Chapter Seven: Tokyo Or Bust

Trapper sat on his bunk writing the letter. A letter that he knew was going to change the rest of his life. Louise had made it clear to him that she wanted a divorce, but Trapper wasn't about to commit to anything that final. Instead he was proposing a trail separation from when he came home. He explained that nothing could be done whilst he was still in Korea and he didn't want to upset the children anymore than he had too.

He had found time to take himself off and write in peace and quiet. A usually unlikely scenario to be in but after the last few days of continuous causalities, the wounded had slowly ground to a halt and the enemy had changed course. Trapper finished his letter just as Hawkeye was returning from his date with Nurse Cutler. He fell into his bed, his eyes closing before he hit the pillow.

"Hey pal, you can't sleep for long, we leave for Tokyo in three hours."

"I know, I know. Just let me rest."

"Sure take all the rest you need. I'm going to get some lunch."

"M'ok," murmured Hawkeye.

* * * * * *

Trapper didn't head for the Mess tent immediately, instead he made a detour to the CO office where Radar was straightening up his desk before lunch.

"Radar, when's the mail goin' out?"

"Um the van gets in at 15:00 today Sir," came the reply.

"I'll be gone to Tokyo by then, can you make sure this letter goes priority. It's important Radar."

"No problem, Trapper." Radar put the letter into his out tray. "You goin' to lunch?"

"Sure Radar, you wanna be my date," grinned Trapper.

* * * * * *

Alex was packed but her stomach was twisting itself in knots. She was keen to follow Hawkeye's lead at first but in the cold light of day she was beginning to have doubts. What if she couldn't remember how to act? Or if Trapper still wasn't interested. She began to think that maybe she shouldn't go with them after all. Suddenly a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she answered.

"Hi, the jeep is here to take to you to the plane." It was Radar. Trapper had sent him over to collect her from her tent.

"Thanks Radar, say have you seen Trapper and Hawkeye? Are they ready?"

"Captain McIntyre sent me to get you and Captain Pierce was packing when I left the Swamp."

"Right, thanks Radar," she said smiling as Radar picked up her bag.

* * * * * *

Over in the Swamp, Trapper practically had to drag Hawkeye from his slumber. Trapper wasn't going to let anything spoil his leave. What with three almost straight days of surgery and the added problems from home, Trapper was looking forward to some rest and relaxation.

"C'mon Hawk, we hav'ta go soon. You gonna get something to eat?"

"What and ruin a perfectly good flight to Tokyo? No I'll get something there." Hawkeye yawned and poured himself a drink. "Stop pacing will ya, you wear a hole in the floor, I'll be ready."

He was. They left with plenty of time to spare and met Alex out at the chopper pad. She waved at them as they approached in a jeep. Klinger had driven her up and was keeping her company until they arrived.

"Hi," called Hawkeye, "I see you decided to accept our offer to be sold to a Tokyo businessman. White girl fetch plenty money, yes."

"Ha, ha Hawkeye," answered Alex sarcastically.

"Remember," whispered Klinger. "A lady will never be rude or impolite. Just be yourself though, oh and wear the blue dress, it matches your eyes."

"Thanks Klinger, I'll try. I'll let you know when I get back."

"Have fun," he called as he drove the jeep back to the compound.

Trapper had taken the bags from the second jeep and sent Radar back to camp. Alex was standing shyly next to Hawkeye and from their discussion Trapper was convinced they were talking about him.

"Say, Hawk. You couldn't help me with bags here."

"No I couldn't," then turning to Alex he continued his conversation. "It'll be fine, trust me. I've known Trap a long time and when he sees you in that dress."

"Hawkeye, don't be crude. I just hope everything works itself out."

At that moment the chopper arrived. They all piled in and headed for Tokyo.

* * * * * *

Back at base, Frank was enjoying a tranquil moment without the interference of his room-mates. He picked up his book and stretched out on his bed listening for a noise - nothing but total silence greeted his ears, just the way he liked it.

"Major Burns, I need a word," whispered a voice from outside.

Frank looked up to see Margaret peering in through the screen door.

"Margaret, why are you standing there, come on in?"

"No Frank, I want to see you later. Come to my tent at 8.00pm sharp."

A slow satisfied smile fell over Frank's face. He knew that the next few days were going to be heaven, no Pierce and McIntyre and he and Margaret could spend some quality time together, without interruption.

* * * * * *

Tokyo was a buzz of excitement as Hawkeye, Trapper and Alex touched down at the chopper pad. Alex was tired already, the flight had been uneventful but she couldn't stop her mind for wandering to what this trip could transpire.

"Ok, you two. I'm going to get checked in and then find myself a geisha girl or two," said Hawkeye winking at Trapper.

"Sounds good to me, I'll come with ya," agreed Trapper.

"Oh come on Trap," whispered Hawkeye taking him to one side. "We can't leave Alex alone on her first night."

"But I thought she was meeting up with her friends. I didn't come here to baby-sit you know."

"I know, but it's only one night. I promise I will take the shift tomorrow, ok?"

Trapper sighed. Great start to his relaxing vacation! All he wanted was to be able to kick back and do nothing and now he was going to have to entertain Alex. He still felt a little awkward about their kiss.

"Hey guys, we going to the hotel," called Alex, "I don't know about you but I'm starving."

"It'll just be you and Trap, I have other arrangements."

"Very well," said Alex politely. "And thank you for a pleasant trip, your stories kept me most entertained."

Trapper looked a little taken aback by this statement but said nothing.

"Catch ya for a night cap, Hawkeye?" he asked.

"If I find my way back to the hotel," laughed Hawkeye heading to his favourite bar in the city.

Alex and Trapper stood on the sidewalk, neither knowing quite what to say next. Alex was hoping that Trapper would break the ice. This wasn't the kind of situation she had anticipated during their stay in Tokyo.

"You wanna freshen up and meet the lobby then," he finally said.

"Sure."

"About an hour, sound good to you."

"Sounds fine," she said heading to her room.

* * * * * *

Alex adjusted the dress that she had chosen to wear for dinner. She had taken Klinger's advice and worn the blue one that she'd bought in Tokyo the last time she was here. She was ready, no going back now. She stood staring back at her reflection in the mirror.

"Just be polite, have fun and most importantly be anything but yourself."

She looked at the clock, she was already running late but that was fine. Keep him waiting another five minutes she thought, you don't want to seem to keen.

Trapper was in the bar already. He was onto his third drink before Alex appeared. He didn't even notice her come in.

"Good evening," she said politely.

Trapper looked up at the voice that had spoken. "Alex.....you look, I mean."

"Thanks, shall we go eat?" she asked slipping her arm through his.

* * * * * *

From outside, Hawkeye had been watching this meeting. So far his plan was working, Alex looked amazing and Trapper was obviously smitten with her. Content that they were happy, Hawkeye headed back to the bar.

* * * * * *

Trapper was dumbfounded at the change in Alex's behaviour. For a start she looked beautiful but her usual gung-ho attitude seemed to have subsided as well.

"Good evening, are you ready to order," asked the waitress.

"Yeah, what are you having Alex?"

"I'm sure whatever you order will be fine," she replied smiling sweetly.

"Ok, give me two plates with everything then," he said.

"Very good, Sir and drinks?"

"You want something to drink," he asked Alex.

"That would be splendid, what would you like?"

"Two Martini's, the drier the better," said Trapper as the waitress left.

"You look real nice. Is that new?"

"Yes, I bought here in Tokyo before I came to the 4077th. I haven't really had an opportunity to wear it, till now that is."

Trapper couldn't stop staring at her, it was amazing how different she looked. His mind was spiralling into confusion. Could he possibly have feelings for Alex after all? And if so would it work, he didn't know if he wanted to fall into another relationship especially how things were with his wife.

"Well it looks great," he said smiling.

"Thank you Captain. So do you any plans for the next couple days?"

"No, I'm just enjoying spending this evening in the company of a beautiful woman."

Alex blushed but was slightly angered at the same time. Hawkeye had been right, changing her appearance was working on Trapper but underneath she was the same person, if only he could see that. Trapper on the other hand was being to feel a lot more relaxed. He was enjoying Alex's company, not that this was a new experience, he always liked spending time with her but this was different.

"You're sweet," she said.

"So you didn't want to go with Hawkeye then?"

"Chasing girls round Tokyo, that's not my style."

Alex giggled, it was funny that Trapper was treating her so differently now they were away from the compound. She guessed he must have forgotten that she caught him in the supply tent with Nurse Gallagher only last week.

"Of course not, you're a true gent."

"Exactly, I am glad we got that straightened out."

The conversation throughout the dinner remain constant. Alex laughed at his jokes, praised him on his surgery skills and kept her opinions to a minimum. Although she believed that this wasn't the correct way to behave - she had been taught to make her feelings known, she was enjoying the evening's progression that to come clean now would only cause waves.

By the end of the meal, it didn't seem relevant how all this had come about. As they left the restaurant Trapper offered to walk her to her room. The wine they had drunk with the meal had made Alex slightly light- headed as she climbed the stairs to her door.

"This is me," she said leaning against the frame to steady her balance.

"Well aren't you gonna ask me in for a night cap?" he grinned.

"I'm a guess I'm a little beat. I had a wonderful time though, thanks Trapper." As she spoke she kissed him on the cheek.

"I think we can do better than that," said Trapper taking her in his arms and kissing her passionately.

"Wow," she breathed. "Well good night then."

"Night," he whispered.

Trapper went to his room but he couldn't sleep. He wasn't expecting Hawkeye back, so he decided to head back down to the bar for one last drink. Three hours later he was still sat there.

"Hey Trap, whatta ya doin' down here?" It was Hawkeye.

"Huh, Hawkeye, you're back," he said giving him a friendly pat on the back.

"I'll have one of those," said Hawkeye to the barman. "And another one for him. How long has he been here?"

"A while," replied the barman, bringing the drinks over.

Trapper head was lolling on the bar, he couldn't focus on Hawkeye's face and the room appeared to be spinning before his eyes.

"So Trap, you struck out then?"

"With who....Oh you mean Alex. No, not really, she is one amazing girl though."

Hawkeye grinned. That was the just the news he had wanted to hear. He wasn't surprised see Trapper in the bar, but he was glad that the evening hadn't been a total disaster.

"You think, I thought you weren't interested."

"People change," declared Trapper swallowing his drink down in one. "Say, Alex was different tonight, I can't describe it but she wasn't like she is at the camp."

"What you mean she's some sort of dummy, sent to spy on us."

Trapper snorted, "Be serious. No I mean she was more like a woman, more lady like."

"I thought you wanted her like that?"

"Me too, but even though she was great company. She was even better company before, although I did like the dress."

"Careful, if Klinger finds out you want to take his place as chief nutcase, he'll have your hide."

"No, I may have had a few drinks tonight, but I'm being serious. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like the old Alex better. I just didn't see it before."

Hawkeye stared at his friend. If happiness could be shown in a physical form, it would best describe Trapper at that moment.

"That's great Trap. Say are you gonna tell her, to be her again I mean."

"What now, yeah let's find her," he said jumping up and grabbing hold of a waitress.

"Hey, Hawk, she looks different. Has she changed again."

"That's not her," said Hawkeye apologising to the waitress. "Come on I think that it's time you called it a night."

Hawkeye helped Trapper up to the room they were sharing. As he passed Alex's door he heard the handle slowly turn. Alex hadn't been able to sleep either and she was waiting for Hawkeye to tell him about the date.

"Is he ok?" she whispered.

"Yeah, he'll be fine. Look I'll just get him to bed and then I'll come over."

Hawkeye lowered Trapper onto the bed. The alcohol had finally taken over his entire body and he was sleeping like a baby. He turned to leave the room to go and talk to Alex as promised.

"Thanks Hawkeye," came a murmur from the bed. "I think I love her ya know," he added before passing out again.

* * * * * *

Alex was waiting patiently in her room for Hawkeye to return. She didn't have to wait long before there was a tap at the door.

"Alex, open up it's Hawkeye."

"Come on in, the door's unlocked," she whispered back.

Hawkeye came into the darkened room and proceeded to tell Alex everything that Trapper had said, as he spoke her face shone. So the plan had worked to an extent although really it was never needed in the first place.

"He really said that, about loving me I mean." Hawkeye nodded.

"It's great that you two managed to sort this out and with barely any help from me. I'm amazed."

"You are a true friend Hawk," she said giving him a hug.

* * * * * *

Back at the 4077th, things weren't running as smoothly. Despite the reassurance that they wouldn't be sustaining any heavy fire in their direction for the next few days, the casualties were still coming in. Henry was in despair, he needed his surgeons back and fast.

"Radar," he called.

"Sir," said Radar who was already stood next to him.

"Call the hotel, I need....."

"I've called the hotel, Pierce, McIntyre and Chapman will be back in a few hours. Will that be all Colonel."

"Yes Radar. Man, they gonna hate my guts. I'd better get into the O.R."

* * * * * *

The message that they were required back at the camp came through almost immediately. Hawkeye had managed to wake Trapper and was on his way to Alex's room when he met her coming the other way.

"You're up early," he said. "I was just coming to wake up."

"I could the same for you, I wanted to see Trapper, is he up yet?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid the trip is over though. Henry needs us back, apparently the wounded have decided to check in, in their hundreds."

"Oh, ok I'll get packed and met you by the chopper in half an hour."

"Right, oh and Alex, you're beautiful," he commented.

* * * * * *

The chopper got them back to the camp just as the jeeps carrying the next supply of wounded were coming in. Hawkeye and Trapper set straight to work with Alex assisting the nurses. No one had time to ask how their trip was. Alex and Trapper had managed to exchange a few glances across the operating table but there wasn't time to talk.

"Corporal Chapman, take a break you look beat," said Henry as he noticed that the young girl was dead on her feet.

"Thank you Sir," replied Alex, heading for the nearest chair and sinking into it.

"Hey Trapper," called Hawkeye, "You about finished over there?"

"Yeah, you need some help?"

"No, but I think one Corporal does, why don't you take a break."

"I'll be back in a few minutes," he told the nurse at his table.

"Yes, Doctor."

Trapper pushed through the swing doors and found Alex sitting outside. He removed his mask and went over to talk to her.

"Nice job in there," he said startling her.

"Thank you Doctor. Too bad our trip was cut short though."

"Yeah, say I was wondering if you could help me with something."

"Sure, if I can."

"Well I wanted to know if you would be interested in getting together tonight for a few drinks and help me with a problem."

"You're asking my help, but your a doctor."

"I didn't say it was medical," he said slipping his arm round her waist. "It's just I met this amazing woman and last night I thought I was having dinner with her, but she seemed totally different, almost like she had been switched for another person."

Alex suddenly realised what Trapper was driving at, he wasn't stupid and now she knew that he liked her for her, she didn't feel she had to pretend anymore.

"Ok Captain McIntyre, so you've got me on that one. But I thought you didn't want a girl who was into guns, football and drinking. Then Hawkeye suggested that I changed into the perfect female and you wouldn't be able to resist."

"Hawk said that. I knew he'd be involved. You're right though, I was too wrap up in what was going on with Louise to notice anyone but when you showed up yesterday in that dress, it was like a fantasy and in those you can be who you want. I guess I couldn't face the reality of life but now I can."

He went to kiss her." Trapper, not here. What if someone catches us, Major Burns for instance."

"He won't, he's still trying to find his way through a patients intestine." He kissed her again.

* * * * * *

The next day the wounded had dropped and the camp were looking forward to their weekly football match. Although they were all beat from the non-stop surgery that had occurred throughout the night, no-one wanted to miss the game. Father Mulcahy was referee as he was the only man that the whole campus trusted to be fair.

"I don't know about this game," said Hawkeye, "I don't think my eyes will stay open long enough for me to see the ball."

"Come on it'll be fun," said Trapper. "Besides Alex is depending on us."

Outside the teams were all set. The whistle was blown and the game began. Alex was the star player, she had shown her skill on the field before and now despite being the only girl on the team, she was giving the guys a run for their money.

As she ran past the fifty yard line, then the twenty, the crowd was cheering her on. She flung herself at the touch line just as the whistle blew.

"Final score," called Father Mulcahy. "25 - 22, the Swamp Things win."

There was a cheer from the crowd as Alex was crowned star player and carried above the rest of the team to the Mess tent for a celebratory drink. As Trapper and Hawkeye followed the rest of the unit into the tent, Trapper turned and smiled at his pal.

"That's my girl," he said heading into the tent to find her.



THE END