Chapter 7

Major Houlihan had Radar order insignia and a name badge for Sam so he could blend in better. Sam hoped he would leap long before he would need those items but only time would tell for now his life was in Radar's hands.

Margret was a true trooper. Even in another top secret project she still came shining through. She led Sam to the Swamp to formally introduce him to the men.

Sam complained on the way, "Why not get me a VIP tent or something?"

"That would look suspicious, Captain." she informed.

Sam puffed out his cheeks, "But the Swamp is…"

"I know," she assured with a wave of the hand.

Sam made last ditch effort, "Can't I stay with you?"

"That would look even more suspicious," she countered. They arrived at the Swamp and opened to door. Houlihan led Sam inside.

"Captains, Major," she greeted.

The three lay about their cots doing next to nothing and looked up.

"This is Captain Samuel Beckett. He's been sent her by HQ to help fill in temporarily." She stood and prayed they would buy the excuse and not start questioning too much.

Hawkeye looked the man over, "No rank?"

"The military lost my uniform," replied Sam. "Along with a number of other things," he muttered.

Margret stated, "His luggage was lost and replacements are coming. We should all be honored to have Doctor Beckett…I mean Captain Beckett with us. The man is a genius."

Sam whispered to her, "I have massive memory gaps due to the project."

"You're still a genius," she whispered back.

"I would have to disagree," he informed.

BJ smirked, "Oh, so you are Radar's friend. The genius he was telling us about!"

Sam smiled nervously, "Radar tends to overdo it a bit. I'm not a genius."

Winchester grinned mischievously, "Oh come now…You are with your own kind here. I am man of good breeding and highly educated. You play chess by any chance?"

Margret smirked, "Sam taught me to play…That's how I was able to beat you so easily."

Sam miffed, "No wonder people go insane here."

"Sam?" asked Hawkeye. He wasn't sure why but suddenly he was rather jealous of Sam. Surely, there must be something wrong with this man for Margret liked him and she only liked men who seemed…Crazy.

Sam held out his hand to Hawkeye, "I prefer 'Sam.' It's nice to meet you Captain Pierce."

Hawkeye shook the hand, "'Hawkeye' and how did know my name?"

"It's on your uniform," stated Sam pointing behind him.

Hawkeye looked over his head and found the uniform but his name badge was buried under the cloth. He was puzzled.

BJ offered a hand, "BJ Hunnicut. Everyone calls me 'BJ.'"

"Pleasure," stated Sam. He looked at the still, "You boys make your own, huh?"

BJ went to the still and poured a glass of booze for his guest and then handed it to him.

"Try it," he offered. "It's got a nice bite."

Sam took the glass and took a small sip. He nearly chocked.

"You might want to bring the flame down a bit and cook it slower," he suggested.

"Hey, it serves its purpose," stated BJ.

Sam agreed, "That is does." He placed the drink on the cold stove and motioned towards the empty cot, "That's where I sleep?"

"It's all yours," stated BJ.

Margret suggested, "I'll get you some extra uniforms and things for your stay, Captain." She seemed very pleasing in manners and she smiled at Sam like he was a dear long lost friend.

Hawkeye certainly didn't like how Margret seemed all gushy over Sam. He began to suspect he was the target of her affections and she conned Radar into helping her get her friend transferred to the 4077th.

"There's a foot locker you can use," stated Hawkeye.

Sam took a seat on the bed and looked about, "I guess this will do for a while."

Hawkeye asked, "Going someplace?"

Sam nodded, "I'm only here temporarily. I'll be going to my next assignment soon."

BJ wondered, "So you just go from MASH unit to MASH unit filling in?"

Sam replied, "Something like that."

"I bet Radar is excited to have you here," stated BJ.

Sam explained, "I'm the big brother he never had. But he knows it only temporary."

Later

Sam had managed to settle into his new surrounding in the Swamp. He actually would have preferred to have remained in Major Houlihan's tent for it was far cleaner and nicer over all.

Charles started his record player and was listening to loud music. The man seemed oblivious to the fact it annoyed everyone else including Sam.

Sam reached over the turned the player down to a softer level.

Charles huffed, "Do not touch my phonograph."

Sam replied, "You have the volume up a tad too loud. I was just turning it down."

"I prefer it at that level," snorted Charles.

Sam suggested, "Then why not get a pair of headphones and listen to it that way?"

"Headphones?" scoffed Charles. "You cannot get the full effect of the orchestra with headphones."

"Okay," Sam held up a hand. "I think I will go for a walk then."

BJ and Hawkeye both perked up.

"I'll come with you," stated BJ.

"Me too," agreed Hawkeye.

The two rose to their feet.

"Ever been to the officer's club?" asked BJ putting on his GI jacket.

"Not yet," stated Sam.

"Let's go," replied BJ.

The three men exited the tent as Charles turned his player up even louder than before.

As they walked away Sam let out a sigh, "How do you put up with that?"

"Booze," stated Hawkeye. "Lots of booze."

BJ wondered, "So, where do you know Radar from?"

Sam explained, "We both come from families that run farms."

"Ah," nodded BJ assuming they were neighbors. "So, you really a genius?"

Sam shrugged, "Not really."

BJ wondered, "Did they ever test your IQ?"

Sam nodded, "Yeah, but I don't remember what it was."

Hawkeye asked, "Where did you go for medicine?"

"Harvard," recalled Sam.

BJ laughed, "Oh, so did Charles. You should see how he waves that degree around like it's a pedigree."

"A degree is nothing more than a piece of paper," replied Sam. "You can graduate last and sill be called a doctor."

Hawkeye nodded, "I knew one of them," as he recalled Frank.

They walked into the club and found Father Mulcahy playing the piano. He looked over at his friends and spotted someone new. He stopped playing.

"Hawkeye, BJ…I see you have a new friend," the father cheered.

BJ started, "Father Mulcahy, meet Captain Sam Beckett."

Mulcahy greeted, "It's nice to meet you, Captain. Beckett? Do you know John Samuel Beckett from Indiana?"

Sam gulped for that was his father, "I do have relatives there," he nodded.

The father grinned, "Really? Well, John Beckett is a friend of mine."

Sam nodded, "So he is."

"He's a good man," he nodded. "His wife had a baby not long ago."

Sam nodded, "So she did."

"I'm still waiting for the picture," the father replied.

"I'm sure you will get it, father." Sam then asked, "Mind if I give it a whirl?"

"Help yourself," the father stated and rose from the bench.

Sam took a seat and started to play.

Hawkeye stood back and grimaced, "This guy plays the piano too?"

BJ stated, "He's good." He paused for a moment, "I like him. He's a likeable guy."

Hawkeye made a face, "Yeah, he is likeable. Smart, courteous, good looking…With this guy here I don't have a chance with the nurses."

BJ laughed, "What makes you think you had a chance to begin with, Hawke?"

"Did you see the way Hot Lips just about fell over him?" asked Hawkeye.

BJ smirked, "If I didn't know any better I would say you are jealous."

"I'm not jealous of him," insisted Hawkeye. He then backtracked, "Not that jealous." He crossed his arms, "Okay…I'm jealous. How do we get rid of him?"

BJ laughed, "Who would you rather have? Sam or Charles as your tent mate?"

Hawkeye pondered in thought as BJ looked surprised.

"I'm thinking," he replied. "Let's see how he does in the OR."