The next few weeks saw a return to "normal" at the 4077th. Wounded came and went in large numbers. Medical staff worked some 24 hour days. A supply truck that was supposed to be filled with medical equipment and medication instead was filled with barrels of olive oil.
"What in the name of General Pershing are we supposed to do with this?" an angry Colonel Potter asked the driver.
"These aren't your supplies?" replied the driver.
"Maybe if we were an Italian restaurant," Potter replied, "This is a MASH! I know….you only deliver what's on the truck. But we have NO use for this."
The driver stated that he had to deposit the oil and move on. Colonel Potter ordered him to stay right where he was, and got Klinger to connect with General Rice. Once on the phone with the General, Potter explained the situation. General Rice asked to speak with the driver, who reluctantly came in to take the call.
"Yes, sir, Of course sir, Yes, sir, Right away, sir," came the driver's replies to the General.
Then, the driver gave the phone to Colonel Potter.
"Sorry, Sherm," General Rice began, "I'm not letting them unload you with olive oil. I ordered the driver to head back. May take another day or two before you get the right supplies."
Colonel Potter thanked the General and signaled for Klinger to disconnect the call. Then, the Colonel walked outside.
"Get Zale, here. I need to know how we stand," Potter remarked.
Klinger ran off towards supply. Zale was moving two large crates on the floor.
"Need help?" Klinger asked.
"No. I do this for exercise," Zale responded.
Once Klinger told Zale that Colonel Potter needed to see him, Zale stopped what he was doing and went over to the CO's office, with Klinger right behind.
"Sergeant," Colonel Potter started, "How are we fixed for medical supplies?"
Zale took a crumpled sheet of paper out of his pocket.
"Sir," Zale started, "As of this morning, we have 4 days' worth."
Colonel Potter looked at the sheet of paper Zale was holding and asked to see it.
"There's so much scribble here, I can't tell what it says," Potter glared at Zale.
"Don't worry, sir," Zale answered, "It's my own system and it's always been right on target."
"What about the time we ran short on bandages? You only told us that when we came looking for them?" Klinger asked.
"This is a different piece of paper," Zale was definitive.
Potter shook his head.
"Max," he began, "Get a clean sheet of paper and go over inventory with Zale. I don't want any scribbled surprises."
He then turned to Zale, "If you try a stunt like this again, I might have to use Corporal punishment, if you get my drift."
Zale nodded and left with Klinger.
If they did have four days of supplies, Potter thought, that should be good enough until the next supply truck arrives. Provided that the next truck didn't have barrels of vinegar. He realized he would need to meet with his medical staff and let them know what was going on once he did.
"Colonel?" BJs voice broke Potters' concentration, "We need you in post op."
"On my way," responded the Colonel, who got out of his chair and followed BJ.