Finding The 4077th

Taking Control

While reading, Henry got an enthusiastic smile.
“ Hey, listen to this, guys!
The 4077th has now achieved a 90% efficiency rating, the best record of any medical unit operating in Korea!”

Everyone got excited about that, Chris didn't know what it meant until Hawkeye told him, they were the best unit in Korea and they are going to have a party. So yes Chris got excited too. Hawkeye seemed so sad this morning and when Chris tried to help he just messed up, so maybe a party will help.

The party however didn't happen that day or the next. It happened on the third day and it was more of a ceremony than a party.
Chris felt disappointed, he tried to cheer up Hawkeye for days now. Following him and making sure he was happy and had anything he needed, it didn't work though, and he still seems upset. And now this was turning out to be not a fun party. Hawkeye even pretended to fall asleep during Henry's speech. 

“I have one more announcement!” Hammond said, taking in the center of the stage.

“Colonel Blakes's experience is needed elsewhere, for administrative and training duties.”

 A shocked mumble went to the crowd 
“Now he's being assigned to Tokyo medical headquarters effective immediately.”

Chris wanted to know what was happening and pulled carefully on Hawkeye's bathrobe to get the man's attention.

Feeling the small pull on his robe, Hawkeye knew Chris wanted to know what was going on. He put his hand on Chris's head and said, Henry's leaving. 

He saw it in the boy's eyes when it clicked, they got miserable, and Chris stepped closer. Hawkeye put his arm around the child and they went back to the Swamp. He needed to explain this carefully to the child.

Hawkeye explained to Chris why Henry was leaving, and Chris understood but it still made him sad, he liked the man. He was nice and funny at times. Henry smacked his hand away yesterday when Chris had wanted to touch the colorful fishing gear without asking, it earned him a stern expression from Hawkeye and an explanation about asking before you touch.

Henry told him they were sharp and he could hurt himself. Chris didn't understand how something that soft-looking could hurt him but Henry demonstrated it by getting his hand stuck on one of the hooks on his hat after he slammed his hand on it by accident. 

Chris was startled at first but Hawkeye laughed out loud and even Henry laughed, so it seemed okay. And it even seemed funny.

It was a couple of hours of packing later, and now it was time to say goodbye to henry. Hawkeye and Trapper gave the Colonel a Brasserie and told him to have it filled in Tokyo, which the man appreciated a lot judging by his smile. 

Frank came by with a box of his stuff and went inside Henry's old tent.
“He's taking his things into your house,” Hawkeye said

“Well.. uh …, that's Frank quarters now. Henry replied nervously, a bit afraid to tell the bad news.

”Frank's quarters? Him? He's our new boss?“
The duo stammered, shocked, and not at all pleased.

”Well he's next in command, you see.“ Henry replied.

Hawkeye made a face and Trapper looked like he was going to be sick.

Meanwhile, Chris stepped forward to Henry and tugged his uniform.

“Aww kid, don't look at me like that, those big blue eyes.” Henry stammered a bit 

“I'm gonna miss you too.” 

Henry then gave the boy a hug and a pat on the head and stepped inside the jeep.
 
Hawkeye smiled.
“Aww he got the sweetest kid, well maybe got”