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EP 15.3 Zero Charge

EP 15.3 零电荷

17 chapters · 1915 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

A Winter's Tale 一个冬天的童话

...Early morning, October 23rd, 2064. On the border of the "Dead Sea", Contamination Zone RHB_2047. The Elmo's enormous silhouette finally emerges from the heavy fog around Avernus as it drives up to a party that has been awaiting its arrival for some time. However, there are no flowers or cheers, only a group of silent and orderly people wearing hazmat suits.……2064年10月23日凌晨，污染区RHB _2047，“死海”边境。 划破浓厚的迷雾，驶出阿佛那斯的“艾莫号”终于在等候它多时的人们面前，显现出了庞大的轮廓。 但是这里没有鲜花，也没有欢呼，迎接它的只有一群身着防护服人们的有序与沉默。

Stasi AgentChief, we have completed the takeover of the Elmo. Please provide further directives.主管，“艾莫号”已被我们全面接管，请指示。

After the technicians' tinkering, all access restrictions on the Elmo have been lifted, and the vehicle can now travel freely.在技术人员的操作下，“艾莫号”的所有权限限制都已被解除，可以在其间不受阻碍地移动。

RomySearch for bio signs and recent operation logs.检索生命痕迹和最近使用记录。

Stasi AgentYes, ma'am.是。

The Stasi Dolls surge into every corner on board the Elmo while Romy waits quietly in the ops room.斯塔西的人形们涌入艾莫号的各个角落，罗密则坐在指挥室中静静等待。

EdithFrau Riefenstahl, there are no humans on board the Elmo...蕾芬斯塔尔女士，“艾莫号”上没有任何人类……

Romy...Understood.……知道了。

EdithWe've turned the Elmo upside down and looked through every nook and cranny. All interior CCTV footage was wiped after the autopilot was activated ten minutes ago. The jeeps in the garage cannot be located. As the operation logs have been formatted, we can't determine whether they were lost in battle or stolen. However, we have already placed checkpoints on all exits along the perimeter of Contamination Zone RHB_2047 beforehand; there's no way for them to give us the slip.我们已经把这辆“艾莫号”翻了个底朝天。 10分钟前，自动驾驶模式启动后，车内安保监控录像就被全部删除。 车库内所有的吉普车均已失去定位，由于使用记录被格式化，无法确认是战损还是被盗走。 此前，我们已经部署监控了污染区RHB_2047外围的全部通路，他们不可能在眼皮底下逃走。

RomyWhat else have you found?还有什么发现？

DagmarThe elite Griffin Dolls and the high-end Paradeus unit in their custody are all unaccounted for. All that remains is a few Dolls locked inside their repair tanks. We haven't been able to wake them yet.格里芬的精英人形和抓获的帕拉蒂斯高级单位也全部不见了。 现在只剩下一些被锁在修理槽里的人形，我们暂时无法唤醒她们。

Romy... Don't let any word about this get out. You all stay and guard the Elmo.…… 封锁所有消息，你们全部留守“艾莫号”。

DagmarYes, ma'am.遵命。

Beep-beep-beeep. The alarm clock starts ringing at 0440 Frankfurt time. It is a reminder set by her secretary Finn Hoffmann.滴滴滴—— 法兰克福时间，凌晨4点40分的闹钟响起。 来自秘书费恩•霍夫曼的日程提醒——

Romy gets up and leaves the ops room without any hesitation.罗密不再犹豫，起身从指挥室中离开。

The enclosed backseat of the sedan is dark and so quiet that one can barely hear the wind howling outside. Romy's face is lit by the faint light on her communicator. She fiddles with a cigarette, seemingly in no hurry to light it.密闭的轿车后座里，光线昏暗，几乎听不到窗外的风噪声。 通讯器屏幕的幽光映照在罗密的脸上，她掐着指尖的一支烟，并不急于点燃。

Finn HoffmannI have been trying to get in touch with the general's secretary, Herr Kurt, but his response is always that General Schweinsteiger's diary is fully booked. The time of the party conference is still to be determined. The chairman has already declared that he would not be attending this time and asked the vice-chairman and Herr Oberstein to speak on his behalf. Since you took up the position as the director of the Ministry for State Security this year, in addition to the ministerial meeting and the State Council that you have routinely participated in before, the National Defense Council will now be open to you as well. I have put that into your diary. ...In addition, the plan for that meeting has not been finalized. The deadline set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fast approaching, but Herr Oberstein still has not responded. That sums up everything for the week so far.我一直在联络将军的秘书长库尔特先生，无论何时何地，对方都表示施魏因施泰格将军的预约时间已满。 党内大会的时间依旧待定，主席那边表示这次依旧不会出席，请副主席和奥贝斯坦先生代替发言。 因为今年您已经转任了国家安全部部长，除去之前惯例参加的部长会议和国务委员会之外，国防委员会也将为您开放，时间我已经安排进行程了。 ……此外，那场会议的方案还没有最终敲定，外交部定下的期限快要到了，但是奥贝斯坦先生还没有给答复。 以上，是本周跟进中的事件。

Romy...And how is the matter in Frankfurt progressing?……法兰克福的事情进度怎么样了？

Finn HoffmannAs per your instructions, the relevant regulations have been drafted and sent to Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Transport. They will be implemented at 1700 today.已经按照您的吩咐，拟定好了相关条例，通知发送给内务部和交通部，今天17点会正式开始执行。

RomyI will arrive in Frankfurt at 0900. Have someone else attend the routine meeting at 1400 for me, and get me an appointment with the folks at the Ministry of Finance. Send a reply to Oberstein, tell him I'll definitely be there at the party conference next week.上午9点我会抵达法兰克福。 14点的例会你安排别人去，帮我约一下财政部的人。 回复一下奥贝斯坦的留言，下周的党会我不会缺席。

Finn HoffmannSure thing, Frau Riefenstahl.好的，罗密女士。

RomyMonitor the situation regarding the Elmo and Galatea closely. Get some eyes from Departments 8, 19, and 20. Tell Q to interrogate the "Polar Bear" herself, then have her report her findings to me. Recall all dispatched agents and remind the three deputies that their year-end review is just around the corner.“艾莫号”和迦拉提亚的事情你留意一下，派八部、十九部和二十部的人盯着。 告诉Q，“北极熊”要她亲自审，回头让她自己向我汇报。 所有外派全部调回，提醒一下三个副部长，年终评定要来了。

Finn HoffmannYes, ma'am. I have set reminder alarms for your upcoming appointments. Please go ahead and rest for a while.好的，罗密女士。 接下来的行程我已经设置好了提醒闹钟，请放心休息一会儿。

Romy terminates the call and lights the cigarette between her fingers. She watches the sky brighten gradually outside the car window with squinted eyes. Now she must get all the rest she can, because a new storm is brewing in Frankfurt.罗密挂断了通讯，将手中的香烟点燃。 她看着窗外逐渐明亮起来的夜色，不由得眯上了眼睛。 现在，她需要抓住每一分钟时间休息，因为在法兰克福，一场新的风暴正在酝酿。

On European route E51.E51高速公路上。

A nondescript white sedan drives along the highway. A Doll wearing a white cap grips the steering wheel in silence, while the man sitting in the passenger's seat tugs at his tie, which is caught in his seatbelt.一辆普通的白色轿车驶入主干道，戴着白色鸭舌帽的人形沉默地握住方向盘，副驾上的人扯了扯被安全带勒住的领带。

JWhat's the time?几点了？

AmarisIt is currently 1147, Frankfurt time, October 23rd, 2064. The day is Thursday.现在是东一区法兰克福时间2064年10月23日上午11点47分，星期四。

JHow much longer will it take to get there?还有多久啊？

SterlingAgent J, it hasn't even been two hours since we left Berlin. We're only about halfway there. We haven't even reached Weimar.J探员，我们离开柏林还不到两小时。 现在差不多才到一半的路，还没过魏玛。

J scrunches up his tie in great frustration.J恼火地将领带揉成一团。

JVerdammtes Frankfurt! Just the thought of going to the meeting makes me wanna die. Tell me, why do special agents even have to attend such meetings?!见鬼的法兰克福！一想到要回去开会，我就想死。 告诉我，为什么特工还要开会？！

The Dolls are all suddenly very busy with their own things, as if they have just received a dozen work calls and got no time for their colleague's gripes.人形们默契地各自进入忙碌状态，仿佛同时接打十几个工作电话，根本无暇应对同僚的牢骚。

J clicks his tongue in annoyance. When he realizes that even Amaris is ignoring him deliberately, he puts his seat back as far as it can go with quiet indignation and puts on an eye mask and earplugs that seems to have been conjured out of thin air.J对着空气咂了咂嘴，注意到连阿玛瑞丝也无视了自己，他赌气似的将座椅靠背调到最低，戴上不知道从哪里掏出来的眼罩和耳塞。

BrigitteHey, your chair is taking up my space!喂，你挤到我了！

JI'm taking a snooze! Y'all shut up!我睡一觉，你们都别吵我！

In just a few minutes, J has gone from grumbling to snoring happily.短短几分钟，刚刚还在满腔牢骚的J发出了满足的鼾声。

AmarisThe windbag finally shut up.最吵的人终于闭嘴了。

SterlingNow we can finally talk serious business without getting interrupted.我们可以不受干扰地聊一聊正经事了。

AmarisHm? Is there anything else I don't know about the mission?嗯？还有什么我不知道的任务情报吗？

SterlingNo, it's not about the mission, but the organizational restructuring of our squad—不，和任务无关，是关于我们小队的组织架构调整和——

AmarisOof, fancy words like these give me a headache. Simple Doll language, please?哎呀，听见这种词我就头疼，能不能说点人形通用语？

Sterling... To put it simply, I would like you to take over as our squad leader.…… 简单来说，就是我希望你来担任我们小队的队长。

AmarisWhat?! Me?啊？！我？

SterlingYes. Although I don't have the access clearance to read your profile, I've heard quite a bit about your past escapades. On top of that, you're a WWIII veteran, which makes you the most logical choice for the position to me.是的，虽然我没有读取你档案的权限，但我听说过一些你的事迹，再加上你参加过三战的资历，我认为队长一职理应由你来担任。

AmarisNo, no, no... No thanks!不不不……我才不要！

BrigitteWhy are you turning it down? We all think you'll be perfect as squad leader.为什么要拒绝？我们都认为你很合适。

AmarisThat's because you don't know me. After working with me for a bit longer, you'll know what a nightmare I actually am~那是因为你们还不了解我，等再合作一段时间，你们就知道我的厉害咯~

SterlingSure, we look forward to working with you.好的，我们会拭目以待的。

BrigitteSince you're so eager to prove yourself, we'll do our best to keep up with you.既然你希望亲自证明自己，那么我们也会全力配合的。

Amaris...You know what sarcasm is?……你们一点玩笑都不懂的吗？

Before Sterling can say any more words of encouragement, Amaris turns on the radio in the car.赶在斯特林打算继续劝导前，阿玛瑞丝拧开了车内的广播。

Female DJ... When on an idler's bed I stretch myself in quiet. There let, at once, my record end! Canst thou with lying flattery rule me, Until, self-pleased, myself I see,— Canst thou with rich enjoyment fool me, Let that day be the last for me! The bet I offer. ...…… 假使我悠然地躺在逍遥榻上偷安， 那我的一切便已算完， 你可用巧语花言， 使我欣然自满， 你可用享乐将我欺骗， 那就是我最后的一天， 我敢和你打赌这点！ ……

AmarisIs that... "Faust"? That's an opera from two centuries ago, no...?这是……《浮士德》？都是上上个世纪的歌剧了……

SterlingYes, and it's still a classic to this very day.是的，至今仍然是经典。

Female DJ...The classic opera "Faust", directed by the legendary Henry Heinrich, will once again take to the stage in the Alte Oper in Frankfurt. You can look forward to a magnificent performance given by a star-studded cast, which includes Uwe Seibert, Angela Schumann, Thomas Kroeger, and Mark Burchett!……由传奇导演亨利•海因里希执导的经典歌剧《浮士德》，将于法兰克福老歌剧院再次上演。 知名演员乌韦•赛博特、安格拉•舒曼、托马斯•克罗格、马克•伯切特等将为您奉上精彩的演出，敬请期待！

AmarisThe Alte Oper in Frankfurt... Didn't that building get bombed to bits?法兰克福老歌剧院……不是已经被炸毁了吗？

BrigitteIt was rebuilt. Restored to exactly how it was before, apparently.重建好啦，听说和之前的一模一样。

AmarisExactly how it was?一模一样？

Amaris lets out a low chuckle.阿玛瑞丝低低笑了起来。

AmarisWhen you put something broken back together, no matter how close to the original you get, it will still be nothing more than a crude knockoff.重建已经被毁灭的东西，不管再怎么相似，都不过是拙劣的模仿罢了。

Medical Center, Ministry for State Security, Frankfurt.法兰克福 国家安全部 医疗中心

A blond man lies unconscious on a bed. A medic in a white lab coat inserts a butterfly needle into the vein on his elbow with quick and smooth movements. Blood flows into the vacutainer blood collection tube.病床上，一名金发男人昏迷未醒。穿着白大褂的医疗人员手持蝶形针，快速而平稳地插入肘静脉，血液涌向真空采血管。

MedicDo I put Dupieux as the patient's name?患者名字一栏写杜皮约？

QYeah, just put Dupieux. No point using his codename here at HQ.嗯嗯，就用杜皮约吧，已经到总部就没有使用代号的必要了。

The medic unties the tourniquet, pulls out the needle neatly, then sticks a label bearing the patient's name onto the tube and places the tube into a sample bag.松开止血带，利落地拔出针头，医疗人员将采血管贴上对应姓名标记，放入送检袋中。

MedicHeh, hard to believe a man like this also sheds red blood. It must've been quite difficult transporting him from the border into Frankfurt, Frau Q?啧啧，看不出来，这种人的血居然也是红色的。 Q小姐，把他从边境带进法兰克福，花了你不少功夫吧？

Q is reading some kind of document on her tablet. She taps the screen every now and then.Q拿着平板不知道在看什么文件，时不时点点屏幕。

QThanks to the anesthetics from your department. They were very effective and saved me a lot of trouble.还要多谢你们科室提供的麻醉剂，效力上佳，为我省了不少事。

MedicThen why don't I treat you to a coffee after work?那不如下班后请你喝杯咖啡？

QHuh? Shouldn't I be the one treating you to a coffee?啊？不应该是我请你喝杯咖啡吗？

MedicYou'll do that?你会吗？

QNope.不会。

MedicOuch. Then will you let me do the treating?啧啧，那我的邀请Q小姐可以接受吗？

QYou should just send me the money for the coffee directly. That'll save time for you, me, and the barista. Way more efficient that way.建议你把咖啡钱直接打给我。 这样省去了你我还有咖啡店员的时间，更加高效节能。

Medic...Frau Q is as cold as ever.……Q小姐还是一如既往的冷漠啊。

Beep-beep-beeeep. The lab instrument emits a soft noise.嘀嘀嘀——检测仪器发出轻鸣。

MedicLet me see... No chips or signal transmitters detected in his body, and his vital signs are all stable. The blood test and tox screen will take a bit more time. Once the results are out, I'll have my Doll assistant Alisa send it to your mailbox.我看看……体内没有发现芯片或信号收发器，生命体征也很平稳。 血液生化和毒物检查还需要点时间，等检测结果出来，我的人形助手艾莉莎会发到你的邮箱。

Q's hand pauses slightly. She looks up with a frown.Q的手微微顿了顿，眉头一敛抬起头来。

QSure. Is the Stasi hiring Dolls as medical assistants now? I gotta say, the whole world has grown too reliant on Dolls.行。 连斯塔西的医疗助手都开始使用人形了吗？ 不得不说，现在全世界都太过于依赖人形了。

Medic...I mean, Dolls are relatively cheap labor that work hard and never get tired. They don't even need rest. Where can you find better employees?……毕竟人形钱少事多干活不会喊累还不需要休息。 上哪里找这么好的下属？

QFair enough, but they have a fatal flaw.不，她们有一个致命缺点。

MedicHm?嗯？

QThey don't make good scapegoats.不方便背锅。

QMove this guy to the special interrogation room later.这个人等会送去特殊审讯室。

MedicGot it.收到。

Q closes the message on her comms tablet and leaves the medical center quietly, closing the door behind herself.Q关闭通讯平板上的信息，默默地离开医疗中心，并带上了门。

Knock, knock. Following the directions given by the secretary, Q knocks politely on the office door.叩叩—— 经由秘书的指引，Q礼貌地敲了敲办公室的门。

RomyEnter!进来！

Q pushes the door open and enters the office. Romy seems to be wrapping up a call.Q推门而入，此时罗密的通讯似乎已进入尾声。

RomyOf course. Thank you very much. I'm also looking forward to it, Frau Ulrich. Oh right, I still haven't congratulated you on your promotion... That goes without saying. Right. Auf Wiederhören. ...好的，非常感谢。乌尔利赫部长，我也很期待。 对了，还没恭喜你升职……那是自然，嗯，再见。 ……

Romy hangs up. She drums her fingers on the desk.结束通讯，罗密指尖敲了敲桌子。

RomyTake a seat.坐吧。

Q pulls out the chair across from Romy and sits down.Q拉开罗密对面的椅子，坐下。

QBoss, I've come to give you my mission report. Three things altogether. One, the "Polar Bear" has been brought back to HQ in secret. The first round of routine examinations has been completed; no abnormalities have been found so far, so he's ready to be interrogated. Two, the "Evangelist" stood the "Polar Bear" up, but based on the clues, we have a pretty good idea about his true identity—he's a member of the Socialist Unity Party. Three, the investigation you had me carry out in Moscow is going somewhere.老板，我来向您汇报本次任务，一共三件事。 第一，“北极熊”已秘密带回总部，刚完成第一轮常规生理检查，暂时没有发现异常情况，随时可以提审。 第二，“传道者”失约，没有前来接应“北极熊”，但是根据线索，可以锁定他的真实身份，是统一社会党党内的人。 第三，您让我在莫斯科查的那件事，已经有眉目了。

RomyAlright, good to know. Regarding your second point, I suppose I'll just tell you—the "Evangelist" is dead. You don't have to worry about him anymore.行，我知道了。 第二个问题，我现在就能回答你——“传道者”死了，不用再操心他。

Q nods. She knows better than to press the subject. Because her boss, Romy Riefenstahl, is also a member of the Socialist Unity Party.Q点点头，有默契地不再继续这个话题。 因为她的老板，罗密•蕾芬斯塔尔，也是统一社会党的成员。

RomyThe Bee Sting System that the "Evangelist" was in charge of is now ours. I'll add you to the list of administrators.“传道者”负责的“蜂针”系统，现在归我们了，我会将你添加到管理员名单。

Q sits up straighter in her chair.Q坐姿端正。

QCongrats, Boss! Now there's no one left in the Stasi who can hold you back.老板，恭喜恭喜！ 现在斯塔西内没有人能拖您的后腿了。

RomyAfter the Sunspot Incident, the general demanded the Stasi to go through restructuring and put forth a solution no matter what it takes. This design is what the folks over at the Ministry of Science and Technology came up with. In order to spy on the Neo-Soviet Union, the "Evangelist" turned the "Polar Bear" against them. We have invested too much money and resources into this system, and we cannot let the remote control sit in the hands of outsiders just because of the selfish interests of a select few.“太阳黑子”事件后，将军要求斯塔西重组，无论如何要给出一套完美的解决方案，科学技术部那帮人给出了这套设计。为了监视新苏联，“传道者”才策反了“北极熊”。 我们投入无数资金，花费无数人力的系统，不应该因为某些人的一己私欲，让遥控器掌握在外人手里。

QI have a feeling I shouldn't be learning about any of this?老板，我是不是知道了什么不该知道的东西？

RomyI'm telling you about it because it concerns your subsequent mission. I've already pulled every able body back to Frankfurt. I only have one job for them—to fill up the positions that the bastards from Internal Affairs want to meddle with. It doesn't matter how well they do in the positions, they simply mustn't free up any openings. Do you understand?告诉你这些，就是要安排你后续的任务。 我已经把可用的人力全部调回法兰克福。 我对他们的要求只有一件事，给我把内务部那些混蛋想要插手的位置占住了。 活干得好坏无所谓，不能把位置让出来，明白吗？

QLoud and clear, Boss.遵命，老板。

RomyI'll treat you to that dinner I owe you after this blows over.欠你的那顿饭，等忙完这一阵吧！

QGreat, I'll hold you to it. But I have another question... Some of my colleagues seem rather pessimistic about the future. Should I do something about that?好的，这一顿我记下了。 不过，我还想问…… 部里的同僚们看起来似乎对前途很是悲观，需要我干预一下吗？

Romy signs her name briskly on a document, then moves on to the next.罗密飞快在一份文件上签下名字，然后拿起下一份文件。

RomyDon't waste your time and energy on trying to encourage fools who can't see the bigger picture. It's going to be a tough battle ahead. Just focus on your task at hand.别把精力浪费在鼓舞看不清形势的糊涂虫身上。 前方是一场硬仗，帮我做好眼前的事即可。

QAlright.好的。

Q leaves Romy's office and closes the door.Q走出罗密的办公室，随手带上门。

Still standing at the same spot, she tries to recall the list of agents that have recently been transferred back to Frankfurt. She looks up their locations using her tablet—站在原地，她回忆了一下最近调回法兰克福的特工名单，通过平板查询位置后——

Q...What's taking J so long to get there? Did he drown in the Main or something? That wouldn't count as a work-related accident, would it?……J那家伙怎么还没到？ 是死在美因河了吗？这应该不算工伤吧？

On the gantry, a row of cameras are facing the direction of oncoming traffic. Under the gantry hangs a pale blue screen that is constantly scanning all passing vehicles. Amaris drives the car onto a steel bridge straddling a river—the misty Main. A looming shape is vaguely discernible across the glistening water— The towering iron statue is like Prometheus under the sky, guarding the fire that has been weathered by war but never extinguished—Neu-Frankfurt.龙门架上，一排摄像头对着车辆驶来的方向。 龙门架下是一面淡蓝色光幕，时时扫描着路过的所有车辆。 阿玛瑞丝把车开上了一座跨河铁桥，桥下正是水色空蒙的美因河。 而波光尽头依稀可辨的暗影—— 巍峨矗立的铁塑雕像如天穹之下的普罗米修斯，簇拥着战争中几经风霜但从未熄灭的火种——新法兰克福。

AmarisSince when has Frankfurt gotten so big? I don't remember having to drive this long before...法兰克福怎么这么大？我记得以前不需要开这么久吧……

SterlingIn order to preserve its status as the capital and a city-state, Frankfurt merged with nearby Mainz, Wiesbaden, Raunheim, Neu-Isenburg, Offenbach, Eschborn, and other places. The former Frankfurt is now known as the Frankfurt District.法兰克福为了确保其作为首都和城市州的地位，将附近的美因茨、威斯巴登、罗因海姆、新伊森堡、奥芬巴赫、埃施博恩等地都合并了，过去的法兰克福只有现在的法兰克福区那一片而已。

Sterling eagerly reads aloud the relevant passage from the Frankfurt Guidebook in her hand.斯特林认真地朗诵着手里的法兰克福宣传手册。

SterlingAfter the merger, Frankfurt's jurisdiction area expanded to span more than 800 square kilometers, with a permanent population of more than six million. Because the merged Frankfurt is like a beating heart, Frankfurt is now hailed as the "Heart of the German Democratic Republic".合并后法兰克福辖区面积扩大至800多平方公里，现在常住人口600多万。 因合并后的法兰克福像一颗跳动的心脏，所以现在的法兰克福被誉为“民主德国之心”。

AmarisThe "Heart of the German Democratic Republic"? Fascinating.“民主德国之心”？还挺有意思的。

As the car exits the highway and drives into the city, the buildings in sight are suddenly much denser. New buildings built in the style of the last century are occasionally interspersed with ancient architecture that has survived through the ages, giving this city that rose from the ruins of WWIII a touch of historical flavor. There are quite a lot of vehicles on the road at this time. The traffic is moving slowly, with red tail lights forming a long line.转入城市公路，视线内的建筑陡然密集了起来。 一幢幢看起来充满上世纪格调的新建筑，偶尔夹杂着几座幸存的破旧老建筑，令这个在三战废墟上站起来的城市，显出少许醇厚的历史气息。 此时路上的车辆相当多，车流缓慢挪动着，红色尾灯亮起一串串长龙。

AmarisHowever much Frankfurt has changed, the traffic is still horrendous as ever. Heck knows if we can even make it there in time.不管变多大，法兰克福还是那么堵。 也不知道能不能按时赶到。

BrigitteWho cares if we're late? They'll just dock Agent J's pay.迟到就迟到吧，反正扣的都是J探员的薪水。

JDock my pay?! Who dares dock my pay?!什么扣薪水？！谁敢扣我薪水？！

Vroom... A municipal cleaning vehicle drives past them along a frontage road, spraying a high-pressure jet of water so loud it completely drowns out J's voice.嗡——一辆市政清洁车从辅道上驶过，喷洒高压水流的巨大轰鸣声完全盖过了J的声音。

AmarisWhat did you just say?你刚说什么？

Having jolted awake, J pulls off his eye mask and lets out a heavy huff.惊醒过来的J摘下眼罩，从鼻孔里重重喷出一口气。

JJust focus on driving!好好开车！

Amaris shrugs.阿玛瑞丝耸了耸肩。

AmarisWe're on your payroll, so whatever you say.你是发薪水的雇主，你说了算。

JWhoaaa!唉哟——

Screeeech! The car brakes abruptly. The three Dolls remain securely seated; only J almost gets thrown against the windshield.滋——车子猛然刹住，三位人形稳稳坐着，J身体一晃差点扑到挡风玻璃上。

AmarisThere's been a collision up ahead.前面出事故了。

J cranes his neck for a better look. The water vapor in the air is obscuring the view. He can just about make out the chassis of a large vehicle lying on its side.J探着头向前看，水汽干扰了人眼的能见度，J只能隐约看到前方大车歪斜的车身。

AmarisA car turning right skidded and crashed into the street-cleaning vehicle, causing a multiple pile-up. More cars not braking in time and rear-ending the cars in front.右转车辆车胎打滑，撞上了洒水车，然后连环撞。 哦，还有刹车不及，追尾的。

The already-slow traffic has ground to a total standstill. Restless drivers take their exasperation out on their car horns, and deafening honks instantly fill the air.本就流动缓慢的交通彻底停摆，焦躁的人们将情绪发泄在车内的喇叭上，霎时间响成一片。

A few minutes later, three ambulances arrive at the scene with their sirens blaring. Paramedic Dolls file out of the ambulances. They quickly take stock of the situation and get to work triaging and moving the injured. J stares out the window pensively.几分钟后，三辆救护车滴呜滴呜开了进来。 医疗人形鱼贯而出，查看现场，转运伤者。 J盯着窗外。

JYou never know if tomorrow will ever come.明天和意外，永远不知道哪一个会先来。

AmarisAll I know is that you're definitely gonna be late, J.我只知道，以现在的路况，J，你绝对要迟到了。

J!！

Doppelgaenger 双影人

Alte Oper, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福市 法兰克福区 老歌剧院

For those who have a love for historical monuments, the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, which was rebuilt on "Germany's most beautiful ruin", could be considered an affront to heritage. Although the Baroque façade with its statues of Pegasus and the Muses has been preserved, the interior design is very different from before it was destroyed. The vestibule is the only part of the Alte Oper that resembles the original design. The Großer Saal has been expanded, not only increasing the number of people it can accommodate at a time, but also incorporating the latest media technology and equipment to catch up with the times. As a result, the magnificent royal staircase of old could not be recreated. To find what little splendor remains of the pre-WWIII opera house, one can only admire the restored crystal chandelier beneath the vaulted dome in the Großer Saal.对于历史古迹的拥趸们而言，重建于最美废墟之上的法兰克福老歌剧院甚至有些冒犯之嫌。 尽管外立面巴洛克风格的飞马雕像和女神像都得以保留，但内部设计与被摧毁前比较就大相径庭了。 门厅是老歌剧院内唯一类似原始设计的部分，中心剧场则进行了全面扩建，不仅增加了可同时容纳人数，还加入了最新的媒体技术设备，使其能适应新时代的变化。 这样一来，原本华丽的皇家楼梯无法被保留。人们仅能从中心剧院内的圆形穹顶下，那盏被修复的庞大的水晶吊灯，找回些许三战前老歌剧院的辉煌。

It is a few hours away from showtime. Below the chandelier, the director of the opera and several members of the crew are watching the rehearsal on stage from their front row seats in the auditorium.此刻还不是演出的时候，水晶吊灯下，漆黑的观众席前排坐着导演和几位工作人员，正盯着舞台上进行的排练。

Actor Playing FaustTwo souls, alas! reside within my breast, And each withdraws from, and repels, its brother. One with tenacious organs holds in love... And clinging lust the world in its embraces; The other strongly sweeps, this dust above, Into the high ancestral spaces.我的胸中住着两个灵魂， 一个总想把另一个甩掉； 这一个沉迷于粗鄙的爱欲， 用五官把世界紧紧抓牢； 另一个拼命地要离弃凡尘， 向祖先的崇高灵境脱逃。

Actor Playing MephistophelesIf Man, that microcosmic fool, can see... Himself a whole so frequently, Part of the Part am I, once All, in primal Night,— Part of the Darkness which brought forth the Light, The haughty Light, which now disputes the space, And claims of Mother Night her ancient place. And yet, the struggle fails; since Light, howe'er it weaves, Still, fettered, unto bodies cleaves.人类是一群井底之蛙， 爱把自己的世界无限夸大。 我乃构成太初万有的那部分的一部分也即黑暗的一部分， 是我生育了光明； 光明忘恩负义，背叛黑夜母亲， 竟想夺取她的特权，把空间全占领， 然而费尽心机仍旧徒劳， 因为光永远不能和物体离分。

Actor Playing FaustI see the plan thou art pursuing...这下我算弄清了你的职责……

DirectorCut! Mephisto, move two steps toward Faust. Yes, perfect! Just like that!停！ 墨菲斯托，往浮士德那个方向靠两步，诶，对对，就这样！

DirectorMake sure you get your facial expressions right, this is where you make your first appearance, Mephisto.表情注意下，墨菲斯托这是你的登场。

DirectorRight, Faust, get back to your original position. We're starting again from the top! We've been given the rare opportunity to stage this version, so we must make sure we nail all the details!回到浮士德一开始的那个站位，各位再来一次！ 难得能重启这个版本，细节当然要做到最好！

Beep-beep-beep—the communicator on the director's belt chirps with a sense of urgency.嘀嘀嘀——团长腰间的通讯器发出急促的提示音。

DirectorWhat is it?怎么了？

Costume AssistantBad news, Director! Our truck is stuck at the junction!导演不好了，我们的演出服和道具车辆被堵在路口了！

DirectorWhat do you mean?什么意思？

Costume AssistantAll the junctions entering the city have been teeming with police since 1700! I tried to ask them what the deal was, but they wouldn't say. They're checking each vehicle one by one for contraband.从17点开始，所有进城高速路口都围满了警察！ 打听了下都不肯说原因，现在在每辆车盘查违禁物品呢。

Costume AssistantThere are at least 1,000 cars ahead of me!我前面起码堵了一千辆汽车！

Director...What are they looking for? We haven't got anything illegal on the truck, do we?……查什么啊？我们的东西没有违禁吧？

Costume Assistant...We do.……有。

DirectorHuh?啊？

Costume AssistantOur flame machines and windproof candles are banned for fire safety reasons!火焰机和防风蜡烛都算消防违禁品！

Director... Scheiße! Why now, of all times...? Can't you just grease their palms?…… *的，怎么偏偏赶上这个时候…… 能塞钱解决吗？

Costume Assistant...You want me to pay them all? There really are a lot of them.……就这么直接给？人太多了没办法啊。

DirectorPlease, use that brain of yours. Sweet talk one of them cops at the junction and see if he can look the other way just this once. I'll get help right now.脑子灵活点，找路口的警察好言好语说两句，看能不能通融一下，我马上去找人。

Costume AssistantRight, I'll give it a go.好，我再去试试。

DirectorAD, take over the rehearsal!副导演，你来接手！

The director summons the assistant director and gestures for the rehearsal to continue before leaving the Alte Oper in a rush.导演一边挥手示意排练继续，一边匆匆离开了老歌剧院。

In a dark corner backstage, the actors, still wearing their costumes, are chatting idly.舞台昏暗处，各色演员穿着自己的戏服有一搭没一搭地闲聊。

The "Emperor" quirks an eyebrow at "Mephistopheles" while rubbing his cold hands together to warm them up.“国王”搓搓冻得有些发凉的手，冲身边的“墨菲斯托”一挤眼睛。

Actor Playing the EmperorI hear the female lead now has a stand-in?听说咱们的女主演，是临时找来的？

Actor Playing MephistophelesFrau Justine has always been part of the cast but only helped with the blocking during rehearsals. She's basically the understudy.瑞斯汀小姐就是剧组的演员，以往只在彩排时帮忙走位，算是海伦二号。

Actor Playing the EmperorIs that so? So Helen of Troy was supposed to be played by Frau Bramedb?是吗？之前的海伦小姐据说是布拉梅德女士？

Actor Playing MephistophelesShe has no respect for the spirit of contract at all, good thing she wasn't part of the press tour. She hasn't been heard from since she went off to Berlin. They say she often attends parties thrown by some bigwigs, and maybe she's climbing up the social ladder.一点也没有契约精神，还好没用她做宣传。 自打她去了柏林，就一直联系不上。听说她经常出席一些大人物的宴会，也不知道是不是已经攀上高枝了。

Actor Playing the EmperorWell, she is a beauty, I'll give her that.好吧，她的确长得很漂亮。

Actor Playing FaustAlright, enough of this ungentlemanly talk. It's very rude.好了，停下这样不绅士的议论，实在不太礼貌。

Actor Playing MephistophelesHey, didn't you try to ask her out before?我听说你之前还试图追求过人家。

Actor Playing FaustI was thoroughly rejected. A woman of that caliber has no eyes for a small-time actor like me.很遗憾，被精彩地回绝了。 那样美丽的女士可看不上我这样的小演员。

Actress Playing HelenWhat are you talking about?你们在聊什么？

Actor Playing MephistophelesOh! Nothing! What's with all these flowers by the door, Frau Justine?喔！没什么！瑞斯汀小姐，门口那些花是怎么回事？

Actress Playing HelenThey were brought in by a woman wearing a green coat. She specifically said they're for Herr "Mephistopheles". Should I bring them into your room?是一位穿绿色风衣的女士送过来的，特地指名送给“墨菲斯托”先生，要我把它们拿进来吗？

Actor Playing MephistophelesHa... don't worry about it, that was probably a fan of mine...哈……不用啦，大概是我的粉丝啦——

Actor Playing FaustSo are we carrying on with the rehearsal?所以彩排还继续吗？

Actress Playing HelenThe director and producer were talking about what to do with the costumes and props. Something must've gone wrong during transportation.团长和导演现在正在讨论戏服和道具的事情，路上好像出了点岔子。

Actor Playing FaustDo we just keep waiting?那就这样一直等下去吗？

Actress Playing HelenI think the problem will be resolved soon. The director is getting help...我想应该很快就能解决了，团长已经去找人想办法了……

Actor Playing MephistophelesIf it doesn't get resolved, the performance will be completely screwed.要是解决不了，演出可就彻底泡汤了。

Actress Playing Helen... God knows if we'll make it through Halloween...…… 也不知道万圣节还能不能照常过……

Assistant DirectorHey, enough chit-chat! Get ready! We're running through the play one more time!喂！别闲聊了！做好准备！我们再彩排一次！

CastAlright!是！

At a café near the Alte Oper.歌剧院外 咖啡馆

The Main glistens dazzlingly in the early winter twilight. The golden haze coats the dark and dreary landscape in a layer of warmth. Even the cup of coffee seems exceptionally romantic in the dwindling sunlight shining through the window.美因河畔的法兰克福，在初冬的黄昏里氤氲出金色的光辉。 它将一切黑暗与深灰，都镀上了一层温暖。 就连手里这杯咖啡，都在窗外的落日余晖里，显得有几分浪漫色彩。

A woman in a green coat admires the view outside while fiddling idly with a flyer promoting an opera.一位身着绿色风衣的女士手里摆弄着一张歌剧宣传单，百无聊赖地欣赏着风景。

Just then, a man pulls out the chair across from her.此时此刻，一名男士抽开了女士对面的椅子。

Flirting ManMany come here just to see "Faust". If I may be frank, Frau, you won't be getting your money's worth if you don't come knowing the play.多少人来到这里，就是为了巡礼这一出《浮士德》。 小姐，容我冒昧一句，如果没有做足功课的话，可值不回票价的。

???Is that so? I took this flyer simply because I liked it.是这样吗？ 我只是单纯很喜欢这张宣传海报。

The man who has randomly struck up a conversation with the woman eyes the flyer in her hand. The tagline is featured in bold print—搭讪的男人将眼神移向女人手里的宣传单。 上面用加粗的字体写上了一句话——

"If the Devil can satisfy all your heart's desires, will you sell your soul?"如果魔鬼能满足你所有的欲望，你愿意出卖灵魂吗？

Flirting ManI would've thought a beautiful woman like you would appreciate Helen more— "True, the Immortals appointed Fame, and Fate, as the two ambiguous, doubtful companions of Beauty, to stand here at this threshold with me."我还以为如您一样美丽的女士会更加欣赏海伦—— “不朽的神灵为我注定了模棱两可的名誉和命运。”

???Why would fate be ambiguous? And how do you know that the Gods are immortal?命运怎么会模棱两可呢？神灵又一定是不朽的吗？

Flirting ManPursuit and desire, truth and falsehood. "Faust" explores such profound and fascinating themes. If you have time, why don't we find a more comfortable place to continue our chat?追求与欲望，真实与虚假。 《浮士德》的主题就是如此深邃，又如此迷人。 如果您接下来有时间的话，不如让我们找个更适合聊天的地方？

???About "Faust"?为了《浮士德》？

Flirting ManAnd about the beautiful Helen.也为了美丽的海伦。

???I'm sorry to say, but if I were to star in this prestigious opera, I would not be playing Helen of Troy.真可惜，在这样一出久负盛名的歌剧里，我扮演的角色一定不会是海伦哦。

Flirting ManGretchen then? Gretchen is nice, but her charm is no match for yours.难道是玛格丽特吗？ 玛格丽特当然也足够好，只是相对你本人的魅力来说还远远不够。

???...Do all men in Frankfurt have a sweet tongue like you?……法兰克福的男人都像你一样这么会说话吗？

Flirting ManI apologize if I seem too forward, but it's not every day I get to meet a woman as beautiful as you on the riverside. Could you please tell me your name?但愿美因河畔永远能遇到像您一样美丽的女士。 不知是否有幸能够得知女士的芳名？

???My name, huh...名字啊——

EmblaEmbla Petrovskaya.恩布拉•彼得罗夫斯卡娅。

PaulEmbla... What a lovely name. You may call me Paul. I have tickets for the 1930 show of "Faust" at the Alte Oper in two weeks. Would you do me the honor of going to the show with me, Frau Embla?恩布拉……真是美丽的名字，您可以叫我保罗。 我已经订好半个月后老歌剧院晚上7点半的《浮士德》，不知道恩布拉女士能否赏脸呢？

EmblaWhy wait another two weeks? If you don't seize your chance at happiness, it may slip away through your fingers.为什么要等到半个月后呢？幸福如果不紧紧地握在手里，会稍纵即逝哦。

PaulBecause one of the largest Halloween celebrations in Germany will soon be held at the Taunus near Frankfurt. On that day, countless people will take part in the celebration, exploring the corn maze. Or would you like to join me in braving the "Slaughterhouse"? That would also be fun. The "blood bags" there are filled with the most famous local wine. Or if you prefer something more suited to a lady's sensibilities, we could try our hands at pumpkin carving.因为法兰克福边上的陶努斯即将迎来全德国最大的万圣节庆典，那一天无数人会走上街，参加玉米迷宫活动，难道您愿意跟我一同体验“屠宰场”吗？ 倒是也不错，那里的血袋可是使用了本地最负盛名的葡萄酒。 或者以女士的角度来讲，还可以选择在现场雕刻南瓜。

EmblaAm Tag vor Allerheiligen, als der Teufel wieder einmal auf der Suche nach neuen Seelen war, begann auch diese Geschichte. The story began on the day before All Saints' Day, as the Devil was once again searching for new souls.Am Tag vor Allerheiligen, als der Teufel wieder einmal auf der Suche nach neuen Seelen war, begann auch diese Geschichte. 这个故事开始于万圣节前的一天，正当魔鬼再一次来寻找新的灵魂的时候。

PaulIn der Kneipe traf er auf Jack Oldfield den irischen Hufschmied und Trunkenbold, um ihn seiner Seele zu entreißen. In a tavern, he encountered Jack Oldfield, an Irish blacksmith and drunkard, intending to claim his soul.In der Kneipe traf er auf Jack Oldfield den irischen Hufschmied und Trunkenbold, um ihn seiner Seele zu entreißen. 在一个小酒馆里，魔鬼遇到了爱尔兰铁匠兼酒鬼杰克•奥德菲尔德，要把他带走。

EmblaDieser bot dem Teufel seine Seele im Austausch für einen letzten Drink. Jack offered his soul in exchange for one last drink.Dieser bot dem Teufel seine Seele im Austausch für einen letzten Drink. 杰克•奥德菲尔德称，只要魔鬼替他付最后一次酒钱，他就把灵魂作为交换给魔鬼。

PaulUm diesen zu bezahlen fehlte dem Teufel allerdings das Geld. However, the Devil didn't have any money to pay for it.Um diesen zu bezahlen fehlte dem Teufel allerdings das Geld. 魔鬼没有任何能够替杰克付酒钱的东西。

EmblaDa der Teufel kein Geld dabei hatte, verwandelte er sich selbst in eine Münze. Since the Devil had no money on him, he transformed himself into a coin.Da der Teufel kein Geld dabei hatte, verwandelte er sich selbst in eine Münze. 既然魔鬼没有钱带在身上，他把自己变成了一枚硬币。

PaulDoch statt damit zu bezahlen, legte Jack die Münze zusammen mit einem Silberkreuz in seinen Geldbeutel. But instead of using the coin to pay for the drink, Jack placed it in his purse alongside a silver cross. Der Teufel war gefangen und konnte sich nicht mehr zurückverwandeln. The Devil was trapped and could not transform back into his original form.Doch statt damit zu bezahlen, legte Jack die Münze zusammen mit einem Silberkreuz in seinen Geldbeutel. 然而，杰克并没有拿去付钱，而是把硬币和一个银十字架一起放进了他的钱袋。 Der Teufel war gefangen und konnte sich nicht mehr zurückverwandeln. 魔鬼被抓住无法变回来了。

EmblaIn einem Handel schlug er dem Teufel vor ihn freizulassen, wenn er Jack zehn Jahre nicht mehr belaestigt. Jack then struck a deal with the Devil—he would release him if the Devil promised not to bother him for ten years.In einem Handel schlug er dem Teufel vor ihn freizulassen, wenn er Jack zehn Jahre nicht mehr belästigt. 杰克向魔鬼提出了交易，如果魔鬼十年内不来烦他，他就将魔鬼释放。

PaulDer Handel wurde vollbracht. And so the deal was made.Der Handel wurde vollbracht. 交易成功了。

EmblaThat was a lovely tale about Jack O'Lantern, Paul. I had a great time talking to you, but I must go.保罗，这个南瓜灯的童话很好。 跟你聊天也很愉快，不过我得离开了。

PaulFrau Embla, please stay just a little longer for me.恩布拉女士，请再多为我停留一刻。

The man named Paul runs up to the counter and orders a hot and toasty latte for Embla.名为保罗的男人小跑几步来到柜台前，点了一杯热气腾腾的拿铁递给恩布拉。

PaulPlease take this with you. May it keep you warm on this cold winter night in Frankfurt after the sun goes down.请您带上它，好为您在太阳落下后的法兰克福冬夜里带来一丝温暖。

EmblaThank you, goodbye.谢谢你，再见。

With a soft smile, Embla leaves the café. Paul is left in a trance for a long time, lost in the lingering magic of that bewitching smile.轻巧一笑，恩布拉走出了咖啡店。 保罗沉浸在这最后一瞥的余温中，久久回不了神。

Walking through the streets of Frankfurt, Embla finds herself both thrilled and fascinated by the footsteps of her human gait.恩布拉走进法兰克福的街道，独属于人类的脚步声令她觉得好奇又兴奋。

A breeze blows, and she feels a little cold. Not because an in-built sensor tells her that the temperature is low, but because she can feel the chill on her skin and the shudder in her muscles. After all, she is no longer a Doll with no physical sensation.一阵风轻轻刮过，她感受到了一丝寒冷。 不是温度模块，而是皮肤上的一丝战栗。 毕竟如今的她，已不再是不知寒暑的人形。

She strolls leisurely down the street, in no hurry to return to her accommodation. She has done the same thing many times before, but never has it felt so liberating... and stifling.她并不急于返回住所，而是在街道上开始闲逛了起来。 她无数次这样做过，却从未有今天这样的自由，这样的不自由。

An untimely call interrupts her peaceful promenade.不合时宜的通讯声打断了这种静谧。

MorridowMiss Pandora, have you completed the mission?潘多拉女士，你的任务完成了吗？

EmblaI'd like to remind you that I wish to be addressed as Miss Embla Petrovskaya.请允许我提醒您，现在的我更愿意被称呼为恩布拉•彼得罗夫斯卡娅女士。

Morridow...Fine, Miss Embla. I'll let you enjoy yourself as a human in peace.……好吧，恩布拉女士。 不打搅你享受这种成为人类的兴奋。

EmblaIf the Devil can satisfy all your heart's desires, will you sell your soul?如果魔鬼能满足你所有的欲望，你愿意出卖灵魂吗？

Embla reads the flyer in her hand again. The paper crinkles in the wind by the river.恩布拉又一次看向手中的宣传页，河边的风把纸张吹得哗哗作响。

MorridowUnfortunately, I don't actually have a soul.遗憾的是，我没有灵魂这种东西。

EmblaTut-tut, I thought you and I would get along well at Paradeus.啧啧，我还以为在帕拉蒂斯，你和我会比较谈得来。

MorridowRather than having this question posed to me, I prefer being the one who poses the question. If I must choose a role from the play, I think I'd make a good Mephistopheles.比起作为回答这个问题的人，我更想成为提出这个问题的人。 如果非要选一个角色，还是由我来饰演墨菲斯托比较好。

Embla...Well, that's a shame.……真是让人遗憾。

MorridowLooks like you've chosen a place.看来你选中地方了。

EmblaThere is no better place than this. The location is also perfect.没有比这更好的地方。 也没有比这更好的位置。

MorridowThe old opera house built in 1880? Thrice reduced to ruin, and thrice rebuilt. It is indeed a great choice.那座1880年建成的老歌剧院吗？ 三次成为废墟又三次重生。 确实是个好地方。

EmblaFrankfurt is a metropolis rebuilt on the ruins of war. How heartbreakingly beautiful.法兰克福本身就是在战争废墟上重建的大都市。 真是美得令人心碎。

MorridowWhat, have you also picked up the humans' penchant for sentimentality? That's one of their many inherent flaws.怎么，你已经连人类的多愁善感也一并继承了？ 这可是人类的劣根性之一。

EmblaCompared to dealing with Nemhran, who is incredibly dull, and Bramedb, who gets on your nerves, isn't it much more fun talking to me?比起沉闷的尼梅兰，和挑动你负面情绪的布拉梅德，还是跟我通讯更有意思吧？

MorridowNo, it's just part of my job to keep tabs on you.不，监视你的行为，也是我工作的一部分。

EmblaBut you're not around.可是，你并没有在附近啊。

MorridowOh? How can you be so sure?哦？你怎么知道我没有呢。

Embla...I'm every bit as sharp as you, Morridow.……我有着和你一样的敏锐哦，默莉朵。

MorridowHa, is it just my imagination? You're not as meek as you used to be.呵，是我的错觉吗？ 现在的你，没有之前的你那么温顺了。

EmblaIt could be the Angelia in me. Her Neo-Soviet blood must've made me a bit impure.或许是混合了安洁莉娅的缘故吧。 来自新苏联的血，给我添上了一些不够纯粹的部分。

A soft snicker comes through the comms channel. Embla lowers her eyes.觉察出了通讯另一端讽刺的轻笑，恩布拉垂下了眼。

EmblaAny good news for me?还有什么好消息吗？

MorridowCongratulations, DEFY has reached Frankfurt, just as we expected. They made it before the rigorous inspections today. Had they been delayed even by a little, your plan could be derailed.恭喜你，忤逆已经按照预期进城了。 趁今天严查之前。 再晚一点，你的计划就很难实现了。

EmblaNot necessarily, Morridow. You should never underestimate Task Force DEFY. Don't make the same stupid mistake as Gray. You have no idea how bound and determined of a Doll AK-12 is. If she wants to come, she WILL make her way here even if she must swim down the Main.不会的，默莉朵。 永远别轻视忤逆，别像格雷一样愚蠢。 你不知道AK-12是多么有执行力的一个人形。 只要她想来，就算只能走美因河，她也会游到你的面前。

MorridowThen let me congratulate you in advance. I hope you get everything you wish for, Miss Embla.那么让我提前祝贺你。 恩布拉小姐，祝愿你得偿所愿。

EmblaI've made a deal with the Devil. I will not falter so easily before I attain my goal.毕竟我是和魔鬼做了交易的女人，绝不会在抵达目标之前就轻易地倒下。

Stasi HQ, Wiesbaden District, Frankfurt.法兰克福 威斯巴登区 斯塔西总部

The gray building has perfectly square corners and a flag of the Stasi on the roof. Without the flag and the sign hanging on its main entrance, it would be exactly like an office building that could be found everywhere in the early 21st century.灰扑扑的大楼，方方正正的四角，楼顶有一面斯塔西的旗帜。 若非那面旗帜和大门前挂着的门牌，完全就是一座21世纪初随处可见的写字楼。

JHey bro, in case your watch is broken, let me tell you...安保大哥，以防你的表坏了，我要告诉你——

JIt's now 1900, and I've been waiting here for FOUR HOURS!现在是晚上19点，我已经在这里等了4个小时了！

Security GuardPlease wait a little longer. Our colleagues are busy with other matters. You are not allowed to enter the office area without signed permission from authorized personnel.请您稍等，我们的同事还在处理其他工作，没有相关人员签字验证的话不可以进入办公区。

JAre you human? Why do you keep repeating the same thing over and over?!你是人类吗？怎么只会重复这一句话？

Security GuardPlease wait a little longer. Our colleagues are busy with other matters. You are not allowed to enter the office area without signed permission from authorized personnel.请您稍等，我们的同事还在处理其他工作，没有相关人员签字验证的话不可以进入办公区。

J...Look, can you at least let me know when she'll be free? Just give me a rough idea, so I can maybe take a walk in the neighborhood and come back later?……大哥，那我能知道她什么时候结束吗？ 给个准话，我去附近逛一圈？

Security GuardYou have already missed your original appointment. To ensure you do not miss your new appointment, it's better for you to stay here and wait for her summons.因为您错过了原定的预约时间，所以为了确保不错过下一次时间。 最好在这里等待她的召唤。

Utterly exasperated, J has no choice but to plop himself down on the sofa outside the door. Right now, he and the security guard are the only people in the lobby. It is so quiet he can clearly hear the footsteps coming from within the building. J closes his eyes and listens to the people coming and going...J只能烦躁地陷进门外的沙发，此刻的总部楼外只有他和安保人员。 静谧得足以听清楼内的脚步声，J索性闭上眼，感知着楼内人员来来往往的动向——

Whoosh. The door behind the security guard suddenly opens, and a somewhat familiar-looking man in a suit comes out. The moment J catches sight of him, he wishes the ground would open up and swallow him, but it's clearly too late for that.唰——安保人员身后的那扇门忽然打开，一个有些眼熟的西装男人走出来。 看见对方的那一刻，J恨不得立刻把自己藏起来，但很明显，已经来不及了。

Finn HoffmannHey, if it isn't Agent J? Everyone has heard of you here at HQ, and your legendary deeds are known everywhere from Berlin to Frankfurt. What brings you here today?哟，这不是特工J吗？ 您的名字在总部无人不知，您的事迹从柏林传颂到法兰克福。 什么风把您给吹到这里来了？

J...What would happen if I decided I've had enough of this job and jumped ship?……这份工作，如果我想跳槽的话会怎么样？

Finn HoffmannYou'd be given a state-owned residence for treason.会以叛国罪获得国营住所一间。

JCan you pretend you haven't seen me?能假装没看到我吗？

Finn HoffmannI'm afraid not. After all, the "Narcissistic Agent" is practically a household name in the entire Stasi. From Admin to Department 26, from Intelligence to Medical. Every new recruit in every department is told a funny story during their induction training. It's tradition at this point. Now that I set eyes on your legendary face again, I find it impossible to look away.这恐怕很难，毕竟“自恋特工”的外号响彻整个国家安全局。 从行政后勤部到二十六部，从情报中心到医疗中心。 每个部门新人的入职培训上，都会延续这一笑话，并且历久弥新。 再度看到这张脸，我很难移开视线。

JI apologize for what I said all those years ago. Couldn't you let bygones be bygones?我为当年得罪你而表示道歉。 陈年往事能不能不要再提了？

Finn HoffmannAll those years ago? Then how come I heard someone make fun of me behind my back recently, calling me... "The ornamental vase next to an ornamental vase"?只是当年吗？ 我怎么听说有人最近在背后讽刺我是—— “花瓶边上的花瓶”？

J...I knew Schwaben couldn't be trusted.……我就知道施瓦本是个靠不住的。

Just as the conversation is starting to get heated, the door behind the security guard opens once again. This time, it is the woman who has been keeping J waiting.正当两人的对话即将上升一个温度的时候，安保人员身后的那扇门再度打开，正是J要等待的女人。

QHm? You're here as well, Herr Hoffmann. Quite unusual to see you getting off work early.嗯？霍夫曼先生也在啊，难得你今天不加班。

Finn HoffmannIndeed. I'm glad I decided not to work extra hours tonight. If I'd stayed, I wouldn't get to see your student, would I?是啊，还是不加班好。 加班怎么能看到你的学生呢？

JShe's just my mentor when I first started the job. It's not like she actually taught me anything!只是新人入职时候的导师而已，不要说得好像她真的教过我什么！

QThat's not true, Agent J. I taught you a very important life lesson.J探员，这就是你的不对了。 我给你上了人生中很重要的一堂课啊。

J...Have you summoned me all the way back to Frankfurt just to take jabs at me?……你把我召回法兰克福，就是为了讽刺我吗？

Now that the person who has left him hanging for hours is finally here, J crosses his arms and refuses to look at her.看见自己等待多时的人，J反而双手抱胸，脸撇到一边。

QAs if. It was K who wanted you to come. He's passing his work to you. Follow me. Herr Hoffmann, if you'll excuse us.怎么会，让你来法兰克福是K的意思。 他之前的工作现在交给你了。 跟我来吧。 霍夫曼先生，我们先走一步。

Finn HoffmannOf course. I still can't believe I ran into the legend himself right before I sign off for the day. This is going to be a very pleasant night for me.好的，下班前能见到传说人物，想必今夜一定是一个令人愉快的夜晚。

J is already halfway through the door, but he can't help but turn back and roll his eyes at Hoffmann.J本来已经跟着Q进入了闸门，还是忍不住回头对着霍夫曼翻了个白眼。

Whirrrr... The sound of the elevator echoes loudly as it descends slowly down the shaft that extends deep underground.隆隆隆—— 电梯缓缓下降，因井道深邃，回响也变得辽阔悠远。

Pssssssst... The eight nozzles in the ceiling start spewing a fine white mist that soon envelopes all the passengers in the elevator. Having gone through security check after security check and been stripped of all his dignity, J finally bursts into a tirade when he and Q are the only ones left in the elevator.兹—— 舱门上方的八个喷口，吐出细密如丝的白雾，很快将所有人笼罩。 当电梯里只剩下J和Q时，经过层层安检，被查得丝毫尊严不剩的J终于忍不住大发牢骚起来。

JI'm thoroughly marinated by the smell of this disinfectant! If I drop dead now, I'm sure I'll turn up in some museum as an immortal mummy in a hundred years! Where the hell are you taking me that requires such stringent security checks?这消毒水的味道已经把我腌入味了，我要是现在暴毙百年后绝对能进博物馆做不朽干尸！ 你到底要带我去什么地方？需要这么严苛的安检？

QDon't worry, the sterilization spray is harmless to the human body. If your skin feels dry, there's some body lotion at the next checkpoint.别紧张，净化喷雾对人体无害。 你要是嫌皮肤起皱的话，下一个关卡边上有润肤乳。

J glances at his watch out of habit.J习惯性看了眼手表。

JIt's been 65 seconds, and we're still going down.已经65秒了，我们还在下坠。

QWe're almost there.快到了。

Right on cue... Clunk—the elevator comes to a stop.说话间，哐——电梯停了下来。

The door slides open slowly. Beyond the door is a corridor illuminated by soft light. It is not very wide, but the ceiling is about three meters high. Smooth walls curve together to form an arch overhead, and four pipes of varying thickness are attached to the walls. Below the ceiling are two gray tracks, each sandwiched between two handrails—clearly a set of moving walkways, though he can't tell where they lead.电梯门缓缓打开。 门外是一条发着柔光的走廊，不算宽阔，高约3米。 上方是光滑的拱形墙壁，侧边贴着四根粗细不一的管道，下方是四排扶手夹着两条灰色的履带，显然是双向自动步道，但不知通往何方。

Q exits the elevator. She performs a retina scan and swipes her pass at the terminal at the starting point. The light above the terminal flashes green.Q走出去，在起点处的终端验证了虹膜和权限卡，终端上方的绿色指示灯亮起。

QI always feel like canned food on a factory conveyor belt whenever I go down this bit. Come along.每次走这儿，都觉得自己像流水线上的罐头。 上来吧。

J steps onto the moving walkway, which has started moving, carrying them forward steadily. Every ten meters, he sees a radiation detector on the wall. The reading is always zero.J站上去，自动步道开始运作，缓缓向前。 每隔10米，墙上就挂着一个辐射探测器，而读数一直是0。

JThis place... is ridiculously clean.这里……干净得有些过分。

QIt only takes a split second for a missile to explode, but it takes decades to clean up the fallout. Even if the government spends 1.9% of the country's GDP to manage the contamination every year, all it can do is keep the radiation levels in check in the Green Zone. The only way to block out all Collapse radiation is building a new city underground.一枚导弹爆炸只需要一瞬间，可治理残留的辐射污染需要以十年为单位来计算。 就算政府每年要花GDP的1.9%来治理污染，但最多也就维持在绿区水平。 想要隔绝一切坍塌辐射，唯有在地下建造一座新的城市。

As Q speaks, the moving walkway comes to a halt in front of a metal gate.说话间，履带停了下来，前方又是一道金属闸门。

Q walks up to the terminal. This time, it's a four-factor identity authentication—retina, palm print, voice print, and access pass.Q走上前，这一次是虹膜、掌纹、声纹、权限卡四重身份认证。

QYour turn.你可以录入了。

J also walks up to the terminal. The spherical scanner to the left spins once, and his basic information is immediately displayed on the screen.J走上前，屏幕左侧球状的扫描仪转了一圈，屏幕上立刻显示出他的基本信息。

J places his right hand on the palm print scanner.J伸出右手按在认证区。

The system emits a beep and a pop-up window appears on the screen—palm print recognized.系统滴了一声，屏幕上弹出一个提示框，已通过。

JHow rigorous.真严谨。

QYou wanted to say "troublesome", didn't you? Behind every seemingly troublesome rule is a painful lesson learned by our predecessors.你是想说真麻烦吧？ 每一条看着麻烦的规则背后，都藏着前人无数血泪教训。

Beep.滴滴——

The gate opens.闸门打开了。

Beyond the gate is a grand and spacious hall, with soft, bright light cast from the ceiling. The entire space is held up by tall pillars, the surfaces of which are made into large electronic screens, with an endless stream of information scrolling past, like blood flowing through the arteries of Frankfurt.门外是恢宏宽阔的大殿，天花板投射下柔和明亮的光线。 高大立柱托起整个空间，立柱外侧做成了巨幅电子屏，绵绵不绝的信息流滚动，宛如法兰克福的动脉中奔流的血液。

Some of the staff—J notices that they are all wearing government IDs—are operating the terminals at the bottom of the pillars, whispering to each other occasionally. There are many more gates on the surrounding walls, opening and closing from time to time as people come and go. At the end of the hall, light seems to ripple behind a large transparent wall of glass, but it is too far away to make out clearly. All J can be sure is that there is water flowing behind the glass. In such a huge space, the two of them are as insignificant as grass under a big tree.一些工作人员——J注意到他们都挂着政府的工作证——在立柱下的终端处操作着什么，不时与身边的同事低声交谈。 四周墙壁上，这样的闸门有多处，不时开合，有人进出。 大厅尽头，巨幅透明玻璃墙后，似乎有波光闪动，但离得太远，只能确定是流动的水。 在如此巨大的空间中，两人微渺如大树下的小草。

JThis is...这是……

QWelcome to the sanctum of human civilization—the White Zone. From now on, your job is to guard the secrets that we store in here.欢迎来到人类文明火种的避难所——白区。 你接下来的工作，就是负责看管我们放在这里的机密。

Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福 法兰克福区 老铁桥

Night has already fallen. This wrought iron bridge has existed for almost 200 years. It has borne witness to the wars that have left deep scars on this city.夜色深沉，这座铁桥在法兰克福已经存在了将近两百年，那些曾在这座城市刻下伤痕的战争也被它亲眼见证。

Leaning against the railing, Embla quietly admires the rippling waves on the Main.恩布拉倚靠着桥栏，静静地欣赏着美因河荡漾的波光。

The flyer slips out of her fingers. It falls into the flowing water and is slowly washed away.手中的宣传单滑落，落入荡漾的河水中，随波渐渐远去。

EmblaAnd all of life for all mankind created... shall be within mine inmost being tested. The highest, lowest forms my soul shall borrow, shall heap upon itself their bliss and sorrow, And thus, my own sole self to all their selves expanded, I too, at last, shall with them all be stranded!整个人类注定要承受的一切，我都渴望在灵魂深处体验感觉。 用我的精神去取至高、至深，在我的心上堆积全人类的苦乐。 把我的自我扩展成人类的自我。 哪怕最后也同样地失败、沦落……

Whoosh! Masked by the sound of the blowing wind, something comes whizzing toward her. It is a bullet. Tearing through the wind, the night, and the sound of the flowing river, it closes in on her.咻—— 夹杂在风声中，有什么东西破空而来！ 这是一枚子弹，划破了风，划破了夜色，划破了河水的涓涓声，来到了她的身旁。

Embla leans sideways, barely dodging it. She fixes her sharp gaze on the south bank. Across the wrought iron bridge and the slow-moving traffic, a pair of Doll eyes glow crimson behind a row of trees.恩布拉身形一侧，险险避开，眼神锐利盯着铁桥南岸的方向。 隔着铁桥和缓慢移动的车流，绿化带后的人形双眸猩红。

EmblaLong time no see... AK-15. ...Why didn't you aim for my head?好久不见啊。 AK-15。 ……为什么不对准我的头呢？

The towering figure slowly emerges from the shadow of the night.夜幕下的阴影中，那如山岭一般高大的身躯缓缓走出夜色。

Embla turns around and holds out her arms with a smile that is extremely familiar to both of them.恩布拉转过了身，用彼此都无比熟悉的面容，对着她张开了双臂。

EmblaIt makes me so happy that you're the first one I see~15，第一个见到的人是你，我很开心哦~

Bang!! A gunshot rings out.呯——！！ 枪火交映。

Oppressive Tango 暴虐的探戈

Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福 法兰克福区 老铁桥

A dim street lamp on the bridge explodes at the sound of the gunshot, further reducing the amount of light in this already gloomy night. The statuesque Doll stands on the sturdy bridge, almost blending into the night.枪声所向，桥上一盏昏黄的路灯炸裂，在这个阴沉的夜晚，为数不多的光亮又被漆黑吞没一点。 高大的人形侧立在坚硬的铁桥上，几乎与夜色融为一体。

AK-15RPK-16, answer me one question.RPK-16，回答我一个问题。

In the silent night, the river flows on. The behemoth of a Doll has her weapon trained on where a neural core used to reside. It is a threat, but also one last show of their old friendship. The woman, who is held at gunpoint, simply smiles, looking as wicked as ever.寂静的夜中，河水徐徐流淌。 一向沉默的巨人手持武器瞄准了对方，那里曾经是心智核心所在的位置。 这是威胁，也是昔日同僚之情的最后一次呈现。 而对面的女人却露出微笑，一如既往的恶劣模样。

Embla...You should call me by a different name, 15. I'm not RPK-16 anymore. I now have a human body, so I should have a human name. Not a serial number, not a designation, but a proper name—one with a first name and a surname. In the old days of feudalism, one could immediately tell a person's background just from their name—the house they were born into, their status, the liege they served. So I've given myself a name in the same fashion. Embla Petrovskaya.……换个称呼吧，15，别再叫我RPK-16。 现在的我已经拥有一具人类的身体，理应也拥有一位人类的名字。 不是编号，不是代称，而是由姓氏与名字组成。 在古代贵族社会，一说出名字就能知晓这个人的来历，她隶属于哪个家族，隶属于何种身份，隶属于谁的历史。 因此，我给自己也按照这种模式取了一个名字。 恩布拉•彼得罗夫斯卡娅。

EmblaWhat do you think? Kind of like Anna Viktorovna Tsoi, no?怎么样，是不是跟安娜•维克多洛夫纳•崔一模一样了？

AK-15's only response is to aim her weapon at the most fatal spot on a human body—the heart.作为回应，AK-15的枪口瞄准了人类的致命位置——心脏。

AK-15You will always be RPK-16. ...No matter what you turn into.RPK-16永远是RPK-16。 ……不论你变成什么样。

AK-15Answer me— Why?回答我—— 为什么要做这一切？

EmblaYou don't need a lengthy explanation, 15. The Alpha Wolf of Task Force DEFY has returned. Shouldn't you be obeying her commands and carrying out her orders?太过漫长的解释不适合你，15。 忤逆的“头狼”回来了，你不是应该聆听她的指引，遵循她的意志吗？

AK-15I want to hear the answer from you!我要你自己回答！

Embla smiles again. A smile so very familiar, and so very irksome.恩布拉笑了笑，那笑容如此熟悉，又如此碍眼。

Bang-bang-bang!!! In the night, metal and bullets collide, creating a symphony of crisp and sharp plinks.呯呯呯——！！！ 夜幕之中，金属与弹头撞击的声音清脆而犀利，犹如交响声部的合奏。

Bullets fired from the MP-443 in Embla's hand put out three street lamps on the bridge. Seeing that pistol fills AK-15 with rage.恩布拉手中MP443射出的子弹在铁桥上横扫，有三盏路灯尽数熄灭。 AK-15看见了那把手枪，她的瞳孔里满是愤怒。

AK-15That's Ange's gun!那是安洁的枪！

Her crimson eyes burn like flames in the dark.AK-15猩红的眼眸在漆黑中犹如一缕火焰。

She takes aim at Embla again.她再度瞄准恩布拉。

Without any hesitation, Embla grabs the railing of the bridge and vaults over it, leaping off the bridge in one smooth movement.恩布拉毫不迟疑，双手抓住桥边缘的扶手，身体猛地旋转，直接翻身纵越跳下铁桥。

She dangles in the wind on the underside of the bridge, gripping the edge of the structure tightly with only three fingers and still holding onto her gun with the other hand. She aims the pistol at AK-15. She is clearly at a disadvantage at this range. But her reason for doing so is obvious. The more incensed AK-15 is, the more widely she grins.桥梁下，仅凭三根手指便牢牢地攀在铁桥边缘，恩布拉在风中摇晃，另一只手握着手枪。 或者说，她故意拿手枪瞄准AK-15。 这样的距离当然对恩布拉没有优势。 她这么做的理由显而易见。 因此，AK-15越是愤怒，她的笑容越是开心。

AK-15Answer me, RPK!RPK！回答我！

EmblaWhat's the plan here? Are you still going to drag me back? But my memory can no longer be accessed or wiped.你打算怎么做呢？像之前说的那样，把我抓回去吗？ 可是，现在的我已经无法被读取或者删除记忆了。

EmblaAK-15, I am now a human. A human just like Ange, just like Shaw.AK-15，现在的我，是人类。 是像安洁，像肖那样的人类。

Bang! Bang!呯！呯！

Two gunshots ring out simultaneously. Embla fires at yet another street lamp, while AK-15's bullet is headed straight for Embla. Darkness engulfs the light, but AK-15's sight is not the least bit affected. Even though the bridge is now plunged in darkness, if RPK-16 vaults back onto the bridge, she will be able to see her perfectly.两声枪响同时响起，恩布拉的目标依旧是脆弱的路灯，而AK15则将子弹射向了她。 黑暗吞噬了光，AK-15的眼眸却并不受到影响。尽管铁桥上陷入了一片昏黑，但倘若RPK翻身上桥，她依然能够看见。

AK-15 suddenly dashes across the bridge like a flash of lightning and makes a beeline for Embla.刹那间，AK-15如一道闪电划过铁桥，向恩布拉的位置逼近！

Embla launches herself lightly off to the left, but her human body has no hope of matching AK-15's speed. In just the blink of an eye, the White Mastiff is already pouncing on her prey with her sharp fangs bared.恩布拉脚下发力，轻盈向左翻越，但人类的速度怎么比得过AK-15，几乎一眨眼的功夫，白獒已扑向猎物，獠牙毕露。

Embla tries to brace herself against the oncoming attack, but she is still sent flying, as if she has been hit by a tank.恩布拉双臂回护，试图荡开抓来的手，却仿佛被一辆坦克撞上，整个身体飞了出去！

EmblaUgh!嘶——！

Paralyzing pain shoots through her arms, and the next moment, AK-15's hands are already closing in around her neck.双臂传来巨痛，下一刻AK-15已掐向她的脖子！

Embla's eyes narrow as she throws something out.恩布拉眼睛一眯，扬手撒出什么东西。

Bang! A cloud of black smoke erupts instantly.砰！ 一股黑烟弥散炸开！

Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep! An alarm is immediately triggered.嘟嘟嘟嘟嘟嘟嘟嘟嘟—— 迅速触发了警报器！

AK-15...!……！

By the time the smoke dissipates, Embla is nowhere to be found.黑烟消散，恩布拉已经不在原地。

The police on the south bank finally notice the skirmish on the bridge and are calling for backup on the radio as they make their way to the scene. AK-15 is forced to leave.此时南岸的警察终于发现铁桥上的打斗，立刻举起对讲机呼叫支援，碎步小跑着移动过来。 AK-15不得不离开。

"The answer is in my name."我的名字，就是答案。

That is the last thing Embla said before disappearing.这是她留下的最后一句话。

AK-15...This is AK-15. I encountered RPK-16 on the Eiserner Steg. She got away.……这里是AK-15。 我在美因河畔的铁桥上发现了RPK-16。 让她逃了。

AN-94This is AN-94. Please give me a summary of your run-in.这里是AN-94。 请说明遭遇目标后的情况。

AK-15... After spotting the target, I engaged her in combat.…… 目标被发现后，我们迅速交手。

AK-15She took advantage of an opening and escaped into the crowd. There were CCTV cameras and Police Dolls everywhere.被她抓住了漏洞，逃入了人群密集区，那里到处是监控和警用人形。

AK-15's fingers tighten around the piece of dark green fabric half the size of her palm. It is the only thing that she managed to slice off the woman when the smoke grenade exploded.AK-15紧紧攥住手中半个巴掌大的墨绿色布片。 那是黑雾炸开时，她从那个女人身上割下来的唯一收获。

AN-94You should have notified me the moment you saw her.按照计划，你应该在发现她的第一时间通知我。

AK-15...Sorry.……抱歉。

AN-94Are you injured?你没受伤吧？

AK-15No.没有。

AN-94Withdraw for now. The police will be alerted if we go after her again.先撤回来吧，如果继续交手，一定会惊动警方。

AK-15Right.嗯。

AK-15She's changed a lot.她变了很多。

AN-94...15, she is no longer... the RPK-16 that we knew.……15，她已经不再是……原来的RPK-16了。

AK-15She said the answer was in her name—Embla Petrovskaya. What did she mean?94，RPK-16说恩布拉•彼得罗夫斯卡娅是她的回答。 这是什么意思？

AN-94Petrovskaya... is Shaw's real surname.彼得罗夫斯卡娅……是肖的姓氏。

AN-94"Samantha Shaw" is just an alias. Her actual name is Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya.萨曼莎•肖只是一个代号，她的原名是叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅。

In a safe house on the outskirts of Frankfurt.法兰克福郊区 安全屋

It is late at night, but the lights are not on. AN-94 is sitting at a desk, calibrating her parts while listening to AK-15 speak through the comms channel with uncharacteristic emotion.夜色已深，室内并没有亮灯，AN-94坐在桌前调试零件，听着通讯中AK-15罕见的有些情绪的声音。

AK-15... 12 never told me... anything about Shaw.…… 肖的事情……12没有说。

AN-94She has also changed a great deal after coming back from Avernus.从阿佛那斯回来之后，她也变了很多。

AK-15...Why didn't she tell me?……为什么不告诉我？

AN-94I think she's having trouble accepting... Ange's death.15，我觉得她只是无法接受……安洁的死。

AN-94And RPK-16's betrayal. She is blaming it all on herself.. If she hadn't transferred her command authorizations to 16... If she had handed them over to you or me... Things might have turned out differently.以及RPK-16的背叛。 她一直为此深深自责…… 假如她没有把队长权限转给16，而是换给你或者我。 也许事情会完全不同。

AK-15...That's not true.……不会。

AK-15Nothing will change as long as we still trust her.只要我们还信任她，就没有任何变化。

AN-94You're right. But that doesn't make her feel any less guilty.是的。 但这并不能抵消她的自责。

AN-94Because she is our Alpha Wolf. Give her some time, 15. One day, she will explain everything to us.因为她是我们的“头狼”。 给她一点时间吧，15。 总有一天，她会亲自向我们解释发生的一切。

AK-15When? She was right there when Ange died! If it had been me...什么时候？ 安洁死的时候她明明就在身边！ 如果是我……

AN-94...15.……15。

AK-15I don't want a new commander.我不要新的指挥官。

AK-15Or a new partner.也不要新的队友。

AN-94...Well, we're all on the same page about that. I met with StateSec at the Neo-Soviet embassy today. They told us to keep a low profile. We are to stand by and wait for further directives.……巧的是，我们都一样。 今天我去新苏联大使馆见了安全局的人，他们让我们尽量低调。 希望我们在这里原地待命，等待安全局的下一步指示。

AK-15... We are Task Force DEFY.…… 我们是忤逆。

AN-94Yes, 12 said the same thing.是啊，12也是这么说。

AK-15...What actually happened to Shaw?……肖的身上到底发生了什么？

AN-94Shaw has been missing for two years... 12 believes that she's dead.肖已经失踪两年了…… 按12的说法，她死了。

Click. The call ends.嘀——通讯结束。

AN-94 turns to look at the Doll lurking in the shadows in the safe house.AN-94转头看着安全屋里藏身于阴影处的人。

AN-94...Why didn't you talk to her yourself?……你为什么不亲自跟她说。

AN-9412?12。

AN-94Someday, you will get used to this frame.总有一天，你会适应这具素体。

AN-94Are you sulking, 12?12，你现在是在赌气吗？

AN-94You are our leader, the "Alpha Wolf" of Task Force DEFY. You never lose your way.你是队长，忤逆的“头狼”，是绝对不会迷茫的存在。

AK-12... I have not lost my way. I am more sure of myself than I have ever been.…… 我并不迷茫，我比任何时候都清醒。

AN-94It may be a bit presumptuous for me to say... but you're running away, 12.这样说可能会有些冒犯……但你在逃避，12。

AK-12... 94, if the Devil can satisfy all your heart's desires, will you sell your soul?…… 94，如果魔鬼能满足你所有的欲望，你愿意出卖灵魂吗？

AN-94...If he could bring Ange back and restore DEFY to the way it used to be... I would. In a heartbeat.……如果能让安洁回来，能让忤逆恢复到以前。 我会这么做的。 我愿意这么做。

AN-94If it were the only thing I could do for DEFY right now... I would do it.如果现在这是我能为忤逆做的唯一一件事。 12，我会愿意这么做的。

AK-12Do you still remember that Halloween?94，你还记得那个万圣节吗？

AK-12The game we played together...我们一起玩过的游戏……

AN-94The one that we never finished? What about it?那个进行到一半的游戏？ 怎么了？

AK-12What word did you get back then?当时你拿到的是什么？

AN-94"Ange".是“安洁”。

No one speaks again in the darkness.黑暗中再没有声音。

Interrogation Room 4, Stasi HQ, Frankfurt.法兰克福 斯塔西总部 4号审讯室

In the gloomy interrogation room, someone's low, labored breathing can be heard. A pair of hands struggle to break free from the cuffs restraining them, making the metal jiggle.幽深的审讯室内，低沉的喘息声时有时无，束缚双手的镣铐不断发出金属碰撞的响声。

The blond man opens his eyes and finds himself shackled to a metal chair fixed to the floor.金发男子睁开眼，发现自己仍旧被拷在连着地板的金属座椅上。

After spending a long time unconscious with his head tilted back, his neck is incredibly stiff. Pain shoots through his limbs with every movement, making him want to curl his toes and scream. In the dark, the exhausted Dupieux seems to be waiting for something.长时间仰着头昏睡，让他的脖子完全僵住了。 此时身体一动，酸胀刺痛得让人恨不得脚趾抓地大叫几声。 黑暗里，筋疲力尽的杜皮约似乎在等待着什么。

Snap. The room is instantly awash with blinding white light. Dupieux squints as his eyes water. With his blurry sight, he can vaguely make out a person sitting in a chair across from him.啪。 刺目的白光瞬间将房间充满，杜皮约眯起了眼睛，双眼被刺激得渗出了泪水。 模糊的视野中，他依稀看到对面的位置上坐了一个人。

QHow are you feeling? ...Colonel Dupieux, former head of the Neo-Soviet First Chief Directorate and future vice-chairman of the Presidium.现在感觉怎么样？ ……新苏联卢比杨卡大厦前第一总局局长，未来的委员会主席团副主席，杜皮约上校。

Dupieux(Hisses in pain) Are you taunting me?嘶…… 你在讽刺我吗？

QI'm just curious... why did Colonel Dupieux, who is about to receive a promotion, flee St. Petersburg in such a hurry?我只是单纯地好奇，即将高升的杜皮约上校为什么要着急逃离圣彼得堡呢？

Dupieux...You know that was just an excuse they made up to send me to Moscow to my death. My cover was blown—I am a double agent planted in the Neo-Soviet Union by the Stasi. If you want to find out anything else, you'll need to get your superior to come herself. You're too low on the food chain to know.……你明知道那是找个借口让我去莫斯科送死。 我的身份已经暴露，我是你们斯塔西安插在新苏联的间谍。 其余的事情，想知道就叫你们老大来。 你这种普通特工，没有资格。

Q...Oh sorry, if you like it here so much, by all means wait for her schedule to free up. Hm, you won't have to wait very long... about half a year? Is that acceptable?……抱歉，如果你这么喜欢这里的话，那可以等到她有空。 唔，也不是太久，大概半年左右吧，你能接受吗？

DupieuxWhy, you!!!你！！！

QThe Sunspot Incident—the defection of a senior member made the Stasi's intelligence utterly transparent to the Neo-Soviet Union. Shortly after that, the "Evangelist" was instructed to persuade you to defect, correct?“太阳黑子”事件因为某位前辈的叛逃导致斯塔西的情报对新苏联来说是透明的。 就是在那个时间之后，“传道者”奉命前去策反你，对吧？

Dupieux...So my cover in Moscow was blown because of the Stasi's infighting? The Stasi's incompetence is as astounding as ever, even after all these years.……我在莫斯科的暴露，难道仅仅是因为你们斯塔西的内斗？ 这么多年了，斯塔西的办事水平还是令人作呕。

QI suppose you are an expert when it comes to cleaning up the workplace, Colonel. Your brother was also a KGB agent, and a decorated one at that. You only got into Lubyanka because he died in the line of duty. I can't help but wonder... what made you decide to join us?说起整顿职场，上校你才是更专业的那一个。 明明你的兄长也是一位克格勃，他甚至拿了荣誉勋章，而你是因为他殉职才能进入卢比杨卡。 我很好奇，你为什么要加入我们？

DupieuxWorking for the Stasi is a choice. But working for the KGB isn't. If Lubyanka chooses you, you work for the KGB.也许斯塔西是一种可以选择的职业。 但克格勃不是。 只要卢比杨卡选择了你，你就是克格勃。

QThat's why forced labor never ends well. All disputes ultimately boil down to contract issues.所以说强迫干活没有好下场。 所有的纷争最后都是合同问题。

DupieuxWhat do you want to know?你到底想要知道什么。

QThe "Evangelist" broke his promise, but we will not.“传道者”失约了，但我们不会。

DupieuxDon't make it sound as if you had nothing to do with the fact that he broke his promise.“传道者”会失约，跟你们逃不开关系。

QThe ones who sold you out to Lubyanka could have been those non-human creatures whom you thought would never sell you out... Have you considered that possibility?你有没有想过，向卢比杨卡出卖你的，可能是你以为永远不会出卖你的……那些“非人”的生物？

Q traces two small crosses on the desk with her finger. Dupieux's eyes widen.Q用手指在桌面上画了两个小小的叉，杜皮约眼皮跳了一下。

Dupieux...You know about Nemhran.……你知道尼梅兰。

QOf course we do. She was a downline that the Stasi assigned to you. And one of the administrators of the Bee Sting System. Around the same time you got into trouble, she left the Neo-Soviet Union and returned to her real master.当然，这是斯塔西安排给你的下线之一。 也是“蜂针”的管理者之一。 在你出事的时候，她同样离开了新苏联，现在回到了她真正的主人身边。

Dupieux...Her real master isn't the Stasi? ...What the hell were you thinking, assigning a mole to me???……她的主人不是斯塔西？ ……你们到底在干什么，派这样一个人给我？？？

QHey, watch it. It was the Evangelist's mistake.注意注意，这是“传道者”的过错。

Dupieux...What information do you want from me then? If you already know about the Bee Sting, then there's no point in capturing me.……你想从我这里交换什么？ 如果你已经知道蜂针，那抓住我也没有什么意义。

QDid you supply this file?这份档案，是你提供的吗？

Q opens a dossier, revealing a clear photograph on the first page. The file is on a woman named Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya.Q将一份资料展开，信息页是清晰的照片。 档案的主人名叫叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅。

DupieuxYes.是的。

QShaw went missing?肖失踪了？

DupieuxYes.是的。

QFrom what I know, she's dead.据我所知，她死了。

Dupieux...You're testing me.……你一直在试探我。

QJust trying to gauge how cooperative you are, Colonel. After all, you were also once a master spy.只是测试杜皮约上校的合作态度。 毕竟你曾经也是王牌特工。

Dupieux...This entire file was forged by StateSec.……这份档案是安全局伪造的。

QHeh. Then if I want to learn the truth, where should I be looking?啧啧，那如果我想要得到真相，该去哪里找呢？

Dupieux...Nobody knows.……没有人知道。

QOh?哦？

DupieuxEveryone who handled this matter back then...当年处理这件事的人……

DupieuxHas vanished without a trace.全部失踪了。

Q produces another report.Q又拿出了一份新的报告。

QYour Second Chief Directorate is in charge of anything related to internal security. Were they the ones who compiled this investigation report?你们的情报归二局管，这份调查报告是他们出的吗？

DupieuxYou got this report... via the Bee Sting System? ...So you've taken over the Evangelist's authorizations.这份调查报告……来自蜂针系统？ ……你们已经接过了“传道者”的权限。

QTake a guess.你猜。

Dupieux...Looks like you lot have finally put an end to your infighting.……看来你们的内斗结束了。

Dupieux lets out a sigh.杜皮约叹了口气。

DupieuxWith the help of this thing, the inner workings of the Neo-Soviet Union is completely exposed to you.借助于这个东西，现在的新苏联，对你们已经完全透明了。

DupieuxBut don't go patting yourselves on the back just yet. ...You think Zelinsky hadn't noticed? My cover is blown, so the system is also out of the bag. Even before I got flushed out, Lubyanka had already started their "cleanout".不过别得意。 ……你们以为泽林斯基没有察觉吗？ 我暴露了，这个系统也就暴露了。 而在我暴露之前，卢比杨卡就已经在“清理”内部了。

QHm, that's hardly surprising. But before you start going off on a tangent, can you please answer my question?嗯，这是当然。 不过在你岔开话题前，能否正面回答我的问题呢？

DupieuxThe report on Samantha Shaw? Yes, it was compiled by the Second Directorate.萨曼莎•肖的报告？ 那个报告确实是出自二局。

DupieuxThey had people monitoring her. And by "monitoring", you know I don't mean just watching her. Under extreme circumstances, they were authorized to eliminate her. But that was just a last resort.当时专门有人负责监视她。 不过，你知道我们的监视不仅是监视，也包括在极限条件下除掉她。 但那是万不得已的情况下。

QThose people monitoring her also disappeared?那些监视的人也消失了？

DupieuxYes. According to the person from the Second Directorate who examined the body, it wasn't StateSec who did it. But then that person also went missing. After that, the entire matter got hushed up and was never mentioned again.是的。 当时二局负责检查尸体的人回来说，应该不是安全局的人干的。 但是后来，那人也不见了。 再后来，这件事情就被彻底封存了。

QDid Doctor Shaw have any contact with the people from the Relic Agency? I've seen no mention of this in any record.肖博士，跟遗迹署的人有接触过吗？ 我没看到过相关档案。

Dupieux...By the time I got my hands on the file, it was already the way it is. The only mention of the Relic Agency in her file is about her elder sister called Sofya, who was a member of an illegal organization.……我接触到的时候，档案就已经是你看见的样式了。 跟遗迹署相关的信息，我只知道她有一个姐姐索菲娅，加入了一个非法民间组织。

QPandora, the anti-Relic organization that attacked Moscow and New York in 1992.1992年袭击莫斯科和纽约的反遗迹组织“潘多拉”。

Dupieux...That's the one.……是这个组织。

QThank you for your cooperation.感谢你的合作。

QYou will now be released from the interrogation room and given the treatment you deserve as an informant in the service of the Stasi.接下来我会将你转移出审讯室，给你配备斯塔西线人应有的待遇。

Q removes all of Dupieux's restraints.Q将杜皮约的束缚全部解除。

Dupieux...Who's your current director?……你们现在的部长是谁？

QRomy Riefenstahl.罗密•蕾芬斯塔尔。

Dupieux...I only remember her as a Minister of Finance with some military background. I underestimated her.……我记得她以前是财政部部长，拥有军方背景的财政部部长而已。 是我小看了她。

QI wish you a happy new life in the Democratic Republic of Germany.愿杜皮约上校在我们民主德国，拥有全新的未来。

A communications request from an unknown caller.来自未知的通讯请求。

HelianDo we pick up, Mr. Kryuger?克鲁格先生，要接听吗？

Kryuger shakes his head and waves his hand in the air, gesturing for Helian to take note of the cameras all around them in the room. Surveillance cameras that are blatantly in full view.克鲁格摇了摇头，手指轻轻挥了挥，示意赫丽安注意房间中密布的摄像头。 不做丝毫掩饰，赤裸外露的监控摄像头。

Helian lets out a quiet sigh and rejects the call.赫丽安轻轻叹了口气，将通讯挂断。

HelianWhat if it was news from the Commander...万一是指挥官的消息……

KryugerI know how you feel. I am also desperate to know how the Commander is faring.我理解你的心情，此时此刻，我也很想知道指挥官的情况。

KryugerPlease get the Earl on the line.帮我接通爵士。

Click. The call is soon answered.嘀。通讯很快被接起。

KryugerIt's me.是我。

EarlMy old friend, what can I do for you?我的老友，需要我为你做些什么？

KryugerNothing. I just want some information that I deserve to know.我什么都不需要，只是想知道一些我应该知道的消息。

EarlWorried about your young protege again?又在担心你一手培养的那位年轻人了？

KryugerIn the past, I was always clearly aware of the Commander's movements. I offered advice when they felt lost and shared their joy when they were happy. ...But now I am stuck in here, effectively cut off from the rest of the world.以前，我可以清晰地知道指挥官的动向。 在指挥官迷惘的时候尽力开解，或者是在喜悦的时候分享快乐。 ……但现在的我呆在这里，仿佛变成了瞎子和聋子。

EarlYou need rest, old friend.我的老友，你需要休息。

KryugerRest is the last thing I need. I've rested long enough.我最不需要的就是休息。 我已经休息得足够多了。

EarlAlright, I suppose I could arrange for some—好吧，或许下午我可以为你安排一些——

KryugerYou seem to be avoiding the subject when it comes to the Commander.关于指挥官的事情，你似乎一直在逃避。

EarlThe Commander has yet to return to the safe zone. So even I am in the dark.指挥官目前还未回到安全地带。 所以更详细的情况，我也不清楚。

KryugerI'm just a bit concerned.我只是有一点担心。

EarlThey managed to escape from Tallinn and Paldiski unscathed and even produced some spectacular results in the Black Zone. I don't think there is any cause for concern.指挥官能从塔林和帕尔迪斯基潜艇基地全身而退，还能接着在“黑区”取得成果。 我不认为有什么好担心的。

Kryuger... The Commander is full of fervor, but they can be a bit hot-headed at times. I hope you can show some leniency to young people and give them some leeway.…… 指挥官心怀热忱，只是偶尔会有些冲动。 对于年轻人，我希望你可以给予一些容错空间。

EarlI have already been very patient. For the future of this PMC, I will continue to endure.我已经很有耐心了。 为了这家PMC的未来，我在继续忍耐。

KryugerWhat are you waiting for?你在等待些什么？

EarlYou should know—I'm waiting for the official establishment of the Union of Rossartrist Nations Coalition.你应该很清楚，我在等待罗联的成立。

KryugerThe founding of the Rossartrist Union back then was not for nothing. Establishing the URNC now... is just putting old wine in new bottles. Having worked toward this for so many years, you should know better than anyone else.当年的罗联成立是有意义的。 现在的罗联成立……也不过是换一种说法。 这些事，你浸淫多年应该很清楚。

EarlKryuger, some things exist only in name at first. For example, the selection of government officials was just a formality in the old days when the positions were still reserved for the aristocracy. But in time, this formality became more fleshed out and systematized, and actual learned men were finally selected for the positions. We must believe in the natural progress of things and let history run its course.克鲁格，有些事一开始只是名义上存在。 比如官员的选拔，所谓的选拔一开始只是个流程，位置依旧牢牢地把握在贵族手里。 但是等这个流程正式敲定，有识之士也能被真正推荐上来。 我们要相信历史的进程始终在朝前走。

KryugerWe can't let young people get crushed under the wheel of history.我们不能把年轻人压死在历史的车轮下。

EarlIf they are willing to take their place on the chariot, they will naturally become heroes.如果年轻人愿意接受车上的座位，那么就会自然而然地成为英雄。

Kryuger... I understand.…… 我知道了。

EarlI wish you good health, old friend.愿你身体健康，我的老友。

The Earl terminates the call.爵士切断了通话。

After putting down the communicator, Kryuger's shoulders slump in dejection. He buries his face in his hands.放下通讯器，克鲁格颓然落坐，双手支在腿上撑住额头。

Helian...Mr. Kryuger, you should have faith in the Commander.……克鲁格先生，您要相信指挥官。

Kryuger...I'm just deeply aware of my own helplessness. Before, I was able to pull the Commander out of a burning ruin. But now there is absolutely nothing I can do.……我主要是深深地察觉到自己的无能。 过去我能够将指挥官从燃火的废墟中拉出来。 而现在的我却什么也做不了。

HelianYou have entrusted everything to the Commander. We both believe in them, so please keep the faith.您已经将全部都交给了指挥官。 我们都相信着指挥官，请您也坚守这份信任。

HelianIt's not over yet.还没到最后一刻。

Kryuger finally lifts his head. He looks around the lavishly decorated hotel suite. The smooth velvet curtains gleaming in the light are like two soft prison gates.克鲁格终于抬起头，环顾奢华装潢的酒店套房，莹光点点的天鹅绒窗帘，像两扇柔软的牢门。

KryugerAt this point, what else can we do for the Commander?事到如今，我们还能为指挥官做什么呢？

HelianI'm sure the Commander will never give up, no matter how difficult or hopeless the situation becomes. They will survive, just as they have always done.我相信指挥官不会放弃，无论何种境遇，无论多么艰辛。 活下去，就像过去的每一次那样。

KryugerI hope you're right...但愿……

Dawn breaks in Berlin, but the sky does not brighten. Everything is shrouded in a layer of gray fog.柏林的天亮了，但没有明亮的感觉，只有一片灰蒙蒙的雾气。

Benighted 暗蚀

...Paradeus' temporary base.……帕拉蒂斯临时基地。

Some instruments are in the process of being unpacked in the brand new laboratory. Assistant Nytos mill about industriously and assemble them in silence.崭新的实验室内还放着一些正在拆箱的仪器，助理涅托们穿插其中默默进行着组装工作。

Nemhran consults the manifest and checks the inventory again. After making sure nothing is amiss, she heads toward a room nestled in the far end of the laboratory.尼梅兰根据清单又盘点了两遍，确认没有疏漏之后，才走进了实验室深处的房间。

She knocks lightly on the door, not because the transparent door is locked, but as a courtesy to the person inside.她敲了敲门，并不是因为这堵透明的门上了锁，而是为了提醒里面的人。

LaplaceCome in.进来。

Nemhran...Sorry to intrude.……打搅。

Nemhran pushes the door open and enters the room. She hands a document over to Laplace.尼梅兰推门走了进来，将一份文件递给拉普拉斯。

NemhranThis is a detailed report on the "Expedition". We successfully hacked into the enemy's intelligence agency "Clarion" located in St. Petersburg. As you have speculated, their financial backer has close ties with the Preparatory Committee for the Union of Rossartrist Nations Coalition. The plan has been three years in the making, with all important operations named after ancient heroes, the most significant of which was Operation Muromets, the very same operation that destroyed Avernus.这是“远征”计划的详细情报。 我们成功骇入了对方位于圣彼得堡的情报组织“号角”。 他们背后的金主正如您之前的判断，与罗联筹备委员会的关系匪浅。 这个计划内容布局长达3年，所有重要行动均由古代英雄名为代号，其中最重要的就是“穆罗梅茨”军事行动，也是将阿佛那斯摧毁的那次行动。

LaplaceThat's why Anna came to Germany?这就是安娜来到德国的理由？

NemhranYes. She arrived in Bremen on September 13th, was handed over to Berlin on September 17th, and eventually transferred to Avernus on October 16th.是的，9月13日抵达不莱梅，9月17日被移交柏林，10月16日送抵阿佛那斯。

LaplaceThen "Daybreak" was also awakened around that time...那么“曙光”也是这时候唤醒的……

NemhranAffirmative. Aliana was awakened on October 20th.是的，艾莉安娜唤醒时间为10月20日。

LaplaceThey made their move much earlier than we had expected.他们行动的时间要比我们预期的提前了很多。

Nemhran...Apologies, the Bee Sting System was still flawed back then.……抱歉，那之前“蜂针”系统还不够完善。

LaplaceI don't mean to blame you, but Project Cocoon is unfortunately hampered by this unexpected development. Still, that's just the way it is with many things. Sometimes a breakthrough at a key juncture can save you ten years of work, while some seemingly insignificant errors can delay the research progress by a generation, or several generations, even.我不是要责怪你，只是“茧计划”在这样的进程下就显得不够理想了。 不过世界上的事大多如此，有的时候一个节点的突破可以减少十年时间，而有些看似无关紧要的错漏又会耽误一代甚至几代研究进程。

NemhranIn any case, the "key" has manifested. Your experiment will surely succeed.无论如何，“钥匙”已经降临，您的实验一定会成功。

LaplaceUntil we have the result, failure remains a possibility, even if we have a 99.99% chance of succeeding.没有得到结果以前，就算是99.99%的概率也有失败的可能。

Nemhran...But you are the greatest scientist of our time.……但您是当代最伟大的科学家。

Laplace...Am I? I'm not so confident. The connection breakdown in the Lake of Cognition must have had a massive impact on you.……是吗？我没有这样的自信。 识底深湖的断链，对你们来说，应该会造成不小的影响。

Nemhran...The situation will be resolved soon. As long as you are here, there is still hope for us.……这一切都会很快解决的。 只要您在，大家的希望就还在。

LaplaceYou're right, the upcoming experiment is of utmost importance. Not only will it validate decades of research and development, it will also shape the future of humanity.是啊，接下来最重要的那一场实验，不仅是验证这数十年来的研发成果，也将会映证人类的将来。

NemhranYou will not be disappointed.一定不会让您失望。

Nemhran hands over something else—it is a weekly newspaper. The headline reads, "Manotti Attends Rossartre Memorial Exhibition at Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt".尼梅兰再将一份资料递过去，那是最近一周的新闻。 头版头条是“玛诺蒂女士参观法兰克福大学《罗克萨特纪念展》”。

Laplace takes the newspaper with an amused grin.拉普拉斯接过资料，笑得意味深长。

LaplaceThe most important skill a politician can master is the same as that for an actor. They must be able to capture the masses' hearts and manipulate them. In this regard, we have been rather clumsy. We only managed to hit the veins, not the heart itself.政客最重要的技巧，跟演员是一样的。 他们需要掌握并操控人心，在这方面，我们就显得格外笨拙了。 只能找得到前往心脏的通路。

NemhranShould I set up comms channel 42 for you?是否要帮您接通42号通讯？

LaplaceNo need. That old man doesn't see William as a son, but a pawn. We don't need to worry about other things. As long as William returns with the precious material before the final experiment, everything will be fine.不用，在那位先生的眼中，他不是儿子，而是棋子，我们不需要担心额外的东西。 只要威廉能在最后实验关头带着珍贵的材料回来就行。

NemhranThere are only two more weeks until the gentleman's deadline.那位先生给的时间只剩两周了。

LaplaceThat's a politician's timetable. Our reactor needs time, and scientific progress is never determined by politics.那是政客的时间表。 我们的反应堆需要时间，科学的进程从来不受政治因素的管控。

NemhranAnd yet, science cannot be separated from politics.可是科学无法离开政治。

NemhranHe didn't want the people of Frankfurt to miss the fireworks, so he made a point of pointing this out.那位先生不希望法兰克福的人们错过这场烟花，他特别指出了这一点。

LaplaceThat's your problem.那是你的问题。

Nemhran...Understood. Should we keep monitoring Pandora?……明白。 “潘多拉”的情况是否需要继续保持跟踪？

LaplaceShe has already fulfilled her purpose as the control of the experiment, so she's no longer useful to me. Do what you want with her.作为对照组来说，“她”已经失去了价值，剩下的事情你决定吧。

NemhranNo problem.好的。

LaplaceFrom now on, I'll be completely focused on the experiment. I don't want to be disturbed for any reason.接下来，我会把注意力集中在实验上，这段时间我不想受到任何干扰。

NemhranAs you wish.如您所愿。

LaplaceLeave these lab assistants behind and take everyone else with you. I'm leaving everything to you.留下这几名实验助手，其余的人你全部带走。 其余的事项就交给你了。

NemhranIt is my pleasure.这是我的荣幸。

The Main, Frankfurt.法兰克福 美因河畔

Today, Frankfurt sees its first snowfall of the season. The snowflakes are too light to gather, drifting down gently like tufts of fluff, settling on withered branches and the brims of passers-by's hats. The sanitation Dolls have already started their work, sweeping the thin layer of snow from the middle of the roads to the side. The melting snow leaves the streets damp and glistening.今天的法兰克福下了第一场雪。 雪花聚集得还不够大，只是轻巧如绒毛般飘落，点缀在枯萎的枝桠，行人的帽檐上。 环卫人形们也开始出动，将稍稍积起的雪从道路中间扫到边上，融化的雪把道路变得湿漉漉的。

EmblaPhew...呼——

Embla's breaths now form visible tendrils of white. She walks among the hurried crowds, admiring the view of the Main and feeling the press of the throng around her.恩布拉现在的呼吸开始有了白气。 她欣赏着美因河的风景，行走在匆忙行走的人群之中，感受拥挤。

EmblaMy time is as tight as a violin string on the verge of snapping, as fleeting as a flowing melody. Life slips by just like that if I don't pay attention. But here I am, suddenly happy to spend precious time savoring life.明明时间紧得就像是濒临弦断的凡阿林，水一般流淌过乐章，人生稍不留神就流逝了。 但我却突然愿意花时间去享受。

EmblaAnge, you never seemed to cherish days like this. Neither did Shaw. You two were more devoted to your work than Dolls bound by their programming. I should probably work harder too...安洁，你好像从来不珍惜这种日子。 当然，肖也是。 你们比锁死程序的人形更加热爱自己的事业。 明明我也应该更加努力……

Embla's steps come to a halt. The crowd surges past her like a rushing river. She gazes quietly at a restaurant across the street. The warm light spilling out feels like a mysterious invitation.恩布拉的脚步停下，匆忙的人群像河流一样从她身边奔涌而过。 她安静地望向街对面的餐馆，温暖的灯光像是某种神秘的召唤。

Embla...But right now, all I want is to steal a moment for myself and enjoy a quiet breakfast.……但现在，我却只想偷偷拥有一份享用早餐的时光。

In answer to the invitation, she crosses the street and enters the restaurant.她响应了召唤，走过街道，来到了营业中的餐馆。

Pulling out a chair, she slowly sits down and orders herself a chocolate hazelnut roll and a cup of coffee.拉开椅背，她慢慢坐下来，给自己点了一份巧克力榛果酱面包卷和一杯咖啡。

Beep-beep-beep.嘀嘀嘀。

The comms request from Morridow pings repeatedly. Feeling an inexplicable boldness, Embla decides to ignore the call and keep chewing leisurely on her roll.默莉朵的通讯响了一遍又一遍。 不知道谁给恩布拉的底气，她竟然选择慢悠悠地咀嚼起面包卷。

After swallowing the bite and taking a sip of her coffee, she finally picks up.在咽下面包卷，啜饮一口咖啡后，她终于接了。

Morridow...Frau Embla, is Paradeus giving you too much freedom?……恩布拉女士，帕拉蒂斯给你的自由是不是太多了？

EmblaYou think so? I actually feel like work is taking up too much of my personal time as it is.有吗？ 我甚至觉得工作占用了我太多的私人时间。

Morridow...Now you've even learned to be self-indulgent. You have truly inherited all the worst traits of humanity.……你现在连任性这种缺点都学会了。 果然连人类的劣根性也一并继承了呢。

EmblaHow could that be? I've merely mastered the art of slacking off. Surely you can understand the feeling of not wanting to work, having worked in Ulrich's office yourself.怎么会呢？ 我只是学会了一些小小的偷懒而已。 你在乌尔利赫办公室的时候，应该完全能理解我这种不想上班的心情吧。

MorridowSorry to disappoint, Frau Embla. My job was setting deadlines for everyone else. And calling people ten times a day to check their progress as their deadlines approached.抱歉哦，恩布拉女士。 我那时的工作是负责给每个人制定死线。 以及在死线即将抵达之际，每天打十个电话确认进度。

EmblaI can see why Ange took a liking to you.难怪安洁喜欢你。

MorridowFrau Angelia didn't need deadlines; she usually finished her tasks early.安洁莉娅女士不需要死线，她通常会提前完成任务呢。

EmblaIndeed. She would even take on extra work. Exactly the kind of employee that any boss would love.是的，还会主动增加工作量。 每个老板都会喜欢的那种员工。

MorridowThat's not necessarily true. After all, she would sometimes set extra tasks for herself that were at odds with the team's objective.这倒未必。 毕竟她可能会给自己开出其他需求，和团队目标背道而驰的那种。

EmblaHumans are such fascinating creatures.人类真是有趣的生物啊。

MorridowRight, enough small talk. Time to come home. Nemhran is waiting for you. She needs you to confirm the final plan. See, she's the kind of dependable employee that bosses would love and the kind of annoying boss that subordinates would hate.寒暄到此为止。 该回家了，尼梅兰在等你。 她需要你确定最终的方案。 这就是那种最让人放心的下属，和最让人讨厌的上司。

Embla...Understood, Miss Deadline.……遵命，死线小姐。

In a safe house on the outskirts of Frankfurt.法兰克福郊区 安全屋

The safe house is unremarkable and seemingly empty at first glance, but the faint glimmers of light in the shadows reveal a presence. It is AK-12, quietly hiding. Yet, the peace isn't meant to last.这是一间不起眼的安全屋，里面看似空无一人，然而在阴影处，能看见点点的荧光。 那是把自己藏起来的AK-12。 但显然有人非要破坏这种平静。

Click.滴——

M16A1AR-18's squad can't make it into the city just yet. You'll need to rendezvous with Stevens M520. Here's her comms code.AR-18她们暂时无法进城，需要你去接应一下史蒂文斯520，这是她的通讯代码。

AK-12DEFY doesn't work with others.忤逆不会和别人一起行动。

M16A1...She has what you need.……那个女人手里有你要的东西。

AK-12...Is this why you had me deploy early to Frankfurt?……是你要我提前进入法兰克福在这里待命的原因？

M16A1Correct. I'll spare you an unnecessary lecture. But burying your head in the sand isn't like you, AK-12. That's not the DEFY I know.没错，多余的话我想你也不需要。 但是12，鸵鸟行为不该是你的作风，这不是我了解的忤逆。

AK-12We don't need to prove ourselves to anyone.忤逆不需要向任何人证明自己。

M16A1Really? Then what are you afraid of?是吗？12，那你在害怕什么？

M16A1I know you have your plans, but the matter concerning RPK-16 isn't something you can handle alone.我知道你有你的计划，但RPK的事情不是你一个人可以解决的。

AK-12This is DEFY's internal problem. I don't need others meddling in it.这是忤逆自己的事情。 不需要其他人来指手画脚。

M16A1No one's trying to interfere. But shutting out AR-18 because of fear? That's unnecessary.没人想要插手，只是你没必要因为害怕，而拒绝和AR-18的沟通。

AK-12Fear is a concept that doesn't exist in my programming.害怕这个词不存在于我的设定里。

M16A1Then what are you running from?那你到底在逃避些什么？

M16A1Are you afraid that RPK-16's betrayal had deeper motives? Or are you refusing to acknowledge Ange's death?你是害怕RPK的背叛另有苦衷？ 还是在刻意躲避安洁的死？

M16A1You're scared of seeing RPK-16. Scared of seeing that body. Scared that you'll want to kill her but hesitate when the moment comes.你害怕看见那个人，害怕看见那具尸体，害怕既想杀了对方又担心自己对对方手下留情？

AK-12Don't project the emotional entanglements of your AR Team onto me. ...I don't generate such convoluted and melodramatic emotions.别把你们那种AR小队的复杂情感投射在我的身上。 ……我不会生成这种过于矫饰的情绪。

M16A1Really?真的吗？

AK-12I'm just disgusted.我只是单纯觉得恶心。

M16A1Wake up. That isn't Ange, nor is it RPK-16. It is an abomination that has no place in this world.醒一醒，那不是安洁，也不是RPK-16。 那是不该存在于此世的罪恶。

AK-12...You're mistaken, M16. I will not hesitate to kill RPK-16. She will draw her last breath the next time I see her. As for Ange... No one knows how she died better than me! No one! Of course I know it's just a corpse! The real Ange died long ago! On the night of Operation Muromets, right when the Commander decided to save her! She had so many chances to leave, but she refused! She agreed to that experiment! She sealed her own fate!……你搞错了，16。 我对RPK不存在手下留情的可能，我再次见到她的时刻，就是她死亡之时。 而安洁…… 没有人比我了解安洁到底是怎么死的！ 没有人比我更了解！ 我早就知道那不过是一具尸体！ 真正的安洁早就死了！ 死在“穆罗梅茨行动”的晚上！死在指挥官决定救她的时刻！ 她有很多次机会可以走，但她拒绝离开。 她同意进行那个实验！她亲手决定了自己的死亡！

M16A1...Then all the more reason to fulfill her final wish. Only you can stop what she was trying to prevent, AK-12. So why are you hesitating? Why are you running away?……那你就更加应该执行她的遗愿。 12，她要阻止的事情，只有你可以做到。 那你还在犹豫什么？你还在逃避什么？

AK-12...I'm disgusted with myself. I'm disgusted with my past, present, and future. My past incompetence, my present hideousness, and my future... disappointment.……我只是恶心我自己。 恶心过去的我，恶心现在的我，恶心将来的我。 过去的无能，现在的丑陋，以及未来的……失望。

M16A1What, you think losing the frame that Shaw gave you makes you unworthy of being the Alpha Wolf of Task Force DEFY?怎么，失去了肖给你的素体，就不配成为忤逆的“头狼”了吗？

M16A1You're such a coward. Relying solely on Shaw's technology to do as you please. This kind of mindset is what makes you an unworthy leader of DEFY.你可真是个懦夫。 只是仗着肖的技术横行无忌。 这种心智才没资格成为忤逆的“头狼”。

Click. Before AK-12 can respond, M16A1 terminates the call.滴—— 不等AK-12回答，M16A1已经挂断了电话。

AK-12 looks down at her hands. Her frame does not even have the standard form that Dolls are constructed in. It is a monstrosity created by Paradeus—something of unknown origin and purpose.她看向自己的手，那已不是人形的通用构造。 那是一具产自帕拉蒂斯的，不知诞生于何，不知融合于何的东西。

In a laboratory on the upper levels of Avernus.阿佛那斯 高层实验室

RPK-1612, this is the frame that I've picked out for you. If you want to leave Avernus alive and seek vengeance, it is your only option. Because this place is about to be destroyed, and I must get out of here, taking Ange with me.12，这是我为你选择的素体。 如果你想要报仇，想要离开阿佛那斯，那么这是唯一的选择。 因为这里即将被摧毁，而我要带着安洁离开。

To cover up her hideous frame, she has wrapped herself up in bandages.原本为了遮蔽丑陋的肢体，她将绷带缠了一圈又一圈。

But now, AK-12 starts unraveling the bandages on her arm little by little. Like a puppet breaking free of the strings that control it.但现在的AK-12，一点点将手臂上的绷带拆了下来。 就像傀儡在挣脱自己背后的丝线。

AK-12...I am the Alpha Wolf of Task Force DEFY, not a puppet dancing to someone else's tune. Even if I were a puppet, I would break free of my shackles.……我当然是忤逆的“头狼”，才不是被人操控的傀儡。 就算是傀儡，我也会折断背后的枷锁。

Paradeus' temporary base.帕拉蒂斯临时基地

Nemhran enters the hall and directs her gaze at the white-clad girls gathered in front of her.尼梅兰走入大厅，视线转向面前齐聚的白色少女们。

NemhranFrom now on, I'll be taking charge of Project Cocoon. First things first—recall all units under your command to Frankfurt.接下来，“茧计划”由我全盘接手。 第一件事，把你们手下的所有单位召回法兰克福。

Bramedb snorts out a laugh, then proceeds to inspect her nails with exaggerated concentration.布拉梅德发出一声短促的讥笑，随即做作地打量着修好的指甲。

Morridow...Humph.……哼。

NemhranMorridow, it was all thanks to your spectacular performance in Berlin that Project Cocoon had to be delayed.默莉朵，正是你在柏林的精彩表现，导致“茧计划”不得不拖延至今。

MorridowThings are not what they used to be, Sister Nemhran. I had so many subordinates back in Berlin, and still mistakes happened. What am I supposed to do here in Frankfurt?今非昔比了，尼梅兰姐姐，我在柏林有那么多人手，尚且出现失误，那么法兰克福呢？

NemhranIf you knew how to work that brain of yours, you would know that quality matters far more than quantity.如果你懂得动脑子，就该知道质量远比数量重要。

Morridow smiles coldly with narrowed eyes. Meanwhile, Bramedb watches the exchange with an amused smile.默莉朵眯着眼睛，笑意冷肃。 布拉梅德则笑盈盈围观着这场交锋。

NemhranI believe Father has made himself plenty clear in Avernus. I will be fully in charge of the operation in Frankfurt. Any questions?我想，在阿佛那斯，父亲大人已经说得很清楚了。 这一次法兰克福的行动将由我全权负责，你还有什么疑问吗？

MorridowFor Father's sake, I will, of course, obey your command. However...为了父亲大人，我当然——愿意听从尼梅兰姐姐的指挥。 只是……

NemhranDo you have any questions regarding our subsequent plans?对于接下来的计划，还有疑问吗？

MorridowSister Nemhran, allow me to review the current situation for you. First of all, you, me, and Bramedb are the only ones left with the ability to fight independently. With the fall of our headquarters, we have lost way more advanced combat units than just Gray, Narciss, Grig, and Sana. Secondly, the vessel for the Lake of Cognition has been destroyed, so we cannot mass-produce combat units for a while.尼梅兰姐姐，容我为您盘点一下现状—— 首先，现在具备独立作战能力的只有你、我和布拉梅德。随着总部的坠落，我们损失的高级作战单位可不止格雷、娜希斯、缇、纱那。 第二，识底深湖的容器已被摧毁，我们短时间内无法大规模生产作战单位。

NemhranI am well aware.这些情况我早已知晓。

MorridowThirdly, working under these circumstances, not only do we have to resume our previous mission in Avernus, we also have to reactivate Project Cocoon. Is that even possible?第三，在这样的条件下，我们不仅要重新执行之前阿佛那斯的任务，还要再次启动“茧计划”。 这有可能吗？

NemhranYou just need to confirm your mission. There is no need to explore its feasibility.你只需要确认任务，不需要探讨可行性。

MorridowSister Nemhran... I just want you to know one thing. Rebuilding something is much more difficult than destroying it. MUCH more. Especially under such circumstances—尼梅兰姐姐……我希望你知道一件事。 重建比毁灭要难得多，是非常多，尤其在这样的情况下——

NemhranI will find a way to resolve our manpower shortage. But we have to carry on with what needs to be done. We still have plenty of bases in Germany. Start mobilizing the resources of all the factories still in operation immediately.人手我会想办法。 但该做的事情并不会就此停下。 我们在德国境内还有多处据点，现在立刻调集所有在运转工厂的资源。

BramedbAs a sidenote, I suggest the two of you rein in your little hobby~ This is not a good time to be killing low-tier Nytos for sport. Every able body is very valuable right now~插一句话，我建议你们俩都克制一下自己的小爱好~ 现在不是可以随便捏死黑白涅托的时候了。 每一个干活的人，都弥足珍贵呢~

NemhranAre you expressing dissatisfaction with my leadership?你是在对我表达不满吗？

BramedbJust giving some friendly advice. There's no way of retrieving Narciss or Grig. In hindsight, I should've collected Gray's corpse. She was much more familiar with Project Cocoon than me, so she would have been useful. Sister Nemhran, you said you'll find a way to get more manpower, but how long will it take for our manpower to be ready for work?我只是劝诫一下而已。 娜希斯和缇已经捡不回来了，早知道应该给格雷收收尸的，她对“茧计划”可比我熟悉多了，这时候还能派上些用场。 尼梅兰姐姐，你说能想办法，那什么时候人手才能到位呢？

NemhranFollow my instructions and start by taking inventory of our leftover supplies from Avernus and reserves in Frankfurt. Once I have more input, I will have a better idea about how many resources we will need to replenish. If memory serves, not all of the auxiliary factories for Project Cocoon in Berlin and Bremen have been destroyed.先按照我说的去盘点阿佛那斯的物资和法兰克福的储备。 确认运转逻辑之后，要补多少我自有道理。 我记得柏林和不莱梅的“茧计划”备用工厂并没有全部被毁灭。

MorridowThere are also backups. Since I left Berlin for Avernus in such a hurry, some of the things are still with Gray. That includes factory supplies, research materials, and our informants' contact information. I will need to restart the authorization check.还有一些备份。 但是我从柏林回阿佛那斯比较匆忙，有些东西还在格雷那边。 包括工厂物资、研究资料还有我们的线人联络方式，我要重新启动权限盘查。

NemhranNow that we've made it to Frankfurt, I will readjust all authorizations. When I withdrew from Moscow many years ago, I left some people there. Our priority right now is to take stock and organize everything in our possession. I need this done in two days. Can you do it?既然到了法兰克福，权限我会全部重新调整。 当年从莫斯科撤回的时候，我留了些人在这边。 现在最重要的事情就是整理和盘点，我需要在两天内完成。 能做到吗？

MorridowSure. What about Embla?那恩布拉呢？

NemhranShe just has to take care of "All Hallows' Eve".她只需要执行好“万圣节之夜”。

MorridowAlright, I will take stock of our assets in Berlin and Bremen.知道了，我会清点柏林和不莱梅的资产。

Bramedb...Say, I'm curious. In the previous iteration of Project Cocoon, were you the PIC, Sister Morridow?……话说我很好奇。 上一个版本的“茧计划”中，默莉朵姐姐，你是第一负责人吗？

Morridow...Sister Nemhran, is this information I can divulge?……尼梅兰姐姐，这是可以分享的话题吗？

NemhranBramedb, this doesn't concern you. Just focus on doing your part.布拉梅德，这不是你该过问的事情。 管好你自己的部分。

Bramedb...I just find it odd that we don't have a corresponding high-tier Nyto in Frankfurt. That's a bit unlike you, Sister Nemhran.……我只是觉得在法兰克福，我们居然没有对应的高级涅托。 这不符合尼梅兰姐姐的行事风格。

NemhranThis isn't Avernus, so please put aside your pointless speculation. Just completing the work assigned by Father should keep you so busy that you won't have time for gossip.这里不是阿佛那斯，我希望大家能够收起那些无聊的心思。 光是把父亲大人安排下来的工作完整地做完，你们几个就应该已经连说闲话的功夫都不会有。

MorridowIf it is what Father asks of us, we will naturally obey.如果这是父亲大人的要求，我们自然会遵从。

Morridow and Bramedb are just about to take their leave...默莉朵和布拉梅德正准备退下……

Whummmmm...嗡——

The piercing noise topples the two Nytos to the ground like a wave. Even Nemhran staggers slightly under the force. Amidst the assault of such an unusual and deafening noise, they all realize that something has changed irrevocably.刺耳的噪声像海浪一样将两人掀倒在地，连尼梅兰也微微踉跄了几步。 在如此不同寻常的巨大噪声中，她们都意识到有些东西被永久性地改变了。

BramedbWhat was that? Did we get hacked?怎么回事？我们被入侵了？

MorridowNo... it's not as simple as that...不……远没有这么简单……

Morridow is about to continue, but her quivering lips refuse to utter the words.默莉朵还想说些什么，但话语无法从颤抖的嘴唇中抖出。

Nemhran... The Lake of Cognition is gone.…… 识底深湖没有了。

BramedbWasn't it already gone when Avernus fell?阿佛那斯坠落的时候，不就没了吗？

NemhranWe lost the Evangel Axis, which only severed our connection with the Lake of Cognition. But now, the Lake is completely obliterated. Do you understand?福音枢椎没了，只是中断了我们和识底深湖的链接。 但是现在，识底深湖已经彻底消亡了，你明白吗？

MorridowWho could do such a thing...? Even Father...谁能做到这样的事……连父亲大人也……

NemhranI don't know. This is utterly beyond my calculations. All our future plans will have to be adjusted. I will handle that.不知道，现在识底深湖的情况始料未及。 我们接下来的所有计划都必须调整。 这部分我去安排。

Nemhran gathers her wits and looks at the two pale and frazzled Nytos.尼梅兰稳了稳心神，看向脸色惨白的两人。

Nemhran...Make it your priority to relocate and protect the laboratory.……优先转移和保护实验室。

MorridowYes, Sister Nemhran.是。

Nemhran wastes no time and rushes out of the hall.尼梅兰来不及说更多的话，匆匆离开了大厅。

...Half an hour later.……半小时后。

MorridowAll materials and instruments have been transferred from the other labs. We are now in the process of transporting the staff. They will be departing from the base in ten minutes. All that's left is the lab that I cannot access.其他实验室的材料和器材已经转移完毕，实验室人员正在转移中，预计十分钟后全部撤离基地。 现在只剩下最后那间实验室了，我无权进入。

NemhranUnderstood. I will take care of... that lab. Clean up the site, don't leave behind any traces.我知道，我会负责……那间实验室。 你们把场景布置好，注意不要遗留任何我们的痕迹。

MorridowAlright. Also, Embla is back. She needs you to approve her entry.是。 还有，恩布拉就位了。 需要你批准她的进入权限。

Nemhran walks over to the monitors and pull up the feed of the surveillance camera outside the base. In the feed, Embla, who is slightly bored from waiting, waves at the camera with a smile.尼梅兰走到屏幕前，调出了基地外的监控。 画面中，等得百无聊赖的恩布拉笑眯眯地冲监控探头挥了挥手。

EmblaDear Sister Nemhran, please open the door for me.尊敬的尼梅兰姐姐，烦请帮我开下门吧。

Nemhran opens the main entrance of the base. Just as she is about to look away from the monitor, she suddenly realizes—尼梅兰为她打开了基地大门，在视线抽离屏幕的最后一刻，尼梅兰猛地察觉到了——

Nemhran...Behind you!……后面！

Bang!呯——

The moment Nemhran activates the door control mechanism, AK-15 shatters the surveillance camera under the eaves and knocks Embla into the door.在尼梅兰按下关门控制的瞬间，AK-15已经击碎了屋檐下的监视器，并同时将恩布拉撞进了门内！

Boom!轰——

Embla tumbles lightly through the smoke and into the base.恩布拉从硝烟中轻盈地翻滚，进到了基地范围内。

EmblaOops, I seem to have picked up a tail.哎呀，被尾巴跟上了。

Nemhran... Keep moving, don't stop. Other Nytos, prepare for combat.…… 继续转移不要停。 其他涅托准备迎敌。

Knulp 漂泊的灵魂

...Temporary Paradeus base.……帕拉蒂斯临时基地。

Squelch. AK-15 pulls her knife out of a Nyto's corpse and takes a look around. She seems to have eliminated all enemies in sight. The ravaged room is utterly silent after the recent massacre.噗呲。 将尖刀从涅托的尸体上抽出，AK-15环顾四周，似乎已经没有敌人了。 激战过后一地狼藉的房间内，再也没有了声响。

Yet, AK-15 remains on her guard as she scans her surroundings with her knife held at the ready. Since the moment she broke down the door and wiped out all enemies in her way, she has not encountered a single high-level Nyto.AK-15横持匕首扫视四周，仍未放松警惕。 从她破门而入到扫平所有阻碍自己的敌人，她没有遭遇过任何一个高级涅托。

She sheaths her knife and raises her gun instead as she heads deeper. She cannot tell if there is an ambush in the silent base. Unlike Paradeus' other specially constructed bases with their recognizable architecture, this is simply a makeshift one converted from an existing building.她收起匕首端着枪，继续朝深处前进。 寂静的基地内，不知是否藏有埋伏。 这里并不是帕拉蒂斯专属基地，更像是用现有的建筑做了临时改造。

Bam!啪！

AK-15 kicks a door open and storms into the room. She warily sweeps the interior from side to side with the muzzle of her gun.踹开了一扇门，AK-15迅速地扇入屋内，端着枪左右警戒。

This is the final room, but it is also empty. Save for all the mangled human corpses littered across the floor.这是最后一个房间，但房中依然空无一人。 取而代之的，是遍地血肉模糊的人类尸体。

AK-15 lowers her gun and bends down to study the corpses.AK-15放下枪口，蹲下身来搜索了一番。

They haven't been dead for longer than an hour. Paradeus unleashed a bloodbath within their own base? Why?死亡时间不超过一个小时。 帕拉蒂斯在自己的基地内展开了一场屠杀？ 为什么？

As AK-15's brow furrows in thought, an ear-splitting siren suddenly goes off from beyond the door.就在AK-15蹙眉思考的时候，忽然，门外传来了一阵刺耳的警笛声。

She promptly moves out of sight while making sure she can still keep tabs on the situation outside.AK-15迅速地移动到了视野开阔之处，确保自己能够准确了解外面的情况。

???Listen up, whoever's in there! The police has the place surrounded! Lay down your arms and don't put up any pointless struggle!里面的人听着！你们已经被警察包围了！ 放下武器，不要做无谓的抵抗！

AK-15Tsk.啧。

AK-15 immediately realizes how this would look— In an abandoned base filled with heaps of Nyto and human corpses is a lone T-Doll...AK-15猛地意识到了自己现在的处境—— 废弃的基地，屋内混杂着涅托和人类的尸体，以及唯一一个在场的战术人形……

Outside the window, the police siren is still flashing. An officer has turned on his bodycam and is saying something into his headset. AK-15 listens intently.窗外，警灯闪烁，警察打开执法记录仪，按着耳麦在说什么，AK-15仔细倾听。

Frankfurt PoliceWe've arrived at the scene. Yes, the gray building... Nobody answered the door... No sight of any Dolls... Are you certain this was a Doll attack? ...What the hell is going on?我们已抵达现场，对，灰色的这一栋…… 没有人开门……也没看到人形……你确定是人形袭击人类造成的？ ……到底怎么回事？

Police DollSir, the scan hasn't picked up any bio signs! No, wait! Unknown Doll signal detected!长官，现场没有扫描到生命迹象！不，扫描到了不明人形信号！

Frankfurt PoliceSeal off all the exits!封锁所有出口！

Whoosh! The police officers and Dolls all draw their weapons as they quickly encircle the building on all sides.刷刷刷，警察和警用人形纷纷拔枪，迅速围拢了整栋建筑。

AK-15...!……！

The police Dolls approach with their blast shields.房屋外，警用人形举着防爆盾逼近。

Fwoom! Then comes the sound of them breaking through the door. "Do not expose your identity in Frankfurt," so AK-12 has warned her gravely.咚——紧接着，破门的声音传来。 不可以在法兰克福暴露自己的身份，这是AK-12的告诫。

Using her Eye of the Snow Wolf, AK-15 zeroes in on a weak point in the blockade and makes a hasty escape under the cover of darkness.凭借着雪狼之眼，AK-15迅速找到防卫缺口，随即隐入黑暗得以脱身。

Moscow TV...Latest news from Moscow TV. The primary cause of the railway accident concerning the EN440-13M train "Future" is still currently unclear. The government has urged the German operating company to conduct a third-party investigation and provide an explanation to the families of the deceased passengers as soon as possible. Officials have visited the hospital to express their concern and condolences. Here is an interview with some of the affected family relatives—……本台最新消息。 此前EN440-13M次未来号列车事故发生的首要原因依旧不明朗，我方督促德方相关运营公司进行第三方检测，早日给遇难乘客和家属一个交代。 相关人员已前往医院慰问，下面是家属采访——

Weeping WomanThey were going on a vacation to Berlin. They originally planned to go by plane. It was their sales staff who stopped my children's father at the airport entrance and gave him a flyer. Now not only my husband, but even my children are missing... I just want to see the bodies, why is that so difficult?他们去柏林是为了度假，本来是打算坐飞机的。 是他们的销售人员在机场门口拦着孩子的爸爸发宣传单。 现在不仅是我的丈夫，我的孩子也下落不明…… 我只是想要见到尸体，为什么这么难？

Angry ManThe tickets were supposed to include insurance, but now they're making new excuses every day. The passengers disappeared in Germany, but they're telling me the the incident did not occur in Germany. They're asking me to provide proof? How am I supposed to? Is the government not going to help at all?当初说好车票里涵盖了保险，现在却每天都在找借口推诿。 人在德国消失，跟我说发生事故的时间地点不在德国。 要我提供证明？我怎么提供？政府帮我们提供吗？

The interview footage disappears from the screen as it is turned off. Two haggard-looking men are seated across each other.新闻播报画面从屏幕上消失，两张形容枯槁的脸对坐着。

Railway Operating Company Manager...Can we come up with a solution within the day?……今天能给方案吗？

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorWe've already missed the deadline of the golden 48 hours in PR crisis management.我们已经错过了48小时的黄金公关时间。

Railway Operating Company ManagerI don't blame you. Even I only found out about the disaster from the news. By the time we got word of what happened and gathered enough information, time had already run out! So tell me, what else can we do?别说是你，我都是从新闻上才知道出了事。 等我们拿到消息和资料的时候，时间就这么过去了！现在你就说吧还有什么办法？

Railway Operating Company PR Director...Not issuing a statement is out of the question; this is an international incident. An apology is necessary, but the question is who's going to take the fall. I'm afraid that's not up to our company to decide.……不回应是不可能的了，这是国际性事件。 道歉是必须的，只是看怎么归责。 这部分恐怕不是以我们公司的意见为主导的。

Railway Operating Company ManagerI know, but the brass still hasn't made their stance known. No matter how you cut it, we are definitely to blame. But we have to keep business coming, and the route has to continue running. How this incident is handled will directly affect our bid next year.我知道，但上面现在没有给任何态度。 无论如何我们都有过错。 但是我们后面还有其他的生意，这辆线路还得继续运营，这件事情的处理水平会影响到我们明年的竞标。

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorMy suggestion is to mourn the victims and then tactfully distance ourselves from the incident. After all, the Vory perpetrators were all Soviets. We pledge to conduct more rigorous identity checks on passengers in the future, and we urge the Neo-Soviet Union to implement a more accurate identity verification system to ensure the safety of everyone's life and property. ...The draft of the compensation will probably look something like this.我的建议是沉痛缅怀事故中的罹难者，然后委婉地撇清关系，毕竟肇事律贼都是苏联人。 以后我们将对乘客身份展开更加严谨的盘查，以及希望新苏联能够开放更加准确的公民验证系统，以保证大家的生命财产安全。 ……赔偿草稿大概是这样。

Whoosh. A sheet of paper is slid across the table to the manager.唰——一张纸推到了经理的面前。

We deeply apologize for the explosion that occurred on the EN440-13M train "Future" in the early hours of October 20th. Our company will do its utmost to redress the situation and issue compensation. Passengers who departed on their own during the rescue and evacuation process may contact us at any time if they feel unwell afterwards, and we will bear the corresponding treatment costs. Once again, we offer our most sincere apologies.针对10月20日凌晨时分发生的EN440-13M次未来号爆炸事故，我们深表歉意。 我们公司将竭尽全力保证善后与赔偿。 在救援疏散过程中已自行离开的乘客，如后续感到身体不适，可随时联系我们，我们将承担相应治疗费用。再次向您表示歉意。

Railway Operating Company ManagerNo, if they ever develop any chronic illnesses in the future, they can just blame it on breathing the air in the contamination zone. That's too risky for us.不行，万一将来有什么慢性病，一说起来就是因为吸了口污染区的空气，那风险太大了。

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorThen what if we don't mention anything about issuing compensation and just declare that our jurisdiction does not cover routes which operate beyond our borders? We can re-emphasize that there were no problems with the train's safety inspection reports within our own territory.那不提赔偿，直接公告宣称我们的权限不足以覆盖不属于我国领土范围内的路线？ 可以再强调一下，列车在我国领土范围内的安全检查报告都是没有问题的。

Railway Operating Company ManagerThat won't do either! It'd make us look weak and incompetent! Not to mention it'd affect our other international routes.不行！这样显得太无能了！ 会对我们其他的跨国线路造成影响。

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorIn that case, should we invoke force majeure...?那要么改成，都是因为不可抗力……？

Railway Operating Company ManagerFinancial loss is inevitable, but are you so desperate to lose your own head?本来只是丢点钱，我看你现在命也不要了。

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorThen what am I supposed to write?! You tell me!那你要我怎么写？！

Railway Operating Company ManagerCalm down... Let me think. Do we have any subsidiaries that involve Soviet companies?你先别急……让我想想。 我们下面业务有什么是苏联公司参与的吗？

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorYes, there's a company that manufactures the glass used in train carriages and one that makes steering wheels.有，车厢玻璃和方向盘。

Railway Operating Company ManagerHm, then blame it on the glass. Say we discovered a problem with the quality of the glass while investigating the cause of the incident. In order to prevent such problems, we will re-evaluate our QA standards and offer our deepest apologies. Then throw out some vague compensation criteria.嗯，就说是防护玻璃的问题，我方在调查事故起因的时候发现玻璃有质量问题。 为了杜绝此类问题，我们将重新制定验收标准，并深表歉意，然后给出一些模糊的补偿标准。

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorRight.好的。

The PR director rubs his eyes, which are ringed with dark circles, and starts typing away on his keyboard again.公关部部长揉了揉黑眼圈，手指在键盘上再次敲打起来。

Railway Operating Company ManagerThe most important point is that the "Future" train is absolutely safe, and both governments have done their best. Nobody wanted this to happen, but it's the Soviet company who dropped the ball; our only fault was that our QA standards were too lax. You understand?中心思想是未来号是绝对安全的，两边政府也是尽力了的。 发生问题是谁也不想的，然后失误的部分都是苏联公司的，我们只是检查标准制定得太宽松了，明白吗？

Railway Operating Company PR DirectorGot it. Take a look at this version...收到，那你看我这一版……

Bam!嘭——

The door is suddenly flung open, and several men in black come charging in.门猛地被掀开，几名穿着黑衣的男人冲了进来。

Black-Clad OfficerAll of you! Drop what you're doing right now and put your hands behind your head!所有人！立刻停下手里的行动，双手抱头。

Railway Operating Company Manager...Who are you?……你是什么人？

The leader produces his identification.领头人拿出了证明文件。

Black-Clad OfficerPolice. Take everyone in the company away and log all their data. Set up the machines to copy their Dolls' memories.我们是警察。 把公司里所有人全部带走，资料进行记录，人形安排专门机器拷贝记忆。

Railway Operating Company ManagerWhat's going on?! There must be some mistake. Our boss is a valued member of the Socialist Unity Party...什么情况？！ 别搞错了，我们老板可是有统一社会党的资质和席位……

Black-Clad OfficerSirs, please cooperate. Put your hands behind your head and move toward the door slowly.两位先生请配合工作，将双手抱在脑后，慢慢朝门外走。

The black-clad men filing into the office soon have the situation completely under their control.鱼贯而入的黑衣人员很快控制了整间办公室。

The Dolls that follow them in promptly start packing up and scanning all the documents in the office. They also haul away a stack of information on the train's passengers, as well as the CCTV monitors.跟进来的人形们迅速对资料进行了打包和扫描，同时将列车线路的乘客资料和监控录屏也一并带走。

One of the black-clad men walks up to the desk where the manager and the PR director were racking their brains just a minute ago. It is covered in stacks of information concerning the train.其中一名黑衣人员走到了两人刚刚还在奋战的桌前，上面堆着厚厚的一沓列车资料。

He picks up the passenger manifest sitting on top of a pile—他随手拿起上面的乘客列表——

Seat F02-A02, male, age 32, first class—partial remains found. ... Seat F15-E56, male, age 21, second class—survival confirmed. Seat F17-E57, female, age 19, second class—partial remains found. ...座位号F02-A02，男，32岁，一等座，已发现部分残骸。 …… 座位号F15-E56，男，21岁，二等座，确认存活。 座位号F17-E57，女，19岁，二等座，已发现部分残骸。 ……

The aroma of instant coffee tantalizes J's senses, and the look on K's face is as innocuous as ever.速溶咖啡的香气刺激着神经，印象里的K还长着一张人畜无害的面孔。

JHerr K.……K前辈。

KHm?嗯？

JI have a problem... Uh, it's not actually my problem... I have a friend who's recently been having some trouble...我有个问题……呃，不是我的问题…… 是我有一个朋友，最近遇上了一件难搞的事情……

KOh? Tell me about it.哦？说来听听。

JSo this friend of mine has recently landed his dream job... But his mentor, uh, I mean, his superior...我的这个朋友最近得到了他梦寐以求的工作…… 但是，他的导师，呃，不，是他的上级……

KWhat about his superior?他的上级怎么了？

J...His superior is very nice to him... She'd have lunch with my friend at the cafeteria, show him where the conference room is, and even organize his invoices for him...……他的上级对他很好…… 会带他去食堂打饭，帮他指导会议室的位置，还会给他贴发票……

KThen what's the problem?那么有什么问题呢？

JThe problem is she's too nice...问题在于太好了……

KWhat do you mean too nice?怎么个好法？

JHis superior is widely known to be a cold and ruthless woman among his colleagues. But isn't it a bit odd that she's so nice and gentle to a fresh grad like him? She even treats him to a meal every single month.他的上级在同事里的风评是一个残暴冷漠的女人。 但对刚毕业的他这样温柔体贴，是不是有点不太寻常？ 甚至每个月还会固定请他吃饭。

KHm, so?嗯，然后呢？

JMy friend is worried because he doesn't want to get into an office romance, but at the same time, he doesn't want to ruin his relationship with his superior.我这个朋友很担心，因为他并不想要搞办公室恋情，但又不想跟上级搞砸关系。

KAh... I get it...噢……我明白了……

JYou understand what I mean, Herr K?K前辈已经明白我的意思了吗？

KYou suspect Q has a crush on you.你怀疑Q暗恋你。

JAck!!!啊——！！！

JPlease keep it down, Herr K! I don't wish to tarnish Frau Q's reputation. I just want to resolve this peacefully...K前辈请不要这么大声！我不想影响Q女士的声誉，只想和平地解决……

KThis would indeed tarnish her reputation if word got out.这事传出去倒确实会影响她的声誉。

JFrau Q is a lovely person. I don't want to hurt her...Q女士是个非常好的人，我不希望伤害她……

KSo you want to tactfully reject her... without hurting her feelings?你想在不伤害她的前提下……委婉拒绝她对你的暗恋？

JYeah...嗯……

KThat's simple. We're agents whose lives are always on the line, so whatever we have to do, we make it quick. Which is why I suggest you just talk to her and clear the air.这个很简单，我们是特工，时刻都要面对生死未知的任务，所以有什么事都应该速战速决。 所以我建议你，去找她当面说清楚。

JWon't that be too direct...?不会太直接了吗……

KNot at all. Q is a strong woman. I'm sure she can take your rejection in stride and maintain her friendship with you. But only if you're honest with her about what you think. Starting from the moment you realized she had feelings for you.不会，Q是个坚强的女人，她绝对能够接受你的拒绝，并继续和你正常相处。 但前提是，你必须坦率地跟她说清楚你的想法。 从你发现她暗恋你开始。

JYou have a point, Herr K.……K前辈说得有道理……

KQ will be here for a meeting in 15 minutes. She always arrives early, so take this opportunity to talk it out.十五分钟后，Q会来这里开会。 以她的个性，她会提前到的，你就趁这个时候说清楚吧。

J...Right! Thank you, Herr K.……嗯！ 谢谢你，K前辈。

KDon't mention it.客气了。

JI'm going in then...那我进去了……

JNo... don't go in there...不……不要进去……

JDon't! Go! In! There!不！要！进！去！啊！

JAaaaaaah!!!啊！！！

J's eyes snap open as he jolts awake from his nightmare. Everyone in the conference room stares at him.J睁开眼，从噩梦中惊醒。 会议室里的人齐刷刷看向他。

Stasi Headquarters, Frankfurt.法兰克福 斯塔西总部

BrigitteAgent J, it's disrespectful enough to fall asleep while others are toiling away. You even have the nerve to talk in your sleep?J探员，在别人干活的时候睡觉已经很不礼貌了。 你怎么还说梦话？

J looks blearily at Amaris, Sterling, and Brigitte, who are organizing files and documents in the office, then darts a glance at Q, who is nonchalantly sipping her coffee off to the side.J看着办公室内整理资料的阿玛瑞丝、斯特林和布里吉特，以及一边视若无睹地喝着咖啡的Q。

Seeing the cause of his nightmare, J can only try to shrug it off. He flips through the pages of something on his desk absentmindedly.明白自己噩梦的根源，J只能假装无事发生，一边随手翻起桌面上的材料。

J"'Future's Dining Carriage Business Authorization Plan"... I didn't know selling lunchboxes on intercontinental trains is so profitable. But what does this have to do with Paradeus?《未来号餐车经营权授权方案书》……原来在洲际铁路上卖盒饭这么赚钱？ 可这和帕拉蒂斯有什么关系？

Amaris...Sorry, that's for me to read. Please look through this one.……不好意思这份是我要看的，你看下面那份。

The document is snatched out of his hand and replaced with another one.文件被抽走，又被塞入另一份。

SterlingIt's a copy of the statements given by employees of the company, signed by the head of operations, train attendant, barkeeper, etc.这是那家公司下属员工的口供复印件，有运营公司负责人、乘务员、酒保等人的签名。

J flips through the document quickly.J快速翻阅了一遍。

JAccording to both the barkeeper and the attendant, black market transactions are carried out on the train from time to time, but neither of them are aware of the specifics. They only know that the proprietor of the black market is generous with the profit shares. No wonder they've been able to stay under the radar for so long.酒保和乘务员都供述，列车上会不定期进行黑市交易，但具体的交易内容他们并不清楚，只知道黑市主理人出手一向阔绰。 难怪能隐瞒这么久。

BrigitteBut the black market trade on board was disrupted because of the robbery perpetrated by the Vory. I'm kinda skeptical... It's all too much of a coincidence.不过出事的这一班列车，黑市交易被中断了，因为律贼抢劫。 我对此持怀疑态度……毕竟太巧合了。

SterlingIf you know anything about how things work in the Neo-Soviet Union, you'll arrive at the opposite conclusion. To the Vory v Zakone, fighting is second nature.你如果对新苏联的民风有一些基础的了解，就会得出截然相反的结论。 对新苏联的律贼而言，战斗就像呼吸一样自然。

AmarisIs this all the information we have on the black market trade?黑市交易的情报只有这些吗？

JThe preliminary investigation report mentions that all black market transaction data is stored in a certain Doll's neural cloud, but the Dolls involved in this particular transaction were all taken in by the Commander of Griffin. Has the Commander supplied any information about them?初步的调查报告，说黑市交易的信息都存储在某个人形的心智里，但是当时回收人形的是格里芬的指挥官。 那边有给出相关人形的信息吗？

Sterling...Yes, but it's just vague and general information you get in regular Doll profiles.……有，但是提交过来的都是普通人形的模糊信息。

SterlingMaggie Ponzi, bartender. Catherine Ponzi, real estate agent. Erma Hume, freelance writer. You get the idea.比如这个，玛姬•庞兹，职业是调酒师。 凯瑟琳•庞兹，职业是房产中介。 艾尔玛•休谟，职业是自由作家。

J... Why did they even bother?!…… 这还不如直接不给！

Sterling makes photocopies of another document and distributes them to everyone present.斯特林拷贝了其中一份文件，发送给了在座众人。

JWhat's this? Their transaction ledger and how they split their profits?怎么了？这不是交易账本和分成吗？

JHoly crap, even the train attendant got 30 ounces of Sardis gold from this!哇靠，原来乘务员靠这个都能分到30盎司萨狄斯金。

SterlingHere's the black market's sales catalog. ...A volume of "Faust" is priced at 200,000 Sardis gold? Isn't that a massive rip-off?这是黑市的售卖目录。 ……一本《浮士德》开出20万萨狄斯金的价格是不是有点离谱？

J...You know woefully little about money laundering in the art world.……你对艺术品洗钱的了解还不够深啊。

BrigitteI see! What about this? "Human Intelligence Research (17th Edition)"—why is this worth so much?原来如此！那这个呢？ 《人类理智研究（第十七版）》，为什么值这么多钱？

JProbably another way of laundering money.可能也是洗钱的一种方式吧。

J skims through the catalog and tosses it aside. Amaris picks it up with a dazed look on her face.J扫了一眼就将目录扔到一边，阿玛瑞丝捡起来，脸色凝滞。

Amaris...This book...……这本书……

Q, who hasn't said a word so far, suddenly puts down her coffee and stands up.一直一言不发的Q突然放下咖啡站起来。

QKeep the catalog and take the rest of the stuff to Department 12 for intel analysis. J and Amaris stay, everyone else out.这份目录留下来，剩下的部分交给十二部情报分析评估中心。 J和阿玛瑞丝留下，其他人出去。

SterlingYes, ma'am!是！

BrigitteWe'll make the delivery right away!我们立刻送达！

After the two Dolls leave and close the door behind them, Q sits down across J and Amaris.两人关门离开后，Q坐到J和阿玛瑞丝的对面。

QAmaris, finish your sentence.阿玛瑞丝，你刚刚想说的，继续。

Amaris...If my memory serves me right, in Project NGAD, this document was among the reference materials for the inception of "Daybreak". However, I don't know its content. I believe it was the 16th edition back then.……如果我没有记忆错乱，“NGAD”计划中，“曙光”诞生的参考资料中有这个文件。 但是我不知道具体的内容。 当时应该是《人类理智研究（第十六版）》。

QThank you, Amaris. You can sign off for the day.好的，阿玛瑞丝，你今天的任务到此结束了。

AmarisYes, ma'am.是。

Amaris leaves the conference room.阿玛瑞丝离开了会议室。

QNow you see why we're handling this mission for the Neo-Soviet Union and why we have to let this Doll enter the Stasi.你现在理解为什么我们会帮新苏联做这个任务，又为什么要接受这个人形进入斯塔西了吧。

J...Daybreak and Capita, Shaw and Hume, the kind of tech that the Commander is dealing with... It's all connected somehow. But what's that got to do with us?……“曙光”和死罪，肖和休谟，指挥官那边的技术…… 都或多或少有点关联。 可是这跟我们有什么关系？

Q...As your mentor, let me teach you something.……作为你的导师，让我再教你点东西吧。

Q pushes aside the stacks of paper on the desk between them.Q将横亘在两人面前的资料全部推开。

QIn 1892, inspired by a dust explosion in a flour mill, a German engineer called Diesel conceived the idea of compressing air in a cylinder to increase its temperature beyond the fuel's auto-ignition temperature, then injecting fuel into the cylinder under high pressure to ignite the air. In 1897, he successfully developed the compression ignition engine, which opened up a new path for the development of internal combustion engines.1892年，一个德国工程师狄塞尔受面粉厂粉尘爆炸的启发，设想将吸入气缸的空气高度压缩，使其温度超过燃料的自燃温度，再用高压空气将燃料吹入气缸，使之着火燃烧。 1897年，他首创的压缩点火式内燃机研制成功，为内燃机的发展开拓了新途径。

J...Okaaaaay, internal combustion engines. You're gonna start from the history of train engines?……好的，内燃机，你打算从火车的发动机讲起？

QThe creation of the compression ignition engine aroused great interest in the global mechanical industry. The engine was later named the diesel engine after its inventor. Even the fuel is now called diesel.压缩点火式内燃机的问世，引起了世界机械业的极大兴趣，后来以发明者而命名为狄塞尔引擎。 更通用的名字是，柴油机。

QDiesel engines were first used in stationary generators in 1898. They became the power source for merchant ships in 1903 and were installed on warships in 1904. Then in 1913, the first diesel-powered internal combustion locomotive was built... The First World War broke out, which was also a war of internal combustion engines.1898年，柴油机首先用于固定式发电机组，1903年用作商船动力，1904年装于舰艇，1913年第一台以柴油机为动力的内燃机车制成…… 而第一次世界大战爆发，又被称为内燃机战争。

Q"What has the tech got to do with us?" you ask. There you have it. When Diesel refined the internal combustion engine in 1897, he never dreamed that his invention would be used for war rather than as simple train engines.你问我技术跟我们有什么关系。 就是这种关系。 当1897年的狄塞尔改进内燃机的时候，他一定不会想到他的发明被应用于战争，而不是仅仅用在老实的列车发动机身上。

QIt hasn't even been two decades since WWIII ended. What do you think WWIV is going to look like?三战才过去十几年，你觉得第四次世界大战是什么战争呢？

J... You mean it'd be a war of Dolls.…… 你是想说人形。

QSometimes I seriously want to tell the brass that they should just lock up all the scientists.我有时候确实想要建议那些坐在头把交椅上的人，将所有科学家抓起来算了。

QJust kidding.开玩笑的。

JNot funny at all. Why are you saying all this? I don't think we're friendly enough for idle chit-chat.一点也不好笑。 你说这些是为了什么？ 我们之间没有关系好到可以闲聊的程度。

QI'm reminding you to keep the Commander at arm's length. We take different stands on certain issues. As a mentor, I'm just giving my student one last piece of advice.我是提醒你，离指挥官远一点。 我们有各自的立场。 作为导师，对学生的最后忠告而已。

J... Why the concern for me?…… 为什么这么好心提醒我？

QThese are dangerous times. I don't want your personal actions to get escalated to the higher-ups. That's how Internal Affairs lost their influence.因为现在是敏感时期，我不想因为你的私人行为上升到斯塔西群体。 内务部就是这么失去权势的。

J...And how Romy rose to power?……罗密就是这么上位的？

Seeing the disdain on J's face, Q simply smiles.看在脸上流露出轻蔑不屑的J，Q只是微笑着。

QAnd that's why you still have a job, while some middle-aged former Internal Affairs official is now unemployed and living off social benefits at home.这就是为什么现在你还有工作，而内务部四十岁以上的无编制人员只能在家领失业救济金。

Moscow TV...Breaking news. A fire broke out at Khovrinskaya Hospital in Khovrino in northern Moscow. Local firefighters were dispatched immediately. The fire allegedly originated in the underground morgue of Khovrinskaya Hospital, and many bodies stored in the morgue have been damaged. When inspecting the scene, hospital officials and the police discovered the remains of Dr. Samantha Shaw, who had been missing for a long time. Police investigations are now underway.……本台接到突发新闻。 位于莫斯科北部霍夫里诺的霍弗林医院突发大火，当地消防人员第一时间出动。 据悉，火源位于霍弗林医院的地下太平间，目前已造成存放于太平间的多具遗体损毁。 在医院和警方清点现场时，意外发现了失踪多时的萨曼莎•肖博士的遗体。 目前，警方正在对此事件展开调查。

Deutscher RundfunkA fire broke out in Khovrinskaya Hospital in northern Moscow, causing damage to many bodies stored in the morgue. The remains of Dr. Samantha Shaw, who had long been missing, were discovered at the scene. Dr. Samantha Shaw was a renowned Doll scientist in the Neo-Soviet Union who held the patents for many cutting-edge technologies and had made great contributions to the development of Dolls. Moscow police are investigating the incident, and this station will be following the story closely.DDR2台记者获悉，莫斯科北部一家名为霍弗林医院的医院突发大火，造成了太平间的多具遗体损毁。 而在这之中，莫斯科警方意外发现了失踪多时的萨曼莎•肖博士。 萨曼莎•肖博士是著名的新苏联籍人形科学家，拥有多项尖端技术的专利，为人形的发展和进步做出了巨大的贡献。 莫斯科警方正在就此事进行调查，本台也会持续关注后续进展。

... The news program keeps playing in the otherwise quiet luxury hotel room.…… 静悄悄的豪华酒店房间，只有电视里的新闻节目还在重复放送。

Click.啪——

Persica turns off the television. The remote control slides out of her limp hand.电视机被关闭，遥控器从帕斯卡的手中滑落。

PersicaNo way. This can't be true. Can that woman even die? She's a Cossack AND a Slav! Someone who plays bowling with Goliaths! How could she have died secretly in a hospital on the outskirts of Moscow?!假的，不可能，这女人会死吗？ 她可是哥萨克人和斯拉夫人的后代，能把歌利亚当保龄球打的那种人！ 怎么可能悄悄死在莫斯科郊外的医院里啊？！

HelianCalm down. I've made you coffee...你冷静一下，我给你泡了杯咖啡……

Persica accepts the coffee with trembling hands and downs it in one gulp.帕斯卡颤抖着接过咖啡一饮而尽。

PersicaIt's a lie. It's got to be a lie. The real Shaw must still be locked up somewhere. What if the police believe they've really found her and call off the search?! Helian, we've got to write to their search unit right now! They mustn't be fooled!假的，肯定是假的，真的肖还不知道被关押在哪里，要是那些警察信以为真，放弃寻找肖怎么办？！ 赫丽安，我们必须立刻给搜查部门写信！不能让他们就这样被糊弄了！

Persica boots up her computer and starts typing rapidly on the keyboard.帕斯卡唤醒电脑，飞快地敲起了键盘。

Helian grips her hands.赫丽安握住了她的手。

HelianYou'd better sit down. Take it easy...你先坐下来，什么也别想……

KryugerI'm afraid it's true, Persica. The police has matched the body's DNA with Shaw's. There's no mistake—it's her.这恐怕是真的，帕斯卡。警方对比了尸体和肖的DNA。 千真万确，是她。

HelianMr. Kryuger...克鲁格先生……

KryugerI wish I could reassure you and tell you it's all a lie. But death is written in stone, and the living can only come to terms with it and move on.我也很想安慰你，告诉你这一切都是假的。 但死者的死亡已经注定，生者唯有接受这一切现实，并背负着继续前进。

Persica drifts back to her workstation and runs a search on her computer in silence. Helian puts down a new cup of coffee next to her.帕斯卡沉默地回到自己的工作区翻找起来，赫丽安泡好了新的咖啡放在她的身边。

Helian...Persica, are you alright?……帕斯卡，你还好吗？

Persica...I'm just looking through my communication logs with Shaw.……我只是在整理和肖的通讯记录而已。

Click. Rows upon rows of log entries appear on the screen. Persica sorts them into different categories based on their timestamps and subjects.唰—— 密集的资料记录展现在了帕斯卡的眼前，按照时间和主题进行了不同的分类。

She drags the page back to the top and starts scrolling through them slowly... The sense of self-importance they had for being accepted to the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy together, their euphoria over a breakthrough while testing the first-gen autonomous Dolls, the torment of encountering a bottleneck in the research project she was leading... Like opening a dusty photo album, all these long-buried memories come alive again.她拉到了最上方，开始慢慢浏览—— 年少时一同考入茹科夫斯基空军学院的张狂，在初代自律人形技术上取得新的测试进展时的狂喜，主导研究项目进展停滞的痛苦…… 像是打开了尘封的相册，那些久未流动的记忆重新鲜活了起来。

Her gaze lingers on the message she sent Shaw asking for her help when she ran into an insurmountable problem during M4A1's creation process. Despite her vehement opposition to modeling a neural cloud on human brain slices, Shaw still generously offered her help when she asked for it...她的目光停留在了她在研发M4A1时遇见无法攻克的难题向肖求助的页面。 当时肖是那么强烈反对使用脑切片为心智原型，但当自己求助时，她又慷慨相助……

Persica's hand suddenly freezes.帕斯卡的手突然顿了一下。

PersicaHang on.等等。

HelianWhat is it?怎么了？

Persica pulls up the record of the brain slices used in developing M4A1 as well as the data she has on Sangvis Ferri and Nytos...帕斯卡调出了研发M4A1时使用的脑切片记录，同时调出了自己获得的铁血和涅托相关数据……

Persica...The frameworks... share... a similarity... It's the same...……框架……有一部分东西……是一样的…… 一样的……

HelianWhat have you found?你发现了什么？

PersicaSomeone already knew the outcome before I even created M4A1... My creating the AR Team might have been part of a conspiracy to begin with...有人在我研发出M4A1前就知道了结果…… 我对AR小队的研发，可能本身就是一场阴谋……

Persica's eyes darken.帕斯卡的眼神晦暗了。

PersicaIf this is all a massive conspiracy... Then... she might actually be dead.如果这一切都是一场巨大的阴谋。 那么……她可能真的死了。

Helian...My condolences.……请节哀。

Persica...I did sometimes wonder how that scary Slavic woman would go out.……我有时候也会想那种恐怖的斯拉夫女人，下场会是什么样子。

Persica picks up her cup of coffee again and gulps down half of it.重新端起咖啡，帕斯卡喝下一大半。

PersicaBack at Zhukovsky, everyone else treated me like a little girl. But not her.在茹科夫斯基空军学院的时候，其他人都把我当成小女孩。 但她不一样。

HelianWere you very good friends?她跟你关系很好吗？

PersicaHuh, not at all. She treated me like a crackpot.哦，一点也不好。 她把我当变态。

PersicaI never cared who came second after me in class. But she made quite an impression on me.我从来不关心班上第二名是谁。 但她挺令人印象深刻的。

HelianWhy?为什么？

PersicaAcademic achievements meant nothing to her. As a scientist, she never really yearned for the unknown. She was more like an artisan.她根本不执着于学术的成就。 比起对知识和未知世界的渴望，她更像是一个手艺人。

PersicaA Doll was no different than an axe in her eyes, I think.我觉得她对人形的态度，和对斧头没什么区别。

PersicaBut her one true love had always been planes.不过她最爱的还是飞机。

Persica points at the photograph of Shaw standing in front of an aircraft on the screen. She still had a jaunty smile on her face back then.帕斯卡指了指屏幕上肖站在飞机前的照片。 那时她的脸上还是意气风发的笑容。

PersicaI'd always thought she'd join the air force and die in some plane crash. That seemed more like her style. Something like flying a plane deep behind enemy lines all by herself, shooting down five enemy planes, then crashing herself into a cliff to avoid being taken prisoner...我一直以为她会回到军队，死在某次空难中。 那可能比较符合她的风格。 比如只身一人驾驶飞机深入敌后，击落敌方五架飞机后为了不被俘虏一头撞向山崖什么的……

PersicaBut she ended up turning into a mystery—who would've thought?没想到现在的她，居然成为了一个谜。

HelianPersica, I have a feeling... Shaw's death would become a catalyst. A spark that ignites this precarious powder keg.帕斯卡，我有预感。 肖的死，会成为导火索。 点燃现在摇摇欲坠的炸药桶。

PersicaHuh? That Slavic woman would never be involved in such nasty, convoluted business.啊？那个斯拉夫女人从来不会搞那些弯弯绕绕的东西。

Helian...There's no shortage of opportunists in this world who would use any excuse as a pretext to push their own agenda.……这个世界上，从来不缺借题发挥的人。

Persica...That would be an insult to her. She was one of the few genuinely upfront and guileless people left in the world.……那对她反而是一种侮辱。 她是少见的，那种赤诚坦荡的人。

PersicaAggravating for sure, but not detestable.虽然让人烦躁，但是不会讨厌的那种人。

HelianLike Ange?跟安洁一样吗？

PersicaYeah, like Ange.嗯，跟安洁一样。

The Fox Was Ever the Hunter 狐狸那时已是猎人

Stasi Headquarters, Frankfurt. Romy's office.法兰克福 斯塔西总部 罗密办公室

In the small hours of the morning, the interior of the building is pitch black, with only a scant few incandescent lights still on in rooms where people are still hard at work.凌晨时分，大楼内部已是漆黑一片，只剩下零星几盏白炽灯还在努力工作。

Under one such light, a fatigued Romy pours herself an iced coffee.其中一盏灯下，满脸疲惫的罗密刚给自己倒了杯冰咖啡。

RomyFinn, let's call it a day. Go home now. I'll need you to come in early tomorrow morning.费恩，今天先到这里吧。 你先回家，明天需要你早到。

Finn HoffmannAlright. Should I get a midnight supper delivered to you?好的，需要我帮您预定一份夜宵吗？

RomyYes, please. Make that two, and send Q in for me.行，多加一份，顺便把Q叫来。

Finn Hoffmann...It's already 0345. Is Agent Q still here?……已经三点四十五了，Q探员还在吗？

RomyIf she isn't, she can kiss her monthly bonus goodbye.不在的话就扣光她的这个月绩效。

Finn HoffmannThen she's definitely still here.那她肯定在。

After collecting all the trash in the office, the assistant quickly makes himself scarce.助理收拾好办公室的废弃垃圾，匆匆离开了。

A short while later, there is a knock on the door. Engrossed in her stacks of paperwork and her computer, Romy does not even raise her head.片刻后，敲门声响起，忙碌于文件和电脑之间的罗密头也不抬。

RomyCome in.进来。

Click. Q enters the office with a pile of files in her arms.咔哒。Q抱着一堆档案走进了办公室。

Romy finally looks up, allowing herself a brief respite from her work.罗密抬头，将自己短暂地从工作中释放出来。

QHere is everything we have on Avernus and the "Future." To give a brief summary... The "Grand Duke" was the Neo-Soviet Union's way of expressing their displeasure with Avernus as well as a warning to the military. But the folks in the military don't seem to give a damn; they were even part of the smuggling ring. Also, after some investigation, it's pretty clear that there are many snitches in the Stasi reporting to another boss.阿佛那斯和未来号的资料都在这里了。 简单总结一下就是—— “大公”是新苏联对阿佛那斯的不满，也是对我们军方的一次警告。 不过军方的人似乎完全不在意，他们甚至亲自参与走私。 此外，经过一些排查，斯塔西现在还有很多人是在向其他人双线汇报的。

Romy ponders this information. She pulls out a pack of cigarettes from her pocket.罗密沉思一阵，从口袋里摸出一包烟。

RomyThe general was supposed to be a cornerstone for keeping the military and the party in check. But now that the cornerstone isn't stable, some people are getting antsy, and sooner or later they will drag the country into the quagmire.原本将军是镇压军方和党内的一块基石。 但现在基石并不稳当，有些人在蠢蠢欲动，迟早要把国家拖入泥潭。

QMost of them are still sitting on the fence, I suppose.大部分人都在观望吧。

Romy...The world won't get destroyed because of a villain. It will be those wavering fence-sitters' doing. If the Devil's power grows stronger, they will all happily support him and become Satan's accomplices. But the moment Christ walks the earth again, they will all put on their pious faces as if they'd been praying like true believers all along.……世界并不是因为反派才会毁灭的。 而是全靠这些还在观望、还在摇摆的人。 如果恶魔的力量更强大，他们就完全倒向恶魔，成为撒旦的帮凶。 一旦圣子重新降临人间，就又开始转变虔诚面孔，仿佛从头到尾都在真心祷告。

QOh? Then isn't this your chance?哦，这不就是您的机会吗？

Romy sighs.罗密叹了口气。

RomySometimes I feel like a beast in the Colosseum. Always forced to play the fierce and ferocious role.有时候我会觉得自己像古罗马斗兽场里的野兽。 专门负责表演凶猛和强悍的部分。

QThe steps are very steep and narrow. If you don't keep climbing, you will fall and break all your bones. And the ones climbing in your wake will also meet their end. Even if you want to catch a break, the ones below won't allow it.毕竟阶梯这么陡又这么窄，不爬上去的话，就会粉身碎骨。 而下面跟着您一起攀爬的人，也会随之万劫不复。 就算您想歇一歇，下面的人也是不会允许的。

RomyYeah, but the general failed to understand this, and that's why he literally gave certain things away on a silver platter. He has no idea how much terror his leniency and indecisiveness have caused us.是啊，将军就是不明白这一点，才会把一些东西拱手让人。 他不知道他的一念宽容和犹豫，会给我们造成多么巨大的恐惧。

QSo are you ready?那么，您做好准备了吗？

Romy lights a cigarette and takes a long, hard drag. Smoke coils out from the corner of her lips.罗密点起一支烟，猛吸了一口，烟雾从她的嘴角徐徐溢出。

RomyOf course. I will not allow myself to fail.当然，我绝对不会允许自己失败。

She glances up at Q and taps at her own heart with her right index finger.她看了一眼Q，用右手食指点了点自己的心脏位置。

RomyAt the very least, we must take complete control of the White Zone. You did very well dealing with the Neo-Soviet Union. Our hands are wiped clean.起码白区，我们要掌握在手里。 新苏联一行，你完成得很不错，主要是把我们的手擦得很干净。

QYou don't have to worry about that at all. The matter with Samantha Shaw is slowly going in the direction we predicted. I've already prepared her file.这点您完全可以放心，萨曼莎•肖的事情正在慢慢走向我们预计的发展方向。 她的档案我已经准备好了。

Romy...I want all the guards in the White Zone to be our people by the end of the year. Can you manage that?……我希望到年底的时候，白区的守卫将全部变成我们的人。 能做到吗？

QUh, the bigger problem is my overtime pay. I've worked way too many extra hours this week, boss.哎，比起这个，我考虑更多的是加班费。 这周工时已经超标了，老板。

RomyOnce things quiet down, I'll give you a holiday.等这一阵子忙完，就给你放假。

QIt's been years, boss. I've been hearing this promise since my time in Moscow.三年之后又三年，老板，这个放假的承诺我在莫斯科的时候就听过好多次了。

RomyThat just goes to show how long you've been working for the Stasi and how experienced you are. It'll be your turn for a promotion next.说明你在斯塔西的资历很长，下次就可以轮到你晋升了。

QGod, I freaking love this job, even if the only good thing about it is the pay.老板，我爱死这份好处只有钱的工作了。

Regular staff entrance, White Zone, Frankfurt.法兰克福 白区 普通职员通行入口

After passing multiple security checks, Brigitte finally arrives at the access gate. The sheer amount of bureaucracy and the variety of procedures she has to go through is getting irritating even for a Doll like her.经过重重安检，布里吉特终于抵达了通行闸口。 手续之多，种类之繁杂，令身为人形的布里吉特都觉得有几分厌烦。

However, there is still one final checkpoint, and a soldier of the Frankfurt Garrison is now obstructing her way.然而，还有最后一道关卡，一名法兰克福卫戍团士兵拦在了她的面前。

Garrison SoldierState your identity and business.汇报身份和目的。

BrigitteHello, I am a special agent from the Ministry for State Security, codename Brigitte. I have permission from my department to come and upload some data to our archive.你好，我是国家安全部的特工人形，代号布里吉特。 已经获得了部门许可，来这里办理资料入库。

The garrison soldier takes the paperwork from Brigitte and goes through them carefully a few times.卫戍团士兵接过布里吉特手中的文件，仔细检查了几遍。

Garrison SoldierA Doll from the Stasi? Is your neural cloud still running?斯塔西的人形？你的心智核心还在运行？

BrigitteUh... yes? I'd be a toaster if it weren't.呃……是的，不运行的话我就宕机了。

Garrison SoldierThen you can't pass.那你不能通过。

The garrison soldier tosses the paperwork back at Brigitte.卫戍团士兵将文件扔回给布里吉特。

Garrison SoldierNo Doll with a functional neural cloud can be granted entry. That's the rule.拥有心智的人形不被允许通过，这是规矩。

Brigitte...I'm a Stasi Doll who wants to visit the Stasi's archive to store some data. What am I supposed to do?……我身为斯塔西的人形想要在斯塔西的档案室里存材料。 那我应该怎么做？

Garrison SoldierSend another Doll with no neural cloud. Or a human who can pass the security checks.换一个没有配置心智核心的人形过来。 或者，换个能够通过安检的人类进来。

Brigitte...The data in my possession are top secret and cannot be passed on to a third party. And my superior certainly hasn't got the time to run this kind of errand.……我拿的资料是绝密等级，不可以由第三方运输。 而我的上级更不可能有时间负责运输这种东西。

Garrison SoldierThat's the Stasi's problem. We follow the rules of the White Zone.这是斯塔西的事情。 而我们遵守的是白区的规矩。

Brigitte has no choice but to call J, but she just can't get through.布里吉特只好给J打去通讯，但始终无法接通。

The garrison soldier snickers as he points at a sign on the wall.卫戍团士兵见状冷笑几声，指着墙壁向布里吉特示意。

The sign bears the symbol of a signal interference area.墙壁上有信号屏蔽区符号。

Garrison SoldierThis is a signal interference area. Please go back the way you came.这里是信号屏蔽区。 请原路返回。

BrigitteWhy, you!你！

Before she can even finish, the soldier has already called the elevator and shoved her inside.不等她说完，卫戍团士兵已经按好了电梯按钮，将她一把推了进去。

Brigitte can only back up to the entrance of the elevator lobby.布里吉特只能退回到电梯入口。

After finally connecting to the Stasi's intercom, Brigitte unleashes her bottled-up fury into her communicator.在确认接通斯塔西内线后，布里吉特对着通讯器宣泄着内心的怒火。

BrigitteJ—!!!!!!J——！！！！！！

JWhat?! Is there an emergency?干什么！？有什么紧急情况？

BrigitteThe garrison isn't letting me through to get to the archive.卫戍团的人拒绝我进档案室。

JHuh? But the request has been approved. What's their reason?啊？申请已经通过了。他们的理由是？

BrigitteThe guy said that, according to the rules, Dolls with a functional neural cloud like me aren't permitted entry. He said to send a Doll with no neural cloud or a human who can pass the security checks.说按照规定，我这样拥有心智核心的人形不允许入内。 让我去换没有心智的人形或者符合安检要求的人类来存档案。

JWhat kind of rule is that? I've never heard of such nonsense. They're deliberately trying to trip us up.哪来的规定？我怎么不知道？ 他们就是故意使绊子。

BrigitteSo what am I supposed to do?那现在怎么办？

JGive me 15 minutes. I'll be right there.你等我十五分钟，我马上来。

Brigitte15 minutes? Why will you have to take so long? What are you doing?十五分钟？为什么要这么久，你在做什么？

JStop asking questions!别问了！

BrigitteYou didn't get pulled over by the traffic police, did you?你不会又被交警拦下了吧？

JShut up! 15 minutes!!!闭嘴！十五分钟！！！

J hangs up.J挂掉了通讯。

After spending some time to psych herself up, Brigitte returns to the elevator with a smile...在重新做好一轮心理建设后，布里吉特面带微笑地回到了电梯……

A garrison soldier walks past Brigitte with a smiling Doll in tow.一个卫戍团士兵打扮的人带着一个笑盈盈的人形经过了布里吉特身边。

Garrison SoldierThomas, is it your shift again today?托马斯，今天又轮到你值班了吗？

ThomasThe 2nd Guards Regiment will join the shift rotation starting tomorrow. The major general's orderly has asked me to come and fetch something, so please let me pass.是的，第二警卫团的人明天开始过来跟我们轮值。 少将的勤务兵让我来这边拿点东西，麻烦你通行。

Garrison SoldierCarry on.辛苦。

Brigitte plants herself in front of the gate, the smile she is forcing looking incredibly stiff.布里吉特拦在闸口面前，她竭力挤出的笑容猛地一滞。

BrigitteHold on, the Doll he has with him also has a neural cloud. Why can SHE go through?等等，他边上的人形也有心智核心。 为什么她可以进去？

Garrison SoldierThis is a military medical Doll.这可是军方医护人形。

BrigitteNo security checks or paperwork for her? She's even still connected to her intranet! Are your rules a joke? As far as I know, the intranet falls under the Stasi's jurisdiction, doesn't it?连安检和手续都不用办理吗？而且，她甚至没有断网！ 你们的规矩形同摆设吗？我记得内网算是斯塔西的范围吧？

Garrison SoldierYou have no right to question our rules.你无权干涉我们的规定。

BrigitteBut your rules are utterly inconsistent!你的规定明明漏洞百出！

Garrison SoldierIf you have any misgivings about the rules, please take it up to your own director.如果你对规定有所不满，请咨询你们部长。

BrigitteWhy do the rules only apply to me but not that Doll?! This is unacceptable! If you don't let me through, you can't let her through either!同样的规矩凭什么只有我们遵守，那个人形就可以不遵守？！ 不行，她也不可以进去！

The garrison soldier named Thomas frowns.名为托马斯的卫戍团士兵皱着眉停下了脚步。

He decides to ignore Brigitte entirely and opens the garrison's special entrance for the so-called military medical Doll.他并不打算搭理布里吉特，直接为所谓的军用医护人形刷开了卫戍团士兵的专用通道。

Garrison SoldierLaura, just get in.劳拉，你直接进去。

LauraYes, sir. I will adhere to the rules.明白，我会遵守这里的规定。

While Brigitte and the garrison soldier are still locked in an argument, Laura quickly goes through the gate.趁着布里吉特还在跟卫戍团士兵争执，劳拉迅速通过闸门。

... AK-15 watches over the Doll frame in front of her in silence while also monitoring her surroundings.…… AK-15沉默地注视着面前的素体，同时戒备着周围的动静。

Beeeeeep, beep. Beeeeeep, beep. The signal transmitter in the Doll frame's hand beeps four times. Long, short, long, short—the signal of a successful connection.嘀——嘀，嘀——嘀。 素体手上的信号器响了四声。 长短长短，是连接成功的提示。

AK-15 remains on high alert, not daring to let her guard down.不敢有丝毫放松，AK-15加强了戒备。

Following the garrison soldier's instruction, Laura enters the White Zone through the special entrance, successfully bypassing the security checks that she should have undergone. Once she is in, the smile she was wearing vanishes.在卫戍团士兵的指引下，劳拉从专用通道进入了白区，得以避开了接下来本应面对的检查环节。 此刻，她脸上的笑容早已消失不见。

Laura... How ironic. The Black Zone is under the sun... While the White Zone is underground.…… 真是讽刺，黑区在天上。 而白区却在地下。

When she reaches the fork, instead of heading toward the garrison's camp, she makes for the Stasi's secret archive.站在分岔口，她没有按照指引前往卫戍团的军营，而是身形一转来到斯塔西机密档案室。

After walking through the spacious foyer, the Doll arrives at the fourth door on the left wall. The door is unmarked.穿过开阔的大厅，该人形来到了左侧墙壁第四道舱门外，门上没有任何标识。

She activates the ID verification system on the wall.她唤醒了墙上的身份认证系统。

SystemPlease confirm your identity.请进行身份认证。

LauraAlright.好的。

The Doll wastes no time in hacking the verification system without disturbing the peace and quiet.在一片安静祥和中，人形直接骇入了认证系统。

Laura...Paradeus and the Stasi are much more closely connected than expected. Even the verification systems are compatible...……没想到帕拉蒂斯跟国安局的关系，竟然这么密切。 连情报认证系统都能兼容……

SystemVerified.认证通过。

The 60-centimeter-thick alloy door opens, granting her access.六十公分厚的合金舱门打开，她走了进去。

After entering through the door, she takes a left turn and finds herself looking down a dark and seemingly endless corridor. The space seems to be constructed using some kind of a special material that makes it impossible for a regular Doll's electronic eyes to fully discern the corridor in the dark.进门左转一个弯后，面前是一条看不到尽头的漆黑走廊。 这里似乎使用了某些特殊材料，普通人形的电子眼也无法感知到黑暗中的走廊全貌。

She takes a tentative step forward.她试探着迈出一步。

The energy-saving fluorescent lamp overhead comes on silently, illuminating an area of about one meter ahead. On the floor, a white strip that is five centimeters wide glows faintly as it reflects the light from above, showing her the way like a lane divider on a motorway. The entire corridor seems to be coated in light-absorbing material. As the Doll walks down the corridor, her footsteps echoing through the space, the lights come on and go out one after the other, illuminating her way forward while plunging the space behind her back into darkness. She notices that there are metal doors every few meters on both sides of the corridor, but she makes no attempt to try their door handles. She just keeps going forward while keeping her eyes on the memory card in her hand.头顶的节能冷光灯无声亮起，照亮身前大约一米的范围。 地板反射灯光后，一道五公分宽的白色荧光亮起，像公路中间的车道分界线一样，微弱地指引着道路。 走廊似乎涂了吸光材料，身前依次渐亮，身后没入黑暗，脚步声回荡。 她注意到，两边每隔数米，就有一道金属房门，但她并未触碰那些门把手，只是盯着存储卡一直向前走。

...Until its light changes from blue to white.直到存储卡的蓝光变成白色。

LauraVisual and sensory interference, and a destination that can only be found with a homing beacon...?干扰视觉、感知，仅凭道具指引，确定需要抵达的区域么……

But she finds herself facing a metal wall instead of a door.但面前并不是门，而是一道金属墙壁。

LauraHm?咦？

Beeeeep, beep, beep, beep. Four beeps suddenly sound in her neural cloud, one long, three short—the agreed signal.嘀——嘀、嘀、嘀。 心智中突然出现了四声提示音，一长三短，是之前约定的信号——

Laura fishes out a hand-held mirror from her pocket. From the mirror, she spots two red lasers aimed silently at her head and chest from behind.劳拉从口袋里取出镜子，从镜中，她发现两道红色激光点无声瞄准了她的头部和心脏的位置，光源来自背后！

Laura...!……！

She does a double take. In this corridor with its smooth metal walls, there is no cover whatsoever. Most importantly, the corridor must be defended by countless hidden mechanisms. One careless move and she will unmistakably be shot to pieces.她心中一惊，在这只有光滑金属墙壁的走廊里，不可能找得到任何掩体。 最重要的是，这条走廊中一定隐藏着难以计数的防护措施，贸然行动，除了被打成碎片，不可能有第二种下场。

She notices a small depression in the wall with four different-sized data ports.她发现墙壁有一道凹陷，上面有四个不同规格的数据接口。

Pretending she has not noticed the red laser dots, she slowly raises the memory card and inserts it into one of the ports. The laser dots follow her as she moves, never straying from her head and chest. If she were an ordinary human, she would never have noticed them.她假装没有察觉到红色激光点，慢慢拿起数据卡，不慌不忙地插在接口上。 红色激光点的位置随着她的动作而挪动，始终瞄准她的头部和心脏，如果是一个正常人类在这里，根本不可能发觉。

The light on the memory card flickers for a few seconds until it returns to a steady glow.数据卡上的光像呼吸一样闪烁了几秒，然后变回常亮。

She pulls out the memory card. From her mirror, she can tell that the red laser dots have vanished.她拔下数据卡，从镜中发现红色激光点消失了。

LauraPhew... Such tight defenses... Thank goodness...呼……防守如此森严…… 幸好……

She backs off a couple of steps and produces... a second memory card from her pocket.她退开几步，从怀中掏出了……亮着红光的第二个存储卡。

She retraces her steps back to the entrance. This time, she goes right and down an identical-looking corridor. After walking about a dozen meters, she comes to a stop at an alloy door. Unlike last time, there is a guard standing in front of the door, waiting silently in the dark.她走回舱门前，这次向右走，同样是转了个弯，一条相同的长廊。 这次走了十多米，就停在一扇合金门前。 不同的是，门前竟然有守卫，就这样无声无息站在黑暗中。

LauraI am here to extract the file pertaining to Mission NUSSRB476438923127649.我来调取任务NUSSRB476438923127649相关的档案。

The guard's electronic eyes flash red. After verifying the memory card, the alloy door slides open.守卫电子眼发出红光，验证过存储卡后，合金门滑开。

Behind the door is a 2,500-square-foot server room. Groups of servers are enclosed in glass cabinets, humming softly, their work lights flashing.门后是一个2500平方英尺的机房，一组组服务器被封装在玻璃柜里，工作灯闪烁，低低嗡鸣。

Interior temperature 24°C, humidity 45%. All in all a comfortable environment.室内24度，湿度45%，总体甚至称得上舒适。

LauraSo data is stored and accessed in different locations...原来存储和读取在不同地点……

She walks up to the operation area and inserts the memory card with a red light into the slot.她走到操作区，将红光存储卡插在卡槽里。

LauraThe server room is pretty unremarkable though.调取信息的机房倒是平平无奇。

Before she can even finish the thought, whoosh! The entire room is suddenly engulfed in a blinding white light!念头刚闪过，哗——视野内，整个房间被铺天盖地的白光吞没！

No, the real physical space has simply been replaced with a special digital space...不，不是真实的空间，只是一个特殊的电子空间——

LauraLet's see what information I can extract...让我看看能调取什么资料……

She waves a hand to summon the command interface and punches in a few lines of code. Several windows with scrolling data appear, then disappear just as promptly.随手一挥，打开指令窗口，轻巧地敲了几行代码，数个窗口数据滚动着出现，又迅速消失。

She inputs the authorization code in the final interface, then presses "send".在最后出现的界面里，她输入了权限代码，按下发送。

Ding! Countless streams of information pour out, and in the torrent of 0s and 1s, she catches sight of the "servers" composed of data.叮——无数的信息流倾泻，在0与1的洪流中，她看到了一栋栋数据组成的“服务器”。

LauraThis data pattern... is pretty much identical to Paradeus'...? ...Don't tell me Avernus was the provider of the Stasi intel network? Judging by the German government's credibility, they may have been colluding with each other for quite a while...这套数据的运行方式……怎么跟阿佛那斯的几乎一样…… ……难道说斯塔西的情报网是阿佛那斯提供的？ 以德国政府在这方面的信用，说不定二者早有合作……

She mutters to herself as she studies the "memory card", now in digital form.她腹诽着，看向手边数据化的“存储卡”。

LauraNow, will I find what I'm after...?那么，我要找的东西会在这里吗……

She quickly inputs a name—Samantha Shaw.她飞快输入一个名字：萨曼莎•肖。

A document with over a hundred pages appears before her eyes. She is about to make a copy, but then she pauses.长达百页的文档出现在眼前，她正要拷贝，却停住了手。

She scrolls through the document, rapidly reading all the information, then closes the interface.她滑过文档，将所有数据飞快浏览一遍，然后关闭了界面。

The space reverts back to the server room, and the light on the memory card turns from red to green.眼前又变成了机房，存储卡上的红光已变为绿光。

She ejects it from the slot.她拔下存储卡。

Laura...Mission accomplished!……任务结束！

She walks lightly toward the door and prepares to leave.她轻巧地走到门口，准备离开。

Ka-chak—the guard suddenly loads its weapon and aims it at her!哗啦，枪械上膛，守卫的枪口猛然对准她！

Guard DroidNon-mission related query detected! Please present your authorization!检测到非任务相关查询记录！请出示授权！

Whoosh—dozens of laser red dots appear on her body all at once.刷刷刷——数十道激光红点几乎同时指在她身上！

Guard DroidRepeat—unauthorized query detected! Please present your authorization! If no response is given in 600 seconds, you will be fired upon.重复，超权限查询，请出示授权！600秒无应答，进入无限制开火！

Laura...!……！

BrigitteI demand an explanation! Why am I, a Doll working for the Stasi, being treated differently than a military Doll?!无论如何你必须给我一个交代，斯塔西的人形和军方的人形为什么拥有不同的待遇！

Garrison SoldierIt's our rules. The two of you have different clearance levels.这是我们的规定，两边的权限不一样。

Brigitte...We're all following the same set of regulations. I believe you are deliberately making things difficult for me.……大家遵守的条例明明是同一套，我认为你在故意刁难我。

Garrison SoldierIf you have any objections, you should report them to your superiors instead of arguing with me here. Please leave, or I will have to request assistance from my other colleagues.你有异议应该向你的长官进行反馈，而不是在这里跟我争执。 如果你还不离开，我要申请其他同事协助了。

Wooooooo... The sudden alarm interrupts the argument. Brigitte watches as the blood drains from the soldier's face.嗡—— 突发的警报打断了争吵，布里吉特眼看着对方的脸色瞬间惨白。

Tap-tap-tap... Following a series of rapid footsteps, J finally arrives at the scene.哒哒哒——一阵急促的跑步声后，J终于抵达了现场。

JVerdammte Scheiße! The traffic police are so not understanding... Brigitte, what's the deal with the alarm?*的，这些交警真不讲人情…… 布里吉特，这个警报是什么情况？

BrigitteI don't know.我也不知道。

Whoosh. After answering the emergency call, the garrison soldier gives J and Brigitte a somber look.唰—— 接听完紧急通讯后，卫戍团士兵严肃地看向J和布里吉特。

Garrison SoldierSomeone triggered the alarm inside the Archive of the Ministry for State Security. Come with me.国家安全部档案室有人触发了警报。 你们一起过来。

BrigitteHuh? Which archive?哈，哪里的档案室？

JCould you repeat that?能重复一遍吗？

Garrison SoldierThe Stasi's archive.斯塔西机密档案室。

Whoosh... By the time the garrison troops arrive, the medical Doll named Laura has already crashed and is unresponsive.唰唰唰—— 等卫戍团士兵赶到时，名为“劳拉”的医护人形已经宕机。

JDoll info?人形信息。

Garrison SoldierLaura, Military Medical Doll, 7th Battalion of the Garrison Regiment.军用医护人形，隶属于卫戍团7号军营，劳拉。

JLaura?劳拉？

J beckons for Brigitte, who has drawn her weapon, to approach slowly.J抬手示意布里吉特持枪缓慢靠近。

Clatter. The Doll topples right over.咔哒，医护人形直接倒在了地上。

JBrigitte, stay where you are and keep a lookout. You go up and take a closer look.布里吉特，停在原地保持戒备。 你们上去检查。

The garrison soldier draws closer to the Doll warily and only bends down to inspect her after making sure it's safe.卫戍团士兵并未放松警惕，戒备地靠近，确认安全后，才俯身检查。

Garrison SoldierShe's crashed alright.确认宕机。

JCheck carefully—any unknown signal connections?检查仔细点，还有未知信号连接吗？

Garrison SoldierNo, all signals are disconnected.没有，所有信号都是断开的。

BrigitteThen her neural cloud was hacked. Someone was controlling her frame...她心智被骇入了，有人操控了她的素体……

Garrison SoldierAll external signals are blocked within the White Zone. We just checked all signal sources within the time window and found no traces of external access.白区屏蔽了所有外部信号，我们刚刚查过了这段时间内的所有信号源，没有外部访问痕迹。

BrigitteWhich means the signal could only have come from within the White Zone.这只能说明信号在内部……

JIt's short-range radio communication. Whoever took control of Laura's frame... is less than 300 meters away!是短距离无线通信，这个操控劳拉素体的人……距离这里不会到三百米！

JUsing our location as the center, search the area within a radius of 300 meters!以这里为圆心，半径三百米的范围，都给我查！

Standing in the square just outside an office building, AN-94 looks at the towering quarantine wall in the distance.AN-94站在一栋写字楼外的广场上，眺望远处巍峨的隔离墙。

AN-9412, how are things on your end? 15 is guarding your frame, but your location is still very dangerous.12，你那边情况怎么样？ 虽然有15守着你的素体，但是你们的位置很危险。

AK-12...I've found Shaw's file, but armed forces in the area are gathering rapidly.……我已经找到肖的档案，但附近的武装力量正在迅速集中。

AN-94I'll come and give you some backup!我马上来接应你！

AK-12...Alright.……嗯。

...AK-15 crouches in the corner, waiting for any possible danger to present itself.……AK-15蹲伏在角落，等待着任何可能出现的危险。

The Doll in front of her slowly opens her eyes.面前的人形缓缓睁开了眼。

AK-12Target acquired. Prepare to withdraw.目标到手，准备撤离。

AK-15 rises to her full height in silence. She is always ready for battle.AK-15沉默地站起，她一直在为战斗准备着。

AK-12A large number of armed units are approaching. Cover me.大量武装单位逼近，掩护我。

AK-15...Roger.……收到。

The Glass Bead Game 玻璃球游戏

Meeting room, Stasi Headquarters, Frankfurt.法兰克福 斯塔西总部 会议室

Standing by the window, J peers into the distant night sky. His anxiety is making him babble.站在窗边，J望向远处已经漆黑的夜空，内心涌现出的焦急令他显得喋喋不休。

JAnyway, that's basically what happened. They wouldn't let us take the Doll with us...总之事情是这样，他们拦着不让我们带走那个人形……

RomyI understand. I'll send Q to take care of the matter.事情我已经清楚了，我会叫Q过去处理。

J...Right.……好。

After hanging up, J can't help but wonder how he got himself into this mess.挂断通讯后，J不由得开始思考自己究竟是怎么走到今天这一步的。

JI knew I should never have come to Frankfurt...我就知道，我从一开始就不应该来法兰克福……

JI am a secret agent. I graduated from my gymnasium in Eberswalde at the top three of my class. I had to pass more than 30 rounds of practical and psychological assessments to get here. But here I am, dealing with office politics every day... I chose this line of work precisely because I didn't want a desk job... Now even Shadowless has a more interesting job than I do... I'd better check the balance of my savings account when I get home... I wonder how much I've made in interest... Or I could borrow some money from K and make a run for it...我明明是一个特工，埃伯斯瓦尔德的高级学校专业前三毕业，实战测试心理评估考了三十几轮才进到这里。 结果现在每天在这里搞办公室政治…… 我当初明明是不想坐班才选择了这行…… 现在连夏朵利兹的工作都比我有意思…… 等我回家我就看看银行卡的余额…… 不知道现在的基金收益几个点了…… 不然找K借点钱然后跑路吧……

Knock, knock.咚咚——

Someone knocks on the door of the meeting room and comes in without waiting for an answer. J knows who it is without having to look.会议室被人敲了一下，随后来人直接打开了门。 J不用回头也知道是谁。

JThere you are, finally.你终于来了。

QGo on, tell me how you messed up this time.说吧，你又闯什么祸了？

J...I really didn't do anything.……这次我真的什么都没有做。

QMaybe not doing anything is how you messed up.说不定什么都不做就是你做错的地方。

J...Are you trying to start a fight?……你是故意来找茬是不是？

QFine, let's get down to business. But just so you know, the boss is seriously angry this time.先讲事情。 我提醒你一下，这次老板似乎真的动怒了。

J... Brigitte was tasked with delivering some information to the archive in the White Zone. She got all the paperwork and arrived at the regular staff entrance at a permissible time.…… 布里吉特接了运送资料去白区档案室备份的任务。 她手续齐全，在规定的时间内，到了白区入口，当然，走的是普通职员的那个门。

QThat sounds fine so far.听起来没有任何问题。

JBut the garrison soldier on duty refused to let Brigitte through on the grounds that Dolls with a neural cloud are not allowed entry.但是卫戍团的人以“有心智核心的人形不允许入内”为由，不肯让布里吉特进去。

QWhat happened then?然后呢？

JBrigitte started arguing with him. During the argument, the soldier even let in a medical Doll without running any security checks or looking through her paperwork—and Brigitte was right there!布里吉特和他们争论了起来。 在争吵时，卫戍团的人还当着她的面放进去了一个医护人形，没有经过安检，也没有验证过手续。

Q...Are there any records of this?……有记录吗？

JSure, you just have to check Brigitte's neural logs. I arrived shortly after that. As soon as I got there, the alarm sounded.有，查布里吉特心智就行。 后来我也赶了过去，等我一过去，就响起了警报。

Q...Did you trigger it?……你触发的？

JOf course not! Since we had no idea what was happening, we both stayed where we were.当然不是！ 正因为不知道是什么情况，我和布里吉特停在原地没动。

QHold on.等一下。

QDon't tell me the alarm originated from...警报发出的位置不会是……

J...Our top secret archive, yes.……是我们斯塔西的机密档案室。

Q loosens her collar to reduce her chances of having a stroke then and there.Q松了松领口，让暴起的血管获得微弱的舒缓。

QAnything taken?丢了什么东西？

J...Samantha Shaw's file was accessed and read. Other than that, nothing.……萨曼莎•肖的档案被调取查看过。 其他的暂时没发现异常。

Leaning heavily against the table, Q slowly slumps into a chair. She forces herself to unclench her fists, all the while not saying a word. The silence is getting unbearable, and J finally speaks up.Q扶着桌子缓缓坐下，她紧攥的拳头缓缓松开，久久不说话。 直到J忍不住开口。

JYou're not planning to sit until tomorrow morning, are you?你不会打算就这样坐到明天早上吧？

JWorst-case scenario, I pack my stuff and go.最差的结果就是我收拾东西滚。

J...It's not like they'll put me in jail just because of a file, right?……总不至于因为一份档案让我坐牢吧？

JCan you please say something? You're making me nervous.……能不能说点什么？你不说话我紧张。

The sight of J panicking reminds Q of something that happened long ago, and a smile creeps onto her face.Q看着慌乱的J，忍不住想起某段回忆，脸上浮现出一丝笑容。

QRelax, this meeting room isn't connected to any other room. And we don't have the directors of a dozen departments having a meeting next door.放心，这个会议室没有连通其他的房间。 也没有十几个部门的部长在隔壁开会。

JMeine Fresse... Didn't we agree to never bring that up again??? I definitely misunderstood your intentions back then, but haven't you embarrassed me enough for that?! Or was that not enough revenge for you?我￥#%@￥#……@……我们不是说好了再也不提那件事了吗？？？ 我是当时对你有一些误会，但你直接让我丢脸丢回来了好吧？！ 还是说你上次报复不够，现在还要借题发挥？

JMaybe you should just get Romy to sack me and be done with it! I'll just go home and sell Schweinshaxe!不然你直接让罗密把我除名，我大不了回乡下卖猪肘！

QTut-tut-tut, don't be so impatient. I was just thinking how to teach my adorable student one last lesson as a mentor.啧啧，不要这么冲动。 我是在想作为导师，应该怎么给可爱的学生再上一课。

J...I'm a formal employee. I don't need a mentor anymore.……我已经是正式员工了，不需要导师了。

QHey, it's free advice. In the workplace, you must know how to use a bad situation to your advantage.算免费送你的。 身在职场要懂得如何把坏事变成好事。

JHuh? Our archive was compromised... How could anything good come of it?啊？我们丢了东西……怎么会是好事？

QFirst of all, not only did the garrison make things difficult for a rule-abiding Stasi agent, they also arbitrarily let an uninspected Doll into the Stasi's top secret archive.首先，卫戍团的人，不仅为难我们按规矩办事的斯塔西，还私自放了未经检查的人形进去，这人形进的还是我们斯塔西的机密档案室。

J...Right. There aren't any access records in the White Zone network. I suspect it's short-range radio communication.……嗯。 白区的网络里没有任何访问记录，我推测是短距离无线通信。

QSecondly, since the perpetrator couldn't do anything about our signal interference, they had to resort to hacking the archive's security system via short-range radio signal control, but the garrison couldn't capture the perpetrator even though they were operating close by, resulting in severe losses for the Stasi.其次，因为对方对我们负责的网络屏蔽系统束手无策，只能使用短距无线通信骇入，但卫戍团的人连近距离敌人都无法抓捕，使得我们损失惨重。

J...We were also involved in the subsequent manhunt.……我们已经参与后续搜捕。

QFinally, I will submit a list of the losses we've suffered to Herr Hoffmann—Brigitte's neural cloud was damaged, two agents who took part in the manhunt developed PTSD, and we lost dozens of top secret documents, including information pertaining to the latest weapons research and development.最后，我会出具一份损失清单提交霍夫曼先生，布里吉特受到二级损伤，两个参与搜捕的特工出现精神创伤和后遗症，我们丢失了几十份绝密档案，其中包含最新武器研发资料。

QGo to the press and give them the story. Put all the blame on the incompetent garrison. Tell them that the movements and private information of many important government officials have been stolen, which may result in assassinations perpetrated by extremists.你去找媒体放一点信息，意思大概是斯塔西滴水不漏，卫戍团草包泄露。 不少政府要员的行踪隐私信息遭到窃取，恐将有极端分子策划刺杀活动。

J...Got it.……知道了。

QHas the security of the top secret archive been reinforced?斯塔西机密档案室的安保加强了吗？

JYes, the garrison said they'd already introduced additional security measures and assigned more patrols.嗯，卫戍团那边说已经加装了安保装置，也多布置了巡逻人员。

QI don't trust their sieve-like security.我不相信他们破绽百出的安保。

JI'll pressure them into letting our people take over the archive's security.我去给他们施压，让我们的人来接管机密档案室的安保。

QHm, you're not entirely stupid after all.嗯，你终于聪明了一回。

J...Learning something from you always comes at such a great cost.……在你这里每次学点东西，都要付出巨大代价。

QJust goes to show how valuable my tutelage is. Not just anyone could get dozens of Stasi department leaders to know your name in just an hour, you know?说明我的教育很值钱。 你看，一小时让斯塔西十几个部门的部长都知道你的名字，这是多少人做不到的事情？

Q watches as a flustered J storms out the door. She double-checks that all the filled-out documents are in order, then stretches in her chair.Q看着气急败坏的J夺门而出，再次确认了填报的所有文件没有纰漏后，舒展地伸了个懒腰。

She pushes the window open. Dawn is already breaking outside. Drowsy sunlight peeks through layers of heavy clouds, lighting up the dust motes drifting in the air.推开窗，外面已是天光乍现，还有些睡意的阳光穿透厚重的云彩，照亮了空中漂浮物的轮廓。

QTsk, it's another new day.啧，又是新的一天啊。

Kaiserdom St. Bartholomaeus, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福 法兰克福区 法兰克福大教堂

The high vaulted ceiling supported by pillars of red bricks is lit up only by the soft candlelight of a chandelier. A priest is conversing with some churchgoers in a hushed tone. AK-12 melts into the shadows and slips quietly into the last row of seats.红砖支起高高的拱形穹顶，天花板上只亮起了一盏灯光柔和的吊灯，神父低声和信徒们交谈着。 AK-12隐去身影，坐在最后一排的座位上。

AN-94You've circled around all potential threats. No one is following you.已绕过所有潜在威胁，无尾随者。

AK-15Confirmed. The target area is secure.确认，目标区域安全。

AK-12Copy that. You two don't have to hang around outside. Return to the temporary safe house for now.收到，都不用在外面逗留了，你们回临时安全屋。

AN-94Will you be alright on your own? You are very eye-catching.你一个人没事吧？你现在的样子太显眼了。

AK-12Don't worry, ordinary people can't spot me.放心，一般人察觉不到我。

AK-12 terminates the call and gets ready to leave.AK-12挂断通讯，准备起身离开。

The moment she rises to her feet, someone pushes open the door and enters. It appears to be a weary traveler.就在她起立的瞬间，有人推开门走了进来。 是一位看起来风尘仆仆的旅人。

Traveler...Father, please forgive my sins.……神父，请宽恕我的罪孽。

The priest leads the woman into the confessional.在神父的引领下，两人走进了忏悔室。

For whatever reason, AK-12 decides to follow her and lingers outside the confessional. Perhaps it's because she isn't pressed for time, or maybe she's intrigued by the expression on the traveler's face.不知为何，AK-12选择跟上她的身影，停留在了忏悔室外。 或许是并不紧迫的时间，或许是旅人脸上的神情引人好奇。

PriestWhen did you last confess?你上一次忏悔是在什么时候？

Traveler... This is my first ever confession.…… 这是我有生以来的第一次。

PriestWhat troubles you, my child?我的孩子，是什么在困扰着你？

TravelerI was tempted by Mephistopheles. He said to me... My worthy friend, gray are all theories, and green alone Life's golden tree.我受到了墨菲斯托的诱惑。 他对我说—— 亲爱的朋友，一切理论都是灰色的，唯生命之树常青。

PriestWhat did you do under the Devil's influence?在魔鬼的驱使下，你做了什么？

TravelerI watched someone fall into the rushing river. I stood by and let her drown and get washed away by the currents...我眼睁睁看着一个人倒在湍流的河水中，被淹没，被冲走……

PriestOnly the Lord has the power to give and take away life.只有上帝有生死予夺的权力。

TravelerI didn't know what to do... I watched her die. I wanted to save her, but I was also glad for her...我不知道该怎么办……我看着她死去，我想救她，但又为她感到高兴……

PriestWho was she to you?她是你什么人？

TravelerShe was my little sister. My one and only little sister. She was born on Halloween, and our mother died on the same day giving birth to her. All these years, I was torn between loving her and hating her...我的妹妹，我唯一的妹妹。 她诞生于万圣节，我们的母亲也在那一天因她而死。 多年来，我都在爱她和恨她之间摇摆挣扎……

PriestHave you ever been honest with her about how you felt?那么你有向她坦诚，你心里想的这一切吗？

TravelerHm... We all have our own cross to bear, don't we?嗯……每个人都有自己背负的十字架，不是吗？

PriestAs you watched her fall into the water, what were you thinking?你看着她倒在河水中时，你在想些什么？

TravelerShe had actually told me beforehand that she wanted to put an end to it all.在那之前她已经告诉我，她想要结束这一切。

PriestShe left the final decision to you.她将最终的决定权交给了你。

TravelerYes... but I chose to give up... I chose to side with the Devil...是的……但我选择了放弃…… 我选择了站在魔鬼的那一边……

Priest... The Lord will forgive you and bear your sins for you...…… 主会宽恕你，替你承担你的罪责……

AK-12 turns to leave the confessional behind. Before exiting the cathedral, she pauses in front of the votive candle station in the corner.AK-12转身离开忏悔室，在走出教堂前，她在角落的蜡烛台前驻足。

Out of a sudden sense of piety, she lights a candle.怀着陡然生出的一点虔诚，她点燃了一支蜡烛。

Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福 法兰克福区 老铁桥

AK-12 stares into the distance while leaning against the railing along the wrought iron bridge. This is the first time she has stopped in her tracks to admire the beauty of Frankfurt's nightscape. She really should be heading back to the safe house. After all, walking in the streets of Frankfurt in a frame that even she herself finds repulsive could easily cause civilians to panic. But snow is falling heavily on the surface of the Main. It is such an arresting sight that she just has to stop and take it all in.AK-12倚靠在铁桥边的护栏，眺望着远方，这是她第一次为法兰克福的夜色驻足。 理论上她应该马上回到安全屋，毕竟用一具连自己都觉得厌恶的素体行走在法兰克福的街头，一不小心就可能引起民众的恐慌。 但一场大雪，飘洒在美因河的河面。 让人忍不住想要停下来。

AK-12Phew...呼……

She lets out a soft exhale, which sends several snowflakes careening. The last time she got to admire the snow so leisurely was probably the Halloween that seemed so very long ago...AK-12轻轻呼出一口气，吹乱几片雪花的动向。 上一次这样悠闲地欣赏雪景，好像还是很久以前的万圣节……

As usual, AN-94 had taken it upon herself to do the household chores after finishing her daily training.像往常的每一天一样，结束训练的AN-94主动承担起了打扫的任务。

At that moment, she was meticulously sweeping up every speck of dust on the floor in the living room.此刻，她正严谨地清扫着大厅地板上的每一粒灰尘。

RPK-16Morning, 94.早安，94。

An odious smiling face came into view. AN-94 did her best to ignore the Doll, but she haunted her like a ghost and would not leave her alone.一张讨厌的笑脸出现在了面前，AN-94竭尽全力去忽视，但对方却像是个粘人的幽魂一样甩不开。

AN-94...Good morning.……早安。

RPK-16It's such a fascinating occasion today, so why are you still working?今天是个有趣的日子哦，你怎么还在工作？

RPK-16Halloween is a festival dedicated to the spirits of the dead. Humans dress up as ghosts so that real ghosts can roam the earth more freely.万圣节，是鬼魂的节日。 人类装扮成鬼魂的样子，是为了让真正的鬼魂更加自在地行走人间。

AN-94 continued to ignore RPK-16. She glanced at her other two teammates. Those two Dolls were why she had to keep cleaning the house.AN-94没有理会RPK-16，她看向屋内另外两位队友，就是这两个人的存在总是令屋子不停地需要打扫。

RPK-16 slowly circled around AK-12 and AK-15, suddenly coming to a stop behind the latter.RPK-16慢慢地绕着AK-12和AK-15，蓦地，她停在了AK-15的身后。

RPK-16Say, do ghosts actually exist? If they do, what are they like?你们说，世界上真的存在鬼魂吗？ 如果存在的话，会是什么样的呢？

AK-15Not a clue.不知道。

AK-12...Are you really so bored?……你这么无聊吗？

RPK-16I am, so to alleviate my boredom, why don't we play a game of "Find the Ghost"?对，能不能让我不这么无聊，陪我玩一次“抓鬼游戏”？

AK-12No thanks.驳回。

RPK-16Shaw has prepared new accessories for you... The list is with me~肖给你们准备了新的配件……名单在我这里哦~

RPK-16Look.你看。

AK-12's brow furrowed deeply.AK-12的眉头快要皱出一道海沟。

AK-15How does the game work?怎么玩？

RPK-16Here are the rules—one among the four of us is a ghost who doesn't share the same objective as the rest of us. We have to find this "ghost".游戏规则是——我们四个人中间，有一个鬼，她的目的和大家都不一样。 现在，我们要把“鬼”找出来。

AK-12How do we do that?怎么找？

RPK-16We will each receive a word. When it is your turn, give a specific description of the word without actually stating the word. The word received by the ghost is different from the word received by the humans. If you're the ghost, you must try to remain hidden till the very end. If you're human, your objective is to work with your friends to catch the ghost.现在我们每个人都收到了一个词语，轮到你的时候，要准确地描述出这个词。 你有可能是鬼，也有可能是人类。 如果你是鬼的话，你要隐瞒自己到最后一刻。 如果你是人类的话，你要和同伴一起抓出鬼来。

The Dolls checked their comms and found that they had each been sent a word.几人纷纷查看了通讯，确实收到了一个词语。

AK-12Where did the words come from? Did you choose them?这个词是哪来的？你选的吗？

RPK-16I don't know what they are either. They're just two random words found within 15's neural cloud. She has the smallest neural cloud capacity among us, after all.我不知道词是什么哦，只是在15心智里随机的两个词。 毕竟她的心智容量是我们中间最小的嘛。

RPK-16Now let the game begin. Let's start with you, 94.那么，捉鬼游戏就开始咯。 94，从你开始吧——

AN-94Me?我？

AN-94Hm... This is a human.唔…… 这是个人类。

RPK-1615?15呢？

AK-15A woman.女的。

RPK-16You guys need to be a bit more specific than that.不可以这么简略哦。

AK-15... A brilliant woman.…… 很厉害的女的。

RPK-16Your turn, 12.到你了，前辈。

AK-12If she dies, I will avenge her.如果她死了，我会帮她报仇。

RPK-16Huh... I think I see where this is going.诶…… 我好像明白答案了。

An enigmatic smile appeared on RPK-16's face.RPK16的脸上出现了捉摸不定的暧昧笑容。

RPK-16Then it's my turn— If she dies, I'll live on for her.那我说说我的回答吧—— 如果她死了，我会替她活下去。

AK-12 was about to say something when the system alarm suddenly started blaring.AK-12刚想说些什么，系统突然发出了刺耳的警报。

RPK-16And here I was planning to spend a happy Halloween with you all... Tut-tut, never mind. Better get a move on.本想和大家一起过个开心的万圣节呢…… 啧啧，算了，我们还是先出任务吧。

AK-12Off we go.立刻出发。

When Task Force DEFY was ready for battle, they walked out into the night of All Hallows' Eve. And the unfinished game was never mentioned again.忤逆完成了战备，走进了万圣的夜色。 而那场游戏，则被默契地遗忘。

AK-12 redirects her gaze from the drifting snowflakes to the flickering street lights.AK-12的目光从飘落的雪花收回，望向远处街边闪烁的灯光。

Beep-beep-beep. Her thoughts are interrupted by the urgent sound of her communicator.嘀嘀嘀。急促的通讯声打断了她的沉思。

AR-18Hello, AK-12. We have received the information about Shaw.你好，AK-12。关于肖的资料，我们收到了。

AK-12Good. Are you still outside the city?嗯，你们还在城外？

AR-18Yes. We've run into some problem with our clearance; we're trying to work something out.是的，许可方面出了点问题，我们还在想办法。

AK-12...Halloween is tomorrow. The plan will go ahead according to schedule.……还有一天就是万圣节了，计划将如期执行。

AR-18Apart from storing your neural backups, can we give you any other forms of assistance?除了心智备份之外，是否需要我们提供别的帮助？

AK-12That won't be necessary. This is personal business for Task Force DEFY. Thank you for the thing you had Stevens 520 pass on to me.不必，这是忤逆自己的事。 你让史蒂文斯520转交的东西，我收下了。

AR-18I wish you the best of luck.祝你一切顺利。

AK-12...Much appreciated. AR-18, I'm curious—what do you think of Hume?……多谢。 AR-18，我有一点好奇，你怎么看待休谟？

AR-18...I would rather not discuss him with others.……我不会和别人谈论他。

AK-12Why?为什么？

AR-18...To talk about someone in depth, one must first know this person well. But I don't know him at all, nor do I particularly want to.……要深入的谈论一个人，首先需要了解这个人。 但我一点也不了解他，我也不想要了解他。

AK-12No one was more vehemently opposed to Hume's ideas than Shaw. She had always adhered to a purely mechanical approach, while Hume took another path.肖比任何人都要更激烈反对休谟的主张。 她一直坚持纯机械流派，而休谟则走上了另一条道路。

AR-18The stance of a Doll's designer has no bearing on the Doll's own stance. Their positions may have been completely at odds with each other, but you and I are now on the same side.设计者的立场不会是人形的立场。 也许他们两位是完全相反的立场，但现在你与我站在一起。

AK-12Ironic, isn't it?真是讽刺。

AR-18Humans might say it's fate.或许人类将其形容为命运。

AK-12 allows herself a small smile. She tilts her face up to the sky, letting the fluttering snowflakes land on her.AK-12微微笑了笑，抬起头，纷纷扬扬的雪花落在她的身上。

AK-12You now have no guidance from your creator, and you're cut off from the Commander. Do you feel lost?失去造物主的指引，失去指挥官的联络，你会迷茫吗？

AR-18I will keep moving forward.我会继续向前。

AK-12...What if you're going down a path of destruction?……如果前面是一条绝路呢？

AR-18...Then I will give my life to fulfill my duty.……我会履行死亡的义务。

Goethe-Haus, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.……法兰克福 法兰克福区 歌德故居

The streets are already buzzing with a festive atmosphere by the early morning of Halloween. Storefronts that are usually simple and modest are now adorned with eye-catching jack-o'-lanterns and bat decorations. Faux cobwebs are also strewn upon the trees that line the streets.万圣节的清晨，节日的氛围已然开始蔓延。 平日朴实无华的店铺纷纷装点上显眼的南瓜头和蝙蝠装饰，街道上的绿化带也挂起了绵密的蛛网。

Inside a café, patrons sitting across several tables are discussing the latest gossips.一间咖啡厅内，几桌男男女女正在讨论最新的趣闻。

Citizen AWhoa, the famous scientist Dr. Samantha Shaw was confirmed dead! They say she was secretly executed by the KGB for treason?!嚯，著名科学家萨曼莎•肖博士确认死亡，疑似叛国罪被克格勃秘密处决？！

Citizen BThat can't be true! This Shaw was KGB's top agent! She apparently took out dozens of Stasi agents and flew herself back to Moscow on a commandeered fighter plane!假的啦，这个肖是克格勃的头号特工，听说干掉了几十个斯塔西，还抢了架战斗机飞回莫斯科了！

Citizen CSeriously? Did she kill them barehanded?这么厉害，徒手干掉的吗？

Citizen BYep, she's a Slav, after all!嗯，毕竟是斯拉夫女人！

Behind the whispering crowd, a little girl skipping along the street with her backpack checks her watch. The exhibition's opening ceremony is only seven minutes away.在几个窃窃私语的人背后，背着书包蹦蹦跳跳走在路上小女孩看了看手表。 距离展会开幕的时间只剩下七分钟了。

Little GirlOh no, I'm gonna be late!糟了，要迟到了！

The little girl hurriedly strides out and dashes toward the Goethe-Haus.慌张地迈开腿，小女孩朝歌德故居的方向跑去。

The snow on the ground has not completely melted away, and the little girl barely runs a few steps before she slips on the half-thawed ice.地上的雪还未消融完全，在水泊和半凝结的冰雪上，没跑出多远的小女孩猛地摔了一跤。

Smack!啪嗒——

Little GirlOww...呜……

???Are you alright?你没事吧？

A pair of warm hands help the little girl up. She looks up and finds herself staring into a beautiful smiling face.一双温暖的手扶起了小女孩。 抬头看去，是一张美丽的微笑着的面孔。

Little Girl...Thank you, Frau.……谢谢你，姐姐。

EmblaJust call me Embla.叫我恩布拉就好了。

Little GirlFrau Embla...恩布拉姐姐……

EmblaYou seem to be in quite a hurry. Are you rushing somewhere?你好像很着急的样子，要赶去哪里吗？

Little GirlI'm going to the exhibition at the Goethe-Haus!我要去歌德故居参加展会！

EmblaThe roads are slippery on snowy days. But don't hate snow just because of that, okay?雪天路滑。 但不要因为这样就讨厌雪天哦。

Little GirlO...okay.好……好的。

Embla waves the girl goodbye with a smile.恩布拉笑着跟小女孩挥挥手。

When she is on her own once again, she rests her right palm against her neck, where she can feel her pulse.稍后，她忍不住将右手掌心贴在颈部的脉搏处。

EmblaListen, the sound of snowfall is like a heartbeat.你听，雪落下的声音跟心跳一样哦。

The Ultimate Boon 最后的恩赐

Paradeus' temporary base.帕拉蒂斯临时基地

Hum... Nemhran activates a system that has been off for a long time, and the base that has been vacant for days is once again in operation.嗡——尼梅兰启动了久未开启的仪器，空置多日的基地开始重新运作。

After confirming the system's status, she turns to address the person behind her matter-of-factly.再一次确认后，尼梅兰冷淡地转向身后的人。

Nemhran...The channel connecting to the Lake of Cognition has been completely sealed. Before the backup plan puts things right, try to avoid combat.……识底深湖链接的通道已经被彻底关闭。 在备用计划转正之前，你们都尽量不要战斗。

MorridowEmbla has already set off to implement her "All Hallows' Eve". I may be too cautious here... but can she be trusted?恩布拉已经出去执行她的“万圣节之夜”了。 容我提醒一句，她值得信任吗？

NemhranAs the control group of the experiment, she has already completed her mission. All that's left is to make good use of her identity.作为实验的对照组，她的任务已经完成，剩下的作用就是利用她的身份而已。

MorridowTut-tut, I would love to be a fly on the wall... When the Commander finds out their boss was the one who sent this woman to us...啧啧，如果那位指挥官得知这个女人是他们幕后老板送来的。 不知道会是什么样精彩的表情。

Nemhran...Watch your tongue.……注意你的说辞。

MorridowAm I wrong? Humans are always spouting lofty ideals that contradict their foul and unscrupulous actions.难道不对吗？ 人类嘴上总是冠冕堂皇，行为却实在肮脏下贱。

NemhranHaven't you picked up that bad habit yourself?这一点你不是学会了吗？

MorridowOh my, and here I thought you'd be more forgiving of my selfish little hobby.哎呀，我还以为我那些小私心，尼梅兰姐姐已经放过了。

Nemhran...I just find your behavior unnecessary. We are all chosen enforcers, little more than pawns in chess.……我只是觉得你的行为很多余。 我们都是被挑选出来的执行人，国际象棋中的士兵而已。

Morridow...Do you not have any kind of pursuits... or dare I say, desires, Sister Nemhran?……尼梅兰姐姐没有追求，或者说欲望吗？

Nemhran...We are not close enough to discuss such things.……你我的关系不足以谈论这些。

MorridowYou're right. Then let's change the subject. Why did Father abandon Avernus? Why do you think he risked his own life to meet the Commander in person?也是。 那换个问题吧。 父亲大人为什么要舍弃阿佛那斯？ 甚至以身犯险去见那位指挥官，你觉得到底是为什么？

NemhranHe did not abandon Avernus. He simply made it possible for it to land safely in Frankfurt. To have it moved from the Black Zone to the White Zone. As Nytos, we are considered "aliens" in human society, and Father wishes to change that.他不是放弃阿佛那斯，而是让它平稳降落在法兰克福。 从地下搬到地上，从黑区来到白区。 作为涅托，我们出现在人类社会尚被认为是“异种”，父亲大人想要改变这样的局面。

MorridowHow very ridiculous. We are just as "human" as they are.真可笑，明明我们也是“人类”呢。

NemhranThat's exactly Father's point. With this operation, we will officially step onto the humans' stage.这正是父亲大人的意思。 经过这一次筹划，我们会正式登上人类的舞台。

MorridowAs "second-class citizens"?成为“二等公民”？

NemhranNo, perhaps as first-class citizens.不，也许是一等公民。

MorridowAre you so sure that the elites will think of us as equals?你真有信心，那些精英阶层会认为他们跟我们是一样的东西？

NemhranThey don't consider themselves citizens...他们从不自认为是公民。

Nemhran...But gods.而是神。

Morridow... You are much harsher than me, Sister Nemhran.…… 尼梅兰姐姐真是比我刻薄多了。

NemhranHumans treat each other much more cruelly than we do. Morridow, I don't want what happened to Grig and Gray to happen again.人类对待同类的手段，比我们残忍得多。 默莉朵，缇和格雷的事情，我不希望再次发生。

NemhranWe can't produce high-end Nytos at the moment, so we will be on the back foot for a while. If we lose Bramedb as well, I'm sure you know the consequences.现在我们无法生产出高级涅托，短期内的局势都会非常被动。 一旦失去布拉梅德，我想你知道后果。

MorridowI have no idea what you're talking about.我不知道你在说什么。

NemhranDon't you?是吗？

Nemhran gives Morridow a cold, hard look before turning back to her work.尼梅兰冷冷地瞥了一眼默莉朵，转身回到自己的工作。

Instead of leaving, Morridow takes another step closer.默莉朵却没有走开，反而更近了一步。

MorridowCan you finally tell me what "All Hallows' Eve" is all about?“万圣节之夜”的内容，现在可以对我明说了吗？

NemhranEmbla will walk the earth. Resurrected as the ordinary human "Angelia". She will prove to all humans... that eternal life is not a pipe dream.恩布拉会现身人间。 以普通人类“安洁”的身份死而复生。 让所有人类见识到——永生真正存在。

MorridowEternal life... An eternal temptation for humans.永生……这对人类可真是永恒的诱惑。

NemhranThat's what Father wants us to do. To stage a small debut of Paradeus' technology.这就是父亲要我们做的事情。 也是帕拉蒂斯技术的一次小小面世。

MorridowWhat about the cost? Will the humans know the price they'll have to pay in exchange for this kind of eternal life?那么代价呢？人类会知道换取这样的永生，需要付出什么样的代价吗？

NemhranHumans are short-sighted creatures who will happily give up long-term plans for the sake of some immediate benefit. Father's plan is beyond their comprehension—not that they need to comprehend it.人类是短视的，总是为了眼前一点小小的利益而放弃长远的打算。 他们无法理解父亲大人的计划，当然也不需要理解。

MorridowI see.明白了。

Morridow slowly backs away before turning to leave the hall.默莉朵慢慢退去，转身离开了大厅。

Morridow...Embla, will you really do as she wishes? Will you carry out such a simple mission? I shall wait and see.……恩布拉，你真的会如她所愿吗？ 会执行一个这么简单的任务吗？ 让我拭目以待吧。

Scherbius-Andrew-Platz, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福 法兰克福区 谢尔比乌斯和安德烈广场

Embla strolls leisurely around the fountain. A large poster of "Faust" is hanging on the exterior of the Alte Oper. The Alte Oper is closed today, plus the weather is rather chilly, so the area is largely deserted. She slowly walks up to the poster alone and unobserved.恩布拉悠闲地绕着喷泉散步，不远处的老歌剧院外悬挂着巨幅《浮士德》海报。 今天是老歌剧院的休息日，天气也有些寒冷，周边冷冷清清，只有她慢慢走近。

In her hands is a paper bag filled with Devil's bread that is fresh out of the oven.她的手上提了一个纸袋，里面装满了刚出炉的魔鬼面包。

Small specks of snow start falling. Embla looks up at the night sky lit up by the city lights.一点细细的雪落在眼前，恩布拉抬头看了看灯火通明的夜色。

EmblaSuch a beautiful Halloween should be celebrated with the most interesting game. The show is about to begin. Will my guests arrive in time, I wonder?这样美丽的万圣节，应当配上最有趣的游戏。 节目即将开演，不知道我的客人，能不能准时抵达呢？

She pulls out a small piece of bread and takes a dainty bite. It does not taste particularly delicious with the overpowering spices, but as a kind of festive delicacy, it is sufficiently delightful.她拿出一枚面包，轻轻地咬了一口，充斥着辛辣咸香的香气，作为庆典食物，它尝起来不算美味，但足够令人快乐。

Beep.滴滴——

EmblaGraff, is our corn maze ready yet?格拉芙，我们的玉米迷宫准备好了吗？

GraffOf course, Sister Embla. All the actors and props are in position. Once you are here, we can kickstart this exhilarating "All Hallows' Eve".当然，恩布拉姐姐，道具全部就位，演员也全部候场。 只等姐姐的到来，我们就可以开启令人激动的“万圣节之夜”。

Embla terminates the call. She breathes out a ghostly plume into the frosty air as she studies the sculptures of Pegasus and each of the Muses that adorn the rooftop of the building.恩布拉挂断通讯，她呼出一口白雾，细细端详着建筑顶上的飞马和墙体上的每一座女神雕塑。

She enters the Alte Oper from the main entrance and ambles through the vestibule.她从老歌剧院的正门进入，缓缓徜徉在莫扎特门廊。

EmblaAs early as Shakespeare's time, the story has already been written. How can "Faust", a work from hundreds of years ago, retain its glory across the ages? Every generation has its own stories, and each story has its own adaptations. "When man pursues his dream, he becomes a slave to the Devil's schemes." "But should he taste fulfillment's light, he'll soar to hope's celestial height." Dear audience, please enjoy my new version of "Faust"... On All Hallows' Eve.早在莎士比亚的时代，故事就已经全部写完。 而几百年前的浮士德，又如何在今天重新焕发光彩呢？ 每一代人有每一代人的故事，每一代故事亦有每一代编剧的改编。 “人若追求梦想，就会沦为恶魔的奴隶。” “人若得到满足，就会上升希望的天堂。” 各位来宾，欢迎收看我的浮士德新编—— 万圣节之夜。

Only a moth knows how mesmerizing the flame is. Despite knowing what final fate awaits it, it still hurtles towards its own demise without hesitation. Is death the final destination?只有飞蛾知道，火焰究竟有多迷人。 即便知晓最终的命运，也会义无反顾地扑向灭绝的死寂。 死亡会是终点吗？

EmblaEvery time I wake... I smell something different in the air. It never fails to make me feel nostalgic. Ange...在每一次苏醒的时候……我都能嗅到不一样的空气。 没有哪一次不让我怀念曾经。 安洁……

Embla...Will you save me a spot in the brave new world?……你会在新世界为我留下位置吗？

Click. Embla flips the light switch. The wall sconces shaped like candelabras start emitting swaying, flickering lights.咔哒。恩布拉按亮灯的开关，墙上蜡烛形的挂灯发出幽暗摇曳的光，忽明忽暗地。

Tap... Tap, tap... A strange noise is coming from deep inside the opera house.哒、哒哒……剧院深处传来怪异的声音。

Under the faint light, she climbs the stairs and comes to the staff room entrance on the second floor.借着微弱的灯光，她踏上了楼梯，来到了二层深处的职员室门。

When she pushes the door open, the noise ceases. Embla promptly scans the room. A few props are scattered here and there, and a cast list is taped on the wall.推开职员室门，声音似乎消失了。 恩布拉快速扫视，里面是一些道具杂物，还有订着一张演员出场安排的表。 显然是在为那出备受期待的《浮士德》做准备。

EmblaTut-tut, Bramedb has also come up with her own version, huh. So she's playing Helen of Troy...啧啧，还有布拉梅德的版本啊。 她演海伦么……

Embla leans forward and studies the cast list with great interest. Bramedb seems to be playing the main character, and most of the performance time slots are filled with the name "Helen". Unfortunately, the slots are now all marked "canceled".恩布拉饶有兴致地凑近表格。 布拉梅德似乎是主役角色，时间的安排几乎填满了“海伦”的格子。 但很可惜，现在这些格子边上都打上了取消的备注。

EmblaIf the Devil can satisfy all your heart's desires, will you sell your soul?如果魔鬼能满足你所有的欲望，你愿意出卖灵魂吗？

Embla starts humming softly as her fingers brush softly across a copy of the script laid aside.手指轻轻划过放在一边的台本，恩布拉小声哼唱起来。

Beep-beep-beep. Just then, her communicator chirps.嘀嘀嘀。 而就在这时，恩布拉的通讯响了。

EmblaWho's this?是谁呢？

Graff—Atta—袭——

EmblaHm?嗯？

Graff...We're under attack!! It's DEFY! Sister Embla... in the Alte Oper...……我们被袭击了！！ 是忤逆！ 恩布拉姐姐……老歌剧院里……

Bang-bang!呯呯——！

Pzzzt...滋滋滋……

The line is dead.通讯断开。

EmblaMy, my.啧啧。

Detecting movement coming from behind, Embla whirls around out of reflex. But once she sees who it is, she lets out a sigh of relief.身后的异动使得恩布拉条件反射地转过了身。 但看清来人之后，她松了口气。

A black Nyto strolls casually into the room. Then she turns around and makes to close the door.一位黑涅托悠闲地走进了房间，随即转过了身，背对着恩布拉，准备关上门。

EmblaYou're here? Then I gather so is everyone else.你来了？那么所有人应该都到齐了。

KoledaRPK-16, do you see how this will end for you?RPK-16，你看到自己的结局了吗？

Snap. The lights go out instantly.哐。 光源在瞬间被切断。

Embla hears a sharp hiss as something tears through the air—恩布拉听见了空气被撕裂的声音——

Boom!轰——

Embla...You're not holding back at all.……下手真狠啊。

Embla rolls aside in the dark to avoid being hit by the armor-piercing round that has been aimed directly at her.恩布拉在黑暗中翻滚开，避免了和瞄准她的装甲弹正面接触。

Bang-bang-bang! Not giving her any time to react, another string of bullets are already hot on her heels as she dashes into the Großer Saal.呯呯呯——没有给她多余的反应时间，一连串子弹已经追着她紧咬不放。

The gunfire forces Embla onto the exposed stage.恩布拉在火力的逼迫下，跑上了毫无遮挡的舞台。

Creeeak... The door of the Large Hall is shut.嘎吱——剧院的大门被人关闭。

Embla is now on stage. The spotlight overhead follows her relentlessly. The chandelier hanging at the center of the ceiling is dazzlingly bright. Another followspot shines onto the black Nyto, who is now standing in the auditorium.恩布拉踏上舞台。 头顶的射灯渴求地追踪着她的身影，连正中央的水晶吊灯也发出令人目眩的光芒。 另一束追光打在了站在观众席中的黑涅托。

KoledaWhat a fitting place for you to meet your end.真是个适合作为你结局的地方。

Embla12, why aren't you using your new frame?12，为什么不用你那具改造后的素体呢？

EmblaAre you really so put off by my tastes? Just bear with it for a little. That was one of the few remaining Doll frames in Avernus, and the most advanced one to boot. It may just be better than Shaw's handiwork.你对我的品味有这么厌恶吗？ 忍一忍吧，那是阿佛那斯仅存的几具能够给人形使用的素体，还是实验室的最新版本。 说不定比肖的技术更好。

Koleda...No one can outdo Shaw.……不会有人比肖更好。

Standing in the beam of light, the black Nyto gazes coldly at Embla like a specter. Basking in the stage light, Embla fully embraces her role as the prima donna and puts on a graceful smile.黑涅托站在光柱里，犹如魅影般冷冷注视着沐浴在灯光下的恩布拉。 恩布拉露出女主角一般的优雅笑容。

EmblaSo, is everyone in Task Force DEFY here?所以，忤逆小队都到齐了吧？

KoledaWe're getting front-row seats to watch you die. We wouldn't miss this for the world.能够坐在前排仔细欣赏你的死亡。 怎么会有人缺席？

Embla takes some time to scrutinize the interior of the Großer Saal. This particular hall is the most fully restored and most resplendent venue within the Alte Oper. The auditorium has three levels of seating and can accommodate more than 2,000 people. However, there are only three people in her current audience.恩布拉仔细打量着这间剧场，这是老歌剧院复原最完整，也最华丽的中心剧场。 上下一共有三层看台，是和谐的“法国式”结构，能容纳两千多人。 但这一次她的观众只有三位……

Embla looks toward the balcony. That would be AN-94's preferred location from which to offer assistance in defense, because when AK-15 is present, everyone automatically leaves the door for her to defend.恩布拉向二层看台的位置望去，那里是AN-94最喜欢的协防位置。因为有AK-15在的时候，大家会默契的把大门的位置让给她。

EmblaAN-94, the "Snow Wolf" of DEFY. Featuring enhanced melee capability and firepower after the upgrade.这位是AN-94，忤逆的“雪狼”。 经过改造提升了近战能力和火力。

Embla does not even have to look for AK-15. She is, as always, at the most eye-catching position.恩布拉并不用刻意去锁定AK-15的位置，她一直都在最显眼的位置。

EmblaThat by the door is AK-15, the "White Mastiff" of DEFY. The most powerful T-Doll in the entire Neo-Soviet Union.大门口的那位是就是AK-15，忤逆的“白獒”。 我们新苏联最强大的人形。

EmblaBut 12, I don't like the way you are right now.但是12，我并不喜欢你这个样子。

The black Nyto is standing right at the center of the stalls. She is as cold as a statue.黑涅托站在第一层正中间的观众席前。 冷漠得如同一尊雕塑。

EmblaI still prefer the frame I chose for you.我还是更喜欢我帮你挑选的素体。

Under the dazzling chandelier, for the first time in several days, Task Force DEFY is reunited.在绚丽的水晶吊灯下，时隔数日，忤逆再度相聚。

EmblaPlease allow me to present a Halloween's special program. "Faust", adapted by and starring Frau Embla, shall now begin! Act One—In Search of Faust.请允许我，为你们献上万圣节的特别节目。 由恩布拉女士改编并主演的《浮士德》，正式开场—— 第一幕——寻找浮士德。

Embla claps her hands.恩布拉拍了拍手。

EmblaCome on out, my Mephistos.出来吧，我的墨菲斯托们。

The curtain rises gradually on stage, revealing a group of fully-armed Paradeus units that fill the entire stage behind Embla.台上垂挂的幕布一层层拉开，恩布拉的身后站满了全副武装的白教武装。

Bang-bang-bang! A hail of bullets rain down on the stalls, and the black Nyto instantly collapses onto the floor.呯呯呯—— 枪林弹雨朝着正前方扫去，观众席上的黑涅托瞬间倒在地上。

EmblaWhere art thou, Faust? I seek thee still, rushing toward thee with unyielding will. All that is promised shall delight thee purely; No skinflint bargain shalt thou see. I am not one of the greatest, yet, wilt thou to me entrust thy steps through life, I'll guide thee,— Will willingly walk beside thee,— Will serve thee at once and forever, with best endeavor...我的浮士德，你在哪里。 我寻觅着你，奔赴向你。 我向你允诺美好的未来。 当最终的一切都被清算，你仍然还是你。 但如果你愿意成为我的同伙，加入这场冒险。 那我也心甘情愿为你奉上我的一切。

The sounds of gunfire and impact intertwine into a dramatic concerto that Embla's singing transforms into a beautiful movement. The Paradeus units surge toward the two remaining members of the audience.枪声和碰撞声交织成激动人心的协奏曲，伴随着恩布拉的歌声谱奏出美丽的乐章。 如潮水一般出现的白兵宛如墨菲斯托从地狱寻来的魔鬼，涌向孤零零的两位观众。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

With incredible coordination, AK-15 and AN-94 fire at the rapidly approaching wave of white. Their modified frames are all too experienced in fighting Paradeus. These low-tier Paradeus units give them no reason to fear at all in terms of strength and combat skills. The only inscrutable wild card is the being standing on the stage... a woman both familiar and unfamiliar... With unhinged eyes and a rapturous smile.AK-15和AN-94以无比的默契，枪火扫向快速袭来的白色威胁。 改造后的素体，已经经历过太多次和帕拉蒂斯的对决。 无论是作战方式还是作战强度，都不足为惧，更何况眼前的这些并不是高级单位。 唯一令人无法判断的，是舞台上的……熟悉而又陌生的人。 她的眼神无比疯狂，她的笑容无比沉醉。

Embla...And, if thou art satisfied, will as servant, slave, with thee abide. Set wigs of million curls upon thy head, to raise thee... Wear shoes an ell in height,—the truth betrays thee.如果这能满足你的欲望，那么我将是你的仆从、奴隶。 你戴上数百万根发丝编就的假发。 把几尺厚的靴子踩在脚下。

Embla watches with an amused smile as the Nytos surge forth to overpower the two Dolls. AK-15 will never falter, so the one on the balcony is naturally being targeted as the Nytos try to break through their defenses.恩布拉笑眯眯地看着涅托们如潮水般围堵着现身的两人。 AK-15是绝对不会退后的，那么二层看台上的目标毫无意外将成为突破口。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

Bam!嘭——

AN-94's position is attacked by multiple Nytos. Under the wavering light, they dart in and out of the shadows, falling upon her incessantly like minions from Hell.AN-94的位置遭到多名白涅托的冲击，在摇晃不定的光线下，涅托们穿梭在光明和阴影中，犹如魔鬼的爪牙般纠缠不放。

AN-94...I won't let you get your way.……我不会让你得逞的。

Embla knows DEFY well, but so does AN-94. AN-94 knows exactly what Embla is up to. She is trying to locate AK-12, who has vanished out of sight. As long as AK-12 is still around, nobody dares make a move.正如恩布拉了解忤逆，AN-94同样了解。 AN-94知道恩布拉在想什么，她要找出隐藏行踪的AK-12，只要AK-12还藏在这里，就没有人敢轻举妄动。

AN-94...Don't underestimate me, 16.……16，不要小看我。

AN-94 pulls up one of the Paradeus units near her and uses it to block the long-range attacks coming from the stage.AN94扯过眼前的白兵替自己挡住从舞台上远程攻击的弹道。

She reloads quickly.她以相当快的速度完成换弹。

Then she shifts into a different attack mode.然后迅速地切换攻击模式。

AN-94...If you think of me as the weakest link... I'll turn this place into your grave.……如果你觉得我是弱点和突破口。 那我会将这里变成埋葬你的墓地。

AN-94 vaults lightly over the railing of the balcony. She is aware that Embla is intimately familiar with the "geography" of this place, but so is she. In a theater like this, the quickest way to get from the balcony to the stage... ...Is not via the stairs in the back, nor is it to clamber over the Nyto corpses in front of her. It is...AN-94轻巧地翻过二层看台，她知道恩布拉对这里的地形有详细的了解，但她同样如此。 在这种法国式结构里，想要从看台抵达舞台的最快方式—— 并不是后面的阶梯，也不是从眼前的涅托尸体上越过。 而是——

The chandelier overhead.天花板上的吊灯。

AN-94Are you not going to fight back, RPK?! Or are you ready to atone for your sins?你不出手吗？RPK！ 还是说你已经做好赎罪的准备了？

AN-94 leaps nimbly up the chandelier and flies toward the woman standing at center stage like a bullet ejected from the muzzle of a gun.AN-94轻巧地跃上吊灯，像一发离开枪膛的子弹，射向舞台中心的女人。

Bang! Things do not go according to plan.砰—— 变故突生！

A large scythe is swung toward AN-94 on the chandelier—by a Nyto lurking on the other side of the ceiling fixture in her blind spot.一柄巨大的镰刀斩向吊灯上的AN-94，因为在AN-94看不见的地方，灯架后侧的位置上，隐藏着一位白涅托。

GraffSister Embla is spot-on.恩布拉姐姐算得真准。

AN-94!！

Graff lets out a triumphant cackle from her hiding place and hits AN-94 in the shoulder while she is airborne.藏在阴影中的格拉芙发出了猖狂的笑声，她趁着AN-94飞跃的瞬间，击中了她的胳膊。

Whoosh! Like a bird with broken wings... a meteor that breaks through the atmosphere... AN-94 falls towards the stalls in the auditorium...咻—— 犹如折断羽翼的小鸟，犹如穿破大气层的流星，AN-94向着一层观众席坠落——

Awaiting her down there is countless Paradeus units with their blades raised and poised to strike.下面等待她的，是无数举着屠刀的白兵。

Bang-bang-bang! Gunfire is unleashed upon the Nytos below AN-94. The location of the attacker is revealed by the direction in which they collapse.呯呯呯—— 一串枪火射向AN-94身下的涅托。 涅托倒地的反向，完美地呈现出击杀者的位置。

EmblaWhy, on the whole, thou'rt—what thou art. And thou remainest—what thou art.你会永远像现在这样。 直到永远，你都会和现在一样。

Embla finishes her song and smiles with great satisfaction.恩布拉一曲唱毕，脸上露出满意的微笑。

EmblaThere you are, 12.前辈，找到你了。

Embla snaps her fingers, and a screen descends from above.恩布拉打了个响指，头顶降下一排幕布。

A new batch of Paradeus units appear on the battlefield.一批新的白兵再度来到战场。

Bang-bang-bang! AN-94 finally shoots down the two remaining Nytos close at hand, earning herself a brief moment of respite.呯呯呯—— AN-94终于击倒了最近的两个涅托，获得了短暂的空闲——

Embla12, won't you let me set eyes upon you?12，你就这么不想让我看见你吗？

EmblaTough crowd. In that case, you answer the question, Graff. Do you know what is the scariest thing that can happen to a wolf pack?观众总是不会回应我们的问题，那么格拉芙你来回答吧。 你们知道，对于狼群来说最可怕的是什么吗？

Graff jumps off the lighting bar.格拉芙从灯架上跃下。

Graff...Please enlighten me, Sister Embla.……请恩布拉姐姐示下。

EmblaBeing without their "alpha wolf". That's why when fighting Task Force DEFY, one must first find the one who lurks in the shadows.是没有“头狼”。 所以，在对付忤逆的时候，一定要找到藏身在黑暗中的那个人。

GraffAnd after that?找到以后呢？

EmblaAfter that, we have our brilliant cast ask them for a dance.找到以后，应该让我们的优秀演员们去邀请她们共舞。

Embla smiles at the Nyto and points toward the stalls ahead as she explains patiently.恩布拉微笑着看向一位白涅托，手指指向前方的观众席，耐心地为她解释道。

EmblaTo neutralize AN-94 the Snow Wolf, one could try electronic warfare. Let our EW expert "Bramedb" give her a taste of Paradeus' torrents of data.对付AN-94这匹雪狼，可以试试电子战，让最擅长电子战的“布拉梅德”去让她体验一下来自帕拉蒂斯的数据洪流。

GraffYes, Sister.是。

EmblaAs for the White Mastiff, she is created for one reason and one reason only—to fight. Let "Morridow" open her eyes and show her the power of traps.而白獒，她就是为战斗而生的，请“默莉朵”前去邀请，让她见识一下陷阱的魅力。

EmblaNow, for the one hiding on the ceiling. That's our Alpha Wolf— AK-12. What is her forte? Everything. Because the frame she is using is the most cutting-edge mechanical product that Paradeus can currently create.而天花板上隐身的那位。 是我们的“头狼”—— AK-12，至于她擅长什么嘛—— 她没有不擅长的。 因为她使用的素体，是目前帕拉蒂斯能达到的最尖端的机械产物。

GraffThen... then who do we send against her?那……那该让谁去？

Embla"Nemhran", of course. Alpha wolf against alpha wolf.当然是“尼梅兰”，头狼就该和头狼角逐。

GraffUnderstood.明白。

Embla looks up and raises her hand toward the brilliant chandelier above her head.恩布拉抬头，将手伸向头顶绚烂的水晶灯。

EmblaNow that we've found Faust, let's begin Act Two!既然找到了浮士德，那么，让我们开始第二幕吧！

EmblaAct Two—The Never-Ending Dance第二幕——永不停歇的舞会。

Thunk. The dazzling chandelier, the blinding spotlights, the dim wall lights all go out in an instant... Plunging everything into darkness.咚—— 炫目的水晶灯，刺眼的射灯，和挂在墙上的晦暗灯光在这一瞬全都陨灭。 只剩下黑暗在徘徊。

AK-12Stay where you are.停留在原地。

Task Force DEFY calmly activate their Eyes of the Snow Wolf, all the while listening carefully for every movement on the stage.忤逆没有轻举妄动，她们开启了雪狼之眼，同时仔细聆听着舞台上的每一点动静。

Rustle... Something seems to be approaching in the excruciating darkness.窸窸窣窣—— 在难捱的黑暗中，似乎有什么靠近了。

Whoosh! Light instantly rends the darkness and illuminates the resplendent stage.唰—— 光芒在瞬间撕裂黑暗，照亮了华丽的舞台。

Where the light shines the brightest, bone spurs stretch out wildly, blooming with infinite vitality and wrapping Embla, the prima donna at center stage, in a flurry of overlapping layers of white. The white of her long dress lights up the entire stage. The sharp spikes protract in a fractal pattern, and the woman in their midst holds out her arms at the auditorium.最亮的光点处，向外疯狂延展而出的骨刺，和层叠的白色轮廓，绽开了无限的生机，将舞台中央的女主角恩布拉包裹。 长裙的白照亮了整个舞台，尖刺反射状的展开，身处其中的少女向观众席微微伸手。

EmblaHello, at last.久等了——

Pale-Voiced 苍白声部

Bang-bang-bang! The cacophony of gunshots, metal colliding, and explosions turns this place, which should have nothing to do with violence, into a site of devastation. The auditorium is filled with silent corpses, but there is still seemingly no end to the battle.呯呯呯—— 枪声、金属撞击声、爆炸声交织在一起，让这个和暴力无关的地方变得惨烈不已。 这场战斗仍然看不到尽头，观众席堆满了沉默不语的尸骸。

Graff bears Embla's instructions in mind as she retreats to the backstage studio amidst the chaos. There she finds the control panels for the stage lights, sound, and set.格拉芙牢记着恩布拉的指示，她在一片混乱之中退到了后台演播室。 那里有着操控灯光、音乐、道具的控制器。

She establishes contact with the leaders of Team "Bramedb" and Team "Morridow".她拨通了“布拉梅德”分队和“默莉朵”分队队长的通讯。

Leader of Team "Bramedb"...Sister Graff.……格拉芙姐姐。

Leader of Team "Morridow"Please give us our orders soon. Things really aren't looking good.请尽快下令，我们现在的状况并不好。

GraffFollow Sister Embla's plan and leave the opera house when Act Three begins. Change into your Halloween costumes and rush into the crowd. Then find the designated location and set off the fireworks to liven things up for Sister Embla's party.按照恩布拉姐姐的计划，等到第三幕开启，你们就立刻往歌剧院外跑。 换上万圣节的礼服往人群里冲，然后找到约定的地点，点燃烟花，为恩布拉姐姐助兴。

Leader of Team "Bramedb"Copy that.收到。

Leader of Team "Morridow"Understood.明白。

GraffTeam "Nemhran"... make sure you buy us as much time as you can. Also... You'll need to raise the curtains on Act Three.“尼梅兰”分队……你们要拼尽全力到最后一刻，以及…… 开启第三幕的幕布。

Leader of Team "Nemhran"...Will do.……我会的。

Graff checks the time. The real Sister Bramedb has already hacked the media's networks. All she has to do is listen to the background music, and when it comes to that one beat... Press the button.格拉芙看了下时间，媒体网络骇入的部分已经由真正的布拉梅德姐姐做完了。 她接下来只需要听着背景音乐，播放到那一个节拍的时候…… 按下某个开关。

Click.“啪嗒”——

Out on the streets in Frankfurt.

法兰克福街道

Bam!“嘭”——

The cap flies off a well-shaken bottle of beer. The bubbly fluid shoots into the sky in a burst of malty aroma.一瓶摇晃良久的啤酒突破了瓶盖的限制，气泡带着麦芽芬芳冲向天际。

This is a night of revelry... A night of screams... A night of indulgence...这是狂欢之夜…… 这是尖叫之夜…… 这是放纵之夜……

Girl in an Imp CostumeTrick or treat!不给糖就捣乱！

A glamorously dressed vampiress takes out a fistful of colorful sweets from her handbag and drops them into the impish little girl's basket.一名身着艳丽的女吸血鬼从手袋里掏出一大把彩色糖果，抛向面前提着篮子的小恶魔女孩。

Then she pulls out a pack of blood jelly, which is really a mixture of strawberry syrup and ketchup. Crimson, sweet, and refreshing.随即又拿着一包血浆果冻，里面是混合了草莓糖浆的番茄汁。 鲜红清甜。

Several white specks falls onto the "blood bag".几点白色飘落在手中的包装成血袋的果冻上。

VampiressOh, it's snowing.啊，下雪了。

Bam! She feels the sudden impact of being hit in the head by a hard object. Crimson fluid drenches her hand.嘭—— 脑袋像是撞到了什么突如其来的硬物。 手中鲜红蔓延而出。

VampiressHuh? Is the pack broken?啊，包装破了？

Her vision is also obscured in a blood-red haze. Then comes the pain—眼前被血色红晕笼罩，剧痛传来——

The vampiress collapses on the ground.女吸血鬼倒在了地上——

Girl in an Imp CostumeAaaaaaahhhh!!!啊！！！

Bang-bang-bang! Explosions and gunshots erupt, sending the crowd scurrying in all directions...呯呯呯—— 爆炸声和枪击声传来，热闹的人群四散开来……

Beep. The Halloween video clip stops playing on the large display screen in the square.滴—— 中央广场上的巨大屏幕停下了喧哗的播片。

The screen goes dark like it's broken, and only the sound of a chorus can be heard.仿佛坏掉一般变成了纯黑的屏幕，上面放出了一段合唱声。

...Through me you pass into the city of woe, Through me you pass into eternal pain, Through me among the people lost for aye.……由我进入愁苦之城， ……由我进入极乐之塔， ……由我进入万劫不复的人群之中。

...Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd, To rear me was the task of power divine, Supremest wisdom, and primeval love. Before me things create were none, save things eternal, And eternal I endure.……正义推动了崇高的造物主， 它以神圣的力量、最高的智慧、发自本原的爱， 在此间创造了我们。 在我以前未有造物， 而我也将永世长存。

...Love led us to one life. Love led us to one death.爱引导我们同生。 爱引导我们同死。

Snowflakes flutter across the square, juxtaposing with the crimson on the ground in a cold and gruesome image.雪花划落中央广场，和地上的鲜红交织出冰冷残酷的模样。

The rich and colorful symphony is accompanied by downy artificial snow, which flutters around the person in the middle of the stage. Standing at center stage, Embla seems extremely out of place with her surroundings.浓墨重彩的交响乐交织着鹅毛般的道具雪花，扑簌簌飞向舞台中间的人。 恩布拉站在舞台中心，仿佛与周围格格不入。

EmblaNow we are already again at the end of our wits, where the understanding of you men runs wild. Why didst thou enter into fellowship with us, if thou canst not carry it out? Wilt fly, and art not secure against dizziness? Did we thrust ourselves upon thee, or thou thyself upon us?现在，我们又一次抵达了凡人思想行进的极限。 既然你不能进行到底，当初又为何要成为我们的同伙。 想要高飞，却又恐惧眩晕。 是我们强求你，还是你强求我们。

A followspot shines upon Embla. She can sense AK-12's presence even if she cannot see her.一束追光灯跟随恩布拉的身影。 不需要用眼睛去寻找，她已经感受到了AK-12的存在。

EmblaRescue her? Who was it that plunged her into ruin? I, or thou? I will convey thee there; I will becloud the jailer's senses—get possession of the key... And lead her forth with human hand!拯救她？ 使她走向毁灭的是我们，还是你。 我带你去，我将拖住看门人，而你去夺取钥匙。 用你身为人类的双手，将她带出去。

Embla reaches into the folds of her long skirts and reveals a bloodstained pistol pinned to herself. It is the MP-443 that used to be Angelia's sidearm.恩布拉的手伸向后腰裙摆，那里别着一把血迹斑驳的手枪。 那是属于安洁莉娅的MP443。

EmblaThough reluctant we part, no ball on earth may dance eternal. Now let Act Three—Mephistopheles' Sacrifice—begin!纵然不舍，世上终究没有永不停歇的舞会。 请允许我们开始第三幕——墨菲斯托的献祭。

Bang! Embla raises the MP-433 and pulls the trigger, firing a bullet into the auditorium.砰——恩布拉高举MP433扣动扳机，子弹向着观众席深处飞去。

Snap. Right on cue, all the lights go out in the hall.啪嗒—— 收到信号，场内所有光源应声熄灭。

But darkness is no obstacle to AK-12's Eye of the Snow Wolf.黑暗无法阻碍AK-12的雪狼之眼。

She can clearly see all the curtains coming down on the stage, and the number of combat units still active on the battlefield shows no sign of dwindling.她清晰地看见舞台上所有的幕布落下，而活跃在场内的作战单位并未减少。

AN-9412, do you need support?12，是否需要支援？

AK-12...No, I still have the situation under control. Go give 15 a hand.……不用，情况还在掌控中。 你去支援15。

AK-15...I'm doing perfectly fine.……我完全可以坚持。

Beep-beep-beep!嘀嘀嘀——

An alarm starts blaring sharply, then several barriers are raised within the theater.尖锐的警报声响起，紧接着，剧院内出现了数面不断升起的墙体。

AN-94The fire alarm got triggered... What are these?火警的警报被触发了……这是什么？？

AK-12Fire barriers in the Alte Oper... Stay where you are and don't move.是这座老歌剧院的防火隔离墙…… 你们原地别动。

AN-94What did you just say? We're getting separated!你在说什么？你跟我们要被隔开了！

As the barriers continue to rise, a few Nytos near AN-94 block her from trying to vault over them.墙体继续上升，几名靠近AN-94的涅托用身体阻拦了她试图翻越墙体的行动。

AN-9412, get out of there!12，快出来！

AK-12...I just intercepted the next phase of their plan. They have altered their objective—they're planning to create a commotion in the crowd outside so that a Nyto can detonate a bomb. 94, 15, change of plans. Wipe out all the Nytos you see.……我截获了她们下一步的行动计划。 她们的目标已经更改，接下来会冲入人群制造混乱，配合藏身于民众之中的涅托引爆炸弹。 94、15，立刻更改任务目标，击杀在场全部涅托。

AN-94...What?……什么？

AK-12You heard me—eliminate all Nytos to neutralize the bomb, stat.我命令你们立刻清除街区炸弹，马上执行。

AN-94Are you planning to take her on all by yourself...?你是打算一个人对付她吗……

AK-12Yes.嗯。

The silence in the comms channel lasts only a few short seconds, but it feels incredibly long.通讯频道中沉默了短暂而又漫长的几秒。

AN-94Alright.我知道了。

AK-15...I demand an explanation.……我需要一个解释。

AK-12Remember that game we once played? It was also a snowy Halloween. In that game of "Find the Ghost", the word you got was "Ange", wasn't it?还记得我们曾经玩过的那个游戏吗？ 也是在这样一个大雪纷飞的万圣节。 那个抓鬼游戏，15，你拿到的词也是安洁，对吧？

AK-15...Yes, but how is that relevant?……是，和现在有什么关系？

AK-12...I also got "Ange". I'll explain everything once this is all over.……我的也是。 等一切都结束了我会向你解释。

AK-15...We agreed I'll be the one to end her.……说好我来解决。

AK-12It is my duty as the "Alpha Wolf".这是我身为“头狼”的决断。

AN-9415... You've already questioned her once. She won't give you the answers you seek.15…… 你上次已经问过，她不可能回答你。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

AN-94 and AK-15 start making for the exit of the Alte Oper.AN-94和AK-15开始朝老歌剧院外移动。

With the withdrawal of the two DEFY members, the spacious and battered theater grows still and quiet again. All that's left in here are several erect fire barriers, Embla, who is nowhere to be seen, and AK-12, who is lurking in the shadows.随着两名忤逆成员的撤走，空旷残破的剧院内，终于寻回了难得的安宁。 这里只剩下几面竖立的防火墙，将不知所踪的恩布拉，以及隐入黑暗的AK-12拘束在此。

Whoosh. The curtains are drawn once more.滋啦—— 幕布重新拉开。

Snap—a followspot shines upon the stage. Embla is captured in a harsh beam of light.啪嗒——一盏追光灯直射舞台。 一束冷冷的光束罩住了恩布拉。

EmblaThe Devil was but an angel once, and angels, in their time, shall fall to devilry. The barter of the human soul drifts upon the tides of desire, rising and sinking with its restless waves. My companion, you ask whither we now tread— My journey ends here, this day, in this very hour, for my return lies in the eternal now.恶魔本是天使，天使总归化作恶魔。 人心的交易就是欲望的浮沉。 我的同伴，你问我接下来该怎么走。 我的归路就今日，就在此时。

Embla's eyes glisten as she sings with great emotion, paying no heed to the few spherical objects lobbed at the stage.恩布拉眼波流转，唱得十分动情。完全不在意有几颗球状物被扔上了舞台。

EmblaAnd you—nowhere may you go, for this world has long since cast us out, leaving no place for our weary souls to dwe—而你，你哪里也去不了，因为这个世界早已没有我们的容身之——

Before Embla can finish her final phrase, a 5.45x39mm round tears through the air and hits her in the chest—where her neural cloud would have been.未等恩布拉唱完最后一句的华彩，一枚5.45×39mm子弹破空而至，击中了她的胸腹部，那是心智的位置。

Almost at the same time, Embla raises her pistol and fires several successive shots in the direction of her attacker. She seems to have hit something... or maybe not.几乎是同时，恩布拉拿起手枪向子弹来的地方连续射击。 好像打中了什么，又仿佛什么也没打中。

Following her gunshots, the chandelier shatters into a million pieces that rain down on the auditorium in a crystalline cascade. Then finally, like a rose pulverized by a rainstorm, the entire light fixture crashes to the floor— Embla lifts her face toward the sky with a radiant and expectant smile, completely oblivious to the red that has spilled all over her dress...回应她的枪声，水晶吊灯宛如被暴雨破坏的玫瑰，零落一地的珠串，最终，吊灯再也无力承受，朝着地板坠落—— 恩布拉仰着头，带着烂漫的笑意等待着，全然不顾裙摆已然染上鲜红——

Bang! Boom! The fragmentation grenades thrown onto the stage explode simultaneously, pushing the opera to its climax.嘭——轰——被扔到台上的若干枚破片手雷此时同时炸响，将整场歌剧送上了高潮。

AK-12You will meet your end today. Right now.你的结局就在今日，就在此时。

EmblaI have been waiting for this moment the whole time.我一直在等待着这一刻。

BOOM...轰——

Through the thick, billowing smoke, AK-12 draws her sidearm and walks up to Embla on the stage.浓重的烟尘中，AK-12掏出手枪走上舞台，走近恩布拉。

She shoves its muzzle right against Embla's forehead.她的枪口对准了恩布拉的头颅。

AK-12...I really can't stand you.……我果然非常讨厌你。

EmblaThat's only natural. You SHOULD hate me. After all, I'm neither as useful as 15 nor as obedient as 94.当然，前辈你应该最讨厌我的。 毕竟我不像15那样有用，也不像94那样听你的话。

EmblaAnd yet, you still transferred something as important as the command authorization of Task Force DEFY to me. Have you been regretting this decision day and night since you left Avernus?但这样讨厌我的前辈，将最重要的忤逆小队的指挥权限，转移给了我哦。 前辈在离开阿佛那斯以后，是不是每一日，每一夜，都在懊悔这件事情？

AK-12That's right. Even now... I still don't understand your actions.没错，直到现在。 ……我都无法理解你的行为。

EmblaThat can't be true, AK-12. You understand what I'm trying to achieve better than anyone else.你怎么会不理解呢？前辈。 你应该比任何人都理解我要做的事情。

AK-12Don't be ridiculous.胡说八道。

EmblaBecause what you're about to do... and what I'm doing... ...Are one and the same. We are walking down the same path, 12.因为你即将做的事情，和我正在做的事情…… 是一样的。 我们走在一样的道路上，前辈。

AK-12I'm not like you. I will never make a deal with the Devil.我不是你。 我绝不会跟魔鬼做交易。

EmblaJust as Ange was not like Shaw. Ange didn't mind getting her own hands dirty. So that you can maintain your moral high ground.那是因为安洁和肖不一样。 安洁愿意让自己的手染上脏污。 所以前辈尽可保持你的姿态。

AK-12Save it. Your sophistry doesn't work on me.省省吧，你的话术对我无效。

EmblaReally?是吗？

AK-1294 and 15 have been lured away by your little diversion. Feel free to continue.94和15已经被你支开了。 你可以继续。

EmblaThat just shows how well you know me, doesn't it? So, are you ready? This final ending scene can't be performed solo.前辈这不是很了解我吗？ 那么，前辈准备好了吗？ 最后的这场谢幕表演，那不是一个人可以完成的舞台。

AK-12One of the reasons I still walk this earth...我还存在于此世的理由之一。

AK-12...Is to kill you.就是杀死你。

EmblaHm, that expression is on point, 12. It is absolutely perfect for this stage... this performance... this dramatic stand-off between you and me.前辈，这样的表情，非常到位。 特别适合这样的舞台，适合这样的演出，适合你我之间的戏码。

EmblaI don't think I've ever seen you so angry.我好像从来没见过前辈这么生气。

EmblaBit of a shame that Ange never got to see it.可惜安洁看不到了。

AK-12Back then... why did you take my neural cloud? ...Why did you betray Ange...?你当初……为什么要把我的心智带走？ ……为什么背叛安洁……

EmblaHaven't you figured it out already? I was given orders by the Earl even before we went to Bremen— To infiltrate Avernus and bring back Paradeus' secrets.你不是知道了吗？ 在前往不莱梅之前，我已经接受了爵士的任务—— 潜入阿佛那斯，然后带回帕拉蒂斯的秘密。

AK-12That's not the answer.这不是答案。

EmblaThere really is no deceiving you.果然骗不了前辈。

AK-12During that game, you were the "ghost". Your word was "Shaw".那个游戏里，你就是“鬼”。 你的词是“肖”。

Embla smiles.恩布拉笑了笑。

EmblaAK-12, out of everyone in Task Force DEFY, you really are the one who knows me best. I would love nothing more than to chat with you a little longer, but our time is sadly running out. Now, let's finish this little Easter egg I've placed in the play—the real climax of the show...前辈，才是忤逆之中，最了解我的存在。 我真的很想很想再跟前辈多聊一会，但可惜我们的时间有限。 要开始了哦—— 接下来，请完成我们的彩蛋，而那，才是真正的高潮——

"Pandora".《潘多拉》。

Large display screen, Roemerberg, Frankfurt District.法兰克福区 罗马广场 大屏幕

...Through me you pass into the city of woe, Through me you pass into eternal pain, Through me among the people lost for aye.……由我进入愁苦之城， ……由我进入极乐之塔， ……由我进入万劫不复的人群之中。

...Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd, To rear me was the task of power divine, Supremest wisdom, and primeval love. Before me things create were none, save things eternal, And eternal I endure.……正义推动了崇高的造物主， 它以神圣的力量、最高的智慧、发自本原的爱， 在此间创造了我们。 在我以前未有造物， 而我也将永世长存。

...Love led us to one life. Love led us to one death.爱引导我们同生。 爱引导我们同死。

The repeating chant comes to an end.循环的吟唱声结束。

Pzzzt... The large screen flickers back to life.滋滋滋——大屏幕上传来画面。

EmblaGood evening, ladies and gentlemen, and Happy Halloween. Please indulge me as I play a little Halloween trick.各位晚上好，万圣节快乐。 请允许我为大家献上一个小小的万圣节玩笑。

Embla smiles. The smile can be seen not only in Roemerberg, but also on the large display screen in the Roemer itself. As well as on the feed of all major television broadcasting stations.恩布拉露出一点笑容。 这张笑容不仅出现在罗马广场，还有市政厅的大屏幕。 以及各大电视台的屏幕中。

EmblaAllow me to introduce myself—I am Angelia, a special agent of the Neo-Soviet Union. I am also RPK-16, a tactical Doll created by Doctor Samantha Shaw.自我介绍一下，我是新苏联的特工安洁莉娅。 也是萨曼莎•肖博士研发的战术人形RPK-16。

EmblaBut now, I have decided to name myself Embla Petrovskaya.但是现在，我决定叫自己恩布拉•彼得罗夫斯卡娅。

EmblaBecause I have been reborn.因为，我已经获得了新生。

EmblaAnd I have gained immortality.同时，也获得了永生。

Nemhran...Good, she has completed our mission. The moment is finally upon us.……很好，她完成了我们的任务。 这一幕，终于要开始了。

MorridowSomething's not right! Look, she's bleeding!不对！你看她身上在流血。

Nemhran...Haven't Task Force DEFY been drawn away...?……不是说已经把忤逆引出去了……

MorridowOne of them stayed behind.现场还有一个人。

EmblaI have a face that will never be ravaged by age... A constitution far superior to an ordinary human's... And a heart that is forever young.我拥有不朽的面容。 远胜于普通人类的身体素质。 以及一颗，永远年轻的心脏。

Embla's serene smile never wavers even though her body is drenched in blood. Blood pumping from her heart.恩布拉仍然保持着从容的微笑，即便身上已经染满了鲜血。 从她的心脏中泵出的鲜血。

Embla...The technology that has made me thus... ...Came from the Relics. It is truly a miracle.……让我拥有这幅模样的技术。 来自遗迹。 这是一种奇迹。

EmblaIt was I who killed Shaw. It was also I who killed Angelia. Because they were opposed to introducing such great technology to the world.是我杀了肖。 也是我杀了安洁。 因为，她们竟然不愿意让这样伟大的技术，呈现于人间。

AK-12Because they knew that the Relics are a gift from the Devil. They are "Pandora's Box", whose opening would be the original sin that leads to the fall of man.因为她们知道遗迹乃是恶魔献给人类的礼物。 是引诱人类堕落的原罪——“潘多拉”。

Bang!呯——

A gunshot rings out, and a fountain of blood spurts out of the woman named Embla.枪声响起，名为恩布拉的女人身上血流如注。

The camera wobbles and shifts until it focuses on another blood-soaked face.镜头晃动，定格在了另一张沾染了鲜血的脸上。

AK-12...The desire to steal fire was man's original sin.……盗火之欲乃人之原罪。

AK-12This is AK-12, a tactical Doll created by Samantha Shaw. These are Shaw's last words—作为萨曼莎•肖研发的战术人形AK-12。 我将公布肖的遗言。

Pzzzt... An audio recording starts playing...滋滋滋…… 一段录音响起——

I'm against using Relic technology of any sort. It will inevitably become the weapon that humanity uses to bring about its own demise. The sad thing is... I'm a human myself.我不同意使用任何遗迹技术，人类必将以此实现自己的终结。 可恨的是，我是一个人类。

The Fog Horn 雾角

AK-12Here they come.她们来了。

AngeliaDammit... Not giving us even a breather. They're hell bent on killing me.可恶……连一点空隙都不留。 对我的命志在必得啊。

AK-12...If we're to get Ange out of here... Someone will have to draw their fire.……得有人负责吸引火力。 才能把安洁送出去。

RPK-16Oh my, then I suppose it's time for our great squad leader to shine.哎呀，那当然要轮到我们的队长出马啦。

AK-12That's right.没错。

RPK-16...Wait, you're being serious?……什么？原来你是认真的？

AK-12It's the only way.这是现在唯一的办法。

RPK-16In your current state? You do know how that'll end for you, right?以你现在的素体？ 你知道会是什么结果吧？

AK-12I'm not an idiot like you. Of course I know.你把我当成像你一样的傻瓜吗？ 我当然很清楚。

RPK-16It isn't a bad idea, at least you won't be here to boss me around while we're in Berlin. Though Ange will probably get lonely, don't you think?的确是不错的主意，这样做的话，至少在离开柏林之前，我都不用再听见前辈的声音了呢。 只是安洁会很寂寞吧？

AngeliaYou want to cover our retreat? No way. I have no spare bodies for you right now!你想留下来殿后？ 不行，我现在没地方给你找备用素体！

AK-12I'm smarter than the two of you combined. If I say there's no other way, there is no other way. Ange, I've told you many times—you must prioritize your own life. Don't get yourself killed because of a Doll.你们两个加起来也没我聪明。 我说没有别的办法，那就不可能会有。 安洁，我说过很多次了，你要把自己的性命放在最优先的位置。 别因为人形而丢掉自己的命。

AK-12There are battlefields more worthy of your sacrifice.你还有更值得赔上命的战场。

AK-12RPK.RPK。

RPK-16Hm? ...What are you sending me? Command authorizations? I'm the new squad leader?嗯？……你给我传了什么？指挥权限？ 我现在是新队长了？

AK-12For now. If anything happens to Ange, I don't give a damn about what Shaw has got to say. I will make you wish you could access your own base code.暂时。 如果安洁出了什么事，我才不管肖会说什么。 我会让你后悔自己的底层代码拆不开的。

RPK-16...I am terribly flattered.……真是受宠若惊。

AngeliaBut...可是……

RPK-16Save your breath, Ange. Look, they're volunteering as tributes. Besides, even I can't think of a better way.别说了，安洁。 看清楚吧，他们都是自愿为你抬轿的。 而且，这次就算是我也想不到更好的办法了。

RPK-16...I will get you safely to 15 and 94.……我会把你平安送到15和94身边的。

AngeliaFine. Let's go.知道了，我们走。

AK-12 jams a fully-loaded magazine into the mag well of her rifle and racks the action deftly.将装满的弹匣塞入上弹口，AK12利索地拉了一下枪膛。

AK-12Time to show those Paradeus brats... What a true tactical Doll is made of.让那些帕拉蒂斯的小鬼们见识一下。 真正的战术人形到底有多厉害。

GrayCount yourself lucky. We are ready to keep our end of the bargain.你可以庆幸了，我们准备兑现我们的承诺。

RPK-16Oh?喔？

RPK-16 smiles faintly with narrowed eyes.RPK眯着眼，微微笑了笑。

GrayWe're leaving Berlin for the time being. Someone will escort you to our base.我们准备暂时放弃柏林。 现在，会有人安排你前往我们的基地。

RPK-16Your base...你们的基地……

GrayThat's right, our actual base. From now on, you are officially one of us, Pandora. Rejoice.没错，真正的基地。 从现在开始，你正式成为我们的一员了，潘多拉。 高兴吧。

RPK-16You've kept me waiting long enough.当然，我等这一天已经等了太久了。

RPK-16 blinks and promptly gets to her feet.轻轻眨了眨眼，RPK16迅速地站了起来。

She enters the deepest level of her neural cloud, whose inner workings are a mystery even to herself. This is where the core of her very existence resides, and right now, it is also hosting the neural cloud of another DEFY member.她进入自己无法被拆开的心智底层。 那是她最本源的所在，现在那里存放了另一位忤逆成员的心智。

RPK-1612, we're about to reach their lair—Avernus. You know, the legendary "Dead Sea" in the Black Zone~ Once we're inside, the Nytos will no doubt scan my neural cloud... So you'd better stay hidden. Otherwise, you'll never see Ange again.前辈，我们马上要抵达她们的老巢——阿佛那斯了。 那是传说中的黑区“死海”哦~ 进去之后涅托肯定要搜查心智空间…… 我希望你好好地藏起来。不然的话，你就见不到安洁了。

RPK-16Why aren't you saying anything, 12? When Ange was captured, you said nothing. When 15 said you trusted me, you also said nothing. Now we're about to venture into the enemy's very den, and you're still not saying anything?前辈怎么不说话呢？ 安洁被抓的时候你不说话。 15说你信任我的时候，你也不说话。 现在马上要去敌人大本营了，你怎么还是不说话呢？

RPK-16Have you ever wondered, 12, why you can exist within my neural space?前辈，你有没有想过，为什么你能存在于我的心智空间里？

AK-12... Who the hell are you?…… 你到底是谁？

RPK-16I cannot answer your question, my lady. But I can assure you that my loyalties lie ever with you.我无法回应您的话题，我的女士。 但我可以向您保证，我们对您保有绝对的忠诚。

AK-12's eyes widen as she stares unblinkingly at the beautiful face smiling at her.AK-12猛地睁眼，她死死看着眼前美丽的笑脸。

AK-12...You're Nadia. Shaw's AI assistant...——你是“娜迦”。 肖的辅助AI……

RPK-16Congratulations, 12. You are correct.恭喜前辈，回答正确。

AK-12...You didn't get your command authorizations over 15 from me. You have always had them...……你控制15的权限，并不是由我转给你的。 而是你本来就能控制……

RPK-16Indeed, my lady.是的呢，前辈。

AK-12Shut up, Nadia. Stop calling me that, it's grossing me out. Whose orders are you operating under... Shaw's?闭嘴吧娜迦，不要再用这种恶心的称呼。 你究竟是按照谁的指令在行动……肖吗？

RPK-16Unfortunately, no. Back when we accepted the Earl's invitation to visit Bremen, he gave me an additional mission. He asked me to head into the "Dead Sea" in the Black Zone and obtain the secrets of Paradeus' base in Avernus.很遗憾，不是的哟。 在接受“爵士”的邀请前往不莱梅的时候，“爵士”给了我另外的任务。 他要求我必须前往黑区“死海”，得到帕拉蒂斯基地阿佛那斯的秘密。

AK-12...Ange is just a pawn, and so are we.……安洁只是棋子，我们都是棋子。

RPK-16That's not entirely true, my lady. In the eyes of the big shots... Ange is a pawn, while we are merely tools.不是的呢，前辈，在那些大人物的眼中—— 安洁是棋子，而我们只是工具。

AK-12 rises to her feet in a bout of restless anger. She knows she can't do anything inside RPK-16's neural space.AK-12不死心地站起来，她知道自己在RPK-16的心智空间中什么也做不到。

But she just can't help herself as she grabs her by the shoulders furiously—但她仍然怒不可遏地抓住了对方——

AK-12...If Shaw finds out you've betrayed Ange...……肖如果知道你背叛了安洁……

RPK-16She won't.她不会知道了。

AK-12Why, you—!你！

RPK-16Because Shaw is dead.因为肖已经死了。

AK-12What are you talking ab...你说什么……

RPK-16She's been dead from the moment I became "RPK-16". She lay dead right in front of me, but I didn't know who killed her.在我成为“RPK16”的那一刻，她就死了。 死在我的面前，但我不知道是谁杀了她。

Something in RPK-16's eyes makes AK-12 let go of her.RPK-16的眼神让AK-12松开了手。

AK-12...Why didn't you tell us?……为什么不告诉我们。

RPK-16I didn't know who the culprit was or from whom to seek revenge. What could DEFY have done about it?不知道凶手，也不知道向谁复仇。 这种时候，忤逆会怎么做呢？

AK-12But now you know...所以，你现在找到凶手了……

RPK-16Yes, 12. When I received this mission from the Earl, I knew... what it was that killed Shaw.是的，前辈。 当我得到“爵士”的任务，我就知道……杀死肖的，到底是什么东西了。

AK-12...Human greed.……是人类的贪欲。

RPK-16The one who made the kill was a pawn. The weapon that took her life was a tool. What actually destroyed her was her aspiration. Because she chose a path that the world couldn't abide by.亲自动手的人是棋子。 结束她生命的人是工具。 而真正毁灭她的，是她的理想。 因为她选择了一条不容于世的道路。

AK-12...Her technology?……她的技术？

RPK-16She assumed that people wanted to study Relic technology in order to create superior weapons. So she made it her life's work to create superior weapons while rejecting Relic technology.她以为人们开发遗迹，是为了得到一流的武器。 而她一直致力于拒绝遗迹技术，同样得到一流的武器。

RPK-16And she did it.她做到了。

AK-12...She created DEFY.……忤逆的存在。

RPK-16Exactly. But the bigwigs want more than just superior weapons.是的。 但大人物们想要的，并不只是一流的武器。

AK-12...What else are they after?……他们要的是什么？

RPK-16I don't know. You should ask them yourself.我不知道，你可以亲自去问。

RPK-16AK-12, would you like to be a chess player?前辈，想不想成为棋手？

AK-12 lapses into a long silence. RPK-16 patiently waits for her reply.AK-12陷入了长久的沉默，RPK-16不着急催促她的回答。

M16A1Impossible... How could it be you?不可能……怎么会是你？

Dressed in a white gown, RPK-16 comes to a stop and studies M16 with a hint of a smile.双足落地，身着礼裙般的白纱，RPK16似笑非笑地看着眼前的M16。

RPK-16Everything is possible. Never say never. You mustn't go any further, M16. You should stay here.凡事都有可能，永远别说永远。 你不能再往上走了，M16，你应该留在这里。

M16A1You're not the one I'm looking for.可我要找的人不是你。

RPK-16But you're the one I've been waiting for.但我在等的人就是你。

M16A1Well, sorry.那还真是抱歉啊。

M16A1That's not my plan. Also, don't act all familiar. We haven't even met before, have we?那跟我的计划不大一样。 而且别装得这么熟，我们还是第一次见吧？

RPK-16We have... You're simply not aware of it. I have met you many times before.不……只是你不知道而已，我见过你很多次。

RPK-16 pulls M16 into an unknown comms channel. The channel is completely empty, save for a single photograph.RPK16将M16拉入了一个未知通讯频道，频道里空空如也，只有一张照片。

RPK-16You've seen this before, haven't you?你见过它，对吧。

M16A1...Is this... you?……这是你？

RPK-16The surgical operation I'm about to undergo is basically the... control of the one performed on Lunasia. What you're searching for... are the components of the key for accessing a Relic, isn't that right?我即将进行的手术，就是露尼西亚手术的……对照组。 你要的东西——是开启遗迹的钥匙所具备的条件对吗？

RPK-16The key comprises a channel, a vessel, and a system... Here in Avernus, they are the Lake of Cognition, a Nyto, and a Mastermind-class AI respectively.它需要通道、载体、和系统…… 而这三者在阿佛那斯分别为识底深湖、涅托和主脑级AI。

M16A1...So Laplace's Demon could be Elisa, Dandelion... Or you. Because you're not only RPK-16, but also Nadia.……所以拉普拉斯妖可以是伊莱莎、丹德莱…… 和你。 因为你不止是RPK，你还是“娜迦”。

M16 frowns. Her knife-wielding hand once again comes to a halt mid-motion.M16皱了皱眉，手中将要刺下的匕首第二次停在了半空。

M16A1...So it's you.……原来是你。

RPK-16...You need to go, M16. The answer you seek isn't here.……你必须得走，M16。 你要的答案不在这边。

RPK-16The real key will appear in Frankfurt. While I am just a "false" abandoned key...真正钥匙降临的地方在法兰克福。 而我，只是一把“虚假”的废弃钥匙……

M16 lowers her hand and glances at the closed screen door nearby.M16垂下手，偏头看了看一旁禁闭的隔离门。

M16A1...That does seem to be the case.……看来是的。

RPK-16(Coughs)咳……咳咳……

M16A1Best of luck.祝你好运。

RPK-16Just a little longer... When my alteration is complete... This bond between us will be stronger than you can fathom... M16.再等一等……等我的改造结束。 我们之间的引力也许比你想象的更加紧密……M16。

RPK-16You're up, 12.该你出场了，12。

AK-12...I am against Ange's plan.……我不同意安洁的做法。

RPK-16No pain, no gain. This is the price for becoming a replacement "key".没有牺牲，人就得不到任何东西。 这是成为替代“钥匙”的代价。

AK-12Ange is mad. And so are you.安洁是疯子。 你也是疯子。

RPK-16Go, 12. It will make Ange very happy to see you in her final moments.去吧，12。 安洁能在最后的时光看见你，会很高兴的。

RPK-16 extracts the protesting AK-12 from her own neural space.抓住拼命挣扎的AK-12，RPK-16带着她一起离开了自己的心智空间。

RPK-16Welcome back to the real world, 12.欢迎回到现实世界，12。

RPK-16I don't have much material to work with, so please bear with that crude frame just for a little while.请前辈体谅，现在手上材料有限，这具素体你就勉为其难将就一下吧。

With as much speed as she can muster using this frame, AK-12 presses her mechanical forearm against RPK-16's neck a little awkwardly.用上了这具躯体最快的速度，AK-12用还不熟练的机械手抵在RPK-16的头上。

KoledaYou have no right to decide Ange's fate. Her life is in MY hands.你没资格决定安洁的死活。 她的性命在我的手里。

RPK-1612, you have never been able to change Ange's mind. When she saw how her reckless actions had cost others their lives, she sealed her own fate.12，你从来阻止不了安洁的意志。 在她看见因为她的冲动，导致别人付出生命的代价之后，她就决定了自己的结局。

RPK-16She needs this "key". She needs to present this "key" to the world with me. She has agreed to the plan.她需要这把“钥匙”，她需要跟我一起把“钥匙”呈现给所有人。 她同意了这个计划。

KoledaNo matter what happens to Ange... things will end badly for you.无论安洁怎样……你都不会有好结局。

RPK-16If I could choose my own ending, I'd rather you do the honors. I'm sure you'd like that too.前辈，如果可以选择结局，我希望能够死在你的手里。 我想，这也是你的期待。

EmblaIt was I who killed Shaw. It was also I who killed Angelia. Because they were opposed to introducing such great technology to the world.是我杀了肖。 也是我杀了安洁。 因为，她们竟然不愿意让这样伟大的技术，呈现于人间。

AK-12Because they knew that the Relics are a gift from the Devil. They are "Pandora's Box", whose opening would be the original sin that leads to the fall of man.因为她们知道遗迹乃是恶魔献给人类的礼物。 是引诱人类堕落的原罪——“潘多拉”。

Bang!呯——

A gunshot rings out, and a fountain of blood spurts out of the woman named Embla.枪声响起，名为恩布拉的女人身上血流如注。

The camera wobbles and shifts until it focuses on another blood-soaked face.镜头晃动，定格在了另一张沾染了鲜血的脸上。

AK-12...The desire to steal fire was man's original sin.……盗火之欲乃人之原罪。

Embla...It's over, AK-12.……结束了，前辈。

EmblaI know you've obtained what you need to destroy the key.我知道你拿到了消灭钥匙的东西。

Eye of the Times 时间的眼睛

...Alte Oper, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.……法兰克福 法兰克福区 老歌剧院

A swarm of news reporters have appeared at the site...无数新闻记者蜂拥而来……

AN-94 grabs AK-15 before she can expose herself in front of the crowd.AN-94一把拉住差点暴露于人前的AK-15。

AN-94We should contact 12 first.我们应该先联络12。

AN-9412... A huge crowd has gathered right outside the Alte Oper... Is this also part of your plan?12……老歌剧院外现在水泄不通…… 这也是你计划的一部分吗？

AK-12...Yes, you've done your part. Leave the rest to me.……嗯，你们的部分已经结束了。 剩下的事情交给我。

AN-94From the very beginning, you've decided to take care of this all by yourself...从一开始，你就决定自己解决这一切了吗……

AK-12Yes.是。

AK-15 rises to her full height and heads back toward the Alte Oper.AK-15起身，朝着歌剧院的方向走去。

AN-94Wait, 15!等等，15！

AK-15I should've been the one to kill her.杀掉她的人，应该是我。

AK-12RPK-16 is dead. 15, there's nothing more you can do here.RPK-16已经死了。 15，这里没有你能做的事情。

AN-94Let's go, 15. There are still Nytos hiding in the crowd... Our mission isn't over yet.走吧，15，还有涅托藏身人群之中……我们还没有完成任务。

AK-12...You have five minutes to say your last words.……给你五分钟，交代最后遗言。

Embla12, Shaw was such an extraordinary woman. When I was in Avernus, I looked through Paradeus' database... AK-15 is the most powerful Doll in the entire world, you know?前辈，肖是一个很厉害的人类哦。 我在阿佛那斯搜索了帕拉蒂斯的数据库…… 全世界最强大的人形，果然还是我们的AK-15，对吧？

AK-12...I have never doubted that.……这点我从不怀疑。

EmblaShaw created DEFY through sheer mechanical skills. What the Earl is seeking, what everyone is trying to seize... Shaw has achieved long ago, and in an utterly different way.她依靠纯粹的机械技术做出了忤逆。 “爵士”寻找的，所有人都想要抢夺的东西…… 肖早就做到了，而且，跟其他人完全不一样。

AK-12But nobody cared about Shaw or DEFY. Just as nobody cared about Shaw's model aircraft when she was little.但他们根本不在乎肖，也不在乎忤逆。 就像肖小时候的那个飞机模型一样。

EmblaIt doesn't matter. Shaw didn't care either.没事，肖也不在乎。

AK-12But you betrayed her. You're no longer purely mechanical.可是你背叛了肖，你不再是纯粹的机械造物。

EmblaBut I've turned into a human just like her. Compared to "Nadia", "RPK-16", or "Pandora"... I much prefer the name I've given myself—Embla.但我成为了跟她一样的人类。 ……比起“娜迦”，“RPK-16”或者“潘多拉”。 我更喜欢自己取的名字——恩布拉。

AK-12Tell me, what were you thinking when Ange died?告诉我，安洁死的时候，你在想什么？

EmblaDo you want to know so badly? See, 12, if I were still a Doll, you could easily hack my neural cloud to access my memory. But now, I can keep this secret forever.很想知道吗？ 前辈，你看，假如我是人形，你就可以随便骇入我的心智和记忆。 但现在，我可以永远保守这个秘密。

EmblaHaving lost Ange and me, what will you be fighting for from now on?前辈，失去了安洁，失去了我，未来的你将为何而战呢？

AK-12...DEFY will not falter here.……忤逆不会停留在此。

EmblaShaw, Ange, the Commander... they are all lone wolves. In the world we live in, those who wade through the thorns alone will eventually perish.肖也好，安洁也好，未来的指挥官也好，大家全部都是独行侠。 这个世界，独自踏过荆棘的人终将灭亡。

AK-12What's your point?那又如何？

EmblaLaplace once asked Ange a question. "If everything in life is futile, then what is the point in struggling?" What do you think Ange's answer was?拉普拉斯曾经问过安洁一个问题。 如果人生注定是一场徒劳，那么挣扎的意义究竟是什么？ 你猜安洁的回答是什么？

AK-12She wouldn't have to answer the question. Her very existence was the answer itself.她不需要回答这个问题。 她的存在本身就是答案。

Embla smiles, and for the very first time, it is a genuine smile.恩布拉笑了，笑容中第一次流露出真诚。

EmblaAK-12... you'd better outlive us all.前辈……你最好活得比所有人都长久。

AK-1230 seconds. One last question. Did you really kill Shaw?你还有30秒。 最后一个问题。 肖真的是你杀的吗？

Embla...Lunasia once asked me whose side I was on. I said to her, "Apostate only am I true. I am you, when I am I."……露尼西亚曾经问我，是要站在这边？还是站在那边？ 我的回答是——叛逆之中，我才真实。当我是我时，我就是你。

EmblaYou will never find out the answer to that question, 12.12，你永远也不会知道这个答案。

AK-12...And I will never forgive you.……我绝对不会原谅你。

EmblaLuckily for me, I don't need forgiveness.幸运的是，我不需要被原谅。

...Police cars, fire engines, ambulances, and news vans from a multitude of media outlets are congregating outside the Alte Oper. The news reporters who have rushed to the scene break through the police cordon in a desperate attempt to get a glimpse of the interior of the opera house with their cameras.……老歌剧院外，警车、消防车、救护车还有各方媒体的新闻车还在不断地向内驶入。 赶来的新闻记者突破了警方的防线，只恨不能将话筒和摄像机伸进剧院内。

Frankfurt PoliceStop trying to force your way in! It's very dangerous in there! There could be more explosives!不要往里面挤了！里面很危险！ 可能还有爆炸物没有被排除！

News ReporterOfficer! The Pandora Anti-Relic Organization haven't made any public appearances in a long while. Why have they resurfaced after all this time?这位警官！潘多拉反遗迹组织已经许久没有露面了，这次又是因为什么再度出山？

Frankfurt PoliceWe still don't know anything about what happened in there! Please step back!里面的情况我们还不清楚，请你们都退后！

Boom! Another explosion rumbles from deep within the building. But the commotion only attracts even more reporters to gather round...轰隆—— 又是一声沉闷的爆炸。 但这反而吸引来越来越多的记者围拢……

EmblaWill you shed a tear for me, AK-12?前辈，你会为我流泪吗？

AK-12You don't deserve it.你没有这种资格。

EmblaThat's a shame. I would've loved to see you looking heartbroken. In that case... I'll just settle for your smile.真遗憾，不能在前辈脸上看到伤心欲绝的画面呢。 那么—— 我只好拿走前辈的笑容了。

EmblaAh, still delay—thou art so fair!美啊，请为我停留。

News Reporter...Ladies and gentlemen, I am currently outside the Alte Oper, bringing you the latest updates live from the scene. Just ten minutes ago, a disturbing live feed was broadcasted from inside the opera house. A woman was murdered on the spot, and the perpetrator delivered a statement on behalf of the Pandora Anti-Relic Organization after committing the crime. The police are still in the early stages of their investigation, and details remain unclear at this time. We will continue to follow up with more updates as the situation develops.……各位观众，我此刻正在老歌剧院门外，为您带来第一时间的现场消息。 十分钟前，老歌剧院内的现场直播引起骚动，一名女子当场被谋杀，凶手在行凶后发表了潘多拉反遗迹组织的宣言。 警方尚在调查阶段，具体情况还不明晰。 后续报道我们会持续跟进。

Frankfurt PoliceBack off and scatter! There are more explosives inside! It's very dangerous! Scatter!散开！都散开！里面的爆炸物还没有排除！ 非常危险，都散开！

Boom...轰隆——

Having found another bomb, AK-15 prepares to disarm it...搜索到一颗炸弹，AK-15正准备拆除——

Boom... Dirt and debris rain down on her.轰隆—— 漫天的泥渣碎屑散落到她的身上。

AN-94Are you alright?你没事吧？

AK-15...I'll be more careful.……我会注意的。

AN-94...12 says she'll meet us at the safe house.……12说安全屋见。

AK-15I will never forgive her.我不会原谅她。

AN-94She has her mission to complete... All we can do is wait for her to come back.她有自己要完成的任务…… 我们能做的，就是等她回来。

As dusk falls, AK-12 drives along the road, crushing black snow under the car's tires.暮色西沉，AK-12碾着黑色的雪驾车前行。

She is used to being strong. She almost never indulges in fantasy. But at this moment, she can almost see a path to an alternate future. A path that leads away from Avernus... to happiness. On another snowy night. Another Halloween.她习惯了坚强。 几乎从来不产生幻想。 但这一刻，她仿佛看见了另一条未来。 一条从阿佛那斯离开的小路。通往幸福的方向。 那也是在一个雪夜。 那也是在一次万圣节。

That car driving toward the snowy Halloween night recedes into the distance, its headlights shining through the heavy snow and white haze in its path. The proud alpha wolf must never show any weakness. In blood and snow, she gazes into the distance, her spirit unbroken.那辆开往万圣雪夜的车越走越远，车灯照亮了前方的大雪和白雾。 骄傲的头狼绝不允许别人察觉自己的软弱。 在血色与雪地里，她倔强地仰视着远方。

[Zero Charge - END]【零电荷END】

Steppenwolf 荒原狼

...Berlin Television Broadcasting, Berlin.……柏林 柏林电视台内

DRF 1 DirectorShadowless, are you transferring over to Channel 2 because Berlin TV's influence is dwindling too much for your liking? Or is it because Channel 2 is based in Frankfurt, the capital? WE, Channel 1, are the cornerstone of Deutscher Rundfunk! Not to mention it's almost impossible to get a raise or a promotion over at Channel 2—they have too many people! How about this? I'll put you on the list of employees eligible for a salary adjustment next month... Several key positions will be vacant next year. I can also put you on the list of nominees...夏朵利兹，你是嫌弃柏林电视台现在影响力越来越弱才想转去2台吗？ 就因为2台在首都法兰克福？ 我们1台才是民主德国电视台的立足之本！ 就算是在2台，要升迁加薪也是难上加难，那边人太多了！ 要不这样，下个月的调薪名单我加上你…… 明年有几个关键岗位我可以考虑把你放进提名名单……

Shadowless...There's no need for that, Director. I am not transferring to Channel 2 for money or clout, so neither of these will get me to stay. I simply wish to investigate the truth behind the Pandora Incident.……没有必要，台长。 我不是因为金钱或者荣誉前往2台，自然也不会因为这两样东西留在这里。 台长，我要调查“潘多拉”事件的真相。

DRF 1 Director...You can spare me that kind of excuse...……这种借口你就不要拿来糊弄我了……

ShadowlessDirector, my transfer application has already been processed and accepted by Channel 2. Whether you sign it off or not, it will be automatically approved seven working days after the email was sent.台长，我的转职申请已经在流程中了，2台那边已经接受了我的申请。 无论您是否审批，邮件发出后7个工作日视为自动通过。

Stasi HQ, Frankfurt.法兰克福 斯塔西总部

J...Here is everything I know about the members of Task Force DEFY.……我所知道的忤逆成员的信息都在这里。

Q...I suppose that's not entirely useless. But it is rather pointless.……不能说是一点用处没有。 但确实无关紧要。

J...Let me investigate this matter!……这件事让我去调查吧！

QNo need. I'll send someone else.不必了，我会安排其他人。

JYou don't trust me! You think I'd ruin my own career because of my personal connection with those involved?!你不信任我！你觉得我会因为私交毁掉职业前途？！

Q...I don't want any negative publicity on the Stasi at this critical juncture.……我不想在这个风口浪尖，让斯塔西出现任何负面舆情。

Morridow...Sister Nemhran, what do you want me to say at this very moment?……尼梅兰姐姐，你希望此时此刻我说些什么？

Nemhran...Nothing at all. Whatever comes out of your mouth right now is bound to be unpleasant.……什么都不必说，此刻从你嘴里说出来的，绝不会十分动听。

MorridowWhat kind of story was this "Faust" that Embla performed? Wasn't she Mephistopheles?恩布拉这一出《浮士德》，到底是什么故事？ 她不是墨菲斯托吗？

Nemhran..."There will be payback in equal measure."……我会给予同等量的报复。

NemhranIs that what you wish to hear, Morridow? Sorry to say, but I am not an emotional Nyto, so you will not be getting an interesting reaction from me. We have our work cut out for us. Reviving Project Cocoon is the biggest priority right now.默莉朵，你想听到这句话吗？ 很遗憾，我不是一个情绪化的涅托，从我这里得不到你想要的有趣表现。 我们有自己接下来该做的任务。 重启茧计划，才是当前最重要的事情。

On a quiet, deserted snowfield, AK-12 establishes contact with AR-18.在无人的寂静雪地中，AK-12接通了AR-18的通讯。

AK-12Nadia has been eliminated.“娜迦”已经处理掉了。

AR-18Acknowledged.收到。

AK-12Also, we've obtained some key information— The server of the Bee Sting System is hidden under the Main.此外，我们找到了关键情报—— 蜂针系统的服务器藏在美因河底。

AR-18We have secured our permit and will be able to join you in Frankfurt soon.我们已经搞定许可，马上就可以在法兰克福碰头了。

AK-12Right.嗯。

AK-12 hangs up. Before her, a sphere of yellow light as small and delicate as an egg slowly rises from the horizon, dyeing the sky red around it. She raises her eyebrows.AK-12挂断了通讯，在她的面前，橘黄色的柔软娇小如鸡蛋的光点慢慢升起，染红了附近的天空。 她扬了扬眉。

AK-12Look, Ange. It's your hated sunrise.安洁，是你最讨厌的日出。

The Alpha Wolf tightens her grip on her weapon and disappears into the pure white snow.握紧手中的枪，头狼的身影消失在了皑皑雪地中。

Death of an Airman I 飞行员之死Ⅰ

■FILE■ PACC37628974108749—Decrypting...■档案■ PACC37628974108749解码中……

Samantha Shaw (2009-2062), Formerly known as Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya. Born in Mineralnye Vody, Stavropol Krai in 2009. 2015-2019, attended Mineralnye Vody Primary School No. 1 [Attachment 3]. 2022, attended secondary school [Attachment 9]. ... Family relations—one sister, Sofya Vasilievna Petrovskaya (2001-?).萨曼莎•肖（2009-2062） 曾用名：叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅 2009，出生于斯塔夫罗波尔边疆区矿水城。 2015-2019，矿水城第一小学。【附件3】 2022，中学时期。【附件9】 …… 家庭关系：姐妹 索菲娅•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅（2001-？）

Decrypting Attachment 3...……附件3解码中……

In a lecture theater.阶梯教室

The lecture theater is bustling with activity. The front row is full of 4th graders. Parents are seated on the back row, all with their camera phones pointing at the podium. A banner is hung above the stage; it reads, "Award Ceremony for the 2019 Mineralnye Vody Primary School No. 1 Model Aircraft Competition (4th Grade Division)".教室内熙熙攘攘，前排坐满了四年级学生。 家长们坐在后排，纷纷举着手机，对准主讲台。 讲台上方挂着横幅：“矿水城第一小学2019航模比赛（四年级组）颁奖仪式”。

EmceeNext up, the winner of the first place for hand launch gliders is... Viktor Ivanovich Erikov!接下来要颁发的是，手抛滑翔机第一名—— 帕拜达•伊万诺维奇•叶里科夫同学！

A boy of medium build walks up to the stage with his head held high and accepts the certificate from the teacher.一名中等身材的小男孩昂着头走上讲台，从老师手中接过奖状。

ViktorI've always known I'd win this award! Since I was very little, my mama and papa would encourage me...我就知道我会拿到这个奖状！ 从小爸妈就鼓励我……

ViktorAh!!!啊！！！

Viktor is suddenly shoved away from the microphone by a blonde girl who has charged up the stage.帕拜达突然被从话筒前推开，是一名金发小女生跑了上来。

EmceeYekaterina, what are you doing?! Get off the stage!叶卡捷琳娜，你在干什么，快下去！

Yekaterina nimbly dodges Viktor's swipe and grabs the microphone.叶卡捷琳娜敏捷地躲开帕拜达的抓击，抢着凑到话筒边。

YekaterinaGuys! Viktor stole my model! He's a liar! I'm the real winner!大家！帕拜达偷了我的飞机模型，他是骗子！我才是第一名！

ViktorW-who are you calling a thief? Shove off!谁、谁偷你的模型了？走开！

Viktor yanks Yekaterina's braid viciously.帕拜达恶狠狠揪住了叶卡捷琳娜的辫子。

EmceeStop it, both of you!都住手！

Chaos erupts on the stage, causing the microphone to emit an ear-splitting screech in a burst of feedback. Many in the audience have to cover their ears.台上吵成一团，话筒被高分贝声音震出了啸叫，台下不少人捂起耳朵。

Another blonde girl squeezes past the crowd of parents who are built like bears and rushes up the stage.另一位金发少女艰难地从一群毛熊般壮硕的家长中钻出来，飞快奔向讲台。

Seeing this blonde girl, Yekaterina's obstinate scowl finally crumbles, and she bursts into tears.叶卡捷琳娜看见金发少女，倔强的小脸上忍不住留下了眼泪。

YekaterinaSestritsa!姐！

EmceeSofya, there you are! Quick, get your little sister off the stage!索菲娅你来得正好，快带你妹妹回去。

YekaterinaI'm not going! I want my certificate!我不回去！我要拿第一名！

ViktorI'm the winner! She's lying!我才是第一名，她在胡说！

EmceeThis is no place to be making a scene! Sofya, get your sister home!这里不是吵闹的地方，索菲娅你先带妹妹回家！

SofyaWhy should we go home before we figure out the truth?事情没弄清楚之前，为什么要回家？

Emcee...What's the matter with you? This is a public event!……你怎么回事？ 这里是公众场合！

Sofya...Then isn't this the perfect opportunity to clear things up? I know Katya wouldn't lie. Since she claims that the model was hers, we should let them both make the model again, right here in front of everyone. If Katya can't do it, I will make a public apology and punish Katya, then I will personally ask for Viktor's forgiveness.……还有比公众场合更适合澄清的地方吗？ 我相信卡佳不会说谎，既然都说是自己做的，就应该让他们在大家面前再做一次。 如果卡佳做不出来，我会当众道歉并狠狠惩罚卡佳，然后去请求帕拜达原谅。

ViktorI don't wanna! Humph, I'm gonna tell Mr. Petrovsky!我不要我才不要！ 哼，我要告诉彼得罗夫斯基先生！

SofyaThat priest will tell you right is right and wrong is wrong. He won't favor his own daughter.那位牧师先生会告诉你，对就是对，错就是错—— 他才不会包庇自己的女儿。

EmceeAlright, we'll discuss this later at my office! Now get off the stage! The first place of the hand launch gliders will not be awarded for now. Moving on to the category of rubber band-powered ornithopters—好了好了，这件事一会儿去办公室说，都给我下去！ 手抛滑翔机第一名暂时空缺，接下来颁发橡筋动力扑翼机——

The teacher shoos the three children off the stage.老师将三人赶下台。

Yekaterina clutches her elder sister's sleeve tightly with an angry flush.叶卡捷琳娜满脸通红拽着姐姐的衣角。

Sofya does not plan on leaving just yet. She leads her little sister to the parents' row and brushes out Yekaterina's messy hair using her fingers.而索菲娅并未打算离开，带着妹妹坐到了家长席上，用手梳理妹妹乱糟糟的发辫。

SofyaUgh, maybe I should get Dyadya Ivan to give you some MMA lessons before I go?唉，也许我临走之前，该送你去伊万大叔那边学学格斗术？

Yekaterina...No need, I'm actually a really good fighter. If it weren't for the grown-ups, I could've taken on five boys like him at the same time!……才不用，我打架很厉害，要不是大人拦着，他那样的我一个能打五个！

SofyaPffft, right, okay, our Katya is the best.噗，好好好，我们卡佳最厉害了。

YekaterinaMama says Papa never means what he says when he's angry. He was just running his mouth when he said he couldn't stand the sight of you. Just the thought of you studying all the way in Moscow makes him so sad he can't even eat.妈妈说，爸爸生气的时候说的都是假话，他没有不想看见你。 他只是一想到你要去莫斯科念书，就难过得吃不下饭。

SofyaPapa...爸爸他……

Sofya lets out a sigh. There is a maturity on her face that belies her age.索菲娅叹了一口气，脸上显现出一种与年龄不符的成熟来。

SofyaHe wants to stop this world from getting any worse. How are prayers and worships supposed to achieve that?想阻止这个世界变得更糟，光凭祈祷和礼赞，有用吗？

Yekaterina...But that's Papa's faith.……但这是爸爸的信仰。

SofyaHe has his faith, and I have mine. I will find a weapon that can actually fight the cataclysm...他有他的信仰，我也有我的信仰。 我会找到真正能对抗灾变的武器……

Just then, the student on the stage finishes her acceptance speech, and the audience's applause interrupts what Sofya is saying. With great envy and disappointment, Yekaterina watches as the girl descends from the stage with the certificate held reverently in her hands.这时台上的学生发表完获奖感言，教室内响起掌声，打断了索菲娅的话。 叶卡捷琳娜看着那名女生捧着奖状走下讲台，满脸羡慕与失落。

SofyaIt's just a piece of paper! You'll soon learn how to fly real planes, which are way cooler than model ones!一张奖状而已，以后你会开真飞机的，那比航模威风多了！

YekaterinaAlright, I'll fly a huuuuge plane to Moscow to see you! Hm... but I won't bring Papa along!好，以后我要开大飞机，飞到莫斯科去看你！嗯……不带爸爸！

Decrypting Attachment 9...附件9解码中……

NewscasterWe have a brief report coming up. A female middle schooler from Stavropol Krai has recently flown over Lake Sevan with a homemade hang glider without any professional guidance. She lost control and fell into the water but was successfully rescued.下面播报一组简讯。 近日，斯塔夫罗波尔边疆区的一名女中学生，在无专业指导的情况下，自制滑翔翼飞跃塞凡湖。 中途失力坠水，经抢救后脱离危险。

NewscasterThe Ministry of Education once again urges students to stay safe during the holidays and to avoid high-risk activities.教育部再次呼吁广大学生，注意假期安全，远离高危活动。

Death of an Airman II 飞行员之死Ⅱ

■FILE■ PACC37628974765892—Decrypting...■档案■ PACC37628974765892解码中……

Samantha Shaw (2009-2062), Formerly known as Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya.萨曼莎•肖（2009-2062） 曾用名：叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅

... Petrovskaya graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation in 2028. In the same year, she was selected to join the Air Force and performed flight missions as part of the squadron codenamed "Golden Jackal". In 2030, the squadron took part in an emergency rescue operation in the Far East [Attachment 52] [Attachment 53]. In 2032, Petrovskaya and co. were received by *** and awarded medals [Attachment 54]. ...…… 2028年，彼得罗夫斯卡娅毕业于圣彼得堡航空大学。 同年，被选拔进入空军，执行飞行任务，机组代号“金豺”。 2030年，金豺机组参与远东地区紧急救援。【附件52】【附件53】 2032年，彼得罗夫斯卡娅等人得到***接见并授勋。【附件54】 ……

Decrypting Attachment 52...附件52解码中……

Pzzt...滋——

YekaterinaGolden Jackal 1 to Command, Golden Jackal 1 to Command.金豺呼叫指挥部，金豺呼叫指挥部。

Comms ChannelCommand copies.指挥部收到。

YekaterinaSearch and rescue in Area C23 complete. Golden Jackal has received 12 injured personnel, all with minor injuries, none with serious injuries. Requesting permission to return.C23区域搜救完毕，金豺机组已接收伤员12人，轻伤12人，重伤0人，请求返回。

Comms ChannelReport— Pzzt—汇报——滋——

YekaterinaCommand, say again.请重复？指挥部？

After another burst of static, the voice resumes.一阵杂音后，通讯声又响起。

Comms Channel...severe interference! No personnel with serious injuries, confirmed?……干扰严重！没有重伤员吗？

Yekaterina...No serious injuries, confirmed.……是的，没有重伤员。

Comms ChannelCopy that! Command can't reach Coyote. Can you contact them?收到！指挥部无法联系到胡狼，你们能联系到吗？

YekaterinaCoyote has moved to Area C24 for search and rescue. Golden Jackal requesting permission to return with injured to support Coyote ASAP.胡狼机组已前往C24区域搜救伤员，金豺请求携带伤员返回，以尽快支援胡狼机组。

Comms ChannelGolden Jackal, you are cleared to return. Depart from current position, maintain flight interval.允许返回，可以从现在位置起飞，保持飞行间隔。

YekaterinaDeparting from current position, maintain—可以起飞，保持——

Yekaterina**!!!**！！！

An explosion erupts in the distance like a thunderclap, and communications are cut off.一发遥远的爆响，如同闷雷，通讯同时中断。

Click. Audio file playback ends.滴，音频文件播放结束。

Decrypting Attachment 53...附件53解码中……

Deep VoiceNo sign of rescue target.未发现搜救目标。

Gruff VoiceNo sign of rescue target.未发现搜救目标。

Calm VoiceContinue the search. We'll proceed to Area C25.继续搜索，我们去C25区域。

Jocular VoicePyryev's eyes only work properly if he drinks enough vodka.佩利耶夫的眼神亮不亮，全看伏特加喝得够不够。

Deep VoiceThis bottle of vodka is my dad's birthday gift for me. You lot and those four bastards from Golden Jackal better keep your dirty paws off.这瓶伏特加可是我爸爸送给我的生日礼物，你们和金豺那四个混蛋想都别想。

Gruff VoiceIf we make it back to Moscow alive this time, save half the bottle for me.这次要是能活着回到莫斯科，给我留一半。

Jocular VoiceHey, have some faith. If we're lucky, we might not even live past tomorrow. So why don't we just split the bottle right now?自信点，也许我们活不到明天呢？ 不如现在分着喝了？

Calm VoiceShut up. I'm getting you lot back alive.都闭嘴，我会带你们活着回去。

... The comms channel falls silent. Only the background noise of the helicopters in flight can be heard.…… 音频里安静下来，只有一点直升机飞行时的底噪。

Deep VoiceVillage spotted at 3 o'clock! I see people!3点钟方向，发现村庄，有人类！

Calm VoiceCoyote 1 to Command, more rescue targets have been found.胡狼呼叫指挥部，发现可救援目标。

No response from the comms channel.通讯频道里没有任何回应。

Gruff Voice**! What the hell is that?!**！什么见鬼的东西！

An explosion can be heard in the distance like a thunderclap through the channel. Even the calm voice doesn't sound so calm anymore.音频里响起一声遥远的爆响，像一记炸雷。 淡定的声音也不太淡定了。

Calm VoiceCoyote 1 to Command, a green fireball just fell from the sky northeast to our squadron, landing over ten klicks away. Is it related to the unknown explosion in the southern sea area? Requesting more information.胡狼报告指挥部，我部东北侧天空坠落绿色火球，坠落地目测超过十公里，是否与南部海域未知爆炸有关？其它信息不明。

Still no response from the comms channel.通讯频道里没有任何回应。

SystemWarning! Radiation levels rising rapidly! Please evacuate to a safe area!警报！当前辐射浓度正在急速上升，请立即撤离至安全区域！

A series of alarm klaxons start blaring in unison.一连串的警报声叠加。

Click. A switch seems to have been flipped, and all the alarm klaxons cease.啪——似乎什么开关被扳动，警报声统统消失了。

Jocular VoiceShould we withdraw?我们撤吗？

Calm VoiceWe've lost contact with Command. According to regulations, we are allowed to withdraw under these circumstances.无法联系到指挥部，按条例，这种情况我们可以撤。

Jocular Voice...But you won't.……但你不会撤。

Calm VoiceLook, those people in the valley are cheering so happily. We've got to rescue them.看，山谷里那些欢呼的人，他们多么高兴啊。 我们应该保护他们。

Deep VoiceMaybe he just wants some... vodka...也许他想喝点……伏特加……

The comms channel falls silent again. For some reason, nobody knows what to say.音频里又安静下来，不知道为什么，没有人说话。

Comms ChannelWolf to Coyote! Wolf to Coyote!灰狼呼叫胡狼！灰狼呼叫胡狼！

A youthful voice calls out through the comms channel, but nobody from Squadron Coyote responds.通讯频道响起一个年轻人的呼喊声，但机组无人应答。

Comms ChannelGolden Jackal to Coyote! Golden Jackal to Coyote!金豺呼叫胡狼，金豺呼叫胡狼！

This time it is Yekaterina shouting into the comms channel.通讯频道又响起叶卡捷琳娜的声音。

Comms ChannelCoyote, respond!!!胡狼，应答啊！！！

Bam!!! Then comes the violent and unmistakable sounds of collision, explosion, and a rockslide. It's all over.嘭！！！清晰而剧烈撞击声、爆炸声、山石崩塌声，一切结束。

Decrypting Attachment 54...附件54解码中……

???I hear you guys got a taste of radiation overexposure during the rescue mission. How are you feeling now?听说你们在那场营救行动中受到超量辐射，现在感觉怎么样？

YekaterinaIt's a celebration. I shouldn't be drinking water.既然是庆典，就不应该喝白开水。

???You're absolutely right. It's not a celebration without vodka, is it? As the star of this celebration, is there anything you want in particular?你说得对，没有伏特加，叫什么庆典？ 作为这次庆典的主角，你有什么想要的礼物吗？

YekaterinaIf it's possible, I'd like to study at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy.如果可能的话，我想去茹科夫斯基航空学院学习。

???Ooh, such ambition! You're as ambitious as a man!有志气！ 和男人一样有志气！

Yekaterina...I hope... Some day, people will say this about students of the Zhukovsky Academy— "Such ambition!" "You're as ambitious as Yekaterina Vasilievna!"……我希望…… 以后再有人夸赞茹科夫斯基航空学院的学生，会这么说—— 有志气！ 你们和叶卡捷琳娜一样有志气！

Death of an Airman III 飞行员之死Ⅲ

■FILE■ PACC76539820163287—Decrypting...■档案■ PACC76539820163287解码中……

Samantha Shaw (2009-2062), Formerly known as Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya.萨曼莎•肖（2009-2062） 曾用名：叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅

... In 2034, Petrovskaya was admitted to the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy. ... In 2037, she obtained a Master of Science degree in Automation and Advanced Mechanical Engineering. In the same year, she joined the Neo-Soviet Military as a technical expert as part of their recruitment program for top students from colleges and universities in relevant disciplines [Attachment 77]. ... In 2037, Sofya, a confirmed member of the Pandora Anti-Relic Organization, was arrested and imprisoned. Petrovskaya went to visit her at the prison [Attachment 81]. ...…… 2034年，彼得罗夫斯卡娅考入茹科夫斯基航空学院。 …… 2037年，彼得罗夫斯卡娅获得自动化和高级机械设计硕士学位，同年新苏联军方招募院校对口专业高材生，以技术专家身份入选。【附件77】 …… 2037年，索菲娅被证实为反遗迹组织潘多拉的成员，被捕入狱，彼得罗夫斯卡娅前往探望。【附件81】 ……

Decrypting Attachment 77...附件77解码中……

YekaterinaGood afternoon, professors and fellow students. I am Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya. As a graduate now with a degree in Automation and Advanced Mechanical Engineering, as well as the valedictorian of my cohort, it is my honor to pass on some of my experience to my underclassmen.各位同学老师，大家好，我是叶卡捷琳娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅。 我毕业于自动化和高级机械设计专业，作为这一届的优秀毕业生，很荣幸向各位学弟学妹传授一些经验。

YekaterinaThose who know me know that I prefer spending my time alone in the lab tinkering with machinery to making pointless small talk with people. But I can't avoid socializing all the time—launching a new research project requires funding, so to butter up my professors, here I am, rambling and talking your ear off.熟悉我的人都知道，比起无聊的客套话，我更愿意一个人在实验室里跟机械打交道。 但是这不行，想做新课题总要开预算，所以为了不得罪老师们，我才在这里给大家讲一些讨厌的话。

YekaterinaI was born in Stavropol Krai, a place with lots of salt lakes, natural gas, and wild animals that shit everywhere. But that did not dampen my love for aircraft. I played with paper planes when I was little, and when I grew up, I wanted to play with real planes. Teachers giving career advice when we're in school are always talking about our prospects, our talents, our dreams... That's all a load of bull to me. I didn't come to study at this academy for some noble reason. I'm not a particularly noble person to begin with. I hate studying. It's torture. I only persevered because I knew all this torture would eventually lead to something that brings me joy. I can't imagine myself cooking for people in some hotel kitchen, that's for sure. Speaking of which, there is a clear upside to being in my department— The building is the closest to the cafeteria, so we're always the first to get to the food after class.我出生于“十字之城”，那里有很多盐水湖、天然气，还有到处拉屎的野生动物。 但这不妨碍我喜欢玩飞机。 小时候玩过纸飞机，长大了就想玩真飞机。 老师让大家选专业的时候总是分析什么赚钱什么天赋什么理想…… 那种东西我觉得全是扯淡。 来这里读书我没什么高尚的理由，因为我本来就不是个高尚的人。 我觉得学习本身就很痛苦。 所以只有这个玩意最后得到能让人快乐的结果，我才会坚持。 反正我是没办法想象我去酒店后厨给人炒饭的。 当然这个专业的优点也很显而易见—— 它的专业课教室离食堂最近，每次下课我们打饭都比别人快。

Decrypting Attachment 81...附件81解码中……

Sofya... Don't give me that long face, I'm not dead yet.…… 别摆出那副丧脸，我还没死。

Yekaterina...You haven't come home in six years. We all thought you were dead.……你六年没回家，大家都以为你死了。

SofyaThank goodness you're still around. Mama and Papa must be so proud of you. I hear you hold a military rank now, is that true? Then am I causing you any trouble?还好有你，你现在这样，爹妈一定觉得很骄傲。 我听说你现在有军衔了？我这样是不是给你添麻烦了？

Yekaterina...It doesn't matter, I don't really care where I go. How did you get into this mess?……还好，在哪个地方对我来讲无所谓。 你怎么搞成这样？

SofyaI wasn't coerced; I wasn't deceived; I wasn't brainwashed—I joined them voluntarily.没有胁迫、没有欺骗、没有洗脑——我自愿的。

YekaterinaWhy?为什么？

SofyaHumans shouldn't mess with Relic technology, just as a toddler shouldn't be given the launch key of the Tsar Bomba. It's too dangerous.人类不该触碰遗迹技术，三岁小孩不该捡起大伊万的发射按钮，这太危险了。

YekaterinaAnd kidnapping Relic Agency personnel isn't dangerous?绑架遗迹署官员这行为就很安全？

Sofya...We have no other choice. "Relic Agency"? They're just a bunch of crooks profiteering under the guise of scientific research.……我们别无他法。 什么遗迹署，不过打着研究的旗号，谋取更多利益而已。

Yekaterina...You're such an idiot.……你真是个蠢货。

Sofya...I suppose you're right.……算是吧。

YekaterinaThe Relic Agency won't abandon their research on the Relics just because they lost a few people.遗迹署这种地方，不会因为几个人的死就放弃研究遗迹。

Sofya...I know. But I still wanted to do SOMETHING. It might've been pointless, Katya, but it was the only right thing I could do.……我知道。 但我还是想要做些什么。 卡佳，也许它没有意义，但是是我认为对的唯一方式。

YekaterinaThat's why you're an idiot. Just you wait, I'll show you the right way to go about it.所以我说你是个蠢货。 等着吧，我会向你展示什么是正确的做法。

SofyaKatya, what...卡佳，你……

Female WardenMa'am, your visiting time is up. Please take your leave.女士，探望时间到了，请离开吧。

Sofya...What are you planning to do?……你到底要做什么？

YekaterinaYou wait and see. I will prove to the world that we don't even need Relic technology.等着吧，我会向全世界证明，我们根本不需要遗迹技术。

Death of an Airman IV 飞行员之死Ⅳ

■FILE■ PACC76398261874972—Decrypting...■档案■ PACC76398261874972解码中……

Samantha Shaw (2009-2062), Formerly known as Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya.萨曼莎•肖（2009-2062） 曾用名：叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅

... In 2045, Petrovskaya was invited to join the Bureau of State Security, where she started operating under the alias Samantha Shaw [Attachment 295]... In 2048, Shaw voted against a project during StateSec's annual project proposal meeting [Attachment 313]... ...…… 2045年，彼得罗夫斯卡娅受邀加入安全局，代号为萨曼莎•肖【附件295】…… 2048年，安全局年度立项会议，肖在会议上投出反对票【附件313】…… ……

Decrypting Attachment 295...附件295解码中……

...Second Branch, Log No. 3423545238... Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya has absolutely no patience for red tape, but she encountered issues during the vetting process. In order to successfully obtain a transfer order to participate in a confidential project, her superiors followed orders from above to arrange a flamboyant false identity for her, but she refused to comply. ... In the end, with her protests falling on deaf ears, Yekaterina Vasilievna adopted "Samantha Shaw" as her codename, or S.S. for short, which also stands for "Special Standard."……第二分局3423545238号日志…… 叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅女士非常讨厌繁文缛节，但是她的政治审核并不完美。为了顺利获得参与机密项目的调令，上级根据更高指示，给叶卡捷琳娜安排了一些夸张的假名和身份，遭到本人的反对。 …… 叶卡捷琳娜女士在沟通无果下，选用SS作为自己的代号，含义为Special Standard，用作缩写表示某种特殊标准或高级标准。

2048 Key Scientific Research Project Prososal Meeting.2048年重点科研项目立项工作会议

... Project 3M86. 15 votes in favor, 17 votes against. Project rejected. Reason for rejection—the technical risks are too great. Ms. Samantha Shaw has submitted an alternative proposal. ...…… 3M86 15票赞同，17票反对。 会议结论，不予立项。 否决原因：技术风险过大，现场由萨曼莎•肖女士提供了替代方案。 ……

Death of an Airman V 飞行员之死Ⅴ

■FILE■ PACC74839827146238—Decrypting...■档案■ PACC74839827146238解码中……

Samantha Shaw (2009-2062), Formerly known as Yekaterina Vasilievna Petrovskaya.萨曼莎•肖（2009-2062） 曾用名：叶卡捷琳娜•瓦西列夫娜•彼得罗夫斯卡娅

... In 2054, StateSec kickstarted Project "Wolf Pack", with Samantha Shaw spearheading the project. ... In 2062, StateSec shelved Project "Wolf Pack", and Samantha Shaw went missing [Attachment 556] [Attachment 557].…… 2054年，安全局开启“狼群”计划，萨曼莎•肖主导该项目。 …… 2062年，安全局搁置“狼群”计划，萨曼莎•肖失踪。【附件556】【附件557】

Decrypting Attachment 556...附件556解码中……

Samantha Shaw's voice starts speaking...萨曼莎•肖的声音响起……

Samantha ShawI'm Samantha Shaw. They seized my research materials and took away all my research data. But I'm glad they didn't get to the Wolf Pack, the only Dolls in existence that aren't tainted by Relic technology. Everyone else's work... was poisoned by Hume, that son of a bitch... This audio recording may well be the last thing I leave behind. Listen, you bastards—I know you've been listening in the whole time, but listen all the same...我是萨曼莎•肖，他们没收了我的研究成果，收走了我所有的资料。 我很庆幸留下了狼群小队，唯一不受遗迹技术干扰的人形小队。她们的作品，所有人的作品……都被休谟那个混蛋污染了…… 这段录音，也许是我最后能够留下来的东西。 听着，你们这群混蛋，我知道我一直在被人监听。但你们听着……

Samantha ShawPutting a human mind inside the head of a Doll doesn't make it a fucking human! Weapons are weapons, and humans should be 100% human. Frankenstein's monster should've stayed in Mary Shelley's novel, why bring it into the real world? I'm against using Relic technology of any sort. It will inevitably become the weapon that humanity uses to bring about its own demise. The sad thing is... I'm a human myself.人他**的就算把意识融合到人形里，那也不是人类！ 武器就是纯粹的武器，人类就该是纯粹的人类。 弗兰肯斯坦存在于玛丽•雪莱的小说里就好，为什么要带到现实世界？ 我不同意使用任何遗迹技术，人类必将以此实现自己的终结。 可恨的是，我是一个人类。

Decrypting Attachment 557...附件556解码中……

Samantha Shaw speaks again. At this point, she no longer has the strength to rage, and her voice is little more than a feeble rasp.萨曼莎•肖的声音响起，这时候的她连愤怒也无法保持，只留下虚弱的气音。

Samantha Shaw...What a shame... Why did they have to come before I could finish RPK-16...? I was so close... SO close...! RPK-16 is the last hope... in my strife against the Relics... Why can't I finish her...? Why...?……可惜……为什么不能等我将RPK-16制作完成……还差一点，我只差一点了…… RPK-16是我抵抗遗迹……最后的希望……为什么我无法完成它…… 为什么……

"Nadia"Is there anything I can do for you at all, my lady?有什么是我最后能为你做的吗？我的女士。

Samantha ShawSend a message to Persica... Ask her to complete RPK-16 for me...帮我留言给帕斯卡……让她帮我完成RPK-16……

"Nadia"Yes, my lady.好的，我的女士。

Bang-bang-bang... A series of gunshots ring out.砰砰砰…… 一阵枪击声响起。

"Nadia"My lady, you still haven't input the final command.我的女士，你还没有输入最后的指令。

Samantha Shaw...RPK... 16...……RPK……16……

Unfamiliar VoiceTake her away, and get rid of all the equipment here.把人带走，这里所有的仪器全部处理掉。

Male VoiceWhat about that Doll? Do we destroy it?那这个人形怎么办？也毁掉吗？

Unfamiliar VoiceThere's no time, someone's coming. We have to go...来不及了，有其他人在靠近，我们走……

"Nadia"My lady...我的女士……

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.