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Colonel Potter was at his desk, going through the usual paperwork and signing where he needed to. Klinger was sitting across from him with a pencil and paper if the Colonel had any notes or letters he might want to be written. Klinger had a rough start when Radar left – you couldn't ask for a better company clerk than the young, dedicated man from Iowa.
3 months had gone by, and Klinger had gotten most of his duties down pat. So much so that Colonel Potter had him promoted to Sargent. More money for poker and trips to Rosie's. For Klinger, he felt truly needed at the 4077th. Yes, he'd be a corpsman before helping the wounded and providing assistance in maintaining Post-Op. While he was aware that he was performing necessary tasks, a number of others were doing this as well. As the Company Clerk, he felt that by helping the Colonel, he was really doing his bit to help the 4077th running. He'd given his feminine clothing to the Orphanage to sell. Also, he mailed all his jewelry to his mother back in Toledo.
Somehow, that just seemed right.
BJ and Hawkeye walked into the Colonel's office.
"Boys, I'm kind of busy now," Potter began, "But if it's something simple I can spare you five minutes."
"We were wondering if you knew more about the upcoming battle, like when it may start," BJ spoke.
"First sign of daylight, day after tomorrow. It's a major offensive so we'll have a lot of work to do," Potter answered, "But, since you two are here, let's get Houlihan and Winchester in here. Klinger, announce it on the PA system."
Klinger made the announcement.
Within a couple of minutes, both Majors were in the office.
"Since we know that the large offensive starts the day after tomorrow, we need to be especially prepared. Large battles, unfortunately, lead to large numbers of wounded," Potter opined.
"What would you like us to do?" Margaret said.
"Well, Major, look at the medical supplies. I know from our talk a couple of days ago that things looked pretty good in that department. Look at what's most commonly used and hand me a requisition for those supplies. I'll reach out to ICOR," Potter added.
"Major," Klinger began, "If you let me know what you need, I'll see if I can trade for any of it with the other MASH Units."
"Good idea, Max," the Colonel exclaimed.
"Winchester, Hunnicut, Pierce," Potter began, "Check the OR to see if we need any more medical instruments. Also, it's likely to be overflow in Post Op. Bring a dozen blankets, cots and pillows and put them in the Mess Tent. While I hope we don't need them, it's better to be prepared. I know I can ask an enlisted person to do that, but I'd rather have you do it because you are more likely to know where the beds can go while we try to keep the Mess Hall up and running. "
"Seems like a pretty detailed list," Klinger noted.
"We've been through this, before. But it doesn't make it any easier to get things done. We'll be working all hours," Potter stated.
Potter stood up and looked at his officers, Whatever happens, I am glad that I have such dedicated and organized officers. And a damn good company clerk, too."