Psycho-Pass: Coping Mechanisms

Part 16 : Deviant Tendencies

User could create the design, gender, personality of his partner, or even create his partner, as well as choose the level of intimacy they wanted to try out. Most of people begin with level A – just exploring what they would like. After experiencing VR simulator, one could opt for a practical experience – either with a real, Sibyl approved partner, or a cybernetic 'helper' – simply put, a sex bot. Trying virtual reality simulator first was encouraged in order to learn about pleasure, or exploring individual sexual desires before engaging in real physical relationships. The content was carefully managed to prevent deviant behavior. It was regarded as an anti-stress method that actually helped with individual hue managements. However, there were always exceptions, and some hues did get clouded after such way of learning.

"Did you watch my... recorded sessions?" Hamakira asked, licking his lips as he was looking at Shizuka. Ginoza's eyes narrowed under the lenses of his spectacles. His gaze intensified. Akibara crossed her arms over her torso, not letting those words affect her.

"We didn't have to. The recording encryption showed you were targeting young women from age of eighteen to twenty six, mostly at the time they were engaging 'middle' to 'high' level of intimacy while within the virtual reality logins. You hacked their sessions, recorded them and used those videos... in times you've seen fit."

Hamakira kept laughing. Provoking.

"In times I needed to treat my hue, you mean. Sex is a way to treat Psycho Pass, inspector. It's common knowledge so far. People get in relationships to help one another's hue. Do you know that just one sexual activity with a matching partner may clear someone's specter for the whole shade? I was just treating my hue, you know."

Kunizuka frowned. To someone who had a lot of physical activity with Karanomori, this theory didn't seem legit. Maybe it had to do with the fact that they were both enforcers. Their hues were clouded enough as it is. Or, maybe the whole concept was just a big bullshit.

Kogami sneaked towards the door, keeping his head low while he moved. Masaoka was approaching Azusa from the back. Ginoza still couldn't clearly see the hostage, but next to the driver's seat, there was a shape that didn't move. He couldn't tell whether the person was alive or not. There was no movement. Just an unclear silhouette, barely visible to the outside viewers. He signalized to Kogami, who slowly rose, closing the distance between him and the hostage. He will have to act swift. This is going to be a tricky extract, especially with that criminal standing so close.

"Treating your hue, huh?" Shizuka repeated in ironical manner, mocking Hamakira's statement, and catching his attention before it slipped towards the enforcers.

"Sexual activity can also cause a raise of someone's crime coefficient," she said. She was trying to buy some time for Kogami to get an opportunity to open the door and pull the girl out. "Normal sex is one thing. Hue's state probably depends on the partner. Some affect you positively, some negatively. Experience itself may help momentarily, and one's color might improve... but, the permanent effect may be overall damaging to the crime coefficient. It may induce deviant thinking. Perverse affinities. Like what happened with you and your collection. You are good old, by-the-book voyeur. And a serial rapist."

"I am who I am. Call your dogs off, inspector. Call them off, or I will activate it."

Kagari stepped up, shrugging his shoulders. Kunizuka did as well. Azusa knew inspectors didn't come alone... but Azusa didn't know how many enforcers there were in total. Masaoka still hid at the back of the vehicle. Kagari pretended he was in Kogami's spot, creating another diversion.

"A large percent of citizens uses VR simulator when it comes to sex," Azusa smiled. "Why should I be judged for it? I am just better at using it comparing to most. I even bet all of you used it at some point. I also bet some of you still use it to this day. See... I consider you hypocrites. Living your fantasies, but never acting on them," Hamakira said. "I am at least honest with who I am."