Authors Note: Starting to get into the main story now, enjoy! And don't forget, tonight at 8pm is the season finale of Knight Rider!

Chapter 3: Heaven's In The Engine, Listen To Her Howl And Roar

The two supercars tore along the track, the black and silver Trans-am a little way in front. The GT500KR surged forward, drawing level for a few seconds, before the Trans-am pulled away, beating the other car across the line by a whole car length before skidding to a halt. The Mustang skidded round as well, the cars nose to nose less than a metre apart as both cars stopped, their respective gold and red scanner lights rippling as their drivers got out, both laughing. "I thought I had you then."

"Not a chance Mike," Knight replied. "I didn't even have to use the nitrous Bonnie installed."

"It wasn't a fair race," Kitt protested. "Karr's been modified especially for this mission, and specifically for racing."

"My being upgraded isn't an excuse," Karr growled back softly. "Sarah and Charles upgrade all of your systems constantly."

"Stop arguing children," Michael told the two cars as he approached the two young agents. "Work alright for you?" he asked, addressing Knight.

Knight shrugged in response. "We should be able to beat anything we race against. Although we might throw a few races, just to stay low profile. I'd rather have a proper clutch and shifter, but the sports shifter will suffice."

"We need to get to work on the case soon. Installing a new gearbox system, and clutch pedal would have taken too long," Michael replied. "This system will work for now. And you know why the cars have automatic gears. Makes life easier in chases, and its easier for the benefit of the auto drive."

Knight shrugged non-committally. "I know. Doesn't mean I have to like it," he said before patting Karr's hood. "Head back to the start Karr. We're gonna run another test in a few minutes."

"You aren't driving me this time?" Karr asked.

Knight shook his head. "We're gonna pit you against a car built for street racing. You were analysing my driving, and you should know how to perform best anyway. You should be fine."

"We'll drop you at the garage, then head back, and join in again," Michael said. "Let's go."

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

Knight grinned as the M3 CSL gleamed under the bay lighting as he slowly pulled off the protective covering. Like most racers tended to do, Knight had had the bodywork altered from the standard CSL, with wider wheel arches, spoiler, hood and modified fenders, the end result looking more like the rare GTS version than the CSL it was. He let his hand glide smoothly over the blue and silver paintwork before sliding himself down into the scooped racing seat inside. He grinned slightly as the engine came to life, the smile widening as he revved the engine slightly. Blue neon shone from under the car, gleaming slightly off the silver paint, and intensifying the blue paint alongside. Knight let the engine rev right up and drop back down before slamming it into gear and shooting up the ramp way of the garage, pulling up alongside the Mustang and the Trans-am on the starting line. He let the engine roar, grinning like a school boy as Mike rolled his eyes at him. His eyes widened in surprise as Michael rolled up alongside in the sleek third gen Trans-am that was the original Kitt. Knight frowned to himself, wondering how the M3 was going to match up to these vehicles. According to the manufacturers, the BMW's performance rivalled a Ferrari 360, before having a supercharger installed and thus should be more than a match for the first Kitt.

Even tuned as it was though, Knight knew it would be no match for the sheer power of the cars that he and Traceur were teamed with. The light above the track turned red, and he turned his attention away from his thoughts, letting the engine rev up till he found the sweet spot that would give him a little extra kick as he pulled away. The light turned green, and he slammed the M3's gas pedal to the floor, the tires squealing as the car pulled away just ahead of the pack. It didn't stay there for long though, as Karr pulled up alongside and then blasted away, sunlight glinting off the black and silver paintwork.

Knight raised an eyebrow and muttered to himself. "Not bad Karr," before hitting the nitrous button. The car surged forward, the surroundings seeming to streak into a rainbow as it pulled forward, nose to nose with Karr. Knight was taken by surprise as he glanced in his mirror, as the menacing form of the Mustang in attack mode raced past them both, its twin scanner bars pulsing rhythmically as it did so. He barely heard the roar of Karr's turbo over the noise of the M3's engine as the black and silver car rocketed past him again, its back end crossing the finish just as the M3's nose did, with Kitt alongside. Knight shook his head and grinned as he pulled the BMW to a stop and got out. "Good work Karr."

"Your machine never stuck a chance," Karr informed him.

Knight laughed. "It didn't come off too badly against you."

"None of you came close to us," Mike pointed out as he leaned back on the Mustang's hood. "And you didn't even place. Karr was faster. Michael and his Kitt were level with you."

"It still didn't come off too badly though, despite not being a Knight Industries supercar, which is what I'm happy about," Knight replied, running his hand along the BMW's hood. "Besides, you're just bitter that I get the fun assignment, while you have to go spend attend some ambassador's stuffed shirt ball."

"Besides, neither of us cheated," Karr said flatly.

"We didn't cheat," the Mustang retorted.

"Perhaps we should run again while I'm in super pursuit mode then," Karr replied. "Unless you're afraid you can't beat me."

"Kitt, Karr, that's enough," the older Michael sighed before looking at their drivers. "What kind of example are you two setting them?"

Both men shrugged, prompting a frown from Michael as he addressed Knight. "If you're happy with Karr's modifications, have Bonnie run a final check and then head out."

"Alright," Knight replied. "Come on Karr, follow me back." Knight nodded to Mike. "Always a riot Mike," he offered with a wink, then got back in the car as he scowled, and drove off, the black and silver Trans-am pulling in behind him.

Mike shook his head slightly. "I could have taken this mission. Kitt's better suited for it, and I've raced in Vegas, several times."

"You already have an assignment," Michael replied. "I know you can race, but so can he, and he knows the people involved. Some of them. My concern is that he's a little reckless. And despite his brashness, and competitiveness, he works well with Karr, which is reassuring."

"Well, I hope he doesn't crash and burn," Mike shrugged. "I'd better go. I really don't need Torres on my case if I'm late."

"When are you back next?"

"About a week, if everything goes as planned," Mike hesitated, before finishing awkwardly. "See you later dad."

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

"How's everything looking Bonnie?" Knight asked as he pulled the protective cover over his BMW.

Bonnie looked up from her computer. "Everything looks fine. How's it feel Karr?"

"A bit of a tight fit, but it isn't uncomfortable," the machine replied. "Does this mean we're ready to go?"

"I am if you are pal," Knight replied. "Bonnie?"

"You as ready to go as I can make you," Bonnie confirmed, unhooking some electronics for Karr, and shutting the car's hood as Knight got in. "I'll go over the systems reports from the Centre's diagnostics and let you know what I find regarding the problem with recharging. Want me to tell Michael you've gone?"

"Thanks Bonnie," Knight grinned, starting Karr's engine. "See you around." He slipped the car into reverse, backing out of the bay before driving off.

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

"Certainly can't miss this place huh Karr?" Knight asked as the Trans-am pulled in to the Racer's Edge car park.

The cars scanner rippled. "Not with that bright red sports car hanging off the roof."

Knight grinned indulgently. "Certainly looks the business. Just remember, we're low profile ok?"

"I remember the plan," Karr replied coldly.

Knight grinned, unfazed. "I'm sure you do. Just behave yourself and keep quiet ok."

The cars scanner rippled. "Understood."

"Good," Knight said as he climbed out, patting the cars roof. "I won't be long."

He took a few moments to look around, and then headed into the shop.

"Nice place," Knight said as he entered. "Shame about their hiring policy. Couldn't they find better than you bro?"

The blond man turned round, surprised. "Knight!"

"You remember my name then," Knight replied. "You don't write, you don't stay in touch. You still sore about losing?"

"What the hell are you doing here man?" the blond man asked as he stepped from behind the counter.

Knight grinned. "Nice to see you too Brian."

Brian returned the grin. "Been too long cuz. How's things in Miami bro?"

"Haven't been there for a while man," Knight replied, embracing Brian in a manly hug. He then wrapped an arm round Brian's neck in a friendly headlock. "So this is where you're working now?"

Brian shoved him off, but not with too much force. "Sometimes. I work at DT as well. It's a garage, specialises in…"

"In highly tuned cars, made for street racing," Knight finished. "I thought you and Rome were gonna set up shop in Miami?"

"I helped him start out," Brian answered. "Couldn't stay, had to get back to Mia."

"Your fiancé?" Knight asked.

Brian nodded. "Long engagement, still got to set a date. And then start arranging things."

"One reason why I'm never getting married," Knight grinned.

Brian smirked. "Who'd have you cuz?"

Knight gave him a scandalised look. "You are still sore about losing aren't you?"

"Nah," Brian replied, then looked up as a customer came in. "I gotta get this. We're short staffed today. I get off for lunch in about an hour, when Harry and Kat are back if you wanna stick around, catch up bro."

Knight checked his watch. "Tell you what, I'll meet you back here in an hour. Got an errand to run cuz."

"Sure, no problem," Brian replied. "I'll take you to meet Mia. Catch you later bro."

"Catch you later," Knight replied, meeting Brian's fist with his own, then headed out of the shop.

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

"So this is where they stole the truck?" Knight asked, walking a few paces in front of the car, it crawling along behind him as Karr responded.

"According to the data I was given."

Knight crouched slightly, examining some faded tire tracks. "Your scans revealing anything?"

"Nothing that isn't in the police report," Karr answered. "There'd be even less to find if Michael hadn't pulled a few strings to keep the road closed for us to look at."

"Yeah I know," Knight replied. "Is there enough left of the tire tracks for you to provide a reconstruction?"

"I can try," Karr replied.

Knight frowned, getting back up and walking over to the car. "Well?"

"We already knew that precision driving was involved. We have the truck driver's statement. And the brand of tires the cars were using, as well as my scans of this area. All this really tells us is the exact positions of the cars and their probable vectors, allowing us to simulate their movements. How does it help?"

"To be honest, it doesn't," Knight answered. "It's just to give me an idea of how exactly these guys used three small cars to get a person on to a rig and take control of it. Especially when a rig could cause them to have a real bad day if there was a collision."

"I see. The reconstruction is ready. Would you like to view it on my new in-screen HUD?"

"New what now?"

"Heads Up Display. It's one of the new features Bonnie installed. When it's active, information and communication channels can be viewed on the windscreen, without obstructing the drivers view, rather than on my original display unit."

Knight blinked. "Just put it on the monitor."

"Very well," the car replied, its voice tinged with disappointment.

Knight patted the vehicles dashboard while watching Karr's simulation. "Something doesn't feel right Karr."

"The simulation is as accurate as I can manage with the available data," the car replied irritably, as if annoyed that its driver doubted it.

Knight shook his head. "Not what I meant. The cops think the same people that pulled the heists a couple of years back, are behind this one, and the others. But something doesn't add up about it. I just can't see what it is yet, but I have the feeling it's not the same people."

"We should still investigate them though."

"Yeah," Knight checked his watch. "So let's go get on to that," he said, sliding into the vehicle. Karr took off down the road, skidding round in a one eighty with a screech of tires and heading back the way the Trans-am had come.

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

"You ready?" Knight asked as he re-entered The Racer's Edge. Brian gave him an amused look. "It's customary to say hello first."

Knight shrugged and Brian sighed with a shake of his head and turned slightly. "Kat, I'm off to lunch, your ok on your own right?"

"Course I am Brian. Say hi to Leon for me if you see him, ask him to stop by," the slender, white-blonde haired girl replied. Knight frowned slightly, sure he'd seen her before, but thought it better not to ask as he followed Brian out.

Brian asked. "So what you driving now? I don't see your M3 anywhere."

"I still have it," Knight replied. "But this is mine too."

"A Trans-am?" Brian asked, slightly incredulous. "Doesn't look much but I know how much you like them. Thought you wanted a third gen though?"

Knight grinned as Karr's scanner rippled, although the car remained silent. "Looks aren't everything Brian. It can go, believe me it can go. Get in."

Brian opened the passenger door, and whistled as he saw the dash. As Knight opened his door, he watched the dashboard light up in a slow refined sequence and whispered. "Show off."

There was no reply from Karr, but he did hear the noise of the scanner rippling again and grinned as he sat down. Brian sat down slowly. "You weren't kidding. Wild dash cuz, even for a racer. What does all this stuff do?"

Knight just grinned. "You'll see later."

"You racing tonight?"

"If you tell me where to show up."

"C'mon, you know the rules. You're supposed to find out for yourself."

"Nothing says you can't ask a friend. Besides, there's something in it for you," Knight tossed back.

Brian looked at him doubtfully. "Yeah?"

"Yep. You get a chance to win back your dignity if you tell me where the racers meet up."

"Alright, alright," Brian laughed, and told him where to go.

Knight grinned. "Thanks. Now, where are we eating?"

"I'll give you directions."

"Alright," Knight said, and started Karr's engine, the Trans-am coming to life with a rumble, backing out of the space, and heading down the street.

End of Chapter 3…