Part 7: Hop In

A year later, Cira was sixteen and now able to drive, given the special provisions established by FLAG. She was very happy the day she got her license. For the last year she'd been chatting with her friends over what kind of car she think about getting.

It had been a good month or two since she'd gotten her lisence. She'd chatted privately with KARR on and off since she'd first encountered KARR when she was thirteen and broken down. Surely by now KARR was complete. It would certainly be amazing to see how much like KARR really was compared to KITT, even more so to see the two interact! It amused Cira greatly just imagining that happen. However, it was something she'd have to get used to between her, Michael, KITT and KARR.

Cira sat in her room deep into a book when Michael knocked on her door.

"Yeah dad?" she asked, closing her book.

"Devon wants to talk to you about KARR. We…have a surprise for you hon."

"A surprise?" Cira closed her book shut and got to the door, following Michael. "Okay dad. I'm right behind ya." Michael patted Cira on the head.

Michael led her down to the workspace where KARR was.

"What's going on? Is KARR ready to be driven?"

"Hello Cira." KARR greeted.

"You two have talked before?" Devon, asked, sounding surprised. He was just as surprised as the looks April and Michael exchanged between them.

"Yes," KARR said. "Numerous times."

"Really? Well, that's a surprise as well." Devon said. Michael nodded.

"In fact, Cira forgave me for what happened due to the defectiveness in my previous system."

"She forgave you?" Michael asked.

"Yes I did." Cira said. "KARR asked for it."

"That's truly quite remarkable," Devon remarked. "I never thought you two would even consider forgiveness."

"It seemed right to ask." KARR said.

"Well, at least we know you're program has been fixed." April said.

"All that work you did on me, I'm truly amazed at your workmanship, April."

"Thanks KARR," April said. "But I only helped plan the program. I didn't make it, other programmers helped, but I DID fix you up and update a few things elsewhere. For example I upgraded your turbo boost and strengthened the bullet proof coating on your mainframe."

"Oh I see." KARR replied. "Either way, the work done on me is still appreciated."

April smiled and patted the top of KARR. "You're quite welcome."

"Anyways, back to why we brought Cira here." Devon said. "Cira, Michael and I won't be around long enough to keep looking for drivers. Hence we've decided you're a remarkably perfect candidate for driving KARR."

Cira's jaw dropped. "What? Are you serious?" she asked. She was sixteen, and already, KARR was HERS! It was too good to be true! In her eyes, now that KARR was no longer a threat and just as perfect as KITT; KARR was the best car any one could ask for.

"Yes, we're very serious." Michael said. "KARR is yours, for you are the 'next generation' of The Foundation. You and KARR are perfect for that."

Cira felt her cheeks becoming a little warm; for she had a feeling knowing what kind of hero's KITT and Michael were in California, it would be a very high role in life for her to inherit. It felt like it was a little too much for her to believe that it was even true. But the fact was, this was real; and she knew it.

"I…um…don't know what to say. Words feel useless." Cira said a bit sheepishly. "I'd never thought that that was why the three of you decided to salvage KARR. All these years I'd been growing up you'd been working on rebuilding KARR…." She shook her head. Devon, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. KARR and I won't let you guys down when we're needed."

Michael smiled, pleased that she was so happy about her path in life she had just chosen. At least she'd been able to CHOOSE. Michael hadn't. That was one difference he'd realized right away, but he was glad Cira hadn't bumped into the rush of that sort of pressure. He'd gotten used to it, and was more than happy to be KITT's driver as long as he was needed or opted to. He rested a hand on his 'daughter's' shoulder.

"Well, want to go for your first ride behind the wheel?"

"With a magnificent car like KARR and KITT?" Cira smiled confidently. "Of course!"

Michael glanced at Devon.

"Devon will be riding with you in the passenger's seat to show you how to work the controls." Michael told her.

KARR was a whole new vehicle getting used to, Cira knew that right from the start when she met KITT.

Having ridden with Michael in KITT so many times, Cira picked up a lot over the years just from watching and asking questions.

"I'm sure Cira already knows from watching you drive KITT and talking to KITT." Devon said to Michael.

"This is like a solo-run." Michael said. "This proves how much you've learned. Like an extra driver's test."

Devon nodded. "But lucky for you there's no additional license involved."

Cira was much more excited than she'd ever been when she took the wheel over any normal vehicle when she'd been working towards her license. It felt like she was learning how to fly a fighter jet; yet it wasn't near as complicated. However, the feeling was the same; feelings filled with excitement and strange apprehension. One thing was for sure, Cira definitely WASN'T nervous.

April took pictures of Cira in the driver's seat. For Cira, it was something she'd always remember and NEVER forget.

-THE NEXT MORNING AROUND 7:00 A.M.-

Cira yawned as she pulled KARR into her high school's parking lot. For the first time, she was the driver. She suddenly felt like she was seeing a new view of the world and was more on her own than ever. But maybe every new driver got that feeling when they started to drive themselves places on their own. Who knew.

Somehow since the previous day when she discovered KARR was officially hers, there had been a boost in her self confidence and high ego. Yes girls could have ego's, along with dignity of course, and Cira had both of these traits. She was prideful, self-sufficient and tough; and couldn't live these traits down. A lot of guys saw this in her, and it always gave them something to ponder over for practically however long they wished. Cira was puzzled by it but didn't care to do anything about it.

One way these traits were revealed was when she hung out with her JROTC buddies and wore her uniform. She was one of the few girls in the core that really took JROTC seriously like it was the real military. Even some guys had trouble with it, and those that new this usually noticed this in Cira, despite that she was a first year, and often, even though she didn't realize it herself, respected Cira for this trait.

She knew several of the JROTC cadets. The one male cadet she knew the most was named Alex Johnson. He was a very serious guy, but somehow he always seemed to be drawn to Cira since he first noticed her in JROTC and how seriously she took it. Cira never thought much about it though, because KARR, KITT, Bonnie, Devon and her dad were always on her mind.

"Well KARR, see you around three o'clock PM." Cira said before stepping out of the car.

"All right Cira. Have fun." KARR replied. It was odd how happy and redeemed Cira suddenly felt! Cira busily brushed off her BDU's that they were permitted to wear once a month and then shut KARR's door.

Cira had parked car not far away from the pole almost absent mindedly. She suddenly realized Johnson was commanding the take down of the flags.

"I'll try KARR, I really will." She patted the Pontiac. It's yellow scanner didn't stop moving until KARR wished to turn off his surveillance mode.

It was scorching hot out, and KARR did not like sticking around in the sun unless they were driving. His circuits would fry if he sat here until 3. He had to find shade and pick Cira up when the time was right. One problem was though KARR had no idea he'd probably get very strange looks from other driver's when he DID come pick up Cira.

As she walked over they just finished pulling down the state and American flag. Two cadets with the last name of Lee and Gates took hold of the state flag and in a crisp, military manner stepped aside to fold it. They were second year cadets. Johnson, on the other hand, was a third year cadet. Which meant he was two years older than she was, but that made no difference to Cira. It was only by two years.

She hadn't talked to Johnson much, but when she did Cira always felt like they were on good terms, but with a serious guy like Johnson, it was VERY hard to tell. You could see the seriousness and boldness in his eyes the way he talked, walked, and the way he looked at people. But once you got him comfortable, as Cira noticed from a far, he was a very friendly guy. However, the seriousness and pride was really hard to break. Perhaps he liked to test people with that side of himself. Cira wasn't sure, but it was a guess; and the only good one she had so far.

Alex had dark, and sharp energetic eyes. His hair was somewhat thin, about a little less than an inch at the top of his head, thinner down the sides and neck. It was obviously a military-like hair style. Alex's hair was dark brown, and in Cira's opinion she thought Alex looked very good with the cut.

Cira also knew he was very fit. For he liked to do pushups and excersize in JROTC never seemed to be a struggle for him no matter what the activities or intensity level of them.

Cira swore she was seeing things, but she thought she saw Alex cast a look towards her as she stepped away from KARR. Seeing another fellow cadet, out of the corner of their eyes during their folding of the American flag, Gates and Lee seemed have spotted Cira approaching the school too. Johnson and his other partner who'd Cira hardly ever seen before briskly, but surprisingly gracefully folded up the flag into its triangular fold perfectly. The cadet she did not recognize took possession over the flag.

Not wanting to interrupt, Cira automatically chose not to say hi; for she wasn't sure that any of the cadets would see or recognize her being there. But to her surprise, just as the cadets finished folding the flags, Alex was clearly looking at her when he suddenly said walking up to her:

"Hey Knight is that your car? It's...so sleek and original."

Cira glanced back at KARR, smiling.

"Why yes it is." Cira replied.

"I've never seen a Pontiac in such a beautiful condition before." He said, trying to give her a warm smile. She saw it take over the seriousness on her face and it almost made Cira's heart melt. He'd never smiled at her like that before-there was something so different about it. She tried to stop herself short from dreaming about it, but Cira didn't like the fact that she felt her face growing warm at the compliment…but then again, the compliment was about KARR alone, wasn't it? She couldn't be sure. Perhaps she just WISHED he was saying that about her.

"Thank you." Cira said.

"What are the yellow lights in between the nose for?" he asked.

"It's…" Cira tried to explain, but fumbled for words.

"What's in a beautiful condition?" Gates asked curiously.

"Knigh-I mean her Pontiac." He stammered. Seriousness was back on Alex's face, in hope for cover from his previous stumble. Did she just catch his cheeks temporarily flush or was she dreaming?

This was going to be an awfully strange day.

Lee whistled, but Gates was more interested the car.

"Dude, shut up." Gates snapped at Lee. "The black Pontiac? That's HER'S? No way."

Cira put her hands on her hips. "And what makes you say that Sergeant Gates?"

Gates was lost for words.

"I could show you my driver's license, the plate, and a picture in my pocket to prove it." Cira said sharply. "I don't think much more of proof is needed than that."

"Wow." Lee said, holding the state flag carefully.

"Guys," said the unknown cadet holding the American flag. "We should get to class. DOUBLE TIME."

"Right." Alex said. "Sorry, but we have to rush. Perhaps I'll catch you at lunch maybe?"

Cira was shocked. It was the first time a guy had ever asked her to even see her at lunch on their own free will. But this was supposed to be no big deal, right? Cira hoped to keep it that way for now. She hoped, she really did.

"Sure." She'd been planning on going to get Subway to eat instead of the cafeteria food. They had a good hour to leave the property, and she knew a subway, so she'd go to that. That is, if Alex wanted to come with her at all. He'd invited to meet up with her, so Cira was certain he wouldn't mind. But, they were on a rush so she'd have to ask him later when they met up again or she caught him in the hallways.

-approx. 3 hours later-

Which did happen. After 3rd period was over, Alex spotted her just as she'd swung her black book bag over her shoulder.

"Hey miss Knight!" Alex called from behind Cira. He was standing at the hallway locker entrance. She waved, and caught up to him as she weaved around the crowd of chatting high schoolers.

"Hi," she replied. "How's been the classes so far?"

"Comprehensive but boring as usual." He replied. "I'm still hoping you'll come and have lunch in the JROTC room with us today?"

"Sure. Actually I was planning on going to subway and getting something to eat there. I'm tired of cafeteria food." Cira said.

"Oh." Alex said. "Well so am I."

They were silent for a minute. Cira debated over whether she should let Alex have his first ride in an awesome car like KARR

"You're welcome to come with me if you wish." Cira offered. It was the best she could do, really. She seemed like she could trust Alex with KARR's 'secrets'. But Cira knew he'd be surprised with the interior. He'd be even more surprised if she let KARR speak up. She hated to admit it but Cira couldn't wait to see his face when KARR spoke!

"I'd be glad to." Alex replied. His stone cold expression was there but she could hear the emotion and honesty that rang clear in his voice. Cira wondered how Alex did it, but he just did.

Cira smiled. "All right then. I'll see you after third period by the flag pole."

"Okay."

-LUNCH TIME-

Alex caught up to Cira just as she was about to open one of the schools wide doors in which was the same one she'd entered that morning.

"Hey." He greeted her. His army boots tapped against the tile as they walked, with hers doing the same. They were rather heavy, but all the cadets were used to it and Cira was among the many people in the core who didn't mind it at all.

"Hi," Cira replied. "Glad you could come."

"I am too." Alex replied, he glanced at her, but Cira was looking forward the whole time.

Once they reached a yard away from where KARR SHOULD be parked, Cira was shocked to discover KARR was gone.

"Hey…what in the world happened to you car?"

"I…don't know."

What in the world was going on? She had to contact KARR. Her radio, which looked like a watch, and was exactly like her dad's was in one of her large camo pockets.

"Stay here, I'm going to look up and down the parking lot a bit." Cira said.

She began to walk quickly. When her right wrist was at an obscure angle from Alex's view, Cira tried to contact KARR.

"KARR, where in God's name did you go? You were supposed to stay here. A friend and I are going to lunch."

KARR quickly replied: "Oh, sorry, but the heat was singing my circuits. I needed to find some shade."

Cira sighed as she walked farther one direction. She glanced back at Alex. Good, he wasn't following her, but he WAS watching her.

"Could you get back here please?" she asked.

"Of course Cira. Sorry about the surprise."

"It's okay." Cira said. "I'd rather you tell me next time. Just drive into the pick up lane. It doesn't matter if hell be surprised or not, but you gotta get over here. It'd be even weirder if I took the time to search for you."

"I'm on my way." KARR replied.

"Okay." Cira said.

What a relief…but now Alex would really be amazed with their ride. But she hoped that despite that she had an awesome car he'd still have more of an interest in her. She was concerned about that of course, but not so much it made her obviously nervous.

She walked back to Alex, trying her best to look puzzled and stressed. "I really don't know. God this is frustrating!"

"Do you think someone hi-jacked it?" Alex asked.

Cira tried not to laugh. "It sure looks like they did…"

It didn't take long before KARR wove its way through the parking lot on the outer edge. It then drove in a straight line through the parking lot and approached Cira and Alex. It's sleek black coat of paint glistened in the sun and its yellow scanner moved back and forth, and the motor hummed normally.

"What in the world…" Alex muttered.

It was hard to tell whether or not there was someone driving KARR, but as they got closer and KARR pulled off to an empty space in the drop off area Alex could clearly see there was no one driving it.

"Holy SHIT what the hell is that thing?"

Cira couldn't help but laugh.

"That, Lieutenant Johnson is my car."

"It just drove by itself."

"Yes, it is capable of driving for me…" Cira said, trying to find a way to explain KARR to him.

"Along with yourself, Cira, you've got to tell me about this car." Alex said sternly. She could tell he really meant those words, and that somewhat surprised her. Cira realized she felt a little shaky.

"I suppose I can." Cira replied as she walked around the front of KARR to the driver's seat. Before she sat down she patted the top of KARR. "Hop in."