Kitt's text box collapsed as his systems took in the exotic and strange world of the outdoors.
Outside was nothing like the stale and immaculate sterilized environment he'd been brought up in the past two weeks. The cold flicker of fluorescent bulbs were no longer around but rather replaced with a singular celestial body Kitt was aware was named the Sun. The sun was comfortably warm, its golden rays beating over his pristine computer housing — Well mostly pristine as Michael had still not removed the yellow sticker sticking to his screen's margins.
Whatever the case, Kitt found the sun enormous and mystifying.
"You alright, pal? Got quiet there?" Michael asked, sounding a little worried as he stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. Securing the utility cart by applying the brakes.
Kitt's camera quickly spun around to face Michael, making the man flinch.
'I didn't think it'd be so impressive. I've ran the simulations and the scenarios but this is simply —'
"Beautiful? Breathtaking even? Yeah, I thought the same after I got shot. You don't see things the same when something large comes your way." Michael replied, taking in the cool breeze, ruffling his hair.
'Pardon? Whenever did that happen, Michael?' The computer asked. Last he'd checked getting shot was one of the few things he greatly dreaded. He'd read up on it plenty, not to include the simulated encounters with artificial adversaries and often, when the trajectory was just right — a heavy caliber firearm could do a hefty amount of damage enough to down even the most robust of planes. Not to even mention the potential mechanical failure a passenger might suffer from one of these fast moving and deadly projectiles. In effect, he was a little confused as to what Michael might mean. He didn't look the least injured right now and Kitt couldn't figure if there were any clear scars to prove the man had ever been shot. If he had then they weren't out in the open. He wondered if the man had gotten shot before then and been close to death, but had wonderfully made a full recovery — that seemed reasonable…but if so the computer now felt a little jittery. Feeling a little vulnerable now that he was outside the safety of the institute and out in the open where an enemy could just as easily down him with a screwdriver.
Michael gazed away from the silent and dim computer screen having a tough time competing with the brightness outside. He could almost hear and see the worrying hum of Kitt's scanner.
"A story for later pal, depending if we recover your memories or not." He replied after a while, resuming pushing Kitt's cart into the bumpy parking lot pavement.
'Good grief! I feel as if I'm going to fall apart!' Kitt remarked with distaste, noting this difference in traction almost instantly. The cart vibrated violently as the partial hard rubber treads of the tires turned and swiveled over the little loose gravel bits here and there on the blacktop.
Michael slowed the cart to a nimble stop, inspecting the computer housing in concern over Kitt's discomfort. Running his hands over the back of the computer and even taking a peek through the intake openings on the side.
'Something wrong?' Kitt asked after a while, noting Michael's hesitance to continue.
"You said you were falling apart."
'Oh, pardon me Michael, it was simply a phrase. I don't think that would actually happen given my CPU is housed in a hardy case able to withstand rough landings and takeoffs.'
Michael frowned before pushing the cart once more, steadily this time. Keeping a cautious eye out and scrutinizing every crook and cranny as he crossed the hot pavement toward the mobile HQ parked on the far end.
"Uh, Kitt you still don't believe this nonsense about being meant to fly, right?"
The computer's screen stalled, the text box swiping away before expanding back into view.
'Frankly, I don't know what to believe. I was told for the longest time that I was meant for aerial combat. It's a little profound to think that suddenly I'm meant to mand a car.'
Michael sighed, taking a deep breath before murmuring something under his breath.
"Kitt, I know it feels awful not to know who you are but bare with me. You're the Knight 2000. We're a team." The man put gravely, feeling his heart pound heavily. He felt the guilt broil in his veins. Kitt was just a former shadow of himself now and all because he'd been foolish and taken a rash decision. He'd not been thinking right and while Kitt had voiced his concerns…How could he have been so ignorant? — He didn't think there was a worse way of giving Kitt away on a silver platter. Few things came to mind, mostly the time he'd lost Kitt to Margo — If only he'd learned…He squeezed his eyes, the computer's camera steadily panning back in question. Fortunately Kitt didn't have enough time to inquire what the man was all suddenly worked up about. Michael let the guilt settle, putting it aside as he wheeled the cart up the ramp of the trailer cautiously.
Devon raced to the bottom in a hurry, grasping one of the pillars on the cart and pulled Kitt upward eagerly, completely dismissing the tea he'd dropped on the floor in his scamper down the ramp having been caught off guard on such a short notice. The computer's camera flinched, unexpectedly obstructed by the older man aiding Michael up the ramp.
"Michael, it's good to see you." Devon remarked with a warm smile as he pulled the cart over the ledge and onto the smooth surface of the trailer floor. The man anxiously clenching his teeth as he noted the familiarity of the unit the man had brought "home."
"It's good to be back, right Kitt?" Michael mused, awaiting a reaction from his partner who at the moment was engrossed over the sleek form of the Trans-Am parked idly in the trailer.
Kitt didn't respond for a while, panning his camera from side to side, getting a good view of the black Firebird before him. In-person it looked much more majestic and elegant. If he was being honest with himself — The idea of manding a car sounded much desirable than manding an aircraft into enemy lines.
While the computer contemplated these and more things, Michael wheeled him slowly towards a workbench set up just in front of the car. Kitt jumped inside his CPU in fright the moment RC shouted in warm welcoming from the back of the trailer.
"You found him!" RC beamed running up to Kitt's housing, the computer ducking his camera in alarm to the new excited acquaintance.
'Do I know you too?' Kitt typed awkwardly, rotating his camera looking for reassurance from Michael who didn't hesitate to give it to him.
"Kitt, this is RC. Remember him? Helped us rebuild you and install Super Pursuit Mode, not to mention make you into a convertible." Michael chimed gleefully, motioning to RC.
'Not at the moment,' Kitt found himself a little cumbersome in the tight space surrounded by…suddenly strangers… 'Nice to meet you, Mr. RC.' Kitt delicately replied, embarrassingly noting that he'd not addressed himself to the first man who'd met up with them at the base of the ramp.
"Mr. RC?" The man frowned. "What's with the formality Kitt? Just call me RC." He placed his hands onto his hips excitedly, giving Kitt's camera an accepting smile.
'Oh, I will take note of that.' Kitt remarked quickly. '...Nice to meet you — RC.'
RC nodded, turning to Devon who was keeping rather to himself. He seemed nervous too.
"Michael, may I have a word with you…in private." Devon cut in, turning from Kitt's wandering camera to Michael who was shuffling anxiously from one foot to the other.
"Yeah, sure."
'But first —' Kitt interrupted, catching everyone in the room by surprise. 'I'd like to mention it was a pleasure meeting you Mr —?'
"Mr. Miles." Devon straightened his tie. " — but as RC mentioned before, there is no need for formalities and you can simply call me Devon." The man beamed from ear to ear making Kitt feel, oddly, welcomed.
'Honor to meet you Mr. Miles — Devon, pleasure to meet you.' Kitt struggled to properly express himself. 'You'll have to greatly excuse me, all of this — is rather overwhelming.' Kitt finally remarked, getting a feeling that Mr. Miles was probably the authority around here given none of the other men were dressed so formally. Michael also seemed to look up to the man.
Devon clasped his hands, wringing them together while he gave "Kitt" a reassuring nod.
"Well, uh me and Michael will be back in a little. RC will stay to give you some uh, company — Kitt?" The man awkwardly reached for his tie, setting his hand across his chest unsure of what to say.
'That's fine. I have no complaints about these arrangements at this time.' The computer replied with the quickest strokes of his cursor. The camera pivoted to get a better view of RC who looked eager to converse.
Michael rolled his eyes the second Devon beckoned him out of the trailer. The man ran a hand over the smooth "skin" of the Trans-Am standing securely in the mobile HQ trailer as they made their way outside. Once on firm ground, taking a moment to peek over his shoulder before addressing Devon.
"Devon," He sighed. "What is it?"
The man raised a singular eyebrow, catching onto Michael's disheartened expression.
"I'm not sure what you were thinking in bringing him here." The man cleared his throat. "I think it's imprudent of you to assume right away the true identity of a computer that has otherwise not been confirmed to be Kitt." Devon expressed grimly, before resting his hands over his hips. " — Michael, you know what worries me?"
Michael faced the sky, gaping while he shrugged hopelessly. He knew where this was going.
"No Devon. I don't think I know what worries you." The man bluntly replied, shaking his head in disfavor.
Devon side glanced, pacing restlessly while he craned his neck cautious of his surroundings.
"I fear attachment. I fear that you're growing attached to something that isn't there —" Devon put gingerly, biting down on his tongue the moment Michael's face reddened in anger.
"You're saying Kitt's dead?" The man argumented.
Devon's gaze trailed to the ground.
"Some remains were found — I don't know what to tell you anymore Michael." The man reached forward trying to comfort Michael who briskly stepped back. Devon gulped, unsure of the implications. "The board want's to suspend the search."
Michael turned away, placing a shaking hand over his chin before stepping forward and pointing an accusatory finger.
"I found Kitt," His eyes widened. "You better believe it Devon."
The man simply shook his head, broken heartened.
"We'll need more than a simple hunch to prove it, Michael. You know that. Brenda wouldn't allow one of their units to leave the institute simply because you have a hunch." Devon sighed. "Let's go back inside. Maybe Bonnie can shed some light."
Michael nodded, feeling his gut twist and turn.
A single mistake had greatly cost him.