Chapter 2: You belong to the city, you belong to the night

"We're approaching the city," Karr's voice resonated.

Knight was concerned to hear the apparent weakness behind the car's usually powerful voice. "Karr are you ok?"

"My power reserves are fading," the AI replied.

Knight straightened in his seat. "Anything I can do?"

"We're approaching the city limits. Reducing velocity and exiting super pursuit mode will extend my power reserves. Beyond that, nothing. Not until I can recharge."

"I hear you," Knight replied, and pressed the illuminated button, "let's close up."

Once again, the light above it rippled and the car's exterior altered form, the air intake and raised spoiler sinking back into the car as the side panels closed, until finally the car appeared to be a typical Trans-am again. Minutes later, they passed a "welcome to Los Angeles" sign. Knight activated the mobile line. "Michael, we're arriving in town now, we'll be back at Knight Research in about…"

"Ten minutes," Karr supplied.

Michael looked surprised. "We're not expecting you for another few hours."

"Well, we're here, and we're early."

"Makes a change," the older man replied with a grin.

Knight shook his head. "I walked into that."

"Technically we drove into it," Karr offered.

Knight hid a smirk with his hand, waiting till it passed. "Karr needs a recharge soon. He's almost out of power."

"The bay will be standing by. We can prepare him for your next assignment while he recharges."

"What do you mean prepare me?" Karr asked, his tone steely.

Michael frowned slightly. "Not over the comm. line, its too high profile. You'll be briefed when you arrive."

"See you soon," Knight answered as Michael's image blinked off screen.

There was silence for a second before Karr asked. "What does he mean by prepare?"

"I didn't know I could read minds," Knight replied dryly. The car made a distinctly unhappy noise and he laughed in response. "We'll find out when we get there." The car didn't respond and Knight sighed. He'd long since learned that Karr tended towards ignoring him when it was annoyed with him. "You have a touchy motor you know that?"

"There is nothing wrong with my engine," Karr replied archly. Knight grinned and didn't respond, deciding it was best to not further antagonise the car, and settled in his seat as they sped into town.

**************************************************

The new headquarters was a large facility, and it had to be to accommodate the cargo plane used to transport the Knight Three Thousand and its team. Karr sped across the tarmac, hitting a ninety degree turn into the large hanger that served as the entrance to the facility. Knight eyed the huge airplane as Karr drove past it, recalling the time spent training with that team. He didn't like flying at the best of times, so those months had not been fun. Karr headed down a ramp into tunnel two, emerging in one of two brightly lit underground bays, coming to a halt in one of the diagnostic chambers. Knight glanced across, down a side tunnel into the diagnostic bay at the end of tunnel one, watching technicians gathered around the menacing form of the Shelby Mustang. Knight slid out from inside the car and crossed the bay to the annex, ignoring the heavy metal shutters as he walked past a covered car, over to the black third generation Trans-am parked there. "Bonnie?"

There was a scraping sound, roller wheels across a floor, then Bonnie pulled herself up from under the other car. "How's that Kitt?"

"Much better, thank you Bonnie."

She patted the car's surface gently then looked at Knight. "You're back."

"Looks like," Knight answered. "What are you doing?"

"Final adjustments to Kitt," Bonnie answered. "He may not be going back into field work, but he deserves to be fully operational again now that Charles has finished the Three Thousand. How was your first real assignment?"

"Was ok, why?"

"Hope you have a bit better than that for Michael," Bonnie answered. "If he gives you any grief, tell him I said I'd tell a few tales if he doesn't lay off," she laughed lightly. "How was Karr?"

"Couldn't have done it without him. Speaking of, he needs a recharge."

Bonnie frowned. "Karr, have you run a diagnostic? You shouldn't need a recharge so soon."

The car's scanner rippled. "My diagnostic program could not find any errors."

Now Knight frowned. "Ok, that's twice now Karr."

"Twice?" Bonnie asked.

"Super pursuit refused to work on the way here, but the diagnostics couldn't find any problems," Knight clarified.

Bonnie frowned and accessed the computers in front of the diagnostic cage. "Well, I'll see if I can find the problem. You'll have plenty of time before your next assignment. We have to get Karr ready for it. Michael's in his office, complaining about needing an office, he'll be waiting for you there."

"Alright," Knight replied, and patted his car's roof. "Behave yourself Karr."

The vehicles scanner rippled, but there was no vocal acknowledgement as Knight headed up the steel stairs at the rear of the hanger to the building above, wondering what Bonnie meant as she called over some other technicians. "Alright, we'll start with the upgrades…"

**************************************************

Knight rapped on the door twice before heading in. "What's up Michael?" He asked, before realising Michael wasn't alone. "Hello Mike."

"Ian," the former Army Ranger replied, offering his hand.

Knight tossed his leather jacket over a chair as he shook Mike's hand. "Good to see you again. How's things with Sarah?"

"Still awkward," Mike replied, before turning to Michael. "I'll see you later. Updated briefing before me and Sarah head out for that embassy party."

"Just be careful Mike," Michael said, hugging the younger man awkwardly. "If you have some free time later, I'd like your help with a few tests. Well, you and the Three Thousand."

"His name is Kitt," the younger man replied. "I can appreciate its confusing, but it is his name too," Mike headed out of Michael's office.

Knight watched him go with a low whistle. "Tense."

"That's my son," Michael said warningly.

Knight held up his hands placatingly and smiled. "Family issues. I'll stay out of it thanks."

"Good plan," Michael replied wryly, gesturing for him to sit down in one of the casual chairs, then crashed down in another, scorning the desk. "Never thought I'd end up with this job," he muttered, before turning to business. "How was your last assignment?"

"Relatively easy. We didn't have any problem with it."

"If that was the case, why does the report take note of a lot of damages, including property destruction?"

"We made it as simple as possible, no body got hurt and the bad guys are gonna be behind bars for a long time."

Michael sighed and shook his head slightly. "I suppose I can't really criticise. In my day, I got the same question from Devon on more than a few occasions."

"I guess that's what Bonnie meant," Knight responded.

Michael frowned. "She mentioned that?"

"Nah, she just said she'd tell me a few tales if you balled me out," Knight answered.

Michael shook his head. "Same old Bonnie." Knight shrugged, not really knowing what to say. Michael caught it, and grinned. "Anyway. You're not here to listen to me reminisce."

"You mentioned my next assignment. Sounded big."

"That's one way of putting it," Michael said, getting a file from his desk. "How in practice are you with the street racing?"

"I'm not answering that without a lawyer present," Knight grinned.

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Misuse of foundation equipment?"

"There a reason you're asking?"

"Your next assignment," Michael said, tossing the file to him. "You hear about the truck heists that have been going on here?"

"I heard that a truck had been stolen, no details were given though," Knight frowned. "What does that have to do with street racing?"

"Read the file," Michael said. "In brief, the trucks were raided in transit. 3 unmarked black Honda Civics, green neon under glow from the chassis, precision driving. Tire tracks are consistent with a favourite brand of street racers."

"You think someone in the street racing world is pulling off the heists?"

"We're sure of it," Michael replied. "The LAPD had a case a few years back. Same method of hijacking the trucks. No arrests, no convictions and the heists stopped."

"So where do I start?" Knight asked.

Michael smiled. "I didn't think you'd turn this down. I'd like you to check the scene of the last hijacking. Local PD may have missed something. Then it's up to you. We don't know where the racers meet up to organise…"

"That's usual. If you're serious about racing, you find out, it's kind of a test," Knight supplied.

Michael raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. "We don't know where they meet. But we do know parts suppliers. We've given you a list of places you can start."

Knight flipped down the list, read the relevant information for each one, and checked out the surveillance photos. "I think I'll start at the Racer's Edge."

"A good choice. Can I ask why?"

"According to this, a former LAPD officer works there, Brian O'Conner. He quit shortly after investigating this case. Besides, I know Brian from Miami."

Michael nodded. "Karr's having some modifications made. We're installing a few new components. According to Bonnie you already made some unauthorised adjustments."

Knight looked down slightly but didn't deny it as Michael carried on. "The additions will take a while, plus with the problems you've already reported…you have time to get some rest, read the file. Take a shower. I remember from my days that sometimes you spend days in the car away from civilisation. We'll give you a call when Karr's ready."

"Gotcha," Knight replied, getting to his feet. "Can I ask one thing?"

"Shoot."

"Do we think the same people are responsible this time?"

"Local PD does. I'm not so sure," Michael admitted. "They must have stopped for a reason before, and I doubt it's because they had all they wanted. I don't think they'd start again, not after so long. But that's something that you're going to have to determine. They are the prime suspects though. If it isn't them, you'll have your work cut out for you."

"Nothing new there," Knight shrugged. "Thanks Michael."

**************************************************

The comm. link awoke Knight from his sleep, and he tiredly rubbed sleep sand from his eyes, and reached for it. "Knight."

"Ian, its Michael. Can you get down to the bay please? We're having a few problems with Karr."

"I'll be right there," Knight groaned, getting to his feet as the comm. shut off. He'd only intended to have a short snooze, but the ache in his muscles told him he'd been asleep on the sofa for a long time. He grabbed his jacket from the chair back, and headed downstairs.

Knight rubbed his eyes, and blinked twice, not believing what he was seeing as he stood beside Michael –"What's going on?"

"Karr is not behaving." Michael replied testily. The vehicle was manoeuvring slowly, lurching backwards and forwards as if it were repeatedly tapping the gas pedal, moving away from the technicians trying to gain access to the machine.

Knight sighed, knowing full well the car didn't trust the technicians, hadn't since Wilton Knight had deactivated him years ago, before his program had been repaired. "Karr, stop."

With a squeal of tires, the car moved forward, smoothly and quickly driving into the diagnostic cage and halting inches away from its driver. "I will not allow it."

"Allow what?" Knight asked.

Michael supplied the answer. "Karr was being prepared for your assignment. We were going to alter Karr's appearance so that he'd blend in, and enhance his engine."

"I am quite happy with my appearance as it is," Karr replied coldly –"I will not allow them to alter it."

"It's for the good of the mission Karr," Michael informed it sternly, his usual humour drained from his tone.

Karr's scanner rippled. "I will not allow my appearance to be altered. The body parts serve no useful function."

Knight held up a hand. "We may not need to be arguing about this. I can run Karr as a sleeper."

"A sleeper?" Michael asked.

Knight shrugged. "It's a car that appears to be basic stock. In reality, it's highly tuned. I don't know the LA scene well, but it should be ok."

"Well, I guess we'll have to do that then, since Karr doesn't want his appearance altered," Michael sighed. "Bonnie, how long till you finish with the upgrades?"

"Provided Karr co-operates, I can do it alone if I pull an all nighter."

"Why alone?" Michael asked, frowning.

Knight pulled a face. "Karr doesn't trust the other technicians."

Michael looked distinctly unpleased and gave the vehicle a sharp look, but didn't say anything. Bonnie broke the silence. "I could ask Sarah to help. She's familiar with the new systems since they were originally designed and tested on the three thousand."

"No way," Knight shook his head. "Last time Sarah did any work with Karr, he picked up a taste for Rihanna. I had to endure listening to it for a week."

Karr made a noise that sounded distinctly like snickering, dual scanner rippling in a challenging manner as Michael blinked, processing what he'd just heard before finally sighing. "Alright, go to work."

As the older man headed upstairs, Knight crouched down by Karr. "You know how to push your luck with him don't you?"

He wasn't surprised when Karr didn't respond, and sighed. "Alright, fine, have one of your moods. Just behave for Bonnie, alright?"

"As you wish," the car replied in smooth cold tones, and then backed into the bay.

Knight took a deep breath then looked at Bonnie. "Sorry."

"It's no problem. I can catch up on my sleep after I've finished."

"He'll behave for you now," Knight replied, and then added. "I think. Did you find what was wrong? And do you want a hand? I won't know what I'm doing, but I can follow directions."

"From what I'm told, you're going to be busy. You'd best get some sleep while you can," Bonnie smiled at him. "But thanks. As for the problems, I've replaced the connectors and power-packs while I investigate further. We know the system works, it's the same one used by the Three Thousand. Now go get some rest, me and Karr will get along fine, won't we Karr?"

The cars scanner rippled once in acknowledgement, but it didn't speak, and Knight knew the machine was sulking, despite having got its way. The knowledge made him grin slightly. "Alright, I'll see you both in the morning. Night Bonnie. Goodnight Karr."

"Goodnight," the car intoned back at him.

Bonnie gave him a smile. "sleep well."

**************************************************

The next morning came far too quickly for Knight's liking, especially after his midnight wakeup call, and the shower didn't help. He noticed with some satisfaction that Mike didn't look any better as they met in the corridor before entering the SCC's main chamber. The chamber bustled with techs, most of them working around the Knight 3000. With a nod to Mike, he headed over to Karr and the greying brunette under the car's hood. "So what do I need to know about these upgrades?"

"Just a few system upgrades for the most part," Bonnie replied. "Karr can fill you in on those."

"Great, guess I'm on the way out then."

"Just a minute," she stopped him. "Two things. We've made some adjustments to the way Karr's tuned, to improve his performance, especially if you're going to be racing. Michael wants those testing before you leave."

"And the second thing?"

"I've installed a nitrous system."

Knight glanced at Karr. "Isn't that over-kill with turbo boost?"

"It's a separate system," Bonnie gave him a long suffering look. "You know how nitrous works, that it gives you a speed boost. You can use that and still have turbo boost as an instant, no delay option, since Karr won't have to redirect the boost thrusters. If you run into any problems, it should give you an edge. But I'd try to avoid using them at the same time if I were you."

"Seems contradictory," Knight raised an eyebrow. "But I'll keep that in mind. Ready Karr?"

"Always."

Knight looked over towards Mike. "Take it your taking part in the tests Traceur?"

"That's right," Mike grinned. "Ready to do this?"

"Depends, you and your Mustang ready to lose?"

Mike leaned back against the Mustang. "Kitt?"

"We got this," the Knight 3000 answered.

"Let's get this done then," Knight grinned, sliding into the Trans-am, Mike doing the same with his car. The two vehicles rumbled to life, the diagnostic cages rotating to face the exit tunnels, moments before each car departed.

End of Chapter 2…

For any fans of the old show, the new show has improved tremendously over the last few weeks, so don't miss the finale, Wednesday night at 8pm!