Jae sighed in exasperation and stared at the colonel, noticing the familiar sternness that his eyes almost always held in them but was a bit baffled by their sudden lack of extreme coldness.
"What do you want?" she asked quitely.
"I believe you already know the answer to that.."
Jae groaned.
"Hey, I'm sorry alright?"
"Jae, you really must control your temper-"
"But what about Jula?" Jae burst. "It isn't as if I was fighting with myself."
"I understand that. Mary already talked to her-"
"Oh joy, so she got the easy lecture-"
Col. Tavington's eyes narrowed and Jae fell silent, averting her gaze to stare at the ground.
"Don't be so sure about that. Mary had a brother, and I have three; we both know what it's like to get in rows with them. They're inevitable. Yet it still doesn't give a reason for your behavior, for that is inexcusable here; and I don't mean inexcusable just for you; it's inexcusable for anyone. Do you have even the slightest idea of what would happen if another officer and I were to fight like that, with the door open just like yours was? We'd get sacked. And yes, I understand that O'Hara and I do not get along at all, but I do pay for my actions against the little twit. Besides, that is a slightly different matter that goes back to bloodlines and honor."
Jae nodded wordlessly and continued to look down at the floor, still furious with her sister. Col. Tavington sighed and placed a finger under her chin, lifting her head so that she looked him straight in the eyes.
"You need to change. Your fiery attitude may draw amusement out of me, but not this time. And if this continues, I could lose my job, and you could lose your place to stay."
"Sorry..."
"Well, being as Mary and I have charge over you and Jula, we have decided, or rather she has decided, to teach you two proper etiquette, and both of us will judge your progress on this."
Jae's jaw dropped open.
"But-"
"Don't even try it, Miss Barrington. I've spent half my life arguing, and I will prevail. It is done. You begin your lessons tomorrow. In the meantime, I still expect impeccable behavior from the both of you. Is that clear?"
Jae clenched her teeth in rage.
"Yes sir.."
"Very well, I shall see you both at breakfast."
Yes sir, Col. Cruel Unusual Punishment, sir!