Colonel Sherman Potter hadn't even finished his morning coffee before having to deal with a crisis, because this was the 4077, and why should today be any different than the ones that came before it? All he wanted to do was go to his office and finish up some paperwork. But as soon as he entered his tent, he was greeted with an unnerving sight. Klinger was curled into himself in the corner of Potter's tent, his hair matted in all directions and his eyes blazing with fever.
"Klinger, what in the -"
"The ferrets, sir. They're out of the ocean! They're biting me with their wings." Klinger pulled his legs closer to his chest and buried his head in his knees.
"Good heavens Max…" Potter exhaled. He had dealt with delirious patients before, but it was always harder treating someone he knew. This was the second time now that Klinger had been sick - the first being the kidney infection he got a few months back. He had barely pulled through that time, and Potter was quite aware that a second infection would be even harder on his body.
Klinger cried out again, so Potter took his clipboard and swatted at the invisible ferrets that were tormenting him. "Shoo, shoo you nasty varmints. Leave him alone." The Colonel kept swatting the air around the younger man until he began to calm down.
"You got'em pretty good…" Klinger murmured. "Ev'n the pumpkins were running away." Potter didn't respond, instead he unbuttoned Klinger's pajama top to check for any additional symptoms. Upon inspecting the chest and neck, Potter discovered a collection of reddish-pink spots - a telltale sign of measles. Potter re-buttoned the shirt and made his way to the PA system in his office.
"Attention all personnel: a case of measles has been detected in the camp. Please go through the required disinfection process in all common areas. Then send an IV tube, antibiotics and any ice you can spare to Corporal Klinger's quarters."
Upon finishing his transmission, Potter went back to Klinger's side. "You know what Max, we've had such a busy morning, what with the ocean ferrets and all, so why don't you just go back to sleep."
"Gladly sir." Replied Klinger, who promptly rested his head against the wall, content to use it as a substitute pillow.
"I think your own quarters would be more comfortable. Come on." Potter attempted to pull Klinger to his feet, only for the younger man to keel over in a coughing fit. The Colonel knelt down beside Klinger as he fought to regain his breath. When the coughing did finally subside, Potter gently asked "Do you think you could manage the walk to your quarters? I can call for a stretcher if you can't."
Klinger shook his head. "I think I can do it sir." Potter pulled him into a standing position again, and this time Klinger managed to maintain it. He was a bit shaky as he walked, but managed to make the entire trip. The whole while, Potter found himself hovering inches behind him, waiting to catch Klinger if he fell.