FIVE
Nov. 3rd: 0700 hours
"Are you an angel?" the young soldier asked. He was lying on his back in the hospital ward. Gazing down at him, with a smile on her lips, was a woman in a white lab coat.
"No, I'm a Texan. That's even better," she replied.
"What?" he blinked at her in confusion.
"Sorry. I reckon you're not ready for my jokes, yet."
"Very few people are," Major Winchester remarked.
Looking over her shoulder at the doctor who had entered the post-op ward, MacAllister grinned at him, "Howdy, sir."
"Lieutenant, I would like a word with you, when you are finished."
Still confused, the wounded man asked, as he tried to sit up, "Where am I?"
The nurse eased him back onto his cot. "You're not ready to be moving around, yet, either. Private, you are at the 4077th MASH hospital. We met in the operating room, remember?"
"I think so. I hope I didn't hurt your arm when I grabbed it. For a minute there, I guess I thought some Red Chinese had captured me."
"Well, I've been called Red before. But not because of my political beliefs," she answered with a laugh. "I have to go, now. I'd like to talk with you, again, when I get the chance."
"Sound good to me, Angel."
In the hallway, MacAllister appraisedWinchester's appearance. "Charles, you sure look good in your Class A's: complete with your scarf and cap: very dashing and debonair! You've had your dress uniform custom-fitted, haven't you?"
"Of course. If, as an officer, I must purchase and wear khaki pants with a dark brown jacket, I want them to fit properly. There's a Korean tailor who comes by here on occasion. I had him work on these."
"He did a good job."
"Yes," the major replied. "Thank you for retrieving my ascot, by the way. How did you manage to get it back?"
"Don't ask," she grinned and leaned against the wall. "So, you are really going to abandon all of us just to spend three days in Tokyo?"
"Without any hesitation," he responded. "In a few short hours, I shall be in civilization, once again! I'm going to have a room---all to myself---with a king sized bed---and actual sheets---and a bathtub---with fresh towels---at the finest hotel in Japan!"
Enthusiastically, Charles Winchester told her, "I'm going to the ballet! And to the Kabuki! I shall experience the joys of dining without metal trays. In short, my dear, I'm going for three days in Heaven! Ah, Tokyo: the Pearl of the Orient!"
"If you keep making it sound so enticing, you may find a stowaway in your suitcase," MacAllister teased. "Enjoy your time away from here, Charles."
"I shall. My only regret is that you won't be experiencing this paradise with me. You'd enjoy Tokyo, Sarabeth."
"Perhaps," she grimaced slightly and shrugged. "I haven't been here long enough to qualify for any length of time off, however."
"What you like for me to bring you from Tokyo?"
"You don't need to bring me anything."
"I'd like to, however," he persisted, "What would you like? Some perfume? A new book?"
"I'd like a pretty shell from the beach. But, I reckon it's too cold for that. How about a new hair ribbon? I'm allowed to wear them now---when I'm off duty."
"One seashell and one hair ribbon for Lieutenant MacAllister," the major promised.
She smiled at him and asked, "Are you going to be able to check on the hotel reservations for us?"
"I shall determine how much of a deposit is required for one room for two days and two rooms for five days." He patted his jacket pocket, "And, I have the number of the general's wife I'm to contact. Sarabeth, how would your brother know someone, in Tokyo, who might be willing to baby-sit?"
The woman shrugged, "I'm not sure. Crockett knows a lot of people. But, as far as I know, he's never needed a baby-sitter before." MacAllister laughed, "Maybe I should ask him about that."
"Perhaps you should," he returned her smile. Switching topics, he frowned, "Sarabeth, I've been thinking." At her grin, he nodded, "I know: a dangerous habit. Nonetheless, should we be making plans when Hunnicutt hasn't even completely agreed to this arrangement?"
"I told him---Klinger told him," she quickly corrected herself, "that, we would have to start now, to get everything organized. However, if, at any time, either he or Peg changed their mind, we would stop everything immediately---Hawkeye or not."
"That sounds reasonable. I do not believe Pierce will want to discontinue his 'Great Deception', however."
"If B J changes his mind, he'll have to." MacAllister continued thoughtfully, "I still have some doubts, too. There is that possibility of danger. And, I'm wondered if, after being with his family for five days, that wouldn't make the separation even harder on him, afterwards. But, as long as they are both willing.…" Off in the distance, the artillery could be heard. Sarabeth sighed, "Our noisy neighbors are awake again. You better go while you still have the chance."
"Have you heard if we are getting wounded in, soon?"
"I'm sure we will; haven't heard anything, yet. But you better go. You don't want to miss your connecting flight. Have a great time! When you return, I want to hear all about Tokyo---if you remember any of it."
