So I decided to start translating the Japanese radio drama SDACHER, written by SUDA51 and based on Hideo Kojima's cyber punk adventure snatcher. Now before I start I just want to say that this is a pretty quick and dirty translation, just something to give you an idea of what's going on. If you want to listen to the original Japanese version you can find it HERE although the drama doesn't actually start until about 27 minutes in.
The first act introduces us to four characters, the hero, Jean Jack Gibson (Jack), His robotic side-kick Little John. Lisa Nielsen, a waitress at the Warsaw diner, and smuggler (and undercover cop) Christian Gainborough.
OK... let's do this...
SDATCHER act 1
Woman's Voice : This is an automatic answering service, please leave a message after the beep.
Jack: Alice, It's me.
Please give me a call, It won't take long, I just want to talk to you…
I don't want it to end like this...
If not for me, then for Katrina… She misses you, and she's waiting for you to come back.
Woman's Voice : Message received
-
Jack: This world is born from despair, the people stare back into hopelessness.
An unexplained illness weakens their bodies and decays their minds, but, we don't give up.
Ever searching, pushing forward, trusting that one day we'll find something better.
That people possess such power… well it gives me some hope.
It's this small hope that gets me through.
The world is changing, I can accept that…
but this winter, The winter of 2038 has been colder and harsher than any before it.
...because my wife Alice Gibson suddenly and mysteriously disappeared
-
Little John: Jean Jack Gibson, something is bothering you, a private problem.
Jack: You were listening to that?
Little John: Even if you don't turn the volume up I can hear everything you say, in future please do me the courtesy of ceasing transmission with me before you use the phone.
Jack: That's a bad habit you have
Little John: Say there was a cute girl wearing a mini-skirt right in front you, would you look.
Jack: …Uh
Little John: It's the same thing, nobody can resist poking into other peoples private lives.
Jack: I don't suppose anyone told you we're police officers.
Little John: Actually, I'm programmed first to be a member of the General Public.
Jack: Well do what you want
Little John: But if you have a problem, You can talk to me, I'll always be here.
Jack: I think I'll pass.
Little John: Jack, it's almost time.
Jack: Let's get this over with quick, then head over to Chinatown for some lunch.
Little John: Great!
Jack: Make a reservation at the usual place.
Little John: "Transmission" That Chinese place right!
Jack: That's right.
-
Jean Jack whistles as he steps out of the turbocycle
Little John: That's a nice tune, what's it called
Jack: It's an old song from the 00s
Little John: I'll search my databanks…
An alarm sounds
Little John: Jack, as a precaution I'll end transmission here.
Jack: Understood
Jean Jack enters the Warsaw diner
Lisa: Hi Jack, been a while hasn't it
Jack: Yeah I've been busy with work, but don't think for one second I ever forgot how good your fried rice tastes, but even more than that…
Lisa: …more that that?
Jack: I had to see your smile again
Lisa: Really! You know this smile isn't for everyone, it's a special smile just for you.
Jack: You're the best
Lisa: I'm sorry, but I can't believe anything a policeman tells me
Jack: That's a shame
Lisa: The coffee's on the house by the way.
Lisa walks away and Jean Jack talks into his communicator
Jack: Can you hear me?
Little John: Yes, filtering out background noise, please continue talking at that volume.
Little John: That girl, is she a friend of yours?
Jack: Two or three years ago, she used to be in charge all the "sales" in this town
Little John: I can't believe a big fish like that…
Jack: It's all in the past now, after I caught her she took on a new identity. I'm just looking out for her until she finds her feet.
She's become a fine upstanding member of society hasn't she.
Little John: She's gone down in my estimations
Jack: Wait a second, that's pretty harsh
Little John: Jack, there doesn't appear to be any problem with the wireless, the signal is stable.
I'm monitoring all conversations in the building…wait… I've confirmed the arrival of one Christian Gainsborough,
He'll be entering the Warsaw diner shortly.
Jack: Understood
Little John: He's parked the car, it's an exceptional car isn't it
Jack: Yeah, a really beauty. worthy of a charismatic smuggler like him.
Little John: He's entering the building
Christian, obviously troubled, sits down with Jean Jack
Christian: I wasn't followed was I?
Jack: Don't worry
Christian: …and nobody knows about us meeting here
Jack: Don't worry about that either
Christian: Jack, you've never called me right?
Jack: I said, don't worry, please calm down Chris
Christian: Yeah you're right, I have to get ahold of myself… could I get a coffee
Jack: Lisa!
Lisa: Yes?
Jack: One coffee please!
Lisa: Coming right up!
Christian: Before we talk… can I use the bathroom, I can't hold it any longer
Jack: Yeah, take your time.
Christian: Thanks
-
Christian enters the bathroom and knocks on a stall
Christian: I've made contact with the target, he's armed
Unknown voice: Leave a sign? something so I can recognise him?
Christian: Impossible, just use your eyes
Unknown voice: Any distinguishing features?
Christian: He's in his fifties, wearing a trench coat, but I expect he'll have taken it off by now, he's wearing a suit underneath.
He has a bandage on his left hand, look for that.
Unknown voice: Understood
Christian: Do it quietly please, i don't want him to suffer
Unknown voice: I'll see what I can do… but don't get your hopes up.
-
Read act 2 HERE
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