Chapter 10

-------

The next morning, Cara made her way down to the semi where she met up with Devon, Bonnie, and Kitt. The guards stood watch nearby per Devon's orders. "Morning, everyone." she said. "Where's Michael?"

"Here." he called. He looked exhausted as he ran his hand through his hair. "I am achin'. "

"Is everyone ready?" asked Bonnie. They all said yes. "Kitt," said Devon, "please re-establish contact with our guest."

"Super Turbo Automotive Robot, come in." he called over the link.

"I read you." came the voice over the frequency. "And you all can call me Star. No need to be so 'prim and proper.'" she said, bitterly.

"Why you little…"

"Kitt." Michael warned. "Take it easy, pal."

"Star," said Bonnie, "may we ask you some questions?"

"Sure. Don't see where I have a choice. It's not like I'm going anywhere." She didn't like being locked up. "Although I must warn you, some information may be classified."

"We understand, Star." Devon said. "For starters, who is your creator?"

"My original designer was Andrew Harrison, who founded CompuTech Industries. My systems and end design were created by Alexander Harrison and his staff. I am CompuTech's equivalent of FLAG's Knight Industries Two Thousand."

"That's what you think." Kitt muttered.

Michael ignored him. "How did Harrison activate you without us seeing him?"

"Carrie's necklace is my activation device." Star responded. "I wasn't supposed to be turned on for another two weeks, but I guess Carrie beat Mr. Harrison to the punch."

"My necklace?" asked Cara, looking at the pendant.

"Yes. With it, you can activate me in any situation. It also has a homing signal in case you need me. The blue diamond acts as a button."

"Remarkable." Devon held the small star in his hand. "Just the sort of thing Andrew would have come up with."

"Carrie," called Star, "are you alright? I missed you."

"My name's Cara." she said.

"Can someone let me out of here so I can see for myself?" Star asked.

"What about your orders to take her back to CompuTech?" asked Michael.

"If you let me see she's okay, I won't take her back."

Kitt pulled up in front of Cara. He didn't trust this new car. "You must keep your distance." he ordered.

"I will. I'll stay back. Just want to make sure she's okay."

"All right. Guards, let her out." said Devon.

They all waited. What would this car look like? Then, a silver Trans Am made it's way out of the semi. The back license plate read 'CALIFORNIA STAR'. It carefully made it's way down, then turned around facing them with it's blue scanner.

"Wow." said Michael. Star slowly started forward towards Cara.

Kitt lunged forward a bit. "That's close enough."

"Okay. Whatever you say." She scanned the young woman. "Carrie, you look much better. You all did an excellent job of taking care of her."

"We intend to keep it that way." said Kitt.

"We know each other, Star?" Cara asked.

"Yes. You were in training to be my pilot. You even helped design me. Of course, this is the first time you're seeing me in my automotive form."

"Pilot?" Michael said. "Wait, back up Star. What do you mean 'pilot'?"

" Just like K.I.T.T. operates with a pilot, so do I. I'm afraid he wants us to destroy the Knight 2000."

"What? No!" Cara stood in front of Kitt. "I won't let you hurt any of them!"

"I won't, Carrie. Not if you don't want me to. Not after the way they took care of you."

"How did Cara end up here?" asked Devon.

"I don't know. They just took her away one night."

"Took her away?" asked Michael. "Why?"

"To…to punish her." Star said, nervously.

"Punish me?"

"Yes?"

"Why?"

"I can't tell you that, Carrie."

"Why not?" Michael asked. "You've answered everything else."

"Because it would be too painful for her to remember, and if she has lost her memory, there is a chance she could go into remission." said Star. "I'm sorry, Carrie. That's one question I cannot answer. I must think of your health."

Cara searched her mind. Why would she have to be punished? She heard the woman's voice again and her laughter, and then a sudden feeling of betrayal. The memory was trying to get through, but was evading her at the same time.

"No." she finally said. "You're lying! I don't know you or any CompuTech. I work for the Foundation for Law and Government, and would never hurt Kitt or FLAG."

"But, Carrie…" Star started.

"No. I don't want to hear anymore." She was becoming upset.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I'm just glad you're better. Maybe we can start over?"

"Maybe." said Cara.

"Well now," said Devon, "Star, if you promise not be a threat, you don't have to stay in the semi."

"Thank you, Mr. Miles. I was getting cramped in there."

"You can stay with Kitt in his garage."

"Now wait a minute!" Kitt protested. "I have no plans of being roommates with this young upstart."

"Hey, I'm not exactly thrilled with the sleeping arrangements either." said the silver Pontiac.

"It's the best way to keep an eye on Star and make her comfortable." said Bonnie. "And we're going to do our best to make her feel welcome while she's here. Right, Kitt?"

He didn't answer.

"Kitt?" called Michael.

"Oh, alright." he sighed. "I suppose I 'could' always shock her again if she gets out of line."

"Don't even try it." said Star.

"Oh, these two are going to get along great." said Michael. They all laughed except Cara.

"Well, Bonnie. I suppose you should show Star where she'll be staying. I want two extra guards on duty to keep and eye on her along with Kitt." Devon said. "Go over her with the other technicians and make sure everything checks out. I'll go call the rest of the board and tell them what we know." He headed up to the office.

Michael and Bonnie made their way over to Star. Bonnie carefully got in. They looked over her dash board, which was similar to the other car, except there was one 'extra' button, which they didn't notice. Most of the others were either green, blue, or white.

"Looks like she's got everything." said Michael. "Not too bad, Star. Not too bad."

"Thank you, Mr. Knight." A series of three blue LED's similar to Kitt's came up on her voice modulator.

"Call me Michael."

"Ahem." said Kitt.

"Of course nothing compares to the original, pal."

"Thank you, Michael." Kitt then picked up Cara's vitals. Her heart rate was going fast. She seemed to be upset. "Cara?"

"Huh?" she said. "I'm fine. Guess I just need a breather."

"Would a drive help?" he asked. She looked over at the others.

"Go on." Michael said. "We've got everything under control here."

Cara got into the car and pulled out of the driveway. She had no idea where she was going. Where does one go when they can't escape the questions they have about themselves?

-------

Harrison sat in his chair, drumming his fingers on his desk. "Brusner should have been back by now." He pointed to one of his men. "Get out there and see if you can find where he's hiding. And if you see the girl, I want you to bring her back here, unharmed."

The guard nodded. "Yes, Mr. Harrison."

Harrison picked up the picture he had of the girl. "You won't get away from me that easily, Carrie."

-------