Chapter Text
KITT finds the silence between his soulmate and himself extremely disturbing when Michael doesn't have a conversation with him before leaving the Trans Am's cabin.
It's as though Michael has something to hide.
Is it a health problem? The computer detected no significant concerns during the routine vital signs scan, save for a minor spike in blood pressure and the effects of age.
KITT wanted to read Michael's mind, but they were too close for that to allow the thought to continue.
He reflects on the events of the past 25 years, from the beginning of his partnership with Michael to the present.
KITT is unable to find a correlation until the word 'retirement' is displayed on the windshield.
Michael arrived in time to see the display before KITT blanked it out. He grunts softly as he enters the driver's seat after manually opening the door.
The conversation between soulmates begins.
"Michael?"
"Yeah, KITT?"
"You're thinking of retirement. I sense that you are," KITT said quietly. "For how long?"
"Since the board offered me the position of director of FLAG almost a week ago, buddy," Michael answered immediately. "I thought about accepting for days."
"And?"
"I wanted to discuss it with you, KITT."
KITT started to speak but couldn't quite finish his thought. Finally, he said, "I can't tell you what to do, Michael. It's your life. Your decision."
"I know. However, I wanted your opinion. It will affect you in some ways."
"How so, Michael?"
"If I retire, you may choose to remain here. The garage and the grounds have been home to you for almost all your life, buddy. If I stayed here, you would only be on the road with a new partner."
KITT's voice conveyed offense as his Anamorphic Equalizer moved agitatedly. "I would NEVER accept a new partner, Michael. I'm yours, and you're mine."
"That's true, but…"
"My place is at your side, no matter your decision, Michael." KITT's voice softened after a moment. "Even if it means remaining stationary except for the occasional drive when time permits."
Michael allows himself a slight smile. "I couldn't do that to you, pal. You and I belong on the road. Besides, can you see me as a chair-bound paper pusher?"
KITT's circuitry buzzed with understanding. "I can't imagine you behind a desk, Michael. You truly thrive on the open road, and I would never want to see you confined to anything less." The bond between them felt stronger than ever, a testament to their shared adventures and unbreakable friendship.
"What about you, KITT?"
"I suspect you already submitted your retirement papers. I'm not a fool. I will immediately send mine electronically," KITT said firmly. "I'm coming with you."
Michael now has a genuine smile. "I figured as much."
"Then why are we discussing the subject when you already made up your mind?"
"I wanted to make sure you were deciding for the right reasons and not out of obligation to protect my life."
"I will always protect you to the best of my ability, not because of my programming, Michael. It's because I love you so much."
"I love you, too, KITT. I'll start packing and need some time to say goodbye to everyone. I also want to have a last chit-chat with Viper and his partner."
"And I'll be waiting for you. There will be a complete check of my systems, and I want to speak with Viper to give him some last-minute advice," KITT responded as the Anamorphic Equalizer brightens.
The next day, Michael arrived with a suitcase and found the trunk already open. "It looks like you're raring to go, buddy."
"I am, Michael. To answer your unasked question, my home is with you. Home is with the people you love, not a building, a house, or, in my case, this garage," KITT responded with the roar of his engine as he turned it on.
Once Michael placed his luggage in the trunk and sat in the driver's seat, they left the garage for the final time. They drive slowly around the Knight Estate before hitting the open road in super pursuit mode with laughter and fond memories in anticipation of whatever new adventures await them.