Sidney knocked twice on the Father's tent, then realized he must have finally fallen asleep. Sidney smiled to himself; not that there was anything funny about the situation, because most certainly there wasn't, but he'd been in Mulcahy's position of having to comfort an entire camp before. He of all people could appreciate Mulcahy's need for a deep sleep.

He let himself in, just to check on things. There, sitting on his desk, was Mulcahy's collar. It was symbolic of what he must be feeling, Sidney noted. Not that he expected him to sleep with the religious symbol on; on contrary, he'd half expected to find it within reach of the sleeping Father.

It smelled like scotch in there, Japanese scotch to be exact. He couldn't blame him. Drinking on occasion was good for the soul. But it was the depths to which Mulcahy tried to cover it was what disturbed Sidney. There were fresh flowers and it smelled a bit like disinfectant in his tent, but there was no doubt what Mulcahy was trying to hide. Hawkeye and Trapper installed a still in their tent, and it reeked, truth be told. But for the Father to do something so out of character, something in which he was so clearly ashamed of, troubled Sidney.

Just then Mulcahy awoke. "Sidney?" he asked, confused.

"Pardon me, Father. I know I came in uninvited and quite possibly unwanted, but you see, I wanted to check on you. It's in our nature, I believe."

A disheveled Mulcahy sat up, his hair representative of the slumber that he'd finally found,. "Pardon my appearance. It seems as if I fell asleep, although strangely enough, I don't recall ever going to bed."

Sidney sympathized with him greatly. He'd been there himself many, many times. "Don't worry. This is not a beauty pageant. If it were surely I'd be disqualified- I don't seem to represent the American ideal of beauty," he laughed.

Confused and still half asleep, Mulcahy rubbed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Sidney. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Actually I'm here to help you help yourself."

"Pardon?"

"I'm here to relieve you. You have a 48 hour pass to Seoul, starting at your convenience."

"I can't leave now. Surely you've heard..."

"About Henry? What a shame. A loss of a truly good soul. Speaking of Seoul, may I assist you in packing?"

"I appreciate the offer but surely you know that I can't leave the camp, not at this hour of crisis."

"I'm afraid it's not a request. It's an order. It comes from your temporary commander in charge."

"You mean..."

Sidney nodded. "That's right. Frank Burns requested that I take over your duties for the next few days. I get the sense he's not the most generous of commanders, so I would take advantage of his offer while it still stands."

It didn't make sense. "Why does Frank...Major Burns...want me out of camp? Does he think I'm a hindrance?"

"Au contraire. He knows how you've been tiring yourself out. I would take him on his offer if I were you," Sidney reinforced.

"What kind of priest would I be if I abandoned my flock in their time of need?"

"I may not have the history correct, but didn't Jesus take a few days off himself?"

Mulcahy wanted to protest, but he knew exactly what passage that Sidney was referring to.

"I'm sorry, Sidney. I just can't...I can't..."

"Perhaps you should talk this over with Major Burns before making your decision."

Mulcahy grabbed his robe and his glasses, overlooking the collar on his desk. "Of course. I don't see what good it will do though."

Sidney smiled at his friend, with all of the compassion he had in him. "Try him. You might be surprised."

Mulcahy looked at him, then went to find Frank.

0000

"Major...I received your request from Sidney,and I find it most unsettling."

Frank was busy shaving. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You didn't order my 48 hour pass to Seoul?"

"Oh that," Frank examined his face closely. "I just thought you could use a break. I'd go myself but I believe my services are needed."

"And mine aren't?!"

"Now Father, don't get all worked up. I know how tired you must be...it's been a very trying past 24 hours for all of us."

Now Mulcahy really blew up. "Apparently for some more than others. That's right, I know how you've been chomping at the bits to replace Henry. And you obviously see your chance. Forgive me for saying this but I don't believe your motives for getting rid of me are entirely pure!"

Frank put down his razor and looked at the priest. "Are you refusing an order?"

Both stared at each other for a few minutes. "No," Mulcahy gave in. "I suppose not."

Frank giggled nervously. "Very well. I assume you travel lightly so you should be ready to leave in an hour?"

"An hour would be fine," Mulcahy sighed.

As he left Frank's tent, he couldn't help but question his motives. What was in it for Frank to rid himself of the priest for a few days? At the risk of being judgmental, he knew Frank well enough to know that he didn't do something kind unless there was something in it for him. But he had his orders, and it was off to Seoul he went.