole Dashen Dome bond with me broke. We sat by one of the most beautiful lakes I know I would ever see. The Tamarrean Orchids in the moonlight was something I had to draw a picture of. Brendon and I sat there then laid there enjoying the beauty of the whole scene. We really opened up to each other that night. We talked about if we got married that it would be great to get married at that spot. We talked about fears, life, love, and about everything it seemed. The more we talked, the more my bound with Dashen Dome broke and I was willing to pay the price because I loved him and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. It was a great feeling talking to him and then waking up to realize we feel asleep. That was the 1st time I every felt relaxed in my life. We walked up back to camp in time for some great camp cooking for breakfast.
That gets back to this big day. I love Brendon so much, but I can’t help but be disappointed that the surprise is not there. Yes I love the fact he is going to propose to me, but knowing what the ring looks like, knowing basically that it will be done tonight, and Dashen Dome knows all of this, I can’t help but feel pessimistic.
WOW! I need to get ready. I lost track of time. Brendon will be leaving practice shortly, and I have to get ready to meet him at the theater in the old crime alley to watch “The Flying Graysons”. I have to act like I don’t know and at the same time enjoy the night. Odd, a blackbird just hit the window by where I am sitting. Have to ignore that it could be a bad omen and leave. Will write what happens later….
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOOO, my head. Still trying to figure out all what happened. I can somewhat remember waiting for Brendon by the theater when a couple of people came towards me. I got a bit scared and tried to go to the theater when I felt a sharp pain in my neck like a dart or needle hitting it. Then I woke up. I looked around to see a note not far from me with a bag. The note read simply “One and done”. Starting to remember more as I write. I made a pact with Angela Jordan who I was very close to in Dashen Dome and in college. We said that if we felt that the other’s death was unjust by Dashen Dome that we would try our best to go thru the Lazarus Pit procedures for the deceased and help them come back. Basically the “One and done” pack as if we could get by with it, we knew we only had one chance in our lives to do it. Angela and I talked about how I felt for Brendon, and she knew Dashen Dome didn’t like it, however she also understood that everyone dreams of having someone there for them, and Angela didn’t want to take that away from me. Dashen Dome had people everywhere, so my guess is that when a member “dies” that they consider “unworthy”, they take the bodies for disposal and basically the funerals are closed casket with only the personal items like jewelry, pictures, mementos, etc of the individual in the casket. I opened the bag to see some clothes, a few pieces of jewelry, and money to help me get started. Sadly with the pact, we knew that our identity may be gone forever and the money we had would be donated back to Dashen Dome however Angela and I kept a secret stash of cash and added to it each year, so the other could have their stash if they died. I know I couldn’t go back home as it has been stripped and probably redistributed to someone else.
I finally realize that I am somehow back in Gotham City which Angela knew I loved this city and time as sure past since my “return”. I get dressed and put sunglasses on for a disguise to get back out in the world. One of the first places I came across is the newsstand in Robinson Park that was near Wayne Tech. One of the newspaper’s front pages caught my eye “Is Batman back in Gotham?” I bought the paper to read the article. It told about criminals being captured in Batman-like ways. The vigilante had a dark edge and brought fear to the criminals the article continued. The description of the vigilante sounded similar to Batman until it talked about a bat shaped mask
I try to find a place to stay for now until I can rebuild my life and get income again. I want to go out tonight to see if I can get a chance to see what this vigilante looks like. Something tells me that I am not going to like it.
Here I wait chasing a “bat” in the dark. Need to stay away from trouble as I can’t risk being revealed to be alive. Then it happens. A goon tries to hold up a lady nearby a bank ATM when out of the darkness swings the masked vigilante. The bat mask looks like references of another Robin in my Dome education. The Bat emblem on his chest is for sure a symbol of Batman. The boot’s design looks familiar. Wait! That is the same design Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl wore. Then the vigilante pulls out a pair of pair of Escrima sticks like Dick Grayson aka Nightwing used. OH MY GOD! MY FEARS ARE TRUE! MY DEATH HELPED DASHEN DOME!!! This new vigilante is Brendon. It makes sense. His moves are like what he did in gymnastics, he got equipment from his mom Barbara and his Dad Dick and is keeping the Bat legacy alive. My death created Brendon to be what Dashen Dome wanted. How can he stop from crossing the line after being hurt by my death and not join Dashen Dome? I tried so hard to get away, and in the end, Dashen Dome still won. I was in a no win situation. Brendon, if you ever learn the truth, I hope one day you can forgive me….
In Brendon Grayson’s Loft in Innwood
Nightvision enters from the secret entrance to his loft. “Brendon, are you OK?” Brenda asked as Brendon took off his mask.
“I’m fine.” Brendon answered abruptly.
“I have been worried about you. You have been going non-stop since Huntress died. Do you need to talk?” Brenda asked with some concern
“I’m fine.” Brendon said with a slight bit of anger.
“Your dad came by to check on things while you were gone on your missions,” Brenda said in a timid voice.
“WHAT!” Brendon yelled. “I told him that I had things under control. Did he see you? Did you make it appear like you were living here?
“No, he didn’t see me, and I seen that he was coming, so I would hide. I am not trying to make you angry. We haven’t talked much since I came back into your life, and I know you have been busy with Titans of Justice matters.” Brenda tried to explain.
“LOOK! I couldn’t stop Huntress from being hurt as well as the others in Sting Ray’s and company’s attack on STAR Labs. Others may write them off as dead, but it doesn’t make sense, and until I see evidence they are dead, I don’t believe it. Plus, I get a cheap shot from some dressed up Red and Green Arrow wanna be then find out that he was the one I thought was forming a new team on the satellite in space. To add more to the situation, a team member has been revealed to be one of the world’s greatest villains right under our noses the whole team yet is good in one appearance and deadly in her true appearance. On top of all of that, I am looking at someone that appears to be someone I cared deeply about only to find out before Huntress “left” that she was an agent for one of my grandfather’s enemies and allies Talia Head. I just thru patrolling the streets after a brief absence since I am the only one that can do that right now, so please back off.” Brendon said in a stressed and worn out voice.
“Where are you going?” Brenda cried.
“I need some air.” Brendon said
“Are you coming back tonight?” Brenda asked as the secret entrance opened for Brendon and closed for his departure.
Just then sirens rang in the street. Brenda went by the skylights to see what was going on. Police cars did their nightly racing by. Brenda started to cry, turned towards the shadows of the loft and walked away from the window.
Brendon entered thru the secret passages to the Clocktower. Fortunately his mother kept some of the past weeks papers there for him to catch up. The most recent papers referred to a new vigilante being in town and others asked if Huntress has returned.
“Great. Either Helena has a lot of explaining to do, or I got another ‘I want to be Batman/Batwoman”. Brendon exclaimed.
The article referred to the masked vigilante being female. She attacked with darts with feathers among other things in her belt. It says she “flew in the sky” with arms out. The appearance was vague as people thought she looked liked Huntress to looking like an animal or her moving so fast then could see her.
“Well that is for another night. I need to get some sleep for the meeting with Dad and the other department heads in the morning. Might as well try to sleep here tonight in order to get away from things.” Brendon said
Wayne Tech
The next morning, Brendon walked to Wayne Tech and back to his office. “Welcome back from your trip, Brendon. How were the meetings” Tatiana asked.
“Very informative but stressing at the same time.” Brendon said, “Any calls that I need to return?”
“They are in on your desk sir with some other reports. Your father is in there too, “Tatiana said.
“Thank you.”
Brendon entered his office “HE’S ALIVE” Dick yelled trying to joke with his son. “You OK?”
“I’m as good as I can be right now, Dad. Is Grandpa and Grandma still mad?” Brendon asked.
“It will be something they can get over. They are still worried and care about you.” Dick explained. “Well, we can catch up soon; we have a meeting to attend about something you have to separate day and night from, OK”
“OK, Dad” Brendon said.
As they walked into the boardroom, Dick addressed everything “Thank you all for coming. We got a lot to do, so let’s get this started. First order of business is Wayne Tech’s role in helping the devastation caused in the STAR Lab explosion. Wayne Tech has been asked for some assistance as well as from other companies and financial institutions. As one of the heads of the Wayne Foundation, I have agreed to help STAR Labs in any way overcome this disaster. Who would like to lead this endeavor?”
Brendon jumped to his feet, “I would sir. My department can assist and I can head the Foundation’s role in rebuilding.”
“Thank you Brendon, however I don’t think you may fit into this role at this time plus I need you elsewhere. Your department will still be needed in this endeavor though. Any other volunteers?”
Brendon fumed for a minute. He was volunteering to help out with the destruction which gave him a chance to see the scene and find out what happened to Huntress and the others, yet his father balently stopped him from it. “WHY?” Brendon asked himself
“Well since there are no volunteers, I will review to see who I feel is best suited for this role. Next order of business…” Dick said as the meeting continued.
Brendon listened to his father for the rest of the meeting, but nothing was said about what he would be doing that would take him away from STAR Labs. The meeting was over just prior to lunch.
“How about your old man taking you out for a good lunch?” Dick said.
“I am not really hungry, Dad?” Brendon said in a disgusted voice.
“Well you need to eat, and we need to talk. Drop your things off in your office, and we are going out for a dual-business lunch meeting” Dick stated.
Dick and Brendon left the office and went to one of the finest restaurants in town. There Dick made sure they sat in an area where they could talk freely. “I have a bit of explaining to do. I know you are mad at me about not leading Wayne Foundation’s role in the rebuilding of STAR LABS…” Dick started to say.
“YES I AM DAD. WHY…” Brendon said in anger only to be interrupted by his father.
“Brendon calm down. What I was trying to see is I know you are mad. However, I know your other job is more important to helping STAR Labs preventing this from happening compared to anything you could do with the Wayne Foundation’s help. Plus, you thinking of the people lost will hinder the efforts to rebuild. You would need to be their as a solid leader and not distracted by what happened there. I will find someone that can lead that part, but your role with STAR Labs is not done as you know.” Dick explained.
“I see what you are saying Dad. Sorry for blowing my top. A lot has happened, and I shouldn’t take it out on you.” Brendon said as he apologized to his father.
“I understand Brendon. Your mom and I bother had a lot happen to us during the years. Not like you have had per say, but we do understand. Helena was just as important to you as to Bruce, Selina, Mom, or I. Plus your determination and heart is like all of ours. You don’t like failing even though you did the best you could. Seems like other things are bothering you too. What else is going on?” Dick asked.
“Well, I can’t get into it all right now, but let’s say the impact of STAR LABS hit home hard twice and another shocker was revealed. Venus is not who she said she was. She was actually Black Orchid” Brendon whispered as the devices around the table blocked anyone from spying.
“What?” Dick said. “Venus is actually Black Orchid? How”
“We don’t know yet. For some reason, they don’t remember when they are the other person. Plus Dark Arrow formed a new JLA.” Brendon continued.
“You do have a lot going on. I know your mom wants to talk to you too about some things. Look. I know you said I didn’t need to check on things while you were out, but I felt I needed to be sure you were safe, so I did go to your loft. I must say for having all of this going on, everything looked very clean and professional almost liked someone else came in to clean.” Dick said.
“Nope, just me. Wanted to keep things clean, so I could jump back into things when I came back. What made you think someone was there to clean? Did you see someone in my loft?” Brendon asked.
“No, just you have never been known to be a perfectionist in terms of cleaning, but your loft appeared to be perfect. Maybe you are just changing” his father laughed.
“Maybe Dad, maybe.’
Brendon wanted to tell his dad about Brenda, but he knew it was not the right time. His dad was worried enough about him, and what Brendon told his dad about the journals may make things worse with the whole Brenda situation. At the same time, Brendon worried about his mom knowing as usually his mom contacted him when they needed to talk.
“Dad, have you heard anymore about this vigilante running around? Seems like someone wants to be a hero that probably shouldn’t be.” Brendon asked.
“No. Your mom has done some checking, but they are so much in the shadows that it is taking a bit more from your mom to find out about who this person is and why they are doing this.” Dick said.
The two gentlemen finished their meals and went back to work. Brendon tried to get as much in his office done as possibly as it seemed like forever since he was in there. Reviewing reports, calling people back, checking with department heads to see how is department was doing, and even going to his department to meet with his employees. After a long day, Brendon closed down his office and left for the night. He walked back to his loft and thru the regular entrance to see if Brenda was picking up the mail or if his dad did. When he got up to the loft, he looked around. No one was there. “Brenda, I’m here.” Brendon yelled. No one answered. Brendon looked around but could not find her. He decided she may be hiding or somehow out, so he didn’t think much more about it and went to the secret passage to get to the Clocktower.
