TWO

Jan. 5th: 0930 hours

Stifling a yawn, Corporal Klinger looked at his list of things to accomplish this morning. He had already had a busy day. He had typed up four reports to send to HQ. He had awoken Major Winchester for his post-op duty and he had had to listen to that officer's complaints. He had informed Sergeant Rizzo that a replacement for his motor pool crew should be arriving in a few days. He had made arrangements for another cot to be placed in the enlisted men's quarters. And, he had measured, and staked, the area where the tent for the new nurses would be set up.

The other MASH outfits further away from the front lines had already gotten the extra nurses that the Army Medical Board, at Colonel Blankenship's urging, had deemed necessary. The 8063rd and the 4077th were the only two units left who were waiting for their additional assistants. He knew that the nurses here would be glad to have someone else to help take care of all the patients. But, the word from HQ was "soon"; which, in Army lingo, probably meant never.

He had stopped by the nurse's tent, hoping to see how the lieutenant was doing. Before he could knock on the door, however; Nurse Smith had walked by and had told him that MacAllister was finally asleep and that unless the tent was on fire, he was to leave her alone. Believing the threats she had voiced, he had left the area hurriedly.

No calls had been made to them. The colonel had even placed a call to MacAllister's outfit but no one had answered there, either. Klinger hoped that every thing was all right.

The company clerk paused in front of the bulletin board near the hospital building. Amongst the orders of the day, an offer to swap a gallon of suntan lotion for some winter gloves, and Hawkeye Pierce's latest affection-seeking scheme; there was a notice that the deadline to apply for the sergeant's exam had been extended to the end of the month. Colonel Potter must have posted that one while he was out taking care of camp business.

Klinger read that announcement again. He did meet all the requirements…and the few dollars extra in pay would be nice…but…did he really want to try for that step up in rank?

Stopping beside him, Captain Pierce asked, "Any responses to my 'hug a doctor' request?" And then, curious to see what the other man was reading, he looked at the notice. He laughed, "You're not seriously thinking about taking that test, are you?"

"Why not?" The corporal asked.

"Because Klinger; that's for people who want to stay in the Army. You're trying to get out, remember? Besides, every time we've had a contest for a couple of days leave, you've written the answers on your arms and legs. There wouldn't be enough room left on your entire body for all the questions on that exam."

"I wouldn't cheat on something like that, sir," Max Klinger replied. "I just might sign up for it."

The man from Maine laughed again, "If you do, you just might get that section eight."

He walked away, chuckling, "Sergeant Klinger…that's a good one."

Disappointed that the doctor was not taking him seriously, the corporal sighed and headed back to his office. He had some more reports to type. The captain was right, anyway. What made him think that he could actually pass that test?

Jan. 5th: 1830 hours

Lieutenant Kellye was sitting at the nurse's desk. She, Sarabeth MacAllister and Captain Hunnicutt had made the change-of-shift inspections of the two post-op wards and had completed the updates on the medical charts. MacAllister had been assigned the duty in post-op #2, and was now in the VIP tent, taking care of the patients there. Hunnicutt and Kellye were on duty in post-op #1. All of their charges were resting comfortably. Both medical officers were taking the opportunity to write a letter.

Kellye wrote:

Dear Tim,

This is not a good day. Very early this morning we found out that Crockett had been shot. It's been over twelve hours and there's still no word. Sarabeth thinks he's alive but she's not sure. Fannin was with him. So we don't know if they're both hurt, or captured, or what. I am so worried about the two of them!

It reminds me of when Papa passed away—I have that same feeling of dread. I don't know what we're going to do if.… No, I'm not going to write it; I'm not even going to think it….

Anyway, I'm glad that everyone back home had a good Christmas. Despite everything, we had a good time, here. Our party for the orphans was fun. And the packages from home were great! Thanks for sending me my lava rock. It has always meant so much to me. And, it brought back so many memories.

I made a small bag to keep it in and I'm wearing it on the same chain as my 'dog tags'. Christie says she wears her wedding ring next to her ID tags, too. And I know that Sarabeth wears her bluebonnet necklace under her shirt, as well. So far, Major Houlihan hasn't said anything about our extra jewelry. I'm sure she knows about it, however. She doesn't miss much around here.

Like last week, when we were stationed at the 425th Evac. Hospital. Monica was complaining, as usual. She was also reporting for duty late, as usual. Sarabeth had warned her but she didn't listen. So, she found out that she could be assigned to bed pan duty at that hospital, too. And, Major Houlihan chewed her out royally, as well. It was hard for the rest of us not to show how much we enjoyed hearing that lecture.

It was also interesting to see some of the patients that we had treated previously. At our outfit, we can only 'patch them up and ship them out'. We never get to see their actual recovery process. I enjoyed being able to visit with those soldiers and to see how well they were progressing in their therapies.

I'm so very glad to hear that you and Alana are getting married! I like her. Have you set a date yet? Maybe I'll be able to come to your wedding. Don't count on it; however. It doesn't seem like this war is ever going to end….

Hearing a cry of panic from one of the beds, both the nurse and doctor quickly moved to the young man's side. After determining that his shout was caused by nightmares, and not pain; and after they soothed his fears, B J Hunnicutt returned to his own letter:

I wish I were home with you and Erin, Peg. But, it doesn't seem like this war is ever going to end….