You have a trusty sidekick, that is loyal beyond belief (though sometimes a bit slow). This can be a trusted henchman, wing man, kid admirer or other partner.
A sidekick does not gain experience, but increases in ability as you do. The sidekick is built on 80% of your own character points and the same skill maxima you have.
In a campaign where player characters gets some special break, such a the planes characters in Crimson Skies have, a sidekick also gets this bonus or gear.