Summary:
Michael is investigating possible criminal activity inside a men-only bathhouse and instead encounters something more insidious.
Note:
This chapter is more somber. I wanted to point out that not all Michael and KITT's assignments are fun or unimportant.
Several things excite and frustrate Michael Knight as he navigates his daily life. On one hand, the thrill of driving his iconic car, KITT, and solving cases fills him with a sense of purpose. On the other hand, the constant danger he faces and the unpredictability of crime can be overwhelming. Despite these challenges, Michael remains steadfast, relying on his quick instincts and unwavering determination to bring justice to those in need. Each day presents a new opportunity for adventure, reminding him that even in chaos, there is always a chance to make a difference.
Today started as an unusual day. Michael wanted to go out for a leisurely drive with his best friend and soulmate, KITT.
*BEEP BEEP*
A signal from his boss requested him to investigate possible criminal behavior at a men-only bathhouse. Reluctantly, he agreed to take on the case. With KITT's advanced capabilities and strong bond, they are committed to uncovering the reality lying beyond the locked walls of the bathhouse. As they approached the building, Michael activated KITT's surveillance systems to scan for unusual activity. "Alright, buddy, let's see what secrets this place is hiding," he said, steeling himself for the challenges ahead.
With a low hum, KITT's sensors began picking up heat signatures and movement within the structure. "Michael, I'm detecting multiple individuals inside, some of whom appear to be acting suspiciously," KITT reported, his voice steady and calm.
Michael nodded, gripping the steering wheel tighter as he prepared to confront whatever awaited them inside. As they neared the entrance, the duo noticed several men entering and exiting the building, their expressions shrouded in secrecy. "Something is going on," Michael observed, his instincts heightened. KITT's headlights flickered briefly, illuminating the doorway as they readied themselves for the impending confrontation.
"Stay sharp, KITT," Michael murmured, aware of the uncertainty ahead. "We don't know what we're up against." However, as Michael entered the building, he noticed men going in and out of a sauna. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, the tension in the air slowly dissipating as he processed the scene unfolding before him. "A sauna? I don't get it," he whispered into the comlink, scanning for hidden exits or unusual behavior among the patrons. "KITT, are you picking up anything inside the sauna?"
The Anamorphic Equalizer of the Trans AM brightened before resuming the usual side-to-side motion with a swooping sound twice. "Michael, my scanners detect a hidden door behind the benches inside the sauna opposite the entrance."
Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Good work, KITT. Let's check it out; we might uncover something crucial." He briefly returns to the car, securing his wallet and other valuables inside the glove compartment before returning to the building. Michael notes a locker room with clean towels and lockers lined up against the wall. As he approached the benches, the subtle scent of cedar filled the air, which masked the underlying moisture from the nearby sauna. Michael carefully examined the area, his heart racing with anticipation at what they might find behind the hidden door. Knowing he must enter the sauna, he removes his clothing, wraps a towel around his waist, and steps inside the dimly lit space. The warmth enveloped him instantly, and Michael heard the gentle hissing of steam as it rose from the rocks. As his body adjusted to the heat, he noticed a faint outline of the door at the far end, partially obscured by swirling mist, and felt an inexplicable urge to uncover what lay beyond.
Michael was about to investigate the hidden door when an older gentleman sat next to him, eyeing him curiously. The man's eyes suggested he knew more about the mysterious door than he let on, and Michael couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting was no coincidence. His curiosity piqued, Michael decided to engage the man in conversation. "Excuse me, sir," he said cautiously, "but do you know anything about that door over there?"
The older gentleman leaned in slightly, a knowing smile creeping across his face. "Ah, the door," he replied, looking at Michael somewhat suggestively. "Let's just say it's not for the timid."
Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet wary. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, sensing there was more to the comment than met the eye.
The older gentleman's smile widened as he gestured toward the door with a hint of mystery in his eyes. "Many have stood before it, but few have dared to step through," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "I can show you, young man."
Michael begins to suspect something amiss about the man beside him as the latter eyes him like a predator stalking his prey. A chill runs down his spine, urging him to move away from the man, yet the tension in the air thickens, making it difficult to breathe. Michael's instincts scream for him to escape, but he forces himself to remain calm.
Just then, the man leans closer, a sinister smile creeping across his face as he whispers, "You should watch your back." He exits the sauna with a slow, deliberate stride. Michael's heart races as he processes the warning, dread settling in as he glances around, suddenly aware of the eyes that seem to linger a moment too long on him in the dimly lit space.
Michael is alone and whispers into his comlink, "KITT, I want you to perform another scan. See if you can determine if there is anyone under the age of 18 beyond the door."
"Michael? What's wrong? Your heart rate and blood pressure are extremely elevated," KITT asked with concern in his electronic voice.
"I'm ok, buddy," Michael reassured him.
"My sensors detected one male, possibly between the ages of 13 and 15," KITT continued, "and he appears to be in distress." Inside his CPU, KITT feels worried for his soulmate.
"Damn!" Michael exclaimed, his brows furrowing as he processed the information. "We need to find him before it's too late; he could be in serious trouble."
KITT's scanner pulsed in acknowledgment. "Michael, are you suggesting that?" He didn't complete the sentence, and the monitor showed a red dot.
"We may have stumbled upon a child prostitution ring, KITT," Michael continued, his voice filled with urgency. "If that's the case, we can't waste time."
He is about to open the door when it opens, and a man and a teenager step out from it. The man's expression was tense, and the teenager looked frightened. "What are you doing here?" the man demanded, shifting his posture defensively. He doesn't wait for an answer, instead grabbing the teen's right arm and pulling him closer.
Michael held his ground, his instincts kicking in as he assessed the situation. "Let him go," he said firmly, determined to protect the frightened boy from whatever danger loomed ahead.
The man pulls out a gun. "I suggest you step aside. Move!" He points it at Michael before leaving the sauna with the boy.
Michael's heart quickens as he comprehends the abrupt shift in circumstances. Fear grips him, but determination quickly follows; he knows he must act fast to ensure the boy's safety. He steps aside to assess the situation, his mind racing with potential plans. As each moment passes, the burden of responsibility intensifies, compelling him to pursue the man and save the child before it's too late.
The man and boy walk quickly toward a yellow car outside the building, get in, and drive off.
KITT begins to calculate the best route to intercept them in the meantime. With a soft beep, the dashboard lights up, displaying a map with the car's trajectory highlighted in red.
Michael has run out of the building with his clothing in his hands and quickly enters the already open driver's side.
"Go, KITT!" Michael gave the command as he quickly dressed while the Trans AM initiated the start-up sequence. The engine roared to life, and within moments, KITT expertly navigated through traffic while Michael checked the monitor for the location of the man and child.
The yellow car is within visual range. "Michael, the vehicle is approximately three miles ahead and gaining speed," KITT relayed, his voice composed. "Initiating super pursuit mode; prepare for acceleration."
The passive restraint system automatically activates as Michael tightens his grip on the steering wheel. "Let's catch up to them, KITT," he replied, adrenaline rushing through him as the car surged forward, effortlessly weaving between lanes in pursuit of the fleeing vehicle.
"We're approaching a sharp turn, Michael; brace yourself," KITT warned, calculating the optimal angle for the maneuver.
Successfully navigating the turn, KITT resumes normal mode and closes in until the distance between them shrinks to mere feet. "Visual lock engaged," KITT announced, displaying the target's trajectory on the dashboard monitor. "Initiating turbo boost—now!" With a surge of power, the car launched forward, the world around them blurring in an exhilarating rush as they surged ahead, ready to intercept their quarry.
The men and boy look in amazement as the Trans AM flies over the top of their vehicle, landing perfectly on all four tires as it skids to a stop just inches in front of them.
Michael grimaced, his eyes flashing with resolve as he stepped out of the car, ready to confront the man. "KITT, stand by just in case," he instructed. He didn't need to worry. The man was so shocked that a car flew over his vehicle; he remained still as Michael approached him. With a firm voice, "You won't be forcing children into prostitution ever again," he declared, his stance unwavering.
The boy quickly ran from the car into Michael's waiting arms, crying.
KITT had already informed the police, and moments later, a patrol car appeared in the distance, its lights flashing brightly against the evening sky. As the officers stepped out, Michael held the boy tightly, vowing to protect him from any further harm while the authorities took control of the situation. The boy's sobs gradually subsided as he felt the warmth of Michael's embrace, a sense of safety washing over him. "You're safe now," Michael whispered reassuringly, his heart aching for the innocence lost in such a cruel world
Michael and KITT share a quiet moment in the car after the police take the boy to reunite him with his mother.
They reflected on the day's events, both feeling relief that the boy was safe and grateful for the bond they had strengthened through the experience. As they sat in comfortable silence, the engine hum creating a soothing background, Michael said, "I couldn't have done it without you, buddy." KITT's dashboard lights flickered in acknowledgment, their partnership solidified by the trials they faced together.
"That's what best friends are for, Michael," KITT replied fondly. "We are soulmates." The stars started to sparkle above, and they both knew that whatever difficulties lay ahead—they would be facing them side by side.