Kim Possible and Street Hawk: Middleton Knights p 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible, Street Hawk or Knight Rider. Wish I did though.
Discussion and Prelude to a Road Trip
Ten minutes later, the sleek Trans Am reaches the destination for Altobelli's briefing. "This used to be the original Street Hawk's base of operations until he died."
Curious, Bonnie asks, "If Officer Mach was injured, then how could he have ridden Street Hawk? I'm a systems engineer, but I also know a couple things about the body. It's too bad I faint at the sight of blood."
"He rode with the help of a prosthesis that constituted his left knee. When he died, we found out it was Jesse."
Michael then asks, "Why would you have been targeted, other than you having been his Commanding Officer?"
"I wish I knew so I could tell you, Mr. Knight. I really do. But I think the voice sounded familiar to me."
"What voice?"
"It was a woman's voice. It had a South American accent. But the only one I know of with a South American accent was Simone Prevera. But, she's in the Bahamas right now. I'm pretty sure anyway."
"KITT, see what you can find on Simone Prevera, please."
"Right away, Michael. Found. Simone Prevera from San Pablo. Arrested by LAPD after Street Hawk stopped a mercenary from escaping with a sizable amount of money. The mercenary was in her employ at the time, so she was convicted as the mastermind. But she appealed and won. Up until almost a month ago, she stayed out of trouble. Right now, she's on the most wanted list according to Global Justice."
Curious, Altobelli asks, "This wouldn't happen to have had anything to do with the abduction of the Tracy couples, would it?"
"It does, Commissioner. You're very well informed."
"Sandy McCoy told me about it when she put her papers in. She had her boyfriend with her. He's a nice enough guy. Just a little bashful still."
Michael asks, "Is she still around? I'd like to get her take on this."
"Yeah. She should be at the office by noon. She's wanting to end her career on a positive note. Can't say I blame her. That poor girl's seen too much tragedy as it is."
"Why's that, Commissioner?"
"She was in love with Jesse, Ms. Barstow. When he died, it devastated her." He then turns to Michael and asks, "Ever have that happen to you before?"
"Yeah. On my wedding day." Michael steps out of KITT and walks around to open the door for the Commissioner. "When Stevie died, I felt like killing the bastard that killed her. But KITT kept me from doing it."
He then chuckles and adds, "Probably because his dominant programming is the preservation of human life. I guess it included that guy's. In some ways, KITT's rubbed off on me. Just like I tend to rub off on him."
"Stevie?"
"Yeah. Stephanie Mason. Stevie was her nickname."
"I heard about her. She was once engaged to a cop that disappeared and later turned up dead. I'm sure you waited for her to grieve all the way through. He was a good man, very much like I think you are, Mr. Knight. A little rough around the edges, but a good man nonetheless." Now curious, he asks, "Were you the one that helped her when she was arrested?"
"Yeah, I was."
"Then I'd say she had a Guardian Angel watching over her." Not wanting to broach the subject, he does so anyway. "Tell me something, please. Did she suffer?"
"Not for very long, sir. She died quickly, but not quick enough. She was gasping and in pain!" He then slams his right fist into a brick wall. "It just tore me up seeing her in pain like that. She took the bullet that was meant for me. It should be me in the ground, not Stevie."
"I wish I could help you get through it, son. I really do. What you're feeling is natural. All you can do is be glad she's not in pain anymore and that she's with Michael Long again."
'Not by a long shot, Commissioner.' The thought runs through both Michael and Bonnie's minds as they follow Altobelli into the dilapidated building.
Once inside, Bonnie can't help but wince as she sniffs the air, saying, "Ugh, it smells stale in here."
"Oh, sorry. The retrofit required the work crew to close off certain ventilation points. But they should be opening them back up by tomorrow. We've got about five minutes before we have to step outside."
He then sweeps his arm around and says, "Welcome to the original Command Center. Over there is the master control module. Up above it is the grid of the city. To your right is the exercise room where Jesse got himself back into shape following his surgery. Over to the left is the chamber used to house the original motorcycle."
"Original?" Michael nods eagerly at Bonnie's question.
"Yep, that's right. Another motorcycle is active and in use in another Jurisdiction. Only this time, it's more than one vehicle. Times have changed, as have the criminals. So, to compensate, Team Hawk was formed and they began taking out the trash. From idiotic villains bent on world domination to organizations like the Sho-Da-Kah, Team Hawk faced off against them."
Michael then asks, "Do you know who they are, Commissioner?"
Feeling a need to protect his friends, Altobelli replies, "Sorry, but my knowledge of them is limited only to what is on the news. However, I can tell you this much. They saved my bacon. They also take care of their own. Be it directly or indirectly."
"I see. Shall we go?"
"Nah, I'll just stick around here, reminiscence a little bit and catch a ride with the unit outside." Both Michael and Bonnie think back and remember the blue Explorer parked adjacent to the building. "In case you're wondering, it's the blue Explorer across the street from here."
"Yeah, that'll work pretty good. So, what are you gonna do with this place once the retrofit is done?"
"It's going to be a tourist attraction, Ms. Barstow." Bonnie nods in approval as she turns toward the console.
Meanwhile, Michael is suspecting that Altobelli knows more than he's letting on. He then says, "Commissioner, Bonnie and I have to report in. You gonna be okay?" Bonnie turns toward Michael in surprise at his words.
'It's not like Michael! He must think something is screwy.'
"Oh, yes. I'll be fine, Mr. Knight. Thank you both. And please relay the same to KITT."
"We will, Commissioner." With that, Michael gives Bonnie a subtle signal and walks out of the complex. The perplexed brunette woman follows Michael back outside and joins him.
"He knows more, doesn't he Michael?"
"He certainly knows more than he's letting on, Bonnie."
"Let me guess. Another hunch?" At Michael's nod, she then asks, "What do we do next?"
"Next, we call Devon and let him know the situation so far." The both of them get back into KITT and Michael says, "Get me Devon, KITT."
"Right away, Michael." In seconds, connection is established. A screen turns on and both see an impeccably-dressed man, wearing a crisp grey suit.
"Hello, Michael. According to KITT's telemetry, you're in Los Angeles. Is Bonnie there with you?"
"Yeah, she is, Devon. And, you're right. We're in L.A. Devon, we've got a problem. You may want to sit down first, though. You're not going to like what I'm about to say."
The Englishman quirks his eyebrow as he sits and asks, "What kind of problem, Michael?"
"Garthe, Goliath and KARR, all rolled in. Along with a woman named Simone Prevera."
"Garthe, Goliath and KARR? That can't be. They're all dead. Unless they found a way to survive. And who is Simone Prevera?"
"Yeah, well, I had a hard time believing it as well, as did KITT. They went after Commissioner Altobelli and tried to kill him. Prevera is one of those spoiled types that likes to get her way. No matter what."
"That's a rather ghastly description of her. Altobelli? As in Leo Altobelli, one of the toughest Police Commanders from your days as Michael Long? He's a Commissioner now?"
"Yep, the very same, Devon."
"I see. What would you like to do, Michael?"
"Well, I was thinking if we could get in touch with Team Hawk, we could join forces and maybe, just maybe shut Garthe and his bunch down for good."
"Sounds like a solid plan, Michael. Just how do you want to go about it?"
"I'm thinking I should find the area where most of Team Hawk's cases happened at. Once we find them, we can make contact with them."
"All right. I'll have our sources get you the information. It should be ready by the time you, Bonnie and KITT return."
"All right, Devon. First off, there's someone we need to talk with and hopefully get her take on the whole thing."
Suddenly, KITT tones an alert. "Michael, there's a communications signal emanating from the building you and Bonnie were just in."
"Can you tap into it, KITT? Maybe even trace it?"
"I can try, Michael. But I'll have to be careful. The security blocks on this line in particular are very strong. One false step and I'm caught. It's been a while since I did this."
"Okay, buddy. Go for it." Within seconds, they both hear Altobelli's voice.
"Norman, it's Altobelli."
"Hey, what's going on, Leo?"
"Not much, considering some nut-case tried to kill me with a big rig."
"Any particular reason why?"
"Other than me having been Mach's Commanding Officer, not really."
"Glad to hear you got away. Where are you at?"
"The old Command Center. I'm surprised this equipment still works."
"Crap! Leo, get off the phone! It's being tapped! According to the trace, it's right outside the building!"
"On it!" At that, the call ends.
"How far did you get, KITT?"
"I was able to trace it to Middleton, Colorado. Another two seconds and I would have gotten the location the call went to."
"Let's not stick around, buddy. Let's burn rubber." At that, Michael hammers down on the accelerator, leaving behind two long black streaks.
As the car speeds away from the curb, Altobelli exits the building and growls. "Damn. If that car's that well-equipped, it could very well compromise the team without even meaning to." He then brings out his radio as he walks toward the Explorer.
"All units, this is Commissioner Altobelli. Be on the lookout for a black Trans Am. License plate is Kilo, November, India, Golf, Hotel, Tango. If spotted, do not attempt to pull over, just keep under observation. That car has more going for it than it's appearances state." A Plainclothes Officer steps out and opens a door for Altobelli, with the Commissioner thanking him.
"Let's get to the office, son."
"Yes sir."
Meanwhile, on the street, Michael is maneuvering the car through the streets, with Bonnie looking a little pale at the high speed turns. "Michael, I think it's safe to say we're clear of him."
"I'm afraid not, Bonnie. The Commissioner just called in an APB on my plate number. The instructions are to just keep us under observation, that we're more than the Police can handle, it seems."
"Well, coming from Altobelli, I'd say that's almost a compliment."
"I think you're right, Bonnie. KITT, it's time to switch plates." At that, Michael presses a button marked 'Plates' and they both hear the plate being changed. "Not a moment too soon. Let's slow it down a bit, buddy."
"Police presence up ahead, Michael." As the car goes past the cruiser, the computer could almost feel like guffawing at the Officer's expression if it could be seen.
Inside the cruiser, the Officer had heard the bulletin and is keeping an eye out for the car. He thinks he sees it and pulls out after it. He then gets a look at the plate and waves off.
"He fell for it. Good work, buddy."
"Thank you, Michael. Anything else?"
"Yeah. Get me everything you can about Middleton, Colorado."
Curious, Bonnie turns and asks, "Road trip?"
"Road trip. After we touch base with Devon."
Thirty minutes later, they're out of Los Angeles and on the way to FLAG headquarters inside the Knight Manor. Only they don't get there. Instead, they're picked up en route by a black truck with a gold shield on the sides as it's rolling along. Michael and Bonnie both grin at the interior of the Mobile Command Center for FLAG. Once KITT has pulled to a stop, Michael and Bonnie get out of the car. As Bonnie pulls down a diagnostic unit, Michael waits for Devon to come out.
The Englishman comes out of the forward cabin and smiles. "Hello, Michael."
"Hey, Devon. What's up?"
"Oh, not much, considering your joyride with Bonnie in KITT. In any case, I got the information you requested as to Team Hawk's activities of late. Most of them only involved Street Hawk, mainly routine robbery calls. The only times when the team is active is when they go to a hot spot or they're facing more than one opponent. Most of their cases happened worldwide. Almost like International Rescue. They go anywhere there's trouble, just like the former Team Possible did at one time."
"Why does that sound so familiar?" Michael then turns to KITT and asks, "KITT, what do you have on Team Possible?"
"Team Possible, created by former teen heroine Kim Possible-Stoppable. Status; inactive due to an injury that ended the career of her partner and husband, Ron Stoppable. Ron was injured prior to their marriage. Persons most responsible for the injury was Edward 'Motor Ed' Lipsky and Andrea 'Adrena Lynn' Lynn. However, their mission was sabotaged by one Joshua Mankey."
"What was the injury, KITT?"
"A destroyed right knee joint, Mr. Miles. The damage was so extensive, they had to glue what pieces they could back together and reinforced with screws at both sides of the destroyed joint."
Bonnie can't help but wince as she says, "No wonder they've been inactive. When did Team Hawk first come onto the scene?"
"It was about two weeks after Mr. Stoppable's injury, Dr. Barstow. At first, it was only Street Hawk. Then, one day, the War Bird helicopter helped to save a life, proving it's capabilities for both crime-fighting and mercy missions. The list goes on and on."
Now curious, Michael asks, "What happened with Kim and Ron?"
"They got married and had children. They recently had a second set of triplets in the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. The names of the first triplets are Julie, Andrew and Edward. The second set's names are Bonnie, Diana and Jesse. Source of the names of the six children is unknown at this time."
Curious, Devon asks, "Well, Michael, what'll you do now?"
"Same thing I intend to do, Devon. Make contact with Team Hawk and see if they'd like to work with us on this. But first, we need to see a woman named Sandy McCoy. She's the one that Altobelli told us about."
"All right. As of right now, this is a Foundation operation. You have my full support, Michael. But, Reginald and I will go speak with Ms. McCoy while you and KITT go to Colorado."
"Thanks, Devon. Oh, hey. Where's RC3 at, anyway?"
"Oh, Reginald's in the rig, of course. He finally gave up on fixing that monstrosity he called a motorbike." Michael can't help but grin faintly as he gets back into KITT, with Bonnie right with him, carrying a small briefcase.
Curious, Michael asks, "What's going on, Bonnie?"
"I've got some new equipment I've been wanting to try out. Portable diagnostic equipment."
"Well, something tells me you'll get your chance on this case, Bonnie. Let's go." With that, the sleek Trans-Am rolls backwards out of the trailer and quickly switches to drive, passing the semi's cab. As the car goes by, the semi's cab blows it's horn.
The driver, a forty year old African-American male named Reginald Cornelius the 3rd smiles as he returns his attention to the road. "Well, looks like they're back in action. A long ways away from my days as the 'Street Avenger'. But KITT and Michael are timeless."
Suddenly, he slightly jumps when he feels a hand on his shoulder. "Hello, Reginald."
"Oh, hey boss. What's going on today?"
"KITT, Bonnie and Michael are taking a road trip to Colorado. In the meantime, I'd like you to turn the Mobile Unit around and head for Los Angeles. There's someone we need to speak with regarding the matter at hand."
"What's that, sir?"
"Well, unfortunately it's from before you joined us. But, here are the basics. An earlier prototype of KITT seems to have been joined with a massive big rig with a form of KITT's molecular bonded shell. If it's true, the work was done by the son of the Knight Foundation's late founder, Wilton Knight. Garthe Knight was his son, but he was evil to the core. We thought he had died when the truck he built went over a cliff into the Pacific Ocean, with Garthe inside it. The truck's name was Goliath."
"Okay, so the gist is this Garthe guy may still be alive and became a mad scientist of sorts. That about sum it up?"
"Implicitly, Reginald."
"So, what's the first move, Boss man?"
"We go and speak with a woman named Sandy McCoy. She's the PR Rep for the LAPD. She knew the original Street Hawk."
"Right away, Boss man."
Meanwhile, inside KITT, Bonnie looks over at Michael and asks, "What do you hope to find, Michael?"
"Answers to a lot of questions. Hopefully, we can find Team Hawk and get some information from them. It'd be even better if they want in on it."
"I concur, Michael. But, how are we going to find them? Their equipment is far better than ours is."
"The first time KARR was on the loose, we found him and Bonnie by triangulating their position. Can we do the same with Team Hawk?"
"It's possible. But I'd need to find the frequency for their communications. It'll take me a while, given my age."
"Bonnie, any chance of upgrading his signal tracing capabilities?" To his surprise, the brunette smiles and leans over.
"I can certainly try, Michael." Next thing he knows, she's working on the systems as Michael puts KITT on 'Auto Cruise'. Two minutes later, Bonnie grunts in frustration, saying, "Ugh, this position is not comfortable for working. We'll have to stop somewhere so I can do the work. However, it's comfortable enough for something else." Right then and there, she falls asleep with her head on his lap and smiles.
Michael smiles softly as he says, "Sleep tight, Bonnie." At that, he yawns and closes his eyes, running his fingers through Bonnie's long brown locks.
