"Yeah, adjustments." Nikolaus patted him on the shoulder. "You've just come into some latent psionic powers, Chris, and you've bonded with a Catling. That little scare you just had with Simber blasted from your mind to Rambler's and from his to Rumbler's and then to mine. If Simber hadn't dampened the effect, many more would have heard it as well. You will learn shielding, cloaking, teleporting and more until it is safe for you to be in public without scaring the wits out of yourself and anyone around you. The rest of the world can't know about your little Catling companion, because some of the world will want to kill him and some will want to dissect him to find out what makes him tic."

Christopher's arms tightened on the plump Catling till it squeaked. Apologizing, he loosened his grip and nuzzled his nose into plush neck fur, eliciting a rumbling purr. "Okay. I'll stay. But Dad--"

"Father will take care of your dad. He's arranged transportation to get him out to a ranch the family has in Wyoming and your dad has agreed. He's quite excited about it actually. Anyway, he'll be coming by to say bye to you tomorrow on his way there, and we've got to get you ready for that meeting. So, dress and stop by my room on the way downstairs. We'll go down together."

Christopher could but nod as Nikolaus left with Rumbler riding his shoulder.

Antoine pointed to the side of the bed.

Christopher looked down to find his boots with a pair of socks draped over them. He looked up to say, "Thank you," but the Hepien was gone.

Christopher lifted the clinging Catling kit from his neck to stare at glistening fur and glowing eyes.

Stretching a paw forward, the kit touched Christopher's cheek. White furred lips lifted and Christopher watched in fascination as the Catling said clearly, "Hungry. Chrisss iss hungry. Eat now?"

Laughing in delight, Christopher placed the kit on the bed and dressed hurriedly. He had a lot to learn in a few days and couldn't wait to get started. It wasn't until they were at the head of the stairs that he thought of something that caused him to slow to a stop. "Ram-ram? Where's your mother?"

"Downstairs, Chrisss. She iss happy but ssad."

"Well then, let's go see if we can make her more happy than sad!"

Two white mittened paws clasped his face and Christopher received a full muzzle cat kiss that brought tears to his eyes. "Love."

Christopher laughed even as he blinked rapidly. "I love you too, little buddy."