Chapter 14: A New Era

A/N: It's Dr. Quinn vs. Dr. Winchester as the main event, but first there are other events at the 4077th to tell you about so you'll have to wait. By the way there is no Donald Penobscot in this story. This chapter is the beginning of the "Margaret era". So pull up a seat and have one of Hawkeye's Martinis.

Michaela Quinn liked Colonel Sherman T. Potter. In her opinion he was what the MASH 4077th needed, a true father figure. Henry Blake, God rest his soul, was like having your favorite uncle babysitting. He let you stay up late and break rules your parents set for you. With Colonel Potter you knew you had boundaries. Cross the boundaries you paid the consequences.

Colonel Potter was a career Soldier about to retire. Like Michaela's own father he had served in World War I. He had also been in the Second World War as well. He knew and understood how the Army worked and had seen his share of the horrors of war. The Colonel had spent the post war years in administrative positions rather than in the operating room. Hawkeye and B.J. had their doubts on whether he still had it. Colonel Potter shut them up by holding his own in a lengthy O.R. session soon after he arrived. He then showed the Swamp men he could drink as well, joining them for cocktails.

Col. Potter did not get to do a proper turn-over with his predecessor, Major Frank Burns. The reason was that Frank Burns lost his mind and ended up getting escorted to the mental ward in Tokyo by Sidney Freedman. Frank's mental problems started when he found out he was getting relieved. He threw a temper tantrum and sulked in his tent for a day.

Then Major Houlihan dumped him. She knew that Frank wasn't going to divorce his wife when he got home so she told him it was over. She also announced she was going to extend her tour in Korea. Margaret Houlihan was moving on.

Margaret came to see Michaela after she broke the news to Frank. Colleen was off on a date with Lt. Robinson so Michaela was alone in their reading a book when Major Houlihan came by. After telling Michaela the news, she dropped another bombshell.

"Captain Quinn, I have to tell you something. I admire you very much, being the only female surgeon here. You're just as good a surgeon as Pierce and more mature. Most important you don't depend on a man like I did with Frank. I know you don't approve of what I did and I want you to know I'm sorry." Margaret then started crying.

Michaela was speechless. Hot Lips Houlihan, the most difficult woman she had ever met just broke down in front of her. And she was right, Michaela didn't approve of her affair with Frank. But Michaela said did something she knew her mother in Boston would never do. She offered forgiveness.

"Major, your right. I thought you were a foolish woman carrying on with Major Burns, but you're also one of the strongest women I know. You don't have to apologize to me; I'm just an Irish girl like you. But as of tonight Major we'll start off on a clean slate. What do you say Margaret?"

Major Houlihan stopped crying and looked at Michaela. "Okay Michaela, Thanks."

Frank meanwhile went ballistic. He got drunk at the Officer's club and attacked the blonde haired Lt. Garreau mistaking her for Margaret. She kicked him in the family jewels and he spent the rest of the night tied to his bunk moaning and crying for Margaret. When Major Houlihan found out he had attacked one of her nurses, she came into the Swamp and also hit Frank in the family jewels.

The next day Dr. Sydney Freedman came to the 4077th and tried to talk to Frank but Frank didn't talk. He just whimpered that he wanted his mommy. Lt. Garreau wanted the Major charged with attempted rape. Dr. Freedman recommended that Frank needed some rest in Tokyo, so Frank left the 4077th in a straight jacket.

Amid all this chaos the new adjutant, Captain William Frank arrived. Capt. Frank had been the adjutant for an Army Hospital on Okinawa when he got orders for duty with the 4077th. Frank had missed WWII and spent the post war years on occupation duty in Germany. He volunteered for service in Korea but ended up on Okinawa instead. He had recently married to a WAC (Women's Auxiliary Corps) Lieutenant still on Okinawa. They planned on getting out of the Army and immigrating to Israel once the war was over. (The Franks were Jewish).

The new adjutant was very competent in his job and worked well with Radar. In fact Capt. Frank was the only person in camp who could think ahead of Radar. He also became a companion for Father Mulcahy, they two of them discussing points in the Old Testament.

"You would make a fine Rabbi, father" he once told the priest. "But come to think of it I guess you already are in a way."

Father Mulcahy thought about it for a moment and said "I guess you're right. The original Christians were Jews and there were priests of the temple in Jerusalem".

"There you go Father. Who says we can't all get along"? The Adjutant replied.

Colonel Potter was sitting in his office waiting for the Dentist and assistant head nurse to arrive. He had a situation to handle and he wanted to deal with it right now. The Colonel had been in command of the 4077th for a full week. In war a week is a lifetime. Two of his officers were dating. No big deal at least neither of them was married. They were of different races. That made things well downright awkward.

I don't have nothing against Negroes. I'm not one of those redneck boys back in Missouri putting on white sheets every Friday night and I won't tolerate that behavior in my command.

"Colonel, Capt. McMurphy and Lt. Robinson here to see you sir." Radar announced.

"Have them come in Corporal" The Colonel said in a low tone.

The two officers came in and stood at attention. "At ease you two, have a seat please" The Colonel said gesturing to two chairs. McMurphy wore a white lab coat having come from Post-op and Lt. Robinson wore a surgical top having come from looking at teeth all morning.

Colonel Potter cleared his throat and leaned forward on his desk. Colleen fought the urge to hold Robinson's hand. She had an idea what this conversation was going to be about. The Colonel was from Missouri after all. Probably a Klansman she thought.

"Now I won't beat around the bush. I'll get right to the point. I know you two are courting. It's no secret. And it is also obvious that you two come from well different backgrounds. Well there are pretty of Soldiers here in Korea and Japan cavorting with women of different backgrounds so if I said end it I would be a hypocrite and Mrs. Potter didn't raise any hypocrites. I will advise you to be careful and be discreet when strangers are in camp comprende? Col. Potter then leaned back into his chair.

McMurphy and Robinson looked at each other for a second then looked back at the Colonel. "Thank you sir" they both said together.

"You're both welcome and one more thing Lt. Robinson I need to come see you. Set up an appointment."

"Yes sir. I got you covered." Robinson said. "Dismissed" Col. Potter replied. As they left the office, the Colonel thought to himself damn pretty girl. Lucky man there. He then spoke to the picture of his wife Mildred. "Well Mildred I hope I did the right thing. Can't say what I would have said if it was Evy sitting there I feel like I did good today".

Colonel Potter then called out to Radar. "Radar have Capt. Frank call Tokyo and find out what the holdup is with Major Winchester getting here"

To Be Continued…………….