Sunrise took place just after 7 am and I was already sitting in KITT awaiting for the all-clear.
KITT: we have sunrise, MJ.
MJ: alright…let's be quick about this.
KITT: You are aware the sunset is not until 7 PM this evening?
MJ: I know. But the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get them fed.
Abby and Owen had fallen asleep a few hours ago due to the sleep cycle overtaking them so they would not be rising up until nightfall.
KITT: what do you think we'll find up there?
MJ: I dunno. But I got a worrying suspicion we'll see a setting similar to I am Legend.
KITT: a deserted city?
MJ:…yeah.
KITT: That's certainly disturbing.
MJ: You said it. I know the sun's up, but are we clear to go?
The supercar checked the security feed and it showed on the monitors that is what as could be. Maybe a little too quiet…
KITT: clear to go.
MJ: let's do it. Silent mode!
The engine fired up before becoming silent as the doors opened up and the Trans Am rode up the tunnel and out into the daylight of the alley before joining out onto the street.
One of my worst fears had come to pass; there were no cars driving up and down the street we were on.
MJ: Ok? This is bad…
KITT: my sensors are not picking up any near moving vehicles within a 3 block radius.
Jedidiah's army was growing larger with each day with the living obviously too frightened to come out even in the morning sun. A brief glance at KITT's fuel read-out showed a worrying sign; he was running low on fuel.
MJ: we'd better find you a gas station, pal. You're running off fumes.
KITT: well this certainly won't do.
MJ: Find an open gas station that hasn't been compromised by the Jebidiah army.
KITT: that could be difficult given the current situation.
MJ: I'm aware of the implications, but so too is the problem if we can't keep you running.
KITT: Point taken.
Along the way at least 4 miles down we found a Gas Station near a business district that looked to still be operational as the lights were still lit. But it felt eerie with no one at the cash register.
MJ: scan the area. Let's see if anyone "living" is present.
The Trans Am scanned the area and could identify what looked like bodies in slumber.
KITT: The bodies that are asleep on the floor in the back room have a similar genetic makeup to Abby & Owen.
MJ: Hmmm….so this has been compromised? Alright, KITT; knock out the security cameras so we can get you fuelled up and be on our way.
KITT disabled the security feed as we pulled into the Station.
MJ: 300 MPG, right?
KITT: affirmative. That should keep me running for at least a month.
MJ: Just as well…
I got out and inserted the fuel nosel into KITT's tank and watched as the gasoline read-out filled back up to full capacity.
MJ: ready to go?
KITT: absolutely.
We left the gas station and continued on to the Foundation's Blood Bank.
20 minutes later; we arrived at the complex that had been heavily fortified since the last time we were there in November. But given present circumstances no one could blame them. Holy crosses were in place at the gates along with reflective silver panels. Not entirely sure why that would be useful. Unless there's something about vampire lore I don't know about…
MJ: *video call* MJ Knight from the Foundation calling; are we clear to enter?
Maria: *on screen* right here, MJ. Clear to enter. Proceed to the back door and drive in.
The gates opened and we proceeded as instructed where we drove in through the large backdoors where there were blood donor vans parked alongside the walls where Maria awaited us.
Maria: how are they?
MJ: *gets out* they're ok for now. I think they've got at least one large cooler from what I got from Parker. But I haven't gone to see if he's been compromised.
Maria: The coolers we're giving you now will keep them sated for at least a month. How are you, KITT?
KITT: I'm just fine, Maria. I'm glad to see you're alright.
Michael: *walks in* as we are to see you, pal.
KITT: MICHAEL!
Michael: How are you, pal?
KITT: Michael, I've missed you.
Michael: KITT, I was only gone 3 days.
KITT: 3 days too long for me.
Michael: I appreciate the sentiment, KITT.
Michael turned to face me, relieved that I was in one piece and just embraced me in a hug.
Michael: Thank heavens you're alright.
MJ: You too, Michael.
Michael: So, I guess this is the day we get to meet them?
MJ: Maria's coming too?
Maria: Michael thought it'd be best if I checked to see all was working and if KITT needed attention.
MJ: He always needs attention.
KITT: Naturally!
MJ: Is the Foundation still secure?
Michael: Yes. We've had silver plates put in place as security plates for when night falls so that if they even try to lay their fingers on the windows, they'll get burned by it.
MJ: so silver IS a weakness of theirs?
Maria: Yeah. One of our security guards discovered that they could be pinned to the ground when he threw a silver necklace at one.
That sounded both intriguing and ridiculous at the same time. But if it worked, don't question it.
MJ: oh, well. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. KITT's fully refuelled so we should be alright for at least a month.
Michael: You found an open gas station?
MJ: Yes and no. It was still operational, but "they" were sleeping. KITT knocked out the cameras so they won't know that we were there.
Michael: Good. Alright. This place is going to lock down the moment we leave. I suggest we raid some supermarkets and get what we need for supplies. How are the safe-house supplies looking?
MJ: steady. It's only been me just having the bread, coffee and pizza.
Maria: typical MJ…
MJ: I go with what works.
All 3 of us got back into the Trans Am after loading the trunk with Owen & Abby's meals for a month and left the Blood bank. As Michael said; the place locked down the moment we left the gates.
MJ: Maria, how long will the refrigeration in those coolers last?
Maria: 2 hours before the blood needs to be placed in the med-fridge at home-from-home.
MJ: Let's not take 2 hours with what we need to do at the Walmart.
We detoured to the same Walmart that I had gone to before heading to the Safe-House at the start of this crisis.
As with the Gas Station; the Trans Am knocked out the security feed as we took what we needed from the shelves ranging from milk, toiletries, water, fruit, vegetables, pizza, chocolate and cola.
After getting the supplies we headed back to the Safe-House with KITT having the doors open a good 5 seconds before we entered and closing promptly. I had made the point of doing this even during the day just so that we wouldn't break the habit.
We stopped on the turntable as the super car turned to face the doors as they closed.
MJ: security-check, KITT?
He checked the feed from outside and it was all clear and quiet.
KITT: clear. We're good.
I sighed with relief.
Michael: you are aware it is daytime.
MJ: Merely keeping in the habit. Pop the trunk, KITT.
We got out and emptied the contents which were our supplies and the vampire children's form of sustenance for the next month.
After entering via the palm-print recognition, the former Field agent and cybernetic mechanic entered the living quarters of the safe-house for the first time in months.
Maria: Just as nice as I remember it.
Michael: I did pick out the colours.
KITT: *com-link* and there was me thinking you had no eye for good taste.
MJ: KITT, how many times have I told you about this?
Maria: Is he still eve's dropping?
Michael: some things never change….
Maria was looking around for Abby & Owen and seemed concerned by their absence.
Maria: where are the kids?
MJ: they're in their sleep cycle at this time of the day. Also…I have been STRONGLY advised by Abby; they are not to be disturbed during the day. When I asked why, just to get a better understanding; she told me "you don't want to know."
Michael: after what I've seen on the news, I'll go along with that.
MJ: just as a safety measure; when they wake up, stay in your sleeping quarters until I say it's safe. They're adjusted to me. I'm sure it will be fine. But, I'd rather not take any chances. I trust them, but it pays to be safe.
Michael: Understood, my boy. Where are their quarters?
MJ: Abby and Owen's room is the last room before the bathroom. So, take the 1st and 2nd rooms just to be safe.
Michael: You've got the 3rd?
MJ: They trust me. Give them time, they'll be fine with you.
Maria: we'll follow your lead. In the meantime; I want to run a check on KITT.
Michael: I want to see the reports you've viewed from the lab computer.
They went to their respective areas leaving me to put the supplies away along with the vampires' food in the med-fridge.
Maria had finished running her checks on KITT after an hour and went to the Lab room where Michael and I were going over the Police reports and archived news coverage.
Maria: *walks in* KITT's in top shape. Only a few circuits were out of sync so that took no effort to realign.
Michael: Excellent.
Maria: Still looking over the Police reports?
Michael: yeah. They're like looking through pages of a horror novel.
Maria: I'd say that would be apt at this stage.
They continued looking over the reports that I had seen earlier until it was getting very near to sundown.
Noticing it was near 7 PM on my watch, they would have to reach their rooms.
MJ: guys, it's nearly sundown.
Michael: Maria! Quick!
The director and mechanic made a beeline for their respective quarters and bolted the locks.
5 minutes later, the vampires awakened and emerged from their room.
Abby: MJ?
MJ: *from the lounge* In the lounge….
The two walked in still shaking the sleep.
Abby: Did you get it?
MJ: Of course. The coolers I brought back this time should feed you for a month.
Owen: A month?
MJ: yes. That should keep you sated without fear of…y'know?
Abby: That's one worry off our minds. How's it looking up top?
MJ: not so good. Every where's practically deserted.
A look of fear came over the girl's face knowing her Uncle was working faster than she gave credit.
Abby: I don't like this. This is happening too fast…
MJ: hey, hey….chill! ok? We will find a way to stop this. I promise you. Besides; I brought some help.
Abby: Michael's here?
MJ: Yes he is. He's in his quarters. I felt it best for them not to be present at first when you woke up so I could introduce you to them slowly.
Owen: Them? Who is else is here?
MJ: Maria Lakeman. KITT's mechanic.
I saw Abby looking very uneasy.
MJ: Abby, it's ok. I trust them with my life, so you can trust them. Ok?
She nodded nervously.
MJ: you know who else I trust with my life? You.
Abby: really?
MJ: aside from KITT, who's saved my ass, twice now?
Abby: Point taken.
MJ: KITT, let Michael know he can come in.
A few moments later the former field agent entered the lounge to where he the very pale children for the first time.
MJ: Abby, may I introduce you to Michael Knight? The first man to drive KITT.
Michael: Pleasure to meet you, Abby. MJ tells me a lot about you.
Abby: and he tells me plenty of you as well. *shake hands*
Michael: All good, I hope? *raised eyebrow*
MJ: man, why have you gotta make that face? You know I speak well of you?
KITT: *com-link* That he does.
Even Owen was beginning to tire of KITT's ear-wigging.
Owen: KITT, that is beginning to bother me.
Michael: You must be, Owen?
Owen: Yes, I am, Mr. Knight.
Michael: Very polite? I like that. Whaddya think, MJ? Safe to bring Maria in?
MJ: Abby?
Abby: Yeah. I…I think I'm comfortable now.
MJ: let her know, KITT.
Maria stepped into the lounge a few moments later.
Maria: wow! I wasn't expecting you two kids to be adorable.
Owen: *waves* oh stop.
Maria: You were right, MJ. Abby has the face of an angel.
MJ: Told ya.
The girl's cheek blushed bright red.
Maria: I'm Maria. I take care of KITT. *shake hands*
Abby: Nice to meet you, Maria.
Michael: 'MJ taken care of you two?
Abby: Yup. Like a guardian angel.
Michael: Wow!
Maria: Oh, don't look so shocked.
Owen: I haven't known him as long as Abby has, but I don't know where we'd be without him now.
KITT: *clears throat*
Owen: Or you, KITT.
Michael: Really, Pal?
KITT: No respect.
Michael: A little later, Abby; if you're feeling up to it, we need to know everything about your uncle.
A look of sadness came over her face as she had tried to forget so much that her cruel relative had put her through, having to recant details about him just brought about painful memories.
Michael: *kneels down* MJ told me what that monster has put you through and you have my upmost sympathy. What you've been through….no one should have gone through that. But, we need your help.
Abby: ….ok.
Michael: Abby, I can see from what MJ has told me about you is that you're still the wonderful person inside before Jebidiah did this to you. We can put an end to him and his ways. But not without your knowledge of him.
Owen: Abby? Think of what it would mean for us without your Uncle. No more running, no more hiding, no more fear.
She stood motionless for moments unable to emote through the fear and sadness she has experienced for 2 centuries.
MJ: I didn't realise you were that scared, sis.
Michael: sis?
Owen: They kinda think of each other as Brother & sister.
Maria: Maggie did mention something about that after a video call yesterday.
Abby: I keep wanting to wake up. Like this is all a bad dream. But it's not. *tearful*
MJ: I know what that's like. And you know, don't you?
Abby: I do. I know your pain well. I wish I could take yours away.
MJ: Ditto.
Michael: Abby, if you can overcome your fear of him, he'll be powerless. He's living for the joy of suffering. You're not. You're living just to have a normal life.
Maria: Michael's right. Jebidiah's nothing more than a bully. Albeit a supernatural bully, but you get my point?
A thought occurred to me regarding the family from last night.
MJ: Michael? Did Ashley get to that family?
Michael: Yeah. The family's safe. We got them escorted to a private jet and flew out of LA. As far as we know, this plague hasn't spread out of LA.
MJ: That's something. KITT, hack into the local security camera feed. I wanna see what's going on up there.
KITT: Right away, MJ.
Maria: Problems?
MJ: Merely want to scope the enemy out for tonight.
I walked into the lab and the security feed was displayed on the monitor. At first it was all quiet and lifeless. Until…
MJ: *points to screen* looks like they're hungry.
Michael and Maria watched in disbelief at the nocturnal figures walking the streets.
Maria: What are they looking for?
MJ: Anyone they can get their hands on. And given the decreasing number of humans on the street, they'll take anyone. Even the homeless.
Shockingly enough, that's what was occurring as the camera panned across to a group of 4 vampires as they overpowered and picked a man apart. We could only watch on in horror at the animalistic carnage that was taking place.
Maria: I can't watch. *walks away*
Michael: they're like animals. Alright, KITT. Shut off the feed. I don't need to see anymore.
I too walked away from the monitor after the Trans Am discontinued the live feed from the security cameras out in the street.
Michael: wow. Talk about disturbing?
Maria: Thank goodness the kids are on our side.
MJ: They're nothing like them. Abby & Owen are vampires in name only. They're still people. Also, I suggest as a precaution that you keep your cell phones turned off. Suppose that they try to track signals to find more food?
Michael: Good idea. But they'd still need an invite to come in anyway.
MJ: True. But the more discrete we keep this place, the better.
Michael: I hear ya.
Abby walked up to me still upset from earlier.
MJ: You ok, Abby?
Abby: I'm just finding it difficult to open up about this.
MJ: sweetheart, you take your time, ok? I know it's a lot we're asking of you, but you have to find the time and the strength to overcome this. It doesn't happen just like that *snaps finger*
Abby: Thank you for being so patient with me.
MJ: Think nothing of it. Just want to see you happy.
She smiled at that notion.
Abby: You carry on like that, I might just adopt you as my brother.
MJ: Fine by me. I'd be happy to have you as my sister for real.