Knight's Endgame: Part 3

Location: Pinal Airpark

KARR

Wil looked up to see Garthe turning Goliath around. And start to head right for him. "KARR now would be a good time to come back online," he said, speaking directly to the dash. He turned the key and was pleased to hear the powerful engine come to life. He shifted into drive and stomped on the accelerator. None too soon, as he saw Goliath tear through where he had just been a few seconds ago.

Wil had to figure which direction he was facing. Without the AI, he was feeling a bit lost. Trying to get his bearings, Wil pulled his cell phone out of the center console. Using his fingerprint, he unlocked it and saw that he was heading south-east. Checking his side-view mirror, he saw Goliath coming up fast behind him. Thinking quickly, he slowed the vehicle down some waiting for the most opportune moment. He had to guess and hope that his calculations were correct. He waited a few seconds, then twisted the steering hard to the left. He saw Goliath shoot by the back-end, narrowly missing the bumper.

Stomping on the accelerator again, the car surged forward, and Wil fought the steering wheel. Slowing down, he regained control and saw Goliath heading his way again. Looking for any sign of life from the dash, Wil hoped that KARR would be back online soon.

Goliath

"Damn!" Garthe shouted as the black vehicle darted out of harm's way for the second time. "Why can't you project his moves?" He twisted the steering wheel to the left, bringing Goliath around to chase down KARR.

"I am unable to use my surveillance scanner as it is being affected by power loss. I have limited access to my infrared tracking due to the power loss," Goliath informed him. "And I cannot predict what the human will do. I'm not psychic."

Garthe slammed his fist into the steering wheel again. He was getting angrier. He couldn't believe that Sebastian had abandoned him. He would have his vengeance on all of those who had kept his father's dream alive. And he'd figure out what to do with his traitorous son. "What can you do?" he growled at the AI.

"I am unable to do much, as I now am up to a twenty-one percent power loss. I believe we should leave and return to base. I need a technician to service my systems," Goliath advised.

"NO!" Garthe shouted. "I want manual override control, right now!" he demanded. Goliath relinquished control, for the moment. KARR was now directly ahead, but they weren't gaining. "Why are we not overtaking them?" he asked frustrated.

"We are currently not on pavement and my traction control is losing the battle with the uneven ground," Goliath responded, agitated.

Garthe turned Goliath back towards the empty planes. "Let's see if we can get him to come to us!" Garthe shouted. Once he had the AI back on pavement he accelerated quickly, giving a sharp blast from Goliath's horn. "Where is my nephew and his vehicle?"

"He has changed direction and is attempting to head us off. KARR is still not online," Goliath responded.

"Good!" Garthe chuckled. "Now we have him." He kept Goliath headed for the planes.

KARR

"Damn it!" Wil smacked the steering wheel. Garthe was heading for the other airplanes parked on the tarmac. He didn't know they were empty, but he was willing to destroy them. Wil glanced at the dash and saw no hint of the AI. "Damn it KARR! Stop being stubborn and get back here!" he hissed at the dash. Glancing to his left he saw Goliath tearing into the first empty plane. The shock wave from the ruptured fuel tank vibrated the car but didn't slow it down or alter its course. Wil continued to aim the vehicle at the back right of Goliath. Hoping above all else, he plotted his course and ran the variables through his head, praying he wouldn't destroy his vehicle. Or worse, get himself killed in the process.

Knight Mansion

Michael parked KI2T behind the concrete wall on the right-hand side, inside the main gate. Across from him was his son and KI3T. He could tell that Mike was just as anxious as he was. The semi had left fifty-five minutes ago with Bonnie, April and Billy. Zoe and Sarah were tucked safely away in the KITT cave, working to upload and arm the two AI's left behind with the specialized shields. Bonnie, April and Billy were working on getting KARR back to Wil and installing the same shields for them.

"Michael, the armed team is twenty-six minutes and thirty-eight seconds away. They will be approaching from…" KI2T stopped suddenly.

"KI2T? What is it?"

"Two of the vehicles have changed course and appear to be trying to come from the rear of the property, while the other two are maintaining course and speed to the front," KI2T informed him.

A link popped upon the windshield just as KI2T told him Mike was contacting them. "Hey dad, I know you probably already know, but…" he started.

"…two of the vehicles are going to try to gain access from the rear of the property," Michael finished. Mike nodded. "There's only an old dirt road, not in the best of shape. But they could do it."

"Okay, so who gets to head out back and give them a welcome?" Mike asked.

"I will," his dad responded. "You can handle the guests coming in the front."

"Got it," Mike told him. "But be careful."

Michael smiled. "You too." The link closed. "Okay KI2T, we need to get back there asap to try and surprise them. Give me everything you got buddy!"

KARR

Wil was going to try to ram the side of Goliath, just in front of his back tires, hoping to knock them off balance. As he positioned himself to make the move, a voice stopped him.

"I'm offline for a little while and you decide to commit suicide."

"KARR!" Wil yelled happily. "I'm very happy to have you back. Is everything functional?"

"Everything is at one hundred percent, and I figured you would be. But may I suggest using turbo boost for your little maneuver?" the AI suggested wickedly.

Wil laughed. "Be my guest KARR," he replied, thrilled the AI was back up. KARR executed the turbo boost at the section just in front of the back tires. Hitting it dead on from the side at no angle caused the truck to start to rise up on it's left side tires, sliding around as Garthe applied the brakes. KARR bounced backwards but had initiated a reverse turbo boost to save himself and his driver from any harm. Landing on the tarmac, KARR applied the brakes, skidding to a stop. Goliath had spun around, completely facing away from them. Wil could see that they had damaged two of the four tires on the right.

Wil had a brilliant idea at that very moment. "KARR, quick! Pretend to shut down. Maybe we can lure Garthe out and capture him."

"Agreed," the vehicle said as he shut down. And now we wait for him to make a move, Wil thought to himself. I just hope he slips up and takes the bait.