The atmosphere at the 309th Aid Station was grim. Today was the day that they were going to lose their Commanding Officer. Not just any Commanding Officer. The best damn Commanding Officer that the United States Army could provide. And the best surgeon on top of that. They all had been dreading this day for the past three days. But no one more than Major Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, Commanding Officer. There wasn't any new wounded. Not since two days ago when HQ had reported that the enemy was pulling back. The wounded already there and able to talk, thanked the young doctor for saving their lives.
Hawkeye didn't want to leave. He didn't want to go to the 4077th MASH unit, his old unit. He was content where he was. Saving lives and living a quiet life.
Pierce eyed the group of assembled men and women in front of him. All of them wore the identical grim look, almost like someone close to them had died. "I'm not good with goodbyes." He stated as he paced up and down the lines. "When I first came here, I didn't know what to expect. Actually, I thought I would never make it. But I was showed respect and kindness by a very good man. A man that was taken from us all way to soon. I wish to have a moment of silence for Colonel Gregory Shepard because without him I wouldn't be the man you see before you." He lowered his head and knew that the others would follow. They all had great respect for the deceased Colonel. And his death had affected them all.
After a moment of silence he raised his head to once again gaze at his co-workers of a year. His friends. His troops. Light blue eyes skimmed over the faces in the front row. First stopping on Colonel Thomas Bridge, his replacement. With straight set lips he stepped up to the man. "Take care of them, Bridge. They're a good bunch of people." Colonel Bridge gave Pierce a text book salute in response then a friendly handshake. The next person that he moved to was Lieutenant Caroline Ruiz, who was taken over Kelly's place as head nurse. "I have faith in you, Ruiz. You're a good nurse and more than qualified for this position. And don't be afraid to be tough with them." This statement got him several quiet chuckles since Kelly was known for being strict with the nurses. He also got a salute from her. And he returned it with ease. He stepped back and eyed them once more. "Take care of yourselves. I don't want to hear about any bad reports coming from here or I will personally kick each and every butt involved." He could vaguely hear the Corporal calling the company to attention as they all saluted him. "Dismissed." He said quietly as he turned and headed towards the awaiting jeep. They didn't leave when hearing dismissed. Instead they stood tall and proud. They were going to see him off.
Nurse Kelly was already waiting, knowing that he needed to say goodbye alone. So she said her goodbyes the night before during a small get together of the nurses. She couldn't help but feel a nag at her heart. It was almost like leaving home. But she quickly shook that thought from her head.
Hawkeye didn't look back. He couldn't. So he climbed into the jeep and only then did he return their goodbye salute. Soon the jeep lurched forward and they were speeding away from the Aid Station. Away from a place that made the war a little more bearable. "How long is it going to take to get to the 4077th, Captain?" He questioned the young blonde haired boy driving. "About two hours, Sir." Nodding, Pierce sat back in the uncomfortable seat and watched as the trees zipped by. But soon his stomach felt like it was in a knot. They were almost to the very spot where Greg had been killed. He had to fight back the tears as they drove through the village. And he could feel the comforting hand of Kelly on his shoulder. She removed it once they exited the village. He'd have to remember to thank her later.
4077th
Major Margaret Houlihan was in a huff as she stormed into Colonel Potter's office almost knocking Radar over as he exited. "Sir, I wish to place Lieutenant Andrews on report, Sir." She crossed her arms over the front of her brown army fatigue shirt.
Colonel Potter looked up from the papers in front of him and frowned. "Major. You can't place all your Nurses on report. I know you've been under a lot of stress trying to get things ready for the new surgeon. But that is no reason to take it out on them." He looked over the top of his oval wire rim, army issue, glasses before pushing his papers to the side. "Care to talk about it?" He knew something was eating her.
Margaret licked her dry, pink, lips and sat down with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Sir. And your right. It is very unArmy of me to take my frustrations out on the Nurses. They are a good bunch. I'm just a little anxious to meet the new surgeon. I've heard a lot about him. He's a good soldier. And he ran the 309th like a well ordered machine. I think it will be refreshing to have someone so dedicated around." She had a far away look in her eyes as she spoke.
Potter took his glasses off and wiped his forehead on the arm of his olive green, button down, shirt. It was a very hot, dry day. "Major. If I may make suggestion? Don't jump the man when he arrives. I'm sure there will be enough time for that later." His eyes held amusement as he watched the Majors cheek color a light pink. He looked to the doors as they banged over and Radar entered out of breath. "Sir. The 309th radioed to say that they left and should be arriving in the next hour or two." He scooped the papers up off the Colonel's desk, knowing what had to be done with them, and exited quickly. The Colonel only shook his head. That boy amazed him.
The Major stood quickly. "I should be getting back to see if everything is going smoothly." She gave the Colonel a salute before heading out of the office and back to post-op where most of her nurses were currently on duty.
The sign that read 4077th MASH, Best Care Anywhere loomed ahead and Hawkeye was nudged awake. He had drifted off into a uneasy slumber. Working at the 309th meant that they had learned to sleep about anywhere. Standing up, sitting down, even while eating, it saved time. He wet his dry, dust covered lips and glanced back to Kelly, whom had nudged him awake. "Thanks." He mumbled as he straightened himself up and dusted his olive green attire off. He wasn't dressed up. All he was wearing was normal army fatigues. He didn't want to draw unneeded attention to himself. The jeep rumbled to a stop in front of the bulletin board and the Captain hurried to unload the baggage, calling for some help. Hawkeye slipped out and looked around. Nothing had changed. Not a thing. The basketball hoop was still in the center of the compound. The sign post with all their hometowns was still standing. Kelly gave his shoulder a squeeze. "Are you going to be alright, Sir?" Pierce blinked and looked down at her. "Yes. I'll be fine. It's just going to take some getting used to." He tried to give her a smile but failed. She nodded and glanced around. "I need to go check in with the Major." With that, she left. Leaving him alone to deal with things.
"Hey. You new?" A voice asked from behind Hawkeye. But he couldn't turn around. His legs were frozen. He knew the voice. It belonged to his ex-tent mate and friend, BJ Hunnicutt. He was about to answer when a new voice interrupted him. It was a older, more fatherly voice. "Are you the new surgeon?" Colonel Potter asked since Radar had informed him that the new doctor had arrived. Hawkeye took a deep breath. "Yes, Sir. I'm the new surgeon. Or at least I hope that I am. If not, I should really have a talk with my travel agent because this is does not look like Chicago." He slowly turned, keeping his head down since his hat was pulled down to just above his eyes. Finally he straightened up to his full height and removed his hat, running a hand through his jet black hair that was streaked with some silver. "Major Benjamin Franklin Pierce at your service." He said with a salute. "Did I say something wrong?" He couldn't help but notice the open mouthed expressions on both BJ and Potter. He was again interrupted by a third voice coming from his side. "Major?" It was clearly female and again he recognized it. He turned to face the new comer, shielding his eyes from the bright sun. "Margaret." He stated simply which made her stop in her tracks. "Oh my..." She covered her mouth with her hand. "Hawkeye?" She asked in almost awe. "That's what I've been told." He said with a touch of amusement. He couldn't help but feel in a better mood here. There wasn't the constant fear of dying or the shells knocking on the front door. "Tough crowd." He said simply and leaned back against the jeep to wait for the shock to wear off. Which didn't take long. Then everyone started to talk at once.
Authors Note He he he he! I hate cliff hangers. But I had to put it in. Spice things up. And every great writer needs some hatred. I wish to extend a invitation. Along with your review send me some suggestions to what Houlihan, Potter, and Hunnicutt should say to or ask Hawkeye in the next chapter. And if I should make Houlihan or Hunnicutt slap/punch Hawkeye for not keeping in contact with them after the transfer to the Aid Station. This story is obviously based after Henry was killed and Potter took over. And Burns was sent home so that means that Hawkeye, BJ and Margaret were close friends. Not to mention the little fling shared between Hawkeye and Margaret at the abandoned shack. So send them in and get full credit for the idea. Thank You The Management