As the afternoon became evening, the 4077th was preparing for a possible deluge of wounded. Almost everyone was at one task or another. All anyone knew for certain was that when the sun started coming up, weapons would be fired, Who was firing at whom didn't matter. Taking care of the wounded as best as the 4077th could mattered.
At 8pm, all officers met with General Stover in the mess tent. He wanted updates on the preparation.
"How does it look?" the General asked.
"Well, Mark, from what I've seen, we're just about as prepared as can be," Colonel Potter replied.
"I have put in a request for medical supplies, but until they know if it's safe, ICOR can't send anything," Stover noted, "However, I very strongly emphasized that those supplies needed to get here are quickly as they can if the driver isn't going down any roads anywhere near the fighting."
"I do have one idea that might help," Margaret began.
"Let's hear it," Stover said.
"For the less serious wounds, let us use the bare minimum of safe supplies such as bandages. Nothing life threating like holding back blood," she replied.
"Doctors," General Stover began, "Once this meeting is over, go over the supplies with Major Houlihan. Let's see what we can come up with."
"Major," Potter asked, "What defines a less serious wound?"
"Sir," she replied, "a wound or injury that is not life threatening. I know that until an injured soldier is examined by a doctor, we can't be sure."
"Margaret, that's a very good idea," BJ stated.
"We're not scrimping or saving," Margaret followed, "We just want to stretch supplies as far as possible. More than we usually might."
"Although this is a little off topic, Colonel Flagg escaped from the MPs about 15 minutes from here," Stover added.
"What do we do with him? He would probably have no problem escaping our stockade," Potter questioned.
"I have no idea why he's headed this way," Stover began, "Whomever spots him, please let the MPs know. He will be handcuffed and under constant guard in my tent."
"When this is over, what will happen to F lagg? He's been a thorn in my side more times than I'd care to mention," Potter inquired.
"Sherm," Stover answered, "He's going to one of our military prisons back in the states. There will be a trial. Likely result will be a dishonorable discharge along with a hefty prison sentence."
"Serves that jabbering jackass right," Potter replied.
"Once you've worked out the supply situation," Stover began, "please let me know. Maybe I can get ICOR to parachute non breakables here."
An explosion in the distance got everyone's attention.
"We may need to be ready even sooner than we thought," Colonel Potter began.
"Let's make sure we have all of our bases covered. Based on where it came from, I believe that's a Chinese Mortar. A big one. Probably 5 to 7 miles northeast from here," the General explained.
"I do have an idea re: Colonel Flagg," Potter said.
"What's that, Colonel?" BJ asked.
"If your MPs are needed for other things around here, I know the perfect person to stand guard over Flagg," Potter replied,"Klinger. He hates Flagg more than anyone. When Klinger was trying for Section 8, Flagg would bark orders and continually make sarcastic remarks about Klinger's wardrobe choices. Finally, Flagg tried to confiscate that wardrobe of his own accord. No orders to do it. No authority to do it. Max Klinger is the nicest person you might want to meet, except when it comes to Colonel Flagg."
"Flagg is a pretty tough character," Stover noted, "How about Klinger?"
"General, I can safely say that Klinger would take any opportunity to have a shot at Flagg. That's the one person Klinger hates with a passion," Potter replied, "I would just have to remind Klinger that he was guarding the prisoner, not going in to cause physical harm."
"Didn't Flagg get a lot of self defense training?" BJ asked.
"Yes, he did. From experts hired by the Army," Stover replied.
"Klinger got his training in gangs on the tough streets of Toledo," Potter stated, "He'd be more than an even match for Flagg."
"I think Klinger would like this opportunity more than a 3 day pass in Seoul," Hawkeye said.
"He'd been under strict orders not to start anything and only use physical force for self -defense," Potter added, "Of course, what "self-defense" means can be stretched quite a bit."
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