Lieutenant Gilligan had a lot to think about. He requested some leave time and hitched a ride on a military transport to Floyd Bennett Filed, also known as NAS New York, in Brooklyn. NASA offered him the use of a T-38 jet trainer, thinking Gilligan was an ace pilot, but Willie knew better.

The flight was quick and the crew treated Gilligan as a minor celebrity. He never thought to consider the fact that the youngest astronaut in the history of the space program might be a well-known figure. Once Willie got to New York, he got a room in the BOQ and got some sleep.

Gilligan woke up early the next day, put on his uniform, and found his way to the nearest subway station. After driving people crazy with questions and trying to figure out maps, he finally found a train to Manhattan. Once in Manhattan, he found his way to Howell Tower, home of Howell Industries.

The young astronaut told the girl at reception, "I'd like to see Mr. Howell."

The receptionist sarcastically replied, "Let me guess, you're getting out of the Navy and would like to be his apprentice. Stand in line."

Gilligan replied, "No, I'm not getting out. My name is Willie Gilligan and I'd like to talk to Mr. Howell about something important."

The receptionist's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh my gosh, you are Lieutenant Gilligan. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. I might get you in at one, if you do me a favor."

"What's that?" Gilligan cautiously asked.

"Have lunch with me!" The young woman about Gilligan's age replied.

Gilligan spent most of the morning doing some sightseeing around Manhattan. He went to the top of the Empire State Building and imagined King Kong climbing up the side. At noon, he returned to Howell Tower to keep his lunch date. The receptionist wasn't as much interested in Gilligan as being seen with a celebrity astronaut. She did, however, keep her word. Gilligan took the elevator up to Mr. Howell's office at 1 PM.

Mr. Howell's personal assistant showed Gilligan in the nerve center of HI. There seated behind a large desk was Thurston Howell, III. Mrs. Howell was showing him curtain patterns. When his assistant came in with Gilligan, Mr. Howell looked up. He had an eerie feeling of déjà vu, that he already knew the young naval officer entering his office.

"These would look lovely in the House in the Hamptons," Mrs. Howell told Mr. Howell.

"Excuse me," introduced the assistant, "Lieutenant Willie Gilligan, United States Navy, attached to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration."

Mr. Howell replied, "Thank you, Donald."

Gilligan said, "I'm sorry to interrupt."

Mr. Howell replied, "Nonsense, dear boy, its not every day I get to meet an astronaut," when his wife was out of earshot he added, "besides, I'd rather talk about space walks than curtains any day of the week. To what do I owe the honor of this visit?"

Something the receptionist downstairs said gave Gilligan an idea for a cover story. He answered, "I owe the Navy another year of service, but I am thinking about my future. I will be getting many offers, and I just wanted to know what advantages Howell Industries has over the many other companies that make airplanes."

Howell jumped at the opportunity to hire on a celebrity astronaut. "Lieutenant, you will find Howell Industries will offer the most competitive salary and benefits. As a matter of fact, I can put you on a salary retainer right now." Howell handed Gilligan a slip of paper with a number several times higher than his current lieutenant's salary.

"What do I have to do for this?" Gilligan asked.

"Oh, just agree to work for me when your Navy Obligations are complete. Also, maybe give me a heads up on any new mission plans." Howell replied nonchalantly.

Gilligan said, "I can't do that!"

Howell put his finger to his lips, "Hush, it was just a misunderstanding. But think about the offer."

Gilligan thought about it. He could not believe Mr. Howell could even think of such deceitful practices. When he got out to the street he found a phone booth. At first he thought of calling the authorities on Mr. Howell, but then decided to call somebody else.

"Ginger Grant's suite," a familiar voice said on the other end.

"Yes, my name is Willie Gilligan, and I would like to meet with Miss Grant." Gilligan said. Gilligan found out through the entertainment page that Ginger was doing a soap opera here in New York, and used his newly found astronaut connections to get a phone number.

The voice on the end was familiar, but seemed sharper than it should be to Gilligan. The woman at the other end had the laugh of a shrew, "Heh, heh, yeah right… you're an astronaut and I'm Miss America. Nice try."

Gilligan frustrated by what happened with Mr. Howell, curtly said, "Will you please leave Miss Grant the message, and tell her she can get in contact with me through the Officer of the Day at Bennett Field." Gilligan then hung up.

By the time Gilligan had returned to Bennett Field he had a message from Ginger's assistant to call back. Gilligan called the number, and the voice was softer, sounding even more familiar.

The assistant apologized, "I'm sorry Lieutenant Gilligan, part of my job is to filter out the crackpots. Some of these guys will say anything, including being an astronaut. I just saw in the news that you are in town, and the base confirmed that you are indeed Lt. Willie Gilligan, the astronaut. Miss Grant will be happy to have dinner with you tomorrow night at 8."

Gilligan said, "Thank you, I will meet her at her apartment at 8. Where is the nearest subway stop?"

Ginger's assistant laughed, "Lieutenant, wear your Class A Dress Uniform. Miss Grant will send a car over to Bennett Field to pick you up at 7:00 PM"

Gilligan responded with, "Thank you, I'll be ready."