Dick and Babs, A New Chapter In Life Part 5
Dick sat down at his couch. He faced Barbara Gordon. She had just arrived minutes earlier with the proclamation that they needed to clear the air. It took every ounce of his will to keep from jumping up and wrapping his arms around the woman he had been in love with since he was nine years old. He studied her face carefully. "She has her best poker face on. Whatever you do Grayson, don't hurt her again," he thought to himself. Clearing his throat he began to speak. "So. have you been keeping yourself busy?" As soon as the words escaped his lips, he bit his tongue in punishment, "Stupid Stupid Stupid. Can't you think of anything better to say?" His mental berating was interrupted.
"Yeah, you know lots of Oracle stuff. How about you?"
"Busy. Yeah. We are arresting Blockbuster within the next 72 hours."
"That's great, Dick."
"You didn't come here to talk shop did you?"
"No. No I didn't."
They looked at each other in silence for a few short moments. Then simultaneously they called each other's name and said the words, "I wanted to say.." then they stopped.
"You go first Dick."
"No you go Babs."
"No you go first, I don't have all day, Boy Wonder,"
Dick's eyes widened slightly. His mind was doing cartwheels, "She called me Boy Wonder. Maybe there is hope after all. "Barbara, I am so sorry for what I said to you. Please understand, I thought I was doing the right thing. I was such a bonehead. Please forgive me. And also, I love you," he said with his best puppy dog look.
"First of all, you should be.. second, I do understand but you were still wrong which brings us to number three, you are a bonehead, fourth, we'll see and fifth, I love you too. By the way, those puppy dog eyes aren't going to get you shit Grayson."
"Please Barbara, I have been miserable without y. Did you say you love me? You did. You said you love me!!!"
"Better put some ice on that swollen head of yours, Dickie, you're not out of the doghouse yet."
"I understand. You have never told me that before. I can't help but be excited. Babs, please. I was only trying to help,.." Dick started as he got on his knees in front of Barbara. The world's second greatest detective never got to finish his sentence. He was blindsided by the last thing he expected.. A kiss. He had been kissed before by lots of women. He had been kissed by Barbara before, but this kiss was like no other that he had ever experienced. In that moment he felt her heart open to him. He felt all of the love, all the pain, all the regret. For the first time, Barbara Gordon had let him in unconditionally. After what felt like an eternity they broke their kiss.
"I love you, Babs."
"I love you too, Dick."
Dick looked at her and smiled. With this feeling he felt, he could take on Blockbuster, the Bludhaven PD, and even R'as Al Ghul himself.
"By the way Grayson, I brought something for you," Barbara said as she picked up the box she had placed on Dick's table.
"What did you do?"
"Open it and see."
Dick ripped away the plain paper that was wrapped around the box. He felt like a kid as he ripped open the box. Looking at the contents of the box, his mouth dropped open. Kid indeed, for inside the box he found his old Robin costume. "What is this for?"
"Oh, I decided that you can no longer be Nightwing. You have to become Robin again. I arranged everything with Bruce. Tim is ok with it too. We all feel it is time you make a change in your life."
"Huh? I don't get it."
"What, do I have to hit you with the clue bat, Boy Wonder? You are Robin again. "
"But, I don't want to be Robin again and quite frankly, it's not your decision to make."
"Gotcha!"
"D'oh! Ok, I get it. Giving me a taste of my own medicine."
"You are so easy Grayson, Cassandra is right, 'Wing dummy"
"Oh ha ha ha."
"Admit it Dick, I got you good that time."
"Did not."
"Did too."
"Did not."
"Did too, no takebacks."
"Ack!"
They both laughed in unison. A weight had been lifted from them both.
"Dick I want to try the procedure."
"What?!?!?"
"You were right that night. What you said. It's time I stopped running. If there is a way for me to walk again, I have to try. For me."
"I don't know what to say."
"Say that no matter what happens you love me unconditionally."
"You know that. I love you.. unconditionally. There is no doubt about it. I would race through hell and spit at the devil for you."
"Really? Better get started."
"Ahh!"
"Ha! Got you again."
"Groan."
"So when do I get to meet this miracle Doctor of yours?"
"How about first thing tomorrow morning?'
"It's a date. I do have something else for you."
"I'm almost afraid to ask."
"This," she said as she held out his mother's engagement ring.
"Mr. Desmond, they have arrived."
"Are they in position?"
"Yes, as you ordered."
"Good. Nightwing will be coming here. If he dies by any hand but mine, I will bring hell to Earth for whoever is responsible."
"I have made the point very clear, sir. They will "soften him up" but they will not use lethal force on Nightwing. What shall I instruct them on the Titans?"
"I don't give a damn about the Titans. Nightwing has been a thorn in my side for too long. He is mine. Tell them they may indulge themselves."
"Very good sir."
Roland Desmond looked out his window. He had lost it all. His empire was gone. He knew that they would be coming for him. Escape was the logical thing to do. The burning hatred for Nightwing kept him from fleeing. If he was going to go down, that interfering bastard was going with him, of course, he did not plan on going down.
'I am giving you the ring back," Barbara said holding the ring out for Dick. Dick looked down and closed his eyes.
"I told you Babs. It is for you and you alone. I don't want it back."
"Dick, how can you possibly expect me to keep this ring? You never got down on one knee. You never even asked me to marry you. Take it."
"What?
"Take it."
Dick reached out and took the ring from Barbara. He stood up and walked over to the window on the far side of his apartment. He looked out into the sunlight as Barbara looked at him expectantly. After a short moment, she rolled her wheelchair over next to him. Dick looked down at her. She gave him a warm and loving smile. At that moment, he dropped to his knee, held out his mother's ring and said, "This ring belonged to my mother. My father gave it to her as a sign of his love and intention to stay with her forever. She agreed and they did just that. They stayed together forever. This ring is a symbol to me of a love that lasts all times, all places, all circumstances. It symbolizes you. I offer this ring to you Barbara Gordon in hopes that you will agree to stay with me for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?"
She listened intently on what Dick was asking. With each passing word, she cried even more. When the question finally came to bare, she found herself responding from her heart, not her fears, "Yes, I will marry you Richard Grayson."
Dick slid the ring upon Barbara's finger, wrapped his arms around her. As their lips met, he pulled her up and carried her towards the bedroom.
Four hours later.
Wrapped in his arms, Barbara watched Dick sleep. She was happy for the first time in years. Unfortunately, the telephone rang at that moment interrupting her thoughts, and Dick's peaceful sleep.
"Hello."
"Hey, Rookie."
"Amy, what's up? Are we going back to work?"
"No Dick. We are still out on review. Something's going down and they want the clean cops out of the way."
"I guess you're right."
"We need to meet the gang tomorrow for poker. Tomorrow night 8:00."
"Sounds great Amy. I will see you then. Bye."
Dick knew that there really was no poker game. It was a secret code that Amy had set up with him. "The circle" of good cops were going to meet at the St. Dennis Cathedral.
"That was Amy. There is a meeting tomorrow night at 8:00."
"This is really happening isn't it? You really are taking Blockbuster down aren't you?" Barbara asked.
Dick smiled, "Consider it an engagement present."
Once nightfall hit, Dick left Barbara for a quick patrol around the city. It was a quiet night. It was as if the entire city knew what was brewing. A war was about to be ended and everyone was running for cover. The added presence of the Titans over the past few weeks had made a major dent in the filth that was normally associated with Bludhaven. After a short meeting with the Titans, he was heading to Gotham to spend the night at the Clock Tower.
"Ok guys. It's all set. Faraday is letting us arrest Blockbuster and any of his cronies when the time comes."
"So they will be going after the Bludhaven PD?" Troia asked.
"Yes."
"Better hope they don't come after you, Robbie," Roy said.
"I don't think so, Roy. I am having a meeting tomorrow night with a group of the clean cops. I think they want to be involved. "
"Dick, if that is the case, how are you going to be Officer Dick Grayson with the cops and Nightwing with the Titans at the same time," Garth asked.
"I already thought of that. Here is what we are going to do...."
After filling the Titans in on his plan, Nightwing traveled to Gotham. The next morning, Dick took Barbara to see Dr. Stryker.
"Mr. Grayson. It is good to see you," Dr. Stryker said. "You must be Ms. Gordon. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise Doctor," Barbara responded.
"I brought Barbara here today to meet with you. I wanted her to get an in- depth understanding of the process, the chances of success, and to answer any questions she may have," Dick stated to Dr. Stryker.
"Ah, I see. Well, Ms. Gordon I am happy you came in today. I want to show you some of the success I have had recently, thanks in large part to your grant Mr. Grayson."
Dr. Stryker showed them into his lab. They were immediately greeted by a rather playful Labrador puppy. The puppy took an immediate liking to Barbara. Jumping into her lap, he began to lick her profusely.
"Rufus! Get down boy. I am so sorry Ms. Gordon," Dr. Stryker stated as he grabbed the puppy and put him in the floor.
Laughing, Barbara responded, "Really Dr. It is quite alright. He sure is playful."
"Yes, and it is a joy to see him walking around after his successful implant," Dr. Stryker said.
"What? You operated on a poor defenseless puppy?" Barbara asked with anger.
"I assure you Ms. Gordon, I do not simply experiment on animals just to advance my research. I am an animal lover at heart. Poor Rufus here was saved from being put down after his unfortunate run in with an automobile. His back was broken and he was quite paralyzed before I ever laid eyes on him."
With her anger dissipated, Barbara let out a sigh of relief. "If it was successful with Rufus, what chances do I have?"
"As of now, I am afraid none Ms. Gordon."
Dick grabbed the doctor, "What the hell is this? You promised me results. What kind of quack are you?"
"Mr. Grayson, I am sorry. I have perfected the procedure. I am afraid that with all the recent issues on cloning, the government will not allow us to try this on a human being. I received word this morning that we were turned down."
"Ok. If the government weren't in your way, what kind of time frame are we looking at to do this?
"With the medical file and dna you supplied of Ms. Gordon, I have already grown the replacements that we need. I have crossmatched and synthesized the grafting formula to adapt to her. I received the files yesterday from Mr. Wayne concerning Ms. Gordon's current physical therapy. We could begin the procedure within a few days. I would need to run some tests on Ms. Gordon just to be sure of my findings. I must inform you, without government approval, I will not perform the operation. I am sorry. I would love to help you and it would achieve the goal I have been working on, but what good would all this research do if I were permanently shut down?"
"Don't worry Doctor. You will get your approval by the end of the week."
Barbara quietly sat there during the exchange. She felt her heart being ripped out by this doctor when he refused to do the procedure. It was short lived, for when Dick went into Titans-leader-mode, she knew that he meant what he said. The Titans had a lot of connections, Nightwing had connections, and so did Bruce Wayne. If she were ever going to walk again, to fly again, it was going to happen soon. She felt in her heart that this was her one chance to regain the use of her legs. She felt whole now even in the chair. Dick gave her that much. He found a way to open her back up to life. Being able to walk again would shed her of the last remaining ties to a dismal, closed, pseudo life that she had been living. "Doctor, when Dick gets the approval for you to go ahead, will I be able to walk again."
"Ms. Gordon, I have performed this procedure numerous times with animals. I have a success rate of 80% so far. As I improved the technique, I have gotten that rate to 95%. Of the 5 remaining percent, 2% showed an improvement on their quality of life while 3% had no change. I feel quite confident in your chances."
"That is all I need to hear. I am ready to begin preparations. When can we get started?"
"If you would like to stay for the day, I can begin the tests."
"Sounds good to me. Let's get started then. Dick, I know you have things to take care of in Bludhaven. Go ahead and take off. I will be fine here."
Dick knew that Barbara was right, he had to meet with the Titans and King Faraday at Titans Tower to prepare. Still, he did not want to have Barbara go through this alone. "Dr. Stryker, can we have a few minutes alone please?"
"Certainly. I will be in my office when you are ready," Dr. Stryker said as he left the room.
"Babs, I don't want you to go through this alone."
"I'll be fine, Hunk Wonder. I can take care of myself. You need to go. You are so close to taking down Blockbuster and I don't want you to blow it. You need to prepare, I don't want you getting yourself killed before I walk again. How would I kick your butt then?"
"Ok. You're right. At least let me call Dr. Leslie and have her come be with you."
With a sigh, Barbara said, "Alright, if it will make you feel better."
Kissing Barbara goodbye, Dick went outside and caught a cab to the Clock Tower in order to leave Barbara's hummer for her. En route to the Tower, Dick called Leslie and informed her of his request. When the cab pulled up outside Barbara's, Dick paid his fare and headed for the Nightbird. He cranked the muscle car and listened to it roar to life. He then headed for New York City.
"Good to see ya Junior," King Faraday said with a smile to Nightwing.
"Still full of yourself I see, Faraday," Nightwing responded.
"Kid, I'm not full of myself, I'm just that good."
"Heh. So, tell me. What've you got? When can we move in? I am ready to take Desmond down.
"We're moving in late tonight. I have a meeting with Bludhaven's finest at 8:00. That list of names you gave me was useful. We are going to need some help with this from some 'local boys' if we are going to make this work."
"Good. I have been thinking. Maybe the Titans shouldn't go to Blockbuster's alone. I want a Bludhaven cop to join us. His name is Officer Richard Grayson."
"Grayson? Dick Grayson? Isn't that the guy who stole Starfire from you?"
"The same."
"You're not going to get him killed are you? That Starfire chick has one hell of a body on her?"
With a groan, Nightwing responded, "No, I am not trying to get him killed. As you are probably aware, Grayson's relationship with Kory didn't end well. Afterwards, he and I go to know each other better and I found that I like the guy. I run into him from time to time in Bludhaven. He's a good guy and he is still friends with the Titans."
"Ok, Nightwing. I will make sure Grayson works with you guys. By the way, I brought you a little present I got from the DEO," Faraday said as he lifted a bulky briefcase onto the table. Opening it, he pulled out a large metal circular object.
"We don't know how strong Blockbuster is, but slip this little dampener around his neck and he shouldn't be too much problem. We also got you these restraints for the big guy. Ole Supes himself would have trouble breaking them."
"Good. I have a few surprises for Roland myself."
"Gotta run kid, meet me at Pier 13 tonight at midnight. That's when we are making our move. I have 75 agents from the CBI, Checkmate, and the FBI in position around the city. As soon as I give the word, we are issuing our warrants and we are taking control of the police department. I'm going to move in on Redhorn myself. Him and that Arnot guy. I don't like that little punk."
"Me either. Give them Nightwing's regards tonight."
"Sure Junior. See ya then."
Faraday left Titans Tower. Dick knew he could trust the man. He was conceited but he got the job done. As much as he was loathe to admit it, the man helped him save Batman from R'as Al Ghul years ago. The Titans had a short meeting to go over last minute details then retired to the simulator room. Months ago with Oracle's help, Dick programmed a simulation of Blockbuster's mansion. After a quick warmup, Nightwing led them through Desmond's house to give them familiarity. He then put them through various scenarios. Leaving enough time to get rested before they made their move.
"You guys can hang at my Lair tonight until we get ready to go. It is a warehouse on the waterfront. I will probably be meeting you at the pier as Dick Grayson. Make sure you come up with a reasonable excuse for Nightwing's absence. Once we leave the pier, we can go back to my lair. I have some equipment there that will help us with Blockbuster. When we close the vice on Blockbuster, he's mine. No interference. I have waited for this moment for a long time and this is one victory I want to savor."
To be continued..
Coming shortly: Titans vs. Blockbuster
Nightwing vs Blockbuster will this be their final battle?
Dick sat down at his couch. He faced Barbara Gordon. She had just arrived minutes earlier with the proclamation that they needed to clear the air. It took every ounce of his will to keep from jumping up and wrapping his arms around the woman he had been in love with since he was nine years old. He studied her face carefully. "She has her best poker face on. Whatever you do Grayson, don't hurt her again," he thought to himself. Clearing his throat he began to speak. "So. have you been keeping yourself busy?" As soon as the words escaped his lips, he bit his tongue in punishment, "Stupid Stupid Stupid. Can't you think of anything better to say?" His mental berating was interrupted.
"Yeah, you know lots of Oracle stuff. How about you?"
"Busy. Yeah. We are arresting Blockbuster within the next 72 hours."
"That's great, Dick."
"You didn't come here to talk shop did you?"
"No. No I didn't."
They looked at each other in silence for a few short moments. Then simultaneously they called each other's name and said the words, "I wanted to say.." then they stopped.
"You go first Dick."
"No you go Babs."
"No you go first, I don't have all day, Boy Wonder,"
Dick's eyes widened slightly. His mind was doing cartwheels, "She called me Boy Wonder. Maybe there is hope after all. "Barbara, I am so sorry for what I said to you. Please understand, I thought I was doing the right thing. I was such a bonehead. Please forgive me. And also, I love you," he said with his best puppy dog look.
"First of all, you should be.. second, I do understand but you were still wrong which brings us to number three, you are a bonehead, fourth, we'll see and fifth, I love you too. By the way, those puppy dog eyes aren't going to get you shit Grayson."
"Please Barbara, I have been miserable without y. Did you say you love me? You did. You said you love me!!!"
"Better put some ice on that swollen head of yours, Dickie, you're not out of the doghouse yet."
"I understand. You have never told me that before. I can't help but be excited. Babs, please. I was only trying to help,.." Dick started as he got on his knees in front of Barbara. The world's second greatest detective never got to finish his sentence. He was blindsided by the last thing he expected.. A kiss. He had been kissed before by lots of women. He had been kissed by Barbara before, but this kiss was like no other that he had ever experienced. In that moment he felt her heart open to him. He felt all of the love, all the pain, all the regret. For the first time, Barbara Gordon had let him in unconditionally. After what felt like an eternity they broke their kiss.
"I love you, Babs."
"I love you too, Dick."
Dick looked at her and smiled. With this feeling he felt, he could take on Blockbuster, the Bludhaven PD, and even R'as Al Ghul himself.
"By the way Grayson, I brought something for you," Barbara said as she picked up the box she had placed on Dick's table.
"What did you do?"
"Open it and see."
Dick ripped away the plain paper that was wrapped around the box. He felt like a kid as he ripped open the box. Looking at the contents of the box, his mouth dropped open. Kid indeed, for inside the box he found his old Robin costume. "What is this for?"
"Oh, I decided that you can no longer be Nightwing. You have to become Robin again. I arranged everything with Bruce. Tim is ok with it too. We all feel it is time you make a change in your life."
"Huh? I don't get it."
"What, do I have to hit you with the clue bat, Boy Wonder? You are Robin again. "
"But, I don't want to be Robin again and quite frankly, it's not your decision to make."
"Gotcha!"
"D'oh! Ok, I get it. Giving me a taste of my own medicine."
"You are so easy Grayson, Cassandra is right, 'Wing dummy"
"Oh ha ha ha."
"Admit it Dick, I got you good that time."
"Did not."
"Did too."
"Did not."
"Did too, no takebacks."
"Ack!"
They both laughed in unison. A weight had been lifted from them both.
"Dick I want to try the procedure."
"What?!?!?"
"You were right that night. What you said. It's time I stopped running. If there is a way for me to walk again, I have to try. For me."
"I don't know what to say."
"Say that no matter what happens you love me unconditionally."
"You know that. I love you.. unconditionally. There is no doubt about it. I would race through hell and spit at the devil for you."
"Really? Better get started."
"Ahh!"
"Ha! Got you again."
"Groan."
"So when do I get to meet this miracle Doctor of yours?"
"How about first thing tomorrow morning?'
"It's a date. I do have something else for you."
"I'm almost afraid to ask."
"This," she said as she held out his mother's engagement ring.
"Mr. Desmond, they have arrived."
"Are they in position?"
"Yes, as you ordered."
"Good. Nightwing will be coming here. If he dies by any hand but mine, I will bring hell to Earth for whoever is responsible."
"I have made the point very clear, sir. They will "soften him up" but they will not use lethal force on Nightwing. What shall I instruct them on the Titans?"
"I don't give a damn about the Titans. Nightwing has been a thorn in my side for too long. He is mine. Tell them they may indulge themselves."
"Very good sir."
Roland Desmond looked out his window. He had lost it all. His empire was gone. He knew that they would be coming for him. Escape was the logical thing to do. The burning hatred for Nightwing kept him from fleeing. If he was going to go down, that interfering bastard was going with him, of course, he did not plan on going down.
'I am giving you the ring back," Barbara said holding the ring out for Dick. Dick looked down and closed his eyes.
"I told you Babs. It is for you and you alone. I don't want it back."
"Dick, how can you possibly expect me to keep this ring? You never got down on one knee. You never even asked me to marry you. Take it."
"What?
"Take it."
Dick reached out and took the ring from Barbara. He stood up and walked over to the window on the far side of his apartment. He looked out into the sunlight as Barbara looked at him expectantly. After a short moment, she rolled her wheelchair over next to him. Dick looked down at her. She gave him a warm and loving smile. At that moment, he dropped to his knee, held out his mother's ring and said, "This ring belonged to my mother. My father gave it to her as a sign of his love and intention to stay with her forever. She agreed and they did just that. They stayed together forever. This ring is a symbol to me of a love that lasts all times, all places, all circumstances. It symbolizes you. I offer this ring to you Barbara Gordon in hopes that you will agree to stay with me for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?"
She listened intently on what Dick was asking. With each passing word, she cried even more. When the question finally came to bare, she found herself responding from her heart, not her fears, "Yes, I will marry you Richard Grayson."
Dick slid the ring upon Barbara's finger, wrapped his arms around her. As their lips met, he pulled her up and carried her towards the bedroom.
Four hours later.
Wrapped in his arms, Barbara watched Dick sleep. She was happy for the first time in years. Unfortunately, the telephone rang at that moment interrupting her thoughts, and Dick's peaceful sleep.
"Hello."
"Hey, Rookie."
"Amy, what's up? Are we going back to work?"
"No Dick. We are still out on review. Something's going down and they want the clean cops out of the way."
"I guess you're right."
"We need to meet the gang tomorrow for poker. Tomorrow night 8:00."
"Sounds great Amy. I will see you then. Bye."
Dick knew that there really was no poker game. It was a secret code that Amy had set up with him. "The circle" of good cops were going to meet at the St. Dennis Cathedral.
"That was Amy. There is a meeting tomorrow night at 8:00."
"This is really happening isn't it? You really are taking Blockbuster down aren't you?" Barbara asked.
Dick smiled, "Consider it an engagement present."
Once nightfall hit, Dick left Barbara for a quick patrol around the city. It was a quiet night. It was as if the entire city knew what was brewing. A war was about to be ended and everyone was running for cover. The added presence of the Titans over the past few weeks had made a major dent in the filth that was normally associated with Bludhaven. After a short meeting with the Titans, he was heading to Gotham to spend the night at the Clock Tower.
"Ok guys. It's all set. Faraday is letting us arrest Blockbuster and any of his cronies when the time comes."
"So they will be going after the Bludhaven PD?" Troia asked.
"Yes."
"Better hope they don't come after you, Robbie," Roy said.
"I don't think so, Roy. I am having a meeting tomorrow night with a group of the clean cops. I think they want to be involved. "
"Dick, if that is the case, how are you going to be Officer Dick Grayson with the cops and Nightwing with the Titans at the same time," Garth asked.
"I already thought of that. Here is what we are going to do...."
After filling the Titans in on his plan, Nightwing traveled to Gotham. The next morning, Dick took Barbara to see Dr. Stryker.
"Mr. Grayson. It is good to see you," Dr. Stryker said. "You must be Ms. Gordon. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise Doctor," Barbara responded.
"I brought Barbara here today to meet with you. I wanted her to get an in- depth understanding of the process, the chances of success, and to answer any questions she may have," Dick stated to Dr. Stryker.
"Ah, I see. Well, Ms. Gordon I am happy you came in today. I want to show you some of the success I have had recently, thanks in large part to your grant Mr. Grayson."
Dr. Stryker showed them into his lab. They were immediately greeted by a rather playful Labrador puppy. The puppy took an immediate liking to Barbara. Jumping into her lap, he began to lick her profusely.
"Rufus! Get down boy. I am so sorry Ms. Gordon," Dr. Stryker stated as he grabbed the puppy and put him in the floor.
Laughing, Barbara responded, "Really Dr. It is quite alright. He sure is playful."
"Yes, and it is a joy to see him walking around after his successful implant," Dr. Stryker said.
"What? You operated on a poor defenseless puppy?" Barbara asked with anger.
"I assure you Ms. Gordon, I do not simply experiment on animals just to advance my research. I am an animal lover at heart. Poor Rufus here was saved from being put down after his unfortunate run in with an automobile. His back was broken and he was quite paralyzed before I ever laid eyes on him."
With her anger dissipated, Barbara let out a sigh of relief. "If it was successful with Rufus, what chances do I have?"
"As of now, I am afraid none Ms. Gordon."
Dick grabbed the doctor, "What the hell is this? You promised me results. What kind of quack are you?"
"Mr. Grayson, I am sorry. I have perfected the procedure. I am afraid that with all the recent issues on cloning, the government will not allow us to try this on a human being. I received word this morning that we were turned down."
"Ok. If the government weren't in your way, what kind of time frame are we looking at to do this?
"With the medical file and dna you supplied of Ms. Gordon, I have already grown the replacements that we need. I have crossmatched and synthesized the grafting formula to adapt to her. I received the files yesterday from Mr. Wayne concerning Ms. Gordon's current physical therapy. We could begin the procedure within a few days. I would need to run some tests on Ms. Gordon just to be sure of my findings. I must inform you, without government approval, I will not perform the operation. I am sorry. I would love to help you and it would achieve the goal I have been working on, but what good would all this research do if I were permanently shut down?"
"Don't worry Doctor. You will get your approval by the end of the week."
Barbara quietly sat there during the exchange. She felt her heart being ripped out by this doctor when he refused to do the procedure. It was short lived, for when Dick went into Titans-leader-mode, she knew that he meant what he said. The Titans had a lot of connections, Nightwing had connections, and so did Bruce Wayne. If she were ever going to walk again, to fly again, it was going to happen soon. She felt in her heart that this was her one chance to regain the use of her legs. She felt whole now even in the chair. Dick gave her that much. He found a way to open her back up to life. Being able to walk again would shed her of the last remaining ties to a dismal, closed, pseudo life that she had been living. "Doctor, when Dick gets the approval for you to go ahead, will I be able to walk again."
"Ms. Gordon, I have performed this procedure numerous times with animals. I have a success rate of 80% so far. As I improved the technique, I have gotten that rate to 95%. Of the 5 remaining percent, 2% showed an improvement on their quality of life while 3% had no change. I feel quite confident in your chances."
"That is all I need to hear. I am ready to begin preparations. When can we get started?"
"If you would like to stay for the day, I can begin the tests."
"Sounds good to me. Let's get started then. Dick, I know you have things to take care of in Bludhaven. Go ahead and take off. I will be fine here."
Dick knew that Barbara was right, he had to meet with the Titans and King Faraday at Titans Tower to prepare. Still, he did not want to have Barbara go through this alone. "Dr. Stryker, can we have a few minutes alone please?"
"Certainly. I will be in my office when you are ready," Dr. Stryker said as he left the room.
"Babs, I don't want you to go through this alone."
"I'll be fine, Hunk Wonder. I can take care of myself. You need to go. You are so close to taking down Blockbuster and I don't want you to blow it. You need to prepare, I don't want you getting yourself killed before I walk again. How would I kick your butt then?"
"Ok. You're right. At least let me call Dr. Leslie and have her come be with you."
With a sigh, Barbara said, "Alright, if it will make you feel better."
Kissing Barbara goodbye, Dick went outside and caught a cab to the Clock Tower in order to leave Barbara's hummer for her. En route to the Tower, Dick called Leslie and informed her of his request. When the cab pulled up outside Barbara's, Dick paid his fare and headed for the Nightbird. He cranked the muscle car and listened to it roar to life. He then headed for New York City.
"Good to see ya Junior," King Faraday said with a smile to Nightwing.
"Still full of yourself I see, Faraday," Nightwing responded.
"Kid, I'm not full of myself, I'm just that good."
"Heh. So, tell me. What've you got? When can we move in? I am ready to take Desmond down.
"We're moving in late tonight. I have a meeting with Bludhaven's finest at 8:00. That list of names you gave me was useful. We are going to need some help with this from some 'local boys' if we are going to make this work."
"Good. I have been thinking. Maybe the Titans shouldn't go to Blockbuster's alone. I want a Bludhaven cop to join us. His name is Officer Richard Grayson."
"Grayson? Dick Grayson? Isn't that the guy who stole Starfire from you?"
"The same."
"You're not going to get him killed are you? That Starfire chick has one hell of a body on her?"
With a groan, Nightwing responded, "No, I am not trying to get him killed. As you are probably aware, Grayson's relationship with Kory didn't end well. Afterwards, he and I go to know each other better and I found that I like the guy. I run into him from time to time in Bludhaven. He's a good guy and he is still friends with the Titans."
"Ok, Nightwing. I will make sure Grayson works with you guys. By the way, I brought you a little present I got from the DEO," Faraday said as he lifted a bulky briefcase onto the table. Opening it, he pulled out a large metal circular object.
"We don't know how strong Blockbuster is, but slip this little dampener around his neck and he shouldn't be too much problem. We also got you these restraints for the big guy. Ole Supes himself would have trouble breaking them."
"Good. I have a few surprises for Roland myself."
"Gotta run kid, meet me at Pier 13 tonight at midnight. That's when we are making our move. I have 75 agents from the CBI, Checkmate, and the FBI in position around the city. As soon as I give the word, we are issuing our warrants and we are taking control of the police department. I'm going to move in on Redhorn myself. Him and that Arnot guy. I don't like that little punk."
"Me either. Give them Nightwing's regards tonight."
"Sure Junior. See ya then."
Faraday left Titans Tower. Dick knew he could trust the man. He was conceited but he got the job done. As much as he was loathe to admit it, the man helped him save Batman from R'as Al Ghul years ago. The Titans had a short meeting to go over last minute details then retired to the simulator room. Months ago with Oracle's help, Dick programmed a simulation of Blockbuster's mansion. After a quick warmup, Nightwing led them through Desmond's house to give them familiarity. He then put them through various scenarios. Leaving enough time to get rested before they made their move.
"You guys can hang at my Lair tonight until we get ready to go. It is a warehouse on the waterfront. I will probably be meeting you at the pier as Dick Grayson. Make sure you come up with a reasonable excuse for Nightwing's absence. Once we leave the pier, we can go back to my lair. I have some equipment there that will help us with Blockbuster. When we close the vice on Blockbuster, he's mine. No interference. I have waited for this moment for a long time and this is one victory I want to savor."
To be continued..
Coming shortly: Titans vs. Blockbuster
Nightwing vs Blockbuster will this be their final battle?