"My parents. It's kind of a long story - short version: they were time travelers, and she's a purchase from the future. Old Lace is genetically engineered to respond to my thoughts." After a moment's hesitation, she decided to end the story there. After all, she did say 'short version,' and adding any more details would stretch out the tale considerably. The edge of Gert's mouth twisted up into a wry smile. "I know. It's weird. Even for where I come from, which is pretty much full of weird."