Note to Readers
Under the conventions of serialized storytelling, the reason for beginning with Zia's 'final consequences' will be clearer if you read the preceding chapters.
Everyone at Margaret Thatcher College, from students like Merri and Zia to faculty, staff, and their loved ones, is 18 years of age or older.
This is a fantasy. I don't recommend this disciplinary regimen for colleges, judicial systems, or any young woman near you. May it turn on the movie theater projectors in your mind.
I appreciate comments and suggestions about where Merri might apply her professional skills next.
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Zia's Next Consequence is an Unmentionable
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"Zia, there is a second, final consequence you must face today. It's something that I find uncomfortable," I begin, trying to choose my words carefully.
"The College accepted a grant from the Department of Innovative Corrections to study the feasibility and effectiveness of a new form of judicial punishment gear. Their working name is 'punishment underwear,'" I explain. Zia's eyes widen and her shoulders tense up. Immediately, I pull her into a comforting hug, allowing her to bury her face in my chest.
Zia stammers, "Ma'am? I don't..."
"I'll get you through this. We'll do it together.
"Scary, I agree. I'll support you. We'll face it together. I'm part of the experiment, too," I reassured her. I sense what I believe is her determination and acceptance.
"What... what exactly is 'punishment underwear'?... A corset, ah, Ma'am?"
"Well, panties of course. Made of burlap. Not the kind advertised on the internet as organic or translucent, mind you. You grew up in farm country, didn't you Zia? This is itchy, coarse, wheat-sack burlap. There must have been a few wicked clever women on the design team to provide the intimate know-how to make clothing so utterly miserable for women to wear.
"There is spandex in the panties, too, to make them mold to your, or my, bottom. The label on the box they came in reads 'Long-leg, compression panty-girdle. Pull-up style.'"
"Ma'am, I don't understand." While hugging Zia, I sense her heartbeat and the rhythmic, bobbing movements of her toes and chest.
"You will, Zia. Unfortunately, you will. I will explain. We're going to have a show-and-tell.
"First, what size panties do you wear?"
"I wear a small, Ma'am."
"What panty-size number, if you remember Zia?"
"Size 4, I think."
"That was my assumption. Size 4 typically has a 26-inch waist. So, I brought two tiny punishment panties. An extra-small size 2 with a waist of 24 inches and an extra, extra-small size 00 with a waist of a mere 23 inches. The extra-small one should fit sufficiently snugly -- the designers use the word 'constrictingly,' Zia -- on your bottom for this experiment. They could simply have used the word 'strict,' don't you think?"
"Experiment?"
"Let me explain next what this is all about, Zia. Then, if you have questions, I'll answer them before we get you fitted and on your way.
"You know that the College has a master's program in Applied Corrections? It does, and I'm a graduate of our program. It was started two years ago, the year before the nation switched to using judicial corporal punishment for minor crimes.
"As you probably understand, the prison system was both hugely expensive and lacking in efficacy. Scientists claim, and some studies prove, that such punishment is less costly, represents more of a deterrent, and is more humane than long-term incarceration. All without lasting physical harm."
"Yes, Ma'am, but..."
"Let me continue, Zia.
"We research methods of deterring other people's misbehavior. Research on sufficiently retributive punishment for young offenders. And, Zia, on the best ways to change the future misbehavior of young women.
"As I've mentioned, a legislative committee is exploring new discipline techniques. Given the ongoing nature of our scientific research at the College, we chose not to reveal it to students to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the study.
"This is why you did not read about correctional garments in the materials the Board sent you.
"The College's ergonomics experts meticulously designed these correctional panties. Their purpose is to provide the wearer with a consistent and persistent reminder of her misconduct. Done right, and I'll explain that in a moment, the young woman's reminder should persist until we permit her to remove them."
"In your case, Zia, you will come to my office for release.
"That means, I'm afraid, the itchier and more uncomfortable the panties, the more beneficial they are for the punished student's future behavior. Because of your conviction by the Student Board, you are one of the test subjects.
"I'm so sorry, Zia. This is all TMI. All I've done is scare you. I promise you this. You will get through it. Just as I am.
"I'm going to guide you into the panties now. This girdle offers more than just tight compression, I must tell you. I've accepted the fact of them. That they are undeniably effective I can vouch for personally. Here are the two pairs I brought for you to try on.
"You see Thatcher's school colors? Anyone familiar with the experiment will immediately recognize them. And yes, I'm afraid you'll be seen wearing them. On the bright side, those colors suit you well.
"Uh, Ma'am..."
"Hush Zia. Let me finish, please." I hug her more tightly than I already am, briefly.