Knight Rider: Goodbye Michael Knight
(This story is Rated M for Mature. All original Characters are owned by the authors. All other characters are copyright by Universal Studios. Knight Rider is ©1982-1986 NBC/Universal Studios. This story takes place during season 4. This story is a sequel to Knight Rider: Blood Bay)
Chapter 1: PoisonRonald Reagan UCLA Medical Center: KITT turned the corner as he transformed from Super Pursuit Mode back to normal mode as he pulled up to the hospital. Michael climbed out of the car and stumbled into the hospital. Dr. Alicia Masters looked from her chart to the man stumbling in. She yelled at the nearby orderly to bring in a wheelchair.
"Is Room 11 open?" She asked as she and a couple of nurses rushed Michael into the room as one of the orderlies came into the room with the state of the art body scanner that Knight Industries had donated to the hospital. She hooked him up to the machine. She watched as the machine did a thorough scan of the man's body.
"Damn it, he's got a neurotoxin in his bloodstream. Get me in touch with Devon Miles!" She said, anger aimed at whoever would do this to her friend. "Dr. Masters, Director Miles is already here," She heard one of the orderlies say. She turned her head & saw the elderly man lean on his cane in the doorway. He had been shot in the leg a year earlier which required him to use a cane temporarily. "Devon it's good to see you!" She embraced him. "How long has it been?" he asked. "4 years since Dr. Evanston Miles and I reconstructed Michael Long into what Wilton wanted. He's been poisoned, does Bonnie know?" She asked. She knew the two had been dating since the Blood Bay incident a year nodded. "She's on her way. I've also informed Charles who is also enroute," the Englishman said. "Michael, how did you get this neurotoxin?" Devon asked as he saw Michael had finally awakened.
Michael was relieved to see Bonnie come in, and kissed him in greeting. "Last thing I remember was the Foundation shindig for the kids that we do every year. Then we got that case as I was leaving," Michael remembered…
To Be Continued…
Chapter 2: FlashbackSix Months ago: Michael left the Foundation Cancer Research party, he had gotten a phone call for a case. He climbed into KITT and they were on their way. He noticed the Knight Two Thousand seemed a bit sluggish. When he pushed a button, it seemed to take longer to respond. He would not want to have to use the Turbo Boost feature at the moment, he would fear the condition he would find them in when they reached the ground.
Michael and KITT had tried to get across town in a hurry to reach a witness by using Super Pursuit Mode, but when Michael had pushed the button, nothing happened. Michael had tried to ask KITT to go into Super Pursuit Mode, but when his partner had tried to activate it, nothing happened either. "What's going on?" Michael wondered. "Michael, I don't know what's going on. I can run a self-diagnostic on my systems," KITT finally said. "I'm putting your CPU in safe mode to protect your vital systems from being locked out," Michael said, inputting his command override code into the upper keypad. What came up on the mini-monitor was Safe Mode. He smiled sadly. He used the audio call button to contact Henri Burke, the Knight Industries tow truck driver who helped haul KITT to the semi after the Comtron mission. He activated the tracker and noticed the tow truck was 2 miles away.
"Michael, I apologize. I don't know what happened, this is so embarrassing." He smiled at his friend. "I don't know either pal, but if I know Bonnie we will find out," he answered good naturedly. The tow truck arrived and Henri put the car in neutral before the vehicle was loaded onto the semi, and Michael saw his friend and sometime partner RC III waiting for him in the semi.
"Michael, what's wrong with KITT?" He asked as he and Michael watched technicians begin the careful process of removing the CPU of KITT from the Knight 2000 body and install him into the same TV unit KITT's AI was installed in when Adrienne Margeux had used a boy to steal the Knight 2000 2 years ago before Michael and Bonnie had started seeing each other. Michael shrugged his shoulders. "Super Pursuit Mode was sluggish, so I didn't want to take any chances," Michael explained. RC looked at him. "I can have my guys fly out from Chicago to check KITT over," RC offered. Michael nodded and RC went to make some phone calls as they saw Dr. Graiman come in. The scientist nodded to them. "Good Morning Michael". "Dr. Graiman," Michael said, nodding at the man. "I have a secret to share with you, but I don't want to share it with the rest of the team," Charles said. Michael looked at him, not quite trusting the man, but he was the President and CEO of Knight Industries. "You remember when you and KITT destroyed KARR?" Charles asked gently. Michael nodded. "Knight Industries was able to recover the CPU. Unfortunately, the body could not be recovered, but we've been given a new mandate by the Reagan/Bush Administration to rebuild KARR. They've asked me to have you oversee the project for the next 2 months. My artificial intelligence team has successfully wiped his programming, and are working to give him the same programming as KITT. You are not to discuss this with anyone and that includes KITT, and Bonnie. I know your dating at the moment, but this project is classified above top secret," Charles said. Michael nodded. "I'm not happy about it but if it's for the greater good, I understand," He answered after some hesitation.
"Do you really think that KARR and KITT will be able to work together, Doctor?" Michael asked after a minute.
"I believe that KARR was never given the same opportunities, or the same advantages as KITT. I believe if KARR was provided with just a small portion of that he will be a valuable part of our team here. They are brothers after all, Michael." Charles finished.
"I suppose you're right, I just have to get used to the idea. We will see how it goes, but I don't want to risk KITT or anyone else. If KARR gets out of control again, you know what has to be done" Michael replied.
"I understand completely Michael, but I don't think it will come to that, at least I sincerely hope not" Charles stated.
"That makes two of us Doctor," Michael told him. "Dr. Graiman, the new vehicle is here," a scientist from the AI team said. They then saw the black Ferrari being towed in. Michael smiled at the sight. "Thank you, Dr. Untz," he said. The other man nodded and he went back to his team. Charles then moved to a microphone and said, "All teams to the lab please,"
All the teams came into the lab & saw the Ferrari and Michael Knight. He looked at the team of 75 people and nodded at each person. "We have to do this, for Me, Knight Industries. We have to!" Michael encouraged them. They all nodded and each went to their departments to get this car ready….
To Be Continued…
Chapter 3: Marco BerioMeanwhile, across town: Marco looked through the partial list of Knight Industries & Foundation staff he had partially downloaded from the Knight 2000 before he was cut off and locked out. The last time he had control of KITT, he had nearly killed the lone operative of the car he had helped develop before Wilton Knight had fired him for stealing the Patent on the vehicle as a whole. Now, he was more curious as to who his mysterious benefactor was. Marco moved to his computer and looked up the Knight Industries website. Examining the picture of a much younger looking Wilton Knight with his wife Elizabeth, with their two small children. He began to wonder about the identities of the kids, who looked to be about 5 or 6 years of age. The phone rings and he answers. It was his mysterious benefactor. "How goes the plan?" the mysterious voice asked. "Excellent. I have just discovered Wilton Knight had two children. Garthe and Jennifer. Garthe is dead, & Jennifer works for the President's office of Public Affairs."
"Jennifer Knight is not the target. I need you to focus on the Knight 2000, and the Knight 2000 computer" he told him. "What's so damn important about the Knight 2000?" Marco asked. "Just stick to the plan. The way to hurt our common foe is to take out the Knight 2000," The mysterious voice said. "What about its driver?" Marco wanted to know. He heard the utter joy of the voice. "That's already been taken care of," he heard the voice laugh gleefully….
To Be Continued….
Chapter 4: The KARR Project 2.0A Few Days Later: Michael stared as the cybernetic techs finished the Knight Automated Roving Robot and he walked around the Ferrari that was now complete, unlike the one his son Mike had fought against. For that one, Torres had Knight Industries completely build it from scratch including the hard drive. The AI protocol had downloaded the original KARR software, but the vehicle's AI had retreated to the FLAG mainframe. However, Michael with the help of one of RCIII's friends who had helped with the original Super Pursuit Mode overhaul had recreated KARR's AI from the original blueprints Wilton had left onsite in a storage facility owned by Knight Industries, but maintained by the US government since the end of WWII. His watch beeped and it was time to take his anti-venom meds his doctor had prescribed which prevented the poison from spreading further into his system.
He stared at Jerome Carter, his new Cybernetic Technician who was also a part of KITT's convertible conversion back when KITT was rebuilt. Jerome and Michael were the only two people Dr. Graiman would trust with this project for now…..
Michael walked around the Ferrari as he saw the new amber colored scanner begin tracking back and forth as KARR activated for the first time.
"I am the Knight Automated Roving Robot, or KARR if you prefer. I am the prototype of the car of the future. How may I serve you?" the vehicle spoke for the first time.
"KARR, I am Michael Knight, your creator. Your twin, the Knight Industries Two Thousand is incapacitated at the moment, and I have been poisoned, but not sure by whom. I'm pairing you with Reginald Cornelius III or as he likes to be known as, RCIII. I've been ordered to be on bedrest since you are complete. Let me assemble my team," Michael said as he moved to a phone and quickly made some calls. 45 minutes later RC, Bonnie, Devon and the team RC III had assembled for KITT arrived along with Charles. Michael grabbed the cane nearby that had been recovered from Goliath. Michael had the gun removed so it was a simple brown cane. He leaned on it as his family, his friends came and entered. He knew what he had to tell them was not going to be easy…
To Be Continued…
Chapter 5: The RevelationMichael looked at his team as they were walking to the lab. This was his family, his sister Danielle Long, his biological sister who lived in Northern California notwithstanding. When he became Michael Knight, he had been told that his sister had been informed that Michael Long had died. Michael's old Captain had informed her, he had been told years ago. All of his friends came to see the covered up car.
"Ladies & gentlemen, as you know, I've been poisoned but not yet sure by whom. KITT has also had his systems incapacitated. We are in need of another vehicle in our arsenal. At the request of Dr. Graiman, I recreated the very first Knight Industries vehicle. I was commissioned also by the government. I picked the driver for this new member of our team. RC, are you ready to meet your new partner?" Michael asked. RC III nodded excitedly, and they saw Jerome pull the sheet off the car. They saw the Ferrari with the beautiful black skin. They saw the amber colored scanner light up. "May I introduce the Knight Automated Roving Robot," Michael finally said. The friends and "family" looked in utter silence and shock.
"Why would you recreate this monster?" Bonnie asked Michael. Jerome started to speak, but Michael motioned with a hand and Jerome kept quiet.
"Bonnie I've been infected with a neurotoxin & KITT's been incapacitated. We needed another vehicle to aid us. If we're going to stop whoever is trying to take us down, we need to act as a team. We need to reverse what has been done to KITT. Bonnie, KITT said he can't determine what this neurotoxin is, and since his body is screwed up, I need the same team who rebuilt KITT to help Bonnie build him again from the ground up. RC, I need you and KARR to look for the neurotoxin and together we keep Wilton's dream alive. KARR has not been programmed as of yet, Bonnie, sweetheart would you please do the honors?" Michael said, leaning heavily on his cane. He had not been out of bed long, but he tired very quickly over the last few days.
"Of course Michael, I will complete the reprogramming as long as you're in the room with me, agreed? " Bonnie asked pointedly.
"My doctors have recommended bed rest after I finish this project. I am not feeling very well unfortunately" He leaned against the wall tiredly, and looked like he was ready to collapse when Bonnie stepped forward, and draped his right arm over her shoulder.
"Ok, Mr. Knight, time for bed let's go" Bonnie said as he leaned on her beautiful body. He smiled at her. "Who am I to disobey doctors' orders," he said jokingly. She poked him in the ribs playfully.
"I have a surprise waiting for you in your room sweetheart, so you won't get bored, or lonely while being stuck in bed" Bonnie told him when they arrived at Michael's door.
"I'm not sure I'm up to anymore surprises right now Bon" Michael told her wearily leaning against her.
"I think you will really like this surprise" Bonnie finished as she opened the door and helped him to the bed.
Michael immediately noticed a small cart next to the bed with a familiar looking VCR sized box strapped on top.
"KITT?!" Michael asked hopefully looking into Bonnie's face.
"He would not stop asking about you, he's been so worried he was not able to think about hardly anything else. I am not able to be up here with you all the time to keep an eye on you, so I was hoping KITT would give me a hand" Bonnie explained, taking the cane from him as he sat down on the bed.
"Michael!? It's so good to hear your voice. How are you feeling?" KITT asked, not able to keep the excitement from his voice.
"I'm very tired KITT, but I'm very happy to see you. Bonnie, is he ok?" Michael replied.
"His CPU has been cleared of all viruses and anomalies. They are still working on the car" Bonnie told him.
"Like Bonnie said Michael, I have been worried sick about you, and bored out of my CPU sitting in the lab. I am much happier to be here with you while Bonnie and the other technicians continue working on my body. Someone has to make sure you follow the doctors' orders after all" KITT told both of them.
"Thank you KITT, you know how stubborn he can be" Bonnie said with a smirk in Michael's direction while Michael himself rolled his eyes at the both of them.
"You don't have to worry about anything Bonnie, I can monitor him better than most hospital equipment is capable of. I will make sure he stays in bed as much as possible so he does not overdo it" KITT promised.
"Thank you KITT" Bonnie sat the cane down next to the bed so Michael could reach it if he needed to, then she left so the two of them could catch up.
Meanwhile KARR and RC are getting along….
RC looked at his new partner with uncertainty. In the 5 years he had been The Street Avenger he never needed a partner, but now he needed one. "I feel like Batman," he said as his technicians were doing last minute checkups and they nodded to him. Jerome nodded to him as they were done with a final systems check.
"Remember Reggie, KARR doesn't have Super Pursuit Mode but we installed a v12 engine. Find this cure," Jerome reminded him and RC III nodded and he pressed the Normal Cruise Mode and they were off.
Meanwhile in Michael's bedroom Bonnie and Charles talked quietly as Michael rested with KITT watching over him from his bedside. "Danielle needs to be here," Bonnie whispered. Charles nodded. "She's a prominent lawyer, making a name for herself & law firm," Charles noted aloud.
RC was enjoying the comfort of KARR's cabin, and admiring the beauty of the brand new dash. "Any ideas on how to help Michael, KARR?" RC asked as they cruised down the interstate.
"I have been analyzing the components of the neurotoxin, unfortunately I have not been able to come up with much more information than what KITT has already discovered," KARR told him.
"Do you know how long Michael has?" he asked.
"That depends a lot on Michael at this point. My analysis of the components of the poison and from what I know about Knight tells me he has about 3 weeks until he is completely bed ridden, possibly on life support, and another 2 weeks maybe after that for the poison to overtake his system" KARR finished.
"You mean kill him? That does not give us much time to find a way to save him, KARR" RC pointed out.
"Then I suggest we stop sightseeing and start analyzing the facts, as it were," KARR answered.
"We need to determine who poisoned Michael and why" RC told him.
"In layman's terms, yes" KARR said. RCIII rolled his eyes at his "smart-alec car" and tried to remember where Michael said he was when he was poisoned.
"I have access to a Foundation Cancer research function Mr. Knight was at when he was poisoned," KARR said dryly as he showed on his monitor the security footage from the event. They could see Michael tapping his access card to get in, he was dressed in a tuxedo for the event as he did every year for this event. Michael had done research on the late Wilton Knight, and had discovered Wilton's father Vladimir Knight had set up a fund to cure cancer before Vladimir Knight had died. Michael knew from researching Wilton and his father that the two did not have a great relationship, but Wilton had gotten into some of the things that Vladimir had lived for, like Justice, and using his wealth to aid the people who were helpless or powerless. Wilton had set up, as the CEO of Knight Industries International, the cancer function as a way to give back to the community.
On the video Michael had taken a glass of wine that was bubbling. "Hold that image and scan it," RC said excitedly as he switched the car to Auto Cruise Mode and he pulled out KARR's new EBM, Emergency Blueprint Manual & he began to input a code into the lower keypad
Meanwhile, back at the Foundation, Michael felt the gentle nudge to wake up and he resisted the urge to tell KITT to leave him alone. There was no better nurse on the planet than his own obsessive and overprotective partner. He saw his love, Bonnie and Danielle Long, his biological sister. Uh oh, he thought to himself as he sat up. He was going to have some sharp words with his partner for not giving him a warning regarding his 'visitors.'
"Mr. Knight, I know of your exploits by reputation," Danielle said, shaking the man's hand…..
To Be Continued…
Chapter 6: The Revelation, Part II"Why thank you, Dani," he said. She looked shocked at hearing this name out from her past. The only person who called her Dani was her brother Michael A Long, an LAPD detective who was shot in the face by Tanya Walker. Who was a criminal who not only was a noted assassin, and thief but wanted in connection with the death of an African president. Danielle had read that Tanya had been killed by an attempt on Michael Knight, a mysterious agent of the Foundation for Law And Government, She had tried to prosecute Tanya and her criminal gang on behalf of the other businesses that they had embezzled millions from, but with Tanya being deceased all the cases were settled.
"Tell me about your brother, Michael Arthur Long," Michael gently asked her. Danielle smiled sadly as she remembered her brother. "He was kind, always willing to help others and of course always wanting to bring the bad guys to justice," She said.
Michael smiled at her. He remembered her boyfriend Jake. He honestly didn't like the guy but She loved him. "Thank you," Michael finally said. She stared in horror at him. "Who are you?" she fearfully asked. "I'm your brother. You remember that gala thing I did for some rich guy? Wilton Knight? He saved me from Tanya," Michael said finally.
"What did you do at that gala?" She asked. "I didn't know it at the time but Wilton Knight was to present a prototype for the military to aid them. I provided security. Little did I know that Mr. Knight had an executive assistant who was embezzling money from him. I met him and 6 months later I was assigned to a sting operation, and hired to protect Mr. Charles Acton who was an oil and gas CEO in Vegas. Little did I know that the same woman who had stolen millions from both Mr. Acton and Wilton Knight would shoot me point blank in the face. What saved me was the metal plate I had gotten during my time in Vietnam. Wilton must have found me and restructured my face to look like his son Garthe," Michael said. Charles, who stood nearby quietly coughed politely.
"That's not all he did, Michael. He also restructured your DNA so yours would match either his or Garthe Knight so no one would discover who you were. There were two doctors involved, Dr. Alicia Masters & Dr. Miles, who did your facial reconstruction. Those two doctors were the only two who knew you were really Michael Long. Dr. Miles passed away last year in his sleep. When you showed up at UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Masters immediately alerted me," Charles said. He then handed Michael some medication. "Dr. Masters found this medication to keep the neurotoxin from entering your heart. We've got RC and KARR looking for a cure," Bonnie added. Danielle looked at her brother. "How can I help?" She asked. Bonnie looked at her. "We want to add your law firm as a part of the Foundation's legal team," She asked. "And why would I join you?" She asked. Bonnie pointed to Michael. "To protect him and I am sure there are others like him. You love him right? Well this is the right thing to do" Bonnie insisted. She turned from the small team of people.
"We run the risk of losing him, and we need to find a cure for him and bring the people who did this to justice," Bonnie argued. She heard Michael cough. "Hey, I'm not dead yet," he insisted. She then turned back and smiled at them and then nodded. "Fine, I'm in," she declared. Devon and Dani shook hands. He walked with her to another office to sign paperwork. Michael smiled at Bonnie as she handed him a glass of water and his medication. "I'm glad she's a part of our family," Bonnie said. Danielle and Bonnie hugged and Devon came back into the room.
"Good news! We've isolated the computer virus in the Knight Industries Two Thousand but we'll need to completely rebuild KITT to uninstall Super Pursuit Mode. RC's team needs help," he said excitedly. They saw Michael start to get up. Bonnie protested but he held his hand up.
"I'm sick of being stuck in bed while we are being crippled. I want to help!" He said as he got redressed. He then grabbed the little TV that held KITT in one hand, and his cane in the other. They walked back to the nearby lab where KITT's body was.
Michael hobbled into the lab, and handed KITT off to Bonnie to look after for the moment, he headed over to Devon on the other side of the room.
"Devon, do you have a moment?" Michael asked, motioning with his head that he did not want to be overheard by their friends.
"Certainly Michael, let's go out into the hallway for a moment" Devon told him, holding the door open for him.
"I need someone that I can trust, and I know I can trust you Devon" Michael started, once they had the door closed.
"Of course you can trust me Michael, whatever I can do" Devon offered.
He handed Devon a small slip of paper with the name and address of a local jeweler for Devon to examine.
"I have ordered a very special ring for Bonnie, and I need you to go pick it up for me please? I am not able to drive there myself, and I do not want KITT to let slip what I'm up to" Michael explained.
"I understand perfectly dear boy, I will take care of it first thing in the morning" Devon told him, folding the slip of paper and tucking it into a pocket.
"It's under the name of Michael Long, just in case Devon" Michael finished with a wink.
KITT and Bonnie were becoming increasingly concerned with Michael's health. He may want to assist the team, but the more he exerted himself, the faster his health declined. Unfortunately, it would not be long before Michael was incapable of leaving his bed as the poison overtook his system. KITT wished there was more he could do for his friend than to watch him die.
They all wondered what lie ahead of them…
To Be Continued…
Chapter 7: Marco begins to learnMarco's home: Marco had just arrived home to hear his phone ring. He suspected it would be his mysterious benefactor, He had just signed up for the new Caller ID service.
He stared at the Caller ID box that he had ordered from US West. He saw what was on the display. "Not Available" read across the display which normally would show him the name & number of the caller ID box. He sighed as he answered the phone.
He heard the scowl in the man's voice on the other side of the phone call. "Trying to track me down are you?" the man asked. Marco stared in shock as he wondered how the man knew he had installed the caller ID box.
"No, no sir. I've just had harassing calls," Marco lied, to protect himself.
"Good. I'd hate to have happen to you like what happened to Wilton's first prototype," the mysterious voice said. Marco, surprised at the statement, answered. "Wilton who?" but all he got in answer was a click. He thought back to years ago.
The Knight Industries gala: Marco tapped his special badge to the card reader and he entered the State-Of-The-Art lab owned by Knight Industries. He had heard that Wilton Knight had won the contract 5 years prior with the United States Army to build a prototype vehicle designed to save lives, but the prototype he had learned from his liaison had killed 7 of the 12 Joint Chiefs of Staff. He saw the Black Trans Am that was covered by a white sheet. He saw the old man lean on his cane and nearby was a cop, a plainly clothed cop, and a man who also walked with a cane. The older gentleman had a very beautiful woman who clearly was his Executive Assistant. She smiled at the younger man who walked with a cane. A security guard who wore a Knight Industries guard uniform pointed towards Marco's direction. "Mr. Berio is here to see you sir," the guard said. Both gentlemen walked over to Marco. "Mr. Berio, my name is Wilton Knight and this is my son, Garthe," Wilton said as he made quick introductions. Marco nodded at Garthe who merely grunted towards the man. They moved to a table on which some blueprints were laid out. The blueprints had two names, Wilton Knight and Lionel Luthor. He looked at the car that was covered with a white sheet. "What is that?" Marco wanted to know. Wilton smiled at him. "A failed attempt to build the world's strongest, safest car. I want that THING destroyed as quickly as possible," Wilton ordered.
Marco smiled at the memory. His mind then clicked. Somehow, Garthe Knight had survived that watery grave that took his precious Goliath and Adrienne; now he was after the one thing that had dominated his life after learning his father had given what belonged to Garthe to a total stranger who looked like him. Garthe wanted revenge more than anything else, just like Marco did. He then called in one of his henchmen.
"Is it ready?" He asked. The henchman nodded. He had recovered what looked to be the hard drive from a Knight Industries vehicle and had found the blueprints to Goliath that had been in the house Adrienne and Garthe had rented or swindled from somebody and he had stolen said plans before the police or the Feds had arrived.
He smiled as he walked around the 18-wheeler. He climbed into the driver\s side. He inserted the Knight Industries hard drive into the new slot where the hard drive would go. He saw the knobs and switches light up and a robotic voice speak coming through the speakers surrounding him. "Welcome to Goliath"...
To Be Continued….
Chapter 8: The ProposalKITT was happy to be back in his body, but he missed being able to monitor Michael from his bedside. Michael had to use his cane now everytime he got out of bed. He was also only able to get out of bed for a quick bathroom run, before he was again out of energy and out of breath. As a compromise between the 3 of them; and to avoid from having to restrain Michael to his bed, they had sectioned off a portion of KITT's garage and a hospital bed had been moved in. Michael had reluctantly agreed to be cared for there so that KITT could continue to monitor him, and he could assist Bonnie with the investigation. It also helped with Bonnie's peace of mind he added silently to himself. Unfortunately, in Michael's line of work he had learned to be realistic. KITT would forever be the optimist between the two of them. Michael knew that he probably had a few days at best before he would not be able to leave the bed at all to his extreme displeasure. Devon had kept his promise and picked up the ring for him as requested. It was currently safely hidden in the pocket of his leather jacket, and it would stay there until Bonnie allowed him to put it on her left hand. Michael was hoping to add some sparkle to her left hand tomorrow evening when he would put his plans into motion.
Bonnie had been especially more tender around him this week than was normal, but he put it down to the stress of seeing him slowly lose control of himself as the poison took over his system. He realized that he was putting a lot of trust and faith into RC and KARR to find an antidote, but he did not see as he had any other options available currently and he did trust RC. He was hoping that by extension he could also trust KARR.
Michael sighed in frustration as he tried to get up out of the recliner next to the bed with his cane. His arm felt like jelly and his legs seemed to be made of lead, but he did not want to trouble Bonnie once again to assist him while she was working. He had always hated it when people made a fuss over him, and now was no different. Bonnie had developed a look that she gave him whenever he was getting irritated because she was trying to help him. He hated to think that he would not be able to do anything on his own, but unfortunately that was where his situation was rapidly heading.
Bonnie was beside him in the next moment to help him to his feet and support him if his cane was not sufficient. "Sweetheart, I wish you would stop getting so frustrated with yourself and let me help you. It's really no trouble and you're just making it harder on yourself. I know you trust me and KITT implicitly, so let me help you when you need help. I'm sure there will be a time when I will need help and you can pay me back then" Bonnie explained to him gently as she smoothed some hair away from his sweaty forehead.
"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Michael asked her with a tear rolling down his left cheek.
Bonnie reached up, and gently wiped the tear away with her thumb as she affectionately gazed into his blue eyes.
"You don't have too silly, I love you more" Bonnie replied.
"I will help you to the restroom and then we can make plans for tonight because I have no intention of letting you out of my sight any time soon mister" she told him as she slowly followed him to the bathroom that was in the living quarters a bit away from KITT's garage.
Bonnie made sure he made it to the bathroom door and waited outside for him until he was ready to go back to the garage.
"I have already made our plans for this evening Dr. Barstow, and you will just need to wait and see" he told her smartly as he was once again deposited into the recliner.
"Don't worry Bonnie, I happen to know you will enjoy what Michael has planned for tonight" KITT told her matter of factly.
"Oh so you're in on this too? Now I am worried" Bonnie told them both with a twinkle in her eye glancing at KITT's hood.
Following Michael's instructions, KITT had ordered delivery for the both of them in Mandarin from Bonnie's favorite Chinese restaurant Fong's China Trader Restaurant. RC and KARR arrived back at the garage at about the same time as the delivery man pulled up, so RC accepted the delivery and paid the man before taking the bags inside.
KARR had told RC earlier that Michael had special plans tonight, so he left the bags on a side table and patted Michael on the back on his way up to the main house to get some sleep. The last thing he wanted was to be a 3rd wheel.
Bonnie shut down her PC and started pulling out the food containers. Michael had requested Sweet & Sour Chicken while Bonnie had gotten Sesame Chicken.
Bonnie started getting suspicious when Michael pulled a bottle of champagne from a desk drawer next to him, but decided to wait and see what he had planned.
"Why don't you wait there and I will get us some glasses and silverware?" Bonnie told him gently. He nodded as she stepped out to get some forks, and champagne glasses. She arrived back to see him standing back up leaning on his cane. She watched him pull out a small ring box.
"We've been together for quite a long time now Bonnie, and I know you love me, so I need to ask you one question? Will You Marry me?" He asked as he got down on one knee and then fell over. She rushed over to help him to his knees, then gently embraced him. "Michael Arthur Knight, Yes! I will marry you," She said, tears on her face.
Then they heard a knock at the door, and RC walked in thru the slightly open door. "I hate to interrupt you guys, but KARR just called the direct line to my room and said he thinks he found a doctor with the cure, so we are going to head out," the African-American male said and the two, still on their knees nodded to him.
"Good Luck out there, RC," Bonnie said as he threw on a T-Shirt he stole out of Michael's T-shirt drawer and then headed out towards the garage where his new partner was waiting for him….
To Be Continued…
Chapter 9: The PursuitRC turned the sleek new Ferrari into the curve as this was one way to check the Knight Automated Roving Robot's systems, and he noticed the terrain didn't hamper the car as he was driving 75 Miles an hour.
He was pursuing one doctor in Northern California and he had his Chicago contacts going through other means to verify any other doctors who might have a cure for his friend's condition. It was always helpful to have an intelligent AI to help you find a solution to a problem and lately RC had 2 very intelligent AIs to help him find a cure to Michael's ailment.
There was no way he could prevent KITT from helping find a way to help his beloved partner, even if he tied one tire behind his fender. After everything KITT and Michael have been through together no one could imagine what would happen to KITT or Bonnie for that matter if they could not find a way to heal Michael.
KITT and KARR had been working smoothly together almost night and day, while KITT was also monitoring Michael non stop to isolate the main ingredients of the poison Michael had been injected with, and to find any local suppliers of the stuff that would be able to also develop a cure. RC was extremely excited that their hard work was paying off. RC was also happy that his new partner was so welcomed into their family. KITT and KARR were working together flawlessly and it went so smoothly it was hard to remember that it had not always been this way.
"Any luck. KARR?" RC asked. The voice modulator was silent for a second then replied, "Nothing so far RC. What is so important about Michael Knight that we should save him?" KARR wanted to know. "He does what no one else does. He takes missions that have nearly cost him his life. He gave me and my friends jobs. Now it's our turn to help him," RC replied. He then noticed something pop up on KARR's new Heads-Up Display. It was a signal from a couple of miles down the road. And it was being broadcast on FLAG's private carrier frequency.
"Track this down," RC instructed as he input a code on the keypad and then Michael and Bonnie came up on the HUD video link.
"Bonnie, Michael, we've got something big and fast moving on our private carrier wave. I need KITT to help us," RC explained. Michael spoke. "It has to be Goliath. Somebody rebuilt him again, and may be trying to deliver him to Elizabeth," Michael warned. RC remembered reading from the old case files from a few years ago about Wilton's deranged son Garthe and wicked ex-wife Elizabeth.
"KITT and I will stop him," Michael said but Bonnie motioned for him to lay back down.
"KITT and I can handle this my love. After all, we have an advantage that you didn't when you first faced him. KARR, send through what you have to KITT and we'll track you," Bonnie said grabbing her nearby gear & KARR closed the video link knowing his brother was on his way.
"Would you at least promise me, you will stay in the car?" Michael pleaded with her as he stubbornly tried to get up again.
"You know I would not be able to keep that promise Michael" she replied.
"Please don't worry Michael, I won't let any harm come to her" KITT promised him. "And I won't let any harm come to him" Bonnie promised, nodding towards KITT. She climbed in and pressed the Pursuit Mode button, and they were on their way. She looked at the newer monitors RC's team had installed during the uninstall of SPM. She heard KITT mention how his engine had been switched out to a faster version of the same engine to make up for the loss of the Super Pursuit Mode which would make this mission more interesting as it was a match for the engine KARR was using. She saw the newer image of KARR traveling at nearly 120 miles an hour, so she slammed on the gas to catch up with the car. They saw Goliath a mile ahead of them. She opened a link to KARR. "Who is driving that thing?" Bonnie asked. RC shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea. Maybe this Garthe guy," he suggested. "Try to come alongside so KARR can scan his face," Bonnie ordered.
They pulled alongside Goliath to see Marco driving the rig. Bonnie sent the image to KARR. RC recognized the man who nearly destroyed KITT. "Who is he delivering this thing to?" RC asked no one in particular. "I detected the artificial intelligence installed in the massive truck and it's the Knight Reformulation One, an abandoned prototype that was created by Wilton's brother Zachary Knight. Zachary Is not the intended recipient of the truck but one Garthe Wilton Knight. Shall I alert Michael?" KARR asked, wanting to please RC, but the internal scanners saw the black man shake his head no.
"Let's not alert Michael, yet. Anything yet on a doctor who can help Michael?" Bonnie asked RC over the comlink connection between KITT & KARR. What came up on KITT's monitor was Devon. "Good news, Bonnie! We found the doctor who has a possible cure and we've known her all this time," Devon said excitedly. Bonnie looked wide-eyed into the monitor. "Who is it?" She wanted to know. "Dr. Alicia Masters. When Michael showed up initially at UCLA they took a blood sample. She was then able to create an antidote to the neurotoxin. She's waiting at UCLA now for you," Devon said. "I can't leave RC to deal with Goliath alone, but we'll come as soon as possible," She promised. He nodded at her and then the video link closed. She saw RC come up on the screen. "What was that thing that Michael did when he faced Goliath?" He asked. "April left very clear notes with Devon went into and clarified. There should be a bolt about the size of a quarter that connects the tractor and trailer. Can you hack into Goliath to see where he is being delivered to?" Bonnie asked.
RC inputted his access code and what came up on KARR's HUD was the itinerary for Berio Electronics was for Marco to deliver the truck to Garthe Wilton Knight. He sent over the encrypted information to KITT. He then looked at KARR's targeting scanner at the designated target and what came up on the HUD was the Laser fire function and they saw the tractor and trailer disconnect. Somehow the tractor flipped over. Bonnie looked alarmed. She then saw KARR come to a stop and RC ran to the tractor and he opened the driver side door and yanked Marco out of the trailer and they ran before the tractor exploded. They saw the police arrive and RC handed Marco over to the police. They heard the man give an address where Goliath was supposed to be delivered. RC nodded to the cops.
"Are we going to go get Garthe?" Bonnie asked as she got out of KITT. RC shook his head no. "We've got to get Michael to UCLA as soon as possible," RC said as he climbed back into KARR and the pair were on their way back to the FLAG house.
To their surprise when they got there they saw Dr. Masters there already attending to Michael. He looked at Bonnie, as Dr. Masters injected him with the antidote.
"Was Goliath stopped?" He asked and both RC and Bonnie nodded. "We've got a team going to Garthe's last known location to apprehend him," Bonnie said. "Garthe won't be a problem," Devon said. Dr. Masters smiled at her friend Michael. "Give it about three days for the serum to fully be ingested in your bloodstream and you should be up and about normally but I'd recommend light duty for about 14 days," She said smiling at this unusual family. Michael then looked at Bonnie as she ran over grabbing his hand. "Now can we do what you promised?" She asked him. He smiled at her and nodded his head yes.
"Give me about 14 days, and we will be husband and wife," He promised her.
To Be Concluded…
Chapter 10: The WeddingGuadalupe Wedding Chapel: Devon smiled at Michael Knight as he saw Michael trying to get his tie on. Both he and RC were dressed in a red/black tuxedo combo they had rented from a nearby shop.
Michael felt the nervous response in him, but he knew he was doing the right thing. He saw Devon behind him. "Let me help you, my boy," Devon said as he began to help the man with his tie.
"Thank you, Devon," Michael said as he looked in the mirror. Perfect, he thought to himself.
Bonnie looked at herself in the mirror as if she was looking at someone else completely. The last 3 weeks had been spent planning this day for herself and Michael, but she kept waiting for someone to pinch her so she would wake up from whatever dream she thought she was having. Was this a movie she had forgotten she had been watching? She thought to herself with a chuckle; how many times had she told herself there was no way she would ever end up with Michael Knight, let alone marry him? There was no denying the way she felt about him, and she absolutely knew those feelings were returned. She always knew she would be married to her work, but she did not know it would be literally.
The way that Michael touched her now, she felt like a priceless treasure. The way she felt about him now, and how she would have felt if they couldn't be together…. She had been treating him like her treasure also; not to mention how protective and possessive KITT had been lately to both of them.
The dress she was wearing, and all the red roses everywhere had Bonnie feeling like a princess, and she was not used to that. She was used to either being up to her nose in paperwork, or being covered in motor oil. She checked to make sure her up-do had not gotten messed up while she was getting dressed and sighed as she finished her make up. She was also not used to little things like getting her hair done, but she also did not want to undo all the hard work the stylist had done earlier that day. The white lace wedding dress she had selected was a compromise between elegance and grace. It was strapless and tight fitting until the skirt started to flare out just below the hips. The stitching in the lace on the entire dress was a floral pattern and she thought it went well with the red roses. It had a slight train, but was not overly long, so it didn't seem like it was too much. She had selected a simple white veil to match and because she was so nervous about falling in high heeled shoes, she was wearing white lace flat shoes that you could not really see beneath the long skirt of her gown. But to Michael She was beautiful as could be.
He stared at Mike Donovan, the photographer he had asked to be the photographer for both of them. It was not something they wanted posted in the paper, considering both Michael and Bonnie worked for a government agency in some fashion. He glanced over at his friend Tommy Blades, the pastor he had hired, and the two lightly discussed Michael Long's funeral that Michael claimed he did not go to, as work had kept him from it. Michael remembered his first life as Michael Long, a cop determined to catch the bad guys, but Tanya had cut that life short until Wilton Knight changed everything, and saved his life. Now he felt like he was moving on with his 3rd life, with Bonnie by his side.
Michael turned to the friends and family and he nodded to RC to turn on the boombox.
"Bonnie, We've known each other for a long time, and this song perfectly describes how I feel about you," Michael said as they heard instrumental music starting to play. "Making love, love out of nothing at all…"
Everyone stood up, and turned around to look as Bonnie started down the aisle on Devon's arm. Michael could not take his eyes off his gorgeous bride as she seemed to glide towards him guided only by Devon and he eyes also locked onto his. Michael and Bonnie both had a secret love of Air Supply, Michael used to listen to it by himself and Michael caught Bonnie doing the same thing on more than one occasion.
Devon and Bonnie finally made their way up to the front of the altar. Devon shook Michael's hand and placed Bonnie's right hand into his. Michael's heart was beating out of his chest as he smiled at Devon and lifted Bonnie's veil.
"Taking aim at your eyes like a spotlight"
Before he became a cop, he had been in numerous bands in high school, but his desire to help others was more important than a singing career, but he knew how to sing and did it quite well. He continued to sing the song to the accompanying recording. Bonnie started to cry, tears streaming down her face. She wiped her face and they turned to the minister as he began reading the marriage vows that they had written out themselves. They both replied in the affirmative when the pastor asked them if they would follow the vows. He lifted the veil from over her face and they kissed, as if for the first time. They then turned and stared at their family and friends, wondering what lay ahead of them…
Epilogue: Dr. Masters stared at the cloning chamber, seeing it empty. Her clone of Michael Long had somehow gotten free, She wondered where the man had gone and would the clone implicate her as she knew cloning was being looked at closely and could be illegal and she could lose everything…
To Be Continued…..
outline
-KITT and KARR meet again and somehow have to work together
-michael is injected with a poison that KITT can not identify
-michael and bonnie get married after they find a cure for Michael's poison.
-graiman manages to recover Karr's cpu and reprograms him.
-Karr assists with finding a cure for Michael's poison
-Karr and RC3 are partners
-Garth is after revenge for Adrienne's death.
-Garth and Marco Berio are working together.
Danielle Sullivan Long is flown to meet Michael Knight
-Jerome Carter is spear heading the Karr project