PSYCHO-PASS : Paradigm Shift

Chapter 11 : Mental Beauty

PART 11 – Mental Beauty

After her shift ended... Shizuka took the vehicle and drove towards Jouji Saiga's house. She had some questions for him that she couldn't ask over her wrist-com. Although it was a bit of late in the evening, Shizuka made an appointment and he told her he was available and that he'd gladly have her over.

Once she parked, he was already waiting to greet her.

"Thank you for seeing me, professor. I know it's late," she said, bowing her head out of respect, but Saiga shook his head. He repeatedly asked his former students not to call him by his title, and none of them seemed to listen.

"I am glad you've called. Please, come in. I told you I am available to you at any time."

She followed him to the living room, where he had already set the table for two.

"I've prepared some mashed potatoes and salmon," he noted, "since I know you like fish. So, I hope you'll join me for dinner."

"Please, I don't want to overuse your hospitality..." Shizuka uttered, but the food did look delicious.

"On the contrary. It's always a pleasure to sit down and have a discussion with you."

He invited her by gesture of his hand to take a seat. After she did, he showed her a few bottles.

"Is the white wine alright for you?"

"Yes... thank you, professor."

He sipped the content into glass in front of her. Then, he added some to his own glass. He sat in front of her, and then took his fork and knife, picking some of his food to start dining.

"Come on, eat. I see you've lost some weight," he said, and she followed his example. He prepared the food really well. She enjoyed a few bites, but her mind was swarming with questions, making her a bit worried.

"Professor..."

"So, you've deleted Kana Hitagawa's AI?" he asked, and she wasn't even surprised by how quickly he picked up that she was using it, and yet alone deleting it.

"Few days ago," she admitted. It was more difficult than she'd expected... but she did it anyway. The simulated version of Kana lacked the emotional component that Shizuka needed, and it felt like she was using the echo of Kana so she could feel closer to her therapist and in order to get over her death easier. It hasn't been too helpful, but it did provide some solace. And some insight.

"Good," Saiga approved of Shizuka's decision. "While it has given you a prospectively beneficial therapy... I assume you deleted it for other reasons as well."

"Possible espionage," she exclaimed, "because, despite the confidentiality clause, I am frequently reminded... that Sibyl has eyes everywhere. Moreover, I do believe the base technology is the same for the AIs as is for Sibyl. They could have listened. Or worse. So..."

"So you've opted for faster and more direct approach."

"If that's okay with you," she said.

"Of course it is. I will try and guide you through it," he made her so relieved just by confirming he'd work with her. He wanted to give her some time to prepare mentally, so they ate in silence for a while.

"Naturally, I must warn you – this conversation will be triggering and your hue might get affected," Saiga said.

"It's always compromised one way or another... so..." Shizuka always had that problem.

She took some mashed potatoes. She didn't realize how hungry she actually was until then.

"I will ask some personal questions," Saiga pointed out.