Knight Rider 2000

X Marks The Spot

Written by

Scott Kirkessner

Based upon KNIGHT RIDER

Created by

Glen A. Larson

Original KNIGHT RIDER 2000 Concept by

Rob Hedden

New concept by

Scott Kirkessner

The highway of life has no exits. When Mr. X resurrects an old nemesis from the past and reveals himself to the Knight Foundation, they find themselves balancing between the perils of chasing him down and dealing with their own lives.

Rated NC-17 for extreme violent content, strong profanity, and brief sexuality.

March 24, 2002

2319 Hrs PST

Knight Foundation Storage Facility

Location: Los Angeles, California

There was a guard on duty as a black mini van drove up to the gate that was surrounding the old cold storage facilities. The window to the van rolled down as the security came up to it. The man in the driver’s seat looked at him with a smile.

“Authorization please?” the guard asked.

Eric Johnson looked at the inquisitive guard and smiled. “I got my authorization right here.” He said, reaching into his coat. He pulled out an ID card and showed it to the guard.

The guard eyed the ID card, nodded, and returned it back to Johnson. “You’re clear, sir.”

Johnson smiled as the gates opened. He drove the van through the gates and up to a warehouse.

The front and side doors opened, and four men exited the van. Mr. X walked over to Johnson, looking at his watch. “All right, I want the heist done in five minutes.”

Johnson nodded. “Let’s go.”

Suggested Listening Track: Name of the Game – The Crystal Method

A man walked over to an electronic keypad and took out a laptop. He stuck a card, with wires connecting it to the computer, into the slot. He opened up the laptop and began typing. The five-digit combination appeared on the screen. He pressed the numbers on the keypad and a mechanical buzz was heard.

Mr. X walked over to the door and opened it. He walked in with the men following.

They proceeded down the hall until they reached a door marked Laboratory Three. With their equipment they managed to open the door to the room. Inside, everything was in covered in cloth. The men immediately began taking the cloth off until they found a Brinks Personal Security Safe sitting on the ground.

Another man sat down on the ground and listed to the lock as he turned numbers. It took no time to open the safe. “Mr. X, I believe we have the CPU.”

“Good, hurry up!” X said.

Johnson walked over to the safe cracker. “Here’s the replacement.” Johnson said, handing a box to the man.

The man took the box, placed it inside of the safe, and handed an identical box, which he removed from the safe, to Mr. X.

“That’s it. Let’s get to the van and get the hell out of here,” X said. The man locked the safe and joined the others.

They ran back towards the van but were challenged by four guards. “Freeze!” the head guard yelled.

Mr. X produced a World War II German Luger, one of his favorite handguns and smiled evilly. “Drop ‘em!” he ordered.

March 25, 2002

1629 Hrs PST

It was just under an hour when Natalie was discharged and back at the Foundation. They were sitting in the conference room and the exhausted FBI agent listened as the team filled her in on the past 48 hours.

“Eric Johnson is just the right hand man. You guys have no idea how far this goes.” Natalie said.

“What the hell do you mean?” Maddock asked, surprised that their 2^nd assumption had been disputed.

“There is just one man in control here, and he controls it all, and controls us. His name is Mr. X.” Natalie reported.

Silence fell over the team as they let it all sink in. Someone very powerful had been playing them for fools for a long time.

“Mr. X? Who the hell is this Mr. X?” Shawn asked, looking at the badly bruised Natalie.

“Someone I hoped I would never hear of again.” Bonnie said, speaking up.

“What? You know this guy?” Kevin asked.

“Mr. X, whose real name is Baxter Lex, was a mad genius who decided to go on a bombing spree in 1986. It was FLAG who busted him.” Natalie explained.

“How come I don’t know about him?” Shawn asked.

“It was a case that we didn’t like to talk about.” Bonnie said.

“Wouldn’t I have picked it up from KITT’s memory chip?”

“No.” A voice answered from the doorway. Everyone turned around to see who it was. It was Michael Knight.

“Michael?” Bonnie asked, amazed.

“You wont find any files on Mr. X anywhere in FLAG because Devon had them erased.” Michael said, walking into the room.

“Why?” Shawn asked.

“The whole experience dealing with X was too emotional. Do you remember the bombing at Disney World?” Michael asked her.

“That was him?” Shawn asked.

“Yeah,” Natalie said, “the FBI still has a file on him.”

“Can you get us that file?” Michael asked.

“Sure,” Natalie answered, “guess who was the SAIC who re-wrote his criminal profile when he escaped from prison in 1999.”

Everyone eyed Natalie, who nodded.

“How come he wasn’t pursued when he escaped?” Maddock asked.

“He was. We staged a raid on a suspicious cabin in Big Bear. When we got there, the place was destroyed in an explosion. We found some human remains, and an analysis determined it was the remains of Mr. X. The case was closed.” Natalie explained.

“Michael, how did you know to come to us?” Bonnie asked.

“I found this on the windshield of my car.” Michael said, removing an envelope from the inside pocket of his leather jacket.

Everyone looked at the envelope. Bonnie took it.

“Be careful!” Michael said, concerned.

“KITT,” Bonnie said into her comm-link, “run an analysis on this envelope for me.”

“Be careful with that!” KITT yelled. “If the letter inside is removed, two chemicals will mix and a bomb will go off!”

“You said there was a letter inside,” Michael said, “does it say anything?”

“Michael, is that you?!” KITT asked, not sure whether to be excited or confused.

“Yeah pal, it’s me. Now listen, someone planted this envelope at my cabin. I have a good idea who it is because of the big X on the back.”

“Well who is it?” KITT asked.

“It’s Mr. X, buddy. He’s back.”

“Michael,” Bonnie said, “KITT doesn’t remember.”

“I’m afraid she’s right, Michael. Who is Mr. X?”

“We’ll fix that, KITT. You’ll find out soon.” Bonnie assured. “What does the letter say?”

“It says ‘Let’s play a game, Mr. Knight. Don’t try No-Doz, you better stay away from those.’”

“What the hell does that mean?” Kevin asked.

“It’s a game. Some kind of clue.” Michael explained.

“Well, Michael,” Maddock said, “since you’re here, what can you tell us about Mr. X?”

Michael sighed and sat down. “I hope you have awhile.”

1721 Hrs

“This lab is much more fitting, Johnson.” Mr. X said, walking around and admiring the vast workspace.

“You’re always the one to tell me that the best place to hide is in public.” Johnson said.

“The public is fickle, Johnson. What they don’t know can’t hurt them.”

“Or us.” Johnson added.

“Exactly.” X said, with a smile.

“Knight got the package. The bomb hasn’t gone off yet, though.” Johnson said.

“Of course it wont,” X said, getting up and walking towards stairs, “I don’t expect it to.”

“Really?”

Mr. X tugged on his vest. “Nope. You see, I expect that Knight will return to FLAG, have KITT scan the envelope, and waste valuable time trying to decipher my code while I make use of my time and execute the first hit. However, I am growing rather impatient waiting for the car to arrive.”

“Our team in San Francisco have been working non stop. The best technicians that money can buy.” Johnson heard Mr. X scoff. He could tell something was wrong. “What is it, what’s wrong?”

“Our little Medallion stunt left us with only half a million.” X said.

“Is that bad?”

“It certainly isn’t good. But once we get out there, our financial situation will improve.”

“So exactly what do you plan to do?”

“The best way to defeat a team is to split them apart,” X said, “We can both admit that FLAG’s team has rapidly grown to the epitome of an ensemble cast on a television show.”

“I hate teams.”

“Me too. So we are going to split their happy little team. They will follow their instincts and take off to where my clue leads them, leaving Seattle wide open. I will head there for a nice little crime and destruction spree, and you will be in charge of Phase Two.”

“Phase Two?”

“Yes, Phase Two.” X said, walking over to his computer interface. He typed a few commands and an image of a man appeared on the screen.

“Alexander Alistair Kaase.” Johnson said, recognizing the image of the billionaire.

“Yes,” X replied, “turns out the wealthy algae-magnate has a daughter.”

“Really? Does he know who it belongs to?”

“Considering how much this guy screws around? Hell, it could belong to any woman.”

The man’s image changed to that of his daughter’s. “What’s the plan with her?”

“A simple kidnapping ransom plan, of course.” X replied.

“Part of the ransom demands should be that he can only call the Knight Foundation.” Johnson suggested.

“Yes, I was getting to that. Do you think 50 million would be enough?”

“Plenty.” Johnson replied. “But why not hit him in the pocket?”

“I’m not kidnapping this girl for any kind of political reason or anything like that. I am doing it because it will split FLAG in half.”

“I see.”

“Good. While I am out leading FLAG down a path of destruction, you will be responsible for making our money.”

Johnson’s attention span widened. “Continue.”

“While Michael, KITT, and whoever is with them are looking for me, the rest of the team are looking for you and the brat.” X said.

“Good plan.”

“Of course. Now with our weapon’s titanic new powers, KITT and his driver are bound to be destroyed.”

Johnson internally winced at X being so sure of himself, seeing it as a constant curse and a cue for imminent failure.

Shawn rubbed her eyes after Michael finished his story. “I can’t believe this.”

“Me neither,” Kevin said, “we’re on the verge of destruction here.”

“We have to go after him.” Natalie said.

“I would be careful if I were you.” Michael warned. “Agent Markins, you know as well as anyone that this is someone you do not want to take advantage of, nor underestimate.” Michael was serious when he said it and he meant it.

“He’s right,” Natalie said, “for every move we try and make to capture him, he will counter that move.”

“What else?”

“I’m sure Agent Markins can get you a look at his history records. When the government killed his father, a mercenary like him, he formed his own terrorist organization and took revenge. That’s when KITT and I were brought into it all. He tried every way possible to get rid of me. Luckily I had KITT there with me every step of the way.” Michael explained.

A secretary let herself into the room and handed a paper to Maddock. He read over it and the team could obviously see the color drain from his face.

“What is it?” Natalie asked, noting something was terribly wrong.

Maddock sat down in a chair, the paper still in his hand. There was a break in at our Los Angeles storage facility last night.

The team remained silent as Maddock tried to read on.

“It was a security breach at one of our cold storage laboratories. It was Laboratory Three.”

There was a brief moment of confusion before it all sunk in.

“Oh my God,” Shawn said, “that’s where the Knight Automated Roving Robot CPU was stored.”

“Exactly.” Maddock said.

“After we,” Shawn paused, realizing her mistake, “after you and KITT destroyed him in the desert, KI destroyed the parts, but stored the dormant CPU.”

“It was still functional?” Michael asked, looking at Bonnie.

“Don’t look at me,” Bonnie said, “that wasn’t my doing.”

“Do you think Devon could have ordered it to be stored?” Shawn asked.

“More than likely,” Michael replied, “we all know Devon was a man of principle and I bet he still had a shred of hope that KARR could be changed for the better.”

“We must have run out of funding before he could pursue it.” Bonnie said.

“So… uhh… does someone want to explain all of this to me?” Natalie asked, confused.

Maddock handed Natalie a dossier that the secretary brought with her. “Everything you need to know is in there. We don’t have time to explain it all.”

“This has to be Mr. X.” Shawn said.

“Are you sure?” Maddock asked.

“Who else?” Michael replied. “How did he get past security?”

Maddock read further into the printout. “Apparently, with great ease. He somehow managed to disable our security system and take out the guards without anyone knowing.”

“His envelope is telling us something.” Natalie said, resting her head on her arm that was propped on the table. Though discharged from the hospital, she was obviously exhausted.

“‘Let’s play a game, Mr. Knight. Don’t try No-Doz, you better stay away from those.’” Bonnie read off of the paper she jotted the message down on when KITT originally read it.

“It’s some kind of a clue,” Michael said, “he’s telling us the location of his next target.”

“Isn’t that a clip from a Bob Dylan song?” Bonnie asked.

“Yeah it is,” Maddock said, “Subterranean Homesick Blues.”

“Isn’t No-Doz that old medicine that would keep people awake?” Shawn asked.

“So they would never sleep.” Bonnie added.

“Where is a place where people never sleep?” Kevin asked.

“Kind of like a city that never sleeps.” Natalie said.

The team’s brains were working overtime. It was Shawn who finally broke it. “He is telling us he is going to do something to a city that never sleeps.”

“And what city’s don’t sleep? High profile ones?” Michael asked.

“New York City.” Kevin said.

“And Las Vegas.” Bonnie said.

“Mr. X would consider New York City to be scarred territory already touched by another attacker. He usually likes places that are… virgin like.” Natalie explained.

“She’s right,” Michael said, “no one ever attacked Disney World before. And look what X did in ’86.”

“Lex knows better nowadays to stay away from places that are ultra-high profile, especially Vegas.” Natalie said. “He’s pointing us to a low profile place, but with a prominent night life.”

“That basically throws in every college town in the country.” Shawn said.

“We’re going about this all wrong,” Shawn said, “we need to try and find KARR, because that can definitely lead us to Lex.”

“Any ideas where we can start?” Maddock asked.

“Bonnie and I came up with a few already.” Kevin said.

“Great, let’s hear them.” Michael said.

“Each AI produced by Knight Industries emits a special carrier wave,” Bonnie started, “now these waves were originally tracked by radio. Of course when KITT was upgraded two years ago, he was assigned a new frequency that could be tracked on the Foundation’s satellite.”

“So you’re saying we can pop out a radio and tune in?” Natalie asked.

“No,” Kevin said, “we can pick up KARR’s frequency through the satellite.”

Bonnie nodded. “It really shouldn’t take much effort to recalibrate the satellite to pick up KARR’s radio frequency.”

“Natalie, Michael. You two are our experts on Baxter Lex. Do you think he would catch on to KARR’s frequency?” Shawn asked.

Natalie was the first to answer. “Yes and no.” she said.

“What do you mean?” Maddock asked.

“It’s been three years since I’ve dealt with him. He is very intelligent, but seems to be limited to just his knowledge of how to make explosives and then detonate them.”

“I agree. While Lex may be the mastermind behind it all, he seems to just hire those who know how to pull off whatever he wants to accomplish.” Michael added.

“So that tosses him into the smart but dumb category.” Maddock said.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Natalie said.

“Unless you like to wake up dead,” Michael added, “the last thing you ever want to do is underestimate this guy.”

Maddock displayed a shit-eating grin on his face and nodded.

“Calibration complete.” KITT reported as Bonnie got out.

“So now we search for the code?” Kevin asked.

“First things first,” Michael said, “We restore KITT’s memory.”

Mr. X’s ‘best public place to hide’ lay situated below the massive football stadium of Oregon State University. An un-used sub basement served as his command base for this most crucial mission. Attached to the basement was a freight elevator, easily accessible, with passable security measures.

It was this freight elevator that caught X’s attention. Along with Johnson, he watched with attentive eyes as the elevator opened.

A forklift holding onto a crate eased its way off the elevator and stopped in front of X and Johnson. They eyed the crate and the forklift as the operator stepped into the light.

“This had better be the last time we use one of FLAG’s rejects.” The operator said.

“Larson, dear man, this will be the last time for anything. FLAG is ours.” X said.

Larson sneered. He remembered the last time he helped with one of FLAG’s old villains. The clone of Garthe Knight was too much to handle. “Just so my stance is on the record.” He said. It was important to say that because of Mr. X’s track record with going up against FLAG. And he definitely wanted Johnson to know he was on his side.

“So noted.” X said, walking to the front of the crate. “Let’s see him.”

Johnson and Larson grabbed crowbars from the forklift and pried the front off of the crate.

X eyed the contents and smiled sinisterly. “Magnificent.”

“The records were encrypted and stored when we cleared them from KITT’s memory.” Bonnie explained.

“When Devon moved FLAG to Seattle, he made double sure that everything was transferred.” Maddock said.

“Then why can’t I find the damn things?” Bonnie asked, growing impatient.

“Don’t ask me, you and Kevin were the ones who oversaw the creation and the transfer to the new operating system.” Maddock sharply replied.

“Oh quit trying to shift blame somewhere else you selfish smart ass.” Michael yelled.

Michael’s outburst left everyone in the room stunned and silent.

Michael rubbed his forehead. “Before you go off, let me remind you that I am not on Foundation payroll, you are not my boss, so save your threats. While Agent Markins profiled and pursued Lex three years ago, let me remind you I actually went up against him, in hand to hand combat even. When you ordered KITT to be dismantled two years ago, you shifted all blame from yourself to the fact that FLAG needed to land a franchise. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt once in awhile to admit that you’ve screwed up.”

"Enough!" KITT said before Maddock could shoot back with a witty reply. "May I remind you that we are fighting Baxter Lex, not each other? The more time we waste bickering gives him and KARR more time to get to us."

1801 Hrs

>command.com
>load bios
>bios system check
>ram check
>config.sys
>bio com interface
>to rom i/o
>controller
>comspec.exe
>memory.dat
>flag utils
>system buffer
>parameters
>parity set
>memory set
>system status
>Knight Automated Roving Robot at 100 percent efficiency_

“Start it up!” X ordered.

The car resting inside the crate started up and pulled out, stopping just two inches from X, who was smiling the whole time.

Larson got out of the jet-black Trans Am and looked at it. He admitted to himself that it was a beautiful but deadly machine.

“Silent, but deadly.” X said, remarked at the quiet whirr of the turbine engine.

A red chasing light activated on the prow of the car. “I do not believe my superior engine should be rudely compared to a bodily function.” A deep voice stated.

“Welcome to the world. Identify yourself.” X said, testing the automobile.

“I am the Knight Automated Roving Robot. KARR if you prefer.”

One thing that Mr. X liked about KARR was his deep chilling voice that would seem uneasy to most people. But to Mr. X, KARR sounded like him in a way. After reviewing the history of the Knight Foundation not too long ago, Mr. X wondered why Wilton Knight would choose such a voice. “What do you remember, KARR?” X asked.

“I remember everything.” KARR said.

Larson and Johnson both noted a drastic change in KARR’s tone.

“From the day of my activation, to the day Wilton Knight, my creator, turned on me and ordered my deactivation. I remember further to my destruction at the hands of Michael Knight and his inferior production copy.”

“KITT?” Larson asked.

“Yes,” KARR scowled, “that pale replica.”

“And what makes KITT so inferior and pale?”

“That’s enough Larson,” X ordered, “cut it out, you’re pissing him off.”

“Am I pissing you off, KARR?”

KARR took a second to look up that particular phrase. “Yes you are.”

“Who else pissed you off KARR?”

“Wilton Knight.” KARR answered.

“He’s dead, KARR. Who else?”

“Devon Miles.”

“He’s dead too, KARR. He was murdered two years ago. Who else?” X pushed.

“Michael Knight.” KARR sneered.

X grinned. “That’s right. Who else?”

“KITT and his technician, Bonnie Barstow.”

“That’s right KARR. Now who can you trust?”

KARR noticed his files had been altered. No longer could he trust Tony and the Rev, but new names replaced them. “I can trust Baxter Lex, Eric Johnson, and Roddy Larson.”

“That’s the three of us, KARR,” X informed, “you’re with us now. You want to get the people who betrayed you, right?”

“Without any doubt.” KARR replied.

“I can get you to those people, KARR. If you work with us, you’ll be able to release… whatever aggressions you may have.”

“I have plenty of aggressions.”

“I know you do KARR. I do too. I have grudges against the Foundation just like you do.”

“Has the Foundation betrayed you and left you for dead twice?”

X hesitated. The car had a point, but the hell with it. It’s just a car. “I wont patronize you and tell you that I know how you feel. But I do know how it feels to be abandoned and betrayed. While seeking vengeance, the Knight Foundation got in the way. I have never been caught, KARR, until FLAG came, and had my ass sent to the slammer.”

KARR’s engine revved. Larson took it to represent a growl, or a hell of a sign of disgust. “I will not go back to the slammer!” KARR said.

“And you wont go back, KARR. As long as you stick with us!” X said. He walked around and sat down inside the Trans Am. He looked around and admired the work of his well-educated scientists.

Directly in front of him, above the gull-wing steering wheel was KARR’s voice box. It was entirely black with etched out boxes and words displaying functions.

Between the T-tops sat a console mounted on the roof, with various command and function buttons.

A center console modified to contain more command buttons and factory standard options sat ahead of the gear shift.

Finally, the retrofitted dash ended with a plasma screen monitor to the right of the driver. Underneath the monitor sat DVD-RW, floppy disk drive, and a fax machine with telephone controls.

The new KARR was a piece of beauty to be admired and envied.

“What do you think of your new self, KARR?” X asked.

“I am unstoppable.”

X noted the voice box activated while KARR spoke. He was almost magically lost as the almost-hypnotizing yellow bars simulated KARR’s voice.

“If you will satisfy my curiosity, where are we? My newly equipped GPS scanner is not yet activated.”

“Oh,” X said, looking for the button. He pressed it once he found it, “that should do it. Let’s give it a test, shall we?”

KARR accessed his GPS and calculated his position. “My scanners show us to be two stories underground and located in Corvallis, Oregon.”

“Where in Corvallis?”

“We are located beneath Reser Stadium at Oregon State University.” KARR said.

Larson leaned over to Johnson. “I just got this cell-phone and I can’t get a God damn signal out of here,” he whispered, “now how in the hell can KARR scan so precisely?”

“The best technology that money can buy and that cunning can steal.” X said from across the room. He smiled coyly, “just testing out KARR’s new spyware. He can hear a clear conversation up to half a mile away.”

“Show us a demonstration, KARR.” Larson beckoned.

About a second of static was heard before a conversation came in. “But does what happened last night really make me a lesbian?” a female voice asked.

A male’s voice soon replied. “Not if you didn’t enjoy it… did you?”

“Well a kiss isn’t all that happened…”

KARR cut the audio off when he realized the three men were laughing. “What is humorous in this situation?”

“Can you tie in video with audio, KARR?” Johnson asked between laughs.

“I can pick up video wherever the satellite is located, and audio up to point five miles away. I still do not see the humor in the girl’s situation. What is she talking about?”

“Do you not understand, KARR?” X asked, almost aghast that he might have to explain human sexuality to an automobile.

“No I do not.”

X stifled a laugh. “KARR, you have Internet access now. Everything you want to know and then some about the girl’s situation is online.”

“Send him to the Internet, is that a good idea?” Larson asked Johnson.

Johnson shrugged. “I wonder how many ways an automobile can figure out how to jack off?”

1829 Hrs

Suggested Listening Track: Battle Flag – Lo Fidelity All Stars

A message flashed on KITT’s central monitor. RESTORATION COMPLETE.

The beeping caught Kevin’s attention. He walked over to KITT and called everyone over.

Michael pushed past everyone and sat down in the driver’s seat. “All right buddy, what do you remember?”

“Everything,” KITT replied, keeping his disappointment to himself about having part of his memory cleared, “and more since what we learned in 1986 with Natalie’s case files installed on my system.”

“Do we have KARR’s signal?” Natalie asked.

“I am up linking with the satellite now, Natalie.” KITT answered.

Maddock leaned over to Bonnie. “Are we prepared for a full assault against KARR?”

“If our assumptions are correct and KARR was completely rebuilt, then I would figure we would need to make some slight modifications to KITT. Enhance his MBS and make sure his defensive and offensive systems are at top efficiency.” Bonnie explained.

“I have the signal,” KITT informed, “KARR’s signal is transferring on 5803 megahertz.”

“All right pal, trace it.” Michael said.

“There is an incoming call,” KARR said.

“Put it through.” X ordered, turning to the monitor.

A man, wearing a lab coat appeared on the screen.

“Dante.” X said, recognizing the scientist.

“Good evening sir,” Dante said in his strong Swedish accent. “I trust KARR is living up to your expectations.”

“He is,” X commended, “great work.”

“There is one small thing that I have just noticed.”

“And what is that?”

“I have discovered that KARR’s CPU emits an old radio signal, possibly a FLAG assigned signal from his original days.”

“Yeah, so what of it?” X asked.

“While it is an old radio signal, it may be possible for the signal to be traced via satellite.”

X swallowed. The last thing he needed was anyone tracking him. “So I assume you’ve worked on a way to shut it off.”

Dante nodded. “Yes, I am faxing the instructions to KARR as we speak.”

X took the fax out of the slot and read over it. “This is all we need to do to disable the frequency? Seems pretty simple to me.”

“You’d be surprised how long it takes to shut it off.”

“Satellite uplink complete and standing by.” KITT reported.

“Great,” Kevin said, “being triangulation.”

KITT’s windshield transformed into the Virtual Reality display. A blinking satellite in the upper left hand corner indicated KITT’s connection. 25 percent of the screen was blacked out on the left side to reserve area for text and small displays. The remaining 75 percent showed a computer representation of the satellite’s location. It was over Japan.

“I am accessing satellite controls.” KITT reported. “We should have an idea where KARR is soon.”

A laptop was sitting on a chair while Larson connected a wire from it to KARR’s CPU.

X walked over and sat down in front of the computer. “Establish a link, KARR.”

LINK ESTABLISHED appeared in red letters on the screen. Millions of lines of code started scrolling up.

“Jesus Christ.” X said, in astonishment.

The image of the world map stopped scrolling once the satellite reached its destination.

“I am locking the satellite in place.” KITT reported. A region on the map was highlighted. “KARR is located in the Pacific Northwest.”

Michael’s stomach dropped, as did Bonnie’s, and KITT’s would have too if he had one.

“You must follow these directions carefully,” KARR warned, “or my main programming might be tripped if you accidentally alter a crucial line of code.”

Self-preservation at all costs, X remembered. He knew he had to do this carefully or risk being snuffed to ashes. “All right, let’s begin.”

“By hitting Open-Apple-F, you can activate the search option. Once that is open, you can type in the line number, three-zero-nine, to find the first code to be altered.”

“I’m there.” X said. He quizzically looked down at his hands. Many a time he had handled explosives that could detonate at any given second, and his hands never shook…

Maddock kept tapping his fingers on KITT’s spoiler. He was getting anxious and wishing Devon never died, leaving him to face this challenge.

“Russ, that’s going to make me stir-crazy,” Natalie said.

“Sorry.” Maddock said, stopping the incessant tapping.

Bonnie and Michael exchanged glances for a second. Obviously both wanted to deliver a smart-ass comment about Maddock apologizing for the first time.

But, fortunately, common sense hit them both and neither said a word.

Their shared moment of non-verbal conversation was broken when KITT announced the next specific location of KARR…

“He’s in Oregon.”

“What?!” Shawn asked.

“Where in Oregon, pal?” Michael asked, leaning inside.

“Two lines of code are left.” KARR reported.

“Good. X said, feeling more anxious with every keystroke.

“Your recent alteration has dampened the signal. Your next will shut it down.”

“The signal has drastically diminished.” KITT said, exasperated since he almost had the exact position.

“That’s all right buddy, keep working.” Michael assured.

Shawn left the anxious group and sat down in a chair on the other side of the garage.

Natalie noticed Shawn leaving and she followed. “You okay?” she asked, sitting down.

“I’m just anxious to go up against KARR again.”

“Again?” Natalie asked, confused.

Shawn blinked and air-slammed her head. “Dammit,” she said, “it feels like it’s again. I have KITT’s old memory chip, remember? I hate this damn chip.”

“Why? I would see it as a blessing.”

“Well if it is, it’s disguised pretty well. Sure I can tell you that the square root of 970195412795570361 is 984984981.” Shawn said. “But with that ability I have all these memories.”

“Can’t you have a procedure done to isolate memories?” Natalie asked.

“To a point. The same kind of thing I can have done to get out what happened to me last year.”

“Why don’t you?”

“If normal women can’t, why should I? Besides, I need to learn to cope with issues, not have them merely erased. That’s why they never erased them after my first mission.”

Natalie blinked and displayed a confused look.

Shawn closed her eyes in disgust. “Dammit. KITT’s first mission, KITT’s first mission. KITT was originally designed with a memory bank to be cleared after every mission and new information to be uploaded at the start of a new one.”

Natalie looked at Shawn with a concerned gaze. “Are you okay, Shawn?”

Shawn nodded, succeeding in fighting back tears by biting her lower lip. “I don’t know if I’m ready to be back.”

Natalie shook her head. “Shawn, listen to me. How long could you have gone without coming back? It’s… I don’t know… it’s an emptiness in the pit of my stomach that is screaming for me to return to the Bureau. And I know you share the same emptiness too. You’re the one who wanted to come back… if you made that step already, then you’re ready.”

“I’m all ready ready already?” Shawn asked, quoting an old commercial and laughing.

Natalie laughed and nodded. “You’ll be fine.”

“It’s stress,” Shawn noted, “my memory shifts. Every now and then when things get out of control I lose focus. Especially now.”

“I know what you mean. Lex is supposed to be dead. I’m still here because I know how his twisted mind works.”

“Why else?” Shawn asked.

“What do you mean?”

“There’s more to it than that, isn’t there?”

Natalie nodded. “He killed my partner.”

“He’s in Corvallis!” Bonnie yelled.

Shawn and Natalie rejoined the group and looked at a blinking dot on KITT’s map.

“Go to real time video.” Kevin said.

The computer rendering of Corvallis, Oregon cleared and was soon replaced with live black and white video.

“That’s Oregon State University.” Natalie said.

“Where is he KITT?” Michael asked. “All I see is a stadium.”

“According to my calculations we’re looking at him.” KITT replied.

“He must be under Reser Stadium.” Maddock said.

“I am scanning an underground space beneath the stadium.” KITT said.

“He’s gunning for us.” Kevin said.

Michael nodded. “Yeah, but we have an advantage… we didn’t fall for his diversion, and we’re already here.”

“Frequency shut down.” KARR said as X made the last keystroke.

“Good,” X said, smiling, “I think it’s time to pay a visit to the Emerald City.”

“What is our first target? The Knight Foundation?”

“Nope,” X said, “our first target is someplace very public with plenty of people.”

“How many casualties are estimated?”

“I don’t know until I see how many people are there.” X stated.

“Where do you plan to attack?” KARR asked.

“Run a search of Seattle and find the most popular tourist attraction.” X said.

An image popped up on KARR’s screen in no time. “I estimate this to be the best public place to attack.”

X stared at the image and grinned. “Perfect.”

“What the hell?” Bonnie said when the image disappeared.

“The frequency has terminated at the source.” KITT reported.

“They know.” Natalie said.

“We got four hours to prepare this city.” Maddock said.

“Are you out of your mind?!”

Maddock winced at the loud bitch of Ruth Daniels, Seattle police commissioner.

Her silent errand boy, Andrew, stood behind her, staring at Maddock with an expression on his face that made him look constipated.

“You have a lot of convincing to do to get me to put this city on alert, just on a hunch that your supercar’s twin is coming with a stick up his ass.”

“I shouldn’t have to convince you of anything, Commissioner!” Maddock yelled back. “Our history together does not make the best bedtime story for children, but you should know enough that we don’t dick around at FLAG!”

“We don’t dick around in the police department either, Mr. Maddock, and I resent your tone saying that we do.”

“And I resent you never giving the Knight Foundation a chance in the city. The mayors were cowards for putting you in control.”

That was the breaking point for Daniels. She started to get up and leave the room. “I’ve had enough of your impudence, Mr. Maddock. Remind yourself to take lessons on negotiating.”

Andrew opened the door to face Michael and Natalie standing in the way.

“Sit down commissioner.” Natalie ordered.

Andrew returned to his standing place as Daniels sat down.

“He goes.” Michael said, nodding towards Andrew.

Natalie walked over and escorted Andrew out of the room.

“Doesn’t that guy ever talk?” Michael asked, sitting across from Daniels.

“Not very much,” Daniels replied, “but it wasn’t necessary to ban him from this conversation.”

“I think it was necessary.” Natalie said, returning to the room and sitting down.

“You don’t need your magic little helper telling you what kind of stats to shoot out at us this time.” Maddock said.

“Now listen carefully, commissioner. The city is in danger. You have no idea the forces you are dealing with.” Natalie warned.

“Commissioner, aside from a twin of the Knight 2000, behind the wheel is a fanatical explosives expert. If they get here and we aren’t ready… I’d have someone starting your cars and opening doors if I were you.” Michael said.

“Think about this,” Maddock said, “there is a federal agent in the room who is warning you of a potential terrorist attack on the city.”

“And you don’t want to be held on federal charges for ignoring the warning, do you, Commissioner?” Natalie asked.

Michael leaned over the table and stared into Daniels’ eyes. She shuttered. She felt like she was looking into an abyss and it was staring back into her. There was something mysterious and disturbing about Michael Knight that startled her. Not too long after, his voice pierced the silence.

“Think about the lives that will lie in your hands if you walk out of here.” Michael warned.

Daniels sat in silence. She wished Andrew was there; he probably would have been able to offer some sound advice. But did he have to? The Foundation was right. Their point was made clear. It would be her fault if the city were hurt. “All right, what do you need me to do?”

“We need policemen stationed at high profile places in the city and its suburbs: the Space Needle, Microsoft, all monorail entrances and stops and especially underground.” Maddock started.

“National Guard and the FBI are being brought in to guard SeaTac and Boeing Field, along with all city seaports. They will also take command over city enforcement and I will be acting as the SAIC.”

“This is a lot of high profile activity that needs municipal and governing approval. How long do we have?” Daniels asked.

“About four or five hours.”

Daniels’ eyes nearly fell out of her head.

“We can’t waste any time and we need to call an emergency meeting with the mayor and governor.” Maddock said.

“I agree.” Daniels said.

“Good,” Maddock said, “because we already called it. They will be arriving in 15 minutes.”

1858 Hrs

Suggested Listening Track: Right Here, Right Now – Fat Boy Slim

“Okay KITT, give us a weapons systems check.” Bonnie said.

“.44 caliber machine guns fully loaded and at 110 percent efficiency.” KITT reported.

“How many rounds?” Kevin asked.

“2400 MBS calibrated rounds interchangeable with 2400 normal rounds.” KITT replied.

“Give me laser power pack status.” Bonnie requested.

“Only at 47 percent.” KITT said.

“What? Why?” Shawn asked.

“Dammit.” Kevin said. “The lasers aren’t calibrating to penetrate the MBS.”

“How come?”

“"Lasers have never been my strong suit, I can never get them calibrated just right,” Bonnie said, “and I can't fine-tune the lasers enough to penetrate the MBS”

“There is one option that has been seemingly forgotten.” KITT said.

“What’s that KITT?”

“The Static Pulse Cannon.”

“We have one?” Shawn asked.

“Of course!” Kevin said, punching the air. “KI started building one shortly after you left. We had a prototype that was able to penetrate the MBS, but it was stolen. We recovered it, but put the project on hold.”

“Can we still use it?” Shawn asked.

Bonnie pried open the crate in the storage room. She sneezed from the dust and peeled off the plastic wrapping.

“Beautiful!” Kevin said.

Shawn looked at the device and looked at the two technicians. “So what are we waiting for?”

2042 Hrs

Suggested Listening Track: Right Here, Right Now – Fat Boy Slim

It was a mass of confusion outside the Space Needle and surrounding businesses as people quickly evacuated the area. Police cars had streets blocked off for four blocks around the plaza.

A grey Chevy Impala with flashing red and blue lights in the grill stopped in front of the Space Needle along Broad Street. Natalie and Maddock got out and looked around at the evacuation process. The Space Needle was their last stop after overseeing evacuations at Boeing Field and SeaTac.

A police lieutenant approached Natalie. “Lieutenant Blakely ma’am.”

“Special Agent Markins. How much longer do we have to go?”

“About 45 minutes before the Needle is clear. Picked a hell of a day to evacuate, there is a huge Japanese investment conference. We got about 300 people left up there. Three elevators, can hold 35 each, we’re moving as quick as we can.” Blakely reported.

Natalie nodded. “Keep up the work and contact me every 15 minutes.”

“Yes ma’am.” Blakely said, returning to his work.

“Oh shit, I just realized something!” Maddock said, grabbing his head.

“What, what?” Natalie asked.

“If Lex rebuilt KARR, he must have got his hands on KARR’s specs, right?”

“Yeah, and?”

“That means he knew KARR’s top speed!” Maddock yelled.

It soon clicked for Natalie. “Oh my God.”

Maddock whipped out his cell-phone and called the Foundation. “Yeah… get me Michael Knight… Michael? Yeah get KITT out to the Needle ASAP! Just get out here now!”

X stopped KARR a few yards from the police barricade. “Looks like they are evacuating.”

“Yes, but I scan 304 people still in the Space Needle.” KARR reported.

“They’re probably going to be taking another load down, KARR. Darken the windows and get me a cop.”

KARR’s windows tinted black on the outside. He began to honk his horn and flash his lights.

The cop manning the barricade walked over to KARR and examined it carefully. He jumped back when the door opened.

“Get in.” KARR ordered.

The young cop’s curiosity got the better of him and he got inside the flashy car. The door slammed shut and locked. “What the hell is this?”

X appeared from behind the backseat and snapped the cop’s neck. “It’s your worst nightmare.” He said, answering the dead cop.

He exited KARR a few minutes later wearing the cop’s uniform and carrying a duffel bag. He walked past the barricade and towards the Space Needle.

Upon reaching the elevators, they were just emptying with a load of people. X noticed that police officers were assigned to each elevator.

He walked over to a cop and addressed him. “They need you at the south barricade.”

The cop looked at the name badge on X’s uniform. It read N. WARRINER. “You aren’t Nate Warriner, what the fuck are you trying to pull?”

X quickly pushed the cop into the elevator and closed the doors. “You’ll wished you never asked that.” X said, producing a knife and stabbing the cop in the back. He held the cop up in a standing position and leaned him in the corner, jamming the end of the thin knife into a crack in the elevator wall. He pressed the button for the top level and grabbed the duffel bag.

“The second to last lift is going up now.” Blakely reported over the walkie.

“Copy that.” Natalie replied. She turned to Maddock. “How long?”

“They should be getting here within a minute or so.” Maddock replied when he checked his watch.

“Good. Hopefully they can beat Lex here.”

The elevator doors opened and X stepped out. “Next 35 please.”

35 businessmen and women walked into the elevator, not noticing that the quiet cop in the corner was dead.

X set the duffel bag in the middle of the floor and returned to the elevator. The doors shut when he pressed the button for the bottom floor. “Just relax folks, we’ll have you to safety soon.”

KITT screeched to a halt next to Natalie’s Impala. Michael and Shawn got out and walked up to her.

“Is he here?” Shawn asked.

“We don’t know,” Natalie replied, “can you tell?”

“Negative,” KITT said, “not without the frequency.”

Suggested Listening Track: Chop Suey! – System of a Down

As soon as the elevator doors opened, the evacuees began to run. X peeled the dead cop off the wall and pulled the knife out of his back. He cleaned the blood off using the cop’s hair, and left the elevator.

He stood a few hundred feet away and looked up. He took out a cell-phone and dialed KARR. “Detonate.” He ordered.

Inside the observation deck, high above the ground, the duffel bag exploded. Anyone standing near the bag were instantly blown to bits or violently shot across the room, consumed in flame.

Outside, the windows of the Needle exploded. Flames violently shot out and upwards as bodies were launched out of the ruptured windows, and plummeted to the earth. People standing in the plaza ducked from the showers of debris and ran for their lives.

Cops and federal agents quickly drew their weapons and hit the ground.

It took mere seconds for the endless chaos to cease. When it finally did, the ground was covered in glass and metal.

Natalie was the first to stand with her weapon drawn. Shawn followed suit with her ultrasound handgun.

Michael and Maddock stood up next. Michael noticed a cut above his eye and sat down on KITT’s hood.

Pandemonium and confusing soon swept the plaza. Maddock slammed his hand on the hood of Natalie’s car. “Shit!”

The silver Porsche Carrera pulled up in front of the gates to the well-lit mansion sitting close to the Oregon coast.

“Are we really going through with this?” Larson asked.

“Shit man, I don’t know.” Johnson replied. “I think this is fucked up.”

“So do I. But X wants her.”

“Dude, fuck X. He’s going overboard now.”

“More like off the wall.” Larson said.

“The hell with it,” Johnson said, pulling his black mask over his face “let’s just go.”

Larson put his ski mask on and opened the car door, but Johnson grabbed his arm. “We make a pact right here to treat this girl humanely.”

“You got it.” Larson said.

The two men got out of the car and Johnson armed his handgun. “Let’s go.”

2227 Hrs

Natalie and Shawn carefully stepped over the burnt and charred remains of the Space Needle’s observation deck.

“This was the point of detonation.” Natalie said, bending over a small blast crater.

“We’re damn lucky he didn’t bring the whole Needle down.” Shawn said.

“I’m afraid luck had nothing to do with it, Shawn,” KITT said, “the blast appears to be a controlled blast, intent with destruction of the observation deck, but no intentions of taking down the tower.”

“Why wouldn’t he want to take down the entire tower? There’s more destruction that way, and chances for wiping out double on the ground.” Shawn said.

Natalie shook her head. “He’s toying with us now, changing his MO and mindset. He knows that I know him inside and out and he’s trying to shift the blame to anyone but him.”

“Like what we discussed in the garage. He’ll destroy more if we aren’t on his tail.”

Natalie nodded. “That’s right. The good thing is, we aren’t as dumb as he thinks.”

Shawn and Natalie walked out of emergency stairwell and around the mobile morgue that was set up.

“Agent Markins! Agent Markins!” yelled a brand new field-agent from the Seattle Office. “Teams have recovered two dead policemen. One was in Elevator 3 and the other was found six blocks away in the street. He was in his underwear with his uniform lying next to him.”

“Get me Lieutenant Blakely and the commissioner! Now! Go!” Natalie barked.

“I bet this bastard walked right by us and we didn’t even notice.” Maddock said.

“Did KITT pick up anything else?” Natalie asked Michael as she walked up to him.

Michael shook his head. “Traces of potassium compound and aluminum.”

“That explains the controlled explosion,” Shawn said, “What about biochemical agents?”

“No traces of any biochemicals.” KITT reported.

“Agent Markins!” Blakely yelled, “You better come take a look at this.”

Natalie walked over to Blakely who was standing at a KIRO-7 TV news van. The rest of the team soon followed.

“Their chopper captured this video.” Blakely explained.

Everyone huddled over a monitor that was showing the top floors of the Space Needle exploding.

“What are we looking at, Lieutenant?” Shawn asked.

“Show them.” Blakely said.

The image zoomed out and showed a vast area of the Seattle Center.

“Watch this guy.” Blakely said, pointing to a figure in a police uniform.

The footage replayed and everyone watched the figure run away from the Space Needle, hop into a black sports car and speed away.

“Oh my God.” Maddock said.

“That’s him.” Michael added.

“Yeah…” Shawn said, “and his new death machine on wheels.”

March 26, 2002

0755 Hrs

After only getting 90 minutes of sleep, an exhausted Russell Maddock walked into the main lobby of the Knight Foundation.

He passed the receptionist on duty, not noting the confusion in her voice as she spoke into the telephone. Upon her noticing him, she called his name.

“Yes?”

“You better take this call, sir.”

Maddock walked up to the desk and took the phone from the receptionist. “This is Russell Maddock, how may I help you?”

The words that came out of the receiver immediately told Maddock this would be a long week.

“Kidnapped?” Natalie asked.

Maddock nodded. “Yeah. Their orders are for us to specifically handle this case.”

“He couldn’t have kidnapped a higher profile kid.” Michael said. “KITT, what do we have on Alexander Alistair Kaase?”

“Alexander Alistair Kaase was made rich and famous for being one of the top members of a team that discovered algae producing hydrogen fuels. He was soon at the center of controversy after he broke away from the team and founded Kaase Fueling Systems, a corporation based upon the revolutionary find. His net-worth is close to 27 point five billion dollars.” KITT informed.

“Good lord.” Shawn said.

“This has to be Lex,” Natalie said, “what better way is there to split us up?”

“What do you mean?” Kevin asked.

“Why would he want to split us apart?” Shawn asked.

“Because he has KARR armed and ready to attack. If we all go to dick with the kidnappers, he will attack here. If we split, he will attack us wherever KITT isn’t.” Michael explained.

Shawn sighed. “So what do we do?”

“I don’t know.” Michael said.

“Excellent job, KARR.” X said.

“I thought so,” KARR said, with a slight tone of pride in his voice. “What is next?”

“Our next move depends on FLAG.”

“Why not just attack them at their headquarters?”

“They will be expecting that,” X explained, “we need to hit them where and when they wont be.”

“Wasn’t the original intention to split the team?”

“Of course, that’s always been the plan. We find the team without KITT and strike.”

“I calculate the odds to be more than likely that FLAG will leave KITT and an operative in Seattle to protect their headquarters.” KARR said.

“How sure of yourself are you, KARR?”

“Completely.”

“All right,” X nodded, “It’s back to Oregon.”

1002 Hrs

Natalie took the mug of coffee from the well-dressed butler and took a sip from it. She looked across the table at the distressed father and businessman. Bonnie and Maddock sat on either side of her.

“Describe to us, in detail, what happened Mr. Kaase.” Maddock said.

“Last night around 9:30, two mean wearing ski masks burst through the front doors. They were both holding handguns, aiming them at the staff and myself…”

***

“Nobody move!” yelled the taller man.

They ordered us to hit the deck- those were the taller man’s exact words- and not to move. I don’t know how, but these two men must have known exactly what they were looking for and where they were going because the shorter man ran and disabled the power for the mansion.

The taller man approached me and ordered me to stand up. “Take me to your daughter.” He demanded.

“Why?” I asked.

The man’s reply was a back-handed punch to my face. “Let’s go.” He ordered again.

I pleaded with the man not to do anything with my daughter and take me instead. He said that I wasn’t a part of the plan.

I had no choice but to wake my daughter up with a gun aimed at my head. It’s not every day you have to prep your child to be taken away from you.

Upon reaching the front door, we made a trade off. The shorter man demanded that he take my girl.

“Let’s go!” he screamed to the taller man. It was weird, the taller man kept looking at me for a while for some reason. “Johnson, come on!” the shorter man yelled again.

The taller man, Johnson, held my gaze for a second longer before he spoke. He said something that I sure as hell didn’t expect. “Your daughter will be just fine. She won’t be hurt, no matter what anyone says.”

I was taken aback. Who the hell has heard of a compassionate kidnapper? He handed me an envelope and before I knew it, they were gone.

***

A few minutes later the lights came back on.” Kaase finished.

“Did any exterior cameras capture images of the kidnappers or their car?” Maddock asked.

“No. When we checked, we discovered they disabled all power to the mansion. Even backup power. I don’t know how, but they knew what they were looking for and where they were going.” Kaase said.

“You said the taller one was called Johnson?” Bonnie asked.

Kaase nodded. “That’s what the shorter guy said.”

“What was your daughter wearing?” Natalie asked. “And her name would help too.”

“Katherine Marie,” Kaase said, “and she was wearing… Christ, I can’t remember.”

“Mr. Kaase, we believe your daughter was kidnapped as part of an elaborate scheme against the Foundation for Law and Government.” Natalie said, spilling the theory.

“What do you mean?”

“What did the envelope say?” Natalie asked.

Kaase took the paper out of his pocket and read from it. “‘They say everything happens for a reason, Mr. Kaase. You got rich for a reason, and had a daughter left to you for a reason-’”

Maddock cut him off and started reading from a paper he was holding. “‘-and there is a reason that we have taken your daughter. She is an essential part of a plan. If you want to see her again, unharmed, you will call only the Foundation for Law and Government and prepare 50 million dollars. Those are the demands. We will be in touch.” He finished and slammed the paper down on the desk.

“What the hell is going on?” Kaase asked, appalled that Maddock had a copy.

“Did you question yourself why one of their demands was to just call us?” Natalie asked.

“I can’t believe this shit.” Kaase said, cradling his head. “Why my child and why your agency?”

“We’re playing a game with some asshole,” Natalie said, “and he chose you and your daughter because of how high profile you are.”

Suggested Listening Track: Dancing In The Remaining Light – Kazu Matsui

The room was dark, but at least it was warm. Katherine Marie Kaase couldn’t see anything except for a small crack of light at the bottom of the door of the room she was in. She was afraid; even though the two men told her she would be OK.

A knock on the door sent a chill up her spine. It opened up and she squinted as a hand turned on the light. It was the Tall One. He wore a mask so she couldn’t see his real face. The Tall One and the Short One were nicer than the third man. She called him the Mad One.

The Mad One would always yell at them in front of her and always wore a blue puffy vest. He was mad at them because of the way they treated her. She was glad she was being treated nicely, instead of getting hurt. But, she still wanted to be back with her daddy.

The Tall One put a tray of food down at the end of the bed they set her in. “You feeling all right?”

Katherine nodded, not wanting to speak.

“Good,” the Tall One said, “guess what? You will get to go back to your daddy really soon.”

“Really?” she managed to mutter.

“That’s right. So be patient, and be good, we’ll get you back soon.” He said, standing up and walking out the door.

Johnson took his mask off and threw it down. X walked up to him.

“Why don’t you sing her the hell to sleep while you are at it?”

“What?”

X scoffed. “What the hell is your God damn problem man? You trying to make this kid like you so much that when it comes down to the switch off she will want to go with you?”

“Of course not!” Johnson yelled back.

“Then why the fuck are you trying to make her feel like she’s at a God damn circus!?”

“Back off, Lex.” Larson said, putting his book down. “She’s scared beyond belief for Christ’s sake and you think it’s all a game!”

X punched Larson in the face. “This is not a fucking game! But if you walk on this, I’ll make sure you’re the God damn loser!”

“You’re crossing the line, X!” Johnson said.

X spun around on his heels and faced Johnson. “I didn’t expect to hear those words come out of your mouth. You two will cooperate, or I will cut you off, and then see to it that they find pieces of your God damn heads over the next 40 years!”

Suggested Listening Track: Superman (It’s Not Easy) – Five For Fighting

The sky was full of gray clouds and a light drizzle began to fall. Kaase and Bonnie walked next to each other while Maddock and Natalie stayed behind to investigate the mansion.

“I’ve been coming out here a lot lately. While Katherine’s at school, or out with friends. Things haven’t been so easy recently. She’s just turned ten and is in the parent’s-aren’t-cool-stage. Thank God it’s happening now that the media is off my ass.”

“I know how bad the press can be sometimes.” Bonnie said.

“They’re terrible for high profile people like me,” Kaase said, “When Katherine was an infant, the whole country was believing she was a love child left on my doorstep by a disgruntled woman. Not true. Katherine’s mother was Carrie Bennett. She was a partner in a small law firm that was just starting up. We fell in love and the rest was history. Nobody in the general public knew about our relationship, and it stayed that way for a good while. Not too long later, Katherine was due- but Carrie died giving birth. I was made into a single father overnight. Rumors quickly started flying around about an infant left on my doorstep thanks to the media. It took a lot to get those rumors to die down.”

“I never even heard they did die down.” Bonnie said.

“I am sure you didn’t. Not many people did. The public’s fickle, Miss Barstow. They want to hear controversies, not the truth. The bastards.”

Bonnie’s comm-link started beeping. She didn’t notice as she was still wrapped up in Kaase’s story.

“What’s that?” Kaase asked.

“What?”

“You’re watch is beeping.” He said, gesturing to Bonnie’s watch.

“Oh,” Bonnie said, raising the watch to her mouth, “yeah?”

“We got him on the phone.” Maddock’s voice said.

“Here.” Johnson said, handing the phone to X.

X grabbed the telephone from Johnson. “Good morning, Mr. Kaase. I am sure by now the wonderful agents from FLAG told you about me.”

“They have.” Kaase coolly replied.

“Good. This is how it’s going to go down. We’re going to meet in the Japanese Gardens in Portland in four hours. I will have your daughter, so you better have my money.” X said, hanging up the telephone. He turned to the two men. “We move out in two point five hours, don’t fuck anything up.”

1445 Hrs

Suggested Listening Track: Talking With Rice Spirit – Kazu Matsui

Two black Chevy Impala’s pulled up to the main entrance of the Japanese Gardens. Maddock and Kaase got out of the first car and walked over to Natalie and Bonnie in the second.

Natalie got out of the car and retrieved a suitcase from the trunk. “You ready?” she asked Kaase, handing him the suitcase.

“Yeah, let’s go.” He said.

“Keep in touch.” Bonnie said to the group as she stayed in the car.

Natalie scanned the area with her eyes. The gardens were peaceful and quiet, but also empty, which made for a deadly situation.

“Where the hell is this guy?” Maddock asked.

“Right here.” A voice said to his left. X emerged from behind a bush. He was holding a gun under his coat and briefly flashed it.

“Where’s my daughter?” Kaase asked.

“Where’s my money?”

“You’ll get it when I see my daughter.”

X lunged at Kaase and buried the gun in Kaase’s stomach. Natalie immediately reached for her weapon and drew it. “I make the demands here!” X yelled.

“Put the gun away, Lex.” Natalie said, aiming the gun.

“I don’t think a stand off in the Chink Gardens will do us any good. And I don’t think that little Kathleen wants to be an orphan. Besides, why direct attention?” X said, withdrawing his gun.

Natalie followed suit and nodded to Kaase.

Kaase set the suitcase down on a bench and opened it. “It’s all there.”

“I’m sure it is.” X said, pushing past Kaase and slamming the suitcase shut. He gestured with his gun towards the parking lot. “Let’s go.”

Suggested Listening Track: The Desert – Kazu Matsui

Katherine was wondering where the Nice Men were. The Mad One had driven her to the parking lot of the Japanese Gardens, a place she thought to be boring when her daddy took her to a few months ago.

The Mad One drove a nice car, well, she thought it was nice until it told her to shut up and stop crying before it hurt her. She didn’t know a car could talk like that.

The Mad One told her not to speak anymore or he would let the Talking Car really hurt her. It was enough incentive for her to shut up the rest of the way.

Upon reaching the gardens, the Mad One took her to a light pole and told her to stand there. The Talking Car drove itself, pulled up in front of her and warned her not to move or say anything.

She had to stand there for what seemed to be such a long time, but it was really just 10 minutes or so. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her daddy coming. The Mad One was walking beside him along with another man and a woman she didn’t know. She got excited and ignored the Talking Car’s warnings. “Daddy!” she called out.

Kaase began running for his daughter, but X grabbed his arm and stopped him. “Let me go, dammit! You got your money!”

“I might have my money,” X corrected, “while I am sure the money is all there, but in case our esteemed Agent Markins here got any bright ideas to slip something inside, your daughter isn’t moving anywhere and neither are you.”

“Lex, give it up! Give us the girl and let’s go!”

“Lock lasers on the girl, KARR.” X ordered. “If KARR finds anything inside here, Mr. Kaase will be able to enjoy pieces of his daughter via KARR’s lasers.”

“No, dammit!” Kaase yelled, struggling against X’s grasp.

“Scan the briefcase, KARR.” X commanded.

“He’s going have her killed her anyway.” Natalie whispered to Maddock.

“What? Are you sure?” Maddock asked.

“Yeah. His mind works in mysterious ways, but giving the order to slice the girl up is going to be enough to get him off. For now.”

“Can you take him out from here?” he asked.

Natalie shook her head. “I can, but that doesn’t matter. If we take out X, KARR will most likely finish the job.”

“Shit.” Maddock said, exasperated. He brought his wrist up to his mouth and spoke into his comm-link. “Get ready, Bonnie.”

“So soon?” Bonnie asked.

“We don’t have a choice.” Natalie said.

“Scans show no foreign objects located within the briefcase.” KARR reported.

“You’re a smart group.” X said, letting go of Kaase who immediately bolted for his daughter. “But, you aren’t bulletproof.” X said, taking out his handgun and aiming it for Kaase.

Natalie didn’t have time to draw her weapon as a gunshot pierced the silence of the parking lot. She looked over at Kaase, who was on the ground with his daughter.

She saw X, cradling his hand with his handgun split in half and laying on the asphalt. Someone had shot it out of his hands.

Looking up, she was shocked to see Johnson and Larson walking towards them with two high-power rifles aimed at X.

“What the hell is this?” X asked, as the two armed men walked towards him.

“You should know what this is.” Larson said.

“Looks like a mutiny.” X replied with a smug grin.

Johnson shook his head and stood fast with his weapon trained at X’s chest. “I tried to tell you. I tried, but you wouldn’t listen.”

X got in Johnson’s face. “Bullshit!” he barked. “You were the one who failed to listen!”

“Give it up, Baxter. You’ve crossed the line.” Larson said, inching closer.

“Don’t give me that shit. You two are the kind of spineless pussies that deserve to be fucking shot on sight! KARR! Lock targets on these assholes. You can’t trust them anymore.”

“Targets are locked,” KARR replied, “awaiting your order to fire.”

“It’s over, Baxter.” Johnson said.

“No, you’re wrong,” X said, reaching behind his back and grabbing his spare handgun, “it’s just beginning.” He said, aiming at the pair.

Natalie quickly drew her gun and aimed it at X. Everything was falling apart.

“Nice stand off we have here,” X said, laughing, “but I’ve had enough of this shit. Fire, KARR!”

The targets were locked and the lasers were fully charged. KARR was ready to eliminate Johnson and Larson. But at the last split second, he read a complete electrical surge. The world around him went completely black.

“What the fuck?” X asked, looking at an Impala with a smoking grill. In rage, he aimed his gun at the driver, Bonnie.

Natalie immediately fired at Lex, who was taken aback by the bullets striking his Kevlar vest.

Johnson struck X in the face with the butt of his rifle and ran towards Kaase and his daughter. “Let’s go!” he screamed to them.

Larson lunged at X and brought him to the ground. The two men were locked in a struggle as Natalie grabbed Kaase and Katherine from Johnson and ran them over to the second Impala with Maddock.

“Go with Bonnie and meet us back in Seattle!” Maddock ordered, putting Kaase and Katherine in the car.

“You better skip out fast,” Natalie said, “the static-pulse is going to wear off any minute.” She warned. Maddock nodded and peeled out of the parking lot as she ran over to Bonnie’s Impala.

Her head snapped up as she heard a gunshot. She looked up at X and saw him pushing Larson’s body off of his.

“Natalie, let’s go!” Bonnie yelled. “We have a minute, come on!”

Natalie hopped into the Impala as Bonnie floored it out of the parking lot.

X kicked Larson’s body to the side and wiped the blood off of his hands. He ran over and got inside the dormant KARR. He searched the extensive consoles and pressed the POWER button.

SYSTEM RESTART appeared on KARR’s plasma-screen monitor. X watched the buttons and other monitors illuminate.

“KARR?” X asked.

There was a moment of silence before KARR spoke. “Get the bastards.” He said, assuming control and speeding off after Bonnie and Natalie.

Suggested Listening Track: Enervate – Transa

“What the hell was all that about?” Bonnie asked. “It’s all falling to pieces.”

“I know,” Natalie said, “but we need to get Johnson over to us. Lex is going to be after him.”

“Actually, he’s after us.” Bonnie said, looking into the rear-view mirror.

Natalie looked at the Trans Am behind them. “He’s activating weapons. Should we show off?”

“Not yet,” Bonnie said, “but you better hang on to something.” She slammed her foot on the emergency brake, forcing KARR to turbo boost over them.

“Shit!” X said, taking control once they landed. He turned around to face them. “Open fire, dammit!”

KARR’s twin .44 caliber blasted upon the Impala. The bullets ricocheted off the car to their surprise. “What in the hell?” KARR asked.

X’s eyes grew wide as he watched the Impala flicker and ultimately disintegrate. In its place sat the Knight 4000! “Jesus Christ!” X exclaimed.

“A holographic system was obviously in place disguising KITT. Damn.” KARR said.

“No shit!” X said, shifting into reverse and flooring the accelerator.

“We still have a chance to do damage.” KARR said, assuming control.

“Bullshit!” X said, slamming down the NORMAL cruise button and fishtailing around on the road. “We’re going back to Corvallis.” He was pissed that FLAG was able to pull such a scheme on him and that his own men screwed him over. A sad waste of money and effort, he thought as he looked at the road in front of him.

“Should we follow?” Bonnie asked.

“No,” Natalie said, “let him run. We have an upper advantage, now. Oh yeah, great job, KITT. You keep a hell of a disguise.”

“Thank you, Natalie. You’ll have to tell me what happened, since most of my main systems were shut down.” KITT said.

“KARR might have picked up your signal if we had everything online.” Bonnie explained.

“Take us home, KITT. We got work to do.” Natalie said, smiling.

Suggested Listening Track: In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins

Johnson ran over to Larson who was laying on the wet parking lot. The blood from his chest wound mixed with the water on the asphalt.

“Roddy?” Johnson asked.

Larson coughed up blood and it ran down his chin and neck as he struggled to talk. “Shit.” Was all he could manage to muster.

Johnson looked at Larson’s wound. His field experience immediately told him it was fatal. The wound was in the dead center of Larson’s chest. The handgun blast at close range completely shattered the sternum, sending shards of bone shredding into Larson’s heart and lungs.

“The girl’s safe, Larson.” Johnson said.

Larson nodded and coughed again. More blood, darker than before, ran out of his mouth. “It’s bad, isn’t it?” he nodded toward his chest.

“Yeah. Fatal.” Johnson replied.

“Oh well… we… we completed the mission.”

Johnson looked up as he heard sirens in the distance. “That’s my exit cue.”

Larson nodded in understanding. He managed the strength to lift his arm. Johnson grabbed Larson’s hand and firmly shook it. He nodded at his dying comrade and quickly disappeared within the Gardens as police cars sped up to the scene.

1819 Hrs

Shawn, Michael, and Kevin looked up as the garage door opened. KITT pulled in and parked in front of them.

“How did it go?” Michael asked the two women as they got out.

“Damn near crazy.” Bonnie replied.

Natalie stretched and sat down in a chair. “You’ll never believe what happened.”

KARR watched X throw a fit in their warehouse. He had been going at it for 14.23 minutes, and wrecking everything he could in the process. He kept kicking things over and yelling expletives. It didn’t take an advanced computer like him to tell that X was pissed.

“I can’t believe those two!” X yelled for the fifth time. “I trusted Johnson for over two decades and he goes to stab me in the back like this!”

“Larson was pronounced dead at the scene.” KARR reported. “I checked Portland paramedic logs.”

“Good.” X said with disdain.

“Is the SeaTac rigging still a plan?” KARR asked.

X was about to answer when something sparked under KARR. “What the hell was that?”

“Damn,” KARR said, in a slightly slurred voice, “that electro-magnetic-pulse caused more damage than I thought.”

“Great,” X said, slamming a table, “just fucking great!”

Shawn looked down at her cell-phone as it started ringing. She looked at the display and saw the caller ID was blocked. “Hello?”

The voice on the other end was computerized.

“When dark falls on the city, you will meet me in the alley behind Northwest Hospital. Come alone.” There was a click and silence when the voice finished.

“What was that about?” Kevin asked.

“Someone wants to meet me.” Shawn said.

“What about?” Michael asked.

“They didn’t say. The voice was computerized.”

“KITT, can you run a trace?” Bonnie asked.

“Sorry Bonnie, but the caller had a trace scrambler activated.” KITT replied.

“KITT, you have a program that overrides those.” Maddock said.

“Dude, Russ, don’t insult his intelligence.” Kevin said.

“Thank you Kevin.” KITT sharply said.

“All right,” Shawn interjected, hoping to avoid a fight, “what is the plan?”

“What do you mean?” Maddock asked.

“Just what I said. Are we going to take KITT for surveillance?”

“You don’t even know who called you.” Maddock stated. “It could be Lex and a trap.”

“Or it could be Johnson with helpful information.” Natalie defended. “I know this guy, Russell, Lex would never do something so mediocre.”

“I don’t like it anymore than you do, but we don’t have much of a choice.” Shawn said.

“She’s right,” Michael said, “we have to take a risk. It could be our only chance to stop Lex. I will take KITT along and we’ll do surveillance just in case.”

“Anymore debate?” Natalie asked. Before anyone had a chance to answer, she answered for them. “Good, let’s go.”

“What do you mean you can’t get out here?” X yelled at the man on KARR’s monitor.

“Sorry Mr. X, but we can’t get anyone out to you until later this week.”

“Kiss my ass.” X said, hanging up.

“I took the liberty of searching for the smartest computer sciences student on this campus. Here is the result.” KARR reported.

X looked at the picture that showed up on KARR’s monitor. “Hmm… Stewart Nebel. Impressive intelligence.”

“He lives on campus in Wilson Hall.” KARR informed.

X nodded. “I believe we should pay him a visit.”

“He will want money, they always do.”

Suggested Listening Track: In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins

Shawn walked down the dark alley with the ultrasound in her right hand.

She flinched as headlights flashed on and blinded her.

“That’s far enough.” A voice commanded over some kind of speaker from the car.

“Who’s there?” Shawn asked.

“I ask the questions. Identify yourself.”

“Agent Shawn McCormick, Foundation for Law and Government. I am not in the mood to play games, God dammit. Show yourself, or I walk.”

She gasped when the same voice appeared by her left ear. “I don’t think you are going anywhere.” Johnson said.

Shawn elbowed Johnson in the stomach and spun around on her heels to aim her ultrasound at Johnson, who aimed a handgun at her.

“Put your weapon down.” Johnson ordered.

“You put yours down first.” Shawn said.

Johnson nodded. “Relax, Agent McCormick. I’m not here on Lex business.” He said, setting the handgun on the wet asphalt.

Shawn holstered her weapon. “Why did you contact me?”

“Because Lex is out of his God damn mind. He’s hell-bent on destroying FLAG and will kill anyone who gets in his way. He’s already killed Roddy Larson, a man who was working with us.”

“I’ve noticed Lex is notorious for killing his own men.” Shawn said.

“You don’t fuck with him, ever. And right now my life is in danger just because by talking to you, I’m fucking with him.” Johnson stated.

“So why are you?” Shawn asked.

“Because he has gone too far. You, or KITT saw the look in his eyes when he almost had KARR kill that little girl. If Larson hadn’t attacked him and freed her, you would have been picking up bits of her for a year.”

“Are you offering us insider information?”

“Yes I am. Lex is planning a takeover of SeaTac within the next two days. He and KARR are placing bombs there as we speak. KARR sits in the parking lot and overrides security screens so X can smuggle explosives further into the airport. He is going to make demands and blow the bombs regardless.”

“Why should I trust you?” Shawn asked.

“Think of the ramifications if you don’t.”

“I need more reasons.”

“Don’t you God damn get it?!” Johnson barked.

“You can choose to walk away and let about a quarter of a million people die, or you can believe me and make a God damn difference!”

“All right, he’s getting agitated, pal, let’s get ready to move in.” Michael said.

“Sure thing, Michael.” KITT said, as he started his systems.

“I understand, Eric. Why are you telling me this?” Shawn asked.

“Because it’s too late for me to go back. I don’t want in on this shit anymore. Agent McCormick, I am responsible for many deaths, and that’s something I don’t want anymore. The last 20 years of my life I have been pulling contracts and hits, blowing people up and destroying lives. I can’t do that anymore.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“Come with me. FLAG can offer you protection.” Shawn urged.

“You can send me to the moon, Agent McCormick and that wont be enough protection.”

“What are you doing?” Shawn asked.

“Michael, the man is reaching for a concealed weapon in his back pocket!” KITT said.

Michael wasted no time in hopping out of KITT and running to Shawn’s location.

He was running as fast as he could, but just a split second before reaching the alley, a gunshot stopped him cold in his tracks.

Michael cautiously walked down the alley, trying to shield his eyes from the blinding headlights in front of him. He wasn’t able to see much, but he was able to make out a figure with a weapon drawn with another figure lying on the wet asphalt.

Immediately he drew an ultrasound and aimed it at the armed figure. “Drop the weapon.”

The armed figure dropped the weapon on the ground and put their hands up.

“Keep your hands in the air and walk towards me backwards.” Michael ordered.

The figured walked backwards toward Michael, but when he saw a glimpse of blonde hair, he spun the person around. “Shawn?!”

Shawn turned around to face Michael. She had blood splattered on her shirt and some on her lower face. “He’s dead.” She meekly said.

Michael tried to rub some blood off of Shawn’s face. “Self inflicted?”

“I got the brain matter on me to prove it.” Shawn replied. “Did you get what you needed?”

“It’s all recorded.” Michael replied. “Are you all right?” he asked, noting her lack of humanity.

“I’m fine.” Shawn replied. She bent down and searched Johnson’s body.

“What are you doing?” Michael asked.

“Looking for any kind of ID that could lead us to Lex.” Shawn replied. She frowned when she found nothing. Johnson had taken steps to avoid any kind of identification. “Shit. Let’s go.”

“You going to leave him there in front of his headlights?” Michael asked.

The flash was instant. Michael instantly clutched his face, or what was left of it. His consciousness was slipping from every bit of blood that gushed from the massive open wound that used to be his face. He fell back onto the hood of his Trans-Am and slowly slid down and fell in front of his headlights.

He couldn’t see anything, but he could faintly hear voices. “Let’s go.” Wilson said. “Are your fingerprints on that gun, Tanya?”

“Damn it all.” Tanya said in disgust.

“Take it with you so the police can’t trace it and find us. Lonnie, take your car and follow us back into town. Come on, let’s go! Let’s go!”

“Let’s go!” Shawn said, breaking Michael out of his flash back. “We got what we came for, are we going to go or not?”

“Don’t start pulling a Maddock on me, Shawn. Even KITT has humanity.”

“If you want to call it in, then call it. I’ll meet you back at KITT.” Shawn said, walking down the alley.

Stewart Nebel was asleep at his computer when a loud knock at his door stirred him.

He got up and walked to the door and looked through the peephole. All he saw was black. Whoever it was had their hand over the peephole.

“Dammit, I’m not in the mood for games.” He said as the persistent visitor knocked again. “Get lost, Ryan.” He said, grabbing the phone to call his RA. He pressed the TALK button, but he didn’t hear a dial tone. “What the hell?”

“Open the door.” A voice commanded.

Stewart noticed there was no breath with the voice and immediately assumed it was a computer. He hung up the phone, but decided to satisfy his curiosity. He unlocked his door and opened it.

X was standing on the other side with a silver briefcase in his hand. “Hi.” He said.

“Can I help you?” Stewart asked, annoyed.

X let himself in. “Actually, you can.”

“Dude, what are you selling? I got a damn project to work on.”

“I go by Mr. X. Not for any particular reason except it sounds cool. I have a computer system that might be right up your alley. But I need someone’s help to repair it.”

“And that means what to me? Listen, Hex-”

“X.”

“X. I got enough shit to do on this university anyway.” Stewart protested.

“Maybe I can change your mind.” X said, opening the briefcase.

Stewart looked at the money neatly sitting in the briefcase. “What do you need?”

X grinned. “Your computer expertise, of course. We start now, come on.”

“Wait, wait. Any man willing to shell out this much dough for some tech support has more. And any man with money has power. If I am going to do this for you, then I want you to do something for me.” Stewart said.

X was impressed at the boy’s assertiveness. “Do what? Get you laid? You can do that yourself if you take this money and find yourself a clean whore.”

“No, I don’t need to get laid, thank you very much. But I could use some help in getting back at two neighbors of mine.”

X always had a key for revenge. “Well now. Interested in some old fashioned revenge?”

“Against these losers? Hell yes.” Stewart replied.

“Give me names.” X ordered.

“Ryan Borchert and David Todd.”

X nodded. “You leave your neighbors to me, I’ll handle them. Do we have a deal?”

Stewart nodded and smiled. “We have a deal.”

A few minutes later, Stewart was observing his surroundings as the elevator took him and Mr. X below Reser Stadium. “Wow, I didn’t know all this was down here.” He said.

“No one does,” X said, as the doors opened, “one thing I’ve learned is that every location in America has a few secrets.” He walked over to KARR and opened the door.

Stewart gazed at the black Trans Am with chasing red lights in the front. “That’s a wicked cool car you got there.”

“This car is your project,” X stated, “introduce yourself.”

“To a car?”

“Not just a car,” KARR spoke, “I am the Knight Automated Roving Robot. KARR, if you prefer.”

“Holy shit…” Stewart said in amazement.

X grinned. “KARR will instruct you on what to do. I have my own project to finish.”

“Which is?”

“What we discussed earlier. Your social problems.” X answered.

“What do you plan to do?” Stewart asked.

“Leave that to me, Stew.” X said.

“Well wait. There may be a girl, Valerie, with Ryan and David-”

“Oh, is that your girlfriend? If it is, why is she with them and not giving you a blow job in your dorm room?”

“She isn’t my girlfriend… kinda. She’s just friends with them. She says she likes me and said she wanted to go out, but she stood me up a few times-”

X interrupted him again. “Stood you up? Dear boy, she’s yanking your chain, and not in the literal sense. I can be 100 percent sure that she’s lied to you with every excuse she gave for standing you up. She deserves to be included with Ryan and David.” X said, entering the elevator.

Stewart stood there for a second and walked back over to KARR. “Uhh… Hi KARR, what ails ya?”

“Nothing ails me,” KARR replied, annoyed, “but I am detecting a partial overload in some of my systems.”

Stewart nodded. “I’ll need to take a look. Wanna pop the hood for me?”

KARR complied and the hood opened.

Stewart lifted it up and secured it in place. “Amazing shit you got under here.”

“I prefer the term; systematically advanced computer components as opposed to shit.” KARR shot back.

Stewart chuckled and looked into KARR’s engine. He poked his head lower to inspect a complex of motherboards.

KARR already despised Stewart. He was tempted to bring down the hood, but realized the student was the only person able to repair him.

“Well there’s your problem,” Stewart said, looking at lightly singed boards, “did you get hit by lightning or some shit?”

“‘Some shit’ best describes it.” KARR said.

“Well, seems that whatever electricity blast hit you reacted with your systems. They obviously weren’t calibrated to take an electrical overload. Hell, the grounding work they did on you was shabby at best. But, the good thing is, it shouldn’t take too long to fix… good thing I brought along my tools already. I wouldn’t want to have to go all the way back to my room again…”

This boy talks too much, KARR thought, ready to drop the hood, again.

2010 hrs

X opened the back of his black Jeep Liberty, took out a small box and a small wad of putty.

He walked over to the Camaro identified as Ryan Borchert’s. He reached under the driver’s side door and stuck the wad of putty onto the chassis. He flicked a switch on the box and stuck it to the putty.

“Hey!” a voice yelled, startling X, “What the fuck are you doing to my car?”

X stood up and spun around to face the person. He punched him. “It’s awfully rude to sneak up on someone when they are handling explosives!” he said, kneeing Ryan in the groin. He opened the car door and pushed Ryan inside.

X grabbed a small hammer and shattered the window. He leaned inside to face the whining student. “It’s also rude practice to pick on the quiet students.” He slapped handcuffs on Ryan’s wrists and around the steering wheel.

Ryan’s pain soon subsided when he realized the danger he was in.

X grinned evilly at Ryan’s fear. “By the way… Stewart says ‘hi.’” He said, standing up and walking back to the Jeep. He lit a cigarette and pulled out a remote control, flashing it to Ryan.

Ryan screamed as he watched X handle the remote control. He watched X press a button and it was all over.

The explosion killed Ryan instantly as the C4 blast from under the car obliterated his body. The gas tank ignited seconds later, pulverizing the rest of the Camaro.

X smiled at the burning mass of metal and threw his cigarette on the ground. He closed the back of his Jeep and got inside. “One down, two to go.” He said to himself as he drove toward Wilson Hall.

“Do you always talk this much?” KARR asked, interrupting Stewart in mid sentence.

“Not always… but often.” Stewart said, waiting for a laugh to his impression of a scene from a movie. “Sorry,” he said, when he heard silence, “if I may say, I am almost finished.”

“Good.” KARR quickly replied.

“Hey, what’s this?” Stewart asked.

“What is what?” KARR asked.

“Some weird boxes down here by your right front tire. It’s near an important line to your CPU housing. Can you scan it?”

KARR was about to run a scan when he realized he couldn’t scan down there. What the hell? He asked himself. “It seems I don’t have ability to scan in my engine compartment… damn.”

X was in David Todd’s room in Wilson Hall, lying under his bed. He was affixing a large amount of explosives to the underside of the bed when he heard someone starting to unlock the door. He quickly finished the job and scrambled into the closet.

David and Valerie walked into the room. David closed the door behind him and locked it.

“So when does Ryan get home?” Valerie asked.

“Not until later. Much later.” David replied.

Valerie smiled. “Good.” She said, flushing her body against David and French kissing him.

David had his hand up Valerie’s shirt in no time while she had a hand in his pants. He lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it aside. He returned the favor and undid her bra.

It took no time for the rest of their clothes to be on the floor in a disorganized pile and for them to be on the bed.

David was multi-tasking as he felt Valerie up above and below the waist.

Valerie was stroking him, working on a hand job, but notions in her head had her break their ongoing French kiss and move herself to a lower position on his body.

David smiled and lightly laughed to himself as he knew what was coming to him.

X watched from the closet and rolled his eyes as he saw Valerie start to go down on David.

Unlike other films or sexual fantasies, it didn’t take long for David to tense up and blow his load into her mouth.

X rolled his eyes at the sexual romp and checked his watch. He burst out of the closet with his handgun aimed at the pair. “For a freshman, you suck great cock.” He said, to Valerie.

“Who the fuck are you?!” David demanded, hugging Valerie and covering them with his sheets.

“Oh please, don’t be modest for me. I get off on coed pussy.” X said, keeping the gun trained on the two. “Ryan won’t be joining you tonight, but he sends his regards, along with Stewart Nebel.”

Valerie’s eyes went wide. “Are you here because of what…”

X nodded. “Lying should be a mortal sin,” he said. He looked at a large collection of speakers and electronic equipment in the corner of the room. “Nice sound system you have. I bet you blast is as much as you can.”

The two students remained silent, save for Valerie’s sobs.

“Answer.” X demanded, waving the gun.

“Ye…yeah! Stewart complained all the time, but I did it a lot to piss him off.” David said with a crack in his voice.

“Right, I bet that gives you some satisfaction.” X said.

“Not anymore.” David replied.

“What about you?” X asked, gesturing to Valerie with his gun. “Do you feel good leading people on?”

“N…no.” Valerie said.

“Good.” X said. He took his free hand and produced telephone wire from his pocket. He kept the gun trained on the two and tore their covers off. He tied down David’s ankles and wrists and walked over to Valerie, tying her to the bed and walked over to the door, unlocking it. “Don’t worry, someone will be here for you shortly.” He said, turning out the lights and leaving the room.

Mr. X walked out of Wilson Hall and over to his Jeep waiting for him across the street. He looked up at the window to David’s room and grinned.

He produced yet another remote control and pressed a button. He watched with intent eyes as the corner room exploded sending glass and debris and bits of the two lovers flying down six floors.

“Don’t fuck with the geeks.” X said, smiling at the burning room and driving back towards Reser Stadium.

“You know what it looks like, KARR?” Stewart asked, examining the boxes closer.

“No I do not.” KARR replied.

“It looks like a-”

“Finished?” X said, startling Stewart and interrupting him.

Stewart scrambled out from under the car and faced X. “Yeah, all finished.” He replied, unsure whether or not to tell X about his discovery.

“Good,” X replied, “get some rest, tomorrow we have a big project on our hands.”

March 27, 2002

0819 Hrs

“Eric Johnson?” Natalie asked after KITT stopped the recording.

“The one and the same. He was the one who called here.” Shawn replied.

“Pretty damn rough what he went through.” Maddock said.

“No shit,” Natalie said, “his suspected sheet is about a mile long, for murder at least.”

“Was anything found on the body?” Bonnie asked.

“Nothing,” Shawn replied, “he took great measures to avoid identification.”

“What about his car?” Kevin asked.

“We ran the plates. It’s registered to an old lady who has been deceased for about eight years.” Michael replied.

“How’d they manage to pull that off?” Maddock asked.

“Easy as hell,” Kevin replied, “go to one of those death registry websites find a social security number, easy as pie.”

“Unbelievable.” Michael said.

“Amazing what the Net can do, huh?” Kevin asked.

“So I need to know our options.” Maddock said. “SeaTac is looking at a full-scale attack and we are the only ones who know about it.”

“Let’s look at it this way,” Natalie said, “if we tell SeaTac, they will take measures and Lex will find out. He will pull the bombs or just disarm them and attack somewhere else. He always has a backup plan, and we don’t know what that is.”

“What are you saying? That we don’t alert SeaTac?” Shawn asked.

Natalie nodded.

“Are you kidding? That’s withholding terrorist information, and highly illegal.” Maddock said.

“All right, so give me another option? We play his game and we know where he will be. Or we tip off officials and he blows something somewhere else.” Natalie said, forcefully.

“I don’t like this. Especially coming from you.” Maddock said to Natalie.

“We don’t have much of a choice.” Natalie replied, exiting the room.

1102 Hrs

“All right, here’s the deal,” X said, sitting with Stewart in KARR in the airport parking lot, “I’m going in to the airport and placing bombs within the terminal. You’re going onto the tarmac to place the bombs there.”

X produced an ID card with Stewart’s picture on it. “KARR has hacked the security system and given you runway clearance. Get to the service hangar and you will find a truck waiting for you. The truck is outfitted with a system for deploying the bombs on the taxiways and runways. Just drive the truck and press a button, simple as that.”

“What if I get caught?”

“If someone stops you, show your ID and work orders. If they don’t buy who you are, there is an alternative solution to the problem.”

“A gun?” Stewart nervously asked.

“No shit, Sherlock.” KARR spoke up.

X shot a glare to KARR’s dashboard, but continued speaking. “Yes, a gun. Don’t puss out on me here, man up and grow some balls.”

Stewart nodded and took the ID card from X. “Thanks.” He said, as he got out of KARR.

“Can we really trust him?” KARR asked.

“It’s questionable, KARR. He’s a repressed geek who’s never had the satisfaction of seeing brain matter and blood splattered across white drywall.”

“Or the pleasure of seeing something detonate.” KARR added.

“Nope, but since he’s the only person we have, I don’t think we have a choice.” X said.

“I’ll keep an eye on him- I never liked him.”

“Good,” X said, “I’ll keep in touch.” X said, grabbing a duffel bag from the backseat. He got out of KARR and walked into the airport.

He held a counterfeit ticket in his hand and stood in a small line to go through security screening. He used a facial hair disguise just in case he would be recognized. He took out his cell-phone and dialed KARR. “All right, get ready to override the security systems.”

“I have hacked into the security database.” KARR reported.

“Great. Stand by for security bypass, just like we did before.” X said quietly, and then put the telephone away in his pocket.

On KARR’s monitor screens, a computer rendering of the security machines at SeaTac appeared. He watched X pass the screening without any incidents.

1219 Hrs

Natalie didn’t flinch when she heard the large metal door open.

She was standing near the edge of the roof with her hands thrust in her pockets. It was rather cold outside but the rain had stopped to permit Natalie a few moments of solitude, at least until her guest spoke.

“Not too bad of a view, is it?” Michael asked, standing beside Natalie. When she didn’t reply, he gave himself a cue to continue talking. “So I know this is going to sound ridiculous coming from someone about 20 years your senior, but I can tell what you’re going through.”

“How?” Natalie scornfully asked, annoyed at Michael’s presence.

“It’s obvious,” Michael explained, “at least to me. Obvious how much you are on a personal vendetta.”

“What are you talking about?” Natalie asked, trying not to succumb to Michael being right.

“Three years ago, you lose your partner in a freak accident after the case on Lex is officially closed. Just a few days ago, you find out Lex is alive and is responsible for the death of your partner. You feel you still have something to accomplish, now that you know the truth.”

Natalie sat silent, taking in all that Michael had to say.

“But there is more, isn’t there?” Michael asked.

Natalie nodded. “He wasn’t the first partner I lost. A good friend of mine was killed while we were in the academy when a group of domestic terrorists infiltrated the facility at Quantico. It took a big chunk out of my humanity.”

“I know what you mean,” Michael said, “almost 20 years ago, I was shot in the face and left for dead. My partner was murdered just minutes prior. FLAG gave me a new face, new life, new name and sent me on my way with KITT. I was driven by revenge during our first mission. I wanted nothing more but to get even.”

“Did you?” Natalie asked.

“Didn’t have to. The criminals took care of themselves.”

“They underestimated you and KITT?”

Michael nodded. “It doesn’t end there. Three years later I was shot and left for dead again. But that time I lost everything in me. I lost my hope, my drive, and my purpose. I was ready to quit, and nothing stopped me. As a parting gift, my boss, Devon, reunited me with someone I never fell out of love with. We married, but it was all over in no more than five minutes.”

X had finished calmly planting the small, but powerful bombs throughout the international terminal at SeaTac. Every one of the small devices, mainly planted in men’s restrooms, were benign until X commanded KARR to arm them. Once armed, they could not be disarmed. Ransom or not, X planned to blow the airport to the skies.

He sat down in a chair at a gate and took out his cell phone. He was about to dial a number when he noticed two security guards and four suited men walking his way. He could tell they were armed federal agents by the slight bulge under their left arms where they kept their guns. Although since he was in Washington state- he figured these agents would be armed with the pansy Ultrasound Sonic Shockers.

The adrenalin was flowing through his veins at full force as the agents and guards walked towards him. As they walked closer, he calmly reached under his coat and placed his hand on his WWII German Luger he had concealed under his coat.

Stewart was more than halfway finished when a truck behind him started flashing its lights and honking. “Oh shit.” He said, as truck’s driver persisted in stopping him. Stewart stopped and the truck’s driver got out.

Stewart didn’t move as the man approached his window. He slightly jumped as the driver knocked. “Yes?” Stewart asked, forgetting to roll down the window. His shaking hand managed to grab the knob and roll down the window. “Yes?” he repeated.

“What in the hell are you doing?” the man asked. He was wearing a standard airport worker jumpsuit with the name “Kelly” sewn on his shirt.

“R-runway maintenance.” Stewart answered.

“It wasn’t cleared through me,” Kelly said, “give me your ID and work orders.”

Stewart opened the glove box and took out his authorization and handed it to Kelly.

“You sure got the shakes, boy.” Kelly said, grabbing the papers. “You on anything.”

“No.” Stewart replied, handing over his ID card.

Kelly eyed Stewart suspiciously before returning his eyes to the ID card and work orders. He read them over a few times, and returned them. “All right, carry on.” He said, leaving for his own truck.

Stewart finally exhaled and drove off, close to pissing in his pants.

The agents and the guards were too close for comfort- and X was faced with a decision. Play dumb, or take control. He liked the latter choice, it had more cajones.

X calmly rose from his chair, as the agents stepped closer. In a split-second-flash, he whipped out his gun and shot at the first agent.

None of the agents had a chance to draw their weapons as the bullets tore through their necks, ripping through their jugulars. They were dead before they hit the ground, their blood refused to soak into the terminal’s carpet.

The two security guards were stunned, neither man reached for his ultrasound. The people in the terminal were screaming and running for their lives. X brought his wristwatch-communicator to his mouth. “KARR, lock all doors and exits to the terminal.”

The people running towards exit doors, anticipating them to open, slammed into the bullet-proof, plexi-glass plated doors at full force, driving many to the ground unconscious.

“All doors are locked,” KARR reported, “Scans show fifty five guards armed with ultrasounds. No handguns are in the terminal.”

“Shut the fuck up and get on the ground!” X yelled to the people who were still in his eyesight. He turned to the guards and aimed the gun at them. “Put your hands up and get down on your knees.”

The guards, representing stung sheep, did as they were told and put their hands on the back of their heads.

X reached around and disarmed them of their ultrasounds. He stepped a few paces back and aimed his gun at them- blowing their brains out. The force of the shots threw the two men face first to the terminal floor.

More people screamed as X executed the two guards.

He walked over to the gate counter and pushed the attendant out of the way. He activated the PA system and addressed the terminal. “Attention flyers. I don’t think any of you are going anywhere today…”

Suggested Listening Track: Superman (It’s Not Easy) – Five For Fighting

Michael took a second to compose himself before he continued. “She died in my arms shortly after we kissed. The people responsible for shooting me decided to get me back in the worst way. By killing her.”

“What did you do?” Natalie asked.

“I went after him.” Michael replied.

“Did you kill him?”

“Almost,” Michael said, “but I’m glad I didn’t. If I had, it would have been meaningless and in cold blood. I wouldn’t have been any better than the killers we bring to justice.”

“But we’re never the same after the ones we love are taking from us in such a horrible fashion.” Natalie said.

“Not one bit,” Michael said, “I went back to FLAG but nothing changed. It took me four more years before I realized I had to give up the life of Michael Knight.”

Natalie paused, thinking to herself. “My partner wasn’t just someone who rode with me while chasing Lex in 1999.” She confessed. “He was definitely more- and by the time we realized that we were in love, our days together were numbered.”

Natalie nodded and then looked at the sky. She saw it was filling with clouds again and getting ready to rain. “So you do know where I am coming from. Our directors always say not to date other agents, but sometimes it just can’t be helped. He was the first man that I loved, well, at least who I really loved. I thought I loved a few people when I was in high school and college, but thinking you love someone and knowing you love someone are two different things.”

“Very different.” Michael said.

It was strange moment of awkward silence between the two of them. Natalie turned to Michael- who could sense she was looking at him. He turned to meet her gaze.

Natalie seemed drawn to Michael. Her thoughts disappeared into his blue eyes as she stared into them. What am I thinking, she thought to herself, as they leaned in to one another, he is two decades older than me, almost old enough to be my father. But despite her rapid thoughts, Natalie didn’t care. Their lips briefly brushed one another but their moment was quickly shattered by Natalie’s ringing cell-phone.

“Son of a bitch.” Natalie said, grabbing her cell-phone. “What?!” she answered.

“Good afternoon, Natalie. It would behoove you to know that I have taken control of the international terminal at SeaTac. Bombs have been placed throughout the terminal, and on the tarmac, so be creative on how you get here.”

Natalie didn’t wait for a click or a beep; she already knew X had hung up.

The look on her face said it all to Michael. “Lex?”

“Yep. Guess where he’s at.”

1300 Hrs

Screeching tires and sirens replaced the sounds of jet engines outside of SeaTac. All air traffic was stopped, per X’s orders. He demanded that any air traffic be diverted elsewhere. The FAA and FBI decided to reroute all incoming flights to Vancouver, and to ground all outgoing flights.

Natalie arrived in KITT, along with Shawn and Michael.

An agent dressed in a brownish suit walked up to them as Natalie got out.

“Who’s SAIC here?” Natalie asked the agent.

“You are now.” The agent replied, quickly ushering Natalie away from KITT and filling her in on the situation.

“I love how we aren’t in the loop.” Shawn said, leaning back onto KITT.

“We will be soon once Natalie gets back.” Michael said. “Until then we can do some of our own investigating.”

Shawn nodded. “KITT, give us a scan of the area. Find out where Lex is.”

“And KARR too.” Michael added.

“Lex is located in the main terminal at the end of the international concourse.” KITT reported. “KARR is circling the airport on the outlying roadways.”

“Circling? Why the hell would he do that?” Shawn asked.

“Lex is a fool to be at the end of the international concourse,” Michael said, “he’s backed himself in a corner, and has KARR rolling waiting for him, and us.”

“Lex must have screwed something up, he’s smarter than to corner himself.”

“He did screw the pooch.” Natalie said, walking back to them. “Four federal agents and two security guards were killed at the international concourse by Lex. We got the video before it was cut, probably by KARR.”

“Were they on to Lex?” Michael asked.

Natalie shook her head. “No. It was by chance he was there when they were. Apparently, one of our top most wanted terrorists was trying to leave the country under a guise, and we had agents dispatched to apprehend them. Lex must have seen them and freaked.”

“I am also detecting numerous clusters of bombs, wired for remote or manual detonation.” KITT added.

“Which means Lex can either detonate the bombs himself or order KARR to do it.” Shawn added.

“Just perfect. He fucked up and is suicidal.” Shawn said.

“I wouldn’t call him suicidal,” Michael said, “X would never die for his country or his beliefs, but would rather see people die in his stead. He is going to find some way to get out of this airport and back to KARR.”

“Flights have been rerouted to Vancouver,” KARR reported, “the FBI have all the exits covered, and the Knight Foundation has arrived.”

“Son of a bitch!” X yelled. “You can’t scan any way out of this place?”

“Not yet,” KARR reported, “you also might want to call them, because there are agents beginning to mobilize at rooftop and baggage entrances. They look like they might be ready to infiltrate the terminal.”

“Good idea,” X said, “what is our geek up to?”

Stewart parked the truck with other airport vehicles and was out of breath. He noticed a slurry of police and unmarked cars swarming the grounds. For the second time, his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach.

He let out a shriek when his door was opened and he was pulled out of the truck. It was Kelly, from earlier. Kelly slammed Stewart against the truck “All right, asshole, I just checked the schedule and the log. Who in the hell are you? You don’t exist as a worker for SeaTac. In fact, we just found out your name was entered into the system just this morning.”

Stewart couldn’t say a word and was bumbling while Kelly tried to interrogate him. He was trying to find the door handle to the truck so he could get back into it and have some kind of chance to escape.

His hand found the handle and he kneed Kelly in the groin. Kelly doubled over, moaning and propping himself up against the truck. Stewart opened the door and grabbed the gun out of the truck, aiming it at Kelly, who was just able to stand up.

Stewart was holding the gun with both hands, shaking. “Get… out… of here.” He said.

“You don’t have the guts, boy,” Kelly said, shaking his head. He reached for his walkie talkie. “Incident Commander, this is Kelly on the runway.”

“Incident Commander, go ahead.”

“We got an in-” Kelly was interrupted as Stewart opened fire.

Stewart emptied the entire clip in the direction of Kelly. Stewart’s hands were shaking so much, and he had such bad aim, only one bullet managed to hit Kelly. Unfortunately, it was the point-blank-bullet that pierced Kelly’s skull, ejecting what was left of his brain out the back of his head.

“Oh Christ,” Stewart said, as Kelly’s body hit the tarmac. He dropped the gun and got back into the truck speeding back to the runway.

“Agent Markins,” a voice greeted, over Natalie’s walkie.

“Markins, go ahead.” Natalie replied.

“SeaTac Incident Commander reports shots fired on tarmac outside of gate twelve.”

“I am also scanning a vehicle circling the taxiways.” KITT said.

“Is it Lex, KITT?” Michael asked.

“No,” KITT said, “but KARR has just broken through a barricade and entered the runway area.”

“Lex is up to something, pal, keep an eye on him.” Michael said.

“How long, KARR?” X asked, pacing and checking his watch. The hostages cowered behind their chairs, awaiting X’s next move, each of them thinking that they may be the next one killed.

“Two minutes,” KARR replied, “agents are still in place waiting to enter.”

“Agent Markins, should we infiltrate?” the brown-suited agent asked.

“Wait for my order,” Natalie said, “we have to wait and see what KARR is up to.”

“KARR is going to bust Lex out of the concourse.” Michael said. “He’ll detonate the bombs once he is out.”

“Pull our agents back.” Natalie ordered.

“Ma’am?” the agent asked, confused.

“Pull them back, now!” Natalie yelled.

“I gave the order already.” The agent said.

KARR locked X in on his tracking scope and stopped just under the elevated concourse. “I’m here, let’s go.” He ordered.

He saw X walk towards the window and raise his gun. “Get ready to catch me.”

“That’s not such a good idea,” KARR informed, “I am scanning bulletproof alloys threaded within the glass. Agents are also inside the terminal.”

“Then how the fuck am I supposed to get out of here?”

“What do you mean you gave the order? You asked if I wanted to infiltrate!” Natalie said.

“I know, I thought you would give the order to do so.” The agent shot back.

“You’re fuckin’ fired!” Natalie said, turning to KITT. “Can we tap into those bombs and disarm them before Lex blows it?”

“It might be a stretch, Natalie,” KITT replied, “but I can try.”

“Pull out all the stops, pal,” Michael encouraged, “we got agents on the line.”

“I suggest you stand back.” KARR said, backing up and getting into place, revving his engine. He burnt rubber as he peeled out, speeding towards the terminal. He reveled in the powerful whoosh sound as he activated the turbo boost, sailing into the building.

Glass, metal, and people flew everywhere as KARR plowed through them.

His tires tore up the old carpet on the concourse floor as he stopped and opened his door.

X ran up towards KARR but stopped when he heard people screaming at him. The FBI agents had arrived to his location and were ordering him to freeze. He continued running towards KARR as the agents opened fire on him with their automatic weapons. He ducked into KARR at the last possible second, but not before a bullet hit him in the leg.

“Fuck!” X said, groaning, as he painfully oriented himself in the driver’s seat. “Move it!” he yelled.

KARR sped off towards the agents, who continued firing at him, but to no avail as their bullets bounced off his MBS. He raised his headlights and machine gun ports extended out from them. He opened fire on the agents, taking each of them down.

“Lex is in KARR,” KITT reported, “he can activate the bombs and survive the explosion.”

“Why hasn’t he already?” Shawn asked.

“Let’s not ask those questions and let’s get the bombs shut down!” Natalie said.

“These bombs are networked with a collapsible circuit,” KITT said, “any wrong move could set them off.”

“Get ready to blow the terminal.” X said, as he steered KARR through the building.

“With pleasure,” KARR said, activating the bombs and setting off the trigger. Nothing happened.

“What are you waiting for?” X asked, impatient.

“Nothing,” KARR said, “I have set off the trigger.”

“Well nothing is exploding!”

“God dammit. KITT has disabled the remote trigger.” KARR said, angrily.

“Christ,” X said, turning the wheel and speeding towards a gate. He floored KARR as they blasted out the windows onto the tarmac. “This isn’t over yet, KARR.”

“That was close.” KITT said. “The bombs were disabled four tenths of a second before KARR set off the trigger.”

“Close indeed. Great job, KITT.” Shawn said.

“Where is he now, pal?” Michael asked.

“He’s returned to the runway.” KITT reported.

Natalie nodded. “Let’s go intercept. I need units ready to intercept the car on the runway!” she yelled to the agents, who scrambled to their cars.

Shawn and Michael got back into KITT and Natalie sat down in the passenger’s seat. Shawn floored the accelerator and led the chase to the runway.

Stewart’s head was shooting in all directions, looking for any people in pursuit. He was shitting bricks now… he’s been found out, X took over the airport too early, and federal agents were swarming the place.

This isn’t the life for a college student, Stewart thought, as the truck broke 90 miles-per-hour, I’m supposed to be in class right now, I’ve never missed a day until now.

While Stewart was daydreaming, he didn’t notice KARR speeding off to his left. When he did, he screamed and hit the brakes, cutting the wheel. The violent move flipped the truck and sent it skidding on its roof.

KARR stopped in front of Stewart’s wreck and scanned to find lifesigns. He did, unfortunately.

Stewart opened his eyes and groaned. The accident was the most physically rigorous thing that had happened to him in a decade.

He found himself upside down in the truck, but was saved thanks to seatbelts. He unbuckled himself and crawled out of the truck, unable to stand up completely since the wind was violently knocked out of him.

Suggested Listening Track: Crawling In The Dark – Hoobastank

X eyed Stewart struggling on the taxiway. “You know what to do.” He said to KARR.

“You don’t need to tell me twice.” KARR said, peeling off and leaving rubber behind on the tarmac.

Stewart gathered all his energy and took off running for his life as KARR bore down upon him. He didn’t have much room to run and knew he couldn’t out run the super car. “KARR!” Stewart yelled, “you don’t want to do this!”

“The know-it-all is begging for his life. How quaint.” KARR replied, increasing his speed. X sat back and smiled at the scene.

Stewart eyed a chain-link fence ahead of him and started running faster. The geek thought he could make it, he was wrong. His foot failed to get a foothold on the fence and he slammed face first into it.

The force of the impact wasn’t enough to break any of Stewart’s facial bones, but it was enough to bounce him from the fence onto the grass and dirt ditch.

The wind was knocked out of him again and he could hear KARR speeding towards him, ready to finish him off.

Stewart managed to stand up, but stood frozen as he saw the chasing red lights flash over to yellow, and heard KARR’s engine rev, symbolizing a growl. “KARR, now wait a minute. Think this over before you go and do this.” He said, carefully backing away as KARR slowly inched closer. “KARR, you don’t want to kill me.”

KARR didn’t want to listen of any of it. He didn’t give a shit any longer. The geek was on his nerves, and he was ready to pound him into the tarmac. His tires squealed and spun as he took off to put Stewart out of his misery.

Stewart finally found the Achilles’ Heel that would save his life. On the verge of pissing his pants, he stood fast as the black Trans Am sped towards him. “Don’t even think about it, KARR! I know what those black boxes are that you couldn’t identify.”

KARR stayed the course and continued on Stewart, eager to plow through the weakly human in just a few seconds.

“It’s a bomb, KARR!” Stewart yelled.

KARR screeched to a halt, with his bumper just inches away from Stewart’s legs. Stewart breathed a sigh of relief.

“What in the fuck are you doing?” X yelled, slamming his foot on the gas pedal. KARR didn’t budge.

“That’s right, KARR. Your resurrector put a bomb in you!” Stewart yelled, victoriously.

“Finish him!” X yelled.

KARR sat silent, quickly running scans and bypassing systems to gain access to the blocked area. Stewart was right; X had him outfitted to be a kamikaze.

“Finish him, God dammit!” X barked louder.

“You don’t want to finish me, KARR. I am the one who found the bomb and I know how to disarm it. I can still save your life, KARR.”

X didn’t waste words and grabbed his sub-automatic handgun. He hopped out of KARR and point-blankly fired upon Stewart, reducing the nerd’s body to swiss cheese.

X dropped the gun and sat back down in the driver’s seat. “Let’s go.” He ordered.

Sirens invaded the quietness of the air and X looked around. KARR sat silent.

“KARR! Let’s go.”

“We aren’t going anywhere.” KARR replied. “We have certain issues to talk about.”

“The geek’s a fucking liar, KARR, let’s go!” X said.

“You may have tried to stop me from finding out the truth before. You have failed this time.”

“Look, KARR, I am not going to argue with you! Forget the bomb and let’s go!” X said, as the sirens wailed closer.

Within seconds, five black Crown Victorias, each holding three federal agents, surrounded KARR. They all got out and aimed their weapons at KARR. “Out of the car!” they barked.

KITT whipped around the Crown Vic’s and edged into a spot facing KARR. Natalie got out of the passenger seat and fixed her handgun on KARR. “Hit them with the pulse.” Natalie said.

“We have to recalibrate it.” Shawn replied.

“We can only get one good shot out of the static pulse, Shawn,” KITT said, “anything more will result in a power drain.”

“Make this shot count, KITT.” Shawn said.

“I intend to.”

X looked around and saw them to be surrounded. “God dammit, KARR, what was I supposed to do? Trust you to behave yourself after you turned damn near homicidal?”

“Trust doesn’t rust, Baxter Lex. I am not amused at your willingness to use me and then discard of me like yesterday’s garbage.” KARR noted.

“Fuck you, KARR. Hasn’t anyone told you not to bite the hand that feeds you?”

“I do not appreciate your tone.”

“I don’t appreciate your attitude you wasteful piece of shit!”

“How would you feel if someone stuck a bomb up your ass and was ready to detonate it once you got out of control?” KARR quickly asked.

X produced the detonator from his coat pocket. “Open this door KARR and let me out or I’ll off you. Explosion from the inside, they don’t even bother to count pieces.”

“If I am destroyed, so shall you be.”

“Let me the fuck out of here!”

“As you wish.” KARR replied.

X didn’t even know what was coming to him. He saw a flash of green light, heard a swishing sound, and then he saw bright red and black coupled along with the tingling and painful sensation of his bones shattering under pressure.

Natalie along with the other armed agents jumped back as a shower of plastic and glass erupted from KARR’s driver side sunroof. She eyed a limp body being thrown through it, and could faintly hear the breaking and crushing of bones.

X’s form cleared the top of KARR by mere inches before his body came crashing down on top. It grotesquely rolled down the front of KARR and onto the ground, resembling a rag doll a bratty child had just got bored with and discarded.

“Jesus Christ.” Shawn said, watching X roll off the hood of KARR.

KARR shifted into reverse and plowed into a Crown Vic behind him. He pushed the car back 500 feet and revved his engine.

“What’s he doing?” Natalie asked.

“He’s planning to plow through.” Michael replied.

“We gotta hit him now, KITT.” Shawn urged.

“It still isn’t calibrated,” KITT protested, “I am working as fast as I can, it still will be a minute or so.”

“We don’t have a minute or so, pal,” Michael said.

KARR’s tires spun on the ground as he sped off towards KITT.

“Fire!” Natalie said.

“Not yet!” KITT barked back, working as fast as his microprocessors would allow him.

“KITT!” Michael yelled.

“Go, Shawn!” KITT yelled, feeling the equivalency of exhaust after scrambling to get the static pulse calibrated.

Shawn punched the firing button with all her might and watched the charge erupt from KITT’s headlight ducts.

The pulse hit KARR dead center, as he sped towards KITT. He activated the turbo boost and sailed over their heads, and Baxter Lex, landing 300 feet past them and speeding out of sight.

“He’s still moving!” Natalie said.

“The pulse didn’t have a full effect,” KITT said, “however, KARR’s MBS has been compromised.”

“All right,” Natalie said, “the next step is to catch him.”

“We’ll take care of that,” Michael said, pushing past Natalie and getting into the passenger seat.

Shawn put KITT in reverse and floored it, fishtailing around and speeding off after KARR.

Natalie and the agents converged on Lex’s body, with their weapons carefully trained.

A young field agent bravely bent down and checked for a pulse. “Shit… he’s alive… barely.”

“He won’t be for long,” Natalie said, “the force of that impact should have killed him.”

“Should we call for an ambulance?” the field agent asked.

Natalie thought for awhile, clutching her handgun tightly in her hand. She nodded her head. “This son-of-a-bitch wont die in his glory battle he had hoped for.”

Suggested Listening Track: Intergalactic – Beastie Boys

“Find KARR for us, pal.” Michael said.

A tracking scope appeared on KITT’s windshield and minimized to allow visibility. “KARR made it across the bay and is approaching the Seattle Center.” KITT said.

“How did he make it to that side so quickly?” Shawn asked.

“He must have floored it hard- traffic is pretty sparse.” Michael added.

Shawn turned onto a road that would get her across the bay but slowed down.

“What are you doing?” Michael asked.

“KITT, is the Elliot Bay Tunnel completed?” Shawn asked, looking out towards the blue waters of the bay.

KITT’s windshield display changed once again to show a diagram of the underwaters of the bay. “Yes it is,” KITT replied, “the opening ceremonies are actually underway.”

“Dammit,” Michael said looking at the tracking scope, “guess where KARR is heading…”

KARR was tracking KITT on his monitor and noticed KITT was maneuvering to intercept him from the other side of the bay. He was planning to make a run for Canada, any place he could get away from FLAG, but when he noticed KITT was heading towards the opposite end of a new underwater tunnel… he decided to turn around for one last challenge…

The crowd stopped cheering and clapping for the mayor to finish his speech. “A lot of people warned us not to open the tunnel today. But we pushed, we prevailed, and we refused to be stopped by fear! This piece of engineering at its best will alleviate traffic problems and streamline travel in future days to come!” he was about to continue when he saw something out of the corner of his eye:

A black Trans Am was speeding towards the ceremony at an unimaginable speed.

KARR’s windshield display mapped out and highlighted every person standing around watching him get closer, pitifully thinking he was part of the show. “Innocent clueless bystanders… 1000 points each.” KARR said to himself.

“What the hell is this?” the mayor asked Commissioner Daniels.

“You’re asking me? I thought this was part of your show.” Daniels replied. She looked at the mayor with concerned eyes when he didn’t answer. “This isn’t yours?!”

“No!” the mayor yelled, running to the microphone. “Look out!” He watched in horror as the black Trans Am plowed through the crowd, hitting a few people, barely missing others.

White fold-up chairs flew up and over KARR as he ran down those who weren’t quick enough to get out of his way.

He engaged his machine guns, blasting away the platform-stage before he plowed through it, entering the tunnel.

Shawn floored KITT to his top speed, plowing through construction barricades and trying to veer around workers. Her eyes took mere seconds to adjust to the dark when she entered the tunnel.

The tunnel’s lights reflected off of KITT’s fire engine red exterior. His headlamps illuminated the road in front of him. “My sensors estimate we will come in contact with KARR in less than one minute.”

“I see his lights.” Michael said.

“Which one of us is going to dodge first?” Shawn asked. “This is becoming a deadly game of chicken.”

“I suggest you hand over control to me, Shawn. If KARR maintains his course, I can activate the traction spikes and get around him.” KITT said.

“Why not turbo boost, pal?” Michael asked.

“The clearance of the tunnel is too low for a turbo boost.” KITT replied. “Just trust me, here he comes.” KITT said.

KARR’s scanners were working overtime, quickly evaluating his options. The tunnel was too low for a turbo boost, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to survive a hit considering his MBS was compromised. KITT would know that turbo boosting would be a stupid option, so KARR automatically deduced that it would be KITT who would turn away.

“Can we survive a hit?” Shawn asked.

“Not sure, Shawn, hold on!” KITT said, activating the traction spikes. The spikes shot out from the tires and started tearing up the roadway. KITT cut hard to the left, swerving the car onto the slope of the tunnel wall and then onto the roof.

“Whoa!” Michael said, looking behind him, and then looking forward again, seeing the world upside down.

“Be glad the traction spikes worked.” Shawn said. “Bring us back down KITT.”

KITT eased back down to the ground and spun around, disengaging the spikes, and revving his engine. “KARR is turning around too.”

“Buddy,” Michael started, “I need to know if we can sustain an impact.”

KITT was silent for a minute while he calculated their odds for survival. He didn’t speak out his calculations, because Shawn might show him up again by using his own chip against him. “With KARR’s MBS no longer in place, we have a 50-50 chance of survival. We can increase those odds as we increase our speed.”

Shawn didn’t hesitate to put KITT into reverse and floor it towards the end of the tunnel. She wanted enough distance to gain the proper speed. “How fast, KITT?”

“300 kilometers per hour.” KITT coolly replied. “We can achieve the speed quickly and exceed it by using the jet boosters.”

Shawn nodded, realizing the odds weren’t entirely perfect. But it was the only option she had to make. She looked over at Michael. “You ready?”

“No,” Michael replied, “but let’s go.”

Shawn flipped a few switches and heard the jet boosters powering up. “KITT, I am going to need you to match every one of KARR’s movements. We can’t let him get by us. We need to hit him head on.”

“No problem, Shawn,” KITT replied, “and good luck to all of us. Wait a second, I’m picking up a strange signal from KARR.”

“No time for that pal.” Shawn said, as she slammed the accelerator to the floor and started speeding towards KARR. Her nervous fingers found the button marked: ACTIVATE and pressed it.

The two of them were thrown back into their seats; both thinking it was reminiscent of a turbo boost. A never-ending turbo boost.

KARR was well on his way to meet KITT in the center of the tunnel. He knew his odds for surviving and impact were slim… but he had a plan. Damn the consequences for a turbo boost in a tunnel. If he could get it right, he could bring the tunnel down on KITT and make it out of there without big scratches.

He spied KITT coming around the curvature of the tunnel and increased his speed, ready to eliminate the world of Michael Knight and KITT.

Closer… closer… KARR thought, wanting every second and inch to be ready to launch over KITT. He scanned KITT to be just mere meters from him when he activated his turbo boost.

To KARR’s horror, the system shorted out.

It wasn’t soon until he realized his grave mistake. “Oh sh-”

KITT slammed into him head on. KARR launched into the air, skidding on the tunnel’s roof sending sparks everywhere, and finally landing on the ground flipping over and over again. Pieces of the car flew all over the road. He continued flipping, disintegrating from the massive collision. He came to a rest, in a horrible mangled mess.

KITT continued speeding down the road as KARR’s amber scanner light swished a few times and came to a rest, dimming forever.

KITT came to a screeching halt just a few hundred feet away from KARR’s wreckage. The Emergency Decelerators worked. Shawn and Michael were out of breath and just calming down.

“Are you two all right?” KITT asked.

“I am, pal.” Michael said. He turned to Shawn. “Are you?”

Shawn nodded. “I think so. KITT, let’s get out of here.”

“I have a few items of bad news for you.”

“What’s going on, partner?” Michael asked.

“The front end has sustained substantial damage, and the transmission has been damaged. Unfortunately, we aren’t going anywhere.”

“No problem,” Shawn said, “we can wait it out until they get to us.”

“No we can’t.” KITT said. “Do you recall that strange signal I picked up from KARR?”

“Yeah, what of it?” Michael asked.

“The signal has begun a countdown. I believe it is a destruction device located within KARR, just in case he was taken offline.”

“What are you saying, KITT?”

“We have three minutes until KARR explodes.”

“How powerful is the bomb?” Michael asked.

“Powerful enough to destroy this entire tunnel and everything in it.”

“What?!” Shawn asked.

“Can we survive the explosion?” Michael asked.

“It is possible to survive the explosion, the pryoclastic lamination is still present. You two might be able to make a run for it to one of the exits.”

“No way, pal,” Michael said, “we aren’t leaving you.”

“There’s something else, isn’t there?” Shawn asked.

“Yes. If any of my Hydrofoil components were damaged, or any of the sea-wall structures were ruptured, we might not survive the water.” KITT grimly reported.

“Can’t you tell?”

“My internal scanners are malfunctioning after the collision.”

Shawn rubbed her eyes and hit the steering wheel. “I can’t believe this.”

“Two minutes.” KITT reported.

“Oh God.” Shawn said.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make it through this.” Michael assured.

“How do you know for sure? KITT doesn’t even know.”

“I know… because I am not letting that bastard win in the end.”

Natalie and Maddock stopped in front of the wrecked stage at the Seattle Center. The mayor, Commissioner Daniels, and some police officers ran up to them as Natalie flashed her FBI badge. “Has anyone emerged from the other side?”

“No,” the mayor said, shaking his head, “a black Trans Am sped into the tunnel and we have reports of a red sports car entering on the other side.”

“Your handiwork I assume?” Daniels curtly said.

Maddock turned to Daniels and got in her face. “If you’d look past your badge and job, you’d realize my handiwork just saved your city and your ass.”

“They must still be down there,” Natalie said to Maddock.

“We should assemble a team and send some units down there.” Maddock suggested.

“Is that such a good idea?” Natalie asked.

“I believe so, yeah. We need to figure out what the hell is going on.” Maddock said as his cell-phone started ringing. “What?” he asked, answering.

“It’s Kevin. We’re on the other side of the tunnel, no one has come out yet-”

Maddock interrupted him. “I know… we’re sending units down.”

“No, wait! Bonnie is scanning some kind device on a countdown in there. It could be a bomb.”

“A bomb?! Well where the hell is Shawn and KITT?” Maddock asked.

“I don’t know!”

“When is the bomb supposed to go off?”

“Bonnie is checking on that… holy shit! Get out of here!” Kevin yelled over the phone.

Maddock’s stomach dropped as he heard Kevin scream. “Everyone away from the tunnel!”

People took no time in scrambling away from the tunnel entrance and finding cover.

The last second ticked off of the countdown of the explosive device installed in KARR. The mangled Trans Am immediately detonated with such force; the walls of the tunnel were completely vaporized. Flames shot through both ends of the tunnel, exploding out of the entrances with tremendous force, expelling debris.

They were quickly quelled as the water over took the tunnel, completely collapsing it.

The Knight 4000, superheated from the explosion and flames plunged into the waters of Elliot Bay along with the remains of the tunnel.

Maddock and Natalie stood up once the chaos ended. The bay was bubbling where the tunnel had once resided under its calm waters and the elaborate entrance to the tunnel had collapsed upon itself.

“Good Christ,” Natalie said, brushing herself off and grabbing Maddock’s cell-phone, “Kevin, you there?”

“Yeah!”

“Anything on your end?” Natalie asked.

“Nothing over here, what about you?”

“Nothing. Could they have survived that?”

“We don’t know… maybe, maybe not.” Kevin answered.

Maddock got up and looked towards the water. He walked over to the edge of the bay, intently scanning the water for any signs of Michael, Shawn, or KITT.

“Over there!” Natalie yelled, pointing to a water disruption in the bay.

A familiar red form emerged from the water, surfacing with the grace of a Navy submarine.

Within minutes, Maddock and Natalie were riding on a police boat speeding over to KITT.

Shawn and Michael had removed the roof and were sitting on top. “You all right, pal?” Michael asked.

“I’ve been better,” KITT replied, “but at least we survived.”

“Can you move, KITT?”

“I’m afraid not, Shawn,” KITT said, “it seems that Bonnie and Kevin have some extensive repair work to do when we return.”

“She can take all the time she wants buddy… it’s over.” Michael said.

March 30, 2002

1311 Hrs

Natalie walked into the garage and saw KITT on the hydraulic lift. “Hey partner, what are you doing up there, I thought you liked all four wheels on the ground.” She said.

“I generally do, Natalie, but there are some instances where I don’t have much of a choice.” KITT said.

Natalie walked to the front of KITT and looked up at his scanner, the red lights chasing back and forth often seemed hypnotic, despite the fact she rarely saw KITT from the outside. “I’m leaving, KITT. Gonna go back to the Bureau.” She said.

“Saying goodbyes are becoming all to often for me, Natalie.”

“I know, KITT, and it’s not fair to you. Honestly, I don’t like saying goodbyes either. But we all knew this post was only temporary, didn’t we?”

“Yes,” KITT replied, wishing he had a head to nod, “but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t miss you.”

Natalie smiled. “Thanks KITT. It’s been really great working with you. I’m going to miss it too.”

Natalie closed her eyes and remembered how she spent Valentine’s Day just a mere month ago on a case, and how KITT first reinstalled a small amount of compassion back into her.

“I hate this holiday.” She said to no one. Well, she thought she did. KITT was listening.

“Why is that?” his voice came over the comm-link.

“Look at everyone,” Natalie said looking at a kissing couple, “doesn’t it make you want to puke?”

“Actually, I find it quite beautiful.” KITT added.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Gimme a break, KITT. All this lovey-dovey horseshit. So God-damn nauseating.”

She passed a couple sitting outside a Starbucks exchanging gifts. The woman suddenly screamed and kissed the man.

“Jesus, get a fucking room.” Natalie said, leaving the couple in shock looking at her.

“That wasn’t very nice.” KITT replied.

“KITT, this is a bullshit holiday created for men who screw up during the year to make their peace with their significant other-”

“Forgiveness is always a great human quality.” KITT interrupted.

Natalie relished in the fact that KITT was more human than any of them.

“Best of luck to you, Natalie.”

“And to you, KITT. Now I’m going to skip out of here before everyone finds me. I’ve never been good at goodbyes.”

“None of us like goodbyes, nor are we any good at them. But it’s always been tradition to follow through with them no matter what.” A voice said from behind Natalie. It was Michael.

Natalie turned around to face Michael. “Hi.” She said.

“That’s a little opposite from what you were saying to KITT.” Michael said with a smile. “I know that you don’t like goodbyes, but I heard you in here with KITT, figured I should come in and say something.”

“Thank you.” Natalie said.

“For what?”

“Not letting me walk out of here feeling so alone.” She replied.

“Once you work with at FLAG, you’re never really alone again.”

Another silent moment over took the two of them. What is going on between us, Natalie thought, as she stepped towards Michael.

Michael was thinking the same thing as he moved closer to Natalie. What is it about her that makes me feel this way? Michael asked himself. Could it be the pain we both share of losing the ones we love? Could it be the connection we have with Lex? Michael quickly shook that last thought out of his mind, not wanting any kind of relationship being a result of that bastard.

The two of them were inching toward each other once again, Natalie was beginning to reach up to touch Michael’s cheek when the two of them were startled by a noise. It was the upper door opening on the stairwell.

Natalie dropped her arm and looked up. Bonnie was walking down the stairs with Kevin in tow. Like usual, Natalie thought. Things never started off on the right foot between Bonnie and Natalie… they didn’t see eye to eye on many things and often got into arguments.

“Bonnie hates me.” Natalie said.

“No she doesn’t.” KITT said. “Shawn leaving was the toughest thing for all of us, mainly Bonnie, who thought of Shawn as a little sister. Potentially because Shawn has my memory chip implanted in her brain.”

“I think I made her mad when we were talking about you in Maddock’s office. She said she regarded you more as a human, than an AI.”

“Most people who have been with me for a long period of time tend to. I don’t mind either way, though.” KITT said.

“Either way what?” Natalie asked.

“If they would regard me as a human, or an AI.” KITT said.

“You know, I haven’t had many partners before.” Natalie said. “I was so used to just riding alone…”

“You find it hard to trust a talking car, don’t you?” KITT asked.

The funny thing was, at the time, KITT was right, Natalie thought. She never had a true partner after Daniel’s death in 1999. And through a mad change of events, she was thrown into the Foundation, paid for pursuit and capture.

It was KITT who got her to realize she really had to be a team player. She learned to appreciate being part of a team once again, giving her a slightly new outlook on life.

Her mind returned to Kevin behind Bonnie. She knew he held her in the utmost respectful position in his mind, especially being the uber-geek he was.

“Look, Russ, we’re taking KITT back to KI now… yeah he’s still inactive… I don’t know how that shit works, ask the boy genius when we get back!” Natalie said, hanging up the phone.

***

“Sure, we can do that.” Kevin said, his face coming on to the monitor. “But for God’s sake, take it easy on him. If you aren’t driving him like a mad-woman, you’re overloading his systems with tasks.”

Shawn smiled. “You two are starting to sound too much alike.”

Bonnie and Kevin smiled over the monitor and disappeared to do their work.

Natalie shook her head. “You have no idea.”

“No idea what?” Shawn asked.

“How much the boy genius and her are starting to act like one another.”

***

“KITT, check out 788-7917. Who activated that number,” Natalie asked.

“It's unknown.”

“Think the boy genius can hack is way through?” Natalie asked.

“He does have a name.” KITT said.

Natalie smiled at herself as the two of them walked up to her and Michael.

“You didn’t think we would let you go so easily?” Bonnie asked.

“Yeah,” Kevin said, following up, “you can’t escape so quickly without us being able to say goodbye.”

Michael was standing uneasy but dare not show anyone. “Come on guys, she doesn’t like loud goodbyes.”

“Sorry Natalie,” Shawn said, entering with a wrapped present in her hand, “but you’ve done so much for us, we can’t let you go so quickly.”

Shawn McCormick, Natalie thought, a tough as nails wanna-be-know-it-all with a cold heart of gold.

“What was found near the body?” Shawn asked.

“Looks like oil, which spelled out the letters JJF, with gasoline poured over it.”

“It’s our killer all right.” Shawn said.

“You’re certain?” Markins said.

“Absolutely.” Shawn said.

Natalie was at first amazed at Shawn’s no nonsense attitude when she first met her. Shawn had the whole case together already, and could have been close to solving it if the killer wasn’t so elusive. When she found out there was a chip in her head, something struck out to her that Shawn wasn’t entirely human… of course, Natalie soon found out otherwise…

“Agent McCormick has endured a significant amount of trauma. We’ve found bruises on her arms, legs, back, and… well here is her chart.” The nurse whispered.

Natalie took the chart from the nurse and looked at it. “Jesus Christ.”

The nurse nodded. “I’ll leave you some privacy.”

“Thank you.” Natalie said, walking back into Shawn’s room.

She walked over, picked a chair up, drug it over to the window, and then sat down in it. “You know, being in the criminology field in the FBI could drain the humanity right out of you. It’s hard to lead a normal personal life after all of the stuff you deal with.” Natalie stopped and laughed. “Normal. What is normal anyway? I read over your chart, and I know that there’s no way you can talk about this with some FBI agent. So, I figure we talk about this a different way. Woman to woman.” Natalie took her badge off, and removed her gun and removed the clip from it.

Shawn moved her eyes over to Natalie and smiled. “Thank you.” She said.

Even though Shawn left FLAG and the country shortly after that conversation, the two hours that Natalie spent talking to Shawn in that hospital room, were two hours they were able to get to know one another, learn each other’s histories. Shawn was the first person to learn from Natalie about her feelings for Agent Daniel Bentley, and his resulting tragic death.

She admired the hell out of Shawn for not bothering to erase the horrific memories from her trauma over a year ago, keeping the strong fight to live and to keep surviving, no matter the odds.

“What is that?” Natalie asked,

Maddock appeared from the exit door on ground level, letting in some sunlight as he entered the garage. The tough former district attorney turned into a tough boss with tough decisions to make.

Natalie quickly developed an admiration for Maddock. Most people found him to be an asshole; she admired his toughness and stamina. It’s not easy doing his job, especially with so many new weights placed upon his shoulders, the War On Terror, other problems FLAG was being commissioned to do, and the tragic loss of someone special in his life.

“She was on the airplane, Natalie.” Maddock said, painfully fighting back tears.

Natalie shot Maddock a concerned gaze. “What?” she asked, confused.

“Donna.” Maddock said. “My fiancé.”

Natalie’s eyes almost dropped out of her head. “You were engaged?”

“Yeah.” Maddock nodded.

“I never knew.”

“I don’t bring personal business to work too much. But I loved her with all my heart.”

“You said she was on the plane,” Natalie said, “which one?”

“175. The one that hit the tower.” Maddock said.

Natalie closed her eyes for a brief moment. She could never feel what Maddock was feeling at this moment. The shocking events from two days ago played in her head over and over, and she could vividly remember watching United Airlines Flight 175 slamming into the north tower of the World Trade Center. The violent fireball erupted from the tower, sending everything imaginable flying down to the street many levels below.

Maddock finally broke down to tears and wiped his eyes to no avail. “I killed her, Natalie… don’t you understand? I killed her.”

“Russell, you didn’t kill anyone. It’s not your fault as to what happened.” Natalie said compassionately.

“Oh no?” Russell asked. “She was originally going to leave Boston on United Airlines at 11am Tuesday morning and fly into SeaTac. I told her she should try to get on an earlier flight. I found her an earlier flight and booked her on it. United Airlines Flight 175, a flight from Boston to Los Angeles. She was going to take a charter jet to Seattle just a few hours after she would land at LAX. If I hadn’t bought that ticket…” Maddock said, his stuttering voice losing sound.

Natalie couldn’t bring herself to say anything, as she was beginning to cry too. She placed a comforting hand on Maddock’s shoulder.

“I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. I didn’t get a chance to say I loved her.”

“Russ,” Natalie said, “no one got a chance to do any of that two days ago. I can’t say that the healing process will begin, because everyone is still mourning and licking their wounds. But what I can say is that you have to keep going, keep living and keep fighting, for her. For Donna. Because if you don’t, they win in the end. And we just can’t let that happen.”

Natalie saw the no-nonsense boss smiling at her and handing her the small gift that Shawn originally brought in. “This is from all of us.” He said, handing it to her.

“The condition is you can’t open it until you get back to Washington.” Kevin said, with a devious grin.

“You guys had to have given me conditions when giving me goodies, huh?” Natalie smartly asked.

“Did you think we’d make it easy for you?” Shawn asked.

Everyone began speaking at once, not so loudly as a first grade classroom, but Natalie chose to tune out most of the conversation. Looking past the smiles and grins of everyone’s faces, she saw Michael, who locked eyes with her. She shot a smile his way, and he graciously returned it. Their eyes did all the talking, both of them trying to find a way to get past everyone and eventually to one another.

It was Natalie who first realized things, however. Her smile turned into a polite but perplexed grin, telling an entire story. Michael quickly picked it up and nodded, returning the same ‘I-don’t-think-this-is-going-to-happen-look.’

KITT picked up on their connecting facial expressions and felt sorry for the two of them, wishing he could find a way to offer the two any form of solitude.

Natalie smiled back at Michael and returned her eyes to her new friends who were all trying to say their goodbyes at the same time.

Michael walked over and leaned his shoulder on the platform KITT was raised on.

“I’m sorry, Michael.”

“Huh?” Michael asked, briefly forgetting that KITT was watching everything. “Oh… thanks pal.”

“I’ve never seen you feel for someone like that since Stevie.” KITT said.

Michael nodded. “You’re right, pal, I haven’t… There was just something about Natalie that stirred something inside of me. Despite the fact she can almost be my daughter, the connections we made… almost electrical, pal.”

“What are you going to do?” KITT asked.

“Oh, I’m gonna hang around here for awhile, make sure you get back on your wheels right. Maybe go back to my cabin later, see what I can catch… or disappear to DC for a while. We’ll see, buddy.”

“If you do decide to go to the nation’s capital,” KITT said, “don’t forget to take me along. I’d like to see her again too.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, pal.”

“Really, Michael.” KITT chided.

Michael smiled. “You got it, partner.”

“It’s been great serving with all of you,” Natalie said, raising her voice slightly so Michael could hear, “I really am going to miss it. I was brought on for what I originally thought was just to be an agent for pursuit and capture. But each and every one of you adopted me into this family you have, showing me the fruits of my labor and what it means to be part of a team. I’ll miss you all.”

“You’re still planning to return to the Bureau?” Shawn asked.

Natalie nodded. “It’s my life, you know?”

“You’re able to declare a closed case, now.” Kevin said.

“Not entirely, but a lot of things are finally tied up. It turns out Lex was responsible for a series of explosions on the OSU campus. His little errand-boy was a student there.”

“Is he still alive?”

Natalie shook her head. “No. He was pronounced DOA at Northwest.”

“What was the final body count?” Bonnie asked.

“Still under investigation. Our agents are finding pieces here and pieces there… I’ll let you know.” Natalie said.

“We can get you to Washington on our private jet.” Maddock said. “It’s running on the airstrip and waiting your boarding.”

Natalie nodded her head, smiling. “Thank you. For everything.”

Suggested Listening Track: Take A Picture – Filter

Natalie picked up her duffel bag she had left in the garage earlier that day and walked towards the door leading to the airstrip. She turned around and gave one last look to her comrades before disappearing through the doorway and their lives.

Natalie stoically walked towards the waiting airplane that would eventually deliver her to her rightful home. A breeze blew her dark brown hair over her face, and she brushed it away with her hand.

That’s when she noticed a drop on her cheek. It wasn’t raining for a pleasant change, and she noticed she was slightly crying. Natalie took off her black-framed glasses and wiped her eye, noting that no more tears fell.

The pilot of the snazzy jet lowered the door/steps for her as she approached the plane and took her duffel bag, loading it into the rear of the jet.

Natalie thanked him and climbed on board, easing herself into one of the comfortable leather seats on the plane. She had it all to herself.

It didn’t take her too long to find the mini bar and fix herself a drink. Before she knew it, the plane was taxiing into place on the runway.

Natalie closed her eyes, trying to relax, but she found it difficult to attempt any kind of sleep when the airplane rocketed down the runway, soon taking off into the air.

No matter how hard she tried, Natalie was awake on the airplane. She smiled to herself, intent on thinking up something to keep herself occupied on the six hour flight. She looked at the present she carried with her onboard the plane, the present with the conditions.

Natalie took the gift and tore open the paper and opening a box that was under it. In it, lying on soft silk cloth was a plaque.

NATALIE MARKINS

SENIOR AGENT

FOUNDATION FOR LAW AND GOVERNMENT

MAY 2001-MARCH 2002

Never forget your time spent with us as a team, together continuing the cause

of protecting the innocent, the helpless and powerless, and continuing

one’s man long standing legacy.

Here is to your future, no matter who it may take you up against, or where.

April 10, 2002

1010 Hrs

Michael walked down the hallway leading to the garage with a slight bounce in his step. Repairs had been finished on KITT a few days ago and he was ready to leave to his cabin once again, but this time, with a new outlook on life. He could no longer live his life in seclusion and promised to return more often.

He walked into the garage and saw KITT’s fire-engine red form returned to the ground with Maddock, Shawn, Bonnie, and Kevin standing around him.

“I’m outta here,” Michael said, “but I had to say goodbye first.”

“Mr. Maddock, you have a telephone call.” A voice said over the garage intercom.

“Hold the goodbyes.” Maddock said, walking over to the telephone on the wall. He picked it up. “Yeah, this is Maddock. Natalie, hi…”

“Michael, thanks again for your help,” Shawn said, smiling, “for awhile there I didn’t think we would make it.”

“Through the entire ordeal, or in the tunnel?” Michael asked.

“Both.” Shawn replied.

“We’re sad to see you go again, Michael,” Bonnie said, “but without you and Natalie, we wouldn’t have been able to stop KARR and Lex.”

“Ahem.” KITT politely said.

“Yeah, I think we’re forgetting someone,” Michael said, “here’s to you, buddy, we definitely wouldn’t have made it without you.”

“Thank you, Michael. Thank you all. I will admit that I was not thinking optimistically either.” KITT said.

“I don’t think any of us were, pal. This was an extensive case that took a big toll on all of us.” Michael said.

“I’m glad it’s over,” Kevin said, “I don’t think I’ve ever had to do so much quick on the job repair and hacking since high school.”

“At least it’s legal now.” Bonnie said, laughing.

Everyone soon joined in laughing, but stopped when Maddock walked back over to them with a distressed expression on his face.

Shawn was the first to notice it. “What is it?”

Maddock didn’t answer for the longest time. The words refused to come out of his mouth after the shocking telephone call he received. “That was Natalie calling from DC. The Department of Justice has begun an investigation.”

“About who? Lex?” Michael asked.

“No… us.”

“What?” Bonnie asked, confused.

“Apparently the city has lodged official complaints regarding the destruction of the Space Needle, Elliot Bay Tunnel, and the international concourse at SeaTac. They cited the destructions as negligent during our investigation and pursuit.” Maddock explained.

“What the hell is their problem?” Kevin asked. “We saved the city for Christ sakes!”

“Well, they think we wrecked it.”

“Well, they are mistaken,” KITT protested, “Baxter Lex destroyed those places.”

“I know this is bullshit as much as you do. Natalie isn’t behind it, but she is calling to give us a heads up.” Maddock said.

“A heads up about what?” Bonnie asked.

Maddock took a deep breath, not ready to answer Bonnie’s question. “Pending investigation from the Justice Department… the operations of the Foundation for Law and Government have been suspended.”

April 21, 2002

1119 Hrs EDT

FBI Headquarters

Location: Washington, DC

Natalie picked up the bothersome telephone ringing on her desk. “Markins.” She answered. She let the person on the other end speak and typed on her computer while trying to listen. “What? Are you kidding me… this better not be a late April Fools Joke… all right, where… WHO!?”

Bethesda Medical Center

“Is he dead?” Natalie asked.

“He should be,” the doctor replied as he navigated around the gurneys in the corridor of the hospital with Natalie trying to keep up, “that ejection from the car shattered his spine, his skull and broke his neck. The resulting fall broke his arms, legs and collar bone.” He opened the door to the small room where various medical equipment was hooked up to a barely recognizable human form.

Natalie could distinctly hear the sound of a ventilator breathing for X. “What the hell? You have him on life support?”

“Your directors ordered it,” the doctor said, “they think if he somehow regains consciousness, he can be prosecuted. They’re having him kept here for a few days before Prison Corp. picks him up and takes him to Quayton.”

“Can he?” Natalie nervously asked.

“What- regain consciousness? Not likely. He’s a vegetable.”

“Well that’s tax money well spent.” Natalie said, rolling her eyes.

The doctor nodded. “I do have other patients to see. If you need anything, just call.” He said, leaving Natalie alone in the room.

Natalie watched the doctor leave and looked over at X’s body, connected with a vast assortment hoses and wires. The ventilator was the noisiest thing in the room, its black springy form pushing air into his lungs.

Natalie found it pathetic, the psychopathic killer turned into victim, but being kept alive by the government he sought out to destroy. “So you lived to die another day, you son-of-a-bitch.”

She stood at the foot of the bed, in a position where it seemed she was able to pass judgment on X. “Look at you. The take-no-prisoners bastard reduced to human mush. Can’t eat, can’t wake up. You can’t even take a shit without help. It’s poetic justice. The government you wanted to destroy, keeping you around for the final laugh.”

She walked over and sat down in a chair and looked at his form, staring mostly at his head. His rich dirty blonde hair was shaved off, stitches were in the spot where his skull fracture was repaired.

Her eyes found the machine controlling the equipment in the room. The life support monitor bore a piece of tape labeled BAXTER LEX. She took out her laptop and accessed the wireless connection to the FBI mainframe. She pulled up the massive file in her database for X and opened it. She hit COMMAND-ALT-F7 and the words CASE CLOSED appeared across the screen.

Natalie exhaled, allowing herself a brief moment of relaxation for the first time since she first began her pursuit of Baxter Lex three years ago. She closed her eyes and leaned back.

Her eyes shot open as a hand grabbed her wrist. Baxter Lex was face to face with her staring her deep in the eyes.

His eyes flashed over to red as he displayed a sinister grin. “See you in your dreams.” He wheezed.

Natalie briefly screamed as she sat up, finding herself alone again. It must have been the quickest nightmare in the world.

She slammed the laptop shut and stood up. “You wont be killing anyone, anymore.” She turned to face the life support monitor, her hand reaching out to find the proper button. Upon finding it, she stared at it for what seemed to be the longest time. “You wont be killing me anymore.”

Suggested Listening Track: Purify – Balligomingo

The End

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