Knight Rider '86 #21

The coastal road sprawled out along the countryside for a good long stretch. Michael and Sarah had followed the single empty street for a good half hour. They had been traveling at Super Pursuit Mode speeds. Visibility was appalling with no street lights around for miles. All they had to go on were a set of ominous lights that they could make out amongst the dark abyss of the ocean. KITT's radar confirmed the visual sighting. They had found the ship.

“There she is.” He said as he deactivated KITT's SPM. “Let's button up. Cruise mode.”

“What's the next phase?” Sarah asked him. “We could easily lose it if we're not careful.”

“No we won't. All I want to do is trail behind for a bit.” Michael told her. “I want to try out Bonnie's new gadget. KITT, are there any small raised surfaces or piers about?”

KITT scanned the area. A small town appeared on the monitor.

“There is a small ramp ahead of us that dips into the water.” KITT replied. “It is less that a mile away.”

Michael cracked a smile. “Perfect. If our plan holds, we'll be able to actually trail the ship to it's unknown destination without the issue of roads.

They eventually located the small ramp. It was used primarily for boat owners, but this time, it served another purpose. KITT rolled up in-front of the ramp. Michael took a deep breath. He never really fully understood why he felt nervous each time Bonnie had installed something new. It reminded him of the time when he first hit the Super Pursuit Mode button. That rush of adrenaline really did it for him. A small panel opened up next to the steering wheel.

“Okay pal. Let's try out your new Aquatic Synthesizer mode.” he said as he pressed the button. “Hydro Mode.”

Suddenly, KITT's wheels rotated into a horizontal position. As they did this, A small metal plate emerged from underneath KITT's hood. They continued with the slightest hesitation as Michael drove out onto the water. It was amazing. They had only done the test once when April installed the component but this was something else. Cranking up the speed, KITT cruised across the waves.

“This is amazing!” Sarah said as she tried to take it all in. “I can't believe this is actually happening.”

“I know. Woo!” Michael cheered. “KITT this is amazing. Bonnie really knows how to take of these things!”

“I know.” KITT agreed. “I must admit this makes a change from my usual routine.”

Michael returned to the task at hand. “Right. How far away are we from the ship now?”

“Approximately two miles at this speed.” KITT responded. “I suggest we reduce speed soon in order to avoid detection. That's if you still want to give them the element of surprise.”

“You bet I do.” Michael replied.

After they reduced their speed, the ship appeared up ahead. Several other lights slowly appeared along the shrouded horizon. Shapes of several other ships began to form in the darkness. Michael had found the missing ships. They had been moored along side each other off the coast in pairs. KITT's scanners analyzed the coastline itself. They stumbled across a small obscured loading dock which had been jammed back full of shipping containers. Each container had different company names and registration numbers painted on them. Small shaded figures paced up down alongside the containers. They diverted their attention to the Government ship which had just dropped anchor. Michael made sure that he filmed the whole thing. There were too many men for the three of them to round up, so he decided to leave it for the FBI. KITT recorded a total of Twenty Minutes when he finally cut the recording.

“That should be enough for Daniels to go on.” Michael said. “It's now time to go after Rook. Is he around?”

KITT scanned the area. Rook wasn't at the small port. However, a wider search turned up results. A small white blip appeared on the screen.

“I'm detecting one small speedboat cruising off the coast.” KITT reported. “It's heading at high speed straight for San Francisco.”

“That's our man.” Michael replied as he plotted a course. “Can we catch him on water?”

“Negative. I'm afraid he has too much of a head start on us.” KITT denied. “However there is a short bend that cuts off Twenty Miles. At Super Pursuit Mode, there is a chance that we can catch him.”

“Let's do it pal.” Michael agreed as they approached land. “Surface Mode.”

As soon as KITT reached a small smooth incline, his wheels returned to there original position. Michael hit the accelerator, thrusting them out into the dark Californian Countryside. He hit the Passive Laser Restraint System and then activated Super Pursuit Mode, transforming KITT into his Aerodynamic form. At bombed up the coastal road at Two Hundred miles per hour. The steep incline took them up into the hills. The vast ocean was barely visible below them. Michael couldn't work out why Rook was running all of a sudden. Where was he going? It was his hunch that he had rustled the criminal mastermind's feathers too much. He held onto Sarah's hand and squeezed it gently.

“How are you doing?” he asked her.

“I'm fine.” Sarah replied. “I just wasn't expecting KITT to travel so fast.”

“Yeah it's amazing huh.” Michael chucked. “We're going to it. We're going to catch him.”

As they approached the decent, Rook's boat came into view. They had to wait until they were in the right position before they could intercept. The road eventually leveled off and ran along side a small sandy beach. Michael hit the Emergency Breaks and quickly deactivated SPM. He steered KITT towards the water, preparing to Hydro Plane again.

“Okay pal let's bring him In.” He said. “Hydro Mode.”

Hitting the button, KITT returned to his Hydroplane form, hitting the water at a fast rate of speed. They were rapidly closing in on the small speed boat which tore up the waves in the pitch dark. The tranquil lights of San Francisco shimmered over the horizon. Rook looked back when he heard his passenger shout out to him. He couldn't believe it. A car was chasing him on the water!

“What the hell!” He growled.

“Alright KITT gets along side him.” Michael said as he matched the speedboats speed.

On Michael's command, KITT opened the sunroof. Michael hoisted himself up through the sunroof and gained his balance. Timing his jump, he leaped onto the boat, taking out the passenger as he went. Rook pulled out a gun and fired. The bullet missed Michael, but he wasn't going to take any more chances. He launched himself at Rook, forcing him to the deck. He wrestled with him, throwing his punches. His sheer force forced Rook to drop the gun. Rook growled and countered Michael's next punch. He kicked him in the chest, pushing him into the boats cabin door. Michael quickly recovered as he watched Rook fumble for his gun. He rushed over to him and threw a punch. His fist connected with Rook's jaw, knocking him off his feet. Rook smacked his head on the side of the boat. The force knocked him clean out. Michael made his way towards the boats controls and switched off the ignition.

“It's over buddy.” He said as he leant up the side of the boat. “I'm putting an end to your little sales trade.”

KITT radioed in through his wrist watch. “Michael, Agent Daniels called. He said that the FBI have successfully rounded up the rest of Rook's employees.”

“Great. Alert the local coast guard will you pal? Tell them that Rook's ready for pick up.” Michael replied. “Let's get out of here.”

*****

When dawn arrived, Michael and Sarah took the time to watch the morning Sun rise. Devon had just informed them that Rook had been picked up by the authorities which meant that it was time the couple took a breather before they headed home. They at there in KITT with the roof down and held each other close.

“This absolutely beautiful.” Sarah said as she looked up a Michael. “You know something, Michael. I feel better. Taking down Rook really did close the door to all the pain. I don't know how I can ever repay you.”

“You don't need to.” Michael replied as he smiled down at her. “All I want you to do is get out there and live your life now. Speaking of which, KITT and I were going to discuss our upcoming road trip with you.”

“Oh?” Sarah replied.

“Yeah, we were thinking of taking a trip down to Florida. You've got the sun, the sea, the beach. You interested?”

“Count me in.” Sarah agreed.

“Count me out!” KITT moaned. “I don't like the humidity down there. I always worry that my gears will melt!”

“KITT I thought you would be the one who would appreciate it the most! Michael said.

“You don't have to do all of the driving!” KITT countered. “Sometimes I wish I was the driver and you were the car. Unfortunately there is no purpose for human beings sporting fenders and wheels.”

“Is he always this sarcastic?” Sarah asked Michael.

“He gets it from it Bonnie.” Michael replied.

“I do not!” KITT said. “I will tell Bonnie you said that.”

Michael sighed comically as he put the stick into reverse. The headed for the open road with nothing but the scenery and the cool winds to accompany them. Sarah's adventure was just beginning.

END