Singing With KARR and Partying with Mike
The ear piercing rumble of the upbeat music coming from the VIP Party encouraged even the shyest of partiers to dance. The intoxicating beat was a lively mash-up of techno and pop.
Mike happily accepted a free beer from the dark haired promoter. The ice cold foam tickled his lip as he enjoyed his first beer since his vacation started. It was so cold it almost seemed to feel like it was burning all the way down. Mike lightly smiled in relaxation as he downed another chilly slug of his golden drink.
As if someone had opened the floodgates and announced that Mike was passing out free money, Mike was quickly swarmed and involuntarily herded up against a golden railing on the bar's balcony. The over-enthusiastic fans all spoke over each other and vied uncontrollably for Mike's personal attention.
At first, Mike's mind went into overload. There was just too many people, talking too loud, and all at the same time. Mike had to rein this craziness in. It was already way too out of hand, "Hey!" he hollered at the top of his lungs while he waved his free hand through the air. "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!"
A few of the more excited partiers continued on their loud vocal prodding for Mike's attention. The rest had settled the moment that they had realized that their enthusiasm had made Mike uncomfortable. However, one circumstance didn't change; Mike was still walled in and pressed hard against the shiny metal balcony railing.
As if she knew about Mike's uncomfortable situation, Lieutenant Theresa Cast appeared out of the back of the pushing mob and firmly ordered, "Disperse! This crowd is too large and is a danger to public safety as well as Mr. Bruening's safety. I cannot allow it. So MOVE!"
The once-enthusiastic revelers angrily glared at the female in the Navy blue male formal dress-suit. Most of them began to reluctantly walk off. However, a few decided to try their luck at defying Lieutenant Cast's firm order. They solidly held their positions while staring her down confrontationally.
Theresa violently maneuvered her way through the leftover fanatics and took up a position right up against Justin's left side. If she was going to have to enforce her authority as a hired bodyguard to Justin Bruening, she needed to be in the most optimum position to do so. Once Theresa felt like she was in the best spot to do so, she turned to the defiant stragglers and growled, "You do not want to take me on."
Mike didn't want any problems. He was here to have fun. So he took that moment to quietly slip away to his right. He snaked through the unobservant crowd and took up a leftover wooden barstool. The bar was still packed full, but Mike was somehow able to find that stool and pull up against the dark wooden bar.
"Justin?" asked a sweet voice over his shoulder.
Mike instantly recognized the magnificent voice of his beautiful lover. His first reaction was to wrap his arms around her blindly and bring her in close to him. As soon as that urge came to him, he had to sadly suppress it. It was hard for him to keep in mind that this was a clone and not his Sarah.
Mike's mouth went dry and his body went numb as he finally made eye-contact with the Sarah clone. He instinctively licked his chapped lips and whispered, "Hi".
Deanna could instantly tell by the sparkle in Justin's eyes that this wasn't Justin Bruening. This Justin's soul was different. His presence just didn't feel right. It wasn't evil or anything. It just wasn't Justin. "Hey Justin, having fun?"
Mike's arms longed to pull the Sarah clone close to him and his lips wanted nothing more than to gently meet hers. He had to get out of there. He quickly shoved his empty beer glass away and stood up to leave. "Having a blast." He softly whispered as he fled before he could see her reaction.
"Yeah, that was definitely not Justin." Sarah thought as she stole his seat.
KITT smiled ruefully as he listened to the dark voice of KARR sing, "I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed." Not only was KARR singing beautifully, but he was also gathering a curious crowd of children and adults who couldn't actually get enough of KARR's singing. To add to KITT's glow of joy, the younger children began to join the KARR replica's musical talents.
"Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you." KARR began a new song. This one was from the movie The King and I by Rodgers and Hammerstein. His deep tones sounded almost seductive and inviting.
The instant that the happily gathered audience recognized the musical number, they joyfully joined in. Soon the gathered numbers inflated from about 20 people to around 200 or more. They were either singing along with KARR or video recording his marvelously deep voice serenading the shocked crowd.
KITT was only mildly entertained at first, but as the size of the crowd ballooned and as the decibel level of them singing approached deafening, KITT truly enjoyed being in the company of such an accomplished singer.
"Our MasterKey friends couldn't make it due to some pressing developments. But that doesn't mean that they couldn't be here in video. I would proudly and humbly like to present an awesome video that they have done just for this occasion." The dark haired promoter proudly announced from an impromptu wooden stage.
As soon as the dark haired promoter wrapped up his introduction, the already dim houselights turned completely off. Then all the scattered televisions in the bar flickered. Within a second, they all presented the yellow icon of the MasterKey Company. Everyone inside the packed bar quieted in anticipation.
Loud techno music began to reverberate through the surround sound system as pictures from Mike's life began to flash on the blue glowed screens. Mike had taken a seat on an overstuffed black leather couch in the Lounge area when he ran away from the gorgeous Sarah clone. He was quickly accompanied by three of the Justin's Girls. He was happily nursing another beer while listening to the Justin's Girls talk about themselves. Mike was comfortable and happy. Then he caught his first sights of the widely played video.
The bright video screens began to flash headshots of all of the major players in Mike's life: Alex, Dr. Graiman, Zoe, Billy, Carrie, KITT, KARR, and even Sarah.
Mike leapt up from his comfortable spot on the soft leather couch in shock. He elbowed his way up to the dark Mahogany bar. He needed a closer view of the 'This is Your Life' video. Mike absently pulled up an extra barstool and leaned heavily against the dark wood of the bar. Everything around him just seemed to disappear as Mike developed a shocked version of tunnel vision. "KITT, are you recording this?" Mike finally asked in a choked whisper.
KITT hadn't been concentrating on Mike. He was still thoroughly enjoying KARR's vocal performance. KARR could actually become an accomplished singer with his deep tones and perfect timing. KARR had just begun singing his ABC's when Michael interrupted KITT's fun. He lightly changed his focus and answered, "No Michael, I am not."
Mike held his golden beer up to his lips and whispered, "If you can patch into the video feed, please record this for me."
KITT easily hacked into the bar's low tech computer and located the much-wanted video. The highly inexpensive PC in the manager's office was not very secure. It was only protected by a 5 digit code and it was 1…2…3…4…5. KITT laughed internally at the bar owner's creative coding and then accessed the video.
The way the video was stored made it impossible for KITT to blindly download and record the MasterKey video. So, he had to wait until the recoding was played in its entirety and then he would have to play it again.
Mike sat in shock as he watched the MasterKey video. It showed mostly the action scenes of KITT and him. He saw the wild flipping Turbo Boost he had KITT perform to evade his pursuers and smiled as he remembered KITT's scream. He saw the massive explosion of the abandoned sugar mill that Carrie was nearly killed in. He saw the wild moment where he had taken on a big rig backwards to slow it down. He watched in shock as they showed all of the transformations KITT could perform on a whim: Truck, Attack Mode, Ford Flex, Pink Mustang, and even Eleanor. All of it played with a wild musical collection of Techno-pop. Mike was glued to the television screen. Nothing could distract him now.
KITT began to watch the video out of curiosity. He was going to see it again so he had no real need to watch it now. But now that he had been distracted from his KARR watching, he had nothing better to do. He was shocked. It was like someone had downloaded his memory files and played them for everyone to see. They even added a sound bite, "KITT, initiate Beer Run Program." KITT felt violated. Only Himself, Sarah and Michael were on that beach. Only they knew about that moment. How could they have played it onscreen like that?
KITT felt the distinct urge to just accidentally lose the video feed. Send it into oblivion. But that was not his decision. Not his choice. Instead, he just watched this severe defiling of his privacy waiting for it to end so he could record it in its entirety.
A soft arm gently wrapped around Mike's waist. He jumped with a start before he recognized the dark form of Brittney. He then carefully removed her arm and turned back to the television. "Not now." He spoke as he stared intently at the presentation.
Brittney had seen Justin leave the crowded couch for the bar. She knew that this was her chance to get some alone time with the cute actor. She had been planning on this since they had entered the bar together. She knew that this was her chance. "Come on, Justin, just a kiss?" She whispered seductively into his ear.
"Could this girl have chosen the worst time to make her move?" Mike asked himself as he continued to soak in the live video feed. He wasn't going to stop watching this for her. He needed to know why? Why did they have all this footage? Why did they show it to the world? Why show the cruel footage of the lost members of the SSC? Why?
Brittney wasn't put off by a little brush off. She had had much worse done to her before. She leaned in close to Justin and softly blew into his ear.
It couldn't have had a worse reaction. Mike was so lost in the video he had forgotten that she was there. When she blew into his ear, he automatically flicked his hand across his ear and smacked her straight in the face. He was startled when he felt the back of his hand connect with something. Something soft and wet. He quickly whirled around to see what he had hit.
Brittney let out a shocked cry when Justin smacked her hard in the face. She fell backwards slightly and was caught by a woman who was standing by watching the video. She softly rubbed her tiny nose checking for blood and soreness as tears began to flow. She began to berate herself for being dumb as she let herself cry a little.
Mike quickly leapt up from his wooden barstool and began profusely apologizing to the crying and shaking frame of Brittney. He didn't see her back there. He had no idea that she was there. He didn't mean to hit her. Mike was just beside himself that he had done that. He carefully placed his hand on her back and guided her onto his wooden barstool. Then, he took up a nearby pile of napkins and dumped some ice into them. Mike carefully placed the napkin-wrapped icepack in her shaking hand and then lifted it so as she would have it holding close to her nose. "I am so sorry." He whispered gently as he watched her flinch against the chill of the ice pressed against her face.
Brittney wanted one-on-one time with Justin. Now she was getting it. Even though her nose hurt and most of her face was covered by the white paper napkins, she was swooning over his doting attention to her needs. Her tears soon dried up and were then replaced by a wide smile of affection. He was there for her and only her. She let out a soft sigh of contentment when he gave her a soft reassuring hug.
Mike could tell that Brittney was feeling better. She had stopped crying and shaking. He still felt slightly guilty about backhanding her so hard. So he apologized once more and gave her a light hug. He hadn't expected what was coming next.
Brittney seized her opportunity. She jumped out of the wooden barstool and flung herself at Justin. She dropped the impromptu ice pack and wrapped her arms around Justin. She then planted her lips hard against his. Brittney had wanted to do this all day.
Mike had no time to avoid the sudden burst of Brittney that came his way. He couldn't dodge or duck or even flinch before she was all over him like spines on a cactus. He didn't even know what was happening before he found himself lip locked with the hyper-blonde. He couldn't say that he didn't like it. But he also couldn't say that he wanted it, either.
It took some strength both physically and mentally to pry Brittney off this time. But Mike managed to get her at arm's length again. He wanted to ask her a thousand questions of Why she did what she did but he could not form the words. He just stared into her lipid blue eyes. Then, he sat her down in his stool and picked up her dropped ice pack. Mike handed the girl her ice pack and then slowly turned and shuffled away.
Brittney knew that she had just violated some code of conduct but this was her chance, her chance to make a lasting impression on Justin Bruening. She knew that when he sat her down that she was not to jump up and do it again. She knew that she was to wait for him to say something. She knew that he had to have felt something. But he said nothing. Nothing. How could that be? Nothing? Brittney just stared distantly into her ice pack as it sank in.
The MasterKey video ended with a To Be Continued climax. Then it advertised a need for a Season 2 and a petition put on the Internet to save Knight Rider. KITT found all of this rather confusing. Season 2? Save Knight Rider? What in the world was all of this? He just shook his virtual head and prepared to replay the video for recording.
KITT set the speed of the playback to its fastest setting and then sent the feed straight to his HUD. He then played and recorded the unnerving video in full for posterity. He knew that he would be keeping this that was for sure. Now, KITT had to figure out if he would show it to Sarah and the crew or would Mike and he keep this little tidbit to themselves?
Mike purchased another beer on the opposite side of the bar. He needed it. This party was driving him mad. The numbing effect of the alcohol was the only thing keeping him at the party and that was wearing off. At least, he thought it was wearing off. In actuality, if he had been in top form, he would have noticed that he was being watched. That someone was taking a distinct interest in his every movement. However, he was completely oblivious to the tall brunette hovering protectively in the background.
Lieutenant Cast was not shirking on any of her duties as bodyguard to Justin Bruening. She had taken this assignment seriously and that was how this night was going to end for her too. She was to escort him to his defined room after the party and secure him for the evening before she would find any rest for herself. She watched him intently from the shadows while keeping a trained eye out for any potential hazards coming his way.
Justin had been a hard charge to follow and protect. Theresa had had one heck of a time keeping him out of trouble. He seemed to look for it almost. She still wanted to know where he got the tracking skills and capturing techniques from. He handled that possible assailant earlier with ease. That kind of ease came from training. Training, that Theresa had been told, he didn't have. It was not a matter to concern herself with, anyway. She would protect him even if she really didn't need to. Then, Lieutenant Theresa Cast smiled slightly only slightly and then it was gone.
KITT finished up the video recording and then checked up on Mike. He had decided that Mike didn't need constant surveillance while at the party. There was no perceived threat there and so he didn't need to as Mike had put it once, "Watch over him like a mother hen." KITT found Mike back on the over-stuffed black leather couch enjoying another cold beer and the company of about 4 girls. They were just talking and laughing. KITT relaxed. Mike was fine and just having a good vacation.
KITT refocused his attention on KARR. He had been distracted from KARR long enough to miss the owners of the replica arrive. He had missed how they had freaked out when they found out the crowd was gathering and singing around their KARR. He had missed how they tried tirelessly to shut down the smooth sounds of KARR's voice singing another children's ballad.
KITT watched in sadness as the two males dislocated the battery cables from the battery block. He hadn't wanted to have that effect on KARR. To KITT, it was like The Foundation shutting down the original KARR way back in the 80's. He knew that that had to be hard on KARR and that is why KARR had sought out revenge. Why KARR had wanted to kill. Then they shut down the Mustang KARR after its 7 person killing spree. And to add to the disgruntled nature of KARR, they tore him away from his designated driver. KITT felt a bit guilty now. They had shut down the KARR replica, sending it into quiet oblivion.
Now KITT understood why an extremely smart, fast AI didn't take vacations.
About 4 hours later, the VIP Party was winding down. There were still a few diehards hanging out but it was pretty much over. Mike could tell that he was buzzed but he didn't care. It was fun. After the initial craziness, everyone had settled down and just mingled around and had a great time.
Mike had enjoyed the whole party but now he sought out KITT. He hadn't planned on crashing in a room. Not when KITT's driver's seat could serve the same purpose. He stumbled down the stairs in search of KITT. "KITT, where are you?" He called out not caring who heard him.
"Michael, I am where you left me. Proceed 30 paces straight ahead and you will walk into me." KITT informed him with a bit of an annoyed tone.
Mike took a couple of wobbly steps out of the bar and out onto Fremont St. He could only see the bright glow of the neon lights and the glaring white lights from the Experience blinding his fuzzy vision. "Where KITT?" he mumbled as he reached out a questioning hand like KITT would just be right there just out of reach.
KITT grumbled incoherently as he realized that there was no way that Michael was going to make it on his own. He quickly powered up his engine and prepared to force his way over to Michael. He never had the chance.
Lieutenant Theresa Cast saw that Justin was in no condition to wonder alone on the streets of Las Vegas. She quickly slid up onto Justin's side and then locked arms with him. "Come on Justin, I'll take you to your room." She whispered reassuringly.
"KITT is that you?" Mike asked as he accepted the assistance. "You are not using that 'girlie' voice again, are you?"
Theresa gave him an odd look but continued to guide him over to the Corsica Casino. She knew his room number and was even given a room key. She would never violate his privacy but if she needed fast access, she had it. "No Justin, this is my voice." She informed him.
KITT was getting furious. Why was this guard leading Michael away? Where was she taking him? Would he just standby? For now, he was helpless. She hadn't threatened Michael, so he had no need for action. Instead, KITT ran a thorough background check on the interloper and just glared viciously at her as she continued to lead Michael away from him. Then he carefully patched into every available camera that had any usable view of Michael. KITT would definitely keep vigil over Michael just in case.
"Well KITT" Mike continued talking to his friend. "I had fun. I even got kissed today, too. Now, we are tied." He said while giving a huge belly laugh.
Theresa had to keep Justin calm as she escorted him into the hotel elevators. "Really? How nice." She lightly commented as she guided him inside the mirrored closet-like contraption.
"Nice!" Mike yelled. "No, it was wonderful!" Then he tore himself away from the hold he was in. "She kissed liked a goddess!" He yelled at his reflection in the mirror. "I loved every second of it." He whispered as he leaned in close to the mirror and then kissed his reflection deeply.
Theresa rolled her eyes as she watched Justin intimately kiss the once spotless mirror. She carefully pulled him away from the rest of the mirrors as the elevator approached the 15th floor. She was glad to be almost done with this one. As soon as the doors whisked open, Theresa led Justin down to the end of the long white corridor.
"KITT, where are we going?" Mike asked in a whining tone.
"We are going to your room." Theresa answered matter-of-factly as she upped the pace.
"How can you be inside here like this? Did Sarah turn you into a scooter?" He asked mockingly.
Theresa had seen a lot of drunks in her time but this one was topping weird meter. Why was he calling her KITT? And…a scooter? He was definitely out there. That's for sure.
Finally, they arrived at Justin's room and just in time. Theresa could see that he was just about to pass out cold. "Come on, stay with me. Just a few more feet." She called out encouragingly as she helped him walk through the massive suite into the bedroom.
As Theresa pushed him onto the overstuffed King Sized bed, Mike called out, "KITT, you can sleep here, okay?" Then, he gently patted the comforter next to him. Not a second later, he was soundly snoring in deep sleep.
Theresa quietly pulled the door to Justin's room closed and then whispered, "Actors" in a sarcastic tone as she headed for the elevator.
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A/N- Okay, that was fun!
Some facts for you…..MasterKey never made a video presentation or even showed. That is what I imagined. I heard that they are swamped by a new project. You go guys! And Good Luck with it!
Of course, I do not own the right to the song Getting to Know You.
Nor do I own any rights to On Top Of Spaghetti I don't even know who does on this one.
Anyway, I hope that this Chapter was up to par…as always,
Enjoy!