Castaways Resort

12 February 1979

1100 Local Time

Captain Grumby was pleased with the progress towards departure time. He couldn't think of a more appropriate day to start the operation to free the tribes people from the hippies than Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The Skipper checked in with the Professor, who was busy outfitting the sub. The electronics were in place, and the former prep school science teacher was reviewing the sub's operating manual.

The Professor greeted the Skipper, "Hello, Captain. She's pretty much operational, and I feel fairly confident in 'helping' Mr. Howell pilot the craft. Remember I am a licensed diver, and trained in undersea operations."

The Skipper replied, "Thank you Professor. I realize Howell needs to feel in charge, but as I told a young ensign years before: submarines do not leave much room for error."

The Professor agreed, "You got that right, Skipper. Here's your hat. Press the left button to start transmitting, the right to shut off the transmitter."

The Skipper put on the wired cap, which was identical to the one he wore on the Minnow and for years on the island and said, "Thanks, Professor. The hat fits great. I hope to shove off by 1500 this afternoon, that should get us to Love Island just before dawn."

The Professor said, "Aye… she should be good to go."

The Skipper then informed the Professor, "Mary Ann and Ginger wanted to see Gilligan and I before lunch, probably to go over mission plans. I'll see you in a couple hours."

When the Skipper found Mary Ann and Ginger, Gilligan was already there. Ginger looked like the cat that swallowed the canary, and both Mary Ann and Gilligan looked very nervous. Something was definitely up.

Skipper hesitantly asked, "Ok, what's up."

Ginger spoke, "Skipper, I couldn't help but to notice how nervous you were around me yesterday, and how nervous Gilligan was around Mary Ann. And in all honesty, Mary Ann was a little awkward. All I know about being a spy is what I learned as an actress, but am I right in that it's a lot like acting?"

The Skipper answered, "Yes," wondering where she was going with this.

Ginger continued, "Nothing will give us away quicker than if they spot that we are not actual couples. That is why actors rehearse the 'stage kiss'," and looking at Mary Ann and Gilligan, "the less experienced the actor, the more rehearsal it requires."

The Skipper thought, so I have to smooch with a movie star… my day is looking up. The Captain took off his hat, double checking that the transmitter was still off. He then started kissing Ginger Grant.

Ginger purred saying, "I can tell you have had some experience."

The Skipper replied, "Maybe in a port or two. Lieutenant, start kissing Mary Ann, that's an order." Jonas Grumby and Ginger Grant then got comfortable under a tree.

Mary Ann nervously said, "I guess we better do this."

Gilligan smiled, and replied, "I'm back in the Navy and am legally bound to follow orders."

Gilligan and Mary Ann awkwardly started kissing. The new lieutenant then stumbled on the rock that the Skipper had his hat on. The 30 something castaways tripped and fell on the ground and started laughing. They then continued kissing.

The Professor was doing the difficult task of teaching the Howells how to operate the sub while still allowing Thurston to believe he was in charge.

Just then Mrs. Howell said, "Professor, why is this soap opera coming in sideways?"

The Professor asked, "Soap Opera?" while noticing Mrs. Howell was looking at a video monitor.

Mrs. Howell answered, "Yes, it shows two couples kissing in a jungle setting."

Mr. Howell looked and said, "Egads, that's no soap opera. It's the Captain kissing Ginger and Gilligan kissing Mary Ann. Although, I guess that is better than the alternative…"

The Professor was a little shocked. Mary Ann and Gilligan didn't surprise him, but Ginger and the Skipper? There was a tinge of jealousy when the Professor blurted out, "I think we can see the transmitter works." He then turned off the monitor.

After about an hour of 'rehearsing', Mary Ann said, "I better get lunch ready."

Gilligan said, "Yeah, and the Skipper and I should check on the sub. Right Skipper? Skipper ?"

Finally the Skipper said, "Oh yeah, right. Ginger, you want to see the submarine?"

Ginger replied, "Jonas, you know I'd love to see your submarine."

That made the Skipper turn a little red. After he composed himself, he put on his hat escorted Gilligan and Ginger to where the sub was docked. He found the Howells and the Professor quietly going over systems in the sub.

"How's it going," Grumby asked

Mr. Howell answered, "Fine Captain."

Gilligan said, "Cool TV," Then turned on the monitor.

Captain Grumby told his Lieutenant, "That's not a regular TV, Gilligan."

Gilligan answered with, "You can say that again, sir I'm on it!"

Grumby looked at the monitor, and saw a picture of Gilligan standing in front of the monitor. The Captain exclaimed, "I'm transmitting!" When seeing the blank looks on Ginger and Gilligan's face, he added, "What we were doing was broadcast to the sub!"

LTJG Gilligan turned red. Ginger asked, "Well, how did it look on camera?"

Mrs. Howell offered, "See for yourself dear." Lovey then pushed the 'play' button on the on-board Betamax. Soon the monitor showed the two couples in full lip-lock.

Ginger said approvingly, "It looks very good. The islanders should have no trouble believing we are couples."

The Howells and the Professor said "ahhh" showing understanding. The Professor also sounded a little relieved.

Ginger teased the Professor a little by saying, "Why, what did you think it was?"

The Professor avoided the question by saying, "The transmitter worked well, even after apparently being dropped."

Gilligan, still embarrassed, announced, "I think lunch is almost ready."

The seven had a hearty meal before shoving off. Mary Ann took the news of the video surprisingly well, and all the castaways got a hearty laugh over the 'stage kissing.' After lunch, the seven went to the sub with a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne.

Upon breaking the bottle on the bow of the mini sub, Mrs. Howell declared, "I Christen thee the SS Anchovy."

After the brief ceremony, the Howells and the Professor got into the Anchovy. Gilligan undid the lines and hopped back on the dock. The Lieutenant (j.g.) then joined the Skipper, Ginger, and Mary Ann on the Minnow IV, a modern day version of the Wheeler charter boat that stranded them on the island in the first place.

"Mr. Gilligan," the Skipper ordered, "untie us from the mooring and raise anchor."

Gilligan replied "Aye, sir." Once the anchor was up, the first officer called out the phrase which is music to any Captains ear, "We are free from the mooring, sir, and anchors aweigh."

"Very well," announced the Skipper, "all hands prepare for departure."

LT (j.g.) Gilligan got on the radio, "Minnow IV to Anchovy we are now underway to Love Island. Anchovy remain in close formation until further orders."

The Professor's voice came over the Minnow's radio, "Understood Minnow … we'll remain in visual contact until we are in proximity of Love Island. Anchovy out."