It felt good to feel the wooden, round steering wheel again. I was finally able to rest my hands on it. The blueprint was in the pistol box under the dashboard near the door. Driving McQueen felt strange and foreign, but at the same time nice, calming and familiar.
"I'm a bit surprised," the man next to me said.
"And why is that? What even is your name?" I asked him.
"I'm Blackmill. And I'm a bit surprised that you said yes. I would've thought that it was harder to convince you. Then again, you hardly had a choice."
And my anger was back. Not only had this ass endangered my friends, gotten me 'fired' and before all that stole our car, now he was even rubbing that one in. I sighed, and just thought 'Jerk' to myself. I turned on the radio.
"Like a starship speeding into the light"
I recognized the song from its melody. 'Ignite', the only Alan Walker song I liked.
"Where are we even heading to?"
"Somewhere where you don't need this," and he tipped on my comlink.
"Neither the surveillance earrings. Drive to the right side and dump them. With the second pair."
"And lose a watch and two sets of earrings? Hell no!" I was outraged.
Blackmill only raised an eyebrow.
"Are you saying that you want them to find out?"
Sighing, I retorted:
"... No. Alright, I'll do it."
I steered the car to the right. First I got my earrings out, and then put my watch off. While reaching into my pocket, I cranked down the window. Finally I had found the second pair of earrings, Blackmill seemed to get more and more impatient. Growling I threw them out, and cranked the window up. 'Hopefully they can get all the information they need... What am I even thinking!? I am witnessing everything firsthand! And I can take pictures with my phone when needed.'

"So... Where are we heading to?" I asked my passenger.
Since he had been silent for about ten minutes I nearly started to forget that he was there until I remembered that I had no clue where we were driving to.
"Huh? Erm, just keep driving, I'll tell you when we have to turn," he sounded a bit tired.
I turned down the music a bit. The streets weren't nearly as full as I was used to. We had something highway-
like in Germany, the 'Autobahnen' and the 'Bundesstraßen'. The 'Autobahnen' connected Germany with other countries, and the 'Bundesstraßen' only connected the different 'Bundesländer', the German equivalent to states, with each other. We had the B10 nearly in front of our doorstep, and there nearly never passed a day without cars standing kilometers. But seeing how completely carless the highway we were driving on was really surprised me. Stuttgart, although being the home to all cars, was really car unfriendly. There were so many sites that harmed the flow of the streets. It even got us a title we then lost some years ago. 'Haupt-staustadt'. That meant that we had the most trafficjams in whole Germany. That we lost that title only meant that there was a city that had it even worse than us, because it hasn't gotten better in Stuttgart. It's actually the opposite. But I'm getting off topic. Again.
"... Mr. Blackmill?"
I turned my head to see a dozed off Blackmill. He shot up and looked at me.
"What is it?"
"You seem really tired. Maybe it would be the best to pull to the side? We can still reach our destination tomorrow."
He nodded, and I began my search for a rest stop. After some time I found one. It was around 9pm, and I asked him if I could go home. "Sure" was the only response I got. Then I remembered something. I hit the 'eject' button on the radio, and a CD came out. I took the CD and teleported straight into my bed again. Before I layed down to sleep however, I walked to the cupboard, found a case and put the CD in. Then I walked to my bed again and layed down. Without even thinking much or trying to process anything I slept almost immediately.

"Wake the fuck up, wa-Wake the fuck up. WAKE UP! wake up" my alarm went off.
I opened my eyes to see... HOLY-! A tall man towered over me. I didn't waste any time and ran to my desk. I reached out for my scalpel and pointed it at him. Then I saw that the intruder was only Blackmill.
"Phew. What the hell are you doing here!?" I bluned at him.
He didn't change his pose or look.
"We can continue to drive to your new job."
"And you had to tell me that and scare me in the process!? I thought you were going to try and kill me and/or rob the flat! Goddammit, couldn't you have warned me instead of just crashing in?"
"Why don't you talk even louder to ensure everyone in this house hears you?"
"Oh, fuck off!"
I stretched, and then looked at him.
"Alright... Ready to go?" I asked in a calmer voice.
He grinned and replied:
"Should not it be me that asks this?"
I threw my arms up. It did bother me a bit that he was about two and a half heads taller than me and I had to look way up to him.
"Just asking."
And I saw the view of the resting station replacing my bedroom. I sat behind the steering wheel again.
"Alright! Where do we have to go?"
"First get out of the rest stop, then change lanes. We are heading to the next city."

Half an hour had gone without anyone talking, only the radio was keeping the silence away. 'Iron Man' from Black Sabbath was playing. Suddenly the music stopped. I knit my brows but said nothing.
"CD Mode" I heard the cold, female voice from my radio. The computer generated voices were always bothering me.
'Family Affair' started playing. I tipped in sync with the beat on the wheel, something I had from my dad. After some minutes Blackmill spoke up:
"We should turn right, or else we miss the town."
"What's its name?"
"Bakersfield."
We drove on the Golden State Highway, then took the exit to S H street. We then turned right as soon as we got to the first crossing. The traffic light showed red, and since I grew up in Germany, I never followed the free right turn rule. Which annoyed Blackmill.
"Why don't you turn right? There is no 'no turn on red' sign."
"Because I plan on driving the right way in Germany as soon as I get my license, and don't want to get confronted from the police there because I violate the rules there."
He huffed. We saw a turn on the right and he instructed me to turn there and park in the lot of the second house. I did as he said and parked there. We got out and walked up the porch. A white door was there, and Blackmill knocked. It was opened by some other man I immediately recognized.
"Sinclair!? Shouldn't you be in jail!?" I exclaimed. Then I turned to Blackmill, obviously angry.
"What is he doing here!?"
"I offered him to work with me in exchange for freedom. We should head in, shouldn't we?"
After I just stared at the two, I ended up being the first to get in. The house was clean, and I saw some guys just chatting with each other. I just walked a bit to the side and waited for Blackmill to get in as well. As soon as he passed me I walked behind him. We seemed to be heading to the basement, because he opened a door with a stairway that lead down. It was fairly lit so we didn't have to worry about accidentally tripping. At the end was... Nothing? Just then I saw Blackmill getting something out of his pocket. It was something card like. He held it out to the right side of the wall and seemed to search for something. After some seconds said wall opened, and we saw a small, clean office, with a pretty big cabinet on the right side. The desk stood more to the right side as well, and the chair stood with its backside turned to the cabinet. The left side had some paintings hanging on it. The overall office didn't have any windows, though it seemed that there was a hatch on the ceiling. Probably for escape. A simple lamp hung from the ceiling, nothing to fancy, just something that covered the bare bulb. Blackmill wen to his desk and then asked me:
"How good are you in soldering and connecting electronics?"
"Good enough to not cause a short circuit?"
"How about you learn that?"
I looked surprised.
"Erm... I think it would be better to let a professional do that, heh."
He only raised an eyebrow.
"I'd monitor your work of course."
I let out a small laugh.
"You really want me to do it, don't you?" I sighed and grinned.
"Alright, I'll do it then. But please don't complain if I fail miserably."
He nodded and smiled. It was a small smile.
"Then I'd say that we don't waste time and get to it."
He began to walk out and I followed him. We walked upstairs and I saw that the wall immediately closed once everyone was out. We turned to the left corridor and walked through a door. The garage was pretty huge. Some people had already some circuit boards, cables, etc. And in front of the garage door stood McQueen. I felt someone grabbing my arm and gently dragging me with them. We stopped in front of the guys with the circuit boards.
"This is Chlara. I want you to help her with the electronics. She, in exchange will help you. Is that alright?"
I was met with critical looks. Then the one with black hair replied:
"Sure. Why not?"
I smiled.
"Thanks. I'll do my best!"
"Could you please get all items from this list?" and I was given a list.
"Sure! May I take the BMW?"
I got a confused look.
"How did you pronounce that again?"
"B, M, V. That is how it is pronounced."
"Uhuh. Well, guess you never learn out... Sure."
"Thanks."
I turned around and walked to McQueen, with the list in my pocket. I opened the door and turned on the engine. After looking at how full the fuel tank was, I changed into reverse. Well, I tried to. I accidentally killed the engine since I wasn't experienced with a non-automatic gearbox. I tried again and this time, it worked. The door opened, and I carefully drove out. Now I changed the gear again, and this time I was careful to step on the gas and clutch simultaneously. It worked, yay! And I had forgotten something. Where could I find a store? While I drove to the side I opened Google Maps and searched for electronic stores. Finally I decided to go to the 'Graybar Electric Supply'. After 10 minutes I arrived at the store. It was so huge that I nearly got lost in it. I bought everything I needed and headed back. On the way back I bought myself a book, 'Inspector Jury' to be precise. After some minutes I arrived and drove into the garage.
"Do you have everything?"
As answer I held the bag up.
"Great! We don't need anything at the moment."
"Eh, no problem. I have a book. I could read in the 7er, if that's okay with you."
"Sure."
I opened the door and got in. I turned the radio on and began to read. After one or two hours I heard someone knocking on the door. I looked up, signaled that I would get out and got out.
"We've programmed it now roughly. But since we were told that you would be the driver of this car, we wanted you to look at everything."
"Oh, alright!"
We walked to the desk, where I saw a monitor with a mouse and a keyboard. The board was connected with the computer that sat underneath.
"Do you have a name for it?"
"... McQueen."
He typed it in as information.
"How about personality?"
I thought a bit. That bit got longer and longer. Then I finally had it. I wanted him to be able to calm me down if .
"Hm. Maybe calm and always being thinking about what he does and is going to do. Still humorous, but not too extreme. Caring about those he knows and trusts. But a bit closed. That's what I would do at least."
"Then it will be that way. Thank you."
I was about to go back to McQueen, but the other one stopped me by saying:
"Just one question: Male or female voice?"
"... Male."
Now I started walking to McQueen. 'How can I get proof? And how do I prevent further damage? I can't contact the foundation, but I can't leave them completely clueless either...' I got in, or I tried to.
"Shouldn't you go to school?"
"No. Your attack caused the police to forbid us to go to school. But a break from all this would be good."
Blackmill nodded.
"Then go home."
"Thanks."

I teleported to my bedroom. Since it made no sense for me to go back to sleep again, I watched some YouTube. Suddenly I heard a static noise and my phone only showed a snowstorm of white and grey.
"Was zum Henker!?" I whisper yelled.
I immediately shut it down with force by pressing the on/off button a long time. The noise stopped and my screen went black. Now I felt how hot it was. I could touch it, but it nearly burnt my finger after some seconds.
"Phew... What the hell was that about?!"
I decided to 'ban' my phone to the living room. Still thinking about what had happened, I walked into the living room. Only to be greeted with yet another static noise including two screens full of static. My 3DS! I accidentally dropped my phone.
"Ach komm schon!"
But it suddenly stopped. And I could only stare at the two screens. The homescreen looked like always. But I knew better than to pick the console up. For all I know it could be burning hot! Then a little dot appeared right next to the MiiVerse symbol. I slowly walked to it, still not daring to touch it. Now even the light on the handheld was blinking. It was blue, thus indicating that a message has come. 'Well... What could POSSIBLY go wrong?' and I picked it up. 'A wonder that my parents didn't wake up...' I got my touchpen and tipped on the little MiiVerse symbol. It opened and showed just one sentence: 'open the camera'. A message from someone unknown... Yep, that sure is reassuring! While I opened the camera, I got a sheet of paper and covered my mouth. Finally it opened. But instead of showing my face (or what's not covered) it showed someone.
"Michael! What the hell!?"
He grinned.
"Nice to see you too!"
"Wh-!? How!?"
I was in utter disbelief and relief.
"Did you really forget about KARR's and KITT's hacking abilities?"
I facepalmed.
"Yup. I did." I sighed heavily.
"No problem. Now tell us what you have gotten on information," Devon now came into the sight of the camera.
"First off, I know where they operate and I will be McQueen's driver. I'll give you more info when I have more precise information. I will try to stop them as soon as possible. But one question: Would it be possible for me to reprogram McQueen, so that he doesn't have to be destroyed?"
Devon raised an eyebrow.
"If it succeeds... Bonnie or April could tell you."
"Thanks! We should end the communication, before they find out."
Devon nodded seriously.
"Of course. Stay safe, and tell us through this device as soon as possible."
"I will! You can count on me!"
The screen went black and the 3DS had problems cooling down. I carried both devices into my room to cool off. 'This was way too much for me... And it's only 6am... Eh, I'll watch some new Knight Rider clips' and reached out for my phone. The new clip, of course, only lasted for about 6 minutes. They still had to cover the other half of the season plus two more seasons. After looking through my recommendations, I switched to Wattpad. I read a bit in 'I'm A Cyborgs Pet' and then heard how my mom seemed to wake up. I put the phone away, ensured that my 3DS was well hidden, and layed down. Soon my mom came in and woke me up. I stood up and went to the living room. Oh oh... The couch was very hot on the place where my 3DS had been laying. A blanket was laying around, so I grabbed it and dragged it on. To make it less obvious, I got my 3DS and tucked it under the blanket. I myself then sat next to it.
"Chlara? Haven't you slept enough?" my mom let out a laugh.
"Yes, but the couch is quite comfortable. Too comfortable to not sit on. Or lay on for that matter."
"That's the whole point of a couch, Chlara..."
"But most couches aren't THAT comfortable!"
She sighed in response, but I saw that smile. Then she added:
"Of course it's so comfortable. That's why we picked it."
After breakfast was ready we sat down at the table. Maja still wasn't awake, and we still had time until she had to go to the kindergarten. The same kindergarten I went to when I was little. It was called 'Kindergarten Sankt Christopherus' and was next to the church 'Sankt Christopherus'. Maybe I could work volunteerly tomorrow!

The bell rang above us as soon as we stepped in. The sound made me smile instantly. Maja and mom sat down at the little benches that surrounded the first room. On the left was a small cupboard, specifically made for the boots. It hid the rather tall heating. Next to the door hung toilet paper rolls, that now function as little mail slots. Every roll had a different name written on it. Next to the cupboard was the entrance to the bathroom. It had two small toilets for the kids on the left, next to them was something showerlike. At the back of the room, next to the 'shower', were three sinks, and beside them three little, open cupboards with cups containing toothbrushes in them. Every kid had its own toothbrush and cup. On the right side were a toilet for the educators and a small wrapping station. The fish still hung from the ceiling, like when I was still in kindergarten.
"Chlara? Put the box in the refrigerator," my mom commanded. I took it out of Maja's backpack. I walked into the light room. The first thing I could see was the 'Bauecke', building corner. Legos and other building materials next to a taller cupboard full with toy animals, toy cars and others. One part of said corner was hidden by the cupboard that contained a wooden train with wooden stick together rails. Behind that was a line of tables in front of the on the wall glued chalkboard, those tables lead to, who guessed it, yet another cupboard. The stereo, the telephone, and the fax machine stood there. I stepped in and heard a kid scream happily:
"Chlara!"
The last I saw was how a little girl hugged me, followed by a little boy. I hugged them back.
"Ah, Chlara, nice that you're here!"
I heard a woman with a polish accent.
"Hello Eva! Good morning Sonja!" I greeted the a bit taller and slimmer, once blonde, woman beside Eva. I knew both of them since I could think. And since then kept them in my heart. The two kids finally let go of me.
"Whopsala!"
I could catch myself before I could accidentally kiss the floor. The cardboard house was now right next to me, and one of the blankets had wrapped itself around my foot. I actually wasn't clumsy, but I did sometimes forget to look forward when walking. Standing up, I looked at where the other kids were. Some were in the so called 'Bastelecke', where they could draw, cut or weave. Behind that were a small green couch, a matching carpet, some books and a CD-Player. Next to the with the wall lined up couch was a white door, that lead to the 'Puppenecke'. That was, where all dolls were. It had a small drawer with a mirror, a kitchen counter, some small tables and a big mattress. I walked into the small kitchen and turned left. Then I opened the refrigerator and put it in. After maneuvering around the little table I got out.
"Um, Eva? Sonja? May I 'work'," I signed quotation marks in the air, "here tomorrow?" I looked at them a bit bidding.
"Of course! We would love someone to help us!"
"Great! Then see you! Have a good day!" I waved and turned around.
This time, though, I was highly aware of what layed on the floor in front of me. Maja rushed to the door to open it. Me and my mom laughed and got out. On the way home we talked about everything we could think of in this moment.
"So? Do you feel better?" my mom asked out of the blue.
"Yup! Why do you ask?"
"I mean, it doesn't happen every day that you get into danger..."
I saw the worry on her face (not in her eyes, I can't read emotions off of eyes, how does one even do that?). I smiled reassuringly, and relaxed.
"Eh, I survived and got out without a scratch, didn't I?"
She still looked at me as if I would collapse any moment. Still keeping my smile, I looked at her and reassured:
"I'm fine, really."
The rest of the walk was silent.
"Um, mom?"
She looked at me from the side.
"Yes?"
"Love you."
I turned to the side and hugged her tight. She returned the hug, and we stood there for a while.
"We should get going."
I let her go and saw with joy that she was better. We arrived at the flat/apartment and walked in.