The next few days were very tense in the camp. Potter was on edge and barely talking to anyone at all, Hawkeye was still fuming at Erik about his attitude and refused to acknowledge his presence at all. Erik was trying his best to cope with life in the swamp while dealing with his problem with Hawkeye. BJ continued to try and mediate the fight; And well, Frank was just being the same helpful, quiet individual he always is.

"Imagine treating our new surgeon like this! HQ was gracious enough to give us a neurosurgeon and all you imbeciles can do is insult him!" Frank sneered as he rolled his socks into neat little balls.

Hawkeye, who was lying on his bunk writing a letter home snarled at Frank. "Frank, why don't you go jump into a minefield and do the war a favour!"

Erik looked up from his work schedule and tightened his jaw. After living with these three, he realised what a pathetic man Frank Burns really was; still, he didn't want Hawkeye to have the satisfaction of anything right now, especially his dry wit. "And while he is at it, Captain, you could jump in with him and save the reputation of a few nurses while you're at it."

Hawkeye broke his silent treatment of Erik and growled at him. "And what, pray tell, is THAT supposed to mean?"

Erik sat up on his bed and narrowed his eyes at Hawkeye. "I have seen the way you treat women, and frankly, I find it to be deplorable."

Hawkeye put down his letter and leaned back on his bunk. "Oh? Please do tell, Erik..."

Taken a little aback that Hawkeye was actually using his name, Erik continued. "You simply use women as if they were tissues, once finished you simply crumple them up and throw them out again." Erik grinned nastily. "Except if they are blond, big busted and catch your eye. Tell me doctor, is it your job for you to act like a misogynistic bastard, or does it come naturally?"

Hawkeye stood up, clenching his fists at his side." I would watch your mouth if I were you, Captain."

Erik accepted Hawkeye's obvious challenge and rose to his feet also. "Or you'll what, Pierce? Hit me? You haven't the guts to touch me. You are nothing more than a spineless, pathetic, wannabe Casanova!" with that, Erik stormed out of the tent.

Hawkeye stood staring at the door after the fuming Marlowe. Then he sank to his bed and grumbling, picked up his letter continuing his last thought.