She turned a pleading look on me.

"Oh my God!" I took a step forward to help her but Drio knocked me back with a sigh.

Flashing over to her side, he did some Vulcan neck pinch thing and she transformed into a sleek white fox with multiple tails. Mostly transformed. Her hands, feet, and face-all the bits touching the tape, stayed human. The overall effect was somewhat disconcerting.

"Nine," he said, seeing me count her tails.

I inched closer. "What is ...