It Could Be Imprisonment - It Could Be A Fine!

   So Number 6 opted for the fine! This happens during evening of the Mardi-Gras, when the good citizens of the community are celebrating the joys of Speedlearn. An act of sabotage in '6 private' causes the lights to go out! The blame of course is put on Number 6 by administrator-Number 12. "Deliberate destruction of official property is a most serious offence. I recommend the full penalty." "Which Is?" Number 6 asks. "It could be imprisonment, it could be a fine" Number 14 snaps back in reply.
   Well let us pause and consider for a moment. What kind of imprisonment could be implemented in The Village? House arrest perhaps, not being able to go outside, which could also be seen as solitary confinement. And the fine, how much might that be? However much the fine, it would be worthless and therefore quite meaningless as a punishment! Well The Village monetary system is worthless isn't it? You will recall how No.6 was fined for speeding. He was driving at great speed, for which the Prisoner was fined 20 units by the High Court Judge. But Number 6 pleaded with the Judge that he couldn't pay! "Twenty units" the Judge shouted "Nothing!"
   So the fine would be nothing. And as for being put under possible 'house arrest' or solitary confinement would be no hardship for Number 6, I'm sure he would look forward to it. After all it wouldn’t be for too long. Besides didn't Number 6 keep much to himself in ‘A Change of Mind,’ and possibly for some little time before then. After all No.6 did tell those two thugs, who set upon him in the woods at his private gymnasium, that he preferred privacy.
   Some full punishment it was, that Number 12 was recommending....my foot!

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