Virus

Rover smiled happily to himself as he headed to bed.  He was feeling particularly heroic.  He'd saved an entire planet from an explosion and a malfunctioning computer core, gotten a kiss from the first Lady and permission to trade their shed fur, which he knew would fetch a dandy price in the Textilian market.  Of course getting himself electrocuted had been the only way to stop the countdown and the skin over anything metallic still smarted a bit.  But TOTALLY worth it.  After such a big day AND the big banquet the royals had thrown he was ready to flop down in bed, click on a Slim Danger and the Code of the West and fall asleep.

"You are pleased with yourself."

"You got that right, pardner."

"You are quite courageous.  But I believe you have left business unfinished on Aroria."

"What are you goin' on about?  They're happy.  I'm happy.  Couldn't'a ended better."

"I disagree."

Rover stopped short at his door and looked around him.  There was no one.  He talked to himself frequently.  But this was the first time had contradicted himself.  

Invisible species were not at all unprecedented.  Maybe he had a stowaway.  "Howdy, there.  Who exactly am I addressin' here?"  He looked left and right down the hallway, even on the ceiling.  Nothing appeared.

Suddenly his left arm began to rise of it's own accord, his hand hovering in front of his face.  "It is I."

Rover shied back a bit.  This was the last thing he had expected.  "Where in tarnation you learn to talk?"

"I am a part of you.  Of course I can speak.  Now my dearest friend, we need to go back."

Rover frowned a little.  "Why?"

"Trust me."