After seeing how his words stung Gilligan, Manion added, "I'm sorry I was so harsh, it probably was already broken. I'm sure we can fix it."
"Really?" asked Gilligan, hopefully.
Professor Hinkley answered, "with two professors, I don't see why not."
Over the next several weeks, Manion worked steadily trying to repair the timer. It was not easy, even with the professor's extensive supplies. Plus, there were constant interruptions. He spent the day after Christmas in a makeshift jail after Gilligan decided he was a sheriff. A couple of weeks later, Manion's work was temporarily halted by some psychotic hunter named Kincaid who decided Gilligan was his prey. After that, the physics professor was drafted as a judge in a trial to determine whose fault the wreck of the Minnow's was (he did admit he was the logical choice, not having sailed on the ill-fated voyage). There was also some game show contestant named Barkely and an ape-man named Tongo poking their noses around his work. For a supposedly deserted island, this place had a lot of activity that kept Professor Manion from his work.
Manion's favorite distraction was Mary Ann. The two had formed a fairly solid friendship, which Manion thought might go further if (1) Mary Ann didn't believe she had a fiancé waiting for her back in Kansas, and (2) George didn't believe it wouldn't be too much longer before he repaired the timer. Nevertheless, the two spent a lot of time together, which did make Ginger a little jealous. Hinkley ignored Ginger's advances and Manion laughed them off.
"Well I got to go make dinner, plus I want to see what all this bowling nonsense that Gilligan and the Skipper have going on," Mary Anne said, leaving George Manion alone.
Seeing an opening, Ginger came up to Manion, "Just one week till Valentine's. Got a date yet?'
Manion laughed, "Well, I hope to be back in my lab by Valentines Day. This timer is starting to look like a spaghetti dinner with all the bypass wires I have in it, but I think I can get it going."
Ginger scoffed, "Hmmmph, professors. There's more to life than a lab," and left Manion to his work.
Manion was starting to wonder what that was all about when he heard a deafening crack, and smelled ozone. He heard Mary Ann scream, and grabbed the timer and ran over to the compound. Gilligan was on the ground. Manion, not thinking of his own safety, ran over to the prone mate and checked to see if his heart was still beating. As soon as he touched Gilligan's chest, Manion felt the timer in his pocket come to life. Next thing Manion knew, everything started to go black.
Manion started coming around when he heard the Skipper's exclaim, "Little Buddy, are you all right?"
Manion warned, "Careful, he's been hit by lightning."
Manion then opened his eyes to see a curious ward attendant looking at him. Manion was back in his hospital bed. Somehow, the timer got him back to his dimension!
Manion asked the attendant, "What is the date,"
The attendant looked uncomfortable and simply said, "The doctor is on her way."
Manion started to get irritated, "It's a simple question," he prodded.
Just then a woman in a white coat entered the room. She introduced herself, "Professor Manion, I'm Doctor Packer. What I'm going to tell you may shock you. In answer to your question, it is February 6, 1967, You've been in a coma for the past seven years."
While Manion was trying to comprehend that statement, he heard Gilligan complaining about a bowling ball fused to his hand. Manion looked up to see that the television was on. On the screen were Gilligan, the Skipper, the Howell, Ginger, the Professor and Mary Ann.
