A Xenosaga: Pied Piper Translation Project
Characters
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Time Off
Veritas Liberabit Vos
Sharon
Honeymoon
Chief's Office
Criminals
Cathedral
Federation Prison
Veritas Hideout
Block 53
Revelations
Elrich
Contract
Pilgrimage Council
Voyager
Curtain Call
Epilogue
Links
Media
Forum
Chapter 3.1 - Veritas Liberabit Vos
[translator's notes in square brackets]
Galaxy Federation Police Station, Briefing Room
Elrich: …How’s it going over there?
Michael: Not a trace. I’ve looked in the accounting books of every network company even remotely involved with the Taka Sect for some connection to the people circulating the neurochemical narcotic program… but even where I do find something, there’s not so much as a mention of the ‘N’ in ‘Nestorius’!
Jan: How is that possible?
Elrich: …
Michael: Pretty fishy, huh. You would expect an organization powerful enough to make a name for itself in the galaxy-spanning Immigrant Fleet to show up somewhere… wouldn’t you? Even investigating the networks turns up nothing but idle gossip. If only I could find some clue to lead us to the heart of the matter…
Jan: What about the local network? If you can access it…
Lactis: Elrich and Michael have tried accessing the Federation’s local network several times, but every time they’re blocked by some unexpectedly extensive security protocol. With enough time, Michael could probably break through, but if we waited for that…
Jan: …Voyager would take advantage of our delay.
Lactis: What should we do…?
Meris: Captain. I was thinking… something one of my sources said comes to mind…
Michael: “One of your sources”… you sure you're not talking about yourself?
Meris: Shut up, Michael.
Michael: Telling me to shut up won’t…
Jan: What is it? Just say it.
Meris: Veritas might know something. If I could get in touch with them, maybe…
Lactis: Veritas?
Jan: Veritas Liberabit Vos – V.L.V. for short. “The truth will set you free.” It’s the name of an anti-U.M.N. organization.
Meris: Right. This series of incidents has taken place entirely in virtual reality. Taking that into consideration, I’m sure they’re conducting their own investigation. Especially since Voyager is known for brutal crimes in the U.M.N. - I can’t imagine they would overlook that!
Jan: You’re right. These latest incidents would be quite suitable for demonstrating the evils of the U.M.N. to the public. However, Veritas was formed to oppose the U.M.N., so I expect it’s not possible to contact them through the network…
Meris: …
Jan: I suppose you’ll just have to do it the old-fashioned way.
Meris: So you… approve?
Jan: If you can keep it a secret, yes.
Meris: Understood. A friend of mine from police academy is currently enrolled in the third division. According to a message from him, there appears to be a high-ranking Abraxian government official among their members. Given the situation, maybe we should try and reach him.
Jan: The third division… the peacekeeping division? They certainly are in this deep. Okay, go ahead. But things being as they are, I’m not going to let you go alone. Michael!
Michael: Yes!
Jan: Go with Meris, provide support.
Michael: Understood. …Is it really okay to contact Veritas?
Jan: Do you have a better idea?
Michael: N-No...
Jan: Exactly. Elrich, while Michael’s gone, can you handle operation alone?
Elrich: Sure. Though processing power might drop a little due to his absence.
Michael: Hah, listen to that. Not even a doubt that he’ll be okay on his own… Hey, Dewey! Listen, can you take care of this guy while I’m gone?
Dewey: Yes, sir.
Michael: I’m leaving it to you! There, now you can devote your attention to Bagus, right?
Elrich: Thanks… I think.
Michael: I’d be a little nervous if it were a mission in virtual reality, but since we're going in the real world, Dewey should be able to handle operation. Hey kid, I’m vouching for you, so don’t screw up!
Jan: Meris, Michael, this is an underground organization you’re contacting. Don’t get in over your head. We’ll be on standby here. If you make any progress, contact us immediately!