Mahbub’s advocacy for Kim, comparing him to a “once in a thousand years” “colt,” underscores the dual nature of their relationship. While on one hand it speaks to Mahbub’s confidence in Kim’s abilities, it also underscores the transactional, objectifying nature of Kim’s relationship to his mentors. Much like a horse-owner, Mahbub and Creighton’s affection for Kim is not unconditional: at the end of the day, they expect him to follow their orders.