"If you were back in Tapa, deciding whether to steal the van, would you?"

"Um. How is that relevant to sentencing -"

"Likelihood of committing the crime again after release."

"Um."

"If people commit crimes impulsively which they later regret, then we need to figure out how to help them make better decisions. If they commit crimes because it's their best option, then we need to give them better options."

"If I were back in Tapa and they still were going to kill my baby, or - some other thing."

"If you go back to work now, and run across another problem that could be solved if you stole a lot of money."

"Like, a dead baby kind of problem or some other kind of problem."

" - let's say some other kind of problem."

"I would probably not steal a lot of money over some other kind of problem."

"All right. I'm sentencing you to two years prison, deferred, two years probation, and repayment of twice the value of the stolen item. What that means is that you don't go to prison right now, but if you break the terms of your probation or commit another crime, then you will be in trouble for this crime and for that crime. Does that make sense."

"...no, I don't know what probation terms are -"

"You check in with a probation officer once every month. You are very careful to obey the law."

"I don't actually know all the laws here just obvious things like stealing."

"I can recommend you some resources." The videoscreen whirs and prints paperwork at Peka. 

"...thank you ma'am."

"Stay out of trouble, okay?"

"Can I keep the van?"

"I might recommend selling it to pay the fine, but the state has not seized the van."

"They arrested me 'cause I didn't have the money, I still don't have the money, even if I sell it I will not have all the money -"

"The fine can be spread out over the space of a few years."

"Oh."

"You can make monthly payments of 100 ahk for now. Will that be doable?"

"Unless construction workers become immortal."

Smile. "I would have done the same thing in your place, Peka. I'm glad you and your baby are all right. Good luck."