W.C. Fields said, “Anyone who hates children and dogs can’t be all bad.”

Perhaps he knew some of this young lady’s ancestors.

"Black Like Me"

By Joseph Manno

Mantovanni was rarely surprised, but Samantha McDonald had just managed it.

"Thanks for treating me like a person while I was aboard. You could have just stuck me in a holodeck and said, 'Amuse yourself.'"

He afforded her the slightest smile.

"I wager you've had a little too much of that.

"And besides, why deny myself the pleasure of your abuse?"

She grinned.

"I guess I listened to my mother too much. She always said you were an arrogant jacka– uh…”

Her mouth continued moving, but no more words emerged.

"Sam... have you ever heard the phrase, 'Pot, meet kettle'?"