Hello there, readers. After having done some thinking, I've decided on writing a story for this particular series.
Now, this is completely new territory for me, since I haven't written a story for this series before, so bear with me. I've been wanting to do a story for this series for a while. I just didn't know how to go about with it. But now I'm finally going to get to it.
Well, rather than just spoil how this story will go, I'm going to let you readers see it for yourselves. With that, I hope you enjoy this new story, everyone!
DISCLAIMER: All the rights to the M*A*S*H TV series belong to 20th Century Fox TV Corporation and those who developed it. The only thing I own is the OC I'm creating for this story.
IN KOREA; DOWN IN SEOUL - 17:00
Korea. Known as a region that is located in East Asia, it has been divided into two parts since 1945. The northern section was known as North Korea (which is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea), and the southern section was referred to as South Korea (which is simply the Republic of Korea).
Currently, the two regions were stuck at war called the Korean War; a massive conflict that exists between North Korea and South Korea; the former region is backed by the Chinese, and the Soviet Union (or communists), whereas the latter region is backed by personnel from the United Region (most famously from the United States). It's a known fact that there were several M*A*S*H (mobile army surgical hospital) units scattered throughout the region, mainly in parts of South Korea, where surgeons, doctors, nurses, and personnel from the U.S are stationed at to treat the wounded that were caught within the crossfire.
In particular, down at Seoul; a place where most enlisted men and surgeons go for R&R and where new coming personnel show up by plane, a single person had taken his first step into Korea after having exited the plane that he took from the U.S. The person in question was a young adult male somewhere in his late 20s or early 30s.
Standing at an average height of 6'1", he was shown as having pale Caucasian color skin, average length dirty blonde colored hair, green eyes, and he had no facial hairs on his face. As far as his build was concerned, it was around an average or borderline athletic. And as for the clothing, he was wearing a typical formal uniform that most enlisted surgeons and personnel wear when they first arrive in Korea. In other words, he was wearing a brown jacket shirt with a tan-colored undershirt underneath, brown pants, shoes, and he was wearing a cap that looked similar to the ones worn by generals, admirals, and captains. Finally, in his two hands were four rather big-sized suitcases that he brought with him for his stay here.
Based on the stripes that were shown on both sides on the shoulder end of the sleeves, this newcomer was a Major. The Major was known as Andrew Peterson. Having been hailed from the United States, the expression on his face showed that he was clearly a person that doesn't talk much. Before arriving here, he had spent a couple of years in the army, as well as take a college course for performing surgery for a few years or so. Combined with how he learned to apply medical attention in the army, Andrew was skilled at doing this kind of thing, even though he doesn't speak too highly of his talent.
Because of that, he was wondering why he was chosen by the Red Cross to be sent to this fair region to work at some M*A*S*H unit in South Korea. It certainly left him feeling perplexed.
Stepping outside the building he stepped in from departing the plane he took here, the young Major took a look at his surroundings, and was quite amazed by what he was seeing. Things really did seem different from the other side of the pond.
So this is Korea? He thought to himself, taking in his surroundings. Hmmm...Looks different than what I imagined it. But then again, I haven't seen any of the locations where most of the action takes place yet...
Being lost in thought, he had to wonder what was going to be in store for him once he arrives at his designated M*A*S*H unit. He was assuming that it wouldn't be pretty, but he decided not to jump the gun so soon, especially since he just got here.
He spent the next few minutes wondering how his time here would go. How could Seoul be so devoid of horror and tyranny that he's read up on about the Korean War? Could it be in an area that hasn't been affected by the conflict? And just what is the new M*A*S*H unit that he's been assigned to going to be like? All of these questions shrouded his head, as all he could do was wait and see what was in store for him.
Suddenly, he found himself cut off from his thoughts when a voice called out to him.
"Excuse me, sir!" Andrew found himself looking up to the source of the voice, and saw what looked to be a corporal rushing over to him.
Said corporal was shown to be a young man not much older than Andrew was, as he was at a height of 5'4". Notable for wearing round-lensed glasses, he also had pale skin, burnt auburn hair, grey color eyes, and he had an average build. As for clothes, he was wearing an olive green over-shirt, a barf green t-shirt on his head, and finally, he was wearing a green beanie cap on his head.
Going by the name Walter O'Reilly, his fellow personnel know him better as Radar. Looking at the new coming Major with a curious expression, Radar felt the need to ask him a particular question.
"Uh, excuse me, sir. I'm sorry for approaching you like this, but I'm looking for a new Major who has arrived in Korea that goes by the name of Andrew Peterson," Radar looked at his clipboard while asking that. "Do you know where I can find him?"
Andrew was perplexed by that question. Still, he answered his question with a casual stoic tone.
"Andrew Peterson huh? Ahem, I would be him," he said to the young company clerk.
"You are," Radar double-checked to make sure. "Oh good. You see, I was sent to come and get you."
"Uh, if you don't mind me asking, but do you know where I can get a ride to the M*A*S*H unit 4077," the Major questioned, citing the information he got from the call received from his home. "I've been told that I'm being stationed to the 4077."
"I was about to tell you that. I came from the 4077, where I'm positioned as the company clerk," the young corporal proclaimed. "I've been assigned to come to Seoul to pick you up and bring you back to the 4077."
"Oh," the major was satisfied with that answer. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going."
"I'm on it, sir. If you may follow me," Radar motioned him to follow as they both started walking to the jeep that the company clerk took to get here.
As they were walking, Andrew did have to wonder who this young corporal was called. Deciding not to hesitate, he came straight out to ask.
"Excuse me, corporal, I know we just met, but I haven't gotten your name yet," he queried.
"Oh, well, my name is Walter O'Reilly," said Radar. "But the people down at the 4077 tend to call me Radar."
"I see," Andrew rubbed his chin. "Just one question; why Radar?"
"Oh uh, I tend to know when something is about to occur, and I can sense when the choppers are coming with the incoming wounded," Radar admitted, rubbing the side of his right arm out of flattery.
"Well that's...interesting to know," he said in a rather slow manner.
"Yeah," Radar nodded as they approached the jeep. "Hey uh, Major Peterson?"
"Yes?"
"I uh, know this isn't any of my business, but would you mind telling me a bit about yourself, before we get to the 4077?"
Andrew gave him a thoughtful expression as he saw no harm in telling. "Well, there isn't anything interesting about myself to tell. I was born in and grew up most of my life in the state of Massachusetts. After graduating high school, I took a college course for 4 years in learning how to be a doctor in a surgery room. At the same time, I also enlisted in the army for a good 3 years, where I gained some experience in army life, as well as applying medical procedure when necessary."
"I see," Radar stood right in front of the jeep. "Tell me, did you still live in Massachusetts before showing up to Korea."
"Well, not anymore," Andrew answered, looking straight at the corporal. "Sometime after getting my degree and having served my time in the army, I had moved to the state of South Carolina."
"Okay, so why South Carolina?"
"Well, my mom told me that her life would be easier to handle if we lived down there. I didn't have any objections to it, so we moved down there."
"I see. So you lived with your mom?"
"Yes. That's right," Andrew nodded. "And if you are wondering, it's just me and my mom. My mom has been single for many years. And if you should know, I'm single too. Never had been married, or had a girlfriend or anything like that."
"Alright," Radar had one more question for the new Major. "Just one more question. How were you chosen to come to Korea to join our M*A*S*H unit?"
"Huh, well I don't have a precise answer for that," Andrew rubbed the rim of his cap. "It happened one seemingly normal day at home when I wasn't doing anything. Suddenly, my mom got a call from the Red Cross. Told her that I was going to be assigned to this M*A*S*H unit in South Korea, which happens to be the 4077, and that I was to be sent there immediately. I had nothing better to do, so I decided to head out, and now here I am."
"That's neat! Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Major."
"Yeah, the feeling is mutual Radar."
"So anyway, just how much did you bring for your stay here?" Radar eyed the suitcases that the Major was holding.
"Oh, well, just the stuff that I felt I need to bring here. You know, clothes, blankets, personal possessions, that kind of stuff," the major lifted the suitcases as emphasis.
"I see," Radar opened the back door to the jeep. "Well, the trunk to this jeep is filled with the necessary tools for it in case of an emergency. But you are more than obliged to put your four suitcases in the back seat of the jeep. Is that alright, sir?"
"Yeah, yeah, that's perfectly fine by me," Andrew smiled slightly while putting the suitcases into the back seat. "So, how long is the trip to the 4077 going to be?"
"Not long," he shrugged. "The M*A*S*H unit is just near the South Korean villgae of Uijeongbu. I know my way around like a compass, so I'll be driving us there."
"In that case, I'll sit in the passengers' seat," Andrew opened the door to the passengers' seat. "Let's get a move on."
"I'm already on it, sir," Radar walked over to the drivers' side and opened that door. The corporal and major were about to enter the jeep, but before they could do that, a voice from nearby called out.
"RADAR! HEY RADAR, WAIT!" That voice belonged to another man, presumably from the same M*A*S*H unit they were being sent to.
Radar and Andrew turned to see the source of the voice. It was another young man who was a corporal too. Identified as a Lebanese-American, this strange character was known as Maxwell Klinger. Aside from having darker skin compared to Andrew and Radar, he also had black hair, brown eyes and was at a height of 5'9", along with having a slim build. But the most striking characteristic feature about him was the nose that he had. Despite being a corporal, the articles of clothing that he was wearing was a dress, with a Korean floral pattern, a woman's hat, and had earrings placed on both of his ears.
As Klinger approached them, Radar was groaning and shaking his head, while Andrew had the most bewildered look on his face from who was approaching them. He didn't think that cross-dressing for men was appropriate in the U.S. Army.
What the...What the heck is that guy doing?! Why is he wearing a dress like a crossdresser? That thought rang loud and clear through his head.
Once Klinger approached them, he came to a halt and gave a proper salute to them.
"Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger reporting as ordered, sir," he declared before seeing the stranger that was with the company clerk. "Oh? To whom am I the pleasure of meeting?"
Radar shook his head as he forgot about this guy. He turned to face Andrew. "Oh man, I forgot to bring this up. Major, this is Corporal Maxwell Klinger, who is also a member of the 4077. Klinger? This is the new major that we are getting for the 4077. His name is Andrew Peterson."
"I see. It is an outstanding privilege to meet you, fine sir," Klinger gave the major a salute.
"Uh...right," Andrew murmured slowly out of the sheer awkwardness from this stranger. "Errr...Can I ask you something? If you are a sir, then why are you wearing that dress, hat, and earrings?"
"It's Section 8 material baby," Klinger wasted no time with answering as he was fully confident. "With this dress and the others that I have back at the 4077, I will do everything in my power to get that Section 8, and get discharged back to my home in Toledo!"
"Oh come on Klinger," Radar replied in annoyance. "Our Colonel has told you time and time again, that you aren't going to be getting that Section 8, no matter how many times you do this!"
"Well then, I just have to keep on trying to convince him to send me home!"
"Okay. In any case, what are you doing here Klinger?" Radar queried.
"Don't you remember? I was given a three-day pass of R&R from our dear colonel, as I issued," Klinger reminded him.
"I know that! But I also recall that the Colonel told you that after R&R, you are to report back to the 4077 at exactly 1800 hours, or else you'll be listed as AWOL, and the colonel will send the MPs to find you!" Radar yelled.
"I'm well aware of that," Klinger defended. "But in case you didn't notice, my ride just left without me more than 10 minutes ago! I've been stuck here without a ride until I saw you here with your jeep and the new major being assigned to our unit!"
"Right. And I suppose you want to get a lift from us too, huh?" Radar asked, pinching the bridge of his nose, as Klinger nodded. "Well, I'm afraid the back seat has Major Peterson's luggage filling up the seat, so I don't know what to tell you."
"So what? I'll just ride with the luggage," Klinger exclaimed. "It's not the first time that I took a ride with the luggage!"
"You know what, fine," Radar sighed, shaking his head. "Just get in the jeep before you get left behind."
"I'm already on it sir," Klinger saluted before jumping through the right side door that he opened up.
Radar and Andrew followed suit, with Radar in the driver's seat, and Andrew in the passenger seat. Feeling the need to ask a question to the cross-dressing corporal, Andrew turned to face him.
"I'm guessing that you are also assigned to the 4077, huh?" He raised an eyebrow with a bemused smile.
"You read me loud and clear like a bell sir," Klinger smiled. "Just like a rosebush garden that they have back in Toledo."
"Okay, is everyone buckled in?" Radar asked the two of them, which they confirmed. "Alright then. Let's get back to the 4077."
"Right," both Andrew and Klinger said in unison as Radar set the jeep into drive and started driving away from Seoul, heading straight for their unit.
As the jeep was driving off, Andrew had a strong need to ask the company clerk a bizarre question.
"Excuse me, Radar," he started. "If you don't mind me asking, is there anyone else at the 4077 that is bizarre and crazy?"
"Oh, believe me, sir, you haven't seen the whole side of it yet," Radar told him honestly. "Trust me though, you'll be in for a surprise when we get there."
"I probably will be surprised by it," Andrew proclaimed as they rode off. As they were, the major had some more train of thoughts flowing through his head. Just what else could be in store for him at the 4077 anyway? One could only imagine in Andrew's place.
If the 4077 has someone like Klinger residing there, just how many other weird people are staying there? He thought while seeing them leave Seoul. Well, one thing's for sure, I'm guessing that I'm gonna be in for a wild treat when I do arrive. Regardless of who's there, I look forward to staying at the 4077.
Andrew smiled in bemusement at the thought of staying there despite some of the weird characters that could reside there. Nevertheless, all he could do was wait and see for himself.
This was going to be an interesting experience for him...
MEANWHILE, DOWN AT THE 4077:
At the M*A*S*H 4077, the place didn't seem all that different from other M*A*S*H units in the area. There were plenty of tents surrounding the area, as well as an OR, the commander's office, and more.
In the commander's office, in particular, there was a meeting that was called forth by the Colonel himself. The colonel in question was an old man in his age, and he was known as Sherman T. Potter. Being at a height of 5'7", the colonel had pale skin, grey hair, blue eyes, and had an average build, which was something for someone his age. As for the uniform, he was wearing the typical outfit, the button-up overshirt, pants, boots, and cap, all of which were barf green in color.
Believe it or not, Colonel Potter had been filled in by the Red Cross about the arrival of their new surgeon. He had his company clerk Radar write down the name, rank, and other important information, and sent him down to Seoul where the Major was waiting to be picked up.
In the meantime, he had called upon an important meeting with his main crew of personnel assigned to the 4077, for he was gonna deliver two important announcements, the first of which regards the new major. His crew was shown talking about different things when Potter cleared his throat loud enough for them to hear, which got them to cease the chatter.
"Uh, pardon me for asking Colonel, but I'd like to know what this meeting is about," that came from a male major, who was identified with pale skin, sandy red balding hair, hazel eyes, and was 6'2" tall, who was known as Charles Emerson Winchester III. "I assume that this isn't a social gathering, is it not?"
"Your damn right it's not, Winchester," Potter barked. "This isn't a social gathering! I have two important announcements for the five of you! Corporal Klinger is on R&R, so I will inform him when he gets back at 1800 hours!"
"Well, don't leave us wondering what the excitement is about. What is the first announcement?" This question came from another man who was a captain and chief surgeon who had pale skin, black hair that was greying up in spots, blue eyes, stood at a height of 6'2", and had an average build. He is known as Benjamin Franklin Pierce but is more well known by his peers as Hawkeye.
"I'm glad you asked me that Pierce," Potter exclaimed. "For the first announcement, I'm happy to say that we are getting a new surgeon!"
The others were surprised by this. Having a new surgeon added to their outfit was the last thing that they were expecting from the colonel, let alone one who would be working amongst the rest of them.
Another one of them who was intrigued was another captain and surgeon who was known as BJ Hunnicut. He was depicted as having pale skin, brown hair, hazel color eyes, stood at a height of 6'3", and had an average build. The most perplexing feature of this doctor was the cheesy brown color mustache that was growing in. Seeming amused, BJ decided to throw in his comment.
"Well that is exciting news Colonel," he said before asking. "When are we expecting this new face? And is the person a male or a female?"
"Well Hunnicut, the new face to our outfit is a man, and we are expecting him here at any time. Radar already went to pick him up, and he's on his way back with him as we speak," the colonel answered. "And another thing I must point out is that the guy is a Major."
"A major? Please," Winchester snorted. "The last thing our M*A*S*H unit needs is another Major working in our unit."
"Oh don't be so snobby about it, Charles," Hawkeye retorted. "Just think, you might enjoy having a new major with us."
"Yeah, it'll be four guys sharing a room down at the Swamp," BJ added.
"Yes, well, I stand corrected," Winchester huffed, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms.
"Uh, I don't mean to interrupt our fellow Major Winchester's uhh...gloating, but I would like to ask, what is the name of this new major?" That question came from not a doctor, but the local Chaplin to the unit.
He was known as Father Mulcahy by the people in the outfit, and he was shown with pale skin, sandy blonde hair, blue eyes, wore glasses, and stood at a height of 5'10". The most striking feature was the hat that he wore on his head, along with the necklace he was wearing with the crucifix hanging down from it.
"Well padre, the name of our new major is Andrew Peterson," Potter answered the Chaplin's question. "And from the information that I got on him, the lad has a clean record going for his shoulder."
"Colonel, if you don't mind me asking, what does it say in the records of this Andrew Peterson person that we're expecting?" That question came from the final person within the group. This person stood out amongst the rest of them as a woman.
Being both the head nurse and a major in this unit, she is known as Margaret Houlihan, but some people tend to call her Hot Lips. Standing at a height of 5'7", she was shown as having pale Caucasian skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and had a rather petite figure going for her waist.
The head nurse was becoming a bit interested in this new major as the others were (save for Winchester apparently), as she looked at the colonel with a curious expression.
"Well Major Houlihan, it says in the files that the lad had taken a college course in becoming a doctor and a surgeon for 4 years," the colonel told her. "And he was enlisted in the army for at least 3 years before being ranked as a major. As I said, this lad has a pretty clean record, and hasn't done anything that could be considered 'causing mischief' if you catch my boat!"
"That sounds wonderful Colonel," Margaret said in excitement. "And from the sounds of it, he sounds like a rather nice man."
"Oh ho ho, what is this here," Hawkeye smirked as if a pervertic thought had entered his head. "Is that a certain set of bells I am hearing?"
"Oh knock it off Pierce," Margaret snapped at him. "I haven't even met the guy yet! But when he gets here, I suggest we treat him with the utmost respect that a major should be given."
"I couldn't have agreed more Houlihan," Potter agreed. "That means all of us are going to be welcoming him in our outfit with open arms."
"And with an open wound, I presume," Winchester murmured.
"QUIET WINCHESTER!" Potter hollered. "That goes for you too! You might be a major too, but get those envious thoughts out of your head! Major Peterson is staying with us whether you approve of him or not!"
"And besides, I think the new major should also be given the courtesy from all of us in the unit," Father Mulcahy added.
"Hey, moving on from this subject, colonel what is the second announcement you have for us?" BJ asked.
"That will have to wait until Radar gets back with our new man," the colonel said casually. "Because this also involves him too, so it wouldn't be fair if I say it without him."
"And so we are left in suspense," Hawkeye waved his arms out. "I have to wonder why we have to wait for this new major to come? Why can't we just have him on the phone and have it take place right now?"
"Probably because there is no phone for him to reach out to while on the road," BJ took a guess.
"Right, and he shouldn't have to miss out on the other announcement that I have to make," Potter proclaimed.
"In that case, I say we just wait in here until Radar comes back with the new man," Margaret insisted.
"Indeed. I can already feel the chimes of boredom ringing through my head while we wait for his arrival," Winchester grumbled.
Colonel Potter only shot a stern look at Winchester but said nothing else. The rest of them decided to wait for Radar to get back with Andrew so the second announcement could be revealed. Some of them were more anticipated than others, but one thing stood out.
They were wondering what the guy is like in person...
MEANWHILE, ON THE OPEN ROAD...
Speaking of whom, he was currently on the road with Radar and Klinger as they were heading to the 4077. Andrew was startled by the bumps that the jeep rode over.
"Whoa," he gasped. "Radar, just why is the road so bumpy?"
"I don't know," Radar answered. "All I know is that we are entering the area that the war is being held in."
It was true. Andrew took a look at his surroundings and saw just how gloomy it has gotten compared to what he saw in Seoul. From his eyes, it looked like a barren wasteland, with nothing but grassy plains that were bombed. He also swore he heard and saw a couple of mines go off in the distance. Just seeing this got him to cringe.
So this is where the war is happening? Andrew thought, maintaining his stoic expression. I haven't seen anything yet.
Something else came to his mind. Here he was striking a small friendship with Radar, and he didn't know a lot about him. After spending a few more minutes staying quiet, he decided to bring it up.
"Uh...Radar," he started. "I was wondering if you don't mind me asking, what part of the US did you come from?"
Radar was a little surprised by that question, as he wasn't expecting it from someone as quiet as Andrew. Nonetheless, he gave him a straight answer.
"Oh, I'm from Ottumwa, Iowa sir."
"Is that so," Andrew was interested.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I actually lived on a farm with my mom and Uncle Ed."
"A farm huh," the new major smiled. "I take it that you have a fascination for animals, right?"
"Yes," Radar admitted. "As a matter of fact, I have a couple of them held at the 4077, that I treat as pets."
"Very fascinating."
"Hey, this might seem like a strange question sir, but do you have any animals back at home?"
"That's not a strange question at all Radar," Andrew insisted. "And for the answer, I did have a couple of cats back at home. As of now, only one of them is alive. The other one passed away not too long ago."
"Oh, geez, I'm sorry to hear that sir," Radar apologized.
"Don't be," Andrew told him. "It just happened."
"Alright."
As Radar kept driving, Andrew had to turn to look at the dress-wearing corporal with his luggage. Although he kinda formed a strange friendship with him (to a lesser extent), he didn't bother telling him about where he came from. Aside from Radar, Andrew wanted that to be a secret from everyone else. Still, he recalled what Klinger said earlier about trying to get a Section 8 and where he wants to go to. So he decided to see if his suspicions were correct.
"Hey uh, Klinger wasn't it?" He asked, resulting in the corporal confirming it. "Based on what you said earlier, I'm willing to guess that you came from Toledo right? As in Toledo, Ohio?"
"Yeah," Klinger didn't seem hesitant with answering. "I'm telling you, kid, it's a great place."
"I'm pretty sure it is," Andrew grinned before turning around and remaining quiet once again.
Just what other kinds of people could be waiting for him right now? No matter the reason, the two people he was riding with currently didn't seem too bad. He had doubts that anyone else at the 4077 would consider him a friend, not that he had a problem with it. He was considered a loner since he doesn't really hang out with many people that often. In other words, he is a lone wolf.
Nevertheless, he will still be polite and friendly to the others who are waiting for him there. He just hoped that the place was not being run like a circus, considering what he has already seen in the guy wearing a dress. One thing's for sure, he was fairly excited to be going to this new unit...
After a few more minutes of driving, it was shown that they were reaching a checkpoint, which showed another jeep that belonged to a couple of MPs standing nearby. One of them held their hand up, signaling Radar to halt the jeep, which he did so.
"Checkpoint! We've reached the checkpoint," Radar announced.
"Huh?" Andrew seemed confused by this.
"Afternoon Corporal," the MP saluted, which Radar returned the gesture.
"Afternoon sir," Radar then explained. "Uh sir, I just came from Seoul to bring back the new major that's going to be joining the 4077."
"I see," the MP saw Andrew in the passenger. "And may you be this major?"
"That's right sir," Andrew saluted out of respect. "I'm Major Andrew Peterson, and I just got into Korea."
"Very well," that MP looked in the back and saw Klinger in the backseat with the luggage. "Some extra luggage I assume?"
"Corporal Maxwell Klinger reporting back to the base as ordered, sir," Klinger sat up and saluted.
"Right..." He said slowly. "Still trying to get that Section 8, huh?"
"You can bet your bonnet on that, sir," Klinger chimed ecstatically.
"I see," the MP turned his attention back to Radar. "Corporal, get this guy back to the 4077 with the new major before we keel haul him back to Colonel Potter!"
"I'm on it, sir," Radar obliged.
"Carry on corporal. Dismissed."
Nothing more was said as Radar was able to drive the jeep by the checkpoint as they continued to the 4077, leaving the MPs behind. Andrew took one last look towards them before turning around. He was still confused by what had just happened.
"Uh Radar, what was that about?" He queried.
"Oh, well that's a checkpoint sir," Radar answered. "We have to go past one if we need to leave the camp."
"That makes sense," Andrew rubbed his chin again. "I wonder why we have to do that."
"I think it's to make sure there isn't anyone going by without being notified by their C.O," Radar shrugged his shoulders. "It's to make sure no one is running away or going AWOL."
"Yeah, that makes sense," the major nodded. "Considering how we have someone who's trying to get that Section 8."
"You're right on the money, major," Klinger responded appropriately.
Andrew shook his head and smirked. He hadn't even gotten to the 4077 yet, and already he has seen some rather interesting things. Now he was really looking forward to getting to the compound.
Nothing else was said by the three of them as they headed back to the 4077...
Eventually, after some more driving, the jeep finally made it back to their destination.
"Alright! We're here," Radar announced. "This is the 4077!"
"Oh?" Andrew had to take a look at the place.
It seemed a little run down from its appearance, but it wasn't as bad as he pictured it. There were tents all around, and there was a building that he presumed to be the OR.
"So this is the 4077," he sounded amused. "The place seems a little run-down, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes, but it's not so bad once you get used to it sir," Radar answered sincerely as he drove around the camp to the building where the office was. "The hospital building contains the OR. But it also includes the pre-op ward, the post-op ward, the scrub room, pharmacy, lab, and x-ray room. The camp also has a mess tent, kitchen, a V.I.P tent, an officer's club, a basketball hoop, various supply tents, a library, a motor pool, and there's a helicopter pad too. And we have tents for the showers and the laundry tent."
"Well, since you put it that way, it does sound a little homely here after getting used to it," Andrew was perplexed.
"Exactly," Radar nodded as he drove up to a parking spot and stopped the jeep. "Well, we're here. The colonel's office, where you're supposed to meet the commanding officer and the rest of the personnel."
"Alright," Andrew got out of the jeep along with Radar as they closed the doors that they walked out of.
Andrew opened the right back door where his luggage was, but he had to move out of the way, for Klinger got out and instantly ran for the door to the colonel's office.
"COLONEL! COLONEL POTTER, I'M BACK!" Klinger was heard shouting as he entered the building.
"Wow. He seems a little excited, doesn't he?" Andrew asked while raising an eyebrow at this.
"Yeah, you can say that sir," Radar nodded as they grabbed the luggage.
Suddenly, Andrew smelled a foul odor in the air. It smelled like sewage water. If he didn't think any harder, he could have concluded that this place was a sewer on the surface.
"Uh, Radar," he sniffed. "What is that horrible stench?"
"Oh, that must be the latrine," Radar answered before remembering. "Ah, that's right. I forgot to tell you that we also have a latrine so you can do your business."
"That makes sense," he said as he carried two of his suitcases, while Radar picked up the other two. He closed the back doors and then walked over to the door. "Well, shall we go inside to meet the others?"
"Ah, right away sir," Radar stated as he went into the building, with Andrew trailing right behind him...
"Colonel Potter!" Klinger yelled as he entered the office where Potter and the others were waiting. "Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger, returning to the base as issued sir!"
"At ease Klinger. At ease," Potter commented, getting Klinger to settle down. "Klinger I'm honestly surprised. You made it back before I had to send the MPs to keel haul your sorry butt back here for going AWOL!"
"I wouldn't want to disappoint you, sir," Klinger stated. "I will keep trying to get that Section 8 yet!"
Colonel Potter shook his head at this as Radar entered the room.
"I'm reporting back as ordered sir," Radar stated.
"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in," Hawkeye felt the need to comment as the new major entered the office.
"Colonel Potter, I'd like to introduce to you, our new major...ahem, Major Andrew Peterson sir," Radar saluted while announcing.
There stood Andrew Peterson; the new major, giving his new colonel a salute out of respect.
"Colonel sir," he started. "Major Andrew Peterson reporting to this M*A*S*H unit as issued, sir!"
"At ease soldier," Potter told him to relax as he got to the greeting. "Well, howdy-do. Welcome to the M*A*S*H 4077! I'm this units' commanding officer! My name is Sherman T. Potter, but as your C.O, I prefer to be called Colonel Potter."
"Nice to meet you Colonel Potter sir," the major said. "And I'm happy to have finally arrived here."
"That's the spirit, Major Peterson," Potter then turned to face Klinger. "And I suppose that Klinger rode back with Radar, and thus he already got to know you, right?"
"You got it, sir," Klinger chimed. "I've already been introduced to him."
"Well, that's one less person to introduce to him," Potter said in relief.
Andrew nodded as he saw the others that were in the office. They seem like a diverse bunch. This ought to be interesting.
"I guess you want me to meet the others," he wondered.
"Your darn right I do," the colonel said with eagerness. "Pierce, I think you should start us off."
"Oh right, how rude of me," Hawkeye retorted before facing the major. "Good day Major. I'm Captain Hawkeye Pierce. But you can be casual and call me Hawkeye."
"Hawkeye huh?" Andrew started to think. "Hmmm...now where have I heard of that name from before? I know I heard of it from somewhere..."
"The Last of the Mohicans," Hawkeye gave him a faux-smile, hoping he'd get the hint.
"That's right. Now I remember," Andrew recalled. "I haven't read that in a long that, I must've forgotten."
"Well, as they say, not everyone knows the name," Hawkeye snorted.
"Right..." Andrew couldn't help but notice the sarcastic tone Hawkeye was giving. Regardless, he decided not to think it over too much.
"Ahem," BJ decided to introduce himself. "Hello friend, I'm BJ Hunnicut. I'm also a captain in this unit."
"BJ? What does that stand for?" Andrew gave him a confused looked.
"Anything you want," he gave him a simple answer.
Andrew didn't bother thinking it over and just shrugged his shoulders. "That works for me."
"Ah hmm hmm," Winchester let out a fake cough and muttered something inappropriate under his breath.
"Excuse me," Andrew looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Who might you be?"
"Well, if you must know, my name is Charles Emerson Winchester III," Winchester huffed in irritation. "And I am not pleased to have another major in this outfit."
"Oh don't listen to Winchester and his snobby mouth Peterson," Hawkeye butted in, getting into Winchester's face. "Charles is just sore because we have another Major in our presence."
"Why, I'd never," Winchester grunted at the captain.
Andrew was at a loss. He just got here, and already two people he just met were causing tension in this office. As if a man who wears dresses just to get a Section 8 wasn't enough, now there's this?
Before things could escalate, Father Mulcahy decided to step in and introduce himself to Andrew.
"Ahem, forgive me for butting in and prevent any further tension," the Chaplin got his attention. "Major, my name is Father Francis Mulcahy. But I tend to prefer Father Mulcahy if you don't mind."
"Oh, pleased to meet you, Father Mulcahy," Andrew said formally, forgetting the tension between Hawkeye and Winchester for the moment. "So, you're the Chaplin?"
"That's right," Father Mulcahy nodded. "Are you a Christian by any chance?"
"Well, to be honest, I don't go to church often," Andrew admitted with that stoic tone. "But yeah, I am Christian."
"Well, that's always good to know...I guess," the Chaplin said while smiling sheepishly.
"Yeah..." Andrew decided not to pay attention to that as he pointed out. "And I already met Klinger since I encountered him down at Seoul."
"At your service, Major," Klinger commented, a smile plastered onto his face.
Andrew only rolled his eyes at that as he decided to get back on topic. Suddenly, Margaret got their attention by clearing her throat, reminding them that she was still in the room.
"Oh right, where are my manners," Colonel Potter remembered. "Peterson, I would also like you to meet our head nurse. And before you ask, she's also a major like you and Winchester."
"Oh uh," Andrew turned to see the blonde head nurse behind him. "Who might you be, Major?"
"Major, I'm Margaret Houlihan," she smiled, observing him. "It is an honor to have you joining us in this unit."
"Gee uh, thanks," Andrew murmured out of flattery. "Margaret, right?"
"Yes?"
"That's a beau-I mean that's a wonderful name," Andrew had to bite his tongue at what he almost said. He really didn't want to make a bad impression on the 4077.
Thankfully, nobody took notice of it.
"Why thank you, Major," the head nurse remarked. "But some of the nurses here call me Hot Lips."
"Hot Lips?" Andrew muttered under his breath, gulping silently while maintaining that stoic expression on his face. He was maintaining that position to avoid making this seem awkward. That being said, he decided to change the subject right then and there.
"Well, in any case, it's nice to know that I am assigned to this M*A*S*H unit," he said sincerely.
"Charming as this may be," Winchester huffed grudgingly. "I still don't agree with this new setup."
Andrew turned to face him and gave him a deadpan sarcastic response while crossing his arms. "At least I know someone enjoys my presence in this outfit."
"Oh don't listen to him Major Peterson," Margaret told him. "He's really jealous of sharing the same roof with another major."
"Yeah," Hawkeye decided to butt in again. "Charles' problem is that he has to share his ego with another expert."
"I beg your pardon, Pierce," Winchester shot him a dirty look.
"Now look, guys," Andrew said modestly. "I am a major, but my doctoring skills aren't anything special."
"Oh come on. Don't say that when we haven't even seen you at work yet," BJ told him.
"And besides," Father Mulcahy directed them back to the colonel. "I do believe the colonel has something that he needs to tell us."
"That's right," Hawkeye snapped his fingers. "Colonel, didn't you say you had a second announcement?"
"And our new major is here, so you can tell all of us," BJ encouraged the colonel, getting Andrew a little confused by this.
"That's right. I have a second announcement to make, and this will include you Peterson, so I'd like you to listen in as well," Potter started. "Now that we have a new member in our outfit, I've been thinking of experimenting a bit, to help boost morale when it comes to performing in the OR."
Everyone, including Klinger, gave Potter a rather curious look.
"What kind of experiment?" Klinger was the one to ask that.
"Yeah, what kind of experiment are you talking about sir," Radar questioned, having overheard everything.
"Well, seeing that we have a whole bunch of nurses in our camp and that there are plenty of us male surgeons, I have decided to have all the doctors paired with a nurse to help during surgery," Potter exclaimed. "It doesn't matter which nurse you're paired with, or if it's a different one each time, we'll all be having a nurse to team up with, excluding Klinger and Father Mulcahy, since they won't be doing the surgery."
"Oh colonel, you naughty devil you," Hawkeye said with a devilish smirk on his face.
"Pierce, be sensible about this," Potter yelled. "We're talking about the operating room! Not some local strip joint!"
"Oh don't worry colonel," Hawkeye remarked, never losing his smile. "I wouldn't do anything dirty in OR."
"You best keep it that way Pierce," Potter got back on topic. "Now the point of this experiment is that we are going to be paired with a nurse, and we are going to like it, or at the very least tolerate it! Do you read me, Major Winchester!?"
Potter got into Winchester's face as he started to raise his voice. Winchester found himself gulping and clearing his throat.
"Uh...crystal clear sir," he told him.
"Good," Potter was satisfied with his answer as he back away and then faced Andrew. "Now the only exception to this is with you Major Peterson since you just got into our outfit. And from what I saw in your file, you have a clean record and confidential doctoring skills resting on your shoulders. That's why I'm pairing you up with Major Houlihan for the Operating Room. She is an excellent head nurse, and she will help you if you do get stuck, which I don't see happening. But she's there for assistance if you need any. Is that clear Major Peterson?"
Andrew nodded as he had no problem with that at all. Never mind the fact that he was being paired with the petite-looking blonde standing next to him. He just gave him a small smile and reaffirmed exactly what he said earlier.
"Alright Colonel, as I said before, my doctoring skills aren't anything special," he said, giving him a salute. "But I promise that I'll do my best."
"That's the ticket. Because depending on how good your chemistry is, I'm considering making yours permanent," Potter encouraged him. "And like Hunnicut just said, don't sell yourself short, at least not until we see you do your thing in the OR. Understood?"
Andrew nodded yet again, not having anything else to say at that moment.
Suddenly, he remembered that he still has his suitcases of stuff that he has to take care of. He decided to bring it up with the colonel.
"Uh, Colonel Potter? There's still the matter of my suitcases," Andrew showed them to him. "I still need to get my stuff settled in."
"That right! You'll be moving into our camp, huh," he told him.
"Yes," Andrew then queried. "So I guess I'm moving into what they call the Swamp, right?"
"Comprende Peterson," Potter confirmed. "Your sleeping quarters will be with Pierce, Hunnicutt, and Winchester."
"Sounds good to me," Andrew didn't object to this. "Just one question, why is it called the Swamp?"
"It's somewhat of an inside joke," BJ told him. "That's all there is to know."
"Let's just say it has something to do with the still that is located there," Hawkeye added.
"Well, that's fine I..." He paused when he realized what was said. "Still? As in, moonshining still?"
"That's the only kind there is," Hawkeye confirmed jokingly.
Andrew said nothing else on the subject. Truth be told, he never was an alcoholic drinker at all. In fact, he hardly if ever had anything like that to drink and consume. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but even then, he wouldn't overdo it.
Getting back on track, he grabbed his suitcases. "Well anyway, I think I should take care of my stuff. Radar, would you mind helping me get my suitcases to the Swamp?"
Radar was about to help out, but he stopped in his tracks when he sensed a disturbance.
"Wait a moment," Radar told him as he then listens closely, getting the major all confused.
In a matter of seconds, he heard the sound of whirling propellers approaching the scene. Eventually, everyone started to hear the sound of choppers coming to the unit. And Radar knew what that meant.
"Uh oh, choppers," Radar ran out to make the announcement. "CHOPPERS! INCOMING CHOPPERS! WE GOT WOUNDED!"
The group knew exactly what this meant. Time to get ready for OR.
So that's what Radar meant when he told me that earlier. Andrew mused as a voice on the intercom announced.
"ATTENTION, ALL PERSONNEL! INCOMING WOUNDED! TIME TO GET TO WORK, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
"Well, the fun never ends," Hawkeye remarked as they got ready for the OR.
"They just keep on coming," BJ added.
"Well, I guess my stuff will have to wait," Andrew dropped his suitcases.
"I'm afraid so son," Potter told him. "They aren't going anywhere anyway. And besides, it looks like now we get to see how you perform surgery, Peterson. But first, we best get scrubbed up."
"Yeah," Andrew said modestly, taking one last look at his luggage while walking out, with the others heading out.
"Well come on Major Peterson, we got wounded," Margaret encouraged him to hurry it along.
"Right," Andrew rushed off, forgetting about his luggage for now as it was now time to put that experiment Potter planned out to good use on the wounded. This was his first day here, and now he was going to treat the wounded here for the first time.
No matter the outcome of it, one thing was for certain with the new major.
Things were about to get rather crazy for him...
END OF CHAPTER ONE...
That's it for this chapter. I hope I didn't do too bad for this first story that I'm writing for this fandom.
Now I've been watching the series frequently on TV (thanks to MeTV), and I can inform you all that this story starts somewhere in season 7, considering how BJ has that mustache and Radar is still in the outfit, hence why Klinger is still pulling those Section 8 stunts. Also, this is at the point where Margaret had settled that divorce and is single, to help make things less awkward between the newcomer.
Speaking of whom, Andrew is shown in several moments of this chapter to be rather modest, not thinking too highly of his doctoring, and there's at least a point where he can be a deadpan snarker. It's not only to help flesh the character out but to differentiate him from Winchester, where Andrew isn't egotistical in the slightest. I thought it would be interesting to pull something like this off. And I hope you all will understand.
Anyway, next time we focused in the OR, Andrew sees more of the hectic stuff going on, and he also gets a surprise in the swamp, in the form of two pranks, courtesy of Hawkeye and BJ respectively. How will this go for him? Find out next time.
This is the first time I'm doing a story for this series, so please be nice about it if you have constructive criticism. You can tell me what I'm doing wrong with this idea, while also being polite about it. And if you have positive reviews about how this story is going, feel free to leave some.
Otherwise, that's all I have here. So until next time, I hope you'll enjoy this new story that I'm writing. On that note, thanks for checking this out readers!
