Karr was sitting on a workbench. Bonnie had made the final adjustments to the commlink and then sent Michael and Melissa out to test it. They wandered the estate while Karr monitored Melissa's location and condition, with the occasional conversation via the commlink. Kitt – with his commlink to Michael – had been the backup, though he hadn't been needed.
Everything was working just fine. Bonnie had put away her tools and was now updating her notes. And making plans to update Michael's commlink, now that she had Melissa's commlink to test improvements with. Michael and Melissa were headed back to the garage via what Michael referred to as the "scenic route." That just left Karr and Kitt alone together.
"Melissa may take some time to get used to the commlink, Karr."
"Did Michael Knight?"
"Yes." Kitt sighed. "Even now, he is sometimes uncomfortable with it."
"But why?"
"Humans care deeply about their privacy."
Karr considered what Kitt had said. "Miss Knight shuts the door to her bathroom, even though my sensors are not blocked by a closed door."
"I suggest you not remind her of that fact," said Kitt wryly.
Karr paused again, then said, "I have become quite . . . attached to Miss Knight. Are you similarly attached to Michael Knight?"
"I started out merely responsible for Michael's safety. I soon found that I . . . enjoyed his company."
"You are . . . fond of him?"
"Yes. Which didn't take very long." It was Kitt's turn to pause and reflect. "I believed it was due to my programming to keep him safe."
"I lack such programming, Kitt."
"I know, Karr. I now believe Wilton Knight built that capacity into both of us."
"That would explain why I have grown fond of Miss Knight. And why I was willing to work with Tony and The Rev and with John. But why would Wilton Knight have done such a thing?"
"I believe it was because of his son, Garthe."
"Garthe Knight hurt Miss Knight. Repeatedly," Karr growled.
"Yes. He also is either unable or unwilling to build connections with other people."
"His . . . extreme self-reliance is a weakness. As it was for me."
"You, however, have learned the value of what humans call 'playing well with others', Karr."
Karr paused briefly, and then changed the subject. "Miss Knight will be leaving for college in a few months, according to Devon Miles."
"Yes. And so will you. Because I am sure she is taking you with her, whether you are mounted in a vehicle by then or not."
"Would it be better if I were mounted in a vehicle?"
"Yes, it would. Both to provide her with transportation and to keep her safe."
"Then I shall work to earn that privilege. To better protect Miss Knight when she is not here."
"But you won't be doing that alone."
"Yes, I know. Miss Knight will help me."
"So will Michael, Bonnie, and I. Possibly even Devon. We all want you to succeed. It is what families – healthy, happy families – do."