"Good morning Bonnie."  Devon had been searching high and low for her and
finally found her en route to his office.
 "Good morning, have you seen Michael or Kitt?  I haven't seen hide nor hair
of them since yesterday afternoon."
 "Actually I sent them on a routine assignment.  How would you like to go
for breakfast?"  Eyeing Devon, knowing he wanted to speak to her, she
allowed herself to be lead from the building and into the waiting car.
 After what Devon hoped was a fair distance away, he pulled the car off to
the side of a quiet side street and motioned for Bonnie to step out of the
car.
 Slightly frightened and terribly bewildered, Bonnie followed her boss
across the ditch and into the field.  "What the hell is going on?" She
demanded when he finally faced her.
 "I spoke to Michael last night.  After midnight."  Now she was truly
scared.
 "What?  Are they okay?"
 "For now.  They're off somewhere safe. Michael had Kitt run a check on his
parents.."
 "Oh no, not them too?"  Devon just nodded.  "How is Michael taking all
this?"
 "Not very well I'm afraid."
 "This was well planned.  They knew what this would do to him."
 "All too well"
 

Michael awoke to find Kitt parked in front of the log cabin.
 "What time is it?"
 "Nine twelve."  Stretching inside the car, he took in his surroundings.
"I'd have carried you inside if I could have."
 "I bet you would have," he grinned at the image that conjured in his mind.
"And slipped me something like Devon suggested."  Chuckling, he stepped out
of the car, his tiredness causing him to seek support from the car.
 "You need more than an hour's sleep Michael."
 "I know, when this is resolved, we'll go somewhere, wherever you choose and
take a break."  Turning to the cabin, Michael went in search of food.

 Kitt was counting, just waiting for Michael to lose patience. An hour and a
half later, he saw his partner lock up the cabin.
 After making sure he'd secured the building, Michael climbed into the car
and gunned the engine.
 "I was wondering how long it would take."
 "You know me all too well Kitt."  There was an affectionate note to
Michael's voice.
 "Where to?"
 "Home."
 "I was afraid you'd say that."  Michael fired a jaundiced look at the
modulator.

 "Michael, we've got a tail." Kitt announced just after they'd descended the
mountains.
 "I noticed, can you scan?"  Checking the rear view, the black sedan stayed
three cars back, as it had most of the journey.
 "No, but I have a clear view.  It's Tanya."  Michael's eyes widened before
pulling over onto the shoulder.
 "What may I ask are you doing?"
 "Finishing this."

 Both partners watched as Tanya parked her car in front of Kitt.  She
stopped before Kitt's prow as she noticed Michael reach for the door.
 "What the hell do you think you're doing?"  Kitt squeaked as he locked
down.
 "I told you..."
 "I'm not letting you out."
 "Kitt I'll override...."
 "Please Michael, don't make me watch her kill you."

 Tanya had been watching the exchange inside the car and knew, with
Michael's last expression that he wasn't going to leave the safety the car
provided.
 "Fine, you just listen." She sat on the black hood near the windshield.
Michael felt Kitt's revolted reaction, but the car stayed put.  "Cameron
wants the car.  He's willing to go to any lengths to get it. You are aware
of that?"
 "Why are you telling me this?"
 "Maybe because I've been there.  Maybe I was hoping to take the car myself
and leave you at the side of the road again."  She shrugged.  "Maybe I'm
just sick and tired of inconsequential deaths.  Maybe I'm...." She trailed
off, staring directly at Michael.
 "She can't be serious?" Kitt was even more revolted, and completely
confused.
 "So what do you want?"  Michael ignored Kitt's remark, trying to push that
thought  out of his mind.
 "I want the car.  Or the schematics.  Whichever.  Then business is
concluded."
 Michael shook his head, "I don't believe you Tanya.  It won't be over until
Zachary has everything he wants."
 "Including your head?  He might be persuaded to focus elsewhere if I
returned to him with one of the two options I just presented."
 "I don't think so."
 She shrugged again. "Have it your way.  KITT you are beautiful.  It's nice
to see you close up."  He didn't dignify her compliment with a response.
"Zachary is ruthless, this was your only chance."  With that she stood,
walked back to her car and drove off like she didn't have a care in the
world.
 "Michael, there's a surveillance device under my intake."
 Snorting, he climbed out of the car to grab it. "Yeah, like I'm surprised
there. I figured she had ulterior motives." Turning it over in his hand, an
idea grabbed him, "let's see if Bonnie can tell us anything about this toy."

 Bonnie watched, slightly surprised as Kitt drove into the garage.  Walking
to the car, she met Michael as he stepped out.  He looked terrible, blue
eyes sunken in, surrounded by dark circles,  slight facial growth adding a
fierceness to his appearance, but she new better.  Reaching up, she gathered
him into a hug.  Dropping his head into her hair, he allowed himself to
cling to her for a moment.  Accepting the comfort she offered.
 Taking a deep breath, he backed away, "I have something for you to look
at."  Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulled out the tiny device.
 "Where did you get that?"
 "Tanya." Her head snapped up.
 "You didn't..."
 "No,"he smiled slightly. "Kitt wouldn't let me.  She left this on him."
 "This is pretty sophisticated.  It's going to take me a bit."
 "Whatever it takes and thank you."  Nodding, she placed the device on her
desk.
 "Aren't you supposed to be....working?" Bonnie raised her eyebrows, hoping
he'd get the message.
 "Yes, but I can't sit around waiting.  She followed me Bon.  From the city
limits.  She knew which direction I'd headed and waited.  No one here knew
that."
 "Unless she has been following you..." She looked to meet his gaze.  No,
that couldn't be.
 "That's...."
 "Frightening."  Kitt finished for them. "Bonnie is there any way I can
track the vehicles?"
 Leaning back against the desktop, exhaling, she crossed her arms, "I don't
think so.  The report stated that not only where the cars coated in the
absorbing paint, but they had a thermal coating mixed in as well.  So you
can't see them until you.. see them."
 "Shit," they barely heard Michael. "They really have thought of everything.
I'm gonna let Devon know I'm here and get cleaned up."  Bonnie watched him
leave, a concerned expression on her face.
 "How is he Kitt?"
 "He isn't dealing with this situation very well."
 "So it's up to us, you and I have to come up with a way to outsmart them."
Kitt's scanner lit up in what could have been a smile.  Relieved that Bonnie
was willing to take on part of the responsibility for Michael's life.

 Walking into Devon's office, he encountered not only his boss, but his
brother, who took one look at Michael, "Jesus Mike, you look like shit."
 Looking at his brother, Michael retorted with great sarcasm, "I love you
too."  Then he faced Devon's mostly hidden angry expression.
 "I know, I'm back early.  Kitt needed some support."  Devon got the gist of
the message.  "Is there something I should know about?"
 "No." Jason spoke a little too quickly. Devon shook his head.  This had
been a mistake from the first.  Saving them from the conversation, the phone
rang.  Without saying a word, Devon answered it, hung up, stood and lead
Michael from he room.  Once outside he explained himself, "Bonnie called,
she may have found something from the gift you brought her."

 "Good, you're both here." Bonnie greeted after seeing Kitt's scanner track
once before shutting off again.  Walking across the garage, she hooked the
gadget up to her laptop.  "It's a tracking device, not like any I've ever
seen before, but simple in it's own way.  I initially hooked it up out of
curiosity and Kitt picked up a trail."
 "You mean a way to follow it back?"
 "Uh huh." Smiling proudly, she hit a key and a spot began to flash on the
screen.  "The signal is perfectly clear."
 The excitement faded from Michael, "It's a trap.  This is too easy.  For
her to just *leave* this on Kitt?  No way.  They could have coated it with
the paint if they wanted to tail us.  Kitt would never have seen it then."
 "So why?"  Bonnie asked in frustration.
 "To lead me in by the nose.  I'm screwing up and they know it.  I would
have walked right up to her today if Kitt hadn't stopped me.  It's just one
stupid mistake.  If I'd asked Kitt to do an analysis, he'd have come up with
the same result and I'd have marched right in."
 "That's most likely what they were hoping for."  Devon regarded his friend
closely for the first time under clear lighting.  It was easy to see why
he'd make that type of mistake, too easy.
 "But something she said to me today." His eyes found Kitt and he moved to
sit on the car, quietly asking for support.  "The way she said it.  There's
more to this.  I just can't put my finger on what."
 "What did she say Kitt?" Devon figured he'd receive a better explanation
from the AI.
 "If I hadn't known better, I'd swear she was about to say that she was in
love with Michael."  Two mouths fell open as Michael closed his eyes, taking
a deep breath.  He hadn't imagined what she'd said, or the hidden meaning
behind it.  He couldn't fathom this development.
 "How were her reactions?"
 "She was nervous.  Her pulse and respiratory were up considerably, but she
was trying to mask them." Kitt continued to look over the events, trying to
possibly find something that might give them an edge.  Nothing presented
itself.  Mad at his non findings, he turned to look at his three friends.
Michael was looking worse.  He wasn't even supporting himself on his legs as
he sat on the hood.  He'd placed his trust in Kitt to keep him upright.  He
suddenly stood, surprising them all.  Settling into Kitt, he closed the
door, and waited.  When the other two shifted their attention back to the
device, Michael, carefully watching them, asked Kitt,"Do you think we can go
in?"
 "Are you joking?"  Kitt kept his voice down, disbelieving what Michael had
just asked him.
 "No, I'm not.  Look we need to finish this.  Now.  I can't wait for them to
find me.  We might have a better chance if we go to them.  I'm getting too
tired Kitt.  To the point of not caring how this ends, as long as it ends."
He finished, staring at the seat beneath him.
 Michael's words disturbed Kitt, through and through.  "You can't mean
that."
 "I'm sorry Pal, I'm finding it....harder and harder."
 "They planned to drag this on." With a sudden rage, his voice took on the
dangerous tone.
 "For as long as needed.  Figuring once I made that fatal mistake, you would
be theirs for the taking."  Running his hand through his hair, a plan began
to form. "We, just you and me, Kitt, we need to follow that signal."
 "You don't want to inform Devon or Bonnie?"
 "Hell no! You think they'd allow it?   If it's our own volition, that makes
it safer for us and for everyone else concerned.  If I have to, I'll go it
alone."
 "No you will not," came the sharp response. "I'll back you, you know that.
I wouldn't be able to wait here, knowing what you are doing.  Michael I.."
 "Don't say it."  He quickly put up a hand to stop what he knew was coming.
"Not here, not like this.  I need to hear you say it, but after, when I can
be sure."
 Kitt understood his driver's request, he didn't need anymore emotional
baggage.  Though it may help now, it may hinder them both when the time came
to face their enemy. "Be assured Michael, I will say it to you."
 "I know you will."  Smiling he wrapped his arms around the steering wheel
to use as a pillow for his forehead.
 "I'm tracing the signal now.  Bonnie and Devon are otherwise preoccupied."
Michael's shoulders shook as he held in the mischievous laughter.
 "I think I've taught you too much."
 "What makes you think you've taught me?"
 "Oh, so where did you pick up that.... art?"
 "Television."  Now the laughter broke through, catching Bonnie's attention.
The two outside the car shrugged shoulders. Deciding to leave well enough
alone, they left the garage.  "Sleep Michael. I'll wake you up after dark.
You'll need it."
 "I'll try.  Where are my parents?"
 "I'm not going to tell you, you are going to sleep."
 "Yes dad," but Michael's voice had already taken on a sleepy roughness.
Kitt increased the temperature inside the car a few degrees, trying to
convince his partner's body to rest.

 Waking Michael well after everyone had turned in for the night, the pair
silently left the property.  He was feeling better.  Knowing that he was
doing something, anything to bring closure to this had allowed him to sleep.
He had full trust in Kitt to proceed as planned.  Kitt had found the
location the signal originated from and even an overlay of the property.
 Zachary was living well.  The property was extensive.  Research labs set
well away from the gargantuan house.  In silent mode, they crept along the
perimeter.  The only light coming from the scanner.
 "The labs look like they are geared up for most types of electronic
systems."
 "Like maybe an AI?"
 "Unfortunately yes.  Or weaponry.  There seems to be a great deal of that
around."
 "Anything you can't handle?"
 "I don't believe so."
 "That's good news."  Kitt displayed his findings on one of the small
screens, trying to give Michael a feel for the location.  The more he knew,
the safer he'd be.
 "How many guards?"
 "Too many. All constantly rotating and in contact with one another."
  "That may be a good thing.  Monitor it and see if you can find a pattern,
maybe a fluctuating opening?"
 "I understand your request, but it may take several passes to determine a
pattern."
 "We have all night, and if not, tomorrow's just as good."
 "Do you have any idea what you're going to do once you're inside?"
 "Honestly, no.  There has to be something, some grounds on which we can
arrest them."
 "Any charges wouldn't hold.  May I remind you we are not here legally."
 "We have friends Kitt, friends that we have pulled strings for in the
past."
 "Is there another option?"
 "You tell me. How are your scanners working?"
 "I've located what possibly could be the stealth cars, by the blank spots,
other than that they seem to be functioning properly."
 "Can you give me a complete layout of the house?"
 A few seconds later, a map appeared on the second screen. "Security
systems?"  That appeared in a different colour.
 "All windows and doors are wired for any movement.."
 "That must be a bitch in a storm."  He could almost see Kitt smile in the
moment of quiet.
 "*The* floors are monitored by laser trip wires." Sometimes he found it
difficult to ignore Michael's comments.
 "If I know where they are, can I avoid them?"
 "That seems to be the general idea.  The guards pass though the areas with
ease."
 Kitt had stopped on a back road near the house.  He didn't like this.
Michael had no concrete plan.  But he had slept and he was sounding more
confident.  It was now or never.  "I've found an opening.  It appears for
thirty seconds every five minutes, give or take."
 Michael took one last look at the screens before quietly opening the door.
In barely above a whisper he spoke what he hoped wouldn't be his last words
to his partner.  "Keep in touch."
 "Will do, and Michael, be careful."
 "I will get back to you."
 Crouching down, Michael made his way towards the house.  Kitt constantly
alerting him of trip wires and sensors placed within the grass.  Moving
slowly, Michael paid very close attention to Kitt's warnings.  As he closed
in on the building, he remained as much in the shadows as possible.  The
house was dark, only a few lights on inside.
 "Kitt can you disarm the sensors on the door long enough for me to get in?"
 "How long do you need?"
 "Long enough to pick the lock."
 "Forget it.  Which door do you want?"
 "Any suggestions?"
 "To your right, three large glass doors, beyond that is a solid door.  Try
that one."
 Reaching the door, it almost opened for him. "Thanks."  He whispered once
inside.  The room was dark.  The light from outside provided just enough
light to make out outlines.  "I'm mostly blind in here. Where am I?"
 "Four doors away from what appears to be an office.  I'll guide you.  The
hallways however have emergency lighting.  You'll be vulnerable during that
time."
 "Got ya."  Inch by inch, Kitt guided his friend through the room,
explaining every step in detail.  Stopping at the door, he waited for Kitt's
all clear before cracking the door and peeking into the hallway.  Proceeding
left, as per Kitt's instructions, he was almost at the office when he heard
a shout.  Spinning, he realized he'd been seen.
 "Three hundred yards to your left, there is the exit.  I'll meet you
there."  Michael heard as he began the dash for the main door.
 "No, stay put.  Unless the guards outside are informed, I'll make it back
to you."  They wouldn't get Kitt, not if he could help it.
 Rounding the corner, he came to an abrupt halt.  Standing in front of the
entranceway was Zachary, pointing a small gun directly at Michael.  "Good
evening Mr. Knight."
 After a quick assessment, Michael gave in, lifting his hands away from
himself.   Two guards grabbed him from behind making him very uncomfortable
and effectively pinning him.
 "So what brings you to my home so late?"  Zachary remained, facing Michael,
waiting.
 "Closure."
 "Oh, for what?"
 "Haven't we played enough games?"
 "Yes I guess we have.  But this game will leave you rotting this time."  He
motioned for the guards to drag Michael into the office.  Once inside, the
guards shoved Michael into a chair, then took position, standing over their
prisoner, ready for him to make a move.  Zachary on the other hand sat
comfortably on the other side of his desk, lighting a cigarette.  "This was
an incredibly easy game to play.  Your brother was, child's play so to
speak. So easy to manipulate.  Your parents however, I never did mention to
them our...connection.  A simple phone call, a meet, a few photographs. It
was effortless to rouse their anger.  Their wonderful son had betrayed them
leaving them for a better life."  Michael fought to keep his anger, knowing
this was just another trap.  He was trying to distract him, and
unfortunately it was beginning to work.
 "Why?  Why the elaborate scheme?"
 "Would you believe jealousy?"
 "Excuse me?"  Now he was baffled?
 "Shortly after Tanya recovered, I realized her feelings had gone...
elsewhere.  It took a fair amount of surveillance to find that she was
watching you."  Michael's eyes widened.  He had definitely heard her
correctly. "So this was a rather pleasant way to destroy your surroundings
and gain the Knight Two Thousand.  Now where is the car?"
 "What makes you think I'd tell you?"
 "Pain, Mr Knight."  With that, one of the guards standing behind him lashed
out, knocking Michael from the chair and leaving him gasping for breath.
 On his hands and knees, Michael slowly focused on his surroundings.  The
guard knew where to hit, knocking the wind out of him.
 "That's just the beginning."  Lifting his head, Michael glared at Zachary.
"Well Mr Knight, are you going to answer my question.  It's just a car, is
it really worth it? "
 "Yes," was all he managed to get out before he was roughly pulled to his
feet.  Zachary, out of patience, rounded the desk,  thrusting a gun into his
abdomen.
 "Now I hear that this is the most painful way to die.  Shall I attempt to
find out?"  Zachary was in Michael's face as he held the gun.  Having full
faith in his guards he waited, giving Michael what he believed to be one
last chance to answer his question.
 Just as Zachary shrugged, there was an almighty crash from the far wall as
Kitt flew in.  Diving for cover, the guards managed to take Michael with
them.  As the dust settled over the black car, Michael found there was not
one, but two guns aimed at him.  Stuck in between cross-hairs, he had
nowhere to go.  Kitt was too far away for him to reach.
 Kitt's engine rumbled with anger.  "This is not going to happen."  Kitt's
enraged voice filled the room.
 "Oh, and why not?  Are you going to give yourself to me?"
 "I'm no fool, Zachary, you'd kill Michael anyway."
 "So I would."
 "Then you'd die as well."
 "By what means?  You cannot take a life."
 "You might be surprised.  You do not seem to realize how much that life
your holding captive means to me."
 "Cameron, stop this."  Tanya ran into the room.
 It all happened in a blur.  Zachary's attention shifted, Michael saw his
chance and dove at him.  The sound of gunfire rocked the room.  Seeing
Michael fall back, Kitt screamed, sending the car towards the man who had
shot his driver.
 "Kitt," the weak voice of his friend came over the comlink.  Kitt hit the
breaks, tyres squealing on the tile floor, the prow stopping just before
Zachary's shins.  The car trembled, hesitating as he scanned his driver.
Then, taking the car to stand protectively over Michael, he called for help.
Tanya had been hit as well and was bleeding badly in the hallway.  Zachary
was white as a sheet.
 Seeing his partner, Michael reached for the door.  Kitt, realizing what
Michael was doing, opened the door and watched as he painfully climbed in.
Closing up as soon as Michael was in, he locked down to wait for the
paramedics.  Scanning him again, Kitt added extra oxygen to the cabin.  The
bullet had hit him just above the hip, but missed internal organs.
 "Thank you."
 "You're welcome Michael.  Help is on it's way."  Michael nodded, leaning
back into the seat, unsure if he could do any more, feeling the blackness
begin to take his vision.  Seeing Michael begin to fade into
unconsciousness, he decided that this was the time, "I love you Michael."
Smiling, Michael let himself go.
 

part eleven