Vivi McCullough stepped off the military plane and was ushered into the small airport to await her ride to the 4077th. Though a bit worn from the long journey, the last few weeks since she had re-enlisted brought a sense of need, something she had not really felt back in the states for awhile. The hospital she had worked at, while rewarding, was becoming a bit, well, crowded. She was constantly under the pressure that good nurses were to be seen, not so much heard. If Vivi noticed something in the ER, that a doctor did not, she was quickly silenced. After all, she was only a nurse. Just hand over the instruments, do the vitals, and follow all orders.
When she had worked with her father back in Europe and at his practice, he had given Vivi more leniency. In fact, there were times he challenged her if the patient was not in any distress. Just because she was "just a nurse" did not mean she was her vision was all. If the patient was doing well during surgery and the need for Dr. McCullough was imminent, he handed the surgical tools over to Vivi, not to close or stitch, but to actually complete the operation herself. Most were minor, but others required skill. Skill that Vivi had been taught by her father, not the nursing school. He wanted his daughter to be prepared in the art of surgery. Doctors scoffed, but Vivi proved them wrong.
In fact, it was Dr. McCullough's way of with most of his nurses. He had watched his colleagues all but demean the female nurses when they indeed were correct in the course of action. Being the father of to his only daughter, the urge to protect her was strong. But he also knew that she was now grown, she had to fight her own battles, which was why he did not want Vivi to join him at his practice when she graduated nursing school and then returned from Europe. Vivi could not be coddled. But he felt to his nurses, especially ones like Vivi with strong focus, should be asked questions, give answers, even do a bit of operating themselves.
And now here she was in Korea, her uniform pressed and proper, her suitcase by her side, working on the Korean words she had been taught by Mr. Lee back in New York.
Bit of background: Mr. Lee ran a small food store and his wife did laundry and some cooking. They had come over just before the war and befriended the McCulloughs when they one day came to his shop to see his wares. Seeing the small family needed some help, especially with the prejudice by those who were "pure blooded American" Sabrina gladly paid Mrs. Lee, her name Ji-Yoo, for laundry services once a week and Mr. Lee or Sang-Chul introduced them to Korean dishes. When Vivi was told she needed to stop smoking as her lungs were becoming Swiss cheese (not the medical term, but might as well have), Sang-chul provided her with a special Korean remedy for lung ailments to drink. It's taste was one to be desired, but had indeed done the trick. She loved going to that shop often and talk to the sweet couple who she could tell longed for home. They too enjoyed the young woman taking an interest in their country, and treat them with respect, especially now since they were often harassed because of the now occurring war. When she told them she was going to Korea, Sang-chul and Ji-yoo nearly packed a second suitcase for Vivi to take with her full of Korean treats, papers upon papers of English to Korean translations so she could communicate with any locals, and medicines and salves of all kinds. They too asked her to write, maybe she could find out about their own families.
A tap on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts and she turned to see a young be-speckled man looking down at her.
"Uh Lieutenant McCullough ma'am?" He said with a slight shake.
"Yes?" She said.
"Um, I'm Corporal Radar O'Riley." He said. "I'm from the 4077th, the Colonel requested I come pick you up."
"OH!" Vivi said and extended her hand. "Sorry about that corporal! I was a bit lost in thought. Pleasure to meet you!"
"Ah you too ma'am." Radar said nervously shaking her hand and then picking up her bag.
"Oh you don't have to do that!" Vivi said.
"Sorry ma'am." He said. "It's my job though."
Vivi shrugged and followed the young man to the jeep. He opened the door for her and put her bag in the back. He then got into the driver seat and off they went.
For the most part, except for the loud engine and bumpy road, it was a quiet ride. Vivi examined her driver and deduced he could be no more than late teens, early twenties and a bit of a nervous Nelly.
"So is Radar your real name?" She asked.
"Oh no, ma'am." He said. "It's actually Walter. Radar they nicknamed me because I can detect choppers before anyone else can."
Vivi raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"That's quite a talent." She said. "It's good to have an early warning system."
Radar smiled a little.
"Thank you ma'am."
When she had worked in World War II many of the soldiers were her age. Now it dawned on her that the wounded she would be working with now could practically be her own child, if she had been so inclined in her own teen years. She realized that while army decorum was in order, she heeded the words of her father.
"Be their pseudo friend, sister, even mother."
Vivi then turned to Radar.
"You don't have to be formal with me Radar." She said. "Or would you prefer corporal?"
Radar turned to her and slightly gulped.
"Oh Radar is fine ma'am."
Vivi grinned.
"Well then you can call me Vivi." She said. "My real name is Genevieve, but I've been called Vivi since as long as I can remember!"
"Okay ma'am." He said.
Vivi rolled her eyes.
"So what's the 4077 like?" She asked.
"Oh, it's, it's something." He said. "Food's okay if you don't have a weak stomach, our doctors and nurses work really good when they aren't arguing. Living conditions are okay if you don't mind leaky tents and cots. The O.R. Can be a bit scary sometimes what with all the blood and all. Oh and we hold movie nights and lectures and stuff in the mess tent!"
Vivi raised her eye brows. Heh, sounded like Germany to her.
"Sorry ma'am." He said. "Not trying to scare you or anything."
She smiled.
"Don't worry Radar." She said. "This is actually not my first war. Trust me, everything you are describing I am familiar with. Granted it's been awhile, but I'm sure it's like riding a bicycle, you never forget."
"Ah here we are! Radar said pointing.
Vivi looked to see them driving through an open post saying right at the top 4077: Best Care Anywhere. Soon she could make out the tents and the small dots of green and grey becoming people as they entered the camp. Radar stopped the jeep in the middle of the camp.
"Major Houlihan would like to meet you as soon as possible." He said. "She is our head nurse."
Vivi got out of the car and surveyed her surroundings. Indeed her civilian hospital nurse immediately was morphing into her army nurse persona."
"Lieutant McCullough I presume?" A stern, female voice erupted behind her back. She turned to see a blond woman, mid to late thirties, the face of determination, and the stance of a general facing her. Vivi immediately saluted.
"Yes ma'am!" Vivi saluted.
The woman returned the salute.
" I am Major Margaret Houlihan, chief nurse here at the 4077th. I will be your commanding officer" She said. Vivi could tell the woman was examining her without so much as moving her eyes. But Vivi knew regulation and she was not to break any protocols.
"Yes ma'am." She said standing straight and staring at the strong willed nurse. She could immediately tell Major Houlihan was not one to be bothered with.
"I have read your credentials Lieutenant and you come highly recommended. So, I expect that you will abide by army and medical regulation. I do not tolerate insubordination of any kind while under my command." She said. "I expect my nurses to perform at the highest caliber and you may see while you are here that some do not follow such rules. I will hope that you will not be swayed to do the same. You will address me as Major and the doctors as Doctor or by their rank. I expect that this will not be a problem?"
"No ma'am." Vivi said. "Request permission to speak freely?"
"Granted."
Vivi extended her hand.
"It is a honor to meet you Major." She said with a smile. "I promise I will not let you down!"
Margaret looked at the woman, but shook the extended hand. She had to admit, McCullough was earning points so far. Out of all her nurses, this one seemed to have more military-esque personality. It was about time someone had some appreciation for the army.
Margaret turned to Radar who had been standing idly by, like a statue.
"Corporal!" She all but yelled.
Radar nearly jumped.
"Yes sir!" He yelled saluting.
"Ma'am!" She said flustered.
"Yes ma'am sir!" He said.
Margaret sighed.
"Please take the Lieutenant's bags over to the tent by nurse Kelleye's." She turned to Vivi. "You are lucky Lieutenant, you came at a time where you could occupy a single tent. Showers are down the right. Please freshen up and then report to my quarters. I understand you have had a long trip, but I would like to go over the rules and duties that will be assigned to you."
"Yes Ma'am." Vivi said.
"Dismissed." The Major ordered and Vivi turned to follow Radar to her tent.
"Wow." Radar said. "I think you impressed the major ma'am."
Vivi shrugged.
"She's my commanding officer, it is important to obey her and treat her with respect."
They started walking by The Swamp where unbeknownst to her two pairs of beady eyes were watching carefully.
"Ooo, look at that new nurse Hawk!" Dr. Trapper John McIntyre said, a martini between his fingers, his curly hair a bit messed and smile crooked with plotting. "Not a stunner like Able, but still easy on the eyes.
"I must agree there my fellow." Dr. Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce also watching with glee, a martini too in hand, his dark thick hair smoothed slightly.
"What'dya say." Trapper said. "Intercept from Radar and give her a warm welcome to the 4077.
"Jolly good idea!" Hawk said and both guzzled down their martini's and walked out of their tent just as Radar and Vivi were a few feet from her quarters.
"Well, well what do we have here!?" Trapper said as they closed in on the pair.
"Radar, please tell me you weren't thinking of not introducing us to our new nurse here." Hawkeye said as they both squeezed their way to Vivi's side.
"Uh well Sirs, Major Houlihan requested I show the Lieutenant her quarters."
"Oh come now." Trap said throwing a mustard robed arm around Vivi and Hawk a red robed one around Radar and turning them both in the direction of the Swamp.
"How dare the major not allow us to meet our new surgical nurse!" Hawk said. "After all, we are going to be working together."
He took Vivi's hand and kissed it gentlemanly.
"Dr. and Captain Benjamin Hawkeye Pierce at your service madam."
Trap took her other hand and he too kissed it.
"Dr. and also Captain Trapper McIntyre my dear lady."
Radar was beginning to get nervous, if Major Houlihan caught the two of them already trying to carouse with a nurse, a new one, she would have his behind.
But Genevieve just rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"I'm Lieutenant Genevieve McCullough." She said. "Glad to meet you both."
"You must have had such a long trip." Trapper said. "Please come to our tent and unwind a little!"
"Uh sirs!" Radar said as he held Vivi's bag and raced behind them. "Please the lieutenant needs to be freshened up before she meets Major Houlihan for orders."
But Genevieve was no dummy. She knew what was happening and would oblige for a few moments.
"It's alright Radar, I don't mind getting to know some of the staff quickly. I promise I will not leave the Major waiting."
But Radar was not to be deterred. He had taken enough flack from both Majors Houlihan and Burns and for once did not want to be on the receiving end of their wrath. If she was going to the Swamp then so was he.
They approached the large tent and Vivi was ushered inside.
"Love the décor." She said. "The hanging sweat socks add to the ambiance."
"We were interior decorators before we were doctors." Trapper said.
"Yeah, The Pierce and McIntyre Army Tent Design Studio!"
Vivi laughed as she offered a martini. Her eyes then locked on the makeshift still. Crude, but obviously very cleverly done.
"Forgive me doctors if I do not partake. As Radar said I am due for duties and as such I do not want to make a bad impression on my first day here.
"You will find my dear Genevieve that bad impressions are also the most fun!" Trapper said.
"Well not for me." She said smiling. "But while off duty, I do suppose you can call me by my nickname, Vivi."
"Ah a name the sweetest rose cannot compare!" Hawk said.
"Oh brother." Radar uttered.
Vivi laughed.
Suddenly the door burst open and an angry man immediately approached Hawkeye and Trap.
"Alright, which one of you rats did it!?" He yelled.
"Did what Frank?" Trapper said sipping his martini.
"You know every well what." He said glaring. "Who overrode my command that my patient in post-op be sent home instead of back to the front where he belongs!"
"Who's he talking about?" Trap asked.
"Lewis." Hawk said. "You know the kid whose leg was mangled and a concussion the size of San Francisco."
"And yes I overrode that command Frank." He said. "The kid's leg was one step away from amputation and his head right now is still clearing from the fog that came when he fell back into the trenches! He needs intense physical therapy, first in Tokyo, then home."
"Tokyo will take care of the PT and then he will be fit for command." Burns said. "You want to send every soldier home just because of some dizziness and busted leg, this is a war for crying out loud!"
Vivi watched the argument with wide eyes until Radar motioned for her it was time to leave. Quietly she began to tiptoe, but Burns caught her in the corner of his eye.
"Hold it!" He yelled and approached her red faced and suspicious.
"And just who are you?"
"Lieutenant McCullough." She said. "I just arrived to this unit a half hour."
"Well LIEUTENANT!" He barked. "I am Major Frank Burns."
The word Major sent off her automatic response. She saluted and stood straight.
"Apologies Major!" She said. "I had not known."
"Well now you do." He said. "And already I am disappointed in you Lieutenant. It is quite unbecoming for a new nurse to just enter a male officers tent and carouse with the staff. Consider this a demerit, and on your first day too, quite disappointing."
"But sir!" Radar began to argue.
"Aw come off it Frank." Trapper yelled. "Hawk and I all but maneuvered her over her, but she has been nothing but a perfect lady! She doesn't deserve a stain on her record because you are sore over the fact we went over your head."
"Yeah the only carousers were us." Hawk said.
Vivi turned to Burns.
"Permission to speak freely Major?"
Nearly all three men in the room raised their eyebrows at such a militaristic request.
"Granted Lieutenant."
"Thank you sirs." Vivi said. "But Major Burns, you are correct. If you feel that my actions were unbecoming of a nurse then I must pay for my actions. But rest assured sir I did not act in anyway that would sully my behavior as a nurse. The captains did offer me a welcoming drink, but I will be on duty soon and I am due to meet with Major Houlihan shortly so I declined. I will understand if you report my actions to her. But please Major, understand, all they did was introduce themselves as the surgeons I will be working with. I feel it is important for both morale and education that I get to know the staff. Had you been in here Sir, I would have done the exact same thing. I apologize for any wrong doing."
She stood straight and looked at Burns, the determination in her face and the fact that she had pulled the army card seemed to calm him.
"She didn't touch the booze Frank and all we did was talk." Hawk said.
Frank sighed and turned back to Vivi.
"Alright Lieutenant, you have made your case." He said. "I will not for the time being report this incident. But if I were you, and Major Houlihan will make this case too, you stay away from these two louses."
"Louses, I thought we were rats?" Trap said.
"So who is which?" Hawk asked
"Whose furriest?"
The two compared arms.
"Oh blow it out your noses." Frank sneered
He turned back to Vivi who had secretly giggled but immediately went back to position.
"I am telling you Missy those two will make your career as a nurse flounder."
"Oh so she's the flounder, can we go fishing and try to catch her?!" Hawk asked
"Bet she'd make a lovely dinner." Trap said with a sly smile.
"SHUT UP!" Burns yelled over his shoulder.
"Do I make my self clear Lieutenant?" He said shakily.
"Yes sir!" She said. "And thank you!"
"Good." He said. "Dismissed."
Vivi saluted and nearly ran out of the room with Radar at her heels.
"Phew ma'am, you really stood up to Major Burns." He said as they all but ran to her tent. "That whole military thing and saluting, if there is one thing he likes, is a soldier."
"Well that's the thing Radar." She said. "I'm not a soldier, but I was taught to show respect to my commanding officers. However, I have a sneaking feeling that Major Burns is not going to be easy to deal with.
"With all due respect ma'am." He said as he placed her suitcase on her bunk. "You don't know the half of it.