Chapter Three:

Nicholas shook his head. "Great," he muttered.
The man on the video screen grimaced in sympathy. "Just thought ya wanted ta know, Mac," he said.
Nick nodded. "Thanks, Tom. I'll get the files later."
"Shoulda seen the guy breezing in here. All stiff and lawyer." He chuckled, a deep bass rumble coming from the loudspeakers. "Ya know the lady? Acquired anything from her?" Tom raised an eyebrow.
"No, straight business for once." A wry smile followed.
"Not if ya look at the charges, Mac. Theft, demolition of property, insults, threats of bodily harm, personal assault.... Geez, what did ya do?"
"Saved a life."
"Ah. Samaritan now, are we?" Another chuckle.
"Shut up, Tom."
Tom grinned. "I understand. Well, curious as I am I checked on the lady and she is the boss one very big company, a foundation."
"I know that."
"What did ya steal?"
Nick leaned forward, smiling coldly. "You are asking too many of the wrong questions, Tom."
The man grinned brightly. "Mac, you are too stiff sometimes. Get a sense of humor." With that he switched off and Nick leaned back, smiling despite himself.
"Who was that?" Michael asked and came closer. He had been in the kitchen and had caught part of the conversation. If it had been private, Nicholas would not have used the 'public' vid screen.
"Friend of mine."
Michael raised both eyebrows. The man on the screen, 'Tom', had been a heavy-set, bearded man with a mop of long hair bound into a pony tail and the general appearance of a hard'n'heavy biker.
"State Police," Nick added with a fine smile.
Michael tried to hide his amazement. Nick had friends in the strangest places. "What is this about theft and assault?" he then asked.
"Ms. Knight has filed the charges and we are now wanted by the police," Nick casually informed him.
"What?! She can't possibly....!"
MacKenzie raised a hand. "Calm down, Michael. She won't go through with it, believe me. It's just a formality."
"Just a formality?" he echoed. "Damnit, she is accusing us of something we haven't done."
"Well, Karr nearly ran her over...." Nick started, grinning ever so lightly.
Michael snorted. "The nerve....!" he growled.
"Michael, don't think too much about it. I'll handle reality, you handle Kitt. How is he?"
"Better. It's like watching him come out of a cocoon." A smile passed over Michael's face. Nicholas nodded. "Listen, what I said about Karr...."
He raised a hand. "Stop it, Michael. It was a normal reaction, one I expected from you sooner or later. It had to come. As long as you and Kitt are okay with all of this....?"
"Kitt appreciates Karr's help. I never thought it possible, but he has developed a kind of ....bond, a friendship. I wouldn't call it trust yet, but he.... needs him." Michael shook his head. "It's hard for me to understand, I have to confess. Of all the possible alliances....Karr?"
Nicholas smiled. "Yes, it's hard to believe that Karr could change from what he was, right?"
Michael nodded.
"I met him as the AI you got to know as well, Michael. Eight years have passed since then. A lot has changed."
"You changed him."
Nicholas shook his head. "No, we changed each other. I was different back then as well. I never knew what Wilton Knight saw in me that made me worth being the driver of his new creation."
Michael smiled. "Likewise. I was a cop, nothing more, nothing less. And he saved my life and gave me a completely new one. I still don't know what he saw in me."
Both men were silent for a while, each lost in his own thoughts. Michael reflected on his life since he had nearly been killed by Tanya and he found it to be the most pleasing and fulfilling life he could think of for himself. Thinking back he wouldn't change a thing. Looking at Nicholas he saw the same decision on the other man's face, though he knew Nick's past had been far more unpleasant, marked by pain, both physical and emotional, because of Karr's behavior and attitude. Still, both, AI and human, were so close that nothing would ever break this partnership, and they trusted each other.
"Thanks, Nick," he whispered.
Nick looked at him in surprise. "What for?"
"Oh, just a general thank you. I thought it was time to say it again." Michael smiled slightly.
Nicholas only raised his eyebrows. "I see." His smile was barely perceptible.

* * *

"Members of the Board, I've called this meeting to try to pick up from where we left off at the last one, and to clear up some matters that have since been brought to my attention." The patience had gone from his voice since the last meeting. John knew more now, a lot more. He was starting to understand exactly what they had put Kitt through, and the severity of the situation they were now in. "First I believe Jennifer has something she wishes to share with us all."
John sat down slowly, glancing at Jennifer who stood, all smiles. She handed out some folders, each containing a copy of the two-page test results report she had received the day following the tests. John opened the folder and glanced at it, there was nothing there but statistics and numbers. There wasn't a single line of text that made any sense to him. He looked up at Jennifer. "What conclusions are we supposed to draw from this document?"
"The results clearly show that the tests were a success."
"In what way were they a success?"
"They proved that the Knight Two Thousand is capable of so much more that the use we put it to."
"And?"
"And that maybe we should consider replacing the car with a slightly less complex model."
John leaned back in his chair, stony eyed. "Would you mind explaining to the board what you intend to do with the Knight Two Thousand."
Jennifer shrugged, "We could look at the options."
"Why don't you just tell us the truth." Jennifer looked at him, the smile fading from her lips. John stood and crossed to the window, where every person seated at the table could see him. "You've been negotiating the sale of the Knight Two Thousand to the military."
"That's a lie." Jennifer's response was immediate, but the interest of the others had been piqued.
"The military?" Quinn glanced between Jennifer and John. "That's ridiculous. Wilton would have never agreed to that!"
Jennifer turned to her, eyes flaring. "My father has been dead for over eight years! He no longer has any say in the matters of this Foundation, and it is time people started to understand that!"
Quinn rose to her feet. An imposing lady when she wanted to be, she leaned on the table, closing the gap between herself and the younger woman. "You have no right to open any negotiations concerning Foundation property without our permission. The Knight Two Thousand was not designed as a weapon."
"It can be reprogrammed to fight."
"No! It can't!" Quinn stood straight. "He can't. Why can't you see passed the little dollar signs you seem to live for?"
John took a couple of steps back towards the table. "All right, this won't get us anywhere. The most important thing now is to try to persuade Michael Knight to return to the Foundation with Kitt, or least try to get him to talk to us."
"We can't sign over ownership, John," Walter Percival reminded him. "At least, not without some strict clauses ensuring we retain some rights to the car."
Jennifer exploded. She took a step back, knocking her chair over, stepping away from the table. "What are talking about?! You can't sign anything over to anyone! That car is the property of the Foundation!"
"Maybe," John agreed. "But we're all overlooking something. The car may well be our property. Kitt isn't. Devon's right when he says that any claim we try to make over Kitt himself is akin to slavery. We have to face the fact that Wilton created a life, and we have to be responsible for that life. And I don't mean simply giving it orders and forcing it through tests to satisfy our own curiosity or for financial gains." He shot Jennifer a warning glance. "Kitt is as close to sentience as any of us here," he glanced at Jennifer again, "maybe closer than some of us. He is a feeling, caring soul and because of you," he pointed at Jennifer, "he is now having to be cared for by the only people left who he will ever trust."
A tenuous silence settled over the room. "I very much doubt Michael will agree to anything now." John drew his chair back and sat down again. "Believe me when I say that they could disappear and we would never find them. Kitt is being protected by the best in the business. We caused this mess, and we are the only ones who can sort it out, and there is only one way to do that." He looked around him, trying to make a rough guess of how many of the board he had still to persuade. Most of them by the looks of things. "I'll try and arrange a meeting with Michael," he said finally. "I'll talk to him, see what he has to say."
Jennifer shook her head, snorted, and once again walked out of the meeting. Quinn watched her go with a deep sigh. She turned to John. "How about a drink?"

* * *

Michael opened his eyes and smiled. It had been so long since he had had a complete night's, peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. He felt wonderful. He closed his eyes again, feeling the warmth that surrounded him, not from the covers outside but from inside, from the implant that had for so long fed him nothing but fear, sorrow and pain. For a while, he just lay still, bathing in the once-familiar warmth of his partner's presence. This was how it had been before Jennifer... he cut off that line of thought immediately. She wasn't going to spoil this. This was how it had been between he and Kitt for a while, after they had started to train the link. This was what he loved so much about being joined so intimately with his partner. Kitt was such a warm, gentle, loving being. The connection between them had made Michael even more aware of his friend's soul than he had ever been, or could have ever hoped to be without the implant.
The aroma of fresh coffee wafted up the stairs. There was no sound. It was so peaceful, as if someone had decided enough was enough, they needed a break from everything. Too much had happened, too many people had been dropped into a nightmare they had never deserved to witness. As he lay, feeling warm and safe and loved, a tiny part of his mind could almost believe that everything was all right. He did not search out Kitt's presence for a long while. Even a gentle embrace could disturb his friend's wary presence. For now he just wanted to let Kitt sleep. This warmth was emanating from something, and he thought maybe his partner's dreams, just for once, were not full of the hell he had recently experienced.
Getting out of bed, careful not to approach Kitt's presence, Michael showered and dressed, peacefully padding out of the room, along the wooden floor boards to the living area. Nick was making coffee, the first up as usual. "Morning," Michael almost whispered the word, as if speaking could disturb the wonderful peace in his mind.
Nicholas turned, and greeted Michael with the most stunning smile, open and friendly. Michael had never seen that smile on that face before, and had never thought that he would. He was taken aback, lost for words. Nick sensed that, and he actually laughed, still smiling. "You haven't seen them, have you?"
Michael stared at him, shaking his head slowly. "Who? What? What?!" Nick's smile was utterly infectious.
"Close your eyes, find Kitt through the link. Don't approach him, just look."
Michael did as Nick said, more able to control the link now, and to control his use of it. He closed his eyes, concentrating on simply 'seeing' Kitt's presence. He found his partner's presence in his mind, warm and sleeping. "Look further, through the link, into his mind." Nick's words were soft, and Michael breached the gap between his own mind and the AI's -- a gap bridged by the link the implant had created -- seeking his partner gently and silently. Somewhere within Kitt's ravaged CPU, amongst the damage caused by everything he had been through lately, Kitt's presence was there, peaceful at last. As was that of another. Kitt was curled up, part of his presence wrapped around that of Karr's. Michael smiled in wonder. It was a beautiful sight, and a beautiful feeling.
"I'm sorry I questioned you." Michael breathed the words almost to himself, not disturbing the exhausted AIs. For another moment he soaked up the rare peace within his friend's mind, and retreated, opening his eyes and smiling at Nicholas. "I... I thought I was sleeping well."
"They need each other, Michael."
Michael nodded. "I see that now. The whole concept.... it's just a little odd, that's all." Nick turned his attention back to the coffee percolator. Michael checked his watch, gazing at the digital readout, seeing some thing more; the comlink. It had never been silent for this long. He idly ran the pad of his index finger over the detailed face. He had to blink, and read it again to acknowledge the actual time: 06:30.
Nick handed him a mug of dark liquid. "How is he?"
Michael thought for a moment, "Well, you know how he is at this moment?" Nick nodded and smiled gently. "He's recovering, against all odds."
"He's a fighter Michael."
Michael dropped down into one of the comfy chairs, as Nick took a seat on the couch. "Can you... feel him, through your link to Karr?"
"Yes. At the moment. Karr's been trying his best to block anything coming from Kitt from transmitting through our link, to save me from having to go through it all too. At the moment, Karr's defenses are down, practically non-existent actually. He needed to rest."
Michael leaned back, closing his eyes, resting his head against the chair, enjoying the quiet. "I thought I'd lost him," he murmured after a while. "I thought... after his suicide attempt... I didn't think things would ever be the same...."
"I know. But Kitt's strong. He'll pull through. He's had a lot of help."
Michael smiled, eyes remaining closed, head still back. "I never once imagined my life could go to somewhere like this. I don't mean... recently. I mean, what Wilton Knight did."
"It's that 'if someone had said to me in five years time you'll be mentally linked to an advanced AI, fighting criminals you don't even dream about with all the resources you could ever need....'. It's madness though. You must know that."
"Yeah, I know that. But I wouldn't have changed anything. Not up until ten days ago anyway."
"Don't think about that now," Nick asked him softly. "Let them sleep."
Michael nodded, falling back slightly into the warmth in his mind, soaking it up. Nick did the same, and for a while, they simply were. "He's beautiful," Nicholas whispered eventually. "His presence is like a bright white light. It's stunning. I wonder if Wilton knew what he was doing, either time."
"I doubt it." He sighed softly. "We've had some amazing times, you know. Even before the link, we've always been so close...." His voice wavered to a gentle whisper, not wanting to disturb Kitt by stirring strange emotions in his own mind. "At the start, I was always trying to equate my old life with my new one; Kitt wouldn't have fitted into that life. He makes everything seem... brighter, somehow. He sees things in a different way to a person, and sometimes his way is better, nicer." Michael opened his eyes and looked across to where Nick was watching him, his expression undefinable. "Sounds corny doesn't it?"
Nick shook his head. "They do tend to skew your view of life." There was a twinge in his voice, and Michael again found himself more than thankful that it was Kitt on the other end of the implant in his mind.
"Sorry."
Nick waved a dismissive hand. "Forget it. Ancient history. For me, anyway."
Michael studied him thoughtfully. "It isn't, is it? You remember through Karr, because AIs don't forget."
Nick smiled then, a knowing smile, one that faded quickly. "That's why all this isn't just going to fade. We have to make sure it ends correctly. We have to make sure everything is sorted out, no loop holes, no oversights. Kitt won't ever forget this."
Michael nodded, sipping at his coffee. From within his mind came a nudging. He closed his eyes, searching Kitt out and reaching for him, as Kitt sleepily reached for his driver. Michael stroked him gently, murmuring that he was there and that Kitt should go back to sleep. Kitt turned, snuggling back with Karr's warm, reassuring presence, and was soon resting peacefully again.
When Michael opened his eyes once more, Nicholas was again smiling at him. "You're getting good."
"I had to. These last ten days or so I've learned fast. I find it takes concentration, but it's worth the headaches to be there whenever he needs me. His suicide attempt..."
"...was born of exhaustion and desperation." Nick regarded his friend kindly. "He's okay now. It won't happen again."
"It scared me to death. The thought of having to live one moment of this life without Kitt.... I can't imagine him not being there, I couldn't when we weren't linked. Now...."
"I know."
They lapsed into quiet, drinking coffee and enjoying the rarity of the peace. Michael found himself thinking back to one of the few cases they had managed to get in between the nightmare of Geiger's kidnapping and Jennifer's attack. They had been simple cases, enjoyable trips taking them not too far from what had then been home. An illegal, yet annual race across the state had been one such case, one both Michael and Kitt had enjoyed immensely. It had given them time together, yet experience of being around others, around strangers, working in a professional capacity, with the implant and link in place. Kitt had been forced to experience Michael's usual 'first nights in a new motel' wakings, when he would often awaken startled, unsure where he was. This passed through to Kitt, scared him a little, reminded him of waking in Geiger's cell, helplessly held in Michael's weakening embrace. Michael had often started the night in a bed and ended it in the car, simply being physically close to his partner.
In return, Kitt had given Michael a unique perspective of the turbo boost and ski functions. The exhilaration of flying, the safe but heavy jolt as the car landed, and the severe disorientation of what it really was like to balance on two wheels. It had taken a while to get used to the sensations, and Kitt had taken to blocking them anyway. Life had finally started to get back to the usual state of normality that Michael was used to.
And then this. Jennifer. Devon. Part of him wondered whether Devon had known, whether that was why they had sent him out on a wild goose chase, separating him from his partner. Before the implant he knew he would have minded more. Through the time he and Kitt were apart, Michael had never felt that he was alone; Kitt had been there, a strong, happy presence in his mind. Until that moment in the woodland.... Michael thought back, remembering the strange feelings he had had over lunch that day. Surprise, had it been? Probably Devon coming for Kitt, accompanied by Jennifer, telling him that they had to run some tests, that it wouldn't take too long.
Michael felt the anger rise within him, almost unstoppable. His partner had trusted and been betrayed, and the only people who had paid for that betrayal were the people trying to help Kitt come to terms with what had happened. Michael and Kitt dedicated their lives to ensuring people paid for the crimes they committed. Yet he wasn't able to provide his partner with that luxury.
Michael's mounting distress was starting to filter through the implant. Kitt woke, whimpering, not wanting these feelings any longer. Needing to sleep, wanting to just be free of the pain for a little while longer, he pushed closer to Karr, trying to bury himself in the safety that his brother's presence offered. Karr grumbled, but allowed the closeness, allowed Kitt to come nearer, and in turn wrapped more of his own tired presence around his young brother, too exhausted to question his own actions now.
Michael started, pulling himself out of the trap he always fell into. He looked around for Kitt, and saw that his partner had retreated. Michael reached out and touched Kitt, gently stroking the presence. //sorry//
//let go for now please    need sleep     need rest//
//I know    sorry    I'll let you sleep//
//love you//
Michael smiled, blinking sudden tears back from his eyes. Kitt went quickly back to sleep, and Michael backed away, staying close. "That made a change," he muttered, meeting Nick's quizzical gaze. "Kitt telling me to let it go."
Nick chuckled. "He's tired of it all. He desperately needs the rest. He needs time to heal, to regain his strength."
There was a peaceful silence for a while, as both just enjoyed the quiet. "I need to talk to you about something that Devon has told me," Nick told Michael eventually.
Michael snorted, shaking his head. "I'm not sure I want to hear this, Nick."
Nicholas held up his hand. "Hear me out. He has written a proposal, asking the board to transfer ownership of the Knight Two Thousand to you."
Michael's eyes widened, but his flicker of hope soon faded. "They will never go for that."
"They won't like it, certainly. But I think they come to the conclusion that there is no other choice. Would you take Kitt back knowing Jennifer could do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted?"
Michael's eyes flashed. "You know I wouldn't. She won't ever touch him again."
"Exactly." Nick played with the mug in his hands. "They have to decide what's important to them. I think, given time, they will make the right decision."
"But Kitt's...." Michael shook his head. "I love him, Nick. He has had more of an impact on my life than anyone ever has, or I believe ever will. But despite how I feel, he is... he is worth millions of dollars to them," Michael spoke the words with bitterness.
"Forget about that now. It doesn't matter anymore, if it ever did." Nick leaned forward. "They surrendered any right they may have had to him, to his trust and his obedience, when they allowed those tests to go ahead. Kitt is yours, Michael, he always has been. We have to make them acknowledge that now, for Kitt's sake."
Michael nodded, understanding Nicholas' meaning completely. "I always worried..." he began, "about what would happen, if I ever quit. I thought about it once, seriously. There was a woman... I think I loved her. We were engaged in my other life. We met again, for a long time I don't think she knew who I was." His voice softened as he lost himself for a moment in memories. "I knew the only way I could be with her, and keep her safe, was to leave the Foundation. I spoke to Devon," he chuckled ironically, "I told him. He said he would stand by my decision. And then one night, near the end of the case, we were camped out on surveillance. Kitt said to me, 'you're thinking of quitting, aren't you. 'And the pain in his voice... I suddenly realized that I wouldn't quit, I wouldn't leave. Because of him." He refocused on Nick. "It was a revelation to me. I hadn't quite realized just how attached I'd become to him until that moment. And now... with the implant...." Michael shook his head. "You're right. He belongs with me. I owe him protection from them. I owe him my life, several times over."
Nick smiled. "Does he understand that he's safe here?"
"Yeah, just about. He's still so distressed, it's difficult to know if he understands anything you�re telling him."
"It'll pass. It'll just take time."
Michael nodded in agreement, hoping Nick was right, hoping Kitt would be able to forgive them all one day. He closed his eyes, not wanting to think about everything, finding Kitt and gently resting by him.

* * *

Nicholas drummed his fingers on the desk, a frown creasing his forehead. He had to tell Michael, though he didn't like it and he knew how his friend would probably react. He sighed. After a while he rose and walked down the stairs where Michael sat watching TV, being with Kitt, keeping him company. Justin had dragged the small TV set downstairs to have some entertainment besides music while he was working and Nick found it a good sign that Michael was actually trying to distract himself.
"Michael?" he asked quietly.
"Yes?"
"Talk?" Nick suggested, hinting that they do it away from here.
Michael rose and followed him to the other end of the warehouse, out of immediate ear shot of Kitt - at least since he didn't use any of his systems to enhance his audio capabilities.
"What is it?"
"Michael, you know I have email contact to Devon, even online chat," Nick began, watching Michael closely. He saw a muscle in the other man's cheek jump, his expression darkening automatically. "I told you about his proposal as well. But Devon has asked me to relay a request to you." He stopped briefly, searching Michael's face for clues as to what the reaction might be, then he continued. "He wants to talk with you. Chat room," Nick added.
Michael's eyes sparked with some undefined negative emotion. "Why?"
"Because you two have to talk one day and it might be a first step. No face-to-face meeting, just an anonymous chat. You can stop whenever you want and Devon won't be able to counteract any of your actions. Just leave the room and the system does the rest."
Michael inhaled deeply. He had entered chat rooms before, he knew the basics, and he knew that Nick's set-ups were by far more complicated and more secure than any of the rooms he had ever visited. Still, he didn't really look forward to meeting Devon, in any form. But it might help, might really be the first step. He debated silently with himself and finally nodded.
"Okay."
Nicholas' lips twitched into his usual faint smile. "I'll set up the room and the time, then I'll call you."
"Thanks."
But Nick was already on his way back. Michael leaned against the rough brick stone wall and closed his eyes, sighing. He hoped it had been the right decision.

*

<Dmiles> Michael?
Michael stared at the screen, eyes fixed on the one word awaiting an answer.
<Dmiles> Michael? Are you there?
Again the cursor blinked, demanding he answer, but his fingers only lay unmoving on the keyboard.
<Dmiles> Michael?
<FX> I don't know what you expect from this Devon
<Dmiles> I just wanted a chance to say sorry
<FX> why? you think a simple word like sorry is going to help in any way?
<Dmiles> What else can I do?
<Dmiles> I want you to come home
<FX> why? so you can do more tests? Devon Kitt's so scared he won't go outside. He won't access any of his functions. He won't communicate. What makes you think he will ever be able to go back?
<Dmiles> How is he?
 
Michael closed his eyes, finding his partner's presence in his mind. Kitt was there; he felt wary and frightened, still held in Michael's embrace, but maybe no longer curled in on himself, sleeping, maybe he was just starting to look around again, to think about things rather than simply hiding from them. Maybe he was beginning to heal over some of the deep wounds. Maybe.
<Dmiles> Michael?
<FX> he's still with us, Devon, it's the best we can hope for at the moment
<Dmiles> You have to believe me, I didn't know exactly what she was planning.
<FX> what did you think she was going to do?
<Dmiles> She told me just that they were going to test the shell to temperature extremes.
<FX> and you didn't think that would hurt him?
<Dmiles> Kitt's taken cold and fire before.
<FX> But he hasn't been sprayed with a liquid nitrogen-like chemical before, he hasn't been so scared before that he's crashed through the cold room wall and that's caused the shell to shatter. and do you really think he then expected you to drench him in Tarasine and set him alight?????????
 
Through the simple text displayed on the screen before him, Devon could read the anger in Michael's tone. He had to somehow start to win Michael's trust again. If he ever could.
<Dmiles> I didn't know....
<FX> You could have asked!
<Dmiles> She told me what she wanted to do. I believed her.
There was a short silence and Devon could just see Michael breathing deeply, trying to calm himself down.
<FX> You believed the woman who tried to shut us down before. You believed her without double-checking. How could you have been so stupid?!
<Dmiles> I ask myself the same question. Michael, I was too trusting, too cowardly, too stupid as you just said. Please believe me that I never wanted to hurt Kitt in any way! And I would never let her sell him, Michael. You have to believe that.
Michael read the words on the screen, typed by Devon's fingers. Suddenly, all he could hear was the blood in his ears and the pounding in his head. Sell him? Sell. Him. He stared at the words, at the flashing cursor on the following line; Devon waiting for a reply. Michael felt his heart starting to race. No. Could that have been the reason? With shaking fingers, he started to type a single question.
<FX> To who?
There was a pause as the message was sent, as the words appeared in real time on Devon's screen, back wherever he was, and as he formulated his reply.
<Dmiles> Didn't Nick tell you?

*
 
<_You can move, Kitt, it's all right
<_don't go too far
<_No, we won't go far. You stay with me. Karr reversed slightly, and waited patiently. This was an experiment, one he had carefully planned and was executing with even more care and slight anxiety.
<_it is safe?
<_You're perfectly safe. I won't allow anyone to hurt you again.
<_scared
<_I know. What harm can it do?
<_not too far
<_Not too far. Come on.
Kitt fired the engine quietly, letting it tick over for a few minutes. Then he slipped into Drive and rolled forward a foot or two. He stopped. And then Karr moved back again, almost playfully.
<_don't go!
<_I'm not going away from you. I want you to follow me. Just a few more feet, he coaxed the other AI, keeping his voice gentle, soft, almost hypnotic. Kitt firing the engine had been a reason to hope; Kitt starting to drive had nearly made him cheer.
<_not outside
<_No, not outside. No where near outside. I promise.
A short hesitation, and Kitt rolled forward again.

*

Michael found Nicholas at the railing that secured the first floor, looking over and down at the two cars below. Something was happening. A few minutes ago, Karr had reversed back, slowly, and for the first time since all this had begun, Nick thought he had seen the very far light of Kitt's scanner flash. Just once. And then he had rolled forward, engine humming nervously. Fascinated, Nick had probed the link, and although Karr had not been rude, he had made it perfectly clear that he was busy. He'd frowned at Nick's mental smile, embarrassed, and turned his attention back to whatever he had been doing. A moment later, Kitt had rolled forward another foot or so, following Karr like a hesitant puppy.
So involved was he in watching the miracle that was playing out below him, he only noticed Michael when the other man had taken a place leaning next to him. Nick turned, despite himself he was actually grinning. It faded the moment he saw the expression on Michael's face.
"When were you going to tell me?"
The tone of Michael's voice was almost deadly. Nicholas was the first to understand that you didn't do a job like his, or Michael's, without some kick-back. They were both trained, both had seen and experienced things that no ordinary job would inflict on a person. Recently, Nick's ability to control his emotions had been tested to the limit, so God-only knew how Michael was feeling. And he had kept it all reigned in; his rage at what had been done to his partner, his near-desperate need to make someone pay for the nightmare Kitt was trapped in. He had soothed and comforted, held Kitt through it all, buried his own feelings for the sake of his partner.
 

<_A few more feet, Kitt. Kitt?
 

And now, from the insane look in his eyes, the barriers were about to break. Nick wanted to scream. They were making progress! Karr had Kitt responding! He wanted to beg Michael not to let go, just a few more days, they could bring Kitt back to them, he knew they could. But Michael was shaking, glaring at Nick with a challenge he did not want to accept, because Michael wanted to kill.
"Tell you what?" Nick kept his tone steady and questioning, not patronizing, not insulting, not rising to the bait that was in Michael's entire stance because sooner or later he had to snap. Nick understood all too well that this was not about him, but he was here, and Jennifer was not.
"Who was she going to sell him to?" Nick's eyes widened. How the hell...? The question must have been clear in his face because Michael answered it. "Devon. In the private chat room you set up."
Nick glanced down at the cars and inwardly closed his eyes. So close...
And now it was all about to fall apart again. He touched the link, and before Karr could complain, he sent a single message clear into Karr's mind. <He knows. Be careful now.>
 

<Something's wrong, Nick!>
 

Nick turned and leant back against the railing. "The military." Michael stared at him for a moment, and then spun, kicking out at the small wooden coffee table that went crashing into the wall.
 

//NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!//
Karr reeled back, stunned by the force of Kitt's sudden terror.
 

Nick shook his head. "Michael..."
"Don't." The anger burned in his voice. Suddenly, from behind him, Nick heard a squeal of tires and an almighty crack of unyielding metal on unyielding metal. He twisted his head round and looked down. Kitt had smashed headlong into the side of the Stealth, neither sustaining any damage, both surprised and shocked.
 

<_Kitt, please, listen to me. Shield yourself, do it now. Shield yourself from Michael
Karr knew it was a pointless request. He knew from personal experience just how difficult it was to block the implant during moments of stress. In Kitt's current state, there would be no way he could do anything to stop the furious projections he was suddenly receiving from his partner.
 

Nick turned back to Michael, who didn't seem to have heard the crash. Michael's mind was locked with Kitt's and the noise from the link was unbearable. He knew, somewhere in his mind, what he was doing to his partner, but he couldn't stop it, not any more. The barriers had broken down and he was unable to hold it back now. "Why?!" The simply question was a shout of denial. "As what? For what possible reason?" There was another crash from below, and Nick's glance downwards told him that Kitt had again driver straight into Karr's side.
 

<_Kitt, you're hurting yourself. Please.
//<_Noooooooononononononononononono//
Desperate now, Karr reached across the link and made a grab for Kitt, trying to wrap his own presence around the one that was screaming. The force of the battered emotions streaming from the AI was almost too much. Karr struggled to block what was coming into Kitt, at the same time preventing what he was experiencing from flooding his own partner. It was like juggling knives.
 

"Money," Nick intoned quietly, determined to keep calm, ignoring the dull echoes of what he knew was happening through the links that were one step away from joining him to the man before him.
Michael was fuming, fighting his way passed what was happening in his own mind, needing this release. "But... what the hell would the military want with him? What?"
"She was selling him as a weapon. She'd already started the dealings with officials, and they asked for the results of certain tests. That's why they were run."
 

Kitt frantically tried to break away from Karr's grasp, terrified beyond reason. Why would they sell him? how could they sell him? a weapon? what kind of weapon? how could they take him from Michael? Desperation and confusion flooded his already over-stressed circuits. And Karr was blocking him, cutting him off from Michael... //MICHAEL!!!!!!//
 

Michael bunched his fists, desperately wanting to break something that was preferably Jennifer Knight's face. How good would that feel..? "A weapon? Kitt?! He's never hurt a soul in his life! What the hell makes her think she could use him....?"
 

//<_Nooooooo //
Karr lost his grip on the other AI and retreated to his own CPU as Kitt smashed the TransAm once more into the Stealth.
 

A third smash was heard, and this time, Nick could feel Karr storm through his mind. Whatever Kitt was projecting, Karr was receiving it too.
 

Kitt wasn't trying to run, Karr understood that at least. The engine had been running when this had started so suddenly, and now it was just caught up in Kitt's utter confusion. He knew he had to stop Kitt from accidentally breaching the walls of the warehouse. Almost screaming himself, regretting what he was about to do to his very core, Karr revved his own engine, pulled back and around and rammed Kitt with the least force he knew would be needed to attain his goal. Kitt lost control of the car and it went hurtling across the concrete floor. Karr turned at a phenomenal speed and took off, screeching into the equivalent of a handbrake turn, allowing the body of his brother to career into him harmlessly.
 

Michael glanced at Nick, his body still, the trembling now painfully obvious. "I'm hurting him." It was part statement, part question, and Nick nodded. "I'm hurting him," Michael repeated the phrase, trying to lock down his anger again. "I'm hurting him."
"Block him," Nick murmured.
"I can't, he'll...."
"You have to. Everything you're feeling he's feeling. I didn't tell you because I knew this would happen. I'm sorry. But you're doing so much damage, please block him." Nick's tone grew more desperate as he spoke, although it had gone quiet below them, he could feel Karr through the link and knew that the quiet was only on the outside.
Michael swallowed hard and concentrated, sliding a block into place between him and his partner. Immediately his own emotions calmed; Kitt's hysteria no longer feeding them. Nick watched him. "That's it, let Karr take him for a moment."
 

<_Kill the engine.
It was a barked order, and Kitt obeyed immediately. He was shaking, dangerously close to the edge of what he could sanely ever hope to deal with. Karr reached out gently, scared now of pushing his brother that final minuscule distance.
<_Ssh now, it's all right, it's all right
Kitt's reply was a wail, a keening, low wail that pierced the sudden silence of the warehouse. It held pain and hurt and fear and insanity. Karr winced, tried to push through the wall of slowly building hysteria to access Kitt's CPU. The moment he got close, he was overwhelmed by the emotions Kitt was drowning in.

 
At the sound of his partner's voice, Michael dropped the block.
"No!" Nick saw him, saw his expression change in one impossibly fast moment. He was too late. Michael staggered back, swamped by the same mess that Karr had been caught in. His shins connected with the couch and he collapsed back, sitting hard. He dropped his face into his hands, tears streaming from his eyes. Kitt's tears, Nick guessed. He crouched down in front of Michael, trusting Karr to ensure Kitt stayed with them, at least physically. "Michael...." The other man just shook his head slowly, letting the sobs drive through him with the force of his partner's misery.
//Kitt... //
Michael cried, reaching for his partner and unable to find his essence in the torrent of fear and sorrow. He felt an overwhelming cocktail of self-recrimination and regret, and some small part of his mind that remained under his control told him that Kitt was blaming himself; for everything now, cause and effect.
//Kitt... won't let them take you please// Another sob rippled through him.
 

Karr had pulled back, unable to cope with everything Kitt was throwing at them now. The cascade of emotion was a mixture of AI and human; Kitt's own feelings with Michael's being mirrored back at him through the implant. Again, Karr tried to reach his brother, but Kitt had fallen out of his reach. Karr gave a yell of anger and helplessness, one that struck Nicholas hard through their own link.
<Can't reach him>
<I know>
 

Deep inside the Knight Two Thousand's CPU, Kitt was curled in upon himself, sobbing hysterically. All his past failures were pouring in on top of him, accesses into his memory that he did not have any control over. They were going to sell him, replace him, allow him to be taken by men who would force him to hurt, to kill. And if he refused, what then? He would ripped from Michael, maybe they would remove the link, tear them apart. They would have to. Or Kitt's future experiences would be passed back to Michael. And that wouldn't be allowed to happen. Michael....
Memories crowded in upon him. An explosion causing Michael a loss of memory, unable to remember himself or his partner and friends. Michael being taken captive by Garth because Kitt failed to scan the area as they landed from their flight. Michael being brutally injured in an ambush because Kitt had not been fast enough. Michael being injected with a deadly poison because Kitt had not made a thorough enough scan of the area. Michael almost getting killed because Kitt had been a moment too late ejecting him from the car. Kitt screamed at himself, sinking deeper.
Michael almost getting gunned down because Kitt wasn't fast enough placing himself in the line of fire. Michael having to drive for his life because Kitt couldn't hold onto control of his own body. Kitt almost killing Michael, mowing him down because someone had reprogrammed him. Michael coming within an inch of suffocation because Kitt hadn't been strong enough to break out of a collapsed tunnel. Michael almost getting crushed because Kitt had not had the power to escape from the crusher.
Michael almost getting ground to a pulp by KARR because Kitt was a little too late responding to Michael's cry for help.
Kitt screamed again, collapsing in further upon himself. This was all his fault. He had brought all this upon himself. He had failed Michael again and again. Michael deserved a partner who could protect him. Kitt certainly couldn't. He took stock of himself, of his current state, and faded back disgusted. He stifled another sob. What use was he to anyone? What use....
//Kitt... stop.... Please//
//Noooooo    leave me alone    better without me//
//No Kitt, no never    love you    please listen to me//
//my fault my fault myfaultmyfaultmyfaultmyfault//
// not your fault Kitt//
//noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo//
// KITT!!!!//
Michael opened his eyes, tears running down his face, meeting Nick's fearful gaze. "He's blaming himself for everything, going over events from our past, events he had no control over." His voice cracked and broke, and he dropped his face back into his hands, hunting through his ravaged mind, desperately searching for his partner's presence. //Kitt? Kitt! //
 

Nick followed Michael, running down the steps to the ground floor. Karr was sitting perfectly still, Kitt pressed hard against his side like a pony and her mare. Michael gently touched the frame of his car, as Nicholas walked around and climbed into the passenger side door of the Stealth. "You okay?"
"No."
"We're losing him."
"I know." Nick stopped talking as Karr's tone implied that he should.
Karr was trying his hardest, Nick knew he wouldn't let Kitt go without a fight.
 

<_Stop it now!
Karr's tone was harsh, deliberately so. It had worked before, forced Kitt to listen to him when all around was terror and agony. This time though, Karr felt Kitt retreat further still, his sobs getting harder and more painful. His systems, his traumatized CPU would not be able to withstand much more. Karr changed his approach, warning Nick and accepting his partner's encouragement as he faced the tirade of hysteria flowing through the link between the two AIs. Karr forced his way into Kitt's CPU, intruding further than he had before, feeling the misery and pain surround him. From his own link to his partner, Karr could feel MacKenzie projecting warmth, security, love... he held onto those projections as he hunted for Kitt's presence.
 

Nicholas was met by a torn whimper from his partner, and he intensified his own thoughts for Karr. Karr had found his brother, a tiny ball, folded in upon himself, dark and tremulous; almost the complete opposite of the proud, bright being Karr known he had once been. The AI bit back the hatred that threatened to flow freely. Again he felt his own partner with him and relaxed. He would in time ensure the people responsible for this did pay for their actions. But here, now, Kitt needed him as no one had ever needed him before. He understood that he was the only one who could get close, who had the energy of emotional stability to force himself through the walls of self-hatred and blame Kitt was rapidly constructing and save the remaining spark that was his younger brother.
Karr moved until his presence was close to Kitt, until he could reach out in one swoop and gather Kitt's presence to him. The moment he did, Kitt started to fight and scream, crying out in pain that wouldn't go away soon, even if Karr managed to pull him back from the abyss he was approaching with lightening speed.
<_go away go away leave leave!!!!
<_No. You are blaming yourself for what they did to you
<_deserved failed failed failed always failed
<_No. You never failed. You never deserved to be treated as they treated you
<_failed no protect failed
<_You know that's not true
Karr purred as he didn't know he could. From somewhere within him he was finding the right way to handle the fragile AI. He could no longer feel Nick through the link, he was buried too deeply within Kitt's CPU now. But he knew Nick was there. And he knew Nick was proud of him.
<_Kitt, I promised you that they wouldn't touch you again. I intend to keep that promise.
<_sell me sellsellsellsellsell weapon kill hurt kill killkillkillkill
<_No!
Karr could feel himself becoming wrapped up quickly in Kitt's current nightmarish existence. He pulled back, and for what might have been the first time, Kitt did not call after him, simply curled back in upon himself and continued to sob bitterly. Karr soaked up Nick's projected feelings and went back to his brother.
<_No. Kitt, they�re not going to sell you. You belong to Michael.
<_Michael.... failed can't protect failed
<_No. You never failed him. Please. At least come and talk to him.
<_hate me
<_You know that's not true. He loves you Kitt. Come with me, just for now
Karr touched Kitt gently, his own presence trembling under the pressure of Kitt's wild emotions. How the other AI was surviving all this, he had no idea. He wondered briefly at what point he would have gone under.
 
*

Michael sat in the rest area nearest to the two cars. He had been unable to get into the TransAm, with the security functions off line Kitt had locked down everything to protect himself. Nick was with Michael, having established a deep link with his partner. Both were sitting in silence as the battle fought a little way from their own minds. Michael continued to search, hoping against hope that Karr could persuade Kitt to surface enough to allow him to link completely with Michael. Michael knew he was too tired, he had already gone through too much, to enable him to go after Kitt. He had accepted Nick's swift decision to ask Karr to be the one to follow Kitt into the darkness. But he had not liked the idea. He still worried that Karr would hurt Kitt. And then he thought on whose fault this current, grave situation was, and he had almost laughed; the hysterical laughter of madmen.
//Michael....//
Michael started as he heard the tiny voice in his mind. He found Kitt, his presence barely existing in his mind, but he was there, and he was not alone. Behind him, shadowing and protecting him as in the physical world, Michael could sense Karr's darker presence.
//Kitt... please don't leave me//
//failed    sell me//
//No. You've never failed me. //
//failed//
Michael felt... a thought, arrive in his mind. He didn't want to know where from, he simply used it, taking all the advice around him because he knew he could trust it.
//When?//
There was a sob and Michael's heart ached as he could only watch Kitt cry. He did not have the strength to bridge the still-substantial gap between himself and his partner. Kitt's brother was there with him, and Michael hoped that was enough for now.
//When, Kitt? When did you ever fail me?//
//tried to kill//
Michael searched his memory for some incident that would fit the three-word clue Kitt had given him. The club, the IQ place....
//No, Kitt. They took you from me and reprogrammed you. You had no choice but you fought them and you won. You didn't touch me.//
There was a pause, another heart-wrenching sob. //poisoned you//
Again, Michael searched his memory for the reference. Mexico City, the Orchids.
//They injected me while I was with them. You could not have ever stopped them. You got me home. You kept me alive. You saved my life Kitt. I could never repay you or love you enough. I can only try.//
//imprisoned//
It was a cry of guilty anguish, but Michael refused to give up. He knew Kitt could not win this. Kitt had never failed him and it was a knowledge that was deep in his heart.
//A thousand times, each time my own, often stupid fault and you always, *always* came to my rescue.//
//no weapon    no kill    no hurt    can't.... can't....//
Suddenly, Michael reached out, across the gap between them, using the anger and pain that had fueled the outburst that had sent Kitt to this place to bring him back. He caught Kitt in his arms, holding him, pulling him close and tight, hanging on as Kitt screamed and fought against him. He soothed muttering words that meant nothing and were everything, aware only of his partner's fight for freedom and his own determination not to let go.
Exhausted, hurting, unable to fight any longer, Kitt gave up. He sank down, and Michael followed him, holding him tight, stopping him from falling.
//I'm not letting go of you, Kitt. I love you//
//what did I do?//
//you did nothing//
//then why? must have hurt someone    must have done something wrong    I'm not a weapon.... I couldn't ever be..... please don't let them//
//I won't    I promise they won't touch you ever again    you're my partner    they'll never take you from me//
//failed//
//no    never you never failed anyone//
//why sell? why?//
//ssh.... it's okay    won't let them near you//
//why?//
It was one last sob of anguish before Kitt collapsed, only barely allowing Michael to comfort him, to cradle him. Slowly, they rose to a safe place where the link was strong. Karr slowly pulled back first out of Michael's mind, if that was indeed where he had been, and then out of Kitt's CPU, returning to himself and his partner.
Nick was there waiting for him, and for now he accepted his partner's strength and support. Exhaustion and stress won out as he shut down, rested in Nick's strong hold.

* * *

Michael felt weary as he finally opened his eyes, his thoughts moving like lead in water, sinking into unknown depths. Kitt was more or less resting, but his own mind was on fire with what had occurred. Kitt was blaming himself for so much, things he would never have been able to influence anyway, like human stupidity - his partner's stupidity when he sometimes ran into a trap set for him. And his slipping control had set Kitt off.
Michael growled softly. No, Nick's cursed silence about this had set it off! If Nick had told him earlier, if he had known what this was all about, Kitt would not have lost it so badly!
But if you had known, you would have reacted the same way, just earlier, a voice reminded him. And Kitt might not even be here now. He would have slipped forever.
Michael hissed angrily. No! Nick had purposefully hidden the truth about the whole experiments, he had kept them in the dark! He had known, goddamnit!! He had known! For how long? Michael didn't know, but probably for a while. And why hadn't he said a word? Because he wanted Kitt to be stronger? No! Most likely because he had not trusted Michael to handle it!
You didn't handle it
He poured more negative emotions into his now considerable fury. That he wasn't able to think straight after the ordeal inside the implant only added to it. He walked outside and immediately caught sight of Nicholas MacKenzie. The dark-haired man stood only a few feet away from the quay wall, now turning as he heard Michael approach. He frowned as he realized the dark expression on his friend's face.
"Michael?"
"Why?" Michael demanded.
Nick's frown deepened. "Why what?"
"Why did you hide the truth?" Michael demanded furiously.
"I didn't hide it, Michael. I just knew that it wasn't time for you, both of you, to know it," Nicholas said calmly.
"What a load of rubbish!" Michael exploded. "You kept me from knowing why she had done this to Kitt! You hid the truth! I had to hear it from Devon!"
"Michael...." Nick tried again.
"Shut up! You said you wanted to help, but you kept the most important part to yourself!"
Nicholas looked at him with cold blue eyes. "I did it because neither of you had been able to take it. You saw what happened.... "
"Because I had no time to prepare!"
"Do you think you would have had any more time to prepare for your own anger a few days earlier?" Nick snapped. "You would have reacted the same way, Michael! And it would have been worse!"
"How can you tell? How can you know me, MacKenzie?" Michael hissed. "You know nothing! Nothing at all! You knew why she had done it and you kept me in the dark!"
"For your own good! And Kitt's!" Nick argued.
"I thought you were my friend, but you are not better than the others!" Michael accused and saw with satisfaction how Nicholas flinched. "And keep Karr away from Kitt!" he went on, not caring where he hit. "Just keep both away!"
Nick's face was a mask of stone. "Michael, you don't know what you are saying...."
"I know very well! The moment we can, we are leaving!"
"Kitt wouldn't survive it."
Michael's eyes were alight with fury. "He has a better chance of survival away from here than he has staying! Maybe Karr has influenced him all the time!"
"Michael, listen!"
In a way he saw it coming and he could have done something, but he didn't. Michael's fist connected with Nick's chin and sent him stumbling back, pain shooting from the abused area of his face. He reigned in his natural response - a counterattack - and tamed his killer instinct. Michael didn't know what he was doing, but nevertheless, even though Nick knew it, the words had hurt him. They had pierced his armor of indifference. Now Michael stood with his hands curled into fists, breathing hard, face contorted in rage. It was a rage not at Nick but the world in general, the world who had done this to him and Kitt, especially Kitt....
"I understand," Nick whispered and turned, walking away.
 

Karr was heavily confused, unable to decide on an appropriate action for fully two seconds. Finally he did and silently moved away from Kitt, who was resting and had barely stirred throughout the outbreak. He left the warehouse, ignoring the still fuming form of Michael Knight, and followed his partner, who had come quite some way.
"Nicholas?"
No answer. Nick was walking in measured, control steps, his body rigid with anger, face set into a mask Karr knew only too well. He increased speed a bit and stopped in front of Nick, opening his door.
Nick looked at him, then wordlessly got inside, closing the door. Karr left control over the car to him and Nick accelerated, getting as much distance as possible between him and the warehouse.

* * *

A lone figure was jogging along the well-trodden path, chest heaving in regular intervals, his body moving like a machine, always the same speed, always the same motions. The man was dressed in a dark blue sweat suit, appearing completely normal. Only if someone had taken a closer look would he have seen the tiny metal pebble in his ear and the equally tiny microphone attached to his throat. And the watcher would have seen the silent anger burning in the clear blue eyes as well, the sweat covered face a mask of fury directed at the runner himself. But no one came so close, mainly because he was all alone on the track.
"It is not your fault," Karr sounded in Nick's ear.
"I kept it to myself," Nick growled while starting another round.
"Because you wanted to help them. If you had told Michael sooner..."
"He would not have heard it from Devon!" Nick hissed. "I was a fool to allow this conversation! I should have known!"
"You couldn't have. No one could."
"Devon was explaining his actions, Karr! He would sooner or later say he didn't know she was going to sell Kitt off! Shit, I was so stupid!"
Nicholas increased his speed, burning off his fury, one directed purely at himself. Michael's accusations rang in his ears and whenever he thought of Kitt he saw the AI screaming in terror, slamming into Karr, nightmares returning full force. And he saw the tiny red scanner light that had so bravely lit up, die down again.
Everything had been destroyed.
All their work, all their success.
Because of him.
Nick stopped, breathing hard, staring into the darkening sky. He had had to get out of the warehouse, out of his home, away from Michael's accusing face. Running had always been a way to soothe his strained nerves to burn off excess energy, but not today. Today it somehow didn't help. He had considered going down to the gym, but taking one of the body bags apart wouldn't help; especially since Joey had warned him about it. Nick owed him one already. He jogged slowly back to the waiting Stealth, leaning against his partner.
"My fault," he muttered.
"No," Karr contradicted.
"Karr, I could have told him! It might have hit him half as bad as when Devon did! He didn't have to hear it from Miles!"
"It would have hit him just as badly."
Anger rose inside the human. "I destroyed it all! You and Kitt had come so far! He was actually driving on his own!" He hit Karr's side, wincing.
"Thank you," Karr muttered dryly and as if in an afterthought he added, "Ouch."
Nick cursed softly again.
"Nick, it wasn't your fault. Nothing was. It could have hit any time, any place."
"What are you? My shrink?" MacKenzie snarled.
"No, the voice of reason."
Nick snorted.
"Can we go home now?"
Nick pushed away from the car and paced restlessly. He was still not calmed enough to face Michael or anyone else, and he didn't feel up to seeing Kitt's silent, hurting form again. He had completely shut down again, just like after the incident. Days of work undone. All for nothing.
"You go if you want to. I need some more time alone," he finally muttered and walked off down the path leading back to the street.
Karr started his engine and slowly followed his partner. "Where do you want to go?"
"No idea. Maybe Ed's."
Nick felt Karr's wince and smiled wryly. Karr didn't have good relations to Ed Hallston, mostly because Ed liked to tease the AI to the limit, always dancing on the fine line between life and death when it came to Karr's temper. Hallston was Karr's technician, the one who MacKenzie called upon if he needed servicing for the computer electronics he couldn't service himself.
"Get back to Kitt. He needs you."
"Not right now." Karr sounded slightly disappointed, even hurt. Nick felt more guilt rise inside of him. If he had just told Michael! If he had slowly and carefully explained it to him!
Karr sped up and nudged Nick gently, making the ex-agent stumble as the Stealth's nose connected with his knees. Nick whirled around.
"Stop that! What is it with you! Would you mind leaving me alone just for now?"
"No."
"Why?!" he exploded.
"Because your emotional condition is far from stable," Karr told him levelly.
"I know what my emotional condition is!" Nick hissed, infuriated. "And it isn't getting better with your behavior! I need some time alone and I know Michael wouldn't be happy to see my face again in the next few hours. You get back and take care of Kitt. I'll be home... sometime." Nick turned to leave again, but Karr suddenly shot forward and blocked his way. "I'm not leaving you alone."
The ex-agent sighed deeply. "You know, I appreciate a lot of changes that have happened to you lately, but you don't have to stick to me like a piece of old chewing gum!"
"I'm not."
"Karr, please!" Nick exploded.
<They still need your help>
MacKenzie shook his head and walked around the Stealth. Karr sat there, watching, then sighed. Nick was stubborn and maybe he was right to a degree. Michael Knight was furious at him for hiding the truth from him. He put in a gear and slowly rolled off, keeping a mental eye on his partner as he started to jog again, down the street.

* * *

Michael felt alone. The warehouse was dark and silent, and it felt so empty. Justin had driven off to shop for some food they needed, taking the motorbike with the large, boxy cases to stow the food in. Nick was away... and he had been ever since Michael had truly lost it and had said those accusing words. Now he was ashamed of himself. He had started to realize why Nick had done it, why he had shut up. The reason and the effect of his knowledge sat just in front of him. Michael screwed his eyes shut.
One slip.
One crack in the wall around his negative emotions.
All had poured out, had hit Kitt, had driven him back all the way he had managed to come, had destroyed everything. Nothing and no one had been able to hold him, had been able to stop the self-destruction. Now Kitt was wrapped up in on himself, shaking, whimpering, clinging to Michael but also fearing any of the anger coming from his partner. Michael forced his negative emotions down again, had taken his frightened partner into his arms and was soothing him as he had done so many days ago.
The automatic garage doors hummed softly and opened, and Michael discovered Karr rolling in, as always in silent mode. As the Stealth came closer he also saw that he was alone. Nick was not with him. Karr parked beside Kitt, shutting his engine down, and silence settled once more.
"Where is Nick?" Michael asked softly.
"Out," Karr answered levelly.
Michael closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, feeling like screaming. Nick had sent Karr back while he was staying away. MacKenzie had done so much for them! He had protected them, given them shelter, had talked to Devon... all he had done had been to protect; never with malicious intent. And Michael had accused him of deliberately keeping important information to himself.
"Michael?"
The soft voice startled him and he turned around, discovering Bonnie standing behind the couch. "Hi, Bon," he said tiredly.
"How are you two?"
Michael sighed and unfolded from the couch. "He is unresponsive. It's like back then.... just worse. Now he isn't sending out the pain or the question of 'Why'."
"What is he sending?" Bonnie wanted to know, stepping beside him.
"I'm not sure. It's nothing I can translate into a human emotion." He rubbed his eyes. "He won't even let me close!"
She snaked an arm around his waist and hugged him close. Michael took her into his arms, resting his chin on her head, trembling. He knew Bonnie could feel his tenseness, the tremors running through his body.
"I made a mistake," Michael murmured, relaxing a bit under Bonnie's soothing strokes over his back. "I accused Nick of betraying me, of keeping back the truth on purpose. I never realized what I was doing when I lost it until it was too late!" Tears sprang into his eyes. "Oh, God, he tried to help and I destroyed what we had created in minutes! He told me to keep it down! He warned me! I never listened."
"You broke under the pressure, Michael," Bonnie said softly. "You are only human and your had reached the limit of what you could take. Nicholas understands."
Michael sighed softly. "He isn't home yet; Karr is. I think that says enough. He is the only ally we have and a friend. What if I destroyed it all?"
Bonnie stepped back, holding Michael�s arms and looking into his eyes. "Michael, Nick is under as much pressure and stress as you were and still are. Maybe he needs to steam off as well, get some of that pressure out of him. He will be back and then you can talk. For now you should concentrate on Kitt."
He sighed again and finally nodded. "Stay?" he asked softly.
She nodded and sat down beside him on the couch, leaning closer, savoring his nearness.

* * *

Nick sat outside in the damp air, watching the first rays of the morning sun creep over the old harbor. Everything was silent, only the surf disrupting the quiet night. Now that the sun was rising, sea gulls were waking, starting into the air, gliding on the currents of the wind. Their cries were far away though. Nick had returned back to the warehouse about an hour ago, feeling tired, exhausted, but his mind had not quieting down. After he had kicked Karr out of his mind and bodily back to Kitt, he had walked aimlessly for some time, but had found his steps had taken him to a friend's place. Molly wasn't really a friend; not in the sense of the word. She had been in the same business he was still in, someone he could fall back on for help when he needed it, but she was not someone he would automatically call 'friend'. He had few of those. Molly fell into the category of an 'ally'.
She hadn't asked any questions when he had appeared on her doorstep that late and they had gone down to a bar owned by one of Molly's friends. They had exchanged a few meaningless pleasantries. Nick never talked about business, but Molly had felt he had been struck by something.
"Nick?" she had asked when he had finally said good-bye.
"Yes?"
"Let it out, then forget it ever happened." Then she had left him alone.
Nick sighed now and watched the orange disk of the sun creep up over the horizon. Let it out.... He had tried. He had tried forcing the anger building inside himself to dissipate by burning it off, but it was still there, no longer as strong but still there.
If he had just said something.....
An almost inaudible whisper let him flinch and his head snapped around. He discovered a black shadow slowly moving around the corner, completely soundless except for the tiny crackle of tires scraping over gravel. The Stealth moved toward him, then stopped, prow almost touching him. Nick felt Karr's gentle probe and rested his hand on the smooth hood, feeling the warmth of the engine under his palm.
"Hi," he murmured.
"You were gone for a long time," Karr said neutrally.
"Lost my way," Nick muttered.
"Michael Knight is asleep. He has quieted down."
MacKenzie sighed. But had he? He leaned against the Stealth, watching the sun rise. Karr sat silently with him. Finally, after debating with himself for almost an eternity, Nicholas pushed himself away from his partner and walked into the warehouse. Karr followed.

* * *

Michael heard the doors open and was on his feet in a flash. Karr had left over an hour ago, without a comment just as usual, and Michael had felt his hopes rise. He had hoped that maybe Karr was looking for Nick or that Nick had called for him. Now the black Stealth was coming back and Michael felt his stomach clench as he discovered the silent figure following him. Nicholas was dressed in a jogging outfit, his face set into an unreadable mask. And this face featured a rather obvious bruise, starting at his chin and going up the left cheek. Michael winced. His knuckles still hurt.
Their eyes met and for the first time Michael saw something other than control, coldness or restraint in the ice blue. He saw a strange kind of worry, anger and indecision.
"Nick...." he started.
Nicholas shook his head and held up one hand. Michael stopped. "I apologize for my actions," he now said. "What I did was wrong and I should not have kept you in the dark. You were right about that."
"No!" Michael interrupted angrily. "Don't take the blame, Nick! I know why you did it and I finally came to realize it! You knew what would happen and it happened because I couldn't control my shields. All went through to Kitt and he .... he lost it." He evaded the blue eyes. "Because I lost it. I'm sorry about what I said... what I did...." He risked a look at the ugly bruise.
Nick shook his head. "I know what you are feeling, what you felt.... I would have felt the same."
"But you would have had the control to stop it," Michael muttered, shaking his head.
"Maybe. Then again, maybe not. Not when it concerns something like this..... If it had been Karr, I would have had the same problems."
Michael looked up, surprise flashing over his face. Nicholas smiled ever-so-slightly.
"Listen, I apologize," Michael then said sincerely. "I didn't mean what I said."
Nick met his eyes. "Oh, yes, you did."
"Nick....."
Nicholas shook his head once more. "I know, I know. You didn't mean it, but you felt it. Please believe me that I want to help. Whatever I do, it's not to hurt either of you. I don't ask you to trust me, just give me the benefit of a doubt."
"But I do trust you, Nick. You proved yourself as a friend," Michael said softly.
MacKenzie flinched slightly and shook his head.
"And don't tell me I shouldn't trust you," Michael added. "I do. I don't care what you were, Nick. I know what you are and you are my friend. Kitt's friend. An ally we can trust and someone we need."
Nick looked slightly shocked. "Michael...."
"Why do you evade friendship?" Michael asked straightforward. "You did so much only a friend would do and even after I accused you of betrayal... you didn't just leave. And I know you thought about it."
"No," Nick answered quietly. "If you decided to leave, I wouldn't stop you. But I wouldn't leave you alone."
Michael was strangely touched by this, especially coming from the man he knew as a loner. "Thanks." He stretched out one hand. "Start again?"
Nicholas took the offered hand. "No, continue where we left off." He smiled, then winced as it pulled on his bruise. "How is Kitt?" he wanted to know.
"Resting."
Nick nodded. "Good. You should do the same."
Michael sighed. "Yeah, maybe. And so should you."
Another smile twitched Nick's lips. "I have work to do." He started to walk over to the work area. Karr was again parked beside his brother but as Nick approached he clicked the door open. Nick stopped and Michael could see that there was a silent communication going on. Nick's eyes told about it. Finally he sighed, shook his head, and climbed in. Karr darkened the windows as he rolled back to his brother.
Michael smiled slightly, then settled back on the couch, close to his own partner, falling into a light doze.

*

Karr was wide awake, partially watching over Kitt but mostly concentrating on Nicholas. He was finally resting, though unable to let go completely, and it was a good sign. His mind was much calmer now, almost back to normal. Karr was used to Nick's calm, controlled presence, and the uproar he had faced was so unusual it frightened him to a degree. He carefully reached out and touched Nick's mind, reassuring himself of his partner's presence. Lately he had grown extremely dependent on him, someone he had loathed to be connected to in the far past. Now, life without Nick was something he didn't dare to imagine. In a way, Kitt had shown him what the link meant; it was something he owed his brother more than he would ever be able to repay.
Nick moved faintly and curled up on the seat. Karr kept watching, hiding his smile. Yes, something new had developed between him and Nick throughout the ordeal of the last few days, something he was afraid of but simultaneously welcomed because it changed too much. One day he would have to thank Kitt for it, even if his younger brother wouldn't understand what for.

* * *

John Landes parked his car outside the building fitting the address he had been given over the Internet. West Archerhall Street. He knew where the mail had come from and it was one he had anxiously waited for for days. The reply had been as short as it had been full of hope for Landes. Michael Knight wanted to meet him.
The building was an empty house at the end of a curved street, for sale, colored in a light blue. A verandah was in front of it, featuring a wooden swing and empty plant pots. The grass was trimmed and the small trees were blooming. He walked over to the door and found it open. Landes pushed the white door wide open and looked around. The room was empty except for a few pieces of furniture, all covered with linen. Carefully he stepped inside, the floor boards creaking softly.
"Michael?" he asked into the silence.
A shadowy figure appeared in the doorway leading into the next room. John recognized the tall, slender frame immediately and smiled in relief.
"Hello," he greeted the man, closing the door after him.
"Hello, John," Michael answered.
Landes winced as he heard the voice. Gone was the strong, amiable tone, the smile hidden in it, the cheerfulness when he met someone. As Michael stepped closer he also saw how thin he had grown, his face bearing a haggard expression, the eyes haunted, the cheeks slightly sunken. A shadow seemed to lie over the whole face.
"Thanks for accepting this appointment." John looked around and found some covered chairs. He gestured over to them and Michael shrugged, sitting down on the covered chair. "I've heard a lot from many sides," Landes went on, "and the board is currently in uproar, one created by Jennifer."
Michael's eyes flashed at the name and John saw a deep hatred in there; one he understood to a degree. He had heard a lot of versions, true, but all told of Kitt screaming and shrieking like a wounded, panicky animal, one tortured and confused, one trying to flee but unable to.
"You know what Devon proposed?"
"Yes."
Landes nodded. "Good. The board is still discussing it. They know my opinion, which is why I'm here." He smiled quickly. "I want to know what happened, Michael. Your version of it. You've been together with Kitt since the incident and you have the most insight."
"Insight," Michael snarled. "I wouldn't call it insight! I call it a nightmare!"
"What happened?"
And Michael told him in a tone that suggested barely controlled anger. John listened quietly, taking mental notes. And his ears perked up when Michael said, "You know what it feels like to be caught in those nightmares?!" Landes was sure he had just slipped something; something important.
"You felt his nightmares?" he asked carefully when Michael had stopped.
Michael blinked, caught off-guard. "I.... I can imagine what it is like" he then muttered. "Kitt and I are close."
"Not, that's not what you said. I know you are close to Kitt, I know you are best friends, partners.... You said you felt his nightmares...." John frowned slightly and suddenly realization hit him. "Oh my god! The implant!"
"What implant?" Michael snapped.
Landes' smile was gentle and knowing. "Michael, I was there when the idea of the AI was developed; I was there all the way. I know what Wilton wanted and what failed. I'm not so sure about this failure any more, am I right?" Defiant blue-gray eyes met him. Michael's face was set in a mask of denial. "Michael," he continued, "I won't use this against you or Kitt. I think it is a wonderful, beautiful thing if it worked, but it also puts you right in the front row when it comes to Kitt's terror and pain, correct?"
Michael stared at him for some more time, then he finally sighed. "Completely," he muttered. "His nightmares.... he is in such pain... was in such pain. John, he tried to kill himself!"
Landes sat back, shocked. "Suicide? He tried to take his life!?"
"Yes," Michael whispered, rubbing his temples.
"How is he?" John wanted to know, severely shaken.
Michael shook his head. "Getting better. He has a lot of support. But it was bad, really bad. We nearly lost him...." His voice trailed off.
John watched him, noted all the lines of pain around his mouth and eyes, and he knew Michael had gone through more than anyone might ever be able to imagine. "Michael, I want you to know that I support Devon's proposal, but it will take more time to convince the board, maybe work out a new contract for you concerning FLAG. But we will get this solved somehow."
"I won't go back!" Michael snarled.
"I'm not saying you have to. Not now. Jennifer is still on the war path and even if you have the best protection, and I know you have, she would eventually try it again." He regarded Michael closely. "Is it true about KARR? He is protecting Kitt? Devon mentioned he does...."
Michael nodded hesitantly. "Yes. He won't let anyone close to him he doesn't know or trust. Kitt owes him a lot, sanity-wise as well. I know it sounds strange, but it's true."
"Call yourself lucky that you have those friends, Michael."
"I know." He wanted to add that he wouldn't have needed them so badly, that Kitt wouldn't be needing the constant care and support he now relied on, if it hadn't been for a member of the FLAG board. He kept quiet.
Silence settled between them and Michael briefly closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. "Jennifer charged me with theft," he finally said.
"Oh, I know. She is grasping for straws." Landes smiled.
"I wouldn't call those charges straws! This is serious!"
"And I seriously doubt anyone could find either you or Kitt, or even Nick." Landes raised an eyebrow. "I know Nicholas MacKenzie and I knew the moment he entered the stage, we had lost."
Michael exploded from the chair, pacing restlessly. "She nearly killed my partner! She froze him! She set him on fire! She tried to attach some kind of electrode to control his actions! She had the guts to walk in and try to take him!" All his anger poured out of him. "I won't work for some one who would do this to a living being! She tortured him, for god's sake
! And why?! Because she wanted to sell him to the military! The *military*!"
John let the anger wash over him. He understood Michael completely. He had gotten to know Kitt. He knew how human he was, how gentle, how caring. And Jennifer had willfully tried to destroy this being, had nearly shattered his soul. He would survive, maybe he would heal, but he knew Kitt would never be the same again. His trust had been betrayed by those he loved. If not for Michael Knight, for the link to his driver, John suspected Kitt would already be gone.
"The board doesn't appreciate her moves and no one had an idea why she ordered the tests. No one knew the military was in on it. She is losing, Michael, I can tell you that, but I can't guarantee for the change of ownership. At least in a way you might expect it."
"I won't take him back to her, John!" Michael declared furiously. "She won't ever lay a finger on him again! She won't get close enough to read his license plate ever again!"
Landes nodded. "I understand and she won't. She nearly destroyed what we worked for so long and so hard, she was about to destroy the Foundation."
"To hell with the Foundation! She nearly killed a living being!" Michael lost his temper once more.
"I know, Michael. I know Kitt, I have met him, I know what he is. He is more than a machine," John appeased him. "But most of the board does not see him like that. For them he is a multi-million machine, a tool, and they will act accordingly. I'm trying to balance what I know with what the others know. It's difficult, but I can do it. Just trust me so far, Michael."
Michael's lips were a fine line. "I don't trust anyone any more."
"You have friends. You just have to realize who they are."
"My real friends proved their friendship lately," Michael ground out. "Hell, I trust Karr more than I trust you, Devon or anyone on the board!"
John nodded. "I expect nothing else. Just give me that much credit. I will fight for you. Nick trusts me at least that far or he wouldn't have set up this meeting."
Michael rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I know." He sighed deeply. "Sorry, John. I didn't want to yell."
"It's okay, Michael." Landes rose as well, hands stuffed in his pockets, and walked over to the window looking out to the street. His eyes narrowed as he discovered a black sports car parked on the other side. He hadn't seen it before. "The board meets again tomorrow," he said calmly. "I will keep you up-to-date. I know how to get a mail to Nick, wherever he is hiding out." A smile flashed over his face.
"Thank you." Michael sounded tired, totally exhausted.
"Can I invite you for a cup of coffee? Maybe dinner?"
Michael shook his head. "No. I need to get back."
Landes nodded. "I understand." He stretched out his hand and Michael took it after a while. "You have my promise that I will do everything in my power, Michael. Everything."
"Thanks."
John watched him go and then left himself. He had a lot to think about.

*

Michael opened the door to the Stealth and tiredly sank into the seat, closing his eyes, for a moment just sitting there. Karr was silent, just like he had been throughout most of the journey. It had been a strange feeling sitting inside Nicholas' car, knowing about a year ago he would have immediately declared him the enemy, now having an ally in him; Kitt's brother. Finally Michael sighed and opened his eyes again. He ignited the engine of the strange car and left the empty building. He was so tired. His anger had drained him.
"How is he?" Michael asked quietly.
"Distressed."
"I'm going to drop the block."
 Karr did not respond to that. Readying himself for any onslaught, Michael dropped the blocks he had erected in his mind, blocks to prevent the anger, he knew would come out at his meeting with John Landes, from hurting Kitt. His partner was there waiting for him, aching to be back in the warmth Michael constantly gave him. It had been a frightening experience, but as they had all explained to the AI, it was a necessary one. Karr had kept his own link with Kitt completely open, and Kitt had stayed close to him while his link to Michael had been quiet. By no means had Michael cut him off entirely, he had still been able to feel Kitt there with him, and Kitt had not felt that Michael had gone. But their contact recently had been intensely close, and Kitt still needed that very much. He swept Kitt up, holding him tight, warming him with his presence.
//got you    here now//
//missed you//
Kitt snuggled into Michael's embrace, still with a tendril of his presence wrapped around that of his brother through the other link. His support system. Kitt was infinitely glad of both of them.
All of a sudden Karr switched on 'Auto Pilot' and Michael raised an eyebrow in surprise, but surrendered control of the Stealth - one he doubted ever having - to the AI. He leaned back, enjoyed the scenery and drifted off.
 

Karr monitored Michael Knight's life signs until he was asleep, nodding to himself. Kitt was still close to him and he enjoyed the bright warmth of his brother. It was so new and yet so familiar, and he bathed in it while it lasted. He had no illusions about the future. He knew what he was, he knew what Kitt was, and the moment Kitt was back to his old strength he would retreat. It was the only logical way, the only logical conclusion.
Now he steered the Stealth effortlessly and smoothly through the city, watching for any shadows on his trail, but no one followed them.
"We are coming home," Karr sent via the com link to his driver.
Nicholas acknowledged briefly, not asking any questions.
The Stealth disappeared in the traffic.

 * * *

Quinn Cambell enjoyed the evening atmosphere in the old house, stirring her tea as she watched the world outside the window fade into the twilight of approaching night. The day had been hectic enough and she wanted nothing to disturb the peace of the room. The other members of the board had retreated to either their respective rooms or had gathered in the main room. She had not joined them and someone else had joined her a few minutes earlier, silently taking his place next to her at the fireplace. Wood crackled as it burned and it was the only sound for a while.
"How did your meeting go?" Quinn finally asked into the silence.
"Better than I thought. He is angry, I know he is hurting, and he has been through more than I thought possible." John sighed deeply. "Quinn, we not only hurt Kitt, we hurt his driver as well. You should have seen his face. I've never seen him like this before. All the cheerfulness, all the life I used to see in his eyes, is gone. He looked like a walking nightmare."
"Who is protecting them?" Quinn wanted to know. "Nicholas?"
John Landes nodded. "Yes."
"I didn't know he was back."
"No one knew. If it hadn't been for this.... incident, we would never have heard a peep."
Quinn smiled. "Wilton thought much of the young man when he chose him. He spoke very highly of him when we talked."
"I never understood what he saw in him, to be completely honest. I read the files and all that came to mind was 'assassin'. A government paid one, but still a trained killer." John met her eyes and saw Quinn smile. "Oh, there is a lot more beneath that. Training can hide the natural facts. Nicholas is very well trained but that wasn't what attracted Wilton's curiosity. I know nothing personal about the young man, mind. Wilton kept it all to himself. But I know he saw beneath the hard shell, and seeing what he is doing now, I believe there is much more."
John nodded silently. "And the moment he decided to protect Michael and Kitt, we lost."
"No, we gained. We won an ally who is willing to risk everything to keep the two most valuable members of this Foundation alive," Quinn contradicted, sipping her tea. "So he also has the KARR AI? Somehow I'm not surprised. Wilton teamed them up; it had to happen one day or another, though we always firmly believed KARR was finally dead."
John played with his spoon. "It's a dangerous mix."
"One that is Kitt's only chance of continued survival as long as the board has not come to a decision. You know I respect Kitt as an entity. He is fascinating." Quinn smiled slightly.
Landes chuckled, then grew serious. "The decision of this board also holds power over the future of the Foundation. If Nick doesn't like our decision, we will never see Michael or Kitt again. I wasn't joking about him being the best in the business."
"I know. He is."
Silence settled again, both lost in their thoughts. The board would meet again tomorrow morning. Quinn knew they wouldn't reach a decision by tomorrow either, but maybe the others had had some time to think.
"Will you talk to Michael again?" she now asked.
"I don't think so. Not if Nick doesn't let me. I could try email." He shrugged.
Quinn nodded. "He will somehow find out, no doubt about it." She smiled gently.
They spent the remainder of the evening in companionable silence, both knowing that Michael and Kitt were in good hands and safe from Jennifer Knight, but both knowing that whatever the board was about to decide, it was their future.

* * *

Two days had passed since Michael had met John Landes and except for a few more nightmares Kitt had quieted down considerably. Maybe because Michael had started to feel calmer as well. Nick had once mentioned that their moods were influencing the other and that if Michael continued to worry and be tense, Kitt would never find his own peace and heal. So Michael had started to relax. It helped that he had a lot of help when it came to Kitt and Bonnie had made it her personal goal to relax her 'favorite driver'.
Right now Michael was sitting outside the warehouse, enjoying the rare inner peace he felt, watching the dawn as the sun rose. Kitt was with him, awake, sharing Michael's strength and relaxation.
"Good morning," a voice startled him and he looked up from where he sat.
Bonnie stood next to him, holding two cups of coffee. She held out one to Michael and he took it with a smile.
"You are up early," she said, yawning a bit as she sat down beside him.
Michael smiled. "Couldn't sleep anymore and I didn't want to disturb the others."
"I don't think you'd disturb Nick. He's been up since early morning."
"Bonnie, we have early morning," Michael teased her.
She gave him a friendly elbow in the ribs. "Cut it out. You know what I mean!"
Michael hugged her with one arm and she leaned into his embrace. Yes, he knew. Nick had either pulled another all-nighter or he had slept little once more. Sometimes Michael wondered how MacKenzie could live on so little sleep.
"How is Kitt?" Bonnie asked after a while.
"Calm. Calmer than ever." A soft smile played over his lips.
Bonnie snaked an arm around Michael's waist and snuggled into his embrace. "I was so afraid we'd lose him.... that I'd lose both of you," she whispered, her voice catching.
Michael held her tightly, placing a kiss on her head. He didn't want to try and make light of this by using phrases like 'But everything is okay now' or something along that line. Nothing was okay right now. They were still alive, Kitt was healing, but the memories...the consequences... their whole lives.... everything had been changed irrevocably.
"What now?" Bonnie suddenly asked.
"What now what?" Michael echoed.
"What do we do now? We can't hide forever. Jennifer will do everything to get Kitt back."
"I know. She already mobilized the State Police."
Bonnie drew back, shock in her eyes. "What?!"
Michael smiled humorlessly. "Nick found out through one of his many friends. He said not to worry. I guess we should do just that. And you know that Devon is trying to get the board to sign ownership of Kitt over to me."
"She'll never let that happen! Not in a million years!"
"Maybe. Then again, maybe not. She didn't exactly make friends and we are backed up by John Landes, no less."
Bonnie sighed. "Still... she is a member of the board as well.... she can influence those who believe her empty phrases."
"There aren't many. I think she lost the respect of the board when she tried to sell Kitt."
A slight surge of panic flared inside Michael and he calmed it easily. By now Kitt was only reacting to certain recalled memories in quick panic attacks, nothing major, and nothing that would ever last. It was like a subconscious reaction, like someone's fear of a dentist.
Bonnie leaned back against Michael and they watched the sun rise, the first rays touching the harbor front. Michael liked it here. It was so unofficial, not so overpowering as the old mansion, not so formal and not so controlled. This place was far away from 'civilization', it was simply a place to 'be' and to hide out when you wanted to be alone. He understood Nick's preference for this warehouse. Kitt sent a wave of agreement. He liked it here as well, he liked the space, and he knew he was safe here. It was good to know.
Hearing footsteps Michael looked to the left and discovered Nick jogging down the quay road toward them. He was drenched in sweat and breathing hard. Michael guessed he must have come quite a distance.
"Morning," he greeted their ally.
Nick smiled. "Sorry to disturb you," he said instead of a greeting, smirking, and then proceeding into the warehouse.
Michael chuckled and Bonnie grinned.
"At least he apologized," she joked.
Michael tickled her and she squealed.
 

Nick, who was stretching and trying to loosen up his aching muscles smiled involuntarily at the sound. Things were going back to normal, slowly but surely. Good.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty," he greeted his partner, feeling Karr go on-line completely, rising out of his semi-aware recharge state. Nick only received a low rumble in return and he grinned. "Don't we all hate Monday mornings?"
Karr used the neuro implant link to send another rumble, accompanied by a wave of annoyance. Nick went up the stairs, taking two at a time, heading for the shower. He wished the early morning jogging trip had had the wished for result. Aside from being a bit tired he was still tense and wired. Sighing he closed the bathroom door behind him and prepared for a nice, hot shower.

* * *

Sixteen hours later the usual night calmness had settled over the garage area of the warehouse and only a few lights were on, one illuminating the rest area where Nicholas was up as usual while the rest of the inhabitants of the hide-out were asleep. He didn't know if he would pull another all-nighter, but he was too agitated to sleep. It was an emotional agitation seeping into his mind, making it hard for him to calm down enough to be really tired. The last few days had been straining, something he would not voluntarily admit, and he had never handled a case like this before. And it wasn't a case. This was something personal, something he couldn't just file away or regard with neutral eyes. He had used all available contacts to keep an eye on the State Police investigations and on Jennifer Knight as well. He was no longer just a visitor in FLAGNet; he was a resident. He knew everything going on in there and he had set up several monitoring programs which he checked in irregular intervals.
Kitt was in rest mode, silent and from outside looking almost peaceful. Karr was monitoring him, but he had retreated out of his younger brother's CPU to get some well-needed distance. It was not easy; it was almost too easy to fall into the trap of personal involvement and Nicholas was currently failing to get out again. Every event pulled him deeper inside. Every nightmare made it more of an ordeal to stay out of the events around him. He had stopped being only a watcher when he had hacked into FLAGNet, he knew. It had started when he had seen what Jennifer Knight had done to Kitt. Anger cooked inside of him and he knew that should he ever return to the estate, she better not be there.
Karr was trying to shut down to recharge, but he was unwilling to do so. Since Kitt's last attack of hysteria he had found his own CPU in uproar, worked up over the events, unable to get a clear thought. He tried to shield at least Nick because his partner was under enough stress already, but it was growing more and more difficult. Karr's shields were thinning, cracking or already cracked in so many places, he was unable to repair them. Things were leaking. Old things. Dark things. Memories he hated but still had. Memories he had wished could be erased but which were so much part of him, it would be like killing himself.
He shuddered and tried to whip up some kind of defense against the age-old memories. It was like trying to remove water from a sinking ship with a sieve. Karr whimpered as the first black ball of past memories brushed by him and withdrew. Desperately he slammed a block into place where the private channel and the link to Kitt existed. At least that worked. He didn't want Kitt to suffer this.
Rage.
It was the first to hit and Karr shuddered, feeling himself slip.
Death.
He cried soundlessly, closing his virtual eyes against the horrors in his own mind. Memories swamped him, took over, drove him past the edge and over it. But he didn't fall. He was suspended in limbo, witnessing every tid-bit of memory from a time he had been KARR.
Anger.
Fury.
Blood.
He fell back, assaulted by too much all of a sudden. Shaking badly he tried to force the images away.
Mindless fury.
Kill!
He cried, flinging the memories away.
NO!
But it was too late.
 

Kitt was resting, and into the incredible feeling of peace, something that had finally settled after his last nightmare attack, came the strange feeling of something being profoundly wrong. He was puzzled, waking out of his slumber, looking around. Michael was fine, he was sleeping as he soon found by probing the link to his driver, and he reacted with a soft mutter as he felt Kitt's touch. Kitt smiled slightly at the reaction and drifted away, feeling warm. Then he began to search for the source of the strange feeling.
He found it.
His link to Karr.
Blocked?
<_Karr?
 

Nick had no warning at all. There was no tingling, no sizzle, no cry. It was like back then, when Karr had found out there was a human connected to him, that he was bonded to a mortal mind. And when he had tried to erase it. The neuro implant blazed with fiery agony.
His mind turned into a mass of molten lava.
The world transformed into hell.
Nick had no time to even scream. A faint gasp escaped his lips and he collapsed, curling into a ball on the cold concrete floor, his body wracked by uncontrolled shivers.
<Karr?> It was a weak thought, barely even coherent. <Karr...no....!> He hadn't fought those battles in years. He was assaulted by it all and his defenses were almost down. A whimper escaped his lips and he screwed his eyes shut, tears streaming down his face; tears of unbearable pain.
<.......no......>
 

Karr was lost. He was racing through his own agony, unable to stop, unable to control his flight. He was crying out in horror at what was hidden in the darkness, all brought forth now that he had lost control over his shields. Suddenly he felt a faint whimper. It was almost too soft to sense, but it was there. He concentrated on it, trying to steer its way, but it was so hard; and it was so easy just to give in and take the ride to the end. Whatever end it might be.
<......no.....>
The word of denial floated by and he winced. He knew the voice. He knew the feeling of the touch brushing past his core.
<Nick?>
Pain greeted him. Suffering and unbearable pain.
Karr cried out and flung himself in that direction with a strength borne out of desperation.
<NICK!>
He caught hold of the link.
And he knew what he had done, what had happened.
No......
Kitt felt shivers race down the link, all muted, and he could only imagine what the real thing felt like. The block was keeping him from experiencing the full blow, but it was also slowly breaking up. He saw the cracks in it, the fissures, and he felt the tremors getting stronger.
.....pain....
Kitt flinched away.
Nonononononono!
He had felt so much pain lately, he didn't want to feel any more.
.... memories.... denial.....
It was strange, but even though it was pain, it was not what he had thought would hit him. It was someone else's pain, old and relived now. Human pain, mixed with that of an AI unused to the emotion.
.....Nick!....no.....!
Karr's voice, muted but still audibly distressed. Kitt touched the block, pushing against it, sensing the growing distress. Something was terribly wrong and for the first time he was not the source of it.
<_Karr? he probed carefully.
Only pain and more distress greeted him, shared pain....
.....NICK!.....
The cry was one of fear, need and an undefined emotion. Desperation flooded Kitt and he cringed under it, all alien but still well-known. And his reaction was almost instinctive; something he would have done before the nightmares had started. He squeezed past the block, his systems boosting in strength as he launched himself into the torrent of emotions greeting him behind the block.
<_Karr! he called for his brother.

Karr heard the call, recognized the voice, and relief and fear both battled for superiority. Nick was a trembling, weak presence close to him, suffering the terrible aftereffects of the vicious attack his partner had launched on his mind. He was slipping, unable to withstand much more.
<Nick...no...please....sorrysorrysorry!>
And then Kitt slipped in, a soft, white presence in the nightmare all around him.
<_No, Karr protested. <_Don't.... will hurt you.
<_No, Kitt said softly, wrapping part of himself around his shivering brother. <_No.....
Karr couldn't stop trembling and he reached desperately for his partner, but each and every touch only hurt him more. Kitt wove part of himself into the tendril reaching for Nick and soothed the burning with the softness he had brought along. Part of his peripheral systems went online and he was suddenly getting input from his visual.
Kitt whimpered in shared pain as he saw the human driver lying on the cold floor, either unconscious or almost.
And suddenly Karr lashed out at Kitt. He had felt it coming but it was still a stinging, painful blow, driving him back. It wasn't an attack, just a reaction to Kitt's unusual closeness
<_Leave me alone! Karr cried.
Kitt stayed, for the first time out of his own pain and dealing with someone else's without falling into his own nightmares. He held on to Karr, gently wrapping more and more around his brother.
<_Calm down..... he whispered, ignoring Karr's struggles and finally he quieted down somewhat.
<_Nick? Karr searched for his partner. <_Where....? Hurt!
Kitt felt his scanners briefly come online and he checked the shivering human. <_He is okay, he reassured.
Karr pulled out of Kitt's embrace again, trying at least, and Kitt let him go, feeling him close in on Nicholas' weak presence.
 

Nicholas lay on the floor, now completely still except for the few shivers coursing through his body now and then. He felt half-dead, completely weak, unable to catch a clear thought. This was like it had been in the past. The pain, the agony, the fires in his mind as Karr tried to purge the flaw he had seen; as he had tried to erase the neuro link connection. He had survived it back then somehow. Just like he had just survived this flood. It couldn't have lasted more than a minute, but it felt like an eternity. Something reached for him, careful, tentative, hesitant. It was a probe of something familiar, but it hurt, it sent out spike of needle-sharp pain, and Nick moaned softly, pulling back. He found he couldn't. He was too weak.
<Nick.....?>
The presence grew in strength, shaky in its coherence, but still much stronger than Nick was at the moment. One lash and he would probably be dead. But the presence didn't lash out or attack; it gently drew closer, wrapping itself around the shaking spark of Nick's mind, and the pain receded into a background throb. He whimpered softly as more tentacles, all thin and fragile, wove around him, keeping him safe. He was helpless to do anything about it.
<.....sorry.....>
It was only one word, but accompanied by a dozen emotions, by sorrow, regret, guilt and emotional pain.
<Karr?> he managed
<Yes..... rest....sorry.....>
Karr felt like keening. He hadn't wanted this! He knew it had happened in the past but it was a set of memories he hated. He had tried to kill the only one who had ever come close, who now meant the world to him! It was an unforgivable mistake. And the only thing he could think of doing was something he had somehow.... picked up.... from Kitt and Michael. It was almost instinctive reaction, something he would have thought of impossible for him to perform a few weeks ago. He sent apologies over and over again, cradling Nick's hurt presence, drawing him closer, whimpering as he felt echoes of what his partner had gone through inside him. Nick was too weak to resist, exhausted and almost unconscious.
And he became aware of Kitt's continued presence. Embarrassed he tried to find the strength to construct a block but it was impossible.
<_Sorry, he whispered, this time directed at his brother. He had swamped him with his pain, his age-old, now remembered deeds, and it shamed him. Kitt had seen something he had never shared with anyone, something terrible, something KARR had done.
<_No, Kitt answered gently. <_It was okay. I understand.
Karr shook his head.
<_I inflicted so much pain on you. It had to come to this, Kitt told him.
<_No! Not like this..... Not this!
He started to pull back, but Kitt caught him carefully. For now his own pain was gone, his whole being concentrating on Karr's suffering presence. Yes, it had to backfire one day and it had done so..... brutally... on Nick.
Karr shuddered again, clinging to his unconscious partner. Kitt simply kept close, disregarding his own feelings as he for the first time did what Karr had so long done for him: watch over his brother.

* * *

Nicholas came to. It was a slow waking, like drawing himself out of a swamp, and his mind refused to give him details as to what had happened. He remembered fragments and they were bad enough. The first thing he registered was that something was next to him. He reached up, encountering smooth metal, and he knew it was Karr. He pulled himself into a sitting position, an extremely exhausting task, and then fell against the prow of the Stealth, breathing hard. The next thing he felt was his partner's nearness. His first reaction was to flinch away, but he controlled himself, examining his position. Karr was curled around him, as close as he had never come before, and he was miserable. Nicholas shivered as more memories returned and felt Karr draw back as he came aware of his partner's waking mind.
"Karr...no...."
His voice was a croak, barely able to make himself understood.
<Sorry......>
"'Tis okay...."
<No, it's not. I didn't want to hurt you!>
Nicholas was too confused and in mental pain to use the link to communicate. It was hard enough to catch a thought anyway.
"What happened?" he mumbled.
<Shields cracked.... no control.....>
He understood. Too much pressure and no release. Karr had had to go down one time or another, but it had pulled Nick with it all the way. MacKenzie managed to get to his feet after several attempts and half walked, half stumbled the short distance to the driver's door. He almost fell into the seat, collapsing over the wheel, curling his arms around the base and the sensor. Karr whimpered softly, drawing back, but Nick didn't let him.
<Hurt you>
"No."
<Yes, I did>
Nicholas sighed, eyes closed, trying to get his own shields back, getting control back. He was recovering, but he still felt like he had just been run over by a truck. In every sense of the word.
"No," he mumbled again. "Maybe in the past -" Karr flinched back, "but not now. Was an accident." He smiled weakly. "To tell the truth, I was expecting you to break one day, just not like this."
<Violent>
"Yes, in a way." He sighed. "Just let it go. Happened."
<Shouldn't have> Karr protested weakly. <Not any more>
"It did. Accept it. I do." Nick felt his mind relax more and more, and he was shutting down.
Karr was still wrapped up around him, not a warm and bright presence like Kitt; he was a dark cloud, looking cold but far from it. His love for Nick was so much different from Kitt's, it was hard to describe or identify. But it was there, not overshadowed by guilt. Nick drifted gently into his embrace, for once not caring at all.

Karr watched his partner fall asleep and he felt a bit like crying. What had he done? He had nearly killed him! One slip!
<.....let it go.....> Nick's mind voice mumbled all of a sudden and for a brief second they were closer than they had ever been. Karr gasped, then felt his whole self relax completely. Like his human partner he shut down, unable to resist any longer.

Kitt watched Karr drift off, shuddering once more, then curling close to his partner. He wasn't probably even aware of what he was doing, too exhausted to care. Kitt smiled and simply watched until his own systems demanded rest again.

* * *

He awoke to the strangest of sensations. Ghosts of the previous night shrouded him, and he reached for Michael, asking for warmth. His driver was still dozing, but Kitt's touch to the implant brought forth a now-natural reaction, and he wrapped himself around the AI's needing presence, lovingly cradling him. Michael slipped back into sleep. Kitt stayed awake, curled up in Michael's warmth, thinking about the events of earlier on. He found the link to Karr and silently probed it, finding both Karr and his driver sleeping peacefully. He smiled softly and retreated.
The odd sensation still nagged him. And then it hit him. His visuals were on line. He could see where he was, physically. He could see this strange warehouse building where they had brought him. To keep him safe. That's what they had told him, what Karr had told him. He slowly took in his new surroundings. He could see equipment, finally diagnostic indicators and support machines. It made him feel safer somehow, knowing that was all available to them. His survival depended on equipment such as that. He shivered when the thought struck him that it had already saved his life on at least one occasion.
He looked about. Karr was still nearby, but his attention had been on Nick when he had come to rest, and now the two were sitting together, Nick curled in the driver's seat, a few feet from Kitt. Michael was not in sight, and Kitt drew the conclusion that he was in a bedroom somewhere... maybe upstairs. That was where Justin and Bonnie must be too, he surmised. Early morning sunlight was streaming in through the clouded windows, giving the whole place a hazy, warm feel. Kitt smiled to himself. Despite the fear that was ever-present, hiding in the shadows just beyond his CPU, ready to maul him if he dropped his shields for one moment, he felt calmer than he had since... the tests.
He snuggled closer to Michael, and was received further into the warm embrace. Whatever miracle had occurred to bring them this close, to activate the link at that one moment of absolute horror and pain, Kitt was thankful for it. Without it, he doubted he would still be alive. Michael had been with him, holding him, reassuring and comforting, from the moment he had rescued him from Jennifer and her technicians. Kitt shivered again, and this time Michael woke, starting to gently stroke his partner, to soothe him once more. Kitt quieted quickly, and Michael settled back around him. Kitt felt a nudging from another source, and turned. Karr had woken and was quietly calling to him.
<_Karr? Are you okay?
<_I am better. I... I hurt you. I'm sorry.
<_I understand. It's okay, I'm okay. How's Nick?
<_Sleeping. I do not want to disturb him. I wanted to ensure I had not... damaged you.
<_No. I feel... better too.
<_Good.
Karr retreated once more, and the brief conversation came to an end.
Still, Kitt smiled.

* * *

Michael came down the wrought iron staircase quietly, not wanting to startle the two AIs resting peacefully. Bonnie had told him that the last readout they had gotten from Kitt's systems had shown that he had some peripheral functions back online. It was progress, and Michael wanted to see if he could nudge Kitt into progressing a little further on the long road of his healing. He knew Karr had been getting somewhere, just before Devon had told Michael about the proposed sale of his partner and Michael had finally lost control of his tightly reigned anger, falling and dragging Kitt down with him. Michael wanted to get Kitt back at least to the point where Karr had brought him to. He approached his partner quietly. He and Karr were parked close together, side mirrors touching, both facing into the warehouse from their positions in the diagnostic area. As he neared the cars, Michael probed the link gently, finding Kitt not sleeping, but resting.
Michael reached out and lightly touched Kitt's presence, reassuring him that there was nothing to be scared of, no need to be alarmed, as Michael physically dropped a hand to the black paintwork on his car. He said nothing, communicating with his mind, allowing the touch of his fingers on the car to translate to a touch of his mind to Kitt's. Michael smiled as Kitt responded in kind. Slowly, with no menace or malice, Michael made his strokes of the hood more deliberate, still as gentle. He pushed the same tender force through the implant, letting Kitt feel it, letting him get used to being touched again. Michael had a purpose to his actions, and a few minutes into the experiment, Kitt must have picked up intentions through the link. He withdrew, slightly panicky, unsure now of what his driver was doing, broadcasting a stream of emotions so sorrowful Michael had to swallow back on the tears they instantly evoked; suspicion, fear, barely controlled hysteria and panic, a plea to Michael not to turn on his already traumatized partner. He could have simply stopped, could have slipped into the driver's seat and hugged Kitt, reassured him through the direct access the sensor offered him. But that would mean giving up, and he did not want to do that quite yet. He also did not want to terrify the AI, so he reassured through the link, communicating as Kitt had, sending feelings of love that would pacify and calm.
A few minutes more and Kitt started to come forward again, leaning into Michael's touch, mentally, and registering his driver's hand on the hood. It was nice, warm, safe, like old times when Michael would often pat or touch the car, a sign of affection, much less intimate than the internal sensor, but meaning just as much. It was Michael's way of acknowledging Kitt as more than just a car, usually in company, during missions when there were many other people around day and night. Kitt remembered that, remembered those times, the happy recollections urging him on, helping him relax with his driver.
Once Michael had Kitt familiar with the touch, and comfortable with what he was doing, he lessened the contact, both physically and mentally; not suddenly pulling away, a gesture which could have easily sent Kitt spiraling back down into his own personal - and not so private - hell. He retreated gently and then stopped altogether. He felt Kitt's whimper of loss and hushed him. Then he started to walk away. He walked a few hundred yards, toward the center of the ground floor, where he stopped and sat down on the hard concrete, cross-legged, facing the two black cars that, he thought, did looked stunningly beautiful together. Michael could feel Kitt's puzzlement, could feel his uncertainty, and he called out, retreating in his own mind, encouraging Kitt to follow.
For a long moment, Kitt did not understand. His driver had come down to stand with him, to touch him, and although he had sensed some other... reason for Michael's actions other than a simple need for physical closeness, he could not sense any harm being plotted, and he trusted Michael implicitly. He had started to enjoy the touches, and now they were gone, he yearned to feel them again. They were special, they were a show of Michael's open affection for him. He searched his mind for Michael, and found him retreating. Confused, hurt, Kitt watched for a moment, and slowly came to realize that Michael was beckoning him. Kitt followed, his presence reaching for that of his driver. But still Michael retreated, still motioning and calling for Kitt to follow. But not mentally, physically. Suddenly, Kitt understood. And he panicked.
//no move    no leave here//
Michael was only slightly surprised at the direct communication into his mind. Kitt had barely spoken since the incident that had caused all this, and their prolonged closeness using the link had improved their methods of using it. Thoughts were sent and interpreted easier and faster, and Michael wasn't sure whether this new development scared or exhilarated him; he had not had the opportunity to consider it, it had happened, and it had been vital that they used it.
//not leaving    just a little way    just to me//
A low, quiet keening hummed through his mind, painful enough to hear to almost convince Michael that Kitt was not ready for this. But he so wanted to help, feeling guilty about the abrupt end he had forced on Karr's successful attempt to get Kitt to move. Michael yearned to see in Kitt just a little of the natural curiosity he had once possessed so much of.
//won't hurt you    just to me    I'm here    Karr's here    no danger//
//not outside//
//no not outside//
Michael wondered momentarily why Kitt was so reluctant to go outside, he surmised it was because the last time Kitt was outside, he was hurt, almost burnt to death. He ached just thinking about it, and pushed the recollections away. He waited, keeping a constant check on the worried presence in his mind, reaching for him as he stayed back just a little too far for Kitt to bridge the distance.
//need you    don't go//
//not going    please    just to me//
Finally, Kitt started the engine, quietly and nervously.
 

The moment it fired, Karr woke. He scanned the area, picking up Michael Knight's form in the center of the floor. He ran a quick scan of life signs and was satisfied all was well. He carefully approached the link to his brother. There was a nervous energy pulsing from that place, but no actual fear. Karr sat back and watched, monitoring Kitt closely for any sudden changes in his state of mind.
 

Michael smiled as Kitt shifted into Drive and took that first step. The tires rolled forwards, hesitantly.
//that's it    just to me//
Another gentle whimper moved through Michael's mind and he fought to ignore its effect on him. He hated feeling Kitt's pain, he never wanted to be the cause of that, but he knew that Kitt needed to start somewhere, and maybe he still trusted his driver enough to make that start for him.
 

Kitt rolled forward again, inch by inch gaining ground, getting closer. A little part of his mind had been terrified that as he got closer, Michael would simply move back further, making it impossible for him to reach the warmth and comfort of his driver. But Michael was staying where he was; this was not a tease, not a cruel experiment, Michael would not do that to him, Karr had made that clear. 'Trust those who love you'. Kitt had thought that, in a way, Devon Miles had loved him. He had been wrong. But Bonnie did. And Justin. Nicholas and Karr had also shown him no malice, done him no harm. They had helped him, in so many ways. And he knew, deep down in his soul, that Michael would always be there for him. He moved again, this time keeping up a continuous forward motion.
 

Karr watched, and smiled. <Nick?>
It was a soft call, not one that would have woken his own driver had he been sleeping. But Nicholas was awake, and in time, he appeared at the balcony railing and joined his partner in witnessing this event.
 

//just to me//
Kitt closed the last few yards and came to a stop with the prow of the car pressed snugly into Michael's risen palm. Something they had used to do together on vacation, when Kitt joined Michael after they had both enjoyed some time alone. With the link in place it was even easier, and brought them even closer. In reward, Michael reached out in his mind and lifted Kitt into his arms, hugging him, smiling as they wrapped their presences around one another. His hands stroked the front of the car, fingers briefly teasing the scanner track. As he touched a fingerpad to the smooth transparent grille, a single light to the left of the track illuminated, directly under Michael's finger. It stayed for a long moment before flickering out, but it had been there, and Michael was sure he could bring it back, in time. With love and care.
He held Kitt tighter. //knew you could do it//
//stay now//
//of course//
 

Nick watched the reunion down below with a smile on his face, a rare gentle expression playing over his features. Karr had retreated completely out of Kitt's immediate area and was giving both partners space, trying not to make his own smile too obvious. Nicholas closed his eyes, his head briefly hanging between his shoulders, his body relaxing slightly for the first time since Kitt's suicide attempt. He felt a wave of mental exhaustion hit him and battled it. He had no time to rest. Not yet anyway. Too much still needed to be done and now even more so; now that Kitt was coming slowly out of his shell. It had been a first step, one Karr had started and Michael Knight had completed.
He turned away from the railing and walked back to the couch, flopping down, closing his eyes again. Nicholas felt Karr with him, watching, waiting, for the first time not completely drawn between his brother and his partner. Michael Knight was with Kitt and they were both not in any need of help, so it meant the darker AI had time to pull back and gather himself, maybe even approach his partner for more than a distracted conversation.
"He did it," Nick whispered.
<Kitt did it>
<It will still be a long way>
<He won't be alone>
Nicholas smiled. <He has you>
A rumble passed through the open connection, expressing annoyance. <He has his partner>
<Oh, yes.....>
Karr rumbled again, hating to admit that he liked his role, his new place at Kitt's side, his accomplishments concerning Kitt's healing process. Nick slowly rotated his aching shoulder blades and sighed.
<You should sleep> Karr's dark voice told him.
<I have work to do> With that he rose and reached for his ever-present laptop. Karr's surge of irritation made him gasp involuntarily and he closed his eyes against the exhaustion it was accompanied by. <Stop that!>
<Your mental and physical state influences me> Karr told him in his normal, cold voice.
<Then block me!>
<Impossible>
Nicholas stopped. Impossible? <Karr, what....?>
More irritation, this time directed at the AI himself, met him. Something had slipped....
<Why can't you block me anymore?>
<I didn't say....> Karr stopped, angry. <I can!> he then declared.
<Then do it>
Karr hesitated. <No....> he whispered.
<Why?>
A whirlpool of emotions passed by and Nick grasped a rudimentary idea of the reason why.... Karr needed an anchor whenever he worked with Kitt; and anchor so he wouldn't lose himself in the traumatized CPU of his brother, and this anchor was Nicholas. Once he had nearly destroyed Nick because he had flooded him so badly. Now that he looked back he realized that Karr had not blocked the link completely for more than a few minutes, that there had always been a faint connection, unlike the past years.
<Karr.....>
<Don't!> the AI hissed and retreated, unable to confront the need he had.
<It's okay. I'll get some sleep and you recharge. Relax.....>
No answer. Nick simply lay back on the couch and closed his eyes. He was fast asleep a few minutes later.

* * *

The meeting place was a small park. There was a children's playground not far away, which was at this time of the day totally deserted, a pond with ducks and two swans in it, and the grass and trees were like a small green lung for this part of the city. Few people milled around, a young woman feeding the ducks at the pond, a boy rollerblading along the paved walkways, and a man was sitting on a bench, watching the pond.
Devon Miles gazed over the body of water, eyes unfocused, not even noting the small fight between the ducks over a crumb of bread that had been thrown to them. He was far away with his thoughts and part of him was pacing with nervousness. A suitcase lay beside him on the bench, containing what he hoped was a first step back to what had been and what might never be the same. John Landes had given him the papers, as well as three copies, and had nodded encouragingly.
Closing his eyes, Devon inhaled deeply. The Board had finally come to a decision and though it was not what he had asked for in every detail, it was mainly what he had hoped would come out of this. Now if only Michael would accept it, would accept his own apology for what had happened.
Feet crunching gravel underneath them got him out of his musings and he looked up as he felt the person approach. His stomach clenched as he discovered exactly who he had been waiting for. Michael stood in front of him, face almost impassive, his eyes burning with a mix of emotions, all of which Devon understood.
"Hello, Michael," he said, noting how rough his voice sounded.
He hadn't slept well ever since the incident in the lab and his dreams were haunted by Kitt's screams and the terrible visions of the burned TransAm and the smell....
Michael only nodded. Devon gestured for him to sit down and after a moment of hesitation, Michael did so. He looked terrible, Devon decided. Pale and drawn, thinner than he remembered him, and his eyes haunted. Guilt crashed down on him once more and he fought to stay on top of his own emotions. He knew he was to blame for 99% of what had happened and he knew Michael was living through it all because of the neuro implant. Nick had said as much. And then there was the fact that Kitt had actually tried to kill himself.....
"Thank you for coming."
"You should thank Nick for it. I didn't want to," Michael said briskly.
Devon winced. "The board has come to a decision," he went on. Michael's features hardened. "They agreed to most of what I asked of them."
Suspicion hit the younger man's eyes. "Most?"
Devon inhaled deeply. "There are clauses...."
Anger lit up the blue eyes and Michael jumped off the bench. "Clauses? Like what?" he demanded.
Devon opened the suitcase. "I have the contract here and I want you to read it thoroughly. Basically it says that no one but you will have power over Kitt, that you can chose what happens, but that you are still working for the Foundation."
Michael carefully took the papers and, without looking at it, stuffed them into his jacket. "You could have mailed them to Nick," he now said.
"I know, but I wanted to talk to you."
Michael's expression was icy. "There is nothing to talk about."
"Michael, please....."
"Don't start!"
"Michael, we need to talk, and I think it would be better to talk now than later....."
"And I think it would be best never to talk about this!" Michael snapped.
Devon briefly closed his eyes. "I know I made a mistake. A big mistake."
"It nearly cost Kitt his life! You call that simply a 'mistake'?"
"My boy, please! I didn't know it would end like this!"
Michael hissed angrily. "You let Jennifer Knight, *Jennifer* Knight, experiment on Kitt! Devon, why? We know what she thinks of him, of me, of the whole project! I don't care if she sees something even lower than common mud in me! I really don't care! But Kitt is a living being and she nearly drove him insane!"
Tears glittered in his eyes and Devon felt a sting in his heart at the sight.
"She never told me, Michael, believe me that much. She never gave me a complete test set-up."
"You should have *asked*!"
"I did and all I got was the list of experiments she had planned. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Nothing! It was what we had tested in the past as well; the normal array of endurance tests. Why should I have doubted it was something else?"
"Maybe because she came when I wasn't there to counter-act her, to stop her! Ever thought of that?" Michael asked acidly.
"I did. I knew she had planned something, but I never would have thought of something as extreme as that. And I never knew she had planned to sell him, or that she was already dealing with the military!" Devon shot Michael a pleading look. "Please, you have to believe me, Michael, I would never ever let anyone sell Kitt to the military. You know he is more to me as well!"
Michael's anger flamed up in his eyes. "And you still let her do it!" he accused.
Devon evaded the furious blue eyes. "I explained it to you, Michael. What else can I do? It happened and believe me, I feel terrible ever since."
"Good!"
Devon winced. "I want to apologize and I hope you accept what the contract says. It is a victory against Jennifer, something she will never get over, and after that Kitt will be yours. Please read it, please think about it. I know Nick has the legal back-up to get it scanned for traps. Do it."
Michael swallowed hard. He suddenly looked very tired.
Devon rose from the bench, took the suitcase and, after a last nod, walked off down the path. He was shaking badly, though it didn't show on the outside, and he wished this would have gone better, but at least he had been able to talk to his friend.... or was that 'former friend'? He didn't want to think about it.
 

Michael was so tired he felt like falling asleep on the bench. Instead he pushed himself away, briefly watched Devon as he left the park, then he walked deeper into the forest of trees, needing some time alone. His mind was awhirl and he felt the papers of the contract scrape against his shirt. He hadn't dared to look at it yet. He was actually afraid of reading the print. Finally his feet took him out of the park again and to the parking spot not far away. The by now very familiar form of the Stealth awaited him. Like for the meeting with John Landes, Karr had been the one to accompany him here. Michael was still almost instinctively wary around the darker AI, but he had found enough trust in him lately. So much had changed.
Karr opened the door and Michael sank onto the seat, resting his head back against the seat, closing his eyes. He started to tremble slightly and he finally buried his face in his hands, unable to do much more. After a while he calmed down, aware just where he was and what he had just shown to the other AI. As if on this cue, Karr started the engine. It hummed almost noiselessly and he waited.
Michael hesitated, not really trusting himself to drive, but he was also not at ease with Karr doing the driving, so he finally put his hands on the steering wheel and the Stealth pulled out of the parking spot and onto the street.
"Karr?" he asked while they drove up the freeway entrance.
"Yes?" was the neutral reply.
"How is he?"
"Resting. Your shield held."
And Karr had shielded Kitt as well. The rush of anger had passed by his partner and he was glad for it. "Thanks," he whispered.
Karr hesitated, then muttered something that could have been a 'welcome'. Michael tried to concentrate on the freeway traffic again, part of him already reaching out for Kitt. Karr elegantly took over control of the Stealth and Michael concentrated fully on Kitt, aware that the darker, more powerful presence of his brother still hovered close by. He smiled briefly, then simply wrapped his presence around Kitt, seeking as much reassurance as he was giving. Kitt moved sleepily, greeted the embrace and slept on.

* * *

John Landes was still up when Devon returned late in the evening. He watched as his friend wearily placed the suitcase onto the desk and then hung up his coat.
"I take it, it didn't go well," he said softly.
Devon turned, infinitely tired eyes resting on the Board member. "Not really, no."
"Since you still have all your limbs I suppose it still went better than expected."
Devon smiled humorlessly. "He is angry and I know nothing I can say will ever take the anger from him. I understand him, even if it hurts."
"It needs more than words, Devon, and you know it," Landes said gently. "It takes time as well, and healing."
Devon nodded, sitting down and accepting a glass from John. The honey-colored liquid in it barely covered the bottom and he knew it was enough for him tonight. He drank the highly alcoholic liquid and sighed deeply.
"We have to wait and see what he says to the contract," Landes went on. "The other members of the Board are still surprised about their own decisions, but I think Jennifer's actions helped along. She stormed out of here this morning before you left and no one has seen her yet. I, for my part, couldn't care less." He emptied his own glass and refilled it.
Devon only nodded.
"You should sleep, Devon."
He looked up, shrugged and left for his room, not even putting up an argument. John watched him go and sighed deeply. Then he went over to the desk and opened the laptop resting there. No new message had come in he saw as he checked his mail box and he knew it was way too early. He just wished Nick would acknowledge his request for a chat, but MacKenzie played by his own rules and there was no forcing him into anything he didn't want to do. He just had to wait.

* * *

"....hereby relinquishes ownership of and any rights hitherto claimed to the vehicle known as the Knight Industries Two Thousand, and the Artificial Intelligence connected to the Knight Industries Two Thousand, known as Kitt. Ownership passes in entirety to Michael Knight, under whose name the Knight Industries Two Thousand is currently registered. This transfer of ownership is under several conditions, listed below."
Michael took a breath and looked up from the print out to where Nick was sitting. For a long time, Nick held Michael's gaze, trying to read the expression in his dark eyes. Michael finally returned to reading the document Devon had sent. "Conditions of ownership. One. Taking into consideration 98 months of services already rendered, Michael Knight will stay with, and continue working for, the Foundation for Law and Government for a period of seven years from the date of  the signatures on this document. If this contract is not broken during this period of seven years, the Knight Industries Two Thousand will continue to receive all required technical and financial support while the contained AI - Kitt - is still in existence, for the seven year period and for any length of time beyond that."
Michael stopped reading for a second time. "Seven years?"
Nick shrugged. "They want to make sure that you just don't take off, go into business for yourself." He indicated their surroundings.
Michael nodded, a smile breaking onto his face. "I guess." He looked back down, searching for the point where he had left off. "Erm.... Two. In the event of the death of Michael Knight, the Knight Industries Two Thousand will pass to his chosen beneficiary. Three. In the event of the AI Kitt ceasing to exist, the Knight Industries Two Thousand Vehicle remains in the possession of Michael Knight. In the case of Michael Knight having passed away prior to the AI ceasing to exist, the AI hardware and the Knight Industries Two Thousand will remain the property of the chosen beneficiary of Michael Knight. At no time will the Knight Industries Two Thousand vehicle revert to the Foundation for Law and Government. Michael Knight may name a second beneficiary - other than his chosen or natural heir - to take ownership of the Knight Industries Two Thousand, and of the Artificial Intelligence, Kitt. If a separate beneficiary is chosen, at no time will Michael Knight's natural or chosen heir to his estate have any claim over the Knight Industries Two Thousand, or the AI Kitt."
Michael sighed gently. "Is it watertight?"
"I'll have someone look over it, don't worry. If it isn't, it will be before the board sign it."
"Do you think they will?"
"I don't see that they have any choice. They've already lost you. You and Kitt could disappear and they could not stand a chance of ever finding you. This way, they get your guaranteed services for the next seven years, and they get the Knight Two Thousand back under their roof."
Michael shook his head. "I'm not sure how happy Kitt's going to be about that idea."
"You have to chose the best time to explain this to him. Personally, I think it would help him knowing he will belong to you. Knowing he'll never have to answer to anyone else ever again. You're really the only one he still trusts, because he knows your thoughts, in a way. He can feel what you're feeling, and he feels absolutely no hatred for him."
"Never. He knows that."
"But what Jennifer did takes hatred." Nick took the papers from Michael's fingers.
Michael sat back, taking yet another mug of coffee from its place on the table and nursing it between his hands. "I wish I hadn't gone, Nick," he murmured. "maybe I could have taken him with me. He would have been safer in the damn car park than at the Foundation."
"Don't," the tone of Nick's voice was persuasive. "Don't blame yourself. You thought Kitt was safe at the Foundation, he should have been safe there. That was his home, it was where he had been brought up, even before you came along he knew the Foundation was a place of safety. That's why this has hit him so hard."
"I just...." Michael was cut short as a wave of panic and fear drove through his mind, fading as fast as it had appeared. He emitted a quiet yelp as he brought a hand to his head. Nick could do nothing but watch.
"Michael...?"
"I have to go to him, he's having... a panic attack."
"Go." Nick's eyes followed Michael's form until he disappeared from sight. He became aware of a second person, standing in the corridor, watching too. "They are okay, Dr. Barstow. Not healed, but better."
Bonnie stepped closer, arms wrapped around her body as if she were cold. There was doubt in her eyes and a lot of worry. "I can't stop worrying," she said after a while.
"I don't want you to, just see that they are accomplishing something. And with the board discussing a transfer of ownership, we are on the best way to change everything forever."
"Will they agree?"
"They have to," Nicholas said simply. "Or they will never see either Kitt or Michael ever again."

* * *

"Kitt?"
Michael leaned back in the driver's seat, feeling Kitt wake in his mind, seeing a few visual signs on the dash. He smiled softly and gently stroked his thumb over the sensor. Kitt murmured something, silently questioning his driver. The prior panic attack had been borne out of a bad dream. Not a nightmare, just a bad dream, and Michael had simply responded. That Kitt was still 'online' even after the panic attack was the best sign for Michael. Kitt was improving.
"I have to talk to you about something. Can we talk?"
//yes// "Sorry. Yes." His voice sounded weak, quiet, a shadow of what he had been. But it was stronger than it had been when they had talked last time, about Kitt's developing link to Karr. Once again, Michael stroked the sensor.
"Kitt, the Foundation Board are currently considering a proposal of Devon's," he felt a shiver through the implant, "to turn ownership of you over to me, completely."
For a moment, there was quiet; no words or thoughts came through, as if Kitt was suddenly holding back. "I would be... yours?"
"Yes."
There was a whimper from the AI, and Michael leaned forward, hugging his arms over the steering wheel and closing his eyes as emotions poured through him when the barrier broke. Relief, heart-felt joy and happiness flooded over him, and he deepened his contact with Kitt, finding his partner's presence, crying steadily. Michael held him, wrapping Kitt within his own presence. Kitt cried for a long, long time, releasing everything he felt, and had felt over the past weeks. Michael held him, soothed him, touched the sensor with comforting strokes. And after a time, Kitt quieted.
//sorry   I don't know why   it's wonderful//
//okay    I understand    relief    I feel it too//
//would never have to do what they asked?//
//never again//
//yours?//
Michael tried to answer Kitt with emotion, with the feeling of belonging together, of safety, without the feeling of ownership. He tried to stress that he would not own Kitt, that he would own the car, and that Kitt would answer to no one but Michael. Kitt seemed to understand. They communicated like that for a while, talking in thoughts and feelings, settling with each other and with the new course their lives would take if the proposal went through.
After sometime, Kitt spoke again, quietly, not wanting to break the deep connection they had. "Why is Devon doing this for us?"
Michael had been expecting the question. "I think he's trying, in a way, to make up for what he did, what he allowed them to do to you."
There was pause. "When... when I was sitting in the cold room... I asked them what was going to happen to me.... Devon assured me that it would be okay. And then he left. Ten minutes later, I was soaked in something... that started to harden and freeze the moment it touched me...." Kitt's voice broke and Michael felt him crying into the embrace that held him. "I can't... seem to... forget that Devon told me I would be all right."
Michael cradled his partner. "I wish I had some explanation to give you, some reason that would make it easy to understand. I don't. I can only reassure you that it won't ever happen again. No matter how this ends, it will end with you not answerable to anyone else."
A long time passed. Kitt calmed in Michael's arms, once again as he had so many times before, he curled into his driver's warmth, into the safety of the one he trusted.
//I...// "I can't promise to ever trust him again."
"No one would expect you to. Kitt, he hurt you, he hurt us all. Only time will allow him to win back our trust. I don't know if we'll ever be able to forgive him."
Kitt unfurled slightly, needing answers now, needing to know why before he could make the final step to accepting and maybe start to heal. //Why?//
Michael recognized the question and the tone. At the beginning of this nightmare it was Kitt's mantra. Now though, the AI needed a response, one Michael wasn't sure he could give. "I can take a guess, but that's all it will be. And it's not an excuse. There is no excuse." He sighed deeply. "Devon has always been answerable to the Foundation Board. If Jennifer," he felt another shiver and tried to stay calm, "persuaded the Board that they need certain test results for some reason that she made up, Devon would have been under pressure to allow the tests to go ahead. And of course," Michael's voice grew cynical, "they knew I would never have let them do it if I'd been around. I could have stopped them from doing this to you. I'm sorry."
//no blame not you please Karr won't let me blame those around me don't blame yourself//
Michael hugged Kitt a little tighter, and let go of the blame he was harboring. It could only hurt Kitt. "That's the only answer I can give you. I'm sorry, I know it's not much. It doesn't really come close to giving you any explanation as to why you've been through what you have at the hands of people you trusted. But Bonnie, Justin, all your technicians, all the people who rallied round us, Nicholas, Karr... and me.... We wouldn't ever hurt you."
//I know   thank you//
Michael sat back slightly, keeping in contact with the sensor. "Kitt... I want to make sure that if anything happens to me, you'll be okay."
//don't    don't leave me    don't talk about this// Panic started almost immediately. //don't go//
//no.... ssh.... I'm going anywhere// "I'm talking a long time into the future. Devon's proposal states that you will never belong to the Foundation again. I wanted to ask you to choose a guardian - someone I'll legally name as my secondary beneficiary. Someone who'll look after you if I'm not here."
//couldn't live    too quiet// Michael nodded, knowing exactly what Kitt was talking about, how he knew. Geiger had broken the link between them, shown them nothing they did not already know, what life was like without the intimate connection between them. But having had it there, both knew they would never be able to exist sanely without it.
"I know." Michael blinked back tears. "I just have to know that you're safe."
Kitt smiled, holding Michael, returning his hug, flooding him with understanding. "Nicholas. And Karr. If it ever has to be." "I'm not going to leave you."
 

Karr was witness to the exchange, silently watching and waiting. Kitt was sending out waves of joy, of despair, of happiness and sadness. Karr was slightly taken aback by his brother's declaration that Nicholas and he should be his guardians should Michael Knight die. It was a shocking fact, one only to be expected - but not so soon! As Michael retreated, Kitt inched toward Karr, smiling happily, though his virtual eyes were still misty with tears.
<_You heard?
<_Yes, Karr rumbled. He hesitated, then added, <_I'm happy for you.
<_Thank you, Kitt whispered. <_I am happy myself. I belong to Michael now. It feels so good.
<_I know what you mean, Karr muttered before he realized he had said it out aloud. Embarrassed, he coughed.
Kitt smiled, knowing. <_Nicholas. You belong to him. Neither of you is truly alone and it is a beautiful feeling, right?
<_I don't know what you are talking about, Karr grumbled.
Kitt came closer. <_You know exactly. You were alone until you met the human meant to link to you through the implant. It changed you. Wilton Knight chose him to compliment you, even though it looked like you two were too much alike for your own good. Just like Michael and me. He changed so much for me. Now I'm truly his partner, not just a machine the Foundation owns. You broke free a long time ago; now I follow.
Karr looked at the warmly glowing spark of Kitt. Yes, it was true. Both were free of FLAG - forever.
<_I'm happy for you, he repeated, softer this time.
Kitt smiled widely, reveling in his newly-found feeling of belonging, of having only Michael to answer to, no one else. Karr felt himself smile as well, truly happy and relieved that for the first time Kitt felt so positive without a dark cloud hovering close. He was surprised when several tendrils of white light snaked toward him, briefly entwining with his presence, hugging him, then Kitt returned to his own CPU, leaving a confused Karr. He felt Nicholas not so far away but decided not to acknowledge his partner's presence. He simply shut himself off and watched.

* * *

Nicholas stood beside Bonnie, leaning on the railing. Below them, Michael was talking to Kitt, a strange sight. They communicated in so many ways now, on so many levels. Bonnie sighed softly, a smile on her lips.
Nick leaned over to her, a small smile on his lips. "I told you."
She chuckled. "Yes. You did. Thanks for your support." Bonnie turned and gave Nick a hug.
Surprised, MacKenzie returned it. "Wow, Dr. Barstow, don't let Michael know or I'll have another black eye," he joked. Bonnie gave him a playful smack on the chest. "Ouch."
She walked downstairs and Nick remained where he was, simply watching, aware of Karr close by but not yet intruding, simply watching as well.