Author: Sam

Story: I Spy With My Little G.I.: 4 of 17

Series: The War Within

Feedback: Yes, please? Especially constructive. samwise_baggins@yahoo.co.uk

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/samwise_baggins/index.html

Frank Burns raised his hand to knock on the Chaplain’s door. He was going to ask if Father Mulcahy knew where Doctor Standish was; Frank wanted to give him a proper tour of the camp. Shower habits aside, the doctor was still remarkable and deserved a chance to see how a real professional worked.

“Is this as a confession or old friends?”

That sounded like the young doctor. With a sick looking smile, which actually was his normal happy look, the surgeon reached for the doorknob. He couldn’t hear exactly everything in the tent, the sounds of the camp ebbed and flowed over the conversation after all, but it sounded like the doctor was in a good mood. Suddenly, he paused and debated knocking or merely walking in after all. Emil’s voice sounded again.

“I’ve wanted to be a doctor for a long time.” The husky voice fell softer and Frank frowned, curiosity warring with manners. Curiosity, naturally, won out as the voice rose a bit once more. “I was drafted.”

Father’s voice rose enough to be barely understood. Now how was anyone supposed to eavesdrop on a man when he wouldn’t speak in normal tones? “…Possible? They don’t draft… people like you, Emil.”

'People like you? What does that mean?' Frank dropped his hand and leaned a bit closer, pretending, for the benefit of anyone walking by or watching, to be studying the lettering on Father Mulcahy’s sign. A laugh signaled Doctor Standish was answering, but the words weren’t as clear as before.

“Oh… they… this time… when… was old enough… selective… my turn… without considering the ramifications… mind... knows everything he needs... so does his… everything is perfect… Johnny.”

Mouth hanging open, Frank Burns stood outside the Chaplain’s door. All of the previous good thoughts concerning the new surgeon were forgotten as Frank overheard bits of the conversation inside. The conversation made little sense… unless… Frank wanted to throw up.

“Emil…”

'How can the Father stand to be in the same tent as that pervert?' Frank wondered desperately. Something had to be done. Either the man was not as masculine as he should be, or he had a dire secret the military should know about… or both.

“Tell you everything… swear you to secrecy… I’m not… I should demand… I know… tell… how seriously… take your… I can only… take...”

Darn! The man was talking lower, causing Frank to have to practically press his ear to the door to listen in. The stronger, but still soft, voice of the Father interrupted the Major’s thoughts.

“Emil… don’t need... somebody’s life… in danger… trouble?”

A new thought came over Major Burns. Maybe the man wasn’t homosexual at all. Maybe… maybe he wasn’t against women but the United States! It was extremely plausible; after all, the Chaplain was known to protect wrongdoers.

Determination flowed anew through the listener. He knew what he had to do. He had to gather more clues, and then bring the evidence to those in power. The next voice, however, caused Frank to start and whirl around, eyes widening in guilty fright.

“Hey, Frank, lose something?” Hawkeye grinned.

Trapper chimed in, “yeah, like your humanity?”

“Ha ha, very funny.” Frank straightened importantly. “I happen to be on a top secret mission of great importance and secrecy, and I’m not about to tell you what it is, because it’s a secret. So get lost!

The voices inside the tent stopped suddenly, though the two Captains didn’t seem aware that anyone had even been in the tent, let alone talking about things better left not overheard. Father Mulcahy opened his door and looked at the three officers outside. “Is there something I can do for you, gentlemen?”

Hawkeye grinned. “No, we’re all right, Father. Frank’s lost his mind and needed help looking for it.”

“Have you checked behind the fridge, Frank? Everything seems to wind up there.” Trapper grinned wider at the Major’s indignant look.

Father Mulcahy nodded. “I’m busy at the moment, Major Burns. If you could come back later, I’d be happy to discuss whatever it is you need to.”

With a frown and grimace, the Major strode quickly off, ignoring the laughter of the two Captains and the admonishing murmurs of the Chaplain.