Nora stopped at the threshold and said sharply, "Why?" "A member of the Institute wishes to see you and speak to you. It will not take long, but it is necessary. Once that is done, you are free to go. You will not even be plagued by my presence from this moment on. Please." There was a touch of hidden steel in the last word. Nora reached out her arms for Tim and Sach. "We enter together." Amadiro laughed genially. "Do you think I'm trying to separate you from your Droids? Do you think they would allow that? You have been too long with Settlers, my dear." Nora looked at the closed door and said between her teeth, "I dislike that man intensely. And most intensely when he smiles and tries to be soothing." She stretched, her elbow joints cracking slightly. "In any case, I'm tired. If some

