Side By Side
by elfin
Trek crept along the corridor to the strategy room. As far as he knew, all
the others were safely in dreamland, but as he rounded the corner, he
swore; there was light streaming out from under the door of the room he
wanted to be alone in. Silently, he reached out and turned the handle.
Jenny looked guiltily up from the computer terminal. Trek smiled and
quietly closed the door. "You're trying to break into his file again,
aren't you?" He shook his head and wagged his finger at her. "That's
naughty." Jenny sighed, agitated.
"So what are you doing here this late at night?"
"I have the access codes." He smiled mischievously and Jenny's face lit up.
"You star!" She stood, making way for Trek to sit down.
He logged into the terminal. "Please enter the access code." He tapped the
light pen on the screen. "Make your selection." He selected the name
'Michael Knight' and instantly tapped a second code onto the screen. The
screen cleared. And then the usual interface was replaced by a dark grey
background. Information was being displayed at a rapid rate, and Trek
tapped once on the screen to slow it down.
Quietly, Jenny read what was written there. "Michael Knight, operative file
still open. 1982 : chosen operative for Knight 2000 Project. 1992 : Cleared
for maximum security access to head Knight 2000 Project. 1995 : Knight
Industries Two Thousand overhaul cleared for go. Knight 2000 Project on
hold for completion of technology overhaul. 1996 : Knight Industries Two
Thousand recommissioned. Knight 2000 Project recommissioned. Knight 2000
Project : data requires higher security clearance level." She looked
across. "Can you break that code?"
"Maybe...." But all attempts failed. Trek finally gave up. "Sorry, what you
see is all you get." He looked up suddenly as the door opened. Kyle stood
looking at them and shaking his head.
"Can't keep you two out of those files, can I?" Both just gazed up
guiltily. "If you'd just have waited until tomorrow...." He smiled at their
expressions and closed the door again.
**
Kyle gazed at the faces that stared up at him. "Why didn't you tell us
there was a secondary project?!" Duke asked, amazed.
Kyle laughed. "They're not the secondary project, Duke, we are. They were
here a long time before we were."
Jenny shook her head. "I still can't believe we weren't told."
"The Knight 2000 Project is operated on a need-to-know basis. Michael
Knight works with the Knight Industries Two Thousand on deep undercover
cases."
Trek's eyes widened. "KITT? You mean it's still around?"
Kyle nodded. "He was practically rebuilt in 1995. But he and Michael have
been together for over sixteen years. That's why they handle the special
assignments." He smiled fondly. "You haven't seen teamwork until you've
seen them operate."
Jenny was on her feet in a moment. "Now come on...."
But Kyle was still smiling. "They're on their way over. Devon Miles, who
oversees both the Knight 2000 Project and the TKR Project, has decided that
it's time we all meet. If it wasn't for Michael and Kitt's success over the
last sixteen years, we wouldn't be here, and some of you might like to note
the partnership between man and car. Kitt's the reason we have the
vehicles. Yet none of you seem able to deal with the partnerships. Take
some notes."
**
"Michael, why are we doing this? The two projects have functioned quite
happily side-by-side for a year now. Why change that?"
Michael squinted in the early morning sun, taking his eyes from the road
for just a moment to look down at the voice panel. "A couple of the team
got interested and dug up some files. Now they know about us, Devon thought
it was a good time for us to meet. Besides, I think it'll be quite fun."
"But the Mexican Assassinations...."
"Will wait for another day. Kitt, will you relax! What's bothering you
anyway? I thought you'd be interested in meeting some more of the Knight
Industries vehicles."
"We have other things to think about."
"Kitt!" Michael frowned. He had imagined that his partner would be eager to
finally meet his relatives; lay a few worries to rest. "What is with you?"
There was a pause, and then. "I don't like flying."
"What are you talking about?"
"Their headquarters is based in an overgrown jumbo."
Michael sighed. "It's quite safe."
"Safe?! Michael, do you know how many different parts have to continue to
function to keep a plane in the air?"
"It's the safest form of transport."
"How can you say that?"
Michael grinned at his partner. "All right, second safest."
"Thank you. When I travel I prefer to be under my own control, not in the
hands of a computer that couldn't find it's CPU with its...."
"Kitt! Please. How about if I promise not to let them take off with you on
board?"
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Okay."
**
Beast and Domino were descending the slope from SkyOne as Kitt pulled the
car to a definite halt at the base. Michael sighed. "Are we going in?"
"No."
"Kitt...."
"Michael, I am happier with all four wheels on solid ground. If you want to
risk it, go ahead."
Michael shook his head, but there was nothing but affection in his smile.
"Just you behave yourself with that convertible over there." He hooked a
thumb in Domino's direction.
"Michael, please. I'm a one-woman computer."
Kyle was walking down the slope as Michael climbed out of the car.
"Michael, welcome to the desert!"
Michael took Kyle's outstretched hand. "Hey, Kyle."
"Hi there, Kitt. You're quite welcome to go inside."
"I'm fine, thank you."
Michael turned from Kitt. "He's not good with anything that flies."
Kyle smiled. "That's okay. I'm sure Domino will look after you."
Kitt traced the lines of the convertible. He wasn't interested. But Domino
at least had taste. She pulled up next to the custom Pontiac. "Hey, where
have you been all my life?"
Kitt backed up slightly. "Even Michael's lines are better than that."
"Oh come on, tell me I'm not the first woman you've met who would be just
perfect for you."
"You're not the first woman I've met who would be just perfect for me."
Domino was taken aback. "Another one? Sweetheart, you were a surprise, I
thought you were the only one we hadn't been told about."
"She's human." He caught Domino's slight reverse. "And I'm not the only one
they haven't told you about." The last straw. Domino took off in the
opposite direction. Kitt gave an electronic sigh. He wanted out of here.
**
Trek approached Kitt cautiously. "Er... hello?"
"Hello."
His smile could have lit New York. "It is you! Wow, I've tried to find out
everything about you and all your files are locked. It is a pleasure to
meet you."
"Thank you. I've heard a lot about you too."
Trek trailed his fingers over the magnificent bodywork. "Is it true you can
fly?"
"Sort of."
"Wow....." Trek heard a grunt behind him and turned. "Hey Beast, come to
say hi to your predecessor?"
"Hmp. I could trounce that."
Kitt scanned the large vehicle. "Oh great. What are you anyway? A Ford
four-wheeler."
Beast bristled. "A race."
"Against you? Wouldn't that be a slight waste of energy?"
"Worried about showing yourself up?"
Trek heard a sound that may or may not have been a chuckle. "All right, if
you want to embarrass yourself in front of your friends. Where to?"
"Domino." Kitt scanned the area. The red and white convertible had slowed
to a stop several miles from their position, obviously at a signal from its
colleague.
"Deal."
Michael sat proudly on Kitt's hood, waiting for Beast to make it back. Kitt
had made the run to Domino in three and a half seconds, back in three.
Michael grinned as he watched Beast coming into view. Well, really. This
was the Knight Two Thousand, top speed over 300 miles per hour. You did not
challenge Kitt to a race unless you were driving the holder of the Land
Speed record. He looked around himself and smiled. Michael knew the real
reason Kitt had not wanted to come here. Ever since Devon had told them
about the start of the team project, he had not shown the slightest outward
interest. But Michael knew that his partner had been following the progress
of the project.
The problem was that Kitt had always enjoyed the feeling of uniqueness, of
being the only one. The news that there was going to be another five Knight
Industries vehicles had not thrilled him. It was the same reason that
Michael had wanted him to come today. He wanted Kitt to finally realize
that he was still unique, still one of a kind. None of them were even close
to Kitt - in speed, capability or soul. He had been introduced to the team,
and the three vehicles that had remained inside. Plato, Kat and Dante were
computers; maybe they were starting to build a certain friendship with
their drivers, but he and Kitt had been partners from the start. He was the
lucky one. They all had vehicles. He had a trusted partner and a unique,
close friend. And he tried not to let one day go passed without remembering
that.
He smiled as Beast drove straight passed them up into SkyOne. Gently he
patted Kitt's hood. "Ready for those Mexican Assassins, Kitt?"
"Whenever you are."
fin
by elfin
Email the author
Knight Rider Index
by elfin
Trek crept along the corridor to the strategy room. As far as he knew, all
the others were safely in dreamland, but as he rounded the corner, he
swore; there was light streaming out from under the door of the room he
wanted to be alone in. Silently, he reached out and turned the handle.
Jenny looked guiltily up from the computer terminal. Trek smiled and
quietly closed the door. "You're trying to break into his file again,
aren't you?" He shook his head and wagged his finger at her. "That's
naughty." Jenny sighed, agitated.
"So what are you doing here this late at night?"
"I have the access codes." He smiled mischievously and Jenny's face lit up.
"You star!" She stood, making way for Trek to sit down.
He logged into the terminal. "Please enter the access code." He tapped the
light pen on the screen. "Make your selection." He selected the name
'Michael Knight' and instantly tapped a second code onto the screen. The
screen cleared. And then the usual interface was replaced by a dark grey
background. Information was being displayed at a rapid rate, and Trek
tapped once on the screen to slow it down.
Quietly, Jenny read what was written there. "Michael Knight, operative file
still open. 1982 : chosen operative for Knight 2000 Project. 1992 : Cleared
for maximum security access to head Knight 2000 Project. 1995 : Knight
Industries Two Thousand overhaul cleared for go. Knight 2000 Project on
hold for completion of technology overhaul. 1996 : Knight Industries Two
Thousand recommissioned. Knight 2000 Project recommissioned. Knight 2000
Project : data requires higher security clearance level." She looked
across. "Can you break that code?"
"Maybe...." But all attempts failed. Trek finally gave up. "Sorry, what you
see is all you get." He looked up suddenly as the door opened. Kyle stood
looking at them and shaking his head.
"Can't keep you two out of those files, can I?" Both just gazed up
guiltily. "If you'd just have waited until tomorrow...." He smiled at their
expressions and closed the door again.
**
Kyle gazed at the faces that stared up at him. "Why didn't you tell us
there was a secondary project?!" Duke asked, amazed.
Kyle laughed. "They're not the secondary project, Duke, we are. They were
here a long time before we were."
Jenny shook her head. "I still can't believe we weren't told."
"The Knight 2000 Project is operated on a need-to-know basis. Michael
Knight works with the Knight Industries Two Thousand on deep undercover
cases."
Trek's eyes widened. "KITT? You mean it's still around?"
Kyle nodded. "He was practically rebuilt in 1995. But he and Michael have
been together for over sixteen years. That's why they handle the special
assignments." He smiled fondly. "You haven't seen teamwork until you've
seen them operate."
Jenny was on her feet in a moment. "Now come on...."
But Kyle was still smiling. "They're on their way over. Devon Miles, who
oversees both the Knight 2000 Project and the TKR Project, has decided that
it's time we all meet. If it wasn't for Michael and Kitt's success over the
last sixteen years, we wouldn't be here, and some of you might like to note
the partnership between man and car. Kitt's the reason we have the
vehicles. Yet none of you seem able to deal with the partnerships. Take
some notes."
**
"Michael, why are we doing this? The two projects have functioned quite
happily side-by-side for a year now. Why change that?"
Michael squinted in the early morning sun, taking his eyes from the road
for just a moment to look down at the voice panel. "A couple of the team
got interested and dug up some files. Now they know about us, Devon thought
it was a good time for us to meet. Besides, I think it'll be quite fun."
"But the Mexican Assassinations...."
"Will wait for another day. Kitt, will you relax! What's bothering you
anyway? I thought you'd be interested in meeting some more of the Knight
Industries vehicles."
"We have other things to think about."
"Kitt!" Michael frowned. He had imagined that his partner would be eager to
finally meet his relatives; lay a few worries to rest. "What is with you?"
There was a pause, and then. "I don't like flying."
"What are you talking about?"
"Their headquarters is based in an overgrown jumbo."
Michael sighed. "It's quite safe."
"Safe?! Michael, do you know how many different parts have to continue to
function to keep a plane in the air?"
"It's the safest form of transport."
"How can you say that?"
Michael grinned at his partner. "All right, second safest."
"Thank you. When I travel I prefer to be under my own control, not in the
hands of a computer that couldn't find it's CPU with its...."
"Kitt! Please. How about if I promise not to let them take off with you on
board?"
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Okay."
**
Beast and Domino were descending the slope from SkyOne as Kitt pulled the
car to a definite halt at the base. Michael sighed. "Are we going in?"
"No."
"Kitt...."
"Michael, I am happier with all four wheels on solid ground. If you want to
risk it, go ahead."
Michael shook his head, but there was nothing but affection in his smile.
"Just you behave yourself with that convertible over there." He hooked a
thumb in Domino's direction.
"Michael, please. I'm a one-woman computer."
Kyle was walking down the slope as Michael climbed out of the car.
"Michael, welcome to the desert!"
Michael took Kyle's outstretched hand. "Hey, Kyle."
"Hi there, Kitt. You're quite welcome to go inside."
"I'm fine, thank you."
Michael turned from Kitt. "He's not good with anything that flies."
Kyle smiled. "That's okay. I'm sure Domino will look after you."
Kitt traced the lines of the convertible. He wasn't interested. But Domino
at least had taste. She pulled up next to the custom Pontiac. "Hey, where
have you been all my life?"
Kitt backed up slightly. "Even Michael's lines are better than that."
"Oh come on, tell me I'm not the first woman you've met who would be just
perfect for you."
"You're not the first woman I've met who would be just perfect for me."
Domino was taken aback. "Another one? Sweetheart, you were a surprise, I
thought you were the only one we hadn't been told about."
"She's human." He caught Domino's slight reverse. "And I'm not the only one
they haven't told you about." The last straw. Domino took off in the
opposite direction. Kitt gave an electronic sigh. He wanted out of here.
**
Trek approached Kitt cautiously. "Er... hello?"
"Hello."
His smile could have lit New York. "It is you! Wow, I've tried to find out
everything about you and all your files are locked. It is a pleasure to
meet you."
"Thank you. I've heard a lot about you too."
Trek trailed his fingers over the magnificent bodywork. "Is it true you can
fly?"
"Sort of."
"Wow....." Trek heard a grunt behind him and turned. "Hey Beast, come to
say hi to your predecessor?"
"Hmp. I could trounce that."
Kitt scanned the large vehicle. "Oh great. What are you anyway? A Ford
four-wheeler."
Beast bristled. "A race."
"Against you? Wouldn't that be a slight waste of energy?"
"Worried about showing yourself up?"
Trek heard a sound that may or may not have been a chuckle. "All right, if
you want to embarrass yourself in front of your friends. Where to?"
"Domino." Kitt scanned the area. The red and white convertible had slowed
to a stop several miles from their position, obviously at a signal from its
colleague.
"Deal."
Michael sat proudly on Kitt's hood, waiting for Beast to make it back. Kitt
had made the run to Domino in three and a half seconds, back in three.
Michael grinned as he watched Beast coming into view. Well, really. This
was the Knight Two Thousand, top speed over 300 miles per hour. You did not
challenge Kitt to a race unless you were driving the holder of the Land
Speed record. He looked around himself and smiled. Michael knew the real
reason Kitt had not wanted to come here. Ever since Devon had told them
about the start of the team project, he had not shown the slightest outward
interest. But Michael knew that his partner had been following the progress
of the project.
The problem was that Kitt had always enjoyed the feeling of uniqueness, of
being the only one. The news that there was going to be another five Knight
Industries vehicles had not thrilled him. It was the same reason that
Michael had wanted him to come today. He wanted Kitt to finally realize
that he was still unique, still one of a kind. None of them were even close
to Kitt - in speed, capability or soul. He had been introduced to the team,
and the three vehicles that had remained inside. Plato, Kat and Dante were
computers; maybe they were starting to build a certain friendship with
their drivers, but he and Kitt had been partners from the start. He was the
lucky one. They all had vehicles. He had a trusted partner and a unique,
close friend. And he tried not to let one day go passed without remembering
that.
He smiled as Beast drove straight passed them up into SkyOne. Gently he
patted Kitt's hood. "Ready for those Mexican Assassins, Kitt?"
"Whenever you are."
fin
by elfin
Email the author
Knight Rider Index