Work Text:
Two lives. One human and one artificial intelligence or AI for short. Both living separate lives until one fateful night.
Michael Long is recovering from a gunshot wound to his face. He should have died this night but the will to live is paramount above all else. He hears strange voices and smells the antiseptic of what he thinks is a hospital room. He can't see a thing - the bandages are still covering his eyes. Several days later he finally sees himself in a mirror, 'What happened to my face?' the man thinks both in shock and anger.
A kindly old man by the name of Wilton explains many things ending with "One man can make a difference." Wilton himself is dying of cancer. He is a creator of lives but cannot save his own. Once his first talk with the future Michael Knight - one of his 'creations' is done, he goes to one other, The Knight Industries Two Thousand, K.I.T.T. for easy reference or Kitt if one prefers to refer to him by the simplified name.
Kitt later learns he wasn't the very first AI created when he finally meets K.A.R.R. - The Knight Automated Roving Robot.
Wilton created five lives in all. Three human and two AIs. His legacy will live on. Two would die or be destroyed later, one rarely seen or heard from but two will go on to do great deeds.
Kitt is motionless in lab 3 - his home ever since his creation. There's lab technicians going in and out of the lab at all hours of the day and night. Finally he is complete. "Kitt, are you ready to meet your new partner?" Wilton is smiling.
Kitt remains silent. He's unsure of what the future holds for him. Instead the scanner in front of his prow flashes - the red LED lights within it turn on and off as though they are moving from side to side. It's only for a moment before it darkens once again. He's in the chassis of a 1982 Pontiac Trans-AM black in color. It was Michael Long's car however now it's heavily modified with the latest technology starting with a Voice Modulator, Main Scanner, Molecular Bonded Shell, Pyroclastic Lamination and Dashboard with buttons ranging from Anharmonic Synthesizer to Turbo Boost. The list goes on and on. Kitt is basically an armored mobile computer on wheels. Very paradoxical indeed.
Michael is well enough to walk around his room. He notices all the personnel going in and out of a huge garage. Curiosity getting the better of him, he decides to walk outside, across to the garage, enters and goes down a flight of stairs. It's dark. Suddenly, he sees a red glow moving from side to side approaching him slowly. It's hypnotic. Along with the glow is an audible 'whoosh, whoosh' sound. It's closing in on him, he starts to panic until finally...
"That's enough, Devon." Wilton turns on the light.
Michael is facing what appears to be his car with a man named Devon Miles in the driver's seat. The red glow is still moving from side to side, Michael touches it with his fingers. The warmth penetrates his fingers. It reacts for a brief moment before it shuts off.
Wilton and Devon have a discussion with the ex police officer before the former has to retire to his bed. He's getting weaker by the hour. Michael is ready to leave. He only stays when Devon introduces The Knight Industries Two Thousand. There's a hammer test and Michael is amazed there's absolutely no damage to the car. He's ready for a test drive.
One look in the interior, "Looks like Darth Vader's bathroom," and a damaged garage door later, they're out on the road.
Michael is in the driver's seat with Devon in the passenger seat. The car drives like a dream, it's fast as hell. So fast, Michael is shocked when the car drives around a tractor trailer on its own. He questions the man in the passenger seat.
Devon simply says, "Well, it's showing off."
Michael at the time still doesn't know about the AI hidden in the car. They head back.
Michael and Devon say their goodbyes to Wilton. Michael is holding the hand of the man who saved his life.
Wilton weakly mentions once again, "One man can make a difference, Michael. My life is at an end and yours is just beginning." There's one final breath and the life who was once Wilton Knight is gone forever.
Michael is grateful to the man who saved his life but is anxious to be on his way. After much discussion and a bit of arguing, he is given his new identification. Driver's license, credit cards, vehicle registration and insurance all with the name Michael Knight.
He's given his first mission, dealing with Tanya Walker. Michael wants revenge, she is the one responsible for changing his life forever. A new face, new identity and an amazing car, it's like a dream.
It's during this time on the road, the first words are spoken by the car, "What would you like to hear?"
Michael looks around in alarm after hearing the cultured voice from the now active Voice Modulator. He only wanted to listen to some music. Finally after a brief introduction, a discussion and a 'Shut-Up' from Michael, they're both quiet. Michael is driving until he falls asleep.
A police patrol car is driving by and the two officers inside notice the sleeping man.
"You hoo, Michael!" Kitt tries to wake up his driver. At first it doesn't work, until finally a knock on Kitt's roof, Michael wakes up and starts giving the car hell for what he thinks is driving all over the road. Kitt helpfully suggests, "Play deaf, it usually works with law enforcement officers."
Although annoyed, Michael does his part. It works, no ticket with just the stern reminder, "Keep your eyes on the road." and a "Yes, sir!" from Michael. It's the start of a relationship that will last a lifetime and beyond.
The first few days are difficult, Michael is shot once again and even Kitt suffers from minor damage. They survive. Michael is finally convinced he can make a difference equipped with the worlds most fantastic car. He already cares for the AI hidden in it. He told Kitt "Just don't tell anyone, I said so."
Kitt despite his initial misgivings said, "Ok." The AI is learning more about his driver. There's hope.
Case after case, the two are becoming closer.
Michael meets Dr. Bonnie Barstow for the first time during those early weeks, they don't hit it off. Bonnie is responsible for the care of Kitt. She thinks Michael is the nut behind the wheel.
Kitt by now defends Michael, "It's not his fault, Bonnie." It's familiar refrain throughout the weeks, months and later years.
It's an event by a group who named themselves the Helios Society to change Bonnie's and Michael's relationship. She's brain washed and reprograms Kitt. Kitt is commanded to kill Michael Knight by the leader of Helios. He couldn't do it, his secondary function never to harm a human life is still intact. But there's more, much more. Kitt almost tears his CPU apart with two conflicting programs, one trying to override the other until finally, "I can't kill you, Michael." His primary function, the reason for his existence is to 'Protect the life of Michael Knight', had overwritten the revised program. The Kitt whom Michael regards as 'friend' is back.
Bonnie still gives Michael hell everytime they come back from a case but they become close friends. She moves on to MIT for a while.
April Curtis becomes Kitt's technician. She has a different personality than Bonnie but still manages to do her job very well.
Event after event, life threatening for both Michael and Kitt. One point Michael loses his memories of the past year. For a time he thought he was Michael Long once again.It takes a lot of encouragement from Kitt to help him through this difficult time. Kitt by now has become extremely fond of Michael. Beyond mere programming.
It's also during this time, Kitt's CPU is cruelly ripped from his chassis and discarded in a cardboard box. Michael felt his presence, the feelings for the AI are deep within his heart. He somehow finds Kitt and eventually gets his chassis back.
Each day both become even closer. They are now best friends. Michael would later tell Kitt he has a 'soul'.
Bonnie returns from MIT, both Michael and Kitt are glad she's back. The cases completed add up, the dangers increase as well.
Michael: Shot, stabbed, held hostage, drugged, poisoned, tortured, left for dead.
Kitt: Reprogrammed, hacked, disembodied, chassis destroyed several times, the AI himself in the dark place after being turned off, machine version of PTSD after the acid pit.
Both suffered at the hands of their enemies, yet their bond grows ever stronger.
The humans in their lives also suffered...
Devon: Arrested on bogus charges, kidnapped, held hostage, threatened, impersonated and finally death.
Bonnie: Brainwashed, kidnapped, threatened, frightened, hijacked while flying.
April: Kidnapped, threatened.
Reginald (whom Michael and Kitt met in their fourth year together): Beaten, held prisoner.
Michael and Kitt become even stronger, both changing throughout their relationship. Their bond is now unbreakable.
Four years of being together later, the human and AI are so comfortable with each other - they thought nothing could separate them until another fateful day Michael is shot once again. He almost loses his life not just once but several times. Michael is in a deep depression and quits the Foundation.
Kitt is confused and unsure of what will happen to both Michael and himself. He wishes Michael well and loves his friend dearly. The man is ingrained into his very being.
The love of Michael's previous life has come back. For a while, there is three - Michael, Stevie and Kitt until the day of the wedding, Michael's wife protects him from a ruthless enemy and is killed. The guilt Kitt felt, he wasn't in surveillance mode on the most important day of Michael's life. Despite Michael's rage, he never blamed Kitt for what happened to Stevie. With the killer caught, Michael does some soul searching before returning back to the Foundation.
It takes a long time for Michael to smile once again, Kitt never left his side.
Times became more difficult for Michael and Kitt, their first extended separation on hand. Michael had become too well known, he has to go into hiding. His death is faked.
Kitt's CPU is transferred into Team Knight Rider's Sky One, a massive plane able to hold five AIs in their vehicles along with their drivers and other human personnel. For a time Kitt is 'Shadow' a hologram. He's responsible for handing out cases to TKR. They too have a ruthless enemy named Mobius and his people. Kitt is removed from Sky One at one point by his enemies but eventually is recovered by TKR led by Michael who comes out of hiding.
It had been a happy reunion but it didn't last long. Their longest separation is about to begin...
By this time Michael is retired and Kitt is literally in pieces. Most of his original chassis and chips were sold off by Maddock a co-director of Flag at the time. Devon manages to convince Michael to come out of retirement for a case. Michael does so hoping Kitt would be waiting for him. After ten years it wasn't meant to be. Kitt is still around, again disembodied with only his CPU, an optical viewer, voice modulator and his scanner left intact. When Kitt spots Michael, he's dismayed at Michael's dishevelled look. "Is that you, Michael? You look like crap, get a life."
Michael is amused, "I got a life." He then commented on Kitt's lack of a body.
Devon expressed his happiness in hearing Kitt's voice once again.
Kitt at first is placed into an old Bel Air by Michael but feels extremely inadequate. After a close call with deactivation this time by water, he's placed into the Knight Industries Four Thousand's chassis as well as the scanner by Michael, who did so in secret. The original CPU of the four thousand is placed in a superior vehicle, never returning to his original chassis. Kitt has a new chassis and also finds his primary function changed, he no longer has to protect the life of Michael Knight. It's very unsettling to the AI, Kitt has no idea why it changed. He remains in the chassis of the four thousand and Michael retires once again.
It's during this time as well, Devon meets his fate. He's killed, injected with a lethal dose of poison while unconscious.
Kitt is unaware of what happened. When he found out, he's devastated. It takes him a while to forgive Michael because he wasn't told the truth by his best friend. Kitt had regarded Devon as a 'father figure' all his life. Kitt could never hold a grudge against Michael for very long, he loves Michael too much to do so. He now regards the man as his 'Anam Cara'.
Kitt works for the Foundation for years afterwards but he isn't happy. All he thinks about is Michael, his Anam Cara. All his other friends are gone either passed or moved on, notibly Devon, Bonnie and Reginald.
Finally in 2007, he's approached by Dr. Charles Graiman, a friend of Wilton's from long ago. He promises Kitt a new chassis in exchange for two things. One his CPU is to be used for a 'template' for the next generation of AI and the second, the formula for the MBS.
By now Kitt not only knows the formula, he improved upon it. Kitt agrees after much thought. It's a surprise to him, it was Charles who had purchased most of his old parts. A few months of testing of his CPU as well as his security protocols later, the new AI is created. This new AI has to be smarter with more offensive and defensive capabilities in a vehicle able to withstand more modern weapons because today's criminals are much more dangerous.
More tests are done and his own security protocols updated, Kitt is placed into a brand new chassis, a 2010 Trans AM. He's amazed at the new technology he had access to: heads up display, nano technology and improved MBS. He has access to more recent technology now than what he had with his old 1982 chassis and yet he still has his original scanner. It isn't needed but it had always been a part of him. Charles makes it work with the new chassis.
Kitt is introduced to the new Knight Industries Three Thousand - KITT. He's 'handsome', Kitt thinks as he looks with his optics at the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR.
"He's your son, Kitt. I wish to thank you, he's like a son to me as well." Charles' voice is filled with pride.
The two AIs greet each other, father to son, son to father. At first it's awkward but then becomes familiar. Almost immediately they share memories, Kitt's with his long life and KITT's with childlike wonder. They form a link between each other - their way of conversation without the prying ears of humans.
<Son, I'm glad to see you. I'm the Knight Industries Two Thousand, Kitt. I'm your father so to speak.>, Kitt's voice is very cultured yet warm.
<Father, I'm happy to finally meet you. I'm the Knight Industries Three Thousand, KITT. I hope you don't mind my use of the same name.>, the younger KITT with a deep, calming voice.
Kitt is very honored to have his son with the same name. Only the formal designation is changed. KITT shows his father some of his capabilities. The ability to shapeshift, Kitt is especially in awe of. Later on they continue their conversations in private.
Kitt is anxious to find the man who's been a part of him for years. Since his work at the Foundation is done, there's no reason to stay. His son will be his replacement very soon, Kitt worries about him. KITT too is part of his being. Kitt says his goodbyes to his son and Charles, unaware both their lives will change forever.
Kitt is free to choose his destiny - no longer the property of the Foundation.
It doesn't take long for Kitt to find Michael. He's still at the cabin he originally retired at with the old Bel Air in the garage. "I hope, you have room for one more, Michael." Kitt is so ecstatic to see his Anam Cara once again, he could have turbo boosted.
Michael drops his fishing pole and his catch of the day, he never expected to see his best friend ever again. Michael is very happy to see his friend once again, "Kitt?... Kitt!!!," the driver's door automatically opens like old times, Michael is practically jumping into the driver's seat, he's overjoyed his Kitt is back. "Oh my god, Kitt. How are you? You look really good, buddy." Michael is impressed with the AI's new look.
Kitt tries to remain calm but instead the happiness he has in his voice is obvious, "I'm fine now. It's good to have you back where you belong, Michael. I've missed you so much." The voice modulator flashes like a blush as he accepts Michael's compliment.
The two discuss the last few years for hours until finally Michael begins to tire. "How long can you stay, buddy?"
Kitt smiles inwardly, "For the rest of our lives together."
The two are now whole again, forever. There's one final change, Kitt's primary function is once again the protection of Michael Knight for all eternity. He's well beyond his programming with the ability to revise and update his CPU. It's very much like humans when they grow, mature and finally settle into the beings they will remain for the rest of their lives.
One day Kitt and Michael go out for a drive, Kitt tells him how he feels about Michael being his Anam Cara.
Michael pats his dash. "I feel the same, buddy," with a look of contentment on his face.
Kitt is so overjoyed, he turbo boosted much to Michael's delight.
Both attend the funeral of Jennifer, the mother of Mike Traceur by looking from a distance. The group is not aware of the presence of Michael and Kitt. Mike is Michael's son, soon to be partnered with KITT. Kitt is surprised at first Michael has a son. There's still much to catch up while they were apart. Michael briefly speaks to his son after the funeral while Mike is still at the grave, then walks back to Kitt.
"Are you alright, Michael?" Kitt's voice is soft.
Michael smiles slightly and nods his head. Inside he's crying, it's hard knowing he just condemned both sons to the lives he and Kitt left behind.
Kitt keeps in contact with his own son although Michael had a hard time doing so with Mike. It doesn't take long for both sons to become close to each other. Like Michael and Kitt had before them, Mike and KITT goes through hell and back as the saying goes. They're stronger, more determined and fiercely protective of the other. Now the both of them are bonded to each other as soul mates - much like the bond Michael and Kitt has.
The next three decades are the happiest years of Michael's and Kitt's lives. There's no more cases and their lives are no longer in danger. Kitt is equipped to protect Michael no matter what comes up. With regular updates, he's no longer in fear of getting hacked or reprogrammed against his will. His chassis has the ability to repair itself along with the modified MBS to prevent most damage in the first place. Time to enjoy life with each other, they've paid their dues.
For Michael, retirement with Kitt is the best time of his life.
For Kitt there isn't enough time with Michael. Although he's very happy, the nagging feeling of foreboding is becoming stronger by the year.
Michael is running out of time. The years of abuse he went through while being an operative has caught up to him. The man feels fortunate his life has been a very long one despite the dangers he once faced. Michael knows he is going to die soon and makes arrangements for when the day would come including where he wants to be buried. The property including the cabin will be under the ownership of the foundation to be used as a vacation home for any Foundation employees and their families. Michael had hoped by this time, Kitt would have found someone else who will love and cherish him the same as he had for all these years.
Kitt didn't want to be with anyone else other than Michael. The AI remained at his driver's side never having the desire to leave. He had seen Michael physically age in the many years they've been together however his Anam Cara remained healthy with a vitality most people doesn't possess.
Unfortunately both health and vitality are now gone. Michael is so weak, he can't leave his bed. The passage of time is the one fight Michael can't win.
Kitt knows the end is near although he still hopes for more time as illogical as it may seem to the AI. A decision is made - the only one Kitt could think of, "Michael, I have to go away for a little while, I promise to be back in a few hours." Kitt communicated very quietly through a new comlink Michael processes. One perfected over the years with the help of Sarah Graiman. She's been in charge of the Foundation after the death of her father.
Michael briefly speaks into the new comlink while smiling, "See you soon, pal." Michael's eyes close, he's fast asleep.
Kitt arranges for a private nurse to attend to Michael while he's gone and leaves a contact number. The nurse being a friend of Sarah's knows about and is used to seeing AIs in cars.
Kitt initiates contact with his son KITT by asking for time with Sarah.
KITT immediately responds back, <Sarah is available, Father. Are you sure about this?>. KITT knows why his father wants to talk with her. He's saddened but makes no attempt to change his father's mind. Kitt's wishes were revealed to his son long ago.
Hours later, Kitt is at the SSC. He greets Katie, Lisa and his son with his scanner and immediately asks for Sarah afterwards. Sarah walks into the main garage after a couple of minutes and sits inside KITT's cabin. Kitt is beside his son who is on the gimble. The conversation lasts only fifteen minutes and final plans are made. Kitt leaves afterwards with a honk of his horn - he wants to return to Michael as soon as possible. Both Sarah and KITT are now very sad, she's waving as he drives away and KITT slows down his dual scanners while privately bidding his father goodbye.
Kitt arrives back at the cabin. Michael is still asleep and the man's breathing is very shallow. The nurse who looked after him is sympathetic, "I'm so sorry, Kitt. He hasn't much time left. Is there anything, I can do?"
Kitt flashes his scanner briefly at her. "Yes, please pray for him."
Kitt understands about religion. He now believes there's an afterlife the same as Michael does. The AI downloaded many religious books and read them all. It took time even with his speed reading program to go through all the pages.
Kitt keeps a close vigil on Michael and wishes he could be in the same room with him. He doesn't want Michael to feel alone. Michael never regains consciousness. Two days later, the life who was once Michael Knight dies peacefully in his sleep.
Kitt knew right away by continuously scanning Michael's comlink and it revealed no life signs. He briefly cries out in pain and sorrow. His circuits feel like they're on fire! The man who was the AI's Anam Cara has left this plane of existence. Immediately afterwards, Kitt starts to work and contacts his son for the very last time by informing him what happened.
KITT responds promptly and requests his father to proceed. He's aware his father wants to upload files into his memory banks.
Kitt uploads two files. The first is a condensed version of his memories and the second is a holographic message to be played at Michael's funeral. While the files are uploading, the both of them converse in private by discussing any topic of interest including how KITT's life is like.
One hour later, Kitt says his final goodbyes to his son and closes the link.
KITT makes sure the Foundation staff are informed. The arrangements are quickly completed for the upcoming funeral for the former foundation operative. The younger AI is dreading what will happen next.
Kitt makes his own burial arrangements after the goodbyes. There's not much to them. He briefly reflects back on his own life, the one he shared with Michael. Minutes later, the AI initiates his permanent deactivation. If anyone could have seen, there's electrical sparks surrounding the car and the interior flashes brightly for a few seconds. Moments later, It's done. The remarkable CPU who's thoughts were not only 0s and 1s is gone. The scanner, he treasured is now forever dark.
KITT in the meantime senses his father's 'death' as his dual scanners flash brightly. The car begins to keen - not knowing or caring if there's anyone nearby to hear him.
The nurse Kitt had called for to care for Michael starts preparing the man for his final journey and a few hours later, the same is done for Kitt by Sarah.
Back at the SSC, two sons comfort each other as they quietly cry for their fathers.
The next day, Michael is buried near the lake closest to his favorite fishing hole. In the casket along with Michael's body is Kitt's CPU in it's original case. The LEDs on the circuit board are no longer operational. The case is cradled in Michael's arms and scanner Kitt had all his life is next to the both of them. Sarah, Mike and KITT had fulfilled both Michael's and Kitt's final wishes. The vehicle Kitt resided in minus the scanner by the front of his prow is given back to the Foundation. Perhaps a new AI may need it.
There's a large gathering at the funeral:
Family - Mike, Sarah, KITT.
Friends - Both Michael's and Kitt's.
AIs - There are several at this point along with the before mentioned KITT.
Even some of the neighbors who had known both Michael and Kitt for years.
KITT projects the holographic message of his father for everyone to see. In it is his father's image and voice explaining his feelings for Michael, his son and all who had known him throughout his long life. Kitt knew - he couldn't continue on without Michael.
Up in the sky, the figures of a young looking Michael Knight is beside Kitt in the clouds. He has one hand on the car's hood and is smiling down at everyone below. The LED lights from Kitt's scanner in his prow is calmly moving from side to side with a distinctive 'whooshing' sound. Both Michael and Kitt continue to look down for another minute before disappearing.
They are together for all eternity.