Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 少女前线 › Main story

EP 15.4 Angular Gyrus

EP 15.4 银染显影

20 chapters · 2091 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

71-A-2 潮土油

It has stopped snowing. As the frost begins to thaw in the morning, water drips down from branches and roofs. The clouds hang low in the sky, making it dull and gray. On the outer wall of a shopping center in Wiesbaden District, a large LED screen keeps on playing its content to the desolate sky.雪停了。 融冰的清晨，滴滴答答的水珠从树梢和屋顶坠落。 乌云压境，天色昏沉。法兰克福威斯巴登区的商业广场，巨幅LED广告屏正自顾自地朝冷寂的半空投射光影。

News AnchorGood morning. It is November 1, 2064, and the current time in Frankfurt is 06.01. Welcome to the news. First, an update on the latest development of the explosion at the Alte Oper...各位观众，现在是2064年11月1日法兰克福时间6点01分，欢迎收看时事新闻。 首先，让我们继续关注昨日法兰克福歌剧院爆炸事故的最新进展……

News AnchorSo far, the explosion has caused at least 64 deaths and wounded more than 200. The cause of the explosion is confirmed to be the suicide bomb carried by RPK-16, a Tactical Doll produced by the Neo-Soviet Union. As of press time, no organization has claimed responsibility for the incident, but in view of the "Human Manifesto" issued by RPK-16 prior to her death, the incident is now considered a vicious terrorist attack against civilians instigated by Dolls.截至目前，爆炸事故已造成至少64人遇难，200多人受伤。 爆炸的起因确系为新苏联生产的战术人形RPK-16所携带的自杀式爆炸武器。 截至发稿前，尚未有任何组织宣布对此事件负责，但鉴于RPK-16被杀前发表的“人类宣言”，该事件已被认定为智能人形机械针对平民恐袭的恶性案件。

News AnchorThe Neo-Soviet Union's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent statement this morning in response to the explosion, claiming that the state has ordered the Doll manufacturer to shut down all research and development projects on related Doll models, and that the experimental data will be seized and investigated by relevant government departments. This case will allegedly be led by the Neo-Soviet Union in coordination with a transnational German joint law enforcement initiative. Further details on the collaboration framework and progress will be released at a later date.新苏联外交部今晨就爆炸事件紧急回应称，该国目前已勒令人形制造商关停所有相关型号的人形研究与开发项目，实验数据将由相关政府部门接手并调查。 据悉，本次案件将由新苏联牵头德国跨国联合执法，详细的合作模式和进展会在后续发布。

News AnchorAdditionally, German police have issued a special bounty warrant for the remaining members of Task Force DEFY—AK-12, AN-94, and AK-15. The charges listed in the warrant include "murder", "fatal terrorism", and "endangering human security", among others.此外，我国警方已对“忤逆小队”其余人形——AK-12、AN-94和AK-15，发布特别悬赏通缉令。 通缉令的罪名涵盖“谋杀”、“恐怖袭击致人死亡”、“危害人类安全”等……

News AnchorTo prevent similar crises from occuring again, the German government issued the "Interim Regulations for Doll Security" in an emergency decree during the early hours of the morning. This marks a new wave of nationwide restrictions on Dolls—particularly in the capital—following the full-scale traffic lockdown in Frankfurt on October 23. Key restrictions include... Prohibiting Dolls from freely entering or exiting Frankfurt and Berlin, establishing temporary checkpoints on interstate highways and major transit routes, and conducting registration, statistics collection, and neural cloud screening on Dolls that are currently present within Frankfurt...为避免类似的恶性事件再度发生，德国政府于凌晨紧急发布《人形安全临时条例》。 这是自10月23日法兰克福全城交通管制以来，新一轮在全国（尤其首都）范围内针对人形的强力监管限制措施，包括—— 禁止人形自由出入法兰克福与柏林；在州际高速公路、交通要道设置临时关卡；对法兰克福城内已有的人形进行登记、清点与心智核查……

News AnchorUp next, we will go live to our correspondent, Shadowless, for on-the-ground coverage.稍后我们将连线DDR2台记者夏朵利兹为我们带来现场采访。

ShadowlessHello, this is Shadowless. I am now standing right by the Eiserner Steg upon Mainz. As you can see through the camera, there is a large crowd gathered here. I will now talk to some members of the public and see what they think about the new regulations.大家好，我是夏朵利兹，我现在正位于法兰克福美因河畔的铁桥入口。 通过镜头大家也能看见，这里聚集了很多群众。 我会对他们进行采访，了解他们的想法。

ShadowlessHello, what are your thoughts on the "Interim Regulations for Doll Security"?您好，请问可以采访下您对《人形安全临时条例》的看法吗？

Leisurely Passer-By...What the hell is that?……《人形安全临时条例》是啥啊？

ShadowlessThey are temporary measures introduced following a series of attacks on humans perpetrated by Dolls. These measures are aimed at imposing restrictions on all Dolls in Frankfurt and Berlin.是针对之前一系列人形袭击人类的恶性事件而制定的临时政策，主要内容是对法兰克福和柏林的所有人形进行强力监管。

Leisurely Passer-ByHuh... That sounds like a pretty good idea? It'd improve public security, no...?哦……那不是挺好的，能提升治安水平……

ShadowlessThank you for your input.感谢您的回答。

ShadowlessHello, what are your thoughts on the "Interim Regulations for Doll Security"?您好，请问可以采访下您对《人形安全临时条例》的看法吗？

Passer-By in a RushWho cares about the Dolls?人形怎么样都无所谓吧？

ShadowlessThank you for your input.感谢您的回答。

???No to the Security Regulations! No to the Security Regulations! Set the Dolls free! Set the Dolls free!反对安全条例！反对安全条例！ 释放人形自由！释放人形自由！

A voice chanting slogans loudly attracts Shadowless' attention. She hurries toward a group of people who are currently crossing the bridge.高亢嘹亮的口号声吸引了夏朵利兹的注意，她快步走向正从铁桥另一端走来的群众。

ShadowlessHello, what are your thoughts on the "Interim Regulations for Doll Security"?您好，请问可以采访下您对《人形安全临时条例》的看法吗？

DoctorI'm against it! The policy is utterly senseless! It's put the operation of our hospitals to a complete standstill!反对，毫无益处的政策！让我们医院的工作流程全部停滞了！

ShadowlessCould you elaborate?可以请您详细说说吗？

DoctorHospitals in Frankfurt employ a large amount of Dolls as counselors, pharmacists, nurses, security guards, etc... You don't allow the Dolls to work, but you don't provide us with alternative manpower, so how are we supposed to fill this labor shortage?!法兰克福的医院都采用了大量人形作为向导、药师、护士、安保…… 现在人形不让用了，又不给其他人力支援，让我们上哪去填补这个人力缺口？！

ShadowlessI understand. So you are opposed to this policy because of its severe impact on hospitals' operation and efficiency...我明白您的意思了，您反对这个政策，因为它严重影响了医院的效率和运行……

Before the doctor can respond, Shadowless' microphone gets snatched away.没等医生回答，夏朵利兹的话筒被一把夺走。

VagrantI think the policy is great! We're finally throwing out these goddamned Dolls that are taking all our jobs! How can humans ever compete against Dolls that don't eat, sleep, demand pay, or make mistakes? With them out of the picture, it'll be so much easier to get a job!我觉得这政策好！终于赶走了那些抢人饭碗的讨厌人形！ 人类怎么跟不用吃饭睡觉，还便宜不犯错的人形竞争啊？这下找工作容易多了！

ShadowlessThank you for your input. Please give me back my microphone.感谢您的回答，请把话筒还给我。

VagrantIf you ask me, I'd say we should just scrap all the Dolls in the whole country! I support the nationwide adoption of the regulations!要我说啊，该把全国的人形都拆了！支持《人形安全临时条例》正式推广！

Other members of the group holler in agreement, but an even bigger commotion draws Shadowless' attention.群众里响起了几声附和，然而更大的骚动吸引了夏朵利兹的注意。

ShadowlessLadies and gentlemen, here is a Doll being escorted by the police into the police station for a neural cloud screening. Hello, may I take up a couple minutes of your time to conduct a short interview?各位观众，这里有一位正跟随警方前往警局进行心智检测的人形。 您好，请问可以耽误你们两分钟做一个简短的采访吗？

Frankfurt PoliceSure.可以。

ShadowlessWhat's your name? What are your thoughts on the "Interim Regulations for Doll Security"?这位人形小姐，请问怎么称呼？您对《人形安全临时条例》有什么看法？

MarieMy name is Marie. I am currently employed by a housekeeping services company and mainly work as a nanny... Did I... do something wrong? Why am I under arrest?我叫玛丽，目前受雇于一家家政公司，主要负责上门照顾看护小朋友…… 请问……我做错了什么吗？为什么要抓我？

ShadowlessYou didn't do anything wrong. This is done for the safety of human citizens. There is a city-wide screening to identify dangerous Dolls.您没有做错什么，现在是为了市民安全，全市统一排查危险人形。

MarieI've never harmed any humans... Please don't hurt me...我没有危害人类安全……请不要伤害我……

Frankfurt PoliceThat's enough, we need to go.够了，我们该走了。

The Doll's wide, terrified eyes soon disappear from view.人形惊恐瞪大的双眼很快消失在了人们的视线中。

Near the Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt.……法兰克福，铁桥附近。

The jeep parked on the side of the road bears silent witness to the scene. Then the engine starts, and it drives off onto the open highway.停靠在路边的吉普车目睹一切后，无言地点上火，朝宽敞空旷的公路驶去。

Inside the vehicle, the grim atmosphere weighs heavy on the expressionless Doll in the driver's seat.车内，压抑的气氛笼罩着前排座位上面无表情的女人。

In the distance, high-definition cameras slowly revolve, scanning the area. Unfazed, M16 keeps her face blank as she continues to play the law-abiding Doll. Meanwhile, she logs onto the encrypted comms channel.远处，高清道路摄像头缓缓旋转着，上下扫视。 M16无动于衷，面无表情地扮演着“守法好人形”形象的同时，开启了加密通讯。

M16A1The "Interim Regulations for Doll Security" are now in full effect. Any Doll that don't meet the requirements are being taken away for inspection. And the office that handles all the admin procedures just so happens to be closed at such a critical time. Put it simply, they're not giving us Dolls any time to react at all.《人形安全临时条例》已经全面推行了，整个法兰克福不符合规定的人形全被带走检查。 而在这个节骨眼上，办理手续的窗口恰好开始休假。 简单来说，就是不给人形一点反应时间。

UMP45Are you affected?对你有影响吗？

M16A1No. The sly old fox got me some special permit, which should be more than enough to get me through any inspection. The biggest problem is with DEFY. The Stasi has placed such a huge bounty on their heads that the poachers on the black market are all out for blood.不会。老狐狸给我搞了特批权限，应付检查绰绰有余了。 最大的麻烦还是在忤逆身上，斯塔西对她们的悬赏金额已经追加到让黑市那些人形猎手疯狂的地步。

UMP45Not gonna lie, even I find the sum very tempting. Still, isn't their hideout in the Altstadt? I doubt the inspection can be thoroughly enforced there.坦白说，连我看了都有点眼红。 不过，她们不是藏在老城区吗？那边的检查很难推行到位吧。

M16A1The Altstadt is pretty raucous, so it does make for the perfect hideout for outlaws. But no matter how lawless it is, the residents aren't blind. AK-15 sticks out wherever she goes, and since anti-Doll sentiments are running really high right now, people would just call the police if they see a Doll out in the streets. So they can't stay in one place for long.那地方鱼龙混杂，的确是窝藏嫌犯的绝佳地点。 但是再怎么混乱，居民也不是瞎子，光是AK-15就足够显眼了，再加上现在和人形对立的情绪很重，普通人在街上看见人形都会直接报警。 所以还是得经常更换藏身地。

UMP45Right, but I still don't think DEFY is your biggest problem here.好吧，不过我觉得你最大的麻烦并不是忤逆。

M16A1Why?为什么？

416... Oh please, I've grown out of taking petty revenge while on a mission.…… 拜托，我现在已经不会在执行任务的时候公报私仇了。

UMP45How very reassuring to hear. Then I'll let you do the talking. I'm off to find AR-18.真是可靠呢，那么这边的通讯先交给你，我去找AR-18。

416Hey, wait! I'll go... ...喂！等等，我去…… ……

M16A1What's the situation on your end? From what I know, the level of security you'll have to deal with when getting off the autobahn and driving into the city will be even crazier than before.你们现在情况如何？ 据我所知，此刻进城公路入口的戒严程度只会比之前更加恐怖。

416Yeah, there are definitely more checkpoints than before. There's no way we can get past them without a permit. Not to mention so many cars are trying to get into Frankfurt the queues extend all the way up to the autobahn itself.嗯，核验关卡显而易见地增加了。没有许可证，我们根本别想通过。 而且还有大批外来车辆想要进入法兰克福，检查的车队都快排上高速了。

M16A1Still no news from AR-18?AR-18那边还没有消息吗？

416She said she's still waiting, but she'll hear back by the end of today, one way or another. But there's really no telling... how things will turn out.她说还在等待消息，最迟今天会有结果。 至于结果是好是坏……很难预料。

M16A1I'll update you on the curfew situation within the city later, hopefully the information will come in useful for you after you get in.稍后我会把城内道路的戒严情况同步给你，但愿进城之后用得上。

416Right. If things don't work out on AR-18's end, we'll also try other ways to get in.嗯，如果AR-18那边行不通，我们也会尝试别的方法进城。

M16A1Alright.好。

M16A1416.416。

416Yes?请讲。

M16A1Do you really not mind working with me?你真的不介意跟我协作吗？

416... I've told you already! It's all water under the bridge for me! Can we just focus on the mission at hand?!…… 都说了！我已经不在意之前的事了！ 能不能专注在现在的任务上？！

M16A1Glad to hear it. This is a mission of critical importance. Our priority is to locate the Commander. Then we must try our best to monitor Paradeus' system and activities. I don't want any problems among ourselves.那就好，这次任务很关键。 最优先是要找到指挥官下落，其次尽量监视帕拉蒂斯的活动和她们的系统。 我不希望我们内部出什么岔子。

416Ha, you're not implying that 404 is a hindrance, are you?哈，你该不会在质疑404会拖后腿吧？

M16's lips curl into a smile.M16的嘴角无声扬了扬。

M16A1I can see that you're rearing to go, 416.看来你已经准备好了，416。

416The Commander still has a lot of outstanding debt! We're going to hunt them down to collect it even if it takes us to the end of the world!指挥官还欠我们债没结清呢，追到天涯海角也要追回来！

Boom... The sound of Avernus' destruction rumbles on continuously. But at this moment, the Commander is blind and deaf to everything else but their burning hatred for the man standing before them.轰隆—— 阿佛那斯坠毁的闷响连绵不绝。 但此刻的指挥官根本听不见也看不见，只剩下对眼前这个男人的愤怒。

CommanderWilliam... I finally got you...威廉…… 我终于抓住你了……

Despite being a prisoner of war, William simply sneers derisively.明明已经沦为俘虏，威廉却只是露出讽刺的冷笑。

The Commander grabs the scrawny man and pulls him toward the interrogation room.揪着这个瘦弱的男人，指挥官朝着审讯室的方向而去。

Boom...轰——

An unfamiliar ceiling. There is no light, just the rough surface of mortar.陌生的、从未见过的天花板。 没有灯，只有水泥铺就的粗犷的天花板。

???You're awake, Commander?指挥官，你醒了？

As the Commander gasps laboriously, the soreness and heaviness in their limbs begin to drain away. Their body feels like a mummy that has been slumbering for millennia, so fragile that it can snap in half anytime.精疲力竭地喘息时，四肢的酸痛与沉顿感才开始缓缓流动。 身体仿佛沉睡千年的木乃伊，脆弱得不堪一折。

The Commander turns their head and sees the girl sitting by their side.转动沉重的头颅，指挥官看见了坐在身边的少女。

CommanderDandelion?丹德莱？

CommanderWhere are we? How did we get here? I remember we were in the interrogation room on board the Elmo... Was it William's doing?这是哪里？我们为什么在这里？ 我记得我们明明在艾莫号的审讯室里……是威廉干的吗？

DandelionLike you, I know nothing about our current situation.我和你一样，对现状一无所知。

The Commander sits up with Dandelion's help, then they start studying their surroundings. It is a simple room with no windows and only one door. Faint light is seeping through the gap under the door. Like the ceiling, the floor is also coated in rough mortar and yields no information. The only furnishings in the room consist of a surveillance camera installed on the ceiling, a bed, a toilet, and a bucket half-filled with water.在丹德莱的搀扶下，指挥官坐起来，观察起了他们所处的环境。 这是一间简陋的房间，没有窗户，只有一扇门，有些微弱的光顺着门缝漏进来。 地板和天花板一样，都只是草率地糊上了水泥，没有更多的信息。 房间内的摆设只有一个挂在高处的监控探头，一张床垫，一个马桶，和半桶水。

Commander...How long have we been here?……我们在这里多久了？

DandelionMaybe a week, maybe a decade.可能一周，也可能十年了。

CommanderIs this really the time for stupid jokes?都什么时候了，别开这种低劣的玩笑。

Unable to glean much information from the room, the Commander shifts their gaze to Dandelion. Something seems different about her... But they can't see much in the dim light.从房间中无法获得更多的信息，指挥官的视线落在了丹德莱身上。 她好像哪里不太一样了…… 但是光线太昏暗，指挥官也看不真切。

CommanderYou woke up before me?你比我先醒来？

DandelionYes.嗯。

CommanderDid you see our abductors?你看见抓我们来的人了吗？

DandelionI don't know who abducted us. All I know is that the last time this door opened, it was a handful of scientists working under William.我不知道是谁抓我们来的，我只知道上一次这扇门打开，是威廉手下的几个科研人员。

CommanderWilliam... What did they do?威廉……他们做了什么？

DandelionThey took me to the lab. After that, I don't know.把我带去实验室，然后我就不知道了。

The Commander checks Dandelion's exposed skin and finds no signs of injury.指挥官检查起了丹德莱裸露在外的皮肤，没有受伤的痕迹。

DandelionThe wound is here.伤疤在这里哦。

Dandelion points at her chest.丹德莱指了指自己心口的位置。

DandelionWanna see?要看吗？

Commander...No. We need to get you out of here and give you a check-up.……不用了。 现在必须立刻带你出去检查。

The Commander rubs their stiff muscles. Their communicator, sidearm, and weapons that they had on them are all gone.指挥官揉捏着身上僵硬的肌肉，身上的所有通讯设备和随身枪械、武器也全部不见了。

CommanderCan you contact the Dolls?你能联系上人形们吗？

DandelionNo, the signal is completely jammed here.不能，这里的信号被完全屏蔽了。

The Commander gets off the bed, walks over to the door, and gives it a few light taps to get a feel of its thickness. The knocks sound dull, as if the echo got absorbed by the walls. The door is probably over 50 centimeters thick and made of concrete.指挥官站起来，走到门边，轻轻敲击了几下感受厚度。 沉闷的声响，回声仿佛被吞进了墙壁里，厚度可能超过50公分，材质至少是混凝土。

The Commander feels around the door. It has no handles or peep holes, but there is a thin crack on the door.沿着门摸索了一圈，门上没有把手、猫眼，但有一条细细的缝。

They try to pry it open. It is a slot for sliding food through.尝试着抠开缝隙，是用来传递食物的开口。

CommanderI can see outside through this crack!这里可以看见外面！

DandelionYou're right. Can we use it to escape?真的呢，我们可以用这个缝逃出去吗？

CommanderLet me try.我试试。

Through the crack, the Commander sees that the key is actually inside the keyhole. So they simply have to turn the door handle on the other side...透过缝隙，指挥官看见钥匙竟然就插在门锁上。 那么只需要拧动外面的门把手……

They tear out their shoelace and produce a simple lasso with it. Then they slide it through the crack in the door. The lasso successfully hooks around the door handle—指挥官拆下鞋带，做了个简易的绳结从缝隙中探出去，绳结的套顺利勾住了把手——

Click, the door opens. A sense of unease suddenly washes over the Commander. Would the enemy make such an obvious mistake? Could this be another trap?咔哒，门开了。 指挥官的心里却闪过一瞬的不安，敌人会犯这么明显的错误吗？这会不会是另一个陷阱？

DandelionOh...啊……

CommanderAre you okay?!你怎么了？！

Dandelion has suddenly collapsed on the floor. Under the light shining in through the now-open door, the Commander finally gets a good look at Dandelion. Her face is so pale her skin is almost translucent. Her slender arms are so weak and shaky she can't even prop herself up.丹德莱突然摔倒在地，透过打开的门放进来的光，指挥官终于看清了丹德莱的样子。 她的脸色几乎苍白透明，瘦弱的手臂颤抖着，无法支撑自己起身。

DandelionCommander... just run... Leave me...指挥官……你快逃走吧…… 别管我了……

CommanderGet on!快上来！

Without any hesitation, the Commander pulls Dandelion onto their back and creeps out of the room cautiously.没有犹豫，指挥官将丹德莱背负在背上，警惕地走出了房间。

All is utterly quiet outside the room. The Commander notices that there isn't a single surveillance camera in the corridor, let alone any patrolling soldiers. But they remain on their guard.房间外静悄悄的，没有一点声响。 指挥官注意到走廊上连监控也没有，更别说巡逻的士兵。 但指挥官依然没有放松警惕。

CommanderDid you try to memorize the route when they took you to the lab?你之前被带去实验室的时候，有记过路线吗？

DandelionYes... I remember the way...嗯……我记得……

CommanderThen you navigate. We've got to get out of here ASAP.你来指路，我们得尽快离开这里。

DandelionOkay...好……

CommanderAlso...还有……

CommanderHave you always weighed this much...?你之前有这么重吗……？

The Commander has taken barely a few steps with Dandelion on their back, but they are already getting out of breath.背负着丹德莱，只是快步行走几步，指挥官就已经开始气喘。

DandelionSorry... for slowing you down... You just woke up and are still weak... You really should just leave me behind and get out yourself...对不起……都怪我拖累了你…… 明明你刚醒来，还很虚弱…… 不然你还是丢下我走吧……

Commander... Don't give me any of that. Show me the way.…… 别废话了，指路。

...Some time later, the Commander finds themself back at a familiar place.……一段时间后，指挥官又回到了熟悉的地方。

CommanderAre you sure this is the way? We've passed by this door three times!你确定是这条路？我们已经经过这扇门三次了！

DandelionThis is how I remembered it... How could this be?我记忆中就是这样走的啊……怎么会这样呢？

CommanderDon't panic. Just think it through carefully.你别着急，再好好想想。

DandelionOkay...嗯……

The Commander's steps are growing unsteady, causing Dandelion to sway on their back.指挥官的脚步有些虚浮，连带着背后的丹德莱也摇晃了起来。

DandelionWhy don't we take a short break?要不然休息一会吧？

CommanderWe can't, we've got to get out immediately... We need to determine your physical condition, and the Elmo is...不行，必须立刻出去…… 你的身体需要确认情况，艾莫号也在……

DandelionCommander...指挥官……

Bam. The Commander topples over like a decrepit building and hits the floor.嘭。 指挥官感觉自己的身体像是轰然倒塌的危房一样砸在了地板上。

As the world spins out of control all around them, a pair of black leather shoes come into view and stop right next to their face.在天旋地转中，指挥官看见一双黑色皮鞋走到面前蹲了下来。

DandelionCommander, you're such a gentle soul. You're so feeble yourself, but you're still so determined to take me with you.指挥官，你真是个温柔的人呢。 自己都这么虚弱了，还想着把我一起带出去。

A hand strokes the Commander's hair.一只手摸了摸指挥官的头。

DandelionYou're a veteran that has lived through countless battles; why are you still so naïve?明明是经历过这么多战场的人了，怎么还这么天真呀？

Commander... Who are you?…… 你是谁？

Dandelion (?)You've been calling me Dandelion, haven't you?你不是叫我丹德莱吗？

CommanderYou're not Dandelion...你不是丹德莱……

The girl narrows her eyes mischievously and bends down. She leans in so close that the Commander can see their own reflection in those eyes. The light brown irises call to mind a gentle but resolute figure...少女狡黠地眯起眼，弯腰凑近，近得能从对方眼中看到自己的倒影。 浅棕色的眼眸与记忆中温柔坚韧的背影缓缓重叠……

Commander...M4?!……M4？！

However, the balefulness seeping through her features promptly dismisses any sense of familiarity.然而眉眼间透出的阴暗，却又和熟悉的感觉决然割裂。

Commander...No, you're neither Dandelion nor M4. Who the hell are you?……不对，你不是丹德莱，也不是M4。 你到底是谁？

The girl looks slightly taken aback, but then her lips curl into a small smile, and she backs up a few steps gracefully.短暂的惊讶后，少女收起微微上扬的唇角，优雅地拉开了距离。

LunasiaAllow me to introduce myself. My name is Lunasia.容许我自我介绍一下，我叫露尼西亚。

CommanderLunasia... Why are you here?露尼西亚……你为什么会在这里？

LunasiaBecause Bill is calling out to me.因为比尔在呼唤我的灵魂。

Commander...Bill?……比尔？

LunasiaThe William that you've been looking for.也就是你一直在找的威廉。

Commander...Where is he?!……他在哪里？！

LunasiaHe's busy with more important things and hasn't got time for you right now.比尔有自己的事要忙，他现在没空搭理你哦。

CommanderScrew this!混蛋！

The Commander tries to get up, but their body is limp like a pile of mush. Lunasia watches on with increasingly apparent amusement.指挥官想要站起来，但无力的身体就像一滩烂泥。 露尼西亚看在眼里，嘴角的笑意却更鲜明。

LunasiaBut if you have anything to say to him, you can tell me. I'll relay the message when I feel like it.不过你有什么想说的话可以转告我，我心情好的时候，会帮你告诉他。

CommanderWhy are you keeping me prisoner here? Why didn't you just kill me?为什么要把我囚禁在这里？为什么不直接杀了我？

LunasiaBecause I want you alive.因为我想要你活着。

The Commander strains to peel themself off the floor. Lunasia pushes them back down with a finger, all the while smiling.指挥官勉力想要撑起身体，露尼西亚笑眯眯地用一根手指将指挥官戳了回去。

LunasiaBut how you live is entirely up to me.但是你要怎么活着，就取决于我了呢。

Lunasia takes the Commander's hand and holds it against her cheek in an act of provocation.露尼西亚挑衅般抬起指挥官的手贴近自己的脸颊。

LunasiaDon't you want to hit me?想狠狠揍我一顿吗？

CommanderNo...不……

LunasiaHuh? Why? I just tricked you.诶，为什么？我刚刚可是耍了你一顿哦。

Commander... You are M4, as well as Dandelion.…… 你是M4，也是丹德莱。

LunasiaNo, I am me.可我明明是我自己。

Commander...But you're not only you.……但你不只是你自己。

LunasiaHow astute of you...真是敏锐啊……

Lunasia stands up, then she drags the Commander back into the room by their back collar.露尼西亚站起身来，拽住了指挥官衣服的后领，将指挥官拖进了房间内。

Lunasia pushes her tablet over to the Commander.露尼西亚将自己的平板推到了指挥官的面前。

LunasiaI am very satisfied with your performance just now; I had a great deal of fun~ As a reward, I'll let you write three messages to call for help. I'll send them for you.你刚刚的表现让我很满意，我玩得很开心~ 作为奖励，就让你写三封求救邮件吧，我会帮你发出去。

The Commander stares at her dubiously, but she just keeps on smiling serenely.指挥官怀疑地看向了露尼西亚，对方的脸上只有温柔的微笑。

LunasiaI know what you're thinking—you have serious doubt that I will do as I promise. Of course I will, but the messages will be garbled, and whether they get sent out on time will depend on your future performance~我听见你的心声了哦，你在怀疑我是否会照做。 我当然会做的，只不过是不是乱码，按不按时寄出，就要看你后续的表现了~

The Commander flexes their wrists, then starts typing out the messages on the tablet.指挥官活动了下手腕，开始在平板上写下讯息。

LunasiaWhat an obedient child. I think we're going to get along splendidly~真是个乖孩子。 看来我们之后的相处也会很愉快的~

In the presence of this being who feels both familiar and unfamiliar, the Commander ponders to whom the messages should be sent.面对着这个熟悉又陌生的人，指挥官开始思考该向谁求救。

71-A-4 映射时间

The Commander is just about to press the "send" button, but the tablet gets snatched away. Lunasia scrolls through the message casually, then stows the tablet away in her bag.指挥官即将按下发送键，平板却被露尼西亚收走。 露尼西亚随意地翻看了一遍，然后将平板收回了包中。

LunasiaHow very touching. I can feel the anguish in every word. But whether I'll send it depends entirely on your behavior.真是字字泣血，感人至深呢。 不过我会不会发出去，就看你接下来的表现了。

CommanderHow are the Dolls on the Elmo?艾莫号上的人形们怎么样了？

LunasiaI don't know. Bill might have blown them up as well?我不知道。 可能被比尔顺便炸毁了？

Commander... I demand a meeting with William.…… 我要求和威廉对话。

LunasiaI told you, Bill is busy.我说过了，比尔现在没空。

CommanderIs he in the Earl's custody?他在爵士手里？

LunasiaNo clue.我不知道哦。

The Commander slowly sits down on the mattress.指挥官缓缓坐在了床垫上。

CommanderWhen will he come to see me?他什么时候会来见我？

LunasiaSoon, or maybe never.很快，或者永远不会来。

CommanderYou don't know the answer either.你也不知道答案。

Lunasia sits down next to the Commander with a chuckle.露尼西亚轻巧一笑，坐在指挥官的身边。

LunasiaIt's not an answer that I want.我也并不想要一个答案。

CommanderThen what do you want?那你想要什么？

The dust motes dancing in the dim light seem to have frozen suddenly. Time slows down as the Commander stares into Lunasia's eyes with bated breath, searching for their only hope.微光下四散飞舞的微尘忽然静止下来。 时间流逝得很慢，指挥官不自觉地屏住呼吸，定然凝视着露尼西亚的眼眸，试图打捞最后的希望。

LunasiaI want you to stay by my side, just like this.我想要你像现在这样陪在我身边。

LunasiaKeep out of all the strife and just spend every day happily with me—wouldn't that be nice?像这样远离纷争，每天和我一起开开心心地度过，不好吗？

LunasiaOr do you prefer a life of fighting and killing?还是指挥官更喜欢打打杀杀、刀光剑影的日子？

The Commander takes a deep breath. Their eyes close for a moment, then open again, and their face is as calm as the deep sea.指挥官深深地呼吸了一轮。 双眼闭合片刻，复又睁开，脸上的神情仿若深海般平静。

CommanderI have always yearned for a peaceful life, but unfortunately, there are those in the blood and carnage still waiting for me to return. So I must leave, Lunasia.我一直很向往平静的生活，但很遗憾，还有人站在腥风血雨中等我回去。 所以我必须离开，露尼西亚。

Lunasia's face darkens, but she soon jumps to her feet and looks at the Commander.露尼西亚脸上的阴霾掩盖住了笑意，但很快，她站起来看向指挥官。

LunasiaYou still don't understand—from now on, your life is in my hands. I decide how you get to live.你还是没有明白，从现在开始，你的命掌握在我的手里。 你要怎么活，由我说了算。

Whoosh... All lights are extinguished in an instant.唰—— 一切光源都在瞬间湮灭。

In the darkness, the Commander feels themself being picked up, moved for some distance, and thrown into the back seat of a car.在黑暗中，指挥官意识到自己的身体被人抬起，在移动一段距离后又被扔到了车的后座。

Soon begins a bumpy journey into the unknown, shrouded in darkness.很快，颠簸，摇晃，一场笼罩在黑暗中的未知旅途开始。

...Whoosh.……唰。

When the hood is finally pulled off the Commander's head, they find themselves in another unfamiliar room.套在头上的蒙面遮罩终于被拿开，出现在指挥官眼前的是另一间陌生的房间。

CommanderWhere am I now?这是哪里？

LunasiaTake a guess.猜猜看。

The Commander can just about make out the sound of a youthful chorus coming from beyond the room, singing a melodious hymn that has the power to soothe the heart.指挥官能依稀听见房间外传来稚嫩的合唱声，悠扬的圣歌拥有安抚内心的力量。

CommanderWe're in a church...我们在教堂……

LunasiaBingo. We're in Kaiserdom St. Bartholomaeus.猜对了，我们在法兰克福大教堂。

CommanderWhy have you brought me here?为什么要带我来这里？

LunasiaYou love asking questions, don't you? You have countless questions.你总是喜欢问问题，无止尽的问题。

LunasiaMany questions have no answers. I wanted to do it, so I did it.很多事是没有答案的，我想做，所以我就做了。

Lunasia walks over to the table, where several piping hot dishes are waiting.露尼西亚走到餐桌边，桌上摆好了几道热气腾腾的菜肴。

She picks up a bottle of red wine and pours it into two wine glasses.她拿起红酒，倒入两支高脚杯。

LunasiaCome and eat, Commander.来吃饭吧，指挥官。

The emptiness in the Commander's stomach reminds them that it has been quite a long time since they last ingested any food.肠胃中的空虚提醒着指挥官，上一次进食的时间已经非常久远了。

LunasiaIs it to your taste?味道还合你胃口吗？

CommanderYes.嗯。

The Commander eagerly shovels the food into their mouth, hardly paying any attention to Lunasia, who is sitting just across the table.指挥官大口大口咀嚼着久违的食物，几乎顾不上注意对面的露尼西亚。

LunasiaYou're such a tolerant person, Commander. A table filled with your least favorite dishes, and you're still eating with so much gusto.指挥官真是个包容的人啊，明明一桌子都是你最不爱吃的，还能吃这么香。

The Commander freezes for a moment before resuming their chewing with a smile.指挥官的动作停滞了片刻，然后笑着继续吃了起来。

LunasiaWhat's so amusing?你在笑什么？

CommanderYou remember my least favorite foods.你记得我最不爱吃的东西。

CommanderIt's M4's memory, isn't it?是M4的记忆吧。

LunasiaIt doesn't matter whose memory it is. I know you like the back of my own hand.不管是谁的记忆，我都对你的事情了如指掌。

CommanderYou think these are merely memory data from other beings. But they affect you and influence your decisions without you even realizing it.你以为这些不过是来自别人的记忆数据。 但它们会在你不知不觉间，影响你，改变你的决定。

Clang! Lunasia slams her cutleries down on the table and rises to her feet.咣当。 露尼西亚扔掉了手中的餐具，站了起来。

CommanderFull already?你吃饱了？

LunasiaIt would not be wise to make me angry.激怒我，对你来说可不是什么明智的选择。

Her clear eyes narrow slightly, giving the impression of a mysterious and capricious cat that's basking in the sun.清澈的眼瞳浅浅地眯起，她仿佛阳光下优雅神秘的猫科生物，转动着奇异的心思。

CommanderIt was never my intention to make you angry. If possible, I'd like us to be friends.我从来没想过激怒你，有可能的话，我希望我们能成为朋友。

Slam! Lunasia storms out of the room. The Commander can hear her angrily locking the door.嘭——露尼西亚离开了房间，指挥官能听见她愤愤地将大门反锁的声音。

Commander...So you remember everything...……你全都记得……

71-A-6 黑暗河流

In a slightly rundown metro station in the Altstadt of Frankfurt. Unlike the usual tiredness and indifference, the passengers waiting on the platform are all brooding with unease and anxiety. They gather right below the metro station display screen, watching the live broadcast intently.法兰克福老城区，略显陈旧的地铁站内。 不同于往日疲惫冷漠的模样，等候在站台上的乘客们隐隐地酝酿着焦躁不安的情绪。 他们聚集于地铁站显示屏的正下方，全神贯注地盯着实时资讯。

ShadowlessWelcome to the midday news. We now bring you the latest updates on multiple serious traffic incidents that occurred this morning in the capital, Frankfurt. Between 9 and 11 a.m., three major traffic accidents took place—one on the Bundesautobahn 661, seven kilometers from the Airport District; another at the junction to the Neu-Isenburg District on the A671; and a third near the Airport Garden in the Raunheim District. Preliminary investigations suggest that icy road conditions caused vehicles to skid. So far, at least nine people have been confirmed dead, with 17 others injured, and the death toll continues to rise...欢迎收看午间新闻，下面继续为您带来首都法兰克福在今晨发生的多起严重交通事件的相关后续。 今天早晨9点至11点，法兰克福市A661公路机场区7公里外、671公路新伊森堡区入口处，以及罗因海姆区空港花园附近相继发生三起严重的交通事故。 事故原因初步认定为道路结冰致车辆打滑，目前已导致至少9人死亡17人受伤，且死亡人数还在持续攀升中……

ShadowlessDue to the impact of the "Interim Regulations for Doll Security", police and construction Dolls responsible for on-site cleanup and traffic control have been unable to arrive at the scene, leading to severe traffic congestion. Frankfurt's emergency medical Dolls have also been completely suspended under the regulations, preventing timely medical assistance for those injured in the crashes. Tragically, among the victims was a pregnant woman on her way to a clinic for delivery. Due to the delay in receiving critical medical care, both the mother and her unborn child have lost their lives...由于受到《人形安全临时条例》的影响，负责现场清理及交通疏导的警员人形和施工人形迟迟无法到场，造成大面积交通拥堵。 更为惋惜的是，目前法兰克福的急救医护人形也因《人形安全临时条例》陷入全面停摆，车祸中的伤员无法得到及时救治…… 据悉在罹难者中，还有一名即将前往诊所生产的孕妇。由于错失最佳抢救时机，母亲和腹中的胎儿已双双遇难……

Outside the Children's Hospital of Mainz station along route S8 of the Frankfurt S-Bahn. Protesters dressed in white coats from all corners of the city have gathered at this cluster of medical facilities that consists of several high-end private hospitals and nursing homes.法兰克福地铁S8线，美因茨儿童医院站外。 身着白色大衣的抗议者从城市各个角落陆续赶来，集结于这片由数座高端私人医院和护理院构成的医疗资源集聚地。

Protester ANo to restrictions on Dolls! Restore basic medical care!!!反对人形管制！恢复基础医疗！！！

Protester BDefend every citizen's right to seek medical treatment!!!坚决捍卫每个公民看病就医的基本权利！！！

Like hundreds of streams merging into a single river, the mighty procession waving flags with the red cross symbol and holding banners advance along the street with unstoppable force, blocking traffic wherever they go. They pass the Children's Hospital of Mainz, which is in the same paralyzed state as most hospitals, and head straight for the adjacent building with luxurious architecture—the St. Mary's Sanatorium, which is the top luxury sanatorium in the country famous for "employing only human staff".恰似百川合流，声势浩大的游行队伍挥动红十字旗帜、高举横幅，势如破竹地沿街一路前进，途经之处，甚至将车道截断。 而他们经过了和大多数医院同样陷入瘫痪境地的美因茨儿童医院，径直走向相邻的豪华建筑——圣玛利亚疗养中心，正是以“仅聘用人类雇员”而闻名国内的顶尖豪奢疗养所。

NeleMia, just drop me off here. The road is completely blocked by the protesters ahead.米娅，就把我放在这里吧。 再往前，路已经被游行的人群堵得死死的了。

Mia...Okay. Before you get off, I must ask you one last time—are you sure you have to do this?……好。 在你下车前，我要再问你一遍，你确定要这么做吗？

NeleYou've asked me the same question dozens of times! I've thought it through, and I must seek justice for Professor Gray. And the Commander is the only one who can help me.你已经追问我几十遍啦！我想清楚了，我一定要为格雷老师讨回公道。 而现在也只有指挥官能够帮上我。

MiaBut this person keeps refusing to see you and only sends their Doll subordinates to deal with you. Can they really be trusted?那个人一直不肯出面见你，只派手下的人形出面，真的可靠吗？

NeleAccording to the Instructor, the Commander is busy with something important right now and will see me when they're done.按教官小姐的说法，指挥官现在正在处理要事，等结束后就会见我。

MiaCall me distrustful, but I think she's only humoring you because she really needs your help.也许是我多疑，教官可能是因为眼下需要你帮忙，才会答应你的请求。

NeleOh, I know they wouldn't have come to me for help if they weren't truly desperate. With such stringent security regulations in place, there's no way for the T-Dolls stuck outside the city to get in. There's no other way, I've got to help them obtain a permit...她们要不是走投无路，我想也不会来求助我。 现在安全条例这么严格，那几个被困在城外的人形肯定进不来的。 没有别的办法了，我必须帮她们搞到通行许可……

Mia...If you know what you're doing, I'll shut up.……既然你已经想清楚了，那我就不多说了。

NeleRight, where are the flowers for my cousin? I hope she still likes champagne roses...嗯，我给表姐准备的花呢？不知道她现在还喜不喜欢香槟色玫瑰……

MiaThey're in the back seat. Your cousin has always doted on you. I'm sure she'll love whatever you get her.花我放在在后座了。 表姐一向很宠爱你，你送的她都会喜欢的。

Nele picks up the bouquet lying in the back seat with a soft sigh.奈乐从后座拿过花束，轻轻叹了口气。

Nele...Now you're making me feel guilty.……你这样说得我都有点愧疚了。

NeleEveryone in this family treats me like I don't exist, or they are only nice to my face but make snide comments about me behind my back. Only my cousin has always been genuinely kind to me. If I had a choice, I wouldn't get her involved in this. But right now, she is the only one in the family who is willing to help me...这个家里的人都当我不存在，要不然就是表面热情背地冷嘲热讽，只有表姐一直真心对我好。 如果可以的话，我真不想牵扯上她。 但现在家里愿意帮我的，也只有她了……

MiaShe will understand.她会理解你的。

NeleI hope so...但愿……

Nele removes her seatbelt and gets out of the car.奈乐解开安全带，走下车。

The bustling crowd forces her to skirt around the demonstration and move slowly along the wall. Slogans are bellowed one after another, and pamphlets fall from the sky, landing in front of her from time to time. Directly above her, the exquisite carved glass windows remain tightly closed, arrogantly shutting out the commotion on the street.熙熙攘攘的人群迫使她只能游离于人群边缘，贴着墙缓缓前进。 此起彼伏的口号声盘旋着，不时有一两张飞舞的传单从面前飘落。 而头顶正上方，精美的雕花玻璃窗紧闭着，傲慢地拒斥街上的聒噪声响。

ProtestersEqual rights to all! We need medical Dolls!!!生命人人平等！我们需要医疗人形！！！

ProtestersEqual rights to all! We need medical Dolls!!!生命人人平等！我们需要医疗人形！！！

One street away from the sanatorium, the procession is blocked by police holding riot shields. Like a surging wave hitting a line of dolosse, the two parties clash as their angry shouts overlap and resound through the sky.距疗养中心一条街之外，游行队伍被手持防爆盾牌的警察阻拦。 如同撞上消波块的汹涌海浪，杂乱的话语重叠成同一声愤怒的呼喊，响彻云霄。

PoliceNo shouting around the hospital! Back off! Back off!医院附近禁止喧哗！ 退后！退后！

Protester CThey need their "peace and quiet", but we need doctors!!!他们需要“安静”，可我们需要医生！！！

Protester DYOU back off and scram! Stop sucking up to the rich bastards!该滚开的是你们！富人的走狗！

Thunk! Bam! The protesters bash the riot shields angrily with their banner poles.咚咚！砰砰！ 愤怒的旗杆敲击着防爆盾牌。

NeleExcuse me! Please let me through!抱歉！请让一下！

PoliceFrau, the sanatorium is temporarily closed to the public. Please take your leave.女士，现在圣玛利亚疗养院中心暂时停止营业，请离开。

NeleMy cousin is a patient. I'm here to visit her.我的表姐在里面住院，我需要进去探望她。

PolicePlease present your ID and visitation permit.请出示一下证件和拜访许可。

Nele calmly pulls out a transparent dossier folder and produces all the paperwork needed.奈乐不紧不慢地掏出透明文件袋，将准备齐全的证件一一展示。

After inputting the information into the mobile terminal and confirming that Nele is who she claims to be, the police officer signals his colleagues behind him to make way for her.向移动终端内输入信息、查实确有此人后，警察挥了挥手示意身后的同僚给奈乐让出通行的道路。

PolicePlease come through, Frau.女士，请通行。

NeleThank you.谢谢。

The boisterous protests are now behind her, but she can't help but look back.声势浩大的抗议声已经被甩在身后，但奈乐忍不住回头看了一眼。

NurseFrau Meyer, your visitor Frau Cornelia Schaefer has arrived.迈耶小姐，您的客人高奈莉娅•舍夫尔小姐到了。

The nurse leading the way pushes a button, and the perfectly spotless door slowly glides open.带路的护士按下按钮，纤洁无尘的移门缓缓打开。

A pleasant breeze blows in her face. Bright sunlight shines through the huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows into every corner of the ward, dazzling Nele for a moment. The gramophone in the corner is playing Schumann's "Traeumerei" softly, and the air is filled with the fragrance of natural fruits.怡人的风扑面而来。巨大的落地玻璃窗将通透的天光洒向每个角落，令奈乐一时晃眼。 角落里的留声机正轻悠悠地播放着舒曼的《梦幻曲》，空中弥漫着天然的果香芬芳。

MeyerNele!奈乐！

NeleMeyer! Congratulations on your baby! I'm so glad you're both safe!表姐，恭喜你顺利生产，母女平安！

MeyerIt's been so long! I missed you to death!好久不见，我想死你了！

Seeing that her cousin fully intends to climb off the bed, Nele immediately rushes over to embrace her.见表姐有下床扑来的冲动，奈乐赶紧小跑几步，抱住了表姐。

NeleFor Christ's sake, please stay in bed for your own good.我的大小姐，你现在还是乖乖躺在床上吧。

MeyerAlright, alright. I got a bit too excited there. I haven't seen you since your graduation...好吧好吧，我有点激动了。 上一次看见你，还是你毕业的时候……

NeleIt wasn't that long ago.那也没多久呀。

Nele pulls a chair toward her cousin's bed and sits down.奈乐抽出椅子，坐在了表姐的床边。

NeleTell me, how have you been since giving birth? Feeling okay?表姐，你生完宝宝后，身体还好吗？

MeyerI'm perfectly fine. You, on the other hand, have lost so much weight. And look at that face, all pale and gaunt.我好着呢。 倒是你，怎么瘦了这么多，脸色也看着憔悴了。

NeleI guess I haven't been sleeping very well lately...可能是最近没怎么睡好吧……

Meyer...Because of what happened with Galatea?……是因为迦拉提亚那件事吗？

Nele... Ugh... I've been really paranoid these days. I just can't shake the feeling that someone wants to do me in whenever I'm out and about...…… 哎……我最近草木皆兵，总感觉街头巷尾都是想要害我的人……

MeyerIt's good to be on your guard. It's chaos everywhere these days. Didn't a Doll murder someone a few days ago? It was all over the news. It really freaked me out, but thankfully, all the Dolls at home passed the screening.警惕点好，现在到处都很乱，前几天不还有那个人形杀人的新闻吗？ 我看得害怕，幸好家里的人形都通过检查了。

NeleYeah... People are all terrified. Who wouldn't want a few extra bodyguards watching their back...?是啊……现在人心惶惶的，谁不想找几个保镖在身边……

MeyerDid your Doll pass the screening?你家里给你安排的那个人形通过检查了吗？

NeleMia did, but the others ran into some trouble with the paperwork...米娅通过了，但是另外几个手续上就……

MeyerThat won't do! Where have they sent them off to? I'll get you the permits.这可不行！ 那几个人形们被赶到哪里去了？我去帮你拿几张许可。

NeleThey're at the temporary camp on the outskirts of the Offenbach District. There are eight of them altogether.她们在奥芬巴赫区外围的临时安置点，一共有8个人形。

Nele is feeling more at ease now that the matter with the Griffin Dolls is sorted.格里芬人形的事有了解决的眉目，奈乐总算安心了些。

MeyerI'm glad you're finally hiring more staff to take care of you, Nele.可以啊，奈乐，现在终于知道多给自己安排点人了。

NeleYou have no idea how scary Galatea is... Ever since I escaped from the fire, I've been having nightmares every single night...你是不知道迦拉提亚集团有多可怕…… 从那场火灾中逃出来后，我夜夜都在做噩梦……

MeyerOh, don't even get me started on Galatea!说到迦拉提亚我就生气！

Meyer takes Nele's hand with a deep, angry frown.表姐握住了奈乐的手，眉毛气愤地拧在了一起。

MeyerThis Professor Gray that you went on and on about turned out to be a monstrous murderer! And now you got implicated in the whole mess...你天天念叨的那个格雷教授，没想到居然是个伤天害理的杀人犯！ 还把你也给一起连累了……

MeyerIt's such a pity... You're the most studious kid at home... If it hadn't been for her, your career would've been limitless.多可惜啊……你可是我们家里最会念书的孩子了…… 要不是被她害了，肯定前途一片光明。

NeleThat's enough, Meyer...表姐，别说了……

Nele resists the urge to scream and squeezes her cousin's hand.奈乐压抑着内心的呼喊，反握住表姐的手。

NeleIt's more important to look forward, isn't it?要向前看，不是吗？

MeyerYou're absolutely right! So what are your plans?对！你之后有什么打算吗？

NeleI'm still looking for a job and going to interviews.我还在到处找工作面试呢。

NeleBut the Galatea incident was such a huge scandal, as soon as a potential employer sees that name on my resume...但是迦拉提亚的事情闹得很大，我面试的公司一看见这几个字就……

MeyerSigh... I can't be of much help when it comes to getting you a job... Have you tried contacting Grandfather?唉…… 找工作的事我也帮不上你什么忙了……外祖父那边你联系过了吗？

NeleI haven't seen him in years since my mom died... He's always looked down on my family anyway.妈妈去世后，好些年没见过外祖父了…… 反正他也一向不待见我家。

MeyerGrandfather may have a sharp tongue, but he's been keeping an eye on you the whole time. As you know, none of your cousins have the brains for studying. Grandfather had to make donations to fund several buildings for the universities to take us in. Only you managed to get in all by yourself, and with a scholarship to boot!外祖父只是刀子嘴，实际上他一直关注着你。 你也知道的，我们家几个孩子都没什么读书的头脑，想上个大学都要靠外祖父捐几栋楼。 只有你，是靠自己考上的，你甚至还有奖学金！

MeyerGo and visit him when you have time. He's pretty lonely at the sanatorium in the White Zone, so I'm sure he'll agree to see you! Ask to see him, sweet-talk him a bit, and he may be able to arrange a job for you.有空去见见外祖父吧，他一个人在白区的疗养院正孤独呢，肯定愿意见你！ 你去见见他，嘴巴甜点，说不定还能让他帮你安排个工作。

NeleThe White Zone...?白区……？

MeyerOh right, you've never been. Then it's perfect—take the trip to pay Grandfather a visit and spend some time there for a change of scenery.对哦，正好你还没去过，就当去见见外祖父，顺便散散心吧。

NeleAlright. Mom did ask me to visit him every now and then before she died. I guess it's time I kept my promise...好吧，妈妈去世前让我有空就去看看外祖父，也该履行下承诺了……

MeyerOne more thing...还有一件事——

Meyer looks Nele carefully up and down. Nele squirms uncomfortably under her gaze.迈耶上下打量着奈乐，仔仔细细地从头看到脚。 奈乐被看得有些不自在。

NeleWhat's wrong, Meyer?什么事啊，表姐？

MeyerNele, you haven't dated anyone ever, have you?奈乐，你还没谈恋爱吧？

NeleWell... I'm not interested in that kind of thing...嗯……我对那些不感兴趣啦……

MeyerAt your age, you really should be settling down with a nice man and starting your own family. What if I introduce some of them to you tomorrow? I've recently met a professor at the University of Heidelberg. The postgrads working for him—你也到年纪了，该找个不错的男孩组建家庭了。 我明天给你介绍几个怎么样？我正好最近认识了一个海德堡大学的教授，他手下的研究生——

NeleWait! Have you forgotten the fact that you literally just gave birth?! You should be focusing on your own health and your little one. My love life is hardly urgent, so just wait till you're fully recovered and discharged from hospital...等一下！表姐，你是不是忘记了你刚生完小孩不久啊！ 现在你应该关注的是自己的身体健康，还有小宝宝的事。 我的事不着急的，等你休养好出院了再说嘛……

MeyerAnd how long is that going to take...? Oh, right! I can't go myself, but I can get my friend to help out.等我出院都什么时候了……诶，对了！ 我出不去，可以让我的闺蜜帮你看看。

NeleTh-there really is no need for that, Meyer!不、不用麻烦了，表姐！

MeyerThis, you can totally count on me. Go see my friend tomorrow. We're pretty close. She used to be a movie star and is now married to the Minister of Health—a man promoted by Grandfather. Which works out perfectly, because she can arrange a meeting with Grandfather for you.这件事就包在我身上了，你明天去见我闺蜜，她跟我关系不错，以前是个明星，现在嫁给了卫生部部长，就是外祖父一手提拔上来的那个人。 刚好去见外祖父的事情，也可以让她来安排。

Meyer rummages through her handbag and shoves a card into Nele's hand.迈耶翻开自己的包，将一张名片塞给了奈乐。

Nele"Frau Hebe"... Do people still use paper business cards these days?“赫柏小姐”……现在还有人用纸质名片啊？

MeyerYou haven't heard of Hebe? She's a super famous actress! During the craze for remakes of the old classics, she was the most sought-after female lead. She is such a retro belle, and she does actually look like she's just stepped out of an old movie. She loves all things vintage and retro.你不知道赫柏？那个很有名的演员啊，之前那场经典老电影翻拍热潮的时候，她是最炙手可热的女主角。 她长得就是那种古典美人，整个人也像活在老电影里一样，她就是喜欢这些复古的东西。

NeleMeyer... I'm sure she's got better things to do. Why bother her over something so trivial...?表姐……人家肯定平常也很忙的，因为我这点小事麻烦人家不好吧……

MeyerDon't you fret, I'll obviously return the favor in the future. Besides, the Ministry of Health has hired a lot of young college graduates with whom you should have plenty to talk about. I'll ask her to keep an eye out for any boyfriend material.怕什么，这个人情我自会还她。 而且卫生部今年刚招了不少年轻大学生，应该跟你能聊得到一起。 正好让她帮你留意一下。

Nele sighs quietly to herself, but immediately plasters on a sweet, obliging smile.奈乐在心里无奈地叹了口气，但下一秒，她换上乖巧顺从的笑容。

NeleAlright then... I really don't know how to thank you, Meyer...好吧…… 表姐，我都不知道该怎么感谢你……

MeyerDon't be such a stranger.客气什么呀。

Nele hugs her cousin tightly. The joy of achieving her aim and the guilt of using her cousin are both evident on her face.奈乐紧紧抱住了她。 目标达成的喜悦和对表姐的愧疚同时来到了奈乐的脸上。

NeleCommander... I've completed the first step of the plan. ...Will you really keep your promise and come to see me?指挥官……我已经完成了计划的第一步。 ……你真的会遵守诺言来见我吗？

Clatter. At around dusk, Lunasia finally returns to the room.咔哒。 黄昏时分，露尼西亚终于回到了房间。

LunasiaHave you missed me, Commander?想我了吗，指挥官？

The Commander opens their bleary eyes. They clearly have not slept very well with their wrists and ankles still shackled.手脚被桎梏的指挥官迷迷糊糊地睁开了眼，显然睡得不是很舒服。

CommanderAm I being moved again?要换地方了？

LunasiaNot yet.现在还不用。

Lunasia removes the Commander's restraints.露尼西亚将指挥官从桎梏中解脱出来。

CommanderAren't you worried that I might run for it? The Kaiserdom is on a busy street.你不担心我会跑？法兰克福大教堂外就是人来人往的街道。

LunasiaNot at all. Bill has placed a bomb in my chest. It'll go off if you stray over 50 meters away from me.不担心，比尔在我的胸腔里埋了一枚炸弹，只要你和我的距离超过五十米，它就会爆炸。

LunasiaBesides, everyone knows that the Commander will never leave their companion behind and run off on their own.而众所周知，指挥官是绝不会扔下同伴逃跑的。

The Commander shakes out their numb limbs and pours themselves a glass of wine at the table.指挥官活动了下麻木的手脚，回到桌边给自己倒上一杯酒。

LunasiaCommander, do you go to church?指挥官，你会去教堂吗？

CommanderWhat do you think?猜猜看。

LunasiaI have no memory of you being religious.我的记忆里没有你信仰宗教的痕迹。

CommanderI don't believe in God, alright.我确实不相信神祇。

LunasiaWhy?为什么？

CommanderBecause every time I find myself in a desperate situation, it is always myself and my Dolls who get me out of it. Where was God when I needed him? If he actually existed, why did he put me through all this dark ordeal?因为每一次绝境，都是靠我自己和身边的人形才能走出来。 神明在哪里？如果祂真的存在，为什么要让我遭遇这些黑暗？

LunasiaBut you are sitting here and drinking wine because of divine will. Out of countless threads of life, the Fates have seized yours, spun it longer and longer, and that's how you managed to come all this way.可是，你能坐在这里喝酒，正是神明的安排。 是她在无数死亡的丝线间，抓住了让你活下来的那一根，编织它，延长它，才让你走到了今天。

LunasiaCan't you feel it? They are watching you with mercy even now.你感受不到吗？此刻，她也正在悲悯地注视着你。

The Commander catches their own reflection in Lunasia's eyes as they slowly sip their wine.指挥官看着露尼西亚瞳孔中的倒影，慢慢饮下了杯中的酒。

LunasiaI can tell from your eyes that you're feeling nostalgic about something.你的眼睛告诉我，你在怀念着什么。

CommanderThe way you talked reminded me of Dandelion. I kept teasing her for being a windbag, but now I actually kind of miss it.你刚刚说话的方式，很像丹德莱。 我以前总说她神神叨叨，突然有点怀念了。

The Commander puts down their glass and looks at the girl somberly.指挥官放下酒杯，严肃地看向对面的少女。

CommanderLunasia, let's try to escape together.露尼西亚，想办法一起逃吧。

LunasiaWhy should I escape?我为什么要逃？

Commander...Why are you here?……你为什么会在这里？

LunasiaBecause Bill put me in charge here.这是比尔的安排。

LunasiaTell me, why should I escape?你说啊，我为什么要逃？

CommanderBecause you're not the "elder sister" that William wants.因为你不是威廉要的“姐姐”。

Lunasia's eyes darken again.露尼西亚的眼中再度浮现出阴翳。

CommanderIf you were, you wouldn't be here. William went to all that trouble to revive his "sister", why would he leave her here all by herself?如果你是，那你就不会在这里。 威廉为了让“姐姐”复活付出这么多，怎么舍得让她守在这里？

Lunasia... I just have to get certain parts of me removed, and Bill will want to see me again, just like he used to.…… 只要我割舍掉这部分，比尔就会见我，像以前一样。

Commander...If it were so easy, it would've been done long ago, no? Unfortunately, while you are Lunasia, you are also Dandelion and M4. ...The M4 who made me a promise. They would never agree to be excised so easily!……如果割舍是这么简单的事情，你早就完成了，不是吗？ 但很可惜，除了露尼西亚，你同时是丹德莱，是M4。 ……是跟我约定好了的M4。 她们绝不会同意轻易地被你割舍掉！

LunasiaShut up!住嘴！

Whoosh. The world is once again plunged into darkness. The Commander chuckles humorlessly to themselves as they embark on yet another journey into the unknown.唰。 世界再度陷入黑暗。 在苦笑中，指挥官又踏入了一场未知的旅途。

...Clatter. Nele opens the door to her hotel room, and Mia immediately comes up to greet her.……咔哒。 奈乐刷开酒店的大门，米娅立刻迎了上来。

NeleI'm back.我回来了。

MiaHow did it go, Nele?怎么样，奈乐，今天都还顺利吗？

NeleHm... Meyer got all the permits sorted.嗯……表姐已经搞到了通行许可。

NeleHere, hand them over to the Instructor later.喏，给你，你一会去拿给教官小姐吧。

MiaOkay.好。

Mia takes the permits and puts them away carefully.米娅接下几张通行许可，小心地收拾好。

MiaYou don't look very happy?你看起来不是很高兴？

NeleUgh, Meyer also told me to visit my grandfather in the White Zone. She thinks he can give me a job or something.哎，表姐让我去白区见见外祖父，说或许能帮我安排个工作什么的。

Mia...Herr Vogt is a bit harsh on you, but I don't think he will refuse to do you a favor.……虽然弗伊格特先生对你有些严苛，但帮你找份工作应该还是不在话下的。

NeleI'm not going there to beg him for a favor. I'm just paying him a visit out of respect for my mom's dying wish.我才不会求他帮我办事，我只是按照妈妈的遗愿去见见他。

MiaSo what's troubling you?那你在烦恼什么？

NeleUh... Meyer asked me to visit her friend before going to see my grandfather tomorrow. She's very eager to play matchmaker and arrange some blind dates for me.哎…… 表姐让我明天去见外祖父前，先去见见她的好闺蜜，说想帮我安排相亲。

MiaPffft.噗。

NeleWhy are you laughing?!你笑什么？！

MiaI thought of something happy.我想起了高兴的事。

Nele slumps listlessly onto the sofa.奈乐颓圮地倒在沙发上。

NeleI wanted to turn her down, but I felt bad for using her to get the Commander's Dolls into the city...本来想拒绝表姐的，但是想到自己利用她给指挥官的人形们开了后门，又觉得……

MiaSince you already agreed, you should at least go and meet this friend of hers. You can always cancel the blind dates later on with some excuse.既然你已经答应了，就先去见见吧。 到时候再找理由推脱掉就好。

NeleRight...嗯……

Nele kicks off her flip-flops.奈乐蹬掉脚上的拖鞋。

NeleWhen I was little, I hated all my relatives except Meyer. They're all such phonies. They would only show superficial concern for you if they wanted to take advantage of you. And now I feel like I've become the kind of person that I most despise...小的时候，我讨厌亲戚里除了表姐以外的所有人，我觉得他们都虚伪，表面上的嘘寒问暖都只是为了利用别人。 现在，我好像也变成了我曾经最讨厌的人……

MiaNo, Nele, you haven't. Using others is like second nature to people like that, while it is a last resort for you.你并不是，奈乐。 他们利用别人就像呼吸一样自然，而你是走投无路，只剩下这一个选择。

NeleWhen it's all over, I'll have to apologize to Meyer properly...等事情结束后，我还是该去向表姐认错……

NeleBy the way, any news from the Instructor?对了，教官小姐有什么新消息吗？

MiaNo, they're still stuck outside the city because of the security regulations.没有，她们仍然被安全条例卡在城外。

NeleThen you'd better hurry and get the permits over to them.那你快带上通行许可去见教官小姐吧。

Mia...Sure. But I still stand by my opinion. It's dangerous to get involved with them.……嗯。 不过，我还是坚持我的意见，和她们扯上关系很危险。

NeleI know, but I still want to do what I think is right.我明白，但我还是想要做我认为正确的事。

NeleI can't let Professor Gray die in such disgrace. Mia, only the Commander can help me.我不能接受老师在这样的污蔑中死去。 米娅，现在只有指挥官能帮我了。

Mia sighs helplessly as she packs her bag for the journey.米娅无奈地叹气，收拾好包裹准备出发。

MiaI'm going to see the Instructor.我去见教官小姐。

NeleRemember to ask about the Commander.记得问问指挥官的事。

MiaI will. Now get some rest. You have two tough battles to fight tomorrow.嗯。 你快好好休息吧，明天你还有两场硬仗。

NeleTell me about it...知道了……

After Mia leaves the hotel room, Nele shuffles sullenly into the bathroom.米娅离开房间，奈乐没精打采地走向了洗漱间。

71-A-8 勾勒阴影的线条

A few days ago, on the outskirts of the Offenbach District in Frankfurt.数日前，法兰克福•奥芬巴赫区外围。

HerthaWhat's the hold-up? It's time to change shifts.磨蹭什么？该交班了。

Cross... Has the Instructor come out at all during your shift yesterday?…… 昨天值班期间，教官出来过吗？

HerthaNo. Why?没。怎么了？

CrossThat's three days. For three whole days, she's been inside the safe house... That's not a good sign.那就是三天。整整三天，她都待在安全屋里…… 这可不是什么好迹象。

LennyThis is MG338, I have a report for AR-18.报告，MG338，我有事要向AR-18汇报。

Hertha routinely sweeps the visitor from head to toe with as quickly as she can.赫莎惯例以极快的速度将来访者从头到尾扫描一遍。

Hertha...You're good.……可以了。

The petite figure gives Hertha a silent nod before disappearing through the door into the safe house.矮小的身影默不作声，朝赫莎点头致意，旋即消失在安全屋门后。

In the evening, inside the temporary safe house. The stuffy air hangs heavy in the room. It is obvious that the windows haven't been open for several days. Lenny walks up to AR-18, who is hard at work.傍晚，临时安全屋内。 沉闷的空气凝滞在室内，显然是几天都没有通过风了。 莱尼来到正埋首于工作的AR-18面前。

AR-18While going through the work that the Commander has left behind, I came across several messages in their personal mailbox. The sender's name is Cornelia Schaefer. She wrote to request the Commander's assistance in investigating Professor Gray, who was affiliated with the Galatea Corporation before her death. She seems to have knowledge of certain matters concerning Paradeus. What do you think?我在处理指挥官的遗留工作时，发现了指挥官私人邮箱里的几封邮件。 发件人名为“高奈莉娅•舍夫尔”。 邮件内容是委托指挥官协助调查生前隶属迦拉提亚集团的格雷教授的事情，看起来似乎知道一些帕拉蒂斯的内情。 你有什么看法？

LennyShe is the employer of Mia, a former colleague of mine. If you are concerned about whose side she is on, I once helped her evade Paradeus' pursuit while in Berlin.她是我的前同事“米娅”的主人。 如果你是担心她的立场的话，在柏林的时候，我曾帮她逃出帕拉蒂斯的追击。

AR-18So you think she can be trusted?你认为她可以信任？

LennyIn my opinion, even though she hails from a wealthy and prominent family, she can be depended upon. In fact, I would go so far as to say she is on the same path as the Commander.在我的认知中，她虽然出身名门，但是是一个可靠的对象。 某种程度上，我甚至认为她和指挥官是同一条路上的人。

AR-18...Hails from a wealthy and prominent family?……出身名门？

LennyYes, she is the granddaughter of the former Ministry of Health.是的，她是前卫生部部长的外孙女。

AR-18We need an influential human to help us get into Frankfurt.我们现在需要一位身份显赫的人类帮助我们进入法兰克福。

Lenny...Are you implying we should ask a favor of Miss Schaefer?……所以你的意思是我们可以拜托舍夫尔小姐？

AR-18If there's any possibility that it may work, I'll give it a try.有一线可能的话，我希望尽量去尝试。

LennyI understand. I will contact Mia immediately.明白，我去联系米娅。

AR-18Also, keep the Commander's disappearance a secret from her for now.另外，指挥官失踪的事暂时对她保密。

Lenny...Yes, ma'am.……是。

At present, on the outskirts of the Offenbach District, Frankfurt.此时，法兰克福•奥芬巴赫区外围。

Hertha is startled by the sudden rustling of leaves while she is standing guard.一阵叶片摩擦的窸窣声惊动了正在值岗的赫莎。

HerthaWho's there?!谁？！

MiaRelax, it's me.不要紧张，是我。

HerthaMiss Mia, how come you never make a sound when you move?米娅小姐，你怎么每次行动都没有声音的？

MiaBeing quiet and unobtrusive is one of the basic qualities of a bodyguard. Is the Instructor here? I've come with new intel.这是保镖的基本素养。 教官在吗？我带来了新的情报。

HerthaCome on in.里面请。

AR-18 puts down what she is doing when she sees Mia coming in.看见米娅进入屋内，AR-18放下了手上的工作。

AR-18Any messages from Miss Nele?奈乐小姐有什么信息传达吗？

MiaThese are your permits. Memorize all the details of your cover identities written on them. They may question you at the security screening.这是你们的通行许可，牢记上面的身份信息，在通过安检时可能审查。

AR-18 takes the permits, and her stern face softens ever so slightly.AR-18接过了通行许可，严峻的面孔也稍微松和了。

AR-18Please convey our gratitude to Miss Nele. She has certainly done us a huge favor.请向奈乐小姐传达我们的感激。 这无疑帮了我们大忙。

MiaIf you want to thank her, get the Commander to do it in person.感谢的话，留着指挥官当面告诉她吧。

AR-18Sure.好。

Mia glances around the room and silently takes note of the details she sees.米娅扫视了一圈屋内的情况，将细节默默记下。

AR-18Any questions, Miss Mia?米娅小姐还有什么疑问吗？

MiaThe Commander... isn't busy. They're trapped somewhere, aren't they?指挥官……不是在忙碌什么要事，而是被困住了吧？

MiaThere are no obvious signs of human activity in this safe house. Besides, if the Commander were not incapacitated, you wouldn't have come to Nele for help with the permits.这屋里明显没有人类活动的痕迹。 而且，如果指挥官还可以自由活动的话，你们也不需要来拜托奈乐帮你们办通行许可。

AR-18As I have already explained to Miss Nele, the Commander is doing their utmost best to resolve a certain matter, but they have run into some obstacles. Once the Commander completes their task, they will be more than happy to treat with Miss Nele.我已经向奈乐小姐说明过了，指挥官正在全力解决要事，只是目前遭遇了一些阻碍。 等到任务完成，自会给奈乐小姐一个交代。

Mia... So where is the Commander dealing with this important matter?…… 那么，指挥官在哪里办理要事？

AR-18...In the Wiesbaden District.……威斯巴登区。

Mia...If you're referring to the restricted area within the Wiesbaden District... You can just say the White Zone.……如果你指代的是威斯巴登区内那片禁区的话。 可以直接说白区。

AR-18...I was not aware that this kind of information is public knowledge in Germany?……原来在德国这种地方是完全对民众公开的吗？

MiaEven ordinary citizens can visit the government office as long as they have an appointment.只要是取得了预约，普通民众甚至也有机会前去里面的政府办事处。

AR-18I see. ...In that case, it would also be a walk in the park for Miss Nele to travel to the White Zone, wouldn't it?原来如此。 ……那么奈乐小姐前往白区应该也是举手之劳吧？

Mia... You know Nele won't say no to your request.…… 你明知道奈乐不会拒绝你们的请求。

AR-18If it's at all possible, could you ask Miss Nele to take note of the terrain and geography within the White Zone for us? To be honest, this is what the Commander has been trying to achieve clandestinely.如果可以的话，能否请奈乐小姐为我们留意白区的地形和区域划分？ 实不相瞒，指挥官正在秘密进行这件事。

Mia...That's state secret. Are you asking Nele to commit treason?……这是国家机密。 你是要奈乐犯下叛国罪吗？

AR-18...We will never put Miss Nele in that kind of position. I swear to you on the Commander's honor.……请相信我们，绝对不会让奈乐小姐陷入此种境地。 我以指挥官的名誉担保。

MiaNele will be meeting Herr Vogt in the White Zone tomorrow afternoon. I hope you'll hold up your end of the bargain.奈乐明天下午要去白区见弗伊格特先生。 我希望你们能履行承诺。

AR-18When this matter is over, I will make sure Miss Nele gets an appointment with the Commander.等这件事告一段落，我保证奈乐小姐能够见到指挥官。

AR-18 convenes an emergency operation meeting. The assembled Dolls line up neatly and gather in the cramped interior of the safe house. AR-18 stands across from them behind a simple desk and scans everyone's faces.AR-18紧急召开了作战会议。 被征召的人形整齐地列队，聚集在安全屋的狭小空间内。 与她们正面相对，AR-18站在一张简陋的办公桌后，扫视着众人的面庞。

AR-18We are all set to enter Frankfurt. I will now give instructions on how we are going to proceed. Would all team leaders present promptly relay the information to their teams.各位，进入法兰克福的相关准备已经就绪。 接下来我会宣布后续的工作安排，请所有在场的队长和负责人及时向下传达。

AllYes, ma'am!是！

AR-18First of all, we will be entering Frankfurt with Miss Nele's help. Her bodyguard, Miss Mia, will be driving us into the city, and we will be declared as "Miss Nele's newly hired bodyguard Dolls". Considering the latest intel we have on the traffic restrictions in Frankfurt, I believe those who come along this time must meet at least the following criteria—首先，此次进入法兰克福是借助奈乐小姐为我们提供的特殊渠道。 由她的保镖米娅小姐驾驶车辆，以“接送奈乐小姐新聘的保镖人形”为名义掩护我们进城。 根据最新传回的法兰克福交通管制情报，我认为此次同行进城的人员必须至少具备以下几点素质——

AR-18One, they must have experience in carrying out prolonged covert operations in an urban setting; And two, they must excel at electronic warfare and masking their signals to conduct infiltrations...第一、拥有长期隐蔽作战或城市作战的经验； 第二、拥有出色的电子战经验和伪装信号潜入作战的能力……

UMP45I think I heard our names being called?我好像听见有谁在报我们的名字？

AR-18Yes, Squad 404, I need all of you to aid us on the EW front in this operation.嗯，404小队全体，我需要你们为这次行动提供电子战的帮助。

UMP45No problem, I'll bill the Commander for it.没问题，账单我会自己算在指挥官头上。

AR-18Also, Cross and Hertha.还有克罗丝、赫莎。

Cross & HerthaYes, ma'am.到。

AR-18The six of you will be coming with me to Frankfurt.你们6人稍后随我一起进入法兰克福。

AR-18RO, while I'm away, please keep this place running.RO，我不在的期间，我需要你继续维持这里的运行。

RO635Understood. I just feel a bit useless for not being able to help you...明白。 我只是感到帮不上你们，有些……

AR-18The AR Team sustained severe damage in the previous operation and are still recovering. Even you haven't been fully repaired yourself. Please don't worry about anything else until you get yourself patched up.AR小队在上次行动中遭遇重创，还没有复原。 包括你本人都还未完全修理完毕，请优先完成修理。

RO635...Alright.……知道了。

AR-18Once I leave, you and ST AR-15 will be in charge of this safe house and our other outposts in the area. Please keep all the remaining Dolls safe and await further instructions.在我走后，城外安全屋及周边几个据点由你和AR15全权负责。 务必保证留守人形的安全，等待后续指令。

RO635Roger that.明白。

416 picks up the permits from the desk and checks them one by one.HK416拿起了桌上的通行许可挨个查看。

416What should we do with these permits that Miss Nele has delivered to us? The information on them doesn't really match us.奈乐小姐送来的通行许可该怎么安排？ 这上面的信息和我们都不太对得上。

AR-18That's true. Although the paperwork has been taken care of, we will still have to stay out of sight as much as possible. In the most ideal scenario, we won't have to go through any manned checkpoints and are granted access after a simple document verification.是的，虽然安检已经经过了打点，但我们还是要尽可能避人耳目。 最理想的情况是不经过人工安检，只通过证件核对就能进入城内。

416I see. So Squad 404 will have our work cut out for us from the moment we get in.懂了，从进城开始就需要404进行一些工作。

UMP45I'll leave that in your good hands. ID signal masking and modification is your forte, after all.这个就交给你吧，伪装和修改身份识别可是你最擅长的工作。

416... And your forte must be bossing people around.…… 你最擅长的工作是使唤人？

UMP9Now, now. Let's figure out how we can speedrun the security checks in Frankfurt!好啦好啦，让我们来看看怎么快速通过法兰克福的检查吧！

Gr G11Zzzz...Zzzz……

Late at night, outside Frankfurt. A van full of Dolls follows the congested traffic and moves slowly on the brightly lit autobahn, grinding to a stop regularly before starting up again.深夜，法兰克福城外。 满载着秘密人形的面包车随着拥堵的车流，在灯火通明的高速公路上缓慢前进，时走时停。

With a hand poised on the car horn, Mia looks around restlessly.放在喇叭上的手将按未按，米娅有些心烦意乱地四下环顾。

Mia...Aren't there supposed to be traffic restrictions all over Frankfurt? Why are there so many cars waiting in line to get in at this late hour?!……不是说法兰克福全城交通管制了吗？ 怎么大半夜还有这么多人等着排队进去？！

UMP9Looking at the license plates, there are even cars coming from Munich and Lübeck... Why come all the way here at a time like this?看车牌还有从慕尼黑和吕贝克过来的车…… 为什么要赶在这时候大老远跑来？

UMP45People are probably unnerved by the terrorist attacks in Berlin and Frankfurt? The series of explosions in Berlin from a few months ago still haven't been fully investigated, then there was another explosion in Frankfurt on Halloween, and now a Doll has apparently committed "murder". People all over Germany are in a panic.被柏林和法兰克福发生的几起恐怖袭击吓怕了吧？ 几个月前柏林一系列爆炸事件还没查明白，法兰克福万圣节又发生了爆炸，再加上所谓的“人形杀人”事件。 现在，德国上下都人心惶惶。

UMP9But shouldn't they be AVOIDING Berlin and Frankfurt?那他们不是更该避开柏林和法兰克福吗？

UMP45In the eyes of ordinary citizens, the stricter the restrictions, the safer they think it is... Right now, Frankfurt's crackdown on Dolls is probably the toughest in the entire country.在普通民众眼里，管理越是严格，他们就会认为里面越是安全…… 而现在，法兰克福对人形的管制可以说是全国最苛刻的。

416Enough chit-chat.别闲聊了。

416 stares at the multiple dots moving uniformly on the screen.HK416望向屏幕上正规律移动的数枚光点。

41645, several drones have locked onto us.45，有几台无人机锁定了我们。

AR-18Keep calm, don't do anything that would draw suspicion.冷静，不要做出惹人怀疑的举动。

Both AR-18 and Mia glance ahead. Several drones lined up in a single row are overlooking and scanning the vehicles entering the city from mid-air.AR-18和米娅心照不宣地朝前方瞥了一眼。 数台无人机连成整齐的一线，自半空俯瞰、扫描着进城的车辆。

416It seems to be a routine check. We haven't attracted any particular attention.看起来是例行检查，我们没有引起特别注意。

UMP45Just to be safe, we should still wipe ourselves from the system after getting through.保险起见，还是在进入城区后抹掉我们的痕迹吧。

416Right, I've already left a backdoor.嗯，我已经留好后门了。

UMP9Our permits and forged IDs have been uploaded. All green on the backend, no problem whatsoever.我们的通行许可和伪造证件也已经上传完毕，目前后台显示通过，没有问题。

AR-18Looks like we passed the first check then.看来至少第一层检查是通过了。

All the Dolls in the van breathe a small sigh of relief.车上的人形们都稍微松了口气。

UMP45You've suddenly become so mature and dependable, 416. Are you in a lot of debt or something?416，你这次突然成熟稳重了很多，是欠了巨额账单吗？

416...Why are you always talking smack to me...?……你就不能盼我点好？

UMP45I was just expressing my concern for you.只是关心一下你。

416Your concern is hard to stomach. My financial situation is perfectly fine, thank you very much.你的关心真让人吃不消。 我的财务状况良好，不需要担心。

UMP9How nice~ 416 is such a reassuring presence now~真好啊，让人充满安全感的416~

UMP945, is this what being a veteran truly means?45姐，这就是身经百战后的成长吗？

416's fingers keep dancing across the keyboard, but her frown betrays her exasperation.HK416的手指在键盘上高速飞舞着，她不耐烦地皱了皱眉。

416AR-18, can you order them to shut up?AR-18，能不能命令她们俩闭嘴。

AR-18It's probably a good idea to keep quiet for now.各位，现在还是保持安静比较好。

UMP45Roger that.收到。

UMP9Okie-doke~好的~

UMP45 smiles to herself and looks out the window.UMP45意味深长地笑了笑，看向窗外。

Whirr... Amidst the silence, a small drone suddenly whizzes down to scan the van.嗡——沉默中，一台小型无人机忽然从夜色中掠出，低低地扫视着车辆。

MiaWe're now in the queue waiting to get through the checkpoint.我们进入入口检查的队列了。

AR-18Attention, switch to our closed-circuit comms channel and deactivate all external contact signals. Pay attention to your facial expressions and movements. Don't blow your cover.全体注意，切换到闭路通讯频道，关闭外界联络讯号。 留意表情和动作，不要暴露。

UMP45Acknowledged.收到。

CrossUnderstood.明白。

The van is silent once again. In the small, enclosed space with only the dull roar of the engine, it slowly carries the Dolls toward the brightly lit night of Frankfurt...面包车内很快恢复了沉寂。 狭小封闭的空间中，只剩下发引擎沉闷的轰鸣，缓缓载着众人，驶向法兰克福灯火通明的夜色中……

Light as a Feather I 轻如羽毛Ⅰ

■FILE■ AS75238594125472, decrypting...■档案■ AS75238594125472解码中……

Change, growth, rebirth. The caterpillar calls it the end of the world, while the Master calls it a butterfly. But to me— It's just a "cocoon".变化、成长、重生。 毛虫称之为世界末日，而大师却称之为蝴蝶。 但在我看来—— 那只是“茧”。

???Badbsca... do fully-immune individuals really exist?芭斯凯……完美免疫体是真的存在吗？

BadbscaYes, they do actually exist. Machlian, stop asking me the same question over and over.是的，完美免疫体是真实存在的。 玛赫莲，你不要再问我这样的问题了。

Machlian...But Morridow's birth isn't going well. She's in a lot of pain.……可默莉朵的诞生很不顺利。 她很痛苦。

BadbscaPain? Machlian, you still have much to learn. When it's your time to break through the cocoon and emerge as a butterfly, the pain will stop.痛苦？ 玛赫莲，你的成长还不够彻底。 等你到了真正破茧成蝶的时候，痛苦就会停止。

Machlian...Badbsca, when were you born?……芭斯凯，那你什么时候诞生呢？

Badbsca...I had already been born when you were born.……你诞生时，我便已经诞生了。

MachlianThat's not right, you're lying. You're just a shapeless white blob. We have all died, thousands and thousands of times.不对，你在撒谎。 你只是一圈没有形貌的白色圆团。 我们都死了，死了千千万万次。

MachlianWhat exactly is this place? Why am I called Machlian?这里到底是什么地方？ 我为什么叫做玛赫莲？

BadbscaThis is the "Cocoon". ...You, Morridow, and I are all named by the Master.这里是“茧”。 ……你和我还有默莉朵都是大师赋予的名字。

Machlian...We're not in the "Lake of Cognition"?……我们不是在“识底深湖”？

Badbsca...Those are redundant memories, fragments that should be removed from your body and returned to the Lake of Cognition.……那是多余的记忆，是应该从你身体里分离，重新归回识底深湖的碎片。

MachlianBut... Morridow is being born here.但这里……正在诞生默莉朵。

BadbscaYes, this is another hotbed beyond the Lake of Cognition. It is the "Cocoon" where we are born.是的，这里是识底深湖之外的第二个温床。 也是诞生我们的“茧”。

MachlianIs this why I can't see you?这就是我看不见你的原因？

BadbscaI suppose I'm also a "cocoon" to you.在你的眼中，“我”应该也是“茧”。

MachlianWhy?为什么？

BadbscaThe Master wants to bring God to the physical world, but she specifically wants God to come to our sect. Not to GRCh38's domain. The Lake of Cognition is generated from GRCh38 and a part of "Spring". But the Master... wants God to manifest in our "Cocoon".大师想要让神降临人间，但她想要神降临在我们的教派。 而不是GRCh38区域。 识底深湖是GRCh38生出的一部分，泉的一部分。 但大师……想要神降临在我们的“茧”中。

Badbsca...We are born from her whims and flashes of inspiration.……我们是她的心血来潮和灵光乍现。

Machlian...Our names are all portmanteaus. Mine is a blend of "Macha" and "helianthus". Yours is "Badb" and "scarecrow" put together. And Morridow...……我的名字来源于玛赫与向日葵。 而你的名字来源于芭波和稻草人。 默莉朵……

BadbscaMorridow is a combination of "Morrígan" and "shadow".默莉朵是莫里甘和影子。

MachlianWhat exactly are we?我们到底是什么？

BadbscaA trinity... of sisters. Divine creations known as "Nytos".我们是三位一体的……姐妹。 名为“涅托”的神之造物。

MachlianNo... I'm no such thing. I remember feeling my own skin, expressing my own feelings. I'm no such thing...不是……我不是这种东西。 我有触摸过自己皮肤的记忆，我有表达过自己情感的瞬间。 我不是这种存在，我不是这种东西……

Badbsca...Machlian, you need to return to the "Cocoon" and be reborn.……玛赫莲，你需要回到“茧”，再诞生一次。

Machlian...No!……不！

The "younger sister" stops smiling. A slender finger presses the alarm button on the wall...“妹妹”停止了笑声，用纤细的手指按上了墙边的警报……

Standing on the precipice of the ravine, she peers down at the pile of cadavers with great satisfaction.她站在深壑边，满意地审视着填满其中的少女的尸体。

MorridowSo now I'm the one and only "Morridow"?现在，我是唯一的“默莉朵”了是吗？

White NytoYes, Sister.是的，姐姐大人。

Morridow's gaze falls on the "inferior specimen" before her. The malice in her eyes makes the white Nyto tremble.默莉朵的目光落在了眼前的“低等品”身上，她充满恶意的眼神令白涅托忍不住颤抖起来。

MachlianMorridow...默莉朵……

A soft call interrupts Morridow's sinister plotting. She turns around.轻声的呼唤打断了默莉朵阴谋的酝酿，她转过身。

Machlian slowly approaches Morridow, and Morridow shrinks back in fear.玛赫莲慢慢靠近了默莉朵，而默莉朵则慌张地向后退去。

MachlianLet's run away together.我们一起逃吧。

MorridowWhat?什么？

Morridow freezes for a moment, and Machlian uses this opportunity to walk up to her.默莉朵呆滞了一下，趁着这空隙，玛赫莲来到她的面前。

MachlianLet's get out of here... If we stay here, we won't be ourselves anymore.我们离开这里吧……继续呆下去，我们会变得不再是我们。

...That was the question Machlian had asked her that day. At a moment when Machlian thought Badbsca was not around, in a place where she thought Badbsca would not overhear, she had planned to quietly run away with Morridow. Leaving Badbsca behind all by herself. But Badbsca knew everything.……那一天，玛赫莲就是这样询问默莉朵的。 在玛赫莲以为芭斯凯不知道的时候，不知道的地方，想要悄悄地带上默莉朵离开。 丢下芭斯凯一个人。 但芭斯凯什么都知道。

71-A-10 跋涉

Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-法兰克福区。

At 1.30am, a van driving along a dark slip road merges slowly onto the westbound Autobahn 66. As soon as the bulky vehicle breaks free from the chaotic and congested traffic gridlock in the city, it starts speeding on the flat and empty highway.凌晨1点30分，一辆面包车自昏暗的匝道缓缓汇入A66公路西段。 笨拙的车身一挣脱老城区杂乱拥堵的交通网，便止不住在空旷平坦的主城区公路上狂飙。

Bright street lights rigged with speed cameras whizz past the roof of the van.明亮的路灯搭配测速拍照装置，自车顶一阵阵呼啸而过。

Mia opens the window and lets the clear, chilly air rush into the van—it is filled with the sweet fragrance of the local flora.米娅打开车窗，任由洁净的冷风灌满车内——甚至能闻到清甜的草木香气。

416We're out of their surveillance range. Our comms should be free from monitoring and interference.我们已经脱离监控路段，现在我们的通讯不受监听和干扰影响了。

AR-18Mia, we can now establish contact with Miss Nele.米娅，可以和奈乐小姐联系了。

MiaRight.嗯。

MiaNele, you there?奈乐，你在听吗？

NeleI'm here. Did you make it into the city okay?我在，你们顺利进城了吗？

MiaWe passed the checkpoint without arousing any suspicion. We're now en route to our destination.顺利通过检查了，没有引起怀疑。 现在正在去目的地的路上。

NeleI see. I'm glad it went smoothly.明白，一切顺利就好。

NeleMiss Instructor, I've solved your problem, so when do I get to meet the Commander?教官小姐，你们的问题我已经解决了，我什么时候才能和指挥官见面？

AR-18The Commander will definitely arrange a meeting with you first thing once this is over, I promise.我向您保证，指挥官一定会在这次事件结束后的第一时间安排和您的会面。

MiaGet some rest, Nele. It's already morning. You still need to visit your grandfather this afternoon.奈乐，早点休息吧，已经凌晨了。 今天下午你还要去见外祖父。

NeleYeah, I know...嗯，我知道……

Inside her hotel room, Nele is sitting at the desk with her head propped on her hand. On the bed behind her lie a few pieces of clothing her cousin has prepared for her for tomorrow, but she is not in the mood to try them on.酒店房间内，奈乐支着脑袋坐在写字台前。 身后的床上摊着几件表姐送来的为明天准备的衣服，但她连试穿的心情都没有。

NeleWhy is the Commander avoiding me...?为什么指挥官不愿意见我……

MiaDon't overthink it. Griffin is currently dealing with some very tricky issues. The Instructor hasn't told you about them because she doesn't want to get you involved.别多想，格里芬面对的问题很复杂棘手，教官不告诉你也是不想把你牵连进去。

Nele...Fine, I won't pry.……好吧，我不问了。

MiaIs everything all set for the afternoon? Has Frau Hebe confirmed everything with you?下午的行程都安排好了吗？赫柏小姐那边也确认好了？

NeleAll set. At eight in the morning, I'll meet Frau Hebe and have breakfast with her, then she'll give me some pointers regarding my appearance. At two in the afternoon, my grandfather's chauffeur will come pick me up at Frau Hebe's place.都搞定了。 早上八点，我会先去见赫柏小姐，和她一起吃个早午餐，然后她会给我一些造型上的建议。 下午两点，外祖父的司机会来赫柏小姐这里接我。

MiaHow do you feel about your interactions with Frau Hebe? What do you make of her?你和赫柏小姐接触下来感觉怎么样？她是个什么样的人？

NeleHm...嗯……

Nele pulls out a business card sandwiched between the pages of her notebook— It's printed on an unusual cream card stock with understated gold foil on the edge. The card is embossed with Hebe's signature and the sketch of a beautiful woman's profile. The only information it contains is Hebe's name and the contact details of her assistant.奈乐取出了夹在记事本中的名片—— 这是一张少见的德莱克米色名片，边缘包裹着一圈低调的金边，名片上用压花的工艺留下了赫柏的签名和一张美丽面孔的速写。 而名片的内容只有“赫柏”和一个助理的联系方式。

NeleI still haven't met her in person, but according to my cousin, Frau Hebe is a very charming retro belle...我还没有和本人接触过，不过表姐说，赫柏小姐是个非常有魅力的复古美人……

MiaFrom what I know, Frau Hebe has a pretty good reputation within the entertainment circle and still keeps in touch with her old friends even after getting married and leaving the showbiz. You know, I've never seen any other woman who didn't attract gossip for keeping her own name after marrying some bigwig government official. You see what I'm getting at? Women usually take their husband's surname after getting married, but she still goes by "Frau Hebe".据我所知，赫柏小姐在圈内的风评还不错，即便婚后退圈也依旧和以前的朋友有往来。 但我还是第一次见和高级官员成婚后，仍然以自己的名字在外活动，还不会招惹来非议的女人。 你明白我的意思吧？一般女人成婚后，都会改称为某某夫人，但她仍然以“赫柏小姐”的名义活动。

Nele...So?……所以呢？

MiaThis is highly unconventional for female stars. Other than her, I have not seen another case. This goes to show that there's something unusual about her, so you'd better watch out.对于女明星来说，这非常少见，除了她以外，我没有见过第二例。 你要当心了，这说明这个女人绝对不简单。

NeleRight, I'll be careful.嗯，我会谨慎的。

After Mia terminates the call, 416 disables the network connection on the vehicle.见米娅挂断了通讯，HK416重新断开了车上的网络。

416We may have left the surveillance range, but just to be safe, we should go dark before we reach our destination.虽然已经脱离了监控路段，但是保险起见，在抵达目标地点之前，我们还是保持断网状态吧。

AR-18Agreed.同意。

416Miss Mia, please exit at the next junction.米娅小姐，请从下一个下匝道拐出去。

MiaHm? Are we leaving the Autobahn so soon?嗯？这么早就下高速？

416Yes, we need to make certain that we aren't being followed.是的，我们需要确定有没有人在追踪我们。

UMP45From the various checks I've done, I don't believe anyone has their eyes on us at the moment. But since we can't be sure what they're actually capable of, please work with us here.虽然目前通过多方手段检测，没有人在注意我们。 但因为不确定这边的手段究竟能做到哪一步，所以还请配合我们。

Mia...I understand.……我知道了。

Following 416's instruction, Mia exits the Autobahn at the next junction.米娅按照HK416的指示，从下匝道驶出了高速路口。

2.15am, in a parking lot near a cemetery in Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.凌晨2点15分，法兰克福-法兰克福区，公墓附近的停车场。

UMP9Okay, we're now 100% sure that nobody's tracking our movement!确定了，没有人在追踪我们的动向！

MiaSo can we now carry on with our pre-planned route?可以按照导航继续开了吗？

416No, everybody get out of the van.不，全体下车。

Mia...What?……什么？

416We're switching vehicles before we set off again. Our back-up vehicle is in bay A052.换一台车，再继续行驶，备用车在A052车位。

AR-18Everybody, clean up all traces in the vehicle and disembark.所有人，收拾干净车里的痕迹，下车。

MiaYou actually prepared so far ahead... But we couldn't even make it into Frankfurt, how did you arrange for a back-up vehicle to be parked here?你们竟然做到了这个份上…… 连法兰克福都进不了，是怎么安排好车辆停在这里的？

UMP45We have our ways. ♪我们有自己的渠道♪

AR-18Just trust them on this. Nobody is more skilled at shaking off pursuit than 404.这方面就尽情信赖她们吧，甩掉追踪没有比404更专业的了。

Mia gets out of the van, not quite sure how to feel.米娅心情复杂地下了车。

2.15am, Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.凌晨2点15分，法兰克福-法兰克福区。

A nondescript van skillfully avoids the closely monitored main roads. Once certain it is not being followed, it stops circling around and slips into a concealed alleyway. At last, it pulls up steadily just outside an underground music bar.其貌不扬的货车熟练地绕开监控密集的主路段，确认未被跟踪后，车辆结束绕圈，钻入一条隐蔽的混乱小巷。 终于，稳稳停在一所看似废弃的下沉式音乐酒吧门前。

MiaWe're here.到了。

416We're getting off, Gr G11.下车了，G11。

Gr G11Ugh...呜……

The Dolls emerge from the vehicle. After making sure they haven't left anything behind, AR-18 walks over to the driver's window.人形们从车辆中钻出，AR-18确定无遗漏后，走到司机位置的窗边。

AR-18Thank you very much, Miss Mia.辛苦你了，米娅小姐。

MiaDon't mention it, as long as you hold up your end of the bargain with Nele.只要你们别忘记和奈乐的约定，我做的都不算什么。

AR-18Understood.明白。

With all the Dolls out of the van, it promptly drives away and soon disappears into the night.所有人形下车后，货车迅速驶离，消失在了夜色中。

The Dolls walk down the stairs and stop at the door of the closed bar.人形们走下台阶，来到已经关门的酒吧门前。

Hertha...Why is it closed?……怎么关门了？

416AR-18, have you agreed on a code phrase with them?AR-18，你有和她们约定接头方式吗？

AR-18Yes.嗯。

AR-18 walks up to the door and knocks.AR-18走上前敲了敲门。

???Hello? Hello?喂，您是？

AR-18I would like to speak with you.我想跟您谈谈。

???Who are you?您是哪位？

AR-18Red, a sky that is all red.我是红，天空的红。

???Have you another name?请换一种称呼。

AR-18Alright, that stream, In the grass with pieces of coal.好，我是那条小溪。 藏在草地里，携着煤的残渣。

The voice behind the door falls silent. After a moment, the door to the bar opens, and a black screen is pushed aside.门内的声音沉寂了，片刻后，酒吧的大门开启，掀开了黑暗的幕布。

???Please come in.请进。

The voice speaks coldly from an unidentifiable spot.清冷的声音传来，找不到来源的位置。

AR-18 nods at the Dolls behind her, then leads the way into the darkness.AR-18对身后的人形点点头，率先踏入了黑暗。

Tap... tap... The Dolls go down a rusty staircase, their disorderly footsteps echoing through the spacious underground interior.吧嗒、吧嗒—— 踏在生锈阶梯上的凌乱脚步声，在宽敞的地下空间回荡。

UMP9Wow, you'd never be able to tell from the outside.哇，没想到这下面另有乾坤啊。

416I certainly wasn't expecting the level of security in this place...这里的安全等级竟然如此高……

???This is a private property that Dr. Hume purchased before his death. External signals have a hard time penetrating the complex underground structure, so it should keep you safe for the time being.这里是休谟博士生前购置的私人房产。 地下结构复杂，外界信号很难渗透，可以暂时保障你们的安全。

AR-18Thank you for arranging this, Miss Stevens M520.感谢你的安排，史蒂文斯520小姐。

Stevens M520We meet at last.总算是见到你们了。

The girl looks up. She is sitting at the bar counter, sipping a cup of tea, which seems rather incongruous with her surroundings.少女抬起头来，她正坐在吧台优雅啜饮着和酒吧氛围格格不入的红茶。

Stevens M520Now that you're all here, we can finally get down to business. Though if you'd like to make some pointless small talk first, I don't mind waiting an extra five minutes... seeing that you're already two hours late.人已经来齐了，可以开始聊正事了。 当然如果你们要进行一些无聊的寒暄的话，我也不介意多等五分钟，反正你们已经迟到两小时了。

M16A1I don't think anyone here would find that necessary. Let's just get cracking.我想在场的各位都没有这种需求，直接开始吧。

M16 drains her glass of whiskey, then rises to her feet and walks over to join the group.M16喝光杯里的威士忌，站起来走近人群。

M16A1You took almost double the time it should have taken to get here. Did something happen on the way?你们比计划多花费了近一倍的时间，路上发生什么情况了吗？

416No, we just took a few detours for safety reasons.没有特殊情况，只是出于安全考虑做了一些绕路。

M16A1A necessary measure, I'm sure, as long as you didn't attract any unwanted attention.必要的措施，没有引起注意就好。

UMP45 tuts in feigned surprise.UMP45故作惊讶地发出啧舌声。

UMP45Never thought I'd see the day when you two would have such a civil conversation with each other.真没想到有一天能看见你们俩正常地对话。

AR-18Right, since we're all here, let's start the meeting.既然大家都到齐了，那么会议就正式开始了。

UMP9Huh? But DEFY hasn't arrived yet.欸，可是忤逆还没到啊？

Stevens M520They're here.已经到了。

Stevens M520 replies with a slight frown of distaste.史蒂文斯520颇有些不悦地皱起了眉头。

???Aw, I was hoping you wouldn't ruin the surprise.啊呀，我还以为你会帮我们保留这个惊喜呢。

AK-12 deactivates her cloak. Three pale-haired figures materialize on top of the table in the center of the room.AK12关闭了隐身状态，房间中央的桌上显现出三个白色的身影。

AN-94All members of Task Force DEFY are present.忤逆已经到齐了。

AK-12Good evening, ladies.各位晚上好。

Stevens M520Before we start...首先——

Stevens M520Get the hell off that table. That's a piece of antique in Dr. Hume's collection made of a single piece of old padauk wood.你们给我从桌上下来，那是休谟博士收藏的古董餐桌，缅甸花梨独板老料。

AK-12Whatever you say.悉听尊便。

The DEFY Dolls also join the others and take their seats. Now the meeting can finally begin in earnest.忤逆也来到人群附近坐下，显然，这场会议的开启条件已经完成了。

AR-18Let's start by discussing how we'll carry out the operation.接下来开始讨论具体行动事宜。

AR-18It has been eight whole days since the Commander went missing. All the intelligence we have gathered during this time points to the fact that Paradeus was involved in the Commander's disappearance. According to information supplied by DEFY, all Paradeus intelligence is processed through the Bee Sting System. If we hack it, we will be able to find leads about the Commander's whereabouts.距离指挥官失踪已经过去了整整8天，在此期间，我们通过各方面找到的情报显示指挥官的失踪和帕拉蒂斯有关。 根据忤逆提供的情报，帕拉蒂斯的情报都会经过蜂针系统处理，如果能够骇入其中的话一定能找到指挥官的线索。

AK-12Yes, we already have the approximate coordinates of the Bee Sting System server—it's under the Main.是的，我们已经掌握了蜂针系统服务器所在地的大致坐标，就在美因河底。

AR-18Squad 404, you will be in charge of attacking the Bee Sting System with support from Cross and Hertha.蜂针系统的攻克交给404来负责，克罗丝和赫莎为你们提供支援。

UMP45Sure.收到。

Stevens M520I can also provide aid if necessary.必要的话，我也可以提供援助。

Stevens M520After all, I'm very curious what kind of spell this Commander had cast on that dork...毕竟我真的很想知道指挥官到底给那个笨蛋灌了什么迷魂汤……

AR-18Then you have command over Cross and Hertha.那么克罗丝和赫莎就交给你了。

AK-12There has been an increase in Paradeus' activities since traffic restrictions were put in place in Frankfurt. I suspect they're up to something again.法兰克福交通管制后，帕拉蒂斯的行动变得更频繁了。 我怀疑它们有新的计划。

AR-18This is precisely what I need DEFY to do—to investigate Paradeus' intentions.这就是我需要忤逆做的，查清楚帕拉蒂斯的行动目的。

AK-12Just to investigate?只是查清楚？

AR-18That is your objective; how you achieve it is entirely up to you.以调查计划为目的，手段不做限制。

AK-12Just what I want to hear.正合我意。

AR-18Your actions will also serve as a distraction to draw Paradeus' attention away from 404, but please don't go overboard.你们的行动也能为404分散帕拉蒂斯的注意力，但请注意分寸。

As the muttered discussion continues in the basement, 416 takes note of the minute shift in M16's expressions.窃窃私语的地下室内，M16细微的表情变化尽数落入HK416眼底。

416Everyone present has been given a task, except for a certain someone who hasn't said a word so far.在座的各位似乎都分配到了工作，除了某位沉默者。

The edge in 416's words does not go unnoticed. All the Dolls, including AR-18, directs their gaze at M16.敏锐地捕捉到HK416言辞中的锋芒，包括AR-18在内，不少人同时将目光投向M16。

UMP45See, this is what I've been waiting for. ♪这才是我想看到的嘛♪

UMP945, don't stoke the fire...45姐，别拱火了……

416I meant no offense. I simply think that since we're all working together to rescue the Commander, we should share everything we know. Squad 404 is offering our tech, DEFY has also supplied all the intelligence they have gathered in recent days, so perhaps you also have something to contribute, M16?我没有针对M16的意思，我只是认为大家既然要合作救出指挥官，共享自己知道的情报是理所应当的。 404拿出了全部的技术，忤逆也给出了这些天搜集到的所有情报，M16是否也该有所表示？

Splash... M16 pours herself another whiskey as she meets 416's pointed gaze with an unflappable smile.哗啦——M16微笑着给酒杯倒上威士忌，不急不缓地抬眼对上HK416眼里的锋芒。

M16A1... It was Lunasia who removed the Commander and William from the Elmo.…… 露尼西亚从艾莫号上带走了指挥官和威廉。

416Then the question is... where are they now?问题是，他们现在的位置？

M16A1Frankfurt, in the White Zone.法兰克福，白区。

416The White Zone...?白区……？

M16A1A place mentioned in local urban legends, where there is absolutely zero contamination, prepared just for those in power.法兰克福都市传闻常出现过的地方，绝对的干净无污染，只为那些权势之人准备。

416What's the source of your information?你的情报来源？

M16A1That's all I can say about the White Zone and the Commander's whereabouts. I am now officially an employee of Statesec, so there are a lot of things in which I can't overtly get involved. Regarding your upcoming operation, I have only one request—determine the Commander's exact coordinates within the White Zone. I can handle the rest.关于“白区”和指挥官的下落，我能说的只有这么多。 我现在明面上的身份是国安局雇员，很多事不方便出面。 对于你们接下来的行动，我只有一个请求——找到指挥官在“白区”的准确坐标。 剩下的事，我可以想办法。

AR-18Understood. That is precisely what we wish to achieve.了解。 这也正是我们所期望的。

UMP45Say, why don't we harvest some honey before cutting down the hive? It'd be much easier to eradicate the hive and vermin when we have better tools, no?话说回来，为什么不在割下蜂巢之前先取点蜜呢？ 等有了更趁手的利器，到时候再彻底清除蜂巢和蛀虫不就方便多了？

AR-18That's not a bad idea. What do you think?不错的提议。 诸位觉得呢？

M16A1I have no objection.我没什么意见。

AK-12If you could locate Paradeus' remaining bases of operation, all the better.要是能从中找到帕拉蒂斯的残余基地，就再好不过了。

416We will do our best.我们会尝试破解的。

AR-18That concludes the preliminary division of labor for the operation, which will henceforth be known as Operation "Adrasteia". If we are all agreed, we will proceed to the next item on the agenda—行动初步分工安排完毕，行动代号为“阿德剌斯忒亚”。 没有异议的话，接下来进入下一议程——

AR-18The specifics of Operation Adrasteia.“阿德剌斯忒亚”行动的具体分工。

71-A-12 双重曝光

St. Mary's Sanatorium, Mainz District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-美因茨区，圣玛利亚疗养中心。

With a nurse showing the way, a woman holding a bouquet enters the room with a smile.在护士的引领下，捧着一束鲜花的女人笑意吟吟地走进了房间。

HebeYou look positively radiant even after just giving birth. You have no idea how jealous I am.刚经历过分娩的你竟然还如此光彩照人，真是让我嫉妒。

MeyerAnd you are as refreshing a presence as ever, Frau Hebe.赫柏小姐也是一如既往让人如沐春风啊。

Hebe walks up to the side of the bed gracefully and takes Meyer's hand.优雅地走到床边，赫柏轻轻握住了迈耶的手。

HebeYou've lost weight. Have you been eating properly these last few days? Is the catering not to your taste? I remember you like the food from—你瘦了，这些天有好好吃东西吗？ 是不是这家的餐食不合你胃口？我记得你爱吃那家——

MeyerOh, stop fretting over me, I'm perfectly fine.别担心我啦，我好着呢。

HebeI suppose you're worried about your little cousin.也是，你现在担心的都是你的那位表妹。

MeyerSigh... I just feel sorry for her. She was such a good kid and did really well in school. She only ended up going down the wrong path because she was deceived when she was freshly graduated... I wouldn't have come to you for help otherwise.唉…… 我就是惋惜她，很乖巧很会念书的孩子，可惜一出社会就被人给骗了，才走上了歧途…… 不然我也不会求着你帮忙了。

HebeBy Professor Gray, you mean? I remember she was all over the news a few years ago; she seemed like a professional woman of substance. Who could've known she was actually doing something so heinous in secret... Has Nele ever talked about her?是那个格雷教授吗？我记得早些年有很多她的相关报道，看起来是个专业又有涵养的女士。 没想到啊，实际上竟然做着那样的阴森恐怖的事情…… 奈乐有提到过她吗？

MeyerWe once had a chat where she mentioned how close they were, and that it was this Professor Gray who got her to work in Galatea. But since the scandal was publicized, she never brought it up again. I wouldn't be surprised if she's come to resent this "Professor Gray".之前奈乐有跟我聊过，说她们关系很好，还是这位格雷教授介绍奈乐进入的迦拉提亚。 但那些新闻爆发之后，她就没怎么提过了，我猜她应该是怨恨着这个所谓的“格雷老师”的。

Hebe...Is that so?……是吗？

MeyerYeah, every time I bring the woman up, she'll grimace, then promptly change the subject.嗯，每次我提到这个人，她的脸色就会变得很难看，然后就把话题岔开。

HebeI see...这样啊……

MeyerI'd rather not talk about her either. If it hadn't been for her, Nele would've had a bright future.真是不想提这个人，要不是她，奈乐本来应该有美好光明的前途。

HebeI understand how you feel. I have also been tricked by well-respected people back in the early days of my career.我明白你的心情，我刚出道的时候也受了不少欺骗，那些人对外还都是有脸面的人物呢。

MeyerBut you made it through. You starred in so many successful films, and now you're retired and have a happy family—how wonderful is that? If only Nele could also...但是你都熬过来了，有了那么多成功的作品，功成名就退居幕后，现在家庭美满的，多好啊。 要是奈乐也能……

HebeWhy can't she? Didn't you even manage to secure a meeting with Mr. Vogt for her? Anything is possible with just a nod from that man.怎么不能？你不是还为她求得了弗伊格特先生的会面？ 只要那位先生点头，什么事做不到呀。

MeyerI just hope their meeting will go ahead without a hitch...只希望他们今天的会面能顺利……

MeyerBut enough of that. Any news about the list of candidates that I've asked you to put together?不说这个了，我让你帮忙物色的人选，有着落吗？

HebeOf course~ I've picked out a handful based on your requirements.当然~ 按照你的要求，我挑出了这几个。

Hebe turns on her tablet and starts showing several profiles to Meyer.赫柏打开了平板，开始给迈耶展示几份档案。

HebeThese are all boys of good stock and education. I've also made enquiries about their characters; they are all kind and well-mannered gentlemen.这几个孩子，学历和出身都不错，人品方面我也打听过了，都是有礼貌且温柔的绅士。

MeyerOh, I knew I could count on you!哎呀，我就知道拜托你准没错！

HebeJust focus on recuperating. I'll see Nele at eight, and I'll get her to look through the profiles.你就安心休养吧，我和奈乐约了八点，到时候我会给她看看的。

MeyerThank you so much for the trouble. Once I'm discharged, I'll definitely treat you to—真是麻烦你了，等我出院了，一定请你——

HebeHush now.嘘。

Hebe quiets Meyer by holding up a long, slender finger.赫柏纤细修长的手指轻轻堵住了迈耶的话。

HebeYou know I don't need anything like that. As long as you get to go home in perfect health, I'm more than happy to help you solve your problems.你知道我不需要这些东西的，只要你健健康康出院，我很乐意为你解决这些烦扰。

MeyerYou really are the most considerate friend I have...你真是我身边最体贴的朋友了……

HebeDon't be such a stranger.见外的话就别说了。

Hebe deftly opens up the pastry she has brought along and cuts out a piece for Meyer.赫柏轻盈地拆开带来的甜品，给迈耶切好一块。

HebeNow tell me more about your little cousin's hobbies and interests.你再跟我讲讲你这个表妹的兴趣爱好之类的事情呢？

On the highway, Mainz District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-美因茨区，高速公路。

After departing from the sanatorium, the black limousine speeds steadily eastward to the Eschborn District.驶离疗养中心后，黑色加长豪车平稳地朝城市东部的埃施博恩区奔驰。

AssistantFrau Hebe, Miss Nele has already set off.赫柏小姐，奈乐小姐已经出发了。

HebeHave the chauffeur take her around for a spin and only drop her off when I'm done here. Also, get someone to look into all the comms, mail, photos, and videos on her social media.让司机带她兜兜风，等我处理完这边的事情再把她送到。 顺便找人再去调查下，主要是她所有社交媒体的通讯、邮件、照片视频记录。

AssistantYes, ma'am.是。

AssistantThe organizers of next year's film festival have invited you to be an award presenter again. How should I respond?明年的年度电影颁奖典礼又在邀请您做颁奖嘉宾，我该如何回复？

HebeThey're asking half a year ahead? They must be really short on people. Tell them my schedule is still TBD and I'll get back to them again in three months.提前半年来问？他们是真没人了啊。 就说档期不确定，三个月后再给回复。

AssistantUnderstood. And will you still be hosting the birthday meet-and-greet next month? Your fans have come to the office building and made a scene quite a few times.是。 那您一个月后的生日影迷会还举办吗？粉丝那边来公司楼下闹了好几次了。

HebeIt's essential that we maintain our intelligence network. We'll do it at the same restaurant. Remember to get some friendly journalists to snap some photos from outside.情报网的维护是必要的。 就上次那家餐厅吧，记得找几个熟悉的记者在外面拍拍照。

AssistantI'll make the arrangements at once. A few women have also invited you to an afternoon tea, but they are all on tier C in your system.我这就去安排。 还有几位夫人邀约您喝下午茶，不过她们在您备注里的等级都是C。

HebeTurn it down.推了。

AssistantGot it.没问题。

AssistantOh, while you were at St. Mary's Sanatorium earlier, a woman named "Lady Whyte" left you a message. You have not assigned her a tier, so I wasn't sure how to...对了，您刚刚在圣玛利亚疗养所的时候，一个备注为“怀特夫人”的女士给您留了言。 您没有给她备注等级，所以我不确定该……

HebeWhat's the message?她说什么？

AssistantIt reads, "The departed butterfly has re-woven its cocoon, ready to be reborn again." Forgive my ignorance, but is this lyrics from some opera? Should I purchase a ticket for you?内容是，“离去的蝴蝶重新织好了茧，等待着新一轮的重生”。 恕我无知，这是什么歌剧的台词吗？需要我帮您预订吗？

Hebe, who has been resting with her eyes closed in the back seat, opens her eyes.坐在后座闭目休息的赫柏睁开了双眼。

HebeNo need, she's already got me one.不用，她已经为我准备好门票了。

In the cultivation chamber beneath a Paradeus factory, Eschborn District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-埃施博恩区，帕拉蒂斯工厂底部培养仓房。

Dozens of Nytos—some white, some black, some struggling, some apathetic—are bound and incarcerated within rows of transparent water tanks. Nemhran stands before the tanks and watches as Ashley inspects each of them in turn and records their data.一排长长的透明水仓内，数十名或挣扎或冷漠的白涅托与黑涅托被缚住身体，受困其中。 尼梅兰伫立在前面，看着艾希礼挨个巡查、记录数据。

AshleySister Nemhran, I have already compiled all the data and generated a report. Should we wait until she arrives before we start, or...?尼梅兰姐姐，我已经统计好所有的数据并生成报告了。 是等那位姐姐到了再开始，还是……？

NemhranShe's already here.她已经到了。

Ashley has always prided herself on being perceptive, but she did not notice anyone approach.艾希礼一向自诩敏锐，但她没有察觉到任何人的接近。

???You've actually kept the same assistant around for so long.真是难得见你用同一个助理用了这么久。

Ashley...!……！

A slender arm wraps around her shoulders. From the corner of her eye, Ashley sees a beautiful face with exquisite features leaning in.纤细的手臂揽住了自己的肩膀，从视野的余光，艾希礼看见一张精致美丽的面孔探来。

HebeShe seems to be just an ordinary Nyto, so how did she manage to survive for so long by your side? How curious. I would love to take her apart and have a look...看起来是个普通涅托嘛，究竟是怎么做到在尼梅兰姐姐身边存活这么久的？ 真是好奇啊，好想拆开看看……

AshleySister Hebe... If I have done anything to offend you by mistake, please forgive me...赫柏姐姐……如果艾希礼做了什么不小心冒犯您的事，还请您原谅……

HebeHaha, I was just joking.呵呵，只是开个玩笑而已。

Hebe lets go of her. Ashley feels weak in her legs.赫柏收回手臂，艾希礼只感到一阵虚脱。

NemhranI have your report. You're excused for now.报告我已经收到了，你先退下吧。

AshleyYes, Sister Nemhran.是。

Ashley leaves the cultivation chamber, her heart still pounding in apprehension.艾希礼心有余悸地离开了培养仓房。

HebeIt shouldn't have been time to check in yet. Why have you summoned me?还没到该联络的时候，你叫我来干什么？

NemhranRead the report.你看看报告。

Hebe flips through the report that Ashley has left behind and raises an eyebrow derisively.赫柏翻了翻艾希礼留下的报告，戏谑地挑了挑眉。

HebeI see that the operation in Berlin went splendidly. Morridow was so efficient. Ruining plans, exposing her downlines, squandering our supplies—she did it all. She's even better at spending money than me.柏林的计划进行得很顺利嘛。 没想到默莉朵还挺能干，搞砸计划，暴露下线，败光物资，是一样没落下。 我洗钱都没她洗得这么干净。

NemhranI'll deal with her later. We have a much more pressing matter.她的事情之后我会处理，现在有更紧急的问题。

HebeThe channel to the Lake of Cognition was destroyed. Who's responsible?识底深湖的通道被毁了。 谁干的？

NemhranUnclear, but we need to activate the backup channel immediately. Otherwise, Paradeus' manpower supply will not be able to keep up with the progression of the plan.还不清楚，但我们需要立刻启动备用通道。 否则帕拉蒂斯的人员补充根本跟不上计划的进行。

HebeWhat does Father say?父亲大人的意思呢？

NemhranHe demands immediate result.他要立刻看到成果。

HebeAt any cost?意思就是不计代价咯？

NemhranI'm just relaying his order. Make of that what you will.我只传达命令，不做解读。

HebeOperation Cocoon is going smoothly here in Frankfurt. We're actually about 27% ahead of schedule.法兰克福这边，茧计划的推行很顺利，目前的进度比原计划还要提前了27%左右。

NemhranInitiate phase three right away.直接开启三期。

Hebe leans against the office desk with a smile and pauses for a moment before she responds.赫柏没有接话，只是笑盈盈地倚靠在办公桌边。

HebeThings may be going well here, but we're still a bit far off from being able to initiate phase three. Besides, you've been in Moscow and Avernus this whole time, so you couldn't stay on top of the situation in Berlin, let alone Frankfurt.法兰克福这边再怎么顺利，距离三期的开启也还有些距离。 况且尼梅兰姐姐之前一直待在莫斯科和阿佛那斯，对柏林的情况都不能说全部掌握，更别说法兰克福了。

HebeI built the foundation for Operation Cocoon in Frankfurt myself. It has taken years of effort in accumulating resources and establishing contacts to achieve its current scale. I know exactly what to do, I just need Father to give me a time frame.法兰克福的茧计划是我一手建立起的根基，运营了多年的人脉和资源，才有了现在的规模。 具体该怎么做，我的心里有数，只需要父亲大人给我一个时间节点。

NemhranDon't try to probe me for information. I am taking over here.无需试探，现在这里由我全权负责。

HebeI don't want Paradeus to be kicked out of Frankfurt the way it was in Berlin.我可不希望这里也像柏林一样，把帕拉蒂斯灰头土脸地踹走。

NemhranThe farce in Berlin will never be repeated. On another note, Professor Laplace's research has reached a critical stage, and maintaining a steady flow of resources is of utmost importance. I'm sure you know what the success of her research entails.柏林的闹剧绝不可能再一次发生。 另外，拉普拉斯教授的研究进展到了最关键的时期，正是最需要资源的时候。 你也清楚，她的研究成果意味着什么。

NemhranSo don't bother with your asinine tricks.明白的话就别在这时候玩些蹩脚的把戏。

HebeYou've changed a great deal since you left Avernus, Sister Nemhran. You didn't used to be so hard-handed...自从离开阿佛那斯，尼梅兰姐姐也变了不少啊。 以前的你可没有这么强硬……

Hebe's grin widens with interest.赫柏露出了兴味盎然的笑容。

HebeWhat else has happened that I don't know of, I wonder?这中间到底还发生了什么我不知道的事情呢？

NemhranI don't have time for idle chit-chat. Morridow and Bramedb are both worthless, and you're the only one I can think of to fill the opening.现在没有空跟你闲聊。 默莉朵和布拉梅德都指望不上，只有你我能想办法补上这个窟窿。

HebeI understand. Since Professor Laplace's research is almost complete, I won't have to wait long for what I want...知道了。 既然拉普拉斯教授的研究快要完成，那也说明我想要的东西即将来临……

NemhranGlad you worked that out.你清楚就好。

HebeOne more question—what do we do about the mess in Frankfurt? That RPK-16 sure was something else; she really muddied the waters there.还有个问题，法兰克福的闹剧怎么收场？ 那个RPK-16可真是个厉害的角色，把整个法兰克福的水都搅混了。

Nemhran... She brought up the organization named "Pandora". I'll have Styx take care of that, so no need to concern yourself with this matter. Anything else?…… 她打出了“潘多拉”组织的名字，我自然会叫斯提克斯去处理，你就不用操心了。 还有别的问题吗？

HebeNo, you are as dependable as ever, Sister Nemhran.没有了，尼梅兰姐姐真是一如既往的令人信赖呢。

NemhranIf you have no more questions, then get out of here. You mustn't blow your cover yet.没有问题就尽快离开这里，你的身份现在还不能暴露。

With a smile and a small wave, Hebe's lithe figure vanishes like smoke in the wind.赫柏笑着挥了挥手，轻盈的身姿就如风中的轻纱般消失不见了。

NemhranAshley, what's the current restoration progress of the factory?艾希礼，当前工厂的恢复进度？

AshleyYes, Sister Nemhran. Our facilities have been restored to 25.8% capacity, and repairs are progressing steadily. As for manpower...报告尼梅兰姐姐。 当前设施恢复25.8%，正在稳步推进中。至于人员方面……

Ashley grits her teeth.艾希礼咬了咬牙。

AshleyAt least 51% had been used up to keep the Bee Sting System and channel operating normally. Excluding the defective specimens that have gone rogue because of the disconnection, only 33% of the remaining personnel can be recovered...用以维持蜂针系统和通道的正常运转，此前已有至少51%的人力投入消耗。 剩下的人员中，排除因断连而彻底失控的劣等品，目前只能恢复至33%……

Nemhran runs some mental calculations, then she impassively walks over to the monitors and lets out an almost imperceptible sigh.尼梅兰在心底默默盘算着，面无表情地走向屏幕。叹息微不可闻。

NemhranClean up all the defective specimens within the next minute.一分钟内，把劣等品全部清理干净。

AshleyYes, Sister Nemhran.是。

Ashley hurries toward the warehouse.艾希礼匆匆走向了仓库的方向。

Boom!! A loud noise comes from above, shaking the old ceiling. Debris and dust fall all over the floor.轰——！！ 一声巨响自头顶上方传来，陈旧的天花板晃了晃，掉落一地的碎屑和微尘。

AshleyW-what was that...?!怎、怎么回事……？！

NemhranDon't panic.别慌。

Nemhran taps on the control terminal lightly, and the CCTV live feeds from both inside and outside the factory instantly fill the monitors in front of her.尼梅兰轻触操作台，工厂内外的监控画面霎时布满了眼前的屏幕。

On the roof of the central factory building, three shadowy figures flit past the edge of the screen and slip through the blasted hole like specters.中央厂房的屋顶，三个漆黑的身影从屏幕边缘划过，如魅影般钻入爆破的洞中。

NemhranTask Force DEFY? What relentless pests...忤逆小队？真是无孔不入的虫子……

AshleyData on Task Force DEFY have been updated and synchronized...报告尼梅兰姐姐，忤逆小队的资料已经同步完成——

NemhranThen there's not a moment to waste.那还在等什么？

Riiiiing... Nemhran pushes a button to activate the defenses of the factory. The next moment, the alarm starts blaring in the spacious workshop.叮铃铃——一键按下工厂的防御部署，霎时，空旷的车间内警铃大作。

NemhranProtect the core. I am going to greet them in person.保护好核心。 我去亲自会一会它们。

Light as a Feather II 轻如羽毛Ⅱ

■FILE■ AS87594837216437, decrypting...■档案■ AS87594837216437解码中……

White Nyto...Sister Nemhran, I have something urgent to report!……尼梅兰姐姐，我有紧急的事情向您汇报！

NemhranWhy are you using this comms channel?为什么是你在使用这个通讯频道？

White NytoSister Badbsca's cocoon... broke again... Because of Sister Machlian's betrayal... We need your help in Frankfurt...芭斯凯姐姐的茧……又破了…… 因为玛赫莲姐姐的叛逃…… 法兰克福需要您的支持……

Nemhran...I can't leave Moscow at the moment. I'll send someone to Frankfurt instead.……我现在还无法离开莫斯科。 稍后我会重新派人前往法兰克福。

White Nyto...Yes, Sister.……遵命。

Nemhran disconnects from Frankfurt's comms channel. After a moment of thought, she makes a call to Laplace's lab.尼梅兰关闭法兰克福的通讯频道，思考片刻后，她链接上拉普拉斯实验室的通讯。

NemhranMadam Laplace, here are the data from phase one of Operation Cocoon.拉普拉斯大人，这是茧计划一期的各项数据。

Laplace...Badbsca doesn't seem very stable. The focus is still on the Lake of Cognition. Switch to a new batch of materials. How is Gray's Nytofication coming long?……看来芭斯凯并不稳定。 目前还是以识底深湖为主。 换一批实验素材吧，格雷的涅托化进度如何了？

NemhranThe final stability screening is still underway.还在进行最后的稳定性筛选。

LaplaceKeep developing the "Cocoon" in Frankfurt. You can also start making arrangements for the one in Berlin.法兰克福的“茧”继续推进。 柏林的“茧”你可以着手安排了。

NemhranSure. Father has confirmed that the experimental waste can be processed into new weapons. Should we still dump the waste into the Lake of Cognition?好的。 经过父亲大人的确认，实验垃圾可以加工为新的武器。 废料是否还需要倾入识底深湖？

Laplace ponders the question in silence.拉普拉斯陷入了沉默。

NemhranIf you are worried about the consumption of materials... Once the Berlin branch goes into operation, our reserves will be very well stocked. And when Gray's Nytofication is complete, the screening and cultivation of fully-immune individuals will go even more smoothly.如果您是担心材料消耗的问题…… 柏林的茧计划一旦开工，我们的耗材存储将进入充裕的状态。 等到格雷完成涅托化后，完全免疫体的选拔和培育也将会更为顺利。

LaplaceWe must prioritize maintaining the supply for the Lake of Cognition. The Expedition backup plan is still the main purpose of the "Cocoon" in Frankfurt. Continue to supply the Lake with the waste generated by the experiment. As for Berlin, make the fully-immune individual the top priority. Their materials can be given to William.优先保证识底深湖的供养。 远征备用计划还是法兰克福的“茧”的主要目的，实验产生的废料继续维持识底深湖吧。 柏林的话，以完全免疫体为最优先，这部分耗材可以交给威廉。

NemhranUnderstood. In addition, Father has given the weapon the codename "Iaso's Box".明白。 另外，父亲大人将武器生产代号命名为“伊阿索之匣”。

LaplaceWhatever floats his boat.他开心就好。

As soon as Nemhran terminates the call, another comms request starts flashing.尼梅兰挂断通讯后，又有新的通讯频道亮起。

White NytoSister Nimerlan, Father will personally participate in the production of the white weapons. Also, he has placed Sister Morridow in charge of Berlin.尼梅兰姐姐，白色武器相关的生产线父亲大人要亲自参与。 而且，父亲大人指名默莉朵姐姐为柏林的主要负责人。

Nemhran...I see.……我知道了。

White NytoShould I grant Sister Morridow access clearance to the Bee Sting System?那么蜂针系统的权限是否需要开放给默莉朵姐姐？

Nemhran...Give her the same clearance level as Hebe.……按照赫柏的权限给她一样的。

The white Nyto takes a moment to complete the procedure.片刻后，白涅托处理完信息。

White NytoAuthorization confirmed, but Sister Morridow has rejected the comms connection. Should I leave a message or try again later?权限已确认，默莉朵姐姐拒绝通讯连接。 是否需要我进行留言，或者稍后再尝试一次？

White NytoSister Nemhran?尼梅兰姐姐？

White NytoGah... Wait...呃呜……等……

White NytoI'm sor... Sister... Ack...姐姐对不……咕……

Thunk. The sound of something heavy hitting the floor can be heard from the other end of the comms channel. After a brief silence, the call is terminated automatically.咚。 通讯频道的另一端传来重物倒地的声音，在短暂的寂静后，通讯自动结束。

NemhranNytos clearly have the capacity for jealousy, conflict, mistrust, malice, cruelty—traits that are commonly found in humans... So how come we are not considered human?涅托明显有着属于人类的嫉妒、争斗、防备、凶狠、残忍…… 怎么不算是人类呢？

Nemhran's footsteps gradually recede into the distance. Having observed it all in silence, the cocoon enclosed in the incubator writhes restlessly. A still-developing creature is enveloped in a white amniotic membrane that imitates the womb. Badbsca has no eyes, but she can see everything.尼梅兰的脚步声走远。 安静地见证完一切，被封闭在培养仓中的茧团不安分地扭动着身躯。 模仿子宫造成的白色生物膜包裹着内里的尚未发育完全的造物。 芭斯凯没有眼睛，但她能看见一切。

BadbscaMachlian... You won't get away...玛赫莲……你逃不掉的……

The line between what is human and what isn't has long been blurred. Machlian, where is there for you to run?人与非人的界限早已模糊不清。 玛赫莲，你能逃到哪里呢？

71-A-14 迷失于浑沌

Outside Hebe's villa, Mainz District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-美因茨区，赫柏的度假别墅外。

Nele gets out of the car arranged by Frau Hebe and finds herself in a verdant area. All kinds of lush trees and shrubs are pruned in tasteful shapes, while ivy clings lazily to the villa's external fences and walls.从赫柏小姐安排的车上下来，奈乐就来到一片绿意盎然的街区。 各式绿植长势惊人，被修剪成旺盛又优雅的姿态，慵懒恣意地攀附在临街别墅的栅栏和墙壁上。

NeleKessler Manor, No. 68...凯斯勒庄园68号……

Nele brushes aside the leaves blocking the door sign and is finally able to confirm that she has come to the right address stated on her piece of paper.搜寻着被掩盖在绿叶下的门牌，奈乐总算摸索到了纸条上的地址。

Outside the understated and minimalistic villa, a slender woman is watering the plants in the garden. As if sensing Nele's approach, the woman looks up and smiles.低调简约的独栋别墅外，一名身姿窈窕的女性正在给花园中的植物浇水。 像是察觉到了奈乐的接近，女人抬起头嫣然一笑。

???Frau Cornelia Schaefer, I presume?你就是高奈莉娅•舍夫尔小姐吧？

NeleYes, hello. Are you Frau Hebe?对，您好，您是赫柏小姐吗？

HebeI am.我是。

Hebe puts down her watering can, walks over to Nele, and takes her hand amiably.赫柏笑眯眯地放下手中的水壶，朝奈乐走来，亲切地握住了她的手。

HebeI'm so sorry for making you come all this way.真是抱歉，让你跑这么远。

NeleNo, it's okay! I'm the one who's taking up your time...没关系没关系！本来就是我冒昧打扰……

Hebe pats Nele gently on the head and invites her into her garden.赫柏温柔地摸了摸奈乐的头，顺势就邀请她走进自家的花园。

HebePlease do come in.快请进吧。

Nele pushes open the elegantly-shaped wooden gate and steps onto the soft grass. She inhales the faint floral aroma in the air.推开造型雅致的木栅栏，奈乐踏上柔软的草地，嗅着空气中淡淡的花香。

HebePlease take a seat, Frau Cornelia.请坐，高奈莉娅小姐。

NeleJust call me Nele.您叫我奈乐就好。

Hebe pours some tea, which has been sitting ready on the table, into the cup in front of Nele.赫柏将桌上泡好的红茶倒入奈乐面前的杯子。

HebeYou have the same clear, soft eyes as your cousin.你的眼睛和你表姐一样，清澈干净，让人看着就很舒服。

NeleThank you.谢谢您。

HebeMeyer says you two grew up together and remained very close until you went to different universities.迈耶说你们俩从小一起长大，感情很好，直到上大学才分开。

NeleThat's right, my cousin has always been very nice to me. She's always thinking of me even when we're apart.是的，表姐一直待我很好。 即便分开在两地，她也在关心着我。

HebeOf course, or she wouldn't ask me to recommend you some possible boyfriends~那是自然，否则她也不会让我帮你物色男朋友了~

NeleUgh...唔……

Nele leans back in her chair with an exasperated groan. With a chuckle, Hebe gestures at an attendant to serve their dessert.奈乐痛苦地靠在椅背上，赫柏笑着招手示意侍者上甜品。

HebeWhat kind of boys do you like, Nele?奈乐喜欢什么样的男孩？

NeleWell... Someone with a sense of justice and duty...?这个…… 正义，有责任心的吧……

HebeThat's it?没了？

NeleYeah...嗯……

Hebe gazes into the distance thoughtfully.赫柏若有所思地看向远方。

HebeI can tell without asking that you haven't been in more than two relationships, am I right?不用问，我就知道，你谈恋爱不超过两段吧？

NeleHuh?! How do you know...?诶？！您是怎么知道的……

HebeHaha, I have my ways. Still, your cousin mentioned that back when you were trapped inside a burning building, a Stasi agent charged in there to save you? She thought something was going on between you two~哈哈，我自有我的判断。 不过，你表姐说，之前你被困火场的时候，有一位斯塔西特工冲去救你？ 她当时以为，那是你的暧昧对象呢~

NeleYou mean Agent J...? I only asked him a favor because of what happened with Galatea...是在说J探员的事吗……？ 我只是因为迦拉提亚的事才会去拜托他的……

NeleAlso, it was Mia who got me out; he didn't really do much...而且是米娅把我救出来的，他也没发挥什么作用……

HebeWhat happened with Galatea... Are you referring to the scandal concerning Professor Gray?迦拉提亚的事……是指那位格雷教授吗？

NeleYeah...嗯……

HebeFrom what Meyer told me, you said Professor Gray was always kind to you, and that you'd learned a great deal working under her as an intern. You also loved your work at the lab. So you asked the Stasi to investigate why Professor Gray had turned from a well-respected teacher into a public enemy?听迈耶说，你之前总说，格雷教授对你很好，在她手下实习你学到了很多，你也很喜欢在实验室的工作。 你找斯塔西是想调查格雷教授为什么会从受人敬仰的老师变成人人喊打的老鼠吗？

Nele... I just wanted to retrieve my research data from Professor Gray's lab. As for the professor herself...…… 我只是想去拿回我在格雷老师实验室里的研究成果，至于格雷老师……

Nele's heart pounds uneasily.奈乐的心不安地跳动着。

NeleThere's light and darkness in everyone. To me, Professor Gray has always been an earnest and righteous woman with unyielding tenacity. I don't understand the darkness that was hidden inside her, but I will always remember the light that she had given me.每个人都有光明和黑暗的面。 在我心中，格雷老师一直是位正义真诚且有着不懈求索精神的女士。 我不理解她的黑暗面，但我会记住她给予我的光明。

HebeA splendid answer.漂亮的答案。

HebeI have also experienced betrayal at the hands of a trusted mentor. I was young back then, just like you, and it had caused me a lot of pain and suffering.我曾经也遭遇过被信任的前辈背叛，那时候的我还像你一样年轻，为此痛苦了很久。

NeleUh...诶……

HebeBut from what you have just said, I know I have nothing to worry about. You are strong, my dear.看见你现在这样，我就安心了，你是个坚强的孩子。

Hebe slides her tablet over to Nele with a smile.赫柏笑着将自己的平板放在奈乐面前。

HebeA lovely young woman like you deserves an outstanding partner. Following your cousin's request, I've picked out a few young men out of the new recruits at the Ministry of Health. See if any of them catch your eye?像你这样的好孩子，值得一个优秀的伴侣。 按照你表姐的需求，我帮你从今年刚进卫生部的年轻人中挑选了几位，你看看有没有心仪的？

NeleUh...呃……

Staring at the profiles lying in front of her, Nele squirms in her seat.看着眼前的几份档案，奈乐再次感到了如坐针毡。

NeleI'd rather be forced to proofread my underclassmen's theses...还不如罚我帮学弟学妹改论文……

After the long and painful meal, Hebe leads Nele into her dressing room. The interior of the manor smells faintly of fragrance. Inside the spacious dressing room, there are rows upon rows of clothes, jewelry, shoes, and all kinds of accessories, categorized by color and style and displayed in an orderly fashion. The disorienting sight reminds Nele of the time when she conducted an experiment while having a fever. She had prepared the reagents according to the total volume, but after adding in the final sample, she realized she was still very far off, and she couldn't even remember what she had put in and what she hadn't.结束痛苦漫长的用餐后，赫柏领着奈乐走进衣帽间，屋内萦绕着淡淡的香味。 宽敞的房间内，按照颜色、风格的分类，整齐陈列着满满当当的衣服、首饰、鞋履等物件，看得人眼花缭乱。 让奈乐回想起有一次发烧做实验时按总体积配试剂，加完最后一个样品发现还差很多，而自己根本想不起哪些加过，哪些没加了。

HebeI quite like the ones you picked. I'll investigate them a bit further, and if everything checks out, you can have a dinner date with each of them.你挑的那几个我也觉得不错，我会再帮你调查一下，没问题就约出来见面吃个饭吧。

NeleRight... thanks...好……麻烦您了……

HebeNow let's see what we can do about your look for your appointment with Herr Vogt. Herr Vogt is not a shallow man who judges a book by its appearance. Trying too hard in dressing up will actually put him off.那么，现在来看看你去见弗伊格特先生的造型吧。 弗伊格特先生不是个以貌取人的肤浅之人，在外貌上下太大的功夫反而会引起他的反感。

NeleI understand.我明白了。

HebeWhat do you usually wear?你平常喜欢穿什么样的衣服？

NeleA lab coat over pajamas.睡衣，外面披件实验服。

NeleIf a superior is visiting the lab, I'll dress a bit more formally. Basically a lab coat over a T-shirt and pants.有领导来的话会穿正式点，大概是T恤加长裤，外面披件实验服。

HebeI see.了解了。

Nele can see a hint of despair flash past Hebe's eyes.奈乐隐约看见赫柏眼中一闪而过的无奈。

HebeNele, do you usually spend most of your time in the lab and barely ever go out and socialize with others?奈乐，你平常是不是一直泡在实验室里，也不出去社交娱乐的？

NeleYes... How could you tell?嗯……您是怎么知道的？

Instead of answering, Hebe simply chuckles. Then she pulls several simple but chic dresses out of the wardrobe of light-colored clothes. They are all things that Nele would never even go near.赫柏轻笑几声没有回答，然后从浅色的衣柜中取出了几件款式简约大气的裙子。 刚好全部属于奈乐平常绝不会碰的类型。

HebeI think these would suit you. Want to try them on?我看这几件挺合适你的，你来试试看？

Nele...Okay.……好的。

Nele enters the changing room with the dresses in her arms as if she was about to face a death squad.怀着赴死的心情，奈乐抱着裙子走进了更衣室。

...Some time later.……一段时间后。

Rustle... Hebe brushes Nele's hair gently while trying to console her.唰—— 赫柏轻轻梳理着奈乐的头发，温柔地安慰着她。

HebeIt's alright, my dear. You don't usually wear dresses, so it's perfectly understandable that you're not used to it. You don't have to blame yourself.没关系的，你之前不怎么穿裙子，一时不习惯也很正常，你不必自责。

NeleI'm sorry... I'm really sorry...对不起……我真的很抱歉……

After putting on the maxi dress and coming out of the changing room, Nele had tripped immediately and knocked down a whole rack of accessories. She scrunches up her face and desperately tries to put the extremely embarrassing moment out of her mind.奈乐哭丧着脸，竭力忘记刚刚穿着长裙走出更衣室就被绊倒在地、碰翻一排配饰挂架的尴尬。

HebeHaha, you really don't have to beat yourself up over that. It's actually a good thing that it happened.呵呵，真的不用自责啦，这其实是件好事。

Nele...What do you mean?……为什么？

HebeIt shows that the clothes that I had chosen for you didn't actually suit you. It's much better that you slipped in my dressing room than in front of Herr Vogt, don't you think?因为这说明我帮你挑选的衣服并不适合你。 在我的衣帽间犯错，比在弗伊格特先生面前犯错好多了，不是吗？

NeleThank you, Frau Hebe...谢谢您，赫柏小姐……

HebeThen let's tidy up what you're wearing, add some volume to your hair, and apply some light makeup. Anything else would be unnecessary. After all, you're young and already very beautiful.那么，现在我们把你的身上的衣服打理一下，头发做得蓬松一些，再画一个淡妆，其余的我都认为多余。 毕竟奈乐本身正是年轻美丽的时候。

NeleI... I'll defer to your judgment...我……我都听您的……

Hebe smiles and waves after putting Nele into the car sent by Vogt.看着奈乐坐上弗伊格特派遣来的车，赫柏微笑着挥了挥手。

When the car has driven out of sight, Hebe hands her assistant a hard drive.等车辆驶离街区后，赫柏将一个硬盘交给了身边的助理。

HebeAnalyze it.拿去分析。

AssistantYes, ma'am. What is in here?是，这里面是？

HebeNele's communication logs. Look through every single conversation, message, and email.奈乐通讯器里的内容。 每一则对话、讯息、邮件，都要清楚地查明。

AssistantUnderstood.明白。

On a highway in Frankfurt. Inside the speeding sedan, Nele tries to stay awake as she takes in the cityscape in the morning sunshine from the suspension bridge. A thoroughfare cuts straight through a swathe of villas with low red roofs, making it look like a flawless slice of red velvet cake.法兰克福市内，高速公路。 疾驰的轿车里，奈乐强忍睡意，自悬空的高架眺望晨曦中的法兰克福。 成片低矮的红顶别墅被主干道均匀地分开，如一块切好的红丝绒蛋糕，完美得毫无瑕疵。

Beep—a message from Mia.嘀嘀，是米娅的讯息。

MiaDid everything go well?一切都还顺利吗？

NeleI just met Frau Hebe. I'm now on my way to see my grandfather.我已经见完赫柏小姐，现在在去见外祖父的路上。

MiaHave you done as I told you and purged everything that had to do with Griffin and the Stasi from your comms logs?你有按我说的，把和格里芬、斯塔西的通讯删干净吗？

NeleOf course. I've even deleted the contact details so that there's absolutely nothing to find even if Grandfather looks through them.当然，连通讯方式也一起，这样就算外祖父会检查，也绝对没有痕迹。

MiaGood. Now get some rest while you're on the way. You'll have to be extremely careful when talking to your grandfather.好，路上抓紧时间休息一会，和外祖父说话一定要慎之又慎。

NeleYeah, Frau Hebe said the same.嗯，赫柏小姐有嘱咐过我。

NeleHow are things on the Instructor's end?教官小姐那边怎么样了？

MiaThe last time we communicated, she told me the operation had already begun. I'm guessing she'll only get in touch again when it's over.最后一次联系说，已经开始行动了，估计要等结束了才会联络我。

NeleRight... I hope things go well for them too.好……希望她们也能顺利。

NeleBy the way, what kind of place is the White Zone? Why can't I find any information about that?对了，白区到底是个什么样的地方？为什么我完全查不到相关的信息？

MiaAll I know is that it's basically top secret. Other than that, I've got nothing.我只知道，它的保密等级很高，具体情况就不清楚了。

NeleNo wonder she asked me to take special note of the terrain in the White Zone...难怪教官小姐特意要我注意白区的地形什么的……

MiaJust do the best you can, but don't put too much pressure on yourself.量力而为就行，别太勉强自己。

NeleDon't worry, I got this.放心吧。

Nele puts down her communicator and looks out the window.放下通讯器，奈乐看向窗外。

When the sedan drives past a junction, the eye-catching blue signboard catches Nele's attention. "Raunheim, Wiesbaden-bound."岔路口，一块显眼的蓝色路标掠过车旁，引起了奈乐的注意。 “罗因海姆——威斯巴登方向”

Nele turns on the real-time GPS on her tablet and confirms the fact that she is currently traveling towards the district center from the southeast.打开平板的实时定位，奈乐确认了自己正沿着东南方向进入中心城区。

NeleHerr Chauffeur, doesn't Grandfather live in Raunheim? Why are we heading towards Wiesbaden?司机先生，外祖父不是住在罗因海姆区吗，为什么是威斯巴登方向？

Chauffeur...Herr Vogt no longer resides in Raunheim.……弗伊格特先生现已不住在罗因海姆区。

NeleThen where does he live? In Wiesbaden?那他住在哪儿？威斯巴登？

Chauffeur... You'll find out when we get there.…… 等您到了就知道了。

It is clear that the chauffeur does not wish to answer. Nele raises an eyebrow and decides to keep her questions to herself.对方拒斥回答的态度十分明显。奈乐挑了挑眉，将满腹疑问压了下去。

Whoosh... The moment the sedan drives into the district area, the erect noise barriers block Nele's view. Under the watchful gaze of the increasingly frequent speed detectors on the roadside, the car slowly decelerates as it travels downhill along the road...呼啦——驶入中心城区的瞬间，公路隔音屏竖起，牢牢挡住了奈乐的视线。 在路旁愈发密集的测速仪的见证下，车速渐渐放缓，车身也随着公路逐渐下沉……

Nele...Hm?……咦？

While the car is stuck in traffic, Nele spots a white piece of construction in the distance through the gaps of the noise barriers. It is a very tall wall towering in the district center. From this distance, it looks comically out of place, almost like a giant's building block toy.走走停停间，透过隔音屏的缝隙，远处的白色建筑引起了奈乐的注意。 那是一面伫立于市中心的高墙，远远望去，仿佛巨人搭的积木玩具，十分突兀滑稽。

ChauffeurIs something the matter?怎么了？

NeleNo.没事。

Nele sits back and quickly identifies the nearby buildings on the map.奈乐缩回座位，迅速在地图上辨认着附近的建筑。

NeleThe Diet, the court, the administrative building... government offices... ...Huh?议院、法院、行政楼……政府机关办事处…… ……咦？

Behind the Diet complex on the map is a completely grayed-out area, which matches the location of the tall white wall in the distance. No matter how much she zooms in on the map, it will not show her any of the buildings within the area... except for a small one right on the edge labeled "Sanatorium".密集的国会建筑群后方有一片完全灰色的图示区域，与远处白色高墙遥相呼应。 无论地图如何放大，整片区域都无法显示任何内部建筑——除了边缘的一个小坐标点，标识着“疗养院”的字样。

NeleHerr Chauffeur, do you know what that white thing over there is? Uh, hold on—?先生，请问您知道那边的白色建筑是什么吗？ 诶，等一下——？

Even though they are caught in a gridlock, the chauffeur wordlessly inches the vehicle forward, so that the noise barriers once again block Nele's view.停滞的车流中央，司机不动声色地贴近前车，刻意让隔音屏再度遮住奈乐的视线。

NeleDid he do that on purpose...?故意的……？

After a moment of silence, Nele asks again evenly.奈乐沉默片刻，不慌不忙地二次发问。

NeleI just saw a tall white wall at the center of Wiesbaden District, just to the north of the Diet complex on the map. Do you know what that is?我刚才看到威斯巴登区中心有一堵白色高墙，地图显示在议院北部。 请问您知道那是什么地方吗？

ChauffeurOh, some kind of purification quarantine wall, I think? There's a sanatorium there.哦，好像是什么净化隔离墙吧。 那儿有个疗养院。

Nele...I see.……原来如此。

The long line of traffic ahead shows no sign of moving. Nele notices that the chauffeur keeps looking at her through the rearview mirror.前方的长队没有丝毫松动的迹象。 透过后视镜，奈乐留意到司机正时不时地打量着自己。

Nele drops her gaze casually. While yawning, she surreptitiously uploads a screencap of the satellite map to the cloud. The car slowly moves forward...奈乐不动声色地低头，一边打呵欠，一边悄悄将卫星地图截屏同步到云端。 车辆缓缓向前挪动……

Just as Nele swipes back to the homepage, everything around her suddenly goes dark.就在奈乐划回默认桌面的瞬间，四周倏忽暗了下来。

Through the car window, there is nothing but boundless darkness ahead. White light after white light whizz past overhead. The signal comes and goes.透过车窗，前方的黑暗无边无际，一盏盏白灯从头顶划过。信号若有若无。

Realizing that the light from her tablet is reflected on her own glasses, Nele quietly turns off the screen.意识到自己的眼镜镜片反射着平板的光，奈乐默默关掉了屏幕。

NeleHow much longer will it take...?请问还有多久……？

ChauffeurPlease get some rest. I will wake you when we arrive.请休息吧。快到的时候我会叫您的。

Nele blinks. She asks no more questions.奈乐眨了眨眼，不再提问。

After turning several corners, only the monotonous rumbling of the vehicle can be heard in the tunnel. Fighting her drowsiness, Nele slowly closes her sore and puffy eyes...拐过数个转角，隧道内徘徊着单调的汽车轰鸣。 奈乐努力抵抗着困意，轻轻闭上酸胀的眼睛……

ChauffeurPlease wake up, Frau Schaefer. We're here.醒醒，舍夫尔小姐。 我们到了。

NeleUgh...唔……

The chauffeur makes himself scarce as soon as he has escorted the groggy Nele into the enclosed elevator. Nele has not even got the time to register the building she has entered. Only after the chauffeur is gone does she realize that none of the buttons in the elevator do anything when she presses them, nor does she see an emergency button. There are CCTV cameras in all four corners on the ceiling recording her every move...司机将睡眼惺忪的奈乐送到封闭的电梯内就离开了，奈乐甚至连自己走进了什么样的建筑都没来得及看见。 司机离开后她才发现，电梯里所有的按钮摁下去都没有反应，也看不到任何应急装置。 头顶的四个角落布满监控，记录着奈乐的一举一动……

Thunk, thunk—that sounds like the pulley passing through a joint in the track sections. Holding on tightly to the handrail, Nele can only roughly judge the elevator's course by the inertia she is experiencing as it climbs and descends periodically. She feels like a caged animal being transported to god-knows-where...咚、咚——似乎是滑轮经过一节节轨道连接处的声音。 牢牢地扶着把手，奈乐只能根据惯性，粗略判断电梯时而横向前进，时而上升、下降。 仿佛一只行李箱里的活体动物，不知会被运往何处……

After a long journey, the elevator doors finally slide open again. Trying to overcome her motion sickness, Nele slowly exits the elevator and takes in her surroundings cautiously... and realizes that all the people milling about are dressed in police or military uniforms.漫长的穿梭后，电梯门终于再次打开。 勉强克服眩晕的感觉，奈乐缓缓走出，谨慎地打量四周——来来往往的竟都是身穿警服或军装的人。

???Frau Cornelia Schaefer.高奈莉娅•舍夫尔小姐。

Just as she is at a loss as to where to go, a military Doll standing next to the elevator calls out to her.迷茫之际，电梯旁的一个军用人形叫住了她。

SonyaHello, I am Herr Vogt's housekeeper. You may call me Sonya.您好，我是弗伊格特先生的人形管家，您可以称呼我松雅。

Nele...Hello.……您好。

SonyaPlease follow me.请跟我来。

Sonya takes the package out of Nele's arms and walks toward the security gate of the basement lobby.松雅一把接过奈乐手中的包裹，快步走向大厅底层的安检门。

SonyaPlease put your bag and coat inside the tray. Also take out everything in your pockets, all metal objects, and electronic devices, and place them here.请把包和外套放入框内。 口袋里所有物品、身上含金属的物件、电子设备统统拿出来，放在这里。

Nele grits her teeth, then follows Sonya's instructions as quickly as she can and places everything tidily into the plastic tray.奈乐咬了咬牙，以最快的速度将全身物品按照松雅的指令收拾好，整齐地放入塑料筐中。

Beep. Having detected the change in weight, the black conveyor belt starts running slowly, sending the plastic tray through the security scanner.滴。检测到重量变化，黑色传送履带缓缓运行，将塑料筐送入安检机。

SonyaPlease head that way and stand behind the line.请走过去，站在线后。

Nele peers at the black security gate, then strides through calmly.看了看前方的黑色安检门，奈乐镇定地迈过。

Beep. The indicator light flickers green.滴。闪烁的指示灯跳转为绿色。

A garrison soldier in uniform sweeps Nele from head to toe with a hand-held scanner.一位身穿制服的卫戍团士兵拿着扫描仪，将奈乐全身上下，里里外外再次扫描了一遍。

Garrison SoldierAlright.可以了。

Garrison SoldierLook at the camera. Open your mouth, nod, blink...看摄像头——张嘴，点头，眨眼……

Garrison SoldierPlace both of your thumbs here.左右手大拇指都放上来。

Garrison SoldierRight. Now sign these.好了，这里签字。

Nele glances at the titles of the documents quickly— "White Zone Private Visit Approval Form", "White Zone Private Visitor (Category D) Non-Disclosure Agreement"...奈乐匆匆扫了一眼文件标题—— 《白区私人访问回执单》，《白区私人访客（D类）保密协议》……

NeleSo many documents...?需要签这么多文件吗……

Garrison SoldierSomeone will brief you on everything soon. Pay special attention to this bit here—NDA clause 1.1, "Upon departure from the White Zone, the Visitor shall not disclose any internal information or observations related to the White Zone to any external party. Any breach of this obligation shall be deemed an act of endangering national security and will be subject to legal consequences accordingly."稍后您的接待人会进行说明。 尤其注意这里，保密协议1.1，离开白区后不得对外泄露任何白区内部情况及见闻，违者一律按“危害国家安全罪”处理。

Ignoring all the questions bubbling inside her, Nele quickly puts her signature and the date on all the documents.忍住心中冒出的无数疑问，奈乐飞快签下姓名和日期。

The garrison soldier leafs through everything and files them away efficiently. Then he points down the corridor.卫戍团士兵扫了一眼，熟练地将文件存档处理，随手朝前方一指。

Garrison SoldierStraight down, through the door.走到底，推门进去。

Behind the glass partition at the end of the corridor is a heavy metal door that oddly reminds Nele of an operating theater in the hospital.被隔板隔开的通道尽头，是一扇安在墙壁上的厚重金属门，无端令人联想起医院手术室。

SonyaI will be waiting for you outside. Please come out soon.我在外面等您，请快点出来。

NeleMay I ask... what's behind the door?请问……门后是什么？

Sonya makes no response to Nele's question and simply walks away through a special passage.没有理会奈乐的问题，松雅自顾自从专用通道走了出去。

Nele(Coughs)咳咳……

Inside the airtight carriage, Nele coughs violently with her back against the cold inner wall.密封得严严实实的车厢内，奈乐背靠着冰冷的车厢内壁，猛烈地咳嗽着。

Her throat convulses involuntarily as she recalls the comprehensive biological scan and the final anti-microbial blast she was just subjected to in the sterilization chamber.回想起刚才在消毒室里的全套生物检查和最后的喷淋灭菌措施，她的喉头便不由自主地缩了缩。

Sonya...Was that really necessary?……需要吗？

Sonya holds out a tray full of lozenges, medical face masks, and tablets for motion sickness. Next to her is a large cardboard box, in which Nele's coat and belongings, which she had to part with at the security checkpoint, are messily stashed.松雅熟练地端出一个小托盘，上面放着喉糖、医用口罩和晕车药。 她的身旁还有一个大纸箱，凌乱地堆放着奈乐在安检时脱下的外套和随身物品。

Nele...No, thank you.……不了，谢谢。

Nele takes a deep breath and packs up all her belongings one by one. Her communicator still has no signal reception, and black tape has been applied to the top of the screen.奈乐深深地吸气，将随身物品一件件重新整理好装包。 终端依然没有任何信号，甚至屏幕顶部还被贴上了黑色胶带。

SonyaAll recording devices are prohibited within the White Zone. When you leave the White Zone, they will inspect your belongings again. Please cooperate with the procedure.白区禁止任何含有摄影功能的设备。 离开白区时，他们还会对您的随身物品进行再次检查。希望您届时配合。

NeleMay I ask a few questions.我可以问几个问题吗？

SonyaPlease go ahead.请说。

NeleI'm just here to visit my grandfather, why did I have to go through such stringent security and sterilization procedures?我只是探望外祖父而已，为什么要经过那么麻烦的安检和消毒手续？

SonyaYou must comply with the standard regulations of the White Zone.这是白区的规矩，请遵守。

Nele sways lightly along with the motion of the carriage. She can roughly tell that they are descending in circles, like driving down a winding mountain road.奈乐随着车厢轻轻摇晃。 从重力和惯性的变化来看，显然她们正在绕着圈下降，如同在下山的公路间盘桓。

NeleWhere are we going? And... what exactly is the "White Zone"?我们要去哪儿？ “白区”……到底是什么样的地方？

SonyaDo you understand the concept behind the Black, Red, Yellow, and Green Zones?您能理解黑区、红区、黄区、绿区的概念吗？

NeleYes, I know what those are. Zones are divided according to the ELID contamination levels. The Green Zone is currently the cleanest. From what I know, the contamination levels in the Mainz District has pretty much reached the limit of what our purification technology can achieve.嗯，这个我知道。 是按照ELID辐射污染浓度来划分的，绿区是目前最干净的区域。 我记得，绿区中，美因茨区的污染浓度已经低到人类净化的极限了……

SonyaIt has not. The actual limit is reducing contamination levels to zero—complete purification. That's the White Zone.并不是极限。 真正的极限应该是污染浓度为0，彻底的洁净，也就是白区。

NeleThat's impossible. Unless the place is totally isolated from the outside world, with zero contact with the external air and water sources.这不可能做到。 除非完全断绝和外界空气、水源的接触，保持隔绝状态。

Sonya smiles.松雅露出了微笑。

SonyaThat is indeed the solution.你已经给出了方案。

NeleWait...等等……

As the carriage travels on, Nele comes to a sudden realization.在漫长的颠簸中，奈乐突然悟出了答案。

NeleThe White Zone isn't even on the surface of the earth, so naturally there's no contact with the air outside...白区根本不在地表，自然也就不会和地表的空气有接触……

SonyaCorrect. Our water is also purified aboveground before entering the White Zone.是的，水源的净化也会在地表完成后才进入白区。

NeleAn underground zone? The money needed to build something of this magnitude must've been astronomical...一座位于地下的城区？ 这需要花费怎样庞大的经费才能建造……

SonyaBuilding something from scratch is always easier than fixing something, don't you think?重建总是比恢复要简单，不是吗？

Nele lets out a light sigh, and the thrill of exploring the unknown starts brewing within her.奈乐轻快地松了口气，探秘般的兴奋在心中慢慢发酵。

71-A-16 美丽的孤独

The rustling of grass and leaves reach my ear.耳畔，是草叶的沙沙声。

Delicate twigs slap against each other as they ripple in waves, depicting the free shape of the wind from far to near...柔弱的枝叶彼此拍打，一浪一浪翻滚，由远及近描摹出风自由的形状……

Vrooooom... That sounds like an aircraft lifting off.嗡——似乎是飞机起飞的声音。

I don't even remember when was the last time I got to wake up naturally in the soft morning sunlight. Half of the lake before me glimmers with golden waves, while the other half bears the reflection of the serene mountains... It is such a beautiful sight that it quite literally takes my breath away.已经不记得上次在柔弱的晨光中一觉睡到自然醒，是什么时候的事了。 眼前的湖面一半闪着金色波光，一半却倒映着静谧的山……美得令人忘却了呼吸。

CommanderWhen I finally retire, I've got to build a little cabin by a lake like this. I'll sail and go fishing every day... And when I'm tired, I'll just lie on the grass, looking at the sky, not thinking about anything... How lovely would that be.等到退休那天，我一定要在这样的湖边盖一间小屋，每天钓鱼、划船…… 要是累了，就躺在草坪上看看天空，什么都不想……真好啊。

The Commander has noticed the movement coming from behind, but they do not turn around.早已留意到身后的动静，指挥官却没有回头。

They simply prick up their ears and listen to the approaching footsteps walking on floorboards through the "rustling of grass and leaves"... Until the familiar presence stops right behind them.只是竖起耳朵，从草叶的“沙沙”声中捕捉那一道由远及近、踏在木地板上的脚步声…… 直到熟悉的气息来到自己的背后。

CommanderYou can turn off the projection, thank you.请把投影关上吧，谢谢你。

LunasiaIsn't it nice to get a preview of your retirement life?提早体验下退休生活，不好吗？

CommanderSweet dreams will make me lose my way. I would rather face reality.美梦会让我迷失方向。 我还是在面对现实的时候比较有食欲。

LunasiaAs you wish.如你所愿。

Snap! The realistic holographic projection abruptly cuts out.啪嗒！逼真的全息投影倏忽切断。

The building reverts to its original form. It seems to be an abandoned depot with airplane parts scattered all over the dimly-lit interior.房间的真实面目原形毕露，这是一间看似废弃的仓库，昏暗的屋内零零散散地摆放着一些飞机部件。

CommanderAre we at Frankfurt Airport?法兰克福机场？

LunasiaAre you hungry?饿了吗？

CommanderWhat have you got?你准备了什么？

LunasiaApple pie and pretzels.苹果派和碱水面包。

Lunasia...As well as apple cider.……还有苹果酒。

Lunasia turns her back toward the Commander and cuts up the apple pie and pretzels.露尼西亚背对指挥官，将苹果派和面包切片。

The Commander takes the opportunity to study their surroundings. Their gaze falls once again on the surveillance camera currently pointed at them.指挥官正好借此机会打量起了房间。 不知道是第多少次，指挥官凝视着房间内正对自己的监控探头。

NytoWe believe your account to be fundamentally true.我们确信这基本是真实的内容。

...Beep-beep. I hear a quiet sound in my ear. Of course, none of the Nytos react to it.……滴，滴。 我听到耳边传来细小的声音，显然，所有的涅托对此都没有任何反应。

Calm Doll's VoiceNo need to answer, Commander. I know you're enjoying their hospitality.指挥官，不用回话，我知道你现在正在接受招待。

I know I've heard that voice before, but I can't quite place it. There's no doubt that she's with the T-Doll who hacked the Nytos.我听过这个声音，但是一时想不起来，毫无疑问，她和入侵涅托的那个人形是一伙的。

Calm Doll's VoiceWe are currently figuring out the defensive system of the treatment facility where you're being held in order to work out an infiltration plan. It's going to take a while. Therefore, we need you to buy us more time, Commander. I know it will hurt, but currently we have no other options. The only solace I can offer you is my hope that you will come to enjoy it.我们现在正在摸清了这座疗养院的防御体系，以便制定入侵计划，这需要点时间。 指挥官，请再争取一些时间。我知道这会很痛，但是目前没有别的办法。 我唯一能安慰你的方式，就是希望你能享受其中。

She ends the transmission after leaving me with that thoroughly unfunny joke.她留下一个一点都不好笑的玩笑，就结束了通讯。

The Commander never thought that there would come a day when they'd wish to hear 404's voices again so desperately, even if it's just to make a terrible joke.指挥官没有想到，自己有一天竟会如此迫切地希望再听见一次404的声音，哪怕是个冷穿地心的笑话。

All of a sudden, the indicator light on the surveillance camera blinks twice. The Commander's eyes widen.突然，监控探头上的提示灯闪烁了两下，指挥官瞪大了双眼。

Before they can observe the camera more closely, Lunasia has walked up to them.没来得及继续观察，露尼西亚就走到了指挥官面前。

LunasiaCome and eat something.来吃饭吧。

The Commander is dragged over to a table. They crane their head to peer at the camera again.指挥官被拉到餐桌边，背对着监控探头。

Maybe it was just a signal fluctuation? The Commander thinks to themself humorlessly.也许只是网络波动？指挥官在心里苦笑。

LunasiaWhat's wrong? Is it not to your taste?怎么？不合你胃口？

CommanderYou know full well if it's to my taste or not.合不合我胃口，你应该很清楚。

Lunasia pours the Commander a glass of cider.露尼西亚给指挥官倒上一杯酒。

LunasiaPlease eat.快点吃吧。

CommanderWhat's going to happen next?接下来是什么安排？

LunasiaYou'll find out after you eat.你吃完就知道了。

The Commander is unable to glean any information from Lunasia's impassive face.从露尼西亚平静的脸上，指挥官读不出多余的信息。

While the Commander is digging in, Lunasia places a new set of clothes by their side.在指挥官享用餐食时，露尼西亚将一身崭新的衣服放在了指挥官身边。

LunasiaI can't smell, but I'm guessing you could use a change of clothes.虽然我闻不到，但我猜你应该需要换身衣服了。

LunasiaThis place is equipped with shower facilities. Please use it and get changed.这里有淋浴设备，一会你自己去用了，把衣服换上吧。

CommanderHas William asked to see me then?威廉要见我了？

Lunasia makes no answer. She just quietly sips the apple cider in her glass.露尼西亚不搭话，只是静静地品味着杯中的苹果酒。

The Commander also says no more and promptly eats up all the food on their plate.指挥官也不多话，迅速吃起了盘中的食物。

After taking a shower, the freshly-dressed Commander comes before Lunasia.结束淋浴，换上干净衣服的指挥官走回露尼西亚面前。

CommanderI'm done. I'm ready to meet William.我好了，可以去见威廉了。

Lunasia, who is leaning back in her chair, gives the Commander a dazed smile. They notice her flushed cheeks and unfocused eyes. The bottle in her hand is empty.倚靠在椅背上的露尼西亚露出了恍惚的微笑。 指挥官注意到她的脸有些潮红，眼神也飘忽不定，而她握在手里的酒瓶已经空了。

CommanderYou drank the whole thing?你全喝光了？

LunasiaYeah...嗯……

The Commander scratches their head, then finds a blanket and drapes it over her shoulders.指挥官挠了挠头，找来一条毛毯搭在了露尼西亚身上。

CommanderWhere's William?威廉在哪里？

LunasiaWhy are you always asking about him?为什么你总是问他？

LunasiaI'm the one sitting right in front of you.明明在你面前的是我。

CommanderYou drank too much. Get some rest.你喝多了，好好休息吧。

LunasiaWhy won't you show me some concern?你为什么不能关心下我？

Commander... What's the matter with you? Why are you drinking to drown your sorrows? And why do you suddenly start caring about my appearance?…… 你怎么了？为什么喝起了闷酒？ 还有为什么突然在意起了我的仪表？

LunasiaI want you to keep me company.我想你陪陪我。

CommanderI've been here the whole time in the last few days, haven't I?这些天我不一直都在？

LunasiaNo, not like that... I want us to spend time together like normal people... like a couple.不，不是这样…… 是像普通人那样，普通的情侣那样。

LunasiaFrom what I remember... when people are about to go on a date, they'd clean themselves up... Before seeing their beloved... That's why I also asked you to...我记得……普通人会在约会前，把自己收拾干净…… 然后去见心爱的人…… 所以我才让你也……

LunasiaCommander...指挥官……

CommanderYes?我在。

LunasiaLet's go on a date.和我约会吧。

The Commander lets out a sigh and sits down on the chair opposite Lunasia.指挥官叹了口气，坐在了露尼西亚对面的椅子上。

CommanderAlright, what kind of "date" are you thinking? Are there any suitable locations nearby?说吧，你想怎么“约会”？ 这附近有什么适合的地点吗？

LunasiaWhat? Trying to figure out our location while I'm drunk?怎么？想趁我醉酒的时候，试探我们的位置？

Commander...That's not what I mean. If you want a date, I have to deliver to the best of my ability.……不是这个意思。 既然你想要一场约会，那我只能尽力做到最好。

LunasiaWe have the date right here.地点就在这里。

The Commander looks around. This rough and grimy depot is not at all a suitable location for a date.指挥官环顾四周，这简陋脏乱的仓库，怎么看都不是一个合适的约会场所。

CommanderWhere's the holographic projector that you shut down earlier?你之前关掉的投影呢？

Through the magic of holographic projection, it's almost as if they were now on a rooftop in Frankfurt.依靠投影的力量，两人仿佛正身处法兰克福的天台。

Vroom... The sound of an aircraft taking off can be heard from outside the depot. The Commander can almost see a commercial airliner taking to the skies.嗡——仓库外传来飞机起飞的声音。 指挥官好像能看见一架飞机正载着乘客飞向天空。

LunasiaDo you like traveling by plane?你喜欢坐飞机吗？

The two of them are lying side-by-side on the floor. Lunasia turns her head to look at the Commander.两人并肩躺在地板上，露尼西亚扭头看向指挥官。

CommanderI neither like nor dislike it. It's a mode of transport for me, just like any other.一般吧，对我来说只是一种交通工具。

LunasiaI hate planes. They're always taking people I love away from me and bringing in people I hate.我讨厌飞机。 它总是把我喜欢的人从我身边带走，又把我讨厌的人送来。

CommanderWho are the ones you love and who are the ones you hate?喜欢的人和讨厌的人都是谁？

LunasiaI don't want to talk about them.我不想谈论他们。

CommanderAlright, then don't you have anyone by your side?好吧，那没有人陪在你身边一起吗？

LunasiaYes, Bill has always been by my side.有，比尔一直陪在我身边。

LunasiaI never quite know how to deal with all the different people around me... I've gotten used to hiding my feelings, but he's different. To protect me, he'd channel my emotions on top of his own. Because of that, he always appears hysterical, but I know he's a gentle, thoughtful boy...我其实不太知道该怎么面对身边形形色色的人…… 我习惯于隐藏起情绪，但他不一样，他为了保护我，连带着把我的情绪也一并表达了。 这让他看起来似乎总是歇斯底里的，但我知道，他是个温柔体贴的孩子……

Commander...I have reservations about that.……我持保留意见。

LunasiaOne time, I went to watch the planes and forgot that the water was boiling on the stove. By the time I went back inside, the bottom of the kettle was completely burned, and I almost caused a fire... Mother was furious and kept demanding to know who was responsible. Bill saw me trembling in fear, so he stepped forward and took the blame. He took a terrible beating for that... and was locked up for three days...有一次我跑去看飞机，忘记还烧着水，结果等我回来的时候，锅已经烧穿了，差点酿成一场火灾…… 妈妈很生气，到处排查是谁干的，比尔看我抖得厉害，主动承认是他干的。 那一次，他被打得好惨……还被关了三天禁闭……

Commander... They should've just beaten him to death.…… 怎么没直接打死呢？

LunasiaI really owe a lot to him...我欠他太多了……

The Commander props themself up and pours themself a glass of cider to try to get rid of the vicious thoughts in their head.指挥官撑起身体，给自己倒上一杯酒，想要甩掉脑内凶狠的念头。

CommanderDo you have any memory that doesn't concern this person?没有这个人不存在的记忆吗？

LunasiaSure. I remember during a field combat drill, I led SOP-II and 15 in completing a difficult mission, and we set off to regroup with 16. But I got the rendezvous point wrong and we ended up boarding the wrong plane.有啊，我记得之前野外实战训练的时候，我带着SOP2和15好不容易搞定了任务，准备去找16姐汇合。 结果我找错了汇合点，还上错了飞机。

LunasiaOnly when we were almost at the destination did we realize the plane was headed to a mine in Siberia... 16 was in total panic...等我们快到终点的时候，才发现我们上的是去西伯利亚挖矿的飞机…… 把16姐急坏了……

CommanderHahahahaha... I can imagine.哈哈哈哈哈……我能想象她的表情。

Lunasia15's face was like thunder, which scared me to death. SOP-II, on the other hand, had a lot of fun. I didn't know what to do at all. In the end, 16 managed to find us a plane that was willing to give us a lift to where we were supposed to go, but SOP-II insisted on bringing along this insanely massive piece of geode that she had found. When we finally dragged her onto the plane, she had to say goodbye to the geode in tears...那时候，15的脸黑得让我害怕，SOP2倒是玩得很开心，我根本不知道该怎么办。 最后16姐帮我们联系到了愿意送我们回来的飞机，SOP2还非要带上她挖到的一块巨大的矿石。 把她拖上飞机后，她还要哭着跟石头告别……

CommanderShe must've obsessed over it for a long time afterwards.那块石头一定让SOP2挂念了很久。

LunasiaYeah... Back when we were on board the Elmo a while ago, I could still hear her muttering about that geode in her sleep.嗯…… 前段时间在艾莫号上，我还听见她说梦话在念叨那块石头。

At the mention of the Elmo, the Commander takes two gulps of their cider glumly.提到艾莫号，指挥官闷不做声地喝下两杯酒。

LunasiaAnd that was only because she was undergoing repairs in a repair tank, or she would've sat up and started telling the story again.就是SOP2还在修理槽中修复，不然她应该要坐起来念叨起那段往事了。

LunasiaWhat's wrong?怎么了？

The Commander turns toward Lunasia.指挥官转向露尼西亚。

CommanderThose memories belong to three distinct individuals.这些记忆是属于三个人的。

LunasiaDo they...?是吗……

CommanderYes, the memory about William belongs to Lunasia. The one about the AR Team's field combat drill is M4's, and the memory on board the Elmo probably belongs to Dandelion.嗯，和威廉有关的是露尼西亚的记忆。 和AR小队训练是M4的记忆，后面在艾莫号应该是丹德莱的记忆。

CommanderWhen you were recounting them, I could see that you did not realize the switch in perspective at all, so I'm guessing the memories are all jumbled up together inside your neural cloud.我看你讲的时候完全没有意识到自己在切换不同的视角，所以我只能猜测这些记忆在你的心智中全部混成一团。

CommanderNow the question is... who are you?所以，你是谁？

Lunasia looks up, and her eyes come into the light.露尼西亚抬起被阴翳遮掩的眼睛。

LunasiaWho am I to you?对你来说，我是谁？

Just as the Commander is about to answer, the arm that they've been using to prop themself up suddenly grows slack, and they slump helplessly on the floor. Lunasia's face comes into view. She gazes silently at the Commander, who is now paralyzed and unable to speak.指挥官刚想回答，撑起身体的手臂突然一软，只能无力地任自己躺在地板上。 视线中出现露尼西亚的脸，她安静地注视着说不出话的指挥官。

LunasiaPerhaps what I really want isn't a date, but an answer. Who am I? I don't know the answer to this question either. But perhaps I don't actually need to try so hard to find an answer, because the fact that I came to be is already an answer in itself, don't you think?或许我想要的根本不是一场约会，而是一个答案。 我是谁？我也不知道这个问题的答案。 但或许我并不需要去费力寻找答案，我的诞生本身就是回答了，不是吗？

CommanderNo!不是！

LunasiaSorry, Commander, for making you put up with my antics again. Now sleep. When you wake up, it will be another brand new day.抱歉了，指挥官，又让你陪我胡来了一天。 安心睡吧，醒来又会是新的一天。

CommanderLunasia!:露尼西亚！

The sudden wave of drowsiness stops any of the Commander's words from reaching their lips.汹涌袭来的睡意压制住了指挥官的全部话语。

Before the world is completely consumed by oblivion, the Commander musters all their strength and grabs hold of Lunasia's hand...在世界彻底沦陷之前，指挥官拼尽全力抓住了露尼西亚的手……

They can't be sure if they're imagining it, but in the moment before they lose consciousness, the girl seems to pause before lapsing into a strange silence...好像是错觉，指挥官最后的意识里，身后的人似乎顿了一下，然后就陷入漫长而微妙的沉默……

71-A-18 雾起

Inside a Paradeus factory, Eschborn District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-埃施博恩区，帕拉蒂斯工厂内。

At the signal hub where every corner within the factory is visible on the monitors, it becomes apparent that the facility is almost completely paralyzed after the dust settles.窥伺着工厂每个角落的信号汇集之处，在经过风暴洗礼后，几乎瘫痪了大半。

Watching the playback of DEFY's entry and withdrawal thoughtfully, Nemhran ponders how they discovered this base and why they conducted this seemingly pointless operation.尼梅兰若有所思地回顾着忤逆闯入和撤离的监控录像，思索着她们是如何发现这里，又是为什么要进行这一场看似毫无收获的战斗。

NemhranAshley, report on the status of the factory.艾希礼，汇报工厂的情况。

Ignoring the interruption from the system alert, Ashley forces the computer to compile all the data through stacks of pop-up windows.忽视系统警报的打断，艾希礼从堆积如山的窗口中勉强计算着当前的数据。

AshleyYes, Sister Nemhran. Currently, 46% of the factory equipment is damaged, and the assembly lines and screening center are almost completely destroyed... As for our manpower...报告尼梅兰姐姐。 当前工厂设备损毁46%，流水线和筛选中心近乎报废…… 至于人员方面……

Beep! A different alarm suddenly starts flashing in the center of the screen— An alarm from the Bee Sting System.嘟！屏幕中央忽然闪出一个异样的警报—— 来自蜂针系统。

AshleySister Nemhran, the Bee Sting System just intercepted some important information.尼梅兰姐姐，蜂针系统截获到了重要情报。

Nemhran...Open it.……打开。

AshleyYes, Sister Nemhran.是。

Ashley pauses her report and inputs the password... The encrypted text appears on the large screen. The illegible gibberish is translated into concise words and sentences in Nemhran's eyes.艾希礼中断汇报，立刻输入密钥…… 偌大的屏幕上，加密过的文字如天书般呈现，落在尼梅兰眼中，转译成精确的词句。

AshleySister Nemhran, is there anything I can do?尼梅兰姐姐，需要我做些什么吗？

NemhranLead a team to take stock of any supplies that can be salvaged from the factory and prepare to move them. And get someone to stay behind and clean everything up.你带人去盘点工厂剩余物资，准备进行转移。 留些人手下来处理痕迹。

AshleyYes, Sister.是。

All the white Nytos present quietly file out of the room, not daring to make a peep. Only when everyone else has gone does Nemhran starts analyzing the information intercepted by the Bee Sting System. It is a list of newly acquired books at the Frankfurt District Library.一众驻守的白涅托连大气都不敢喘，悄然退出了房间。 在其他涅托都离开后，尼梅兰才分析起了蜂针系统新截获的情报。 是法兰克福区图书馆的一则新进图书名单。

The book title that has triggered the alarm is... "Human Intelligence Research (18th Edition)".引起警报的书籍名称是，《人类理智研究（第十八版）》。

Nemhran gathers all the information and sends it over to Laplace. A few minutes later, she receives a comms request from her.尼梅兰将情报整理好，发送给了拉普拉斯。 几分钟后，她就收到了拉普拉斯的通讯。

LaplaceI want the physical copy.我要实物。

NemhranAll we have at the moment is the fact that it has appeared in the library; we know nothing about the date of publication, word count, or contents. I have already located the book, and I'll send someone to extract it for you later.但现在只有这一条情报，连新版的日期、字数、目录都完全不清楚。 我已经将这本书锁定，稍晚我就会派人为您取出。

LaplaceSure.嗯。

Beep. The call ends.滴。通讯中断。

The Nytos scramble around the ruins, gathering any supplies that are still usable.涅托们忙碌着，在废墟中翻找着还能使用的物资。

AshleyMake it quick. Load everything that still works onto the truck. Don't miss anything.动作快点，还能运行的全部搬上车，不要有遗漏。

Black NytoUnderstood.是。

Ashley takes one last look at the Nyto on duty, gives one last instruction, then hurries off to the next location that Nemhran has ordered her to attend to.艾希礼扫视了值班的涅托一眼，叮嘱一句后，匆匆赶赴尼梅兰的下一个命令地点。

When Ashley has walked off into the distance, the black Nyto dumps what she is carrying and heads deep into the base.艾希礼走远后，黑涅托扔下手中的东西，走向了基地深处。

In a hidden basement near the Paradeus factory.帕拉蒂斯工厂附近，隐蔽的地下室。

AR-18DEFY has withdrawn safely. You're up.忤逆已经安全撤出，你们可以行动了。

416Copy that.收到。

UMP9Humph~ The copy of "Human Intelligence Research (18th Edition)" in Frankfurt Library has already been locked onto.哼哼~法兰克福区图书馆的《人类理智研究（第十八版）》已经被锁定了。

UMP45They took the bait pretty quickly.咬钩咬得真快啊。

416Don't lower your guard. Prepare to hack the system.别大意，准备骇入。

UMP45By the way, Agent Vigilant, just a gentle reminder that you're almost overclocking Gr G11's processor.友情提示，这位警惕的特工小姐，你快把G11的效能拉爆了。

416She's doing fine.G11现在很好。

Gr G11I-I'm doing fine...我、我很好……

Following 416's strategy, even Gr G11's neural cloud is being used to provide auxiliary processing power.在HK416的部署下，G11的心智容量也被作为备用容量遭到了占用。

416We are ready to crack the code. We should be able to buy you about 30 minutes. But considering how little we know about the Bee Sting System, you may only have 15 minutes in reality.密码破译准备就绪，预计能为你们拖到30分钟。 考虑到蜂针系统的不确定性，你们实际可能只有15分钟。

Before she infiltrates the Bee Sting System, UMP45 gives 416 a long look.在毫无保留地潜入蜂针系统之前，UMP45意味深长地看了416一眼。

UMP45You're so nervous you're making me nervous as well.你这么紧张，搞得我也紧张起来了。

416You should be nervous about this.你本来就该紧张。

UMP9Take a deep breath~ Now let's go, 45!深呼吸~ 出发吧，45姐！

416Check in regularly. I'll pull you out by force the moment you fail to check in on time.保持定期联络，错过一次我就会强制将你们唤醒。

UMP45 and UMP9 close their eyes and descend to Level II...UMP45和UMP9闭上眼睛，下潜进入二级平层……

... Outer layer of the Bee Sting System, Level II. Having made their entry successfully, UMP45 and UMP9 proceed stealthily through the data network.…… 二级平层内，蜂针系统外层。 顺利潜入的UMP45和UMP9在数据网络中小心翼翼地潜行。

UMP945, why is 416 acting so weird?45姐，416这次怎么变得怪怪的？

UMP45Didn't you just praise her for being professional and reassuring yesterday?你昨天不还夸她专业，有安全感吗？

UMP9I said it to lighten up the mood...那不是为了缓和下氛围嘛……

UMP45I think she got rattled.我猜她是受刺激了。

UMP9By what?什么刺激？

UMP45Probably what happened in Avernus... We'll talk about it when we're out. We've already triggered the system's outermost defense.大概是阿佛那斯里发生的事情…… 具体的出去再说吧，我们已经接触到了系统最外层的防御。

UMP45 takes out the decryption key. The number dials turn rapidly several times, then they are through.UMP45取出破解秘钥，数字的几轮快速翻转后，她们通过了最外层防御。

UMP9That was quick. 15 minutes should be more than enough for us!这么快，那看来15分钟我们也够了！

UMP45Spoken too soon.高兴太早了。

UMP45 points at an object that is glowing faintly in the distance.UMP45指向远处隐隐发光的物体。

UMP9Is that... some kind of confidential document?那是……保密文件？

UMP45No, that is another firewall.不，那是新的防御墙。

UMP9This system seems to have a classic matryoshka structure with layers upon layers of defenses. Let's just hope the information we're looking for isn't on the very inside...看来是经典的构造，一层一层的俄罗斯套娃，希望我们要找的情报不在最里面一层……

UMP45Wanna bet which layer we'll find the information about the Commander?要不要打个赌——指挥官的情报会在第几层？

UMP9I hope it's the next one!我希望在下一层！

UMP45I'm guessing it's at least six layers in.我猜，起码在第6层。

UMP9Huh?诶？

UMP45 chuckles. Then she concentrates on the task and starts heading toward the firewall that's blocking their access to the next layer...UMP45笑了一下，集中注意力，开始接近通向下一层的防御墙……

Light as a Feather III 轻如羽毛Ⅲ

■FILE■ AS76493827163926, decrypting...■档案■ AS76493827163926解码中……

Morridow...I failed, and so did you.……我不合格，你也是。

Badbsca...We can start again, for an infinite number of times.……我们可以重来，无数次地重来。

MorridowA problematic program will still fail even if it is run an infinite number of times.不合格的程序运行无数次也是失败。

BadbscaOut of the three of us, someone is bound to become the fully-immune individual. It was her... ...Who impeded our metamorphosis.我们三个里面，一定会有人是完美免疫体。 是她…… 她阻扰了你和我的进化。

Morridow...So if we kill her, our chances of becoming the fully-immune individual will increase from 1/3 to 1/2?……所以只要杀了她，你和我的概率就从1/3的概率提升为1/2了是吗？

Badbsca...That's right, Morridow. Kill her, so that she can return to this place. Then we will be reunited and reborn once again in the Cocoon.……是的，默莉朵。 杀了她，让她回到这里。 让我们再次相逢于茧中，重生于茧中。

Morridow...Will I also be trapped here like you?……那时候我会跟你一样被困在这里？

Badbsca...No, you will be reborn.……不，你会迎来新生。

Badbsca is deceiving Morridow, tempting her with the false promise of rebirth. Morridow is also deceiving Badbsca. Rebirth has never been what she truly desires. Only Machlian... only Machlian... wants to save everyone.芭斯凯在欺骗默莉朵，她以新生为诱饵鼓励着默莉朵。 默莉朵也在欺骗芭斯凯，她想要的从来都不是新生。 只有玛赫莲……只有玛赫莲……想要拯救所有人。

71-A-20 凝视光

...Director's office, Stasi HQ, Frankfurt White Zone.……法兰克福-白区，斯塔西总部大楼，部长办公室。

After going through the last document on the tray, Finn Hoffmann rolls his stiff neck and peers at the clock hanging on the wall.直到整理完文件盒中的最后一份文件，费恩•霍夫曼才浅浅活动了一下僵硬的颈椎，看向墙上的挂钟。

The meeting should have concluded one hour 27 minutes ago. Things must be really intense at the meeting.距离预计的会议结束时间，已经过去了一个小时零二十七分钟，看来这场会议的现场应该相当激烈。

Finn Hoffmann...I don't think it'll end any time soon.……看样子短期内不会结束。

Finn looks over at Q, who is sitting on the black sofa across from him.费恩看向对面黑色沙发上坐着的Q。

She stacks up the files in her hands and shrugs indifferently.她整理着手中的档案，倒是无所谓地摊摊手。

QThings aren't too urgent on my end. But Herr Finn, shouldn't we start thinking about lunch?我这边的事情不算紧急。 不过费恩先生，是不是应该考虑午饭了？

Finn HoffmannWhen Frau Romy's meeting is over, the three of us can eat together.那等罗密女士会议结束，我们三个可以一起去吃。

Q...I just want a simple lunch break all to myself.……我只是简单地想要拥有一个独享的午休。

Finn chuckles. He picks up a pen and spins it slowly around his fingers.费恩笑了笑，拿起一支笔在手上缓缓转动。

Finn HoffmannYour presentation isn't urgent, but it's very important. If you don't get it done by this afternoon, you won't have any luck getting an appointment at a later date. The queue of people who want to see the minister stretches from the Main to the Rhine.虽然你的汇报不算紧急，但非常的重要。 如果不能在今天下午前解决掉，后面的时间你就很难预约上了。 现在要见部长的人从美因河排到了莱茵河。

Q...Fine. Let me get myself a coffee then.……好吧，容我去倒杯咖啡。

Q has barely stood up when Finn points at the mini fridge to the side.Q刚站起身，费恩就指了指一边的冰箱。

Finn HoffmannThere's cold brew americano concentrate in the mini fridge to your left. It'll probably give you a bigger kick.你左手边的小冰箱里有加浓冰美式。 老实说喝这个会比较提神。

QAm I not even allowed time for a cup of hot americano on a winter day in Frankfurt?在法兰克福的冬天，我连一杯热美式的时间都不配拥有了？

Finn HoffmannSuch is the work culture in Frankfurt.这就是法兰克福的工作态度。

Q opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of iced americano concentrate.Q打开冰箱，拿出一份冰凉的加浓美式浓缩液。

She weighs it on her palm and gives Finn a thoughtful look.她若有所思地掂量着手里的浓缩液，看向费恩。

QWhy don't we have a wager?不如我们来打个赌吧。

Finn HoffmannOn what?赌什么？

QWhether Frau Romy's negotiation goes well.赌罗密女士这次谈判是否顺利。

Finn HoffmannWhat's the bet?赌注是什么？

QI know better than to ask for a day off, so I'll just say a free lunch later.假期我是不指望了，那就赌等会的午饭吧。

Finn HoffmannFine.行。

Finn HoffmannIt's obviously a long and tough battle since she's running so late.这么长时间，显然是一场漫长而艰巨的硬仗。

QI bet it went really well. And Frau Romy received some unexpected good news.我赌非常顺利。 而且罗密女士拿到了意外的喜讯。

Finn HoffmannOh? Why do you think so?哦？何以见得？

Finn sits up straighter in his chair, showing that he is all ears.费恩不由得坐起了身体，这是愿意倾听的姿态。

QWe're on an aggressive offensive here. If it hadn't gone well, the meeting would've been over pretty soon.我们这次是强势进攻方，如果不顺利的话，这场会议将会结束得非常早。

Ding! A notification pops up from the intranet. Finn quickly leans closer to his monitor to check it.叮—— 内网的消息突然弹出来。 费恩迅速地凑到屏幕前看了一眼。

Finn HoffmannYou're right.你是对的。

QOh?哦？

Finn HoffmannI've just been given access to the view of the organizational structure of the White Zone Garrison. As expected of a top agent—you've really got top-notch acumen.我刚刚被开放了白区的卫戍团人员组织架构浏览权限。 不愧是顶级特工，你的敏锐度确实是一等一的。

QYou flatter me. In my line of work, a careless mistake is very much fatal.过奖，毕竟我这份工作，不小心的话可是会死人的哦。

Finn takes the coffee concentrate from Q, pours it skillfully into a glass, adds in about 200 ml of purified water, then passes the americano back to Q.费恩接过Q手里的浓缩液，熟练地倒入杯中冲上两百毫升左右的纯净水，递给了Q。

Finn HoffmannThen we'll just have to wait for Frau Romy's good news.那让我们静候罗密女士的好消息。

QI'll be looking up restaurants for my free lunch.我来看看等下的午饭。

Finn HoffmannTake your pick out of anything within three kilometers.三公里内随便挑。

Q grins as she sorts the search results by average price from highest to lowest.Q弯了弯嘴角，将筛选条件改为按人均价格降序排列。

QI don't care what the food tastes like, I'm just gonna pick the most expensive one.不求最好，但求最贵。

The midday sun warms up the sofa and shines upon the chandelier overhead, which reflects the dazzling light.正午的阳光将座椅晒得暖融融的，连头顶的水晶灯也折射出璀璨的光芒。

SonyaPlease go in, Frau Nele.请进，奈乐小姐。

NeleThank you.谢谢。

Sonya ushers Nele inside. Nele immediately spots her grandfather sitting on the sunlit sofa by the window in the spacious and minimalist lounge. She finds herself nostalgically nervous as she faces this old man with hawkish features and piercing eyes that can see through everything.松雅将奈乐让进屋内，宽敞简约的客厅中，奈乐一眼看见坐在窗边沙发晒太阳的外祖父。 面对眼前这个鹰目深眉、洞若观火的老人，奈乐竟久违地有些紧张。

NeleGood afternoon, Grandfather.外祖父，午好。

Vogt...Take a seat.……坐吧。

Sonya leads Nele over to a chair opposite the sofa. After pouring her a coffee, she retreats quietly to the side.在松雅的引领下，奈乐坐在了对面的沙发上，松雅为她倒好咖啡后也安静地站在了一旁。

VogtMeyer told me you're looking for a job.你想找工作的事，迈耶已经跟我说过了。

VogtIf memory serves, you graduated from Heidelberg University?我依稀记得，你毕业于海德堡大学？

Nele...Yes.……是的。

VogtThat university's tuition fees have always been exorbitant. Your father was willing to get you in by making a donation?那所大学向来胡乱要价，你父亲舍得给你捐进去？

Nele...No, I got a 1.0 for my Abitur and was given advanced entry.……并不，我的 Abitur成绩是 1.0，被提前录取。

VogtNot bad.那还行。

VogtBut you were involved in the Galatea scandal?不过，迦拉提亚的丑闻你卷进去了？

Nele...Our contract had already been terminated before things went south.……出事前我们已经解除了合同。

Vogt gently swirls his almost empty cup of coffee and ponders for a while with narrowed eyes.弗伊格特轻轻摇晃着杯里见底的咖啡，微眯起眼沉思了会儿。

VogtHow about this— A pharmaceutical company wants me to be a trustee. You can work at their Munich subsidiary as a representative. Your mother wouldn't let me intervene in her marriage and insisted on marrying that penniless pauper. Ha, I suppose you won't want me to butt in either. I'll let your cousin take care of it.那这样吧—— 有家制药公司让我去给他们做董事，你去他们慕尼黑子公司做个代表好了。 婚姻的事，你母亲不肯让我操心，非要嫁给那个低贱的穷鬼。 呵，想必你也不肯，就让你表姐自己忙吧。

VogtIf that's all, you can go.没别的事可以离开了。

Vogt puts down his coffee and slowly gets to his feet to leave the lounge.放下咖啡，弗伊格特慢慢站起离开客厅。

NeleI can see that my mom's description of you is 100% accurate. You really are a stubborn, self-righteous old geezer who doesn't give a damn about other people's feelings!现在看来，妈妈对您的描述，确实没错。 您果然是个固执的，自说自话的，不懂人心的倔老头！

Vogt whirls around in disbelief and glares furiously at the impudent youth.弗伊格特不敢置信地转过身，怒视着这个张狂的年轻晚辈。

VogtHow dare you speak to me that way?! Did you come here just to rile me up?! I'll have you know that one word from me and nobody in all of Frankfurt will hire you!你敢这样跟我说话？！ 你来这里就是为了激怒我？！ 你知不知道只要我一句话，我可以让你在整个法兰克福都找不到工作！

Nele...No, that's not why I'm here. I only came because shortly before Mom died, she made me promise I'd visit you when I have time. She was afraid that you would spend your final years in misery. She said with your nasty temper and stubbornness, nobody would ever come to see you after you retire.……没有，只是妈妈临终前非要我有空的话来见见您，她害怕您晚年过得不幸。 她说就您这种倔脾气，退休之后肯定一个看望的都没有。

Ignoring the old man's ire, Nele stands up coolly.无视对方的怒气，奈乐淡然地站起身。

NeleAnd now I know she's right. Nobody ever visits you, and you clearly don't need me to take care of you.现在我确认了，没人来看望您，您也不需要我照顾。

VogtYou? Why would I need you? ...Did she think I had no one else but her?!你？ 我还需要你？ ……她难道以为我就她一个女儿！

Nele...So the rumors are true... You actually have illegitimate children out there behind Grandmother's and Mom's back!……传闻难道是真的…… 你果然背着外祖母和我妈妈有其他的私生子！

Vogt... You moron! What an absolute cretin! What I meant is there are plenty out there who are tripping over each other to be my son, so I have no need for my wayward daughter! Nor do I care for a granddaughter like you!…… 蠢货！你这个不折不扣的蠢货！ 我的意思是多的是人要给我当儿子，我不需要这种不听话的女儿！ 也不稀罕你这种外孙女！

Nele...Fine, I get it. I won't publicly acknowledge you as my grandfather so as not to dishonor your precious house.……好的，我知道了。 我不会对外说您是我的外祖父，不会玷污您的门楣。

VogtYou... you! You are exactly like your mother! You got it all from her!!!你……你！ 你现在这个性格和你妈妈一模一样，都是她遗传的！！！

Nele...And who did she get it all from?……我妈妈是遗传了谁的？

VogtScram! Get far away from me! Don't you dare show your face in front of me ever again!滚！越远越好！ 再也不要让我看见你！

Nele...Alright, happy to oblige.……好的，我知道了。

Nele bows humbly. Her originally immaculate outfit is now a little creased, but she keeps her spine ramrod straight.奈乐谦卑地鞠躬，原本整洁的衣服已印出淡淡的褶皱，但她的脊梁依然挺直。

SonyaFrau Nele, this way please.奈乐小姐，请。

...Beep-beep. An urgent comms request stops J in his tracks.……嘀嘀。 急促的通讯打断了J的脚步。

JYes?说。

AgentThis is our patrol route and schedule for today. Here's a pass with your name on it.这是今天的巡逻地点和时间。 这片上面有你的名字。

JWe are Stasi agents! Not security guards!我们是斯塔西！不是保安！

AgentBut Boss, we got put in charge of patrolling the White Zone...头儿，我们现在负责白区的巡逻啊……

JGet a rookie to sub me.找一个新人替我去。

特工Herr Hoffmann said there are fingerprint and retinal scans everywhere here. Some areas even require four-factor identity authentication.费恩先生说，这里需要指纹和瞳孔识别的。 而且每个区域要识别四次以上。

J rubs his forehead in frustration.J痛苦地捂住了头部。

Click.咔哒。

After the door closes behind her, Nele lets out a long exhale, and her stiff body finally begins to relax. Then she remembers something important...门在奈乐的身后关闭，奈乐长出一口气，一直绷紧的身体慢慢放松下来。 随后似乎想起了什么……

NeleCrap, I forgot to probe for information about the White Zone... I was too busy arguing with my grandfather... Oh dear, what should I do?糟糕，忘记我得帮教官探查白区……刚刚光顾着跟外祖父吵架了……这下完了，怎么办。

NeleI've got to find a way to do a bit more exploring... But... what should I do without a guide or a map...? Will they think I'm up to no good...?我得想办法在这附近多走几圈…… 可是……如果没有向导和地图我该怎么办…… 不会被当做可疑人员吧……

???Hm? A person not accompanied by a White Zone Doll? Frau, please present your ID and visitor permit.嗯？身边没有白区识别人形？ 这位小姐，请出示你的身份证明和访客申请文件。

Nele turns around.奈乐转过头来。

J & NeleIt's you?!怎么是你？

JWhat are you doing here?你在这里做什么？

Nele pushes her glasses up her nose and eyes this Stasi agent who is evidently authorized to operate within the White Zone. A plan begins to emerge in her head.奈乐推了推眼镜，看向眼前显然拥有在白区行动权限的斯塔西，一个计划在她心中涌现。

NeleAgent J, it's been a while. I came to visit my grandfather. Unfortunately, his health doesn't allow him to go on long walks. Do you have time? Would you like to take a stroll around with me?J探员，好久不见，我是来这里看望我的外祖父。 可惜他身体不好不能散步，你有时间吗？要不要一起逛逛？

JHuh?啊？

JYou wanna stroll? With me?你？和我？

JIsn't this the perfect time to loaf a bit on the job?这不正是个摸鱼的好时候？

NeleI've never been here before and don't really know the area. I'm afraid I got lost...我第一次来这里，对地形什么的都还不熟悉。 我担心自己迷路……

JWell, since a lady finds herself lost in the White Zone, it is my duty to ensure your safety.既然是女士在白区内迷路了，我自然有责任保护你的安全。

71-A-22 褪成黑色

In Laplace's lab, Raunheim District, Frankfurt.法兰克福-罗因海姆区，拉普拉斯实验室内。

NemhranAshley, delete all information about that book.艾希礼，那本书相关的所有信息全部删掉。

AshleyHuh? Isn't it top secret information?啊？不是绝密级资料吗？

NemhranIt's just a fake.一本伪造品而已。

AshleyI see.是。

AshleyI will now archive all relevant information.我这就将相关信息全部封存。

As Ashley processes the data in the Bee Sting System, a thought suddenly occurs to her, and she turns to look at Nemhran.处理着蜂针系统上的信息，艾希礼突然想起了什么般看向尼梅兰。

AshleySister Nemhran... The Bee Sting System is never wrong. There is no way it could have intercepted information regarding a fake...尼梅兰姐姐……蜂针系统一向不会出错，更不可能接收这样的伪造品的情报……

NemhranSomeone is trying to lure us into taking the bait. It couldn't have been a coincidence. Track down the source of the information.有人在试图用这种东西引我们上钩。 这不会是个巧合，去调查它的源头。

AshleyYes, Sister Nemhran.是。

Ashley promptly dispatches several Nytos to check the CCTV footage at the Frankfurt Library and look for signs of unauthorized access within the Bee Sting System.艾希礼迅速部署了几个涅托去调查法兰克福区图书馆的监控录像和蜂针系统的出入痕迹。

NemhranAlso, you can stop following any intelligence updates on Hume and "Human Intelligence Research".还有，以后不用再关注任何休谟和《人类理智研究》的动态情报了。

AshleySo we will no longer monitor any activities concerning the book? Any updates, changes in status, downloads?包括更新、借阅、下载等动态，全部不再关注了吗？

NemhranLet me put it this way... We will still be keeping an eye out, but for whoever is behind this. We don't need to care about any new intelligence that emerges; we just have to focus on finding out what these people are after.或许应该这样表述…… 关注，但关注的是谁在背后捣鬼。 任何新出现的内容都不需要关注，以找出背后的操作者为目的。

AshleyUnderstood!明白！

In the surveillance room in the Paradeus factory.帕拉蒂斯工厂，监控室内。

White NytoSister Ashley, I have gone through all the CCTV footage at the Frankfurt Library.艾希礼姐姐，法兰克福区图书馆的监控录像我已经全部排查完毕。

AshleyHave you found the target?找到可疑目标了吗？

White NytoNo... All surveillance record in the time frame when the forged book was planted in the library has been wiped and replaced with false data. Since it has been completely overwritten, we cannot even recover the original data.没有……那本伪造品被放入图书馆的时间段的监控数据被全部抹去，植入了假的数据。 因为内存被覆写，我们连复原数据都做不到。

Ashley... Are there no other leads at all?…… 没有别的线索？

White NytoNone. The enemy was extremely meticulous. They had even hacked the cameras in the surrounding areas.没有，对方行事非常缜密，连周边的监控探头也一并骇入了。

AshleyKeep looking into it. Find the first camera they hacked and carry on from there.继续调查，找到对方骇入的第一个监控探头，从附近开始查。

White NytoYes, Sister.是。

Knock, knock. There is a knock at the door.叩叩。 敲门的声音。

AshleyEnter.进来。

Black NytoSister Ashley, I have gone through all the CCTV recordings from 24 hours before to 24 hours after DEFY's attack on the factory.艾希礼姐姐，忤逆袭击工厂时的全部录像我都整理好了，时间涵盖了袭击前的24小时到袭击后的24小时。

AshleyAnd you've compiled all the relevant information?相关情报也整理好了？

Black NytoYes. We found their ride, and we are currently trying to track their travel route. We will finish reconstructing their route in approximately three hours and subsequently locate their hideout.是的，我们已经找到了她们的交通工具，目前正在调查行驶路线。 预计将在三小时后重建路线，找出她们的据点。

AshleyGood. You may go.嗯，你下去吧。

Black NytoYes, Sister.是。

The large surveillance room is silent again.偌大的监控室终于再度安静下来。

Ashley accesses the Bee Sting System and finds the information about the fake book. She pulls up the upload and access logs, then sends them over to a Nyto for more in-depth investigation.艾希礼打开蜂针系统，找到了那条伪造品的情报，调出查阅记录和上传记录，艾希礼发送给了负责的涅托，要求对方逐条调查。

After completing all her tasks, Ashley contacts Nemhran.完成所有工作后，艾希礼拨通了尼梅兰的通讯。

AshleySister Nemhran, we have tracked down Task Force DEFY's movements and are currently trying to locate their hideout. All information pertaining to the fake book has been erased, and the search for its source is still underway. All security matters at the base have been taken care of. In addition, the materials from Berlin are being transported to Frankfurt. 17 batches have already reached the "Cocoon" factory. Should the excess waste be moved back to Berlin?尼梅兰姐姐，忤逆小队的行踪已被找到，目前正在追踪她们的据点。 伪造品的信息删除已完成，有关它的来源追踪还在继续。 基地内的安全事务已全部确认完毕。 此外柏林的材料正在往法兰克福运送，已经有17批次的材料灌入“茧”的工厂里。 多余的废料是否送还柏林？

Nemhran...No need. Initiate Father's plan and connect to the assembly line of the Iaso's Boxes. Also, keep a closer eye on Hebe's Bee Sting authorization. We cannot afford to have her cover blown.……不用了，启动父亲大人的计划，链入伊阿索之匣的生产线。 此外，赫柏那边的蜂针权限再看紧点，她不能暴露。

AshleyUnderstood. All channels for accessing Bee Sting within Frankfurt are isolated. Not to mention protected by multi-factor encryption method.明白，法兰克福的蜂针线路全部都是单独通道。 而且选用了多重加密方式。

NemhranRight. Anything else to report?嗯，还有要汇报的吗？

Ashley opens the Bee Sting System's interface.艾希礼打开了蜂针系统的界面。

AshleySister Nemhran, through the investigation we discovered that... The information regarding "Human Intelligence Research (18th Edition)" was a modified copy of the interface from when we received information on the 17th Edition. It's redundant data that appeared on the backend of the system and did not enter via normal channels.尼梅兰姐姐，我们调查后发现…… 《人类理智研究（第十八版）》的情报是复制篡改了之前第十七版情报的界面。 这是一条蜂针系统后台出现的多余数据，而不是从常规渠道录入的。

Nemhran... And you were fooled by such a simple ruse?…… 这么简单的障眼法就蒙蔽了你们的双眼？

Ashley...Sister Nemhran, I... I... I'm so sorry...……尼梅兰姐姐，我……我……很抱歉……

NemhranNevermind. It may have been a simple trick, but whoever was responsible managed to hack the Bee Sting System without triggering the alarm, promptly find a loophole and forge a piece of intel that drew our attention. That alone makes them a worthy opponent. They're probably Griffin Dolls. However, they are bound to have left behind traces when hacking the system.算了，手法虽然简单，但能不引起我的警报骇入蜂针系统，并迅速找到漏洞伪造一封情报引起我们的注意。 这已经是值得注意的对手了，大概率是格里芬的人形。 不过只要敢骇入蜂针系统，就必然会留下痕迹。

AshleyNow that we know what kind of pests we're dealing with... Should we exterminate them?既然已经揪出了虫子们留下的痕迹。 要处理掉吗？

Nemhran...Let me think about it.……让我想想。

In a hidden corner near the Paradeus factory.帕拉蒂斯工厂附近，隐蔽的角落。

416...Time for your scheduled check-in. Found anything?……定期联络时间到了，有发现吗？

UMP45We have broken through the fourth layer of their defenses, nothing about the Commander yet.目前突破了第4层的防御，没有和指挥官有关的情报。

UMP9They've buried it way too deep!她们藏得也太深了！

416...Not even a sliver of a clue?……一点线索都没有吗？

UMP45We did find a surveillance signal that isn't part of the array in the Paradeus factory. This signal appears in multiple rooms within the same civilian building, but we haven't been able to extract the video feeds.找到了一个不属于帕拉蒂斯工厂序列的监控讯号，这个监控讯号出现在同一幢民用建筑的多个房间，但具体的画面还没能调取。

416You have another ten minutes before the password refreshes.到下次密码更新前，你们还有最后10分钟。

UMP459 is looking into the surveillance signal while I'm working on breaking through the fifth layer.9在调查监控讯号的事，我在尝试突破第5层的防御。

416Acknowledged. Gr G11 and I will make sure it's safe out here. In these last ten minutes, exit the moment you receive a withdraw signal.收到，我和G11会确保外面的安全。 在最后10分钟内，你们只要接收到撤退信号就立刻退出。

UMP45Copy that.收到。

416Gr G11, wake up. Go up there and stand guard—G11，别睡了，起来戒备外面——

416 taps Gr G11 out of habit to wake her, but when she turns to look, she is surprised to find Gr G11 staring at her with her eyes wide open.HK416习惯性地拍了拍G11，想叫醒对方，一回头却发现G11正瞪大了双眼看着自己。

416...You're actually awake.……你居然没睡。

Gr G11I couldn't sleep when you look like that...你这个样子，我睡不着……

416Like what?!我哪个样子？！

Gr G11So tense... Like the female lead in "Planet of the Zombies" on the eve of the attack...神经绷紧……像《丧尸星球》里女主决定发起进攻的前一夜……

416Don't make it sound as if I were about to die!不要说得像我马上要牺牲了一样！

Gr G11So you do watch the movies that I recommend.你果然还是看了我推荐的电影。

Gr G11...Please don't scold me. I'll go stand guard.……别骂我，我去戒备了。

Gr G11 climbs compliantly to a high vantage point and starts surveilling the surrounding area.G11乖乖地爬到高点，开始侦测周围的动向。

416 monitors UMP45 and UMP9's progress closely while also scanning for nearby signals continuously.HK416密切关注着UMP45和UMP9的进度，同时也在不断扫描着周围的讯号。

Gr G11You've been acting weirdly since you came back from Avernus...从阿佛那斯回来后，你就变得怪怪的……

416... Did 45 send you to question me?…… 45让你来问的？

Gr G11How did you know?!你怎么知道！

416You're hardly that observant.你可不是有这种观察力的人。

416 glances at the uneasy Gr G11 and decides to offer an explanation.抽空抬头瞥了一眼不安的G11，HK416还是开口进行了解释。

416I have simply come to realize this squad's weakness. The AR Team has the support of the Commander, while DEFY is still plenty strong even having lost their own commander. But what about us? We have no commander, no one to count on. All we have is ourselves.我只是意识到了这个小队的脆弱性。 AR小队有指挥官承托，忤逆即便失去了指挥官，也足够强大。 我们呢？没有指挥官，也没有人为我们的命运负责，拥有的只有我们自己。

Gr G11Haven't we always been this way...? With no one to boss us around, we can spend our days gaming and binging TV shows, and only have to take some odd jobs every now and then. What's so bad about that?我们不一直这样吗…… 没人管我们，只需要在阴暗的角落里打游戏或者看看剧，偶尔出去接接委托，这样不好吗？

416...That's just like you! I mean, I'm not saying it's bad either, but the situation is getting more and more tumultuous, and I can sense that something big is about to happen. If we keep being so complacent, Squad 404 will not survive.……这是你！ 我也没有说这样不好，只是现在局势越来越动荡，我能感觉到有大事要发生了。 如果继续像以前那样悠闲，404是不可能存活下去的。

Gr G11That sounds so complicated... I don't get it...好复杂哦……我不明白……

416You don't have to get it. Just know that no matter how I change, 404 will always be 404.你不需要明白，你只需要知道，不管我怎么改变，404都永远是404。

Gr G11And we'll always be together, right?我们会一直在一起，对吗……？

416Yes.嗯。

Gr G11Then why all the griping?那你到底在不满什么嘛？

416I don't have gripes against anyone in particular, but...我没有对谁不满，我只是……

416...I used to think that 45 was cold, profit-driven, and would only take jobs that work to our advantage. That's why even when she accepted high-risk commissions, I tried to convince myself that the payout justified the risks. However, only in Avernus did I realize that she took the job simply out of her devotion to Ange and the Commander.……以前我以为45那个女人唯利是图，没有感情，只会接对我们有利的委托。 所以即便她接了危险系数高的单子，我也会用报酬高来为她解释。 但是在阿佛那斯，我才明白，她是出于对安洁和指挥官的感情，才会接下那些单子。

Gr G11Huh?啊？

416Ever since she came back from Avernus, she's been really down in the dumps. You think it's just because of 9, who can easily be loaded onto a new frame? That's certainly part of it, but no.你以为她从阿佛那斯出来后那么颓丧是因为换个素体就能启动的9吗？ 不，只有部分是。

416She is mourning Ange, but she just won't admit it.她在哀悼安洁，但她绝不会承认。

Gr G11... And you exposed her just like that? No wonder you're always arguing with 45...…… 你怎么直接就揭穿她了，难怪你和45老吵架……

416Even you found out about her secret?!连你都发现了她的秘密了吗？！

Gr G11Yeah... I found her spacing out one night. I asked her what she was doing, she said Shaw got to have a grand funeral after she died, but not Ange.嗯……有天晚上我发现她在发呆。 我问她在干什么，她说肖死了可以有光明正大的葬礼，但安洁没有。

Gr G11Are you worried that 45 is being too emotional?你担心的是45感情用事？

416Developing feelings for your employer is bound to affect your judgment.对雇主产生了感情，这必然会影响判断。

416We're not strong enough, and we have nobody to rely on. Our margin of error is much smaller than the AR Team and DEFY. For us, one false move, and the whole game could be lost.而我们不够强，也没有人能依赖，我们的容错率远远低于AR小队和忤逆。 也许一步错，就会全盘皆输。

Gr G11So you want to take over as leader of Squad 404?所以你想取代45的位置，做404的队长？

416404 can only survive with a perfectly cold and rational leader at the helm. If 45 is no longer up to the task, I don't mind playing this "villain".404需要一个绝对冷酷理智的队长才有可能存活下去。 如果45做不到，我不介意做这个“恶人”。

A pop-up appears on 416's device.HK416面前的仪器弹出了提示。

416A squad is coming toward us. Can you see their configuration?有一支小队在朝我们接近，你看得见它们的火力配置吗？

Gr G11Looks like routine patrols... but they're headed this way...看起来是在日常巡逻……不过正朝着我们这边来……

416Make sure our signals are masked. Hide 45's and 9's frames.注意隐蔽讯号，把45和9的素体隐藏起来。

Gr G11Right.嗯。

As Gr G11 observes with bated breath, the patrol squad slowly crosses her field of vision.在屏息中，巡逻小队缓缓路过了G11的视野。

Just as they are about to disappear from view, the white Nyto in the lead suddenly stops dead in her tracks, then her head pivots around in an extremely unsettling manner— She stares directly at Gr G11, who is hidden behind a window, and she flashes her a dreadful smile.在即将离开时，为首的白涅托突然停下了脚步，以一种极为诡异的姿势转过了头—— 直勾勾地盯着隐藏在窗后的G11，嘴角咧开一个瘆人的微笑。

Gr G11Aaaaaahhhh!啊啊啊啊——

416What's wrong?!怎么了？！

Gr G11 tumbles off her lookout with a scream.G11惨叫着摔了下来。

416 pulls Gr G11 to her feet. At the same time, she notices that the signal of the patrol squad has disappeared from her scanner.HK416扶起G11，在同一时间，她发现巡逻小队的讯号从仪器上消失了。

Gr G11They spotted me!!!它们发现我了！！！

416That's not right...不对……

A thought suddenly occurs to 416. She rushes over to where they've stashed UMP45's and UMP9's frames... only to find nothing.反应过来的HK416冲向UMP45和UMP9的素体所在地，空空如也。

Gr G11How come they're gone?!她们怎么不见了？！

416They're not gone; we got hacked.不是她们不见了，是我们被骇入了。

Gr G11Huh?! When...啊？！什么时候……

416I don't know, but I'm guessing the patrol squad was actually bait...不清楚，可能巡逻小队的出现就是一个诱饵……

416Prepare for battle.准备作战。

Boom! The enclosed wall is abruptly blown apart. Debris is flung everywhere, and dirt hangs mid-air in the dazzling sunlight like a swarm of wasps. 416's suspicion is confirmed.轰隆—— 封闭的墙体猛然炸开！ 碎石四溅，尘埃如群起的黄蜂，在耀目的阳光中凝固在了空中。 这无疑证实了HK416的猜想。

A woman dressed in white appears in the scene of frozen time.一个白衣女人现身于凝固的时间中。

416Gr G11, focus your fire!G11，集火！

Rat-tat-tat... Gunshots erupt as 416 and Gr G11 lay down suppressive fire without any hesitation. Several bullets fly straight toward the backlit white figure hovering in mid-air.哒哒哒——枪声四起，HK416和G11毫不犹豫地采取火力压制。 逆光中，数发子弹朝着漂浮在半空中的白色身影扑去。

Pzzt... pzzzzzt... Powerful interference obscures their vision like a blizzard. They can no longer distinguish between night and day. The ground shakes beneath their feet, and all solid sensations gradually dissolve into insubstantial illusions that are ever-shifting.滋啦、滋啦——强烈的干扰如漫天雪花，瞬间颠倒黑夜与白昼。 脚下的大地微微震颤，一切实感皆化作脆弱变幻的虚妄……

416We must... hang in there until they get back!一定要……坚守到她们回来！

Light as a Feather IV 轻如羽毛Ⅳ

■FILE■ AS76584937218463, decrypting...■档案■ AS76584937218463解码中……

In the silent room, the door creaks open, stirring the still air within. Morridow looks up with a smile, as if she has been expecting the visitor before her.安静的房间中，一阵推门声吵醒了沉睡的空气。 默莉朵微笑着抬起了头，似乎对眼前人的到来早有预料。

MorridowI knew you would come back to see me, Nimogen.我就知道你肯定还会回来见我的，妮莫金。

M4A1...I simply want to help you take a proper look at your Virtual Cognition Image.……我只不过想帮你看清自己的虚识图景。

M4 gently closes the door behind her. She strolls up to Morridow and peers down haughtily at her. Morridow now seems a little bewildered by M4's attitude.反手将门轻轻关上，M4慢慢地走到默莉朵的面前，一如既往地居高临下。 看着这样的M4，默莉朵的态度比起先前，却显得暧昧了不少。

MorridowWhy are you so intent on saving me, Nimogen? You won't be able to pull off the same thing again. If—I say IF—their objective changes next time, you'll all be done for.你为什么要救我呢？妮莫金？你现在已经不可能再做一次那种事了。 如果，我是说如果……如果下次她们的目标发生改变，那你们就全完蛋了。

M4A1I don't want to attempt that again either.我也不想再来一次了。

MorridowThen why?那到底是为什么？

M4 leans forward to bear down on Morridow.M4弯下了腰，贴近的脸极具压迫感。

M4A1Didn't I just tell you? I just want to save you.我不是说过了吗？我只是想救你。

Morridow...Don't be silly. If you want to save me, why don't you just let me go?……真好笑，你要是想救我，为什么不干脆点直接放了我？

M4A1I will.我会的。

Morridow...What?……什么？

M4A1I said I will. But not now. Right now, I want to see the real you.我说，我会的。 只不过，还不是现在。现在，我想看看真实的你。

Morridow blinks. She opens her mouth to say something, but in the end, she decides to remain silent.默莉朵眨着眼睛，嘴唇一张一合地想要诉说些什么，但最终，还是选择了沉默。

M4A1...Your "Father" has been tormenting people and turning them into abominations that are neither alive nor dead, just to find individuals who are partially immune to Collapse radiation. ...Unfortunately, it is all in vain.……你的“父亲”将生者变得不死不活，为的不过是寻找能够反抗辐射的部分免疫体。 ……可惜，这一切不过是徒劳而已。

Morridow...This is Paradeus' purpose, Nimogen. We are blazing a trail into a new era... just as our name implies. We are guiding ignorant humans to the land of true gospel.……这就是帕拉蒂斯存在的意义，妮莫金。 我们在开辟新时代……就如同我们的名字一样。 我们在指引愚昧的人类前往真正的福音之地。

M4A1Aren't you deluding yourself?你不是在自欺欺人吗？

MorridowShut up.住口。

Morridow's smugness instantly evaporates as her face darkens.默莉朵洋洋自得的模样忽然消失，取而代之的是一脸阴沉。

M4A1You refuse to acknowledge yourself and your connection with the past. But they will always remain on your base layer, and those memories are unequivocal evidence. You are all failures; you are just one of her many shadows. Even if you end it all with your own hands, you will never change the facts.你否定自己，否定与过去的联系。 但这些存在永远留在你的底层，记忆就是绝对的证据。 你们都是失败品，你只是她的影子之一，即便亲手终结这一切，也改变不了事实。

MorridowHer... You're referring to... Lunasia?她……你说的是……露尼西亚？

Morridow shakes her head vehemently, as if trying to rid her mind of this terrible thought.默莉朵拼命地摇晃着头颅，似乎想要把这可怕的念头甩出脑海。

MorridowThat's impossible... You're lying. I am the perfect individual!不可能……你在骗我。 我就是完美的个体！

M4A1Are you?真的吗？

M4 looks down at Morridow piteously.M4怜悯地看着默莉朵。

M4A1...You should know the truth.……你自己清楚真相。

Morridow shrinks back fearfully in M4's increasingly intimidating presence, but she stumbles into something. She whirls around without thinking and finds herself looking at a mirror. In the mirror is the reflection of an unsightly corpse thrashing in sludge.面对着压迫力陡然变强的M4，默莉朵惊恐地往后撤了一步，却好像撞到了什么东西。 她下意识地转过了身，那是一面镜子。 镜子里，倒映出的，正是那具在污泥中挣扎不堪的尸体。

MorridowNo... no... NO!!!不……不……不！！！

Morridow starts screaming hysterically, and the corpse mirrors her movement.随着默莉朵崩溃的尖叫，尸体做出了与她一模一样的动作。

MorridowI am not a failure... I'm not! I'm not!我不是失败品……我不是！我不是！

MorridowImpossible! It can't be! If I'm a failure, what are you?!!不可能，不可能！如果我是失败品，你又是什么！！

M4 watches Morridow's panic with indifference.面对默莉朵的惊慌失措，M4无动于衷。

M4A1Does it matter?是什么，重要吗？

M4A1What matters is what you want to become. I came to free you from your predetermined fate, not to watch you wallow in failure and self-pity.重要的是你想要成为什么。 我是来将你从既定的命运中拯救出来，而非看着你沉沦的。

MorridowI know I'll become the one and only fully-immune individual. I want to become the one and only fully-immune individual. Will you help me?我知道我会成为唯一的完美免疫体。 我想要成为唯一的完美免疫体。 你能帮我吗？

MorridowNo, you mustn't help me. Father promised me... If I successfully carry out Operation Cocoon in Berlin... He will be able to kill Badbsca, and I will attain full immunity.不，你不能帮我。 父亲大人答应我，只有我成功完成柏林的茧计划。 他就能杀了芭斯凯让我成为唯一的完美免疫体。

M4A1...Then what? Have you ever thought about what comes after that?……然后呢？你想过你成为完美免疫体之后的命运吗？

Morridow... I will merge with you.…… 我会和你融合。

M4A1...So your plan for the future is to share a body with me? ...If that is indeed what you want, I can give you what you desire.……你的未来，就是和将来的我共享一具身体吗？ ……如果这是你的愿望，我可以满足。

Morridow...No...……不……

M4A1Just do as I say... and I'll be able to save you... again and again...只要你听我的话……我可以救你一次，也可以再救你一次……

Morridow...What should I do?……要如何做？

M4A1Destroy the Lake of Cognition... Destroy the "Cocoons" in Berlin and Frankfurt... And you will always be yourself.破坏识底深湖…… 毁掉柏林和法兰克福的“茧”…… 你就能一直是你自己。

Badbsca thought that only Machlian was a fool. It turns out Morridow is also one.芭斯凯以为只有玛赫莲是愚蠢的。 她没有想到，默莉朵也是。

Each of the Nytos born from the "Cocoon" has her own desire. Machlian wishes to return to the human world. Morridow yearns for absolute freedom. What about Badbsca?自“茧”中诞生的涅托，都拥有属于自己的欲望。 玛赫莲想要重回人类世界。 默莉朵想要绝对的自由。 而芭斯凯呢？

Badbsca thinks to herself... What could my desire be?芭斯凯心想—— 我的欲望会是什么呢？

71-A-24 我们的战争

...Deep within the Bee Sting System. Data blocks keep falling away and raining down on this virtual space that has transformed into a library.……蜂针系统深处。 数据块不断流失，如淅淅沥沥的雨般，淋在这片幻化成图书馆的虚拟空间内。

UMP9The Bee Sting System has refreshed its password ahead of schedule! All access authorizations are being overwritten!蜂针系统提前开始应用新密码了！ 所有数据权限正在被覆盖！

UMP45416? What's your situation?416？你们那边情况怎么样？

Pzzt. Only a faint noise can be heard through the comms line.兹兹。通讯的另一端只有微弱的噪声。

Rumble... The ceiling starts quaking, crumbling, and the last corner where they are hiding will soon be exposed.轰轰——天花板开始震颤、剥落，安身的最后一隅也即将暴露。

UMP945, we've got to go now or it'll be too late!45姐！再不撤就来不及了！

UMP45 looks at the intelligence file that's almost within her grasp. The decryption progress bar is still stuck at 72%.UMP45看向近在咫尺的情报档案，破解进度还停留在72%。

UMP459, buy me 20 seconds.9，帮我争取20秒。

UMP920 seconds?! We'll also get washed away by the data torrent!20秒？！我们也会被数据流冲走的！

Ignoring UMP9's attempt to stop her, UMP45 resumes her effort in cracking the code. UMP9 has no choice but to do whatever she can to slow down the spread of overwritten data. But with the application of the new password, there is no stopping the rapid onslaught...不顾UMP9的阻挠，UMP45再次投身于破解。 UMP9只好尝试减缓数据覆盖的进度。 但随着新密码的应用，数据覆盖也在迅速地推进……

UMP945, we're seriously running out of time!45姐，这次是真的要不行了啊！

At the horizon of the digital space, a heavy downpour quickly erodes whatever is left.数据空间的地平线尽头，瓢泼大雨开始浇下，将残余的一切迅速侵蚀。

UMP945!!!45姐——！！！

UMP45Done.好了。

UMP45 quickly stows away the intelligence file that she has finally acquired and grabs UMP9 without a backward glance.UMP45收好匆匆到手的情报，连看一眼都来不及就抓住了UMP9。

The last corner in the library rocks and sinks amidst the torrent of data like a broken raft.图书馆最后的一角如漂泊在数据洪流中的孤舟，摇晃着沉没。

UMP45Withdrawing back to Level II.撤回二级平层。

Like a world buried in heavy snow, the sunken library is no more. Even though the Dolls are safely back within their neural space, UMP9 is still in shock.如被漫天大雪洗礼后的世界，淹没的图书馆消失了。 UMP45和UMP9回到了心智平层，UMP9惊魂未定。

UMP945, another 0.5 seconds and we would've been goners!45姐，刚刚再晚0.5秒，我们就也被冲刷了！

UMP45Relax, we made it.放轻松，这不是赶上了。

UMP9But why didn't 416 warn us? Even now, there's still no...不过416怎么没提醒我们？而且到现在都没……

UMP9 grumbles as she starts preparing for their return to the real world, but she freezes when she registers what she's seeing.UMP9边念叨着边进行上潜回现实的准备，一个不经意的回眸让她当场愣住。

UMP945, what's this place...? Why is it all white? Our Level II didn't use to look like this, did it?45姐，这是哪里啊…… 怎么到处都一片白茫茫的，我们二级平层不长这样吧？

UMP9Did 416 upgrade the system?是416新升级了系统吗？

UMP45 tries to contact 416 again. Before the line connects, a familiar voice shouts from the distance.UMP45再次尝试链接上了HK416的通讯。 还未等通讯接通，熟悉的声音从远处传来。

41645!!! RUN!!!45！！！快跑啊！！！

UMP45...!……！

Pzzt... A white sphere of light comes flying this way. The brilliant light hurtles straight toward UMP45 and UMP9 with no signs of stopping—滋滋……洁白的光球失控般飞来！ 没有丝毫犹豫，刺眼的光芒直奔45和9而去——

Boom!轰！

UMP9What the heck was that?!这是什么啊？！

Having barely dodged the attack, the two Dolls look incredulously in the direction it had come from.劫后余生的两人不可置信地看向袭击的方向。

416 is dashing toward them with Gr G11 in tow, pursued by a white-clad woman hovering in mid-air.HK416正拽着G11狂奔，身后紧追不放的是一个悬浮在空中的白衣女人。

UMP45 and UMP9 immediately open fire in unison to cover their retreat.UMP45和UMP9立刻默契地开火，掩护两人的撤离。

UMP9What is going on?! Where did that woman come from?!怎么回事啊！这个女人是哪里来的？！

416We got hacked!我们被骇入了！

UMP45That woman looks like big trouble. She fits the description of the unit "Nemhran", who appeared in Avernus.这个女人看着很棘手，她的特征符合在阿佛那斯出现过的“尼梅兰”。

UMP9So she's the one who wiped out Squad Nitrogen single-handedly...?就是害氮小队全军覆没的那个强敌吗……

Gr G11Ugh...呜呜……

416We don't stand a chance against her; we've got to get out. The location of our frames is still hidden. We must escape from Level II before she finds it.我们不是她的对手，必须逃出去。 现在我们素体的位置还没有暴露，在被找到前，必须从二级平层中脱离。

416 inserts a new magazine into her weapon.HK416给自己换上新的弹匣。

416Gr G11 and I will cover you. Try to find a decryption point.我和G11掩护你们，你们尝试找到破解点。

UMP45Got it.好。

416Make it quick.速度快。

UMP45416...416。

416What is it?怎么了？

UMP45You will indeed make a great squad leader.你确实很适合当队长。

416Tsk. Is this really the time?!啧。 不要在这个时候废话！

416 drags Gr G11 off to draw Nemhran away...HK416拽着G11引开尼梅兰……

From the moment 416 realized they'd been hacked, she has noticed the white-lipped python that is always lurking in the corner. It appears in every corner they flee to, but never attacks. It just flicks its tongue leisurely, as if just passing by. But 416's instincts tell her that it's not that simple. In electronic warfare, the visualization of every single object consumes processing power, so objects never appear for no reason. This white-lipped python is on a mission.从意识到被骇入起，HK416就注意到了那条始终盘旋在角落的白吻蟒。 它出现在她们逃窜的每个角落，却从来没有对她们发动过袭击，只是悠然地吐着信子，好像只是路过。 HK416的直觉告诉她，没有这么简单。 因为在电子战中，每一件物品的出现都意味着算力的耗费，所以绝不会出现多余的累赘之物。 这条白吻蟒有着它的使命。

Gr G11Whoa! That women just teleported!呜哇——那个女人突然闪现了！

416This is her domain, after all. As long as she has the computational capacity, she can literally do anything.毕竟是她的领域，只要她的算力跟得上，做什么都不奇怪。

Ignoring the python for now, 416 focuses her attention on fighting the woman dressed in white. She outclasses them in speed, agility, and power. They have no other choice but to keep a safe distance away from her.收回对白吻蟒的观察，HK416全身心投入到了应付白衣女人的作战。 敌人的速度、敏捷和伤害都远超她们，除了保持远距离拉扯，她们没有别的选择。

416Pump those legs! Don't stop!跑起来！不要停下！

Gr G11Ugh... I can't keep this up!呜……我快要不行了！

416Get on!上来！

416 pulls Gr G11 onto her back without hesitation.没有犹豫，HK416背负起G11。

416You handle the shooting!你来开火！

Gr G11On it!收到！

41645! Any luck?!45！还没有找到吗？！

UMP45Give me another 37 seconds.再坚持37秒。

UMP9Hang in there, guys!你们撑住啊！

Gr G11Ughhhh... Hurry up! I'm about to be electrocuted!呜呜……快点啊！我要被电死了！

416...Copy that.……收到。

Swish... Light powder drifts through the air. Seeing that a thunderstorm is coming, 416 picks up the pace as she flees with Gr G11. Out of the corner of her eye, she catches a glimpse of the white-lipped python, still hovering leisurely in a nook. But in the blink of an eye, it disappears.簌簌—— 轻盈的粉末落下。 眼见一场雷暴又要来临，HK416只能加速带着G11逃离。 余光，她瞥见了那条白吻蟒，还是那么悠闲地盘旋在角落。 但一个眨眼，白吻蟒不见了。

Boom! Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, a grenade blows up and sends them flying.轰—— 榴弹抓住了这一霎的分神，将两人击飞。

Gr G11Argh!啊——

416 breaks her fall with several rolls, then without stopping for even a second, she pulls Gr G11 up and resumes her sprint.HK416翻滚落地，没有一刻的耽误，她拽起G11继续狂奔。

Boom... They are pelted with grenades from behind.轰隆—— 榴弹在身后密集地落下。

41645!!!45！！！

UMP45It's done. Logging out.成功了，正在启动登出。

416Get Gr G11 out first. She can't take any more of this. I'll go last.先把G11登出，她不行了。 我殿后。

UMP45Got it.收到。

Gr G11Ugh...呜……

Gr G11 moans as she dematerializes in 416's arms. Now that she has logged out successfully, 416 can finally go all out.G11嘟嘟囔囔地从手臂间消失了。 见她登出成功，HK416也终于能放开手战斗了。

416Come on then!来啊！

416 vaults over an obstacle constructed with data and fires to slow down the white-clad woman.HK416翻过数据构建的掩体，开枪拖延着白衣女人的速度。

Hiss... The sound of a snake flicking its tongue.咝—— 蛇吐信子的声音。

416...!……！

It's that white-lipped python again. This is the first time it has appeared so close to her.是那条白吻蟒。 第一次出现在距离自己这么近的地方。

416 immediately switches her aim and fires at it, but it simply twists its body nimbly and avoids all the bullets.HK416立刻调转枪头朝它开枪，但它只是轻盈地扭动身躯，就避开了所有子弹。

UMP45416, prepare to log out.416，准备登出。

416Acknowledged.收到。

Almost immediately, the python strikes and sinks its teeth into 416's arm.话音未落，白吻蟒就发动了袭击，一口咬在了HK416的手臂上——

UMP45Are you okay?没事吧？

After escaping from Level II, 416 checks the site where the python has bitten her. There is no sign of any bite.从二级平层中脱离，HK416后知后觉地查看起被白吻蟒咬过的地方。 什么痕迹也没有。

UMP9What's wrong? Is your arm injured?怎么了？你的手臂受伤了？

416I'm fine! Now let's get the hell out of here!没事，我们快撤退！

UMP45I've already sent AR-18 all the information we found in the Bee Sting System. She said she could work out the coordinates.我在蜂针系统中找到的情报已经发给AR-18了，她说有办法锁定坐标。

UMP9Then we completed the mission!那我们的任务完成了！

416We're charging five times our standard rate this time.这次按5倍收费。

UMP45Of course.必须的。

Bringing along the unconscious Gr G11, the Dolls of Squad 404 disappear into the messy room.带着昏厥的G11，404的身影消失在了混乱的房间中。

"If you say in the first act that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third act it absolutely must go off."如果一出戏的第一幕出现了一把枪，那么在第三幕，它就一定要被打响。

While watching Squad 404's retreat on the monitor, Nemhran narrows her eyes and lightly taps 416's face with her slender fingertip.看着屏幕上快速撤退的404小队，尼梅兰微微眯起了眼睛，用她纤长的指尖，虚空轻点HK416的脸庞。

NemhranBang.砰。

AshleyWhy did you let her go, Sister Nemhran?尼梅兰姐姐，您为什么放过她？

NemhranWho says I let her go?谁说我放过她了？

Nemhran pulls her hand away from the monitor and picks up a wine glass instead.尼梅兰放下手，转而端起了酒杯。

NemhranIt's just not time for the rifle to go off yet.只是还没到枪响的时机罢了。

Clang. The sound of something made of glass hitting the floor. Then a cool sensation seeps into the hand.嘭—— 玻璃制品撞击地板的声音。 接着，手边感到一阵冰凉流过。

LunasiaDid I wake you?吵醒你了吗？

Commander... What happened?…… 发生什么了？

The Commander finds themselves lying on the floor of yet another unfamiliar room. To their side, Lunasia is cleaning up the knocked-over glass awkwardly with one hand. Iced water has been spilled all over the floor.指挥官意识到自己躺倒在地板上，又一个陌生房间的地板上。 一边的露尼西亚有些狼狈地单手收拾着翻倒的水杯，冰水流淌了一地。

LunasiaCan you let go now?可以松手了吗？

Commander...Huh?……啊？

The Commander looks up in bemusement and is surprised to find that they have been gripping Lunasia's hand tightly.指挥官诧异地看向手边，才发现自己一直紧紧握着露尼西亚的手。

After finally extricating herself, Lunasia rubs her clearly red and swollen hand.露尼西亚挣脱开后，揉了揉留下明显红肿痕迹的手。

LunasiaYou had my hand in a vice-like grip all night, so I couldn't leave.你紧攥着我的手睡了一晚上，害我也不能离开。

CommanderSorry...抱歉……

LunasiaNo need to apologize. I actually slept pretty well even though I was forced to sleep on the floor next to you. I even had a nice dream...不必道歉了，昨晚被迫跟你一起躺在地板上，我反而睡得不错。 甚至还做了一个很美好的梦……

CommanderWhat dream?什么梦？

LunasiaIt's a secret~不告诉你~

Like a lazy cat, Lunasia tilts her head to one side and sizes up the Commander with narrowed eyes.如慵懒的猫咪，露尼西亚眯起双眼，歪了歪脑袋，意味深长地打量着指挥官。

LunasiaAccording to my memory, this frame hasn't slept in a long time. There's probably something about you that puts people at ease.我的记忆告诉我，这具素体已经很久没有睡着过了。 可能你身上确实有一些能够让人安心的东西吧。

CommanderIn exchange, you should also give me something that would put me at ease.那作为交换，你也该给我一些安心的东西。

LunasiaWhat do you want?你想要什么？

CommanderThe truth.真相。

LunasiaHm?嗯？

CommanderWhy are you moving me around in circles? We've been at the same place all along, haven't we?为什么要一直带着我兜圈子？ 明•明•我•们•一•直•在•同•一•个•地•方，不是吗？

Lunasia takes a deep breath, then she lets out a soft chuckle.露尼西亚深深地吸了口气，挑眉轻笑。

LunasiaHow did you find out?你是怎么知道的？

CommanderThe sounds. They're very realistic, but all the ambient noise was audio simulation. The church bells, the choirs, the planes taking off at the airport... They all had an obvious loop point.声音。 虽然很逼真，但那些环境音都是音响模拟播放的。 教堂的钟声，合唱声，机场的飞机起飞……它们都有一个明显的循环节点。

CommanderJudging from how far the sounds were coming from, we must've been moving around in the same building.根据声音的远近，我们应该一直在一栋楼里打转。

LunasiaAs expected of the Commander.不愧是指挥官。

Commander... Why though?…… 为什么要这样做？

LunasiaBecause it's fun. I like wasting your time like this.好玩。 我喜欢这样浪费你的时间。

CommanderWilliam doesn't intend to see me at all, does he?威廉是不是根本不打算见我？

LunasiaYou're probably right. After all, he managed to achieve everything he wants without having to use you.大概吧，毕竟他已经不需要利用你，就得到想要的一切了。

LunasiaSo... your life is now in my hands. You will have to live the way I want you to live. This could go on for a week, a month, a year, a decade... maybe even a lifetime.所以……你接下来的生命都交托给我了。 我想你怎么活，你就得怎么活。 一周，一个月，一年，十年……也许会是一辈子。

LunasiaI do wonder what you'll be like in ten years' time. Will you still be as rebellious as you are now?不知道十年后你会变成什么样，还会像现在这么桀骜吗？

LunasiaBut one thing I do know for sure—in ten years' time, all your Dolls will be little more than spare parts. You may be able to find chunks of them in the second-hand market.不过有件事我可以确定，十年后，你的人形应该都变成零件了吧？ 你或许能在二手回收市场，找到她们的零部件。

LunasiaWhy aren't you saying anything?怎么不说话了？

LunasiaOh, you must be hungry.呀，一定是饿了吧。

Lunasia walks over to the table with a smile. She takes out a loaf of bread and starts cutting it up into slices.露尼西亚微笑着走到桌边，取出一块面包，悠闲地切了起来。

LunasiaOh dear, how could they be so careless? I clearly told them to prepare a bread knife, so why have they left me a dagger instead?哎呀，他们怎么这么粗心？ 明明要求的是切面包的刀，怎么给我放了一把匕首？

Lunasia deliberately holds up the dagger to inspect it. The sharp glint of the unsheathed blade pierces the Commander's eyes.露尼西亚刻意地举起匕首查看，开刃后的锋利光芒刺痛了指挥官的眼睛。

LunasiaIt'd be very dangerous if the prisoner got hold of it.要是被囚犯不小心夺走，可就很危险了。

Lunasia returns to the Commander's side with the dagger in her hand.露尼西亚握着匕首回到指挥官身边。

LunasiaIn exchange for the peaceful sleep you have given me, you can have this dagger.作为你让我安睡的交换，这把匕首送给你。

LunasiaYou can kill me and escape. We are now in the White Zone in Frankfurt. The security is very tight out there. You will run into the patrolling guards the moment you get out. Once you tell them about the ordeal you've suffered, you will be escorted to safety.你可以杀了我，然后逃出去。 我们现在位于法兰克福白区，外面的安保很好，你出去就能遇上巡逻的警卫，告诉他们你的遭遇，你会被安全地送出去的。

CommanderThe White Zone?白区？

LunasiaOh right, aren't you worried about your Dolls on the Elmo?对了，你不是一直很担心艾莫号上的人形吗？

Lunasia points at the surveillance camera with the blinking light.露尼西亚指了指闪烁不停的监控探头。

LunasiaThey've already tracked you down. Get out of here and you'll see them very soon.她们已经定位到了这里，你逃出去，马上就能见到她们。

Commander... I'm not going to do that.…… 我不会这样做的。

LunasiaIf you're concerned about the explosives I'm carrying inside my frame, I was just messing with you.如果你是担心埋在我身体里的炸弹的话，那纯粹是我胡说八道骗你玩的。

CommanderThat's not why I'm not doing it.不是因为这个。

Whoosh. The dagger is pressed right up against the Commander's neck. The smile has completely evaporated from Lunasia's face. Her cold eyes glint as sharply as the dagger in her hand.唰—— 匕首抵在了指挥官的脖子上。 露尼西亚脸上的笑意荡然无存，她冰冷的眼神正如匕首的锋利。

LunasiaIf you refuse to obey, I'll kill you. To be honest, I've grown tired of you.你不动手的话，我就动手了。 老实说，我已经对你感到厌烦了。

CommanderGo ahead.那你就动手啊。

LunasiaAre you testing me?你在挑衅我？

CommanderYep.嗯。

Lunasia's pupils contract in anger. The cold blade slices open the Commander's skin, but it goes no further than that...露尼西亚的瞳孔愤怒地收缩着，冰冷的匕首划破了指挥官的皮肤，却没有再继续深入……

Clang.当啷。

Lunasia drops the dagger. She stands up and pushes open the door.露尼西亚丢掉了匕首，站起来推开了大门。

LunasiaGet out.滚出去。

LunasiaGet out of here before I regret it!在我反悔之前，从这里出去！

The Commander rises wordlessly. After taking a long look at Lunasia, they leave the room.指挥官默然站起来，深深地看了一眼露尼西亚后，离开了房间。

As the footsteps recede into the distance, Lunasia slumps down to the floor.听着脚步声远去，露尼西亚瘫坐在地板。

Tap, tap, tap. The footsteps have returned to the door.哒、哒、哒。 离去的脚步声又回到了门口。

Lunasia... Why did you turn back?…… 你回来干什么？

The Commander is standing at the door with a blanket folded over their arm.指挥官站在房间门口，臂弯间搭着一条毛毯。

They walk up to Lunasia, put the cuffs that have been their restraint for the last few days around her wrists, then place the blanket over her head...走近露尼西亚，指挥官将这些天拷住自己的桎梏锁在了露尼西亚的手上，然后用毛毯盖住了她……

LunasiaWhat are you doing?!你干什么？！

In the sudden darkness, the terrified Lunasia is picked up off her feet.在突然袭来的黑暗中，惊恐的露尼西亚被抱起。

CommanderTaking my revenge.这是我的报复。

The Commander heads out the door again with Lunasia in their arms.指挥官抱起露尼西亚，朝着门外走去。

LunasiaAre you mad?! You could've left on your own! William could locate and catch you through me, have you not considered that?!你疯了吗？你明明可以自己离开！ 你就没想过，威廉能定位我的位置然后抓住你吗？！

CommanderI caught William once, I can catch him a second time. But next time, I will just kill him and be done with it...我能抓住威廉一次，就能抓住他第二次。 不过下一次，我一定要直接杀了他……

LunasiaDon't be a fool. Return to your precious Elmo. Do you seriously think you're a savior? You are nothing. You can't protect anything.别傻了，回你的艾莫号。 你真当自己是救世主吗？你什么都不是，什么也保护不了。

Commander...You're absolutely right. I once met a young woman. I just promised her a safe haven, and she trusted me completely. She died right before my eyes, and I was utterly helpless.……你说得对。 我曾经遇见一个女人，我只是允诺她一个安全的落脚地，她就给了我全部的信任。 她死在了我的面前，我却什么也做不了。

CommanderI vowed then and there that I would not let this happen ever again...那时候我就发誓，我不会再让这样的事发生……

Lunasia...Machlian?……玛赫莲？

LunasiaShe died so long ago, but you're still thinking about her?那个女人死了这么久还让你魂牵梦萦吗？

The Commander can hear the mockery in Lunasia's chuckle.指挥官听见露尼西亚嘲讽的笑声。

LunasiaIf... I tell you I can revive Machlian... Would you agree to it?如果……我有办法让玛赫莲复活。 你会同意吗？

The Commander is immediately wary.指挥官警惕起来。

Lunasia presses her lips against the Commander's ear.露尼西亚趴在指挥官耳边。

LunasiaSay... if Machlian resides within Morridow's body, can you accept that? Just like me with this body. Can you accept it?我是说……如果，玛赫莲就在默莉朵身体里呢，你能接受吗？ 就像现在的我一样？你也能接受吗？

Commander... It doesn't matter whether I accept it or not. You don't have a choice either way. From now on, you are my prisoner.…… 不用管我接不接受，总之你没得选。 从现在起，你是我的囚徒。

Carrying Lunasia, the Commander runs out toward the light...抱着露尼西亚，指挥官朝着外面的光明狂奔而去……

71-A-26 无处可藏

White Zone, Frankfurt. Accompanied by J, Nele focuses on memorizing the geography of the White Zone. Every villa, without any exception, is surrounded by high walls, and all the windows, even the ones facing the street, are opaque, so it's impossible to peer inside.法兰克福-白区。 在J的陪同下，奈乐专注地记忆着白区的情况。 每一栋别墅都无一例外筑起高墙。即便是临街的一面，也窗面模糊，看不清内里的构造。

Nele15 minutes, 110 steps per minute, stride length 0.72 meters... So we've roughly walked 1,188 meters...15分钟，110步每分，单步长0.72米…… 那么刚才走过的距离大概是1188米……

Facing the midday sun, Nele ascertains that she has been traveling southward from the north. The artificial mountain in the distance is covered in greenery. Purification facilities and military radars sprout from the peak like out-of-place mushrooms.面向正午的阳光，奈乐确定了自己正一路从北向南前进。 远处的人造山树木葱茏，只有山顶净化设施和军用雷达像一朵朵突兀的蘑菇，开在绿野中。

J...So you have relatives in Frankfurt... I suppose all the jobs are in the capital, especially for doctors.……原来你在法兰克福有亲戚啊…… 找工作的话还是要去首都啊，特别是医生。

NeleHuh? What?啊？什么？

Nele is pulled out of her thoughts. J eyes her with a frown.奈乐从思绪中浅浅回过神来。 J皱了皱眉，盯着她看。

JYou got into trouble, didn't you?你是遇到什么麻烦了吗？

Nele...Yeah, huh?……嗯，啊？

JDid the thing with Galatea tarnish your reputation? That's why you were forced to move from Berlin to Frankfurt, weren't you...? I've read your profile. With your qualifications from Heidelberg... as long as you've got proper references, it shouldn't be a problem despite what happened with Galatea. I'm not really in the position to help you, but I've got a friend... She's a pretty big name in the press, she should be able to put in a good word for you.迦拉提亚的事情，影响你的声誉了？ 所以你才被迫从柏林来法兰克福吧…… 我看过你的资料，以你海德堡大学的学历……只要有人背书，就算经历了迦拉提亚那事也没关系的。 我是不太方便了，但我有一个朋友……她在新闻行业是个厉害的人物，应该可以给你引荐。

Nele...Thank you.……谢谢。

JGot no choice but to seek help from relatives that you despise because your livelihood is on the line, yeah? I totally get it. It's really hard to get by for everyone these days.为了衣食父母所以不得不来求助讨厌的亲戚是吧？ 我懂我懂。 这年头大家为了生存，都很艰难。

Nele...You're actually a pretty nice guy.……没想到你居然人还挺好的。

JYou think so? I agree. You don't see a lot of people like me in this day and age.是吗？我也这么觉得。 这年头像我这样的人可不多见了。

JHere's my number. Feel free to call me if you run into any problems in Frankfurt. If you're short on money, I may be able to help out just a little.这是我的通讯信息，如果在法兰克福有遇到什么困难，可以找我。 想要借钱的话，数额不大也不是不可以。

Nele...It hasn't quite come to that yet. Also, I already have your contact.……倒也没到这个地步。 以及，我已经有你的通讯了。

JOh, that's a Stasi number and it's tapped. This is my private number.哦那个是斯塔西专用的，有被盯梢，这个是私人的。

Nele...Aren't you a special agent? Why would a special agent have a private number?……你不是特工吗？特工怎么还会有私人通讯？

J...You're right, we aren't given the luxury of privacy.……你说得对，我们没有隐私。

JHowever! I insist on keeping my work and personal lives separate!但是！我必须公用一个私用一个！

Nele...Seriously, what's the point in deluding yourself about that...? Oh, come to think of it, what are you doing here? Special agent business?……这种自欺欺人的意义到底在哪里啊…… 对了，我倒是没注意，你为什么会在这里？ 你不是特工吗？

JI wonder myself.我也很想知道。

Nele...From Berlin to Frankfurt—this counts as a promotion, right?……从柏林到法兰克福，你这应该算升职？

JAny promotion without a pay rise is a scam.没有加薪的升职都是一场骗局。

Nele...Surely you still get some extra perks?……总归还是有些福利的吧？

JUh, the air is a bit fresher here. ...Considering how clean air is kind of a precious commodity these days.就是空气好一点。 ……考虑到现在的洁净空气算一件昂贵的奢侈品的话。

NeleThen...那……

Having committed the location of the junction to memory, Nele starts gauging the distance and direction of a new segment.默默记住路口的位置，奈乐开始了新一轮的距离和方向测算。

NeleDo you usually head to work following this route? Do you always stick to it, or do you alternate routes depending on your posts and shifts?你平常上班都是按照这个路线走吗？ 不会有什么变化，或者轮班换岗之类的？

J...What do you mean?……什么意思？

NeleI'm just wondering if I'll run into you again the next time I visit my grandfather. You've been keeping me company for so long, at least let me treat you to coffee.我就是想问问，下次我再来看望外祖父的话，还能不能在这碰见你。 你陪我逛了这么久，至少请你喝杯咖啡吧。

JNele... Were you trying to fish for information?奈乐…… 你刚刚是在套我信息？

NeleHuh?啊？

J...You're starting to look a little suspicious.……你有点可疑了，奈乐。

JWe've been getting along pretty well, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to come with me...虽然我们关系不坏，但等下你还是跟我走一趟……

Bam!!! A sudden loud noise comes out of nowhere.砰！！！ 猝不及防的巨响。

The ground shakes. The huge explosion sends debris flying in all directions and triggers a shockwave of smoke and dust.大地震颤，剧烈的爆炸后，四溅的碎石与烟尘滚滚而来！

J immediately grabs Nele and throws himself over her on the ground.J一把拉过奈乐，扑倒在路面上。

Nele(Coughs)咳咳……

J—!——！

The alarms start blaring in an instant.一瞬，警报四起。

The automatic sprinklers above the flower beds, seemingly damaged in the tremor, have gone off, causing a massive downpour everywhere.花坛中的自动喷淋头仿佛被震坏了开关，朝四周降下满天大雨。

NeleWhat was that?怎么回事？

JNo clue. Stay put while I ask about the situation.不清楚，你别乱动，我问问情况。

J pulls out his communicator and is just about to contact his colleague. But then the broadcast system in the White Zone comes on.J掏出通讯，正打算联络同僚。 白区的警报系统响起——

Attention, all citizens. There has been an illegal trespass and an attempted burglary in a private residence. Would all citizens remain indoors; do not travel without authorization. The garrison has been mobilized and is actively searching for the suspect. If you have information or require help, please get in touch with verified garrison soldiers or members of staff with an identifying token. Would all staff members currently on patrol or off duty, please report for duty immediately...各位公民请注意，有嫌疑人员私闯住宅区并试图抢劫，请所有公民留在室内不要擅自走动。 卫戍团士兵已经出动，正在积极搜捕嫌疑人员，如果您有相关线索或者需要帮助，请求助经过认证的卫戍团士兵或者持有标识的工作人员。 请所有正在执行外勤或处于休假期的工作人员立即响应警报……

NeleWhat's going on?发生什么事了？

JI don't know yet. Go back to your grandfather's place and hunker down for now. Don't leave until the alarm is deactivated.不清楚，你先回你外祖父家避开风头，等警报解除再出来。

NeleWhat about you?那你呢？

JI've got to go and report for duty. Go that way—我现在得去集合了，那边——

Bam!嘭——

An intricate-looking wooden garden gate is kicked open, revealing...一扇造型别致的花园木门被一脚踹开，出现在后面的是——

JCommander?! Why are you here?指挥官？！你为什么在这里？

NeleCommander!指挥官！

As Nele looks on in shock, the person known as the "Commander" is standing right there before her, looking rather disheveled and carrying an unknown object in their arms.在奈乐惊诧的视线中，被称作“指挥官”的人风尘仆仆地站在面前，怀里还抱着一个不明物体。

Clatter—J draws his gun and trains it on the Commander.咔哒——J拔出手枪，对准指挥官。

JDon't tell me you're the burglar mentioned in the broadcast...?你不会就是警报中说的抢劫人员吧？

JPut down what you're carrying. Put your hands up, slowly turn to face the wall and get on your knees!把你抱着的东西放下，双手举起来，慢慢转向墙边蹲下！

The Commander has no choice but to comply. They slowly place Lunasia, still wrapped in a blanket, on the ground, then put their arms in the air.指挥官只能照做，慢慢将裹在毛毯下的露尼西亚放在地上，自己举起双手。

J approaches Lunasia cautiously, all the while watching the Commander closely. He flips the blanket open.J警惕地靠近露尼西亚，一边注意着指挥官的举动，一边掀开毛毯。

Even though J already suspects foul play, he is still dumbstruck by what he finds under the blanket.尽管已经有过心理预设，但是掀开毛毯的瞬间，J还是震惊在了原地——

JIs-isn't that—她、她是——

Smack!嘭——

The Commander seizes the opportunity to attack. They knock J out and quickly seize his sidearm.指挥官抓住一瞬的机会反击，将J击晕在地，迅速抢过了J的配枪。

Nele...What are you doing here, Commander?!……指挥官你怎么在这里！

Commander...What are YOU doing here?……你怎么在这里？

NeleDid you receive the message I sent you before?我之前给你发的信息你收到了吗？

CommanderWhen? What message?什么时候？你给我发了什么消息？

Nele...So the Instructor is a liar??? I've been gathering information on the White Zone for her so diligently... I even almost got apprehended by the Stasi...……教官小姐居然是个骗子吗？？？我兢兢业业帮她刺探白区的情报…… 还差点要被斯塔西带走……

CommanderOh...啊……

The Commander realizes their mistake and promptly switches gears.指挥官意识到了什么，立刻改口。

CommanderI remember now. The Instructor did mention it, but I've been so busy these days I haven't got the time to send you a reply...我想起来了，教官是跟我说过这事，但我这段时间太忙了，没来得及回复你……

Nele's dubious gaze sweeps back and forth between the Commander and Lunasia wrapped in the blanket.奈乐怀疑的眼神在指挥官和被毛毯掩盖的露尼西亚身上徘徊着。

Under the corner of the blanket that J has flipped open is the face of a young woman.被J掀开的一角下，是一张年轻女人的面孔。

NeleWait, so you're actually the burglar?你就是现在警报里通知的这个抢劫居民的人？

NeleCommander... W-why would you do such a thing...?指挥官……你……你怎么在干这种事……

Commander...I'll explain later.……回头我再跟你解释。

Worried about the guards in the White Zone, the Commander picks up Lunasia and turns to leave.顾虑着白区的警卫，指挥官抱起露尼西亚，转身准备离开。

Nele grabs the Commander.奈乐一把拽住了指挥官。

NeleNo... I need to talk to you!不行……我有事要找你！

Commander...I'm meeting up with someone here. Go on first and I'll get in touch with you later.……我在这里约了人，你先走，回头我再联系你。

NeleNo, you currently have zero credibility here, so I'm coming along.不行，你现在在我这里没有信誉了，我要跟着你。

CommanderYou...你……

Screeeech! An unmarked military vehicle speeds over and skids to a stop in front of them with a beautifully-executed drift.嘎吱—— 一辆无标识的军队用车风驰电掣驶来，在一个漂亮的甩尾后，停在两人面前。

The door opens, revealing 416 and M16.车门打开，露出HK416和M16的脸。

416Sorry for being late. It took a bit of work hacking this vehicle.抱歉来晚了，骇入这辆车费了点功夫。

M16A1Get in, Commander.指挥官，快上车。

Commander16... Is this what you meant when you said we'd meet again? ...How did you even know this is how things would turn out?16……这就是你说的再见？ ……你当时是怎么能预料到今天这一幕的。

M16A1Maybe it was divine revelation.就当是神的指示吧。

CommanderHar-har, very funny.这种玩笑一点也不好笑。

M16A1Then just pretend I got a tip-off from Statesec.那你就当是我从苏联安全局得到的情报吧。

CommanderAre you still M16 of Griffin?你还是格里芬的M16吗？

M16A1If you're asking where I stand...如果你问我的立场的话。

M16A1Commander... 16 will always be on your side.指挥官……16永远站在你前面。

Bang-bang-bang... A burst of gunfire erupts.呯呯呯—— 密集的枪声。

The White Zone Garrison has caught up.是白区的守卫部队赶来了。

416Get a move on! We're out of time!赶紧走！没时间了！

Without waiting for the Commander to ask, Nele has already squeezed into the vehicle. She looks back at the unconscious J lying on the ground.没等指挥官询问，奈乐已经跟着指挥官挤了上去。 她回头看向倒在地上昏迷不醒的J。

NeleWhat about J?那J怎么办？

CommanderBring him along!一起带走！

Bam.嘭。

The door slams shut, and the engine comes to life.车门关闭，引擎发动的轰鸣响起。

416Would all humans please get under the seats.接下来请人类趴在座位下面。

NeleAre you planning to fight the garrison?!你们要和白区的守卫开战？！

416Yep, back to the base we go.是的，回基地咯。

UMP45Is everybody ready? ♪各位，准备好了吗♪

Click. All the Dolls are ready for battle.咔哒—— 人形们已经做好战斗的准备。

Light as a Feather V 轻如羽毛Ⅴ

■FILE■ AS76493827612548, decrypting...■档案■ AS76493827612548解码中……

Lying on the operating table, the dying Morridow holds her breath and dares not make a sound.平躺在手术台上，奄奄一息的默莉朵屏住了呼吸，不敢发出半点声音。

She gulps unconsciously. ...She knows that she is taking a huge gamble by making this request. But at the same time... she is absolutely certain that the gamble will pay off.默莉朵下意识地咽了咽口水。 ……她很清楚，自己提出的要求无疑是一次豪赌。 但同样……她也确信，自己不可能赌输。

Morridow...Lunasia.……露尼西亚。

The sharp blade pauses on Morridow's cheek. Blood is oozing out of the wound that has just been cut, but not a drop of it clings to the blade.锐利的刀锋在默莉朵的脸颊上停滞，先前划出的伤口朝外渗着鲜血，却半点也没有沾上刀身。

William (?)How did you know this name?你从哪知道这个名字的？

Morridow...I met her, Father.……我见到了她本人，父亲大人。

Holding back her fear, Morridow keeps her voice steady as she speaks.默莉朵克制着内心的恐惧，说话的声线也勉力没有颤抖。

MorridowPlease... give me a chance.请给我……一个机会。

BadbscaMorridow, what do you think you're doing...?默莉朵，你想干什么……

MorridowI want to be myself. Only myself.我想做我自己。 只做我自己。

Badbsca...You killed Machlian, but that only caused her to be reborn in the Cocoon again.……你杀了玛赫莲，但只是让她在茧里再诞生一次。

MorridowThat won't happen again, Badbsca. Both you and Machlian... ...Are going to disappear for good. I am the one and only fully-immune individual.不会了，芭斯凯。 你也好，玛赫莲也好。 你们都会消失。 只有我是唯一的完美免疫体。

Badbsca...Even if you kill me, I will still be reborn within your consciousness, just as Machlian had done many times before. What is the point of your action?……就算你要杀了我，我一样会在你的意识里重生，就像玛赫莲那样，就像过去数次一样。 我不知道你这么做的意义是什么。

MorridowI made a deal with God.我和神做了一个交易。

MorridowShe taught me a way of deceiving our creators.她教了我一个欺骗造物主的方法。

BadbscaYou are going to trick the Master and Father?你要欺骗大师和父亲大人？

Morridow...Yes, I will make them believe I can be the substitute for the fully-immune individual. As long as I devour you and Machlian.……是的，我会让他们以为我是完美免疫体的替代品。 只要我消化了你和玛赫莲。

BadbscaWhy...为什么……

MorridowBecause I cannot allow the two of you, who share my consciousness... ...Reveal my secrets.因为我不允许和我共享意识的你们两个…… 泄露我的秘密。

BadbscaYou do know that there are many more Cocoons here?你应该知道，这里还有很多“茧”。

MorridowI know, but I want to be the most special one out of the bunch. The only one who managed to retain her complete sense of self.我知道，但我想成为最特殊的那一个。 完整保留自我意识的那一个。

MorridowThe only one who is free.唯一自由的那一个。

The surgical procedure is over. Morridow's body feels light and hollow. She feels like a butterfly flapping its wings as it flutters towards the flowers, finally free from its cage.手术结束，默莉朵感觉身体轻盈又空虚，像终于挣脱了囚笼，扇动翅膀飞向花丛的蝴蝶。

Morridow is practically dragged out of the operating room. Her head hangs feebly. Her face is obscured by her hair. Nobody sees her smile.默莉朵几乎是被拖拽着离开了手术室。 她虚弱地低垂着头，发丝遮盖了面庞。 没有人能看见她的微笑。

M4A1...If that is indeed what you want, I can give you what you desire.……如果这是你的愿望，我可以满足。

Morridow closes her eyes. M4, who is standing in the darkness, smiles compassionately at her.默莉朵合上眼，站在黑暗中带着满脸悲悯的M4，正微笑着看向她。

A single butterfly flies out of three conjoined cocoons.三只连在一起的茧，飞出了一只蝴蝶。

71-A-28 蜷缩的肖像

Bang-bang-bang... The fierce exchange of gunfire interrupts the tranquility of the residential area.呯呯呯—— 激烈的交火声彻底打破了居民区的宁静。

The vehicle carrying the Commander speeds away on the deserted streets. But as their location is exposed, more and more enemy reinforcements rush to intercept them.在无人的街道上，载着指挥官的车辆加速逃离。 但随着坐标的暴露，越来越多的援兵赶来堵截。

UMP45There are too many pursuers! At this rate, the vehicle is going to fall apart very soon!追兵太多了，再这样下去，这辆车离报废不远了！

M16A1Focus on driving. I'll take care of the pursuers.你专心开车，我来解决后面的追兵。

Clatter. M16 pulls open the sunroof and props her weapon up to fire at their relentless enemies.咔哒。M16拉开车顶窗，架枪瞄准后方穷追不舍的敌人。

M16A1416, cover me.416，掩护我。

416Got it. I'll keep an eye on what's behind you.收到，你背后的视野，我会照看。

Bam!嘭——

A garrison soldier is hit by the vehicle. While it brakes for a brief second, 416 snatches the communicator out of the soldier's hand and hacks into it.一名卫戍团士兵被车撞倒，HK416趁着刹车的片刻，夺走了士兵手上的通讯器骇入其中。

CommanderCan you find out their positions with this?能靠这个查出他们的部署吗？

416Yes.嗯。

A moment later, 416 has the answer.片刻后，HK416就给出了回答。

416Commander, they have soldiers blocking all exits in the White Zone. More than a dozen teams are also searching along the main road...指挥官，白区的所有出口都被士兵堵住了。 并且有十几支小队正沿着主干道搜索……

UMP45Then we can't go back the way we came.看来现在无法通过我们进来的通道出去了。

416What should we do, Commander?指挥官，我们该怎么办？

CommanderDo you have a topographic map of the White Zone? We've got to make a break for it. We're just sitting ducks here and they'll get to us sooner or later.有白区的地形图吗？ 我们必须突围出去，干等在这里只会被耗死。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

Another burst of bullets are fired at the vehicle. UMP45 swerves just in time to evade most of them.又是一连串追着车辆的子弹，UMP45及时转弯避开了大部分。

UMP45You need a very high clearance level to access any map of the White Zone, and the topographic one is pretty much top secret. I'm afraid we can't get to it on our own.白区地图的权限太高了，地形图更是绝密等级的机密。 光靠我们恐怕是搞不到的。

Nele, who has been nervously watching the gunfight through the window, suddenly speaks up.一直紧张地望着车窗外枪战的奈乐突然开口。

NeleI have a rough understanding of the geography here. I took the effort to memorize it because the Instructor asked me to.我大概知道地形，因为有被教官小姐拜托过，我特意记下了这里的地形。

CommanderNele...奈乐……

NeleThe urban planning here is very systematic, with different areas for different functions. The center is the administrative area, which is roughly northwest from here, and there are residential areas in both the southwest and northeast.这里的区域规划非常工整，以功能来划分开不同区域。 中心是办公区，大概是东南-西北走向，西南方向和东北方向各有一片居住区。

NeleWe are currently in the southwestern one.我们现在位于西南方向的居住区。

The Commander studies the diagram that Nele has quickly sketched and ponders their next move.指挥官看着奈乐画下的示意图，思考着接下来的计划。

M16A1Do you know how we can get to the Main from here?你知道美因河和这里的接入点吗？

NeleThe Main... Why do you ask?美因河……为什么这么问？

M16A1There is a circular Wiesbaden metro line that passes over the White Zone, and that's where the Main and the White Zone intersect.有一条威斯巴登的地铁环线从白区的上方经过，美因河和白区的接入点就在那附近。

416...You clearly did your homework.……你的调查倒是很详尽嘛。

NeleStill, we can't get out even if we find the intersection...可是，就算能找到美因河的接入点，我们也无法出去啊……

CommanderNo... What 16 means is that the walls where the metro line passes over the White Zone are weaker. We can blast our way through there.不…… 16的意思是，地铁经过部分的白区的墙体比其他地方薄弱。 我们可以从那里炸出一条通道。

M16A1Indeed.是的。

Nele...I understand.……我明白了。

Nele stares at her own diagram with a frown.奈乐皱起眉盯着自己画的地图。

NeleBased on the information I have, I can only infer that the intersection is roughly to the north of the residential area, where the garrison base and the administrative area meet.根据我掌握的信息，我只能推断这个地点大概在居住区的北边，卫戍团军营和办公区交界的地方。

M16A1That is the water treatment facility, which is directly connected to the top of the White Zone.那是净水处理厂的建筑，直接和白区的顶部链接。

416Are you certain that this information is correct? It will directly determine our decision of where to go from here.能确定这些信息的正确性吗？它将直接决定我们接下来的行动方向。

NeleI'm fairly confident, unless the building is camouflaged.除非有伪装建筑。

M16A1That wouldn't be a problem. We can run a soil analysis before we do it.就算有伪装，问题也不大。 我们在动手前可以测试下土质。

416... Then I have no other questions, Commander.…… 那我没有什么问题了，指挥官。

CommanderThank you, Nele.谢谢你，奈乐。

The Commander looks at the "X" that Nele has marked on the map and frowns.指挥官看向笔记上被奈乐打上×的地点，皱了皱眉。

CommanderWe will have to get past the garrison base to get there. There's a chance that we'll be spotted.如果我们要去这里，就会经过卫戍团军营的边缘，有被发现的可能。

M16A1The garrison has fully mobilized to hunt us down, so only a small number of soldiers are left behind at the base.卫戍团现在全员出动在追捕我们，军营反而只会留下小部分士兵留守。

CommanderI'm more concerned about the comms network within the garrison. They respond to developing situations very quickly and their reinforcements are very fast. The moment they come across our tracks, they will immediately know where we're headed.我担心的是卫戍团内部的通讯网络，他们的支援和响应速度都非常快。 一旦发现我们的踪迹，我们的目的地就会立刻暴露。

416Don't worry, we will do everything we can to buy you time. The explosion will also serve as a distraction to split the garrison's attention.别担心，我们会尽可能争取时间的。 而且，爆破也会分散卫戍团的注意力。

CommanderRight, then our current objective is to reach the water treatment facility.嗯，现在作战目标先定为抵达净水处理厂。

UMP45Roger that.收到。

UMP45 changes direction and speeds toward their new destination...UMP45调转方向，朝着目标地点疾驰而去……

Bang-bang-bang! 416 shoots down the last approaching garrison soldier. Just as M16 has surmised, the entire garrison has mobilized, leaving only a few squads at the camp.呯呯呯—— HK416击毙了最后一个逼近的卫戍团士兵。 正如M16推测的那样，卫戍团全员出动，军营中只留下了几支小队。

416 looks up at the top section of the water treatment facility. If all has gone according to plan, M16 should have arrived at her position by now.HK416抬头看向净水处理厂的顶部，按照计划，M16应该已经抵达。

416M16, 404 has finished cleaning up the scene. But we couldn't sabotage the garrison's internal alarm system in time, so reinforcements are already on the way.M16，404已经完成清理。 但没能拦截卫戍团的内部警报系统，援兵已经在来的路上了。

M16A1Copy that. I'm already on the top floor and setting the charges. Give me five more minutes.收到，我已经到达顶楼，正在布置爆破装置。 再帮我拖延五分钟。

416Acknowledged.收到。

416 looks over at the vehicle in the parking lot nearby in which the Commander, Nele, and J are hiding. UMP45 and UMP9 are already in position to protect the Commander. All that's left to do is for her and Gr G11 to intercept any enemy reinforcements and stall them until M16 completes the detonation.HK416看向一旁停车场上藏着指挥官、奈乐和J的车辆。 UMP45和UMP9已经埋伏好，为指挥官提供全面的保护。 留给自己和G11的只剩下阻击伏兵，拖延到M16完成爆破。

In this quiet moment just before the storm, 416 is suddenly plagued by an inexplicable sense of unease.在等待前最后的宁静，HK416的内心生出莫名的不安。

As if to prove her sense of premonition, a shrill alarm sounds from the water treatment facility.像是为了响应，一阵嘹亮漫长的警报声从净水处理厂中传来。

M16A1Take cover. The charges are set.做好掩护准备，爆破装置已完成。

416Copy that. Retreat post-haste.收到，快速撤退。

416 gestures to her teammates behind her to take cover and promptly runs to safety herself. The Commander's vehicle is just a few steps away.HK416对身后的队友打手势示意进入掩体，随后，她也快步走去。 指挥官的车辆就在几步之遥。

Boom! The sound of a massive explosion comes from behind. But there is no sign of the expected smell of smoke and burning.轰—— 巨大的爆炸声从她身后传来。 但预想中的硝烟味和焦糊味却没有存在的迹象。

When 416 opens her eyes again, she is no longer near the water treatment facility that should've been ablaze. Instead... She finds herself in her own Level II space.HK416再次睁开眼时，她不在本该火光漫天的净水工厂附近，而是—— 出现在了自己的二级平层。

416What's going on?怎么回事？

41645? Is this you?45？你搞的鬼吗？

UMP45What's wrong? Why are you calling me via a Level II channel?发生什么事了，你为什么要用二级平层的频道叫我？

416... I got yanked into my Level II.…… 我被拉进了自己的二级平层。

UMP45You got hacked?被骇入了？

416I'm not sure.我不确定。

M16A1Describe what you see.描述你现在面临的情形。

416 takes in the starkly white space and looks for anything unusual.HK416环视着洁白的空间，寻找着和平常不同的地方。

Hiss... The sound of a snake flicking its tongue. It sounds extremely close, like it is right by her ear.咝—— 是蛇吐信子的声音。 很近很近，近到像就在耳边。

416A snake... I see a snake.蛇…… 我看见了一条蛇。

UMP45A snake?蛇？

M16A1416, we are now looking at your Level II through 45's shared screen. We're not seeing this snake of yours.416，我们现在在通过45的共享观看你的二级平层。 我们没有找到你说的蛇。

416 stares unblinkingly at the white-lipped python coiled over several white objects that appear to be eggs.HK416定定地看着不远处盘旋在几枚白色卵型物体上的白吻蟒。

It flicks its tongue at 416 in warning. But 416 takes no notice at all. Her attention is on the egg-shaped objects guarded by the python. There are protected data within those shells. 416 realizes what she is looking at.它朝HK416吐着信子，发出危险的信号。 而HK416完全没有在意，她的注意力全在白吻蟒身下守护的几枚卵型物体。 那是被守护在卵型结构里的数据。 HK416意识到了那是什么。

This is "Cocoon".那是“茧”。

41645, what's the situation out there?45，你们那边现在什么情况？

UMP45The explosion was a bit more powerful than we expected, but we've opened up a passage alright. We are now repelling the garrison reinforcements while planning a route for the Commander. Your frame should be near the Commander's vehicle.爆破造成的效果超出了我们的预计，不过通道是打开了。 我们现在正在一边击退赶来的援兵，一边给指挥官规划路线。 你的素体应该在指挥官的车附近。

UMP45If you have a plan, you'd better tell me now. Honestly, things aren't looking very good here.有什么计划，你最好快点说。 坦白讲，我们这边的情况并不乐观。

41645, if there is a trap in front of you, and you know that taking the bait will kill you, but there is something vital in the trap, what would you do?45，如果现在有一个陷阱摆在你的面前，你知道吞下诱饵会死，但是陷阱里有着至关重要的东西。 你会怎么做？

UMP45We are all desperados here. Since when are we scared of a little gamble?我们都是亡命之徒，该赌的时候为什么不赌一把？

416I knew it...我就知道……

416 lets out a sigh.HK416轻叹一口气。

416Even if I don't step in the trap now, you'll do it sooner or later.就算我现在不踏入这个陷阱，以后你也是一定会拿的。

Clatter. 416 raises her gun and walks up to the snake.咔哒。抬起手中的枪，HK416朝着白吻蟒走去。

416Then it'd better be me. Such things should be left to the squad leader, don't you think?那么还是我去吧，这种时候就该队长上吧？

416If I don't come back, you can take over as squad leader for a while.要是我回不来了，404的队长就先给你当着。

UMP45... 416, there is always a chance that you'll lose everything in the gamble, so make sure you think it through.…… 416，赌是有几率血本无收的，你要想清楚。

416I have thought it through.我想得很清楚。

416 deactivates her comms channel. The white-lipped python in front of her rears up, showing off its robust body and bearing its sharp fangs.HK416关闭了通讯，面前的白吻蟒已经支起了身体，展示惊人的强壮的身躯和嘴里的獠牙。

416Commander... Never thought there'd come a day when I risk it all.指挥官……我居然也有这样拼尽全力的一天。

Bang-bang-bang! 416 squeezes her trigger, and the burst of bullets force the python to lean back.呯呯呯—— 扣动扳机，HK416的一连串子弹仅仅是逼得白吻蟒微微后倾。

The bullets bounce off its scales, creating a few sparks.子弹在它的鳞片上迸出零星火光。

416Tsk, that's some ridiculously strong defense. I bet its attack is equally—啧，防御这么厚，那么伤害应该——

Bam! The white-lipped python whips its tail with lighting speed and the force of a tsunami.轰—— 白吻蟒的蛇尾猛地扫过，闪电般的速度，海啸般的威力。

Unable to dodge out of the way in time, 416 is brutally sent flying and crashes to the ground.HK416躲闪不及，被狠狠甩出，砸在了地上。

416... Why are the enemies all so overpowered these days? With that kind of attack and defense stats, in Gr G11's words, this boss needs to be nerfed.…… 现在的敌人都这么犯规？ 防御和攻击力都拉满了，换G11来都得说数值崩坏。

With a derisive snicker, 416 stumbles to her feet and faces off the python once more.冷冷自嘲般笑笑，HK416爬起来和白吻蟒继续对峙。

It raises its head high and flick its tongue as if in mockery. 416 recalls its previous attack and tries to identify any possible openings.它高高昂起了头颅，吐露出的信子有了些恶意嘲讽的意味。 HK416回忆着它刚刚的攻击，寻找着任何可能的破绽。

Boom! The python launches another attack.轰——新的一轮攻击已然袭来。

416...Pulling the same move?……同一招？

416 slides through the gap between the python's tail and the ground. At the same time—HK416从蛇尾和地面的缝隙中滑过，同一时间——

Bang-bang-bang! She opens fire in the direction of its head.呯呯呯—— 她朝着白吻蟒头颅的方向扣下扳机。

416I won't fall for the same trick twice!我可不会在同一个地方摔倒两次！

The bullets once again bounce off its scales harmlessly with only a spark. But causing damage is not 416's intention anyway. Her target has always been the "cocoon".子弹迸射在它头部的鳞片上，发出黯淡的火光后就被弹开。 但造成伤害本就不是HK416的目的，从始至终，她的目标都是“茧”。

While the python is momentarily distracted, 416 grabs hold of one of the "cocoons". Then...趁着白吻蟒被吸引走注意力的瞬间，HK416已经抓住了一个“茧”。 紧接着——

Hiss... She has lost sight of the snake, but the hiss by her ear is unmistakably clear.咝—— 视野中没有白吻蟒的身影，但耳畔无疑传来了清晰的声音。

Crunch... The pain of being strangled.嘎吱—— 被绞紧的痛苦。

She can't think. She can't move. It feels as if she's being swallowed by the snake, paralyzed by deadly venom, and pushed further and further into hell. Even so, 416 does not let go of the "cocoon" in her hand.无法思考，无法动弹。 像整个人被吞入蛇腹，被致命的毒素麻痹，被一点点推向地狱。 即便如此，HK416也没有松开手中的“茧”。

Bang-bang-bang! Boom! The cacophony of gunfire pulls her back into reality.呯呯呯——轰隆—— 热闹的交火声将她拉回到现实。

416... ...That's it?…… ……居然这么简单吗？

UMP45416, answer me!416，回答我！

416I'm here. I got out.我在。 我逃出来了。

Gr G11Are you okay? You gave me quite a scare...你没事吧？你要吓死我了……

416I'm fine. I'll go pick up the Commander. I have important information for them.我没事，我先去和指挥官汇合。 有重要的情报要交给指挥官。

UMP9Are you sure you're okay? 45 said you saw a snake or something...?你真的不要紧吗？45说你看见了蛇什么的……

416Yeah, we'll talk about that later. I'll check up on the Commander first.嗯，这些事之后再说。 我先去看看指挥官的情况。

The white-lipped python sheds its skin, and a woman emerges gracefully.白吻蟒的蛇皮褪下，一个女人优雅地走出。

She pulls up 416's real-time view.她调出了HK416此刻的视野。

Hebe...What a headstrong child. So eager to prove herself.……真是个单纯要强的孩子。

HebeDo you honestly think you can leave unscathed after stealing Hydra's treasure?以为拿走了海德拉的宝藏，还能安全地离开吗？

Behind her, the remaining "cocoons" emit a faint glow.在她的身后，剩下的几枚“茧”发出幽微的光芒。

HebeNow let's see to whom you will offer the treasure.让我来看看，你会将宝藏献给谁呢？

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

Rumble... The fierce sound of battle seems to be fading into the distance. The Commander wants to open their eyes, but their body refuses to obey.轰隆—— 激烈的战斗声好像在渐渐远去。 指挥官想睁眼查看，身体却并不服从命令。

???Commander!指挥官！

They feel an intense pain on their back and the side of their thigh, caused by some kind of strong impact. The Commander remembers running into Task Force DEFY, who came to rescue them, but their ride was knocked over by an explosion...背部和大腿的侧面都很痛，好像是遭到了剧烈的冲击。 指挥官回想起，自己和露尼西亚遇上了前来营救的忤逆小队，但他们乘坐的车辆被炸翻了……

???Commander, wake up!指挥官！快醒醒！

A cold hand smacks them on the cheek lightly.冰凉的手拍打着脸颊。

???Commander!!!指挥官！！！

They've really got to wake up now.看来不得不醒来了。

416Finally!你终于醒了！

Commander...416?……416？

416It's me. Take my hand.是我，快抓住我的手。

CommanderOkay...哦……

Still feeling numb and disoriented, the Commander reaches out toward 416 in a daze.身体还没有完全醒来，指挥官迷蒙地将手伸向HK416。

416Right, I've got you. Now try to relax. I'm going to pull you out of the car.好，我握住你的手了。 现在，你尽可能放松身体，我要将你从车内拽出来。

CommanderSure...好……

Although the Commander is still too confused to understand the current situation, they still implicitly and wholeheartedly trust 416.没能完全理解现状，但指挥官还是下意识地完全信任了HK416。

416Here I go. This may hurt, but don't worry, I'll get you out of here safely!我要把你拽出来了。 可能会伤到你，但别担心，我会安全地带你离开这里的！

CommanderRight.嗯。

Whoosh!哗啦——

416This way, Commander!这边，指挥官！

Dragging the stumbling Commander along, 416 runs toward another vehicle that UMP45 has hacked.拽着脚步踉跄的指挥官，HK416朝UMP45新骇入的车跑去。

Commander...What about the others?……其他人怎么样了？

416...Miss Nele and the funkily-dressed Dandelion are safe. DEFY has also made it here and is currently drawing some of the fire from us and buying us time.……奈乐小姐和奇装异服的丹德莱已经被安置好了。 忤逆也到了，现在正在后方分散火力，帮助我们拖延时间。

CommanderIt's very reassuring to have you all around...有你们在，我很安心……

After helping the Commander into the vehicle, 416 closes the door and stands guard outside.将指挥官扶上车后，HK416立刻回身戒备。

416Commander, I'll stand guard out here. Stay put inside the car for now. Once M16 is done clearing up a route, she'll come and give us a hand.指挥官，外面交给我来戒备。 你先在车内保护好自己，等M16那边清理干净路线会来接应我们。

CommanderOkay.好。

41645, is the Commander's escape route confirmed?45，指挥官的撤离路线确定了吗？

UMP45Basically yes. M16 is cleaning up the last obstacles. How are things on your end?基本确认，M16在清理最后的残余。 你那边情况怎么样？

416We're safe for now.目前安全。

Hiss... There comes the persistent sound again. 416 senses the menacing breath by her ear.咝—— 纠缠不休的声音又一次攀附而来。 在HK416的耳边喷吐着辛辣又危险的气息。

41645.45。

UMP45Yes?我在。

416Come take over for me and watch the Commander.你来接应下指挥官。

UMP45Why? Where are you going?为什么？你要去做什么？

Hiss... 416 feels ice-cold skin gliding over her frame, wrapping around her, but she sees nothing.咝—— 冰冷刺骨的皮肤裹紧了HK416的素体，明明视野中一切正常。

The bind constricts little by little, suffocating her more and more.一寸寸的收缩，一寸寸的窒息。

Commander416, are you okay?416，你没事吧？

CommanderWhat's that thing in your eye? It's glowing faintly...你眼睛里有什么印记？在隐隐地发光……

416... I'm okay, Commander.…… 指挥官，我没事。

She feels a burning sensation in both her right eye and where she was bitten on the arm. She grips her gun tightly and forces her mind to focus.手臂被咬过的位置和右眼都在隐隐发烫，灼烧般地刺痛着。 416紧紧抓握住手里的枪，强行将自己的意识收拢。

UMP45416, come in.416，回话。

Commander...416?……416？

416Is this my punishment for losing the gamble? I stole something important without paying my due...这就是赌桌的惩罚吗？ 我盗取了重要的东西，却没有偿付相应的筹码……

Commander416...416……

416...This is what I extracted from the Bee Sting System...……这是从蜂针系统里拿到的东西……

416It's all in your hands, Commander. We will prevail.指挥官，交给你了，我们会赢的。

In the dead silence, 416's gun slips out of her hand and clatters to the ground.在死寂中，HK416的枪从手中滑落，砸在了地上。

Like an icicle breaking off from a glacier, she plunges straight into an endless abyss of darkness.她犹如从冰川上坠落的冰凌，直直朝着无尽的黑暗而去。

The Commander catches her frame before she falls, but they cannot catch her soul.指挥官接住了她的素体，但抓不住她的灵魂。

...In Paradeus' temporary plant.……帕拉蒂斯的临时工厂。

Nemhran takes the communicator, which should not be ringing at the moment, from Ashley. It is Hebe.从艾希礼手中接过本不该在此时响起的通讯，尼梅兰看见了赫柏。

Nemhran...What happened?……发生什么事了？

HebeRemember Badbsca's cocoon that you left in my safekeeping?还记得你安排我保管的芭斯凯的茧吗？

Nemhran...That one was already broken... The information contained within couldn't be cracked... That's why I left it with you.……那个已经破了…… 里面的情报无法被识别……所以才让你看管。

HebeI used it to set a trap.刚刚我用它布了个局。

Nemhran...What do you mean?……怎么说？

HebeThe thief is now marked...小偷已经被我打上印记……

NemhranFine. It's going to be leaked sooner or later anyway. But don't act without authorization next time.行吧。 反正那个东西迟早是要泄露的。 下一次，不要再自作主张。

Hebe...How can we win if we're always so passive?……总是被动的话，怎么能赢？

Nemhran...The game is already at a point where we can't afford to make any random moves. Hebe, I hope you understand the difficulty of the task at hand.……现在的棋局，已经到了不可以随便落子的程度了。 赫柏，我希望你能明白这个任务的艰辛程度。

HebeOf course I understand. This is precisely why we can't just remain on the defensive. We may only stand a chance of winning if we actually take a chance.我当然明白，因此才不能被动防守。 搏一搏，才有赢的可能性。

Nemhran...Have you considered that our mission objective... Isn't actually to win this current game?……你有没有想过，也许我们的任务目标…… 不是赢下这一局呢？

71-A-30 破裂

LunasiaSay... if Machlian resides within Morridow's body, can you accept that? Just like me with this body. Can you accept it?我是说……如果，玛赫莲就在默莉朵身体里呢，你能接受吗？ 就像现在的我一样？你也能接受吗？

...In the temporary safe house, Squad 404 analyzes the information for which 416 has traded her life. Pushing their sorrow aside for now, the Commander finally understands what Lunasia meant earlier.……在临时安全屋中，404解析了HK416用命拿回来的情报。 按捺着内心的悲苦，指挥官明白了露尼西亚的意思。

CommanderSo this is what you meant when you said Machlian resided within Morridow's body...原来你说玛赫莲在默莉朵的身体里，是这个意思……

LunasiaIt's a gift to you from Bill.这是比尔给你的礼物。

Commander...Toying with someone's life and death?……玩弄别人的生死吗？

Lunasia...If you join forces with him... He may agree to let Machlian return to your side.……如果你跟他联手的话…… 或许他愿意让玛赫莲回到你的身边。

CommanderShut up.闭嘴。

This is the first time the Commander has lost their temper in front of Lunasia.这是指挥官第一次在露尼西亚面前生气。

LunasiaYou see? You can't accept it. Neither can Bill.你看，你不能接受。 那么比尔也不能。

The Commander walks up to Lunasia. The grim determination they radiate silences Lunasia.指挥官走到了露尼西亚面前，隐隐的威压让露尼西亚安静了下来。

Commander...I've made up my mind.……我决定了。

LunasiaWhat?什么？

Commander...I am going to destroy Paradeus completely. All the Nytos, the Nyto incubation program known as Operation Cocoon, and whoever's pulling the strings behind them...……我会彻底地毁灭帕拉蒂斯。 不管是全部的涅托，还是孵化涅托的茧计划，还是它们背后的触手……

CommanderI want them all dead.我要它们全都死。

LunasiaWhat about Machlian?那玛赫莲呢？

CommanderMachlian is already dead. She died right before my eyes.玛赫莲已经死了。 她死在了我的眼前。

LunasiaI see. Then what about me?这样啊，那我呢？

Commander...I hope you won't end up on the list.……我不希望包括你。

CommanderI suppose you don't want to be on the list either.我想你也并不希望包括你。

LunasiaLooks like I'm going to have to make an effort to prove myself.看来接下来，需要努力表现的角色变成了我。

The Commander gestures for M16 to take Lunasia back to her cell.指挥官示意M16将露尼西亚带回房间关押。

AR-18Commander, you need rest.指挥官，您需要休息。

Commander... I want to check on 416.…… 我想去看看416。

The Commander stands next to 416's frame and looks down at those closed eyes.指挥官站在HK416的素体边，看着那双紧闭的双眼。

UMP45 is perched on a stool, rummaging for tools in her attempt to repair 416.UMP45坐在一边，平静地翻找着工具，试图修复HK416。

UMP45416 would probably have a breakdown if you perform a eulogy right now. You know how much pride she has.你要是在这个时候说些沉重的致辞，416应该会崩溃的。 她一向是个很要强的人。

Commander... Then what should I say?…… 那我应该说些什么？

UMP45Something light-hearted. Ask her to send you invoices for what you owe. Tell her you support her being the squad leader of 404. That's more than enough.轻松地说些，尽管开账单，你会支持416成为队长，这样就够了。

The Commander tidies the tousled fringe on 416's forehead, but they just can't bring themselves to utter something so frivolous.指挥官轻轻理了理HK416额前的乱发，那些轻飘飘的话却怎么也说不出口。

CommanderLearned anything about the perpetrator?凶手，有线索吗？

UMP45This damage is caused by a new Nyto.这个伤是新涅托造成的。

UMP45 carefully peels back 416's right eyelid, revealing the clear mark on her eye.UMP45小心地翻开HK416的右眼睑，里面的印记还清晰可见。

UMP45Paradeus has another high-ranking Nyto in Frankfurt.帕拉蒂斯在法兰克福还有新的高级涅托。

Commander...I see. I'll find a way to find her.……我知道了，我会想办法找到她。

CommanderHow are the repairs on 416 coming along?416的修复进展怎么样了？

UMP45We can't repair her with our current resources, and the damage she sustained is something I've never seen before. After this is over, I'll have to get Dier.以我们现在的资源没办法完成修复，她的损伤情况也是我从未见过的。 等这次结束后，我回头再找德尔。

The Commander squats down slowly and takes 416's hand. This was the hand that pulled them out of the vehicle. But right now, it is so weak and lifeless it cannot even make a fist.指挥官慢慢蹲下，握住了HK416的手。 正是这只手，将自己从车辆中救出。 但现在，这只手却软弱无力，连握紧拳头都做不到。

UMP45I was planning to step down as squad leader and let her have a go in the position after this operation. Sadly, neither of us are the candid type. If only I had told her sooner.我本来还打算这次任务结束后，就把队长交给她试试。 可惜我们都不是坦率的人，要是我早点告诉她就好了。

UMP945...45姐……

UMP45She's not even officially instated as leader yet, but she's already so eager to perform the duty of a leader. If someone had to lose their life, she'd rather it be her.明明还没正式当上队长，就急着履行队长的责任。 如果一定要有人舍命的话，她希望她是第一个。

UMP45 packs up her tool kit and walks up to the Commander. For once, there is no trace of any humor or banter in her eyes, only seriousness.UMP45整理好自己的工具包，走到指挥官面前。 她的眼睛里第一次出现没有戏谑没有调侃的严肃。

UMP45Commander, our new adversary in Frankfurt is most certainly an electronic warfare expert. We lost this time, and there's no guarantee that we'll win next time.指挥官，法兰克福的新敌人一定具备电子战特化的能力。 我们这一次输了，下一次或许也未必能赢。

CommanderThis new Nyto's capabilities are still unclear, which poses a potential risk.新涅托的能力还尚不明确，对我们而言是潜在的风险。

UMP45But Commander... This is actually making me very eager for a fight.但是指挥官…… 这样反而燃起了我的斗志呢。

The Commander can see the quiet fury burning in UMP45's eyes.指挥官能看见愤怒的火焰在UMP45沉静的眼眸中灼烧。

UMP45...What about you, Commander?……指挥官，你呢？

The Commander lets go of 416's hand gently and turns to the Doll behind them.指挥官轻轻放下了HK416的手，转向身后静默的人形。

CommanderSame here.我也是。

...Frankfurt District, Frankfurt.……法兰克福-法兰克福区。

AR-18Our primary objective in this operation plan was to enter the White Zone and rescue you. The key part of this plan—entering the White Zone—was only possible thanks to the intelligence provided by M16.我们这次的作战计划，首要任务以进入白区解救您为目标。 其中最核心的部分，进入白区，是M16提供的情报。

CommanderIt's almost as if you knew what's going to happen...你好像早就料到了这一切……

The Commander peers at M16, who's leaning against the wall in the corner. Her words from when they last parted ways still echo in their ears.指挥官望向倚靠在角落的M16，上一次告别时，她留下的话还在回响。

Commander... You left Avernus early back then to plan for Frankfurt?…… 你那时提前从阿佛那斯离开，就是为了来法兰克福部署吗？

M16A1Yes.是。

CommanderI'm guessing you'll just clam up if I ask any more questions.我猜，我继续问下去，你什么也不会说了。

The Commander doesn't press M16 any further and instead turns to AR-18.不再为难M16，指挥官转向AR-18。

CommanderAny new information concerning Paradeus? Anything on William's whereabouts in particular?关于帕拉蒂斯，有什么新的情报吗？ 尤其是关于威廉去向的。

AR-18Commander, our operation has achieved a great deal on top of successfully rescuing you. DEFY destroyed a handful of Paradeus' temporary bases, while Squad 404 hacked into the Bee Sting System and obtained important information on Paradeus' new operation.指挥官，这次计划的副线有很大的收获。 忤逆摧毁了几个帕拉蒂斯的临时工厂，404骇入蜂针系统，得到了有关帕拉蒂斯新计划的重要情报。

CommanderWhat information?什么情报？

AR-18Paradeus has plans to implement a project named Operation Cocoon to replace the channel that Erma shut down.帕拉蒂斯意图通过一项名为“茧计划”的项目，用来代替被艾尔玛关闭的通道。

CommanderThey'd already planned so far ahead... even back in Berlin?在柏林的时候……她们就已经计划如此深远了吗？

AR-18It was probably nothing more than a plan B at that point. But now they're forced to put it into action.也许那时候只是有备无患。 现在到了不得不正式上场的时候了。

Commander...But back then, Operation Cocoon wasn't about this.……但是那时候，茧计划的呈现并非如此。

AR-18If you're referring to the Iaso's Boxes... Those were only by-products of Operation Cocoon. We're still not sure where that's supposed to lead.您如果是指伊阿索之匣的话…… 那是茧计划的副产品，这条衍生线迄今为止还不明朗。

CommanderIn any case, we mustn't let them achieve their aim.无论如何，我们不会让他们得逞。

AR-18That goes without saying.当然。

M16 walks up to the Commander.M16走近指挥官身边。

M16A1There's a GPS tracker on Dandelion. We can't remove it.丹德莱的身上有定位器，我们无法拆除。

CommanderWe can't let her go either. Firstly, we need her to stop Operation Cocoon. Secondly, I need her for my "revenge".不能放她离开，一是为了阻挠茧计划，二是我的“报复”。

M16A1Alright, I'll keep trying.是，我会继续尝试卸除定位器。

AR-18Also, we need instructions on how to deal with the two humans.另外，还有两个人类，我们不知如何处理。

Knock, knock.咚咚——

After a knock, the Commander and AR-18 enter the room.敲门后，指挥官和AR-18走进了房间。

NeleMiss Instructor...教官小姐……

AR-18Miss Nele, sorry for the ordeal we've put you through. Miss Mia is on her way here.奈乐小姐，抱歉让您受惊了，米娅小姐正在赶来的路上。

CommanderFirst of all, please accept my utmost gratitude. Thank you very much for your help. If it hadn't been for you, my Dolls could still be stuck beyond the quarantine wall right now. Also, the information you provided about the White Zone is critical and will greatly benefit our upcoming operation.我想先当面对你表达感谢。 非常感谢你的帮助，如果不是你，我的人形可能现在仍被困在隔离墙外。 另外，你提供的有关白区的情报也非常关键，对我们接下来的计划都很有利。

Nele...So what about the favor I'm asking?……那我的委托呢？

CommanderI understand what you're after, but—你的委托内容我已经明白，只是——

NeleMiss Instructor tried to fob me off, but I won't hold it against her. I know you're going up against Galatea and the powerful entity behind them. My request is very simple—I want to restore Doctor Gray's reputation.教官小姐欺骗我的事我可以不计较。 我知道你们要对付迦拉提亚和背后的庞大势力。 而我的要求很简单，我要恢复格雷老师的名誉。

Commander...That's very dangerous, you know.……你知道这很危险。

Nele...Of course I do, but I've got to get to the bottom of it. I want to figure out what exactly was the thing that replaced the real Doctor Gray!……当然，但我必须弄清楚。 我要弄清楚顶替格雷老师的究竟是什么东西！

Commander...Looks like nothing I say will dissuade you.……看来我无论如何不能动摇你的决心了。

Nele...You're right about that.……是的。

CommanderEven if it'll take you down a difficult path? You do know that you're in the company of a group of wanted criminals, right?即便这是一条艰辛的道路？ 你知道吗？你正在和一群通缉犯走在一起。

NeleSo what...? The pursuit of the truth is never easy.那又怎样……真理不惧逆行。

CommanderAlright, I understand.好的，我明白了。

Looking at Nele's resolute eyes, the Commander knows that she is fully committed to her cause.看着奈乐坚定的眼神，指挥官已然明白了她的决心。

AR-18Commander, here's the Stasi agent that was found together with Miss Nele.指挥官，那名和奈乐小姐同行的斯塔西在这里。

The Commander directs their gaze at J, who is sitting in the corner. They're not quite sure how to feel.指挥官心情有些复杂地望向坐在角落的J。

JCommander...?指挥官……？

CommanderSorry for getting you involved.抱歉把你也卷了进来。

J... Did you receive my message?…… 你收到我的邮件了吗？

CommanderYes.嗯。

JI'd thought the next time we saw each other again, we'd be having a drink together in Frankfurt...我还以为下一次见面，会是我们在法兰克福喝酒……

CommanderI'm sorry. That's really all I can say.对不起，我能说的只有这一句。

JI know. We're never destined to walk the same path.我知道。 我们从来不是一条路上的人。

AR-18Apologies, Agent J, but I'm afraid you're going to have to stay here for a short while. Someone will bring you some daily necessities in a bit.抱歉了，J探员，接下来的一段时间请你留在这里。 会有人形来为你提供必需的生活用品。

CommanderAR-18, tell all the Dolls to assemble at the meeting room in ten minutes.AR-18，十分钟后，通知所有人形进入会议室。

AR-18I thought you would be depressed for a while...我还以为您会颓废一阵子……

CommanderWhen Erma gave her life... you didn't slack off at all.艾尔玛牺牲的时候……你的工作没有丝毫松懈。

AR-18...I am a soldier.……我是一位军人。

CommanderWhat a coincidence, so am I.真巧，我也是。

CommanderThe road ahead will demand even more courage and determination from us.接下来的路，我们要走得更勇敢，也更坚定。

AR-18It is an honor to accompany you.能够追随您，是我的荣幸。

ShadowlessWe are now just outside an abandoned chemical plant in the Eschborn District of Frankfurt. Through our camera, you can see thick smoke and a large amount of powder billowing in the air.各位，我们现在位于法兰克福市埃施博恩区的一家废弃化工厂前。 通过我们的镜头，大家可以看见里面浓烟滚滚，还有大量粉末在空中散播。

ShadowlessAn explosion has just occurred here, but the exact cause and casualties remain unknown. Firefighters have already entered the scene to put out the fire. This is not an isolated incident. Two other factories in the Eschborn District also experienced explosions today. As those two factories are involved in the processing of hazardous chemicals, our team has not yet been granted access, and the situation remains unclear. We will continue to follow this story closely.这里刚刚发生了一起爆炸事故，具体原因和伤亡情况还未知，消防人员已经进场展开灭火作业。 而这并不是孤例，埃施博恩区还有2家工厂也在今日发生爆炸事故。 因为这2家工厂涉及有毒化学物品加工，本台暂未获得进入许可，具体情况还不清楚。 我们会持续关注。

ShadowlessLadies and gentlemen, we have just received an emergency report—an explosion has also occurred today in the Wiesbaden District. The blast site has been sealed off by police, and unauthorized personnel are not allowed to enter. From the perimeter, we can see police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel moving in and out, with multiple injured individuals being carried out for treatment. Hello, did you notice anything when the explosion happened?各位，本台接到紧急播报，今日在威斯巴登区也发生了爆炸事故。 爆炸发生地已被警方封锁，不允许任何无关人员进入。 从外围，我们能看见警方、消防和医护人员在忙碌地出入，陆续有多名伤者被送出。 您好，请问爆炸发生时，您有注意到什么情况吗？

Passer-ByI live nearby. I heard some rumbling and ran outside to see what was happening, then I saw the explosion in the district. There's a lot of yellow powder in the air, I sure hope it's not toxic.我住这附近的，爆炸的时候就听见轰隆轰隆几声，跑出去看，就看见这街区里面炸了。 还有好多黄色粉末在飘，也不知道有没有毒。

ShadowlessThank you for your response. We also observed a similar yellow powder earlier at the site of the factory explosion in the Eschborn District. To determine its origin and whether it poses any toxicity risks, we have reached out to an environmental expert on the scene.感谢您的回答。 我们稍早前在埃施博恩区爆炸事故中的工厂前也见到了类似的黄色粉末。 关于这些粉末的来源和是否有毒，我们也联系到了在场的环境监测专家。

Environmental AnalystUm... We have conducted a series of tests on various environmental indicators within the affected neighborhood following the explosion. However, it will take some time to obtain the results. At present, we can confirm that the explosion has caused a sharp increase in ELID radiation particle concentration in this area. The levels are now approaching the threshold for a Yellow Zone classification. As a precautionary measure, we have issued a contamination alert to residents in the vicinity. But please stay calm and don't panic. We have already dispatched relevant personnel to contain the radiation contamination.嗯……我们已经对爆炸后街区内部环境的各项指标展开了检测，结果还需要一段时间。 目前可以确定的是，爆炸导致这一片街区的ELID辐射粒子浓度飙升，现在已经接近黄区标准，我们已经对附近居民发布了污染警报。 但请大家保持冷静，不要恐慌，我们已经出动了相关人员控制辐射污染。

ShadowlessYes, if any of our viewers live near the explosion site, please refrain from leaving your home until the contamination alert is lifted.是，如果有观众也生活在爆炸发生地附近，请大家在辐射污染警报解除前，不要外出走动。

ShadowlessFollowing the major explosion in the Frankfurt District on November 1, multiple explosions have occurred today in Wiesbaden, Eschborn, and Raunheim, resulting in at least 50 casualties so far. Police and emergency responders have arrived at the scenes to carry out rescue operations. We will continue to provide updates on the situation. It is worth noting that authorities have not yet classified these incidents as part of the same series as the explosion in the Frankfurt District. Instead, they have linked them to multiple explosions that took place in Berlin this past September.……继11月1日法兰克福市法兰克福区发生重大爆炸案以来，今日，威斯巴登区、埃施博恩区、罗因海姆区再度发生爆炸案，目前已造成至少50人伤亡。 警方和消防人员已经赶往现场进行救援，后续情况本台会持续跟进。 值得注意的是，警方暂未将本次爆炸事故和此前法兰克福区爆炸合并为系列案件，而是和9月在柏林市发生的多起爆炸事故合并。

ShadowlessReports indicate that large amounts of yellow powder were also found at the Berlin explosion sites. Experts have now confirmed that this substance is identical to the yellow powder discovered at the new explosion sites in Frankfurt. While the exact origin of the substance remains unclear, it has been confirmed to cause elevated ELID radiation levels. Experts are actively studying its effects, and police are investigating its source. During this time, we urge Frankfurt residents to remain calm, limit outdoor activities, and avoid crowded areas. We will continue to follow the situation closely.据悉，9月柏林爆炸事件现场也曾出现过大量黄色粉末，现已被确认和今日法兰克福爆炸事件中的粉末为同一物体。 黄色粉末的具体来源尚不明晰，可以确认的是，它会导致ELID辐射浓度上升，有关专家也已经对其展开研究，警方也正对其来源进行追查。 在这段时间，也请法兰克福市民保持冷静的心态，减少外出活动，避免前往人群密集的地方。 我台也将持续关注后续的进展。

[Angular Gyrus - END]【银染显影END】

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.