The next day, Bonnie greeted him warmly as he joined her at the test track. KITT had performed fine on the normal streets, but what if something more strenuous was demanded? The course had been redesigned based off the original test track and was calculated to test KITT's every program.
As Michael and Bonnie joined the scientists watching from the bleachers, a nagging sense of worry clouded his mind. Last night's conversation was still clear in his mind, and he feared that KITT hadn't told him everything.
KITT launched from the starting line and began weaving around the track. He was performing well, but he seemed uncertain, taking turns which he could have navigated easily with hesitation. As he approached the grey jump, he seemed to slow down before turbo boosting. He clipped the top foot of the jump and swerved as he landed. Michael's heart twisted. KITT didn't trust himself anymore. His fear was confirmed when KITT stopped suddenly before the wall, brakes squealing.
KITT drove over to the bleachers as if he was supposed to have stopped short at the wall. "Well?" he asked. "How did I do?" He sounded so eager for some sort consolation.
"You did great," Michael lied through a false smile as he patted KITT's hood reassuringly. KITT's engine roared in pleasure, comforted by the lie even though he saw through it.
Von Voorman shook his head. "I was afraid of this," he said softly to Michael and Bonnie.
"Afraid of what?" Michael asked, with the sinking feeling that he already knew.
When Von Voorman said, "He's lost his nerve. I can't believe I'm saying this, but KITT has been emotionally damaged," Michael's heart sunk.
Bonnie piped up. "Maybe I can rewrite his software. Maybe I can fix this."
Von Voorman interrupted her sadly. "I recommend that KITT be refitted for light duty. He'll seem the same on the outside, but inside, he's scared. I'm sorry, Bonnie, Michael. There's nothing we can do." With that, Von Voorman accompanied the other scientists as they headed back toward the truck. With a sad backward glance, Bonnie followed.
Bonnie heard KITT's engine and looked back. Michael was taking KITT through the course at very slow speeds. Each time they ran the course, the speed was increased. Bonnie noticed that the wall was avoided entirely. She smiled sadly and pointed this out to Von Voorman and the scientists; they stopped to watch. She admired Michael's stubborn persistence.
"Maybe they're right," KITT said uncertainly.
"No," Michael said softly but determinedly. He placed a hand on KITT's roof. "We're going to run this course as many times as necessary. You helped me, pal. Now it's my turn to help you." He opened the door and sat in front of the wheel. "You ready, KITT?"
"Not really," KITT admitted nervously.
"Good," Michael said, gunning the engine and tearing toward the course. "Just trust me, KITT, and you'll be fine." Not wanting to scare KITT further, Michael took the course slowly at first, driving no faster than 35 mph. He also avoided the wall entirely.
"I can go faster than that, Michael," KITT protested, sounding vaguely annoyed. Good, Michael thought. He took the second lap closer to 80 mph, paying close attention to KITT.
"Michael," KITT said. "You're patronizing me." KITT took control and sped through the course, proving to Michael, and to himself, that he was fine.
"That's my KITT," Michael said proudly. "You ready to try for that wall again?"
"If you are," KITT said, worry creeping back into his voice.
Michael patted KITT's dash. "You'll be fine, KITT," he reassured. Michael guided KITT through the course, leaping effortlessly over the wall.
"Ready, KITT?" Michael asked. KITT didn't respond. He just increased his speed and slammed hard into the wall, breaking through the reinforced concrete with ease.
Hearing a loud crash, Bonnie tugged at Von Voorman's sleeve. "Look!" she said, pointing back to where Michael was standing beside KITT, who was covered in dust. The wall was gone, and Michael seemed to be celebrating something.
"Well, I'll be damned," Von Voorman said, shaking his head in amazement. "I can't believe it!"
"How did he do it?" one of the other scientists demanded.
"KITT trusts Michael," Bonnie answered. "I don't really understand it myself. I'm just thankful for it." She glanced at Von Voorman. "Do you still recommend light duty for KITT?"
"No," he said. "He can return to full duties as soon as he feels he's ready." Still shaking his head, Von Voorman continued to the truck, followed by the scientists and Bonnie.
"Well done, KITT!" Michael praised. "Very well done!"
"Thank you, Michael," KITT said, very proud of himself.
"Ready to get back to work?" Michael asked, grinning at the car in front of him.
"If you are," KITT said. This time, there was no fear in his voice. It was a challenge. Michael laughed.
"Let's go, buddy," he said proudly, sitting behind the wheel.
Bonnie smiled as she watched Michael and KITT disappear into the sunset. She smiled at the cliché image but decided that, after all they had been through, it was a rather fitting ending.
~FIN~