Gilligan was busy scrubbing pots and pans. The sailor was actually whistling while he worked. The sailors around him in the scullery didn't dare stop him, because the tune he was performing was "Anchors Away." And the young sailor was right on key. Sure, Gilligan would rather be on the bridge-- or even in the engine room. But, if this is where the Skipper wanted him, this is where he belonged. He could still barely believe he was in the Navy on a destroyer in the Pacific. The guys at boot camp, and even his Company Commander, doubted he would ever make it out of Great Lakes.

Lilly Munster popped in on Gilligan. "You poor boy," the attractive mother consoled, "the whole family feels responsible for your punishment. You were just trying to make us feel at home, and that ogre makes you a scullery maid. Here let me help you with the dishes."

Gilligan protested, "No, Ma'am, the Captain is not a ogre. He's just trying to make me be a better sailor. I really should do this by myself."

Marilyn said, "Nonsense. You were helping us, so we will help you."

Soon, the whole Munster clan was either doing dishes, or cleaning up the scullery. That was except for Marilyn, who was quizzing Gilligan using the latest edition of the U.S. Naval Institute's Blue Jacket's Manual, the authoritative text on basic seamanship which every Navy recruit is intimately familiar with.

Timing, compared with Murphy's law, would almost dictate what happens next. Commander Grumby decided to do a spot inspection on his new "project sailor." What he saw was a group of civilians in his scullery doing a detail he assigned to one of his crew!

Grumby yelled, "Seaman Recruit Gilligan! Explain yourself!"

Gilligan came to attention and mumbled, "Sir, they were just trying to help..."

Grumby exclaimed, "Oh, 'just trying to help', maybe I should have them 'just try to help' on the bridge or in engineering. When I give an assignment, I expect it to be done by the sailor I assign it to!"

Herman quietly said, "You don't need to yell at the boy."

Ignoring the size of the other man, the Commander replied, "With all due respect, Mr. Munster, I will see to the discipline of my crew. And may I suggest, you see to your family!"

Upon that, Commander Grumby made an exit from the galley. The Munsters headed for the wardroom, where they had some privacy.

Lilly exclaimed, "...Oooh that man!"

Herman agreed, "What a grouch!"

Eddie made an observation, "I read this time travel story where the people who went into the past and they stepped on a butterfly, and Nazi's ending up ruling the world in their future."

Marilyn asked, "Could that happen, Grandpa?"

Grandpa replied, "I was worried about that myself. We should get back to our time as soon as possible."

Herman asked, "How? Our boat still needs to be fixed, not to mention the fact they're not just going to let us off the ship."

Grandpa replied, "I have a plan."

Jonas Grumby heard a knock on his cabin door. "Enter!" he commanded.

Grandpa entered with a teapot and a couple of glasses.

Commander Grumby told Grandpa, "I'm sorry for snapping at your son in law. I'm not used to dealing with civilians on my boat, but neither am I used to my orders being disobeyed."

Grandpa replied, "And we apologize. No one meant to usurp your command. We just didn't understand military structure. Please have some tea. You'll find it very soothing."

Grumby took a few sips of the tea. It was very calming indeed.

Grandpa then said, "We would really appreciate it your engineer would fix our boat."

Grumby felt he couldn't help but to comply with Grandpa's wishes. The Commander answered, "Actually, Tinker has already been doing some repairs on the craft. I wouldn't be surprised if it were seaworthy tonight."

Grandpa continued, "Excellent. When it's ready, have the boat lowered in the water. Don't trouble yourself by remembering you helped us."

Grumby promised, "I'll lower the boat myself."

Grandpa added, "And take it easy on Gilligan."

The Destroyer's Commander acknowledged with a crisp, "Aye, aye." Jonas Grumby later recalled talking to Grandpa, but couldn't remember what was said.

At 24:00 Midnight, a favorite time of the Munsters-- the SS Lilly was once again underway. This time, however, the destination was a when rather than a where.