Knight Rider 2000

Pilot

Written by

Rob Hedden

Novelized by

Scott Kirkessner

Based upon KNIGHT RIDER

Created by

Glen A. Larson

In the 21^st Century, handguns are banned by law from citizens and the city’s own police force. Police officers, refusing to subject themselves to defenselessness, band together to from a black market gun running ring. Shawn McCormick, a rookie, stumbles onto that ring in a setup by her own colleagues, and finds herself at the end of an illegal handgun aimed at her head. Shot and left for dead, Shawn gains a memory chip, and comes to the next step in law enforcement, the Foundation for Law and Government, where she learns about the chips true source.

Shawn must work with Michael Knight, recalled from retirement to assist the ailing Foundation, in order to stop the illegal guns from destroying the city.

Rated PG for profanity, suggestive dialogue and mild violence.

The date is February 19, 2000. Yet another day at Quayton State Prison. Things have changed now that the new millennium is here. All prisoners are cryogenically frozen in small “drawers.” Thomas Watts is being prepared for parole. He has been frozen in cell 1433 since 1998. The doctor and the guard approached Watts’ cell. The doctor punched in the cell number. The metallic “drawer” slid out. The doctor then punched in some more codes. He checked the medical status of the prisoner. After everything checks out, the doctor pushes a button and in these seconds, Thomas Watts opens his eyes and takes his first breath.

At the Metropolitan Police station, things were busy as usual.

“You’ve kept me here for three hours,” yelled a bag lady, “I got my rights ya know? You just can’t keep me down here against my will, I got to get home and feed my poor ol’ cats and my dogs, they’re hungry, quit... quit jerkin’ me around. Tell me, why I’m bein’ held down here...” The cop escorting her was nodding without a real care in the world.

At the desk, a man was being escorted to a unit waiting to take him to Quayton. Two cops were holding him tightly by the arm. The convict booted the one cop to the side and punched him, he then turned to the other cop and punched him too. Shawn McCormick, a rookie, saw the commotion and decided to help. She jumped on the convict, but he slammed her against the wall. She recovered and slammed against his side. This, in turn, knocked the wind out of her and she fell. Kurt Miller, Shawn’s friend and partner ran to help. He whipped out his ultrasound and slammed the convict in the face. The convict fell and two more cops ran to pick the convict up and take him to a holding cell.

Kurt helped Shawn up. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“Nice work.” said Shawn.

“I’ll probably get it for brutality. That scum’s a cop killer. I love this system.”

Later in the coed locker room, Kurt walked in getting ready to roll soon. Marla Hedges, another officer smacked him on the butt.

“Hey, hey Miller,” said Hedges, “we got the crisp details today, something even your rookie can handle.”

“Thank you.” said Shawn.

“Were baby-sitting the mayor,” said Hedges, “some fund-raiser at the Tower.”

“All the chicken wings you can eat.” said Officer Strand.

Kurt turned around, chicken wings were his favorite food.

“I had someone warn them I was coming.” said Hedges. “So McCormick, how do ya like the street life so far?”

“Haven’t seen much action yet.” said Shawn.

“You probably won’t. Unless there is a sudden rash of code 17’s at all the donut shops in your sector.”

“Your full of it aren’t you Hedges?” asked Kurt.

“Every day.” she responded. She walked over to Shawn. “Look, you got a good partner, just don’t blow it out there and you’ll be fine, honey, eh?”

Shawn just nodded.

At the Tower Restaurant, the mayor’s fund-raiser was going very well. Mayor Frank Cottam was shaking hands and talking to everyone. The officers were pigging out at the food table and keeping an eye on the mayor as well. Shawn and Kurt were standing by the elevator. Kurt was rubbing his head.

“What’s the matter?” asked Shawn.

Kurt just moaned.

“I have some anti-inflammatory down in the unit, let me get it for you.”

“No, I’ll pass. Maybe a chicken wing might help.” Kurt walked over with Hedges and Strand.

Down in the parking lot, Watts was sitting in his car waiting for the right moment. He pulled out a 9 millimeter Weber from the glove box. He made sure it was loaded and exited the car. Shawn walked out of the elevator just as he was stepping in. He pushed the button and put on a ski mask. He was ready for the assassination. The elevator opened on the top floor, the cop guarding the door was pushed aside and Watts shot an officer. He ran by and pushed down Kurt, Hedges, and Strand. Watts ran up and shot the mayor in the stomach. The mayor moaned and collapsed. He put the gun up to Harold Abbey, the vice mayor.

“I’ll do him too so help me God!” yelled Watts, “Come on!”

“Put them down, please!” said Abbey.

Strand put down his ultrasound and so did Hedges.

“I’m gonna buzz ‘em both.” said Kurt.

“You know the code.” said Hedges, “He might get a shot on first, put down your ultrasound. Put it down!”

Kurt set the weapon down. Watts took the Abbey with him and Kurt immediately put in the call.

Shawn was rummaging through the glove box for medicine for Kurt when the call came in.

“Attention all sector five units, code 17x in progress at the Tower Restaurant. Proceed with extreme caution.”

Shawn dropped the bottle and ran. She was just turning the corner when she saw Watts and Abbey emerge from the elevator. “FREEZE!” she yelled.

“Don’t shoot!” yelled Abbey.

Watts shot at Shawn. Shawn shot back, but accidentally buzzed Abbey instead. Watts ran off and Shawn shot at him again. This time he fell, but the ultrasound hit off center and stunned him for only a second. Watts got up and ran. Shawn ran after but lost him. She started walking back and then she found it. The gun. She picked it up. It was still loaded.

At the Knight Foundation, Russell Maddock and Devon Miles were about to finish a presentation for Mayor Abbey and Police Commissioner Ruth Daniels. There was a simulation showing the capabilities for the Foundation’s new project, the Knight Industries Four Thousand, or K.I.F.T. The simulation ended and Maddock turned off the projector.

“I don’t know about all of you, but it impresses the hell out of me. If I do say so myself” he said.

“It’s a nice simulation,” said Abbey, “but I doubt even that car coulda saved Mayor Cottam’s life.”

“I’m afraid that’s something we’ll never know.” said Devon.

“Well true, but once completed, I guarantee you’ll be quite astonished by what the Knight 4000 can do.” said Maddock.

“Frank Cottam gave me my career, I want whoever is responsible for his death stopped.”

“We all do, Mayor Abbey.” said Devon.

“And we’re your solution,” said Maddock, “not only that we have a state-of-the-art operations base, but now a vehicle, which is an entire department on wheels. I’m talking a communication center with worldwide links, the latest virtual reality display technology and artificial intelligence superior to the commissioner and all her cops put together.”

Commissioner Daniels glared at him.

“With all due respect Commissioner Daniels.” ended Maddock.

“Mr. Maddock’s enthusiasm is shared by the entire Foundation, course we’re here in the sprit of collaboration.” said Devon.

Commissioner Daniels just about had it. This was a waste of time. “We do not need another law-enforcement department here, period.”

Maddock had it with Daniels as well. Countless requests have been denied now that Frank Cottam is dead. “And I suppose L.A., New York, and Chicago don’t, either. Funny, they all have free-lance department now.”

“We’re not any of those cities.”

“Oh no? The ‘City of the Future.’ That’s what they said back in the 90’s. Well I got news for you, the future’s here, and that tower is an antique now. So is your old way of fighting crime.”

“Don’t talk to me about antiques. The Knight Foundation was a philanthropic dinosaur, until Devon brought you on board.”

“Commissioner, that isn’t quite accurate. Mayor Cottam had enormous respect of our company’s accomplishments, or else he would never have established a relationship with us.” said Devon.

“Keeping the city safe is difficult enough, without a free-lance department to stumble over. At best you’ll impede due-process and...and create legal havoc.”

Maddock was tired of Daniels put downs and her dumb excuses. “I don’t think I can listen to much more of this.”

“Russ, please!” said Devon.

“No, first you ban capital punishment and then you ban handguns from everyone. Including your own police! It may work in other countries, but it sure as hell doesn’t work here!”

“It hasn’t had a chance to work!” said Daniels. “We are one of the first cities to activate this ban. We are setting a precedent for the entire country.”

“I’m sorry, but the wrong people are getting shot. And what do you do with these murderers instead of firing back, you buzz them with ultrasound, and then you freeze them, so they can come back 20 years later and victimize a whole new generation.”

Daniels’ assistant, Andrew, leaned over to give some tips to the commissioner to win the argument.

Daniels began. “Cryogenic incarceration saves an estimate 1.2 billion dollars per year, while solving the problem of prison over crowding and cruel conditions.”

“Whose side are you on anyway?” asked Maddock.

“What’s your point Mr. Maddock?” asked Abbey.

“You may be the next one laying dead in a restaurant Mr. Mayor. Can you really afford not to have us?”

Still not impressed, Abbey gave the Knight Foundation a small chance. “I’m giving you 30 days to complete that car and show me some results or I’m dropping your free lance contract.”

“Mr. Mayor,” protested Devon, “The Knight 4000 is still in prototype form. It won’t be ready for at least two more months.”

“That’s not my problem. Good day gentlemen.”

All the people in the room walked out. The first one out was Commissioner Daniels.

“So we’ll get through this, all right.” said Maddock, “Don’t...don’t worry about them.”

“I’m worried about us.” said Devon. “We need help, Russ. We need help.”

With two fishing poles in hand and an empty cooler, Michael Knight emerged from his small boat. He’s been living here since 1990, when he left the Foundation. He walked across the bridge and toward his house. That’s when he saw an old, good friend. He stopped, put down his stuff and stared.

“Hello Michael.” said Devon.

“Hello Devon.”

Devon got up and the two hugged. They haven’t seen each other in 10 years.

“How are you?” asked Devon.

“Good. I’m real good.”

The fire was cracking and warm inside. Michael brought Devon a drink.

“Thank you. I came here for two reasons,” said Devon, “to see an old friend, and because I need your help.”

“Devon,” began Michael, “I’m not the same person anymore. I gave up that life. I guess I’m on my third one now.”

“When we saved your life, it was no random choice, Michael. Right from the beginning we saw something in you. I still see it.”

“I’m happy out here.”

“Are you? I made a promise a very long time ago. A promise to fulfill one man’s dream.”

Michael got up. “Devon, I don’t wanna-”

“Let me finish before you say no. Wilton Knight created the Foundation in hopes to find intelligent solutions to violent problems. Problems that have changed little in tens of not hundreds of years. That’s what’s kept me going, Michael. I truly share the same dream. I wouldn’t ask this if there were any other answer. I need you. Come back for the next 30 days until we cement our contract. Then, after that, if you decide to go, I won’t say a word. Do you remember what Wilton always said, ‘One man can make a difference?’”

“I remember. But that man’s not me anymore. Me is fishing, taking care of my Chevy outside. Me is taking advantage of life for a change, instead of life taking advantage of me.”

“No one suggested that what we do is easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. Don’t make me beg, Michael. I have nowhere else to turn.”

“Only under one condition.”

Devon knew what Michael was taking about. “He’ll be waiting for us on arrival.”

In the garage, Maddock, Devon and Michael were standing around a container, filled with parts. Parts of a car, and parts of Michael Knight’s life. Inside, dismantled, was the Knight Industries Two Thousand, or K.I.T.T. for short.

“I had to liquidate some items to make our balance sheet look good, otherwise we would have never landed a franchise. Frankly, I never saw K.I.T.T. as an asset to begin with.” said Maddock.

“Oh,” said Devon, “I see.”

“It’s nothing personal, Devon, but the car didn’t exactly have fresh oil on the dipstick if you know what I mean. And with the 4000 on the way, it hardly seemed worth the price of storage.” said Maddock.

“Yes hardly.” said Devon.

“You let this guy actually do this?” asked Michael.

“This guy happens to be your new boss Mr. Knight!” yelled Maddock, “And I’d watch that attitude from now on.”

“I assume you can repurchase the missing components.” said Devon.

“Most of them, I think. I was surprised that I could sell them at all, but I guess research facilities found them okay. Shows how up to date they are. Listen, if your really insist on buying them back--”

“Just don’t... bother!” said Michael. He walked off.

Maddock leaned toward Devon. “He’s not exactly as you led me to believe he be, Devon.”

“Neither are you Mr. Maddock!” shouted Devon. “How dare you dismantle that car without first discussing it with me.”

“I did what I had to do to keep this operation alive, now I make no excuses for it!”

“No, you wouldn’t! Humility and modesty are hardly in your makeup! I had just about all arrogance I can take.”

“Look, you want a nice guy, that’s not me, but I get results!”

“As long as I’m the controlling partner we do things my way, is that clear?”

“Yeah.”

Devon walked off leaving Maddock defeated.

Kurt pulled up to Shawn’s apartment building.

“Thanks for the ride, Kurt. Goodnight.” said Shawn.

Kurt gently grabbed her arm. “Daniels must have chewed you up and down ‘bout the buzzin’ of the deputy mayor. C’mon, McCormick, what gives.”

“Do you know why forensics never recovered that handgun from the Tower?”

Kurt shook his head.

“Because I did.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, it’s kind of a hunch. The gun was a 9 millimeter Weber, Kurt.”

“That doesn’t mean it was a cop’s gun.”

“But they were all have supposed to been melted down.”

“There are lots of 9 mills out there on the black market.”

“Oh, but I have a feeling about this. Tell me it’s my dumb intuition.”

“It probably is.” said Kurt, laughing.

Shawn was still concerned. “But why is this particular gun showing up all of a sudden. This isn’t the first one, lately.” She pulled the gun from her purse. “Will you run a ballistics on this? Just for my own piece of mind. I stuck it under my mattress three days ago and haven’t been able to sleep since.”

Kurt took the gun from her. “I’ll do some quiet asking around. In the meantime don’t say nothin’ to nobody. Who knows where this could go.”

“Did I screw up?”

“No, you did good. Now go get some sleep. All right?”

Shawn walked into her apartment. She pushed the pad to turn on the lights. It didn’t work. After two more tries, she decides to check the lamp itself. Then, the lights turn on.

“SURPRISE!” yelled some officers of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Shawn stumbled back, still stunned.

Kurt walked in. “Happy Birthday, Shawn!” he yelled. He gave her a hug and stood to the side.

“By the look on your face, I’d say your partner keeps a damn good secret.” said Hedges.

The crowd chanted for Shawn to give a speech.

“Oh, you’re all an obnoxious bunch. Well, I don’t really have a family anymore, at least not until I joined the PD. And the last few months have been the greatest in a long time and that’s thanks to all of you. I know I have a lot to learn, and you’ve all been really patient. I love all you guys.”

The crowd clapped and Hedges spoke up. “Enough with the sentiment, now cut the damn cake, all right?”

The next day at the Knight Foundation, Michael was working alone in the garage. Devon came in holding a can. He set it down on the table. “It’s tri-clycoride-three.”

“Thanks.” said Michael. “You wanna talk about that ass you hired?”

“I did what I had to do to survive.” said Devon.

“C’mon, Devon, you’re not doing this for money, you never would.”

“Oh no, money isn’t the problem. We still have enough grant funding.”

“Then what is the problem?”

“Research means nothing unless you can apply it, Michael. Now we can help this city, but the bureaucracy has stalled us for years. Russ Maddock deserves some credit for turning that around.”

“You promised me K.I.T.T.’s body.” said Michael.

“Yes, I did.” said Devon looking at the can, “I’m afraid he’s been recycled.”

Then a voice spoke up. A voice familiar to Michael and Devon. “Now that’s just wonderful.” said K.I.T.T. “You stick me in mothballs for nearly a decade, and then you sell off my parts like I’m inventory for Manny, Moe, and Jack.”

Devon laughed. “K.I.T.T., it’s wonderful to hear your voice.”

“I wish I could say the same, Devon, but one of my auditory units must lave landed in some kid’s walkie-talkie. Is that you, Michael?”

“Yeah.” said Michael, stunned.

“You look like crap.”

“Well so do you, pal.”

“At least I have an excuse. You obviously gone down the toilet since we split up, Michael. Get a life.”

“I got a life, and a body too, which is more than I can say for you.”

“Forget my body. Where’s my Random Access, or my Graphics Board. I can’t even play a round of PacMan in here.”

“You’re outdating yourself, buddy-boy. PacMan’s in the Smithsonian, now.”

“Probably an exhibit or two away from you.”

“At least some things haven’t changed.” said Devon.

Kurt and Shawn were working the night patrol when the call came in from the dispatcher.

“Attention, Adam 2020, code 17x in progress at Arnold Jewelers.”

Kurt sped up and turned on the siren.

The unit screeched to a halt in front of the mall.

“Drop in on the north exit!” yelled Kurt.

Shawn ran to where her partner directed her. She saw the robber emerge from the store. He fired two shots at her and ran.

“I’ve located suspect on north side of complex. Appears to be heading toward canal.” said Shawn. The chase continued. Shawn found a shortcut to the canal and hoped to head off the robber. The robber ran past just as she emerged from the dark alley. “FREEZE!” she yelled.

The robber fired again , but Shawn buzzed him with the ultrasound. She walked over to the stunned robber and picked up the gun. It was another 9 millimeter Weber. “Where’d you get this?” she asked. Suddenly, Shawn felt a gun to her neck. She glanced over. It was Watts. He took the gun and the ultrasound away from her.

“We meet again.” said Watts. “The Tower?”

The robber got up and stood next to Shawn. The robber took off his hat and mustache. It was Hedges. “You shouldn’t have picked up that gun McCormick.”

Shawn looked back over at Watts. “We can work this out.”

“Relax officer. Your off duty now.” Watts pointed the gun at Shawn’s head and pulled the trigger.

After Kurt found her, he called for an ambulance. When they got to the hospital, there was a big crowd of doctors around her. They wheeled her into a room and told Kurt he’d have to wait outside. Just then, Commissioner Daniels, Andrew, Strand, Hedges and other officers came in.

“Is she still alive?” asked Daniels.

“Barely.” replied Kurt.

Daniels walked into the room and walked up to Dr. Richard Glassman. “As a city employee, she’s turned her rights over to me.” said Daniels. “I’m authorizing you to read her RNA.”

“RNA is a risky procedure, there’s still a chance we can save her.” said Dr. Glassman.

“We have to find out who did this to her, Doctor.” said Daniels. “Believe me, she would want us to know.”

“Prepare for RNA transfer.” said Dr. Glassman.

The nurses wheeled Shawn into the RNA transfer room. They put her on a table and activated the scanner. Dr. Glassman sat at a monitor where an image of Shawn’s skull was being projected. The scanner found the trauma spot. “Spot.” said Dr. Glassman. “Insert probe one in Alphic Nerve. Two and three into hemispherical memory regions.” Dr. Glassman stepped into a room. Another doctor stepped up to a monitor. “Position probe.” he said. A robotic arm with a needle at the end started to move. This was probe one. It will be inserted through Shawn’s skull and into her Alphic Nerve, her main memory center. The RNA will be fed through the probe and onto Dr. Glassman’s monitor in hopes to find the shooter. The arm continued to move until it reached its final point. “Stand clear.” said Dr. Glassman. The probe began to move and it entered Shawn’s skull. “Probe insertion completed, Doctor.” said the doctor. The RNA transfer began.

The images on the screen were from Shawn’s third birthday party. It showed her as a young girl with all her friends and her dad celebrating. “Happy birthday, Shawn.” her dad said. After that, young Shawn blew out her candles and Kurt’s image appeared in the cake. “Happy birthday, Shawn.” said Kurt. Young Shawn just smiled, a little confused, but went on partying. After that, Shawn, at her normal age, was on a swing with a man of her dreams. “I love you.” she said. The image faded out and back into her birthday party from the previous day. It was at the end of her speech. “I love all you guys.”

Dr. Glassman came out. “Commissioner.” he said. “The injury appears to have destroyed a cluster patter in her cerebrum, in simple terms, she’s lost her most recent memory. But there is good news, the RNA confirmed that we can save her life by performing a fragmentary cerebral transplant, but of course I’ll need your authorization.”

“Doctor, may I speak to you in private?” asked Daniels.

Dr. Glassman and Commissioner Daniels were talking in his office.

“There is certifiable doubt on how she’ll function after this operation, if at all, isn’t that true?”

“Yes, there is always some incertitude with a procedure like this, but I’m extremely confident.”

“Have you performed one of these before?” asked Daniels

“No, but I’ve logged 90 hours on the surgical simulator. She’s a textbook case, perfect for me.” said Dr. Glassman.

Daniels paused for a moment. “I’m afraid I have no choice, but to decline.”

“Commissioner, what you’re saying, in effect, is to terminate life support.”

“Don’t think I feel the slightest bit good about this, Doctor. But our budget deficit is in the high seven figures. We literally cannot afford it. Based on the risk.”

“I am urging you to reconsider.”

“Your next career advancement will have to wait until the next victim rolls in, Doctor Glassman. My decision is final.”

Dr. Glassman walked into the operation room where the doctors and nurses were waiting for him. “We’re going on with the transplant.”

In an expensive building, Thomas Watts was having a meeting with members of the Metropolitan Police who were opposed to the gun ban. Strand, Hedges, Kurt, and other officers were in the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to expand. I, like you, believe in the constitutional right for all citizens to bear arms, but do the criminals? Self protection is a principle that this country was founded on, and I see nothing wrong with continuing that philosophy, while getting very, very rich, selling banned handguns on the black market. What about you?” he said as he put his hand on Kurt’s shoulder.

“I don’t remember murder as part of our forefathers’ philosophy, Mr. Watts.” said Kurt.

“Oh, but an eye for an eye certainly was.” replied Watts.

“The former mayor was responsible for getting our handguns banned, Miller. The bad guys, they still have ‘em.” said Strand.

“Six of us have bought it already this year, all we can do is buzz ‘em back.” complained an officer.

“They told us the ban would help, they lied.” said Hedges.

“This is not about self-protection anymore! He shot one of our own at the Tower, Strand. How do you justify that?” said Kurt.

“That was unplanned,” said Watts, “and quite unfortunate.”

“Just like shootin’ my partner, right. That was never part of the deal.” said Kurt.

“Neither was her interference at the Tower.” said Watts.

“She did it to herself, Miller!” yelled Hedges.

“I planned on bringing her in eventually, it was just too soon.” said Kurt.

“I’d say it was too late. She was your responsibility, and still is.” said Watts.

“Her memory is gone.” said Kurt. “She’s out of the equation.”

“We’ll see.”

“What about the new free-lance department? Now that can really screw things up for us.” said Strand.

“There’s way too much tension in this room.” said Watts. “They won that franchise based on a flashy car which won’t be finished before their contract expires. They will be no problem. Trust me.”

In Maddock’s office at the Knight Foundation, Maddock was yelling into the phone. “I don’t wanna hear excuses. The 4000 is already two weeks behind. Now you kick that distributor’s butt or I’ll have to kick yours.”

Just then Devon walked in. “I’m glad to see that company morale is a priority of yours.”

“Not as much as nailing this contract, we need results, Devon, now.”

Devon handed a paper over to Maddock. “I think we have some. It’s an inventory of evidence seized over the last two years all related to handgun crimes. Notice how the percents of Weber automatics has gone up, since the mayor was shot.”

“You’re not thinking what I think your thinking.”

“I’ll admit that police involvement is an unlikely possibility. But every prospect should be checked out.”

“Compared to what I said to Daniels, this is a real slap in her face, I’m gonna press, Devon.”

“I’m not suggesting that we handle this delicately,” said Devon, “I’d like to put Michael on it. At the moment he’s wrapping up tests on K.I.T.T.”

In the garage, Michael was finished. Since most of the model of the Knight 2000 was dismantled and sold, he placed K.I.T.T. into his ‘57 Chevy.

“Michael, this isn’t gonna work.” said K.I.T.T.

“Just trust me, buddy. It’s a new body, take a little getting used to, but you’ll do just fine.” said Michael.

“It’s your body I’m having trouble adjusting to, you did shower today, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I had a full wash and a wax, all right? Time to take Mr. Personality for a spin.”

On the streets of the city, K.I.T.T. was driving Michael, Devon, and Maddock around, and proving that he was still an asset to the Foundation.

“Amazing power that you get out of those rodents under the hood.” said Maddock.

“Not to mention the one in the back seat.” replied K.I.T.T.

“Oh wonderful. A car with an attitude.” complained Maddock.

“You’d have a disposition too, if you went from state-of-the-art to this. I may not catch every criminal, but I’ll sure look good at the drive-in.”

“K.I.T.T., there are no more drive-ins.” said Michael.

“In that case, I’m useless.” said K.I.T.T.

“K.I.T.T. has a terrific sense of humor, don’t you think?” asked Devon.

“That’s a matter of opinion.” said Maddock.

“Can we table this for awhile?” asked Michael.

K.I.T.T.’s bar-code scanner was activated.

“What’s that?” asked Maddock.

“We’ve been scanning bar-codes.” Michael replied. “You come up with something?”

“The blue coupe idling in front of the ATM is registered to a Todd Mullen, whom you’ll find on my monitor.” said K.I.T.T.

“I see,” said Michael, “he’s currently wanted for drug trafficking and murder.”

“He’s withdrawing a large sum of cash. Approximately $10,600. Would you like me to electronically disable the man’s vehicle?” said K.I.T.T.

“For starters.” said Michael.

K.I.T.T. did so and the man walked away from the ATM.

“Now stun him.” said Michael.

The man fell and money spilled everywhere. Michael, Devon, and Maddock emerged from the Chevy.

“Okay, pal. You’re under arrest.” said Michael.

The man, who was not Todd Mullen responded. “They set their Phasers on stun, Captain. I don’t like the looks of it.”

“Michael,” said K.I.T.T., “shall I Mirandize him?”

“K.I.T.T., it’s Scotty.” said Michael.

“Who?” asked K.I.T.T.”

“Star Trek, you idiot! He’s James Doohan. The actor who played Scotty in The Original Series and all ten movies.”

“Don’t tell me, you’re a classic Trekkie.” said Michael.

“The Dilithum Crystals are fading fast. I don’t think I can hold them, Mr. Spock.” said ‘Scotty.’

“Maddock, I’m very angry about this.” said K.I.T.T. “You obviously substituted a bogus chip in my memory. I want my old chip back!”

“Please somebody beam me up!” said ‘Scotty.’ Then the old man passed out.

Maddock caught him and tried to wake him up. “Scotty, Scotty, Scotty.”

At the Metropolitan Police department, Shawn stormed into Daniels office. “I’d like a few minutes of your time, Commissioner.”

“It’s all right.” said Daniels to her other secretary who followed Shawn in. “We’re happy to see you back, Officer McCormick. You must have plenty of questions. If you’d like, I can ask Andrew to-”

“I heard that you ordered the plug pulled on me.” said Shawn.

“That isn’t perfectly accurate.” said Daniels. “There were financial considerations at work-”

“My memory might be impaired, but I assure you nothing else is. I want find the creep who shot me. Re-assign me to my old unit.”

“I can’t do that. Technically, you shouldn’t even have a desk job after what happened.”

“Neither should you, considering your profound lack of judgment.”

“Officer, I-”

“Anti-Capital Punishment, but Pro-Euthanasia for your own cops. You know, Commissioner, you might actually benefit by a bullet in the head as well!”

“McCormick you have just guaranteed yourself-”

“Don’t bother. I quit!” Shawn walked out of Daniels’ office and stopped, just realizing what she had done.

At the Foundation, Shawn was having an interview with Maddock and Devon.

“We’re fully staffed at the time,” said Maddock as he handed Shawn’s resume back, “but we’ll keep your resume on our database. Thanks for coming in.”

“I’m more than what’s on that piece of paper.” persuaded Shawn. “Give me a chance. I promise I won’t let you down.”

“May I be blunt?” Maddock asked. “Good cops don’t get fired. Now if you’ll excuse us-”

“I quit.” said Shawn. “And if you’d done your homework, you’d know the reason why. I, on the other hand, know all about you, Mr. Maddock. Illustrious former D.A. with a 95.4% conviction rate. Never married. With a track record of dating blondes considerably younger. You play singles’ only tennis with a win percentage of 98.2 because you always select opponents who’ll provide you with adequate competition, but not enough to beat you. Your recent loss was to a woman incidentally. Shall I go on?”

“I have a feeling that your knowledge of our operation is equally thorough, Ms. McCormick.” said Devon.

“So is my familiarity with the handgun cases, which I memorized and correlated in their entirety, prior to my resignation.” said Shawn.

“You’ve got a chip in your head, don’t you?” asked Maddock.

“Memory chip transplant is not uncommon today.” said Shawn.

“Everything may work out fine. Mr. Maddock has one on his shoulder.” said Devon.

“Let’s cut through the smoke here,” said Maddock, “why do you want to work for us?”

“That should be obvious.” said Shawn.

“Humor me.” said Maddock.

“What are my choices?” asked Shawn. “My field is law enforcement, so that just leaves you and the PD. And while it may be wishful thinking, I’d like to believe you’re the better of the two.”

“I still think you have a hidden agenda, lady.”

“I was shot point blank in the head and I want to nail the bastard who did it. That’s my agenda. What’s yours?”

Just then, Michael walked in. “Good news,” he said, “I’ve located K.I.T.T.’s missing chip.”

“Where?” asked Devon.

“Well that’s the bad news, it was sold to RNA Trauma Center and ended up in some policewoman’s head.” said Michael.

Maddock smiled at Shawn.

“Michael,” said Devon, “meet the missing chip.”

Michael looked at Shawn. Shawn looked back, with a look in her eyes saying “Hello.”

In the garage, the Knight 4000 was resting in a testing center. K.I.T.T. was on the other side of the garage. “I suppose, we should at least be cordial. My name is K.I.T.T., originally designed with series 2000 circuitry.”

K.I.F.T.’s lights turned on.

“Terrific. The lights are on, but nobody’s home,” said K.I.T.T. “They spend ten million dollars building the car and forget the voice. Incredible.”

K.I.F.T. roared to life and sped toward K.I.T.T. and slammed on the breaks and spun a total 360o.

“So it’s going to be ‘mine is bigger than yours’ is it?” asked K.I.T.T.

“Mine is bigger than yours.” said K.I.F.T.

“So it talks,” said K.I.T.T., “and sounds suspiciously familiar.”

“I only speak when it’s necessary.” said K.I.F.T.

“Maddock’s voice.” said K.I.T.T. “I knew the man had an ego, but please.”

“We have nothing further to discuss.” said K.I.F.T. After that, K.I.F.T. turned his lights off.

“There’s nothing worse than a smart ass automobile.” said K.I.T.T.

Michael and Shawn walked in. “Did you have much experience driving police units?” asked Michael.

“If your inference is that I’m inadequate, I understand.” said Shawn.

“No, no. I only thought your knowledge might help us.”

“Secondly, if you had took the time to look over my resume, you would known my exact nature of my field training and you wouldn’t be making such a feeble query.”

“All the chips in the world, and she had to end up with K.I.T.T.’s.”

“Actually, there are few chips on the market that are compatible with the human brain, and they’re very expensive. Under the circumstances, it made perfect sense for me to get the research chip that came from your car.” said Shawn. “Your lack of deductive reasoning amazes me.”

“Lady, I don’t know if this is the personality you were born with or what. But you got an attitude that will not fly around here. We all work together or not at all.” said Michael.

“Not at all seems to be your suit, not mine. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you leave the Foundation to run an unprofitable bass-charter? Seems you get along better with the fish then you do with the people.” Shawn walked over to K.I.F.T.

“I know some fish with better personalities that you. Excuse me, wrong car.” Michael pointed over to his Chevy.

“That?” asked Shawn. “Hang a pair of fuzzy dice up in there and we’ll be ready to go.” She walked over to the driver’s side

“Uh, I drive.”

“Not anymore you don’t”

Michael didn’t protest. He walked over to the other side and got in.

Shawn turned the key, but the car wouldn’t start. She tried again.

“Michael,” said K.I.T.T., “kindly tell this obnoxious person to remove her hands from my wheel.”

Shawn sat back, surprised. “The car talks.” she said.

“Brilliant observation,” said K.I.T.T., “I bet she knows how many tires I have.”

“Yes, and they’re obviously over-inflated.” said Shawn.

“Who is this repugnant female?” asked K.I.T.T.

“Repugnant?!” asked Shawn. “Try looking in the rear-view mirror whoever-you-are.”

“K.I.T.T.,” said Michael, “say hello to Shawn McCormick. She has your missing chip implanted in her brain.”

“We’ll simply have to have it removed.” said K.I.T.T.

“Wrong,” said Shawn, “the chip is mine now and it’s staying under my hood, got it? Although, after meeting the potential source of the chip, I may give it some consideration.” Shawn started the car.

In the streets, K.I.T.T. sped around a corner.

“Slow down!” yelled Michael.

“Don’t tell me, I’m not driving!” said Shawn.

“K.I.T.T., knock it off.”

“This arrogant machine is going to kill both of us.”

Michael saw a police car waiting a stop light. “That’s enough, K.I.T.T., pull over.”

K.I.T.T. continued to drive out of control. He said some muffled words.

“Oh no, his hard drive’s crashed.” said Michael.

“Impossible.” said Shawn. “A hard drive malfunction is impossible for my circuitry.”

“You mean his circuitry.” Michael corrected.

“Whatever! He’s faking it!”

“No way. K.I.T.T. wouldn’t go that far.”

K.I.T.T. continued to drive wildly and sped into an alley. Just then, a sanitation truck turned the corner and K.I.T.T. was headed right towards it. Shawn saw it and K.I.T.T. permitted Shawn to slam on the breaks, just in time. The truck backed up and found another way around.

“I apologize.” said K.I.T.T.

“What happened?” asked Michael.

“I lost my temper.” replied K.I.T.T. “You may think I’m just a machine, but I do have a feelings chip.”

Michael turned to Shawn. “Maybe you can use one of those chips, too.”

“Yeah,” said Shawn, “Maybe.”

The police unit pulled up Kurt and Hedges emerged from the car.

“Just what we need.” said Shawn.

“It could be.” said Michael. “That’s your ex-partner, isn’t it?”

“How’d you know that?” asked Shawn.

“Homework chip.” replied Michael.

“What should I do?”

“We need inside information, remember? I don’t know what you were like before you became sister-of-K.I.T.T., but see if there’s any charm buried in there.”

Kurt and Hedges walked up to the car. “These old classies look great, but they’re a pain to drive sometimes, huh?” asked Kurt.

“Oh I can drive them just fine, thank you very much.” said Shawn.

Michael sighed.

“But I think I can drive them a lot better if I had a lesson or two. Think you’d be free some time to help me out in that department?”

“I think I might have some time for that.” said Kurt smiling.

At a restaurant, Shawn and Kurt were having coffee. Michael and K.I.T.T. were monitoring.

“I suppose I should thank you for not arresting me.” said Shawn.

“Yes, you should,” said Kurt, “I miss my old partner, McCormick.”

“I don’t miss mine.” said Shawn. She just realized she had hurt his feelings. “I’m sorry. That was an abrasive thing to say. What I mean is, I have very little memory of you in this.”

“That’s okay,” said Kurt, “you just bein’ honest, but it sure don’t sound like the old McCormick.”

“Things tend to change after you get your brains blown out, partner.”

K.I.T.T. was monitoring their conversation. He fed it through the speakers in the car so Michael could hear.

“Has the department made any progress with the handgun situation?” asked Shawn.

“Not really.” replied Kurt.

“What about the former mayor, any leads?”

“Listen, I’m all shop talked out, do you mind if we change the subject?”

“Michael,” said K.I.T.T., “the analyzer indicates stress in his voice.”

“Understand that I have one priority, to confront the creep who shot me. I need all the help I can get.” said Shawn.

Watts walked up. He and Kurt have arranged a test to see if Shawn has really lost her memory. “Kurt? What a pleasant surprise. Mind if I join you.”

“No, not at all.” replied Kurt.

Watts turned to Shawn. “I’m John Wilson. You must be Kurt’s former partner. I’ve heard all about you.”

“Oh sorry, I should’ve introduced you. Mr. Wilson’s in the import business.” said Kurt.

“And exports.” said Watts. he pulled out a gun. A small one, gold, and pulled the trigger. A flame came out. It was a lighter. I send these little knickknacks to Hong Kong. I know it’s illegal to smoke in public here....”

Michael just noticed the new voice. “K.I.T.T., capture a voice print of this guy.”

“It’s a nasty habit,” said Shawn, “I really have to go. Thanks for the coffee.”

Watts stood up. “It’s been a pleasure, Ms. McCormick.”

Shawn smiled and walked off.

“She stared you straight in the eye,” said Kurt, “are you satisfied?”

“She’s a very lucky woman.” said Watts.

Shawn was walking up the stairs and stopped at the top. In her mind, she saw a gun, firing at her. She started to shake. She saw herself at her birthday party. “Blow out the candles!” yelled the crowd at her party. Shawn saw her cake, then saw herself walking towards it. The cake changed. It was now in the shape of a 9 millimeter Weber, with a flame coming out the barrel. “Make a wish!” Her own image in her mind, smiled, looked up and saw a gun fire again. This ended her dream. She stopped shaking and walked toward the car.

“Any luck with the voice print?” asked Michael.

“I have insufficient bites to calculate a match.” replied K.I.T.T.

Shawn stepped in. “I haven’t lost my memory.”

“That makes one of us.” said K.I.T.T.

“K.I.T.T. give it a rest. This is serious.” said Michael.

“I saw myself getting shot. I actually remembered it.” said Shawn.

“Did you see who did it?” asked Michael.

“No. But, God, they said I had no recent memory. Something is in there and I can’t get it out.”

“Maybe you won’t have to.”

Michael and Shawn were at the hospital in the RNA Trauma Center. Dr. Glassman was at his terminal searching for Shawn’s file. He tried again. The terminal said FILE NOT FOUND. “As I said, you have no recent memory.”

“You’re lying,” said Shawn, “and I want to know why.”

“Contrary to what you’re thinking, I do have ethics. I risked my career to save your life.”

“I heard I boosted your career, Doctor Glassman. A Lenheart Surgical Grant was given to you after successfully performing the procedure, despite odds of failure topping 44.8%. Not that I’m ungrateful.”

“I see your short term memory retention is exemplary.” said Dr. Glassman.

“And my long term memory is not far behind. I remember getting shot, Doctor. And I want the rest of it back.” said Shawn.

“Okay, the disk is blank.” said Michael. “Where’s the real one?”

“You’re looking at it.” said Dr. Glassman.”

“You erased it?!” asked Michael.

“I’m sorry, I don’t trust you or anyone anymore.” said Dr. Glassman.

“Then, you’re just going to have to tell us what you saw.” said Michael.

“I didn’t see anything.”

“This is her life we’re talking about.”

“It’s mine too! I’m not getting involved!” Dr. Glassman walked out.

With no results at the hospital. Michael and Shawn were sitting in K.I.T.T. in a park.

“Hey,” said Michael, “we’ve been sitting in this park for hours and nothing’s coming back to you. You’re just going to have to-”

“What,” asked Shawn, “put it out of my mind. Too late, somebody already did.”

“Hey, I’m on your side.” said Michael.

“The only side you’re on is your own.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Devon told me you’re leaving as soon as the Knight 4000 is finished.”

“Michael is that true?” asked K.I.T.T. “You never should have brought me back.”

“We brought each other back, pal.” said Michael.

“So what am I supposed to do, hope for another memory jolt or two?” asked Shawn.

“There’s been one possibility that I’ve been reluctant to mention.” said K.I.T.T. “It could be extremely dangerous.”

“Just tell me what it is.” said Shawn.

“The human body is run by electric current, much like a computer, but only at a fractional voltage. Because of my chip being in your brain, I might be able to stimulate the hemispherical memory center and pipe it through my monitor.”

“What, I’m I supposed to stick my finger in the cigarette lighter, or something?”

“I could generate the energy from my overdrive shift lever.”

“You said it was dangerous.” said Michael.

“If I don’t calculate the precise electrical input, the odds are... just a moment.” said K.I.T.T.

“33 1/2% of permanent brain damage.” finished Shawn.

“Thank you.” replied K.I.T.T.

“Forget it!” yelled Michael.

“I truly appreciate your concern-” said Shawn.

“Well you better appreciate my concern! This is real.”

“Michael, it’s my choice. And it’s only one I can make.”

“Don’t do it K.I.T.T.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to respect her wishes over yours, Michael. Maybe for a long time to come.” said K.I.T.T.

Shawn put her hand on the shift lever. Cracks of electricity shot around the car. On K.I.T.T.’s monitor, images from Shawn’s memory popped up.

The first image was from a conversation earlier that day in the garage. “...but you got an attitude that will not fly around here, we all work together or not at all...” said Michael.

Next came the image from Shawn’s third birthday party again. Swinging on the swing was Shawn, but not the man of her dreams, but Michael Knight. “I love you.” she said.

Michael looked at Shawn with wide eyes.

Back at her party, Shawn, at her normal age, was making a speech. “I don’t really have a family anymore, at least not until I joined the PD. I’m going to repay you all be being the very best, and that’s all there is to it.”

The image jumped to the coed locker-room at the Metropolitan Police Department. All the cops were laughing and rolling on the floor. Hedges, in her disguise from that night at Arnold’s Jewelers came up to Shawn and said, “You got a nice partner, just don’t blow it out there and you’ll be fine, honey.”

The image jumped again, to that night Shawn was shot. “Relax, officer. You’re off duty now.” Again, the gun went off. From an angle from the ground, Shawn saw Hedges, Watts, Strand, and two other officers looking down at her. They left and Kurt came up, with a worried look on his face.

The image went white, and the memory review was over. Shawn let go of the lever. She turned to Michael, with tears running down her eyes. “They betrayed me.”

“I know,” said Michael, “I know. Let’s do something about that, huh?”

It took a few days, but Michael and Shawn came up with a plan. Shawn went back to where it all started: the Metropolitan Police Station.

Shawn walked into the coed locker room. She passed Strand on the way in.

“Hi, Shawn.” said Strand, sarcastically.

Shawn just looked at him and walked on. The went to her locker. Kurt was putting things away. “Hello, Kurt.”

“This is a pleasant surprise.”

“Yeah, same here. I left a few things in my locker. Guess I’ll see you around.”

Kurt nodded and walked off.

Shawn removed her items when Hedges came up next to her. Hedges glared at Shawn, opened her locker with a slam, took her hat out, and slammed it shut.

Shawn looked over at Hedges. Their eyes met for a brief second, but for Shawn, it was an eternity looking into the eyes of the same person who assisted in her attempted murder.

Michael parked K.I.T.T. on the shoulder of a highway. He had opened K.I.T.T.’s hood and acted like he was working on the engine. He looked up and saw a police car pull up. “Showtime buddy.” he said.

The car pulled up and the cop got out.

“Who says there’s not a cop around when you need one?” said Michael.

“Man oh man, I haven’t seen one of these things in a while, she is a beauty.” said the cop.

“Everywhere but under the hood. I think I got a dead battery. Appreciate a jump.”

“Sure no problem.” said the cop as he walked back to his car.

“Thanks.” Michael got in K.I.T.T. “Adam 2525, right on schedule.”

“I’ll say one thing for the police, their consistent and dependable. Unlike some people I know.” said K.I.T.T.

“Don’t start on me, K.I.T.T.” replied Michael.

Shawn walked into the technologies office. She typed in a password at the prompt on the monitor. She menu on the screen next to she listed four options. Shawn pushed the TELE-LINK button. The screen then changed to four more options. Shawn selected the GLOBAL TRANSFER button. The screen then read: PREPARE FOR DOWNLOAD. She screen changed to a black screen that read DESTINATION? Shawn typed in: MOBILE UNIT. ADAM 2525. It was all in K.I.T.T.’s and Michael’s hands now.

Through the battery jump cables, K.I.T.T., will be able to tap into the police mainframe, and retrieve files on all employees of the Metropolitan Police Department.

The cop pulled his car up next to Michael’s and attached the cables. He made sure everything was set. “Go ‘head, crank her over.”

“Okay!” yelled Michael. He turned to K.I.T.T. “Start the download.”

On K.I.T.T.’s monitors, every active employee of the Metropolitan Police Department was flashed at a high rate of speed.

After five tries, the cop walked over, “Sounds like you got problems, it must be on your battery.”

For fear of the cop might see what he and K.I.T.T. are up to, Michael jumped out. “Boy, you’re telling me. Ya know, she can be a real pain the butt sometimes. Yep, she’s got a mid of her own. Tell you what, one more time and I’m sure she’ll start.”

“Okey-doke.” replied the cop.

“Thanks.” Michael got back in. “You enjoyed that didn’t you?” asked K.I.T.T.

“Finish the download.” said Michael.

Shawn got up and walked out of the office. Strand came around a corner and stared at her. He had a vague idea at what she had done.

Back on the highway, K.I.T.T. was almost done with the download. The cop walked over to K.I.T.T. “Hey, listen-” He looked in and saw the download in the progress. “Wow, no wonder you’re battery is drained.” At that moment, the download was completed and K.I.T.T. switched the display to a football game. “Oh, hey, how’s the game?”

Michael was caught off guard. “Umm...”

Knowing he had to take control, K.I.T.T. spoke up. “We’re ahead, fourteen - zip, the beginning of the third.”

The cop looked at Michael. “It’s a... kit, from Radio Shack.” said Michael.

“Oh.” replied the cop.

Back at the Foundation, Michael, Shawn, Maddock, and Devon were all in Maddock’s office.

“7-8-9.” said Michael as he put photos on the table. “Ten per ten, they were all assigned.”

“Assigned to what?” asked Maddock.

“Melting down police issues.”

Devon was amazed at the reports in his hands. “There must have been over 8000 handguns.”

“Maybe they did some kind of swap. Fake ones for the real thing. We’re talking serious money, here” suggested Maddock.

“Who was in charge of destroying the guns?” asked Devon.

“Commissioner Daniels.” replied Shawn.

“Big surprise.” said Maddock.

“That doesn’t mean she knew anything about it. They may have acted entirely on their own.” said Devon.

“You don’t know the system like I do, Devon, they would’ve needed help higher up.”

Maddock’s secretary walked in. She handed Devon a file.

“Thank you.” said Devon. He looked in. “K.I.T.T. has just completed a workup of Shawn’s memory.” He handed it to Michael.

Michael opened the file and showed it to Shawn. “Looks like he makes that face to a file.”

“So who is this guy’s real name?” asked Maddock.

“Watts. Tommy Watts.” said Shawn.

“Former Homicide Detective, which explains why he didn’t show up in current personnel files.” said Michael.

Shawn handed the file to Maddock. “Oh, he served in the Philippine War in ‘93, before he joined the PD.”

“Yeah, weapons specialist.” said Michael.

“Says here he worked directly under Daniels.” said Shawn.

“Not bad,” said Maddock, “at least K.I.T.T. goes out with a bang. The 4000 will be fully operational tomorrow morning, just ahead of our deadline.”

“I’d say the bang is premature. K.I.T.T. still has plenty left to do.” said Devon. “Do we have an address for Mr. Watts?”

The cop who gave Michael a jump start on the highway walked into the locker room at the Metropolitan Police Department. “Hey, Charlie,” he said, “you should’ve seen the car I gave a jump to today. The whole dash, was decked put with TV screens and a computer console.”

“Must have been that new Vette I was reading about.” replied Charlie.

“No,” said the cop, “this was a ‘57 Chevy, cherried out all way. The damn thing had artificial intelligence, too. It was transferring some kind of data, then it switches over to the ball game and gives me the score!”

Strand was listening in on the conversation and he looked at Hedges with a worried look. Hedges grabbed her hat and the two ran to Watts.

At Watts’ office, he was angry. “You’re telling me they tapped into the police mainframe?!” he yelled.

“The log shows a global download of the personnel files. It’s only a matter of time before they put it together.” said Strand.

“A complete loss of memory, huh??!!” asked Watts. He walked to his desk, hunched over, and threw his phone off the desk. “I really enjoy being tense. I’m sure there’s a solution.”

“Yes, sir.” said Hedges. “There is.”

On a back road in the country, Maddock was taking Devon for a drive in the Knight 4000.

“Sir, would you like me to engage my Virtual Reality Mode?” asked K.I.F.T.

“Why not.” replied Maddock.

On K.I.F.T.’s front windshield, a Virtual Reality simulation of the road in front of them appeared.

“It’s very impressive,” said Devon, “but I really think we ought to slow down.”

“There is no need for concern,” began K.I.F.T., “I am programmed to cruse at the optimum speed calibrated by a risk factor of .28, which on this roadway calculates to a speed of 243 kilometers per hour.”

On the road in front of them was an elk.

“Look out!” yelled Devon.

Maddock took control and steered K.I.F.T. around the animal.

“I assume you have an explanation.” said Devon.

“We would have sustained no damage whatsoever by striking that animal.” said K.I.F.T.

Alarmed, Devon looked over at Maddock.

“It’s a small fix.” said Maddock.

Maddock pulled into the Knight Foundation parking lot. “Overall, what to you think? I’m not looking for praise, Devon, I want your honest opinion. It means a lot to me.”

Still thinking about K.I.F.T.’s disregard of life, Devon gave Maddock his word. “You’ve done a remarkable job which meets and in most cases exceeds all our technical criteria.”

“I know we do things very differently,” said Maddock, “but believe it or not, our goal is the same. K.I.T.T. was an exceptional car for his time, no questions about it. it’s just that the time has come to pass the baton.”

“I agree that the Knight 4000 is superior in every way, except one. It lacks K.I.T.T.’s humanity.”

“People make mistakes. After prosecuting scum for so many years, always fighting defense lawyers and politicians who only care about winning, I’ve lost faith in human beings.”

“Well maybe it’s time you renewed it. Loyalty and respect cannot be dictated, Russ, it has to be earned, and with that being said, you did a damn good job. I’m proud to have you as a partner.” Devon smiled and got out of the car. He waved goodbye to Maddock and walked over to the front doors. Just then Hedges walked up and hit him in the head with her ultrasound, Devon moaned and fell to the ground.

Michael and Shawn drove over to the latest address for Watts. Quayton State Prison. Inside, the guard opened cell 1433, the “drawer” Watts was in for two years.

“Don’t tell me,” said Michael, “he escaped.”

“Nobody escapes.” said the guard. He flipped through his book. “Here we go, Watts, Tommy J. Convicted in 1998 for fatally shooting a suspect with a banned handgun. Early parole on February 19.”

With no results, Michael and Shawn walked back outside. “Parole for what, good behavior?” asked Shawn.

They were walking over to K.I.T.T. when he noticed something. “Michael, my sensors indicate we have company.”

“I don’t see anyone.” said Shawn.

Just then, four police cars zoomed around a corner. “Look again!” yelled Michael. He got in and sped off out of the prison’s parking lot. The cops turned on their sirens. “You’re gonna have to pull out all the stuff, pal.” said Michael.

“They’ve been told. This is a two tone low-rider, remember?” replied K.I.T.T. He did all he could to help Michael and Shawn, and to evade the rogue cops.

“Use you’re A.I.D. on them.” said Shawn.

“I tried, their ignition systems must have a scrambler, I can’t penetrate. Prepare for a collision.”

“What?!”

“K.I.T.T.!” said Michael as he tried to steer. The car slammed into another police car that pulled out in front of them. The car then slammed into crates and other debris on the road. “What the hell are you doing to my car, K.I.T.T.? That’s original paint!”

“You’ll have to trust me.” said K.I.T.T. He then pulled onto the dock and sped up.

“K.I.T.T.!” yelled Michael.

“We have to go off the end of the dock!” yelled Shawn. She and Michael screamed as K.I.T.T. flew off the dock and plunged into the water.

“I trust you two are all right.” said K.I.T.T.

“Oh yeah. Just fine, K.I.T.T. I’d like to forget the fact that my Chevy is sinking past a school of bass.” said Michael.

“There was no alternative. They’ll assumed you’ve drowned when you don’t come up right away.” said K.I.T.T.

“Yeah, and they’ll be correct!” yelled Shawn.

“Despite this car’s shortcomings the passenger compartment, happens to be airtight. You’ll have approximately 25 minutes of oxygen remaining.”

“Forget all the nasty things I ever said about you K.I.T.T.”

A spark of electricity cracked in the car. “I’m afraid I already have.” said K.I.T.T. More cracks of electricity shot around the car.

“What’s going on, pal?” asked Michael.

“The rest of the car isn’t as watertight. I only have about 30 seconds of voice transmission left.” replied K.I.T.T.

“If the water gets in your CPU, you’re outta here.” said Michael.

“I know,” said K.I.T.T., “I guess this is goodbye. I’m sure some of my chips will be salvageable, Shawn. Of course, you’re welcome to pick and choose.”

“I’ll do that.” said Shawn.

“Michael, take care of yourself.”

The sinking car finally hit the bottom of the bay. It hit front first and eased back until it was level. All of K.I.T.T.’s LED lights went dark, and the car was silent.”

“K.I.T.T.,” began Michael, “K.I.T.T., you there?”

Hedges and Strand brought Devon to the hospital. They ordered the nurses to take him to the RNA Transfer room. They passed Dr. Glassman, he looked up from a paper and followed them into the room. “What’s going on here?” he asked.

Watts came in. “I think you know exactly what’s going on here. Read the man’s RNA, doctor.”

In the monitoring room, Watts was watching what was in Devon’s memory. On the screen, the black Trans-Am that Michael rode in with K.I.T.T. for eight years was driving down a road. The image jumped to that fateful night in 1982 where Michael was at the bedside of the Knight Foundation’s creator, Wilton Knight. Wilton was speaking to Michael. “One man can make a difference.” Next came a front view of K.I.T.T., with the famous red scanner light. The image slowly faded to a picture of the Knight 4000. The image jumped inside and Commissioner Daniels appeared on the screen. “We do not need another free-lance department here. Period.” The image then faded to Maddock. “You don’t know the system like I do, Devon. They would have needed help higher up.” The screen faded to white and the RNA Transfer was over.

Later, Strand and Hedges were still in the RNA Transfer room with Devon, who was unconscious. “Well?” asked Hedges.

“They have no hard proof. The Knight Foundation knows this is just a speculation of vague illusions.”

“Do you need the doctor for anything else?” asked Hedges

“No.” said Watts. “It’s sad he’s going to become a victim of another senseless handgun shooting, isn’t it?”

Strand and Hedges walked out of the room.

Watts stared at Devon with a cold, dark look. He walked over to Devon’s IV He took out a needle, and stuck it in. “Pleasant dreams.”

These were Devon’s last thoughts. It showed an inside view of the Knight 4000. The image through the windshield showed a roadway, and it slowly faded to an image of a cloud-filled sky. He then remembered a conversation between Michael and him, aboard a private Foundation jet. “Can we drink to what may be the start of something?” asked Devon.

“Of what?” asked Michael.

“One man’s dream.”

“And to our future. No matter who it may take us up against, or where.”

And after that last thought. Devon Miles, a man who made a difference, died.

After the funeral, everyone filed outside. Mayor Abbey walked up to Maddock. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I really liked the man.” said Abbey. “I’ve decided not to renew your contract, Mr. Maddock, it’s already cost all of us too much.”

“Mayor Abbey, there’s a strong possibility that your own police force was implicated in this with regard to the illegal handguns.” said Maddock.

“Can you substantiate this claim?”

“We’re very close. Now if you can just give us some time-”

“Insinuation is not enough justify reinstatement, Mr. Maddock. I’m sorry.”

Michael was watching everyone leave the funeral. He had just lost an important person in his life.

In the garage of the Knight Foundation, Shawn was walking around Michael’s Chevy, picking off seaweed.

“They still think that you and Michael are at the bottom of the sea.” said Maddock. “Now that and the 4000 will be our major assets.”

“We still lost a franchise.” said Shawn.

“More importantly, we’ve lost Devon. One of our own has been killed and I’m not about to let city sanctions keep me from doing something about it. What about you?”

“Me neither.” said Shawn. She looked up and saw Michael carrying a duffel bag.

“I promised Devon I’d help out until your car was done. I filled my end of the bargain.” said Michael.

“You can’t be serious about leaving now.” said Shawn.

“I knew you could never hack it if God only knew what Devon ever saw in you.” said Maddock.

“Get outta my way.” said Michael.

“Oh gladly. You know you’re just as obsolete as that pile of rust that you wasted my time and money rebuilding, my friend.” said Maddock as Michael walked off. “The only thing worse is the pathetic effort Devon put in to rebuilding you!”

Michael stopped, turned around and punched Maddock in the face. Maddock spun and landed on the 4000. Michael walked off and Shawn helped Maddock up.

At Michael’s cabin, Michael was sitting on the porch with a beer bottle in one hand. He was thinking about Devon.

Shawn walked up. “When we first met I had you pegged as a loser too, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I had some of the techies look K.I.T.T. over. They said he isn’t a total write off. Maybe you could-”

“Well maybe you can.” said Michael.

“Not alone I can’t. Look, I know Maddock can be a jerk, but he means well. Still, he isn’t you. This is a little hard for me to admit, but in some ways you’re superior to me. You have experience. I don’t. I need you.”

“How about we swing together one last time in your backyard? You don’t need me and I don’t need you.” said Michael. He took his beer, got up and walked closer to the water.

“Oh yes you do. Only someone hurting real badly would turn their back right now.”

Michael turned around and walked toward Shawn. “Don’t you think I know what I’m walking away from?! Nobody cares about that man more than me. You understand me? Nobody!”

“Then come back and help us, Michael. Help Devon.”

“I tried. Look what it got him.” Michael walked back near the water. “He was wrong! One man can’t make a difference!”

Shawn got up and walked toward Michael. “You know, I’m so good at research, now. I knew I’d find out the big reason why you left ten years ago. But guess what? I couldn’t. I think you just burned out. You lost your purpose. Devon never lost his. If you had died what do you think he’d do about it?”

Michael didn’t answer. Shawn walked off.

At the Foundation, Maddock was preparing to leave. As he was walking through the lobby, Sara, a researcher came up to him. “Mr. Maddock, here’s a list of all police owned warehouses within county limits.”

“Good work, Sara.”

“Thank you, sir.” she said.

Maddock ran into Shawn. “Shawn, any word from him?” he asked.

“It’s been almost a week, now. I don’t think he’s coming back.” said Shawn.

“I’ll walk you out.”

They walked past Charlie, the security guard.

“Good night, Charlie.” said Shawn.

“Good night.” Charlie replied.

Maddock stopped. He looked at the screens for the security cameras in the garage.

“What is it?” asked Shawn.

“His car...”

“She’s a real beauty, isn’t she.” said Charlie.

“Yeah, not a scratch on her. We’re looking at a recording.” said Maddock.

Shawn and Maddock walked into the garage. There was Michael’s dilapidated Chevy, and next to it was the Knight 4000. Michael was working under the 4000 with some tools.

Maddock walked up to Michael. “What in the hell are you doing?”

Michael got up. The 4000 roared to life, and in front, was K.I.T.T.’s famous red scanner light.

“Oh my God! You didn’t!”

K.I.T.T. was back. “I’m afraid he did, Mr. Maddock, and I must say this body fits me like a glove!”

Shawn smiled and she jumped into the passenger side. Michael got in and they drove off leaving Maddock in the dust.

At the closest police owned warehouse, Michael and Shawn were waiting.

“I miss my old partner, Mr. Knight. I’m glad you’re back.” said Shawn.

“Well you had something to do with it. What I mean is that you helped convinced me.” said Michael.

“Desire.” said K.I.T.T.

“I beg your pardon.” said Shawn.

“Your brand of perfume. I’m equipped with an aroma monitor, now. The scent is quite alluring. But let’s stick to the work at hand, all right? The police vehicle has just arrived.”

Michael and Shawn looked up. A police car pulled into the driveway, approached the garage door and honked twice. The door opened and the car entered.

Inside, the car pulled up to where crate of handguns were being stored. Kurt and Hedges got out. Kurt was yelling at Hedges. Kurt opened the trunk and walked over to it. Hedges walked up. “C’mon,” she said, “have a donut.”

“No!” said Kurt. He walked over to the crates and began to load them.

Hedges walked over and spun him around. “What’s done is done! She’s dead! Just like she should have been in the first time.”

“I want out.” said Kurt.

“There is no out, and you know it!” said Hedges. “The trains rolling, Miller! You jump off now, and you’ll get mowed down.”

Kurt glared at Hedges, and then started loading the car.

One of the features of the Knight 4000 was a voice sampler telephone. No matter who talks into it, a different voice will come out.

“I’m ready with the voice sampler, Shawn. It’s ringing now.” said K.I.T.T.

“Go ahead, give it a try. Just speak calm and clear.” said Michael.

Shawn picked up the phone.

In the warehouse, the phone rang. The warehouse attendant answered. “Warehouse..... yeah. Miller, Watts”

Kurt picked up the phone. “Yeah?”

Shawn spoke into the phone. On the other side, Watts’ voice came out. “Meet me at the Big Ben Cafe. Alone, and bring the crates.”

“What about Hedges?” asked Kurt.

“Tell her to wait at the warehouse. Somebody will pick her up later.”

“I’m on my way.” Kurt got in the car, and drove off.

Shawn hung up the phone. She turned to Michael. He gave her a high-five. Mission accomplished.

As Kurt drove off, the phone rang. the attendant answered it. “Warehouse.... yeah the crates are all loaded. Miller’s on his way to meet you.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Watts.

“You just called and told him to meet you at the Big Ben, didn’t you?”

Watts hung up. He knew the Knight Foundation had something to do with this.

At the cafe, Kurt was sitting down and sipping some ice-tea. Shawn walked in. She looked for Kurt, and walked over to his table. Kurt looked up. “Oh my God.”

Shawn sat down. “Watts didn’t call you. I did.”

“You’re supposed to be dead.” said Kurt.

“And you were supposed to be my friend.” said Shawn.

“I made some big mistakes.”

“You can correct them. I know that shooting me couldn’t have your idea, Kurt. In fact you were the one that saved me. Let me return the favor.”

Michael and K.I.T.T. were monitoring Shawn’s conversation. “My infared scanning, is sensing a laser scope rifle, 100 yards from the building.” said K.I.T.T. Michael got out and ran to the cafe.

“I thought I got into this for all the right reasons. Cops are bein’ killed. Killers are gettin’ free.” said Kurt.

“You have enough evidence in your car, Kurt. With your help we can shut down this whole operation.” said Shawn.

“Shawn, this goes beyond Watts. He has help on the inside. You can stop this, but maybe I can stop him.” At that moment, a tiny red dot appeared on Kurt’s temple. Michael ran in, he ran towards Shawn. A shot rang out and glass shattered. The people in the cafe screamed and Kurt fell over, dead. Michael jumped over the table, providing cover for Shawn. He looked up and saw Watts running away.

In Commissioner Daniels office, she was talking to the mayor over the video-phone. “Officers on the scene found two crates of illegal weapons in the back of his unit. It all came down to one bad cop.”

“Is he alive for questioning?” asked Abbey.

“One of our sniper force unfortunately shot and killed him as a last resort. But naturally we will conduct a full IA investigation. But I wouldn’t worry. The handgun situation is finally under control.” What Daniels didn’t know, is that she had been lied to. The officers on the scene were all involved with Watts. The handgun situation is just beginning.

On the streets of the city, K.I.T.T. was driving Michael and Shawn to the Knight Foundation. They were talking with Maddock on the video-phone.

“Here’s a laser copy of Watts’ prison release authorization.” said Maddock.

The fax came in. Shawn took it out. “It was signed by the governor.” she said.

“I analyzed the document as it came in, Shawn. The signature is mechanical. Commonly used by most politicians.” said K.I.T.T.

“Then several people could’ve had access to forgery.”

Michael got and idea. With a mechanical signature, anyone could sign with their own handwriting, but when it is processed, the signature, be comes the real signature of the person. “K.I.T.T., print me a few more copies of that release, will you?”

Shawn handed the fax to Michael. He took a pen, and signed Commissioner Ruth Daniels on one. And Mayor Harold Abbey on the other.

“What’s he doing?” asked Maddock.

“Something K.I.T.T. and I should have thought of.” said Shawn.

Daniels other secretary walked in. “It just came through the fax, Commissioner, it makes no sense to me.”

Daniels took the document. It was Watts’ prison release form. She looked down and saw the governor’s signature crossed out and he own signature under it. “Who sent this?” she asked.

“The Knight Foundation.”

Watts was taking a tour of a old neighborhood in his limo. The mayor was along. Abbey handed the prison release form, with his signature under the governor’s, to Watts. Watts looked at it and smiled. “I’ll be tearing all this down, soon. Out with the old and in with the new. That’s not such a bad thing sometimes, isn’t it, Mr. Mayor?”

“Don’t be so cavalier, Watts, they know I released you.” said Abbey.

“It was a bluff. They probably followed you, hoping to get something.”

Abbey looked around the car.

“Relax, I had this car completely de-bugged, we’re quite alone.”

K.I.T.T. was aside the limo, but he was guarded by rubble. He was monitoring the whole conversation. On the windshield, a thermal recording of the conversation was on.

“I am far from relaxed. They’ve already accessed police computers and now judicial records. It’s only a matter of time before I’m fully implicated.” said Abbey.

“The limo will reach a clearing in 31 seconds, Michael. They will easily be able to spot us, then.” said K.I.T.T.

“We got to take that chance, K.I.T.T., keep recording.” said Michael.

“Who put you behind the mayor’s desk?” asked Watts.

“I put myself there, and I plan on remaining. Suspend shipment of all handguns until the dust settles.” said Abbey.

“You know we can’t do that. I got 2000 of them going out in the morning, 10 million dollars, my friend, our biggest deal, yet. You’re going to be a very wealthy man, Harold.”

“I’m warning you, Watts. Screw this up, and I’ll thaw out somebody else to take care of you.”

Finally, the Foundation has proof. The mayor is involved in the illegal handgun situation. “That’s it. We got it. We’re outta here.” said Michael.

Watts turned to the window just in time to see K.I.T.T. speeding away. He knew he had just been uncovered.

Maddock took the tape to Daniels. They were watching it.

“I’m warning you, Watts, screw this up, and I’ll thaw out somebody else to take care of you.”

“As much as we loathe working together. I think we’ll do better if we combine strikes.” said Maddock.

Daniels nodded.

At the same police warehouse, Watts and all his rogue police officers were loading the illegal guns. ‘Let’s get these guns loaded, people, the buyer is waiting.”

Hedges walked up. “You’re going to go through with it?!”

“I’m not about to walk way from 10 million.”

“Yeah, well what if they’ve gone to Daniels? Then the whole operation is over!”

“Please calm down. You’re giving me a tension headache. I have it covered.”

Across the street, Daniels, with Maddock, and the remaining, trustworthy, cops were waiting for Watts to make his move.

Maddock walked away to call Michael and Shawn. Before, he could, Daniels walked over to him. “You act only under my direct command, understood?” she asked.

“Whatever you say.” replied Maddock. Maddock began to dial when the warehouse door opened and a police mini-van came out.

“The guns are on their way, let’s go!” yelled Daniels. All the cops scrambled to their cars.

K.I.T.T., Shawn, and Michael, were waiting in an undisclosed location. Maddock’s call came through on the video-phone.

“Okay, they should be coming your way in about one minute!” yelled Maddock.

“We’re ready.”

“Not exactly, Michael. It seems that my scan-check software, isn’t fully compatible with this car’s circuitry.” said K.I.T.T.

“It was working fine yesterday, K.I.T.T.” said Shawn.

“My guess it’s just a bad sector on my disk. There’s probably nothing wrong.”

“Probably?!” yelled Maddock, “The Knight 4000 is heading into first-time combat, and you can’t tell me if it’s functioning properly!?”

“Well, no!” yelled K.I.T.T. “Unfortunately, we may have to rely on some human judgment!”

The police van passed Daniels stake out point. Police cars, rushed out and followed with sirens screaming. The police van sped up and whipped around a corner. The back door opened and a rogue cop held a missile launcher. He fired, and the lead police car exploded.

In Daniels car, she saw the police car explode and decided to put Maddock’s plan into action. “Show me what that car of yours can do.”

“Yes, ma’am.” said Maddock. He spoke into the phone, “You heard the lady.”

K.I.T.T. rushed around a corner, just ahead of the police cars. The rogue cop reloaded the missile launcher and fired, it hit K.I.T.T., with no effect.

“Switch to Virtual Reality.” said Michael. “Thermal time, pal. All four tires.”

On K.I.T.T.’s virtual screen, four triangles appeared and the flew toward the tires of the van. The tires exploded and the rogue cops got out and started shooting. K.I.T.T.’s screen was distorted, and blurred.

“My sonic disabler appears to be on the fritz.” said K.I.T.T.

Unsure what to do, Shawn leaned forward and hit K.I.T.T.’s windshield.

“Thank you.” said K.I.T.T.

The screen changed to a black and white version of the scene in front of them. Three triangles appeared and they flew toward the rogue cops. They turned orange, to indicate they were stunned, and fell to the ground.

Michael got out and rushed to the van. He took a crate and slammed it against the interior. It opened and the guns weren’t there. Only metal pipes. Shawn came up. “No sign of Watts?” she asked.

“He was never here,” said Michael. He held up a pipe, “or the guns.”

“I’ve detected a cluster of police units, which also appear to have weapons.” said K.I.T.T.

“Where, K.I.T.T.?”

“Three miles, due west.”

Daniels turned to an officer. “I need auxiliary backup and chopper units online, immediately.” All the cops scrambled to their cars. Daniels began to go back to her car when Maddock stopped her.

“They think they’ve gotten away, we need to surprise them.” said Maddock.

“How do you propose we do that!?” asked Daniels.

After talking with Maddock, Michael and Shawn decided to intercept Watts. Michael was speeding towards the coordinates, until he stopped suddenly.

“Dammit!” yelled Michael.

“Morning rush hour, how are we going to get through all this?” asked Shawn.

May I make a suggestion?” said K.I.T.T.

K.I.T.T. was headed toward the mall via the man-made river that ran through the city. He was using his new amphibious mode that came with the Knight 4000.

“It’s either sink or swim with you, huh, pal?” asked Michael.

“I expect a full simonize, once this is over.” said K.I.T.T.

Watts had his motorcade composed of five police cars and his limo. His motorcade passed over a bridge, just as K.I.T.T. came out from under another one. Watts’ motorcade came to a stop in front of the mall. Strand walked over to Watts. “Tell the other’s to wait in their units with the merchandise.” said Watts. Strand did so. Watts turned to Hedges. “Our adversaries can’t walk on water, officer. Relax.

Just at that moment, K.I.T.T. emerged from under the very same bridge Watts was parked on. K.I.T.T. pulled up to the sidewalk where some bystanders stopped him before he collided with the concrete.

“The police units are right above us on street level.” said K.I.T.T.

“Scramble their communication and lock their doors.” said Michael.

“My thoughts exactly.”

Above, inside the police cars, the radios became muffled and the rogue cops were locked inside their cars. They struggled to get out, but failed.

Inside, Watts, Strand, and Hedges took the escalator down to the food court level. They found the buyer and Watts signaled for Hedges and Strand to keep guard.

Watts walked over to the buyer. “I’m not comfortable with the high profile nature of this transaction, Mr. Watts.” said the buyer.

“I like to hide where they can see me, it’s the last place they’d look.” said Watts.

They sat down. “I have a plane to catch.”

“Square those lovely funds into my account, and we’ll both be on our way.”

Shawn and Michael entered. Michael looked over and saw Strand and Hedges keeping watch. “You take the girl?” he asked.

“I got her.” replied Shawn. She walked down the middle of the food court, calmly.

Michael took out an ultrasound and went behind a row of pots.

Shawn was walking when Strand saw her. He took out his gun and fired. the bullet hit Shawn square in the shoulder.

People screamed and ran. “We’ll have to do this another time, Mr. Watts.” said the buyer as he closed his notebook and ran.

Shawn was on the floor, holding her shoulder. Michael ran to the end of the rack of pots and saw Strand coming over. Strand aimed his gun, but Michael stunned him. He looked up and saw Watts running up an escalator, pushing people out of his way. Michael looked over at Shawn, she signaled to him that she was okay. He began to move, when Hedges, who was behind a glass display, was firing at him. Michael ran for cover. Shawn got up and threw a plate at the glass display. Hedges ran into an elevator and fired a shot at Shawn.

Michael ran up the escalator to the second level and saw Watts running down the left side of the mall. Michael ran down the right, hoping to intercept Watts half-way.

Hedges got out of the elevator aiming a gun at a group of people. She looked over the group, when Shawn, wearing a brown wig, kicked the gun out of her hands. Hedges punched back, but Shawn punched her and knocked her unconscious. Shawn picked up the gun and put it through her belt. She handed the wig back to the lady she took it from. “It’s not my color,” she said, “but thanks.”

Watts was running, pushing people out of his way, when he saw Michael coming toward him. He stopped, looked around, and grabbed a woman, and aimed his gun at her head. She screamed and Michael aimed his ultrasound at Watts.

“Put it down and she lives.” said Watts. “I swear to God I’ll blow her away and you right along with her. Now!”

Michael still had his ultrasound up. He spoke into his comm-link. “Help me out here K.I.T.T.”

“You got three seconds and I’ll waste her.”

“A little to the left, and down. A hair to the right. It’s a lock.”

Michael fired and Watts fell, along with the girl. Michael ran over to she if the girl was okay. Watts got up and kicked Michael in the face. Michael fell. Watts walked over, Michael pulled Watts’ legs. Watts fell but got up. Michael kicked him twice. Watts picked up a pot and threw it at Michael. Michael kicked Watts legs out from under him. He then picked Watts up and head-butted him. The two held on to each other and almost fell over the railing. Michael punched Watts. Watts fell in the direction in which his gun was thrown. He crawled over, picked it up and aimed it at Michael.

“Drop it!” yelled Shawn, aiming her gun at Watts. “I said drop it!”

Watts smiled. He dropped the gun. Michael breathed a sigh of relief. Shawn still held her aim. She armed the gun.

“Don’t do it.” said Michael. “Shawn don’t do it, he’s not worth it. They’ll put you away, just like they did him.”

“We’ll all be old and gray, just about the time he gets out of jail, not even a day older.”

“Don’t do it!”

Shawn hesitated for a moment, but finally disarmed the gun.

Watts smiled. “And the public wonders why so many criminals walk free.” He held out his hands. “You better handcuff me, darling. I’m really a dangerous individual.” Just then, Watts grabbed a spare gun, but before he could aim it, Michael dove and grabbed his ultrasound. He fired and Watts fell over the railing. He landed on an escalator and was killed instantly.

Michael and Shawn looked down. “Relax, pal. You’re off duty, now.”

At Quayton State Prison, Abbey was frozen in the same cell Watts was in. Cell 1433.

“Ironic, huh?” asked Maddock.

“I don’t follow you.” said Daniels.

“They stuck him in the same drawer Watts was in. And look how effective that was. Putting him in there solves nothing. It merely postpones.”

“Speaking of that,” began the guard, “an old man named Manson, is scheduled for release. We gotta go.”

The others walked to the elevator. Maddock started out, but Daniels put her hand on his shoulder to stop him. “The system’s always changing, Mr. Maddock. Some things get better, some don’t. But I’ve sworn to play by the rules. I assume you will too.”

Maddock smiled, and put his hand on hers. They walked into the elevator.

Outside, Daniels and Andrew waved to Michael and Shawn, as they were going to their car.

“You’re really not going to leave me alone with him, are you?” asked Shawn. “He’s pig-headed, arrogant, chauvinistic...”

“And I thought we were finally beginning to hit it off.” said K.I.T.T.

“Oh, you two will be fine, believe me. You were made for each other.”

“You mean of each other, and I still find it reprehensible.” said K.I.T.T.

“Don’t start on me, K.I.T.T.” said Shawn.

“Bye, Shawn.”

“Bye, Michael.” They hugged.

“You know where to find me where you need me, huh?” Michael tapped K.I.T.T. on the hood. “See you around, pal.” he said as he walked over to his Chevy, which was restored by a body shop.

K.I.T.T. followed. “Are you sure about this, Michael?” asked K.I.T.T.

Maddock walked up.

“Look, I’m not going back to wallow in self pity, okay. I want to live out there for the same reason I went in the first place.”

“Which is?” asked K.I.T.T.

“To fish. And to fix up this Chevy. It’s the simple things in life, you know?” He got in, and waved a final goodbye to his friends. He started the car and drove off.

“What are we standing around for?” asked Maddock. “Let’s get to work. I’m driving.”

“No way,” said Shawn, “I’m driving.”

“You’re both wrong.” said K.I.T.T. He backed up and sped over to the other side of the prison, and spun a 360o. “I don’t have all day.”

Maddock and Shawn shrugged, and walked over.

The End

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