The new surgeon moved directly into the Swamp. Hawkeye, BJ and Frank all dealt with the new addition in their own way. BJ and Hawkeye were friendly and welcoming to the newcomer, however, Frank was himself.
"Well, Captain, I certainly hope that you are not as comical as my two other.. Roommates." Erik looked at Frank and stood up.
"Sir, no sir! I will be on my best behaviour. Staying here with you is an honour!" Hawkeye chuckled at this.
"Listen, kid, stop with the military address. You'll make Frank think he deserves respect!"
BJ laughed, "Besides, he has too much of an ego anyway."
Erik was shocked "How dare you! You are disrespecting your uniforms and the military! How can you sit there and give a higher-ranking officer this kind of treatment!"
Hawkeye eyes narrowed at the new surgeon. "Listen buddy, I never asked to be here, sewing up every kid that comes through here. I hate it here, and I just want to go home. Meatball surgery is not my idea of a picnic."
Erik tightened his jaw, "Well, Captain Pierce, I certainly will not infringe on you rights. I am just trying to do my best!" With that, Erik stood up, grabbed his shower gear and stormed out of the Swamp.
BJ watched him go, "Welcome to the neighbourhood, Captain Marlowe." Hawkeye groaned and lay down on his bunk.
Erik smiled once he saw the showers; a long soothing shower is just what he needed. His eyes looked over the two green tents, one woman's and the other men's. He thought a moment, and pushed open the men's shower door. He sighed with relief as he entered the empty shower. As Erik began to undress, he hummed to himself and turned on the water. As the water hit, he immediately relaxed and closed his eyes, not even hearing Mulcahy enter.
"Good evening Cap-.. Oh my!" Mulcahy froze, unable to even speak. Captain Erik Marlowe's deep, dark secret, the one he had been carrying ever since he signed up. The one he was always careful to cover and hide had shattered.
Mulcahy stammered, "I....Yo-…You're a-"
Erik sighed, "A woman, Father?..." Reaching up, she turned off the water then looked at Mulcahy resolutely. "My name is really Sarah Marlowe, I lied to get into the army and I have been covering it up all this time. So, will you or Colonel Potter call the MP's?" she smiled at the Father and grabbed her towel.
Mulcahy shook his head, "But, why my child? The army allows female surgeons and I don't see why."
Sarah smiled " I'll get to that, however in the mean time could I please dress and then speak to you."
Mulcahy nodded and smiled shyly. " See you in my tent in 10 minute, Captain." Sarah sank to the floor. What now? She couldn't handle a court martial. She felt tears well up in her eyes and quickly wiped them away. No, she was an officer and she had to be strong. Sarah stood up, dressed and walked quickly out of the showers, determined to explain her current situation.