2:00 AM Thursday, February 15, 1979
The seven castaways discussed Operation Calypso on the atoll. Both the Minnow IV and the Anchovy were anchored safely off shore. The seven stood around a fire, while the rubber raft that brought them to their rendezvous point was on the beach
The Professor said, "It didn't appear that the PRLI is any threat to national security."
The Skipper agreed, "They were all there under their own free will."
Mary Ann contributed, "They just want what we had."
Gilligan said, "They seemed happy."
Mr. Howell contributed, "Hopefully, people will pay for the experience that they have for free at the Castaways Resort."
Mrs. Howell observed, "They seemed like charming people."
Ginger gave her opinion, "If they want to be left alone, they should be left alone."
Skipper got the satellite phone and explained to the others, "Its 9:00 AM in DC right now, I'll call command." The Skipper turned on the phone and announced, "Gambler to Mr. Peanut, Gambler to Mr. Peanut."
The familiar drawl came on, "This is Mr. Peanut, go ahead Gambler."
"Sir, we searched Love Island. Evidence tells us that the two lost lambs are happy and healthy, but the sheep are in the meadow. Tell inform the lambs' parents they are grandparents. Sorry I couldn't give more exact intel," The Captain lied.
The President responded, "Understood Gambler, your efforts are appreciated."
The Skipper then told the group, "If I wanted to be an Admiral, I never would have left the Navy in the first place."
Gilligan looked over his Dixie cup cap and said, "This is me, I'm no zipper."
When Mary Ann looked confused, the Skipper explained, "A zipper is slang that sailors use to describe an officer. It comes from the fact that sailors uniforms used to have button flies, while officers uniforms have zippers."
The Professor then produced the bag of beta tapes that held recordings of the day's events. Each castaway reached into the bag, and threw tapes in the fire. The seven then set up camp at the atoll. Since The Howells and the Professor were stuck in the sub the whole time, the four that were on the Minnow IV split the remaining night into two watches to keep an eye on the fire and boats tied up beyond the surf. Ginger and the Skipper took the first watch, while Gilligan and Mary Ann took the second.
Ginger told the Skipper, "It sure makes you appreciate what you've got, when others try so hard to get what you've taken for granted."
The Skipper replied, "I've always admired you Ginger. My glory days were over long before we were shipwrecked, I was retired from the Navy, yet your career was at its peak. Yet you still greeted each day with such grace."
Ginger laughed and said, "That's sweet, Skipper. Truth be told, I was well on my way to becoming a footnote in the Hollywood story. The wreck was one of the best things to happen to my career, I became a household name again. It's your leadership I admire, Skipper. You're not some actor who plays heroes, you're the real deal."
Ginger and the Skipper spent the remaining hours of their watch in each other's arms, not as lovers, but as very close friends. At about 5, they woke up Gilligan and Mary Ann.
Gilligan spent most of his watch exploring the beach. Mary Ann enjoyed watching the sun come up.
Mary Ann said, "Well, things didn't turn out as expected."
Gilligan answered her by saying, "But they came out for the best. Things usually do."
Mary Ann replied, "I do like your optimism."
Gilligan explained, "Some people may think us getting shipwrecked was bad luck. But where else would everyday people like us become family to a Navy Captain, industrial giant, world famous socialite, and well regarded scholar." Then looking at Mary Ann the mate added, "And a Kansas farm girl who could make any dish taste like it came from the finest restaurant in Paris."
Mary Ann added, "Or the kindest man who ever set sail."
Gilligan grinned and said, "And they wonder why those kids wanted to set up their own island paradise."
The other five castaways slept in until past 8:00 AM. At around 8:30, the seven ate a breakfast that they brought ashore with them in the raft.
Gilligan said, "I'd like to ride in the submarine on the way back."
Remembering the near miss with the freighter, Mr. Howell gave a concerned look to the Professor. To alleviate any concerns, the Professor said, "The Anchovy is actually easier to steer than the Minnow IV on the surface."
Mary Ann also offered, "I'd like to ride in the sub, too."
Mrs. Howell looked relieved, "Actually I'd prefer to ride back on the Minnow IV."
Mr. Howell agreed, "That sub can get cramped."
So it was decided that Gilligan and Mary Ann would ride back on the Anchovy with the Professor, while Mr. and Mrs. Howell will set sail with the Skipper on the Minnow IV. The seven took their time coming back, taking in the sights both above and below the surface. The two boats docked at the Castaways Resort on Saturday, the 18th. Each of the seven had a letter waiting from them when they returned. All of the letters went somewhat like this:
The White House, Washington D.C.
February 15, 1979
Dear
Your dedication and service to your country has been very much appreciated. While the exact nature of your contributions cannot be disclosed at this time, your efforts are to be commended.
Signed,
James Earl Carter
President of the United States
Friday, March 16, 1979
Both Gilligan and The Skipper were wearing green outfits with leprechaun hats. The Minnow IV was decorated with green streamers and shamrocks. The Castaways was finally ready for guests, and they were kicking off the occasion with a 'Saint Patrick's Day in the Islands' weekend. While they were waiting for their passengers, Gilligan was helping the liquor distributor load on the cases of Baileys, Guinness, and Irish whiskey, along with kegs of Green Budweiser. The bar at the resort was totally stocked, but they new they would need extra booze for this weekend. Skipper was going through the mail. He noticed a large manila envelope addressed to Gilligan from the Bureau of Naval Military Personnel in Ohio.
"Gilligan, you got a love letter from BUPERS," the Skipper called out.
The Minnow IV's Mate went up and got the envelope, "Thanks Skipper," he said.
After Gilligan opened it, the Skipper said, "Well, don't tell me you've been drafted."
Gilligan showed the Skipper the contents of the envelope. It held a revised version of the military service record (DD-214) for 'Gilligan, Willy.' The box marked 'Highest Rank Obtained' now read 'Lieutenant J.G. (0-2)' where it once read 'Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4).' There was also a certificate in the envelope that bore greetings to all that read it and informed them that Willy Gilligan was commissioned by the President of the United States as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy on the Eighth day of February in the year of Nineteen Hundred and Seventy Nine.
Gilligan just said, "Wow, I guess I am a zipper."
The Skipper laughed, "Congratulations, Lieutenant." Pointing to their cargo, the Captain added, "I'll buy you a drink when we get back to the island."