THE CHAIN OF COMMAND

"Looks like you made her mad, little buddy, what happened? Her orders too tough?" the Skipper commented, wincing first at the blow to his friend's stomach before the monkey hurried away.

"I guess, Skipper," Gilligan wheezed as he stood up, regaining his breath. "I'll go retrieve her," he said, after a moment. "I know how much you all love it when I am being stupid – I'd hate for you to stop being entertained," he added, careful to lower his voice.

He felt foolish; there was no way the Skipper would leave him in charge now, especially with a smart man like the Professor and a brave man like Mr. Howell. Compared to those three, he was the worm on the hook - bait for their rods. He had been so proud too - finally, a chance to prove himself. Of course, he proved himself by leading them to a cliff and falling off it!

Gilligan took off, in search of his friend. He found her not too far away and coaxed her back; his animal skills never failing him. He didn't notice that though. It was just natural talent, like his running ability; these traits he never realized were valuable. He had his moments to shine, but they were mediocre. Willie Gilligan just couldn't match up to his big buddy.

"Here, Gladys, let's try it again," he spoke to the monkey as they rejoined the group. Gilligan bent and picked up the stick and gave it to her. She took it, and he smiled at her. "Come on, girl, do like you did before! It's not that hard - after all, you're the general and I'm the pathetic loser," he coaxed her on, and this time their audience was quiet.

"Gilligan? Come on, little buddy. Joke's over. You don't have to do this," the Skipper spoke up, walking over to the two.

"Why not, Skipper? Go on, join the others! Laugh, have a great time, I'll entertain you," Gilligan said, his voice becoming high and squeaky as he got more and more upset.

"Gilligan…" the Skipper put his hand on his shoulder, but Gilligan pulled away.

"You think I forgotten everything, Skipper? I wrote all our adventures down - I still remember standing there," Gilligan said, pointing at some bushes. Everyone looked to where he pointed. "You know, hearing you all say what a pain I was after I tried learning my magic tricks?" He turned away and continued, desperate to get it all off his chest. "I don't blame or hate you though. I was proud to find you, Skipper. I just don't want to be a kid! I'm not a boy…" he ended. He turned around to see the stunned and ashamed faces of his friends. "Look, I don't know what I'm saying. It's been a long day. I'm… I'm going to lie down," he said quickly, running to his hut, climbing into his hammock and throwing himself face down into his pillow. He fell asleep after a few moments.

"Wow! I admit, I didn't think he'd be a great leader… I mean, he's…" Ginger spoke up first.

"…Gilligan. We know, Ginger, and we all should be ashamed! We've been here too long to fall apart like this… This could have been real…" the Professor added.

"It's my fault, Professor. I agree with him, though. He's not a boy… that's what this test was for… to make him…" the Skipper said, trailing off, as well.

"Oh… I agree with Gilligan, too. This has been a long day. Let's not talk about this… I don't want any more disappearing tricks, not for a long time," Mary Ann said with a sigh.

"Mary Ann is right. Besides, the boy never could hold a grudge! He'll be back to normal… or whatever normal is, for Gilligan, by dinner," Mr. Howell added, and the conversation was dropped.

Mr. Howell was right. Gilligan came out a few hours later for dinner, smiling happily.

"Hi, everyone! May I join you?" he asked, and they all nodded. He sat by the Skipper. "Hey, Skipper," he greeted his big buddy.

"Hi, little buddy."

Gilligan filled his plate and talked like his old self, but his earlier words rang in his mind. He still felt unappreciated, but he decided it was probably better this way. A little while later, after the table was cleared, he found himself alone.

Dear Diary,

Tuday Skipper testid me in case sumthin happins to him. I gess for evryunes sake I hop nuthin dos. No one lestined to me anyweys. I cant even fullow glady's ordurs.

I hat this iland.

Gilligan