Ok finally I got this next chapter up, phew. Hope you guys think it's ok. Father Mulcahy does get a mention, finally though it be brief.
***
"So why do I need my rifle for, Major?" Klinger asked quizzically leaning against the filing cabinet at the opposite end of the CO's office.
"Because under no circumstances are you and I letting Penobscott into the 4077th," Charles leaned forward drumming his fingers purposefully on the wooden desk.
"Why does he wanna try and get Major Houlihan back? Shouldn't we tell her? Bet she'd like to kick his butt too," Klinger grinned at the thought.
Charles did not find it so pleasant a thought "No, Klinger the Major can't know."
"But why.." Klinger began
"It's just best she doesn't, Max. It's just for the best."
"If we tell the MPs they oughtta keep him out," he suggested earnestly.
"He's a General, Klinger he would be able to get himself let off. He may even turn the MPs on us."
"Good point. So what do we do then?" Klinger was perplexed but anxious to help keep Penobscott from hurting Major Houlihan again. "Last time he made her angry she gave me and Radar hell for a week!"
"Well, Max we are going to need someone to be a spy at one of the checkpoints, so that we'll be informed of his arrival," Charles clarified
"There's only a couple fo checkpoints from here to Seoul so we could make a fake one. Sparky and Snoopy know a couple of guys from the other M*A*S*H's, well I know them too.. I kinda owe them some money after I lost in a Poker game against them but I got a few things their outfits might need and if it'll stop Major Houlihan from calling be Corporal Jerkface from Crumland, Ohio again then I'm all for it!"
***
Charles leaned back in CO's chair as he thumbed through the duty roster for the umpteenth time.
08:00 -16:00 - Captain Hunnicutt and Lieutenant Baker
16:00 - 00:00 - Captain Pierce and Lieutenant Kellye
00:00 - 08:00 - Major Winchester and Major Houlihan
Houlihan thinks you've gone mad too, she'll be watching you like a hawk. As a matter of fact they all think you're mad. But since when would you start to care what they think. You're a Winchester don't forget so keep your upper lip stiff!
His state of deep thought was disturbed by Hawkeye waltzing in through the doors with a mischievous look on his face.
"What can I do you for, Pierce," Charles raised his eyes from the paper he was holding to direct his fellow Swamp rat.
"Hey, Charles ole' buddy.."
"What is the favour you want, Pierce?"
"Uhh well, it's my Dad's birthday next month and I hoped you'd take my shift for me so I could go to Seoul and get him a present. I swear this has nothing to do with a girl. I promise you. You know how mail is..
"Fine, Pierce you may go."
".. and everything I just want it to.. What did you say, Charles?"
"You may go, Pierce. I'll take your shift."
"Really?" Hawkeye seemed specious . "What do you want out of it, Winchester?"
"Nothing. Your father is important to you, that is obvious. You know you have to take a double shift the day after, don't you ?" Charles rose from behind the desk and walked into Klinger's office to try and file the duty roster.
"Well ..yeah but I know you Charles, you want something out of this,"
"Just that you take my shift the day after. That seems only fair. I give you my word, Pierce as a Winchester that is all that I want from you."
Charles looked him square in the eyes.
"Right, ok thanks, Charles."
With that Hawkeye stepped back into Post Op without another word still a bit sceptical of Charles' intentions.
***
Midnight had rolled around and Charles pushed the door of Post Op open just in time to see Kellye and Hawkeye approach him.
"Pierce. Lieutenant," he regarded them both .
Hawkeye didn't answer but as he reached the door Charles noticed him nod to Margaret before stepping out into the crisp night air.
I bet they've been discussing whether or not to get that Major Freedman down her to examine you.
"Anything to report, Major?" he enqueried avoiding her gaze.
"Nothing other than Corporal Davis needed an extra unit of blood," she handed him the clipboard, analysing his face.
"The Haemophiliac?"
"Yep, Colonel Potter's patient."
"I thought haemophiliacs are prevented from joining the Army," he raised his head to glance at the young blonde haired boy lying dorment at the end of the room.
"He neglected to tell them that when he joined up,"
"I'm guessing this was the first time he was wounded?"
"Yeah, we're shipping him home the day the Colonel gets back if there's no more complications,"
"That boy has a terrible burden to bear."
***
It was about three in the morning and Charles was sat at the end of the ward, next to the blonde soldier reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickins. From the corner of his eye he noticed Margaret every now and then glancing up from her work to his general direction.
What did I tell you? Just like a Hawk.
"Major there is no need to keep checking on me. I'm not going to rip the tubes out of the patients and try to slit your throat while singing La Traviata," he disturbed the silence without raising his head. He said it so offhandedly it was as if he was talking about the weather.
Margaret was about to answer when the familiar voice of Private Joseph Shaw came over the PA.
"Attention! Attention! Roll out the welcome mat, folks. We're back in business! Hope you like our welcome home present, Major Winchester!"
With that Klinger and Father Mulcahy came rushing through Post Op.
Mulcahy and Margaret exited immediately.
"It's all settled, Major. I'll stay outside and help with triage so I can hear the phone and I'll call when I get word," Klinger explained.
"Thank you, Max," Charles shook the Corporal's hand gratefully before they both trooped out to meet their guests.
Next chapter: Klinger and Charles vs Penobscott.
