Hello there, readers! Here is the eighteenth chapter of this story!
Now, this chapter is going to be different from what I did for the last few chapters. This chapter is loosely an adaptation of the episode 'Old Soldiers'; similar to how chapters 6 and 7 were based on 'The Young and The Restless' and 'Period of Adjustment' respectively. This will focus on the main staff with Andrew noticing something is up with Colonel Potter and the plot is mostly the same, with some extra additions with the inclusion of Andrew.
Anyway, that's all that I have to say about that! How will this go? Find out now!
IN THE M*A*S*H 4077:
Quite some time had passed since the whole flu debacle took place. The personnel of the compound had gotten over the flu, everyone had gotten their flu shot, and things were back to normal. As such, the people there were able to hang out again instead of social distance, with a few exceptions. This also meant that Andrew and Margaret could start kissing and hugging again, without the fear of spreading a virus.
Speaking of whom, once this flu epidemic finally passed over, Andrew decided to wear that ruby ring she gave him almost everywhere he went; the exception being the OR, the shower tent, and the latrine. In that case, he'd keep it in its ring box which was inside a chest that he order to maintain its privacy. He still wasn't sure if he truly deserved it, but if it would make her happy, then he'd keep it and wear it just for her.
Currently, Andrew was just taking a stroll through the compound very early in the morning. Margaret was a little occupied at the moment, so he'd meet up with her later. Besides, a little fresh air would do him some good, despite the foul odor that came from the latrine. He was wearing the ruby ring right now, seeing that he had no reason why he shouldn't wear it.
As he was walking, he noticed Colonel Potter dressed so formally in a pick-up jeep, with Klinger to the side where he was watching him. He saw the jeep Potter was riding in take off from the 4077 while Klinger was waving farewell to him.
This actually got him confused. Where was the Colonel going? Why was Klinger waving farewell to him? And with the Colonel leaving, who was going to be in charge of the 4077? These questions plagued his head as he approached Klinger for some answers.
"Hey, Klinger? What's going on," Andrew queried, approaching the company clerk. "Was that Colonel Potter that I just saw leaving?"
"Oh yes Major," Klinger nodded. "Colonel Potter is leaving the 4077 temporarily."
"Any idea where he's going?"
"He's going to Tokyo for a bit."
"Do you know where in Tokyo he's going to be staying in?"
"How should I know," Klinger shrugged his shoulders. "All that he said is that he's going to the Tokyo General Hospital and that he's visiting a sick friend. That's all he told me."
"Okay," Andrew rubbed his chin. "One last question; who's going to be in charge of this outfit while Colonel Potter is away?"
"Colonel Potter is putting Captain Pierce in command while he's away," Klinger answered.
"Well, I can see where that'll go," Andrew rolled his eyes. "Oh well. I'm gonna go to the mess tent for some breakfast."
"I'll be there in a minute," Klinger told him. "I have to inform Pierce that Colonel Potter is putting him in charge while he's away."
"Fair enough," Andrew started to walk away. "See you in a bit Klinger."
"Same to you too sir."
With that, Klinger went to the Swamp to tell Hawkeye that he's in command while Andrew went to the mess tent to get some breakfast. The major could only wonder what kind of day they would be in for with Pierce in command. He could only wait and see for himself...
Turns out things didn't go as badly as he thought they would. Despite Hawkeye being in command, things were pretty quiet around the M*A*S*H 4077 for the most part. There were no disruptions taking place, and no heavy casualties were brought to the unit.
There was one disturbance though. It was nothing major though. Arriving on foot was a Red Cross worker named Betty Halpern, who came with a bunch of Korean refugee children. Apparently, the children needed some medical care after hiding in some thorn bushes to avoid an enemy patrol. And it seems that they turned to the 4077 for treatment, which they accepted.
The kids proved to be a handful for what it's worth. But despite that, the staff was still able to get them to be given some tetanus serum, with Betty encouraging them to corporate. They were able to give it to them in the mess tent. However, there was a problem with it. The kids weren't reacting to it well, and it was noticeable.
Klinger was the first to notice it, as he saw something on one of the Korean children that he was checking out.
"What's wrong," Klinger asked as he inspected the arm. "You got a blister or something here?"
Andrew was tending to one of the other kids when he looked at Klinger with a curious look.
"Something wrong Klinger?" He queried.
"Yes," Klinger nodded as Andrew approached him. "I think this kid has a blister on her arm."
Andrew decided to check it out for just a second, as he cringed at the sight of a blister before him.
"Whoa," Andrew gasped. "Where do you suppose it came from?"
"I dunno sir," Klinger shrugged. "Maybe it was from the shot that was given."
"What is it? Let me see that," Margaret then walked over and check it out for herself. She was also able to see the blister forming on the arm.
"Uh-oh. Dr. Pierce," she got the chief surgeon's attention, who was treating another one of the kids.
"Yeah," Hawkeye wondered.
"Look," she motioned him over for a second.
"What is it?" Hawkeye questioned as she gave him a straight answer.
"She's reacting to the serum," Margaret told him.
"Same thing over here, Hawk." BJ got his attention, as he also noticed a reaction to one of the kids.
"Come to think of it, the kid I was treating also had some sort of a reaction to it," Andrew pointed out. "You don't suppose there's something that serum that they're allergic to, do you?"
"It's possible," Margaret shrugged.
"Yes. Well, all these people are reacting. What we need now is cool, calm leadership, and thanks to Colonel Potter's dubious selection," Winchester chuckled a bit. "We have none."
Andrew only pinched the bridge of his nose as he looked at him. "I'm not too crazy about Pierce being in command either. But it was Colonel Potter's choice, so who's complaining?"
"I'm afraid we only have one option," Hawkeye exclaimed. "We have to dilute."
"Why, what's the problem?" Klinger wondered.
"Clearly there is something contained in the tetanus serum that isn't sitting well with these kids," Andrew told him. "I'm not sure what is going on, but we'll have to dilute and try a different method."
"There's also the fact that full strength inoculations could put them into anaphylactic shock," Margaret elaborated on what Andrew said. "I'll make the arrangements for everybody to stay overnight."
"Good idea," Andrew nodded. "And I'll make sure that the beds in Post-Op are in perfect condition for these little kids."
"I'm really sorry for all this fuss," Betty apologized. "I appreciate your help."
"Yeah, think nothing of it, ma'am," Andrew said thoughtfully. "We're just doing what we do best."
"Don't be too grateful though," Hawkeye added. "You haven't eaten dinner yet."
"Trust me, the food here isn't in the best condition," BJ told her.
"I suppose we can fathom that, and allow these kids to get comfortable for the evening," Father Mulcahy spoke up. "After all, they are a handful, and it's a shame that none of us positioned here can understand their language."
"Not to mention that they do seem kinda cute," Klinger remarked warmly.
"I don't see what the big deal about allowing these kids to reside with us is about," Winchester retorted. "If I was in command, I would have given them a more proficient sleeping quarters to stay in."
"But you know that the V.I.P Tent is reserved for one person," Andrew reminded him. "And it wouldn't be fair to the rest of them. Besides, they are adorable. And this is even though I'm unsure if I want any kids of my own."
"You're not the only one who feels that way," Margaret agreed with him. "Anyway, I should make the arrangements, and you can get the beds all settled for them."
"I'm on it dear," Andrew smiled. "I'll see you later."
"You too darling," she kissed him on the cheek.
And so they split, leaving the others to work on getting the kids to their temporary sleeping quarters.
"In any case, let's get these kids to Post-Op," BJ insisted. "Ms. Halpern, if you wouldn't mind getting them to follow us."
"Allow me," Betty did that whistle again, getting their attention. "Alright, kids! Let's get going!"
And so the arrangements were made about how things were going to be sorted out for the Korean children to stay overnight. They were going to be in for a wild experience...
LATER ON THAT EVENING - IN POST-OP:
As it turns out, the kids were getting themselves settled into their beds, even though some of them weren't that eager to go to sleep right away. Some of the doctors were talking to the kids as if they were their own. Andrew, in particular, was trying to strike a conversation with one of the Korean girls.
"Okay, now the first thing that I should ask you is what your name is," Andrew talked gently. "What's your name?"
The little girl only stared at Andrew in a minor fixated manner. It was clear that Andrew was having a hard time talking to her as he let out a sigh.
Where is there a Korean translator when I need one? Andrew thought before an idea struck him. Wait, that's it! I know who to ask.
With that, he turned his attention to Betty Halpern and asked her. "Excuse me, Ms. Halpern? But could you tell me who this girl's name is?"
He directed the Red Cross lady to the kid, as she answered in a heartbeat.
"Oh that little girl's name is translated to Sara in English," Betty replied.
"Got it. Thanks for the help," he thanked her before turning towards the kid. "Okay, Sara? Shouldn't be time for you to get into bed and get some sleep?"
Sara still wasn't responding to him. Andrew couldn't keep relying on Betty for a translator. So he had to think of a way to get through to her by actions. He tapped his chin with his index finger as he started coming up with something.
"Now how can I get through to her so she'll listen to me?" It was then Andrew came up with a clever idea as he snapped his finger. "Got it! Listen, sweetheart, I've got something to show you. This is something that I used to do when I was a kid. I'll be right back."
Andrew left the room for a minute to find a couple of ideas. He found an empty soap bottle in one of the drawers, squirt some of the liquid soap from the dispenser into it, and then found what appeared to be a thin wire stick with a narrow vertical hole at the end of it. It was a little rusty, but it'll do just fine.
With that, Major Peterson came back into Post-Op with the items he retrieved and approached Sara with an enthusiastic look on his face.
"Alright Sara, what I'm about to show you is something that I've always done when I was younger. Watch this," Andrew took that stick, put it into the soap bottle, and stirred it up in the liquid soap before pulling it out, as it was now dripping with the substance. "Now pay attention. This is gonna entertain you."
Without another word, Andrew brought the wired stick towards his mouth and blew into it. In a matter of seconds, bubbles started to fly right out of it, getting the young Korean girl's attention. Needless to say, she was fascinated.
"You like that, don't you," the major asked as Sara nodded. "This is called a bubble. You stir up this bubble wand in the bottle, take it out and you blow bubbles out of it."
Andrew decided to do it again as more bubbles scattered throughout the air in Post-Op. Sara was excited by this and she was clapping in fascination by this.
And this didn't go unnoticed by the others either, as they were curious about this.
"Hey Beej, I never knew that Andrew could blow bubbles," Hawkeye remarked. "He certainly has a way of bursting our bubble."
"Who knows for sure Hawk," BJ shrugged. "Everyone must have a pastime."
"Peterson, please! It's hard enough to get these kids to relax as it is," Charles huffed. "I don't need you getting them more excited with your bubble-blowing tactics."
"Oh lighten up Winchester," Andrew scoffed. "I'm just trying to get through to her. Besides, it's kinda fun with the way she's reacting to it."
"I'll say," Klinger agreed. "Some of the other kids are interested in what Peterson is showing to Sara."
"I'll have to admit, their reaction is quite...perplexing," Father Mulcahy admitted.
"Okay Sara, I'll do one more for you. But then you'll have to go to sleep," Andrew told him, doing the method once more.
As he was blowing more bubbles, Betty was intrigued by how he got Sara's attention. She had no idea how he was able to do it, but it was intriguing. Turning to face Margaret, she decided to ask the head nurse a question.
"I have to ask, how is Dr. Peterson able to do that," the Red Cross lady queried.
"Let's just say that he has a special way of doing things," Margaret told her. "He is usually coming up with suggestions to ease the tension and have things under control."
"I see," Betty rubbed her chin in amusement. "I suppose you are glad to have him in this outfit, right?"
"You have no idea," Margaret shook her head with a smile.
"Okay Sara, that's enough for tonight. Time to go to bed," Andrew said to her. "We can do this again first thing in the morning. Alright, sweetheart?"
Sara could only nod at that. She wondered how it'll turn out when she gets a chance to blow bubbles the same way Major Peterson was doing it.
"Alright," he tucked her into bed and made sure she was comfy, the soap bottle and stick in his hands. "Goodnight."
"Yeah, it's time for us to let these children sleep," Hawkeye agreed. "Night, kids."
"Sleep tight," Klinger said to them.
"Sweet dreams, kids," Father Mulcahy reassured them. "God knows, you deserve 'em."
With that, the medical crew left the Post-Op to allow the kids to get some decent shuteye, and that they'll continue things with them first thing tomorrow morning. After the main crew exchanged their 'goodnight', or in Majors Peterson and Houlihan's case, a goodnight kiss, they all went back to their respective tents for now, as everything will pick back up come tomorrow...
THE FOLLOWING MORNING - AT THE 4077:
It was a brand new day at the 4077. And as it turns out, some of the Korean kids were running around and playing throughout the compound. They had a lot of energy in their system, and like most kids, decided on using it up by playing. Aside from that, a jeep pulled into the compound right in front of the OR building, with Colonel Potter riding it in. He was sporting a frown on his face. It seems something happened in Tokyo that kinda made him feel sour.
Getting out of the jeep, Colonel Potter turned to the driver for a second. "Thanks for the buggy ride."
The driver rode off as the colonel went for the entrance to the company clerk's office. As soon as he approached it, several of the Korean children ran out the door in excitement. This got the colonel a tad confused.
"What's going on here, open house?" He asked as the chattering continued when he stepped inside. "Klinger, I'm-"
He cut himself off when he saw in place of Klinger was one of the Korean children, wearing Klinger's Toledo baseball cap. Potter was absolutely startled by the little girl sitting in Klinger's chair.
"Who in the name of Annie's argyles are all these kids?" He demanded as Klinger stepped into his office, ecstatic to see Colonel Potter return to the 4077.
"Ah, sir, welcome back to the black hole of Korea," he greeted before asking. "How's your friend in Tokyo?"
"Never you mind," the colonel told him to butt out. "I asked you, who's this?"
"Oh, this is Private Rita, executive assistant clerk," Klinger introduced. "Cute as a bug in a Persian rug, isn't she sir?"
Colonel Potter couldn't help but groan at this. "She's a Korean Myrna Loy, all right. But what is she and the Dalton Gang doing here?"
"I told you about them on the phone. They came in here for shots," Klinger explained. "But things got a little complicated. Dr. Pierce says no problem."
"Fine! Did my package arrive?" Colonel Potter asked.
"No, sir. The mail hasn't come in yet." Klinger shook his head in disappointment.
"Ah!" Colonel Potter seemed disappointed by that. Whatever was in that package was rather important to him. He wanted to know if it could get here safe and sound and in one piece.
Getting distracted, Klinger saw what Rita typed out on the typewriter, and shared it with the Colonel.
"Sir, this girl is a prodigy," he yelled excitedly. "She just typed 'dribnif' and correctly, I might add."
"Wonderful. Take a lesson from her," Colonel Potter had something else to tell him.
But before he could, some bubbles were being blown into the company clerk's office, getting Colonel Potter's attention.
"What the name of hogwash is that," Potter exclaimed. "Who is blowing bubbles at this time of day?!"
"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention," Klinger rubbed his right arm in flattery. "Dr. Peterson was showing one of the children named Sara how to blow bubbles. He had her try it out for herself, but I guess it seems to have gotten out of hands."
"What do you mean?" Potter queried.
The question was answered as Sara ran through the company clerk's office with the bottle of soap in one hand and the stick wand in the other, laughing as she ran out the door. Andrew raced into the office as he tried calling out to her.
"Please be careful with that stuff," Andrew hollered. "That has to be treated with care! Do not be irresponsible with it!"
Andrew then saw that Colonel Potter had returned and greeted him.
"Oh. Hey Colonel. Glad to see that you've made it back," Andrew said bashfully. "I was just showing one of the Korean children how to blow bubbles since I did the same thing when I was a kid. And I guess it got a little out of control."
"So it seems," Potter remarked simply.
"So how was Tokyo," Andrew queried. "How is your sick friend doing?"
"Please Andrew. I'd rather not talk about it," Colonel Potter insisted with a sigh. "I'm gonna go unpack and eat."
"Okay. I'll see you soon," Andrew said as Colonel Potter walked off.
"Don't mind him. It's his shorts." Klinger told Rita assuringly.
"Anyway Klinger, do you think you can do me a small favor?" Andrew started.
"Sure. What can I do for you?" Klinger was curious about this.
"Could you see if you can get possession of some real bubble soap," Andrew requested. "One that has the bubble soap in a bottle with a bubble wand in it. I want Sara to use a real one so she doesn't have to use what she has currently."
"Well, I can try sir," Klinger told him thoughtfully. "I'm pretty sure that a Korean merchant has one somewhere in this area."
"Good. That's all that I ask for," Andrew smiled. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go get something to eat in the mess tent. I'll see you later."
"Yeah. See ya Major," Klinger said as Andrew went to leave. "There goes a great man Rita. You would be surprised to know how many people there are that are like him."
Rita smiled at him as they continued to spend time in the office, where Klinger trained his little company clerk apprentice on how to do things in his position...
IN THE MESS TENT:
Andrew was now in the waiting line to get his breakfast on his tray. Today's special was eggs or something like that. The major didn't know for sure, but it beats eating literal garbage. As soon as he got his breakfast, he saw a table that had Hawkeye, BJ, Charles, and Margaret sitting there, along with Red Cross worker Betty and some of the Korean children had extra chairs set for them to sit at. He found an available seat right next to his girlfriend, and he decided to help himself as he walked over to the table.
"Hey guys," he got their attention. "Mind if I sit here?"
"Oh sure, do come and sit at our table," Hawkeye accepted his offer.
"The more the merrier," BJ added.
"Please do," Charles murmured.
"Sure Andrew," Margaret patted the empty seat next to her.
"Alright," Andrew smiled, taking his seat next to Houlihan.
"So these are eggs, hmm?" Betty remarked, examining them.
"Yeah, I suppose they are," Andrew answered. "Although, it is a little hard to tell with the food that they serve in the mess tent. Since I've been eating from here for a while, it has become predictable for the most part."
"I see," the Red Cross worker remarked, poking at the eggs with her fork.
Their attention shifted to Colonel Potter who had finished unpacking and decided to enter the tent for breakfast.
"Hey, the colonel's back!" Hawkeye remarked.
"Oh yeah, that's right," Andrew told them. "Our C.O is back. So I guess it's time for you to fork over your position in command Pierce."
"No kidding. Hello, sir! Come over here and sit with us," Pierce invited him over, which he did. "Colonel, welcome back to P.S. 4077. I'm happy to report that things are both hunky and dory. I return your sword of command, sir."
"How's your friend in Tokyo?" Margaret felt like asking.
"I'm not in a talking mood, Major." Colonel Potter moaned.
"I also tried to ask him that before," Andrew whispered to the head nurse. "He isn't in the mood to talk about it."
"I see," she whispered back.
Then Colonel Potter saw Betty Halpern at the same table and realized that they hadn't been introduced.
"Oh, how do you do, ma'am?" Potter greeted.
"Oh, Colonel," Hawkeye remembered. "This is the lady who brought us all the kids. Betty Halpern, Colonel Sherman Potter. You two have a lot in common. You're both in charge of children."
As soon as they were introduced, the topic was then shifted to the problem involving the tetanus serum, where they were reacting to the skin test. The source of the allergic reaction is seen in horsemeat, and it is deduced that they are using horse serum. After Hawkeye and BJ tossed a joke around the subject, it slowly turned into what was considered a rant by Colonel Potter, and he really wasn't happy.
"It's a tragedy people have to eat horses. They're beautiful animals. You ever take a peek at a cow or a pig," Colonel Potter ranted. "They're ugly. We're doing 'em a favor by eating 'em. Saves them the agony of looking at their reflections in the trough every morning. But a horse, that's a noble beast. Why, in the Cavalry, a man's steed was his best friend, a real companion. Where do people get off making pork chops out of 'em?"
The others were becoming a little uneasy by his tone of voice. Andrew felt a little disgust at what he was getting at.
"Who the hell would want to eat a horse anyway?" Andrew queried while cringing.
"That's what I want to know Major!" Colonel Potter raised his voice. "Too much killing in this world. Too much death. No respect for people, for tradition, for life. The whole world's spinning down the tubes, and nobody even seems to notice. I don't know. I-"
He cut himself off when he saw that the others were giving him some concerned looks. Not wanting them to feel uneasy, he decided that he needed to leave the mess tent.
"Uh, I think I'll go check on the mail again."
And with that, Colonel Potter took his leave, leaving them a little confused by his outburst.
"I wonder what that was about," BJ looked confused.
"He was probably in a bad mood about something, and he needed to let it out of his system," Hawkeye took a little guess.
"Perhaps he just needs some downtime. I would too if I were to have gone to Tokyo, only to come back to this sewer," Charles huffed.
"But you have to admit, I'm a little disgusted with how people eat horses," Andrew expressed. "In any case, I think we should just drop it for now."
"I agree," Margaret spoke up. "We'll find out what's up later."
They all decided to go with that, as they continued to eat their breakfast while trying to figure out what was up with their Colonel...
IN THE COMPANY CLERK'S OFFICE:
It wasn't long until the mail was delivered to the 4077. The package that Colonel Potter was expecting had shown up and the colonel took it into his office where he would lock it up in the drawer of his desk. He then told Klinger that since he's there to deliver these 7 manilla-colored envelopes to the main crew, which counted Klinger himself, as well as Andrew. Klinger was kind of confused by this, as he tried to ask Sherman Potter about it.
"Sir, may I ask-"
"No!" Colonel Potter cut him off before storming into his office to be left alone.
Klinger could only shrug as he saw the first letter that was in the pile, and what it said.
Klinger, Maxwell
Klinger was perplexed that he was one of the invites included in whatever this was. Before he could check the rest, Andrew came into his office and got his attention.
"Hey Klinger," Andrew started.
"Oh, Major Peterson! Perfect timing," Klinger saw the second envelope was to Andrew. "I have a letter to you from Colonel Potter."
"A letter?" Andrew raised an eyebrow, taking the envelope.
"I believe it's an invitation," Klinger concluded.
"Wonder what it says," Andrew commented.
"You'll have to read and see for yourself," Klinger walked to the door. "I gotta deliver the rest of these pronto."
"Wait, before you go, Klinger! I need to ask you something," Andrew queried. "How are things going with the bubble soap stuff?"
"Oh yeah, that!" Klinger remembered. "I'd like to tell you that I got a hold of a merchant who has some bubble soap on hand! It's a real deal! He'll be here to deliver it in a few hours."
"Good. I'm sure glad that's taken care of," Andrew wiped his forehead. "Thanks for checking in on that Klinger."
"No problem. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to deliver the rest of these invitations," Klinger walked out the door. "I'll see you in a bit."
"Yeah. See ya Klinger," Andrew said to him as he watched the company clerk leave.
Once he was gone, Andrew looked at the letter that said 'Peterson, Andrew'. Curious by this, he then opened the envelope as he walked outside and walked through the compound. As soon as he opened it, he read exactly what it said on the paper.
"You are invited to my tent tomorrow night at 1900 hours. Cordially, Sherman Potter. P.S.: That's an order." Andrew read what was on it. "Hmmm, I wonder what this is about..."
Then Andrew got lost in thought again. He wasn't the only one who got this invite. Surely the others that are part of the main crew got one just like this, right?
I believe the others have gotten this too. I better go check with Pierce, Hunnicutt, and Winchester. Andrew thought. They are located in the diagnostic room, from what I can remember. I better find out about this from them.
With that, Andrew scurried off to find his three bunkmates from the Swamp. Maybe they might know something about this...
IN THE EXAMINATION/DIAGNOSIS ROOM:
Klinger had already delivered three letters to Hawkeye, BJ, and Charles, and they were the same ones that Klinger got himself, and what he gave to Andrew prior. They all saw what was written in it, and it had the same message that was shown on Andrew's invite. And Klinger already revealed to them who the other two people who got them were. Before anyone could say anything else, Andrew entered the room and waved that letter that he got from the Colonel.
"Hey, guys? Do any of you know about this letter that I got?" Andrew asked, waving the letter as emphasis.
"So you got a letter from the Colonel?" Hawkeye asked with piqued interest.
"Yeah," Andrew nodded.
"Did the message happen to say 'You are invited to my tent tomorrow night at 1900 hours; Cordially, Sherman Potter. P.S.: That's an order?'" BJ queried.
"Now that you mention it, yes it did," Andrew revealed. "Why do you ask?"
"Coincidentally as this may seem, it just so happens that Pierce, Hunnicutt, and I have gotten the same invitation from our Colonel," Charles remarked.
"I got the same invite too, Andrew," Klinger confessed.
This got Andrew to think. Not only was he invited, but so were his three bunkmates, as well as Klinger. There was some curiosity as to who else has gotten this, and what they've been invited to.
I wonder if Margaret was invited to this. He thought before pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Okay. So if you don't mind me asking, do you know who else got this invitation from the Colonel?" Andrew queried.
Part of his question was answered when Margaret Houlihan came into the room with the same envelope that they had.
"You won't believe what was left on my door," Margaret told them.
"The crowd thickens," BJ commented.
"Was it an invitation from the Colonel dear," Andrew asked her. "Did it say to report to his tent tomorrow night at 1900 hours, and I quote 'That's an order?'"
"As a matter of fact, yes," she claimed, walking up to him. "How did you know darling?"
"Did it look like this," Andrew showed her the letter he got.
"You got one too Andrew?" His girlfriend queried.
"Yup." Andrew nodded.
"We all did," BJ announced, showing that he, Pierce, Winchester, and Klinger got an invite too.
"I was wondering if you were invited to whatever this is about," Andrew murmured, relieved that the head nurse was brought into this. "Who else was invited?"
The second half of his question was answered when Father Mulcahy walked into the room, regarding the same thing.
"Hello, all. Say, I just received the most peculiar-" Father Mulcahy started to speak.
"Wait! Let me guess? You got an invitation from the Colonel too, right?" Andrew queried.
"Why yes, I have," the Padre proclaimed. "But how did you know?"
"Guys," Andrew motioned to the others as they all showed the Chaplin the invitations that they received from the Colonel too.
"Oh. So I guess all seven of us got these invites," Father Mulcahy concluded.
"Yeah," Andrew nodded. "I wonder why I was invited to this with the rest of you guys..."
"It might have something to do with how you've been spending more time with us often," BJ took a guess. "And I think the colonel sees you in the same rank of importance as the rest of us."
"Not to mention your girlfriend is among us," Hawkeye added.
"You guys have a good point," Andrew exclaimed, no longer upset that Hawkeye referred to Margaret as his girlfriend, since it was official. He took a glance at Margaret, who flashed him a smile to prove their point.
"Well, if you guys don't mind me asking," Father Mulcahy got their attention. "Does anyone know what this means?"
"I do. We're all invited to Colonel Potter's tent for an after-dinner riddle." Klinger gave them the scoop.
"Klinger, did he say anything when he gave these to you?" Hawkeye queried.
"No. Just ordered me to deliver 'em and made a beeline for his office with that package he got today," Klinger told them.
This got the others curious. This is the first that they heard about a package that he received. They wanted to know more about it.
"The colonel got a package," Andrew raised an eyebrow.
"Any idea what was in it?" Margaret questioned.
"I don't know, but he's been antsy about getting it," Klinger explained. "Ever since the trip to Tokyo. Came from some lawyers."
"Lawyers? Why would he be hearing from lawyers?" Hawkeye questioned.
"Yeah. What do lawyers have to do with it?" Andrew asked.
"Divorce, maybe?" Hawkeye guessed it.
"That's stupid. Who would divorce that sweet, wonderful man," Margaret remarked.
"Yeah," Andrew agreed with her. "I think it's safe to say that we can rule out divorce. Considering how faithful Colonel Potter is to Mildred, I don't see Mildred divorcing him at all."
"If we were married, I wouldn't divorce you either," Margaret told him. "Because your a sweet wonderful man too, darling."
"Uh thanks for that dear," Andrew felt a blush pushing onto his cheeks.
"I think we're getting off-topic," Klinger told them. "What else could it be for?"
"Maybe it's a lawsuit," Hawkeye guessed.
"Tax problem," BJ shrugged his shoulders.
"Or a will. I don't wish to sound ghoulish and, mind you, I pray I'm assessing the evidence incorrectly," Charles proclaimed with a grim tone. "But what if the sick friend with the bad lab report is a ruse and it's Colonel Potter who's sick."
"I-I think we'd know if he was sick," Andrew murmured fearfully. "The last thing we want is for our beloved Colonel to die on us."
"Yeah, don't even think about that Charles," Margaret saw how worried Andrew was and hugged him.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Hawkeye proclaimed.
"For all we know, this might be a huge misunderstanding," Andrew told them, appreciating the hug he was given, as well as the peck he got on his cheek. "Let's not jump the gun, guys."
"Agreed," Charles nodded. "But that would explain the phone call, the trip to Tokyo, his mood, and the package from the lawyers."
"Come to think of it, that would explain why he was in a bad mood when he returned to the 4077 and joined us for breakfast this morning," Andrew brought up. "I mean, I still remember that rant he gave about how eating horses is terrible."
"I know how you feel, darling," Margaret told him softly.
"I must say, in our country, eating a horse could be considered a sin." Father Mulcahy said solemnly.
"Yes, it would explain everything," BJ remarked.
"But what can we do," Klinger question. "We don't know if he's ill with an ulcer or something like that."
"If he had an ulcer, we would have noticed it by now," Andrew deadpanned. "Aside from Klinger and Father Mulcahy, the rest of us consists of 4 doctors and 1 head nurse."
"Andrew has a point," Hawkeye agreed. "If he's ill, we'll find out soon enough. I'm sure he'll tell us in his way."
"Maybe he is," Father Mulcahy remarked, looking at the letter again.
"In the meantime, I suggest we do the sensible thing and just give him space and leave him alone for now," Andrew suggested. "But just in case, Klinger, you can keep an eye on him in case something does come up."
"You can count on it sir," Klinger said with a salute.
"I guess the rest of us can get back to doing what we need to do," Andrew insisted. "Besides, the now-diluted serum should be ready to be given to the Korean children."
"Yeah. After they are given that, they can be sent on their way," BJ said.
"And then we can find out what's been bugging Colonel Potter," Hawkeye huffed.
"Let's just be patient with him," Andrew exclaimed. "We can only wait for tomorrow night at 1900 hours to find out more about this."
The others didn't argue with that as they all left to go back to doing their own things. They could only wonder what could be bothering their colonel to the point that he would isolate himself in his office. There were many possibilities. Fortunately, tomorrow night would explain everything to them...
IN THE MESS TENT AGAIN:
It was at this point that the Korean children were kept in a line to be given the now-diluted serum that should help them. While doing so, the fate of Colonel Potter remained fresh on the minds of the 7 people that got that letter. Surely he wouldn't have kept something as big as a medical emergency from them, would he? Or was it something else that was being hidden beyond the bigger picture? Whatever the reason, it was impossible to get him off of their mind.
Klinger kept trying to find out what was up, but the colonel kept telling him to buzz off. Recently, he decided to tell them exactly what he was doing in his office.
"Nothing much. Just sitting in his office listening to French records." Klinger answered.
"French records," Andrew was baffled before smirking. "At least it's better than Winchester's opera records."
"I resent that comment, Peterson," Charles grunted.
"I know. But still, that's something new," Andrew sported a frown again.
"Why do you suppose he's listening to French Records?" Hawkeye asked.
"I don't know, but I'm gonna talk with him," Margaret exclaimed.
"Relax, Margaret. You can't be a mother hen to a man old enough to be your father, all right?" Hawkeye retorted, getting her to stop.
"And besides, it wouldn't be good to bother him right now. I'm worried about him too," Andrew proclaimed. "I never told you guys this, but I do tend to look up to him as a father figure of the sort."
"I know what you mean," Margaret said softly.
"The point is we should just be sensible and leave him be," Andrew then took a wild guess at the motive for this. "Besides, he might be listening to French records because he's wanting to relive his days when he was in France during World War I. After all, none of us were alive when that happened."
"You made your point Andrew," Margaret said. "The waiting is still killing me though."
"Me too Margaret."
"Oh, by the way, sir, that bubble soap that you had wanted," Klinger told him. "It came in just recently. I put the bottle on your desk in your side of the Swamp, so you'll be ready to give it away."
"Alright, thanks, Klinger." Andrew smiled gratefully.
"No problem Major."
Afterwards, Klinger left them back to their work. From there, the Korean kids were given their shots with the now-diluted serum, hopefully averting the reaction that was delivered from the last dose that was received...
Sometime later, the kids were all given their shots successfully. And there were no side effects this time around. Because of that, the kids were able to depart from the 4077, ala Red Cross vehicle. Currently, the Korean kids were boarding the vehicle with Betty Halpern, with the personnel's help, as they were going to take their leave.
"Hold it," Andrew called out, running to the scene. "Before you guys go, I'd like to give something to Sara!"
"Oh, by all means, go ahead Major," Betty allowed Sara to stand in front of Andrew.
"Hey Sara," Andrew bent down to her height. "I have something for you."
He then took out what seemed to be a bottle of bubble soap. It looked like the brand sold in the US, but it was written in Korean. Fortunately, Andrew was able to work with that.
"This is bubble soap. You can make real bubbles with this stuff," Andrew said. "Allow me to demonstrate how to use it."
Andrew then opened the bottle, took off the cap, and then swished the bubble wand in the substance before taking it out. He then went and blew into the bubble wand, resulting in bubbles floating in all directions. Sara was once again interested in this.
"Interesting isn't it," Andrew then did the same thing as before, only this time he held the wand out to her mouth. "Now you try it. All you got to do is blow into it."
To get her to understand, he tried blowing as a demonstration. Fortunately, she caught on and imitated what he did into the bubble wand, causing bubbles to fly in all directions.
"There! Now you got it," Andrew praised her, putting the bubble wand into the bottle, put the cap back on, and gave it to her. "You take good care of that stuff, okay sweetie?"
Sara could only nod as Betty brought her back into the vehicle.
"Ms. Halpern, please make sure that she's careful with handling that stuff," Andrew asked her.
"No worries. I'll make sure she's careful with that," the Red Cross worker promised as she went into the vehicle.
The members of the 4077 all gave their farewells to the Korean kids as the vehicle started to drive out of the compound. Once the van was out of sight, Hawkeye approached Andrew and made this comment.
"If I didn't know any better, you seemed to act like a dad," he teased him.
"Well, it comes with being patient and understanding," Andrew sounded flattered and modest. "It's just being courteous."
"Right. Pretty soon when you and Margaret have kids, you two will treat them as one of your own," Hawkeye smirked.
"Uhhhh, let's not get too ahead of ourselves Pierce," Andrew found a bright red blush forming from what he said.
"Yeah," Margaret agreed, not liking what Hawkeye was implying. "Let's not think about that. Anyway, I think we should be going."
And with that, they headed back to their usual activities for the time being. They could only wait for tomorrow night to see what is bothering Colonel Potter...
THE FOLLOWING NIGHT - OUTSIDE COLONEL POTTER'S TENT 19:00
The following night, the seven members of the main crew showed up right outside of their Colonel's tent at the appropriate time. They were really apprehensive about this, fearing that what he needs to tell them might be related to his health, or worse. They really didn't want anything bad happening to him. Regardless, they had to enter, since it was that time. They were hesitant as to who should answer the door. In Andrew's case, he really wasn't sure if they should expect the worse to happen if he knocks on the door.
Eventually, Father Mulcahy relented and knocked on the door on their behalf. Colonel Potter granted him entry as the door was opened. They went in an orderly fashion, with Father Mulcahy going first. Then Margaret. Then Andrew. Hawkeye. BJ. Klinger. And finally, Charles.
They noticed that something was different with the Colonel. For starters, he was wearing his old cavalry uniform. That didn't look to be someone who's suffering from a severe illness, right? Nonetheless, they remained concerned for him, even Winchester.
Colonel Potter started to explain why he's been acting different lately, but before he could get into too many details, Margaret got his attention, as she pecked him on the cheek. This was followed by Andrew approaching him and shaking his hand with a worrisome smile on his face. This took Colonel Potter by surprise. He wasn't expecting them to act like this.
"What's with them," Colonel Potter asked.
"I'd do the same thing if I didn't think you'd slug me. I'm referring to what Margaret just did." Hawkeye said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Potter asked them.
"We're worried about you, Colonel," BJ told him.
"Rest assured, Colonel. You have our total support." Charles assured.
"Right. We're behind you all the way, sir." Klinger remarked.
"We are here for you, Colonel," Andrew promised. "You can always count on us."
"No matter what the problem might be." Father Mulcahy finished.
"Thanks, Padre," Potter told him. "I appreciate that, I suppose. That goes for the rest of you too. I'll lay out the full story with you."
Potter stopped beating around the bush and got down to business; the very reason he got them here tonight.
"It was a long time ago, 1917 to be exact, and I've put on a dozen or so pounds since then," he started the explanation. "We were in France, under a heavy artillery barrage. My buddies and I laid low in an old French chateau. We were quite a group, the five of us. Went through hell together and lived to get drunk about it. What a great bunch of guys."
He then took out a picture that featured him and the old boys from way back when and showed it to them.
"That's us," he stated. "I'm the one mugging for the camera. Anyway, there we were in this chateau, Stein finds a cache of fine brandy and we sat up all night. The shells were screaming and we were singing and toasting our friendship. Then we got down to the last bottle..."
He then took out what appeared to be that bottle of brandy that he was referring to, and showed it to them.
"This very bottle here. Do any of you know what a tontine is?" He queried.
"Yes," Charles spoke up. "A tontine is a...pledge."
"I've heard of it too," Andrew rubbed his chin. "It's like a promise that's made for whoever the last one remaining gets the bottle. I think that's what it is..."
"That's right," Potter nodded before continuing. "Anyway, the five of us pledged. We'd save this bottle, let some legal eagle stow it for us and whoever turned out to be the last survivor of the group, he'd get the bottle and drink a toast to his old buddies. For good or bad, you're looking at the last survivor."
The seven of them took that in and it started to piece together. So that's what it was all about; not wanting to be bothered, the package, the French record, all of it. It explained everything. In Andrew's case, he only took a wild guess that it was about the colonel's time in France during World War I, but he didn't think that'd he be right on the money. He was expecting his guess to be 100% wrong. But it turned out to be right.
"Gosh, sir...I...I don't know what to say," Andrew said slowly.
"You don't have to son," Potter shook his head. "After all, I got the job when Gresky passed on in Tokyo. He had the bottle sent here."
"God rest his soul." Father Mulcahy uttered.
"So that's what this was about," Hawkeye told him.
"Thank God I was wrong," Charles commented, referring to his assumption.
"Colonel, we thought you were sick." Margaret expressed herself.
"We were concerned that you had an ulcer or something," Andrew mentioned. "But this is just as sad, and for that, we're sorry."
"Don't apologize Andrew. I was sick," Potter told them. "Just thinking how all my friends are gone now. Felt a little sorry for [me] too, getting up in years. But I'm looking at things a bit different now. I've been a very lucky man. I've had some wondrous, joyous times. That's what counts. We were so alive back then. It was something. But, as much as my old friends meant to me... I think you [new friends] mean even more."
That last comment didn't go unappreciated by any of them, as Andrew was the first to speak up.
"Colonel Potter sir, we really appreciate that you feel that way about us. Thank you," Andrew said sincerely, a smile emerging on his face.
"I agree with Andrew," Margaret said, having stood next to Andrew the entire time. "Thank you for that."
"That goes for me too," Hawkeye said.
"Me too," BJ added.
"And me," Father Mulcahy murmured.
"Same here sir," Klinger told him.
"I have to say it, but I truly appreciate that comment too, Colonel," Charles admitted.
"And it's because of that that I'd like you to share this bottle with me," Colonel Potter told them.
"We'd be honored, Colonel," Hawkeye told him.
"Usually, I don't drink any alcoholic beverages. But I'm willing to make this an exception." Andrew claimed honestly.
And so Potter had all seven of them get their glass, starting with Hawkeye and working it on down from there. The colonel exclaimed that the brandy was smooth in 1917, and Charles admitted that it should be magnificent by now. Once all seven of them got a full glass, as did the Colonel, the Colonel insisted that he'd make the first toast by himself to his old buddies, and Andrew encouraged him to take as much time as he needs to, something that the Colonel appreciated. And so he started the first toast alone.
"Here's to you, boys. To Ryan, who died in WWI: the War to End All Wars. To; Gianelli, who died in the war after that. To Stein, the joker of the crowd. And to Gresky, my best friend, who just passed away in Tokyo. You were the friends of my youth. My comrades through thick and thin and everything in between. I drink to your memories. I loved you, fellas... one and all."
After he did that, he took a drink of it and was satisfied with it.
"Still mighty smooth. Okay, that's the [old], now for the new," he turned to the seven personnel, signaling them to raise their glasses. "To love and friendship."
With that, all eight of them drank their glass of 1917 brandy. The seven welcomed guests appreciated the sentiments from their colonel. One thing was for sure, this was one night they would never forget for many years to come...
THE NEXT DAY - AT THE SWAMP:
The members of the Swamp were simply doing their own things. The instant from last night with Colonel Potter remained in their heads. They did feel honored about sharing that 1917 bottle of brandy with him.
"I can't believe that the Colonel actually did that with us last night," BJ said.
"What I can't believe is how Andrew admitted he doesn't drink often," Hawkeye remarked.
"Well, it's true. I'm not a drinker. I only drink on special occasions," Andrew admitted. "And even then, I only drink in small doses."
"Yeah, sure," Hawkeye huffed.
"Doesn't that explain why I never drink from the still," Andrew brought up.
"The Major has a point," Winchester agreed with him. "I've never seen him take interest in drinking from the still."
"That does explain some things," BJ admitted.
"I suppose your right," Hawkeye sighed.
It was then an announcement was made on the intercom, by Klinger as requested by Colonel Potter.
"ATTENTION, TO ALL LAUNDRY PERSONNEL! AS OF THIS DATE, THE USE OF STARCH IN LAUNDERING CLOTHING IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN! ESPECIALLY THE COLONEL'S SHORTS! SORRY, EVERYONE! THE COLONEL ORDERED ME TO GIVE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT! THAT'LL BE ALL!"
"It's a good thing I don't use starch when I'm doing laundry," Andrew retorted, shaking his head at that announcement.
Hawkeye, BJ, and Charles said nothing about that. Considering where their minds were at currently, they didn't need to say anything about it.
Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door, getting their attention.
"Who's there?" Hawkeye asked.
"It's me!"
"Me who?"
"Oh, why don't you stuff it, Pierce," that was Margaret. "Can I come in?!"
"I thought you'd never ask," he smiled, granting her entry. "So what can I do for you?"
"I'm not looking for you three," she admitted. "I'm looking for Andrew."
"I'm right here," Andrew waved over to her. "What do you want?"
"Oh nothing," she grabbed him by the arm. "I was just wondering if you'd take a walk with me through the compound."
"Sure. I'd love to," Andrew graciously accepted as they walked out of the Swamp.
"Thank you for joining me," she kissed him on the mouth. "Love you, darling."
"Love you too dear," Andrew remarked.
Yeah, things were looking to be like they should be again, with everything that happened gone by...
END OF CHAPTER 18...
Yeah, this chapter is only slightly shorter than the previous chapter. I do hope you enjoyed it regardless.
To be honest, I don't think this chapter will live up to the expectations set up by the previous chapters. So this chapter might not be as good.
There's also the fact that it took me two days to get this chapter done, seeing that I spent 17 consecutive days writing one chapter for each day, so I needed a day off.
Anyway, next time, Andrew writes another letter to his mom regarding the changes that he experienced. How will this go? Find out next time.
For now, only review if you want to. Constructive criticism is acceptable only if you're polite. And positive reviews are allowed no matter what.
That's all that I have for now. Until next time, take care of yourselves. And with that, thanks again for reading everyone!
