"Chiss do not take defeat lightly," Thrawn reminded him. He wasn't surprised that Nine had composed a file on him. Now if only his own agents had any luck with finding out about Nine's past, and where he came from. So far they hadn't turned up even a hint. Thrawn found that disconcerting.

"Do you intend to leave me with bruises as well?" Thrawn asked, not giving any outward reaction to the touch.