"I am sure you would be overjoyed in knowing that you all provide me with trouble in your own way," Emet-Selch says flatly, giving her a sidelong look that affirms his crankiness.

"But, no, he is not a 'bad student'." He recants his experiences, "He is a quick learner, determined, and tenacious, but he is also impatient and markedly headstrong. Both characteristics can be expected for one his age and experience." Emet-Selch takes another sip of his drink. For all his grumblings he does not think badly of his student - he is just remarkably easy to irritate.

"With luck, he will live long enough to grow out of the lesser desirable qualities."