She seems to approve

"Well I must say Mr. Hawkfeather," Diana's voice is a little huskier than usual and you wonder if she is reconsidering her decision already, especially after cutting the number of blows from twelve to eight, "that went very well, don't you think?"

"Yes, very well." You tell her, as you roll down your sleeves and button your cuffs. "I hope it won't be necessary to do that very often."

"That's one of the reasons I stopped it when I did, Kyle." Diana looks up from the couch suddenly less sure of herself than you've ever seen her. "I hope you don't think I'm soft, but I thought that if the other girls heard first-hand from their friends what it's like they take it more seriously."

"No, I thought it was a good call." You tell her, "by that point in a thrashing there's not much point in continuing."

"Is that something you learnt in the Marines?"

"God no!" you chuckle, "I'd be gunning for a BCD if I tried something like that." when you see her confusion you explain, "Bad Conduct Discharge. Contrary to what you see in the movies, Diana, sergeants aren't allowed to beat their men - not even when they deserve it like those three did." You reach for the tie you had set aside as you continue. "No Ma'am, I learnt about having your ass beat from the wrong end of the stick, if you take my meaning." Your childhood accent resurfaces as you talk about growing up and you make a mental note to watch out for that in the future.

"Does it hurt bad?"

"Yes, it hurts, but you get over it and then its done. Didn't you ever end up in this office when you went here?"

"Of course not Mr. Hawkfeather," Diana tells you as she climbs to her feet decisively. "I was a good girl." She pauses by the door glancing at her watch, orientation starts in just over thirty minutes. I expect you to explain the new discipline policy to the students. OK?"