A Major Change: New Surgeon at the 4077

by Parent12D

AU. Takes place within the first three seasons, where this story starts during season 2. The summary is the same as A New Face at the 4077, but with the original main crew, different dynamics, the new major interacting with different characters, and a new tent is set up specifically for the major. How will things go for him? Rated T for occasional adult content.

39. Hawkeye's Sleep Troubles

Hello there, readers. This is the 39th chapter of this story!

Now, this chapter will be partially inspired by 'Hawk's Nightmare', but with several differences. The concept is the same, but the chapter dialogue will run down differently, especially since Andrew is included in this, along with the inclusion of Henry and Trapper.

Everyone worked long hours in OR, and the strain results in Hawkeye starting to sleepwalk, dreaming that he's back in Crabapple Cove as a kid, and eventually gets nightmares too. Some other stuff will take place in addition to that. How will this all go for everyone at the M*A*S*H 4077? Find out right now!

---

OUTSIDE OF O.R. - 19:58

It was a clear evening at the 4077. The sun was starting to set, and it was beginning to get dark in South Korea. In particular, the surgeons and nurses were exiting from OR, looking all exhausted and whatnot. Countless hours were spent in OR performing surgery on all the casualties that kept piling up. Several of the surgeons spent a good 48 hours or so without getting any sleep.

Andrew was one of the surgeons who hardly got any sleep within the past 48 hours. There were occasions where he would start to zone out and start to sleep on the patients. Had it not been for one of the medical staff members to shake him up, he would have fallen asleep. For some extra precautions, Andrew had to make sure to drink at least 6 to 7 cups of coffee within these past 48 hours, to ensure that he wouldn't fall asleep. Needless to say, it was a hassle.

Luckily for him, there were no more expected casualties on the way, and everyone that wasn't on Post-Op detail could get some well-deserved shut-eye. Andrew decided to head to the mess tent for a bit to see what was going on there before he could head to his tent to get some sleep.

Upon entering the mess tent, he saw Hawkeye, Trapper, and Henry sitting at one of the tables. It was clear that they were pretty exhausted too, especially Hawkeye. The chief surgeon felt a lot of strain from the recent batch of wounded that came in, all of which were around the age of 18 to 20. It was a very rough shift, and all of the surgeons and nurses could agree with that.

Rubbing his eyes and letting out a yawn, Andrew approached the table and got their attention.

"Hello guys," Andrew said tiredly.

"Hey, Andrew. You don't look so hot," Trapper noticed his expression. "And it's not from the dreck they serve in the mess tent."

"You look about ready to hit the haystack Major," Henry added.

"I know," Andrew yawned. "I'm just tired from all the surgery we've done in OR."

"Well, we can't blame you for that," Hawkeye commented. "All of us are beat from all the countless meatball surgery we've performed."

"Yeah," Andrew said dryly. "Anyway, mind if I sit at this table with you guys?"

"Why not," Trapper shrugged. "It's a free country, ain't it?"

"I don't see a reason as to why you can't park your carcass at this table Major," Henry told him.

"Not unless there's a new army regulation saying that you can't sit with us," Hawkeye retorted dryly. "It's not a problem."

"Right," Andrew murmured. "Thanks, guys."

Andrew went and sat down at the table they were sitting at, and struggled to keep himself awake for a little longer, to no avail. While he was doing that, the others were chatting about how the sessions in OR went.

"Welp, I don't mind telling you folks, but I'm beaten," Henry stretched his arms.

"Beat like a drum that's been struck by a drumstick," Hawkeye yawned. "And they aren't even serving chicken drumsticks in the mess tent tonight."

"Even if they were, I bet that they wouldn't taste like drumsticks," Trapper said. "Especially if the drumsticks were made from fake poultry."

"Yeah," Andrew was so tired that he misheard that. "I could use some poetry right about now."

"That's funny," Hawkeye remarked in amusement. "Are we reading poems now?"

"I don't think so," Andrew wiped the specks out of his eyes again. "I'm just so tired from working in OR for so long."

"There's no horse's patoot about that," Henry said. "Major, you worked 'really' hard today. You deserve some shut-eye."

"Same goes for all of us," Trapper moaned. "I just wish that the wounded wasn't piling up onto us."

"I've been doing it for so long, I feel that I can perform surgery in my sleep," Hawkeye yawned.

"Or maybe even blindfolded," Andrew deadpanned. "I'm just glad that it's all over."

"It looks like this nightmare has lifted for the time being," Henry commented. "But we all know that the war will get back on track when more wounded show up in the compound."

"Because that's how it works around these parts," Trapper said cynically. "Sometimes the war works in overdrive."

"Maybe we should let the Peace Talk know about this," Hawkeye suggested as Frank entered the Mess Tent. "Then the casualties will stop knocking at our doorstep, and we won't have to roll out the welcome mat for them."

"If only it were that easy," Andrew grumbled. "Sadly, we have no control over it."

"One can always dream," Hawkeye shrugged.

"That is if you want to become a casualty yourself," Trapper added dryly.

"Hmph! That is just like you two leeches to complain about the war," Frank scoffed as he came to the table. "But the war has been doing me some wonders with my war bonds."

"Oh yeah, how could I forget," Hawkeye retorted. "Frank, not everyone can afford war bonds just like you can."

"Some of us have tried it before," Trapper snorted. "But most of us have gone bankrupted as a result."

"Don't get snotty with me, you two bozos," Frank snapped crankily. "It ain't my fault that the latest batch of wounded cut into my time, which could've been spent doing something more productive!"

"Frank, if I were you, I'd sue the Peace Talk for every penny that they have," Hawkeye suggested sarcastically.

"Oh, har har," Frank snorted. "You can blame those stupid commies for this. Those yellow hordes keep bringing down our fellow American soldiers!"

"Frank, how would you like me to get your nose to donate blood," Trapper threatened. "My fist can help with that, and to bruise your lipless mouth."

"Are you threatening a superior officer again!?" Frank yelled.

"We're not just threatening you, Frank," Hawkeye sneered. "We're also planning on having you be a pinata and have all the personnel whack you with a baseball bat until you're battered and bruised for saying 'yellow hordes'."

"Colonel, did you hear that," Frank hollered. "Those two captains are threatening me again!"

"I've heard what they said, Frank. I have ears you know," Henry retorted in annoyance.

"There's also the fact that the latest batch of wounded consisted of kids," Hawkeye fired. "A bunch of kids too young to be fighting in this war, and in this man's army."

"By kids, you mean those around 18 to 20 Pierce," Andrew deadpanned. "Because like you said before, in this war, anyone over 18 is eligible."

"Thanks for bringing that up Andrew," Hawkeye retorted. "These kids should be at home living in peace, and not have to be fighting a war that's leading to more deaths than the Holocaust."

"Well they should've thought of that before joining this man's army Pierce," Frank huffed. "They are serving on foreign grounds, and they are fighting for democracy and representing our country."

"Well Frank, they couldn't give it a second thought when the draft board catches these young men with butterfly nets and cages," Trapper deadpanned sarcastically.

"Or better yet, chain them up and send them to Korea as if they were prisoners of war," Hawkeye added dreadfully.

"Okay, can we cut the bickering," Henry stepped in. "We're all exhausted and ready to hit the sack."

"No kidding there Colonel," Andrew yawned as his eyelids started drooping. "I'm about ready to get knocked out cold."

"What's with him," Frank brought up as Andrew struggled to stay awake. "Is Major Peterson falling asleep?"

"No Frank. He's starting to slip into a coma," Hawkeye retorted. "An 8-hour coma to be exact."

"And by the looks of it, he doesn't need any tranquilizers or sedatives to help him get to sleep," Trapper snorted.

"Why don't you do tend to your 'own' beeswax," Frank was annoyed by their comments.

"Well Frank, how would you feel if you were working a 48-hour shift with little to few coffee breaks?" Henry asked him.

"That doesn't make any difference Colonel," Frank stated as Margaret came into the mess tent. "In that case, I insist that Major Peterson gets some shut-eye before reporting to Post-Op at 345 hours."

"You know Frank? That's the best solution I've heard all day," Andrew moaned, wiping some more specks from his eyes. "I'm just glad that these shifts in OR are over."

"Hey," Margaret got their attention. "What's going on?"

"Long story short Margaret, we're all tired from working in OR," Hawkeye answered. "And Andrew here feels like he's slipping into a coma."

"I can't deny that," Andrew said. "I haven't had sleep in 48 hours."

"I know that Andrew," Margaret told him while taking a seat next to him. "You worked 'really' hard in OR these past 2 days like a soldier, and for that, you deserve some rest sweetie."

"Yeah," Andrew let out another yawn. "Thanks for the support, Margaret."

"Anytime," she smiled at him.

"If you ask me, I think all of us are about ready to dip the bill before taking a load off," Henry suggested.

"We could go to the Swamp or the Officer's Club," Trapper suggested. "Nothing better than having a couple of drinks and kissing a few nurses before turning in for the night."

"Yeah Trap, but I'm not sure if I'm up to it tonight," Hawkeye yawned.

"You sure about that Hawk," Trapper wondered. "Because you don't know what you'll be missing out on."

"Trapper, the only thing I want is for my eyelids to close up shop for the night," Hawkeye told him. "And not open back up until the following morning."

"Well, when you put it that way," Henry said. "It does sound like a shot in the dark."

"I don't find anything about this to be amusing," Frank scoffed as Andrew started to zone out.

"Well Frank, you could always try firing your gun in the dark," Hawkeye retorted. "Provided that you don't pull the trigger and shoot someone in your sleep."

"Oh, why don't you count your sheep Pierce," Frank scowled.

"Best idea you've had all day," Hawkeye snorted.

By this point, Andrew found himself drifting into slumber, as he found himself slowly leaning his head onto Margaret's shoulder. The head nurse noticed this, and she decided to shake him awake.

"Honey? Are you able to stay awake?" Margaret queried, getting Andrew to sit up and shot his eyes wide open.

"Huh!? Huh?! Oh. Oh," Andrew realized what happened as his eyelids started to droop over his bloodshot eyes again. "I'm sorry about that Margaret."

"It's okay darling," Margaret cooed sympathetically. "I'll tell you what? I'll help get you to your tent, and you can get some sleep. Okay?"

"Yeah," Andrew yawned. "Thank you, dear."

"Alright, let's get you back to your tent," Margaret stood up and helped Andrew onto his feet.

"Okay." Andrew obliged as he felt himself swerving back and forth in place.

"Yes sir, looks like we could all get some shut-eye," Henry suggested as he got up. "That's just prezactly what I'm gonna do after I go use the sandbox."

"Let's hope that the war doesn't wake us up in the middle of the night," Trapper retorted dryly.

"If that's the case, then we'll never get any sleep," Hawkeye added.

"You guys are a couple of schmucks," Frank retorted. "I happen to have a perfect method to getting to sleep."

"And what would that be," Trapper raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna count some sheep? Or are you going to read a letter from your wife again?"

"Now you leave her out of this McIntyre," Frank barked. "I'm going to sleep before I go onto Post-Op duty at 345 hours, and I suggest Major Peterson do the same."

"Right, because we all could follow an example of falling asleep in Fort Wayne with a Popeye night light on in our bedrooms," Hawkeye retorted sarcastically before getting up from his chair. "I'm going to sleep in the Swamp. If anyone wants me, knock three times and stay out. If not, then stay out."

"That goes double for me," Trapper added.

"Welp, enough horsing around," Henry stretched his arms as Radar entered the mess tent. "Let's all get ready to unwind and hit the sack."

"Uh, sir," Radar approached him and got his attention.

"Not now Radar," Henry told him. "I gotta use the sandbox."

"But sir," Radar told him.

"Look, whatever needs to be signed, put it on my desk, and I'll sign 'em at the crack of dawn," Henry instructed.

"Right sir," Radar sighed. "Just that, that requisition for that grill for BBQ's arrived safely as instructed. The requisition form just needs your signature. Then it'll be shipped over."

"Welp, that's good to know," Henry said. "Alrighty then Radar, I'll sign it tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir," Radar nodded. "Goodnight sir."

"Goodnight Radar," Henry yawned as Radar took his leave. "Welp, if you'll all excuse me, this Illini anchorman is heading to the latrines before taking an 8-hour load off."

Nobody said anything else as they all departed from the mess tent to get some shuteye. In Margaret's case, she escorted Andrew back to his tent, before going back to her tent. But what none of them knew was that something was going to take place several hours from now. They could only wait and find out for themselves...

---

IN THE SWAMP -3:50

It was almost 4 a.m., and most of the personnel stationed there not on sentry duty or Post-Op duty were in their tents, trying to catch some shuteye. In the Swamp, the two Captains were catching up on some well-deserved rest. Frank wasn't there on account that he was on Post-Op duty, so that left Hawkeye and Trapper.

While Trapper was sound asleep, Hawkeye was tossing and turning in his cot as he was heard muttering to himself. It looked like the chief surgeon was having some sort of a dream that was giving him some trouble.

Hawkeye kept this up for a few more minutes before he stopped. Then he sat up, with his eyes shot open, in which he looked like he was in a trance. He got up from his cot and put on his red bathrobe, which got Trapper to wake up, as he slowly opened his eyes and saw Hawkeye standing up.

"Hey, Hawkeye? Everything okay," he asked.

All he got as an answer was some incoherent muttering under his breath as Hawkeye headed out the door and went outside.

"Wanting to get some fresh air Hawk," Trapper wondered. "Well, if you do, try not to frolick in the minefield. You'll get yourself a concussion."

Hawkeye waved him off as he then closed the door behind him and wandered off mindlessly. This left Trapper feeling very confused. What was going on with Hawkeye? Was he being deprived of sleep? Or was there something else about it that he didn't know about?

I have to wonder what's going on with Hawkeye. Trapper thought before he shrugged it off. Oh well, he can take care of himself. He's a big boy after all.

With that thought in mind, Trapper lied back down onto his cot and fell back asleep as if nothing ever woke him up...

---

IN POST-OP:

Meanwhile, in Post-Op, we see Andrew and Frank observing some of the soldiers that were resting there. Along with a couple of other nurses, they were the only ones on duty at the moment. At that moment, Andrew saw Frank looking at one of the patients and decided to find out about it for himself.

"Hey Frank," Andrew approached him. "What's wrong with this patient?"

"He's got a fever, cramps, muscle aches, and headaches," Frank told him simply. "He was given some acetaminophen, so he'll be up and about, and head back for the front tomorrow."

"Well, at least that's being taken care of," Andrew deadpanned. "In any case, I suggest that this soldier remains under surveillance by a nurse in case he gets the side effects."

"It just so happens that I have already asked a nurse to watch over him Major," Frank snorted. "So there's no issue with that."

"I guess that's a good thing," Andrew sighed. "Let's see what the other patients are up to."

Frank was about to say something to him, but before he could, the door was opened, and stepping inside was Hawkeye, who was staggering about in his red bathrobe. This got both of the Majors' attention, as they weren't expecting him to be here.

"Captain Pierce! You have some gall to show up here in just your bathrobe," Frank barked at him. "You are not on duty Captain! Go back to your tent and get some sleep on the double!"

"Huh," Hawkeye muttered. "Sorry officer, I can't talk with you now. I'm looking for my best friend."

"I beg your pardon," Frank raised an eyebrow as if he was offended by that.

"Hey Pierce, are you feeling alright," Andrew asked curiously.

"No no, dad. I'm not ready to have lobster right now," Hawkeye murmured. "I'm looking for Scooter so we can play some ball."

"Excuse me? Did you call me dad?" Andrew was shocked by that. "And what lobster? We aren't having lobster. And who the hell is Scooter?"

"Listen, dad, I'll be home on time tonight after playing with Scooter," Hawkeye said absentmindedly. "Feel free to cook that lobster for dinner. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta get Scooter so we can play some basketball."

Before Andrew could ask any other questions, Hawkeye scurried out of Post-Op and headed back outside. Andrew was jaw-dropped by this. What was going on with Hawkeye? Frank was a little shocked by it too, but that feeling quickly turned into snide.

"Hmph! There's your battle fatigue for you. The captain is delusional," Frank said smugly. "Goes to show you that not even Mr. Super Surgeon can handle the deluge of casualties that we had."

"Oh Frank, I don't think he's delusional," Andrew brought up.

"Oh really? Well, what would you call it Major?" Frank raised an eyebrow.

"I'll tell you what it is," Andrew answered. "He's sleepwalking."

"Sleepwalking? Ha! Don't make me laugh," Frank snorted. "Nobody can just sleepwalk into Post-Op."

"I'm not kidding Frank. He was walking in his sleep," Andrew elaborated. "I mean did you see his bloodshot eyes? He wasn't awake. He just looks like he's awake."

"Is that so," Frank was confused by that. "Well, why did he have to sleepwalk his way into Post-Op when we're in the middle of a war?"

"Search me, Frank," Andrew shrugged. "Although I'm confused as to why he called me dad, and who this Scooter is."

"How should I know," Frank retorted. "In any case, it's not our problem, so we should let him handle it himself."

"That's true," Andrew admitted. "But I think I should find out more about this for myself."

"Alright," Frank huffed. "If you want to waste time trying to find out from Pierce as to what the gag is, be my guest Andrew. But don't say I didn't warn you."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind Frank," Andrew deadpanned as he headed for the door. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Frank said nothing else as he shook his head while Andrew headed out the door. Frank felt that Andrew was wasting his time trying to find out what was wrong with Hawkeye. But he could care less as to what Andrew wants to do about it. With that in mind, Frank continued his Post-Op duty while not giving another thought to Hawkeye's bizarre sleepwalking behavior...

---

OUTSIDE - IN THE COMPOUND:

Meanwhile, we see Klinger walking sentry duty with that rifle in his hands. He was wearing the usual women's attire; the dress, bloomers, nylons, and high heels, complete with the woman's hat on his head. He was just strolling about, minding his own business, until Hawkeye came outside and approached the area that Klinger was in.

"HALT! WHO GOES THERE!" Klinger turned around to face Hawkeye.

"Oh. There you are," Hawkeye murmured. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Pierce? You've been looking for me," this got Klinger a little confused.

"I want to know if you want to play some ball with me Scooter," Hawkeye said.

"Scooter? Oh no. There must be some mistake," Klinger tried to correct him. "I'm not Scooter. I'm Klinger. Corporal Maxwell Klinger, who's trying to get out of the army."

"That's very nice Scooter," Hawkeye paid no attention to what he said, being asleep. "Also, have you seen the new tennis shoes that I got? My dad bought them for me."

"Tennis shoes," Klinger looked down and saw that Hawkeye wasn't wearing tennis shoes. "Uh sir, I don't mind telling you this, but you aren't wearing tennis shoes. The only thing your wearing currently is your slippers and your bathrobe."

"I'm glad that you like them Scooter," Hawkeye murmured. "By the way, that's a nice BB gun you got there."

"BB gun?" Klinger raised an eyebrow. "No sir, this is a rifle."

"Just be sure that our new principal Vanderhaven doesn't find out about it," Hawkeye warned him. "He'll get both of us expelled, especially since my dad won't let me have one of my own."

"Uh, I don't know anyone named Vanderhaven," Klinger was lost. "Are you alright Pierce?"

"Well Scooter, it's recess period," Hawkeye claimed. "So let's go and play some ball together."

Klinger didn't say anything as Hawkeye walked several feet before acting like he was dribbling a basketball that wasn't there; essentially playing zombie basketball. Klinger was starting to get worried about whether or not Hawkeye was going insane.

I wonder what's gotten into Pierce... Klinger thought. I sure hope that he doesn't get that Section 8 that I'm wanting to get. I want to get out of the army first.

Klinger kept that thought in mind as Andrew came to the area and got his attention.

"Hey Klinger," Andrew wondered. "Have you seen Pierce?"

"Why sure Major. He's right there," Klinger pointed to the captain who was 'apparently' playing basketball. "Peterson, what's going on with him? He called me Scooter, told me he was wearing tennis shoes, said my rifle is a BB gun, mentioned something about a principal called Vanderhaven, and then started spouting about how recess is here and is now playing basketball."

"I'll tell you what's wrong, he's sleepwalking," Andrew answered pretty fast.

"Sleepwalking? You must be kidding," Klinger scoffed.

"I'm not Klinger. Look at him," Andrew motioned to Hawkeye. "His eyes are bloodshot, and they aren't moving. That means he's not awake. He's sleepwalking."

"Well I'll be darn," Klinger murmured. "I never thought that he'd be sleepwalking."

"Neither have I," Andrew shook his head. "I better go see what's going on with Pierce."

"Right," Klinger nodded as Andrew approached the captain.

"Hey Pierce," Andrew got his attention. "What's going on here?"

"Huh? Dad?" Hawkeye looked at him. "Did the principal call you up to come here on account of the writing I did in the girls' locker room again?"

"What? Uh, Pierce, it's nothing like that," Andrew had to shake his head. "We're not even in school. We're in Korea, at the M*A*S*H 4077th. We're adults."

"Quit joking around pops," Hawkeye didn't listen to him. "I already got the Crabapple Cove Courier into the house, just like you wanted. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to find a girl to play ball with. It's a beautiful day here in Maine, so I want to have some fun."

Andrew was speechless as Hawkeye continued to stroll in the compound aimlessly, while Klinger approached him.

"I can't believe it," Andrew said slowly. "Pierce is dreaming that he's back in Crabapple Cove."

"Crabapple Cove? As in his hometown?" Klinger raised an eyebrow.

"Yes Klinger," Andrew said. "He's sleepwalking, thinking he's in Crabapple Cove, calling you Scooter who was probably a friend of his, and he called me dad. I have no idea what this is about, but I can tell you that he's not thinking about Korea."

"Wow. I don't believe it," Klinger mused. "To think I've been going about it all wrong. I should be sleepwalking too, dreaming that I'm back in Toledo and acting as if this is Toledo and not South Korea."

"Don't bother Klinger," Andrew sighed. "It won't get you that Section 8."

"Well, a man can dream, can't they?" Klinger shrugged.

"Probably," Andrew moaned. "But it's not happening anytime soon. So don't get your hopes up."

Klinger said nothing else as they just stood there, taking in what Hawkeye said and the fact that he's been sleepwalking, thinking that this was Crabapple Cove. This was hard for them to believe...

---

Meanwhile, at the mess tent, we see Nurse Able; a gingerhead nurse walking outside alone, as she was expected to show up for Post-Op duty at any moment. She didn't give it much thought, or give anything a single thought for that matter. That is until Hawkeye came over and approached the gingerhead nurse.

"Hello there," Hawkeye greeted.

"Why Hawkeye," Nurse Able seemed surprised. "It's certainly a surprise to see you here this late at night, considering all the hours you've spent in OR."

"Well good looking, how would you like to go with me to the park so we can play some ball together," Hawkeye told her.

"Hawkeye? Are you feeling okay?" Nurse Able was confused by this.

"I'm serious," Hawkeye continued. "Scooter wouldn't play basketball with me, so I want to know if you'll play basketball instead."

"Uhhhh, maybe some other time Hawkeye," Nurse Able gently declined. "I'm to report on Post-Op duty anyway. Why don't we do it when it's daylight outside?"

"Well how about we play in the sandbox together," Hawkeye suggested.

"Uhhh, no thanks," Nurse Able felt that this was awkward. "I...better be going. I'll see you around Hawkeye."

"Wait," Hawkeye tried to call for her, but Able already ran off to Post-Op.

This left Hawkeye feeling disappointed. Seeing that he wasn't going to get further with this, he headed back to the Swamp...

---

IN THE SWAMP:

Trapper was shown to still be asleep in his cot when suddenly, Hawkeye came back into the Swamp and got into his cot. This got his attention as Trapper opened his eyes and sat up straight and turned to face the captain.

"Hawkeye? What happened?" Trapper queried.

"Nobody wanted to play basketball with me," Hawkeye proclaimed in his sleep in sheer disappointment.

"Well, that's a shame. Trying out for the Celtics," Trapper decided to humor Hawkeye as he made a suggestion. "Why don't you get some sleep? You'll feel better by tomorrow. Okay?"

"Alright. Goodnight darling," Hawkeye said to him absentmindedly before he collapsed onto his cot and fell asleep like he was supposed to.

"Goodnight dear," Trapper smirked and shook his head before going back to sleep himself.

This was something that everyone who saw Hawkeye stroll wouldn't be able to forget. And even those who didn't see it will be informed about it come tomorrow morning...

---

THE MESS TENT - 7:29

It was a brand new morning at the 4077th. In particular, we see Hawkeye heading for the mess tent, as he was yawning and rubbing his eyes. He felt like he didn't get any sleep last night, with all memories of his sleepwalking stroll absent. He was about to find out about his sleepwalking trip soon enough.

As soon as he opened the mess tent door, Nurse Able walks out, wearing that green bucket hat on her head. The moment she saw Hawkeye, she gives him a sly smirk.

"Well, if it ain't Mr. Big Shot," Able told him. "I'll be sure to play basketball with you later Hawkeye. Maybe when we get acquainted, we can go over to the Swamp together. And the next time you're in the mood to play ball, wait till I go on duty."

"Huh?" Hawkeye was confused as Nurse Able walked away.

I wonder what that was about. Hawkeye thought before he concluded. She must've had a dream last night with me in it.

Deciding to put that to the side, the captain entered the mess tent. Seeing that Henry, Radar, Klinger, Trapper, Frank, Andrew, and Margaret were sitting at a particular table, he decided to walk over and join them.

"Hello guys," Hawkeye greeted, getting their attention as he sat down next to Trapper.

"Well, look who it is," Frank snort as he gave Hawkeye his usual scowl. "You had some nerve, trying to stroll into Post-Op in just your bathrobe last night Pierce."

"Uh Frank, not that it enlightens me to see you give me that scowl," Hawkeye retorted sarcastically. "But what are you talking about?"

"He's talking about the stroll that you went on last night before coming back from the Swamp," Trapper told him dryly. "Because nobody would play basketball with you."

"Now what are you talking about Trapper?" Hawkeye was confused by this.

"Pierce, let me ask you something," Andrew decided to step in. "Did you ever sleepwalk before in your life?"

"No, I haven't," Hawkeye answered. "At least not that I know of."

"Well guess what Pierce," Andrew told him the cold hard truth. "You were sleepwalking last night."

"Me? Sleepwalking," Hawkeye snorted. "Don't be ridiculous Andrew. I wasn't sleepwalking."

"It's true sir," Klinger decided to speak up. "You were sleepwalking, talking about how you wanted to play basketball. You called me Scooter, and you mentioned someone named Vanderhaven."

"Uh sorry," Hawkeye was at a loss. "I don't know anyone named Vanderhaven."

"Wow," Radar was rather surprised as he ate some of his breakfast. "He walked in his sleep?"

"He sure did Radar," Klinger answered confidently. "And if you must know, Captain Pierce mentioned how Vanderhaven was the principal of this school that he was talking about, saying stuff as if he was in Crabapple Cove."

It was then Hawkeye found himself in a bit of a trance as if he realized exactly who Klinger was talking about now since it was all coming back to him. Meanwhile, Henry was absolutely at a loss as to how his chief surgeon was sleepwalking.

"Wow. I don't believe it," Henry commented. "In all my time of leading this man's outfit and this army hospital, I never would've thought that my chief surgeon was caught sleepwalking across the compound."

"Believe me, Colonel, I was just as surprised when I found out about it," Andrew told him. "I was on Post-Op duty too."

"It's against army regulations to have someone sleepwalk on the compound, isn't it," Margaret spoke up with a curious tone.

"Last I checked, it is," Frank recounted. "I say we should throw the book at him."

"Hold on," Andrew had his hand up. "Pierce, is there something you want to say about this?"

After staying silent for several moments, Hawkeye finally said something. "Vanderhaven was my old principal at grade school. Back in Crabapple Cove."

"See? What did I tell you?" Andrew snapped his fingers. "He was sleepwalking, and dreamt that he was back in Crabapple Cove."

"Holy mackerel," Henry gasped. "I'm absotively unsure about what to say."

"I know what to say," Frank cleared his throat and raised his voice. "I still say we should put Captain Pierce here on 'report'!"

"Oh come on Frank," Henry moaned. "Do we have to do that?"

"Colonel? He was sleepwalking on army premises," Frank brought up. "And that's against army regulations!"

"Frank has a point Colonel," Andrew agreed with him. "If he was sleepwalking in the middle of a warzone, he could be putting his own life in danger. To put it a better way, it's dangerous to be sleepwalking out here."

"He could also end up sleepwalking himself into a minefield," Trapper retorted dryly.

"Exactly," Andrew remarked. "And we couldn't have Pierce get struck by a land mine."

"I think some military discipline would be fine for Captain Pierce," Frank mused. "Colonel, I insist that you give this man some sort of discipline."

"Oh, lay off Frank. Let's knock it off," Henry moaned. "Let's not jump the gun folks. This kinda thing has never happened in this man's outfit before."

"Well, that's true," Andrew rubbed his chin. "For all we know, this might be just a one-time occurrence."

"Let's hope that this is the only time," Margaret proclaimed. "We can not have any of our personnel put their lives at risk due to sleepwalking."

"I'm not even sure about that. I mean, I never sleepwalked before," Hawkeye proclaimed honestly. "This never happened to me before I got drafted to this sewage dump."

"For our safety, we best keep our eyes on him," Andrew suggested. "And make sure that he doesn't sleepwalk out of the compound, and into the minefield."

"Okay, let's not make a big fuss out of it," Henry instructed. "The last time I saw someone sleepwalk all of a sudden was from my wife. Happened in the middle of the night, Lorraine grabbed my credit card, and went to the store."

"Oh gee," Radar winced. "What happened, sir?"

"She drained our entire savings on my credit card," Henry moaned. "Bought every single house supply that was on sale there."

"Gosh. Wow." Radar gasped.

"Yeah," Henry groaned. "Took me weeks to get back every penny that was spent back into that credit card."

"Holy Toledo," Klinger murmured. "Maybe sleepwalking could be my ticket to getting that Section 8."

"Forget it, Klinger. It's not going to happen," Henry told him. "You might as well forget about that because it's not going to work."

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to try," Klinger shrugged that off.

"Yeah," Andrew rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I say we should just keep our eyes open. If it's not a one-time occurrence, then there's a reason to why it's happening."

"I doubt that it's going to happen again Andrew," Hawkeye insisted. "It was just a mistake."

"And besides," Trapper spoke up. "How are we supposed to know what triggered him to sleepwalk in the first place?"

None of them had a proper answer to that. Because of that, they remained silent for the next few moments or so. Of course, that silence came to an end when Radar heard something in the distance.

"Uh oh," Radar muttered. "Choppers."

Several moments later, the sound of choppers approached the compound, along with an ambulance. And they knew what that meant.

"Choppers!" Radar got up from his seat and ran outside. "WE GOT WOUNDED! INCOMING WOUNDED!"

It was then the P.A. Announcement was made through the intercom for everyone to hear.

"ATTENTION, ALL PERSONNEL! INCOMING WOUNDED! CHOPPERS AND THE AMBULANCE PULLED INTO THE COMPOUND! TIME TO GO TO TRIAGE, GET SCRUBBED UP, AND THEN GO INTO OR!"

Everyone knew that they were going to perform surgery on the casualties.

"Why are we getting casualties now? I thought we were done with OR," Frank wondered.

"That's the war for you Frank," Trapper retorted. "It comes when you least expect it."

"But what you can do Frank is you can just go on and sue North Korea for every cent they got," Hawkeye suggested dryly.

"Welp, let's get a move on," Henry sighed. "We got ourselves a new ball game. The patients are our number one priority."

"I guess it could be worse," Andrew remarked. "We could end up with another deluge of casualties."

"That's true honey," Margaret agreed with him. "Well, we better get this done and over with."

"You said it, buttercup," Andrew smiled.

From there, they all stood up and headed out to take care of the wounded and get things prepped up for OR. This was going to be another long and busy day...

---

LATER ON THAT EVENING:

It was absolutely busy in OR today, and everyone had to do their part to treat the wounded that came in. By the end of the OR session, everyone decided to be on their toes in case Hawkeye acts strange again. Currently, in Post-Op, Andrew was just about done with Post-Op detail, and he was just about ready to hit the sack.

"I don't mind telling you, but I'm beat," Andrew stretched his arms. "Hey, Margaret? What time is it?"

"It's 22:15 currently," Margaret looked at her watch.

"Which means it would be 10:15 p.m. in non-military time," Andrew figured out. "I better get some sleep dear. Today was another busy day for us."

"I know. You just get some sleep darling, and I'll be out of Post-Op in a few," Margaret told him as she pecked him on the cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," Andrew grinned. "Goodnight Margaret."

"Goodnight Andrew." Margaret returned the gesture with that flirtatious gaze.

With that, Andrew turned around and headed out the door, intending on getting to his tent to get some sleep, while Margaret stayed behind and continued her Post-Op duty...

---

Meanwhile, in another part outside in the compound, we see Hawkeye strolling through the area in his sleep. He was sleepwalking again. Only this time, he was acting as if he was playing hopscotch by himself. Nobody noticed it at first, until Radar walked out of his office in his bathrobe, and saw Hawkeye hopscotching in the middle of the compound. This got Radar a little confused, as he felt like asking.

"Hey, Hawkeye," Radar started. "Did you lose something, sir?"

Hawkeye looked over and saw Radar right there. "Hi, Stinky."

This got Radar a little confused as his glasses almost fell off of his face, as he looked around.

"Sir, that's the sort of name that kind of sticks with a fellow," Radar told him. "I'd appreciate it if you'd just call me by my given nickname."

"What's cookin', Dexter?" Hawkeye wondered, not paying attention to what Radar said.

"If those are my only choices, I guess I'll take Stinky," Radar said sheepishly. "It's got a little more pizzazz."

"Hey, would you like to play hopscotch with me, Stinky," Hawkeye wondered.

"Uh, sir," Radar decided to bring up. "It's a little late for hopscotch, is it?"

"Well, I say we should play marbles," Hawkeye then got onto the ground on his knees, put his left ear towards the ground, and acted as if he was playing with marbles.

"Sir? Hawk? Hawkeye," this got Radar confused as he didn't know what this was about.

Suddenly, Klinger came by the area and saw Radar. "Hey, Radar? What's going on?"

"Oh Klinger," Radar informed him. "Captain Pierce thinks he's playing hopscotch. And now's playing with marbles."

"Really," Klinger looked down and saw Hawkeye on the ground. He was quick to figure out what was going on. "He's sleepwalking again."

"Is he?" Radar was shocked by that.

"Yes Radar," Klinger confirmed. "This time he thinks he's playing hopscotch and marbles back in his hometown."

"Crabapple Cove?" Radar quizzed.

"That's the one," Klinger sighed. "Help me with getting him back to the Swamp."

"Roger," Radar obliged as the two of them approached Hawkeye.

"Hey Pierce, time to get to bed," Klinger got his attention as he stood up.

"Well hello, Scooter. Would you and Stinky care to join me to go on a stroll through the park," Hawkeye suggested in his sleep. "We could play marbles there."

"I think you better lose the marbles Captain," Klinger retorted as Andrew approached the area. "Right now, it's beddy time."

"Yes sir," Radar agreed. "Time to get to bed now, uh, Pierce."

Hawkeye was heard mumbling under his breath again as Andrew took notice of this.

"Hey guys, what's going on," Andrew asked. "Is Pierce sleepwalking again?"

"You could say that sir. He was playing hopscotch and marbles in his sleep," Klinger answered. "Radar and I are getting him back to the Swamp so he can go to sleep in his cot."

"Yeah," Radar agreed. "Something's wrong with Hawkeye."

"I can see that," Andrew said sheepishly. "Well, you two get him to his cot. I'm turning in for the night."

"Right. Night Major," Radar said.

"Night Major," Klinger followed.

"Goodnight guys," Andrew waved to them before heading right into his tent.

"Okay sir," Klinger said as he and Radar grabbed both sides of Hawkeye and escorted him to the Swamp. "Time to hit the sack."

"You better well sleep sir," Radar told him. "Tomorrow'll be better for us all."

Hawkeye was once again muttering under his breath as the two Corporal opened the door to the Swamp and they entered into it and got Hawkeye back into his cot. Once they did that, they made sure he was tucked in, blanket over him and all, and made sure he was sound asleep.

"Alright. That's been taken care of," Klinger sighed. "Come on Radar, we better let him sleep."

"Right Klinger," Radar agreed. "Hopefully this'll blow over soon."

"I hope so too," Klinger remarked. "Now come on. Let's go."

Radar simply nodded as he and Klinger left the Swamp so Hawkeye could get some sleep.

---

As the minutes went by, we see Hawkeye have more trouble with sleeping, as he was heard moaning and groaning as he was also tossing and turning in his sleep. It's as if he was begging something not to happen. It was loud enough to get Trapper's attention, as he was wondering what the noise was about.

All of a sudden, Hawkeye was heard screaming in his sleep as if he was having a nightmare. This got Trapper to get onto his feet as he dashed over to Hawkeye's cot, as his best friend was panicking in his sleep. Taking appropriate action, Trapper decided to shake him up from his sleep.

"Hawkeye, wake up! Wake up Hawk," he shook his roughly. "Wake up buddy! You're having a nightmare! You're having a nightmare!"

This was all that he needed to do, as Hawkeye immediately opened his eyes and started panting, thankful that he was dragged out of that dream he was having. Trapper seemed to be concerned about him, as he had never seen him act like this before.

"Hawkeye, what's wrong?" Trapper questioned.

"I don't know Trap," Hawkeye panted. "I was having a nightmare."

"I figured that one out the moment you started screaming," Trapper deadpanned. "But anyway, what kind of nightmare were you having that got you to scream bloody murder?"

"Oh Trapper, it was terrible," Hawkeye caught his breath. "I dreamt that my old childhood friend; Toby Wilder, was sledding. And then he was killed while doing so."

"Did he fall off a cliff on his sled?" Trapper asked calmly. "Or did he hit a tree and get crushed by the sled?"

"I dunno what happened. It happened so fast, I wasn't paying attention," Hawkeye told him while huffing. "All I remember was that he was killed while sledding."

"I see," Trapper tried his best to reassure him. "Well Hawk, it was only a nightmare, so you have nothing to worry about."

"That may be true, but I'm afraid to sleep again Trap," Hawkeye proclaimed. "I'm not sure if I'm overworked, or if my nerves are tensing up."

"Yeah. Well, I'll tell you what," Trapper got on his yellow bathrobe. "I'll get us some gin, and that'll ease up any tension you might be having. Does that sound good?"

"Well, I guess I could use a couple of belts," Hawkeye wiped his forehead."Sure Trapper. I would like that."

"Alright Hawkeye," Trapper gave him a smirk as he went to get the both of them some gin to relax. "It'll be ready in a jiffy."

"Right," Hawkeye sighed.

At that moment, Andrew came into the Swamp, along with Radar and Klinger. They had heard Hawkeye screaming in his sleep, and it got them concerned.

"Alright, what's going on," Andrew asked.

"Pierce is something wrong," Klinger queried. "Your screaming got us worried about you."

"Oh yes, sir," Radar panted. "What's wrong Pierce?"

"Long story short you guys," Trapper answered. "Hawkeye here was having a nightmare."

"A nightmare," Andrew was concerned as he raised an eyebrow. "What kind of nightmare?"

"From what he told me, his nightmare involved Toby Wilder getting killed while sledding," Trapper said dryly. "I'm assuming that it was in Crabapple Cove."

"And Toby was another childhood friend of his," Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose. "Well, that's just great. First, you were sleepwalking again while playing hopscotch and marbles. And now you had a nightmare where you lost a childhood friend."

"If you ask me, I think Hawkeye is losing his marbles," Trapper took a guess.

"Maybe, but there must be something deeper to it," Andrew rubbed his chin.

"Sir? Can you fall back to sleep?" Klinger wondered.

"That's the problem Klinger," Hawkeye panted. "My heart is racing as if it's competing in a marathon. I feel all shaken up like a leaf. And I feel like I'm losing my breath. I can't fall back to sleep."

"Gee sir. Sorry to hear that," Radar told him assuringly.

"Oh...It's alright Radar," Hawkeye clutched the part his heart is located as he took deep breaths. "It's alright."

It was at that moment where Henry came into the Swamp in his bathrobe, as he was woken up by the screaming as well.

"Alright. There better be a good explanation for all the screaming going on in here," Henry spoke.

"Henry! Welcome to the club," Trapper poured himself and Hawkeye a drink. "Hawkeye was just having a nightmare."

"A nightmare," this got Henry a little confused as he looked towards Hawkeye. "Pierce? Is this true?

"As true as my racing heart, panting and tensed nerves," Hawkeye told him.

"Maybe you should start from the beginning Pierce," Henry was curious. "And tell me what kind of nightmare you were having."

Hawkeye took a deep breath and explained it to Henry. He told them everything about it just as the others in the Swamp had found out about it. Needless to say, Henry was shocked by what he learned about, regarding the nightmare his chief surgeon had.

"Alrighty, lemme get this straight," Henry took a deep breath. "You dreamed that your childhood friend Toby Wilder was killed while sledding down a hill in Crabapple Cove. Correct?"

"Yes Henry," Hawkeye nodded.

"Pierce, are you going to be able to fall asleep," Henry wondered.

"I don't think I can fall asleep again Henry," Hawkeye told him. "I might have the same nightmare again. Or I'll have another nightmare worse than that one."

"Well I'm gonna tell you something right now," Henry groaned. "If you got any problems that are on your chest that might be responsible for this nightmare fit you've been having, you have to tell your Colonel about it."

"That's the thing, I don't know what is wrong with me," Hawkeye confessed. "One minute I feel like I'm back in Crabapple Cove, happy and all. And the next thing I know, something tragic happens in Crabapple Cove."

"Especially since the nightmare came after you were caught sleepwalking in the compound again," Andrew reminded him.

"You mean he was sleepwalking again?" Henry raised an eyebrow.

"Only this time he was playing hopscotch and marbles," Klinger told him.

"I'm worried 'bout Pierce Colonel, sir," Radar admitted. "Do you know what we'd do about this?"

"Honestly Radar, I wish I had a hoot about what I should be done. But I don't," Henry sighed. "So I'm not sure what we should do about this."

"I dunno about you Henry, but I think Hawkeye deserves to have a belt of some gin," Trapper gave Hawkeye that glass of gin.

"Thank you, Trapper," Hawkeye accepted it. "Let's how this gin can drive away whatever distilled spirits are haunting my dreams."

"I'll drink to that," Trapper held his glass up and it clinked against Hawkeye's drink before they drank it down.

As they were having their gin, the others were not sure what to do about this. They decided not to worry about it for now, as they decided to leave the Swamp and go back to what they were doing before; sentry duty for Klinger, and sleep for the others. This was going to be a painful experience for Hawkeye...

---

IN RADAR'S OFFICE - 8:34

"Yes. Yes, that's right. That's right Toby. I had a nightmare that you were killed while sledding. No. No, I don't remember. I was just...huh?" Hawkeye was on the phone with his childhood friend Toby as he was telling him about the nightmare he had while Andrew was in the office with him. "What? Could you repeat that? Huh? $37? You're more worried about $37 than what I dreamt about? Oh, come on Toby! I already paid you the $37 that I owed you years ago. Yes, I did! I did pay you back! That's right! Now can you listen to...what? Huh? You only cared about the $37 than about my nightmare? Well gee Toby, I didn't think you cared so much. Yes. Oh for goodness sake, give it a rest Toby. I already paid you. What? Okay, okay fine. Well, thanks a lot, Toby. You certainly made me feel better about myself. Check under your bottom drawer! That's where the $37 is, last time you told me. Yes! Alright, whatever! Okay! Fine Toby! Thanks a whole lot Toby! Right! Goodbye!"

Hawkeye's voice was a mix of sarcasm and irritation as he slammed the phone speaker back into its socket as Andrew was curious by this display.

"Did something go wrong," Andrew asked.

"Nah. Turns out Toby was more focused on the $37 that I owed him back when we were kids," Hawkeye groaned. "I hope the next nightmare I get won't have Toby in it at all."

"I see," Andrew murmured. "But moving on from that, you seem to speak fondly about your hometown, Crabapple Cove."

"You bet I do Andrew," Hawkeye exclaimed. "Crabapple Cove is a wonderful place for a child to grow up in. In other words, it is a place where Winnie-the-Pooh hangs out and is a great place to be a kid."

"Were all kids told that Pierce?" Andrew queried.

"Only the ones who visit Crabapple Cove," Hawkeye then shared something else with the Major. "It's heaven when the buttercups are in bloom. And the goldenrod and the tamaracks are standing tall. You could almost swear you'd died and gone to heaven."

"Sounds pretty idealistic from how you explain it Pierce," Andrew smirked.

"It is a peaceful town. It's where I was born and grew up," Hawkeye continued. "I remember the Eddie's Bar and Grill, which is on Route 6. And that's not getting into the house that I lived in with my dad."

"Is that so," Andrew raised an eyebrow, curious as to what else he had to say about it.

"Yes," Hawkeye nodded. "There was this stream with fish in it. It ran right behind the house, and more trees could be climbed in a lifetime."

"That might be where you could catch all those fish for lunch and dinner," Andrew joked teasingly. "And as for the trees, sounds like a squirrel's dream come true, along with birds and other animals that live in trees."

"That's not all Andrew," Hawkeye said. "Every fall, when the trees begin to change colors, it's as if God had invented new colors just for the occasion."

"That does sound remarkable." Andrew smiled.

"But the most impressive thing about it is that the people never change colors; they were always off-white. At least that's what my dad told me when I was a kid," Hawkeye shared with him.

"That's pretty much how diversity works," Andrew proclaimed calmly.

"Exactly," Hawkeye told him. "And I'll never forget the memories I had in Crabapple Cove. Whether it's playing basketball, hopscotch, marbles, and even a stroll through the park. It was something that sticks in your memory forever if you had grown up there."

"I'll say," Andrew sighed. "Pierce, you are really lucky to have come from a town that you speak very fondly of. Back where I grew up in Attleboro, there wasn't a whole hell of a lot for me that sticks out. I mean, I remember the days where I popped open a bottle of Coca-Cola, and when I visited this burger joint up the street from where I lived and grew up in, but nothing else sticks out."

"I see," Hawkeye said.

"Yes, well, it was still my birthplace," Andrew mentioned. "Just not one that holds too many memories for me."

"Well not everyone can think fondly of one's birthplace," Hawkeye shrugged. "But my concern is why I've been feeling the way I have been when it comes to sleeping."

"I don't know for sure," Andrew scratched his right ear. "But as Margaret told me, it might be from all the work strain that you've been putting yourself into whenever the wounded show up and we have to go into OR to perform meatball surgery."

"Your probably right," Hawkeye admitted. "I'll tell you one thing though, I'm not sure I can be able to sleep tonight. Not until whatever's bothering me passes."

"I understand why your feeling like this," Andrew advised him. "I mean we are in the middle of the war. We all have our off-days. After a while, some of us get sick of the war and all the destruction and despair that goes on around us."

"I think I had known that from the nearest encyclopedia Andrew," Hawkeye deadpanned sarcastically.

"That figures," Andrew rolled his eyes. "I should be breaking down from all this tragedy going on, but I'm not. I take whatever comes my way, I don't let it get to me, and I use what I've learned from past experiences."

"That much is obvious," Hawkeye retorted. "So what do you suppose I should do?"

"I don't know," Andrew stated. "All I can suggest is that you try to take it easy, don't strain yourself while on Post-Op duty, and not get so worked up about it."

"I'll try," Hawkeye sighed. "It's not going to be easy though."

"No doubt about that, but you've been here for a while," Andrew told him. "You've been through worse, so you can get by this."

"I suppose your right," Hawkeye took a deep breath. "I'm glad that we had this talk."

"Same here," Andrew nodded. "Well, I'll be seeing you."

"Alright Andrew," Hawkeye gave his farewell, which was followed by Andrew walking out the door.

There were still some things that Hawkeye didn't quite get. But he wasn't going to keep thinking about it, as he decided to continue with his day...

---

IN ANDREW'S TENT - 21:29

While Hawkeye was struggling to get to sleep, Andrew was currently in his tent with Margaret, as they were having their rendezvous together. Andrew decided on this as a method of getting their minds off of Hawkeye and focused on something else.

"Sure is beautiful outside tonight," Andrew gave his girl a remark as they were sitting on his cot.

"You know it," Margaret smiled. "Do you think there's something wrong with Captain Pierce?"

"I honestly don't know for sure," Andrew answered. "I just hope that whatever is going on passes."

"Me too honey," Margaret shared with him. "This isn't anything like the time he was faking his insanity just to get some R&R in Tokyo."

"You can say that again sugar," Andrew admitted. "But seriously, the nightmare he had last night got to him. Now he's so afraid that he's forcing himself to stay awake."

"Worried that he'll have another nightmare," Margaret sighed. "Seriously, I think it's the strain of working in OR. He needs to take it easy."

"That's what I told him," Andrew remarked. "Soon enough, he's going to end up a basket case due to being so worked up about the war."

"And that's what I'm worried about," Margaret admitted. "He's one of our best surgeons. He's the chief surgeon for a reason."

"I know," Andrew agreed. "All of us have some use in OR and Post-Op, as we are a pretty efficient medical team. Even Frank is slightly competent in regards to being a doctor."

"That's so true Andrew," Margaret came up with an idea. "Now, what do you say we forget about that for now and do what we usually do on these rendezvous, darling?"

"Yeah, that's a great idea dear," Andrew smirked lustily. "I love you buttercup."

"I love you too honey," Margaret gave him a similar grin.

Soon enough, their lips met and they started their usual kissing fest, which was as tender and passionate as it always was. The next few minutes had gone by as if nothing had happened in the compound.

Unfortunately, their kissing fest was brought to an abrupt halt when they heard a blood-curling scream coming from the Swamp. Their lips broke apart as they knew exactly what that scream was about.

"That sounds like Captain Pierce," Margaret figured it out.

"Well, here we go again," Andrew sighed. "Pierce probably had another nightmare and was screaming as a result."

"This stinks," Margaret moaned. "We need to talk with the Colonel about this."

"Great idea," Andrew agreed as they got up from his cot and walked out the door.

Speaking of the Colonel, Henry bolted up from his cot upon hearing Hawkeye scream. He knew what that meant, and he knew something had to be done about it.

Alright! That tears it! Henry thought. Pierce's nightmares aren't doing things for morale, and it's disrupting the entire compound! Time to put the kabob on Pierce's nightmare problems and give it the ol' vamoose out of the four-oh-double-seven!

With that, Henry stood up, got out of his cot, left his tent, and headed for his office. He knew that the others were going to complain about this, so that's why he had to be ready to take action...

---

IN COLONEL BLAKE'S OFFICE - 21:40

"Henry? Something's got to be done about this," Trapper yelled towards Henry. "We have to do something about these nightmares that Hawk's been having!"

"I know that McIntyre," Henry shouted back. "But what do you expect me to do? I can't tackle anything psychologically. It always gives me a headache."

"Well we can't put up with this any longer," Trapper scowled. "It's bad enough that I'm constantly waking up in the middle of the night thanks to Hawkeye. The one thing that I really can't stand is to see my buddy look all scared out of his mind from a nightmare he had."

"Well, McIntyre, I'm short on ideas," Henry insisted. "What do you think we should do?"

"If you want my advice, I say we should sedate him and tie him to his cot," Frank was also in the office as he was irritated. "That'll keep Captain Pierce from causing a ruckus."

"Oh yeah. Great idea Frank," Trapper complimented sarcastically. "Because the last thing Hawkeye needs is to be sedated, only to keep having constant nightmares to the point where he'll have a heart attack!"

"Well excuse me for being annoyed by Pierce's screaming McIntyre," Frank barked.

"Okay, that's enough," Henry got them to stop. "We're all a little shaken up from his fits these past couple of nights."

"No kidding there Colonel," Andrew spoke up as he was also in the office along with Margaret. "And to think he had another nightmare. First, it was one about Toby Wilder, and now it's about another childhood friend Dickie Barber. And that Dickie was blown up to pieces by heavy artillery."

"It's nuts to see this hell hole of a war invade his dream about a more peaceful time in Crabapple Cove," Trapper snorted. "And he's on the phone in Radar's office, trying to call Dickie and to find out if he's alright."

"Yeah. Pierce looks like he's about ready to fly the coop and dip the bill," Henry admitted.

"It isn't a good thing in the slightest," Andrew moaned.

"Colonel, I suggest we get a psychologist involved in this," Margaret suggested. "Someone from Seoul who can get to Pierce's mind and the source of the problem."

"Pierce needs psychiatric help?" Frank scoffed. "Ha! Anyone who needs psychiatry is-"

"Frank, if you finish that sentence, I will pull out your tongue and nail it to the floor," Trapper threatened him, cutting him off.

"You watch your mouth with me, McIntyre," Frank howled. "Pierce isn't my problem!"

"Guys, why don't we cut it out so we don't make a scene," Andrew informed them. "I have to wonder how Pierce's call to his childhood friend went."

Then right on cue, Hawkeye storms into the office with a look of irritation on his face, combined with that of fear and anxiety.

"Oh boy, speak of the devil," Henry remarked. "Pierce, anything happened to Dickie Barber?"

"Ah no. No, he's just fine. Turns out I interrupted his sleep," Hawkeye gripped. "I had no idea that he'd be sleeping at this hour! And yet I woke him up."

"Just like how you've been waking us up for the past couple of nights," Trapper retorted.

"Besides Pierce, the time zone in Maine is different from the time zone in South Korea," Andrew brought up. "You have to keep that in mind."

"How can I keep that in mind when I'm too paranoid to shut my eyelids," Hawkeye exclaimed. "I can't even close my eyes for one second without having a nightmare."

"So it must be that bad," Andrew pinched his nose.

"And if that ain't enough, I'm afraid to fall back asleep on account of whatever nightmare I'll have next," Hawkeye continued. "It's one thing to live in a shooting gallery. Now I'm being attacked from inside... How do I defend myself from myself?"

"Honestly Pierce, I don't know the answer to that," Andrew shrugged. "But let me tell you, we'll figure something out."

"Yes, and in the meantime, I'm going to drink 5 cups of coffee so I don't feel my eyelids droop over my eye and clock out for the evening." Hawkeye rubbed his eyes. "If anybody needs me, I'll be in the mess tent trying to fight off this sleep."

"McIntyre, you better go with him," Henry made the suggestion. "Just make sure he doesn't get anymore nightmares."

"Well sure," Trapper shrugged. "I mean what are friends for?"

"Oh gloriosky Trap," Hawkeye moaned. "That makes me feel a lot better."

"Hawk, would you like me to pat you on the back," Trapper asked rhetorically.

"Not necessarily," Hawkeye groaned. "Let's just go to the mess tent."

"Right behind you pal," Trapper told him as they both headed for the mess tent.

"Colonel, I insist that you get a psychiatrist down here to check out Pierce and see what's wrong with him," Margaret suggested.

"Well there are a whole bunch of them in rundown South Korea," Henry complained. "Who do you think would be the best choice for us?"

"You know, we could always get a hold of Freedman," Andrew suggested. "As in Sidney Freedman."

"The shrink from Seoul," Henry wondered, getting Andrew to nod. "Welp, we've tried everything we could from the book. And we're desperate with putting an end to these nighttime screams. So I guess we don't have a choice."

"Well, at least I don't need to chew my cabbage twice," Frank scoffed. "I think he's goldbricking his problems."

"You can think whatever you want Frank, but we're getting a hold of Sidney Freedman," Henry told him as Radar stepped into Henry's office. "RADAR!?"

"Freedman's on the phone sir," Radar told him. "Told him you want to talk to him. Right away. Colonel Blake sir."

"Well, alrighty Radar," Henry picked up the phone speaker on his desk and spoke into it. "Hello? Colonel Freedman? This is Major Blake speaking."

Henry was then pointed out his mistake from the other line and he corrected himself. "Oh wait, your Major Freedman, and I'm Colonel Blake. My mistake sir. Sorry about that."

"Pierce's having sleeping problems," Radar told Henry to say.

"Uh, Captain Pierce is having some sleeping problems," Henry spoke into the speaker.

"Keeps sleepwalking and has nightmares," Radar said.

"He keeps sleepwalking, and he also has had nightmares," Henry said through the phone.

"Screams from nightmares he's had and wakes us up."

"He lets out screams from the nightmares he's had, and it also wakes us up."

"Can you come tomorrow night to solve the problem?"

"Right, can you come by the 4077th tomorrow night, just to resolve Pierce's problem," Henry wondered as he got an answer from him. "You will? Well, that would be great Major Freedman. The boys and I will also play poker while you're here. Okay doke, thanks for that."

"We'll see you tomorrow night," Radar muttered to Henry.

"Yes, we'll see you here tomorrow night," Henry recited.

"See ya soon." Radar added.

"We'll see you soon Major," Henry spoke into the phone speaker.

"Goodbye," Radar wanted him to close the phone call.

"Right. Well, goom-bye," Henry finished the call.

From there, Henry Blake put the speaker back where it belongs, as the call had come to an end, and the plans have been set.

"Alrighty then, that's all set," Henry exclaimed. "Sidney Freedman should be here tomorrow night, and this issue that Pierce has been having with his nightmares will be given a kick in the caboose for good."

"Well, that's a relief," Andrew wiped his forehead. "Hopefully Freedman can resolve whatever issue Pierce is having, that's hidden deep within his psyche."

"We all hope so too Major," Henry agreed. "For once, I'd like to get some goodnight sleep without being awoken by screams."

"Me too sir," Radar admitted.

"So what do you think we should do in the meantime," Andrew wondered.

"Well I think we should go back to doing what we were doing previously," Margaret suggested. "Right Andrew?"

"That's not a bad idea Margaret," Andrew smiled. "We should get going."

"Well I for one am going back to the Swamp to get some shuteye," Frank told them. "With Pierce not there to scream, I shouldn't be disturbed from my sleep."

"I think we should all hit the haystack folks," Henry yawned. "That'll be all. Dismissed."

Not saying another word, they all left the office as they went to their proper places. Andrew and Margaret went back to the former's tent to pick up where they left off with their kissing fest, while the rest of them decided to turn in for the evening. They were finally going to have this issue resolved come tomorrow night when Sidney looks into whatever problem Hawkeye is having...

---

THE FOLLOWING NIGHT; IN THE SWAMP - 20:58

It was now the following night at the M*A*S*H 4077. And at the Swamp, there was a poker game going on. Some of them such as Henry and Klinger had cigars in their mouths while playing poker. In addition to that, there were poker chips, cards, and cash on the table too to show how much money is being betted and who wins the jackpot.

While Klinger was wearing another woman's gown, bloomers, and shoes, and Henry was wearing his usual attire, Radar was also present, wearing his usual jeep hat. There was also Trapper, who was wearing that kimono robe, and Hawkeye was wearing his usual attire as well.

Finally, another guest was joining them tonight. He was revealed to be Sidney Freedman, who had arrived just like it was planned. Sidney was shown to be 5'11" in height, had tan skin, brown curly hair with gray highlights in parts, and brown eyes. The most distinctive feature was the mustache, also colored brown.

He had been sent to the 4077th to look into what's wrong with Hawkeye and why he's been acting the way he has. But he could never turn down a game of poker, so he didn't object to that in the slightest.

Outside of the Swamp, we see Andrew approaching the door leading to the Swamp. He knew that a poker game was going on and that Sidney Freedman was here to check out Hawkeye's psyche, but it didn't hurt for him to check it out for himself.

Upon knocking at the door, Andrew allowed himself to enter the Swamp and got everyone's attention.

"Hello guys," he greeted. "Playing a game of poker, huh?"

"Major," Klinger greeted first. "Welcome to the club."

"Yeah," Radar spoke up. "Didn't expect you to stop by."

"I know, it's unexpected," Andrew remarked. "But I heard about a poker game that's going on in the Swamp."

"Yessirree, this is poker night after all," Henry proclaimed. "We're playing for a five-card stud."

"I'm playing for the full house," Trapper retorted dryly.

"There's also the fact that I've heard that Sidney Freedman is here," Andrew exclaimed.

"Ah righty, of course," Henry turned to face Sidney. "Freedman, you remember Major Peterson from before, right?"

"Ah yes. How could I forget that face," Sidney turned to face Andrew. "From the time that O.R. was deluged with casualties."

"Yeah, that would be me," Andrew chuckled bashfully. "It's a pleasure to have you here again Major Freedman."

"You know, whenever I am called to come to this neck of the woods, it's to check out a patient's mentality," Sidney told him dryly. "But I could never turn down a friendly game of poker."

"And that's why we were glad to have you join us, Major Freedman," Henry remarked.

"Hey Peterson, why don't you join us in a game of poker," Klinger suggested.

"Yeah," Trapper spoke up. "We could always use another person to play along."

"Thanks, but I don't gamble often," Andrew had his hands up before sounding modest. "Besides, I don't think I would be any good at it."

"Gee, don't say that sir," Radar spoke up. "You could be great at this. Have you played poker before?"

"Well yeah, sure, but it's been ages," Andrew recalled. "The last time I played poker was when I was stationed at West Point. It was at an Officer's Club. I can't remember how I did, but it's been a long time."

"Well sir, I don't see why you should play for fun," Klinger remarked.

"Well, playing for fun is different," Andrew mused. "I guess I can play a game of poker, or two."

"Okay Andrew," Hawkeye stretched his arms. "While you're playing poker with these guys, I'm going to go stretch outside for a bit."

"Hey, mind if I tag along," Sidney offered. "I could use some fresh air myself."

"Oh sure, why not," Hawkeye said. "I could always use the company."

"Be sure to bring that couch outside," Andrew suggested jokingly.

"Right Andrew," Hawkeye shook his head before heading outside, with Sidney following close behind him.

"Alright Major, pull up a chair and join the fun," Klinger encouraged.

"It'll be a load off of everyone's back, considering how much time's been spent in OR," Henry added.

"Well, oh alright. I'll play," Andrew decided to join in as he pulled out a chair and was sitting in between Radar and Klinger. "So I guess I'm gonna need some cards and poker chips, right?"

"Right on the money doc," Klinger murmured. "Shall we start the game?"

"Alright. Let's play our cards," Trapper suggested.

"Okay," Andrew got his cards and chips as he put out a $5 bill onto the table. "Don't expect me to win this game."

"We'll just have to see for ourselves," Henry proclaimed. "For now, let's start the game."

With no one else talking, the poker game had started, as Andrew was relearning how to play poker. This was going to be interesting...

---

Meanwhile, while the poker game in the Swamp was starting, we see Hawkeye and Sidney taking a nightly stroll through the compound. At first, they were making some small talk. But eventually, said small talk slowly started to dive into what was important. The real reason for Sidney being at the 4077th. The discussion started when Hawkeye decided to share what's been going on with him.

"They tell me I've been playing a mean game of zombie basketball," Hawkeye said.

"They tell me you've been worrying about losing your marbles," Sidney remarked.

That resulted in Hawkeye giving him applause. "Ah, very good."

"For my next trick, I'll invent sibling rivalry," Sidney told him in a deadpan voice.

"Yes, well, anyway," Hawkeye felt like getting on with the point. "I'm not entirely sure what's been bothering me. I mean one moment, I'm dreaming as if I was back in my hometown of Crabapple Cove, and the next moment, something tragic happens. It shouldn't have happened, but it did happen. I don't know what to think about it. What do you think, Sidney?"

"I think I better sit down," Sidney told him before sitting on the bench.

"Good idea," Hawkeye decided to join him. "We can sit on your wooden couch to talk this out."

"Yeah," Sidney got on with the topic. "So you're been walking in your sleep. What do you think it means?"

"I'm walking. I'm, uh, uh..." Hawkeye had to think about how to answer that question. "I'm walking towards something. I'm walking away from something."

"Mm-hmm." Sidney encouraged him to continue.

"I'm trying to escape." Hawkeye managed to figure it out.

"In other words, you go to sleep, your subconscious takes a little walk and brings your body along for company." Sidney made the assumption.

"Yeah," Hawkeye nodded. "Well, I don't seem to be getting very far."

"You're making it [all the way] back to Crabapple Cove," Sidney told him. "Back to a time when playing ball and shooting marbles and going on picnics were all there was to worry about."

"No more responsibility," Hawkeye remarked. "No more life and death decisions."

"And 'pain' was a skinned knee," Sidney added dryly.

"What about my nightmares?" Hawkeye queried.

"What about them?" Sidney countered with his question.

"I keep having these dreams about these... these kids I grew up with," Hawkeye trailed off as he tried to explain. "And I...The-The dreams start 'out' okay. The kids are fine. And then they end in disaster."

"Like those kids who roll past you on that bloody assembly line," Sidney brought up. "You dream to escape, but the war invades your dream, and you wake up screaming. The dream is peaceful. Reality is the nightmare."

It was then Hawkeye had another question; one that left him feeling very uncertain about himself. "Am I crazy, Sidney?"

"No!" Sidney scoffed at that assumption Hawkeye made. "A bit confused, a little farshimmelt is all. 'Actually', Hawkeye, you're probably the sanest person I've ever known. The fact is, if you were crazy, you'd sleep like a baby."

"Alright," Hawkeye then queried. "So when do my nightmares end?"

"When this big one ends, most of the others should go away," Sidney informed him. "But there's a lot of suffering going on here, Hawkeye, and you can't avoid it. You can't even dream it away."

"I suppose your right," Hawkeye sighed. "I'm glad that we had this talk."

"Well, now that we got that out of the way," Sidney stood up and stretched his arms. "I think it's fitting for us to play a little zombie basketball."

"Sure," Hawkeye shrugged. "I've done it before. So why shouldn't I do it now?"

"Fair enough," Sidney said simply.

From there, they started to play zombie basketball near the basketball hoop, just like Hawkeye did the other night. It was rather silly but seemed pretty satisfying in the slightest.

However, this didn't go unnoticed, as Frank was heading back to the Swamp. Before he got back to the Swamp, he caught sight of Hawkeye and Sidney playing zombie basketball. Frank became shocked by what he was seeing.

What the hell are they doing? Frank thought. They're crazy if they think they're playing basketball. The Colonel would like to know about this!

With that thought in mind, Frank scurried back to the Swamp, intending to let Henry know about what Hawkeye and Sidney were doing...

---

BACK IN THE SWAMP:

"I can't believe it," Henry had covered his eyes with his hands. "I just can't believe that just happened."

"Who would've thought that Major Peterson would've earned all this money by getting a royal flush," Klinger commented.

"Hey, in my defense, I wasn't planning on winning," Andrew told them modestly. "It just so happens that I got off lucky this time."

"You're damn right you did," Klinger remarked. "You won $360 from all the bets placed down alone."

"Wow," Radar said. "Major, your good at poker."

"Now why didn't we invite you to play poker before," Trapper mused.

"Maybe it's because you guys never asked me," Andrew said matter-of-factly. "Besides, I'm not one to play poker for just some competition. I tend to keep that under wraps."

"Welp, I guess we can't argue with that," Henry uncovered his eyes.

"Anyway, shall we try another game of poker," Trapper suggested.

"Uh, no thanks. I don't think I can play another game of poker." Andrew insisted.

"Are you sure about that sir," Klinger wondered. "Because you already won the first game. Perhaps you can get lucky and win again."

Andrew wanted to say 'no', seeing that he wasn't some idiot who would waste his money on gambling, especially when he already won it fair and square.

However, before he could say anything, Frank came storming into the Swamp, with some news to give to Henry.

"Colonel," Frank barked. "I need to talk to you about something!"

"Oh gimme a break Frank," Henry moaned. "Whatever it is, can it wait until I get back to my office?"

Frank entirely ignored what Henry had just told him. "I want to bring something to attention with you Colonel. It's about Pierce and Freedman."

"What about them?" Henry queried.

"They're outside playing basketball, except they're not," Frank informed them. "And I think Pierce is goldbricking us this time."

"No. Your kiddin' Frank," Trapper snorted.

"I am not," Frank scoffed. "You can see them for yourself!"

"Major, can it wait," Klinger sighed. "Major Peterson here won $360 in a poker game."

"Now look, it's nothing special," Andrew said out of flattery. "I just got off lucky this time."

"You say that Peterson, but the dough you reined in shows otherwise," Klinger remarked.

"Never mind the $360," Frank was annoyed by this. "I'm talking about what Pierce and Freedman are doing!"

"Alright Frank," Andrew sighed as he stood up. "Since I don't want to be given focus about winning this poker game, I'll look out and see this for myself."

Andrew decided to walk over to see this for himself. He looked out the door window and what he saw left him shocked. It was just as Frank described.

"Golly," Andrew gasped. "Radar, Klinger, come over here and see this for yourself."

"Uh, yes, sir," Radar stood up and approached the door.

"Eh, might as well," Klinger shrugged before standing up and heading for the door.

"Take a look you two," Andrew allowed them to see it for themselves.

The two corporals looked out and saw it for themselves. They were completely surprised by this.

"Holy cow," Radar gawked. "They're doing it! They're doing it!"

"Wow," Klinger muttered. "Now I've seen everything."

"Really," Trapper was curious as he took a quick peek at this and then spoke in a sardonic tone. "Wow. They must be crazy."

"Now hold your horses, what makes them so crazy that they're playing basketball," Henry moaned as he got up and saw this for himself. "Son of a gun, I can't believe it."

"Now you see? Pierce is goldbricking us," Frank retorted.

"Look, I don't want to know why they're doing it. I'm staying out of this," Henry said. "I'm not getting involved in whatever it is they're doing."

"Is it any wonder I can't get a Section 8?" Klinger brought up. "In this outfit, you wanna be crazy you gotta stand in line."

"Nice try Klinger," Andrew brought up. "But you're not going to get a Section 8 by imitating that."

"You might as well forget it, Klinger," Henry informed him.

"I'll be sure to try it out soon," Klinger didn't care how they felt about it.

"What a couple of simps," Frank snorted.

"Frank, I think your the simp," Trapper countered.

"You watch your mouth Captain," Frank growled.

"Okay, let's knock it off," Henry informed them. "No need to start a ruckus."

"Still, wow," Radar muttered. "It's strange."

"Tell me about it," Klinger admitted.

Nothing else was said as they just stared out that door window, with nothing else to say about this. It seems that the solution to the problem has been resolved, for the most part...

---

THE NEXT DAY; IN THE COMPOUND - 9:28

It was a brand new day at the M*A*S*H 4077th. After having been able to sleep that night, Hawkeye felt a little better. He knew that things wouldn't go back to the way they were, but he would be willing to just accept it.

Currently, he was taking a stroll through the compound. He was minding his own business when suddenly, Andrew's voice called out from behind him.

"Hey Pierce," Andrew hollered as he approached him. "Pierce, how are you feeling?"

"Well, if I were to give you an honest opinion, I'd say that I'm feeling more relaxed than I have been," Hawkeye said as he turned to face him. "Maybe getting this thing off of my chest helped with that."

"It's possible," Andrew shrugged. "Anyway, it's good to see you sleep without screaming and waking us up last night."

"Yeah," Hawkeye decided to change the subject. "Anyway, I heard that you won $360 from a poker game last night."

"Wait, who told you that," Andrew raised an eyebrow.

"Trapper, that's who," Hawkeye answered.

"Well, it wasn't anything particular," Andrew sighed.

"Didn't sound like it when he told me about it," Hawkeye smirked.

"Right," Andrew tugged on his collar sheepishly.

They continued walking together through the compound until they came across Trapper.

"Hey, Trap? Andrew and I were just talking about you," Hawkeye told him.

"Really? Did you tell him about the $360?" Trapper wondered. "Because I still think Andrew here should take part in more of our poker games."

"Ah, it's nothing special," Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose. "I just happened to win by sheer luck, and that's it."

"Seem to be more to it than just luck," Trapper smirked.

"Yeah Andrew," Hawkeye agreed. "Why haven't you shown us before?"

"Because I don't think it's anything to get excited about," Andrew spoke with that modest tone. "I don't want everyone to get crazy about it."

"Try telling that to Klinger," Trapper revealed. "He went around telling people in the compound."

"Oh no," Andrew had to slam the palm of his right hand onto his forehead. "Why did he have to do that?"

"He was probably excited about how you won," Hawkeye guessed while shrugging.

"I wish people wouldn't make such a big deal about it," Andrew sounded very humble when he said that. "It was just a simple poker game. It was nothing special."

"Hey Andrew," that voice came from Margaret, who came racing over to him. "Andrew, is it true that you won $360 at a poker game?"

"Well, yes," Andrew told her. "But it's nothing."

"Not to me it ain't, Mr. Big Strong Man," Margaret told him, her breath hitting him in the face.

"W-Well Margaret, I appreciate your faith in me," Andrew admitted honestly. "But I don't see it as anything to get-"

Whatever he was going to say next didn't come, for Margaret grabbed Andrew by the face and kissed him straight on the mouth. It was for a good 15 seconds or so before she let go of Andrew, removing her lips from his lips.

At first, Andrew had a shocked expression on his face. His cheeks turned a bright red as a result of the kiss. However, after a few minutes or so, Andrew started to become more pleased by what she did to him. Margaret saw the look on his face and decided to ask him in a teasing manner.

"Does that make you change your mind, darling?" She had that smirk on her face.

Andrew sputtered for a couple of moments before he finally found his voice. "Yeah, well, I guess it's a good thing, dear."

"Wow," Hawkeye blinked. "Andrew sure changed his mind pretty fast."

"Leave it to Hot Lips to seduce him to convince him," Trapper remarked.

"Uh, thanks for that, Margaret," Andrew thanked her.

"Your welcome Andrew," Margaret giggled. "Anyway, I'm going to the mess tent to get some coffee. Would you like to come along?"

"Uh, sure," Andrew had that goofy smile on his face. "I'd love to."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go," she encouraged.

"Okay," he obliged.

The two of them walked off as they were heading straight for the mess tent, leaving Hawkeye and Trapper behind.

"So anyway Hawkeye, what would you like to do," Trapper felt like asking.

"I know," Hawkeye came up with something. "Why don't we round up a couple of nurses and rendezvous with them? I call dibs on Nurse Able."

"I've got Nurse Baker," Trapper smirked. "Well let get those nurses Hawk."

"I'm way ahead of you Trap," Hawkeye grinned.

From there, the two of them went to get a couple of nurses to rendezvous with. It seems that things were getting back to where they should be. And this couldn't have gone better for them...

---

END OF CHAPTER 39...

Yeah, that's it for this chapter. I do hope you enjoyed it despite the theme of this chapter, overall.

Anyway, the reason why I haven't given Hawkeye so much focus in this story is that in the actual series, he's given so much focus and by the later season begins hogging up all the screen time, which isn't helped by how he appears in every episode. I hope you understand.

As far as Sidney is concerned, I have decided to use him scarcely, mainly for this chapter only. I hope this isn't too much of a problem.

Lastly, there wasn't much to add to this chapter that doesn't involve Crabapple Cove and such, aside from the beginning that showed how exhausted Andrew was, along with how he's good at poker despite not seeing his skill as anything that better than adequate. Mentions of Andrew's birth town are mentioned here too. That's all that I have to say about that.

Anyway, the next chapter is going to be special, in that it focuses on Andrew and Margaret lost in the Korean woods. I should warn you all that Andrew and Margaret will be the only characters to appear in the next chapter, so Hawkeye, Trapper, Henry, Radar, and Frank will be absent, as will Klinger and Father Mulcahy, aside from a couple of mentions. Just a heads up.

Aside from that, how will things go for the two Majors when they are lost in the Korean woods? Find out next time!

For now, you can leave a review for this chapter only if you like. It can be any type of review. Nothing more to say about that.

Otherwise, I got nothing else to say. So until next time, I hope you take care of yourselves, and on that note, thanks again for reading everyone!