November 10, 1969 The first episode of Sesame Street began airing in the U.S. on this date. By 2006 it had become the most widely viewed children's television show in the world, with 20 international independent versions and broadcasts in over 120 countries. In honor of this milestone, this prompt is: Monster This prompt has been brought to you by the letter "R"..."R" for "respond"...

"Do you hear that?" Jun asked. She straightened up in her seat. The other occupants of the spacious living room that formed part of the team quarters within the Gatchamania site listened. "I don't hear anything," Joe said. "It's true that women have better hearing then men," Princess said, trying -- and failing -- to appear completely innocent, "especially if they're on the contraceptive pill." Jun drew herself up further. "Excuse me?" "Just a fun science factoid," Princess said. She moved her head a fraction toward Ken and Mark, who were both looking somewhat discomfited. Mark was actually blushing while Ken's expression was a study in perplexity. "I can hear it," Jason said, "and trust me, I'm not on the Pill." "You have those cerebonic implants, though," Jun said. "Yeah," Mark said, apparently glad to be able to change the subject. "I can hear it too." Ken stood up and began to walk around the room. Near the door that led to the contemplation garden, he paused. "Now I hear it," he said. He motioned to Joe, who got up and joined his leader by the door. Joe reached for the door handle, but Ken shook his head in caution. Joe stood very still and closed his eyes. On the periphery of hearing was a sound somewhere between a snarl and a growl which rose and fell. There might have been a rhythm to it, but it lay beyond the limit of Joe's hearing. "It... sounds like some kind of monster," Joe said. Princess stood up. "I think I know what it is," she said. At Joe's frown, she pointed at her own head. "Hello? Enhanced hearing?" Ignoring Ken, she opened the door and led the others out into the garden. As Ken, Jun, Joe, Mark and Jason followed Princess down the winding path with its graceful ferns, raked gravel and quiet windchimes, the growling sound grew louder. Princess put a finger to her lips and crept forward. The others followed. Around a bend in the path, behind a screen of ferns, were four deckchairs containing Ryu, Tiny, Jinpei and Keyop, all sound asleep and snoring. Princess smiled and lowered her voice. "There's our monster," she whispered. Joe shook his head and made to step forward, but Jason held out a hand. "I have a better idea," he said softly, and held up a magic marker. Half an hour later, Ryu, Tiny, Jinpei and Keyop all woke up with moustaches drawn on their faces.

Very cute, GGO!

Oh, Jason is going to be in trouble! He can blame Joe.

[unrecoverable text]

LOL! That was a great read!