Hawkeye walks into the newly built Officers Club, which is today, open at 9am for those who have just arrived to forget they’re even there. Ordering a Martini, he sits down at the bar, in the hope of drinking himself into a stupor. Not really in the mood for anything, he opted to take a table, but with the amount of arrivals, fresh from the US, he was forced to sit at the bar…silently he prayed that no-one would talk to him…Unfortunately for him…someone did…
About the same time, Trapper was taking off…ready to go to a place that he never expected to or wanted to be in. They would be landing in Honolulu for a re-fuel and onto Korea…Trapper hadn’t even heard of Korea. Where was it? Of course he looked it up and found it was in Asia, but still…to him, it didn’t exist…that is, until today. He asks the attendant again if it’s too early for a drink? She simply tells him that after they’d maintained velocity for 10 minutes, then they would start serving refreshments. Trapper gave up and decided that he could do nothing but wait till then.
Margaret – or Maggie to her friends and Mags to her best friend and sister – had only a minute after Hawkeye had done, had walked into the Officers Club, also hoping to forget just like the many that were there too. Spotting that the only seat left was at the bar, she sat down and ordered a scotch. Now Margaret being who she was – a Houlihan – was always taught to make the best out of any situation. Pushing the thought of despair out of her mind, she decided that the next person she sees, she will attempt to strike a conversation with. Little did she know that this person; would affect her for the rest of her life.
“Thanks,” he heard a voice say next to him. “So how long have you been here?” Damn, someone’s talking to me. A female someone…well, dad did always say that respect and manners comes first, especially with the ladies “Too long if you ask me” “Less than an hour then?” “Pretty much.” Hawkeye smiled. She was smart…not to mention drop dead gorgeous…and he could only see from the waist up! “How about you?” “Just under 30 minutes.” God did he have a great smile…and the most gorgeous blue eyes that seem to go on forever. She smiled back at him. Hawkeye remembering what his father had taught him, quickly introduced himself. “Hawkeye Pierce,” he stuck out his hand in a wait for a handshake. “Margaret Houlihan,” she reciprocated by accepting his hand.
“You don’t look tough enough to be a soldier, so I guess you’re either a barmaid or a nurse.” “I was once a waitress…but nursing suited best.” At least he has a sense of humour. “How about you? You don’t seem to be the soldier type to me?” “I thought that too, so I didn’t enlist. No, I’m a surgeon” hmmm…smart, gorgeous, funny and seemingly interested in you…ask where she’s being stationed “I thought you might be…your hands are too smooth to be anything else but…” Maggie Houlihan…I think you’ve found a friend…perhaps more. Just hope he’s stationed near you. “So uh Margaret…isn’t it?” “Or Maggie…whichever” “Where are you headed? I mean…while you’re here?” “A mash unit…how about you?” “I actually haven’t bothered to look yet…I was just guessing someone would yell my name and hope for the best” Oh please…let him be close, “Here…could I take a look?” “Sure.” “Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce…didn’t think it was Hawkeye” “Oh it’s Hawkeye alright…only my parents ever called me Ben – and leave out the captain bit…I prefer doctor” “It suits better too…to report to Kimpo airbase at 0930 to be assigned to…” “To where?” Please somewhere almost bearable. “To mash unit number 4077th” Margaret’s smile grew as each word came out.
He’s here…he’s with me! “Is that good?” “Good? That’s great!” “Why…why is being in a war so great” What is she on about? He’s cute…but for a surgeon…he sure doesn’t piece things together too well…at least he’s cute! “Nothing about the war is good…except I’m assigned there too” Did she just say what I think she did. Okay Hawk…play it over…YEAH she did! “That’s terrific!” ‘Maybe it wont be so bad after all’, they both thought. “So uh…were you drafted or uh enlist or something?” “Technically I’m regular army” “Oh” damn damn damn – a Westpointer. “But I’m anything but that” “Oh? So regulations aren’t your thing?” “God no…I learnt…much to my army-bed parents dismay…that rules are meant to be broken…and I did that every chance I got…subtly of course…otherwise I’d still be a lieutenant” Hmmm…a rebel? “So you’re a captain then?” “Major actually…but a captain at heart”…and one who’s captured her heart! “I’m still new at this…so a major’s above a captain?” “There’s a table…I’ll explain everything to you then.”
Damn dismal stewardess. It’s been most definitely 10 minutes. The plane had most assuredly been in the air more than 10 minutes, and it was already getting to Trapper. He’d contemplated talking with the guy beside him…but something told him that he wanted to be left alone…He’d tried to sleep…but was nervous as all hell…What if he was shot? What if he was KILLED? Damn it Trapper; don’t let it get to you. What’s really troubling you? The fact you lost touch with your best friend not 4 months ago? That you didn’t call to make sure he was safe? Where was that damn cart? Ah there it is…just ask nicely – oh good, it’s another girl. She seems nice. God Trapp…you have the girls to think of. Even if you and Louise weren’t dating anymore…there’s still the girls…I wonder what Hawk’s doing now? God I miss him…
“So it’s private, corporal, sergeant” “warrant officers” “oh yeah, then 2nd lieutenant,1st lieutenant, captain – that’s me, major – that’s you, colonel?” “Lieutenant colonel then colonel” “Oh yeah…then the guys with the stars” “Yeah” “The God himself” “No, Truman then God himself” “Right” “Didn’t they tell you this” “Probably…I never did listen those 5 weeks” “Knowing what they do tell you…it is pretty boring.” “So if you don’t consider yourself regular army…then what are you?” “I like to think a socially interactive individual” “In other words…a rebel party girl?” “Pretty much.” Just 10 minutes after their first meeting, the two were laughing and talking like they’d known each other for life. Hawkeye was starting to loosen up…Margaret was great fun…and he’d guessed not just in one department either…but he’d save that for later. Margaret was beginning to feel better also, after being split from Lorraine for the first time in years…she was beginning to think that maybe it would be so bad. It would be nice to start off with a familiar face – even if it was only familiar from an hour or so before. Besides…she hadn’t been on a date since Lorraine’s birthday – 2 months ago.
“So tell me more about yourself major” “God…don’t call me anything but Margaret…major is purely a title…not an obligation” “Even in front of lower ranks?” “We’ll see…What do you want to know?” “Why you consider yourself a party girl and where would you stop at in anything?” “Anything?” “The juicier, the better” “Why I’m a part girl that’s easy…I grew up on a lot of army bases, surrounded by guys who constantly hit on me since I was 14” “14? You’re still a baby!” “I know…so instead of running off and ignoring them…I became on of them.” “You mean you were 14 when…” God you’re such an idiot Hawkeye “God no! I just politely declined and made it up to them by being as outgoing as possible” “That the only reason?” “That and I didn’t want to turn out like 98% of my family” “All army?” “Yep. So even if I wanted to…with the guys…I never stuck around long enough to find out. The longest place I’ve ever been was Boston with my Best friend…and that was only 2 years” “That must have been rough?” “It wasn’t a barrel of laughs, no…but I learned that that was the way it was going to be…plus Lorraine was shipped close to where I was most of the time” “That’s your friend right?” “Yeah…” “So what do you stop at?” “Give me a topic” “Any?” “Any!” “Nah…that one’s too personal” “Nothing’s too personal if you’re going to be living within a few yards of each other” “You choose.”
“Wait a minute…do you realise we’ve been here for half an hour?” “What time is it?” “God…it’s quarter to 10” “We’d better go” “Yeah…is that all you got?” “My dad shipped me the rest a few days ago…hopefully it’ll be here within a week” “Or three” “God…hey, who’s our CO?” “Ah…a Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake” “Regular Army?” “No…a draftee!” “That good?” “That’s great…he won’t be too PO’ed when we’re late” “15 minutes?” “Yeah…some regs. Court-martial you for being 2 minutes late” ”That’s ridiculous” “Don’t I know it!”
After many Martini’s, Trapper drifted off to sleep…dreaming of what life would be like if things were different…if he wasn’t going to a war…if he and Louise had worked out…if only Hawkeye hadn’t left. He had to…they both knew that. Hawkeye was hurting…and Louise isn’t dumb…and he didn’t feel the same way…didn’t reciprocate the feelings that he had for Hawkeye. God Trapper…WAKE UP…you’re not homosexual…STOP THINKING THIS WAY! And even if you were…Hawkeye wasn’t. Then what was the past 2 years? That was an experiment gone too far, too long. That was fun…no it wasn’t. That was feelings for someone, the person they really were…it didn’t matter if he was a guy…even if he was a girl he’d still feel the same…FINALLY! After 2 – almost 3 years…he’d figured it out why he loved Hawkeye. It was another 3 hours till they landed in Hawaii…Trapper hoped subconsciously, that he could sleep in peace till then. He does without stirring once until they arrive at Honolulu.
MEANWHILE
“Margaret, you see anyone waiting for us?” “Not at the moment…I guess we just wait” “So uh…you seeing anyone?” “I just said no” “No, I meant, are you seeing anyone…you know as in dating?” “Oh” He is interested…why not? “No, are you?” “Not for a couple of months,” Well she did ask anyONE… True I haven’t dated a GIRL in over a year…Hawkeye smiled at the thought that she’s single…and seemingly willing. He wanted to strike up the courage to ask her out…but not yet…wait till they’re settled for a bit – HA! “So where were you before here?” “Maine” “On staff somewhere or in private practice?” “No…I’d just stared doing my residency before I was invited to the party” “You were just a resident?” “Yeah…I was gonna work in Boston, but stuff happened and I chose Portland General instead” “Can I ask why? I mean Boston has the finest hospitals in America…it would be a privilege to work there”
“I thought you said you were in Boston for a while?” “Only the Veterans hospital there…I would have done anything to work at Mercy or Mass General” “Well…I’m from a small town in Maine, so everything’s familiar. My dad’s also a doctor – a GP, so I knew the hospital pretty well from when he checked on patients there, he always took me along…even finishing high school I used to go with him…to get the feel of working there because I always had the idea of ending up there.” “But as you said the party here stopped that” “Yeah…that and I had some bad relationships there and it was just difficult sticking around…What about you…you weren’t still in Boston?” “No, we were working in Tokyo.” “You an Lorraine?” “Yeah…we’d moved in January with the promise of a promotion each.” “She’s a major?” “No…a Captain. We’re the same age, but she joined a few years after me.” Hawkeye pondering a thought, then asked her “So you two are pretty close then?” “Yeah, like sisters…I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without Lorraine around” Well…she did say like a sister so what? me and Trapp were like brothers…and she OBVIOUSLY likes you. She suddenly broke his track of thought “What’s the time now?” “Ah…5 past” “I guess they’re still setting up shop,”
As soon as the word left her mouth, a kid barely 18 came running towards them, the closer he came, they could make out he was a corporal. “Excuse me sir, are you Capt’n Pierce?” he asked as he saluted. “That’s what these tell me,” as he lifts his dog tags, much to the amusement of Margaret. “Oh great, I’ve been looking everywhere,” The Corporal, although having found Hawkeye, was still looking around, searching for something. Hawkeye guessed he was trying to spot Margaret…who was by his side…so he decided to play a little with the baby-faced corporal. “Something wrong?” Margaret had by now guessed this too and was playing along. “Yeah…I’m supposed to pick someone else up too.” “Who?” Hawkeye was having fun…and a hard time trying not to smile. “Uh…a major Houlihan…she’s a nurse.” “Margaret trying not to crack up, joins in the fun. ”A nurse corporal?” ”Yes m’am…and a major.” “Wow…this maybe a coincidence…but aren’t you a nurse?” “Why yes I am!” Margaret was enjoying this. They weren’t out to pick on the poor kid…but how much fun do you get in a war zone? “And wow…see look…you’re a major!” “I am? Wow, look at that!” The poor corporal finally catches on…before getting into any trouble, he quickly asks “Ah…Major Houlihan?” “Yes corporal?” she calmly answers as she and Hawkeye exchange cheeky smiles.
The Corporal quickly salutes her and makes up for it “Oh I’m sorry m’am…it’s been a hectic few days” “No trouble corporal” “So what do they call ya kid? Something besides corporal surely.” Hawkeye didn’t feel comfortable calling anyone by any title really. “Corporal O’Reilly Company Clerk…you can call me Radar.” “Radar?” Margaret questions. “Yeah…I know stuff’s gonna happen before it does” ”We gotta get anyone else while we’re here?” “Not until 1600…but there’s some wounded expected before then…so I’ll come back later” “How far’s it to camp?” asks Margaret, wanting to know what she’s in for. “Uh ‘bout 2 hours drive…” “Hey, who’s the guy you’re picking up later?” “Uh…a Surgeon…a Captain McIntyre I think…” Hawkeye’s heart stopped beating. Did he just say MCINTYRE? I…it can’t be…it’s impossible…”What’s his first name?” “Are you okay Hawkeye…you’re as white as a sheet” ”A Captain John Francis Xavier McIntyre” Oh God…IT’S TRAPPER! Okay Hawk…calm down…just breathe…It won’t be so bad. The guy IS your best friend “Captain Pierce?” One you lived with for 8 months “Hawkeye?” and slept with…”What?” “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost…is everything okay?” “Uh yeah…could we get going soon…” “Yes sir.” “Radar…call me Hawkeye, please?” “Okay sir…Hawkeye.” Radar picks up the major’s bags and leads them to their jeep. “Are you sure everything’s okay?” “I don’t know if you wanna know…it’s not a popular topic if you get what I mean” “Hawkeye…I’m your colleague, at most your friend…you can tell me.” “Just not around the kid…I’ll tell you later okay?” “Sure Hawkeye.”
They climb into the jeep – Margaret up front with Radar driving and Hawkeye cramped in the back. “You okay back there Hawkeye?” “Little tight, but I’ll manage.” “You sure?” “Yes Margaret…you don’t want to rip anything…just stay there.” “Ready sirs?” “Yes Radar” They chime in together . Radar revs up the engine and they take off…if you could call it that in an army jeep…
Along the way to the 4077th, they talk about various things, where they live, where they would rather be. The two friends learn that Radar is from a small farming town in Iowa and enlisted because he didn’t know what he wanted to do…and in the hope of meeting new friends…being the youngest child in a large-ish family…he had trouble doing that and had hopes the army would help him overcome it. Margaret doesn’t mention what’s bothering Hawkeye…but has a suspicion it was about that captain that was arriving that afternoon…Hawkeye knew him…but how…and why was he scared of seeing him again. She plays these thoughts over in her head as she listens to Hawkeye and Radar talking. Soon they would arrive at the 4077th…just as Trapper was landing in Honolulu…“How much longer Radar?” asked an anxious Margaret. “Not too long m’am…I’d say around a few minutes…We’re just entering Ouijongbu now.” “Ouijongbu?” “Yeah…it’s like the village the camp’s in.” “Oh.” Hawkeye hadn’t even seen the camp and already he hated it…even if Margaret was there.
Oh God Trapper too…what was he gonna say when he saw him? How would they be able to work together and not let on anything happened? At least from what Margaret said about it not being too G.I. was an okay sign of things to come…Radar said they were receiving wounded soon…the worst patient he’d ever treated was a car-crash victim who needed a leg amputated…from what the local vets said, that was a common occurrence. He remembered his professor telling him that he had the sharpest eye for detail he’d seen in many years, and if that were an indication of anything…he would be a fantastic surgeon…Whoa was that an ego boost! He was after all…called Hawkeye, and he did come 1st in the largest class Androscoggin had seen. “You alright back there Hawk?” Margaret said…interrupting him from his thoughts. “Yeah…just thinking about things.” “Anything in particular?” “Just things…I’ll tell ya later.” “Radar, when did you say we were expecting wounded?” “Sometime round 1400…but could be anytime…they like to surprise us unannounced.” It’ll be okay Margaret…if you’re anything like your family…God help me in most aspects…you’re one fantastic nurse…you did come 1st in the class after all…
As they were both thinking about how they would handle life here in Korea…they saw a faint glimpse…that was becoming larger every foot they became closer…it was the 4077th. “There it is…” ‘Yuck” they both said as they spotted the cluster of tents that would be their home for the next…God knows how long.
“Excuse me…Captain?” Trapper heard a voice as he opened his eyes. “Hmmm? Are we in Honolulu?” “Yes sir, there will be a half hour stop over as they re-fuel and check the engines.” “Oh…thanks.” Trapper stood up…a little too quickly…and made his way off the plane to what the army would call an airport…and what he would call a shack. All he took was his wallet…and the will to drink as much as he could before they took off again. He stepped into what was the Officer’s Club…whatever the hell that meant, and ordered a Martini. He was one of a few people there and managed to – unlike Hawkeye- find a table. He thought about what his girls were doing…if he should have told Louise how he really felt…if he should have rung Hawkeye…if he should have kept in better contact with him. Last he heard from him…he had just started residency at Portland General, and had atrocious shifts to work. 17 hours straight…10 hours off and back for another 12…7 hours off…that was 4 months ago…and it was like that for the next few months…unless he too was drafted. Trapper shuddered at the thought of his best friend being stuck in hell too…A made a silent toast…To Hawkeye, may you be slugging your gut out in Maine…and not over here…
