When they arrived at the marina Starsky took his bags and followed Hutch, looking around at all the boats that were tied up in different docks. "Which one is ours?" he asked, hurrying after Hutch who had no luggage with him. "Hey Hutch, where are your things?"

"Already in the boat Starsk."

"When did you take them there? Yesterday evening?"

"Nope, this morning, before I came to get you."

"What time were you here?"

"Oh I don't know…five o'clock maybe."

Starsky stood stock-still. "Hutch, that's sick."

Hutch walked on. "No it isn't. It was wonderful to be up and preparing for our trip that early. Hey look Starsk, there she is."

Starsky looked to where Hutch pointed at and forgot all about getting up early. "Wow Hutch, that's a beauty."

Hutch stood there with a happy look on his face. All stress seemed to drain away from him the moment he saw the cruiser waiting for them to take her to out to sea.

"Isn't she a dream?" he asked almost whispering.

"Yeah, she really is," Starsky's voice was as admiring as Hutch's was.

They stared at the thirty-five foot long cruiser for a moment longer, then Hutch fished a key from his jacket pocket and walked towards the boat. Starsky followed him, struggling with his luggage, his eyes fixed on the boat, which was rocking gently in the dock.

"How did you find her and what did you pay for her?"

"It's Huggy's friend's cousin's wife's boat and I could rent her for a few bucks."

"Um, you think it's kosher?"

"Huggy said the woman is filthy rich and doesn't care for this baby. She was glad she could make someone happy with it for a few days. She wants to sell it."

"And you think of buying it?"

Hutch got on board as if he'd done it lots of times. "It has crossed my mind."

Starsky handed him his duffel bag. "You can't afford her."

Hutch took Starsky's bag and backpack. "Probably not but I can dream, can't I?"

A little queasy Starsky got on board. "I hope I won't get seasick."

"As soon as we're on our way you'll feel great. Just wait till you get your sea legs."

"I hope so."

"You want to see the rest of her?"

"Sure. I don't have to pee in the ocean, do I?"

"Nah, she's equipped with all the luxury you can think of. A shower, a toilet, a kitchen. Name it and it's here."

"But no TV."

"No, that's the only thing that's not here. But you won't be bored."

Holding on to everything within reach Starsky carefully turned around to look at the boat's cabin. "Is that the room?"

Hutch smiled, "Yes, it's the room and the bedroom is right behind it."

"I like it," Starsky said entering the cabin through the small door, "It's kinda cosy."

Hutch followed him and looked around the cabin as if he owned the boat. "Yeah, it is cosy, isn't it?

"Where's the kitchen? I wanna put the beer in the fridge."

"The galley is upstairs."

"Galley?"

"Yes, it's nautical language for kitchen."

"Nautical? Have you been reading funny magazines again?"

Hutch grinned, feeling very happy and relaxed. "I've always been interested in ships Starsk. When I was a kid…"

"Never mind. Where is the galley you said?"

"Upstairs."

"We got a two floor ship?"

"Great, isn't it?"

"Kinky! How do I get there?"

"Follow me."

They left the cabin and Hutch lead the way to the small galley that was positioned behind the steering cabin. A small fridge caught Starsky's eye and he immediately began to fill it with beer cans and candy bars. "I came prepared too," he grinned at Hutch, "When are we leaving?"

"As soon as I've put the food in the fridge. I hope you left some space for real food?"

"I thought you said we'd be eating fish all the time."

"I said, but I guess you weren't awake yet, that I had pity on you and brought food with me. Even popcorn."

"You never mentioned food, just popcorn."

"I didn't? Must have been the excitement."

Hutch left the galley to get a bag from under the chair in the wheelhouse and returned with a big smile on his face.

"You're really enjoying yourself, aren't ya Hutch?"

"Sure am Starsk, sure am." He opened the bag and began to put the items in the fridge. "Lettuce, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, let's see…oh yes, steaks."

"Hutch! That's gross. I'm not going to eat lettuce and carrots on my vacation."

"It's very good with fish Starsk, and if we won't catch enough there's steak. Don't tell me you don't like steaks."

"I hate lettuce and carrots and you know it. You do this to bug me, don't you?"

"Never buddy, I'd never do that."

"Really."

"Honest. It's just that I found this great recipe I'd like to try."

"Hm, all right then."

"Come on, it's time to go."

"Ay ay Captain."

Hutch took place behind the wheel in he steering cabin after he had untied the boat and started the engine with a flourish. Starsky stood behind him watching him handle the boat as if he'd done that every day of his life. The strong engine rumbled and they both could feel the vibrations under their feet.

Hutch put the boat in reverse and expertly steered it out of the dock. He made a perfect turn and they left the marina. The wind tousled their hair and the salty smell of the ocean hit their noses.

"Ah Starsky, this is the life don't you think?"

"I don't know Hutch, I think I'm getting seasick."

"No, you're not. Come and sit down."

Starsky made his way to the second chair, next to Hutch, and sat down. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" he asked, a little insecure.

"Sure am buddy. Don't you worry about a thing and enjoy the scenery."

"If you say so."

Hutch laughed. "I say so. You wanna handle this baby Starsk?"

"Yeah but not yet. I'm enjoying the scenery like you said."

"Okay. We got plenty of time, you'll get your chance."

The sun was shining but the wind was cold and Starsky zipped up his jacket. "How fast are we going?"

"Fifteen knots."

"What's fifteen knots?"

"About thirty miles."

"Then why don't you say so?"

"We're at sea Starsk, we use 'knots' at sea, not miles."

"We're at sea Starsk," Starsky mimicked his partner in a low voice.

"What's that buddy?"

"Nothing. Just wondering why they use different words for the same things at sea."

"That goes back a long time. I could tell you why if you're interested."

"Nah, maybe later. I'm getting hungry. Isn't sea air supposed to make you hungry?"

"Yep, that's the story. Can you wait a little while? I'm gonna try to find a good spot to anchor."

"That's okay. I'm not that hungry anyway. How long are we gonna drive?

"We're not driving, we're cruising."

"Cruising? Cruising a boat uh? Okay, how long were you planning on cruising this thing before we are where you want to take us?"

"To be honest Starsk, I haven't made a travel plan. I thought we'd just go and see where we'll end up. There's a lot of sea to be explored and as soon as you or me sees something interesting we'll stop and stay there for a while."

"It's all water to me."

"True, but there are beautiful bays where we can anchor and go fishing."

"Can we go on land there?"

"What's the fun of going on land when you have a beautiful boat to stay on?"

"No rocking."

"You'll get used to that in no time."

"Yeah well, I feel safer when I have steady ground under my feet."

"You're safe here. Nothing is gonna happen to us."

The longer they were sailing, the more Starsky was enjoying the trip. He no longer felt queasy, the rocking boat didn't make him feel nauseous and his fear of water was pushed aside by the beauty of the open sea. Hutch noticed the change and smiled to himself. I knew you were gonna love it buddy. I just knew it.

Hutch steered the boat a little nearer the shore, looking for a place to anchor. A small bay came in sight and he decided that it was the perfect spot for their first stop.

"Look Starsk, that looks like a great place to anchor, don't you think?"

"Starsky looked the direction Hutch pointed out and agreed. "Looks fine to me. You think there'll be fish for us to catch?"

"I guess so, but we'll see soon enough."

The moment they entered the bay, the wind fell away and the heat of the sun made them sweat instantly.

"Hell, it's hot here," Starsky said, "As soon as we're anchored I'm gonna get out of these clothes."

"There's no one here, so if you want to walk around naked, be my guest."

"Hutch! You idiot, I'm not gonna walk around naked. Who do you think I am? I'm gonna change into shorts. Dirty old man."

"You're older than I am Starsk, so who is a dirty old man here?"

"Ah, not me. It never crossed my mind to get naked here. But hey…since you came up with the idea, is there anything you want to tell me, partner?"

"Me?" Hutch looked innocently into his friend's face, "No, nothing at all."

Starsky stared him right in the eyes. "Do I believe you?"

Hutch stared back. "Yes."

Starsky nodded but said nothing. He broke their stare and looked around. "Nobody here, you're right. We got our private bay."

Hutch pulled back the gas handle and pushed a button. There was a rumbling sound and then the boat stopped moving forward. "We're anchored," he explained, "It's all you have to do, push a button."

They were in the middle of the bay. The water was smooth as a mirror and the sun was shining with all of her might.

"I'm gonna have a beer first," Starsky said and disappeared into the galley.

"Bring me one too, Starsk," Hutch yelled. He stayed where he was, knowing that there was hardly enough room for two in the small kitchen.

Starsky returned with two cold beer cans and threw one at Hutch. Then he sat down next to Hutch again and they opened their beers. The first swallow made them sigh in unison and Hutch said, "This is the good life Starsk. Just you and me and the sea with a cold beer."

Starsky nodded, "Yep, I could get used to it."

"Maybe," Hutch said dreamily, "when I'm out of the force and get bored doing nothing, I'll go and sail the seas for the rest of my life."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. You wanna come with me then?"

"Sure. Where will we go?"

"Who cares Starsk? We could go anywhere or… we could just sail away and see where we land. If we don't like it, we'd just sail away again."

"Yeah."

"Wouldn't it be great to just go and be free from any ties?"

"Sure would be. And don't they say that a sailor has a sweetheart in every port?"

"Hmm, they do."

"Great! I should have become a sailor instead of a cop."

"Yeah, you should."

"Hey Hutch?"

"What?"

"Did you bring any sunscreen?"

"Huh? No, I forgot."

"Good thing I did then. You'd be as red as a lobster before the day is over."

Starsky had already taken off his jacket and now he pulled his shirt over his head and threw it behind him. He let the sun warm his upper body and tilted his head backwards to give the warm sunrays better access to his hairy chest. "This feels like heaven," he mumbled and lifted his head for another swig from the beer can.

"Yeah, could sit here for hours."

Starsky sat straight up. "No you can't. You got to get the sunscreen. Your nose is red already."

"You get it. You brought it with you."

"Fine, I want to get out of this jeans anyhow. AND," he emphasized, "get into shorts."

Hutch grinned and looked at him. "You do that and I'll wait till you're back to get out of my clothes. Don't wanna get sunburned."

Starsky got up from his chair. "And you called me lazy a few hours ago."

"You were and now it's my turn. Oh and Starsk, take your shirt and jacket with you. I don't wanna see any mess on this boat."

"Excuse me? Is this my partner, the biggest slob in the entire city?"

"Not here. A boat's supposed to be tidy and clean. It's all in the rulebook."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Starsky picked up his jacket and shirt and left the steering cabin.

Hutch laughed softly and got out of his jacket and shirt. He decided to wait before he'd put on his shorts. First I wanna go fishing.

He got up and stretched his back. Then he went to the back of the boat and opened a hatch. Kneeling he bent over and took out fishing gear. Two sets of fishing poles and accessories were lying in front of him and he looked at them, wanting to start fishing immediately.

"What have you got there?" sounded Starsky's voice behind him.

"I got out the fishing gear and now I can't wait to use it."

"First put some sunscreen on before you end up looking like a lobster." Starsky threw the bottle of sunscreen to him and Hutch caught it with one hand. "Thanks."

"You want me to do your back?"

"Yes, can't reach that far."

Starsky took the bottle from him when Hutch was finished rubbing in the skin he could reach and started rubbing in Hutch's back with the lotion. "Not a second too soon partner, you're already pink here and there."

"I can feel that."

"Here, all done. Now go and catch me my lunch."

"You're not fishing yourself?"

"Nah, fishing is boring. Can't stand to wait forever to catch something. I'll be happily sunbathing with a cold one while you catch lunch."

"Hey, you're supposed to catch your own meal Starsk."

"Why? You're the one who wanted to go fishing."

"And you came along, so you have to do something to earn your lunch."

"I can make us something to eat."

"Like what? We haven't caught anything yet."

"I could roast the steaks."

"No! The steaks are in case of emergency."

"I'm starving, that's an emergency."

"It's not. Here, take this and catch some fish." Hutch pushed a fishing pole into Starsky's hands. "Make yourself useful for once."

"For once? I just got you a beer, saved you from sunburn and offered to make lunch."

"Yes and now we're going to catch our lunch."

"But I don't know what to do with this thing. When I was a kid, we used a long branch with some rope and bread. Damn, we never caught anything."

"Of course not. You forgot the hook."

"The hook? You mean those mean pointy things that go through a fish's mouth?"

"Yes that hook."

"But Hutch, that's cruel. You can't put a hook through some poor fish's mouth."

"No hook, no fish buddy. Your choice."

"Hutch! There must be another way to catch fish."

"We don't have a harpoon here."

"That's even worse."

"No fishing net either."

"I could shoot one."

"Sure, whenever you find a fish that'll hold still long enough for you to shoot it let me know."

Hutch was finished preparing one fishing pole and handed it to Starsky, taking the other back from Starsky's hands. "Here, this one is ready to be used."

"What kinda bait do you use?"

"No bait. I use artificial bait."

Starsky looked at the lure and shuddered. "Man, that looks lethal."

"It ain't. It'll just hook the fish and we only have to haul it in and kill it."

"I don't know if I can do that Hutch. What has that fish ever done to you that it has to be killed?"

"It's meant to be eaten."

"Yeah well, I'm not so sure I want to eat fish ever again."

"It's a natural thing Starsk; we're the hunters and they're the hunted."

"Maybe, but fishing is boring."

"No, it's not. It's relaxing. Just sitting and watching the floater go down is kind of meditating; it's good for the soul."

"Not for my soul it isn't. It's boring and you'll see that my floater just keeps floating."

"Let me show you how to catch fish then."

"Okay, show me oh master of the fishing art."

TBC