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EP 15.5 Isolation Forest

EP 15.5 孤立丛林

19 chapters · 2099 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

72-A-2 凋亡序曲

TV Program HostGood afternoon. It is currently 1530 Frankfurt time on November 3rd. Welcome to the news.各位观众晚上好，现在是11月3日法兰克福时间15点30分，欢迎收看时事新闻。

TV Program HostFirst, let us return to the hotly discussed topic of the "Regulations for Doll Security (Provisional Version)". Following the wave of terror incidents perpetrated by Dolls, the Ministry of Justice is expediting revisions and improvements to the next iteration of the "Regulations for Doll Security". It is expected to be submitted for committee approval by the end of this month. This move is seen as a strong signal to the public that Doll oversight policies will be tightened significantly. Sources report that news of the regulations' likely transition from provisional to permanent has sparked widespread joy among citizens, who have taken to the streets in spontaneous celebration.首先，让我们继续关注当下热议话题《人形安全条例（试行版）》。 此前人形大规模恐袭事件带来了极为恶劣的影响，司法部正在加紧对《人形安全条例》后续版本进行修改和完善，预计将于本月月底前提交委员会通过审批。 此举意在向普通民众充分释放人形监管政策紧缩的信号。据悉，得知《人形安全条例（试行版）》有望被迅速正式推行，市民朋友喜出望外并纷纷自发走上街头庆祝。

TV Program HostNow let's join our correspondence on the scene.接下来，让我们连线现场记者。

ReporterHello, I'm currently standing outside the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. With government-dispatched human personnel arriving on site, many hospitals in this area have now resumed normal operations. We can see right now that there's a considerable crowd gathered outside the hospital. After hearing about the new progress on the "Regulations for Doll Security (Provisional Version)", many people have spontaneously gathered here to celebrate. Let's speak to some of them and hear what the regulations mean to them.各位，我现在位于美因茨大学医学院附属医院前。 经过政府安排的人力派遣顺利到岗后，这一片区域多家医院已经恢复了正常的运营秩序，我们可以看到此时此刻，医院门口的人流量相当大。 得知《人形安全条例（试行版）》的新进度后，这里也自发聚集了大量民众表示庆祝。 让我们来现场采访一下，听听这项条例都为他们带来了什么。

Cheerful WomanHello there.你好。

ReporterHello! Could you share your thoughts on the regulations potentially becoming official?您好，可以请您聊下对《人形安全条例》有望从试行转正的看法吗？

Cheerful WomanAbsolutely! The regulations benefit me directly! A few months ago, I hired a nanny Doll to care for my child. Over time, my child became increasingly distant from me. At first, I thought I was just too busy with work and neglected their feelings. But after installing surveillance cameras at home, I discovered that the Doll had been mimicking my voice behind my back—abusing my child—and even claiming it was under my orders!当然！我就是这项条例的受益者！ 几个月前，我雇佣了一个保姆人形照顾我的孩子，结果小孩和我的关系越来越疏远，一开始我还以为是我忙于工作忽略了孩子的感受。 后来在家里装了监控才知道，这个人形一直在我看不见的地方伪装我的声音，虐待我的孩子，甚至还说都是我的授意！

ReporterA Doll did that? That's truly awful...人形竟然会做出这样的事？这可真是太糟糕了……

Cheerful WomanBut after going through the screening and optimization procedures outlined in the regulations, that nanny Doll no longer does anything unnecessary. My relationship with my child has improved a lot!但是经过《人形安全条例》中规定的审核和优化程序后，现在保姆人形已经不会做那些多余的事情了。 我和孩子的关系也亲密多了！

ReporterI'm genuinely happy for you, ma'am.我真为您感到高兴，女士。

ReporterSir, may we ask your opinion?这位先生，可以了解下您的看法吗？

A man in a hospital gown, his face gaunt with illness, tucks a folded slip of paper back into his pocket, then nervously looks into the camera.一位身着住院服满脸病容的男子将手中的纸条收回包里后，有点紧张地看向镜头。

PatientUh... me? Ahem, I'm a terminal cancer patient, bedridden for a long time. I used to suffer at the hands of medical Dolls—their attitudes were cold, their behavior robotic, and they had zero regard for my dignity. The emotional toll was severe. Since the implementation of the "Regulations for Doll Security", I've finally felt the warm, meticulous care of fellow human beings again...呃……我吗？ 咳，我是一位长期卧床的癌症晚期患者，过去我饱受医护人形的虐待，它们态度冰冷，行为生硬，丝毫不顾及我的尊严，对我的心灵造成了严重伤害。 自从《人形安全条例》实施后，我终于再次感受到了人类同胞无微不至的照顾，他们温暖体贴……

Cheerful WomanSpeak more naturally. You sound too stiff.语气自然点，不要这么僵硬。

PatientUh... Dolls are machines, after all. Only humans truly understand what humans need. That's why I believe the regulations must be made permanent immediately! I fully support it—呃……人形毕竟只是机器，只有人类最懂人类需要什么。 所以，我认为《人形安全条例》转正刻不容缓，必须大力推行！我全力支持——

ReporterThank you both for your responses. Now—好的，谢谢两位的回答。 那么——

Bang! A pile of miscellaneous items gets tossed out of the hospital's front doors. They seem to be office supplies.嘭—— 几件杂物从医院大门内被扔了出来。 似乎是一些常用的办公用品。

Next, several people in white lab coats come running out like their lives depend on it, fleeing down a side street in panic.紧接着，几个身着白色工作服的人逃命一般跑出了大门，向着另一条街道的方向仓皇而去。

???Get out! Scram as far away as you can!滚！有多远给我滚多远！

An enraged woman storms out after them, shouting down the street.一个暴怒的女人追出来，冲着几人逃跑的方向大吼。

???Stop messing around in the hospital! Just because the government crammed you through a few crash courses doesn't mean you can do this job! One mixed up gentamicin with penicillin! Another turned an IV prescription into an oral one! And even better yet—one gave a three-year-old with diarrhea twenty tablets of ceftobiprole in a day!你们几个，别再来医院捣乱了！这一行不是政府给你们安排几个速成班就能干的！ 一个把庆大霉素当青霉素用，一个静脉注射开成口服，还有一个更厉害，给拉肚子的三岁小孩开一天二十片头孢吡普！

Still fuming, the woman notices a poster supporting the regulations' formalization stuck near the entrance. Her fury flares up again, and she rips down the poster and stomps on it repeatedly.骂完还不解气的女人瞥见了贴在大门边的支持条例转正的海报，怒火中烧，她一把撕下海报扔到地上猛踩几脚。

PatientHey... I just put that up...喂喂……我刚贴好……

PatientDoes this still count toward my paycheck?这还能算在工钱里吗？

Cheerful WomanShut up! The camera's still on...你闭嘴！摄像头还开着……

Hearing the exchange, the woman directs her sharp and murderous glare at the group.听见几人的对话，女人抬起杀气腾腾的双目。

???Who are you people?你们是谁？

Reporter...Ma'am, I'm a reporter with the Current Affairs News segment.……女士您好，我是《时事新闻》栏目的记者。

???A reporter?记者？

The anger vanishes instantly from her face. She strides toward the camera and beams warmly into the lens.愤怒似乎顷刻间在脸上烟消云散，她快步走到镜头前，笑眯眯地注视着镜头。

ReporterHello, I'm currently interviewing citizens about the potential formal adoption of the "Regulations for Doll Security (Provisional Version)". What is your perspective—您好，我正在采访大家对《人形安全条例（试行版）》转正的看法。 请问您的观点是……

Noticing the reporter's hesitation as she offers the mic, the woman snatches it right out of her hand.注意到记者递上话筒的犹豫不决，女人直接一把夺过了话筒。

???Oh, I'm totally in support of such a great initiative! Sure, Dolls are cheap, efficient, quick-reacting, professionally competent, and stay sharp 24/7... But even without them, hospitals have only descended into SLIGHT chaos, haven't they?支持啊，这样的好事我当然支持啊。 虽然人形便宜好用，反应敏捷，专业素质高，一天24小时待命还思维清晰…… 但少了他们，也只是让医院秩序小小的崩塌而已嘛。

ReporterUh... ma'am... the government has dispatched over 100 trained personnel to each major hospital to fill the labor shortage. Don't you think your response is a bit—呃……这位女士…… 政府已经向各大医院派遣了多达上百位经过培训的人员用以填补人力缺口，您是否有些反应过——

The reporter tries to retrieve the mic, but the woman sidesteps her deftly.记者尝试抢回话筒，但被灵敏地避开。

???Yes, yes, the government rushed out a batch of medical personnel in just three days. Truly a timely solution to our burning problems! Had I known humans could become doctors in two, three days, I wouldn't have wasted time getting a PhD.是啊是啊，政府花了三天时间速成了一批护理人员，真是解了我们的燃眉之急啊！ 要早知道人类两三天就能速成医生，我也不去考什么博士了。

Reporter...Ma'am, the interview is now over. Please return the—……女士，我的采访已经结束了，请你归还我的——

???You've asked me plenty of questions. Isn't it my turn to ask one?你问了我这么多问题，也该我问你了吧。

ReporterHuh?啊？

???You. And you. All of you who come to hospitals seeking doctors and nurses.你，还有你们，你们这些来医院接受医生护士服务的人。

???Would you really entrust your own surgery to a temp worker who can't even tell the difference between forceps and a hemostat?真敢让组织钳和止血钳都分不清的人类临时工来担任自己的手术操作员吗？

???Would you really entrust your loved ones in the ICU to someone who spent only three days learning how to care for patients?!真敢让三天速成来的护理人员照顾你躺在ICU的亲人吗？！

The reporter panics and tries to flee from the raging woman. But once the dam of fury has burst, it's impossible to hold it back.记者惊恐地想逃离这位愤怒的女人，但怒火的闸口一旦打开，就很难停止宣泄。

???Where are you going? I'm not finished!你跑什么？我话还没说完！

ReporterStation—cut the signal NOW...!总台，总台，快掐断讯号……

TV Program Host...Thank you for the live interviews brought to us by our on-site correspondence. There seems to be a bit of a commotion at the scene. Now, let's focus on the important conference about to take place in Frankfurt...……感谢前方记者为我们带来现场的采访，看来场面有一些小小的混乱。 接下来，我们将关注点放到近期将在法兰克福举行的重要会议……

...Genetics Archive Room in the Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. Footsteps, still heavy with anger, come to a stop outside the door.……美因茨大学医学院，基因学资料室。 余怒未消的脚步声停在了门前。

Swish! The moment the door swings open, a cacophony of heated voices bursts forth.唰！开门的一瞬，沸反盈天的吵闹声冲破大门的禁锢扑面而来。

Student AWhat do you mean the founding of the URNC has nothing to do with us?! An entity that transcends national alliances means the end of all existing technological barriers! This marks the beginning of an unprecedented golden age for medicine—and science as a whole!什么叫罗联的成立跟我们没关系？！ 一个超越国家联盟政体的设立，代表着各行各业的技术壁垒都将不复存在！ 届时我们将迎来医学乃至整个科学领域前所未有的黄金发展期——

Student BTsk! I pity you naïve idealists. If alliances between nations really worked, why would we have three world wars? The URNC is nothing more than a flashy façade. You can't seriously think it will actually change the world?嘁！真为你们这些天真的狂热信徒感到悲哀！ 要是联合国家有用的话，世界大战又怎么会爆发三次？ “罗联”说到底也只是个空有其表的摆设而已，你不会真相信它能改变世界吧？

Student AThe world progresses precisely through these small changes. Do you really think—世界的进程正是靠这样一点一点的改变推动的，你以为——

Student AAh, Constanze!啊，康斯坦斯学姐！

Standing at the doorway, bag in hand, Constanze seems to have no intention of entering the archive room.站在门口，拎着包的康斯坦斯似乎完全没有走进资料室的意思。

Student BConstanze, we're discussing the impact that the URNC could have on medical science—do you have any insights?康斯坦斯学姐，我们正在讨论罗联成立对医学的影响，你有什么高见？

ConstanzeMy insights?我的高见？

Constanze smiles gently.康斯坦斯温柔一笑。

ConstanzeThe preliminary thesis presentations are in two days. Are your slideshows ready?后天就是论文开题报告了，你们的演示文稿都准备好了？

Student AAaaah! No, not yet!啊啊啊啊！没有！

Student BI-I'm working on it...在、在做了……

ConstanzeI don't need to remind you of the consequences of annoying Professor Lörrach, do I?不用我告诉你们，惹恼勒拉赫教授的下场吧？

Student ASorry!!对不起！

The archive room quickly returns to its proper silence. Constanze picks up her bag and leaves.资料室重新回到了本应有的安静，康斯坦斯拎起包，离开了房间。

Once the door closes behind her, Constanze breathes in the fresh air of the corridor.门在身后关上，康斯坦斯呼吸着走廊上清新的空气。

ConstanzePhew... Is there nowhere left in this world where I can find some peace and quiet? Everyone's obsessed with the Regulations for Doll Security and the URNC... What good is any of that to kids who can't even finish a research thesis proposal?呼……这世界已经没有清净点的地方了吗？ 全世界都在讨论人形安全条例、罗联成立，连论文开题报告都交不出来的小孩，关心这些事有什么用啊？

Shaking her head to dispel these distracting thoughts, Constanze gathers herself and knocks on her advisor's office door.摇摇头，康斯坦斯甩掉杂念，振作精神后，她敲响了导师的办公室大门。

Professor LörrachCome in.请进。

ConstanzeProfessor, here's the material you asked me to organize yesterday. Also, I've already finished editing Thomas' thesis—I sent it to your inbox around 9am this morning.教授，这是您昨天让我整理的资料。 还有，托马斯学弟的论文我已经修改完毕，在今早九点左右的时候已经发送到您的邮箱了。

Professor LörrachGood, I'll take a look shortly. Still as reliable as ever. Only you can handle all these headaches perfectly.好，我等下就看看。 还是你靠谱，这些烦心事只有你能完美搞定。

ConstanzeYou flatter me, Professor.教授过奖啦。

Professor LörrachOh, by the way—对了。

Professor Lörrach pulls out a few sheets from the towering stack of documents on the desk and hands them to Constanze.勒拉赫教授从桌上高高堆起的资料中抽出几张纸递给康斯坦斯。

Professor LörrachYour lab application has been approved.你的实验室申请通过了。

ConstanzeThat's great! Thank you so much, Professor!太好了！谢谢您，教授！

Professor LörrachYou're one of the rare few willing to stay focused on academia even in these tumultuous times. You must be aware that all anyone talks about lately are things far removed from us.在这样躁动不安的时代，还愿意沉下心来做学术的你才是难得。 你应该也知道吧，现在到处都在讨论些离我们还太遥远的事情。

Professor LörrachAs someone who lived through the war, I hope my students never get involved in politics. That's not a burden that young people with nothing but passion should bear. They're too young, too easily swayed. They know too little, and there are too many out there who want to exploit them.作为经历过战争的我来说，我希望我的学生们永远不要沾染政治，这不是空有一腔热血的年轻人应该承担的义务。 他们太年轻，太容易被鼓噪。 他们知道的太少，而想要利用他们的人又太多了。

ConstanzeIt's all thanks to your guidance, Professor. With you as my role model, I've learned how to move forward.是教授一直在指引我，有您做我的榜样，我才知道应该如何前行。

Professor LörrachHaha, you sweet talker. Have you decided on your research direction?哈哈，别嘴甜了，实验方向选定了吗？

ConstanzeThe tentative idea is to construct a recombinant adenovirus expressing the apoptin protein.目前暂定是凋亡素基因重组腺病毒的构建。

Professor LörrachThat's not exactly cutting-edge. You can take more time to think about it. The lab equipment is good enough to support a wide range of projects, and the budget is decent too.这可不能算是最前沿的方向了，可以再想想，不着急定下来。 实验室的器材足够支撑你做很多事了，经费预算也还算充足。

ConstanzeHmm... Okay, I'll come up with a few more ideas. When you're free, I hope I can take up a bit of your valuable time to discuss them.唔……好的，那我再想几个，晚点等您有空了，还请让我占用一下您宝贵的时间用于讨论。

Professor LörrachOf course, no problem at all.好啊，完全没有问题。

ConstanzeThen I won't disturb you any further.那我现在就先不打扰您了。

After politely bidding her mentor farewell, Constanze exhales in relief as she walks down the corridor.礼貌地告别导师后，康斯坦斯在走廊上松了口气。

ConstanzeAll done!搞定！

She eagerly dials an old friend.她迫不及待地拨通了老友的通讯。

ConstanzeNele!!!奈乐！！！

Nele...Not so loud, Connie! You scared the crap out of me!……别这么大声，康妮，你想吓死我吗？

ConstanzeI can't help it! I've got amazing news—the lab application just got approved!没办法，我要告诉你一个好消息嘛，实验室刚刚申请下来了！

NeleThat's wonderful...太好了……

ConstanzeNow we can finally start prepping for the experiment we haven't been able to complete! You have no idea how long I've been dreaming of this day...我们可以着手准备之前一直没有完成的实验了！ 你不知道，我盼望这一天有多久……

Nele...Same here.……我也是。

ConstanzeWhat's wrong? You don't sound excited.你怎么了？听起来不是很兴奋？

NeleIt's nothing, I just... getting emotional. Back when we were sneaking around, doing our experiment without permission, we nearly got flagged for BSL-4. Can't believe we're actually getting closer to our dream now...没怎么，我……只是很感慨，当年偷偷摸摸搞得实验室差点被BSL-4封锁，没想到一转眼我们居然离梦想更近了……

ConstanzeDon't worry. You and I will finish that experiment. You know, the moment I saw you in the lab back then, I knew—no challenge could deter you!放心，你和我一定能完成当初的实验。 不枉当年我在实验室第一眼就看中了你，那时候我就知道，没有任何困难可以打倒你！

NeleWhen I brought up the idea to you back then, I thought for sure you'd say no. After all, if we get caught running experiments that don't match our proposal, you could get seriously punished...之前找你提议的时候，还以为你会拒绝我。 毕竟要是被发现实际操作的实验和申报书上不一样，你会被处分的……

ConstanzeDon't worry, I've got it covered. What—getting cold feet now? That's not like you at all.放心吧，我有数的。 怎么，当年你都敢冒险，现在胆子反而小了？

Nele...I'm just worried you'll get dragged down because of me. I don't have much to lose, but you... you have a bright future ahead of you...……我只是担心波及到你，毕竟我是无所谓，而你还有着大好前程……

ConstanzeOh, cut it out! I know what you're trying to say—That you've got family to fall back on if things go bad, and I don't. But I don't care about any of that. I'm an orphan raised on the government's dime, and that's exactly why I'm not afraid of anything!快别说这个了！我知道你想说的是，不管有什么麻烦至少你有家人托底…… 但我可不在乎这些……恰恰因为我是孤儿，吃福利院的饭长大的，所以我才更加无所畏惧！

ConstanzeWhat could possibly be more moving more than the pursuit of truth?这世上还有比真理更能打动人心的东西吗？

Nele...You're right. Nothing in this world can obscure the truth. Even if Darwin had repented on his deathbed, the theory of evolution would not be undone.……你说得对。 这世上任何东西都不会蒙蔽真理。 就算达尔文临终忏悔甚至下跪，也无法影响进化论的地位。

ConstanzeBruno's body may have perished, but his insight would never waver. So what—now that we're closer to the truth, you want to back down?布鲁诺的肉体虽然消亡，但他的真知灼见绝不会因此而退缩。 怎么，我们离真理更近了，而你却要在这时候退缩？

ConstanzeNele, that really isn't like you!奈乐，这不像你！

Nele...You're braver than I am.……你比我勇敢。

ConstanzeTsk. Don't tell me you're still shaken from what happened with Galatea?啧，你不会因为迦拉提亚的事就变得唯唯诺诺起来吧？

Nele...You can save your reverse psychology, I know what you're getting at. Thank you.……不用一直使用激将法，我知道你的意思。 谢谢你。

ConstanzeI hope you do. Got your materials and data ready?明白就好，你那边资料和实验材料都搞定了吗？

NeleYeah, everything's set on my end.嗯，我这边没有问题。

ConstanzeGreat. When are you free? Let's meet up and finalize the experiment!好，那你什么时候有空？我们见个面，敲定下实验的事吧！

NeleSure, Connie. I've got something to finish first—let's talk later.行，康妮，我现在这边还有点事，晚点我们再联络吧。

ConstanzeAlright, I'm always online~行，我一直在线~

Nele puts down the communicator. Across from her, the Commander scratches their head uneasily.奈乐放下通讯，站在她对面的指挥官略有些不安地挠了挠头。

NeleI got the lab sorted.实验室的事，我已经搞定了。

CommanderHm...嗯……

The Commander can't bring themself to meet her steady gaze.指挥官不敢看向她沉静的双眼。

NeleNow all that's left is the materials.现在，只剩下实验材料了。

Their eyes settle on the door handle in front of them, but neither moves to open it.两人的目光落在了面前的门把手上，但没有一个人愿意抬起手拉动它。

CommanderGray... what's left of her is in there.格雷……她剩下的部分就在里面。

CommanderHonestly, I can send someone else to take care of this.说真的，我可以找别人来解决这个问题。

NeleNo...不……

Nele rests a trembling hand on the handle. She doesn't look at the Commander—maybe she's trying to convince herself.奈乐颤抖的手搭在了门把手上。 她没有看向指挥官，也许，她是在说服自己。

NeleI understand what you're asking. If Paradeus is to be completely destroyed, we need a perfect bullet that can strike it right in the heart. Even if a Doll has top-tier electronic warfare capabilities, infiltrating their systems to gather actionable intel comes at an unimaginable cost.你的意思我已经听得很明白。 要让帕拉蒂斯彻底毁灭，我们需要一枚能够打入内部的完美子弹。 人形即便电子战能力再强，想要骇入其中获得有效情报，也需要付出远超想象的代价。

NeleRight now, only my teacher can do it. No, I probably shouldn't even call her that anymore...现在，只有老师能够做到这一点。 不，我或许不该称之为老师……

CommanderThink of her as a cadaveric donor. Or an insult to the Lady of Ashes.你可以当她是大体老师，也可以将其视之为对“灰夫人”的侮辱。

NeleWhatever she is... She has to rise again, and fight for us.不管她将以什么样的身份…… 她都必须再次站起来，为我们而战。

NeleIf this has to be done by someone... Then let this someone be me.这件事，如果非要由一个人来完成。 那么这个人必须是我。

The Commander, at a loss for comforting words, can only sigh.搜肠刮肚也想不出什么合适的安慰，指挥官只好叹了口气。

CommanderIf that's your decision... Then Professor Persica will assist you with the technical aspects. She's already integrated Hume's "Human Intelligence Research" with Dr. Shaw's research—it should be enough to support... ...This experiment.如果你已经决定了…… 之后帕斯卡教授会为你提供技术上的支援，她已经整合了《人类理智研究》和肖博士的研究成果，一定能协助你完成…… 这项实验的。

NeleRight, thank you.嗯，谢谢你。

Nele looks up at the Commander with a small smile.奈乐抬起头，对着指挥官笑了笑。

NeleTo be given a chance to avenge my professor personally— Commander, I truly am grateful.能够有机会亲自为老师复仇。 指挥官，我真的很谢谢你。

CommanderWe both have tough battles ahead of us.接下来，我们都有各自必须面对的一场苦战。

NelePlease don't worry—I'll prove myself as Professor Gray's most exceptional student.请您放心，我会证明——奈乐是格雷老师最优秀的学生。

Nele pulls down the door handle.奈乐拉下了门把手。

...In the temporary ops room. After assembling all combat-capable Dolls, AR-18 projects a map of the entire city of Frankfurt onto the screen.……临时指挥室。 召集了目前所有还能战斗的人形后，AR-18将法兰克福全市地图投映在了屏幕上。

AR-18Commander, everyone is ready.指挥官，都准备好了。

CommanderRight. After evacuating from the White Zone, we've had a few brief days to catch our breath. Let's go over everyone's recovery status.嗯。 从白区撤离后，我们有了短暂的几天喘息时间，汇报一下各位目前的休整进度吧。

RO635Commander, SOP-II has completed her repairs. While her parts are currently replaced with general-purpose substitutes, they should suffice for standard combat. So the AR Team is ready to return to the field.指挥官，SOP2目前已经完成修理，虽然部件暂时只能用通用的顶上，但是一般战斗都足以应付了。 所以AR小队已经可以重新加入战斗。

M4 SOPMOD IIYou bet! I've been asleep for so long—I'm feeling super refreshed now!没错！睡了这么久，我现在超级精神！

CommanderUnderstood.明白。

AK-12DEFY is also ready as ever.忤逆还是老样子。

UMP45Unfortunately, 416 still can't be activated. Aside from her, the rest of 404 is ready for action at any time.很遗憾，416仍然没法启动。除她以外，404随时都可以加入战斗。

Stevens M520There haven't been any casualties on our end. For now, we're focused on assisting 404 with electronic warfare.我们这边没有受伤，目前还是以协助404完成电子战任务为主。

CommanderGot it. Everyone, we're running out of time.我知道了。 各位，我们已经没有更多的时间了。

Click. The Commander presses a button on the remote control, and several red markers light up on the Frankfurt map.哒，指挥官按下操作器，数个红点出现在了法兰克福的地图上。

CommanderThese are the locations of Paradeus factories we've identified based on current intel. 45 hacked into the energy sector and verified the data. These sites are consuming an absurd amount of power and water in a short time. On top of that, all of their waste output is handled by the same shell company. No ordinary civilian enterprise would ever run with such an operational model. Following that lead, we uncovered even more factories.这些都是根据目前情报整理出来的帕拉蒂斯工厂位置。 45骇入能源部门进行了信息复核，这些地点的水电等资源消耗量单位时间内都大得惊人，而它们对外的排放物也全部通过同一家空壳公司处理。 这不可能是普通民用企业会选择的运营方案。 顺着这些线索，我们找到了更多的工厂。

UMP45Additionally, ever since we extracted the Commander from the White Zone, resource consumption at these factories has spiked again. Which means they've ramped up production. As for what they're producing... I think you can all guess.补充一下，自从我们将指挥官带离白区后，这些工厂的消耗量又上了一个新的梯度。 这意味着，它们在加紧生产的速度，至于产品是什么……我想各位也能猜到。

CrossNo doubt something to do with those disgusting monsters.总之和那些恶心的怪物脱不了关系。

HerthaSo what do we do? With the manpower we've got, there's no way we can hit them all one by one...那我们怎么办？ 我们现在的有生力量，挨个打砸抢也来不及啊。

AR-18 raises a hand, gesturing for everyone to stay quiet and let the Commander finish.AR-18做了个噤声的手势，示意大家听指挥官说完。

CommanderYou're right. Since we still haven't recovered the Elmo, we're in a state of extreme personnel shortage. That's why I've decided on this plan...是的，因为仍然没有收回艾莫号，我们现在处于人手极度短缺的状态。 这也是为什么我会选择这个计划……

Click-clack. The Commander taps the control a few more times, and a new layout appears on the screen.咔哒。 指挥官轻敲几下，一幅崭新的布局出现在了屏幕上。

Bramedb...This is our next plan? Even after such massive losses, and with the connection to the Lake of Cognition still severed, we're continuing with the original strategy?……这就是我们接下来的计划？ 在经历这么大量的损失且识底深湖的通道仍然没有恢复的前提下，继续维持原有方案？

MorridowSister Nemhran must have her reasons. All we need to do... is obey.尼梅兰姐姐一定有她的考量。 我们要做的，是服从。

Nemhran watches the two before her coldly.尼梅兰冷眼看着眼前两人一唱一和。

NemhranAll the factories in Frankfurt are running at full capacity to power the repair of the passage to the Lake of Cognition. It won't be long before it's operational again.整个法兰克福的工厂都在开足马力为识底深湖通道的修复供能。 距离通道的再次启动已经不远了。

MorridowExactly! I knew you must have your reasons—you mobilized all of our forces in Frankfurt while we were still in the dark.对啊，所以我才说尼梅兰姐姐肯定有自己的考量嘛，在我们俩不知道的时候，就能动员起整个法兰克福的帕拉蒂斯。

NemhranI don't need to explain my reasoning to you.我不需要向你们解释这样做的理由。

Morridow...Of course. At this point, we'll just follow your lead.……当然，在这个时候，我们都听从你的安排。

BramedbI'm not questioning you. I'm just worried that after so many operational errors, the system might be overloaded and starting to misfire.我可不是质疑你。 只是担心你因为连续的操作失误，功率过载导致系统运转不灵敏了。

Nemhran...That's none of your concern.……这不是你们需要操心的事情。

Morridow and Bramedb exchange a knowing eye roll and leave the room together.默莉朵和布拉梅德默契地向彼此翻了一个白眼，一起离开了房间。

Nemhran picks up her communicator, which has been on call the entire time.尼梅兰拿起一直处在接听状态的通讯器。

NemhranAny issues on your end?你那边有什么问题吗？

HebeNot at all. Though I heard you-know-who is now in position...没有哦。 不过，听说那个人已经就位了……

NemhranHm.嗯。

Creaaak— Behind Nemhran, a lithe figure slips into the seat at the office desk and starts casually spinning in the chair.嘎吱—— 在尼梅兰的身后，一个轻巧的身影坐上了办公桌前的转椅，悠闲地摇晃起来。

???Hiya, Sister Nemhran. Long time no see.你好呀，尼梅兰姐姐，好久不见。

Nemhran...Long time no see, Styx.……好久不见，斯提克斯。

72-A-4 骷髅一般的秘密

...Stasi HQ. The display shows that the meeting in the designated office has already started. At this moment, there is complete silence.……斯塔西总部。 显示屏上标记已经开始会议的办公室，此刻鸦雀无声。

Click. Amaris rubs her disheveled hair, puts on her cap, and enters the conference room.咔哒。阿玛瑞丝揉了揉乱七八糟的头发，戴上帽子，走进了会议室。

AmarisSorry, I'm a little late...抱歉，迟到了一会……

SterlingIt's fine. The meeting hasn't started yet.没关系，正好会议还没开始。

Sterling glances at the empty seat opposite her. The person who was supposed to chair the weekly meeting is absent.斯特林看向对面的空位，原本应该主持每周例会的人缺席了会议。

BrigitteWhat do we do now? Do we still have the meeting?这咋办，这会还开吗？

DagmarJ is still missing...J现在还是失踪状态……

EdithSo what now? No one's in charge?那我们怎么办？没人管了？

AmarisGood news! No direct supervisor, which means we can skip work!Good news! 没有直属领导，可以尽情翘班了。

Amaris stretches lazily.阿玛瑞丝惬意地伸了个懒腰。

SterlingI heard Q will be taking over command later on.听说，之后会由Q来接手我们的指挥。

Amaris... Who? That overtime maniac?…… 谁？那个加班狂魔？

BrigitteGreat, Q is way more reliable than J!太好了，Q可比J靠谱多了！

AmarisBad news! ...From now on. we'll be on standby 24/7...Bad news!……以后要二十四小时待命了……

Click. The door opens again, and Q enters the conference room.咔哒。门又一次被推开，Q走进会议室。

Q gazes from Doll to Doll with amusement.Q玩味的目光在阿玛瑞丝和其他人形的脸上跳跃。

QFrom the looks on your faces, you already know I'll be taking over.从你们的表情来看，你们已经知道接下来由我接手了。

SterlingYes, I've already made the announcement.是的，我已经通知过了。

QThen I won't waste any time. You've all worked with me before and know my style.那我也不废话了，各位之前跟我也有过合作，知道我的风格。

Q drops a stack of documents on the table.Q将一沓文件放在桌上。

QTime to take some of the work out of my hands, ladies. Dagmar, Edith, you two continue searching the Elmo. Get me something useful from it.姑娘们，现在来帮我分担些工作吧。 达格玛，伊迪斯，你们俩继续搜索艾莫号，给我从上面搞到些有用的东西。

DagmarYes, ma'am!是！

Dagmar and Edith take the two search warrants handed to them and leave the office.达格玛和伊迪斯接过两份权限许可文件，离开了办公室。

QBrigitte, I've assigned a new agent to replace J in the White Zone. Go handle the handover.布里吉特，白区那边我派了新的特工去接替J的工作，你去跟他交接下。

BrigitteIs it a complete handover? Are we handing everything over to this person?需要交接到什么程度？完全托付给这个人吗？

QNo, just give him enough to hold the position for now.不必，能暂时顶住这个位置就行。

BrigitteGot it.好的。

Brigitte takes the permit to enter the White Zone and also leaves.布里吉特接过进入白区的申请许可文件也离开了。

QSterling, please submit the paperwork for transferring the Doll squad's command for me. I've already filled it out, just look it over while you're on your way.斯特林，我需要你帮我提交下人形小队指挥权限转移的文件，我都填好了，你路上帮我检查一下。

SterlingUnderstood.明白。

Just like that, only Q and Amaris remain in the conference room.眨眼间，会议室里只剩下Q和阿玛瑞丝两人。

Amaris blinks, looking at the now empty table, then she glances at Q across from her.阿玛瑞丝眨巴眨巴眼睛，看着已经空无一物的桌上，又看向对面的Q。

Amaris...What about me? Do I get a holiday?……我呢？我放假？

QYou wish.想得还挺美。

Q opens the paper bag she has brought, pulls out two cups of coffee, and pushes one over to Amaris.Q打开拎到会议室的纸袋，取出两杯咖啡，将其中一杯推给了阿玛瑞丝。

QAmaris, I have a question for you.阿玛瑞丝，我有一个问题想问你。

Seeing that the question is important enough for Q to treat her to a coffee, Amaris straightens up in her chair.见这个问题甚至值得Q请客一杯咖啡，阿玛瑞丝绷直了陷在座椅里的腰背。

AmarisAbout Daybreak?关于“曙光”？

QYes, but more importantly, about Daybreak's designer—Dr. Martha Meitner.对，当然更重要的是关于“曙光”的设计者——玛莎•迈特纳博士。

Amaris...That's not really a question you should be asking me. I've had very little contact with her. The only thing she's left me is probably my name.……这个问题问我并不算合适。 我跟她接触非常少。 也许，她留给我的，只有我的名字。

QYou've never had direct contact with her?你没有直接接触过她？

AmarisNo, I've never met her. Not just me—none of the other members of Daybreak Squad had any contact with her during their neural cloud activation tests, except for Aliana...没有，我从来没有见过她。 不只是我，曙光里的其他队员也没有在心智启动测试和她有过接触，除了艾莉安娜……

QDid Aliana ever talk about Dr. Meitner?艾莉安娜有说起过玛莎博士吗？

Amaris...Yes. Aliana had the most contact with her. She said Dr. Meitner was the most calm and rational human she had ever met, always clear on what she needed and wanted to do, and capable of ruthlessly eliminating any obstacles. But she wasn't sure whether that was a good thing or a bad thing for a human being.……有，艾莉安娜跟她的接触是最多的。 她说，玛莎博士是她见过的最冷静理智的人类，清晰地知道要做和想做的事，能无情地处理掉一切阻碍。 但她并不确定这对于人类来说究竟是好事，还是坏事。

QSounds like Aliana had a relatively positive impression of her. Dr. Meitner used to work for the US Relics Agency. Do you know why she left?听起来，艾莉安娜对她的评价还比较积极。 玛莎博士过去在美国遗迹署工作，你知道她为什么离开遗迹署吗？

Amaris...No. I didn't even know about that part of her career.……不知道。 我连这段经历都不知道。

QDid you know that she was the target codenamed "Capita" in the operation carried out by Daybreak Squad in 2051?你知道曙光51年那场行动的目标“死罪”，就是她吗？

Amaris...I wasn't aware. The background information on the target was classified as top secret.……不清楚，目标的背景信息是高等级机密。

QDo you know about Project Valkyrie?你知道“瓦尔基丽”计划吗？

Amaris...All I know is that it was connected to some small cult? Something about posing as a saint to deceive believers and scam them out of their money?……我只知道和一个小型邪教有关？ 好像是刻意塑造圣女的形象，用来欺骗教众，敛财什么的？

QYou read that in a tabloid?从八卦杂志上看来的？

AmarisPretty much...差不多吧……

While Q lapses into thought, Amaris sips her coffee.见Q陷入了沉思，阿玛瑞丝打开咖啡杯啜饮了一口。

AmarisSo my mission is to investigate Dr. Martha Maitner?所以我的任务是调查玛莎•迈特纳博士？

QAmaris, you know we have no authority over you. You are free. Which means you have full control over your investigation.阿玛瑞丝，你知道，我们对你无权干涉，你是自由的。 这意味着你对你的调查有着完全自主的掌控。

Amaris... After all these years, you guys are still playing word games with me. Okay, so all my upcoming missions are considered personal operations, yeah? Will I still be paid then?…… 这么多年了，你们的话术还是一点没变啊。 所以我接下来的任务都算是自由行动？那你还给薪水吗？

QIt's the taxpayers' money. Just take it.反正是民主德国的纳税金，你尽管拿。

Satisfied with the answer, Amaris sits up straight.得到了满意的回答，阿玛瑞丝正襟危坐。

AmarisThen state your request.那么，说出你的要求。

QI don't care about the mission regarding Capita. I just want to know what Project Valkyrie really is, and how it's connected to the Oberstein family and Paradeus.死罪的任务我无所谓，我只想知道“瓦尔基丽”计划到底是什么？这个东西跟奥贝斯坦家族以及帕拉蒂斯有什么关系？

Amaris...Obviously, all signs point to one person.……很明显，所有的目标都指向一个人。

QExactly. That's why you're the most suitable Doll to handle this.没错，所以你来处理这件事，是最合适的。

Amaris...I understand. Bottom line is—what I do from now on is entirely my personal action and has nothing to do with the Stasi. Should I say I'm doing this to avenge Aliana? What a freaking joke. Good thing she won't ever hear a word of it.……我明白了。 总之全部都是我的个人行动，和斯塔西没有任何关系。 动机的话，就说是为了给艾莉安娜复仇？真滑稽啊，幸好她听不见。

QAs a sole survivor of Daybreak Squad, how do you feel now?作为曙光的遗孤，你现在的感想是？

Amaris...Like I got MVP, but there's no one around to clap for it.……就算我拿了MVP，也没有人鼓掌的感觉。

Q returns to her office, where a Stasi agent has been waiting.Q回到了自己的办公室，一名斯塔西特工已经等候多时。

Special AgentAgent Q, all the surveillance footage from the White Zone terrorist incident has been compiled. Our losses have also been tallied.Q小姐，白区恐袭事件中所有的监控录像都已经整理完毕，我们的损失也清点好了。

Q takes the file and flips through it casually.Q收到文件，随意地翻阅了一下。

QDid you go through all footage during the time J went missing? Any findings?J失踪那段时间的监控全部都看过了？有什么发现？

Special AgentJ disappeared alone in the footage. The feed was hacked during that period. We're still trying to restore it, but Tech says chances are slim. Also missing in that time frame are Frau Marlene from Residence S083 and former Health Minister Vogt's granddaughter, Cornelia Schaeffer."J是独自一人消失在监控里的，那段时间监控被黑掉了，目前还在尝试修复，但技术部说希望不大。 和他同时失踪在监控里的还有S083家属楼的马琳小姐和前卫生部部长弗伊格特的外孙女高奈莉娅•舍夫尔。

QHave you made contact?联系上了吗？

Special AgentFrau Marlene could not be reached, while Frau Cornelia Schaeffer claimed that she had made it out without issue.马琳小姐无法联系上，高奈莉娅•舍夫尔小姐表示自己已经安全离开。

QLook into this Cornelia Schaeffer.查一下这个高奈莉娅•舍夫尔。

Special AgentShe was already investigated while in Berlin. Agent K handled it.这个女孩在柏林时就已经被查过了，特工K是经手人。

QAlright, leave the rest to me.行，剩下的事情交给我吧。

Special AgentYes, ma'am.是。

The agent salutes and exits the office.特工敬礼后，退出了办公室。

Q turns to Hoffman, who hasn't glanced at the agent once.Q转向一边沙发上的霍夫曼，他从始至终连看都没有看特工一眼。

QThis incident is likely just what the Director needed. You could make a big play of this.这件事应该正中部长的下怀了。 你可以在这上面大做文章。

Finn HoffmannDon't make me sound like a villain.不要形容得我像个反派。

QThe timing of this accident is a major bargaining chip in itself.这个意外发生的时机，本身就是很大的筹码。

Finn HoffmannThe closer we are to victory, the calmer we must be.越是胜利就在眼前，越要冷静。

QWork just keeps piling up like snow. Haven't even finished what's in hand, and more keeps coming in. So, should we prioritize?工作可真是像雪片一样，手边的还没做完，又飞来一大堆。 所以，是不是应该排个优先级？

Finn HoffmannThat's why I'm here.这就是我在这里的原因。

QThen what's our most urgent task?那么我们现在最紧急的要务是什么呢？

Finn HoffmannWrapping up the White Zone terrorist attack. We need to feed something to the garrison regiment. The Director says you have free rein to handle it as you see fit.白区恐袭的收尾工作，需要给卫戍团做点文章。 部长的意思，这件事全权交给你来处理。

Q...Alright. That's one of the scariest things in the workplace—being given full responsibility without any clear instructions.……好吧。 职场最可怕的事情之一，没有需求但全权交给你负责。

Finn HoffmannThere are scarier things.还有更可怕的。

Finn HoffmannThe Director has more important matters to attend to than the Stasi right now. So you're to take full temporary charge of Stasi affairs. Congratulations, Agent Q.部长现在有比斯塔西更重要的事来处理。 所以，由你来全权暂代斯塔西的事务管理。 恭喜你了，Q探员。

QMore work, same pay—what's there to congratulate? Save it for when she finally treats me to the lunch that she still owes me.涨工作，又不涨工资，有什么好恭喜的。 等部长什么时候把欠我的饭补上了，再来恭喜我吧。

Q downs her coffee and tosses the cup into the trash. Hoffman pats her on the shoulder and leaves the office.Q将咖啡一饮而尽，纸杯扔进了垃圾桶。霍夫曼拍了拍她的肩膀后离开了办公室。

...Encrypted conference room.……加密会议室。

After initiating the encrypted communication link, Hoffmann leisurely brews himself a cup of coffee.启动加密通讯链接后，霍夫曼不紧不慢地为自己泡好一杯咖啡。

Finn HoffmannAgent K, long time no see. How have you been?K探员，好久不见，你最近还好吗？

KStill alive.活着。

Finn HoffmannStill as concise and straightforward as ever.还是这么简单直接的风格。

K...What do you want from me?……你找我什么事？

Finn HoffmannJust checking in on you. How are you getting on with Chairwoman Ulrich?只是例行关心一下你，和乌尔利赫主席的相处还顺利吗？

KIt's both smooth and rough.顺利，但也不顺利。

Finn HoffmannI hope that's not some kind of wordplay.我希望这不是什么文字游戏。

KThe Chairwoman has her own position—one that's unshakable. But as an ambitious and capable woman, she's not willing to be confined to a cage either.主席有自己的立场，这一点不可动摇。 但，作为一位想要实现功绩的杰出女性，她也不愿将自己拘于囚笼。

Finn HoffmannSounds like she's still swaying between the two sides of the scale.听起来，她仍在天平的两端摇摆。

KMm.嗯。

Finn HoffmannThen as an excellent Stasi agent, do you have any advice, Agent K?那作为优秀的斯塔西特工，K探员有什么建议吗？

KThe Chairwoman has a good impression of Frau Romy.主席对罗密女士的印象很好。

Finn HoffmannHm? Now I'm starting to contemplate the possibility of having the Director seduce her in person.嗯？ 我忍不住思考部长亲自色诱的可能性。

K...Herr Hoffmann, our calls are recorded.……霍夫曼先生，我们的电话是有录音的。

Finn HoffmannGo on.你继续。

KFrau Romy's past collaboration with the Ministry of Finance really impressed her. She even uncharacteristically brought up the background of certain individuals, including those she had worked with back then—none of them are staunch localists. In the Chairwoman's words—they put the interests of the state over any party interests.罗密女士当年与财政部合作的经历令她赞不绝口。 并且罕见地提过一些人的背景，包括财政部当年共事过的人，都不是坚定的地方派系。 用主席的话说——比起党派的利益，他们更在乎国家的利益。

Finn HoffmannWhich really means that they care more about personal interests than collective ones.这句话的意思其实是比起群体的利益，他们更在乎个人的利益。

KThe reason they seem hesitant is mainly because Frau Romy is a woman. If she were a man, they'd be very happy to follow. Unfortunately... as a woman, Frau Romy isn't good at taking advice.他们之所以看上去摇摆不定，其实主要是因为罗密女士是一位女士。 如果是一位男性，他们应该很乐意追随。可惜的是……作为一名女士，罗密女士并不善于听取别人的意见。

Finn HoffmannUlrich is certainly more successful than our Director. But on the flip side, they don't fear Ulrich, while they do fear Frau Romy.乌尔利赫作为同僚确实比我们部长更成功。 但反过来说，他们不会忌惮乌尔利赫，但会忌惮罗密女士。

KAfter all, Frau Romy is the daughter of General Riefenstahl. Barring her from the military has always been a consensus.毕竟罗密女士是蕾芬斯塔尔将军之女，将她排挤出军队系统，是所有人的共识。

Finn HoffmannSo these people are the weakest link?所以这些人是突破口？

KThat's what the Chairwoman thinks.主席是这个意思。

Finn HoffmannThen what does Chairwoman Ulrich want?那乌尔利赫主席要的是什么呢？

KShe's unsatisfied with her current local position, but she's also unwilling to pay the price of being "promoted" to the central government.乌尔利赫主席不满足于地方的位置，但是她也不愿意进入中央的代价是明升暗贬。

Finn Hoffmann...The only one who can give her the promise she needs is General Secretary Groß.……她需要的承诺只有格罗斯书记能给。

KWhich is why her veiled question was—whether Frau Romy is backed by the General or the Secretary. If it's the General, she'll likely maintain her current stance. But if it's the Secretary, then her position may begin to shift.所以她的另一重暗示就是——询问我们罗密女士的背后，是将军还是书记。 如果是将军，她可能会维持现在的立场，但如果是书记，那么她的立场会有所松动。

Finn HoffmannUnderstood. I'll report the relevant intel immediately. As for the task assigned by the Director, please keep at it.我明白了。 相关情报我即刻汇报，部长安排的事情，请你继续关注。

KI will keep my eyes wide open.我会留意的。

Hoffmann ends the call, and once again hurried footsteps echo through the corridor.霍夫曼放下通讯，匆忙的脚步声再度响起。

......Nele's apartment.……奈乐的出租屋。

Nele opens the door and steps inside, followed by Constanze carrying some takeout.奈乐推门而入，康斯坦斯拎着外卖跟在后面。

NeleConnie, make yourself at home.康妮，随便坐。

ConstanzeWhoa—this place isn't bad at all. It's pretty spacious, looks like it could fit two or three people.哇——你这个房子找得不错啊，面积挺大，感觉够住两三个人了。

NeleYeah... I figured I might need to store a lot of materials for experiments, so I got a place with extra room...哦……想着做实验可能要进的材料挺多，可以放这里来着……

ConstanzeNice~ Give me a little tour~挺好的~ 带我参观参观呗~

NeleSure. This is the living room—haven't got much furniture yet. Kitchen's over there. I just moved in a few days ago, so the fridge is still empty...好啊，这里就是客厅，目前没带什么家具。 那边是厨房，刚搬过来几天，冰箱里也是空的……

ConstanzeI'll bring you some fresh veggies and fruit next time! There's a supermarket near the university that always has great deals.我下次给你带点新鲜的蔬菜水果！我知道大学附近有家超市经常搞活动。

NeleThanks, Connie. And this is my bedroom, study, and... the storage room.那就谢谢你了，康妮。 这边就是我的卧室，书房，还有……储物间。

ConstanzeYou locked the storage room?你把储物间锁起来啦？

NeleYeah... it's too messy inside...嗯……里面东西太乱了……

Rustle... Clang! An ominous noise comes from the storage room.窸窣——哐当—— 储物间里传来了不妙的响动。

ConstanzeNele, I think there's a rat in there!奈乐，里面好像有老鼠！

NeleA rat...?老鼠……？

ConstanzeThere's been a rat infestation in Frankfurt lately. I remember you're scared of rats—this one sounds big...法兰克福最近鼠害猖獗，我记得你害怕褐家鼠来着，这动静听上去体型不小……

ConstanzeDon't worry, I'll take care of it!别害怕，我来帮你搞定！

Constanze rolls up her sleeves, but Nele grabs her arm.康斯坦斯挽起袖子，奈乐一把抓住了她。

NeleI... I'm not afraid of rats anymore. We used to see them all the time in Berlin—I've gotten used to it.我……现在已经不怕褐家鼠了，柏林那边也经常能遇见，我习惯了。

ConstanzeReally? I remember back when we finished tending to the lab mice, we saw a rat about 12cm long outside the dorm—your face was as white as a sheet.真的吗？我记得以前我们俩照顾完小白鼠出来，在宿舍楼外见到一只身长12厘米左右的褐家鼠，你当时吓得脸都白了。

NeleI've grown since then...我已经成长了……

Nele pulls Constanze back to the living room.奈乐拉着康斯坦斯回到客厅。

NeleDidn't you say you needed my documents to finish registering the lab? I'll give them to you now, just help me get it done when you have time.你之前不是说，还需要我的证件来完成实验室登记吗？ 我直接交给你吧，你有空的时候帮我登记下。

ConstanzeSure. By the way, you need to register your fingerprint for lab access—remember to do that when you drop by.行，对了，进出实验楼需要指纹认证，你来的时候记得去录入一下。

NeleGot it.嗯，我记住了。

ConstanzeI've got class soon—eat while it's still hot, okay? I have to head out.我一会还有课，这饭你趁热吃啊，我得先走了。

NeleSo soon? Can't you at least take a few bites before you go?这么着急，你不吃两口再走吗？

ConstanzeI already ate. I just wanted to check on you and show you the best takeout near the University of Mainz!我吃过了，我就是来看看你，顺便给你见识下美因茨大学附近最好吃的外卖！

Constanze gathers the documents Nele hands over.康斯坦斯收拾好奈乐递过来的文件。

ConstanzeBy the way, Nele, I haven't asked yet—why do you suddenly want to restart the experiment? And you said our research direction has changed—changed how?对了，奈乐，我还没有问过你，为什么突然想要重启实验了？ 还有你说我们的实验方向有调整，现在是什么样了啊？

Nele...Let's talk about that in detail once we're in the lab.……这个，之后在实验室详谈吧。

Nele averts her gaze awkwardly. She looks blatantly suspicious to Constanze.奈乐有些不自然地别开视线，落在康斯坦斯眼里，几乎是明晃晃的可疑。

Nele...Aren't you going to be late?……你是不是快迟到了？

ConstanzeCrap, class is starting in 15 minutes! Gotta go!完了，还有十五分钟就要上课了！ 那我走了！

NeleAlright, be careful on the way...好，路上小心……

Constanze bolts out the door like a gust of wind.康斯坦斯风一般刮开大门冲了出去。

Nele bundles up the takeout and heads toward the storage room where the noise came from...奈乐收拾好她带来的外卖，朝着有异响的储物间走去……

She opens the door. The air inside is stagnant and heavy, like a silent refusal. The room is utterly still and deathly silent.推开门，沉闷的空气凝滞不动，像是在无声的拒绝。 此刻房间内毫无声响，死寂一片。

Nele...J?……J？

On the chair where J should be sitting lies only a frayed piece of rope.原本J应该待在的椅子上，只剩一截断掉的绳索。

A chill runs through Nele. She quickly and calmly gives Mia a call.奈乐的心里划过一丝不妙，接着她十分冷静地拨通了米娅的通讯。

NeleMia, J is missing.米娅，J不见了。

MiaI've captured Agent J from beneath the window. Give me five minutes—I'll return him immediately.我在窗户下面捕获了J探员。 给我五分钟，立刻送回来。

Five minutes later, Agent J is back in the room and in his familiar seat—only this time, the rope has been replaced with chains.五分钟后，J探员再次回到了房间，回到了熟悉的座位，只不过这一次的绳子换成了锁链。

MiaI'll go heat up the food. You two talk.我去把外卖热一热，你们聊吧。

Mia leaves the room.米娅走了出去。

JI hope you didn't go to all this trouble just to get back at me for threatening you back in the Stasi.我想你没有无聊到因为当年我在斯塔西恐吓过你，就用这种方式报复我吧？

JDid you collude with the Commander to kidnap me?是你伙同指挥官，一起绑架了我？

JSo now you're my prison guard?所以现在是你负责看管我？

Nele...I'm not good at lying, so don't ask me—I won't answer any of your questions.……我不擅长说谎，所以别问我了，我什么都不会回答。

JDid the Commander... use some kind of machine on you? Threaten you with Mia? Drugs? Brainwashing?指挥官……对你使用了什么仪器吗？还是拿米娅威胁你？或者是药物控制？洗脑？

Nele...Can you please speak scientifically?……你能不能讲讲科学。

JBut nothing about this is scientific. You must have been tricked.但眼前的事情一点也不科学啊，你绝对是被骗了。

J cuts Nele off without hesitation.J毫不犹豫地打断了奈乐的解释。

NeleI wasn't tricked! I know exactly what I'm doing!我没有被骗！我很清楚我在做什么！

JYou've got to be tricked. Why else would a researcher with your prospects—your status—be messing around with some doomed PMC commander?你就是被骗了，你这样有着大好前途的研究人员，还是权贵子女，怎么可能跟着一个朝不保夕的PMC指挥官混？

Nele...I have my reasons.……我有我的理由。

JThen tell me—what are your reasons?那告诉我，你的理由是什么？

Nele...Idunn.……伊登。

J...Idunn wasn't your fault! That was Gray's fault! Galatea's fault! Stop blaming yourself for what others did!……伊登不是你的错！ 那是格雷的错！迦拉提亚的错！ 你不要把别人的错怪在你自己身上行不行？

Nele...Professor Gray wasn't at fault!……格雷老师没有错！

J...You still believe in that woman even now?……到今天你还在相信那个女人？

Nele...The fact that you just said that proves I made the right choice. I won't let her name be smeared, not even after her death! Professor Gray was used!……你看，当你说出这句话，我就知道我做对了。 我不能让她死后依然背负如此污名！ 格雷老师是被人利用的！

J...What exactly did the Commander tell you???……指挥官到底告诉了你什么？？？

JHow could they drag a civilian into something this dangerous?! I'm telling you, that Commander has gone rogue—and you can't follow them down that path of insanity! You barely made it out of that fire alive... Why are you walking right back into it?!这家伙怎么可以随便把一个平民卷入这么危险的事情！ 我说，指挥官疯了，你不能陪着一起疯！ 你好不容易才从那场大火里逃出来…… 你为什么还要迈进去？！

JAnswer me! Nele!回答我！奈乐！

NeleI saw Professor Gray's body... It wasn't human... She hadn't been human for a long time...我见到了格雷老师的身体…… 那不是人类的形态……她早就不是人类了……

A tear falls. Nele starts weeping. Now J is at a loss for what to do.一滴眼泪落下。 奈乐哭了。 J反而无措起来。

Nele...You knew, didn't you? You knew Professor Gray had long ceased to be human...……你知道是不是？ 你知道格雷老师早就不是人了……

J... You have no idea what you're talking about. You don't even understand what kind of horrors you're going up against...…… 你根本不知道你在说什么，你也根本不明白你要面对的都是些什么恐怖的东西……

NeleI will understand.我会明白的。

JDon't do this, Nele. I know you're grieving, but don't do anything foolish...你别这样，奈乐。 我知道你很悲伤，但别做傻事……

NeleAnd what are you to me? What right do you have to tell me what to do?你是我什么人？你凭什么这么说？

JBecause I know what it's like to lose someone dear!因为我知道失去亲友的痛苦！

JBecause there once was a similar fool in the Stasi! It wasn't even part of his job, but he still... still gave himself up to those monsters for something stupid...因为斯塔西也曾经有这样一个傻子！ 明明不是他的必要工作，但他就是……就是为了所谓的…… 为了那些愚蠢的东西……把自己交到那些怪物手里……

Nele...Isn't the Stasi a spy organization?……斯塔西不是特工组织吗？

J...Yes, everyone knows we're spies with no principles who have sold our souls to the Devil. But that fool... he still cared about so-called honor... He still held onto the Stasi's duty and mission—he even had ideals...……是的，所有人都知道我们是特工，是没有底线没有原则的特工。 但只有那个傻子……还在乎所谓的荣誉…… 他还坚持……斯塔西……的责任与使命，也曾经拥有过理想……

JIt's laughable—in 2064, he still dared speak of ideals... Even most Stasi agents didn't believe they had any ideals...多可笑，在2064年，他居然在谈论斯塔西的理想…… 连斯塔西大部分人自己都不觉得自己有理想……

JAnd that idiot...而那个蠢货……

J trails off mid-rant.J骂着骂着停顿了下来。

Nele...Do you genuinely think he was a fool?……你真的觉得那个人，是一个傻子吗？

J...In this day and age, all idealists are all short-lived fools.……这个时代，理想主义者都是短命的傻子。

Seeing J's tears, Nele doesn't quite know what to do either.看着J的眼泪，奈乐似乎也不知道应该做些什么。

Rustle. Mia silently sets the reheated food at the door. Nele brings it inside awkwardly.唰。米娅一言不发地将处理好的外卖放在门口，奈乐局促地拎进来。

Nele...I don't know about others. But if you keep this up, you're going to die real soon. Just save your energy—I'm not letting you leave this place.……别人短不短命我不知道。 如果你再继续折腾下去，很快就要没命了。 省点力气吧，我不会让你离开这里的。

JAnd since that's the way it is—how about lunch first?所以事已至此，先吃饭？

NeleYes. If you want to live, eat properly.想活着，就好好吃饭。

Nele brings over a small table and sets it in front of J, then opens the takeout for him.奈乐搬来一个小桌子放在J面前，帮他打开了外卖。

J looks at the mushy mess in front of him and rolls his eyes.J看着眼前摊开的糊状食物，忍不住翻了个白眼。

J...See, I told you there's no future with Griffin. Even their takeout looks pathetic. I may gripe about the Stasi, but at least their food and coffee are decent!……我就说了跟着格里芬没有前途，连外卖都这么难看。 虽然我常骂斯塔西不行，但至少外卖和咖啡还是很不错的！

Nele...That's my food! If you're going to complain, you'll be having hard tack for every meal from now on!……这是我的饭！ 你嫌难吃的话，以后顿顿压缩饼干！

72-A-6 忿怒之果

...Inside a Paradeus factory. In a quiet room, Ashley reviews the wiring layout and projected output of the new facility.……帕拉蒂斯工厂内。 安静的房间中，艾希礼梳理着新工厂的线路安排和预计产量。

Click. It's Hebe's dedicated channel.嘀。 是赫柏的专用通讯频道。

AshleyPlease go ahead.请讲。

White NytoSister Ashley, I am calling to update you on our progress.艾希礼姐姐，我是来向你汇报情况的。

AshleyHave you finished taking stock of Sister Hebe's factories?赫柏姐姐那边的工厂都盘点清楚了吗？

White NytoYes. Including all the facilities in Frankfurt and subtracting what's already been used for the White Zone, we have around a thousand units of manpower in reserve.是的，目前法兰克福所有工厂加起来，除掉之前投入白区的消耗，储备人力约有千人左右。

AshleyThat still isn't enough to meet the requirements of the plan.距离计划的要求还不够。

White NytoSister Hebe has already ordered full-scale production across all factories. At this pace, we expect to make up about 500 manpower units and matching white-class weapons within a week.赫柏姐姐已经吩咐工厂全都开足马力投入生产了，根据现有的进度，预计一周内能够补齐五百人力左右，和配套的白色武器。

AshleyThen the plan proceeds as scheduled.那么也就是计划将照常进行。

AshleyWhat about the production line for the epiphyllums?昙花那边的生产线进行得怎么样？

White NytoAs the key part of the plan, production of the epiphyllums is also nearly complete. Sister Hebe has produced extra batches as backups.作为主线计划的昙花数量也即将补全，赫柏姐姐有特意多生产几批以作为备用。

AshleyGood. I'm still wrapping up inventory on the new factory here. Once that's done, I'll send you the final report.好，我这边正在进行剩下的新工厂线盘点，最后的汇总等我完成了会同步给你。

White NytoUnderstood.是。

AshleyAnything else?还有什么事吗？

White NytoSister Hebe asked me to pass along a message to Sister Nemhran—she's found a lead on the rats' hiding place.赫柏姐姐让我转达尼梅兰姐姐，那些虫子的藏身地，她已经有眉目了。

AshleyGot it. I'll inform Sister Nemhran immediately.明白，我会立刻转达给尼梅兰姐姐。

Once the call ends, Ashley compiles the conversation and hands the summary to Nemhran behind her.通讯结束，艾希礼将刚才对话的内容整理好，递给身后的尼梅兰。

NemhranHm. Upload it to the Bee Sting System.嗯，录入蜂针系统。

AshleyYes, Sister.是。

Ashley activates the Bee Sting System and inputs the authorization code.艾希礼打开蜂针系统，重新输入加密验证。

AshleySister Nemhran, I've completed the data entry. Once you approve, we can begin the upload.尼梅兰姐姐，我已经完成了资料载入，等待您审核通过就可以上传了。

NemhranAny difficulties with the new encryption protocols after the system overhaul?修复系统后的新加密方式有什么不方便的地方吗？

AshleyNone, just takes a little getting used to. The Bee Sting System now requires dual authentication for every action. A bit more troublesome, but definitely more secure.没有，只是需要一点适应时间。 现在的蜂针系统每一步操作都需要双重认证，虽然会比过去麻烦一点，但安全更加重要。

NemhranGood. You're dismissed.好，你退下吧。

AshleyYes, Sister.是。

Ashley leaves the room.艾希礼离开房间。

Nemhran completes the second layer of authentication and glances at the time. Three minutes left until the scheduled time.尼梅兰完成二次认证后，看了看时间。 距离约定的时间还有三分钟。

The second the second-hand lines up perfectly, Nemhran initiates an encrypted communication.精确地掐准秒针归位的瞬间，尼梅兰拨通了加密通讯。

FriedrichHello, this is the SED Chairman's office. This is his PA Friedrich speaking.您好，这里是SED主席办公室，我是助理弗雷迪。

Nemhran hangs up immediately.尼梅兰挂掉通讯。

Seconds later, the line rings again.数秒后，通讯再次响起。

FriedrichFrau Nemhran, the call has now switched to Encrypted Line 39.尼梅兰女士，已经切换到加密通讯39线路。

NemhranGood.嗯。

FriedrichDo you have a message for the Chairman?尼梅兰女士，请问您有什么事？

NemhranI have intelligence to report.我有情报要汇报给主席。

FriedrichThe Chairman is currently unavailable. Please relay the message to me, and I'll pass it along at the first opportunity.主席现在无法接听您的通讯，请您直接告诉我，我会第一时间为您转达。

Nemhran... The preliminary preparations for "Coronation Storm" are complete.…… “加冕风暴”的前期准备工作已经完成。

FriedrichReceived. Anything else to forward?收到，还有其他的事务需要我转达吗？

Nemhran...Laplace's experiment is nearing its end. We're about to move into the White Zone. Please reserve sufficient space for us.……拉普拉斯的实验已经进入尾声，我们即将转移进白区，希望为我们保留足够的空间。

FriedrichUnderstood. Leave that to me. I'll send over the allocation shortly.明白，这部分我会安排。 稍后我将名额发送给您。

NemhranDo the rest of the personnel require further arrangements?其余的人员需要有下一步安排吗？

FriedrichFrau Nemhran, that falls within your responsibilities.尼梅兰女士，这是您的工作内容。

Nemhran...Understood.……我明白了。

FriedrichThen I'll end the call here. Wishing you the best, Frau Nemhran.那么，我就先切断通讯了，祝您一切顺利，尼梅兰女士。

As the call disconnects, Nemhran feels oddly dazed, as though her very thoughts have been severed. She sighs softly.通讯断开的瞬间，尼梅兰恍惚觉得自己的思维也被切断。 她微微叹了口气。

Nemhran...Pawns... are meant to be discarded in the end...……棋子……终究是要被放弃的……

Click.嘀。

Without a second of hesitation, Morridow picks up the line.没有一秒犹豫，默莉朵接起了通讯。

???Morridow.默莉朵。

Morridow"I'm here, Father."我在，父亲大人。

???Commence the mission immediately. Their operation has begun.即刻执行任务，他们的计划已经开始了。

The call ends even before she can reply.甚至没有等到一个回复，对方就切断了通讯。

Morridow...Yes, Father.……是。

She looks toward Nemhran's office in the distance, where there's still no sign of activity. Morridow approaches Bramedb.看向远处尼梅兰的办公室，她仍然没有出来的迹象。 默莉朵走向附近的布拉梅德。

BramedbWhat now, another change of plans? Let me guess—this time we're doing inventory on that pile of junk in the warehouse?怎么，计划又有变？ 让我猜猜，这次是让我们去清点仓库里那堆破烂？

Morridow scans the area again to make sure they're alone—默莉朵再次扫视四周，确认没有第三人的存在后——

She presses down on the nearest listening device and leans in close to Bramedb's ear.她按住了最近的监听器，贴近布拉梅德的耳畔。

MorridowIf you want to survive... absolute loyalty to Father is your only hope.想要活下去的话……只有彻底忠诚于父亲大人，才有希望。

Bramedb...Father? Father is so far away, while Sister Nemhran is right here...……父亲大人？ 父亲大人是那般遥远，而尼梅兰姐姐又是这般近……

Bramedb glances toward the room where Nemhran is staying, then at Morridow's hand pressed against the bug. She lowers her voice.布拉梅德看向尼梅兰停留的房间，又瞥了一眼默莉朵按住监听器的手，不由也压低了声音。

BramedbYou know you can't hide this kind of thing from Nemhran, right?你应该清楚，你这些手脚根本瞒不住尼梅兰的吧？

MorridowShe's too busy keeping herself afloat to mess with me.她现在自顾不暇，哪有空找我的茬。

BramedbDon't be so sure. You really think she's standing alone right now?那可不一定，你以为她仅凭自己支撑现在的局面？

Morridow...What are you getting at?……你什么意思？

BramedbYou suspected it too, didn't you? That there may be... other senior Nytos in Frankfurt...你之前不也猜测过吗？法兰克福……或许还有别的高级涅托……

BramedbI've also heard whispers back in Berlin... there's someone else inside Pandora... And she's on Sister Nemhran's side.另外，我之前在柏林也收到些风声……潘多拉组织里还有一个…… 而她们都站在尼梅兰姐姐这边。

MorridowYou want to bet on Nemhran's hand.你想赌尼梅兰姐姐的牌运。

BramedbOh no.哦，不。

Bramedb flashes a charming smile.布拉梅德露出迷人的笑容。

BramedbI'm not betting on anyone's hand.我不打算在任何一边下注。

She gently pulls Morridow's hand off the listening device.布拉梅德轻轻将默莉朵按住监听器的手拉开。

BramedbSo you'd better win me over~所以，好好争取我吧~

With a sway in her step, Bramedb vanishes into the factory. Morridow follows coldly behind.布拉梅德摇曳的身影消失在了工厂，默莉朵冷冷地跟在其后。

TV Program HostGood evening. It is currently 1830 Frankfurt time on November 3rd, and you're watching the news.各位观众，现在是11月3日法兰克福时间18点30分，欢迎收看时事新闻。

One of the key leaders of the anti-Relic organization Pandora—and its official spokesperson—Styx, delivered a public statement today via a large screen set up outside the Alte Oper in Frankfurt. Since the Doll terrorist attack on Halloween, the Alte Oper has remained closed for repairs and restoration. Pandora deliberately chose this symbolic location as the backdrop for its address. Following this, Styx gave a nearly forty-minute-long speech. She issued a scathing critique on the Neo-Soviet government, condemning their weakness in losing control over their own elite Tactical Doll squad known as Task Force DEFY. Her criticism directly targeted the still-missing member of the squad, known by the codename "AK-12". She claimed that the Neo-Soviet regime had utilized Relic technology in the Doll's development process, which directly resulted in her going rogue.著名反遗迹组织潘多拉的首脑之一，也是该组织对外发言人，斯提克斯。于今日法兰克福老歌剧院外架设的巨型荧幕上发表公开声明。 自从万圣节的人形恐袭事件后，老歌剧院就一直处于停止营业、全力修缮的状态中，反遗迹组织潘多拉也特意选择此地作为发言背景。 随后，斯提克斯发表了一段时长近四十分钟的演讲。 在演讲中，她对新苏联政府研发出顶尖战术人形小队“忤逆”，却又无力控制的软弱行为提出了强烈指责。 其矛头直指目前仍在失踪状态的，代号为“AK-12”小队成员。她指出，新苏联政府在研发“AK-12”的过程中使用了遗迹技术，直接导致了如今人形失控的局面。

TV Program HostStyx further argued that humanity has strayed too far from nature, and that continued obsession with this path of defiance will only bring about further retribution from nature itself. According to footage sent in by our on-site correspondents, Styx's speech was met with widespread approval from the gathered onlookers, with some citizens even taking to the streets to publicly echo her statements.斯提克斯还表示，现如今的人类已经背离自然太远，继续在这条悖逆的道路上执迷不悟，只会遭到更多来自自然的报复。 根据我台前方记者发回的现场画面，斯提克斯的演讲受到了围观者们的广泛认可，已经有民众自发走上街头重复她的演讲内容。

TV Program HostAs of this broadcast, the Neo-Soviet government has yet to issue any official response.截至本台发稿前，新苏联政府尚未就此事做出任何回应。

...University of Mainz Online Forum.……美因茨大学论坛。

"Speculation on the Neo-Soviet Union's Use of Relic Technology."“关于新苏联使用遗迹技术的推论”

"What Impact Might Relic Energy Have on Daily Life?"“遗迹力量究竟会对日常生活产生什么样的影响？”

"Exploring the Possible Changes in Dolls After Exposure to Relic Energy"“探讨人形使用遗迹力量后可能产生的变化”

Styx's speech is like a massive stone thrown onto a frozen lake—hairline cracks immediately begin to spiderweb outward.斯提克斯的演讲犹如一颗砸向冰湖的巨石，细密的裂缝立刻向四周蔓延开去。

Constanze... This is supposed to be a forum for academic discussion and campus life. What are all these ridiculous posts doing here?…… 不是，这是讨论学术问题和校园生活的论坛，这些都是什么乱七八糟的帖子？

Constanze logs into her admin account and starts cleaning up the plague-like flood of posts.康斯坦斯启动了管理员账号，开始处理病毒般蔓延的帖子。

Anonymous User 3289Guys, I think Styx is absolutely right! Dolls were functioning just fine before, why would they suddenly go rogue and start a terrorist attack? It's clearly because one of them got infected with Relic energy! Then it spread like a virus to the others! That's why we're in this mess!各位，我认为斯提克斯说得对！ 人形本来不是用得好好的，为什么会突然去搞恐袭？就是因为有人形用了遗迹力量！ 然后就像病毒一样传染给了其他人形！所以才导致了现在的局面！

Anonymous User 0983Easy to spread rumors, hard to debunk them. Have you even read Professor Persica's article debunking all this? Dr. Shaw, the designer of the DEFY Dolls, published her research long ago. All her papers are public! She's a staunch anti-Relic scientist—why would she ever infuse her life's work with the very thing she opposes?!造谣一张嘴，辟谣跑断腿，你看没看帕斯卡教授的辟谣文章哦？ 人家忤逆小队人形的设计师肖博士早就公开了她的研究内容，她的所有论文也可以查看到！ 一个反遗迹的设计师怎么可能给自己的心血作品上遗迹力量？！

Anonymous User 3768Yeah, not to mention Dr. Shaw's elder sister was part of Pandora, right? No way she'd secretly use Relic tech...确实啊，肖博士的亲姐姐也是潘多拉组织的，没道理会用遗迹的技术……

Constanze selects this batch of overly active users and mutes them temporarily.康斯坦斯选中这一批活跃用户的ID，打包发送了一份禁言礼包。

Anonymous User 5499I don't care what any of you say! I'm standing with Fraulein Styx no matter what! She's just so gorgeous—and that body, wow! If only she could be my wife!!!我不管你们怎么说！反正我是站定斯提克斯小姐姐了！ 她实在是太美了，身材也好，要是能做我老婆就更好了！！！

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Constanze promptly bans this user.忍住翻白眼的冲动，康斯坦斯将这位用户直接拉黑。

Anonymous User 2309Get lost, perv. This is an academic forum—go be horny somewhere else! As for Styx's accusations about the DEFY Doll "AK-12" being a product of Relic tech—there's no solid evidence so far. I lean toward this being just her personal speculation. On the other hand, I find Professor Persica's published rebuttal and technical proofs credible. Anyone who's ever written a thesis knows how painful the process is—you can't fake your intent or your biases in that process. And I could totally see Dr. Shaw's hatred for the Relics bleeding through in her work.楼上的赶紧滚蛋，这里是学术讨论，发情的滚出去！ 斯提克斯关于忤逆人形“AK-12”使用遗迹技术的指控存在争议，目前她没有给出任何有力证据证明这一点，所以我倾向于这是她的个人推测。 至于帕斯卡教授甩出来的论文和技术证明，我认为可信。 各位写过论文的都知道，憋论文有多痛苦，你的真实意向或者偏向是无法在这样的痛苦下还能做到完全隐藏于论文中。 所以我相信肖博士溢出屏幕的对于使用遗迹力量的痛恨。

Anonymous User 9074If it really is all nonsense, then why hasn't the Neo-Soviet government said a word? Shouldn't they be jumping in immediately to denounce this defamation? Maybe there really is something they can't admit...如果真的是造谣的话，为什么新苏联政府还不说话？ 这种时候不是该立刻跳出来指责对方造谣诽谤吗？ 不会真的有什么难言之隐吧……

Anonymous User 5646Hard to say. Even if they didn't use Relic tech, the Neo-Soviets probably resorted to some other shady methods. Otherwise, why were their Dolls the first to go rogue? Look at us—our Dolls are still behaving just fine.很难讲，我觉得就算没有使用遗迹技术，新苏联搞不好也用上了其他不干净的手段。 不然为什么是他们的人形最先失控？你看我国的人形一直都好好的。

The endless flood of discussions drowns out every single sub-forum. Constanze scrolls through the threads with a deepening frown. She's given up on deleting posts and banning users—now she's just concerned about the state of academic literacy among her peers.铺天盖地的讨论淹没了所有校园论坛的板块，康斯坦斯皱着眉翻看帖子。 她已经放弃了删除拉黑，只是为校友的学术水平感到深深的担忧。

ConstanzeUgh. Hopefully none of my underclassmen are involved in this mess. And if they are, I pray to God they've already finished their thesis proposals... Otherwise, I'm gonna be stuck cleaning up after them all weekend again!哎，希望里面没有学弟学妹，要是有的话，希望他们的论文开题报告已经写好了…… 不然，我周末又得给他们擦屁股了！

Shutting down the campus forum with a groan, Constanze stands and stretches.头疼地关闭校园论坛，康斯坦斯站起身伸了个懒腰。

ConstanzeTime to tidy up the lab. All this equipment lying around, and the thick layer of dust... If Nele sees this, she's gonna have a meltdown.该清理清理实验室了。 这横七竖八堆放的设备，还有这厚厚的灰……奈乐来了该抓狂了。

She picks up a brush, ready to start cleaning. That's when she notices Nele standing silently in the doorway. Her hair and coat are soaking wet, as if she has walked here through the rain.康斯坦斯拿起一边的刷子正准备开始打扫，突然注意到，奈乐站在实验室的门口一言不发。 她的头发和大衣都附着一层水珠，似乎是淋雨走来的。

ConstanzeNele? When did you get here? Why are you just standing there like that? You're soaked... Let me grab you a towel!奈乐？你什么时候来的，怎么呆站在这里？ 身上还淋湿了……我给你找条毛巾！

Nele takes the towel absentmindedly, her eyes fixed on Constanze as though she's made some kind of decision.奈乐呆呆地接过毛巾，像是下定了某种决心，她看向担忧的康斯坦斯。

NeleConnie, there's something I have to confess to you.康妮，我有一件事必须向你坦白。

ConstanzeWhat is it?什么事？

NeleThe truth... about the experiment...关于实验的真相……

...In the temporary ops room.……临时指挥室。

After erasing all traces of the Commander's plan, AR-18 turns to the Dolls beside her.清除掉指挥官计划的所有痕迹后，AR-18转向身边的人形。

AR-18Everyone, before we officially launch the plan, we need to relocate personnel. All wounded Dolls and 416 must be transferred to a secondary base with higher security, while combat-capable personnel will follow me to the new temporary base. At the same time, all evidence here must be wiped clean.各位，在正式施行计划前，我们需要完成人员的转移。 伤员和416需要统一转移到安全系数更高的后备基地，还有战斗能力的人员跟随我一起前往新的临时基地。 同时，这里的所有痕迹也需要清除。

RO635Understood.明白。

AK-12Roger that.收到。

ST AR-15Where has Squad 404 gone?404小队去哪里了？

Stevens M520They're supposed to handle 416's transfer, right?她们应该要去负责转移416？

AR-18Yes, that's how I arranged it.嗯，我是这么安排的。

Stevens M520Then we'll take care of 404's communications gear.那我们来负责404的通信设备吧。

Stevens M520 gestures at the Dolls behind her.史蒂文斯520对着身后的人形拍了拍手。

HerthaSure, I'll go check their equipment list.好啊，我去盘点一下她们的清单。

CrossI've already sorted most of it—it's over here.我已经大概整理过了，放在这边。

AR-18 moves past the Dolls busy with the organized chaos of cleanup and steps to the side.AR-18绕过热火朝天忙着整理的人形，走到一边。

AR-1845, where are you? Come to the ops room immediately.45，你在哪里？立刻来一下指挥室。

Pzzzt. There's noticeable static interference in the transmission.兹兹。通讯频道传来的音频质量有些受损。

AR-1845?45？

UMP45I... I'm... right here.我……就在……这里啊。

AR-18...Where exactly are you?……你在哪里？

UMP45I'm right... ...beside you~我就在…… 你们身边啊~

RO635Something wrong?有什么情况吗？

AR-1845's signal is off. She says she's "right here".45的信号不对，她说她就在这里。

M4 SOPMOD IIWhat kind of creepy nonsense is she saying?她在说什么怪话啊？

Taking AR-18's communicator, RO635 tries speaking to UMP45.接过AR-18的通讯器，RO635尝试和UMP45对话。

RO63545?45？

UMP45I... am...我……在……

???Tee-hee...嘻嘻……

An eerie giggle snaps everyone to attention.诡异的轻笑声惊醒了几人。

RO635Wait... that's not 45's signal!不对……这不是45的讯号！

AR-18 cuts the transmission immediately. Almost at the same moment, the alarm starts blaring—AR-18立刻切断了通讯，几乎是同时，警报被触发了——

AR-18The enemy has already infiltrated.敌人已经入侵。

RO635I'll cover the retreat!我去做撤离掩护！

M4 SOPMOD III'm going too!我也去！

ST AR-15AR-18, organize the defense.AR-18，组织作战吧。

AR-18Right.嗯。

AR-18 turns to the surveillance footage. On the screen, a graceful, poised woman waves at the camera.AR-18看向面前的监控录像，一位身姿婀娜的优雅女人正对着镜头打招呼。

???Greetings. It's terribly rude of me to be taking your lives on our first meeting, isn't it? I do beg your pardon.贵安。 初次见面就要取走你们的性命，真是冒昧失礼了。

72-A-8 碧绿色的寂静

...Late at night, in Nele's room. Nele is fast asleep. She rolls over in bed, pulling the duvet tighter around herself. Wrapped in her cocoon of warmth and coziness, she mutters softly in her dreams.……深夜，奈乐的房间。 在深沉的睡梦中，奈乐翻身，将被子往身上裹了裹。 温暖舒适的被窝正酝酿着朦胧模糊的梦话。

Nele...Time to... enroll in my courses for this semester... The system... is freezing again... Ugh! I didn't manage... to get onto Professor Gray's...……要开始……抢课了…… 系统……又崩了…… 啊！没抢到……格雷老师的……

...In a corridor of the Lecture Hall Building in Heidelberg University.……海德堡大学，第三基础教学楼走廊。

Tap-tap-tap—racing footsteps thunder down the hallway, accompanied by harsh panting. Nele rounds the corner in a full sprint.哒哒哒——狂奔的脚步声伴随着同样猛烈的喘气，奈乐的身影出现在了走廊拐角。

NeleI made it! With five minutes to spare! Thank goodness I didn't miss Professor Gray's lecture!赶上了！甚至还提前了五分钟！ 还好没有错过格雷教授的课！

Nele's joy freezes on her face before it can last a full second.奈乐的欣喜若狂还没持续一秒，就凝固在了脸上。

A hallway that's usually quiet and empty is now packed with people. They're craning their necks or raising phones above their heads to record inside the lecture room. Clearly, they're all here for the rare open lecture given by Professor Gray.往日冷清的走廊，现在挤满了人群，看他们或竭力伸长脖子，或抬高手臂想要拍摄教室内，想来全都是为了格雷教授难得一见的公开课而来。

Student AHow come I'm still stuck in the hallway even though I came half an hour before the lecture is scheduled to begin?!怎么提前半小时来还是只剩走廊的位置了啊！

Student BYou really don't know how popular Professor Gray is? In med school, her courses are always the first ones everyone rushes to grab each semester!你不知道格雷教授有多受欢迎？我们医学院每学期抢课，都是先抢她的！

Student CAnd word is she'll also be talking about how she writes her papers. Seriously a life-saver! I've got zero clue where to start mine!而且听说格雷教授这次还会讲讲看她是怎么写论文的，真是救大命了！我完全没有头绪！

Student APapers? You mean the one she just published on functional brain networks in autism? Ohhh, no wonder this lecture is titled the same...论文？是她最新发表的孤独症脑功能网络的那篇？哦，难怪这门课也叫这个……

Student CYou clearly aren't worried about your paper! Then give me your spot, thanks!一看你就不着急写论文，位置让给我吧，谢谢你了！

Student BHey! What's your problem?! Why are you shoving?!哎，你干什么？！挤什么挤！

The tightly packed wall of bodies ripples. Just as Nele is growing desperate, a narrow path opens up before her.严丝合缝的人墙出现了波动，正在烦恼的奈乐眼前一亮，一条绝佳的道路出现在了眼前。

NeleExcuse me, excuse me...不好意思，不好意思……

Student AWho is that? Who's pushing me?!谁啊？是谁在挤我！

Student BDon't play dumb! You're the one pushing me!你装什么？明明是你在挤我！

Holding her backpack protectively over her vital organs, Nele plunges into the chaos. Like a sturgeon swimming upstream, she fights her way through the tide and rocks.用书包护住要害部位，奈乐加入了混战的人群，像是逆流而上的鲟鱼，奈乐艰难地在浪潮和石头间摸索出一条道路。

Student DStop pushing! You're about to—都别挤了！再往前就是——

NeleExcuse me, excuse me...不好意思，不好意思……

These words become almost an incantation—once spoken, they part the crowd like magic, opening a clear path. Light spills through the outlines of a few students ahead—Nele knows she's almost there!这几个字俨然成为了她的咒语，只要念诵起来就所向无敌，前往之地皆成坦途。 前方隐隐有光从几个同学的身体轮廓边透出，奈乐知道自己距离胜利不远了！

NeleExcuse me—不好意思——

Dodging the last few obstacles with finesse, Nele finally breaks through. Her view clears instantly—灵活地避开最后几个阻碍，奈乐的视野瞬间开阔了——

???You alright there?同学，你没事吧？

NeleI-I'm fine... I'm sorry, Professor Gray...我、我没事…… 不好意思，格雷教授……

GraySign in first.先签到吧。

At Gray's signal, her assistant walks over with a sign-in sheet.在格雷教授的授意下，助理拿着一份清单走到奈乐面前。

Teaching AssistantPlease find your name and sign next to it.麻烦找到你自己的那一行，签个名。

NeleUm... actually... I didn't manage to enroll in this course... I... just came to sit in unofficially...那个……其实……我没有抢到这门课的名额…… 我……是来蹭课的……

Whispers start to ripple through the seated students.台下的学生们开始窃窃私语。

GrayThat's fine. Due to the size of the lecture room, this open lecture had limited registration. I know many students weren't able to get a spot but still came. The lecture is going to be long, so later I'll have my assistant hand out seat cushions to anyone without a seat.没关系，受教室规模的限制，这堂公开课的名额有限，我知道还有很多没有抢到名额的同学们来听课。 公开课的时长不短，稍后我会让助理给各位没有位置的同学分发坐垫。

GrayYou as well—please register your name and major with my assistant.这位同学，也在助理这里登记一下姓名和专业吧。

NeleAlright...好的……

NeleI'm Cornelia, freshman in applied physics...我是应用物理系大一的高奈莉娅……

Even though Nele tries to keep her voice low, grumbling erupts from the seated crowd.虽然奈乐已经尽可能压低声音，但台下的同学还是发出了不满的呼喊。

Student EApplied physics? What are you doing crashing a med school class?!应用物理系？跑来蹭我们医学院的课干嘛！

Student FExactly! Even our own classmates can't get seats, and here you outsiders come barging in!就是，我们自己的同学都找不到位置呢！你们这些外系的就别来凑热闹了！

Gray raises her hand, motioning for silence.格雷抬起手，做出噤声的手势。

GrayEveryone, please quiet down.请大家安静一下。

The murmurs stop at once.台下的议论即刻消散了。

GrayThis new course of mine, Functional Brain Networks in ASD, is an open lecture for the entire university. Students from any department are welcome to attend if they're interested. Cornelia, please take a seat with a cushion.我新开设的这门《孤独症与脑功能网络》是面向全校的公开课，任何学院的同学，只要感兴趣都可以来听。 高奈莉娅同学，拿上坐垫先去坐下吧。

NeleThank you...好的，谢谢您……

Bowing her head, Nele finds a patch of floor near the front row and quickly sits down.深深地埋下头，奈乐找到了前排座位旁的一片空地，赶紧坐下。

GrayCome to think of it, I've had a long connection with the Department of Applied Physics. Back when I was a student, I met a senior from that department. People say talent and hard work rarely come in the same person, but she was the exception. Even to this day, I've never met anyone more gifted and determined than her. While I was still lost about my future, she had already made an extraordinary choice—to give up everything she'd achieved in her original major and cross into a brand-new field. Let me give an example you'll understand...说起来，我和应用物理系还有不浅的缘分。 在我读书期间，我认识了一位应用物理系的学姐，都说天赋和勤奋不可兼得，但她就是例外。 直到现在，我都没有见过比她天赋更强、更勤奋坚定的人，在我还在为未来而迷茫的时候，她已经做出了惊人的决定，放弃原来专业的所有积累，跨专业去研究新兴领域。 举个你们能理解的例子——

Gray taps on a student's desk in the front row.格雷叩了叩前排一位同学的桌子。

GrayWhat's your major?同学，你的专业是什么？

StudentClinical medicine.临床医学。

GrayIf I asked you to switch to nuclear physics right now, do you think you could turn in a midterm paper?假如现在让你转专业去核物理专业，你有把握能交出一篇期中小论文吗？

Student...That's impossible. It's way too far removed from my current discipline.……这怎么可能，这跟我现在学的也差太多了。

GrayThat's how a normal person would response, right? But this senior of mine? In under two years, she had absorbed everything a doctoral student in medicine is expected to know. She could talk to me fluently about the future of human medicine. She even published three SCI papers in her spare time.这是我们普通人的反应，对吗？ 而我这位学姐，短短两年不到，就接收完了一位医学专业博士应该拥有的知识，能自如地和我聊起人类医学前景，甚至还在工作之余发了3篇SCI。

StudentWhoa...哇……

GrayWe're still very close. Even though we live far apart now, we still exchange letters and share academic progress. But that's not why I mention her today.现在我们的关系依然很好，即便距离很远也经常写信交流学术成果。 但这都不是我在这里提起她的原因。

NeleHuh?诶？

GrayI met her at a time when I felt lost and uncertain about my future. I grew up in an ordinary family in Berlin, and in a world where class and access to resources are so rigid, the road to education and advancement was anything but smooth.我认识学姐的时候，正是我对未来感到迷茫的时刻。 我成长于柏林的一个普通家庭，在这个阶级和资源固化的世界，求学晋升之路并不平坦。

GrayAt the time, academia was rife with gatekeeping. The gap between studying medicine and becoming a doctor was immense. Coming from a family of doctors was almost a requirement—if your family had any clout in the medical field, your academic path would be guaranteed smooth sailing. I loved the subject, but I had no background, so whether it was project experience or further studies... I had no doors to knock on.那个年代，学术门阀现象非常严重，就读医学和成为医生之间存在着巨大的鸿沟，医生世家的情况只是常见的一种，如果你的家庭成员在医学界小有背景，那么你的学术之路必将坦途。 虽然我热爱这门学科，但遗憾的是我没有任何相关背景，因此不论是项目经历还是深造路线……我都不得门路。

GrayIt was that senior in applied physics who brought me into a world-class research project—and she invited me, someone with no background at all. That project's name alone was enough to open the doors of any hospital. She told me, "Gray, I believe in your talent and potential more than anyone. Come, stand by my side. You'll be indispensable to the field of medicine. Just your presence... will influence an entire generation."正是那位应用物理系的学姐，她带了一个世界级的科研项目，居然邀请了没有任何背景的我。那个项目只需要挂上一个名字，就能叩开任何一家医院的大门。 她对我说——“格雷，我比任何人都要相信你的天赋和才能，来吧，站到我的身边来。你会成为医学界不可或缺的人才，特别是你的加入……会影响一整代人。”

GrayPeople often ask me why I still bother with public lectures at this level, why I waste time grading graduate papers, when I already have my own lab. But even now, I still keep four weekly teaching clinic shifts. I want to give newcomers a chance, the way that senior gave me a chance.经常有人问我，为什么到这个级别还在坚持高校公开课，为什么要浪费时间去批改研究生论文，大家知道我除了自己的实验室，目前依然坚持一周4次的教学门诊。 我想给新人一个机会，犹如曾经的学姐给我机会一样。

GrayThat's my answer.这就是我的回答。

GrayMy lab is open for applications to everyone. If you're interested in interning, you can speak to my assistant afterward. I don't care whether you live in a luxury home in Frankfurt or a little cottage in rural Bavaria.我的实验室向所有人开放招聘渠道。 如果你们有想要实习的想法，都可以找我的助理咨询。 我希望不论你是住在法兰克福的富豪区，还是住在巴伐利亚州一个乡下的小房子。

GrayAs long as you have a passion for medicine, as long as your dream is to heal people— Then we are companions.只要你热爱医学，只要你的志向是治病救人。 那我们就会成为同伴。

Clap clap clap... All previous gripes forgotten, the students burst into unified applause.啪啪啪—— 忘却之前的不愉快，台下的同学们整齐划一地鼓起掌。

GrayNow then, let's begin the lecture.现在，我们开始上课吧。

Gray finishes presenting the final slide. On the screen, several children with autism gather around her, smiling shyly at the camera.格雷播放完最后一张演示页面，画面上，几位孤独症患者儿童正簇拥着她，露出羞涩的笑。

GrayThat concludes today's lecture. I hope everyone gained something valuable.那么这一堂课就到此结束，希望各位同学都能有所收获。

Gray bows. The audience erupts into thunderous applause. Nele feels tears welling up in her eyes.格雷鞠躬，台下掌声雷动，奈乐几乎要眼含热泪。

Gray's professionalism, combined with the gentle patience she shows toward people with autism, leaves Nele deeply moved.格雷教授的专业性，和在与孤独症患者相处时的耐心温柔，都给奈乐造成了极大的震撼。

Teaching AssistantWe now have five minutes of Q&A. If anyone has any questions, feel free to raise your hand.接下来的五分钟是提问时间，各位同学还有什么疑问的话，都可以举手示意。

Perhaps still caught up in the emotion, the students remain respectfully quiet.也许是还沉浸在感动中，同学们默契地保持着安静。

GrayThe questions don't have to be limited to today's topic. If you have other academic concerns, I'm also happy to address them.提问的内容不局限于这堂课，有其他学术方面的疑惑也可以问我。

Nele is the first to raise her hand.毫不迟疑，奈乐抢先举起了手。

NeleProfessor Gray, I've read your recent papers and the journals you recommended. I've noticed your interest in the connection between Doll technology and human neurology. So I wanted to ask—if Dolls were someday to possess independent consciousness, emotions, and self-awareness based on the human neural network, what kind of impact do you think that would have on human society?格雷教授，我拜读了您近期发表的论文和推荐的期刊，发现您很关注人形技术和人类神经学之间的联系。 所以我想请教您，以人类神经网络为原型，您认为如果人形在未来真的能做到与人类一样具备独立的意识、情感、自我认知的话，会对人类社会产生什么样的影响？

GrayThat's a brilliant question. It's true that I've recently been working in that area. However, the field is vast, and there has been little progress in the subject of my interest so far. As for the impact such technology might have if it truly comes to fruition...这是一个很好的问题。 我近期确实在做这方面的研究，但这个领域牵涉范围甚广，我专注的课题目前可以说是毫无进展，至于如果人形技术真的能做到，会产生什么样的影响……

She pauses for a few seconds.格雷短暂停顿了几秒。

GrayEven I can't say whether it will be a boon or a curse to humanity. Just as when Sertürner first isolated morphine, intending to use it as a painkiller, he certainly never imagined what humanity would eventually do with it.我也无法判断这项技术会对人类带来益处还是坏处。 就像泽尔蒂纳最初分离出吗啡是想应用于镇痛，他也一定想不到现在的人类究竟都用吗啡做些什么。

NeleAre you saying technology itself is innocent?您是想说，技术是无罪的吗？

GrayWhat I mean is that the development of science always surpasses human imagination. We, limited by the time we live in, cannot foresee the future. What we can do is commit ourselves fully to what we believe is right—in the present.我是想说，科技的发展总是远超人类的想象。 受限于当前时代的我们无法预知未来。 我们能做到的，只有坚定地在当下完成我们目前认为正确的事。

NeleWhat we believe is right... but how do we even know if our choices are right? Like the senior you mentioned earlier—she made the choice to switch fields, and because she succeeded, we now call it the right choice. But for ordinary people like us, how do we know if something is truly right?正确的事……可是我们怎么才能知道自己的选择是正确的？ 就像您提起的那位学姐，她做出跨专业进行研究的选择成功了，所以我们都会称赞她做得正确。 可我们这样的普通人，如何才能知道那是正确的选择？

GrayIt's not that we choose something because it's right. It becomes right because we chose it.不是因为正确，才去选择。 而是因为你的选择，所以才正确。

Nele...So no matter what we choose, we have to do our best to make it right?……不管选择什么，都要尽自己的全力让它成为正确的吗？

GrayIndeed.是的。

NeleThank you, Professor Gray.谢谢您，格雷教授。

Nele reflects on the words as she sits down.奈乐思索着，坐回了位置。

Back then, she doesn't yet fully grasp what Professor Gray means.那时候的她还不能完全明白格雷教授的话。

After the Q&A session, Gray picks up a pin badge from the table.提问环节结束后，格雷教授拿起了手中的一枚徽章。

GrayThat wraps up today's class. Before you leave, I'd like to give you all a small gift.那么，这堂课就结束了，在各位离开前，我想送你们一份礼物。

GrayThis gift is also related to the question asked by the last student.这份礼物和刚才那位同学的提问也有一些关系。

GrayNo matter what path you take in the future, you will undoubtedly encounter dark temptations. This has nothing to do with your own morality—it's simply because this world always holds both light and shadow.不管各位同学将来走在什么样的道路上，一定会面对来自黑暗的诱惑。 这和各位同学的品德无关，因为这个世界本就是光明和阴暗并存的。

The badge in her hand catches the overhead lights.徽章在格雷教授的手里反射着白炽灯的光芒。

GrayWhen darkness knocks on your window, remember—you are here to change the world, not to be changed by it. I hope this badge can serve as a small reminder during your moments of confusion.当黑暗推开你们的窗时，记住，你们是来改变这个世界，而不是被这个世界改变的。 希望这枚徽章能在你们日后迷惘时刻，起到一点微小的作用。

StudentWow...哇——

The students, full of enthusiasm, rush up to the podium, crowding around Gray's teaching assistant until he completely vanishes from view. Nele hesitates. In the end, she decides against taking a badge for herself. She's just an outsider from the Department of Physics sneaking into a medical course. It doesn't feel right to take something that isn't meant her...热情的同学们立刻包围了讲台，将格雷的助理淹没到完全看不见头顶。 奈乐踌躇着，最后还是决定放弃领取这枚徽章。 毕竟自己身为物理学院的人跑来蹭课，还要拿人家的东西……

GraySchaeffer.舍夫尔同学。

Nele looks up in surprise. Something flies toward her—奈乐应声抬头，什么东西朝自己飞来——

Swish. She catches it out of reflex. It's the badge.唰。她下意识地接住，正是那枚徽章。

NeleProfessor Gray...格雷教授……

Nele wants to thank her, but Gray has already disappeared among the sea of students.奈乐想表示感谢，但格雷教授已经被淹没在人群中看不见了。

The shrill sound of an alarm clock jolts Nele awake.急促的闹钟声吵醒了奈乐。

The dream hasn't completely faded. She stares down at her empty palm, then jumps out of bed.梦境还未完全淡去，她张了张空白的手心，猛地跳了起来。

NeleThe badge!徽章！

She tears through drawers and shelves in a frenzy. Eventually, she finds it—tucked inside the box where she keeps her graduation photos.奈乐翻箱倒柜地翻找起来。 很快，她在存放毕业照片的匣子里找到那枚徽章。

The badge looks exactly the same as it did. But the Professor Gray from back then...徽章依旧和当初一样，可是当初的格雷教授……

A wave of pain seizes her chest. Nele finds it hard to breathe.被痛苦一把攫住了心脏，奈乐连呼吸都艰难了。

Like a broken glass pipette, drops of tears start rolling down her face.像坏掉的玻璃滴管，眼泪哗啦哗啦地落下。

NeleNow's not the time to cry...现在不是哭泣的时候……

To distract herself, Nele wipes away the tears and rushes into the kitchen...为了转移注意力，奈乐擦掉眼泪，冲进了厨房……

Bam! With a pile of food in her arms, Nele practically kicks open the door to the storage room where J is being held.嘭—— 抱着一堆食物的奈乐几乎是用踹的方式，打开了关押J的房间。

NeleAgent J, time to eat.J探员，该吃饭了。

J groggily pulls himself up from the floor and glances at the clock on the wall.J睡眼惺忪地从地上爬起来，然后看了眼挂在墙上的钟。

JSheesh, it's 0340 in the morning. What kind of meal is this supposed to be, huh?大姐，现在是凌晨三点四十分。 这个点吃什么饭，你告诉我？

NeleYou don't want it?不吃？

From Nele's cold tone, red-rimmed eyes, and the faint smell of alcohol, J decides this is not a good time to provoke her.从奈乐冷酷的语气、通红的眼眶和隐约可闻的酒气，J判断现在不是惹恼对方的好时机。

JFine, I'll eat.吃，我吃。

J carefully watches her expression while unpacking the food she's brought.J一边察言观色，一边打开了奈乐带来的食物。

JWhat's... the matter with you?你……怎么了？

NeleNothing.没怎么。

JDid the Commander piss you off? Hey, that's just how they are—cold as ice, always ignoring messages, making you sick with worry and furious with them...指挥官惹你生气了？ 哎，这个人是这样冷漠无情的，动不动不回消息，让你又担心又生气的……

NeleNo, the Commander's helped me a lot... and replies to my messages pretty quickly, actually.不是，指挥官帮了我很多……回消息也挺快的。

J... Then what's bothering you?…… 那你在烦什么？

NeleIt's just... I've decided to do the right thing.我只是…… 决定去做正确的事了。

JThe right thing?正确的事？

Nele...Yeah. My teacher taught me to do what's right.……是的，老师教我要做正确的事。

JWhatever. I can already tell you don't plan on elaborating. Then tell me about this teacher of yours. Did she treat you to lunch often?算了，一看你就不会告诉我你准备干嘛。 那你讲讲你这个老师呗，她是不是经常请你吃饭？

NeleNot really. ...People who offer you food out of nowhere are usually up to something, don't you think?并不会。 ……莫名其妙请你吃饭的人，一般不都不怀好意吗？

J“In a way, you're damn right... But back to your teacher.某种程度上，你说得真是该死的对…… 说回你老师吧。

NeleI first learned of her through her paper, "A Discussion on the Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Its Impact on ASD". You've probably heard of it—it's quite renowned. Although, back then, I thought the research prospects in the superior temporal sulcus were much more promising.我一开始知道老师时，是被她那篇《关于内侧前额叶皮层对ASD影响的阐述》论文所吸引，你应该有所耳闻吧，很出名的。 虽然那时候我觉得颞上沟皮层的研究前景显然要更为明朗。

J...Hold up. Was that last part even in a human language?…… 等一下，你后半截说的是人话吗？

NeleWhat do you mean? Anyway, I had that belief because at the time, popular studies showed that in typically developing populations, the gray matter volume of the superior temporal sulcus was related to a person's mentalizing ability. But soon I realized I was completely wrong—my teacher's lab published a paper showing, through structural MRI, that no such correlation exists in ASD individuals.怎么就不是人话了？ 我会这么认为，是因为当时的热门研究发现在典型发育群体中，颞上沟皮层的灰质体积与心智化能力相关。 但没多久我才知道我的方向完全错误，老师的实验室发布了论文，基于结构磁共振成像的研究表明，在ASD 中没有发现这种关联。

JOkay, that just sounded like plain gibberish to me...这次是一句人话都不说了……

Nele downs her beer and cracks open another can.奈乐喝光杯里的啤酒，打开罐新的。

NeleDon't worry, I'll explain slowly. Let me start with a breakdown of that paper...别着急，我慢慢跟你讲。 我先跟你分析下老师当时那篇论文吧。

As Nele lays out over a dozen research articles with practiced ease, J realizes he's about to be dragged into a hell that feels like back-to-back meetings with no end in sight...眼见奈乐熟练地摆开十几份文献，J意识到，一场堪比连续开会的地狱要向他袭来了……

...Having found some calm through analyzing the research, Nele finally leaves J alone and makes her way to the lab.……从分析文献中获得平静后，奈乐放过J，来到了实验室。

She opens a comm line to the Commander.她拨通了指挥官的通讯。

NeleCommander, it's me.指挥官，是我。

CommanderI'm listening.我在听。

NeleStarting tomorrow—no, today—I'll officially begin the experiment on Professor Gray.从明天，不对，从今天，我会正式启动格雷老师的这场实验。

Commander... I'll ask you one more time. Are you sure about this?…… 我再问你一次，你下定决心了吗？

NeleYes. Please help me get in touch with Professor Persica. I need her help.嗯。 请帮我联系帕斯卡教授，我需要她的帮助。

CommanderAlright. I'll let her know and have her contact you.好，我会转告她，让她联系你。

NeleSorry to disturb you...抱歉打扰你了……

CommanderNo problem at all.没关系。

After ending the call, the grief finally begins to overflow.放下通讯，奈乐才感受到悲伤一点点地泛滥。

Holding the badge in her hand, Nele sits silently beside Gray.捧着手里的徽章，她静坐在格雷的身边。

NeleProfessor, am I walking the right path now?老师，我现在走在正确的道路上吗？

In the deathly silent room, the hum of the air conditioner is the only response.寂静的房间中，只有空调的嗡鸣回应她的呼唤。

NeleI followed you for years, from applied physics to clinical medicine... But I couldn't even tell when you were replaced...从应用物理转系到临床医学，我明明跟随了您好几年…… 却连您是在什么时候被调换的都不知道……

Nele lets out a dry, bitter laugh. The badge in her hand reflects the sterile white light of the room.奈乐发出干涩的苦笑，手里的徽章反射着房间内的白光。

NeleIf you knew what I'm about to do to you... Would you still have helped me so kindly back then?如果您知道，接下来我会对您做的一切…… 您当初，还会那样温柔地帮助我吗？

Rustle— As Nele sits motionless in her chair, she can almost hear the faint sound of a lab coat shifting.窸窣—— 坐在椅子上一动不动的奈乐好像听见了实验服摩擦的声音。

Just like back in the professor's lab, when she was focused on an experiment, Professor Gray would sneak up quietly from behind to check on her progress—only to be betrayed by the subtle rustle of her coat. She has always associated that sound with Professor Gray's gentle attentiveness.就像是过去在老师的实验室里，专注认真地做实验的时候，老师悄悄走到身后观察进度，却总是被实验服的摩擦声出卖。 这是独属于格雷老师的温柔的关切。

GrayWhat we can do... is to firmly carry out what we believe is right.我们能做到的，只有坚定地完成我们认为正确的事。

Once again, Nele feels Professor Gray's warm hand wrap around her own.又一次，奈乐感受到格雷老师温暖的手握住了自己的手。

...Zip.……兹。

Nele unzips the body bag. The first thing she sees is Gray's hand resting on her abdomen. Slender, pale, and once the very hand that had gently lifted her up. Sadly, the warmth is gone, replaced by merciless cold.奈乐拉开了拉链。 首先进入视线的，是格雷搭在腹部的手臂。 纤细苍白的手臂连接着那只曾经温柔扶起自己的手。 可惜，手掌的温度不再，只留下残酷的冰冷。

Facing the recording device on the table, Nele speaks calmly.对着桌边的记录器，奈乐冷静地开口。

NeleThe time 0445 on November 4th. This video is a record... for the upcoming experiment. The autopsy will be conducted by Cornelia Schaeffer.现在是11月4日凌晨4点45分。 这是为了……接下来的实验而录制的视频，尸检的工作由高奈莉娅负责。

She wipes the grime from Gray's body with a sterile cotton pad, taking care to be as gentle as possible.取出清洁棉片，奈乐尽可能轻柔地擦拭着格雷尸体上的脏污。

NeleInitial cleaning is complete. I will now examine the modified parts on Professor Gray's body.初步的清洁已经完成，现在我会查看格雷老师身上的改造部分。

Starting from Gray's head, Nele carefully parts her hair, searching for surgical traces.从格雷的头部开始，奈乐小心地翻出发缝，查看改造痕迹。

NeleConfirmed craniotomy scars—specific procedures unclear at this point.确认头部有进行开颅手术的痕迹，暂时无法确认具体手术内容。

She moves on to the neck, shoulders, and arms, then gently lifts Gray's hand.检查过脖颈、肩膀和手臂后，奈乐轻轻抬起格雷的手。

NeleThe left arm is missing. The right hand has been modified, with an incision between the middle and ring fingers...左臂丢失，右手手掌经过改造，从中指和无名指之间切开……

Click.咔哒。

The lab door opens. Nele looks up in surprise.实验室的门被推开，奈乐惊讶地抬头。

Nele...Connie.……康妮。

Constanze, already changed into surgical scrubs, silently looks at Gray on the table, then at Nele's bloodshot eyes.换好手术服的康斯坦斯沉默地看了看实验台上的格雷，又看了看两眼通红的奈乐。

NeleI thought... you wouldn't come.我以为你……不会来了……

ConstanzeWith the sudden change in your plan, the experiment might not be finished in time even with two people working on it without sleep...你临时改变的实验方向，就算是两个人不眠不休也未必能做完……

Constanze sets down her bag and puts on her lab coat.康斯坦斯放下包，穿上实验室制服。

ConstanzeBesides, if I don't help you, who else will?再说了，我不帮你，还有谁能帮你？

Nele... Thank you, Connie.…… 谢谢你，康妮。

Constanze smoothly takes over the task of recording.康斯坦斯麻利地接手记录的工作。

ConstanzeI still don't understand why you want to do this, but I know you believe you're doing the right thing. And you've always been a stubborn mule when it comes to your principles.虽然我还是不理解你为什么要这么做，但我知道，你一定在做你认为正确的事。 而你，向来是个认死理的倔驴。

NeleI...我……

ConstanzeEnough talk. Let's get to work!别废话了，开始干活！

The prospect of doing lab work together with Connie hits Nele with a strong sense of nostalgia. Finally, she allows herself a small, genuine smile.眼前的画面和记忆重合，奈乐终于是轻松地笑了笑。

NeleOkay.好。

As the two of them dive into the preparations, dawn begins to seep into the night, revealing the silhouette of the hidden sun.在两人专注于实验准备工作时，曙光一点点浸透夜色，让隐在后方的太阳显出了形状。

72-A-10 时间废墟

...Inside the bar at Stasi HQ, Wiesbaden District.……威斯巴登区，疗养公园，斯塔西内部酒吧。

The server bows respectfully and leads the guests into a secluded box.侍应生恭敬地致礼，为来客带路，引到一间僻静的包厢前。

RomyTwo non-alcoholic Negronis, please.两杯无酒精的尼格罗尼鸡尾酒。

ServerYes, ma'am.好的。

The server soon returns with two glasses filled with pink liquid. After putting down the drinks, he leaves the box in silence.侍应生很快就端着两杯红粉色的液体回来，放下饮品后，侍应生沉默地退出包厢。

Now that they will no longer be disturbed, Romy picks up her glass and gives it a swirl.在环境重归寂静后，罗密摇了摇酒杯。

RomyI hope my order is to your taste, Colonel Felix.菲利克斯团长，希望我点的这杯符合您的口味。

FelixNon-alcoholic Negroni. Exactly what I'd expect you to order, Frau Romy.无酒精的尼格罗尼，不愧是罗密女士的选择。

RomyYou did say once that you like to keep your work and recreation separate, and that you don't drink on the job.毕竟您曾经说过——爱好归爱好，工作的时候，我是滴酒不沾的。

FelixSo I'm still on the job right now?所以现在，我们仍然在工作？

RomyI'm guessing you don't like any of the bars in the Wiesbaden District. Especially one so close to the White Zone. This is practically a staff's canteen. Since we're having a meeting at what's basically a workplace, we're on the job. But at your rank, are you ever NOT on the job?我想您应该不喜欢威斯巴登区任何一家酒吧。 特别是疗养公园附近，离白区很近。 这里几乎算得上是附近员工的食堂了。 所以某种程度上，在工作范围内的食堂进行会面，我们就是在工作。 当然职级做到您这样的程度，哪里不是工作呢？

FelixYou're just like General Riefenstahl—so thoughtful and always on top of things. Speaking of which, how has the general been doing lately?你和蕾芬斯塔尔将军一样，一向是安排妥当周到的人，说句题外话，将军最近身体可还好？

RomyMy father is in pretty good shape. He's taken to going on walks and fishing since he retired. Apart from some old injuries, he's doing great.我父亲身体还算硬朗，退休之后就喜欢出去散步、钓鱼，除了有些旧伤，人是自在得很。

FelixThat's very good to hear. With a daughter like you, I'm sure the general has nothing much to worry about.那就再好不过了，有你这样的女儿，将军现在也没有什么可操心的事。

RomyWhat about you, Colonel? Is there anything that troubles you?那你呢，团长，最近有什么烦扰的事吗？

FelixI just have to keep the Hugo Eberlein Guard Regiment in check. Other than that, there's nothing else for me to worry about.我只需要约束好雨果•埃伯莱因警卫团，除此以外，没什么好让我操心的。

RomyNo wonder they say, General Schweinsteiger is the foundation, and you and the sturdiest chunk of granite on that foundation.难怪大家都在说施魏因施泰格将军是基石，而您是基石上最稳固的那块花岗岩。

FelixThe Eberlein Guard Regiment remain loyal to the Socialist Unity Party and we accept the leadership of every party chairman.对雨果警卫团来说，我们始终忠诚于统一社会党，我们接受每一位党主席的领导。

RomyI suppose I'm not the first to have heard this.想必我不是第一个听到这句话的人。

FelixYou're obviously not the first to have asked me that question, nor will you be the last. And no matter who comes asking, my answer will always be the same.当然，你不是第一个问我的人，想必也不会是最后一个。 无论谁来问我，我的答复都是这一句。

RomyEven if the party falls apart?就算党内分崩离析吗？

Felix...Frau Romy, what I'm about to say may sound a bit blunt, but I speak from the heart. I am a natural-born soldier, not a natural-born politician. When the party is in disarray, the Eberlein Guard Regiment is the best holy sword. When the party falls apart, we are the empty crown.……罗密女士，也许我接下来的话有点重，但我发自肺腑。 我是一个天生的军人，而不是一个天生的政治家。 在党内拧成一团的时候，雨果警卫团是最好的圣剑。 在党内分崩离析的时候，雨果警卫团是空悬的王冠。

FelixYou promised General Riefenstahl that you would no longer get involved in military affairs after entering the civil service.您当年答应蕾芬斯塔尔将军，进入文官体系后就不再接触军队的事情。

RomyI am still keeping this promise. Right now you're talking to Romy Riefenstahl, Director of the Ministry for State Security, not the daughter of Heinz Riefenstahl.我依旧遵守着这个承诺。 现在在你面前的是国家安全部部长罗密•蕾芬斯塔尔，而不是海因茨•蕾芬斯塔尔的女儿。

RomyNow, what I want to discuss with you is not just the affairs of the SED. It has become a national issue concerning the German Democratic Republic itself. Regarding the progress of the URNC... I think you and I are both clear that no one can stop history from unfolding. Just like slavery, no matter how prominent it once was, it is destined to be left behind in the march of history.现在，我想要跟你讨论的事已经不仅仅是统一社会党党内的事情。 而是上升到了民主德国本身。 关于罗联的进展……我想你和我都清楚，没有人可以阻拦历史的前进。 就像奴隶制无论曾经多么辉煌，它总会被抛弃在历史的前进之中。

Felix...I have the right to remain silent on this matter. You should understand that if we join this melee, it won't bring clarity to the situation—only further escalation and destruction. War is in your interest; for you, it is a bargaining chip. But for us, war is only about advancing and death. We cannot stop the war, so we retain the right to sheathe our swords.……我对此事享有缄默的权力。 你应当明白，如果我们加入这场混战，并不会使战局更加清晰，只会让战局更加焦灼，甚至朝着毁灭的方向前进。 战争，对你们来讲是利益，是筹码。 但是战争对我们来讲，只有前进，以及死亡。 我们无法停止战争，所以我们保持收刀入鞘的权力。

RomyI am not a fanatical warmonger.我并不是一个狂热的战争分子。

FelixBut you have a strong thirst for power.但你对权力充满了渴望。

Romy...Someone with no desire for power wouldn't be the commander of the Hugo Eberlein Guard Regiment. You seem to be implying that you were forced into this position. But in fact, you know full well that sometimes when you're put in a certain position, the best thing to do is to accumulate enough strength and power to be worthy of that position.……对权力没有渴望的人不会坐到雨果警卫团的团长位置。 也许您想说自己是被迫走到这个位置。 但是其实您更加清楚，有的时候被架到某个位置上，最好的办法是让自己的实力和权力能够配得上这个位置。

RomyIt is a cliff with no way down. Either you climb, or you die.这是一条没有退路的悬崖峭壁，要么上去，要么死。

FelixSorry, I'm not a bureaucrat—I don't have the gift of eloquence for negotiations.抱歉，我不是文官，没有花言巧语的谈判技巧。

Felix drains the content of his glass, then he turns the vessel upside down to show that he hasn't left a single drop.菲利克斯喝完了杯中的液体，将杯子倒扣过来，示意没有残留。

FelixLooks like I've finished my drink.看来这杯酒结束了。

Felix rises to his feet and bows slightly in apology.菲利克斯站起来，微微欠身以示歉意。

Whoosh—the frame around the large oil painting hanging on the wall behind him suddenly lights up. With a soft mechanical hum, the frame swings off the wall. Felix slowly pulls the frame all the way open, revealing an intricately constructed room. A man is sitting inside, drinking on his own.唰——他身后墙壁上的大幅油画框亮起了灯，在一声轻微的机械声后，画框离开了墙壁。 菲利克斯慢慢拉开画框，后面嵌着一间精巧的房间，一个男人正坐在里面独酌。

FelixSecretary Groß?!格罗斯书记？！

Felix slowly returns to his seat. The man in the hidden chamber stands up and walks over to join them with a smile.菲利克斯缓缓坐回位置，包厢内的男人站起来，微笑着走向两人。

Romy makes her way to the entrance of the box and gestures toward the server in the distance.罗密起身走到门边，远远对着侍应生招手示意。

RomyThree Negronis, please.三杯尼格罗尼鸡尾酒。

Three glasses of pink liquid smelling strongly of alcohol are soon served.很快，三杯酒味醇正的红粉液体被端了上来。

Romy picks up her glass with a smile.罗密微笑着举起酒杯。

RomyWhat's the rush, Colonel Felix...? I believe we're just getting started.菲利克斯团长不用着急…… 我想，这一杯酒才刚刚开始。

...Romy's office.……罗密办公室。

Hoffman checks if all relevant personnel has received and read the notice.霍夫曼调取着新通知的已读回复，确认所有相关人员都接收了通知。

Across the table, Q is leisurely sipping her coffee.对面的Q慢悠悠地啜饮着杯中的咖啡。

QThe justifications, specific measures, and inspection methods for strengthening the security within the White Zone are all clearly stated. Even the template and procedure for bilateral reporting of the new measures are highlighted. As expected of Herr Hoffmann.加强白区守卫的理由、具体措施、检验方法全写得明明白白。 连新增措施的双边汇报的模板和流程都标出来了。 不愧是霍夫曼先生。

Finn HoffmannIn the past, we only needed to report the access list to the garrison, but there were still plenty of screw-ups. Now we need to report to both the Stasi and the garrison at the same time. I can't imagine how many mistakes there will be. You can't be too meticulous. What about you? Any progress on your end?以前，出入名单只需要向卫戍团汇报都出那么多岔子，现在需要同步向斯塔西和卫戍团汇报。 不敢想象会出多少差错，细致一点总没错。 怎么，你那边的事情有进展了？

QHard to say. If your job is to publish a chemistry textbook, then my job is to get students to break down stable salt into sodium ions.不好说。 如果你的工作是出一本化学教材，那么我的工作就是让学生们把原本稳定的盐重新分解出钠离子。

Finn Hoffmann...You could consider using some catalysts.……可以考虑使用一些催化剂。

QBelieve me, I've been pouring the stuff in already, but I worked too closely with them in the past. It's kinda difficult to get dirt on them without showing up as a turncoat witness, you know?已经在猛猛下料了，只是很多时候，毕竟过去的合作太紧密，抓住别人的尾巴，又不想自己作为污点证人出席还是有一定难度的。

Finn HoffmannThat's why this task was given to you.所以这个工作才会交给你。

Q puts down her coffee and sits up straight.Q放下咖啡，挺直了腰背。

QSo you really haven't heard anything about Project Valkyrie? Has it really been scrubbed clean?所以“瓦尔基丽”计划你真的没听说过吗？ 这件事擦除得这么干净？

Finn Hoffmann...All we know from public knowledge is that it's related to the wife and daughter of Oberstein, the incumbent Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Vice-President of the State Council. As for the specific report, you can read it for yourself.……对外披露的信息里，只知道跟现任工业与信息部长，国务委员会副主席奥贝斯坦的妻女有关。 至于具体的汇报，就如你所见。

QPractically everyone who knows anything about this has gone to Antarctica with the Relics Agency. The information we have could be entirely false.这部分情报要么跟着遗迹署那些人去了南极，要么全部是假的。

Finn HoffmannSometimes, what we need isn't factual information. But useful information.其实有的时候我们并不需要真正的情报。 我们更需要的是有用的情报。

Q...Thanks for the tip.……多谢提点。

After tidying up the documents scattered all over her desk, Q gets up to leave.Q收拾好散落在桌子上的文件，起身离开。

Finn HoffmannWhat about J's disappearance? Is it really no big deal?J失踪的情况真的不要紧吗？

Q...Since no body has been found, someone will eventually come knocking. Don't worry, getting rid of bodies has always been a complicated craft.……既然没发现尸体，就一定会有人来找我们。 放心吧，处理尸体直到现在都是一门复杂的手艺活。

Finn Hoffmann...Do you think he may have gone back to his hometown? I've been hearing him muttering something about selling pork knuckles back at home.……你说他会不会是自己回老家了？经常听他念叨什么，不如回家卖猪肘。

Q...Herr Hoffmann, thank you for making me laugh for three seconds straight even as I get crushed under a mountain of work.……霍夫曼先生，你这个笑话让我在堆积如山的工作里真的笑了三秒钟。

...In the temporary command room.……临时指挥室。

Click. A call request from an encrypted comms channel.嘀。加密通讯频道响起。

AR-18Commander, it's the Earl.指挥官，是爵士打来的。

After keeping the communicator on hold for a few more seconds, the Commander nods and gestures for the call to be answered.任通讯器又响了几秒，指挥官才点点头，示意接起通讯。

CommanderEarl.爵士。

EarlI believe the last time we spoke, we still had an ideal mentor-mentee relationship.上次通讯的时候，我们似乎还是理想的前后辈关系。

Commander...I once had a lot of respect for you.……我曾经很尊敬您。

EarlRespect—which implies looking up to me. Now you have matured to a point where we can speak on equal terms.尊敬包含着仰望的姿态。 现在这样说明你成长了，成长到了我们可以平视交谈的地步。

CommanderYou have met whom you wanted to.你已经如愿见到那个人了。

EarlI'm not getting in touch because I need you—quite the contrary. Right now, you need me. I hope ambitious young people can walk a bright and promising path— not rush into the White Zone and spark a violent commotion.我找你不是因为我需要你，恰恰相反。 你现在正需要我。 我希望有志气的年轻人走上一条光明坦途。 而不是闯进白区引发一场爆裂的骚乱。

EarlYour current situation is no better than when you were trapped in the Black Zone—if anything, it's worse. But even so, I'm still willing to offer you help, just as I did in Avernus.你现在的处境比起困在黑区的时候，有过之而不无不及。 但我仍然愿意为你提供帮助，就像在阿佛那斯我为你提供的帮助一样。

EarlIt's good for young people to have their own ideas. I know you don't agree with some of my decisions, but I've already made significant concessions. I know I shouldn't try to keep an eagle bound under my protection. I only need to wait—wait for the day when the weary bird returns to its nest.年轻人有自己的想法是好事。 我知道你不理解我的一些决定，但我已经做出了不小的让步。 我不应该强行将雄鹰束缚在自己的庇护下。 我只需要等待，等待倦鸟回巢的一天。

Commander...And you believe the time has come.……你觉得现在到了这个时候。

EarlThere are no eternal enemies, Commander.这个世上没有永远的敌人，指挥官。

CommanderOnly eternal interests.只有永恒的利益。

EarlWhat we went through was merely a small, internal conflict. It wasn't fatal. Our interests are bound together, and our positions are aligned. No matter what happens, G&K stands behind you. That holds true for you, for Kryuger, and for me.我们只是经历过一场小小的，内部矛盾。 但这不致命，我们的利益，是绑在一起的。我们的立场，也是一致的。 无论如何，你的背后是G&K。 对你，对克鲁格，对我，都是如此。

Commander...Then what's the plan this time?……那么这次，你有什么安排？

EarlI sent you from the Neo-Soviet Union to Berlin because of Morridow.将你从新苏联召唤到柏林，是因为默莉朵。

CommanderYes, and this mission has revealed to me a glimpse of the real world.是的，这个任务向我揭开了真实世界的一角。

EarlYoung people are always so full of curiosity.年轻人总是充满好奇的。

CommanderWill you tell me the truth?你会向我解释真相？

EarlNo, you must unearth it and find out for yourself. That way, you will find it easier to accept.不，靠自己去挖掘和发现，才会让你更好地接受。

EarlIf you wish to find out William's true identity and what he intends to do... You must first get to the bottom of one thing—Project Valkyrie.如果你想知道威廉到底是谁，他又到底想做什么。 那你需要弄清楚一个东西——“瓦尔基丽”计划。

Commander...Maybe I don't even care about the whys and the whats anymore. I just think he needs to pay for everything he's done.……也许我已经不想弄清楚为什么和是什么，我只觉得他应该付出代价。

EarlThe choice is ultimately yours. If you want to learn the truth, investigating this is the only way. If you want to eliminate him, then I can offer you one last bit of help. Romy and I aren't exactly close, but the Stasi has already taken one step towards us.选择权在你自己。 如果你想知道真相，那么追查这个是唯一的路径。 如果你想除掉他，那么我最后给你提供一个帮助。 我和罗密虽然不熟，但斯塔西，已经将一只脚迈入了我们这边。

EarlGiven your current situation, it would benefit you greatly if you could secure the Stasi's cooperation.以你现在的处境，要是能获得斯塔西的帮助，想来对于你的计划大有裨益。

CommanderThank you, Earl.谢谢你，爵士。

EarlFinally, some genuine words from you.总算让我听见了句真心话。

Click. The Earl terminates the call.嘀。爵士结束了通讯。

After pondering for a moment in silence, the Commander turns to AR-18.指挥官沉默地思索了一会，转向旁边的AR-18。

Commander... AR-18.…… AR-18。

AR-18If you're asking for my opinion... I think you need more information. To take on an enemy, you must have a comprehensive understanding of him.如果您想问我的意见…… 我觉得您需要了解更多。 因为对付敌人，就必须全面地了解对方。

Commander...But this is most certainly a trap. He would never have contacted me if this wouldn't benefit him in some way.……但这绝对是一个陷阱。 如果这么做对他没有好处，他绝对不会联络我。

AR-18Perhaps you should think of it from another perspective. Instead of worrying about how this would benefit him, consider what you want to accomplish and whether this would help.也许应该换个角度。 不必考虑这件事对对方的好处，而是更多地考虑您想要达成的目的，以及这件事是否能有所帮助。

Commander... What do I want to accomplish?…… 我想要什么？

The Commander unconsciously drums their fingers on the desk. The chaotic rhythm betrays their unease.指挥官的手指无意识地敲击着桌面，杂乱的节奏暴露出内心的不安。

CommanderIn the very beginning, all I wanted to do was to expel Sangvis Ferri forces so that the Griffin base could operate in a safe and stable environment. Then I wanted to save the AR Team. I wanted to save Machlian. I wanted to save Ange... But now, even I don't know what I want to accomplish. I seem to have been stuck in a quagmire for so long, I no longer remember the days before I stepped into it, and I can't recall where I'm supposed to be headed.一开始我只是想驱逐铁血，让格里芬基地的运作更为安全稳定。 后来，我想救回AR小队，我想救回玛赫莲，我想救回安洁…… 现在，我也不知道我想要什么，我好像深陷一个泥潭太久，已经忘记了踏进来之前的日子，也想不起该往哪里走了。

CommanderI've led one operation after another, always thinking that the next one would finally reveal the whole truth. But with each answer, new mysteries emerge—an endless cycle, as if they'll never be solved.指挥了一个接着一个的行动，我总是以为下一个行动就能揭示所有的真相。 但谜团也一个接着一个，好像永远也解不完。

AR-18I understand how exhausting it must feel, Commander. But hesitation and doubt are the last things you can afford on the battlefield. Now is not the time to waver.我理解您的疲惫，指挥官。 可是战场上最忌讳迷茫摇摆，现在您不可以动摇。

CommanderI know... ...Maybe I'm just feeling fearful because I'm hitting closer and closer to home. I know the truth is about to be uncovered, yet somehow, I've started to feel afraid.我知道…… ……也许我只是近乡情怯。 我知道真相就要揭开，但我竟然开始有些害怕。

AR-18 walks up to the Commander and points at the monitor in front of them.AR-18走到指挥官的身边，指着眼前的监控屏幕。

AR-18You have so many shoulders to lean on—don't carry all the weight alone.您的身边有这么多可以供您依靠的肩膀，不要把压力全放在自己身上。

CommanderThese shoulders that I can lean on are also weaknesses that can be exploited.是依靠，也是软肋。

AR-18You should think more of yourself.您应当更多为自己着想。

CommanderYou're right. Rather than worrying about others, I really should focus more on myself. What am I really after on this trip to Germany? Who am I fighting for? What am I fighting for?你说得对，比起思考别人，我应该更多地思考自己。 这一趟德国之旅，我到底要什么。 我为谁而战、又何以为战？

AR-18It may take you a lifetime to find the answers.也许这是您需要寻找一生的答案。

CommanderIndeed...是啊……

The Commander gets to their feet and pats their own tired cheeks.指挥官站起来，拍了拍疲惫的脸颊。

CommanderI may feel lost and conflicted, but I will not stop moving forward...也许我会迷茫，会纠结。但我不会停下行动的脚步……

CommanderAR-18, escort me to Nele's residence.AR-18，送我去奈乐住处一趟。

AR-18Yes, Commander.遵命。

...In Nele's rented flat.……奈乐的出租房。

J looks as fatigued as the Commander. They stare at each other in silence.J看起来和指挥官一样疲惫，两人沉默地对视着。

JFinally remember you have to deal with me, eh, Commander? How are you gonna do this then, Griffin's way or Statesec's way?你终于想起来处理我的事情了？指挥官。 是打算用格里芬那套，还是用你们国安局那套？

CommanderThere's no need for this game of probing between us. I'll cut straight to the chase—I need you to help me contact Ms. Romy.我们之间不需要你来我往的试探。 开门见山吧，我需要你帮我联系罗密女士。

J...You think you've got the bargaining chip to negotiate with Romy? You have no idea what you're dealing with. And she isn't the only terrifying woman in the Stasi.……你不会觉得自己有筹码和罗密谈判吧？ 你大概没见识过她的恐怖。 而像她这样恐怖的女人，斯塔西不止一个。

CommanderI would like to make a deal, not a declaration of war.我是提出交易，不是宣战。

JYou're just an ordinary PMC commander. Romy is backed by the Socialist Unity Party and the German Democratic Republic. To put it plainly, the final boss that you want to fight—the mastermind behind Paradeus—is also part of the Socialist Unity Party. No matter how confident you are in your plan, I urge you to just give up.你只是一个普通的PMC指挥官。 罗密的背后站着统一社会党和民主德国。 直白点说，你要对付的帕拉蒂斯的幕后BOSS，对方也是统一社会党的人。 不管你对你的计划有多自信，我都劝你死心。

CommanderNo... When Ms. Romy handed Task Force DEFY's neural cores over to me, I knew... we would work together again.不…… 在罗密女士将忤逆的心智核心交给我的时候，我就知道……我们会再次合作。

J...If I remember correctly, hadn't she already helped you back in Avernus? Is it not clear enough? She can't openly antagonize him. He is the Vice-Chairman of the Socialist Unity Party... someone who sits in the first three rows.……没记错的话，在阿佛那斯她不是给过你帮助了吗？ 还不够清楚吗？她不可能明面上和那个人翻脸。 那是统一社会党的副主席……坐在前三排的。

CommanderWhen I first saw Ms. Romy at Paradeus' underground plant that time, I could immediately tell that she is an ambitious person. There's no way she'd be satisfied with her current position. ...That's why I want to take a gamble.在帕拉蒂斯地下工厂那会，我第一次见到罗密女士，就清楚她是个有野心的人。 现在的位置不可能满足她。 ……所以我想赌一把。

JHave you gone mad?你疯了？

CommanderThis is what I must do for a small fry like me to survive at the table. I am willing to bet that when it comes to dealing with Paradeus, Ms. Romy will take my side.既然上了赌桌，这就是小人物的夹缝生存之道。 我想赌一把，罗密女士在对付帕拉蒂斯上面，会跟我站在一起。

J...You must have found out already back then... the Stasi was involved in those two production chains.……在那时候你就应该知道，那两条生产线……有斯塔西的手笔。

CommanderWhich is why... I must speak to Ms. Romy directly. Her path upward allows no room for mistakes, and this is the perfect time to clean up that mess properly.所以……我才需要直面罗密女士。 她向上的道路容不得一点失误，而现在，正是修正那点瑕疵的完美时机。

The Commander tosses a communicator to J.指挥官将一个通讯器扔给了J。

J...I just hope you know what you're doing.……希望你现在是清醒的。

CommanderI've never been more clear-headed. I have a plan—one that will not only allow you to return to the Stasi without issue, but also help you clean up the shady dealings between your people and Paradeus. And most importantly... I'm going to cut off one of Paradeus' arms and sabotage Project Cocoon.我比任何时候都清醒。 我有一个计划，既可以让你顺理成章地回到斯塔西，又可以帮你们解决和帕拉蒂斯那些不干净的勾当。 当然最重要的是……我要斩断帕拉蒂斯的一臂，破坏茧计划。

After a brief moment of hesitation, J raises the communicator.片刻的犹豫后，J拿起了身边的通讯器。

JI'm going on all in with you, even though I barely have anything left. You'd better be making the right call!我这所剩无几的身家也跟了，这次你最好赌对了！

72-A-12 黑房间

...Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. Amaris arrives at the entrance of the University of Mainz with a full stack of documentation to prove her identity.……美因茨区大学城。 带着全套完整的身份认证材料，阿玛瑞丝来到了美因茨大学门口。

AmarisHello, I am the lab assistant Doll that Frau Constanze has requested, designation LA892. Here is my identification.你好，我是康斯坦斯小姐申请的实验室助理人形，代号LA892，这是我的验证信息。

Not bothering to hide his distrust at all, the security guard takes the documents and scans them in detail. Even though the security system is not flagging any problem, this security guard summons two more colleagues to conduct a search on Amaris.毫不掩饰眼中的不信任，保安接过资料仔细地查看起来。 即便安检机器没有任何风险提示，这位保安又喊来两位同事围住阿玛瑞丝进行安检。

After confirming repeatedly that there is nothing suspicious about Amaris, the security guard has no choice but to let her through reluctantly.反复检查确认后，阿玛瑞丝身上仍然没有任何可疑之处，保安只能不甘心地放行。

Security GuardGet in.进去吧。

AmarisThank you, sir.好的，谢谢。

Amaris makes for the laboratory building. From the corner of her eye, she can see two security guards following her from a distance while pretending to be on patrol.阿玛瑞丝朝着实验大楼的方向走去，她的余光瞥见两个假装巡逻的保安不远不近地跟着她。

She smirks darkly to herself as she walks past two youthful university students.讽刺地扬了扬嘴角，阿玛瑞丝和朝气稚嫩的大学生群擦肩而过。

Passer-By AHey, look at the color of her pass! She seems to be a Doll...喂喂，你看她通行卡的颜色，好像是人形诶……

Passer-By BWow, to think there are still Dolls sauntering around on the street. I thought they'd all been taken into custody.哇哦，现在居然还能在路上看见人形，我还以为它们全都被回收了。

Passer-By AKeep it down! If it hears you, it might grab onto you and self-destruct!小声点，小心它听见了，抓住你自爆！

Passer-By B...It must've at least passed the security screening to be allowed onto campus, but we should still keep our distance...……它都能大摇大摆走进校园，至少通过了安检吧，不过我们还离远点……

Like a stream flowing around a rock, the crowd steers clear of her instinctively. Amaris actually finds herself much more at ease when people are giving her space, until—像是突出溪流的磐石，人群自然地避开她，向两边走去。 对此，阿玛瑞丝反倒舒适了很多，直到——

Beep. She receives a comms request through a special channel that hasn't been in use for a very long time. It shouldn't have come alive ever again.嘀。 久未响起的专用通讯频道发起了通讯请求声。 明明它这辈子都不应该再次响起。

Beep-beep. Like a spirit that refuses to rest in peace, the urgent beeping of the incoming comms request shows no sign of stopping.嘀嘀。犹如亡灵不朽的怨念，焦急的通讯声没有停下来的意思。

Amaris... Who's this?…… 谁？

Stevens M520It's me.我啊。

Stevens M520Are you still not here? Did they bar you from entering? If they aren't letting you through, show them this authentication code that I just sent you. It's Doctor Hume's VIP code. He funded the construction of a building in this university.还没进来吗？被拦住了？ 他们要是不放行，你就出示我发给你的这套认证代码。那是休谟博士的贵宾码，他生前给这学校捐了栋楼。

Stevens M520Hello? Say something!喂？说话说话！

Stevens M520Strange, the signal is clear. Surely a legendary Doll can handle a few security guards at the entrance herself, right...?奇怪，信号正常的呀，堂堂传奇人形不至于连门口那几个保安都应付不了吧……

Amaris... I'm in. I'm on my way. But... why are you using this channel? Couldn't you have used a regular one?…… 我进来了，正在路上。 不是……你怎么用了这个频道？就不能使用普通通讯？

Stevens M520I saw that this is the most secure comms channel in your system! What's wrong? Does this channel charge extra or something? Don't worry, I'll pay for a monthly plan.我看你系统里，这个通讯频道保密度最高啊！ 怎么了？难道说这个频道是要另外收费吗？别怕，我给你包月。

Amaris wants to say something, but the words are stuck in her throat. In the end, she simply lets out a heavy sigh.阿玛瑞丝如鲠在喉，但话到嘴边却又说不出口。 最后，她只能重重地叹了口气。

AmarisNever mind. You can hang up. I'm almost there.算了，先把通讯挂了，我马上就到。

Stevens M520Great.行。

...VIP Lounge, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz.……美因茨大学，VIP接待室。

Following the instructions given by Stevens M520, Amaris enters a lavishly decorated room. Stevens M520 is enjoying her afternoon tea.按照史蒂文斯520提供的地址，阿玛瑞丝走进了一间豪华的房间。 史蒂文斯520正在享受她的下午茶。

Stevens M520Good afternoon, Amaris.午安，阿玛瑞丝。

Amaris... I'm here.…… 我来了。

Amaris glances coldly at the spread of sumptuous refreshments on the table and the obviously expensive dress on Stevens M520.阿玛瑞丝冷淡地瞥了一眼桌上丰盛的茶点和史蒂文斯520身上明显造价不菲的长裙。

Then she swaggers over to the table, deliberately bumping into it and making the exquisite serving stand wobble. Stevens M520 frowns.然后，她大大咧咧地走过去，刻意地撞了下桌子，精美的茶点在鸟笼架上摇摇欲坠，引得史蒂文斯520皱眉。

Stevens M520Hey, watch it.你小心一点。

AmarisSure.哦。

Amaris sits down opposite her. When she reaches for the teapot, she knocks the teacup over with her hand, spilling aromatic tea all over Stevens M520's dress...阿玛瑞丝坐在史蒂文斯520的对面，抬手拿起茶壶就把她的茶杯撞翻了，散发着香气的红茶立刻扑到了她的长裙上……

Stevens M520Aaaaaahhh! You!!! Look at what you've done!啊啊啊——你！！！ 看看你干了什么好事？！

AmarisSorry.抱歉。

With a perfunctory apology, Amaris picks up her teacup and gulps down the tea.阿玛瑞丝随意地应付了声，就端起茶杯大口喝了起来。

Stevens M520 dabs at the tea on her dress with her handkerchief, her brow furrowed deeply in frustration.史蒂文斯520用手帕擦干了长裙上的茶水，眉头几乎快要拧成一团乱麻。

Stevens M520This is outrageous!!怎么这样失礼！！

AmarisWhere's the thing that the Commander asked you to give me?指挥官让你带给我的东西呢？

Stevens M520 is still incensed, but she nonetheless produces a box and places it in front of Amaris.史蒂文斯520余怒未消，但还是把盒子取出，放在阿玛瑞丝面前。

Stevens M520Here.这里。

Amaris opens the box, which contains a thin metal tag. It's Aliana's ID tag... the only thing she has left behind. That, and their own private comms channel, obviously.阿玛瑞丝打开匣子，里面是一块单薄的金属片。 属于艾莉安娜的身份识别牌，也是她留在这个世界的唯一遗物。 当然，那个属于她们俩的通讯频道除外。

Amaris takes a look at it, then stuffs it into her coat pocket unceremoniously.阿玛瑞丝冷冷扫了一眼，就不加留恋地揣进了外套的口袋。

Amaris...That's it?……没了？

Stevens M520Yeah.嗯。

AmarisRight, now onto the mission.好，说回任务吧。

Stevens M520The mission that the Commander has assigned us is—指挥官给我们的任务是——

AmarisHang on. "Us"?等一下，我们？

Stevens M520Yes, we are to complete this mission together.对啊，我们协作完成任务啊。

Amaris... No need. I can handle it on my own.…… 不需要，我一个人就够了。

Stevens M520You misunderstand. These are the Commander's specific instructions. I was originally in charge of the Aeneas Conference Room on board the Elmo, but the Commander told me to transfer my authorizations to someone else just so I can make sure nothing goes wrong on your end.可别搞错了，这是指挥官的意思。 原本艾莫号上的埃涅阿斯会议室由我负责，可是指挥官让我全权转交给了其他人。就是为了确保你这条线不出岔子。

Stevens M520Now let me continue. The mission objective is to ensure Miss Nele's personal safety and assist her in completing her experiment. Once the experiment is over, we'll be taking Gray into custody.那我就继续了。 任务内容是确保奈乐小姐的人身安全，协助她完成实验。 等实验结束后，将由我们来带走格雷。

AmarisIn other words, we are to be Miss Nele's bodyguards and lab assistants?也就是说，给奈乐小姐当保镖和实验室助理？

Stevens M520Yes.嗯。

AmarisYou can do that yourself, no?那有你不就够了？

Stevens M520Hey, I'm only here to help you out! Don't get the wrong idea.喂，搞清楚，是我来协助你！

Amaris... I wish to speak to the Commander. There are major problems with these arrangements.…… 我要和指挥官联络，这个任务的安排有重大失误。

Stevens M520Suit yourself. We have to make our way to the lab now, so make your call while we're on our way there.随你。 反正我们现在就得出发去实验室了，你路上打吧。

Stevens M520 wrings the hem of her sopping wet dress irritably, then she walks toward the door.史蒂文斯520有些愤愤地拧了拧湿透的裙摆，朝着门外走去。

Stevens M520Oh right, when I first set out, there was a Doll who claimed to be a member of Daybreak Squad—she's called SCR, I believe? She asked me to tell you that they've been diligently preparing for this mission. See, their hard work is going to pay off. Why don't you send her a reply?对了，我出发的时候，有个自称是曙光小队成员的人形，叫SCR吧？ 她让我转告你，她们时刻为任务而准备着。 这不就派上用场了，你要不要也给她回个通讯？

Amaris... That won't be necessary. Now that the sun is dead, Daybreak Squad is no more.…… 不必了。 太阳既然死了，那就没有什么曙光小队了。

Stevens M520What do you mean?什么意思？

Amaris exits the room without offering an answer.没有回答，阿玛瑞丝已经走出了房间。

...Frankfurt District. On the way towards the city's exit checkpoint.……法兰克福区，前往城外检查关口的公路上。

Brigitte mutters to herself as she flips through a thick stack of documents.布里吉特翻着厚厚的一沓认证材料，嘴里嘟囔着。

BrigitteI really don't get it...我真的不明白……

SterlingDon't get what?不明白什么？

BrigitteWhat's with the sudden change in attitude? During the last meeting, Q asked Edith and Dagmar to turn the Elmo upside down and scour every corner for anything that's remotely valuable. Now she's telling us to restore the Elmo to exactly the way it was!这风向怎么说变就变了呢？ 上次开会的时候，Q还让伊迪斯和达格玛掘地三尺也要在艾莫号上找出点有价值的东西。 今天就让我们给艾莫号还原，必须做到跟我们进入时一模一样！

SterlingYou're right. But I think even she knows that it's impossible to completely hide the fact that the vehicle has been searched. See, she's even sending extra supplies their way.是啊。 不过我猜她应该也清楚，搜查的痕迹是无法完全被掩盖的，这不是还送了些物资过去。

BrigitteWhat the hell is the point? Why do we have to tidy up all of a sudden?到底是为什么啊？怎么突然又要把艾莫号还回去了？

A thought occurs to Brigitte, and she lowers her voice.布里吉特想起了什么，降低音量。

BrigitteThis Commander... is said to be quite the character. Maybe they've found some new backer? That was fast—don't tell me they seduced someone?这个指挥官……据说挺厉害的。 不会是背后找到了什么新的靠山吧？这么短的时间，难道是出卖色相？

Sterling...Seduced someone? You sure have an overactive imagination.……出卖色相？亏你想得出来。

BrigitteHow else could they have done it? That Griffin Commander somehow managed to get the Stasi to give such a large vehicle back! No one has ever—EVER—got the Stasi to spit out what we've gobbled up!不然怎么做到的？那个格里芬的指挥官居然能从我们斯塔西手里要回这么大辆车！ 从来没有人，能把斯塔西吃进肚子里的东西抠回去！

Sterling...Well, someone just did. Right, give Edith a call and see how things are going with them.……这不就有了吗？ 对了，给伊迪斯她们打个通讯，问问现在什么情况。

BrigitteOh, okay.哦，好。

BrigitteEdith?伊迪斯？

EdithYes?怎么了？

BrigitteHow are things on your end?你们那边怎么样？

EdithRemember the card matching game we played before? The one where you're given several seconds to memorize where all the cards are, then the cards are turned upside down, and you have to flip them over again to form matching pairs?你记得我们之前玩过的记忆翻牌游戏吗？ 就是那个给你几秒记住所有牌的图案，然后将牌面倒扣，让你凭记忆复原的游戏。

BrigitteSure...记得啊……

EdithThis is basically that game, but at the highest difficulty! These stupid human agents... This would be utterly impossible for them!!!现在艾莫号的情况，就是最高难度的记忆翻牌游戏！ 这些愚蠢的人类特工……想要让他们复原这里绝无可能！！！

EdithWhere the hell are you? Haul your asses here already! It's an emergency!你们到哪了？！快点来！这边情况很紧急！

BrigitteGotcha...知道了……

Brigitte hangs up apprehensively.布里吉特心灰意冷地放下通讯。

SterlingSo?怎么样？

Brigitte...I just hope the Commander will find Q's compensation satisfactory.……我现在只希望Q给的补偿能让指挥官满意。

...In a corridor in the laboratory building, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. With extreme reluctance, Amaris enters the laboratory building with Stevens M520.……美因茨大学，实验楼，走廊。 拖着极其不情愿的脚步，阿玛瑞丝和史蒂文斯520踏进了实验楼。

AmarisI've told you—I'm on an even more important mission, so why are you dragging me along for this kind of menial task? Surely you can find someone out of all the Dolls at Griffin who's more suited to being a bodyguard! Also, I demand a change in partner.我都告诉你了，我有更重要的任务在身，你怎么还把这种过家家的活儿派给我呢？ 你们偌大一个格里芬，我就不信找不出一个适合做保镖的人形！ 还有，我要求换个搭档。

AR-18I have already explained the reasoning behind the arrangement. If you need to refresh your memory, please review your neural logs.理由我刚刚已经向你说明过一遍了。 需要重复的话，请翻阅你自己的心智云图。

AmarisI know! I heard you just fine! If I can't ditch this mission, at least give me a different partner!我知道！你的理由我都听见了！ 任务更换不了，那至少换个搭档吧！

AR-18There is no better candidate than Stevens M520 for this mission.至于搭档，没有比史蒂文斯520更适合这项任务的了。

AmarisJust because Doctor Hume donated money to build a thing on this campus?就因为休谟博士给这学校捐了栋楼？

AR-18Your request for a change in partner is rejected. Is there anything else?更换搭档的请求驳回，还有别的事吗？

Amaris... It's just freaking like you to pretend you didn't hear a word of what I just said!…… 你这幅听不懂人话的样子真是让人该死的熟悉！

AR-18Since you have no more questions, please execute the mission to the best of your ability and check in with me regularly to report your progress.既然你已经没有疑问，那么请认真执行任务，并按时向我汇报。

Click. The comms line cuts out ruthlessly.嘀。通讯被决绝地挂断。

Amaris is about to blow up, but after seething in silence for a moment, she finally puts down her communicator.阿玛瑞丝正欲发作，沉默良久，终于放下通讯器。

Stevens M520Judging from your face, I suppose it's a no?看你脸色，是被拒绝了？

Amaris ignores her and quickens her pace towards the lab.阿玛瑞丝不理会，朝着实验室的方向快步走去。

Stevens M520Hey, why are you taking this out on me? We just met for the first time, didn't we? Seriously, what did I do to piss you off, weirdo...?喂，你干嘛老对我发脾气啊？我们是第一次见吧？ 真是奇怪，我怎么招惹你了……

Hearing the grumble coming from behind, Amaris comes to abrupt halt.听见身后传来的抱怨，阿玛瑞丝刹住了脚步。

Amaris...Am I being weird? You used a restricted comms channel without permission—and you're acting like you have every right to do that?……很奇怪吗？擅自使用非公开的通讯频道，你还很理直气壮？

Stevens M520Is this just about me using that encrypted channel? I told you, I only used it because it was highly secure... If it bothers you so much, I can just set up another encrypted channel.就因为我用了那个加密通讯频道？ 我说了我只是因为安全等级高才用的啊……你要是这么介意，那我重新搭建个加密通讯频道就是了。

Amaris slowly turns around and looks Stevens M520 right in the eye.阿玛瑞丝慢慢转过身，盯着史蒂文斯520的眼睛。

AmarisWhen you hacked into that channel, did you not pay attention to who the original user was?你在骇入那个通讯频道的时候，没有注意过频道的原来使用者吗？

Stevens M520...Let me see.……那我看看。

Amaris fishes out the metal tag from her pocket and shows her the name etched on the surface.阿玛瑞丝从口袋里摸出那块金属片，向她展示上面镌刻的名字。

"Aliana".“艾莉安娜”。

AmarisThat was an exclusive comms channel between Aliana and me.这是艾莉安娜和我的专用通讯频道。

Realization dawns on Stevens M520 as she draws the mental connection between the Doll standing in front of her and the impassive face in the profile.史蒂文斯520回想起了什么，惊讶地将眼前的人形和档案中那张冷漠的脸重合起来。

Stevens M520...Sorry, I offer my sincere apology. I didn't know it belonged to Aliana, or that using it would make you angry.……对不起，我向你郑重道歉。我不知道那是艾莉安娜的东西，也不知道使用它会让你生气。

Stevens M520If I had known the two of you were so close, and that the ID tag and comms channel were both hers, I would never have been so callous.如果我早知道你们的感情这么好，而那块身份识别牌和通讯频道都是艾莉安娜的所有物，我绝不会这样草率地对待。

Stevens M520 apologizes profusely, but Amaris' face contorts with inexplicable displeasure.史蒂文斯520郑重地道歉，但阿玛瑞丝的脸却微妙地扭曲了。

AmarisWho says we were close?谁说我跟她感情好？

Stevens M520...Huh?……啊？

Amaris...I hate her.……我讨厌她。

AmarisUse the comms channel all you want. I don't really give a damn. From now on, contact me through this channel—and this channel only. You hear me?随便用，我根本无所谓。 之后你跟我通讯，就用这个频道，只准用这个频道，听见了吗？

Stevens M520...What?! Then why the hell did you flip out to begin with?!……啊？！那你到底在生什么气！

Amaris's neural cloud kicks into high gear as she scrambles for an answer. Finally, her eyes fall on the tea stain on Stevens M520's dress.阿玛瑞丝的心智飞速运转着。 最终，她的目光落在史蒂文斯520裙摆上的茶水痕迹。

AmarisI didn't flip out. I simply despise Dolls that wear dresses.我没有生气，我只是讨厌穿裙子的人形。

Stevens M520's rage has almost reached the boiling point.史蒂文斯520的怒火快要冲破头顶。

Stevens M520I haven't been so pissed off... since Erma...上一个让我这么火大的……还是艾尔玛……

AmarisWell, congratulations. Here I am.那恭喜你，又遇到新的了。

Amaris suddenly beams happily, which no doubt riles Stevens M520 up even more. Just as this confrontation is about to turn into an all-out war—阿玛瑞丝突然露出快乐的笑容，而这无疑加剧了她在史蒂文斯520心中的欠揍程度。 在一场战争即将爆发之际——

Clatter. The door at the end of the corridor opens, and a tired-looking woman pokes her head out.咔哒。走廊尽头的门打开了，一个满脸倦容的人探出脑袋。

ConstanzeYou two...你们俩……

Stevens M520Hello, ma'am. We are the assistant Dolls that have been assigned to this laboratory.您好女士，我们是这间实验室预定的助理人形。

ConstanzeTook you long enough... I'm Constanze. Please come in.终于来了…… 我是康斯坦斯，快请进。

Amaris leads the way into the lab. The moment she enters through the door, she notices the state-of-the art equipment strewn all over the place. The mess reminds her of Cheryl's bedroom. Stacks upon stacks of lab reports and reference materials pile up into a paper fortress, unwashed lab containers are almost overflowing from the sink, and hazardous materials marked with warning labels are scattered carelessly across the table...阿玛瑞丝率先走进实验室，一进门，她就注意到这间拥有尖端器材的实验室一片狼藉，颇有谢丽尔卧室的狂放风格。 一沓沓实验报告和文献参考堆砌成堡垒，未清洗的实验容器快要从池子中溢出，标识着危险的材料随处堆放在桌上……

ConstanzeWe're wrapping up this round of experiment. Nele is inside, go discuss the next steps with her.这一轮实验已经进入收尾，奈乐在里面，接下来的安排你们去和她沟通吧。

Stevens M520Sure. Miss Constanze, you look very tired.好的，康斯坦斯小姐，你看起来很疲惫。

ConstanzeYeah, I haven't slept for over 24 hours, I could definitely use some shut-eye. Wake me up in half—no, an hour...是的，我已经超过24小时没有合眼了，我需要稍微休息一下。 你们过半小时，不，还是一个小时吧……

Constanze has already passed out on the simple folding bed before she even finishes her sentence.话还没说完，康斯坦斯已经倒在了简易行军床上。

Amaris...Miss Constanze?……康斯坦斯小姐？

She is already in deep sleep.康斯坦斯已经进入了深度睡眠。

Stevens M520Let's go meet Miss Nele. She is our mission target.我们去找奈乐小姐吧，她才是我们的任务目标。

Stevens M520 picks up the hem of her dress gracefully and strides over all the obstacles as she makes her way further into the lab.史蒂文斯520矜持地拎起长裙，迈过地上的阻碍物向实验室里深入。

Soon, a human who fits the target's description comes into view.很快，符合任务描述的人类出现在了视野。

Stevens M520Are you Miss Nele?你是奈乐小姐吗？

NeleI am. You're the Dolls sent by the Commander?我是，你们就是指挥官派来的人形吗？

Stevens M520Yes, I am Stevens M520, and this is Amaris.是的，我是史蒂文斯520，这位是阿玛瑞丝。

NeleGreat. Please fetch me a clean Erlenmeyer flask.好，请帮我找个干净的锥形瓶。

Stevens M520Go on.快去。

AmarisWhy does it have to be me?凭什么我去？

Stevens M520I can't move very easily in here with my dress. It would be terrible if I accidentally knock over some important equipment.我的裙子不方便在这里移动，要是刮倒了什么重要仪器就不好了。

Amaris returns to the crate full of clean laboratory apparatus that she has spotted earlier. She picks out an Erlenmeyer flask and passes it over to Nele.阿玛瑞丝返回刚刚发现的一筐干净的实验器材边，从中找出一只锥形瓶递给奈乐。

NeleThanks. Right, have you seen Connie?谢谢。 对了，你们看见康妮了吗？

Stevens M520She's too tired and needed some rest. Don't worry, based on my observation, her bio signs appears to be stable, and she is at no risk of dropping dead.她太疲惫了，说需要休息一会。 请放心，我观察了她的状态，生命体征平稳，没有猝死的风险。

NeleAlright, then you'll have to give me a hand before she wakes up.好吧，在她醒来前，我需要你们来协助我。

Stevens M520No problem.没问题。

Stevens M520 walks up to Nele and starts assisting her in completing a variety of tasks in an orderly fashion.史蒂文斯520很自然地站到奈乐身边，有条不紊地协助她完成各项操作。

Meanwhile, Amaris hovers a little awkwardly by the door.阿玛瑞丝则有些尴尬地靠在门边。

Stevens M520Don't just stand there! Go and wash the lab apparatus in the sink.愣着干什么？去把那边盥洗池里的实验用具洗了吧。

Amaris quirks an eyebrow and silently gets to work.阿玛瑞丝挑了挑眉，默默地行动了起来。

Stevens M520All done?都洗完了吗？

Stevens M520If you're done washing those, here's the next batch.洗完了的话，顺便把这些也洗干净。

Stevens M520 drops a crate of freshly used apparatus at Amaris' feet.史蒂文斯520将一筐用过的实验器材拎到阿玛瑞丝脚边。

AmarisYou!你！

Stevens M520What?怎么？

Amaris puts down the container in her hand and turns to face Stevens M520.阿玛瑞丝放下手里的实验器具，转向史蒂文斯520。

AmarisHey, lady! I should be fighting Paradeus on the frontline right now, not playing nanny here! I came only because AR-18 insisted that we're short on manpower and it had to be me! I'm on a much more important mission!这位小姐，此刻我应该站在对付帕拉蒂斯的前线，而不是在这搞后勤当保姆。 要不是AR-18说什么缺人，非我不可，我才不会来！我还有更重要的任务要做！

Stevens M520What mission?什么任务？

Amaris... The mission that Daybreak Squad has yet to complete.…… 曙光小队未完成的任务。

Stevens M520But didn't you just say that Daybreak Squad is no more since Aliana is dead?可你刚才不是说，艾莉安娜已经死了，曙光小队不存在了吗？

Staring at the complex expression on Amaris' face, Stevens M520 suddenly comes to a realization.盯着阿玛瑞丝脸上复杂的表情，史蒂文斯520恍然大悟。

Stevens M520So...所以……

AmarisEnough. You don't know the first thing about Daybreak Squad.够了。 你根本不明白曙光小队是什么样的存在。

Stevens M520So what IS Daybreak Squad?所以曙光小队是什么样的存在？

Stevens M520If you don't explain, how am I supposed to understand?你不说出来，我怎么会理解？

AmarisI don't need you to understand me.我不需要你理解我。

Stevens M520I have no desire to understand you either, but we're teammates now, and I have a responsibility to get to know my teammate.我也不想，但我们现在是队友，我有义务去了解我的队友。

NeleIt's a deflagration.是爆燃。

Nele, who has been engrossed in her experiment all this time, suddenly raises her head.一直忙碌于实验的奈乐突然抬起头。

Stevens M520Deflagration?爆燃？

NeleA subsonic-propagating combustion wave. The other members of Daybreak Squad functioned as fuel—only through their complete consumption under specific triggering conditions could the deflagration be initiated.以亚音速传播的燃烧波。 曙光小队的其他成员就像燃料，只有在被充分消耗达成触发条件时，爆燃才会来临。

NeleAnd Aliana was the Doll chosen to initiate the deflagration.而艾莉安娜，就是被选中发动爆燃的那个人形。

Stevens M520The entire squad was formed... just for Aliana to...整个小队的存在……都是为了让艾莉安娜……

AmarisHow do you know about this?你怎么知道？

Nele points at a stack of documents in the distance. Amaris makes her way through all the obstacles in her way and picks up a sheet of paper.奈乐指了指远处堆叠的文献，阿玛瑞丝穿过重重障碍，拿起了其中一张。

AmarisMiss Nele... Aren't these... All top secret documents?奈乐小姐……这些…… 都是绝密级的文件吧？

NeleThat's right, what you have in your hand is information about the Evangel Axis, left behind by my teacher.对，你手上拿着的是我的老师留下的有关福音枢椎的资料。

NeleThat over there is the latest edition of Doctor Hume's "Human Intelligence Research", kindly provided by Stevens M520. The stack in the back is Doctor Shaw's research. And the pile on the table in front of you is Professor Persica and Lyco's research.那边是史蒂文斯520提供的休谟博士最新版本《人类理智研究》。 放在后面的是肖博士的相关研究资料。 你面前桌上堆着的，是帕斯卡教授和莱柯的相关研究。

Nele pauses what she is doing and turns her weary eyes to Amaris. In those eyes, Amaris sees only calm—an icy, glimmering calm, like a glacier reflecting blinding light.奈乐停下了手里的动作，她疲惫的眼睛望向阿玛瑞丝。 阿玛瑞丝从她的眼睛只看到了冷静，反射着炫目光芒的冰山一样的冷静。

NeleI understand your complicated feelings toward Daybreak Squad and Aliana. This isn't something that can be simply defined as love or hate.我理解你对曙光小队，对艾莉安娜的复杂感情。 这不是简单用爱或者恨能表达的东西。

NeleI'm trying to reawaken my teacher. Before she was transformed into a Nyto, I respected her deeply and strove to follow in her footsteps. But as a Nyto, she did all kinds of things that she would've found deplorable in life. And now, as I set eyes upon her remains, I don't quite know how to feel about all this either...我正试图让我的老师重新睁开双眼。 在她被改造成涅托之前，我尊敬她，一直在追寻她的脚步。 但她成为涅托后，做了一切她生前所不耻的行为。 而如今当我看着她的尸骸时，我也不清楚我该用什么表情面对这一切……

NeleThere's only one thing that I'm certain of... Paradeus took everything from her—her life, her reputation, her innocence... I want to clear her name, to wash away the injustice she suffered. But to do that, she must be brought back once more—in the form of a Nyto...我能确定的只有一件事…… 帕拉蒂斯夺走了她的一切，生命、名誉、清白…… 我要为她正名，洗刷她的冤屈，可是这一切，必须要再一次让她以涅托的形态复活……

Staring into Nele's eyes, Amaris can't think of anything to say.盯着这双眼睛，阿玛瑞丝一句话也说不出来。

NeleIf it weren't for Paradeus, none of us would be here. You'd be on the frontlines, fighting as a military Doll. I'd be in a lab, gathering data as a researcher. Neither of us would be forced to stand here against our will.如果不是帕拉蒂斯，我想我们应该都不会在这里。 你在前线作为军用人形杀敌，我在实验室作为研究人员记录数据。 我们都不用违背自己的意愿，站在这里。

Amaris...I understand.……我明白了。

NeleI just want you to know— This isn't the rear. This IS the frontline. The frontline in the fight against Paradeus.我只是想告诉你。 这里并不是后勤，这里就是前线。 对抗帕拉蒂斯的最前线。

NeleThe final step is now complete. I am about to reawaken... Professor Gray.最后的步骤已经结束，我现在将要唤醒……格雷老师。

Stevens M520I'll be assisting Miss Nele. Please handle the tests.我来协助奈乐小姐，测试的工作就拜托你了。

AmarisRight.嗯。

Stevens M520 follow Nele into the darkroom in the back of the lab.史蒂文斯520跟随奈乐走向实验室后方的暗室。

Stevens M520Amaris.阿玛瑞丝。

Stevens M520Once this mission is over, let's have a proper talk. Perhaps... it isn't impossible for us to be friends...等这个任务结束，我们好好聊聊吧。 或许……我们并没有那么不对付……

Amaris...Perhaps.……或许吧。

Whirrrrr...嗡——

As the machine powers on, Amaris feels as if she could already hear footsteps rising from the depths of hell...随着仪器的启动，阿玛瑞丝仿佛已经听见了来自地狱的脚步声……

72-A-14 夜的肉体搁浅在歧路

...Outside Frankfurt Airport. Sterling waits patiently for their turn to enter the airport parking lot as car after car inch forward.……法兰克福机场外。 看着一辆辆车辆前移，斯特林耐心地等待着进入机场停车场。

BrigitteThe Elmo was handed over, just like that...艾莫号就这样完成交接了……

DagmarWhat, you miss it?你舍不得？

BrigitteJust feeling a bit sentimental.只是有点感慨。

EdithI hope we didn't leave anything unfixed on board...希望我们在艾莫号上没有遗漏什么……

BrigitteYou didn't do much anyway. You just severed the power to the refitting room and repair bay to prevent a riot and tried to hack the system, right?你们不也没做什么嘛。 不就是切断了人形整备室和维修间的能源以防暴动，然后尝试了下骇入？

EdithYeah... but still...嗯……话虽如此……

BrigitteStop fretting. We've left the Commander a heap of supplies in the repair bay, I'm sure they won't hold it against us~放心啦，我们在维修间里留下了那么多物资，指挥官不会介意的~

SterlingThis mission is now concluded. Instead of the Elmo... we should be discussing our next move.艾莫号的任务已经结束了。 比起讨论艾莫号……不如想想接下来的行动。

Brigitte...Got it.……知道了。

...Cargo hub, Frankfurt Airport.……法兰克福机场，海关物流区。

In an area where small cargo transports come and go, the Doll squad concealed among them have taken their position.运输着货物的小型货物来来往往，潜伏于其中的人形小队已经就位。

SterlingWe have arrived at the airport. Ready to execute Operation Eris.我们已经抵达机场，准备执行“厄里斯”行动。

QCopy that. Operation Eris is go.收到，批准行动。

SterlingAcknowledged.是。

After completing the status report, Sterling turns to her teammates.斯特林完成汇报后，转向身边的队友。

SterlingWe must intercept a batch of cargo that will be arriving at airport customs at 0600 and find the item with the serial number EDDF-46623894.我们需要拦截这批预计在早上六点抵达机场海关的物资，然后从中找出编号为EDDF-46623894的货物。

BrigitteAre we to confiscate the target item and bring it back to the Stasi with us?需要收缴目标物品，带回斯塔西吗？

SterlingNo, we detain it on-site. According to our sources, this item very likely contain Iaso's Boxes, weapons created by Paradeus.不用带回，就地扣押。 根据情报显示，这件货物极有可能就是帕拉蒂斯制造的武器伊阿索之匣。

DagmarIaso's Box? The radioactive weapon found previous at Berlin Airport?伊阿索之匣？之前在柏林机场发现的辐射武器？

SterlingYes. Once we confirm the target item, immediately place the entire international cargo hub of the airport in lockdown and widen the search perimeter.是的。 一旦确认任务目标，立刻封锁整个机场国际物流的仓库，继续扩大搜索范围。

...0605. Several military personnel are directing logistical Dolls in putting cargo onto designated shelves.……六点零五分。 几名军方人员正在指挥物流运输人形将物资放入指定的货架。

Under Sterling's direction, the squad has split up to assert control over the logistical Dolls in the warehouse.在斯特林的指挥下，小队分散开，控制住了仓库的运输人形。

SterlingSterling, we've taken control over the place.斯塔西，这里已经被我们接管了。

Sterling flashes her ID.斯特林出示了身份认证。

A logistical Doll puts down the cargo in her arms and walks quietly over to the wall to await further instructions.运输人形放下了手中的货物，安静地走到墙边等待下一步指令。

SterlingGo.行动。

BrigitteRoger that.是。

The Dolls and agents spread out in the warehouse and start searching the serial numbers of all the cargo on each shelf.人形和特工们在仓库散开，搜查起各个排列架的货物序号。

Military LeaderWho are you?! Military supplies must not be tampered with!你们是什么人？！这是军方物资不得擅动。

SterlingWe're the Stasi. We are taking over these supplies.斯塔西，这批物资由我们接管。

Seeing the Stasi's logo, the scowling soldier snickers disdainfully.看见斯塔西的标识，皱着眉的军人发出一声不屑的嗤笑。

Military LeaderStasi Dolls? What business do you have here?斯塔西的人形？这里有你们什么事？

SterlingWe are under orders to conduct a surprise inspection on this batch of cargo. Please cooperate.我们奉命对这批货物进行突击检查，请配合工作。

Military LeaderThese are military supplies, which can only be accessed by following a special approval review and inspection process. The Stasi has no right to interfere.这是军方的货物，有特批审核检查流程，斯塔西无权插手。

Whoosh! Soldiers quickly approach the Dolls and aims their guns at the Stasi agents.唰唰唰—— 快速向人形们靠近的军人，纷纷抬起枪瞄准了斯塔西的特工。

SterlingWe've received reliable intelligence that a batch of weapons will be transported to Neo-Soviet rebels through customs.我们接到了可靠情报，有一批武器将通过海关传递给新苏联叛军。

Military LeaderThen go search for them where you're supposed to. This place isn't under your jurisdiction.那就去你们该去的地方找，这里不属于你们的管辖区。

SterlingThis is precisely where we're supposed to conduct the search. We have solid evidence proving that the weapons are here.这里就是我们该去的地方。 我们有确切的证据证明，那一批武器就在这里。

Sterling's refusal to yield has clearly angered the man.斯特林强硬的举动显然彻底激怒了他。

With a sneer, he draws the pistol from its holster and slams it on the desk.他讽刺一笑，取出腰间的手枪拍在桌上。

Military LeaderSolid evidence, yeah? Let them look.确切的证据是吧？让他们找。

He gestures for his subordinates to let the Stasi agents perform the inspection while monitoring their every move.他挥手示意手下的人放任斯塔西调查，但同时也盯紧他们的一举一动。

Military LeaderIf nothing turns up, don't blame me for shooting you through the head. As Stasi agents, surely you know better than to mess with the military.要是找不到，可别怪我一枪崩了你。 身为斯塔西，你们应该知道，军方不是你们该招惹的对象。

SterlingIt is not our intention to antagonize the military.我们无意和军方作对。

While Sterling and the soldier confront each other, Brigitte leads the remaining Stasi agents in searching the warehouse methodically.斯特林和军人对峙着，布里吉特领着剩余的斯塔西分散在仓库各处，有序地搜查起来。

Military LeaderYou've certainly got guts to suggest that weapons being supplied to Neo-Soviet rebels could be found on military turf.你们真有种，想在军方的地盘，搜出提供给新苏联叛军的武器。

SterlingWe are simply following the evidence. There were consecutive bombings in Berlin during October and November. The Stasi has confirmed that the weapons used were Iaso's Boxes and has also identified both the purchaser and the method of transport. Following that lead, we traced the distribution route of the Iaso's Boxes.我们只是循着证据调查。 柏林在十月和十一月接连发生了爆炸案，斯塔西已经查明对方使用的武器为伊阿索之匣，也查出了订货人和使用的运输方式。 顺着这条线索追查，我们找到了伊阿索之匣的流通去向。

Military Leader... That's some serious allegations you're raising against the military, you know that? I want to talk to your boss.…… 你知道你在对军方发起什么级别指控吗？我要见你们的负责人。

SterlingOnce we complete the search, you will naturally get to meet our superior.等我们完成搜查工作，你自然会见到我们的负责人。

The soldier's fury is evident on his face, but as his anger reaches its peak, he slowly raises a hand, signaling his subordinates to step back.斯特林从对方的脸上读出了浓烈的愤怒，在怒意积攒到顶峰的时刻，对方缓缓抬手示意手下退后。

Military LeaderYou'd better pray you find something, or you'll regret coming here today, I promise you.你最好真的能找到什么，否则我保证你会后悔今天来到这里。

Led by Brigitte, the Stasi agents open up a military supply crate.跟随布里吉特，几名斯塔西特工打开了军方的物资箱。

Clatter. Clatter. Crates are opened one after the other, each like a gavel strike sealing the judgment of fate.啪嗒——啪嗒—— 一个个箱子被打开，犹如命运被审判的一锤锤定音。

Over half of the military supplies have already been opened. The soldier standing across from Sterling removes the magazine from his pistol and reloads it in a deliberately unhurried manner.军方的物资已经被打开半数有余，斯特林对面的军人打开了手枪弹匣，开始不疾不徐地给手枪填补子弹。

EdithI've finished searching this side...我这边全都找过了……

DagmarNothing.没有发现。

Brigitte...The serial number should come after this one...……这个货号明明就应该跟在后面……

Military LeaderNow get on your knees and apologize. I might just spare your life.现在跪下诚心道歉，我或许可以饶你一命。

SterlingKeep looking. Unpack all the cargo and inspect everything thoroughly.继续找。 把所有的货物全部打开彻底检查。

BrigitteRoger.是。

As one crate after another is opened, the soldier can barely contain his grin. Finally—随着一个接一个的箱子被打开，对面军人的微笑几乎要溢出脸庞。 终于——

While rechecking one of the crates that has already been opened, Brigitte finds the target items that have been packed into a single container. After a brief moment of surprise, she immediately pulls out her camera and starts documenting the contents for evidence.重新检查已经打开过箱子的布里吉特找到被归并为一箱的目标，短暂地愣神后，她立刻取出相机对箱中的货物进行拍摄取证。

BrigitteSterling, I found them.斯特林，找到了。

EdithWe've also found an order manifest with "Umruss" listed as the purchaser.我们还找到一张订货人为“乌姆鲁斯”的货物清单。

DagmarThe top two-thirds of the crate are filled with standard military supplies, while the bottom contains several suspicious spherical objects that closely resemble the previously discovered Iaso's Boxes.这一箱物资里，上面三分之二都是军用常备物资，下面是一些可疑的球形物体，和之前发现的伊阿索之匣高度相似。

The soldier walks up to the opened container in disbelief.军方负责人不可置信地走到敞开的物资箱边。

Military Leader... There's nobody called Umruss within our ranks, and I've never heard of these Iaso's Boxes.…… 我们内部根本没有乌姆鲁斯这个人，伊阿索之匣更是闻所未闻。

SterlingLeave your statement for the subsequent investigation. We're only here to inspect the cargo.你的证言留着后续调查的时候再说吧，我们只负责检查货物。

Several pale-faced military personnel are taken away by the Stasi.几名脸色苍白的军方人员被斯塔西带走。

Sterling opens her internal comms channel and issues a command to the Stasi agents that have just reached the airport.斯特林打开了内部通讯频道，对着刚刚抵达机场的斯塔西发出指令。

SterlingPlace the international cargo hub in lockdown. All cargo departing for the Neo-Soviet Union are to be inspected, especially those going through the military.封锁国际物流货仓。 所有发往新苏联的物资都要进行检查，尤其是军方经手的。

Special AgentUnderstood.是。

...In a lab at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz.……美因茨大学，实验室。

Having gone 48 hours without sleep, Nele can finally fight it no longer and has passed out in a sleeping bag on the floor.在连续剥夺睡眠48小时后，奈乐终于抵挡不住，躺在地上的睡袋里不省人事。

Constanze has taken over the remaining work, making adjustments based on the data gathered by Amaris.康斯坦斯接手了剩下的工作，拿着阿玛瑞丝反馈的数据进行调整。

ConstanzeYou two can also catch a break. Nele has been meticulous in her work, so there aren't many adjustments to be made. I can handle it on my own.你们也先休息下吧，奈乐完成的很细致，调整不多，我自己就可以搞定。

Stevens M520Are you sure you don't need my help?你真的不需要我帮忙吗？

ConstanzeYeah. Besides, there's only one remaining set of PPE for entering Professor Gray's sterile room. Just leave it to me.嗯，而且进入格雷老师那间无菌室需要的实验服也只剩一套了，我来就好。

Stevens M520Amaris.阿玛瑞丝。

AmarisWhat?干嘛？

Stevens M520The deflagration that Miss Nele mentioned... Was that really how Daybreak Squad operated?奈乐小姐说的爆燃……曙光小队真的是那样运行的吗？

AmarisYes.嗯。

Stevens M520So you were all created just so Aliana could kill and absorb you to grow stronger. ...Why?你们的存在，就是为了让艾莉安娜杀掉以汲取养分，变得更强。 ……为什么？

AmarisHow would I know?我怎么知道为什么。

Stevens M520You never asked your... creator?你没有问过你们的……设计者吗？

Amaris...If you had met those scientific researchers who'd lived through WWIII, you wouldn't be stupid enough to ask them such questions.……你要是见过那些经历了三战的科研人员，应该不会愚蠢到想要询问她们。

Stevens M520 stops what she is doing.史蒂文斯520停下手中的工作。

Stevens M520...I've also lived through war. But none of the memories or neural logs survived. If I had known, I would've taken some group photos with my friends...……我也经历过战争。 不过，那些记忆和记录都没有保存下来。 早知道是现在这样，当初应该跟大家拍个合照的……

Stevens M520You've done that, haven't you?你们应该有吧？

Stevens M520Could you show me? What Daybreak Squad was like.能给我看看吗？原来的曙光小队的样子。

Amaris stares at her, a little dumbfounded.阿玛瑞丝有些无奈地看向她。

AmarisWe're not exactly close enough to be exchanging personal secrets, are we?我们的关系还没有好到可以交换隐私的程度吧？

Stevens M520In return, I'll show you Doctor Hume's legacy.作为交换，我也会给你展示休谟博士留下的遗产。

Amaris...Fine.……行吧。

Amaris pulls out the only photo Daybreak Squad has taken together.阿玛瑞丝翻出了曙光小队的唯一一张合照。

Stevens M520This is SCR?这个是SCR？

AmarisShe's Eula—her appearance is almost identical to the SCR model.这是优拉，和SCR的机型外观几乎一致。

Stevens M520... And this Doll with the blotted out face is Aliana?…… 这个脸被涂黑的，是艾莉安娜？

AmarisYeah.嗯。

Stevens M520There are also people with their faces blotted out in Doctor Hume's photo album.休谟博士的相片集里，也有这样被涂黑的人脸。

AmarisWhy did he blot them out?他为什么要涂黑？

Stevens M520According to Erma, they're people who scammed him out of his money. But I find that hard to believe—would the Doctor really get hoodwinked like that? It's a bit suspicious if you ask me. Photos do have their perks though—they remind you of the old days.按照艾尔玛的说法——那些都是骗了他钱的人。 不过我很疑惑博士居然有被别人骗钱的时候吗？令人怀疑。 有相片就有这点好处，会提醒你过去的时光。

Amaris...It's nothing worth being nostalgic about.……没什么值得怀念的。

Stevens M520But you still pulled it out right away... I bet you often look at it and reminisce about the past.那你说拿马上就拿出来了…… 肯定经常拿出来回味吧。

阿玛瑞丝你！

Amaris stuffs the photo away indignantly.阿玛瑞丝愤愤地收起照片。

AmarisAlright, now it's your turn. Show me Doctor Hume's legacy.好了，现在轮到你给我看看休谟博士的遗产了。

Stevens M520You've already seen it.你已经看见了。

AmarisWhere?在哪？

Stevens M520You're looking right at it. Now that all the other Dolls are dead, Doctor Hume's most outstanding creation is me.我啊。 其他人形都死光了，现在休谟博士最拿得出手的作品，就是我了啊。

Amaris... Before Miss Constanze comes out of her room, don't speak to me again.…… 在康斯坦斯小姐从房间里出来前，不要跟我说一句话。

...In a temporary safe house.……临时安全屋。

With Task Force DEFY's assistance, Squad 404 promptly completes the preparations for the hacking operation.在忤逆的协助下，404小队很快完成了入侵准备工作。

UMP45We've seized control over the plant. We're now ready to hack the system. Let's see if we'll find anything new.工厂已占领，我们现在准备入侵系统，看看有没有什么新收获。

CommanderGood. Let me know first thing.好，有什么发现第一时间发送给我。

UMP45Copy that.收到。

CommanderAnd don't take too long. Keep an eye out for Paradeus' reinforcements.不要耽误太长时间，注意帕拉蒂斯的增援。

UMP45Sure. DEFY is looking out for us and monitoring the enemy's movements.嗯，忤逆在帮我们留意敌方的动向。

CommanderUnderstood.明白。

The comms line disconnects.通讯切断。

CommanderRight, how are things on Lunasia's end?对了，露尼西亚那边怎么样了？

AR-18Please hold on for a moment while I contact XM556.请稍等，我联系下XM556。

XM556Commander.指挥官。

CommanderHow's Lunasia doing?露尼西亚那边还好吗？

XM556We have moved to a new safe house. All is good.目前我们已经转移到了新的安全屋，一切正常。

XM556But Miss Lunasia's physical condition doesn't seem to be the best...只是露尼西亚小姐的身体情况似乎不太好……

CommanderWhat's the problem?她怎么了？

XM556She has been sleeping for much longer lately, and her sleep quality hasn't been very good. She frequently has nightmares and talks a lot in her sleep, saying all kinds of strange things.她最近的睡眠时长远比之前长，而且睡眠质量不太好，经常做噩梦，说一些奇怪的梦话。

CommanderLike what?什么梦话？

XM556Something about a holy maiden... Several of her basic physiological indicators are deteriorating rapidly. By the standards of an adult female, I'd say she's currently rather weak.圣女什么…… 她的几项基础生理指数下降的很快，以成年女性的标准来看，我认为她目前比较虚弱。

Commander... Once we get the Elmo back and everything checks out, we'll have her returned to the vehicle for a full check-up. Keep a close eye on her condition in the meantime.…… 等艾莫号验收无误了，就接她回来做全套检查吧。 你那边先多留意下她的情况。

XM556Understood.明白。

...Good evening.……晚安。

Good evening, Holy Maiden. May the darkness protect you.晚安，圣女。 愿您得到黑暗的庇护。

May you... Be with us...愿您永远…… 永远……

Forevermore.和我们在一起。

LunasiaNo... I don't want to...不……我不要……

An old and gnarly hand grabs Lunasia by the arm. She cannot shake it off.一只干枯苍老的手抓住了露尼西亚的手臂，她挣扎不开。

A child's plump hand grabs Lunasia by the finger. Then a strong, muscular hand grabs her by the shoulder.一只孩童的稚嫩的手握住了露尼西亚的手指，接着，是一只遒劲有力的手抓住了露尼西亚的肩膀。

In no time, countless hands have formed a cage around Lunasia, forcing her down into endless darkness...很快，一只只手组成了囚禁露尼西亚的囚笼，将她压向无边黑暗……

Lunasia...Ah!……啊！

Startling awake from the nightmare, Lunasia finds herself in a soft, plush armchair. The solid wooden chair, wrapped in intricately embroidered cushions, holds her firmly in place, as if trapping her.从噩梦中惊醒，露尼西亚意识到自己坐在一把柔软的椅子上。 绣着繁复花纹的垫子包裹着实木椅，也让她牢牢地陷入其中。

???Holy Maiden...圣女大人……

A series of calls draw her attention.一声声呼唤吸引了她的注意。

Out in the field before her, countless people are kneeling on the ground, bowing in devout reverence.在她面向的荒野，无数人正跪倒在地上，虔诚地行礼。

???My Lady, please show us the way.圣女大人，请为我们指明道路。

LunasiaI'm not your Holy Maiden...我不是圣女……

As she speaks, Lunasia is startled by her own voice—tender and immature—it is clearly that of a child.话一出口，露尼西亚惊讶地发现自己的声音稚嫩而青涩，显然来自一位孩童。

???O Holy Maiden! Please guide us! We are willing to offer everything in sacrifice!圣女大人！为我们指引方向吧！ 我们愿意为此，献上一切！

The kneeling masses grow even more fervent. A group of girls dressed in white approach the worshippers.跪倒在地上的人们更加狂热，一队身穿白衣的少女走向信徒。

After a brief pause, they draw daggers from the wide sleeves of their robes and slit the worshippers' throats...短暂地停留后，从洁白的衣袖间取出匕首，划开了信徒们的咽喉……

LunasiaNo! No! Don't kill them!不！不！不要杀他们！

???Holy Maiden...圣女大人……

With serene, content smiles, the worshippers slowly draw their final breaths. Crimson blood pools and gathers, surging toward Lunasia like an ancient, monstrous beast.带着满足的微笑，信徒们逐渐咽下最后一口气。 红色的血液聚拢在一起，犹如远古巨兽般向着露尼西亚袭来。

LunasiaNO! NO! NOOOOOO!!!不要！不要！不要啊！！！

She tries to run and escape from this place, but a pair of strong hands press down on her frail shoulders.露尼西亚想要从这里逃走，但一双有力的手按住了她瘦弱的肩膀。

She looks up—她抬起头——

Lunasia...Mother?……母亲？

NemhranLunasia, this is your destiny. Become the Holy Maiden and lead the faithful to their promised land.露西，这就是你的宿命。 成为圣女，引领信徒们抵达终点。

She, too, draws a dagger, its sharp gleam burning into Lunasia's eyes.她取出一把匕首，锋利的光芒灼伤了露尼西亚的眼睛。

LunasiaNo... No! Mother!!!不……不要！母亲！！！

72-A-16 荒野在我身边醒来

...On board the Elmo. The long-silent mobile base vehicle is finally filled with its usual bustle once more.……艾莫号。 沉寂已久的基地车终于迎回了常有的热闹。

AR-18Commander, we have completed the handover and are now conducting the final security checks on the Elmo.指挥官，我们已经完成了交接，现在对艾莫号进行最后的安全筛查。

CommanderRight, be extra careful.嗯，多加小心。

AR-18 walks over to the control terminal and nods at RO635, who is next to her.AR-18走到控制端边，对身边的RO635点点头。

RO635Don't let down your guard. Inspect everything that the Stasi might have touched thoroughly.不要放松警惕，一切疑似被斯塔西动过的部分都要仔细检查。

ST AR-15Got it.嗯。

M4 SOPMOD IIWe're finally back!!!我们终于回来了！！！

SOP-II's elated shriek interrupts the group's quiet restraint. Watching her run off into the distance, RO635 can only gesture helplessly for ST AR-15 to follow her.SOP2激动的蹦跳声打破了大家的沉静克制。 看着SOP2跑远的背影，RO635只能无奈地示意AR-15也跟上。

Back in the command room, AR-18 activates the Elmo's control system, and begins a search through the logs of recent activity such as browsing history and hacking attempts.留在指挥室的AR-18启动了艾莫号的控制系统，开始检索这些日子在系统中留存的浏览和破解痕迹。

AR-18Commander, the Stasi tried to breach the Elmo's systems, but they didn't fully succeed. Aside from logistical data like the driving logs, maintenance records, and supply inventory, no classified intel was compromised.指挥官，斯塔西对艾莫号的系统尝试了破解，但没有完全成功。 除了艾莫号行驶日志、检修记录、物资储备这些后勤相关数据，其他的机密情报都没有泄露风险。

CommanderGood. What about the Dolls that were left on board for repairs?好，之前留在艾莫号修理的人形呢？

AR-18One moment please. I'll need to contact RO about this.稍等，这部分需要联络一下RO。

AR-18RO, have your reached the repair bay?RO，你们到维修间了吗？

RO635Yes. We had locked down the repair bay with a system override before we left. There were traces of attempted tampering here too, but they failed. It looks like the Stasi then cut power to the entire maintenance area—it only just got restored.嗯，我们走的时候对维修槽进行了系统强制封锁，同样有尝试破解的痕迹，但没有成功。 之后斯塔西似乎对整个维修间断电，不久前刚刚恢复供电。

M4 SOPMOD IIUgh! Those Stasi agents are the worst! Not only did they seize someone else's MBV by force, they even rifled through everything like a bunch of thieves!这些斯塔西太可恶了！占了别人的基地车，还手脚不干净到处乱翻！

AR-18Were the Dolls harmed?人形们有受到损害吗？

ST AR-15No, they just had their repairs paused. Repairs have now resumed. Also, there's a batch of general-purpose Doll parts sitting here—probably left behind by the Stasi...没有，只是被暂停了维修进程，现在已经全部复原了。 另外，这里堆放了一批人形通用部件的物资，我猜是斯塔西留下的……

M4 SOPMOD IIDon't think that makes up for anything! Let me check what's in that stash first!别以为这样就会原谅他们！物资都有些什么，我先检查看看！

CommanderIt's fine as long as the Dolls are okay. Speed up their repair process.人形没事就好，加快她们的修复进程。

RO635Yes, Commander. We'll continue with the Elmo's repairs and diagnostics.是。 那我们继续推进对艾莫号的修复和排查。

AR-18Yeah—and keep an eye out. The Stasi may have planted some bugs.嗯，注意留意下有没有斯塔西留下的耳朵。

AR-18 continues rebooting all dormant systems. Soon, the Elmo's lights, ventilation, water, and power are all functioning normally again.AR-18继续重启所有休眠的系统，艾莫号的灯光、通风、水电等系统很快都恢复了正常运转。

That is, until she notices a Doll who should've woken up long ago still lying there, eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.直到看见一个早就应该醒来，却还闭眼装睡的人形。

AR-18System prompt—Initiate high-voltage wake-up protocol again?系统提示，是否需要再次启动高压电能唤醒程序？

Colt Walker...Oh my, is it showtime for me?……哎呀，到我表演的环节了？

AR-18I didn't wake you up just to have you sit there and watch.我把你唤醒，不是让你在这看戏的。

Clearly having just come out of a long, comfortable sleep, Colt Walker stretches and strolls over lazily.显然刚从一段悠长舒适的睡眠中醒来，柯尔特沃克伸着懒腰走来。

AR-18I need you to take charge of the Signal Support Team and reboot the Aeneas Conference Room.我需要你来负责信号支援组的工作，重启埃涅阿斯会议室。

Colt WalkerTsk, jumping straight into the deep end, huh?啧，一上来就是这么高难度的节目。

AR-18I'll assist you in maintaining the Aeneas Conference Room. From now on, all communications will go through it. Do you understand?我会来协助你一起维持埃涅阿斯会议室的运行。 接下来的所有通讯联络都将通过埃涅阿斯会议室，你明白吗？

Colt WalkerYeah, yeah... Griffin's meals really don't come for free, huh.知道了，格里芬的饭真是一口不让白吃啊。

Colt Walker grumbles under her breath, but she still starts working on rebooting the conference room channel.嘴上嘟嘟囔囔着，柯尔特沃克还是开始了重启会议室频道的工作。

Once all systems are up and running smoothly, AR-18 opens the Elmo's navigation control panel.所有系统都顺利启动后，AR-18打开了艾莫号的行驶操作面板。

After masking its signal and travel route, the Elmo quietly disappears into the morning fog...在隐藏讯号和行驶轨迹后，艾莫号朝着清晨的迷雾中而去……

Some time later.一段时间后。

AR-18Commander, we have reached our target destination. I can confirm that all tracking signals have been lost.指挥官，我们抵达目标地点了。 确认甩掉了所有追踪讯号。

RO635The diagnostics on the Elmo are also completed. The Stasi hasn't left anything else behind.艾莫号的排查工作也完成了，斯塔西没有留多余的手脚。

CommanderCopy that. I'm at the emergency exit.收到，我在紧急出口这里。

AR-18 opens the door to the passage near the Commander.AR-18打开了指挥官附近的通道入口。

A few minutes later, a set of familiar footsteps echo through the ops room.几分钟后，熟悉的脚步声出现在了指挥室。

CommanderI'm back.我回来了。

AR-18Commander, everything is in place. Shall we begin the conference now?指挥官，所有准备工作都完成了，要现在开始会议吗？

CommanderOne sec.等一下。

The Commander walks over to the coffee machine and eagerly pours themself an Elmo's Special Brew.指挥官走向咖啡机，迫不及待给自己来上一杯艾莫号特供咖啡。

Returning to their usual seat with the coffee in hand, the Commander unlocks the tactical command terminal via its automatic facial recognition feature.捧着咖啡坐回老位置，指挥官面前的战术指挥端自动面部解锁。

CommanderThere. Now it really feels like I'm back on the Elmo...现在，才有了回到艾莫号的实感……

Colt WalkerThe Aeneas Conference Room has been rebooted and is ready whenever you are.埃涅阿斯会议室已经重启了，等你准备好了随时可以开始。

CommanderRight.嗯。

Colt WalkerI performed some upgrades to the conference room. You can now issue commands to all Griffin Dolls through the channel.我对会议室进行了一些规模扩建，现在你可以用会议室对所有格里芬人形梯队下指令了。

CommanderGreat. Then let's begin.好，现在开始吧。

In Hebe's villa.赫柏的度假别墅内。

Hebe opens her wine cabinet. Her long and slender index finger brushes over bottles of carefully curated vintage wine.赫柏拉开了酒柜，纤长的食指划过一瓶瓶珍藏多日的酒。

HebeStill a fan of Romanée-Conti?你还是爱喝罗曼尼•康帝吗？

Lounging comfortably on a soft leather sofa, Styx rolls over lazily.惬意地躺在柔软的真皮沙发上，斯提克斯翻了个身。

StyxMhm, pour me a glass. Yours is always the richest.嗯哼，给我来一杯。 也就你这里的最香醇了。

HebeWhat you usually drink is probably far more luxurious than anything I have here.你平常喝的，怕是比这里的名贵得多。

Hebe takes out two wine glasses and a bottle of red, pours the crimson liquid, and brings it up to Styx's lips.赫柏取出两支酒杯和一瓶红酒，斟上鲜红的液体，端到斯提克斯的唇边。

StyxCome now, Sister. Don't say that.姐姐这是哪里的话。

HebeI've heard all about how extravagant Pandora can be. They say Bénéteau even had a vintage-style sailing ship custom-built for one of your promotional tours.早就对潘多拉组织的奢华程度有所耳闻。 听说，博纳多集团为了你的宣传出访活动，特意定制了一艘仿古帆船。

StyxThey say it was for me, but really, it was just a floating billboard—they plastered their logo everywhere, hoping I'd promote their new product line on the side.明面上是为了我，实际上还不是把集团的LOGO印得铺天盖地，恨不得让我顺便宣传他们的新系列了。

HebeDoesn't matter where you are—everyone's chasing their own interests, even if they wave the same banners.不管哪里都一样，就算喊着相同的口号，追求的也是各自的利益。

The two wine glasses meet with a pleasant clink.叮铃。两支高脚杯的碰撞发出悦耳的一声。

StyxIndeed... Last time we parted ways, we were still worrying whether we could pull it off. Who'd have thought—Neither the German brass nor Pandora can match Paradeus in coordination and execution.是啊，我们上一次分别时，还在为能不能搞定而感到担忧。 没想到不管是德国高层还是潘多拉，甚至不如帕拉蒂斯的组织力和行动力。

HebeLast time we parted... It's hard to believe that it's already been years. We've never seen each other again since we left Avernus.上一次分别……没想到已经是几年前的事了。 我们从阿佛那斯出来，竟是再也没见过面。

StyxBack then, only the two of us made it through the Baptism.那个时候接受帕拉蒂斯神圣洗礼的，也就剩你我了。

HebeThe Paradeus today is nothing like what it used to be.今日的帕拉蒂斯和那时已经不可比了。

Styx refills both of their glasses.斯提克斯给两人的酒杯重新斟上酒。

StyxSo, Sister, what insight could you provide into the current Paradeus?不知道姐姐对现在的帕拉蒂斯有什么高见。

HebeWouldn't call it insight, but... it feels like nothing coming out of Paradeus these days is of any real use.高见说不上，只是觉得现在从帕拉蒂斯出来的东西……都不怎么能派上用场。

StyxNemhran seems rather troubled by that.尼梅兰很是头疼的样子。

HebeHey, she's responsible for the problem. With that kind of authority, she can't expect to avoid the accountability. But I am curious what she plans to do next.那是她的责任，既然拥有这样的权限，总不能什么苦都不担吧？ 不过我很好奇她接下来的打算。

StyxAnd what about you, Sister? What's your plan?那你呢，姐姐，你有什么打算呢？

HebeSame as always.当然是老样子。

The two quietly sip the lush, aromatic wine.两人静静地品着杯中香气馥郁的酒液。

StyxIt's almost time to close the net.要收网了。

HebeI know. The Coronation Storm.我知道，加冕风暴。

StyxHave you thought about the celebration afterward?你想好后续的庆功宴了吗？

Hebe...What, planning to buy a lottery ticket this early?……怎么，要现在开始买彩票？

StyxI just think the spots are limited.我想，名额是有限的。

HebeSo you're hoping to get some credit at the last second?所以你想要在最后关头捞个军功？

StyxAh, but it's not my time to act just yet.哎，还不到我出手的时候呢。

StyxIn fact, I hope things don't move too fast—I'd hate for it all to be over before we even get to show up in our finest.希望行程慢一点，可别等我们换上最隆重的礼服，还没登场，一切就都结束了。

Hebe...Honestly, I'm getting tired of this body. I just want it all to be over. Preferably without me having to lift a finger.……我倒是对这具身体有些厌烦了，希望快点有个结果，最好我什么都不用做了。

...Aeneas Conference Room—activated.……埃涅阿斯会议室启动。

The Commander delegates access permissions to all Dolls participating in the operation.指挥官将权限下放给了所有参与行动的人形。

CommanderWelcome to the Aeneas Conference Room, everyone. From this point forward, all mission orders and intelligence updates will be issued here.各位，欢迎来到埃涅阿斯会议室，接下来的所有行动指令和情报汇总我都将在这里发布。

The Commander gestures for AR-18 to project a map of Frankfurt into the room. Several flashing red dots mark the locations of Doll teams still operating within the city.指挥官示意AR-18将法兰克福的地图投放在会议室中。 上面闪动的几枚红点表示目前还留在法兰克福市区的人形小队。

CommanderCurrently, Squad 404 and Task Force DEFY are still in the urban area of Frankfurt. The AR Team will head over to assist you shortly. To counter sweeps and attacks from the Nytos, all teams remaining in the city must change safe houses every 24 hours.目前，留在法兰克福市区内的小队还有404和忤逆，AR小队会在之后过去支援你们。 为了应付城区内的搜查和涅托的袭击，留在市区内的小队记得每24小时就更换一次安全屋。

UMP45Don't worry—this is 404's specialty.放心吧，这可是404最擅长的领域。

UMP9We've also prepared backup locations for the other teams!我们还给其他小队准备好了备用地点！

CommanderGreat work. Please stay safe out there.好，辛苦你们了，一定要多加小心。

Gr G11...Commander. How's 416 doing?……指挥官。 416怎么样了？

Commander416 has been placed in a repair tank. Her situation is complicated, and repairs can't be completed onboard the Elmo. But don't worry—her damaged data have already been sent to Persica and Dier. Their initial assessment is cautiously optimistic.416已经送入了维修槽，她的情况比较复杂，艾莫号内目前无法完成修复。 不过别担心，受损数据已经发送给帕斯卡和德尔，评估下来还是比较乐观的。

Gr G11...Okay!……嗯！

UMP45We reviewed the electronic warfare attack that took down 416. The enemy was clearly prepared—the amount of redundant data was overwhelming. I tried every decryption tool available... Honestly, the workload alone could get me archived in a Doll Antique Museum. The opponent appears to have used a data compilation structure I've never seen before. We still can't determine her basic profile or combat style.我们复盘了416遭袭的那场电子战，敌人似乎早有准备，冗余数据多到不可思议的程度。我尝试了各种解析工具，只能说工作量多到能直接把我送进人形古董博物馆。 对方可能采用的是一套我从未见过的数据编译结构，她的基本信息和战斗方式还难以探知。

CommanderThe fact that she was able to take out 416 without alerting us makes her extremely dangerous. We know far too little about her right now. Don't act rashly.……她能在不引起我方的注意下击毁416，是极其危险的人物。 现在对她知道的太少，你不要轻举妄动。

UMP45Understood.我明白。

CommanderI'll also try to dig up intel on this new Nyto from other sources.这个新出现的涅托，我也会去从其他渠道找找看情报。

AK-12Commander, both DEFY and 404 are continuing real-time monitoring of the Bee Sting System. Paradeus has significantly increased the frequency of dynamic key changes, and the security level of those keys has also gone up.指挥官，忤逆和404同时仍在保持对蜂针系统的实时监控。 帕拉蒂斯最近更换动态密钥的频率显著上升，密钥的安全等级也提高了。

CommanderAny new discoveries concerning Project Cocoon?茧计划有什么新发现吗？

AK-12On that subject, all Paradeus factories in Frankfurt have ramped up to full production capacity. This is unprecedented—it's like they no longer care about staying hidden, discarding all attempts at concealment just to manufacture Iaso's Boxes.关于茧计划，帕拉蒂斯位于法兰克福所有工厂的产能均已拉到最高。 这前所未有，就像是它们突然不在意被发现了，放弃所有掩饰只为了完成伊阿索之匣。

Commander...They're accelerating Project Cocoon's timeline.……它们在加快茧计划的进程。

RO635We can't let them complete the shipment...我们不能让它们完成生产……

CommanderRight. Locate their production lines and find a way to destroy them.嗯，找出它们的生产线，想办法捣毁。

AK-12We've confirmed that one of the production lines is near Brentanopark in the Eschborn District.目前我们可以确定的，是其中一条生产线正在埃施博恩区的布伦塔诺公园附近。

CommanderAR-18, give me everything we have on that site.AR-18，给我它的全部资料。

AR-18Yes, Commander.是。

AK-12DEFY is ready to move at any time.忤逆随时可以行动。

UMP45404 is in position.404已就位。

72-A-18 死亡王国的火

...Late at night, in a temporary safe house.……深夜，临时安全屋。

Lunasia awakens from what feels like an endless nightmare. In the stillness of the night, only her ragged breathing fills the silence.露尼西亚从仿佛无穷无尽的噩梦中醒来，寂静的夜里，只有她急促的呼吸声。

She glances at the time and murmurs to herself.看了眼时间，露尼西亚喃喃自语。

LunasiaIt's time to make contact again...又到了联络的时候了……

Lunasia tucks a lock of hair around her ear, her consciousness already drifting away from the present reality...露尼西亚抚了抚耳边的头发，意识已然游离于此刻的现实……

Following countless tangled pathways, Lunasia finally locates a suitable exit.……顺着纠缠在一起的无数条通道，露尼西亚找到了一个合适的出口。

White NytoFather, this is what you asked for—父亲大人，这是您要的——

As Lunasia's consciousness captures her, the white Nyto's pupils dilate sharply. The tray in her hands falls to the ground with a crash...被露尼西亚的意识捕获后，白涅托的瞳孔迅速放大，手里捧着的托盘应声落地……

Lunasia...Bill.……比尔。

???...Took you long enough to show up. Have you made up your mind?……拖了这么久才来，想清楚了？

Lunasia...I had another nightmare. I've been having them constantly lately.…… 我又做了噩梦，我最近总是在做噩梦。

???If you came here just to complain about that, you can scram.如果你过来就是为了抱怨这个，可以滚回去了。

Still shaken from the nightmare, the Nyto under Lunasia's control gets down on her knees in a daze to gather the broken pieces.沉浸在噩梦的余悸，被露尼西亚控制的涅托呆呆地蹲下，捡起地上的碎片。

LunasiaIn the dream, they keep calling me the "Holy Maiden". I'm surrounded by zealots... and Mother is always on their side...梦里我总是被称作“圣女”，被一群狂热的人包围着，而母亲总是站在他们那边……

The man called Bill gives no response. He simply turns around and buries himself in his work once more.被称为“比尔”的男人并没有想要回应的意思，而是转过身，继续埋首于工作。

LunasiaBill, why did you turn Mother into a Nyto?比尔，你为什么要把母亲改造成涅托？

???...Luci, you asked me to.……露西，这是你的要求。

Lunasia...Did I?……是吗？

???If your memory's incomplete, go recover it yourself. Don't come to me with this nonsense.记忆不全的话就自己去找，不要因为这种事来烦我。

Having gathered all the fragments into the tray, the white Nyto stands silently behind Bill.将所有的碎片捡到托盘中，白涅托站在比尔的身后。

Lunasia...I've lost all my memories of Mother. All I have left is vague feelings. But I don't sense a single trace of Mother's memories on Nemhran.……母亲的记忆我弄丢了，只有一些模糊的感觉。 但在尼梅兰身上，我感受不到丝毫的母亲留下的记忆。

???She's the kind of mother the children want now. Let her stay by this so-called "Father's" side, working dutifully until the day she dies.现在的她才是孩子们想要的母亲。 就这样兢兢业业地守在所谓的“父亲”身边吧，陪着他，到死为止。

LunasiaDid I... hate her?过去的我……憎恨她？

The man looks at Lunasia with surprise.眼前的男人用一种十分诧异的眼神看着露尼西亚。

Lunasia...In my dreams, Mother always stands among the zealots. Her face is hidden by a cloak, so I can't see it clearly. I'm always far away, seated in a chair, unable to move—only able to watch as they draw daggers from their white sleeves... And then, blood... rushing at me like a flood...……梦里母亲总是站在那些狂热信徒的中间，面容被斗篷遮挡，看不真切。 而我总是隔得远远的，坐在椅子上不能动弹，只能看着他们从洁白的衣袖里取出匕首…… 然后就是鲜血……像洪水一样向我涌来……

The white Nyto trembles slightly, as if still trapped in that nightmare.白涅托轻轻颤抖起来，像是还被困在那场噩梦。

LunasiaWhen I look at that version of Mother... I don't feel hatred... Only fear...我看着那样的母亲……并不感到憎恨…… 只感到恐惧……

The man's patience finally reaches its limit.男人的不耐烦已经达到了顶点。

???If you've got nothing else to say, shut up. I still have plenty to do.如果没有别的事情，你可以闭嘴了，我还有很多事情要做。

Lunasia...Bill, my head is full of noise—thoughts and emotions that don't belong to me... When will I be able to fully reclaim myself?……比尔，我的脑袋中有很多杂念，有很多不属于我的情绪和思路…… 什么时候，我才能彻底找回自己？

???...This problem will be resolved after the final operation is complete.……等最后一场手术做完，你就可以解决这个问题。

Lunasia...When?……什么时候？

???Just wait a little longer... For your sake, I'll personally perform the surgery.再等等吧…… 为了你，这场手术我会亲自主刀。

LunasiaIs that something I had asked of you too?也是过去的我的要求吗？

???That's right. ...Luci, I made a promise to you in the past. Whoever you want to kill, whatever wish you want to fulfill, I'll make it happenf for you. Even if you've lost all your memories now. Even if you're no longer the person who made that promise. So don't question me. Don't test me.没错。 ……露西，在过去我曾答应过你。 你要杀死的人，你要实现的愿望，我都会帮你做到。 即使现在的你没有任何记忆，即使现在的你早就不是那个和我约定的人。 也请不要质疑我，不要试探我。

???Otherwise... I'll replace the vessel.否则……我会换下一个容器。

Lunasia...Bill, you didn't used to be like this... You're always... so impatient with me now... I'm not used to you acting this way...……比尔，你以前不是这样的…… 现在的你对我……总是不耐烦…… 我不习惯这样的你……

???...I'm not used to you acting this way either, Luci.……我也不习惯这样的露西。

The man says nothing more and walks into another room. Lunasia knows the conversation is over. Every time she says she's not used to him like this, he becomes cold and distant. In that moment, she feels like just another experiment—no different from any randomly selected Nyto in a test chamber.男人不再说话，转身走到另一个房间。 露尼西亚知道这场对话到头了。 每次只要自己说出不习惯这样的他，他就会变得非常冷漠。 好像这一瞬间的自己只是一个普通的实验工具，跟实验舱里随便一个挑选出来的普通涅托没有任何区别。

Bill has become... just like that woman. Even though that woman never wears such a cruel expression, her heart is far colder and more ruthless...比尔变得……就像那个女人一样…… 尽管那个女人没有这样冷漠残酷的表情，可她却有一颗冷漠残酷的心……

Laplace' eyes snap open. She is momentarily dazed by the dazzling light.拉普拉斯突然睁开眼，炫目的光让她恍惚了片刻。

She rises, walks over to a cabinet, and opens it to retrieve a box of pills labeled with today's date.然后她起身走到一边的柜子前，打开取出写有今天日期的药盒。

A white Nyto approaches with a glass of warm water. Laplace takes it and swallows the pills in one smooth motion.一旁的白涅托端来一杯温水，拉普拉斯接过，就着温水将药片一饮而尽。

White NytoLady Laplace, you've rested for 25 minutes. Is there anything you would like to do next?拉普拉斯大人，您一共休息了25分钟，接下来需要做什么吗？

LaplaceIt's time to check the status of the incubation pods. If conditions are stable, they can be opened in the next couple of days.该查看培养舱的状态了，如果状态合适，这两天就能出舱了。

White NytoUnderstood.是。

Inside the laboratory.……实验室。

With the white Nyto's assistance, the incubation pods are swiftly checked. Laplace finishes up what she is currently working on. It feels like... she finally has a moment to breathe. When was the last time she got to do that? She can't recall—there's no day or night inside this lab. The 360-degree shadowless lights have kept her company for a very long time. A time that feels long to any human, but far too short for the task at hand.在白涅托的协助下，培养舱的状态很快检查完毕，拉普拉斯整理完了手头的工作。 好像……突然有了喘气的机会，上次这种时间是什么时候？ 没有印象了，因为实验室里没有黑夜与白天。 360环绕的无影灯陪着她在在这里度过了很久。 这对于人类来说是非常久的时间，但对于要做的事情来说，又实在太短了些。

White NytoLady Laplace, shall I assist with anything else?拉普拉斯大人，接下来还需要做什么吗？

LaplaceNo need. You're dismissed.不用了，你先退下。

White NytoYes, ma'am.好的。

Once the white Nyto leaves, Laplace approaches one of the incubation pods.白涅托离开后，她走近一个培养舱。

She opens the control panel and forcibly initiates a premature awakening of the unfinished test subject. After a brief tremble, the girl inside the pod opens her eyes.打开对应的控制面板，她强制唤醒了舱中还未完成的实验体。 在一阵轻颤后，舱中的少女睁开了眼睛。

Lunasia...Why am I back here again...?……为什么我又回到了这里……

LaplaceDon't be nervous. I'm only documenting your current condition. ...You're merely sharing this body's vision.别紧张，我只是记录下现在的状况。 ……你只是共享了这个实验体的眼睛……

Laplace starts adjusting various values and recording routine data.拉普拉斯开始调整各项数值，然后例行记录。

Lunasia slams against the glass violently in protest. Laplace does nothing to calm her down—she's clearly used to this.露尼西亚非常不配合地撞击…… 拉普拉斯没有安抚，仿佛已经习惯了。

LunasiaLet me go! I don't want to stay here!放我回去！我不要呆在这里！

LaplaceHow does it feel? To have a human's free will, and the omniscience and omnipotence of a higher life form.你现在感觉如何？ 拥有人类的自由，以及高等生物的无所不知和无所不能。

Lunasia... It's a curse. To possess human emotions, yet a mind and lifespan not meant for any human...…… 这是诅咒。 拥有人类的感情，却拥有不该属于人类的思维、寿命……

LaplaceIf you were to become as banal as everyone else... You'd never be the Holy Maiden. You wouldn't be worthy of sacrifice.如果变得庸碌的常人一样。 你是无法成为圣女的，更不值得获得献祭。

Lunasia...That sacrifice at the Gate of the Evangel... that was your doing... You monster...……福音之门的那场献祭是你做的…… 你这个魔鬼……

LaplaceBeing a Holy Maiden, embodying a miracle... Lunasia—this was all your choice.圣女也好，奇迹也罢，露尼西亚，这是你自己的选择。

LunasiaMy choice? Have I ever had a choice?我的选择？我有为自己做过选择吗？

White froth begins to churn in the incubation fluid as Lunasia thrashes harder. Laplace merely glances at her, calm as ever.培养舱的溶液中翻腾起一团团白色泡沫，露尼西亚的挣扎愈演愈烈，拉普拉斯只是冷静地瞥了一眼。

LaplaceQuiet. If you don't cooperate, we won't be able to retrieve crucial data. Some information can only be accessed while you're conscious.安静。 如果你不配合的话，很多信息将无法获取。 毕竟有些信息，是需要在清醒的形态下才能得到。

LunasiaWhy me?!凭什么是我？！

LaplaceRemember your purpose. This is the path you—your past self—chose, the pact you made with me.记得你存在的意义。 这是你，曾经的你，最初的你，亲自做出的选择，亲自与我的约定。

LaplaceWe're just one step away. Once I personally complete the final surgery, your transformation will be complete.还差最后一点点。 等我亲手完成最后一场手术，你就成功了。

LaplaceBe happy, child. You got what you wanted, and I got what I wanted. From Pilot Whale to Hela... countless people have given everything for this moment. Now, it's time to realize it all.高兴点，孩子。你得到了你想要的，我也得到了我想要的。 从领航鲸到海拉……无数人为此费尽心血……现在，要实现这一切了。

Laplace's aged reflection stares back from the glass, a stark contrast to Lunasia's youthful features. She lets out a careless chuckle.拉普拉斯苍老的面容印在玻璃上，和露尼西亚洋溢着青春的面容形成鲜明的对比。 拉普拉斯浑不在意地笑了笑。

LunasiaWhat's so funny?你笑什么？

LaplaceWhen we first met, you looked exactly the same... and I was already growing old. Human time is so short. But thank goodness—I made it in time.我们第一次见面，你就是这幅模样，而我已逐渐沧桑。 人类的时间太短了，还好，我赶上了。

LunasiaThe first time we met... you...第一次见面……那时候的你……

After being led on a deliberately long and convoluted route, she is finally brought into a room, and the blindfold is removed from her eyes. Inside, a young girl eyes her coldly.在被带着绕路数分钟后，旁人终于押着她进入了一个房间，摘下了蒙在她脸上的眼罩。 房间内只有个面容稚嫩的少女冷冷看着她。

LunasiaYou're late, Dr. Meitner.你迟到了，玛莎博士。

Laplace...What a curious child.……你真是个有趣的孩子。

LunasiaI am the god of this sacrifice. You are merely my servant. You have no right to keep me waiting.我是这场献祭的神，而你只是我的仆从。 你没有资格让我等待。

LaplaceDid the Holy Mother approve your decision?你的决定圣母同意了吗？

LunasiaListen carefully, Dr. Meitner. You only need my approval to gain everything you've ever sought. Among the lives included in this sacrifice, my mother's will be the first.……听清楚了，玛莎博士。 你只需要获得我的许可，就可以得到你毕生所求的东西。 这场献祭，所包括的生命里，我要我的母亲，是第一个。

LaplaceOh? Any other demands?哦？还有要求吗？

Lunasia...No. Once you get what you want, you may leave. Bill will handle the rest.……没有更多了，你只要拿到你想要的东西就可以离开了。 剩下的事情比尔会来处理。

LaplaceDo you want to confirm the procedure?你要确认下流程吗？

LunasiaNo need... I'm the strongest person in the world.不用……我是这个世界上最坚强的人。

LaplaceSuch dramatic words. Girls your age do love those.小女孩就是喜欢使用这样极端的形容词。

LunasiaYou haven't lived what I've lived, Dr. Meitner. I hate this world. I hate all of humanity. That's why I'm willing to sacrifice myself—to fulfill the destruction of humankind.你没有经历过我所经历的一切，玛莎博士。 我憎恨这个世界，我憎恨一切人类。 所以，我愿意献祭自己，来完成人类的自我毁灭。

LaplaceThings might not go the way you wish.事情未必如你所愿。

LunasiaThey will go my way.事情一定如我所愿。

LaplaceWanna bet on it?要打个赌吗？

LunasiaI will win.……我会赢的。

LaplaceI hope I live to see the ending.希望我能见证这场结局。

LaplaceYou're late, Dr. Meitner.你迟到了，玛莎博士。

Lunasia...What a curious child.……你真是个有趣的孩子。

LaplaceI am the god of this sacrifice. You are merely my servant. You have no right to keep me waiting.我是这场献祭的神，而你只是我的仆从。 你没有资格让我等待。

LunasiaDid the Holy Mother approve your decision?你的决定圣母同意了吗？

LaplaceListen carefully, Dr. Meitner. You only need my approval to gain everything you've ever sought. Among the lives included in this sacrifice, my mother's will be the first.……听清楚了，玛莎博士。 你只需要获得我的许可，就可以得到你毕生所求的东西。 这场献祭，所包括的生命里，我要我的母亲，是第一个。

LunasiaThings might not go the way you wish.事情未必如你所愿。

LaplaceThey will go my way.事情一定如我所愿。

LunasiaWanna bet on it?要打个赌吗？

LaplaceI will win.……我会赢的。

LunasiaI hope I live to see the ending.希望我能见证这场结局。

LaplaceNow, Lunasia, you are about to witness the ending. The ending of all humanity.现在，露尼西亚，你即将见证这场结局。 见证全部人类的结局。

LaplaceHas it come back to you yet?现在，你回想起来了吗？

???Holy Maiden...圣女大人……

The tub is filled with thick, red liquid. A frail young girl submerged in it struggles to raise her head and looks up at Lunasia.浴缸中盛满了红色的粘稠液体，浸泡在其中的瘦小少女努力仰起头，看向露尼西亚。

???Can we really reach that place... where there's no more pain?我们真的能抵达那个……没有痛苦的地方吗？

LunasiaOf course.当然。

Lunasia hears her own voice—gentle, yet cruel.露尼西亚听见自己的声音，温柔又残酷。

Then her hand caresses the girl's pale face.然后自己的手捧起了少女苍白的脸……

LunasiaGood night.晚安。

Glup. That pallid face is instantly swallowed by crimson, leaving behind only a few broken bubbles.咕嘟。那一抹苍白瞬间被猩红吞没，只余下几个破碎的泡沫。

???My Lady, is it my turn yet...?圣女大人，到我了吗……

She raises her head. As far as the eye can see are countless containers filled with scarlet fluid.抬起头，目光所及之地还有难以计数的盛满猩红液体的容器。

LunasiaYes, you're next.是的，下一个就是你。

Her feet move forward without her control, and pain tears through Lunasia's heart.脚不受控制地迈向前方，露尼西亚的内心被痛苦撕扯着。

LunasiaStop... stop...停下……停下……

Glup. Glup. A stream of fragile bubbles bursts between her hands. Lunasia feels a splitting headache—like she's about to lose control of her own body...咕嘟。 咕嘟。 一连串脆弱的泡沫在自己的双手间破裂。 露尼西亚感觉头疼欲裂，即将丧失身体的掌控权……

Lunasia wakes up on the floor of the safe house. Next to her lies a shattered glass.露尼西亚醒来，发现自己躺在安全屋的地板上，手边是被砸碎的水杯。

The safe house. The Commander. The Doll sent to take care of her... Her memory slowly returns. But she can only grimace. What's real? What's false? She can no longer tell.安全屋，指挥官，派来照顾自己的人形……记忆重新复苏。 但她只是苦笑，什么是真，什么是假，早就分不清楚了。

The white fluorescent light above flickers uneasily, and the hurried footsteps of a Doll echo down the hall.天花板上的白炽灯不安地闪烁了几下，随即传来人形跑来的脚步声。

XM556Miss Lunasia, what happened?!露尼西亚小姐，发生什么事了？

Lunasia...Nothing.……没事。

XM556Another nightmare?你又做噩梦了吗？

XM556 picks up the shards of the broken glass and brings her a fresh cup of warm water.XM556收拾了水杯的碎片，重新端来了一杯温水。

XM556Have some honey water.喝点蜂蜜水吧。

XM556If there's nothing else, I'll leave you to rest.没别的事，我就不打扰你休息了。

LunasiaWhen will the Commander come?指挥官什么时候来？

XM556The Commander is handling things aboard the Elmo. Once everything is in order, they'll come to pick you up.指挥官正在处理艾莫号的事，等一切安排妥当，就会过来接你。

Lunasia... No... I want to see the Commander now.…… 不…… 我现在就要见到指挥官。

XM556I've already spoken to them. The Commander said—我已经跟指挥官通讯过了，指挥官说——

LunasiaI want to see the Commander now!我现在就要见到指挥官！

Bang—the fluorescent light bursts overhead, raining shards all over the room.嘭——白炽灯的灯光爆裂，碎片雨点般砸下。

LunasiaI want to see the Commander! Right now!!!我现在！就要见到指挥官！！！

Snap. The cup of warm water shatters in her hand, leaving only one sharp piece of glass.嘭。盛满温水的杯子在她手中迸裂，只余下一块锋利的碎片。

Lunasia presses it to her neck.露尼西亚将它抵在自己的脖子上。

XM556Miss Lunasia, please calm down. I heard your request loud and clear—I'll report this to the Commander immediately. But please, put the glass down first...露尼西亚小姐，请冷静下来。 你的诉求我已经完全清楚，我会立刻给指挥官汇报这件事。 在这之前，请先放下玻璃片……

LunasiaDo it now.…… 现在就做。

Her trembling hand presses the shard deeper. Dark red blood seeps out, creeping slowly along her pale neck to her collarbone... This sensation of bleeding... She feels a mix of pain and pleasure. Just like that woman in her dreams...颤抖的手将碎片往里推了推，深红的血液溢出，缓缓地沿着她洁白的脖子爬行到锁骨…… 这种流血的感觉……痛苦中，夹杂着快乐。 就像梦中那个女人一样……

Lunasia flashes a cruel smile.露尼西亚露出了一个残忍的笑容。

XM556Commander. Commander, right. I'll contact the Commander right away!指挥官，指挥官，我现在就联系指挥官！

72-A-20 被苍白扑打

...In a conference at the Pandora Organization.……潘多拉组织，会议室。

Styx casually adjusts her hair and makeup in a compact mirror. The people seated around her are still pestering her relentlessly.斯提克斯漫不经心地对着便携镜子调整自己的发型和妆容。 围坐在身边的人还在纠缠不休。

Executive AChairwoman Styx, the alliance representatives have lodged multiple complaints regarding the speech video you released without authorization. We must issue a proper response.斯提克斯主席，关于你擅自发表的那段演讲视频，联盟代表那边来抗议过好多次了，我们必须给出正面回应。

StyxIf they truly needed an answer, they wouldn't just be making complaints.如果他们真的需要一个回答，就不会只用抗议这种手段了。

Executive ABut Doctor Shaw was Martyr Sofya's younger sister... How could you slander her like this...?肖博士毕竟是索菲娅烈士的亲妹妹……你怎么能这样诋毁她……

Executive BMartyr Sofya's organization, the Moscovite Illuminati, is one of our strongest allies. Offending them over something like this is detrimental to our future cooperation.索菲娅烈士生前所属的组织光明莫斯科也是我们最有力的盟友之一，因为这样的事惹恼对方，不利于我们后续的合作开展。

Styx finally puts down the mirror. She beams brightly as she looks around at the others.斯提克斯终于放下了镜子，笑靥如花地看向众人。

StyxPlease get your positions and relations straight. It's those underfunded, resource-strapped organizations that approached US seeking an alliance. Besides, the Moscovite Illuminati was at its strongest when Martyr Sofya was still alive. Once she was gone, not a single one of them could hold things together. You've seen it too—the anti-Relic campaign event they held last week? It was pathetic. A kindergarten sports day would've been more exciting.拜托你们搞清楚位置和关系，是那些缺少资源和资金的组织有求于我们，才主动提出依附，成为我们的盟友。 更何况，光明莫斯科最强盛的时候就是索菲娅烈士还活着的时候，索菲娅一走，他们剩下的人没一个能撑起来的。 你们也看见了，他们上周举办的反遗迹宣传活动效果有多么惨淡，幼儿园的运动会都比它精彩些。

Executive A...You're still avoiding the core issue. Chairwoman Styx, why did you release that unapproved speech video at such a sensitive time?……你一直在避开问题的关键。 斯提克斯主席，你为什么要在这么敏感的时期擅自发表那段未经组织审核的演讲视频？

StyxI'm the Executive Chairwoman of Pandora. I believe I have the right to express my views when I deem it necessary.我是潘多拉的执行主席，我想我有权在我认为需要的时候发表观点。

Executive BBut your views contain serious misinformation. Doctor Shaw may not have been a member of Pandora or any of its allied organizations, but she's always been a committed anti-Relic advocate— Just like her sister. She just chose a different path.可是你的观点存在重大错误，肖博士虽然没有加入潘多拉或者下属的联盟，但她一直是个坚定的反遗迹斗士。 就像她的姐姐一样，只不过选择了不一样的方式。

StyxSisters who appear united yet pursue different goals—history is full of such examples.看似统一和睦的姐妹实则各有志向，这样的案例在历史上数不胜数。

Executive BSo you're refusing to respond to the complaints?你坚持不对抗议做出任何回应吗？

Styx glances at the elegant watch on her wrist.斯提克斯看了看腕上精致的表。

StyxEveryone, let's not forget our focus right now—a new world is about to dawn, and the current world order will soon be reshuffled. We fought hard for this invitation to Frankfurt.各位，不要忘记我们现在的重心，新世界就要来临，现有的局面都会被刷新。 我们可是好不容易才得到这个邀请的机会来到法兰克福。

StyxAnd now, we've been occupying someone else's conference room for nearly half an hour.而现在，我们已经占用了别人的会议室快半个小时了。

Executive BHave they arrived?那边的人到了吗？

StyxMhm, their assistant just messaged me. This is a rare opportunity—whether we can secure a seat in the opposition in the coming new world...嗯哼，对方的助理已经发消息给我了。 这可是我们一次难得的机会，能不能在即将到来的新世界里得到一个在野党的席位……

Knock knock. The door to the conference room is rapped twice.咚咚。会议室的门被叩响。

StyxCome in.请进。

SecretaryChairwoman Styx, the guests have arrived. Should I bring them in now?斯提克斯主席，人已经到了，要我现在领进来吗？

After one final check to ensure that her makeup is flawless, Styx rises with perfect composure.斯提克斯最后一次确认自己的妆容完美无瑕后，从容地站起。

StyxOf course. We're ready.当然，我们已经准备好了。

...After the conference. Styx steps into an empty restroom. She stands before the mirror, but she isn't looking at her own reflection.……会议结束后。 斯提克斯走进空无一人的厕所，面对着镜子，她看向的却不是自己的面容。

StyxAshley, have you received the full dossier on the attendees?艾希礼，与会人员的全部资料已经交给你了。

AshleyYes, Sister Styx. I've received it and I'm uploading everything into the Bee Sting System now.是的，斯提克斯姐姐，我已经收到了，正在录入蜂针系统。

StyxGood.行。

AshleySister Nemhran asked me to pass along several Bee Sting files to you.尼梅兰姐姐吩咐我转交给你几份蜂针档案。

Click, click. Styx flips through the documents sent to her. It's intel on a Griffin PMC Commander and a mobile base vehicle designated "Elmo".嘀嘀。斯提克斯翻阅着发送来的档案。 是一位格里芬安全承包商的指挥官和名为“艾莫号”的基地车的相关情报。

AshleySister Nemhran has flagged these individuals as highly likely to disrupt the plan. If you encounter them, please eliminate them immediately.尼梅兰姐姐将这些人列入了有极高风险妨碍计划的名单，如果您遇见了，请立刻铲除。

StyxUnderstood.知道了。

After ending the call, Styx studies the Commander's dossier with growing interest.断开通讯后，斯提克斯饶有兴致地端详起了指挥官的情报。

StyxLooks like an interesting one...看起来是个有趣的家伙……

...In a laboratory at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz.……美因茨大学，实验室。

The blinking cursor reaches the bottom of the test data screen. After hitting enter, Stevens M520 initiates a call.测试数据的光标走到了屏幕的底端，敲下回车后，史蒂文斯520拨通通讯。

Stevens M520Commander, the experiment is complete. Please head to the Mainz University lab immediately to collect the subject.指挥官，实验已经完成。 请立即前往美因茨大学实验室接收目标。

CommanderUnderstood. I'm on my way. By the way, how's Nele?明白，我马上出发。 对了，奈乐还好吗？

Stevens M520Um...嗯……

Stevens M520 glances at Nele, who is slumped over the desk, fast asleep.史蒂文斯520看了眼趴在桌上昏睡的奈乐。

Stevens M520Her mental state is relatively stable, but she's pulled several all-nighters, so she really needs some proper rest.她的精神状态还算稳定，就是熬了几晚了，需要好好休息。

CommanderAlright, got it.好，我知道了。

After ending the call, Stevens M520 walks over to Amaris, who is staring blankly out the window.放下通讯后，史蒂文斯520走到对着窗外发呆的阿玛瑞丝身边。

AmarisWhat, don't tell me there's more grunt work?干嘛，不会还有什么杂活吧？

Stevens M520Nope. Our task is already finished.没了，我们的任务已经结束了。

Amaris...Mine isn't.……我的任务还没有。

AmarisIn fact, it's only just begun.准确地说，是刚刚才开始。

As they lapse into silence, a lively group of university students pass by outside the window, on their way to morning classes. They walk in pairs or clusters, arm in arm or side by side.在两人沉默的间隙，窗外走过一群热闹的大学生，看起来是要去上早课。 三三两两地成群结队，手挽着手，或者并肩而行。

Stevens M520... I've learned all about your elder sister.…… 你姐姐的事我都了解清楚了。

AmarisHuh.哦。

Stevens M520I've got a younger sister myself. Rebellious, willful, defiant—pretty much as infuriating as you.我也有个妹妹，桀骜不驯，任性叛逆，差不多跟你一样让人火大。

Stevens M520She was supposed to inherit Dr. Hume's estate. Could've lived freely as a noble lady. But she insisted on destroying all of it—even at the cost of her own life.原本她应该继承休谟博士的遗产，自由自在地做个贵族小姐。 但她偏偏要毁掉这一切，即便代价是她自己。

AmarisI can sort of understand that kind of mindset.我多少能理解这种心情。

Stevens M520Your sister is dead. My sister is dead.你姐死了，我妹死了。

AmarisAre you trying to one-up me in tragedy? I'm not sad at all. I didn't care much for Aliana.你要跟我比惨？我可一点不伤心，我对艾莉安娜没什么感情。

Stevens M520No, I mean—不，我是说——

Stevens M520's face takes on a solemn expression that unsettles Amaris.史蒂文斯520的脸上流露出让阿玛瑞丝不安的郑重表情。

Stevens M520I wouldn't mind being your sister. Sure, you're a bit of a mess, and your clothes are falling apart, but we've got a lot in common.我不介意做你的姐姐。 虽然你邋遢了点，穿的衣服也破破烂烂的，但我们有很多共同的地方。

Stevens M520Maybe we can find in each other the answers we can no longer find in those who are gone.或许我们能从对方身上，找到已经无法从逝去之人身上找到的答案。

Stevens M520I get that you're emotional right now. You don't have to give me an answer right away.我理解你激动的心情，你不用现在就回答我。

Amaris hesitates for a long while before finally muttering a few words.阿玛瑞丝憋了半天，终于吐出了几个字。

AmarisI appreciate the sentiment, but I've vowed to myself that I'll never call anyone "sister" again!我谢谢你，但我已经发过誓，绝不叫任何人姐姐！

Stevens M520A vow is only made to be broken, isn't it?誓言不就是用来打破的吗？

AmarisYou—你……

Click. The Commander's comms request saves Amaris from replying.嘀嘀。指挥官的通讯拯救了阿玛瑞丝。

Stevens M520Commander, have you arrived? Alright, we'll come meet you now.指挥官，你到了吗？好的，我们这就来接你。

The Commander steps into the lab. Nele is splashing cold water on her face to stay awake.指挥官走进实验室，奈乐正用冷水洗脸保持清醒。

CommanderYou look exhausted...你看起来很憔悴……

NeleI'm fine. I can still manage.没事，我还能坚持。

CommanderThank you for all your efforts... She'll be the most critical shot we have...感谢你的付出……她会是最关键的那一枪……

NeleDid I make it in time?我赶上了吗？

CommanderYou've exceeded all my expectations!你完全超出了我的预期！

Nele...Only her capabilities were restored... Everything else... I've kept blank. Left just enough for her to be a tool to be wielded. I didn't want to insult my mentor's memory.……只有能力复原了……其他的东西…… 我保持了空白，留下了身为工具被操控的余裕。 我不想侮辱老师。

CommanderI understand... That's more than enough. I will crush Paradeus... I will not let your work be in vain.明白……这样就很好。 我一定会击溃帕拉蒂斯……绝对不会辜负你的努力。

NeleCommander...指挥官……

Nele walks up to the Commander. Her steps are a bit unsteady, but the resolve in her eyes remains undimmed.奈乐走到指挥官身边，脚步有些虚浮，但眼神中依然闪烁着坚定的光。

NeleI have one more request.我还有一个请求。

... Boom!……轰隆！

Bang-bang-bang. The silence of the factory is shattered by a sudden burst of gunfire.呯呯呯。 工厂的寂静被突如其来的炮火打破。

Several Nytos quickly organize a response team and rush into the smoke with weapons in hand...几名白涅托迅速组织人手应对，携带着武器冲入硝烟中……

Bang-bang-bang— After another round of gunfire, silence once again falls over the factory.呯呯呯—— 又一阵枪响后，工厂内再没了声息。

A Doll of immense stature drags the still remains of a white Nyto toward the control terminal, using its credentials to activate the system.一个身形高大的人形拎着一具不再挣扎的白涅托残骸走向控制端，用涅托的权限启动了系统。

AN-94That should do it.这样就可以了。

AK-15Hm.嗯。

Clatter. The now-worthless Nyto is tossed aside.啪嗒。失去价值的涅托被扔在了地上。

A shadow appears soundlessly at the dissipating edge of the smoke, lifting her gaze toward the surveillance camera—一个影子无声无息地出现在硝烟散尽的边缘，抬眼望向监控的方向——

End of surveillance footage.监控录像到此结束。

...Inside a Paradeus factory. Nemhran watches the surveillance footage that Hebe provided in silence.……帕拉蒂斯工厂。 尼梅兰沉默地看完了赫柏提供的全部监控录像。

HebeIn a single day, nearly 70% of the factories in Frankfurt have been attacked. The method is consistent—first a hacker team breaches the system to disable alarms, followed by three monstrous Dolls who storm in and destroy everything. They don't linger; their goal is clear—destroy the production line and retreat.短短一天内，法兰克福七成左右的工厂都遭到了袭击。 攻击方式一致，由一支黑客小队先入侵系统关闭警报，再由这三个怪物一样的人形进来破坏。 她们的目标很明确，完全不恋战，毁掉生产线就撤退。

NemhranTheir attacks are clearly aimed at disrupting Project Cocoon. I have to admit, it's an effective tactic. How much impact on phase three?她们的攻击只是为了阻挠茧计划，不得不说是很有效的措施。 对茧计划三期的影响有多少？

HebeThe materials for phase three are already mostly prepared. Including what's in storage, it should just barely be enough. But with over half the production lines crippled, recovery will take significant time. For now, we can't supply any additional materials for Project Cocoon.三期需要的耗材已经基本备齐，算上仓库的储存，应该刚好够用。 就是过半的生产线瘫痪，想要再恢复需要不少时间，现阶段无法再为茧计划提供备用材料了。

NemhranAs long as it's enough to complete phase three.足够支撑三期实验的完成就够了。

HebeAll the necessary materials are en route. They'll reach the designated lab by the end of the day.目前所有材料都在运输的路上，在今天结束前，会抵达你指定的实验室。

HebeHowever, if our system logs the location of the new lab, those Dolls will come swarming like hyenas smelling blood...不过，我们的系统一旦出现了新的实验室的痕迹，那些人形就会像闻到血腥味的鬣狗一样追来……

NemhranI know. I'll relocate that site as quickly as possible. And once phase three is complete, erase all traces of the factory.我知道，那个地方我会尽快转移。 等三期实验完成，工厂的痕迹也都处理干净吧。

Hebe...Understood.……知道了。

Hebe responds, but makes no move to leave.赫柏回应着尼梅兰的话，但没有任何离开的迹象。

NemhranYou have something to say.你有话想说。

HebeJust feeling a bit sentimental. We've been running this operation for years.只是有些感叹，这些东西也算经营多年。

HebeIt feels like playing a simulation game until near completion... and then someone hits the reset button.一个模拟经营游戏玩到了快通关的时候……却被人一键清零……

NemhranYou should've known from the start—everything we've done was for this very moment.你从一开始就该知道，所做的这一切都为了今天这一刻。

HebeI know that, of course. But still, this moment comes so suddenly. Like a comet—is it a good omen or a bad one? There's just no telling.我当然知道。 但这一刻来得还是太突然了，像不知吉凶的彗星。

Hebe glances at the screen, where Nemhran's face is reflected—silent and composed.赫柏抬眼看向屏幕上反射出的尼梅兰沉默的脸。

HebeNormally by now you'd be telling me not to waste time on meaningless thoughts. Why so quiet today?按照你平常的习惯，这个时候不是该让我别浪费时间想这些没用的？ 怎么今天这么沉默？

Nemhran...Because I'm starting to suspect... ...That we have a traitor in our midst.……因为我有些怀疑…… 我们内部有叛徒。

Hebe...You're joking, right? On the outside, we have Bee Sting. On the base level, we had the Lake of Cognition, and now we have Cocoon.……你在开玩笑？ 从外部看，你有“蜂针”，从底层看，我们过去有“识底深湖”，现在有“茧”。

HebeIf you suspect someone... can't you just look directly?你如果怀疑谁……直接进去看不就行了？

Nemhran...Hebe, back when I was still in Moscow... didn't I tell you to read more on the subject of human history when you had the time?……赫柏，我还在莫斯科的时候。 有没有提醒过你们，如果有时间多看看人类的史书。

Hebe...Mhm, you did. But I always thought it was pointless. With how far technology has come, schemes and tricks are obsolete.……嗯哼，我知道。 但是我觉得那没有价值，随着时代的进步，阴谋诡计已经没有用武之地了。

HebeNow it's all about tech Just like how detective stories became irrelevant with the advent of cameras and chemical analysis.现在最重要的是技术。 好比过去的侦探小说，在监视器和化学检验出现以后，手法基本上没用了。

Nemhran sighs.尼梅兰叹了口气。

NemhranMethods do change with time and technology. But the desires of the human heart are the same regardless of the times.手段确实跟时代和技术有关。 但人心的欲望在每个时代都一样。

HebeAre we... human?我们……算是人类？

Nemhran...We are, albeit incomplete ones. And since we are human, we naturally also carry human flaws.……我们不算是真正的完成品。 自然就还是人类，因此理所应当还拥有人类的缺点。

NemhranPride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. We still hold some measure of each.傲慢、妒忌、暴怒、懒惰、贪婪、贪食及色欲。 我们身上仍旧或多或少地保持有这些东西。

Hebe...So who do you think the traitor is?……你觉得是谁？

Nemhran...Forget it. Even if there is one... it shouldn't be me who exposes her.……算了，就算有……也不该是我来发现。

HebeSo you have these human flaws too?……所以你也有这些人类的缺点？

NemhranI suppose at this very moment... there is a fragment of wrath within me.从现在的角度来讲，也许我身上还保留着一份暴怒。

Hebe...You really don't let it show. If your anger had a color, it'd probably be something close to white.……真是完全看不出来。 你的愤怒如果有颜色，恐怕是无限趋近于白色。

Nemhran...No, it'd be the color of a flower.……不是，是一朵花的颜色。

Hebe...Never took you for a poet.……原来你也有如此文艺的时刻。

NemhranI need to handle the White Zone's secret passage first. You are to supervise the mission of escorting Lady Laplace.我需要优先处理白区秘密通道。 监管护送拉普拉斯大人的任务就交给你了。

Hebe...So this is a last-minute assignment? You were originally going to handle it yourself?……看来这个任务是临时决定的。 原本打算由你亲自执行？

NemhranYes, because the experimental subject cannot be risked.是的，因为实验素材更加不容有失。

Hebe...Understood.……我明白了。

NemhranKeep it covert. Your current combat style is still under wraps—don't show your hand prematurely.尽可能保持隐匿吧，你目前的战斗方式还是个秘密，不要过早暴露。

HebeAnd who are you sending to escort Lady Laplace?那你打算派谁护送拉普拉斯大人？

NemhranMorridow and Bramedb.默莉朵和布拉梅德。

Hebe...Got it.……知道了。

Nemhran heads for the door.尼梅兰起身走向门外。

NemhranOur fate might've been decided from the very beginning. No matter how we struggle, we are but helpless creatures caught in a spider's web, awaiting fate's final decree.我们的命运，或许从一开始就注定好了。 不管如何挣扎，我们都如蛛网上的弱小生灵，等待着命运的最终宣告。

Hebe looks back toward Nemhran. All she has left behind is a few shimmering fragments fallen from the hem of her skirt.赫柏回头望向尼梅兰，身后只余下一些从她裙摆上脱落的闪光碎屑。

Through the surveillance feed, Hebe watches Morridow and Bramedb successfully rendezvous with Laplace and escort her out of the lab. Morridow immediately starts deploying her squad and configuring the transport convoy.透过监控镜头，赫柏看着默莉朵和布拉梅德完成了接应拉普拉斯离开实验室。 默莉朵随即开始部署手里的小队，进行护送车队的配置。

Hebe notices a new access log appear inside the base. It's not from an ordinary Nyto, but—赫柏注意到基地内出现了新的进入记录。 并非普通的涅托出入，而是——

Hebe...Gray? Why hasn't her access been revoked? Could it have been hacked?……格雷？ 她的身份权限怎么还没被删除，难道是被对方盗用了？

Hebe instantly pulls up the surveillance footage of "Gray" entering the base, while running a full system check at the same time. Only when she sees that unmistakable face on the screen does Hebe finally believe it—赫柏立刻调出了“格雷”进入基地时的监控录屏，同时对系统进行了全方位的检查。 直到真真切切看见那张熟悉的脸出现在监控画面，赫柏才敢相信——

No hacking. No identity theft. Gray herself has returned to the Paradeus base. The same Gray who was supposed to have perished in Avernus.没有骇入，没有盗用，是格雷自己回到了帕拉蒂斯的基地。 那个葬身在阿佛那斯塔底的格雷。

A wave of thoughts crash through Hebe's mind. Before she can fully process the reality of Gray's resurrection, she sees her heading toward Laplace's location. Hebe immediately sounds the alarm for that area.数个念头在赫柏的脑中碰撞，她还没有完全消化掉死去的格雷重新回到帕拉蒂斯的现实，就注意到对方正朝着拉普拉斯行动的方向而去。 赫柏立刻拉响了拉普拉斯所在区域的警报。

HebeAshley, notify Morridow at once. We have an enemy infiltration.艾希礼，立刻通知默莉朵，敌人已入侵。

Ashley...Enemy? Understood!……敌人？是！

In the surveillance feed, Morridow and Bramedb appear to have received the alert. They quickly change routes, guiding Laplace toward the emergency exit. After Ashley's message, Morridow also brings forward the escort squad's rendezvous schedule. But Hebe frowns—these measures won't be enough.监控镜头中，默莉朵和布拉梅德显然收到了警报，她们立刻带着拉普拉斯改道，跑向应急出口通道。 默莉朵收到了艾希礼的通讯后，当即提前了护送小队的集合时间。 但这些措施远远不够，赫柏不自觉地拧紧了眉头。

Whoosh. The hatch opens, and Morridow looks over—唰。舱门打开，默莉朵的眼神望了过去——

MorridowGray...?格雷……？

Morridow...What are you doing here?……你怎么在这里？

Morridow's eyes widen in shock, and Gray is already striding toward Laplace with her blade raised...默莉朵难掩异色，而格雷已经迅速提着手中的利刃朝拉普拉斯走去……

HebeMorridow, you really would be perfect for a horror or disaster flick. You're exactly the kind of brainless cannon fodder that dies in the opening scene.…… 默莉朵，你可真适合出演灾难片或者恐怖片。 那种开场就死的无脑炮灰非你莫属。

Hebe grits her teeth as she leaves the surveillance room, racing toward Laplace's location with inhuman speed.赫柏几乎是咬牙切齿地离开监控室，以非人的速度迅速赶向拉普拉斯所在的地方……

Gray raises her blade—and the next second, her figure vanishes, leaving only the roar of air being cleaved—格雷扬起手中的利刃，下一秒身影已不在原地，只留下破空的呼啸声——

Boom! Morridow barely manages to block her attack.嘭—— 默莉朵堪堪抵挡住格雷的袭击。

MorridowWhy has her fighting style changed...? This isn't Gray's usual move!……攻击方式为什么突然改变了…… 这不是格雷的惯用招式！

Bramedb8 o'clock!8点方向！

A split-second later, Morridow is knocked aside, slamming hard into Bramedb.下一秒，默莉朵就被掀翻到一边，狠狠撞在布拉梅德身上。

Gray charges again, aiming to strike at the defenseless Laplace—朝着毫无防备的拉普拉斯，格雷又一次蓄力发起攻击——

Boom!嘭——

In front of the cleaved metal rack, Laplace is nowhere to be seen.被斩断的金属支架前，并没有拉普拉斯的身影。

Hebe lands softly, placing herself between Gray and Laplace.赫柏缓缓落地，挡在拉普拉斯大人身前。

MorridowYou're...你是……

HebeWith reflexes that slow, it's a miracle you've survived this long.这么慢的反应，也亏你能活到现在。

Morridow looks at the poised, elegant woman before her—and smiles knowingly.默莉朵看着眼前身姿优雅的女人，她露出了了然的笑。

MorridowYou must be the sister overseeing Project Cocoon in Frankfurt.想来你就是那位掌管法兰克福“茧计划”的姐姐了。

Hebe...The name is Hebe.……赫柏。

MorridowThank you for saving me upon our first meeting, Sister Hebe.谢谢赫柏姐姐初次见面就救了我一次呢。

HebeMaybe thank yourself for not revoking Gray's access. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the chance to witness this insane plot twist of a dead Nyto returning to Paradeus.感谢我？还是感谢你自己没有删去格雷的权限吧。 不然，我也无缘看见死掉的涅托重返帕拉蒂斯的戏码。

Morridow...Don't blame me, Sister Hebe. You know our system deletes a member's access automatically upon confirmation of death.……赫柏姐姐错怪我了。 你是知道的，帕拉蒂斯一旦确认死亡，权限会自动删档。

HebeI don't have time for your excuses. Protect Lady Laplace.现在没有空听你这些辩白，保护好拉普拉斯大人。

MorridowYes, Sister.是。

HebeBramedb, come with me. We'll take on this Gray together. Morridow, take Lady Laplace and find another way out.布拉梅德，你过来和我一起对付这个格雷。 默莉朵，你带着拉普拉斯大人换条路离开。

Bramedb...Yes, Sister.……收到。

Morridow immediately puts an arm around Laplace's shoulders and vanishes from sight with her.默莉朵立刻扶住拉普拉斯的肩膀，默不作声地从眼前消失。

Bramedb watches Hebe from the corner of her eye. Her smile remains graceful and calm, but Bramedb can feel the overwhelming threat she exudes.布拉梅德的余光观察着赫柏，她的脸上仍然是优雅从容的微笑，布拉梅德却感受到了强大的压迫感。

HebeGray is nothing like the one in previous records. Watch out for her attacks; don't get caught. Just do your best to stall her and create an opening for me. I'll take care of the rest.格雷和过去记录里的完全不一样了。 你留心她的攻击，不要被波及，找机会牵制行动给我制造空间就行。

BramedbUnderstood!是！

72-A-22 迷路的血迹

......At the secret underground entrance to a Paradeus factory.……帕拉蒂斯工厂秘密地下通道入口。

Morridow leads Laplace swiftly through the tunnel, using a secure internal line to contact the squad assigned to her by Nemhran.默莉朵带着拉普拉斯在通道内疾行，同时使用内线通讯联系上了尼梅兰拨给自己的小队。

MorridowMeet me at ST3 immediately.立刻到ST3通道和我汇合。

White NytoSister Morridow, the ST-series tunnels require top-level clearance. We—默莉朵姐姐，ST系列通道的进入权限需要最高等级，我们——

MorridowI've already approved your access. Be in position in two minutes.我已经批准了你们的进入权限，两分钟内就位。

White NytoUnderstood!是！

After ending the call, Morridow executes a complex authentication process at the control center.挂断通讯，默莉朵在入口处的控制中枢进行了复杂的认证。

Whirrr— The smooth floor parts open, revealing a small elevator platform.嗡—— 平整的地面打开，露出一个小型电梯平台。

MorridowPlease mind your step, Lady Laplace.拉普拉斯大人，请小心足下。

LaplaceRight.嗯。

Supporting Laplace carefully, Morridow presses the button to descend.小心地扶着拉普拉斯，默莉朵开启了向下的按钮。

Whirrrr— The ground returns to normal as the platform disappears beneath.嗡——一切再次恢复原样。

Creak... creak.嘎吱、嘎吱。

A near-crippled Nyto sneaks toward the control center, but its severely damaged frame continues to emit sharp metallic screeches.一具近乎于报废的涅托蹑手蹑脚地靠近控制中枢，但过度破损的身体还是不断发出刺耳的噪音。

After confirming no one is watching, the Nyto links into the control center.确认无人注意这个角落后，涅托链接上了中枢。

White NytoSister Morridow, we are here.默莉朵姐姐，我们已经到了。

Before the elevator platform carrying Morridow and Laplace fully settles, they hear the voice of a waiting Nyto.默莉朵和拉普拉斯搭乘的电梯平台还未完全停稳，就听见了待命涅托的声音。

MorridowSplit into two teams and take a vehicle each—one in the front and one in the back—to cover Lady Laplace.你们分成两个小队，各开一辆车做头尾，掩护拉普拉斯大人。

White NytoYes, ma'am.是。

Laplace stares at the surveillance cameras in the underground tunnel.拉普拉斯注视着地下通道的监控探头。

MorridowLady Laplace, is something wrong?拉普拉斯大人，怎么了？

LaplaceTake all ST-series tunnel surveillance cameras offline.把所有ST系列通道的监控都离线。

MorridowYes, ma'am.是。

Once the surveillance system is fully disabled, Laplace turns to Morridow.确认监控系统被完全关闭后，拉普拉斯转向默莉朵。

LaplaceWhat's the current plan?现在的计划？

MorridowLady Laplace, my plan is to pass through the Fasanerie Conservation Area via the ST3 tunnel. Then, we'll swap vehicles at the parking lot in the Albrecht Dürer Garden and proceed above ground onto Aarstraße, heading for the White Zone. Once we reach the entrance, our contacts in the White Zone will receive us.拉普拉斯大人，我计划是走ST3地下通道经过法萨内利保护区。 然后在阿尔布雷希特•丢勒公园内的停车场更换装甲车，走地面通道进入阿尔公路，朝着白区行进。 只要抵达入口，就会有白区的人来接应我们。

LaplaceGoing above ground is too risky. Why are we not going via the ST4 tunnel?走地面通道风险太大，为什么放弃走ST4地下通道？

MorridowBecause of geological issues and proximity to White Zone military cabling, the ST4 tunnel hasn't been fully repaired... Only a short, abandoned stretch remains; I'm not even sure if it's usable. Should I send someone to scout it ahead of time?因为遇上地质问题和太接近白区军用电缆，ST4通道并没有修缮完成…… 只有一小段废弃的通道，我不确定是否能通行，要我提前派人确认吗？

Laplace... No need. Stick to your plan.…… 不必了，按你的计划来吧。

MorridowYes, ma'am.是。

Morridow commands the Nytos to form a convoy, then helps Laplace into a vehicle.默莉朵指挥涅托梯队组成前后护送的车队，然后扶着拉普拉斯进入了车辆。

Laplace gazes coldly out the window at the scenery flashing by, her fingers rhythmically tapping on the communicator.拉普拉斯淡漠地看着窗外飞逝的风景，手指有节奏地敲击着通讯器。

LaplaceNemhran still hasn't called?尼梅兰还没有打来吗？

MorridowNot yet. There hasn't been any comms request from her so far. Should I check in?还没有，目前并没有收到尼梅兰姐姐的通讯请求。 要我问问吗？

LaplaceNo need. If she hasn't called, it means the transfer hasn't finished.不用，她没有打来就是转移还未完成。

MorridowGot it.好。

Morridow focuses on driving when suddenly, the vehicle's internal comms crackle to life.默莉朵专心开着车，车内的通讯突然响起。

MorridowWhat did you find?有什么发现？

White NytoSister Morridow, I just received a command from Sister Gray...默莉朵姐姐，我刚刚收到了格雷姐姐的命令……

MorridowGray? Her access should've been revoked again...格雷？她的权限已经被再次关闭了……

White NytoShe said to tell you... she's prepared a surprise for you...她要求我们告诉你……她为你准备了一个惊喜……

As if to confirm those words, a violent crash erupts ahead in the tunnel—像是为了佐证这番话，地下通道的前方突然发出剧烈的响声——

BOOM!嘭——

Then comes the shrill screech of metal being torn apart. Morridow watches in alarm as the ventilation shaft ahead is ripped open.紧接着是金属被暴力撞击的刺耳噪音，默莉朵眼睁睁看着前方的通风管道被撕开一个大洞。

A familiar Doll emerges.熟悉的人形从中露脸。

LaplaceDid that brat really produce such a low-quality replica? You should out-spec her, no?那小子造出来的仿制品这么低劣吗？ 理论上你的性能应该优于对方。

MorridowTheoretically, yes. But tactically speaking, reactivating Gray was probably the smartest move those rats have made. Gray knows the Paradeus base even better than I do.理论上是这样没错，拉普拉斯大人。 但从战术来说，不得不承认重新启用格雷是这群渣滓做出的最正确的决策。 格雷对帕拉蒂斯基地的了解程度甚至超过了我。

Morridow...Open fire!……集火！

White NytoYes, Sister!是！

Without reducing speed, the Nytos shove their gun barrels out of the windows and fire at AK-15.车速丝毫不减，涅托们的枪管伸出车窗，朝着AK-15出现的方向开火。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

AK-15 nimbly drops down and charges the lead vehicle...AK-15已经敏捷地跳下，朝着最前的一辆车冲去……

Crash! Under AK-15's intense firepower, the front vehicle loses control and slams into the tunnel wall.轰隆—— 在AK-15的火力覆盖下，头车失去控制一头撞向通道侧壁。

White Nytos crawl out of the overturned vehicle and concentrate their fire on AK-15.从翻倒的车厢内逃出的白涅托聚集在一起，向着AK-15倾泻火力。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

Morridow calmly maneuvers the vehicle to swerve past AK-15, who is currently surrounded, and speeds toward their destination.默莉朵冷静地驾驶车辆绕开被包围的AK-15，朝着目的地飞驰。

MorridowPin her down.给我困死她。

White Nyto...Understood.……是。

The sound of gunfire fades behind them. Laplace turns to Morridow.枪声在身后远去，拉普拉斯望向默莉朵。

LaplaceThe surveillance system is all offline, yet the enemy can still track us. It's clear that information security is now our top priority.监控系统已经全部关闭，但敌人还能找到我们的位置，看来信息安全是要解决的当务之急。

MorridowUnderstood... I'm searching for their breach point.明白……我正在寻找她们的骇入点。

LaplaceDon't bother. Just erase the entire ST-series tunnel from the main control system. You hardly need a satellite map down here, do you?不用费这个功夫，直接把整个ST系列通道从主控制系统里删掉。 难道在这里，你还需要卫星地图？

MorridowGot it. Erasing it will take a bit of time and require privilege elevation...好的。 删除的话还需要一些时间和权限申请……

As Morridow accelerates, she begins the process of severing the connection between the tunnel and the system.默莉朵加快速度的同时，处理起了剥离系统的工作。

Amaris...Has DEFY engaged Morridow already?……忤逆已经和默莉朵交上手了吗？

AK-12Yes, AK-15 is pursuing the target.是的，AK-15正在追赶目标。

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯——

Amaris hears intense gunfire, along with the sudden roar of revving engines.阿玛瑞丝听见了激烈的枪声，和明显加快的引擎声。

AN-94Morridow has disconnected the entire tunnel system from main control.默莉朵将整个地下通道的控制系统离线了。

AmarisOh, she just did us a huge favor...那真是帮大忙了……

Amaris' lips curl into a cruel smile.阿玛瑞丝的嘴角弯起残酷的弧度。

AmarisI'll have Gray cut all power to the tunnels. Let's give our grand entrance a bit of dramatic flair.我会让格雷把地下通道的所有电力系统切断。 给接下来各位的登场制造一点神秘的氛围。

Clang. All lights go out. In the pitch-black tunnel, only headlights remain.咣。 所有的光源消失，漆黑的通道内仅有车灯照亮。

White NytoSister Morridow, there seems to be a power failure. Should we stop?默莉朵姐姐，电力系统好像出现了故障，要停下吗？

Morridow... No. Keep going.…… 不，继续前进。

White NytoYes, Sister.是。

BOOM! A loud noise rings out from the vehicle in the back of the convoy.嘭！ 尾车的方向传来一声巨响。

Then comes a thunderous crash—紧接着，轰——

Morridow feels a massive impact to the rear of their vehicle and brakes hard.默莉朵感受到车尾遭受到强烈的撞击，她堪堪刹住了车。

White NytoSister Morridow, we're under attack!默莉朵姐姐，有敌人发动袭击！

Through the rearview mirror, Morridow sees the figure of a Doll emerging in the trailing vehicle's headlights, her hair catching the light.通过后视镜，默莉朵看见后车车灯照亮的范围里，走出一个发丝反着光的人形。

MorridowNo way! DEFY has caught up!见鬼！是忤逆追上来了！

White NytoSister Morridow, our vehicle won't start...默莉朵姐姐，我们的车辆无法启动……

Morridow...You distract her. Watch out for other DEFY members.……你们去吸引住她的注意力。 注意其他忤逆成员。

White NytoUnderstood!是！

BOOM! Almost as soon as the words leave her mouth, Morridow watches as the remaining Nytos get taken down.轰—— 几乎是话音刚落，默莉朵就看见剩下的几名涅托倒在了地上。

LaplaceThis vehicle's done. Time for a new plan.这辆车已经开不走了，换个方案吧。

MorridowLady Laplace, I'll cover the rear... You keep going. There's an emergency elevator up ahead—it leads to an abandoned castle in the Fasanerie Conservation Area. I'll have someone meet you there. Once I shake DEFY, I'll regroup with you right away.拉普拉斯大人，我来断后…… 您继续朝前走，前面有一台应急电梯，通向法萨内利保护区的一处废弃古堡。 我会派人去接应您，等我甩开忤逆，会立刻前去跟您汇合。

LaplaceAlright.嗯。

Bang-bang-bang! Half-opening the door, Morridow fires behind her to cover Laplace's retreat.呯呯呯—— 半开车门，默莉朵抬枪朝身后的忤逆射击，为拉普拉斯掩护。

Under the cover of darkness, Laplace merges into the shadows, heading forward.借着黑暗，拉普拉斯融入阴影，朝着前方离去。

MorridowWhy are you strays even here? The entire world's hunting you—got nowhere else to go?你们这些丧家之犬怎么还来？ 全世界都在通缉你们，没地方去了吗？

AN-94Nowhere's better than dead.没地方去，或许也比死了好。

AN-94 coldly pulls the trigger. Bang-bang-bang!AN-94冷冷地扣动扳机，呯呯呯——

Morridow jumps from the vehicle and gives chase.默莉朵迅速下车追击。

Swish...唰——

She suddenly realizes AN-94 is merely drawing her away from the vehicle.她猛然间意识到，AN-94只是在引诱自己离开车。

Bam! A heavy blow strikes from behind. Morridow narrowly dodges, but the close brush with death leaves her drenched in cold sweat.嘭—— 一记重击从身后袭来。 默莉朵堪堪躲开，只觉一身冷汗。

AK-15... I was too slow.…… 慢了。

AN-94No matter. There'll be plenty more chances.没事，机会多的是。

Thud. Something heavy hits the vehicle roof.哒。身后的车顶传来重物坠落的声音。

AK-12 deactivates her cloak and reveals herself.AK-12关闭隐身显出身形。

AK-12We've been looking forward to finishing that fight we started at Avernus. If you go down in one hit, we'll be pretty disappointed, Miss Morridow.阿佛那斯那场没打完的架，忤逆可是一直期待到了现在。 要是一击终结，我们会对默莉朵小姐很失望的。

Morridow glances toward the darkness where Laplace has already vanished. She spreads her hands and shrugs in mild exasperation.默莉朵回头望向已经消失在黑暗中的拉普拉斯，有些无奈地摊了摊手。

MorridowThe star has already exited. Isn't that your cue to wrap it up?主角已经退场，你们也差不多得了吧。

AK-12This business of war always comes with risks. In an unlit, unmonitored tunnel like this, accidents are only natural.战场的生意向来是有风险的，在这没有监控也没有电力的地下隧道，一不小心走火也是很常见的情况。

Morridow... Hey now, I've already done as you asked—I got the target to the designated location. Don't tell me you're here to kill the informant too?…… 喂喂我已经按照你们的要求将目标送到指定地点，难不成还要清扫线人吗？

AK-12That's between you and the Commander. Our orders...那是你和指挥官之间的交易。 我们接到的任务……

AK-12...Are to clean out Paradeus.是过来清扫帕拉蒂斯。

MorridowAnd here I thought the Commander was someone with mercy and principle. Turns out they're as cold-blooded as the rest... I've done plenty to help their plan—guess this is what I get for my kindness.我还以为指挥官是个有情有义的靠谱对象呢，没想到也这么冷血啊…… 亏我还为指挥官的计划做了不少工作，真是好心没好报。

Morridow looks at DEFY... with an exaggerated look of disappointment.默莉朵望着忤逆……脸上故意露出一种失望的情绪。

AK-12"Kindness". You?原来默莉朵小姐，还有“心”这种东西。

Morridow stands up and unfolds her mechanical limbs as she prepares for battle.默莉朵站起来，张开机械义肢，做好了充足的战斗准备。

72-A-24 她在时间的尽头

...Outside an abandoned castle in the Fasanerie Conservation Area. Laplace walks toward the handful of Nytos waiting to receive her.……法萨内利保护区，废弃的古堡前。 几名涅托已经做好了接应的准备，拉普拉斯走向她们。

White NytoLady Laplace, please come with us to the safe house. Sister Morridow said she'll be arriving shortly.拉普拉斯大人，请随我们前往安全屋，默莉朵姐姐说她很快就到。

LaplaceRight.嗯。

Laplace follows them coolly, utterly oblivious to the eyes that are trailing her.拉普拉斯淡然地跟上，全然没有在意追随自己的眼睛。

...In the distance. Through her scope, Amaris clearly sees the figure approaching the castle.……远处。 透过瞄准镜，阿玛瑞丝清晰地看着那个人走向古堡。

Her finger nearly gives in to the urge to pull the trigger—but she knows patience is needed now. This performance is about to reach its climax.她的手指几乎要按捺不住扣下去的冲动，但她知道现在需要耐心。 这一幕戏，即将抵达它的高潮。

AmarisWhether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer... the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune... Or to take arms against a sea of troubles... and by opposing end them...默然忍受命运的暴虐毒箭，或是挺身反抗人世的无涯苦难。 这两种行为，究竟哪一种更高贵？

...Castle corridor. A white Nyto leads Laplace to the door of the safe house.……古堡走廊。 白涅托引领拉普拉斯来到安全屋前。

White NytoLady Laplace, we will stand guard outside. If you need anything, please just let us know.拉普拉斯大人，我们会在门外守卫。 您有任何需要可以直接叫我们。

LaplaceSure.嗯。

With a cold nod, Laplace steps inside the room.冷淡地点点头，拉普拉斯走进房间。

...The moment the door opens, the stench of decay and ruin rushes to meet her— Fitting for a castle long abandoned, and not unlike what remains of Laplace's life.……打开房间的瞬间，扑面而来就是一股废弃溃败的气息。 符合古堡遭到遗弃的身份，也像极了拉普拉斯余下的生命。

A long-awaited respite from the dreaded overhead light. Laplace stands by the window. If anyone else were present, they'd surely think this scientist is pondering a new project.这是久违的远离灯光的时刻。 拉普拉斯站在窗边，如果此时有其他人在，一定会认为这位科学家在思考着什么新的项目。

But in truth, she's thinking about nothing at all. It's like the final moments of an experiment—all that remains is to wait. Wait for the liquid in the flask to reach its final boil and cool. The numbers and steps need no further adjustment... For the result to come— Laplace feels no excitement or joy. Only a quiet calm.但实际上，她什么都没有想。 就像实验到了最后关头，只需要等待。 等待烧瓶中的液体进行最后的沸腾和冷却。 数值和步骤都已经不需要再调整些什么…… 对于即将到来的结果…… 拉普拉斯甚至没有欣喜之类的激动情绪，而是一种淡淡的平静。

Laplace...Even the strongest will is touched by the decay of aging flesh. To enjoy youth while young, and fame and fortune in old age—that is a worldly delight. But those who have broken free of time itself... What drives their joy, their sorrow, their anger...?……衰老的肉体机能，还是会对精神力有些许影响。 能够在年轻的时候享受青春，年老的时候享受名利确实是一种世俗的快乐。 不知道打破时间这条界限的生物……其喜怒哀乐的动力又在哪里……

Thud—something heavy hits the floor outside the door, one after another. Laplace frowns and glances toward the entrance.咚——门口接连传来几声重物倒地的声音。 拉普拉斯皱了皱眉，望向门口。

LaplaceTell me what you see.转述视野。

Nobody opens the door. Only a faint voice reaches her through the wooden panel.没有人推开门，只有白涅托隔着门板传来一声低语。

White NytoLady Laplace... be careful... inside...拉普拉斯大人……小心……里面……

Laplace snaps back into focus and walks toward the door. It has been locked from the outside.拉普拉斯回过神来，她走向门口，那里已经被上锁。

Calmly, she reaches into the inner pocket of her coat. She draws a Browning with only six bullets.她淡定地将手伸入衣服内袋里。 那是一把只有六发子弹的勃朗宁。

Then, she turns around—然后她转过身——

In all the long years that Laplace had spent working in the Avernus lab, she had not seen any natural light. There had only been the endless glow of work lamps in the lab. And now, though the sun blazes outside... In here, there is only darkness.常年在阿佛那斯实验室工作的拉普拉斯几乎没有感受过自然光线。 那时实验室只有无休止的工作灯。 而现在，明明室外是明媚的晴天。 但这里却只有黑暗。

A human's ears are not as keen as a Nyto's.人类的耳朵不如涅托灵敏。

But a human's breath is also not as quiet as a Nyto's.但人类的呼吸也是。 无法像涅托一样彻底隐藏住。

That's how Laplace knows—in the darkness across from her.... lurks a person.因此拉普拉斯知道，对面的黑暗里……藏着一个人。

Click. From the shadows ahead comes a crisp sound.咔哒。 清脆的声响，来自前方的黑暗。

A young woman steps out slowly from the dark, holding a Makarov pistol.一个年轻人举着马卡洛夫手枪从阴影中缓缓走出。

A stranger's face—yet Laplace is all too familiar with the way her eyes blaze... With immense hatred and fury that consumes her whole being.陌生的面孔，却有着熟悉的眼神。 深入骨髓的恨，煎熬五脏的怒。

Laplace...Who are you?……谁？

Laplace can tell right away that the girl has no intent to shoot—at least not immediately. That moment of restraint piques her interest.一瞬间看穿对方没有立刻开枪的意图，拉普拉斯对眼前全然陌生的女孩产生了些许兴趣。

Nele...Martha Maitner. Capita. Laplace. You've ceased to be human—you've become a demon, through and through.……玛莎•迈特纳，死罪，拉普拉斯。 你已经从人类，彻底地变成了恶魔。

LaplaceHow curious. I'd say this transformation has made me more true to myself than ever.有趣，我倒是觉得这种变化使得我更像我自己。

NeleThose who betray others will in turn be betrayed.背叛别人的人，自然也会被别人所背叛。

LaplaceI've long been prepared for that. In fact, the moment I saw you, I knew who it was that sold me out.我早已做好了准备。 不如说，看见你的这一刻，我已经知道出卖我的人是谁。

LaplaceBut what intrigues me more is... why are you here? After all, it's been so long since I last saw a living human.但我更好奇的是……你为什么会出现在这里？ 毕竟我已经很长时间，没有见过活着的人类了。

Nele...Gray Blackwell. Do you remember her?……格雷•布莱克薇尔。 你还记得她吗？

LaplaceOf course. She was the most outstanding of all my juniors.当然，她是我的后辈里，最为优秀的那一个。

NeleAnd how did you repay her? By leaving her soul in torment.而你给她的回报，就是让她死不瞑目。

Laplace...Torment? I helped her surpass the limits of human physiology at the peak of her achievements so that she would always remain in her most efficient state.……死不瞑目？ 我让她在技术巅峰期突破了人类机能的瓶颈，并以此为原点保持着最高效的状态。

LaplaceShe's the only one... the only advanced Nyto untouched by any other human's DNA. She became everything she'd ever dreamed of—an infallible surgical virtuoso. An eternal flower captured at the height of its brilliance. Is that not a blissful existence?她是唯一一个……没有掺杂其他人类的高级涅托。 她已经得到了梦寐以求的一切——永不失误的外科圣手。 如同一朵永生花绽放在最光鲜的时刻，这不是一种幸福吗？

Nele...Your idea of bliss... is to render her completely brain-dead, then defile her corpse with your monstrous Virtual Consciousness design? She once respected you so deeply... looked up to you so much...……你所谓的幸福……就是让她彻底地脑死亡，然后用你设计那套怪物虚识去侮辱她的尸体？ 她曾经那样尊敬你……那样仰视你……

LaplaceBack at Johns Hopkins, I once asked her what she wanted. She told me, "Medicine is a battlefield of black and white. Before the bulldog clamp and Liston knife, surgery was no different from murder. I wish to become... the most complete shade of gray on this path. "To pit the white of life against the black of death."那时候在霍普金斯大学，我问她想要什么？ 她的回复是—— 医学这条路上充斥着白与黑的博弈，没有牛角止血钳和李斯顿刀之前，手术跟杀人没有区别。她愿意成为这条路上……最完整的那抹灰色。 以生命之白对抗死亡之黑。

LaplaceI made her dream a reality. Now, she is the immortal "Lady of Ashes".我让她的理想实现了，现在的她是永垂不朽的“灰夫人”。

Nele...And what's the cost of that so-called immortality? Countless corpses scream beneath your feet... Can you even sleep at night?……这份永垂不朽的代价是什么？ 无数尸骨此刻正在你的脚下呐喊……你还睡得着吗？

LaplaceMedicine has always been a miracle paved with dead bodies. Since the advent of organ transplants, replacing one living heart has always meant taking another.医学本就是在累累白骨上一步一步踏出来的奇迹。 自从器官移植成为可能以来，替换一个活人心脏的就是另一个活人。

NeleMedical miracles are humanity's defiance against nature! And each dead soul is a reminder to every healer, that this is not a game or not a joke—this is life, heavy and sacred. The Black Death once wiped out a third of Europe's population. It was thanks to countless medical pioneers who gave their lives that we overcame it! But in the eyes of a devil like you... they're all just a 'necessary price' that you are happy to pay without a second thought...医学的奇迹是人类对抗自然的奇迹！ 每具堆叠其中的白骨是在提醒每一个行医的人——这不是游戏也不是玩笑，这是沉甸甸的生命！ 黑死病曾在欧洲夺走了三分之一的人口，是无数医道前辈，以自己的命为代价，克服了困难达成了奇迹！ 而在你这种魔鬼的眼中……他们都是代价……

LaplaceHumans are slaves to their genes. Those who can't adapt will naturally become the price of progress. And now, our genes enter a new era.人类是基因的奴隶。 因此无法适应这种挑选的人，就会成为代价。 而现在，我们的基因进入到全新的时代。

Nele...Then why don't you turn yourself into a Nyto?!……你怎么不把自己做成涅托？！

LaplaceBecause the scientist who operates on the fully immune individual must be a pure human. Otherwise, there's a risk of losing control over them. Those beings exert a staggering level of control over non-humans.因为能操刀完美免疫体的科学家必须是纯粹的人类，否则会有面临失控的风险。 因为那种生物，对于非人的控制强到可怕。

LaplaceI've always been racing against time. Geniuses among humans need to be nurtured with time before they find truth, but once they bloom, there's barely any time left in their lives to truly make use of their insight and experience. So I must maintain extreme focus with what limited time I have to complete this operation. In fact... I'm close to succeeding.我一直在跟时间赛跑。 人类中的天赋卓绝者，需要时间去浇灌才能触达真理。可当他们长成时，留给人类真正运用这经验的寿命却所剩无几。 所以，我必须在有限的时间内，保持着极高的专注力去完成这台手术。 事实上，我快要成功了。

Nele...No. You're about to fail.……不，你马上就要失败了。

LaplaceYou may be right. My choices have always been limited, after all. And my successor... is not a genius. He's singlehandedly taken the chance of success from 90%... down to nearly zero.也许确实如此，毕竟我能选择的余地太少。而我的继任者也不是一个天赋卓绝的人，他亲自将成功的可能性从90降低到了无限趋于0的情况。

Nele...You should drag him to hell with you— Instead of continuing to plague the world.……你该带着他一起下地狱。 而不是继续为祸人间。

...In this factory, where practically nothing has been left intact, Gray stands unscathed atop the ruins. Across from her, Bramedb is already on the verge of collapse. She is still upright only because Hebe is propping her up.……在这几乎找不到一件完整物品的工厂内，格雷毫发无伤地站在废墟上。 处在她对面的布拉梅德已经在力量枯竭的边缘，完全靠着赫柏在勉力支撑。

BramedbShe's not Gray at all... I don't even think she's a Paradeus unit...她根本不是格雷……我甚至觉得她不是帕拉蒂斯……

Hebe casts a rather disdainful glance at Bramedb, who is about to keel over.赫柏颇有些鄙夷地看了眼快要倒下的布拉梅德。

HebeGray died long ago. This is just an empty shell, a puppet controlled by someone else. Everything she does now is based entirely on her controller's commands.格雷早就死了，这只是一个空壳，一个任人摆布的傀儡。 她现在的所有行动都是基于操控者发出的指令。

BramedbCan't we sever their link?不能断开她们的链接吗？

HebeThat's your next task. You'd only drag me down if you stayed on the battlefield anyway.这就是你接下来的任务。 反正你留在战场也只是拖后腿。

Bramedb...I'll try.……我试试。

Bramedb retreats to the side and starts looking for a weakness in Gray's construct.布拉梅德退至一边，开始寻找格雷身上的突破口。

Meanwhile, Gray casually flicks the blood off her blade and unleashes a new wave of attack on Hebe—而格雷经过几番激战，只是淡然甩掉了刀刃上的血迹，朝着赫柏发起了新一轮的袭击——

Hebe's movements are as swift and agile as a gale, and her strikes are like needles hidden in a storm. Stealthy, fast, and deadly.赫柏的身姿轻盈敏捷得如一阵狂风，而她的攻击就像裹挟在风暴中的绵密的针。 隐匿，高速，致命。

Gray keeps up with her speed, blocking every attack—but it also means that she's fully caught in Hebe's rhythm. At certain moments, something flashes in Hebe's eyes—some kind of sigil—but whether due to their shared Paradeus nature or her own timely evasions, the mark never completes its imprint.格雷完全跟得上她的速度，阻挡她的每一次攻击，但这也意味着自己的节奏被对方完全牵制。 在某些片刻，赫柏的眼眸中闪烁着什么印记，但或许是因为同为帕拉蒂斯，又或许是因为自己恰好的避开，印记并未完成刻印。

BramedbStrange. Her virtual cognition image is incomplete. It's not a neural cloud either. It's almost like... a whole new kind of AI command system.奇怪，她的虚识图景并不完整，也不像心智云图，仿佛是一套全新的智能指挥系统。

HebeDestroy it.摧毁它。

Gray breaks free from Hebe's entanglement and charges directly at Bramedb—格雷脱离赫柏的牵制，径直冲向布拉梅德——

Boom— unable to dodge, Bramedb takes the hit head-on.嘭—— 躲闪不及的布拉梅德只能硬生生接下这一击。

Thud. The world spins as she's flung into a corner, slamming into the ground and unable to move for the moment.咚。天旋地转后，布拉梅德被甩出了角落，倒在地上暂时无法动弹。

For the first time, a grave expression crosses Hebe's face. This is the first time she has ever had to ask for help.赫柏的脸上第一次出现凝重的神情。 这是她第一次向其他人求救。

Hebe...This is beyond my understanding, Nemhran.……这已经超出了我的认知，尼梅兰。

NemhranI see... I'll contact Lady Laplace right away and inform her of this emergency. We cannot possibly resolve this on our own with our current resources.我知道了……现在紧急联络拉普拉斯大人。 现有的条件，我们没办法解决她。

A wider grin spreads across Amaris' face.阿玛瑞丝脸上的笑意更甚。

AmarisDr. Meitner, I wonder—after all these years, does your system still have the same flaws?玛莎博士，不知道这些年过去，你设计的系统是否还有同样的弱点？

On the live feed transmitted by DEFY, Amaris finally sees the central figure of Project Cocoon— A young girl, sleeping inside a cocoon-like incubator.看着忤逆传来的画面，阿玛瑞丝终于见到了茧计划的主角—— 沉睡在茧一样的培养舱中的少女。

AmarisLink me in.帮我链接。

AK-1294 just tried. Their system is incredibly robust. It withstood all of our cyber attacks.94刚刚已经试过了，它们的系统非常强悍，吃下了全部的电子攻击。

AmarisThat's exactly why I'm here. What destroyed Aliana was her correspondence to the Lake of Cognition—a place of energy extraction. My correspondence... must be this "Cocoon"—the impurity that gathers all energy. "Cocoon"... is the true key that's capable of destroying everything...这就是我在这里的理由。 摧毁艾莉安娜的，是她所对应的识底深湖，那是能量的夺取之地。 那么我对应的……就一定是“茧”……聚集着所有能量的杂质。 “茧”……才是那枚能摧毁一切的真正的钥匙……

AK-12...Stevens M520 mentioned that after Erma shut down the Summer Garden, only two fountains remained—Nadia and Lunasia. She left behind two keys... I used one to permanently seal Nadia. So could this be the last one...?……史蒂文斯520提过，艾尔玛关闭夏园之后，唯一能链接的两枚泉眼只剩下“娜迦”和露尼西亚，而她留下来两把钥匙……我用其中一把永久关闭了“娜迦”，那么这里莫非就是最后的……

Amaris...Unfortunately, it's not. But I've figured out the foundation of this design now.……很遗憾，并不是。 不过，现在这个设计的底层我已经能猜到了。

AmarisAs a control, the partially immune individual named Nadia had a one-way connection to the Lake of Cognition. That's why she failed and withered. "Cocoon" is the true vessel in Capita's design. The successful "Lunasia" must be able to connect to both the Lake and the Cocoon. And the "Lunasia" here has already emerged from her cocoon as a butterfly... What's left is just redundant data.名为“娜迦”的不完全免疫体作为对照组单向链接了识底深湖，所以她失败了，也枯萎了。 “茧”才是死罪设计出来的……真正的容器。 成功的“露尼西亚”必须同时拥有链接识底深湖和茧的能力。 而这边的“露尼西亚”已经破茧成蝶……留在这里的，只是冗余数据。

AK-12...So the key that Erma left behind is now useless?……那艾尔玛留下的那把钥匙没有用处了？

Amaris...Not at all. We're racing against time. The passage hasn't been fully opened yet.……并不，我们要和时间竞赛。 因为通道还没有被真正打通。

AmarisWe can still use this cocoon shell for something. After all, I am the a child of the moon—a gift of divine blessing. Capita... I'm truly grateful... Thank you for giving me this gift...我们现在还能利用这“茧”壳，来做点什么。 毕竟我是月亮的孩子，神赐福的礼物。 死罪……我很感谢你……感谢你赐予我这样的礼物……

...She steps into her own neural space, which is now emptied of all things.……进入自己的心智空间，这里已经空无一物。

AmarisNever thought this place would ever come in useful again.没想到，这里竟然还能再次派上用场。

AmarisAliana... in those final moments within the Lake of Cognition, what were you thinking?艾莉安娜……你在识底深湖的最后时刻，在想什么呢？

AmarisDid you finally figure out what you did wrong?你想明白自己到底做错了什么吗？

Amaris...Forget it. You'd never be able to puzzle it out……算了，你这辈子都想不明白。

AmarisSo be it. I'll never forgive you. And you don't can save your excuses.就这样吧，我绝不原谅你。 而你，也不需要任何解释。

She gently opens a door—and reveals a floor bathed in brilliant blue moonlight...轻轻抬手拉开门，那是一地湛蓝的月光……

Hebe's attacks increase in both speed and frequency.赫柏的攻击速度和频率加快了。

Clang— Gray's blade barely catches Hebe's sudden strike.铮—— 格雷的刀刃堪堪架住了赫柏的突袭。

BramedbSister Hebe...赫柏姐姐……

Bramedb struggles to her feet, only to collapse again. Hebe wants to respond—but her face contorts in horror. Sensing opportunity, Gray charges again—勉力站起来的布拉梅德重新跪倒在地上，赫柏想要回应什么，脸色却变得可怖起来。 意识到机会来临的格雷重新蓄力发起攻击——

Boom!嘭！

A black figure dashes in from Hebe's blind spot, ramming into her with full force and pushing her out of harm's way. It's Morridow. But she doesn't seem to be faring very well herself.一道黑色的身影从视线死角中冲出，尽全力撞开了自己。 是默莉朵。 不过她的情况看起来也并不乐观。

HebeWhy did you come back? Where's Lady Laplace?你怎么回来了？拉普拉斯大人呢？

MorridowWe'll talk later.稍后再解释。

Morridow deploys her mechanical limbs and picks up both Bramedb and Hebe.默莉朵展开机械义肢，抱起了布拉梅德和赫柏。

Then she vanishes.随后，她的身影消失在了原地。

GrayShould I pursue? Awaiting orders.是否继续追踪？请下达指令。

AmarisNo need. Your mission is complete. Return to base.不必，你的任务已经完成，返回基地吧。

GrayUnderstood.是。

After purging the redundant data in the "Cocoon", Amaris gazes into the radiant daylight. She sighs sentimentally.消除“茧”的冗余数据后，阿玛瑞丝看着这明媚的天光。 不由得感慨。

Amaris...Such beautiful weather... and it's almost the most beautiful time of day...……真是个美丽的天气…… 也快到一天之中最美的时光了……

Dusk... Fleeting, ephemeral dusk...黄昏…… 稍纵即逝的黄昏……

Without a care for the Doll's hope for dusk to linger, night falls.丝毫不在意人形的眷恋与挽留，夜晚降临了。

AmarisCapita, I'm here.死罪，我来了。

LaplaceI understand why you've come. But as your senior, would you allow me to leave a few words for my successor on this project? Eavesdropping on his comms shouldn't do you any harm.我已经了解你来此的目的。 不过，作为你的前辈，能否容许我给项目继任者留点遗言？ 从你的角度来说，监听他的通讯，也不算什么坏事。

Nele...I'd be delighted to hear Satan's confession.……我很乐意聆听撒旦忏悔的声音。

LaplaceThen I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.那恐怕要让你失望了。

Laplace sets down her Browning. She picks up the communicator from the table.拉普拉斯放下了手中的勃朗宁。 从桌上拿起了通讯器。

Click. A comms request that usually takes ages to be answered goes through almost instantly today.滴滴—— 往日需要等待良久的通讯，今天却被很快接起。

???...Professor, calling to give your last will and testament?……老师，你是来交代遗言的吗？

LaplaceNemhran has taken over the escort mission herself. The subject should have reached the White Zone by now. Sections 01.59 to 20.01 of "Avernus C. Hela" are largely complete. Remember to keep the temperature at around 25°C and humidity at 40%. There are five days left in the surgical window. Make sure not to waste it.实验的后续护送由尼梅兰亲自接手，现在这个时间点应该已经在白区了。 编号Avernus C. Hela的01.59至20.01部分已经基本完成，记得把温度控制在25摄氏度左右，湿度保持在40%。 这台手术的窗口期还剩5天，一定要把握住这个机会。

???...Heh, don't worry. I understand this part far better than you think. In fact, there is a lot that you don't know—for example... Do you know who wants you dead?……呵，放心，这部分我比您以为的要清楚更多。 而您不知道的可就太多了，比如…… 您知道是谁要杀你吗？

LaplaceI know it's you.我知道是你。

???Want to know why?想知道原因吗？

LaplaceIt doesn't matter. As long as you follow my instructions and finish the work.这不重要。 只要你按照我说的，把后续工作收尾。

???This operation will only go perfectly without you.没有你，这台手术才会是最完美的。

Laplace...You'd better stick precisely to my logs and annotations. William, your talent and ability aren't enough to reach a perfect outcome.……你最好严格按我留下的日志和批注执行下去。 威廉，你本人的天赋和能力不足以抵达完美的结局。

???Is that so? Yet my fame and accomplishments will far surpass yours. I will surpass you, and all your so-called rivals. This final, most important surgery can only be completed by me and me alone.是吗？但我的名声和成就，都将远远超过你。 超过你和你以为的那些对手们。 最后这场最重要的手术，它只配由我来完成。

Laplace... I hope you get what you want. I wish the same for myself. Though now, I'm a little concerned...…… 我祝你得偿所愿，也祝我得偿所愿。 虽然，我现在略微有点担心……

???You don't have any more time to be concerned... I'll let you wrap it up.你现在没有更多时间担心了…… 最后再给你一句话的空间吧。

LaplaceSure, Hume lived and died in obscurity, and you'll achieve worldwide renown. But in the field of scientific research... you can't even hold a candle to Persica, let alone me or Shaw. How did Lunasia end up with such a foolish brother like you?也许休谟一生寂寂无名，而你最终名扬天下。 可在科研这条路上……别说我，或者肖，你甚至比不上帕斯卡。 露尼西亚怎么会有你这么个愚蠢的弟弟？

Click... William hangs up the call.啪…… 威廉挂断了通讯。

Laplace turns again to the girl pointing a gun at her.拉普拉斯重新看向了面前持枪的陌生女孩。

NeleAny last words?你还有什么话想说。

LaplaceLittle girl, your hands are shaking—you've never killed before, have you? You're nothing like my other student.小姑娘，你拿枪的手不稳，是第一次杀人？ 和我另一个学生一点也不像。

Nele...Firing at this range, I can kill you even if my hands are shaking.……在这样的距离面前，就算是不稳的手，也可以杀死你。。

Laplace ignores the threat to her own life and holds out the comms tablet in front of her, which shows the data that Hebe has sent to her.拉普拉斯无视被压迫的生命，将手里的通讯平板放在面前，那是赫柏共享而来的数据。

LaplaceDid you create this Gray?这个格雷，是你亲手造出来的？

Laplace looks up and takes a good, long look at the girl. When she sees the badge on Nele's chest, she smiles knowingly.拉普拉斯抬起头来，认认真真地打量起眼前的小姑娘。 看见奈乐胸前的徽章，她了然地笑了笑。

LaplaceYou're her student. That badge—she and I designed it together. She liked giving it to her protégés.你是她的学生。 这枚徽章由我和她一起设计，她喜欢将它送给后辈。

Nele...You're not worthy to mention her name!……你不配提到老师！

LaplaceAs a believer in science, I never took stock in religious concepts. But your appearance now makes me believe in karma. To think the one who will inherit my legacy... is you.作为科学的信徒，我从不相信宗教里的概念。 但你的出现，确实让我相信了因果这种东西。 原来继承我衣钵的人……是你。

Nele's eyes widen in disbelief.奈乐瞪大了双眼。

NeleWhat nonsense are you talking about?你在胡说八道些什么？

LaplaceGenius is a fusion of talent and passion. Gaining knowledge of what you seek is pleasure in itself. Admit it—when you dissected Gray, you gained knowledge... and joy. Well? My creation is excellent, isn't it? I'm glad—because it turns out you are my true successor... Compared to Gray or William—you're more like me.天赋是擅长与热爱的合集。 获得所求之道的知识本身就是一种快乐。 承认吧，解剖格雷的时候，你从中得到了知识……以及快乐。 怎么样，我的作品很杰出吧。我很高兴，原来……你才是我的传人…… 比起格雷，比起威廉，你更像我。

NeleNo! I was driven only by hatred! I didn't gain anything!我没有！驱使我的从来只有仇恨，我没有从中获得任何东西！

LaplaceWhat's the difference between a med student and a serial killer? Little girl, the answer is—there's no difference. The adrenaline and endorphins bring them the same joy.医学生和连环变态杀手的区别是什么？ 小姑娘，答案是——没有区别。 肾上腺素和内啡肽分泌给她们带来的快感毫无二致。

NeleLaplace, I'm nothing like you! Maybe I did pursue the unknown in the past. I thought I'd be thrilled when I made a breakthrough—but when I came face-to-face with your monstrous Nytos... All I felt was pain and disgust. Laplace... you betrayed the Hippocratic oath.拉普拉斯，我跟你这种恶魔完全不一样！ 也许在过去，我的确追逐着这未知的一切。 我以为当我突破的时候我会非常兴奋，但我看见涅托这种怪物的时候…… 我只感到了痛苦，与恶心。 拉普拉斯……你背叛了希波克拉底誓言。

LaplaceThat's the one thing I never betrayed.唯有这件事，我从未背叛。

Laplace tosses the tablet aside.拉普拉斯将手里的平板扔在一边。

Laplace...Gray was right. Family legacy... resource allocation... none of it matters... Before true talent and passion, those things are meaningless. Whether you admit it or not... you're my best student.……格雷说的是对的，家族传承……资源倾斜……全都没有用…… 在真正的天赋与热爱之前，那些全部没有用。 不管你承认不承认……你才是我最好的学生。

Nele breaks down and shouts—奈乐陷入崩溃的大声呼喊——

NeleNo! You're not my teacher! You're not worthy of being my teacher! My only teacher is Gray!没有！你不是我的老师！ 你不配做我的老师！ 我的老师只有格雷！

Laplace...Knowledge is a curse. ...Talent is a curse. One day, you'll admit... what you inherited from me is what you've been pursuing your whole life... The passcode to the "Hela" project logs is...……知识即诅咒。 ……天赋即诅咒。 总有一天，你会承认……从我这里得到的，才是你毕生追求的…… “海拉”项目的日志密钥是……

Nele can't fight the urge anymore—she fires.奈乐忍不住开了枪——

No aim, no precision—just pure rage, aimed at the source of her fury— This woman who's now spewing nothing but madness... This senior once admired so deeply by her mentor...没有准头可言，她尽力对着怒火的源头—— 这个现在满嘴胡说八道的女人…… 这个老师眼中光芒万丈的学姐……

This bastard...这个混蛋……

She has to die!她必须去死！

She must die!必须去死！

GO TO HELL!去死！

Laplace...SFDSEGBWQE1345...……SFDSEGBWQE1345……

Laplace collapses in a pool of her own blood, life draining rapidly from her body, but she still struggles to speak her final words.拉普拉斯倒在血液里，生命在这具躯体飞速流逝，而她还在勉力吐出最后的词句。

Laplace...To me... legacy is immortality... Now... I am finally... alive...……对我来讲……传承即永生…… 现在……我才真正地……活着……

Fwoosh— Amaris pushes open the window and vaults in from the rooftop.唰—— 阿玛瑞丝推开窗，从天台翻入房间。

She steps over Laplace's corpse, walks up to Nele, and gently pries the gun from her hand.她绕开拉普拉斯的尸体，走到奈乐面前，轻轻掰开她的手，取下手枪。

AmarisIt's over now.都结束了。

NeleAmaris, I'm sorry. This was your mission. I shouldn't have pulled the trigger... I was too selfish...阿玛瑞斯，对不起，这本来是你的任务。 我不该开枪……我太任性了……

AmarisI was right outside.我刚刚就在外面。

Nele...Why...……为什么……

AmarisNele, we're different. You wanted an explanation—I only wanted an outcome. Only when you expect something from someone do you want to hear their explanation.奈乐，我们不一样。 你需要一个解释，而我只需要一个结果。 只有对对方有期待，才会想要想听一个人解释。

AmarisMaybe in your subconscious... you thought this senior—respected so deeply by Professor Gray—would give you some noble excuse that justifies her actions. One that would let you find closure, let you believe she was worthy of Gray's respect.也许在你的潜意识里…… 这个备受格雷女士尊敬的学姐，会给你一个充满苦衷的冠冕堂皇的理由。 让你得到释怀，认为她值得格雷女士的尊敬。

AmarisThat's why I never wanted to hear her explanation. Because if I did, I might start to believe that she really was my mother—that kind of mother. And that... would put me in a great deal of pain.这就是为什么我绝对不需要她的解释。 因为如果听了她的解释，那我就会忍不住认为，她真的是我的母亲，真的是……那样的母亲。那样的话我会非常的痛苦。

Nele stares blankly at the window. Heavy, dark curtains block out even the faintest light.奈乐怔怔地看向窗台，厚重的深色窗帘没有透出一丝光来。

NeleWhat time is it now?现在是什么时候了？

AmarisIt's night.是夜晚。

Nele... The forecast says... there's no sun tomorrow.…… 天气预报，明天没有太阳。

AmarisBut day has already broken. With daybreak... comes a new day.但是曙光出现了。 明天和曙光，会一起到来。

72-A-26 生者保守秘密

...Inside the industrial park, Offenbach District.……奥芬巴赫区，工业园区内。

Whoosh... whoosh... On the desolate streets, several news vans speed past, all heading in the same direction.嗖——嗖—— 冷清的街道上，多辆采访车疾驰而过，朝着同一方向飞去。

Screech.吱嘎。

After bringing their vans to a crisp halt, the reporters quickly disembark to secure the best filming spots. Almost simultaneously, over a dozen uniformed Stasi agents begin moving in and out of a factory, carrying out sealed crates and placing them right within the cameras' line of sight. Everything is perfectly timed—like the opening scene of a meticulously staged play.利落地停车后，记者们匆匆站好最佳拍摄点，几乎是同时，十几名身着制服的斯塔西特工开始频繁进出工厂，将一箱箱货物搬出，放在能被摄像头清晰捕捉的范围内。 一切都恰到好处，完美得像是一场舞台剧的开演。

ReporterI am now standing inside the Offenbach Industrial Park. Behind me is a factory that has been closed for several months due to poor management. Before its shutdown, this factory mainly produced electric wheelchairs and other rehabilitation equipment. According to sources, the production line was reactivated a few days ago—but this time, what's coming off the belts isn't medical gear, but devastating weapons...各位，我现在正在奥芬巴赫的工业园区内，我身后是一家因经营不善而关闭数月的工厂，在关闭前，这家工厂的主营业务是电动轮椅等康复器械。 据悉数日前，生产线被重新启用，只不过从履带上下来的不再是康复器械，而是爆炸力惊人的武器……

The camera shifts to where the reporter is pointing—sealed crates being hauled out by the agents.镜头转向记者指向的地方——一箱箱严格密封的货物正被特工们搬出。

ReporterThe Stasi has now shut down this factory, along with seven others in the Offenbach Industrial Park, on charges of illegal manufacture of explosives, endangering public safety, and treason. All these factories were secretly producing a weapon known as "Iaso's Box". There is concrete evidence linking this weapon to the Berlin bombing months ago, as well as the recent series of explosions in Frankfurt. According to a Stasi spokesperson, the factory manager is already in custody. Interrogation is underway. We will continue to follow the story closely.据悉，斯塔西已经以非法制造爆炸物品、危害公共安全秩序、叛国等罪名，查封了这家工厂和奥芬巴赫工业园区的其他7家工厂。 这些工厂都在秘密生产某种名为“伊阿索之匣”的武器，有确切的证据表明，正是这种武器与数月前的柏林爆炸案和近日法兰克福的一系列爆炸案件有关。 据斯塔西发言人称，目前工厂负责人已被控制。审讯工作正在进行中，详细的案情进展本台将持续关注。

All of a sudden, a commotion erupts behind the reporter—an uproar from the gathered crowd. The camera immediately follows—记者的身后突然传来一阵喧哗声，骚动来自围观群众。 镜头立刻追随而去——

Inside the distant factory, several medics emerge carrying a stretcher. A man lies on it, his face covered. From the blood dripping from his limp arm, it is clear that he has suffered horrific abuse.远处的工厂内，几名医护人员正提着担架向外走出，担架上躺着一名面部被遮挡的男子。 从男子垂下担架的正在滴血的手臂来看，他显然遭遇了可怕的虐待。

Bang.嘭。

The car door slams shut, cutting off the reporters' clamoring.车门被关闭，将外面记者采访的嘈杂也一并隔绝。

Q casts a cold glance at the motionless man on the stretcher. As the vehicle starts, the stretcher begins to jolt slightly.Q冷冷看了眼毫无动静的担架，随着车辆启动，担架也开始有了轻微的颠簸。

QHow long are you planning to keep up the act?打算演到什么时候？

Swish. The man on the stretcher sits up, yanking off the cover from his face and disgustedly wiping away the fake blood on his arm.唰。担架上的男子坐起，一把扔掉了脸上的遮挡，嫌恶地擦掉了手臂上的仿真血浆。

JVerdammt noch mal! What took you so long to get me out?靠，你怎么才来救我？

JDo you have any idea what I've been through these past days?!你知不知道这些天我过的什么日子？！

Q takes a sip from the now-cold coffee in hand with a frown.Q皱了皱眉，喝了口手里已经冷掉的咖啡。

QJust be grateful. Nobody had any plans to rescue you. If the Commander hadn't come up with a perfect plan, the next agent codenamed J would've already started the job.知足吧你，本来没人打算救你的，要不是指挥官想出了一个完美的计划，下一个代号J的特工已经入职了。

QRight, don't forget to send one last message to Frau Nele, who's been looking after you.对了，记得给这些天照顾你的奈乐小姐发个最后的讯息。

J...Frau Nele who?……什么奈乐小姐？

QMaybe try polishing up your terrible acting. Once we're back at HQ, all your personal contact channels are getting deleted.麻烦精进下你的拙劣演技。 等回到总部后，你那些私人联系频道全都得删除了。

JWasn't I getting a commendation?不是说要表彰我吗？

QThat was all for show. You really bought into it, "Hero Agent J"?演给外人看的罢了，你还真入戏了？英雄特工J？

J snatches the new communicator from Q with a scowl.J愤愤地接过Q递来的全新通讯器。

The Commander receives intelligence transmitted back from Task Force DEFY.指挥官收到了忤逆传输回来的情报。

AK-12We've acquired complete intel on the new Nyto. Her codename is "Hebe".我们已经获取新涅托的完整情报，她的代号是“赫柏”。

AK-12Also, bad news—aside from this Hebe, there's another high-level Nyto lurking in Frankfurt. No specifics yet.还有个坏消息，除“赫柏”外，现在的法兰克福还隐藏着另一位高级涅托，不过，暂不清楚她的具体信息。

CommanderAlmost there... Once we have intel on her, we can prepare for the final sweep.快了……等确认她的情报，我们就可以准备最后的收网了。

Just as the communicator is put down, it rings again.刚放下通讯器，就又响了起来。

AR-18 brings over another cup of coffee.AR-18新添了一杯咖啡。

AR-18Commander, it's a call from Mr. Kryuger.指挥官，这是克鲁格先生的通讯。

Commander...Kryuger?!……克鲁格？！

The Commander picks up at once.指挥官立刻接起。

CommanderMr. Kryuger?克鲁格先生？

KryugerYes, it's me.是我。

CommanderFinally, a call from you... Does this mean you and Helian are safe?我终于收到您的通讯了…… 这是否说明您和赫丽安已经安全了？

KryugerYes, we've been released.嗯，我们已经被释放了。

CommanderThat's great news!太好了！

KryugerThe Earl told me you and the Stasi took down Paradeus' Project Cocoon...爵士告诉我，你和斯塔西联手铲除了帕拉蒂斯的“茧”计划……

CommanderYes, their leader Laplace has been eliminated. Only William remains...嗯，他们的首脑拉普拉斯已被击毙，现在只剩下威廉……

Kryuger...Commander, we're so proud of you.……指挥官，我们真为你感到骄傲。

CommanderOnce we finish off William and the remnants of Paradeus, I'll come get you both home.等解决了威廉和帕拉蒂斯的余孽，我就可以来接你们回家了。

KryugerHome...回家……

KryugerLet's rebuild Griffin together, Commander.指挥官，我们去把格里芬重新建起来吧。

KryugerEven though the fire at the base burned for days, leaving almost nothing of the surface buildings... The good news is that it's finally burned out. It's the perfect time to rebuild. Now we can construct the new Griffin base exactly how we envision it.虽然基地的火已经绵延数日，几乎把地面建筑烧得什么也不剩。 但好消息是，这场火近日终于彻底平息了。 这对于重建来说正是绝佳时机，现在我们可以完全按自己的想法来建设新的格里芬基地了。

KryugerCommander, I want to invite you to join us—not as an employee, but as family.指挥官，我想邀请你加入我们，不是以雇员的身份，而是以家人的身份。

Looking out at the silent night, the Commander feels a calm unlike anything before.看着窗外寂静的夜色，指挥官的心里感到前有未有的静谧。

CommanderNothing would make me happier, Mr. Kryuger.求之不得，克鲁格先生。

Click. Q walks into Romy's office.咔哒。Q走进罗密的办公室。

The moment she enters, a cup of coffee is shoved into her hand.一进门，一杯咖啡就被塞到了手里。

Finn HoffmannCongratulations, Agent Q. Another impressive achievement. This cup's on the Director.恭喜你啊，Q探员，又多了笔漂亮的业绩。 这杯是部长请的。

QThanks, ma'am. Finally got you to buy me a coffee.谢谢部长，终于喝到你请的咖啡了。

RomyHelp yourself to as much as you like. But about that vacation—I'm afraid you'll have to wait.咖啡随便你喝，休假的事还得再缓缓。

QDon't worry. I know the drill.放心吧，我有自觉的。

Q hands over a neatly prepared report to Romy.Q将整理好的报告递给罗密。

QThis operation seized a large batch of Paradeus products, including components, weapons, and Iaso' Boxes... A detailed inventory is attached. We've also secured all production lines of the Iaso's Box. Some were damaged. The condition of each line is listed in detail.这一次行动，我们缴获了一大批帕拉蒂斯的产品，包括部件、武器、伊阿索之匣……详细的清单已经附在后面了。 另外，我们拿下了伊阿索之匣的所有生产线，部分遭到了损毁，每条线路的详细情况也附在里面了。

QAnd—还有——

Before Q can finish, Romy removes the paperclip and pulls out a few pages, laying them on the desk. Q glances at them—it's the report on Paradeus' top-secret lab codenamed Cherry Orchard.没等Q说完，罗密已经取下文件的曲别针，抽出了几页放在桌上。 Q扫了一眼，是有关帕拉蒂斯最高机密实验室代号樱桃园的相关报告。

Hoffmann, who has been standing off to the side, casually takes the pages and feeds them into the shredder.站在一边的霍夫曼自然地接过，放进了碎纸机。

QMa'am, do these need editing or—?部长，这一部分是需要修改还是？

RomyMake no mention of them.不需要提及。

QI see.是。

Romy hands the rest of the report back to Q.罗密将剩余的报告交还给Q。

RomySomeone else will take over from here.之后有人来接手。

Nemhran pushes open the office door.尼梅兰推开了办公室的大门。

FriedrichWelcome to the office of the Chairman of the Socialist Unity Party. How—SED主席办公室，您——

The secretary's eyes widen.秘书瞪大了双眼。

FriedrichWhy are you here...? The Chairman...您怎么直接来这里了……主席……

NemhranRelax. I came through the secret passage and didn't come across anyone. I've already overridden all surveillance on the way up. No time for explanations now. I need to see the Chairman immediately.放心，我从秘密通道上来，没有见到任何人。 一路上的监控我全部覆盖掉了，现在没空交代多余的事情。 我需要立刻见到主席。

Friedrich...Chairman Oberstein isn't in at the moment.……奥贝斯坦主席现在不在。

After a brief moment of silence, Nemhran slowly sits down on the couch in the guest area.沉默了半晌，尼梅兰缓缓坐在会客区的沙发上。

NemhranTell him—Laplace is dead.告诉他，拉普拉斯死了。

72-A-28 世界一片寂静

TV Program HostGood afternoon. It is currently 1230 Frankfurt time on November 15th. Welcome to the news.各位观众，现在是11月15日法兰克福时间12点30分，欢迎收看时事新闻。

TV Program HostThe major illegal arms trafficking case involving weapons known as "Iaso's Boxes" has officially concluded. The scope of the case spans across multiple cities, including Berlin and Frankfurt. Authorities have confirmed the mastermind behind the operation to be Carter Petrovich Neustadt, a former member of the Neo-Soviet Army General Staff and Chief of Staff of an army group. The organization behind him operated under multiple false identities, establishing factories within our borders to illegally manufacture weapons and colluding with certain customs officials to smuggle them out. This group had allegedly been planning to use the weapons to launch an armed coup against Moscow. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urgently contacted the Neo-Soviet authorities and reached a consensus—any conspiracy that threatens peace must be crushed. Relevant departments have already begun the investigation and shutdown of these illegal weapons factories, and all confiscated weapons will be destroyed.近日，特大非法武器“伊阿索之匣”走私案正式结案，案件涉及范围包括柏林、法兰克福等地。 目前已经确认幕后主谋为新苏联前陆军总参谋部成员、集团军参谋长卡特•彼得诺维奇•诺伊施塔特…… 其背后组织使用多个虚假身份在我国境内开设工厂非法制造武器，勾结海关部门的部分官员实施武器走私。 据称该组织正在谋划使用这些武器发动针对莫斯科的武装政变。 我国外交部已紧急与新苏联方面取得联系并达成共识，势要将一切威胁和平的阴谋扼杀。 相关部门已经着手查处这一批非法武器工厂，缴获的武器也将一并销毁。

TV Program HostMeanwhile, an internal investigation into the customs officials involved has been initiated by the police. Yesterday, the Public Prosecutor's Office placed Carter Neustadt on Interpol's wanted list and issued a Red Notice for his arrest. We also call on the public to actively provide any leads to local law enforcement. Submissions can be sent to the following email address...同时，针对涉案的海关部门官员，警方也已经展开调查。 昨日，我国总检察院已将卡特•诺伊施塔特列入国际刑警组织通缉名单，发出红色通缉令。 也希望民众们积极向警局提供线索，接收邮箱为……

The shrill and abrupt sound of a defense alarm pierces the quiet night of Frankfurt.突兀的防空警报声划破了法兰克福宁静的夜晚。

Male Voice...We interrupt this broadcast to declare a national state of emergency. In accordance with government directives, we are now transmitting through the Emergency Alert System.……现在中断节目播送，发布国家紧急状态。 我们将响应政府要求在本次紧急情况下参与紧急警报系统。

Three mechanical alarm tones echo with a growing sense of foreboding.三声机械的警报声散布着不安。

Male VoiceThis is an emergency action notification. All broadcasting stations and cable systems must now transmit this emergency action notification. This is UFG Broadcasting. We will continue to serve the Frankfurt area. If you are not in this region, please tune in to your local news and emergency broadcast provider. You are now listening to the Frankfurt regional Emergency Alert System. Do not use your communicators unless necessary. Please keep your communication channels open for emergency use.这是紧急行动通知。 所有广播站及有线电视系统必须传送本紧急行动通知。 这里是UFG公司，我们将继续为法兰克福地区服务，如果您不在这个地区，请调频到为您所在的地区提供新闻和信息的电台。 您正在收听的是法兰克福地区的紧急警报系统。 不要使用通讯器，请保持您的通讯频道畅通以备不时之需。

A man repeats the message.男人重复了一遍内容。

After a brief pause, a woman continues the broadcast.短暂的停顿后，一位女士继续了发言。

Female VoiceGood evening. By the authority of General Secretary Groß, Supreme Leader of the German Democratic Republic, I have been granted permission to deliver the following statement. Due to an unidentified enemy airstrike, the entire city of Frankfurt is now under a state of high alert. The air raid sirens have been activated. All citizens hearing this broadcast or the sirens must immediately seek shelter in the nearest underground air defense bunker, civil defense structure, or bomb shelter.晚上好，民主德国最高领导人格罗斯书记允许我做出以下声明。 由于遭到不明敌方的空袭，法兰克福已经进入全城戒备状态，防空警报已经拉响。 请所有听见广播和防空警报的市民立刻进入最近的地下防空避难所、人防工程、防空洞。

A piercing, prolonged air raid siren howls above Frankfurt. Then, suddenly—刺耳漫长的防空警报声响彻法兰克福上空，紧接着——

BOOM!轰——

Countless explosions erupt, heralding the beginning of a catastrophe.难以计数的爆炸声昭示着一场灾难的开始。

[Isolation Forest - END]【少女前线 END】

A Life that has Yet to Bloom I 未曾绽放的一生Ⅰ

■FILE■ PACC78493721879619, decrypting...■档案■ PACC78493721879619解码中……

Beep. An audio recording starts playing.哔。 一则录音开始播放。

OperatorHello, Washington D.C. Police Department. How may I help you?喂，您好，这里是华盛顿特区警局。 请问有什么可以帮到您的？

Angry ManMy ex-wife took my daughter!我的女儿被前妻带走了！

OperatorSir, please tell me about your daughter.先生，请您说一下您女儿的信息。

Angry ManHer name is Sana! She just turned six! She can't leave her father! That woman must've kidnapped her!她叫纱那，才刚满六岁，她不能离开爸爸，一定是那个女人诱拐了她！

OperatorBy "that woman", are you referring to your ex-wife? Please also tell me about her and yourself.“那个女人”是指您的前妻吗？请讲一下您前妻和您的信息。

ShaunMy name is Shaun. Shaun Rodriguez. My ex-wife is called Martha. We were officially divorced two months ago, and I was given custody of Sana. She took Sana while I was at work today!我叫肖恩，肖恩•罗德里格斯。 我的前妻叫玛莎，两个月前我们办了离婚手续，纱那归我。 今天，她趁我上班不在家的时候，带走了纱那！

OperatorAre you certain it was Ms. Martha who took Sana and not anyone else?您确定是玛莎女士，而不是别人带走了纱那吗？

ShaunAbsolutely. The CCTV camera at my door shows Martha coming back for her stuff. Sana opened the door for her even though I warned her not to let that woman in! Then they left together.我非常确定，我家门口的监控记录下了玛莎回来拿东西，纱那给她开了门，我明明叮嘱过她不可以给这个女人开门！ 等走的时候，纱那和玛莎一起离开了。

OperatorSo Sana was taken away by her own mother?也就是说，纱那的妈妈带走了她？

ShaunYes.对。

OperatorMr. Rodriguez, we now have a general understanding of the situation. Please come to the station to submit your divorce agreement or court ruling, and we will provide supporting evidence for your legal claim.先生，情况我们已经大概了解，请来警局提交您的离婚协议书或者法律判决文书，我们会为您的合法主张提供相关证据支持。

ShaunAren't you going to find my daughter? I know Martha booked the earliest flight to the Neo-Soviet Union—she's going to take Sana with her...你们不去找到我女儿吗？ 我知道玛莎订了最近的航班前往新苏联，她会把纱那一起带走……

OperatorApologies, Mr. Rodriguez. According to the law, we have no authority to prevent Ms. Martha from taking her daughter out of the country. We advise you to take legal action. If Ms. Martha has already left the country, you can apply for international legal assistance, and we will help provide supporting evidence.抱歉，先生，根据法律规定，我们无权阻止玛莎女士带着自己的女儿出境。 建议您采取法律措施，如果玛莎女士已经出境，可以申请跨国法律援助，我们会协助提供证据。

OperatorAlso, I'd like to confirm—did Sana or Ms. Martha leave any messages for you?另外，我想确认一下，纱那或者玛莎女士有给您留下任何信息吗？

ShaunMartha cut off all contact with me long ago. Sana... Sana left me a note.玛莎早就切断和我的所有联系，纱那…… 她留下了一张纸条。

OperatorDid the note say where she was going?纸条的内容是她的去向吗？

ShaunShe wrote, "Mama has nothing left. I want to be with Mama."她写的是，“妈妈已经什么都没有了，我想跟妈妈一起”。

OperatorBased on the note, Sana went with Ms. Martha voluntarily. There's no indication that Ms. Martha took her by force.根据纸条的内容，纱那是自愿跟着玛莎女士走的，不存在被玛莎女士强迫带走的事实。

ShaunYou don't understand! Sana is only six—she doesn't know anything! That woman must have forced her to write that note! She can't possibly take good care of Sana! She's a workaholic with no human emotions—how could she possibly sacrifice time or energy for a child?!你不明白！纱那才六岁，她什么都不懂，这字条一定是那女人逼她写的！ 那个女人根本不可能照顾得好纱那！一个没有人类感情的工作狂，怎么可能愿意牺牲时间精力在小孩子身上？！

OperatorMr. Rodriguez, please calm down.先生，请您冷静下来。

ShaunCalm down? My daughter has followed that devil to hell—how do you expect me to calm down?! Sana's life is just beginning, and she's already made the worst possible choice! She shouldn't be in some backwater town in the Neo-Soviet Union, scorned by ignorant locals—she should be at Sidwell Friends School, growing up alongside the future elite of America!冷静？我的女儿跟着那个魔鬼踏上了一条黑暗的道路，你让我怎么冷静？！ 纱那的人生才刚刚开始，就已经做出了最错误的选择！ 她不该去新苏联的边陲小镇受尽刁民的冷眼，她该去的是西德威尔友谊中学，和未来的美国精英一起长大！

OperatorSorry, sir. Please come to the station once you've calmed down, and then—抱歉，先生，请您在冷静下来后来警局办理手续，届时——

Thud. The caller hangs up vehemently.咚。 通讯的一方重重地挂断了通讯。

A Life that has Yet to Bloom II 未曾绽放的一生Ⅱ

■FILE■ PACC78493721872567, decrypting...■档案■ PACC78493721872567解码中……

Beep. A surveillance footage from Beslan Primary School No.6 starts playing.哔。 一段来自别斯兰第六小学的监控录像开始播放。

Teacher...Sana, it's already 1835. I told your mother to come to the meeting at 1800, didn't I?……纱那，已经六点三十五分了，我记得通知你妈妈来开会的时间是六点整？

SanaSorry... Mama is very busy with work...对不起……老师，我妈妈的工作很忙……

TeacherDoesn't your mother work as a teacher at High School No.1? I have friends there, and they've all got off work by now.你妈妈不是在第一中学做老师？我也有朋友在那边，现在早就下班了啊。

Sana sits obediently on the chair, staring at her toes without saying a word. The teacher sighs and puts down the communicator that no one has picked up despite countless calls.纱那乖巧地坐在椅子上盯着自己脚尖不说话，老师叹了口气，放下了拨打无数次也没人接听的通讯。

TeacherOther than seeing your mother briefly at the start of the semester, we haven't seen her since. I do understand how hard it is to be a single parent and a teacher... That said, school arrangements still need to be respected.除了刚开学打了个照面，之后就再也没见过你妈妈。 我是能理解单亲教职的不容易……不管怎么说，学校的安排总该遵守下吧。

TeacherI've heard that instead of paying attention to top-performing students, your mother seems more invested in the ones at the bottom of the class.听说你妈妈放着成绩优异的尖子生不管，倒是对垫底的差生挺上心。

TeacherIf only she'd spare even half that attention for you.要是这份心思肯放一半在你身上就好了。

The teacher opens the thin notebook in front of her.老师翻开面前薄薄的笔记本。

TeacherSince your parent isn't here, I'll have to speak with you directly. I'll write a note for your mother later. Make sure to tell her that the school board is very displeased with her repeated absences from parent meetings.既然家长不能到场，那我只能跟你沟通了，回头我写个便条转给你妈妈吧。 记得告诉她，校委会对她多次缺席家长会议非常不满。

SanaOkay...是……

TeacherSana, you've picked up Russian very quickly. You don't seem to have any trouble with classes or daily conversation now. Your Russian compositions this term were excellent—the Russian teacher specifically asked me to commend you.纱那，你的俄语学得很快，现在上课和日常交流都没有什么问题。 这学期的俄语作文也写得很好，俄语老师特地要我表扬你。

Sana...Thank you.……谢谢老师。

TeacherAll of your grades this term are A's—very impressive. Especially your math—you scored full marks. However, you scored zero for physical education. The PE teacher says you've missed every group training session.然后你这学期所有的课目成绩都是A，非常优秀。 尤其是你的数学，考了满分。 但是你的体育成绩是零分，体育老师说你缺席了所有集体训练课。

TeacherYou're too withdrawn. Several classmates have told me that you're very aloof, always keeping to yourself, and that you're never around during group activities. You can't live in your own little world forever. Next semester, try to be more outgoing and make some friends.你太不合群了，有不少同学都向我反映你很孤僻，总是自己呆着，集体课的时候也不见踪影。 活在自己的世界里可不行，下学期还是要开朗点，多结交点朋友。

SanaBut...可是老师……

Sana, who has kept her head down the whole time, lifts it in frustration and looks at the teacher across from her.一直低垂着头的纱那委屈地抬头看向对面的老师。

SanaThey don't like me... Whenever I go near them, they call me a filthy American spy... Sometimes when I walk past them, they shove me away really hard...他们都不喜欢我…… 我一靠近他们，就会骂我是肮脏的美国奸细…… 有的时候不小心路过他们身边，还会凶巴巴地推开我……

The teacher raises her eyebrows slightly, then quickly flips a page to cover Sana's barely audible voice.老师挑了挑眉，立刻用翻页掩盖掉纱那细若蚊吟的声音。

TeacherThere's no more to discuss. That'll be all for today.没别的事了，今天就先这样吧。

SanaOkay. Thank you, teacher!嗯，谢谢老师！

Like a wind-up toy, Sana—who looked like she was about to cry just moments ago—suddenly springs out of her seat, slings her backpack on, and rushes for the door.像是被拧上发条的玩具小人，刚刚还哭丧着脸的纱那立刻从椅子上蹦下来，背起书包就往外跑去。

TeacherYour mother hasn't come to pick you up yet. Where are you going?你妈妈还没来接你呢，你去哪啊？

SanaI'm going to Anna's house!我去安娜姐姐家！

A Life that has Yet to Bloom III 未曾绽放的一生Ⅲ

■FILE■ PACC78493721875438, decrypting...■档案■ PACC78493721875438解码中……

Beslan Primary School No. 6, Summer Russian Assignment, 2048. Sana's Reading Report; Chosen Book—"Roadside Picnic".别斯兰第六小学2048年暑期俄文作业，纱那的阅读作业，选题《路边野餐》。

Question 1—What kind of story does this book tell?问题一，这本书讲了一个什么样的故事？

SanaIt tells the story of some really bad aliens who come to Earth and make a mess, polluting the environment. People can only live in a few protected zones, and they survive by picking up trash and trading it. Everyone lives a hard life.讲了一些很坏的外星人来地球搞破坏，把地球的环境污染了。 人类只能呆在几个保留区里，靠捡垃圾交易为生，大家都过得很辛苦。

SanaThe pollution also makes people get angry really easily and care too much about money. There's no more love between people, only hatred. I hope something like this never happens where we live—but Mama says the world will turn out like this with or without aliens.污染还导致人类变得很容易生气，很看重金钱，人们之间没有了爱，只剩下仇恨。 我希望这样的事情不要发生在我们生活的地方，但妈妈说这个世界不管有没有外星人都会变成这样。

Question 2—Why did you choose this book for your reading reflection? What inspired you?问题二，为什么选择这本书写读后感？是什么启发了你？

SanaBecause this is a sci-fi novel written more than a hundred years ago by the famous authors Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. It was one of the greatest sci-fi works of its time. I believe I can feel how talented and creative they were and learn to be strong and tough through the story.因为这是一百多年前的著名科幻作家阿尔卡季•斯特鲁伽茨基和鲍里斯•斯特鲁伽茨基共同撰写的科幻小说，是那个时代的科幻巅峰之作。 我相信我能够从这本书中感受到前人优秀的创作能力，从中学习到一些坚韧的精神。

A few lines are written underneath in pencil...在这段文字下面用铅笔写了几行备注。

SanaI'm sorry, teacher, I don't want to lie... The paragraph above was what Armin told me to write. Actually, I chose this book because Anna was reading it...对不起，老师，我不想骗人…… 上面这段是艾赫明哥哥要我写的。 其实，我一开始选择这本书写读后感是因为安娜姐姐在看……

Question 3—Did you have any difficulties while reading this book?问题三，在阅读这本书的时候有没有遇见什么困难？

SanaThere were a lot of difficult new words. Looking them up in the dictionary was super tiring. But even when I've figured out what all the words meant, I still don't understand what the book is talking about... Why would aliens randomly come and ruin Earth? Why is it a "picnic" for the aliens?有好多复杂的生词，查字典查得好累。 但最累的是查明白了所有单词的意思，还是看不懂在说什么…… 为什么外星人要随便在地球上搞破坏呢？为什么说这相当于外星人的一次野餐？

Question 4—What do you think is the biggest thing you got out of reading this book?问题四，你认为这本书给你带来的最大的收获是什么？

SanaA real roadside picnic! Because I didn't understand so many parts of the book, I kept asking Anna and Armin about them. Especially those confusing bits I mentioned above... but they didn't really seem to know how to explain it to me either. After I asked them a bunch of times, they took the book away and brought me to the park for a picnic!是真正的路边野餐！ 因为看不懂书里的好多内容，我只好去问安娜姐姐和艾赫明哥哥。 尤其是上面我看不懂的几个问题，但他们好像也不知道该怎么向我说明。 问了几次后，他们没收了我的书，带我出去公园野餐了！

SanaIt was my first time having a picnic! I was so happy! And after the picnic, we picked up all our trash! That way, no planets get hurt!我第一次去野餐！好开心！ 还有，我们野餐结束后，有把垃圾全部收拾干净！这样就不会有星球受到伤害了！

A Life that has Yet to Bloom IV 未曾绽放的一生Ⅳ

■FILE■ PACC78493721878539, decrypting...■档案■ PACC78493721878539解码中……

Beep. A surveillance footage starts playing.哔。 一段监控录像开始播放。

AnnaYou can open your eyes now.现在可以睁开眼了。

ArminHappy Birthday, Sana!生日快乐，纱那！

SanaWow!!!哇——

Sana stares at the cake in front of her in disbelief. A number 9 candle, lit and flickering, stands atop the tempting sugar glaze.纱那不敢置信地看着眼前的蛋糕，诱人的淋面上插着一支正在燃烧的数字9蜡烛。

SanaIt's a birthday cake...是生日蛋糕……

RamzanHey, it's bad enough you keep bringing this American brat home all the time—now you're throwing her a birthday party too?!喂，你们经常带这个美国人回家就算了，现在还给她过上生日了？！

AnnaThe door is that way.门在那边。

RamzanI don't need you to tell me!不用你提醒！

Bam! Ramzan slams the door on his way out. No one in the room seems surprised. The warm, cozy atmosphere remains undisturbed.嘭——拉姆赞摔门而出。 屋内的几人显然习以为常，温情的氛围并未被打破。

AnnaWhy isn't your mom here yet?你妈怎么还没来？

ArminI've double-checked with Ms. Meitner... a few times...我有反复跟玛莎女士确认过的……

SanaIt's okay. She probably won't come.没关系，她应该不会来的。

Sana is still gazing dreamily at the cake.纱那还痴痴地盯着蛋糕。

ArminBut it is your birthday today.今天可是你的生日啊。

SanaMama's been even busier lately. But during my last summer break in primary school, she took me to the botanical garden!妈妈最近更忙了，而且，我小学最后一个暑假的时候，她带我去过了植物园！

SanaWe saw so many beautiful plants—I'm really happy with that.看到了好多漂亮的植物，我已经满足了。

AnnaYou skipped straight to middle school, you know. That means you lost a bunch of summer and winter breaks.你这跳级到初中，可是一下少了好几个寒暑假。

SanaI don't mind~ I'm super happy now! I get to see you guys all the time, and my new classmates aren't as mean as the ones in primary school. They would at least come and borrow my notes or homework every now and then.我不介意~我现在很开心！ 可以经常见到你们了，而且现在的同学也不像小学的那样讨厌我。 起码偶尔会来借我的笔记或者作业。

ArminWhat was your favorite flower from the botanical garden?纱那去植物园看见的最喜欢的花花是什么啊？

SanaBellium minutum L.!Bellium minutum L.！

ArminHuh?啊？

SanaIt's usually called a miniature daisy, but Mama says using the Latin name is more accurate.通常叫做小雏菊，但妈妈说要报拉丁学名才准确。

AnnaWhat kind of nonsense is your mom teaching you...你妈都教了你些什么乱七八糟的……

SanaIt's not hard! Bellium means it's from the daisy genus, minutum means it's really small, and L. is the abbreviation for Carl Linnaeus, the botanist.很简单的呀，Bellium表示它是丽菊属，minutum表示它小小的，L.是植物学家卡尔•林奈的姓氏缩写。

ArminAlright, come on, make your wish and blow out the candle! Then we can finally cut the cake~好了，快来许愿吹蜡烛吧！ 之后我们就能切蛋糕咯~

SanaOkay!好！

Sana clasps her hands together and closes her eyes as she makes a wish before the cake.纱那虔诚地闭上眼，对着面前的蛋糕许下心愿——

A Life that has Yet to Bloom V 未曾绽放的一生Ⅴ

■FILE■ PACC78493721870242, decrypting...■档案■ PACC78493721870242解码中……

Beep. A news segment from Beslan in the year 2050 starts playing.哔。 一段来自2050年的别斯兰新闻视频开始播放。

ReporterLadies and gentlemen, we are now standing outside Beslan High School No.1, where the terrorist attack took place. It has been two days since the tragic event, and as you can see, the school remains sealed off, with nearly all nearby shops still closed.各位，我们此刻位于恐袭发生的别斯兰第一中学外。 距离那场伤亡惨重的事件已经过去了两天，可以看到，学校目前仍然处于封闭的状态，附近的店铺也几乎全部关闭。

The camera follows the reporter's gesture, sweeping across the surroundings. The street is desolate, and the once-bustling storefronts are shut tight like wilted flower buds. Suddenly, the camera zooms in on a single shop that still has its lights on.镜头跟随记者的手势对周边环境进行了展示，萧瑟的街道上，曾经热闹的店铺都紧闭门扉，像是枯萎的花苞。 这时，镜头朝着远处的一家还亮着灯的店铺拉近。

ReporterWe've noticed that a pastry shop is still open. Let's take a closer look.我们注意到有一家糕点店还在营业，请跟着我们的镜头来探访一下。

The shaky camera stops in front of the bakery. A face—nervous and uneasy—appears in front of the lens.摇晃的镜头停在了糕点店前，一张有些紧张不安的脸出现在了镜头里。

Shopkeeper...Who are you?……你们是谁？

ReporterHello, I'm a reporter with Central Television of the Neo-Soviet Union, here to follow up on the recent terrorist attack from two days ago. Would you be willing to speak with us?您好，我是新苏联国家电视台的记者，是来报道前两天的恐袭事件后续的。 能采访下您吗？

ShopkeeperUm...嗯……

ReporterI see most of the shops near the school are closed. Is that because of the attack?我看学校附近的店铺全都关门了，是受恐袭的影响吗？

ShopkeeperYeah. After something that big, who wouldn't be scared?是啊，闹那么大一出，谁不害怕啊。

ReporterThen why have you chosen to stay open?那您为什么还在坚持营业？

Shopkeeper...Sigh.……哎。

The shopkeeper's gaze drifts away from the reporter, turning toward the shuttered school in the distance.店主的视线从记者身上脱离，看向了不远处同样紧闭大门的学校。

ShopkeeperOn the morning of the attack, a little girl in a Beslan High School uniform came in and ordered a cake. Said she'd pick it up after school, paid for it in full.恐袭发生的那天上午，有个穿着一中校服的小女孩来我这里订了个蛋糕。 说是放学来取，钱都付好了。

ReporterShe never came back?……她没有来吗？

ShopkeeperNo. I'm still waiting for her to pick it up. I'm hoping… she survived the attack.没有。 我还在等她来拿，我希望她能挺过这次袭击。

ReporterWould you mind showing us the cake? Maybe if she—or someone in her family—sees it on the news, they'll come by to collect it.方便让我们看看她订做的蛋糕吗？或许她……或者她的家人看见了新闻，能过来带走。

The shopkeeper gestures toward the refrigerator behind her.店主指了指身后的冷藏柜。

The camera pans over to the clear glass door. Inside the empty, silent case sits a single, lonesome birthday cake. On the top, two little figures are drawn holding hands, walking through a garden of blooming daisies. Written on a small chocolate plaque below—镜头来到透明的柜门外，只见空荡荡的柜子中放着一个小小的孤零零的生日蛋糕。 上面画着两个小人手牵手走在小雏菊绽放的花园里，下方的巧克力牌子上写着——

Happy Birthday, Mama! Love, Sana.“纱那祝妈妈生日快乐”。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.