Colonel Potter, Hawkeye and BJ were in the Swamp. BJ was writing a letter to Peg.
"Darling, it's quiet now. There's a lull in the fighting. We're not prepared for the silence, and every hour stretches by like a day. When no fighting is going on, we have nothing to do; when the fighting returns, we're working 20 straight hours in the OR. There's no in between. What I wouldn't give to take you and Erin on a picnic right now, or take a walk in the park, or even sit at home, cuddling up in front of the radio. Here, each day is the same. Boring and long. I love you both, miss you terribly, and dream of the day when we're back together in Mill Valley. That's what keeps me sane, here; thinking of you two. With VERY Much Love, BJ."
"How many letters is that today, BJ?" Hawkeye asked.
"The fourth, so far," BJ answered.
"And that's before dinner," Hawkeye replied, "Once he'd had our "daily special" at the mess tent, he'll be writing back home about missing his family, and real food."
"Hunnicut," asked Potter, "You find that writing all that is good for you?
"Yes , Colonel," BJ said, "Someday, I'll be going home to a loving wife and daughter who I've missed more than thought I could miss anything. Every letter I write makes me feel closer to them. It helps me stay sane in this insane place."
"I'll get another letter off to Mrs. Potter, later," the Colonel added, "I understand where you are coming from, B.J."
"Colonel," Hawkeye pointed to an overflowing chess board, "It's your move."
Colonel Potter looked at the Chess Board. Besides the typical chess pieces, there were checkers, playing cards, a pair of dice and upside down paper cups. It had started as an ordinary chess game – their second of the day. As good surgeon as Hawkeye was, he was a terrible chess player. The Colonel had taken his time in that game, but it was almost too easy to beat Pierce. Hawkeye began adding new rules and new game pieces as the second game when on. Hard to tell if anyone was winning.
"Just roll the dice, pick a card, and then move one of your four rooks," Hawkeye grinned.
"Remind me," Potter grinned, "How did I get four rooks?"
"Colonel, you took my rooks when you drew a pair of Kings. Hard to beat a hand like that," Hawkeye replied.
"What are you playing, Hawk? That chessboard looks more like an overcrowded table," BJ smiled.
"Chess," Hawkeye answered.
"Damndest chess game I've ever played," Potter began, "and I haven't had anything to drink."
"I'm sure, Colonel," Hawkeye looked at the board, "at some point, all this should make some sense."
Colonel Potter rolled the pair of dice and came up with double fours. Then, he picked two cards: 7 of clubs and 4 of hearts.
"Colonel," now you can move a rook up to 8 spaces, or pick two other pieces – you can move one 4 spaces, but only backwards or sideways. And, you can move the other 7 spaces – only if there are no queens or bishops on the 2nd, 4th or 7th spaces," Hawkeye explained.
"I think I'll put a paper cup over my King, instead, "Colonel Potter replied and did so.
"Good move, Colonel. Never saw that coming," Hawkeye remarked.
BJ looked at the board, "What does it mean if the Colonel puts a paper cup over his King?"
Hawkeye and Potter looked at each other.
"We haven't figured that out, yet, Beej," Hawkeye added, "That's why the Colonel's move was so unexpected."
"I think it means it's time for a drink," Potter replied.
"Colonel, you must have played this game, before," Hawkeye said as he walked over to the still.