Abby: KITT, you are something else!
KITT: Naturally.
MJ: Abby…how strong was that vampire?
Abby: way, stronger than even me.
MJ: you sound very sure of that.
Abby: we have a way of being able to determine size, strength and power from sensing each other.
MJ: Ok. My next question is….what could he have done to KITT if he had stopped us?
This was something that had been bothering me for some time. Given the nature of a vampire's superhuman strength, what could they possibly do to KITT even if were compromised in a situation.
Abby: It's hard to say, MJ. From what I could tell even when I pounded my fist onto his hood last night, he was no ordinary car. I'm sorry for that, by the way, KITT.
KITT: apology accepted. So, you're saying, you're uncertain he could do damage to me even with my shell?
Abby: again, I wouldn't like to say. I don't think he could lift you, if that's what MJ is suggesting?
KITT: I don't care for being lifted.
MJ: Yeah. Don't remind me. He gets antsy even when he's lifted up for maitainence back at the Foundation.
KITT would be so pedantic over the smallest details, and the amount of times he has had "diva" for just being safety checked under his chassis just had me face-palming for hours.
KITT: MJ, that is practically an invasion of privacy.
MJ: see what I mean? Awright, KITT. Bring up the other reports of those murder victims and see where those bodies are being held. If humans can turn into vampires within minutes as Abby is suggesting then we need to act quickly. I know we can't go after every single one in one evening, but we need to take out as many as possible. Before we have an epidemic on our hands. No offence, Abby.
Abby: None taken.
KITT: all that's missing is the wooden stake and I'm the Van Helsing mobile. *intercepts a Police transmission* there's been another attack over the radio.
MJ: report, time and location.
KITT: 2 people reported with serrated teeth chasing a young couple in North Hollywood.
MJ: how fast can we get there?
KITT: 5 minutes at maximum speed.
MJ: I read you loud and clear. FPM!
Abby: FPM?
My right hand hovered in front of the 5th red button beneath the monitors.
MJ: let's do it. *FPM*
KITT's spoiler raised once more with the air-foils appearing in front of the rear wheel arches.
The Trans Am increased speed to 140 MPH.
Abby: I'm guessing, Faster, Pursuit, Mode?
MJ: morealess.
5 minutes down the road, KITT saw the vampires come into view as they continued to pursue their intended prey.
MJ: and I thought athletes could move quickly.
Abby: vampire traits are super human, MJ. Our strength, pace and senses are greatly amplified from human.
MJ: so I see. KITT, hit them with the xenon. That seemed to work last night.
Abby: yeah. Don't remind me.
She did not appreciate recalling that incident.
The 2002 Trans Am did as instructed and the high beams blinded the attackers as well as their intended victims.
I saw a taxi cab nearby looking on disbelief at what was happening.
MJ: stay here.
I bolted from KITT to the young couple that were still reeling from the xenon beams.
KITT: MJ, what are you doing?
I knew I had very little time before the blinding effect of the beam's light would wear off and I would be at the mercy of a potential vamp-attack.
MJ: LISTEN TO ME. I'm here to help. Both of you, take my hand. I'll get you to safety.
Boy: do as he says, Tanya.
The teenage boy and girl did as directed and I ran them over to the cab watching on in disbelief.
I opened the passenger door and motioned the kids.
MJ: *to cabby* here's $30. Get these kids to the nearest Police station, ASAP.
Cab guy: YES, SIR!
The cab took off in the opposite direction to us. Even with the xenon still on, the attackers had rolled out of the way of KITT's beams and looked on act me with angry and ill intent.
MJ: *rolls eyes* oh, boy. This is gonna get messy.
Vamp1: Human, you have no idea what a grave mistake you've made.
Oh, they did not just say that?
MJ: *frowns* really? Grave, mistake? And I thought Michael dealt out bad puns?
Vamp2: makes no difference. We still got dinner in you.
MJ: well then, I hope I give you indigestion.
Even though I was facing certain mortal peril there and then, I was not about to back down as I held my fists up.
Vamp1: are you seeing this?
Baffled that I was actually prepared to make a stand.
Vamp2: He doesn't have a chance. Just who are you?
I laughed and smiled faintly.
MJ: I'm MJ Knight. I'm the Knight Rider.
Despite the fact that I was showing courage in the face of fear and evil, Abby knew my chances were slim to none in facing this pair.
Abby: KITT, he won't last one second out there.
KITT: I know. You'll have the element of surprise if you leave via the sunroof.
The sunroof pulled back on those words.
Abby: Good idea, KITT.
She climbed out to the roof and leapt from the car onto one of them and made short work of him, breaking his neck.
The second could tell he was going to find this fight difficult, now that there was another vampire fighting for me. He tried making a break for it, but he ran straight into KITT's high beams.
MJ: ABBY, TIE HIM UP.
Even in her changed state she understood what I was doing and dragged the dazed and confused vampire to a nearby fence and clamped his arms to it with steel chains that happened to be there.
Abby: it won't hold him for long.
Her voice and face altering back to their normal state.
MJ: well, we won't need him for long. Just some information. Am I going to be safe approaching him?
Abby: only for a few minutes. The chains aren't as strong as they look. But he's not as strong as me. This one's only just turned.
MJ: alright. I'll make this quick.
I stood 5 feet away from the assailant, preparing my interrogation.
MJ: ok. Let's make this painless and simple. I want to know, who, turned you, and what they want.
He looked at me confused.
Vamp1: and what makes you think that I'll tell, a mere, HUMAN. Your species disgusts me.
Wow. Talk about Mr. subtle?
MJ: either you tell me, now. Or, I get Abby to do it by force. And trust me, that girl is, WAY, stronger than you. You could ask your friend, but I doubt he's going to talk anytime soon.
Abby glared at him backing my statement up.
MJ: now. Who, turned, you? And more importantly….what do they want?
He gave me the silent treatment.
MJ: Abby?
She walked over to the tied interrogate and proceeded to dislocate his shoulder. He screamed violently in pain.
MJ: now, you gonna talk?
Vamp1: it was a 6 foot cloaked figure. He had an aristocratic, southern accent. Said he wanted our kind to be the dominant foot hold on this world.
MJ: what, was, his, name?
He paused for a longer period and as soon as I gave a hand motion to Abby, knowing he would suffer more pain, he gave in.
Vamp1: JEBIDIAH. JEBIDIAH MARSHALL.
MJ: this mean anything to you, Abby?...Abby?
Before I could say anything further, the girl pounced on the predator and quickly looked to me.
Abby: *changed voice* LOOK AWAY!
I turned away and walked back to KITT as I'd already seen this flick and knew the outcome was not going to end well for this poor shmuck.
I could hear the sounds of bones breaking and blood splashing the sidewalk. Then silence fell and I could only hear Abby's footsteps afterwards.
MJ: Pop the trunk, KITT. *trunk opens*
I had an inkling that Abby might get stained tonight, so I made the point of leaving a canister of water and a towel for her to wipe off the blood. I stood by the trunk waiting for her to walk back.
Abby: sorry you had to see that.
She had a real sorrowed look as I handed her the water diluting her blood stained facial features.
MJ: I don't think I'll ever get used to it. I can see what you mean, when you said that you despise this existence.
Abby: I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
MJ: that tells me there's plenty of humanity left in you, Abby.
Abby: It seems both you and Owen see this in me.
MJ: he sounds like a smart guy.
Abby: *smiles* he is.
She cleaned off the remains of her crimson stained face. I handed her a spare t-shirt to change into as she got her shirt bloodied in that attack.
MJ: give her some privacy, will ya KITT?
KITT: of course.
The windows darkened as Abby entered the passenger side to change into a clean shirt as she dropped the stained shirt as she got back out.
MJ: you look better.
Abby: Thanks. I just flipped out when I heard that name.
MJ: I'm guessing that name was a, touchy subject?
She momentarily hesitated to reply.
Abby: …yeah. Jebidah was the one who turned me over 200 years ago. And what's worse…he's my uncle.
This just gets more disturbing by the night. I appreciate that her uncle was a vampire, but surely, whatever remained of his humanity would have fought against that nature.
MJ: your, own, flesh and blood, turned you?
Abby: I've hated him ever since he did this to me.
MJ: I can't say I blame you. I can't even begin to imagine what you went through.
Abby: you don't want to. EVER.
What did she endure when her own relative robbed her of her innocence and humanity? It doesn't bear worth thinking about.
MJ: dually noted. Awright. KITT, can you modify the xenon to solar lights?
KITT: no. I actually have an ultra-violet light function now, thanks to Maria.
MJ: Abby, get back here with me.
Abby: why? What are you going to do?
MJ: KITT's going to fry this body and not leave any clues of what this guy was. And because it's not human, it won't clash with his prime directive.
Abby: Prime directive?
MJ: The preservation of human life.
KITT: a very sound point. Do as he says, Abby. If what happens is going to happen, then it's best you don't see this.
She did as directed and she was out of the car's high beams.
MJ: alright, buddy. Do it! Then put the fire out with the c02 when you're done.
KITT: right away, MJ.
The Trans Am moved forward and shot the ultra violet light at the lifeless body that was a vampire and it lit up in flames.
Normally, KITT would not be able to do something like this due to his prime directive was the preservation of human life, which of course were the 3 laws of Robotics by Isaac Asimov. But considering this creature was not human, rulebook was thrown out the window.
Once the car was satisfied that hardly anything would remain of the creature, he doused the area with the c02 until the fire was out and nothing but charred remains of the vampire were left on the floor.
KITT: I think the most they'll be able to identify is that this was just a random fire. I've made the point of making it as unidentifiable as possible.
MJ: Thanks pal.
At least that won't have people asking too many questions of why a random body with a twisted neck was just left there like that.
Abby: MJ…
MJ: …?
Abby: I want to thank you.
MJ: what for?
Abby: For me seeing me as a person. And not…a monster.
I gave a sighful smile and understood what she was telling me. She was thanking me for not condemning her nor trying to eradicate her. She was close to tears. Like she was grateful that someone actually cared for her.
I knelt down and held my arms open signalling that she was welcome to a hug. She hesitated for a moment but couldn't resist having some comfort.
MJ: *hug* shhhhhh, it's ok to cry, Abby. I know you don't want to hurt anyone anymore. And you won't.
Abby: *sobs* how do you know?
I pushed her back to where my hands were on her shoulders in a sympathetic stance so I could face her.
MJ: because you've got a heart. I know you're hurting. I don't know the extent. But I know when someone's hurting. I can't judge you for what you've done in the last 2 centuries because I wasn't there to witness it.
She had been hurting for a very long time. And only now she truly wanted to live an existence where the carnage would stop.
MJ: remember when I told you that you never stop getting chances at redemeption?
She nodded tearfully recollecting.
MJ: tonight, you saved my life. That's 1 step. But 1 step at a time. Abby, I'm very grateful you did that for me. Thank you. And KITT's grateful, too.
KITT: I am, Abby. I'm very thankful you saved my best friend.
A slight smile adorned her face, happy that we were trying to make her feel better.
Abby: you're welcome.
MJ: also. We know that you can live off of donated human blood. You're still ok, aren't you?
Abby: Yeah. It's a little different, but it keeps my hunger satisfied.
MJ: Abby, I will make sure you, NEVER, have to kill again to feed. I've seen what it does to a person when they've killed. For some, it changes them to where they enjoy it. To others where they loathe themselves for even thinking it.
She sighed happily for a moment.
Abby: how can you have such a belief in me, MJ?
This is something I know all too well, and it's the very reason why I am a Knight.
Michael saw that I was searching for a reason to move forward after the tragedy I had suffered in Chicago and became that fathering mentor that I am forever grateful to this day.
MJ: You really wanna know?
Abby: Please!
MJ: because someone believed in me. I was lost after Mara. And then my predecessor bequeathed me with this belief when he saw that I was looking for a way forward: That…"One Man Can Make A Difference."
She smiled, happy that someone really wanted to change her life for the better.
MJ: Michael says that I reach out to those who are in pain, powerless and helpless. People who are crying out for help, when no one else will give it to them.
Abby: i…need help.
MJ: Abby…you've cried out for help, long, enough. *shakes head* you're not a monster. You're, a victim. You never deserved this, and you still don't.
She buried her head back in my shoulder again, upset that she was still cursed with this sad existence.
MJ: I can't cure you of your affliction. But…I, can, make you feel more human. Just by getting you donated blood, that helps ease your conscience, doesn't it?
There was a long pause as she was taking in what I was telling her.
Abby: ..yeah.
MJ: good girl. *pats back*
I pushed her back gently so that my arms were stretched back out to her shoulders.
MJ: c'mon. Let's get out of here.
There was a question that was bothering her to ask me once we got back into KITT.
Abby: MJ?
MJ: Yeah?
She paused thoughtfully.
Abby: why is it you're one of the few that hasn't tried to kill me when others would have, just for being what I am?
I gathered my thoughts as I knew I had to be delicate with my answer.
MJ: honestly?
Abby: Please.
MJ: because kindness and understanding are more effective and powerful than killing.
Abby: I don't understand.
MJ: think of it, this way; if I had killed you, what would I have understood, other than you're a vampire?
Abby: Nothing, I guess…
MJ: you're…half right. Because I got to know you, understand, WHO, you are, not what you are. And just as important, if not, more so….it's because killing you in retaliation would not make me the better person. An eye, for an eye, leaves everyone blind.
She nodded seeing the reasoning behind my words.
MJ: feel better?
Abby: Yeah. I do, actually. Thank you.
MJ: Thanks aren't necessary. But you're welcome. Now, I don't know about you, but I could really use a coffee and a burger.
KITT: Oh, my goodness. Not again.
MJ: Pardon me?
KITT: MJ, you know how I feel about you consuming fast-food?
MJ: Oh, I do. Endless weeks, you remind me of this.
KITT: and yet, you still do it?
MJ: just FYI, buddy, I haven't had a single burger, doughnut, pizza or sub in 2 weeks. Treat yourself, don't cheat yourself. *agitated* honestly? Anything for a quiet life.
I started the car back up and headed south into LA, just to get to a retail park just so that I could find a take-out joint and starbucks.
Some 20 minutes later I had come to a spot just outside of downtown LA where a burger king and a starbucks drive-thru stood.
Thinking that it would look suspicious if I took Abby inside either place, I saw fit to find a nearby park and just eat by a bench.
I had made the point of putting a flask cooler in the trunk with A positive just so that it wouldn't look rude with me eating and her with nothing.
Ordinarily I wouldn't eat out on a bench knowing that her uncle was lurking in the shadows, but I figured you can't show him fear.
Abby: don't you think it'll look weird if someone comes by and see us eating out at this time of the day?
MJ: Abby, far as they're concerned, I'm just taking my niece out for a bite to eat.
She smiled as she liked that I was acting like a relative to her.
Abby: I think you like playing my Uncle.
MJ: A, good, Uncle. And it has it's perks. But you're good company.
Abby: Thank you. How's the burger?
MJ: It's Burger King. It is what it is. It's ok. I'd offer, but you said you can't process food.
Abby: sadly.
I had a spare coffee cup and I decided to try a little experiment. I poured some of my latte into it.
MJ: I have a theory. Would you be able to consume drinks if you had some blood in it? Y'know, have a little variety.
Abby: Never thought about it.
MJ: drop a little blood into the cup and see what happens.
Abby: is that why you asked the coffee girl for a spare?
MJ: That, and also because it's helpful to keep spares.
Abby: I guess.
She took the spare cup and poured some of the contents of her flask into the coffee. She took a deep breath not sure if she would keep the coffee down or not. She downed the mixture liking the taste of it.
Then she waited to see if she would heave it back up like she had done with a candy outside a pharmacy in Los Alamos some 22 years ago that she had told me about her first few meetings with Owen.
Nothing happened.
MJ: Taste good?
Abby: *pleased* yeah. I don't feel weird. How did you know I would be able to have drinks with blood in?
MJ: I remember seeing this scene in Day Breakers where they had blood put in coffee just to take the mundane taste out of it, from their point of view. And just figured, why not? If it worked, it worked. If not, it didn't. *com-link beep* what is it, KITT?
KITT: *com-link* I think we've got company.
MJ: what kind of company?
KITT: BAD, company.
He had detected the same figure from before in Main Street that was watching from afar in the park.
MJ: KITT, get over here!
The Trans Am made a beeline for us not knowing how quick Abby's uncle would be. He stopped right in front of the bench and swung the door open.
I grabbed Abby and jumped into the driver's side whilst she took her seat in the passenger side.
MJ: KITT, GO! AUTO-FPM!
The spoiler and air-foils emerged and the car of tomorrow bolted from the scene at 170 MPH.
Abby: Good timing, KITT.
MJ: was it your Uncle?
Abby: Yes. I let my guard down. I'm sorry.
I wonder if her senses are affected when she's in a relaxed state of mind like that. Or is it just a case of being distracted that drops her guard?
MJ: you're safe. That's more important.
KITT: MJ, I think I should advise caution. We can't lead him back to the safe house. There's no telling what he could do.
MJ: He's right. I have an idea. If we can't get back to the safe-house before sunrise, I can have KITT darken the windows and he'd be on auto-pilot and I'd bring you in safely once we're out of the sun.
Abby: I'm sorry I'm making your job so inconvenient.
MJ: Not at all, Abby. No apology necessary.
I appreciated that she was trying to be considerate, but taking into account what she had been put through, no form of apology was needed.
KITT: MJ, he's following us in a Mustang.
MJ: Aw, this guy will not quit! I really hate to do this to a Mustang. KITT, micro-jammer. Knock that engine out.
KITT got to work and Jebidiah was having problems.
Jebidiah: what is this?
The car lost pace from 120-30 MPH before KITT sped away.
MJ: I'll give the guy this; he's persistent.
Abby: after 200 years….he still wants me as his bride.
Wow. Talk about gross.
MJ: Ok…ewww.
Abby: eyah. Said it better than I ever could.
KITT: MJ, Abby…..i have no words for that.