Chapter Four
As soon as Michael turned his back, Kitt slipped quietly away. He knew Michael was so engrossed in this vacation that he wouldn't miss Kitt for a few minutes. He seemed to be fine for now. That is, Kitt was counting on that.
Kitt had to return to that odd traffic light they had just seen down the road. He had never seen anything like it, nor had he ever seen Michael react that way for no apparent reason. The fact that it had affected Michael so strongly was bad enough. Thank goodness he recovered so quickly, but Michael didn't remember or couldn't remember. It affected his eyes and brain. Would it happen again if we pass through this light again? What would have happened if I had not gotten him out of there when I did! he thought.
I need answers, Kitt determined, and I can't get them waiting for Michael to come around. Sailing down the street at a discreet 40 miles per hour, Kitt arrived at the black light in no time. He pulled off to the side, to allow other cars to pass, though it seemed highly unlikely there would be any.
First Kitt used his scanners to detect the shape and composition of the components of the entire light fixture. Then he focused on the odd-shaped black light bulb. It was still buzzing loudly and fully powered, he observed. His sensors indicated a source of energy was being emitted directly from the black light bulb. It was not the usual UV rays one would expect this type of bulb to produce. In fact, Kitt had never seen anything like it. He activated his photographic equipment and took detailed pictures of the light from every angle.
Then Kitt focused on the connection of the light to the pole. It seemed to be the typical electrical connection, except the voltage in the wires appeared to be higher than usual. That indicated that this traffic light was using more electrical energy than the typical traffic light.
One final scan left, Kitt thought. He activated his atomic-molecular analyzer to determine the properties of the energy being emitted directly from the black light bulb. The molecular structure of this energy source was not familiar to Kitt. He searched his data banks for answers without success.
Without Michael's help, Kitt was on his own. Or was he? I don't have the necessary information to protect Michael from harm, he thought in frustration. I must do what I can to help him. I must call the Foundation and speak with Devon or April. Perhaps they will have the answers.
Kitt made a quick U-turn and headed back to the Last Stand Inn. He didn't want to hang around that traffic light any longer than necessary. He parked in a nice shady spot near the Inn. It was going to be odd calling Devon without Michael here.
Kitt activated the communication link to Devon's phone line at the Foundation's main office.
"Yes, Michael?" Devon answered cheerfully, "What is it? Is everything all right?"
"Devon, this is Kitt," Kitt replied. "I am afraid things are not all right. In fact, that is why I am calling. Is April there?" "Oh, hello Kitt, yes she is here," Devon answered, sounding surprised and concerned. "What is wrong?" he asked. April moved closer to listen.
"The short of it is that Michael has had an adverse 'reaction' to an energy force coming from a very odd-looking traffic light," Kitt reported. "I am sending you the photographs and information I have collected on the traffic light. I think you should review the results of my diagnostic medical scans of Michael's physical state and vital signs. I am including the time frame and duration of Michael's physical reactions, as well."
"We are receiving them now, Kitt," Devon commented. He quickly spread the papers, of information he had just received from Kitt, on the desk in front of him. He and April briefly skimmed over the information.
"This is going to take some studying," April commented. "The light bulb appears to be a type of 'Ultraviolet' light or 'black light' that people buy to enhance special glow-in-the-dark effects. Depending upon its intensity, the danger of staring into a black light can be quite hazardous. Black light illuminates fluorescent objects and phosphorescent objects. It would be highly unlikely that it would be useful in a traffic light, especially during the day. You say this happened today?"
"Yes, April," answered Kitt. "What do you make of the energy discharged from the light?"
"All I can say is that this information is not consistent with the radiation associated with black lights," April replied. "Kitt, were you effected by it?"
"No April, my self-diagnostics report no change," responded Kitt.
"That is good news," commented Devon.
"Excuse me, if I might make a request," began Kitt.
"Yes, Kitt, what is it?" Devon replied.
"Do you think special UV sun-glasses would protect Michael's eyes? or perhaps you could cover me with a coat of a UV protectant chemical paint?" suggested Kitt.
"I don't know if that would be enough to solve this problem, Kitt," answered April. "It appears to be more than just UV rays. UV glasses would only protect Michael's eyes from UV rays. If I can narrow down what the problem is, I may be able to come up with a protective formula that could be applied to your body."
"The trick is that repainting you is not a simple process," April continued. "There is the problem that your protective coating would resist most chemicals, including the protective formula. This is inherent in the function of your protective coating. We would have to re-configure the molecular formula that protects your shell to include the protectant, strip your shell from its frame and replace it with a new shell treated with the re-configured formula."
"April, that is not very encouraging," Kitt complained. "I called you for answers and so far you have only mentioned more problems."
"I'm sorry Kitt," apologized April, "I can probably come up with an effective formula once I determine the problem. But to apply a new formula will take some time. We would still need time to strip, repaint and replace your body armor, Kitt," said April, studying the papers lying on the desk before her.
"We don't have time for all that," Kitt answered sadly. "Isn't there something we can do in the meantime? This traffic light is on the main road here and I would prefer not to take Michael back anywhere near it."
"Let me look closer at this information and see what I can come up with," suggested April.
"Okay April," sighed Kitt, "I'll be waiting. Please hurry."
"Don't worry Kitt," suggested Devon. "Everything will be all right."
"Thank you Devon," Kitt answered.
He disconnected their communication link.
Now Kitt was on his own again.
Kitt wondered how much longer Michael was going to be at Last Stand Adventure Park, so he scanned the area to check on his whereabouts. Instantly Kitt had his answer. Michael was at the entrance of the park and heading back this way with someone else.