Puzzled by Howard's behavior, Sigma frowns. Too preoccupied to recall Howard's past, he can only wonder if the boy has a grudge against cats - they were pests on his Earth, after all. This theory is crushed when Howard bends down to pet it behind the ears, and he does not bother to correct his petting technique: the cat dislikes both of their strokes equally.

Then came a soft knock on the door, snapping him from his confusion. ...Knock? The Doctor turned towards the sound curiously.

His thoughts turned first to Eponine, and then suddenly to Kyle. He immediately straighted up, a renewed hope in his eye. Who would knock in this situation but an ally? It was foolish to hope in such a dire situation, he knew, but it was all he'd ever had.

"Answer the door. Don't be afraid," Sigma ordered calmly, his tic apparently cured. He brought the cat to his chest and held her in his arms as she hissed - the animal was certainly not going to be a silent companion.