Preparations were underway to turn the island the castaways called home for so long into an exclusive tropical resort. After lukewarm experiences in the "real world", the seven former Minnow passengers felt that this was a way to keep their paradise and still have a bit of civilization. The Howells financed most of the resort, but the other five passengers were all on the board of the directors for the "Castaway Vacations", a subsidiary of Howell Enterprises. The former castaways found themselves making their way to the hotel boardroom for a two a.m. meeting.
"I say, I'm the only one who can call a board meeting, " Mr. Howell sleepily said while clutching his teddy bear.
"There, there, Thurston, I'm sure this is important," Mrs. Howell consoled her husband.
Mary Ann said, "Back home, I would normally be getting up in a couple hours to milk the cow."
Ginger retorted, "Back home I would normally be coming in about now."
The Professor chimed in with, "I was up anyway, working on a display for the island museum."
When they entered the boardroom, they were surprised to see Gilligan sitting at the table wearing the uniform of a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, junior grade.
Mr. Howell cracked, "What is this, a costume party?"
Mary Ann said, concerned, "Gilligan, you could get in trouble for impersonating an officer."
Ginger seductively purred, "I dunno, I kind of like a man in a uniform."
Gilligan ignored the remarks and simply said, "Captain Grumby will be joining us soon."
Almost as if on cue, the Skipper came in wearing his Navy uniform. He started out saying, "I'm sure you have many questions. What I am going to tell you is top secret. President Carter asked Gilligan and I to gather information about the activities on a nearby island. I was brought out of retirement, and Gilligan was given a field commission as a Lieutenant J.G. The plan is for Gilligan and I to join a group that has seceded from the United States under the cover of two recently repatriated former castaways who have become disenchanted with what our country has became. Gilligan and I would be training for the mission on the island, and would appreciate any assistance you can give."
Ginger offered, "I can give you acting lessons to help you keep your cover."
The Skipper replied, "Thank you Ginger, that would be a great help."
Gilligan asked, "Professor, can you be like the professor in the spy movies and give us all sorts of gadgets?"
Skipper said, "Gilligan…I mean Lieutenant, that's ridiculous."
The Professor said, "Actually, Captain, I think I may be able to help you and the Lieutenant with technology."
Mary Ann said, "I can help you with finding what plants you can eat in the jungle, and how to make them delicious."
Mr. Howell offered, "Use as much as the resort as you need."
Mrs. Howell agreed, "By all means, and if you need anything of the staff… let me know."
The next day, on a secluded part of the island, Ginger and Mary Ann started working with Gilligan and the Skipper. When the skipper told them they would be dealing with hippies, the girls decided to dress the Skipper and Gilligan as hippies. Both were wearing sunglasses, blue jeans, loud shirts, sandals, and peace signs. The skipper looked totally ridiculous, while Gilligan looked a little better—but still uncomfortable.
Ginger laughed, "No, that won't do."
Mary Ann agreed, "They'll spot you as phonies in a heart beat. Try changing into your regular clothing, it would be a lot more believable."
The Skipper came back out in his familiar blue shirt with yachtsman's cap, while Gilligan was wearing his read shirt with the "Dixie cup" sailor's cap he wore while he was an enlisted man upside down over his head.
Mary Ann said, "Much more believable."
Ginger looked as if she was thinking something over, then countered with, "There's still something missing."
The Skipper said, "What?"
Ginger stood next to the Skipper, and answered, "A woman. Two guys abandoning society looks kind of suspicious, unless they are, well… a couple."
Gilligan looked shocked, "Oh no, we can't have them thinking that."
Skipper looked perturbed, and growled, "Gilligan, what do we care what a bunch of hippies think. Besides its dangerous."
Ginger then pressed up against the Skipper and sultrily said, "Oh, I'm sure big ol' you can protect little ol' me. Take me along, I once played Mata Hari, remember."
Gilligan said, "Oh yeah I remember that, you were great."
The Skipper stuttered, "S-sure Ginger, you can come along."
Mary Ann rolled her eyes and said, "Well, then, I should come along, too. Four heads are better than three. Besides, two men and one woman might look a little odd."
Ginger asked, "Now why would you say two men and a woman would look odd?"
Changing the subject, the Skipper hastily said, "I have to clear all this with command anyway." He was used to breaking up spats between the two women.
Walking back to the hotel, they found the Howells inspecting the latest invention of the Professor's that they financed.
"Oh, I'm glad you're here, Captain," the Professor said, "I took the Lieutenant up on his request and created some 'cool spy stuff'. This may look like one of your yachting caps, but it really has a miniature camera and audio transmitter inside. The antenna is in the brim." The Professor then paused when he saw Gilligan pick up a fountain pen, "Lieutenant, Be Careful! The fountain pen is also a flare gun." As if on cue, a small but powerful flare shot out of the tent, nearly catching it on fire.
"Gilligan!" The Skipper shouted.
The Professor continued, "Its OK, it went out over water. I can reload the pen, but I suggest you take control of it, Captain. I also have pellets that when you smash them on the ground, they cause a smoke screen. Here's my favorite: it looks like a beer can, but when you open it—knock out gas.
The Skipper said, "Wow professor, you've really outdone yourself. The only question I have is: What's the range on the transmitter?"
The Professor answered, "About a mile or so."
The Skipper thought about it and said, "The problem is, I don't know where we would put the receiver. It might be discovered on our boat."
Gilligan chimed in, "We need a sub, just like in 'Spies from the Deep.' The spies went on land while the agents on the sub recorded what the bad guys said."
Skipper sighed and said, "Lieutenant, where do you plan on getting this sub. This operation is so top secret, the President didn't want to get the fleet involved."
Mr. Howell cleared his throat. "I may be able to help you there. I ordered a mini-sub for tourism purposes. The Professor, Lovey, and myself can follow you in the sub. I, of course, will captain the craft."
The Professor liked the idea, "Yes, that will work, I can put an antenna on the periscope." He added.
As much as the thought of Mr. Howell piloting the submarine unnerved him, the Skipper had to admit it was a good idea, so Grumby conceded, "Let me check with command." He did like the fact that everybody was involved in the mission.
Captain Grumby went and got the SEAL Satellite Phone he was issued for the mission. "Gambler to Mr. Peanut, Gambler to Mr. Peanut," the Skipper called out.
Jonas came to attention when the President answered, "Peanut here, go ahead Gambler."
Grumby continued, "Operation Calypso is operational, Operation Calypso is operational. Requesting to utilize two civilians in op, Grant and Summers."
Carter replied, with a little too much enthusiasm, "Miss Grant and Miss Summers, oh my, yes, use them."
The Skipper acknowledged, "Roger, sir, we also have the use of a mini-sub to be crewed by Howells and Hinkley."
The former submarine officer granted, "Go ahead with the submersible."
Captain Grumby then said, "Roger, Sir, Operation Calypso will proceed on schedule."