This one is either cute or cloying, depending on your tolerance for saccharine. It was fun to write, though… so perhaps it'll be fun to read.

I have to admit: It's my favorite of the bunch.

"Ladies Room"

By Joseph Manno

The observation lounge was occupied. At a small table crammed with goodies sat Benteen, Parihn, Sam McDonald, and Gabi.

None of them looked happy to see him.

Their tiny ringleader declared, "We're having a tea party.

"No boys."

Mantovanni pointed to Ignatius.

"What about him?"

For a moment, Gabi was confounded... but the gaggle huddled, whispered and giggled; then, their youngest triumphantly announced, "That's different.

"Ignatius is a bear."

Mantovanni arched a brow.

"I can't argue with logic like that. I'll be in my ready room."

With a hint of a grin, he added a final departing comment.

"No girls."