This story takes place before Titans East Chapter 40
Written by: Brekat/Nightvision
Co-conspirator/Editor: Power Guy

When he got to her house, he made sure that he was not seen and made sure she was alone. He looked in and saw she was watching the History Channel. When she was focused on the TV, he made his entrance. “Watching yourself again on the History Channel, Waller?”

“Nightvision, what a surprise. What brings you here and trying to scare a old woman?” Waller said as she turned the TV off.

“Still into Task Force X? I am here regarding one of your recruits.” Nightvision stated.

“What a coincidence. I have been studying this urban legend about Task Force X that several people have said I been a part of for years.” Waller said with a smirk on her face.

“Waller! Why did you send Spellbinder to attack me? Are you looking for some kind of bounty?” Nightvision yelled.

“Spellbinder? Why would I have connection to a Batman Rogue as well as a villain?” The Wall asked.

“Cut the crap Waller. I know you are still connected to Task Force X and the Suicide Squad. Spellbinder has been asked to join the Squad before.” Nightvision said.

“Well, what your intelligence probably didn’t tell you is that some of these villains that I am supposedly connected to was purchased by some mysterious foundation. Waller said with a distraught look on her face.”

”Purchased? How can anyone be purchased? Task Force X is trying to cover their tracks yet again?”

“An international foundation named Dashen Dome came into to Arkham Asylum, Belle Reve, and other prisons and somehow got selected villains out for their foundation to give them new life.” Waller explained

“Dashen Dome? Never heard of that foundation. Is there any connection to the Arabic community? Did Task Force X give some of their members venom that Bane used years ago?” Nightvision asked

“Not much is known about Dashen Dome besides them being around for years and connected to various world agendas. As far as venom, Task Force X did not condone the use of drugs and would never put anyone thru that kind of torture.” Waller stated.

“No you tortured heroes and villains alike and even their families. Where can I find this Dashen Dome?” Nightvision said as he stared a hole through Amanda.

“You are truly like your grandfather and father as you continue their Dark Knight legacy.” Waller stated, “Dashen Dome has somehow remained off the map. It is said in underworld communication that they have multiple headquarters. Maybe even one here in the US. I suggest you go to Nanda Parbat and someone will meet you there that is providing information with some of the underworld groups.” Waller explained.

“I may take you up on that offer. How will I know who this person is?” Nightvision asked with a bit of skepticism.

“It is a blast from the past in the ghosts of the legacy of your costume’s past. You will know when you see them.” Waller explained, but as she turned, Nightvision was gone.

Nightvision got back to his jet and flew back to Gotham to patrol and ponder what the Wall said. Patrol that night was fairly easy. A few common robberies and a few muggings, but nothing like his battle with Spellbinder the night before. He got back to the loft and added to his notes for this case.

The rest of the week at work was fairly normal and quiet. Brendon wanted to get that GBS article from the newsstand, but he stayed close to his office besides meetings with the eerie things that had happened prior in the week. Patrol was quiet too which gave time to Nightvision think about his notes and the connections to the robbery at Wayne Tech and Spellbinder as he researched videos and profiles.

Then Saturday came, the day of the big barbeque Bruce was holding to get everyone together for a rare get together. While at the get together, Dick and his dad got a chance to play tennis on the court. Brendon was focused and taking his frustration out on the tennis balls. When Dick won after Brendon making unforced errors by hitting the ball too long., his Dad said “You need something better than this to take out your frustration. How about sparring with me in the simulator in the cave.”

“You’re on!” Brendon said with excitement.

Brendon and his Dad went back and forth, blow to blow, but Dick knew it was a chance to get Brendon to release energy and talk. “OK, so what’s new?”

“Not much Dad? Waller denied sending Spellbinder after me or Wayne Tech. She said she was ‘purchased’ by some mysterious Dashen Dome foundation. Ever hear of them?”

“No I haven’t. Did she give you any other ideas?” his dad asked.

“Not really, she talked about another source, but I am a bit leery of her ‘source’”

“Well, maybe something will turn up to help you with the case.” Dick said as he tried to trip Brendon

“Nice try, Dad, but Spellbinder caught me off guard, and I learn from my mistakes.” Brendon exclaimed as he leaped over his father’s trip and pinned his dad to the ground.

“Great counter, but the battle isn’t over yet” his dad said as he rolled thru the pin and back on his feet for the next round. “Remember, you need to focus on the battle and not get frustrated by mistakes.”

“OK Dad” Brendon said as he did a backflip over his dad to get an upper hand.

“Very nice, let’s see if we can add to the difficulty. Computer level No Man’s Land.” Dick said to change the setting of the battlefield. The ground became unsettled due to quakes and villains came from all sides.

“Nice Dad, turn the tables from one on one to 2 vs. everyone.” Brendon said with a laugh.

“Sometimes in the middle of the battle, you have to change your agenda and plans in order to accomplish the goal.” His dad said.

Brendon enjoyed fighting side by side with his dad. He imagined what he was like watching his dad fight as Robin and Nightwing. They got the upper hand with the villains then Brendon thought of what he has wanted to see and a challenge that would help his training. “Dad, can we get weapons or do you want to fight hand to hand only?”

“Hand to hand is always the best as sometimes your opponents can use the element of surprise and get control of your weapons.” Dick said with a puzzled look

“Computer-run program doppelganger.” Brendon said. The computer switched to a rooftop setting by the train with images of a Nightwing in his prime and Nightvision appearing. “I call Nightwing” Brendon said and headed off.

“Hmm. Wonder who has been playing with the simulator. I guess I get the difficult challenge of Nightvision.” His dad joked.

Brendon dreamed if he could be just as good as his dad or better, and he wanted a program to see how he progressed with his continued training with the chance to change the program to include Batman at some point. Brendon fought toe to toe with Nightwing as they leaped from rooftop to rooftop and even battled on the train. Eventually, Brendon caught a rare Nightwing slip and was able to subdue the simulation. “About time.” His dad said as he is doing his trapeze act back and forth on the rooftops with the simulation Nightvision tied upside down hanging on a gargoyle.

“OK Dad, I got the hint. I don’t know everything and I still have a lot to learn. Thanks for the workout.”

“Don’t get down. Sometimes your emotions overshadows your thinking and sometimes you think too much. For the most part in battles and mysteries, the answers are in front of you. You just need to know where to look and what is needed to find the solution. Well I better get back outside. If I don’t, your Grandma Selina and your mom will be remodeling the whole house again.” Dick said as he closed the simulator.

“OK Dad. I am going to stay down here for a bit and use the Bat Computer from the cave to see what I figure out.”

“Brendon, you need to take some time off. Just ask your grandparents, your mom, and especially me. Sometimes you make yourself your own worse enemy,” his dad begged his son.

“Dad, I know, but the symbols this week of Brenda and this mystery of the Wayne Tech robberies, Spellbinder, and Dashen Dome. I just fear it may be something a lot worse.” Brendon explained

“Starting to sound like your grandfather. Obsessed with the costume. Just be smart” his father said as he left the cave.

Brendon sat at the Bat computer and accessed profiles on Spellbinder and searched for Dashen Dome to no avail. He remembered when he was introduced to the cave, his grandfather said anything he wanted he could use but remember that it was part of a legacy that would continue. He didn’t want to tell his father or mother, but he had planned to go to Nanda Parbat to see if that source Waller referenced could help with his
search. He knew that Brendon Grayson would be maybe not the best look for his trip, and the cave had a room for disguises and clothes. He walked thru the trophies and found a picture of a face from the past that looked so familiar to him. He went into the disguise room and grabbed a light brown wig, the tradition sunglasses, and an outfit that fit the persona he wanted. He safely packed the items in his bag, hit the showers, and took the picture outside to ask about the person.

Out on the terrace, his grandparents and parents were talking. He interrupted them, “Excuse me. Can you guys tell me who this is?”

“Why are you asking, Brendon?” his grandfather asked

“Her face looks familiar grandfather.”

“Her name is Talia Head. She is Ra’s Al Ghul’s daughter. She had a thing for me for years, and when we first met, she faked her kidnapping when your dad was taken by her dad.” Bruce said

“Did you say Talia? When Brenda and I went overseas to train when I almost got into the Olympics, a woman approached me and said her name was Talia and said a weird comment to me and acted like she knew all of you. But that is impossible; she was as young as she looks in this picture.” Brendon said in disbelief.

“Brendon besides saying she knew us, what was the comment she told you?” his dad asked.

“She said, ‘a lone wolf cries during a dark knight’ and disappeared soon after. Is there something I am missing?” Brendon asked.

“Well, everyone here witnessed Talia’s father and others go into the Lazarus Pits to rejuvenate themselves, and it is possible Talia found one since all the known pits were sealed. She would know my secret identity and your father’s and could connect the rest. Be warned if you see her again.” Bruce said

“Grandfather, are they on the profile videos you provided me?”

“Ra’s is, but it was too painful to put together a Talia one with the past we had.”

“OK. I will put the picture back. I knew it was strange for that woman to appear, but I can’t confirm it was her. It sounds really like her though.” Brendon said.

Brendon went back to the cave and put the picture back then when back to enjoy the rest of the day with his parents and grandparents. They laughed and talked into the night. As they sat around that night, the bat symbol shined in the sky. “That’s my cue.” Brendon said as he raced out the door.

“After all these years, that is what it looked like when we left,” said Bruce and Dick in unison as they laughed.

Brendon got back to his loft, dropped his bag and got into his costume. He slid down the shaft to his awaiting Nightcycle and took off to the signal. When he arrived, the commissioner was just ready to turn off the light. “What is wrong commissish?” Nightvision asked a startled Commissioner.

“Another break in Nightvision. This time it was STAR Labs and the M.O. was the same. Computer technology and medical equipment.” The commissioner stated.

“Any clues about who did this break in? Did Spellbinder trick the guards again?” Nightvision asked.

“One of the villains used a transporter to move from place to place and for a short time flying discs. The other robber used magnetism to disarm the guards and trap them.” The commissioner concluded.

“Now 3 villains with no connections besides what was taken. Any news on how they broke out of jail or if they were in jail.” Nightvision asked while pondering.

“We have not got that far yet in the investigation.” The commissioner said as he turned his head from the file to look at Nighvision who already took off. “I will never get used to that.”

Nightvision took off to the crime scene swinging thru the city. When he arrived, the GCPD was still on the scene, so he entered thru the roof. From what he gathered, the villains knew where the equipment was exactly and the security systems involved. When he entered the area where the equipment was taken, there was no sign of forced entry which was not the case at Wayne Tech however the commissioner referenced that one of them teleported from place to place. Nightvision accessed the door and entered the room. Ironically nothing was out of place besides the gaps of the missing equipment, and with the possibility of one of the villains using flying discs to get around; there would be not much forensic evidence on the ground. Nightvision then went to the surveillance room. There he used his gauntlet to access the footage during the time of the crime and downloaded it to analyze. Then as a GCPD officer approached, he disconnected and took off back to the Clocktower.

When he was arrived, he was able to pull up the footage from the download and got the frames to see the villains involved. “One of the villains is clear. Magneta. Francis Kane previously wore the costume. I remember Dad talking about Wally’s run ins with her as well as trying to figure out which side of the law she is on. The other villain appears to be Deadline. Grandpa had him on his JLA villains file. A gun for hire that used teleportation and discs to get away. The JLA had a run in with him after the Elite’s dealing with Neron. According to the database, both were in jail up until a week ago when then were released for ‘a new lease on life’. The same reason listed for Lady Spellbinder’s release. Sounds like Dashen Dome may be involved with them too. So now we have 2 connections (similar equipment and similar release reason). Guess I know what the next step is.” Nightvision said as he examined more of the robbery footage.

Then he made a call on his gauntlet, “This is Nightvision. Meet me on the roof of the Clocktower as soon as you can. Nightvision out.”

Within the hour, he rendezvous on the roof occurred. “Hey cousin. Thank you for meeting me.” Nightvision said.



“Not a problem. Usually it is not for personal reasons but for business when you call,” said Huntress

“I know. I need to get better at that. Hey I need a favor.” Nightvision started.

“What a shock there. Let me guess you are going out of town on business and want me to patrol.” Laughed Huntress.

“Guess I am somewhat predictable that way. What gave you that idea?” Nightvision asked.

“I called Mom and Dad earlier and they talked about your visit during the barbeque. They noticed you were preoccupied and when Talia was mentioned, you acted like you were on to something.” Huntress explained

“Well I guess I can’t always hide my emotions and thoughts under this mask. Please don’t tell my mom and dad and your mom and dad. Part of this is personal and part involves the break ins recently at Wayne Tech and STAR Labs. I already changed my schedule at work to be out of town for development of the department.” Nightvision said

“OK. I won’t tell anyone including ToJ. Just be careful and come back home safe.” Huntress said as she hugged her cousin.

“I will, and if things go right, we will go out and have a night on the town just you and me when I get back.”

“I won’t hold my breath on that, little boy blue.” Huntress said as she winked, “Talk to you soon. Bye.”

Nightvision also swung away to head back home. When he arrived, he added the notes he discovered about tonight’s robbery in his journal. Once he compiled all the notes, he looked thru the profile videos for Deadline, Magneta, and Ra’s Al Ghul. He discovered very little regarding Deadline and Magneta besides their usually M.Os. Ra’s he decided to watch after realizing that possibly it was Talia Head that visited him years ago. Something struck him when he started the video “The Demon’s Head and an immortal. No wonder Grandfather considered him one of his deadliest adversaries.” He watched the highlights of his families battle with Ra’s and seen parts of why his grandfather didn’t want to make a video of Talia.

Brendon decided to get some rest for his overseas trip because he knew it was going to be a rough ride to find the answers to his questions. He rested easier knowing that he didn’t have his parents worrying about him, and he could find the answers on his own and not hurt his family. During the night, Brendon had a dream. It started by that lake on Tamaran. He was just sitting by the lake by himself when he looked over to see a wolf by them self on a butte crying at the full moon. His instinct was to go to the wolf. As he does, the wolf stops crying then Brendon hears another wolf in the distant. When he gets to the top of the butte, the wolf had vanished. He looked up at the moon and it had changed to the signal light in Gotham. He looks down at himself to see his costume on. He swings towards the source of the light which leads him to a crime scene in Crime Alley. He sees the movie theater back open with “The Flying Graysons” advertised. He realizes that it is the night that Brenda died. He approaches the body bag that lies in the alley. He notices the bag has the name “Lazarus” on it. He unzips the bag, but instead of seeing Brenda in the bag, he sees himself. Brendon awakes from his deep slumber to realize it was just a dream.

The next morning Brendon woke up and dressed for his alter ego for his trip to Nanda Parbat. Using knowledge of Oracle’s past, Brendon would create alter egos on computer profiles, so he could actually be the people. He learned from his Grandfather Bruce and dad to dress up like Matches Malone and other personas. He pulled the disguise out of his bag that he got from the cave. He was using the alter ego “Brennon Sweson”, a former world class track star who was banned from the sport due to betting on and against himself in track races. He thought a criminal who did jail time and was athletic could get better exposure in the overseas underworld. He packed his own suitcases as his parents bought him some for a high school graduation gift, however he knew that with their past, it could have tracers or bugs on it to track him. On special assignments, he had his own to stay undercover. He got to the airport and got on the first flight of the day to Nanda Parbat.

When he arrived, he went to a local motel to check in then went into the market area to see where he could find the criminals. One of the shop keepers referred him to a bar down the alley. When he got to the bar, he ordered a stiff drink and started talking to bartender. “I am trying to get a new lease on life. I was banned from world sports due to gambling, and was told Nanda Parbat was where to go to get help. Can you help me?” Brennon asked.

“Well, I am not a priest, so don’t be looking for me to hear your confessions.” The bartender said in a gruff voice.

“OK, chill man. I was told by some of my jail mates there was an organization here that could help me, and I am not familiar with this locale.” Brennon continued.

“The only organizations around here are the marketers. Don’t know what else you would be looking for.” The Bartender said

“Well I heard the name ‘Dashen Dome’. Ever hear of them?”

“That is just an urban legend, “the bartender said abruptly, “the story has been going around for years, and folks here don’t like hearing urban legends.” Just then 2 of the men playing pools stepped up after being summoned by the bartender and grabbed Brendon.

“Now you must go for disturbing my establishment.”

Brendon went in Nightvision mode. He flipped both of the men and one of the men got up only to get knocked out by Brendon in one punch. The other man tried to come up from behind on Brendon, but Brendon felt him coming and flipped him over his shoulder and thru the door. “Now then, what about that information?”

“Easy speedy. No need for an American to get a bad rep here. I can help you.” a woman in the corner said, “come over here.”

Brendon walked out and from the shadows appeared. “Andrea Beaumont, “Brendon said to himself, “Of course, Waller said a ‘ghost from Batman’s past’. Ghost =phantasm.

“Hello, my name is Andrea. Meet me at this location tonight and we will talk. Come alone” Andrea handed Brendon a piece of paper.

“Why can’t we talk right now? I was going to see if there was any local track races that I could run in to earn some money.” Brendon asked

“Well, I am not much of a day person, and you don’t appear to be either. I prefer doing my business at night,” Andrea responded.

“Well, I was raised never to argue with a beautiful lady especially a red headed one. I guess I will see you later.” Brendon responded. As he walked out, Brendon tossed a roll of money to the bartender. “Here is for the drink and damages. Have a nice day.”

As he walked back to his room, Brendon noticed a temple off in the distance. “The temple of Rama Khan. I may need to make a stop there if time permits to clear my mind.”

When he got back to his room, Brendon decided that it would be better to go to the meeting as Nightvision then Brennon as one it could be a trap with Waller involved and two with the reception he got after mentioning Dashen Dome, anything could happen. When darkness fell, Brendon opened the hidden cased part of his suitcase that concealed his costume even from Airport scans. He donned his costume and found a way out of his room and to the meeting point for his meeting with Andrea. After a swing around the area to check out the surrounding, he landed in the shadows for the meeting.

“Ms. Beaumont I presumed.” Nightvision said.

“Nightvision. Waller told me about you. I thought I was meeting someone else here.” Andrea said

“You got me. What can you tell me about the Dashen Dome?” Nightvision said abruptly

“I know about as much as any of the intelligence of the world knows. About every time I get close to finding out more, the information disappears. It appears more like an Urban Legend than what we know for sure.” Beaumont said.

“Sounds like Wall mumbo jumbo to me. What are you hiding?” Nightvision said as he stepped towards her.

“You sure are direct. Reminds me a lot of Batman. Honestly, I don’t work for Waller directly anymore. Here is what I know. Dashen Dome has been around for years. They have the ‘a new life’ theme as you probably have seen. Besides that, we know they have bases around the world including in the U.S. however they seemed to be strongly based around the Himalayans and Tibet for some reason. We know they have used a splinter cell of Kobra to help them, but like I said when we get an informant or close to solid information, everything is wiped out. Almost like either they don’t want to be found or they are testing someone to find out more about them. Why are you so interested in them?” Andrea said

“Let’s say, they crossed my path and know too much about me.” Nightvision said

“I see. Well here is all the information I have. Sorry, I couldn’t be more help.” Ms. Beaumont said as she handed him the file disc.

“Thanks.” Nightvision said skeptically wondering if it was a set-up.

“And here is a number you can reach me at, “Andrea started to say. As she reached for a piece of paper and pen from her pocket, she turned and Nightvision vanished. “Waller was right, definitely like the old man and maybe better. Be safe young detective.”



“RF to base, RF to base. He is here and has some info on us. How do you want me to proceed?” A figure in the shadow said in her communicator.

“Gzhugs la shog dang log yong nang” said a voice on the other end.

“Understood master.” Then the shadow figure disappeared.

To be continued....