Carver growled. "It's not [i]just[/i] the shortness for me, and you [i]damn well[/i] know it!" He took what looked for all intents and purposes like a deep calming breath, then conceded, "But fine, if this body ever gets damaged enough to need another upgrade, I won't make fun of you anymore once I'm taller than you."

He grunted. "Anyway, the message was that the next time Barrel makes spicy food for dinner, to switch your bowl with his when he's not looking. Now, I have to get going before your girlfriend flies back and sees 'Corvin' not being a childish vermin-chasing fool."

He waved and stomped off to go find a shorter section of fence where he could keep trying to pull himself over, outside the field of view of any onlookers who might happen to pass by.