Starsky had finished his lunch hour, and waited to be called in. He wanted to take another arrival. As much as it had sickened him. It was better than sitting around thinking of Hutch lying up in that hospital His friend had always been so full of life, and now he was sleeping through it, just waiting. The pressure of needing to help was eating Starsky up inside.

   He had been in such deep thought, the pager startled him. He checked the message, and headed back upstairs... it's show time, he told himself.

   He had just about made it to Rogers's door, when it had opened. Rogers walked out to meet him.

   "So Mr. Jarmen, you ready to find out what your new job description is?"

   "Ready and willing, Mr. Rogers!"

   "I like your enthusiasm Jarmen"

   Rogers lead Starsky into a different section of the building.

   "This is level two. This is where we keep and distribute the miracle drug. It's exhilarating work. To be able to manipulate peoples minds. It's a real rush."

   "Yeah, there are a few people that come to mind I would have loved to have used this stuff on! So how does it work?" Starsky asked boldly.

   "Eager Beaver, aren't we?"

   "Sorry, I just get caught up in the excitement."

   "Well the drug as a common compound that runs through it, we just manipulate it to the level required to fill the order. For instance, take this woman over here...

   Her order requested a total reprogramming. The guy is a Neanderthal, he wants his woman barefoot and pregnant, so to speak."

   He proceeded to pick up a syringe lying on the tray.

   "It just takes one dose. Watch"

   Starsky was horrified as to what was happening to this poor unsuspecting woman, but for now, he have to play the part of a doting student, eager to learn is new trade.

   Rogers injected the needle into the neck of the unsuspecting woman.

   Starsky winced at the sight.

   "I know, it seems creepy giving the injection there like that, but it's the quickest way to get the drug into the blood stream."

   "The next phase is to input new life, new memories into this person. This is our most expensive purchase. A lot has to go into this job. The only part of this you'll deal with for now is the dosage. The implanting of the information will be the next thing you learn. She will be given a new identity, and she will live happily ever after, she really will. Isn't that just amazing? A week ago she hated this guy, but thanks to us, she's fixin' to be happier than she s ever been in her life!"

   Starsky couldn't believe the way the guy got off on the talk of manipulating human beings. So cold!

   "Now the next example is this next guy"

   Rogers lead Starsky into the next room.

   "Now this guy is nothing more than a lowlife double dealing con artist. The problem is, he conned the wrong guy. So what we do in this case... again we've manipulated the drug to work in a different way. He's not so much reprogrammed. He's just left in a suggestive state. You give him a "catch phrase" and he responds as directed. He'll carry out anything that is asked of him."

   "Now that is impressive. You mean he'll do absolutely anything?" Starsky asked?

   "Anything!"

   "Cool, now you're talking! You can make a regular live in maid out of anyone"

   "Exactly!"

   "Now , you ready to give it shot? Just pick up the syringe and simply inject him, making sure you get it in the vein."

   Simply? Did he just hear the man say simply? There was nothing simple about sticking a needle into someone's neck. He didn't know if he could do this.

   Starsky picked up the syringe and held it...

   "Ok, now, let me show you, Rogers pointed the vein out. Right there, just slide the needle right under the skin where you see the vein, you'll feel a little resistance, that's when you know your in. then just empty the syringe, and it's done. Does it get any easier than that? Go ahead try it"

    "Go on Mr. Jarmen, this will be what the next level consists of. Your not getting squeamish on me, are you?"

   "Yeah ok, no big deal"

   Starsky took the syringe guided his hand over to the place Rogers had pointed out. It was then he realized that the man lying there was Casey..

   What was he going to do now? There was no fooling Rogers. He had no choice. He carefully inserted the needle then slowly he released the same thing on Jon that had been given to his partner. Starsky thought he would just crumble right there, but he relied on his autopilot to get him through the grim proceedings.

   "Well done, Mr. Jarmen. That's it! This man is good to go!"

   "Can I ask you Mr. Rogers, this is amazing stuff. How long will this man be under the influence?"

   "That's the brilliant part, it can last quite awhile. I'm talking freakin' years! That one injection. Now tell me that's not ingenious!"

   "I can't sir... that's the most ingenious stuff I've ever come in contact with!" Starsky said as he tried to keep his voice from betraying his feeling of despair.

   It had been a terrible blow!! In one fail swoop, he had just learned that Hutch could remain in his state for years to come, and also realized he just sentenced Jon to the same fate. It was incredibly difficult to remain up beat for the sake of Rogers.

   "See there Jarmen?! You'll do just fine! Now that's all for today, I just wanted to give you a taste of what to expect. You turn in for the night, and we'll go over more tomorrow."

   "What about this guy," Starsky asked.

   "The drug has to have time to soak in. He'll remain here until the morning"

   Starsky wanted so badly to ask him the all-important question, is there anyway to reverse this thing?!! But he was afraid of coming off a little TO interested. he'd have to hold back for awhile.

   "Now go get some shut eye" Rogers continued "tomorrow's another day"

   Starsky watched the mad man walk out of the room. What makes people like him tick he wondered. Then is eyes fell on the man that he had just sentenced to a mental prison from which there just may be no chance of parole. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. He trusted me, and it end up being me that put the stuff in him. He made himself leave. The longer he stayed the more attention he would draw.

   He made his way to his room, everyone lived within the warehouse. Yes sir, nice neat little operation. He laid down on his bed and tried to figure out what he was going to do now He had one last mission before he could blow the operation sky high. He needed to find the answer. The answer to reversing the effects of the substance that was being used on countless people. How many people this has been used on, he didn't know. He did know that there were no paper files kept anywhere. Everything was on computer. Updated everyday. He'd have to get that information if he was to undo all that this lunatic had done.

   Computers, the word alone scared him. He wasn't into computers the way Jon and Hutch had been. Doesn't that figure the only 2 that could help are on the injured reserve list. Damn why hadn't he paid attention when Hutch tried to show him the basics on that damned computer of his? No, he was to busy telling Hutch that He wasn't nor would he ever be the high tech kinda guy. "I've lived this long without them, I think I can manage just fine, thank you very much" had been his reply. He'd have to admit, every once in awhile old Blondie actually knew what he was talking about.

~~~~~   

   Dobey had just walked into his office and sat down when the phone rang.

   "Dobey here"

   "Say Dobey. What's happening. I hear you've been looking for me" replied Huggy.

   "Glad it wasn't an emergency, where have you been?"

   "You forget yourself Captain, I'm not on your payroll, I don't answer to you. Now do you want something or not"

   "Have you seen Casey? He's been outta touch for a few days now"

   "I haven't actually seen him, he's working with Starsky on some undercover gig"

   "When did Casey join him?"

   "I couldn't tell you exactly, my instructions were to call in an order after 2 weeks, and he'd be going in soon after"

   "How come they chose to tell you more about this than me."

   "Gee I don't know, maybe cuz you're a captain, and they're just 2 guys on vacation"

   "Ah I get the picture, the less I know the better. Starsky and Hutch always pulled that crap on me. Fine! If that's the way they want it. I'll just sit back and stay out of it"

   "Yep, I think that's the way they wanted it. Nothing personal, you understand. Just when everything's not exactly on the up and up, the last person you want make plans with is your captain"

   "I just hope they know what they're doing"

~~~~~   

   Starsky woke up to the act of second guessing himself. What a naive plan it had been.. All his experiences proved to be useless. Where had his head been lately? He couldn't even use Hutch as an excuse. There had been many times in the past when Hutch had been in bad shape, and Starsky had still been able to go out and take care of business. He was getting sloppy and he knew it. It was time to get fined tuned, and get this job done.

   He had just showered and dressed when his pager went off. He was to head over to level 2 for more training. Starsky took a minute to collect his thought, he took a deep breath, and headed out the door.

   "Good morning Mr. Jarmen. Ready to get to work?" Asked Mr. Rogers

   "Sure am. Will you be instructing me again?" Starsky asked in his best brown nosing voice.

   "Actually I've instructed Randy here to train you, I've got business to tend to. I'll be checking in periodically to make sure everything is running smoothly."

   "Ok, I'm ready to go, Randy"

   Starsky hadn't had any dealings with this Randy guy, he'd have to get a feel for him before he started digging in.

   "So Randy, what's the first order of business round here?"

   "What we do is deal with any extras that have been requested. There are quite a few services we offer. Once we get the request, look, I'll show you."

   Randy handed Starsky an order form. "See there? The request is for #267 to get a total overhaul. The first thing we do, is come over to the console, you press the yellow light which releases the gas to that room. You give it 10 minutes to make sure it's taken effect. You pull out a syringe from over here and load it up with the stuff marked K22. And don't ask me, the boss assigned the names, I don't know what they actually stand for. Next we head down to #267."

   Starsky followed Randy down stairs to the arrivals.

   "Mind if I ask a question?"

   "That's what I'm here for"

   "Well why aren't the syringes kept in the rooms so that you don't have to be going back and forth for every job?"

   "I know, that would save a lot of walking time, wouldn't it. But the boss is too particular. IF he were to leave the drugs in each room, then anyone would have access to them, and he's very protective over this stuff"

   "Yeah, it's some extra-ordinary stuff alright!"

   "You can say that again" Randy replied as they walked into the room holding #267. "Now from here it's easy really, The gas has left this man in a sleep state, so there's no worry of him hearing or seeing anyone. I know what you're thinking and your right. The precautions we take with the blindfold and such should always be enough. But the boss deals with absolutes. He wants this to be as clean an operation as possible. To this day we've never had a weak link in the system."

   "Obviously you're meet with no resistance," the man continued, "You simply inject the drug. Then the injection is made right at the neck, right about here." Randy pointed out.

   "Yeah, Rogers showed me that little tidbit yesterday." Said Starsky "yeah, I know, but you get used to it. Now once you've given the injection, you leave here and proceed to make the appropriate entry in the database. Follow me"

   There wasn't much Randy had showed Starsky that he hadn't already been shown or figured out for himself, so far. But at least now he knows were the stuff is kept, and is about to find out where the information is stored.

   "Ok," continued Randy, "you will immediately enter the data into this terminal. You need the password, you'll type it right here. By the way, you'll have to get the password from the boss, he's the only one that can give that out. I'll type it in for now to show you how to input"

   Randy made Starsky stand behind him, as to not peek Starsky figured. He then called him over and explained how to input what pn (product number) was given to who, also you put in time and date.

   "There now we're done with number #267. Now we go see what the next order calls for"

   "About how many of these a day do you do?" Asked Starsky

   "Well as you know coming from arrivals. We get about 10 requests per day"

   "Have you ever had somebody that was never picked up?"

   "Yeah that does happen from time to time. We don't keep anyone past three days. After that it's assumed the person changed their mind. It doesn't make any difference to us, we get paid up front"

   "What do you do with the people then?"

   "The boss disposes of them."

   "Does he ever just release them back"

   "Never. Like I said the boss is very protective of this operation, he doesn't like leaving loose ends"

   Starsky hoped he wasn't drilling the guy too much. But it was normal for a guy to ask questions when he's being trained, wasn't it?.

   "With all the precautions, what would be the harm in letting the people go back", Starsky knew he was pushing it with this line of questioning.

   "Because of the drug inside them"

   "Yeah, of course, and I guess there's no reversing the effects on something like that. I see your point" Starsky baited.

   "Well, if there is a reversal, I've never been made aware of it. Come on lets go see who's up next"

   Once again Starsky found himself struggling to maintain a pleasant enough disposition after receiving devastating news.. No way to reverse it. Hutch and Jon was to be in their private hell for a long time to come if what this guy says is true. He did take note of the man's choice of words however, "IF" there was on he did know about it. As secretive as this Rogers guy was, He'd probably keep that information confidential. At least it made Starsky feel better to think that.

   They made their way back up to level 2. "Well what do you know, there is a lull in the action. Someone is being prepared at arrivals, but we a few minutes to kill. The Boss asked me to demonstrate the effects of this drug. He said you seemed in awe of the stuff. Come on, let's go to #212."

   The number sounded familiar, they were going to Jon's room.

   "The boss tells me that he showed you how to hit the jugular on this guy. He wants me to show you the affects of the drug, #1RX, There is no longer any need for restraints of any kind. The guy's brains doesn't belong to him anymore. Watch"

   "You give the guy a catch phrase it has to stay the same every time to have him respond. Watch"

   "Mark Black, I want you to open your eyes" Both men waited. Nothing happened.

   "Hmm, this is strange" said Randy. "Let me check the name again"

   "Won't work if you got the names confused?" Starsky asked

   "No, just like a computer, it has to reach the core for anything else to work. And the Core is his identity. The name is what triggers the responses"

   Starsky began to worry. What's gonna happen when it just doesn't work. Will they be able to tell he's not who he's suppose to be

   "Nope, it's the name on the requisition and on his name tag. It's a match. This is very disturbing. I've maybe seen this happen once maybe twice since I've been here"

   "What happened with those guy, did you ever find out why it didn't work?"

   "No, anything that goes wrong like that is referred to the Boss, he always takes care for problems. I'll have to make him aware of the situation."

   "So much for a demonstration, come on. Lets just go see if the new arrival is prepped"

   "Yeah ok." Starsky followed him once again to the level 2 main room.

   When they had returned to the room, there was a call waiting for Randy.

   "I'll take it in the office, it's probably the boss. Go ahead and see what this one calls for."

   "Will do" replied Starsky.

   He's telling Rogers about Casey. Starsky said to himself. What is Randy going to be instructed to do? And how far would he be willing to let things go before intervening? The noose was getting tighter. He hadn't been able to get any important information yet, and things were quickly escalating.

   He took the next order form and tried to get ready for when Randy came back. He didn't want to appear totally useless. The next pn as randy had referred to it was #285. It was calling for something called 10Z. He walked over a grabbed a syringe, then walked over to the freezer the stuff was kept in. He grabbed the bottle mark 10Z and filled the syringe. Then sat down and waited for Randy to return.

   "Well," Randy said coming out of the office. "The boss isn't too happy about this situation, it seems he can't get back down here until tomorrow. He says just make sure we secure this guy, and he'll check things out tomorrow."

   A little breathing space Starsky told himself.

   "So you got the next one ready I see, let me check what you've done" He looked over the form and checked the vile the syringe was filed with. "Yep, so far so good. What's next?"

   "Ok, let me think. We go over to the control box and hit the yellow light above the pn #285. That will release the gas. And in 10 minutes we go down. We inject into the jugular.. Then we go over to the terminal, input the information. And that's it for this job"

   "Good, you were paying attention, let's do it"

   Starsky went back to his room that night knowing he wasn't spending one more night here. He wasn't going to put himself in the position of injecting anyone else with the 1RX, or anything else for that matter. Especially not knowing if it's effects can be reversed.

   It was taking a big risk, he knew that. But things were becoming to heated. When Rogers came back no telling what he would have wanted to do with Casey. And when Randy reports back to Rogers about the 100 and 1 questions Starsky had asked, he felt sure he was gonna start sticking out like a sore thumb.

   He had mentally acted out the events of the evening many times throughout the day, it was time to put them into motion. IT was 200am when he decided to act. He wasn't going to worry about the cameras, he didn't figure they'd have much time to check all the tapes. His only concern was who was monitoring them at the time.

   Hutch would have called Starsky all kinds of names if he were here and heard the plan, and Starsky couldn't blame him. The number one rule to undercover work is speed, The quicker you act, the harder it is to be caught. But there were many steps to this plan, every one of them necessary. No, there was going to be nothing quick about this plan.

   He left his room and went straight to the security room. From what he could make out there was only one man monitoring the cameras. Starsky simply walked in.

   The man spun around in his chair. "Hey want are you doing in here" the man demanded.

   "Calm down man, little on the jumpy side, aren't we? Listen I didn't want to bother you, but you're the only one I could find awake at this hour."

   "You're not supposed to be in here, what do you want?"

   "It's silly really, I can't sleep, I was wondering if you guys don't have a little something to help me get some sleep"

   "You're kidding me right? You came in here to ask for a sleeping pill?"

   "I just thought with all the good stuff the boss has, surely there's something for insomnia. I have a big day tomorrow. I could use something"

   "Fine, if it'll get you outta here, I'll go get something" The man turned his back to Starsky to leave the room, Starsky clobbered him from behind. He dragged the man to the back, and tied him with the "Gag" tape.

   "That oughta hold ya for awhile".

   There were to many buttons and gadgets to try to figure out which one turned the cameras off. So he reached over and unplugged everything from the outlets. "See Hutch, no need to be high tech!"

   He grabbed the keys from the tied up man, also grabbed the pistol he was carrying. He sure hoped he wouldn't have to use it, the entire place would come running. But better to have it than not, he decided. He headed to the level 2 storeroom. It took a little while to find the right key, He let himself in and walked over to the freezer. Randy had given his the combination for it, thank goodness.

   He opened the freezer and took out the bottle marked 1RX, and another marked SA. He put them in his pocket, grabbed a syringe, then put everything back in place, and left the room.

   Next he'd have to pay a visit to Randy. It sure would have been easier if he'd have just given him the password. Now he'd have to scare it out of him. Starsky hoped he wasn't too loyal to the boss, that would be a tough nut to crack.

   Before entering the room, Starsky pulled out the syringe and filled it with the bottle marked SA. Randy himself was the one that had told him about that, it was simply a sleeping agent. He entered the room as quietly as possible, He wasn't sure how much noise he had made upstairs, He couldn't be sure everyone would still be tucked in their beds. Luckily Randy was.

   Starsky worked very slowly and quietly to tape Randy's arms down to the frame of his bed. This was a ridiculous risk, but it seemed to be paying off. It seems Randy is a deep sleeper. After his arms were secured, Starsky shook the man till he woke up.

   Starsky had his hand over Randy's mouth and showed him the syringe.

   "Not a sound!" Starsky told him. "You know what this is don't you Randy? I think you told be the code name is 1RX?"

   Randy's eyes were wide with fright.

   "That's right Randy, be very afraid, you know what this stuff does to people, don't you. I have a deal to make with you. I want the password to the computer system."

   Randy was shaking his head no.

   "No? Well, I was afraid you were going to say that, I admire your loyalty. But You're not the only one that knows the password, are you? If not from you, I'll get it from someone a little less loyal. But you know what? It won't matter to you then, because you'll be in lala land. Catch my drift?"

   Starsky could see the wheel cranking in Randy's mind. Desperately trying to think. This man's loyalty runs deep, that's for sure, thought Starsky.

   "Ok Randy, have it your way. I admire a man willing to go down with the ship." Starsky pulled the plastic covering from the needle and started towards Randy's arm.

   "Oh wait, that's right, not the arm. That's to slow, right Randy. We Hit the Jugular, right? Aren't you glad you're such a good teacher?"

   Starsky held the syringe to Randy's neck, but it wasn't till he felt the needle pierce the skin that he nodded in agreement.

   "Geez that was a close call there randy. Now what is it. And mark my words, if I get down there, and this thing is incorrect, I'm coming back, and I'm gonna hit you with everything I can find in that freezer up there. You got that?"

   Starsky could see in his eyes, that randy believed he would do just that. He wrote the password as Randy told him, He wasn't going to rely on his memory at a time like this. After Randy gave up the information, Starsky pulled the syringe back out.

   Panic had returned on Randy's face. If it hadn't been for the gag, Starsky was sure he would have screamed to wake the dead. His eyes were doing the screaming for him. Starsky couldn't be this cruel, as much as this guy deserved it.

   "Calm down" Starsky told him, has he pulled the needle out of the mans neck, "You're luckier than your victims, this one was only marked SA"

   Starsky could see the relief on the man's face as he passed out.

   OK, he thought, so far, so good. He was due a little good luck. Two more steps, and we're out of here.

   He walked down to pn#212. Jon had been secured, but of course it had been Starsky's job to know how to take care of that. He released the restraints along with all the other accessories. Here comes the true test, he told to himself.

   "Jon Casey, open your eyes"

   Jon's eyes opened

   "Jon Casey... sit up"

   Jon turned and sat up.

   "Jon Casey I want you to do as I say, follow me"

   Starsky left the room, with robo-jon following close behind.

    Starsky lead Casey to the computer terminal in the level 2 office.

   He didn't know squat about computers, but he knew enough to know he was gonna need disks to copy the information on to. Thanks to Randy's fine training, he knew right where they were. He placed the disks down in front of the computer. He then entered the password, and let Jon do his thing.

   "Jon Casey, Copy all the files out of the computer terminal onto these disks"

   Jon began working. Putting in disk after disk, saving everything the computer files had to offer. In the end, it had taken 20 disks. After the last disk, Jon sat, apparently awaiting further orders. Starsky's clue that he had completed the assignment.

   "Jon Casey, delete all files in the computer in front of you"

   When he had done that, he again sat awaiting further instruction.

   Starsky felt really bad using his friend this way, but it proved to be the only way he could get the information ,and get out, once and for all.

   "Jon Casey, follow me"

   Starsky lead Casey downstairs. Since he had worked arrivals, he also knew the code to open the delivery doors. He racked his brain, making sure he wasn't forgetting anything. Then the two men simply walked out, got in Starsky's car, and drove off.

   The relief Starsky felt to be out of that place was enormous. He couldn't believe how everything just fell into place. He knew that he and Jon were extremely lucky. It was rare that Rogers was away from the warehouse over night, and that is definitely what gave them their edge.

   He hoped it wasn't a failed mission as far as Hutch, and now Jon were concerned. He would turn the disks over, and Rogers' operation would be shut down. But that wasn't going to help them. He had to hope that the sample he'd taken, along with information the disks might hold would be enough to bring them back..

   Now, the next problem. Where do they go at 4:00 in the morning? First, he decided, They'd go back to Jon's. He needed to get Cherie's phone number. That would be the first order of business. He had to make sure Jon was looked after while rapping everything up.

   He instructed Jon to wait in the car, locked the car door, and ran up to Jon's apt. Starsky knew that a key would be the problem. Hey, he thought to himself, if I can get out of that warehouse. I don't think this apartment could pose a problem. He proceeded to break the window leading to the bedroom, and climbed in. Good, he thought, no alarm.

   Starsky would apologize to Jon later, right now he needed that number, he tore through every draw he could find. About the time he decided he'd have to give up that idea, he saw a piece of paper stuck to the wall by the phone.

   Oh No, Starsky, he said out loud. Let's not look right by the phone. That just might be too easy!!

   He left the same way he entered. And ran back to the car. Jon didn't look like he'd moved a muscle.

   "Come on Jon, we're going back to Hutch's place for right now"

   Apparently Jon could care less.

   "This is too weird you look normal, you look like you should be able to hear me. "Jon Casey, Turn your head and look at me"

   Without hesitation. Casey was looking at Starsky

   Starsky stared into his eyes. Trying to see anything inside. But just like Hutch's eyes, they were void of any life at all...

   "It's ok Jon. We'll get you outta there, you just hang in there"

   Starsky drove away. He had driven some time, deep into his thoughts. When he realized Jon was still looking at him.

   "Oh, sorry bout that., Jon Casey,. Close your eyes, sit back and relax"

   On que Jon's body relaxed as he closed his eyes.

   "Unbelievable" was all Starsky could say.

   They pulled up to Hutch's place.

   "Jon Casey, open your eyes. Then I want you to follow me inside"

   Starsky knew where this key was, and had always been. He opened the door, and the two men went inside.

   This had been the first time since all this went down that Starsky had been to Hutch's place. It looked like he just left it. Starsky had become overcome with emotion. He had no idea this place would have such an affect on him. But how could it not. This place was Hutch. The rooms were dark as if they were in mourning. As if they somehow could feel the loss that Starsky was feeling. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea.

   Nonsense he told himself has he tried to pull himself together. Time is running out, I don't have time to house hop. I'll just need to take a deep breath, and take care of the business at hand. After his self talk, he instructed Jon to lay down on the couch and rest.

   Starsky took the phone and sat in the chair and started dialing. What in the world was he going to say?

   One ring...

   Two rings....

   Three rings...

   "Hello?"

    Starsky heard a half-asleep voice on the other end.

   "Hi, I'm sorry to be calling at this hour. I was looking for a Annie?"

   "Who is this, what do want at this hour"

   "My name is David Starsky, I'm a detective with the LAPD metropolitan division. Is this Annie?"

   "Yes, that's me. You're a police officer? What do you want?"

   "I want you to listen to me, It's important that I come over and talk to you."

   "What? Are you serious? You want me to tell you where I live? Do you think I'm crazy?"

   "No Annie, and it's nice to know that you make safety first. But this is very important, I need to talk to you about Jon Casey"

   "Jon? Has something happened to him?"

   She still cares, Starsky thought.

   "Yes, something has happened. I need to come over and explain"

   "Fine, but this better not be a prank on Jon's part to sneak over here"

   "Believe me Annie, Jon doesn't even know what's happening right now"

   Starsky finished the conversation, she gave him directions, and he and Jon were back on their way.

   Starsky walked up to the door, and rang the bell... Annie answered. "Hi you must be Annie," Starsky said

   "Yes" she answered as she looked outside.

   "Jon is out in the car Annie, I thought I should explain first"

   "This seems very strange detective Starsky"

   "You're telling me," he said

   "Well come on in, might as well get this over with. I simply have no time to go into great detail. Let me see how well I can summarize. You see... Jon was blackmailed into testifying against me in a shooting he witnessed. He was forced to lie and testify against me. He was told if he didn't, everyone he held dear would be killed. That's why he drove you away Cherie. He was trying to protect you."

   "What? I don't believe it. Sounds like some scheme you two made up to try to get me to talk to him"

   "Annie you love Jon, and he loves you. Do you really think he'd pull something like this? You know it didn't make sense when he told you to leave. His heart was breaking right along with yours. He also sent his parents overseas to try to protect them. He was dealing with one bad dude"

   "You're serious, aren't you?"

   "Dead serious. I don't have time to tell you much more. I need you to trust me. Jon's been helping out doing a little undercover work. Anyway he volunteered for a risky operation. In the end he was given a drug. A drug that has left him, well in a "state". He doesn't do anything without orders. Let me go get him."

   "You're scaring me Detective."

   "Don't be afraid. Worried is ok, but there's nothing to be afraid of"

   Starsky went outside and a few minutes later returned with Jon behind him.

   Annie could only look. She didn't know what to make of the man standing in front of her.

   "I don't mean this as cold as it's going to sound. But basically right now, He's no more than a robot. His thoughts are not his own, his actions are not is own. He'll only do something when commanded to do so. Let me show you"

   "Jon Casey, Walk over here and sit on the couch."

   The man did as he was instructed.

   "You see? Now I'm working on this case right now, as a matter of fact the stuff Jon was given was also given to my partner and best friend. We're trying to up with a way to reverse the drug. Meanwhile, this is how they'll remain"

   Starsky could see the tears building in her eyes.

   "He tried to call me not to long ago, I would listen to anything he had to say. I should have believed him"

   "He made sure he was convincing when he broke things off Annie, he couldn't have you coming back to the danger that was surrounding him."

   "What can I do, Detective?"

   "First you can start calling me David. Second is I need you to "Jon Sit" we've been undercover, just came back this evening. I've got to go turn this evidence over. They quicker we solve this drug mystery, The sooner we all get our lives back."

   "Sure, you want him just to stay here with me? What do I do with him?"

   "There is nothing you can do with him. You make sure you don't take his blankness personal. He has no control whatsoever. He has no idea that is you sitting there. Believe me, if he did... he wouldn't just be sitting there! I'll have him lie down. Where is a good place for him to sleep?"

   "Just bring him in my room."

   "You sure? We don't know how long this will take to wrap up, you won't be needed the bed?"

   "No, here is fine, I'll manage"

   "Great, now let me tell you how it works. Should you need him to do anything for any reason, you have to start with his name. Jon Casey, I want Lay down on this bed, close your eyes and rest."

   Jon acted on his orders right away.

   "See, do you think you'll remember that?"

   "Yeah, I think so. I think a girl could get to liking this"

   "Hey, Starsky laughed...no fair picking on the guy"

   Starsky walked over to Jon.

   "I know you can't hear me, but I wanted to tell you goodbye anyway. I'm going after this guy. You'll be up and running in no time."

   The two walked out of the room.

   "He's been a good friend, you be sure to take care of him"

   "You don't have to worry about that David."

   "Sorry to dump this on you. I just didn't know of any other place safe enough for him to stay while we figure this out"

   "Don't give it a second though. It took guts coming to me, I thought you were insane you know"

   "I get that all the time" Starsky smiled, "Thanks again, and I'll be in touch"

   "Ok, we'll be waiting"

    Starsky was relieved he was able to get Jon to a safe haven so that he could stay focused on ending this once and for all. Next he'd visit Dobey's office.

~~~~~   

   "Morning Captain" Starsky got a kick outta the look on Dobey's face. He obviously hadn't expected him back so soon.

   "Starsky! You're just full of surprises, aren't you? When did you get out?"

   "I left about an hour or so ago."

   "It's kinda risky coming here since you're on vacation and all."

   "I had no choice Cap. I've got these disks that could hold the secret to Hutch's condition. I need your guys to check and recheck what's on there"

   "I'll see what I can do, so where is your trainee?"

   Dobey could see on Starsky's face that the news wasn't good.

   "I wasn't able to stop it, he's just like Hutch now. Now their fate rests on what we find on those disks.. I think they hold everything we need to know about Rogers. If they come up empty, it'll be over. How is Hutch, cap?"

   "No change Starsky. Now you're thinking the information to reverse this is going to be these disks? That's mighty sloppy of Rogers."

   "Oh Nick runs a pretty clean ship, I was just able to pull a rabbit outta my hat, I just hope my luck holds out"

   "Hopefully by the end of the day, you'll have enough on Rogers to have his entire set up locked down, and with Nicky himself behind bars! They're probably just figuring out what hit them. If you don't get some guys to get out there and soon. they'll be packed up and outta there"

   "Yeah, I'll see to it right away"

   "You do that, I'm going up to see Hutch"

   "Ok, I'll let you know as soon as it's going down, Oh and Starsky?"

   "Yeah Cap?"

   "Good work, it's nice to have you back"

   "I'll remind you of that next time your chewing me out about something!"

   Starsky left the office feeling both physically and emotionally drained. Now that he had done all that he could, his body was crying out to be left alone, to be allowed to just get some old fashion rest. But he couldn't allow himself to slow down, not yet! he had to go see Hutch. It had been too long.

~~~~~   

   Starsky stepped off the elevator and passed the nurse with the sense of humor.

   "Hey! Just thought I'd come check on my buddy, how's he doing?"

   "Oh, it's you. He's been fine. I was just on my way to start rounds"

   "I'm sure you were," he said sarcastically. "You know what? I bet you could just not show up for work, and none of the patients would know the difference, you think?"

   If she heard him, she didn't care to respond. He went on his way.

   "Hey Hutch"! Starsky shouted as he opened the door. His eyes fell on the empty bed.

   Ok, don't panic, he told himself. Remember what happened last time, They probably moved him. No, the nurse would have mentioned it. There was an envelope on the bed, marked "Jarmen"

   A chill ran up his spine. He felt like someone had knocked the breath out of him. He opened the envelope and began reading.

   Thought you were clever, didn't you Jarmen. Make that Detective Starsky. Well who's the clever one now? I want those disks. I'd say a trade was in order. I'll be in touch. I'd go home and wait if I were you. If you're not there when I call, all bets are off, and Hutchinson will be a dead man.

   Oh, Anderson is dead, just thought you'd like to know that.

   Starsky ran to the nurse's station and grabbed the phone.

   "Excuse me sir, you have to use the pay phone like everyone else."

   Starsky didn't acknowledge if he heard her at all.

   "Cap, he's got Hutch, I'm coming back up there, you need to make sure the disks are copied and ready to go when I get there"

   "What are you talking about, who's got him"

   "We don't have time for that right now, I'm on my way, have the disks ready!"

   "I'll make the call right now."

   Starsky threw the phone down, and ran for the elevator.

~~~~~~   

   Hutch was vaguely aware that his surroundings had changed. He was hearing voices again. More now than before. The more he heard other voices, the less he heard his own.

   "We're gonna have a little fun with your partner, what do you say, you in the mood for a little fun?" Rogers asked Hutch.

   "Where would be a good meeting place? Hmmm. It's gotta be someplace deserted, some place, that I'll know if he comes alone. I got it! It'll be perfect. I guess it's time then, to make that all important phone call."

~~~~~   

   Starsky had meet with a little resistance at picking up the disks. Dobey said it was frowned upon to have him running around with evidence like that. Dobey finally conceited since copies were made.

   "I'm the one that went into that hall of horrors to get the disks in the first place. I'll like to see someone stop me from taking them," he told Dobey

   Starsky hit the ground running when Dobey finally handed them over.

   The phone was ringing when Starsky threw the door open. He raced over to answer.

   "YEAH?!" Was all he could get out. He had no breath left in him.

   He heard a click.

   He missed the phone call. Starsky sat there, holding the receiver in disbelief. Before he allowed panic to take over, he tried to be rational. It could have been anyone. No reason to panic yet. Of course he knew in his heart of hearts that it had been the phone call.

   The phone started to ring when Starsky grabbed it.

   "HELLO?!"

    Nothing....

   "Where were you Starsky? I told you to be here. It may already be to late"

   "Who are you kidding, you want this trade as much as I do, you wouldn't risk loosing the tapes by killing my partner"

   "Lucky for you, we don't have to find that out"

   "I want you to listen and listen good," Rogers instructed, "There's an old abandoned farm about 30 miles out of town. Get on hwy 281. Take that to hwy 46, go about 6 miles and you'll see a long line of mailboxes. Take a right on that road. Drive it 15 miles till you come to a dirt road leading to the farmhouse. When you drive in, you'll see an industrial size barn, meet me there.

   "You got that cop? Bring you and the disks only! I'll be able to see any other vehicles approaching so don't even try it. If there's even a hint of foul play, your buddy is dead meat"

   "You touch one hair on his head, and I'll kill you"

   "Ok, I guess you had to say that, now get you double dealing macho butt going, I won't be kept long"

   Before Starsky could say anything else, Rogers had hung up.

   Starsky was on the road, he knew the general area that Rogers was talking about. Dobey had wanted to give him back up, but Starsky refused. "Not this time Cap, Hutch's' life is on the line, and I'm the only one that should take on that responsibility."

    He just made the turn past the mailboxes, he was close now. The adrenaline was pumping now. Was it a smart choice not to have back up, Starsky wondered. But he knew there was not choice, he wasn't going to risk Hutch's life.

   There it was, the abandoned farm. Starsky had been instructed to go to the barn. He came to a screeching halt, and was in the barn almost before the Torino had time to stop.

   He ran in.

   "Rogers? I'm here"

   "And the disks?"

   He heard Rogers, but couldn't see him

   "And Hutch?" Starsky countered.

    "That is the trade in question, isn't it? Come on up and join the party."

   Starsky looked around, and found the ladder that lead to the loft. He was up in no time flat. Rogers was in plain sight, he turned to look for Hutch and to his shock, he found him, standing at the ledge of the opening. The opening intended for hay, but was now serving as a high dive for his brainwashed friend.

   "Hutch! Move back!" Starsky yelled.

   "Have you forgotten already Jarmen, I'm sorry, I mean Detective Starsky? He doesn't answer to anything but one command, and before you try that, notice how your friend is equipped with a nice set of head phones, he can only hear me."

   "Ok Rogers, what sick game are you playing, we had a deal"

   "Oh I see how it is, you can lie to me, and try to send me to prison, that's ok, but I better not welch on our deal? You have things a little twisted don't you?"

   "You're the only thing twisted around here"

   "Show me the disks Cop, open the case"

   "Not till you have him move back"

   "You're in no position to give out orders, now open the case or your pal here is gonna take the equivalent of a 3 story swan dive"

   "Ok, here" Starsky quickly opened the case and displayed the disks. "You see? They're here, every last one of them"

   "Alrighty so far, so good"

   Starsky could see that Rogers was talking to Hutch. He wasn't able to make any of what he was saying. Hutch turned around and walked over to Starsky.

   "Hand the case over to the dummy there"

   Starsky was standing face to face, to the man that had been his best friend for years now, looking for any sign of his buddy in the dead eyes that were staring back.

   "Give it to him" Rogers repeated.

   Starsky handed the case over to Hutch, and was caught quite off guard when Hutch turned back around swinging the case as hard as he could. Hitting Starsky near the left temple. He fell to the ground.

   "Excellent job my boy, not one loyal bone in your body, that's the was I like it!"

   Hutch felt he was battling someone for the right to be in control of his own body, and so far he was loosing. The voices in his head continued to over ride his own thoughts. He wasn't aware what his body was doing, it was as if he wasn't allowed to watch, as if his eyes were turned off from the inside.

   Starsky was lying semi-conscious on the floor of the loft.

   "Hutchinson, I want you to drag Detective Starsky over to the window and throw him out"

   The man formally known as Hutch, went over, grabbed the man under his arms, and started dragging him over towards the opening.

   "Starsky" the name went flying threw the part of his mind that was still his own. He hesitated.

   "Hutchinson, I order you to throw the man out. do it now"

   Starsky was coming to, but still didn't have enough strength to get free from Hutch's grasp. To his surprise however, he was able to use the last bit of power he had left to pull Hutch down low enough to grab the head phones off.

    "HUTCH!! STOP HUTCH, IT'S ME. IT'S STARSKY"

   "Really now, Detective, That's rather pathetic, don't you think. I never took you for the begging type."

   For one brief instant, Hutch knew who he was. He could actually see that this was Starsky in front of him.

   Hutch turned loose. Just as quickly as his self-awareness came to him, it left. He had been shut out again. Starsky didn't know if Hutch had actually heard his voice. But something made him stop and let go.

   Rogers saw that Hutch was faltering.

   "Never send a robot to do man's work", said Rogers, as he pulled a pistol from under his jacket and fired .

   It happened to quick to react. Starsky was unable to get Hutch out of the line of fire..

   He drew his gun and got off a shot, Hitting Rogers in the shoulder.

   Starsky stood there, frozen. He was afraid to go over to Hutch, afraid of what he might find. He couldn't bare the thought of losing him now, when they were so close! He forced himself to look at his buddy. He could see right away that he was still breathing. He knelt down and examined the wound. The bullet entered and exited his right side. He picked up an old blanket lying near by, and wrapped the wound trying to stop the bleeding.

   "You hold tight buddy, you're gonna be fine. I'll be right back"

   Starsky pulled out a syringe and walked over to Rogers.

   "I have a new deal for you Nicky"

   "I'm bleeding, you have to get me help!, Rogers said expecting it to be so"

   "You're lucky you're alive. Now shut up and listen. I want the antidote for the drug. I want to know how to reverse it"

   Rogers laughed, "Like I would really give it to you, if there were one to give that is."

   Starsky pinned the man down, and showed him the syringe, and the bottle marked 1RX.

   "You see Rogers, it would be in your best interest, because I'm fixing to inject you with the same stuff. So if you don't wanna be robot jailbait, you better start talking"

   "You wouldn't dare, you cops aren't allowed to do stuff like that"

   Starsky flicked the plastic cover off the syringe and started towards Rogers' neck.

   "OK OK, I'll tell you, get that away from me, what happened to protect and serve?!"

   Starsky took out the mini-recorded he had taken from Casey earlier, and had Rogers record the reversal for the drug.

   "If this doesn't work, I'm going to come after you. But next time it won't be a threat. Next time I'm gonna give you this stuff, and the first order you'll receive is to very slowly cut off every finger you have until you have nothing left to hold the knife with!"

   That oughta keep him honest, Starsky thought.

   When Rogers had finished, Starsky took the recorder, then closed his fist and turned Rogers lights off. He then gave him the same injection he had given to Randy.

   "You sleep right here, your ride is on the way"

   Starsky carefully lowered Hutch down from the loft and carried him to the car.

   He raced down the road while he radioed for an ambulance to go pick up Rogers.

   "Hang in there Hutch, we'll be at the hospital in no time."

   Starsky hadn't thought the wound to be life threatening but after all Hutch had been through, he wasn't going to take any chances. He road with the lights and siren straight through town to the hospital.

   He pulled into the emergency room entrance, and carried Hutch in.

   "Little help here please!" Starsky shouted.

   A nurse meet Starsky with a gurney.

   "What's wrong with him," she asked.

   "To make a long story short, he's been shot., Is Doctor Simon on duty?"

   "I'm not sure sir, he's doesn't work the emergency room"

   "I know, but he's been this mans doctor for awhile now. Can you page him?"

   "Be happy to, meanwhile, let our people here try to help till he can get down here"

   "Of course. Take him, I'll wait for the Doctor"

   "You do that sir, and don't worry, we'll take good care of him"

   Starsky waited outside in the waiting room for some kind of news. Finally after an hour had past, Dr Simon walked in.

   "Well detective, so we meet again"

   "Yeah Doc, what are you gonna do when we're all healed up and outta here for good? It'll be so slow, you'll have to retire"

   "I'm not sure I can argue with you there Detective"

   "Have you been in to see him Doctor?"

   "Yes I have. It would seem your friend just can't catch a break. They are doing a great job of fixing him up in there. I'd prefer to wait till they're finished to tell you anything for certain. But from what I've seen, He was lucky with this one, It was a clean wound, didn't hit any major organs, and you managed to stop the bleeding rather well. I think he's going to heal up just fine."

   "Doc, I have it, I have the antidote to reverse the drug, When can we try it on him?"

   "That's great news! Let's make sure they have him stabilized first, then we can take care of that. Congratulations on a job well done."

   "I won't allow myself to feel good about anything until I can sit and talk to Hutch, and have him talk back to me!"

   "With any luck at all, sounds like that will be real soon!"

   "So tell me Detective Starsky, what ever happened to Det. Casey?"

   "He went undercover, and ended up being injected with the same drug as Hutch. He's been in hiding for his own safety.

   "Well get him down here, and we'll test this stuff out"

   "I'll make the call right now, meanwhile, could I talk you into checking on Hutch again, seeing how you don't have any other patients," Starsky quipped. "Sorry Doc, it seems I've grown dependant on you."

   "I'll take that as a compliment, Detective. Thanks. You're right, I do have to make rounds soon, but I'll be happy to check the progress of your partner"

   "Thanks Doc"

   Starsky went down the hall to the payphone. He had made sure he kept her number this time!

   "Hello?"

   "Hi. Annie? This is David, how's it going over there?"

   "David, I'm so glad it's you. Jon hasn't moved a muscle since you left him. It's a little disturbing to have him lay there like that. Please tell me you've found something that will help."

   "I'll spare you the gory details, but its looking like all the pieces may actually fall into place. That's why I'm calling. We think we have the cure for Jon and Hutch. Do you think you could drive Jon in?"

   "Of course I can, where do I go?"

   "Just meet me at the emergency room entrance, I'll be looking for you."

   "We're on our way. See ya there"

   Starsky was watching for Annie, when Dr. Simon found him.

   "Here you are, Det. Starsky,"

   "Yeah, just waiting for Casey to arrive"

   "Thought so. I just came from the ER. It seems that Detective Hutchinson came through this ordeal quite well. So well, in fact that I think we're going to aim for tomorrow to try out your remedy."

   "Tomorrow. Finally Hutch will have his life back again. What about Casey, Doctor. Can you take care of him as well?"

   "Of course, let me go ahead and see about getting him into a room."

   "Do you think you can take care of him this evening?"

   "Let me go on my rounds, and after he's settled in, I'll stop in and fix him up"

   "Can't ask for more than that Doc, thanks. See you then"

   Dr. Simon had no sooner walked away when Cherie drove up to the entrance. Starsky took a wheel chair that had been pushed over to the corner, and headed outside.

   "Hello Annie, you made it." Starsky said as he opened the passenger side door.

   "I got us here as quick as I could"

   Starsky told Jon to get into the chair.

   "Mind if I tag along?" Annie asked

   "Don't be silly, I can't think of anything that would make Jon happier than seeing your smiling face when he comes out of this"

   "You will be smiling, won't you?" Starsky asked

   "I'll make sure I am"

   "K, then you can come. He's got a room waiting for him"

   Starsky wheeled Casey over to the nurse's station, and was given his room number.

   "That's on the second floor, would you like me to take him up?" asked the nurse.

   "No, that's ok. I think I can find it just fine, thanks"

   "So when do I get to hear the whole story?" asked Annie as they walked to the room.

   "I can answer any question you might have, but the Doctor is going to come by in just a little while to give Jon an injection. Hopefully after that Jon can tell you everything himself."

   "Well, I do want to thank you for helping Jon like this. I just wish I could have been there for him myself"

   "At least you two were given another chance, that's all that matters"

   They got to the room, and the nurse insisted on taking things from there.

   "I'll call you two back in, once I have him changed, and settled in", she had said.

   "Annie, you wait here in the waiting room, the nurse will come get you when it's ok to go in. I'm gonna go check in on my partner. Be sure to have the Doctor come get me before he gives Jon his shot"

   "The Doctor know who you are?"

   Starsky laughed, "He knows all too well"

   "Ok, I'll make sure he finds you"

   Annie walked over and sat in the waiting room, as Starsky walked back to the elevators.

   Starsky went back to the ER nurse's desk. "Can you tell me where Ken Hutchinson has been taken?" Starsky asked the same nurse.

   "Two friends in the hospital at the same time? That's some bad luck"

   "No," replied Starsky . "After what we've been through I consider it good luck that they're here and not 6 ft under"

   "Well you keep that glass half full, that's the best way to get through times like these. Your friend was taken to room 202. Right next to your other friend's room. Dr. Simon thought it would be easier that way. You can go on up and see him if you'd like"

   "Thanks... Katie" he said as looked at her name tag. "I appreciate the help, and advice"

   "My pleasure. There's more where that came from"

   "I'll keep that in mind!"

   Starsky hurried to room 202. Sure enough Hutch was there, lying just as he had been all these months. Hopefully though, all that was about to change.

   He thought back to the exchange between him and Rogers. How scared he had been at seeing Hutch an inch away from falling, or in his case, stepping out the window. He hoped he would never again know that feeling of terror in the pit of his soul!

   Then to have Hutch stand there staring blankly into his eyes, before blindsiding him. There were no words to describe the shock. It was really the absolute astonishment of having the last thing in the world you'd ever expect, walk up and smack you right between the eyes.

   He had a new level of respect for his partner, had Hutch not fought with everything he had in him, Starsky knew he'd be a dead man right now. He had been helpless at the time, and unable to stop Hutch from doing whatever Rogers told him to do. Somehow Hutch had been able to resist. It had been just a slight resistance, but enough to make the difference between life and death for Starsky.

   "One more night Hutch. Just one more night in your own private hell. I'm glad the last night will be a peaceful one thanks to the medications they've given you. Come tomorrow we'll have you back, so you hang in there just one more night buddy"

   There was a knock.

   "Yeah?" Starsky yelled out.

   A nurse popped her head in. "Dr. Simon asked me to tell you he's on his way over to Mr. Casey's room"

   "Thanks, I'll be right there"

   "Well Hutch, I'm gonna let you get some rest, I'll back to check on you later, sleep good"

   Starsky left Hutch's room and walked next door.

   This time it was his turn to knock.

   "Come in" Annie said

   "Hey there, how are you holding up?"

   "Just a little nervous, I wish we could just get this over with"

   "Well Dr. Simon is on his way, it won't be long now"

    Just then the doctor walked in.

   "Perfect timing Doc, I was just giving you an intro. Are we ready?"

   "Yeah, I think we're all set. This remedy turned out to be a basic application of flushing out his system. I have the proper mix of "a little bit of this and a little bit of that", then if what this Rogers guy says is true, this will flush out all lingering traces of his brainwashing drug from the blood stream. So let's give it a try. What do you say?"

   "I think we're ready Doc, how long till it takes affect?" asked Starsky

   "It's hard to say, depends on how stubborn the antibodies are. I would venture to say that a good 12 hours of "Flushing" should do the trick"

   "Well the sooner we get started , the sooner we find out"

   The Doctor walked over and hooked Jon up with an IV, containing the solution.

   "I thought it was suppose to be an injection," said Starsky

   "No it takes to much of the antitoxin, we'd be giving him injection after injection. His arm will appreciate this way a lot more"

   "That's why you're the Doctor," Starsky replied

   Starsky had hoped that they'd get a reaction from the antidote before Hutch was to receive it, although that made Jon sound like a guinea pig, and that was not Starsky intention. Actually Jon was the lucky one, He'd be the first to return "home"

   "Well Annie, it's gonna be a long night. What are you plans?"

   "If they'll let me, I think I'll stay in the room with him tonight, and you?"

   "Yeah, guess I'll do the same, no sense in going home. You get some sleep, we have a interesting day ahead of us."

   "You got that right, Goodnight David"

   "Night Annie"

   The next morning Jon had been the first to wake. He came to feeling disoriented. It didn't take long to realize he was in the hospital. He wasn't sure what all had happened. The last thing he remembered was waking up to total darkness, being unable to move. And now here he is. He knew one thing. He must be hallucinating, because although he was still a little out of sorts, he could swear he could see Annie asleep in the chair next to his bed.

   He tried to sit up, but found he was too weak, the effort of trying caused just enough of a noise to wake up his hallucination.

   "Jon! You're awake!" Annie shouted.

   Jon still didn't know whether to believe his eyes or his ears. He didn't say a word.

   "Jon? Can't you hear me? Are you ok?" Annie walked over and held his hand.

   "Annie? Is that really you? I thought you were a figment of my imagination!"

   "No such luck, It's really me. Jon I don't know where to start, I'm, sorry for giving you such a hard time, and for not giving you the benefit of the doubt when you tried to explain"

   "Annie, you have nothing to be sorry for, I was terrible to you. Let's don't worry about that right now. I'm just grateful you're here with me now"

   "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! You really scared me, I didn't know if I'd ever be able to talk to you again. I would have just died if the antidote hadn't worked, and I would have had to live with knowing my last words to you were so bitter"

   "As soon as I get my strength back, I'll tell you the whole story. You mentioned the antidote, I guess that means Starsky's plan worked. Where is he?"

   "He's next door with his friend. You were given the treatment last night, His partner is to receive it this morning. I need to call get him. He'll be thrilled to know that it worked."

   "Yeah, you go tell him, I'll be waiting right here. Whether I want to or not" Jon said

   "Ok Honey, I'll be right back"

   Annie tapped on the door, but there was no response. She peaked in to see if David was there. He was sound asleep in the chair next to the bed, just as she had been. She knew he must be tired to still be sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. She walked softly over to him and tapped on his shoulder.

   "David?" She whispered "David?" She said a little louder

   Starsky woke up to every muscle in his body feeling sore.

   "Oh, my aching back. I don't recommend these chairs for sleeping, he said.

   "I know what you mean, that's how I slept too last night. Listen David, I have some good news, Jon's awake"

   "He's awake?!" Starsky shouted. "Yahoo!! How is he? Did you talk to him? Was he able to talk to you?"

   "Calm down," Annie laughed. "Instead of playing 20 questions, lets go back to his room as see."

   "Yeah right, let's go" Starsky turned back around. "I'll be right back Hutch, you're next!"

   Starsky walked into Jon's room. He looked as thought he was still sleeping.

   "Jon?" He saw the man's eyes open. "Jon! It's true, you are awake"

   "Yep, it's true alright. Nice to see you again Starsky"

   "Man, not as nice it is to see you. This is amazing, the antidote, really worked!"

   "I want to hear all the gory details when I'm feeling better, you hear me?"

   "Are you feeling bad?" Starsky asked

   "No, you can't really say I feel bad, just a little woozy. I have zero energy, I couldn't even sit up"

   "Ok then, when you're back on your feet, I'll tell you everything. You missed out on a lot of action"

   "Good! I've decided I'll leave the action to you and hutch. I can't wait to sit behind a boring desk and eat salads again!"

   "I can't say that I blame you, matter of fact, I might join you," Starsky joked.. "Hey Jon, it's great to have you back! I'm gonna leave you to your better half here, and I'm gonna go fetch the doctor. He said that Hutch would be recovered enough from his gun shot wound to receive the treatment this morning."

   "Gun shot wound? I have missed a lot, haven't I?"

   "Yep, like I said, a lot of action! Take it easy, I'll see you guys later"

   "Good luck with Hutch, Starsky. It's about time, isn't it?!"

   "You can say that again!"

   Starsky left and asked the nurse to page Dr. Simon.

   Dr. Simon walked into the room about 10 minutes later with the IV solution in hand.

   "How did you know that's what I was paging you for?"

   "What else could it have been? Dr. Simon said with a grin

   "Well I could have called you in here to ask you if you were aware that Casey woke up about 20-30 minutes ago"

   "Did he? I wasn't aware of that. I guess they let you know things before me now. That's great news, I'll have to go check on him, when I'm through here"

   He switched the IV bags, then checked Hutch's vitals.

   "Ok, well let's see if we can't do the same for this guy, I imagine he's ready to come back to us"

   "I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. I can't wait for this stuff to do it's job!"

   "I know, It's been a long ordeal. It's a miracle he's still alive at all. I think we all need to remember to say an extra prayer at the end of the day, heck, make that the end of everyday"

   "I know I will Doc! So you say about 12 hours give or take?"

   "Their situations weren't exactly the same, but it took Det. Casey about, he looked at his watch and started calculating, "it took 9 hours for him. I imagine Det Hutchinson will be somewhere in that same ball park."

   "Can you give me a sedative that last that long? I wanna just wake up and have it be time, I don't know how I'm going to pass the time away"

   The Doctor laughed, "that's all we need is for him to come around, and have you be out of it. Go visit with Casey, or make phone calls. Go catch a movie. Just remember a watched pot never boils"

   "I'll think of something, thanks Doc"

   Starsky thought about calling everyone that he and Hutch knew, and tell them to get up here for the big event. But nothing said this thing was 100%. He couldn't do that to all those people. This way he'd be the only one that would have to deal with the results.

   He was trying to be optimistic; after all, Jon had come out of this thing clearly no worse for the wear. But still, as the doctor had said. They hadn't been through the same experiences. Jon hadn't had the stuff in him as long as Hutch had. Jon hadn't been traumatized over and over again, as Hutch had been. So much for thinking optimistically.

   He didn't feel like visiting with Jon and Annie. Besides, they needed their own time together. He couldn't make himself do anything other than just sit by Hutch's side, and wait. For as long as it took, he'd wait.

   Annie had popped her head in a time or two to offer food or drink. He had no appetite. But to make her feel better, he let her buy him a soda. "Soda? She asked? I didn't know anyone called them Soda's anymore."

   "Fine," he had told here, "get me a pop"

   "Oh yea, that's much better she said as she left"

   He took a few drinks to make her happy, After she left, he just sat there. Sat and waited. Without even realizing he was tired, he fell asleep. His body was taking every chance it could to make up for all the lost sleep it had encountered.

   He hadn't been aware he had fallen asleep till the Doctor woke him up.

   "Catching up on some much needed sleep, I see. You didn't need a sedative at all, did you?"

   "Hey Doc, what time is it? I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep"

   "It's about 12:15am. It's been about 14 and a half-hours now. I just thought I'd come by and check on things"

   "Over 14 hours? That's not right. You said so yourself that it had only taken Jon 9 hours to respond.!"

   "Yes Det Starsky I did say that, but I also said, and as you well know, these men's circumstances weren't the same. Let's not forget, he IS recovering from being shot. I'm not worried yet, so don't you be. After all, I have some more hopeful news. We've ran a complete blood work on Det. Casey, and I just got the result back a little while ago. It seems this stuff really does the trick. There isn't any amount of this 1RX whatsoever left in his blood."

   "That is good news. I'm happy for him, Have you shared that with them yet?"

   "I'm on my way now, just wanted to let you know that this cure is a good one, looks like it's going to stick"

   "well excuse me for not getting more excited about that just yet, check with me after Hutch is wake and talking again"

   "I know Det. Just hang in there, I don't think there's anything to worry about"

   Starsky thanked the doctor and told him to go give the good news to someone who would appreciate it. And right now, that wasn't him. He didn't think he would be able to handle another set back. The emotional ups and down were beginning to take their toll. It didn't matter, however, whether he thought he COULD face it, he had to face it, He buddy wasn't showing any signs of coming around anytime soon.

   He got up, and walked out of the room. He walked through the door marked stairs, and began climbing. He climbed till he had reached the roof.

   It was a windy evening, and although it was still technically summer, there was a slight chill in the air. Starsky didn't think it was just the cool air giving him the chill. He laid down on his back, and looked up at the sky. He let his mind go. The city lights washed out a lot of the stars, but he was still humbled by it all.

   A person looks up there, Starsky thought to himself, and he realizes how infinitely small he is. His troubles, which seemed insurmountable, were somehow more in perspective. Surely a creator that would give this to man just for his viewing pleasure, would have more regard for a living soul.

   He closed his eyes and for the second time humbled himself with another heart felt prayer. It had worked before, but now he needed his prayers to be answered like never before.

   A few minutes later, something inside told him it was time to go back to his partners room. He took one more look at the brilliant sky, and headed back inside the building.

   He couldn't take the stairs quick enough.

   He walked into his partner's room, and sat next the bed. Hutch hadn't looked any different than any other time he had sat here next to him. Starsky couldn't explain it, but he felt a new energy coming from hutch.

   It hadn't been a long wait. Finally, Hutches eyes opened.

   "Hutch?! Can you hear me buddy?"

   Hutch was looking at him, but didn't talk.

   Starsky saw life in those baby blues for the first time in months, and it was then that he knew everything was going to be ok.

   All Hutch could do was squeeze Starsky's hand, and give a faint smile, but for Starsky that was all he needed. He held his friend's hand until he had again fell into unconsciousness.

   When Starsky was sure Hutch was sleeping, he ran out of the room. "Nurse!! Where's Dr Simon? Page Dr Simon"

   "Is everything ok, Mr. Starsky?"

   "Everything is fine just get the doctor up here"

   He ran back to Hutch's room.

   "Where's the fire," Dr. Simon asked .

   "Doc, you missed it. He woke up.!"

   "Did he now?! Did he talk to you?"

   "No, but he did manage a smile. And he squeezed my hand."

   "Well that's definitely something!"

   "Damn straight it's something!" Starsky added.

   "Let me take a look", said the doctor

   He took Hutch's vitals, checked his pupils, his breathing...

   "He looks to be coming out of this just fine, Detective. I think all of our worries are behind us."

   "I think so too Doc, but I'd sure feel a lot better if he'd stay awake."

   "You just sit with him and have patience. It's all just a matter of time."

   Two hours had passed, when Starsky noticed Hutch starting to stir.

   "Hutch, can you hear me? Its Starsky."

   Hutch was slow at coming to. At last his eyes opened.

   "Hey Starsk" His voice was no more than a whisper "Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you"

   "I'm right here buddy, don't you worry. I'm right here looking out for you. You're gonna be just fine."

   "I've had one heck of a dream Starsk, I'll have to tell you about it sometime"

   "Yeah, we'll swap stories when you feel up to it. So you feeling ok?"

   "Very tired, other than that it's hard to say. I think I'm ok. I don't feel like I'm all here yet."

   "You're more here than you've been in a long time buddy, you rest now, everything is finally going to be ok"

   "I feel like that's all I've been doing is resting, but I'm still so tired I can't keep my eyes open"

   "Whether you know it or not, you've been through a lot, your body needs to recoup."

   Starsky was trying to keep from breaking down in front of Hutch. A tremendous amount of weight was lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in a long time he was worry free. It was an amazing feeling.

   "Hutch, you don't know how good it is to hear your voice. I never thought the day would come when I'd miss hearing you talk"

   "Don't worry Starsk, you'll live to regret those words", hutch joked

   "I don't doubt that" Starsky replied, Knowing it wasn't true. He'd never take anything about Hutch for granted again.

   "No more chit chat, there'll be plenty of time for that. Rest up for now. I'll be waiting on you"

   "If you insist, and Starsk?"

   "Yeah Hutch?"

   "I'm not sure what's all happened, but thanks"

   "Your welcome buddy" That's all it took, Starsky couldn't hold back any longer. Thank goodness Hutch feel asleep before he could see Starsky cry, He'd never let him live that down.

THE END