Chapter 12: All Hail, Cornell

Hitch paced around their quarters on base. Vigorously he chewed his gum as he waited for Tully to return from the showers. They were going to check on the mail before joining Troy and Moffitt for dinner. They had spent the past two days on a recon mission and made some necessary repairs on the jeeps before getting cleaned up.

Tully entered the room in his boxers and began putting on a clean uniform. He noticed Hitch's nervousness and asked,

"What's going on? Got a hot date waiting for you?

"I wish," Hitch continued to pace. "I'm waiting on my exam results and the longer I have to wait, the more nervous I become." Hitch had recently taken the final exams for three correspondence courses from Cornell that would bring him closer to his degree in mechanical engineering.

"Maybe what you're waiting for will be in today's mail," Tully said, tying his boot laces.

"I hope so," Hitch replied. "I'd like to know where I stand in regard to how much further I have to go." They began to walk to headquarters where the mail was sorted and handed out.

"I don't know why you're nervous," Tully commented. "I know you did great."

"How can you possibly know that?" Hitch was skeptical.

"Hitch, you don't ever do anything halfway whether it's driving or blowing up fuel depots or even picking up girls. You are always full-in. I have every confidence in your ability to pass those exams."

"I wish I had your confidence," Hitch reluctantly admitted.

"Remember what you said after you took the tests?" Tully continued. "You said you thought you did pretty well. You didn't seem worried at all."

"That was then. After waiting all these weeks, I can't help but worry that it's taking so long because I didn't do well," Hitch explained.

They reached the mail call window and while there were some letters for their team, none bore the return address of Cornell University. Hitch gave an exasperated sigh and they continued to the mess hall. Troy and Moffitt were already at the table when they set their full trays down and joined them.

"Picked up some mail for you guys," Tully said, handing them several envelopes.

"Thanks, Tully," Moffitt replied, tucking his mail into his pocket.

"What's the matter with you?" Troy asked his driver who sat down dejectedly.

"He's fretting over his exam results," Tully explained, and Hitch scowled at him.

"Did they arrive?" Moffitt was almost as eager as Hitch for the results.

"No," Hitch said sullenly and began to absently push the food around on his tray.

"I'm sure it won't be too much longer," Moffitt said reassuringly chipper. Hitch turned his scowl onto the Englishman and snorted.

"Do you think you didn't pass?" Troy questioned.

"He's getting himself all worked up over nothing," Tully piped up. "He thinks he did badly and that's why it's taking so long for the results."

"Hitch, I proctored your exams. I watched you writing your answers. You seemed very confident, like you truly understood the questions. And you whizzed through the mathematics, something I could never do," Moffitt answered sincerely and assertively.

"I wish I could be so positive," Hitch muttered taking a bite of the mystery meat.

"Hitch," Troy interjected, "you always give 100% or more in everything you do. There's no way you wouldn't ace those exams."

"That's what I told him," Tully insisted, "but he won't listen to me."

"So, what's the worst that would happen if you didn't pass?" Troy asked quietly.

"Well, I wouldn't be further along on my degree," Hitch stated, "and I would like to be close to finishing by the time this war ends. It would be a big step backward."

"Okay, so you wouldn't be as far along as you hoped and you'd have to repeat the courses or at least the exams," Troy continued. "It's nothing that can't be fixed."

"I know, Sarge," Hitch was still downcast. "I just set a goal to finish as quickly as possible. Before I enlisted, I took a heavier class load and really pushed myself to earn as many credit hours as I could."

"But didn't you do that because you wanted to get out from under your father's control as fast as you could," Troy prodded.

"Yeah," Hitch admitted. "But if I didn't pass the exams, I'll think I've failed to do what I set out to do."

"Which was to prove to your father that you were right to select mechanical engineering for your future instead of business," Moffitt spoke, and Hitch shrugged with a smirk.

"Are you still fighting that battle?" Moffitt continued. "From his letters, it sounds as though your father has apologized for trying to interfere in your life and supports your decisions."

"That's true," Hitch admitted. "I think he respects my decisions, even if they weren't the ones he would have made for me if he could."

"So why do you keep pushing yourself to prove you're right and he's wrong.?" Moffitt asked. Hitch was silent for a few moments as he thought about how to answer.

"I guess I'm just being stubborn," Hitch realized, "just like my father."

"Hitch," Tully spoke up, "You don't have anything to prove to anybody, including yourself. We all know you passed, so relax. The results will come when they come. Stop chewing yourself up over nothing."

"You are very wise, Tully," Troy commented smiling at the younger man.

"It's about time ya'll noticed," Tully answered, and they laughed.

"So, you okay, Hitch? Troy asked.

"Yeah, Sarge, I think I am," Hitch dug into his mashed potatoes and seemed to perk up.

"Good, cause I'd hate to spent the new few days in the desert with you in that mood." Troy finished.

Three days later they returned from the desert, covered in sand, reeking of sweat and muscles aching from physical exertion. They dropped the jeeps at the motor pool and went to get cleaned up before making their report to Boggs after grabbing a hot meal. They were headed to the mess hall when a private approached with a message,

"Private Hitchcock?" he questioned.

"That's me," Hitch replied.

"The captain would like to see you in his office right away." The private nodded and walked away.

"What have you done, Hitch?" the three said in unison; a question they had frequently asked together.

"Guys, I've been on patrol with you. How could I have done anything wrong?" Hitch defended himself. "I can't even say who was there, you or me, cause you guys were there with me." They smiled at their youngest Rat and walked to headquarters with him.

They were ushered into Boggs office where the captain sat behind his desk.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Hitch asked after saluting.

"Yes, Private. I'd like to congratulate you," the Captain stood and shook Hitch's hand. Mark was surprised and wondered what was going on. "I've received notification from Cornell University that you passed your most recent exams with flying colors."

The others watch Hitch visibly relax as a slow smile spread across his face.

"Well done, Private," Boggs added. "They have also requested additional information on the iron lung you built with reports from the doctors on its effectiveness. They'd like you to submit scale drawings and a full explanation of how it was built. They've also enclosed the materials and lessons for your next three classes."

"Yes sir," Hitch answered as Boggs gave the packet to the greatly relieved private.

"We're proud of your accomplishments, Hitchcock. Keep up the good work." Boggs dismissed them.

"Thank you, sir," Hitch replied, and the four men left the office.

"I told you there was nothing to worry about," Tully slapped Hitch on the shoulder.

"Congratulations, Hitch," Moffitt said, "You should be very proud. I'll gladly proctor any further exams as needed."

"Good job, kid," Troy said pleased. "Come on, let's get something to eat and then we'll celebrate with some beers at Remy's.

Hitch nodded in agreement, his face beaming with the satisfaction of what he had accomplished.