Note: For the purposes of this story, it's 1969, the reunion movies don't exist, and our castaways have just been rescued. Thanks for your cooperation.

As the boat swayed gently, the Roy Hinkley thought, It still seems impossible that we're being rescued. Why it feels like only yesterday we were stranded.

He looked down at the chessboard and then at his companion. Mary Ann was grinning devilishly.

"Stalemate. You're getting good, Mary Ann."

He was truly amazed at how quickly she'd picked up the art of chess. He'd been trying to perfect his strategy since eighth grade.

"Again?" she asked cordially.

"No, Hawaii's already in sight. But there is something I'd like to give you."

With that he pulled out a small silver pendent on a chain adorned with a picture of a crown.

"For the queen of chess."

"Oh Professor! I'll treasure it forever." she cried as he fastened it around her neck.

"Is everything alright over here?" Mr. Howell boomed as he strutted into the alcove where they'd been playing chess.

"Oh, we're just cleaning up our chess game, Mr. Howell." the scientist said hurriedly as he gathered up his pawns.

"Lovey told me there was something suspicious was going on over here. She must have been mistaken." the older man commented before he sauntered away from the scene.

As soon as the millionaire was out of earshot, the two burst out laughing.

"Mrs. Howell would think that playing chess without a chaperone is suspicious!" Mary Ann snickered.

Silence reigned for a few moments while they cleaned up the chess pieces.

Suddenly the Professor inquired, "What are your plans, Mary Ann?"

Without looking up she replied, "Mr. Howell said he'd pay for me to take the first plane back to Chicago and then a train to Kansas."

"Oh…" he said softly, not so much to her as to himself. The boat had already docked. There must be a final gesture he could offer. "May I help you with your luggage?"

"No, I can handle it. But Professor…" she said wistfully, putting her hand over the pendent. "Thank you."