Ender was quietly of the opinion that if they didn't have that - time somewhere remote, where portal access was scarce or non-existent - they would be too easily drawn into, if not their home universe's intrigues and dangers, then that of the universes of their friends.

He was also too tired of both intrigues and this brand of dangers to feel too guilty about wanting to pursue that very state.

"I'm glad we can rely on you to look after Ben's well-being if he wanders off the path," he joked, though there was a core of truth to it, much as he doubted Karla's ability to keep anyone out of trouble.