[This is the most circular argument Erwin has ever gotten himself into, and he's had some ridiculously circular arguments before. Fortunately, years of dealing with Nile Dok has him completely prepared for this, and he's in it for the long haul. He'd have thought the school would be interested in encouraging curiosity, and critical thought, which Falco is clearly demonstrating. This kind of creative thinking and problem solving will be valued once he's in high school and then even more so out in the work force; does the principal WANT them to lose the Space Race?]

[Sidenote: Erwin barely understands what the Space Race is, but he keeps hearing about it at work and his physics class's emphasis on rockets has been praised, so he figures it's worth bringing up.]

[He's also well aware of how Falco is using the opportunity to investigate further, and shifts occasionally to keep himself between the boy and the principal. Smart kid, recognizing an opportunity and taking it. One never knows when they'll get a good piece of intel in an unexpected place, and revolutions have hinged on less.]

[Eventually, though, Erwin realizes that he's not going to win this argument in the epic, sweeping way he prefers, so he'll make a strategic retreat for now.]

In the future, I want to be notified immediately if Falco is having any troubles at school. I'll deal with his discipline at home, in ways more productive than wasting chalk and time writing lines.

[He half-turns and claps his hand on Falco's shoulder.]

Let's go. Your mother is probably wondering where we got off to.

[And with that, over the principal's protests, he breezes them right out of the office.]