There was a simple, childish instinct pressing at the back of his head, telling him to turn around and maybe dig his nose into Ben's shoulder and let go.

But those connections had been cut a long time ago, and so Ender's back merely remained a sturdy presence under Ben's hand. "It's Peter," he said, "He'll do whatever he has to to expand his base of power. Maybe when he has the Earth, he'll be satisfied. Probably not."