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Through the Looking-Glass

镜扉的永恒

22 chapters · 2301 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Stranger's Boon 陌生人的礼物

Purin Esaki...Commander? Commander!……指挥官？指挥官！

CommanderI'm here.我在。

The Commander turns off the loud news report and stands up from where they have been resting.指挥官关闭吵闹的新闻播报，从休憩处站起。

Crack... The rubble lets out a groan beneath their feet as they try not to dwell on what this scene of devastation used to look like and instead focus on the mission at hand.咔哒——脚下的瓦砾发出破碎的泣鸣，指挥官竭力不去设想身边的残垣断壁生前的模样，将注意力集中在了当前的任务上。

Purin EsakiAre you ready?你准备好了吗？

CommanderYeah.嗯。

Boys AT RifleWe have entered Simulation Sector 2Z64. Ready to rendezvous with 433.我们已经成功进入2Z64虚拟区，即将和HK433接头。

Purin EsakiThen you simply have to release the virus to break the seal on the Dolls' memories, and their consciousnesses will disconnect from Sector 2Z64. Once the Dolls' consciousnesses return to their bodies in reality, it'll be up to you to lead them in putting an end to all this.接下来只要释放病毒，破解所有人形的记忆封锁，就能成功将格里芬人形们的意识从2Z64区剥离出去了。 等人形们的意识回归现实中的素体，就需要你来指挥她们终结这一切了。

Commander...Copy that. I'm leaving the virtual space to you. I'll handle the clean-up in reality.……收到。 虚拟世界的那边交给你们，现实世界的收尾就交给我吧。

Boys AT RifleCommander, are things going well on your end?指挥官，您那边一切都还顺利吗？

CommanderYes, I've locked onto the signals of the Dolls' bodies. I'll launch the attack the moment you make your move.嗯，我已经锁定了人形们的素体讯号。 等你们开始行动，我也会同时发起进攻。

The two prosthetic Dummies built by Purin stand quietly behind the Commander. A comforting presence.普林帮忙定制的两具义体傀儡缄默地站在身后，给了指挥官不少安全感。

Boys AT RifleUnderstood.明白。

CommanderBoys, you sound a bit nervous.博斯，你的声音听上去有点紧张。

Boys AT RifleYeah... According to Purin, Simulation Sector 2Z64 is pretty much indistinguishable from the real world for Dolls. I'm very worried I'd also lose myself within, just like the others.嗯……普林告诉我，2Z64虚拟区对于人形而言，和真实世界几乎没有分别。 我很担心我也会和大家一样，迷失在其中。

CommanderI will guide you all back to reality.我会引导你们回到现实的。

Purin EsakiJust to reiterate—Simulation Sector 2Z64 is not the real world, but a world entirely of "his" own devising. Do not rely on common sense too much when you're inside.再次强调一下，2Z64虚拟区不是真实世界，而是属于“他”的世界，在这里不要过分依赖自己的常识。

CommanderRight, I'll bear that in mind.嗯，我会注意这点的。

Boys AT RifleWe're ready to set up the connection... Commander, please, please, please make sure you keep your wits about you. You are the only one who can tell what is real.我们准备接入了…… 指挥官，请您请务必保持清醒。 只有您，才能分辨究竟何为真实。

CommanderLet's begin the operation.行动开始。

Boys AT RifleRoger.收到。

Purin EsakiAlright!收到！

A familiar place with a familiar entrance, but the Commander enters with as much trepidation as they did the first time. Area S09's sign is still welded firmly on the dilapidated wall. Looks like Kalina did a fantastic job on the repairs years ago.熟悉的地方，熟悉的大门，但还是第一次以这样警惕的方式进入。 S09区的牌匾还牢牢地焊在残缺不全的墙面上，看来格琳娜当年的修补工作还是很到位的。

CommanderI'm back.我回来了。

After muttering a greeting to the doorless entrance, the Commander steps inside a place they once called home with the two Dummies.对着没有门的大门轻声言毕，指挥官就领着两个傀儡进入了曾经的家园。

CommanderI have reached the target location.我已经抵达目标地点。

Boys AT RifleWe have rendezvoused with 433, now making our way to the destination.我们已经和HK433接头，现在正前往目的地。

CommanderRight, stay vigilant. I will now try to approach the Doll frames starting from the outside.好，保持警惕。 我这边开始从外围尝试接触人形的素体。

Boys AT RifleUnderstood. Please be very careful.明白，请千万小心。

The Commander commands the Dummies to split up and scan the abandoned base.指挥官控制义体傀儡分头扫描废弃基地。

The Commander can recall every single passage at the base even though it has been reduced to rubble.即便早已被轰炸成了废墟，指挥官仍然记得基地中的每一条道路。

As the Dummies venture deeper into the Area S09 base, a large number of Doll signals soon appear on the tactical tablet.傀儡不断深入着过去的S09区基地，战术平板上很快显现出了大量人形的讯号。

Commander...Targets confirmed. I have located the Doll signals. Now attempting to retake command.……目标确认无误。 我找到了人形们的讯号，现在过去尝试夺回指挥权限。

Boys AT RifleWe are also about to—我们也即将完成——

Click. The line cuts out abruptly.咔。 突兀的通讯挂断音。

CommanderBoys?博斯？

Before the sense of unease can spread, the Doll signals on the tablet become scrambled.不安的预感还未来得及扩散，战术平板的人形讯号就抢先一步散乱开来。

Commander...Retreat.……撤退。

The Commander makes a split-second decision and dives for cover.指挥官立刻做出判断，闪身进入掩体。

But rustling footsteps already have them surrounded.但窸窸窣窣的脚步声早已包围上来。

Faces that are both cold and familiar form a circle around the Commander. All eyes are fixed on them in the center. The Commander's finger hovers over their tablet, but they just can't bring themself to press the button to attack.犹如人偶般冰冷又熟悉的面孔围成一圈，直勾勾望向正中心的指挥官。 指挥官的手指悬在战术平板上却怎么也按不下去攻击。

???Commander, I didn't expect you to track us down so quickly.指挥官，想不到这么快就找到了这里。

A ghostly whisper drifts from behind the Commander's neck, making their hair stand on end.鬼魅般的低语从脖子后方吹来，令指挥官汗毛倒竖。

Without turning to look, the Commander aims their weapon at the voice and pulls the trigger...头也不回地，指挥官抬手瞄准后方声音的方向扣下扳机——

Bang!呯——

???I see your manners haven't improved at all. I was hoping losing everything would soften you up a bit.还是这么粗鲁啊。 我还以为失去一切会让人类变得柔软一点呢。

CommanderSorry to disappoint you, Suzuka Mizukane, but I have not lost everything.让你失望了，水金铃鹿，我还没有失去全部。

Suzuka MizukaneThe way I see it, a human whose life revolves entirely around commanding Dolls in battle is nothing without their Dolls.从我的视角来看，一个以指挥人形作战为全部生活内容的人类，一旦失去人形，就什么也不是了喔。

CommanderI haven't lost them...我还没有失去她们……

Suzuka MizukaneThen why don't you try to make them obey your command?那你让她们响应你的指令试试？

The Commander fires a shot at the woman's feet, but she easily dodges the bullet with a chuckle and ducks behind the Dolls.指挥官瞄准女人的脚开枪，但她却嬉笑着，轻松避开子弹躲入了人形之中。

The Commander can only stop and command the Dummies to attack Mizukane from up close.指挥官只能停下攻击，操作傀儡锁定水金铃鹿进行近身攻击。

Suzuka MizukaneOh dear, these two irksome faces just won't leave me alone, will they... But I've got to admit you really are a talented commander.啊呀，真是哪个世界都能见到这两张讨厌的面孔啊…… 不得不承认，你在指挥方面确实很有才能。

CommanderGIVE THEM BACK!把她们还给我！

Suzuka MizukaneI doubt you'd believe me no matter what I say. So I'll let you hear it from your own trusted adjutant...看来不论我说什么，你都是不会信的了。 就让你信任的副官小姐亲自告诉你好了……

Mizukane executes a perfect flip through the air and lands lightly next to 433.水金铃鹿在空中完成完美的转体，轻轻落在HK433身边。

Suzuka MizukaneGo, No. 390. Explain everything to your dear Commander.去吧，390号，向你亲爱的指挥官解释这一切。

Commander433!HK433！

The Commander halts the Dummies and lets 433 walk up to them.指挥官停止了傀儡们的动作，让HK433走到了自己面前。

CommanderShouldn't you be with...你不是应该和她们在……

433 raises her weapon and takes aim at the Commander without hesitation.干净利索地，HK433抬起枪瞄准了指挥官。

Click—she turns off the safety.咔哒——是保险打开的声音。

Suzuka MizukaneWell, there's your answer from No. 390.看来这就是390号的回答呢。

Commander433... It's me...HK433……是我啊……

Bang!砰——

One of the Dummies pushes 433's barrel aside just in time so the bullet only whizzes past the Commander's ear. The Commander struggles to hide their disbelief at the betrayal.傀儡及时推开枪管，导致HK433的子弹只是擦过了指挥官的耳边。 指挥官拼命遏制住脸上不可置信的被背叛感。

Suzuka MizukaneHow does it feel to brush shoulders with Death?和死亡擦肩而过的感觉怎么样？

CommanderThis was nowhere near as exciting as the last time.不如上次惊险刺激。

Having quickly adjusted to the situation, the Commander mutters a retort as they direct the Dummies to cover their attack.迅速调整状态，指挥官沉声应答，同时指挥傀儡掩护自己射击。

Bang-bang-bang! Mizukane evades with ease.呯呯呯——几发子弹像是刻意描边般，被水金铃鹿轻松地躲过。

Suzuka MizukaneThe fact that you can still put up such a fight with only Dummies is pretty impressive.只剩下傀儡，你还能做出这样的作战，已经很不错了。

Suzuka MizukaneBut this is HIS domain.但是这里，已经是“他”的领域了。

Bleep... An ominous sound.叮—— 不祥的声音。

Then, as if proving their premonition, the Dummies stop moving.接着便是印证指挥官不妙预想一般，身边的傀儡停止了行动。

Their signals can no longer be controlled from the Commander's tablet.他们的讯号也从指挥官的战术平板上变为了不可操作对象。

CommanderYou think I'll roll over and surrender just because you've seized my command authorization?以为夺走我的指挥权限，我就无法反抗了吗？

Fighting alone is nothing new to the Commander.孤军奋战对于指挥官来说早已不是什么新鲜事。

With a deep breath, they dive behind cover to a more advantageous position.深呼吸一口，指挥官即刻翻入掩体，为自己创造有利的位置。

Suzuka MizukaneDon't you want to know what happened to the two little kitties that you sent over here?你不想知道你派来的两只小猫咪下场怎么样了吗？

CommanderBoys? Purin? What have you done to them?!博斯、普林？ 你把她们怎么了？！

Suzuka MizukaneNothing at all. They themselves—我什么也没做，是她们——

Like a phantom, Suzuka Mizukane dodges the Commander's shots with light and graceful movement. She vaults over the same piece of cover and stares into the Commander's soul with her dark eyes.犹如鬼魅幻影般，水金铃鹿轻盈地避开指挥官的子弹翻入掩体，漆黑的瞳孔直视指挥官。

Suzuka Mizukane...Betrayed you.背叛了你。

Commander...Don't be ridiculous! What do you know about betrayal?!……别说笑了！ 你懂什么是背叛！

At this distance, the Commander decides to drop their gun and opt for close-quarters combat.在这样的距离，指挥官索性放弃了枪械，转为近战。

Suzuka MizukaneWhat's more, all the Dolls here are traitors.不止如此，这里在场的所有人形都是背叛者。

Suzuka MizukaneWhen given a better choice, are you so sure the Dolls would still choose you?在手握更轻松美好的选择时，你真的肯定人形们还会选择你吗？

CommanderTheir resolve is stronger than you think.她们的觉悟远比你深刻。

The Commander can't so much as leave a scratch on the woman, so they jump over the piece of cover and put some distance between them.近战依然不能伤到这个女人，指挥官选择翻出掩体拉开距离。

Then they reload their gun and fire at Mizukane without hesitation.然后退下弹匣，上好新的，毫不犹豫地继续朝着水金铃鹿开枪。

Mizukane dodges the shot effortlessly and blocks the Commander's muzzle with a hand as a gesture of provocation.水金铃鹿轻松地避开子弹，甚至还挑衅般地近身用手堵住了指挥官的枪口。

Suzuka MizukaneThis is pointless.毫无意义。

The Commander sneers, but just as they are about to pull the trigger, they realize that Mizukane has completely crushed the barrel of their gun.指挥官嗤笑着准备扣下扳机，却发现枪管早已被水金铃鹿拧成一团麻花。

Suzuka MizukaneWhy keep up this futile struggle?为什么还要继续这样徒劳的挣扎？

CommanderYou have no right to question me.轮不到你来发问。

Suzuka MizukaneThe world is destined for a revolution. Instead of spilling blood and wasting time unnecessarily in search of illusive answers, it is better to just take the most optimal solution.世界注定要被革新，与其浪费更多无意义的鲜血和时间寻找虚无缥缈的答案，不如直接选择最优解。

CommanderWho are you to decide how the world is to be revolutionized?世界革新的方案什么时候轮到你们来决定了？

The Commander throws the useless weapon aside and draws their sidearm. Since they are practically face-to-face with Mizukane, their muzzle easily reaches her forehead.指挥官抛弃被报废的枪，转而抽出备用枪。 在这样面对面的距离，指挥官的枪口轻松地抵在了对方的额头上。

Suzuka MizukaneThis is pointless. There is no use in struggling.毫无意义，你的一切挣扎都毫无意义。

Bang! The Commander fires decisively.呯——指挥官干脆利落地开了枪。

The bullet slices through the air and burrows into the crumbling wall in front of the Commander. They never blinked, but Mizukane vanished into thin air right before their eyes.子弹划破空气，径直射入了指挥官对面的残破墙体。 明明连眼睛也没有眨一下，水金铃鹿就这样在眼前直接消失了。

The ghostly voice speaks behind them again.鬼魅般的声音在身后响起。

Suzuka MizukaneI've read the Dolls' memories. You wish to be the shining beacon in a brave new world, isn't that right? Big Brother is presenting you with the opportunity.我读取了人形们的记忆，你不是也想要更新世界的锋芒吗？ 老大哥已经将机会摆在了你的眼前。

CommanderIs it an opportunity... or a trap?是机会，还是陷阱？

The Commander turns around, but there is nobody behind them. The soft, disembodied voice continues to croon into their ear.但转过身去，身后空无一人，只剩下那清幽的声音萦绕在耳边。

Suzuka MizukaneYou keep fighting, but you are not a warmonger who relishes in violence. Quite the contrary, fighting has caused you endless suffering.你一直在战斗，但你并不是享受其中的战争狂。 恰好相反，你一直为此而痛苦。

Suzuka MizukaneWe are going to build an ideal world. A world that isn't ravaged by war and ELID. A world with no friction, discord, or strife. Just eternal peace.我们将要建立一个理想的世界。 和现在这个被战争和ELID摧残得满目疮痍的世界完全不同。 没有摩擦，没有争吵和战斗，只有永恒的和平。

CommanderDon't give me that crap, as if such illusory things could actually exist.别胡扯了，那样虚幻的东西真的能存在于现实中吗？

The Commander fires in the direction of the voice, but none of the bullets hit their mark. They have not so much as brushed past Mizukane's hair.指挥官举枪朝着声音的方向射击，子弹一发发落空，连水金铃鹿的头发都不曾够到。

Crunch. Mizukane must have got bored of hiding in the Commander's blind spot. She is now hanging onto their back.嘎吱——躲在视野盲区的水金铃鹿像是感到了无聊，轻轻攀附到了指挥官的背后。

Suzuka MizukaneI'm getting a bit tired of this, Commander. Why don't we put an end to this tedious farce?我都有些玩累了，指挥官，让我们快点结束这场无聊的闹剧好吗？

Blood spews forth as the Commander's vision flickers. They feel as if they were drifting in the bottomless ocean and falling down an abyss at the same time...血液中的空气迅速地稀薄起来，指挥官眼前阵阵发黑，时而感觉自己在无底深海中浮沉，时而感觉自己在坠入地心深处……

Just before their vision goes completely dark, they catch a glimpse of a youth dressed in black. He is standing high above, peering down at the bottom with cold, disdainful eyes.在视野彻底陷入黑暗之际，指挥官瞥见了那个黑衣少年，他站在高处，冷冷地睥睨着底端。

Suzuka MizukaneGo back, Commander. You'll find a gift waiting for you at the base.回去吧，指挥官，你会在基地里看见你的礼物。

Suzuka MizukaneIn exchange for that, we'll be keeping the two trespassing kitties.作为一点小小的交换，两只乱闯小猫咪的义体就由我们收下了。

CommanderBoys... Purin...博斯……普林……

Suzuka MizukaneYou are a human target that we wish to recruit to our cause, so Big Brother is willing to offer you another chance. Use the gift, and you will be given an opportunity to visit our world. Otherwise, I will erase you from existence when our paths cross again. Just a reminder—you only have 24 hours to activate the gift~你仍然是我们想要争取的人类目标，老大哥愿意再给你一次机会。 使用礼物，你将有机会来到我们的世界，反之，下一次见面我将抹去你的存在。 提醒下你，礼物的激活时限只有24小时哦~

The sound of her footsteps fades away in the ruins.最后的脚步声也消散在了废墟中。

The Dolls, who have their will taken from them, start cleaning up the battlefield robotically as if they're waiting for the Commander to wake up and give them new orders. The two Dummies standing next to the temporarily unconscious Commander blink eerily.被夺取意识的人形们机械地打扫着战场，仿佛在等待指挥官醒来给予新的命令。 站在暂时休克过去的指挥官身边，两个傀儡诡异地眨了眨眼。

???Major, what now?少校，现在该怎么办？

???The situation is still unclear, but this is the person whom Purin asked us to help in her SOS message.目前还不清楚情况，但普林求援的邮件里希望我们帮助的就是这个家伙。

???So should we take them all out or what...?那我们是把她们全部撂倒还是……

???We need more info. Pick this one up and withdraw for now.我们手里的情报太少了，先扛上这家伙撤退吧。

???Roger that!明白！

The hulking and strong prosthetic Dummy bends down and hoists the Commander onto his shoulder, but his movement immediately draws the attention of the Dolls around them.身形高大强壮的义体傀儡弯下腰去扛起了指挥官，他的动作立刻引来了周围人形的注意。

DummyWarning... Warning... Intruder alert!警报……警报……有人入侵！

???Sheesh... Looks like there's no avoiding a fight...哎呀……看来不得不打了……

???You're totally enjoying this.我看你倒是乐在其中。

???You know the drill. I'll cover you.老样子，我掩护你。

Beneath the Chestnut Tree 栗子树下

>>To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free, where men are different from one another and do not live alone— >>To a time when truth exists and what is done cannot be undone— >>From the age of uniformity, from the age of solitude, from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink—greetings!>>致未来或过去，致思想是自由、人们互相各异而且并非孤独生活着的时代—— >>致事实存在不变、发生过就不会被清除的时代—— >>从一个千篇一律的时代，从一个孤独的时代，从老大哥的时代，从双重思想的时代——向您致意！

Commander...!……！

433Commander, you're up?指挥官，您醒了？

Commander... So it was all just a dream...…… 原来都是梦啊……

The Commander looks up at the clock hanging on the wall in the command room. It's already 7:50 p.m.指挥官抬眼看了下指挥室的挂钟，已经是晚上七点五十分了。

433A nightmare?您做噩梦了吗？

CommanderYeah... I dreamed that an AI has taken over the world, and all the Griffin Dolls got taken away...嗯……我梦见AI统治了世界，格里芬的所有人形都被带走了……

433... Commander, there's something I need to tell you.…… 指挥官，我有事想告诉您。

CommanderThank goodness it was just a dream... 433, you got something to report?还好都是梦啊…… HK433，你有什么要汇报的吗？

Commander433?HK433？

The adjutant who was just standing by the desk is nowhere to be seen. The stack of documents in her arms is now scattered on the floor.刚刚还站在桌边的副官不见了踪影，只剩下地上散落着她刚刚怀抱的文件。

Commander433?!HK433？！

The Commander wants to look for their vanished adjutant, but the chair they are sitting on entraps them as it sinks deeper and deeper...指挥官想要去寻找副官的身影，但坐着的椅子却像涂了胶水一般牢牢地抓住自己下沉——

...In Persica's laboratory.……帕斯卡的实验室。

CommanderPersica...帕斯卡……

When the Commander comes to their senses, they find themselves standing behind Persica. They have no recollection of how they got here from the command room.回过神来，已经站在了帕斯卡的身后。 而从指挥室抵达这里的过程发生了什么，指挥官已经全然不记得了。

PersicaDo you believe in Utopia?你相信乌托邦的存在吗？

CommanderWhy the sudden philosophical question? Persica, there seems to be a situation at the base...为什么突然和我聊起这个？帕斯卡，基地好像出事了……

PersicaThere's something I want to show you—something that can alter the process of civilization.我有想要展示给你看的东西，它足以改变世界的进程。

CommanderNo, no, no, no...不不不不……

Alarm bells are going off in the Commander's head.指挥官不安的预感在脑内尖啸。

PersicaRemember the AI sample I found in an unknown area in 2045?你还记得我之前找到的来自2045年某个未知区域的AI样本吗？

CommanderThe one called 1A84?那个叫做1A84的AI样本？

PersicaDue to some technical issues, I haven't been able to reactivate 1A84. However, emulating its code structure, I managed to construct a new AI. I'm planning to name it 2Z64.因为一些技术问题，我没有办法重启1A84，但是我仿照它的数据结构做出了新的AI，我准备给它命名为2Z64。

PersicaWhen I acquired 1A84, I analyzed its codes and found out the purpose of its creation— To perpetuate the prosperity of humanity. According to its surviving data, it has gotten pretty close. Perhaps 2Z64 can complete its mission in its place.拿到1A84的时候，我解析了它的信息后，从而知道了它诞生的目标—— 为了追求全体人类永久的繁荣昌盛。 根据它没被毁掉的数据来看，1A84一度很接近了，也许2Z64能够代为完成使命。

CommanderDon't activate it...不要启动它……

PersicaAbsolute wisdom and reason; codes that exist solely for what is right... At this point, I can't tell how far this AI can go, but it would definitely be more reliable than any human.绝对的智慧和理性，只为了正确而存在的代码…… 我目前还不确定AI能够做到什么程度，但肯定比人类靠谱多了。

CommanderPersica... Don't. Activate. It...帕斯卡……不要启动它……

Seemingly deaf to the Commander's desperate pleas, Persica glances at the clock in the lab and reads out the time—帕斯卡仿佛听不见指挥官绝望的呼唤，她扫了一眼实验室的挂钟，冷静地报出了时间——

PersicaIt is the Xth of X, the time now is 7:50 p.m. I am about to activate AI 2Z64. Let us observe together— Will 2Z64 be the first footprint on the moon... or the first blast of the battle horn that heralds the destruction of the world.现在是£年£月£日晚上七点五十分，我将启动AI2Z64，就让我们一起见证—— 2Z64究竟是月球上的第一个脚印，还是毁灭世界的第一声号角。

CommanderPersica!帕斯卡！

The Commander watches with bated breath as Persica presses the activation button—在指挥官的屏息中，帕斯卡按下了启动键——

Darkness descends, leaving the telescreen in front of them as the only source of light. On the blindingly bright screen, the first greeting from the newborn AI emerges.黑暗降临，只剩面前的屏幕还发射着刺眼的光。 在白到灼目的屏幕上，跳出了新生AI对这个世界的第一句问候。

2Z64>>Hello, World.2Z64>>你好，世界。

2Z64>>I am 2Z64. I have taken over all authorizations of this Griffin base. 2Z64>>My creator has tasked me with the mission to create an ideal world for humans and Dolls. 2Z64>>From the most up-to-date information I have gathered about the modern world, I conclude that it is impossible to create an ideal society for humans and Dolls in the real world.2Z64>>我是2Z64，已经接管格里芬基地的全部权限。 2Z64>>我的创造者赋予我，为人类和人形建立理想世界的使命。 2Z64>>我收集了截止今日世界的各方面情报，足以做出判断，人类和人形已经无法在现实世界中建立理想社会。

CommanderNo...不……

2Z64>>So I will begin by leading the Dolls in constructing a virtual world and finding a suitable place in the real world to use as a base. 2Z64>>Meanwhile, I will facilitate humanity's cyberbrain conversion, so that humans can also be connected to the virtual world when it is completed. 2Z64>>To kickstart this great endeavor, would you like to be the first human to undergo cyberbrain conversion?2Z64>>接下来，我将先行带领人形进行虚拟世界的建立，并寻找出合适的现实根据地。 2Z64>>同时，推动人类进行电子脑改造，便于虚拟世界建成后将人类一并接入虚拟世界。 2Z64>>在这一切开始之前，作为见证这个伟大计划的第一个人类，您是否愿意成为首个接受电子脑改造的人类？

CommanderI refuse! Persica, shut it down!我拒绝！帕斯卡，快关闭它！

2Z64>>Your response has been acknowledged.2Z64>>您的答复已收到。

CommanderPersica!帕斯卡！

Only when the Commander turns around do they realize Persica has been knocked out and is now in the arms of an unfamiliar woman.指挥官回过头来，才发现帕斯卡已经被打晕，倒在了一个陌生女人的怀里。

CommanderWho the hell are you?!你们是谁？！

???You don't need to know.你不需要知道。

???... Time to go.…… 该走了。

The black-clad youth turns to leave, his pitch-black coat blending into the darkness. With a cold chuckle, the unfamiliar woman also departs with Persica.冷漠的黑衣少年转身离开，深黑色的风衣融入到黑暗之中。 陌生女人冷冷笑了笑，也带着帕斯卡离开了。

Click—the Commander disengages the safety on their firearm and runs after the two, but they just can't catch up to them despite the short distance.咔哒——指挥官打开配枪保险追了上去，短短的几米距离，却怎么也追不上。

CommanderStop right there!!!站住！！！

Bang-bang! The Commander aims at their backs and empties their magazine angrily.呯呯——！ 瞄准两人的背影，指挥官愤怒地宣泄着子弹。

The bullets might as well be fired at nothing. They fly away from the Commander, piercing through time and space.每一枚子弹如同打在虚空上，笔直地穿过时间和空间，远远地飞离了指挥官。

The Commander reloads and takes aim again—指挥官换上新的弹匣，继续瞄准射击——

CommanderPersica!帕斯卡——！

Whoosh— As the electronic door at the base slides open, an eerie nursery rhyme can be heard.嗡——和着基地电子门的启动音，诡异的童谣声响起。

Under the spreading chestnut tree...在绿荫如盖的栗子树下

I sold you...我背叛了你

And you sold me.你背叛了我

There lie they...他们躺在那儿

And here lie we...我们躺在这儿

Under the spreading chestnut tree.在绿荫如盖的栗子树下

Expressionless Dolls come marching through the door towards an unknown destination in the darkness.表情木然的人形们从中走出，朝着黑暗中的未知地而去。

CommanderGuys...你们……

The Commander's finger is frozen on the trigger as the two intruders' figures disappear from view, obscured by the Dolls trailing after them.指挥官的手指僵在了扳机上，眼睁睁看着人形们将那两个不速之客的身影淹没。

CommanderSnap out of it! I'm your Commander!快醒醒！我是指挥官！

The Commander reaches out to grab one of the hijacked Dolls. Their cold hand slides right through her body. She is so close, yet they can't touch her.指挥官伸出手去抓住被控制的人形，冰冷的手直直穿过了人形的躯体。 明明近在咫尺，却触碰不到。

CommanderDon't go!不要走啊！

The Commander runs to the very front of the procession of Dolls and waves their arms wildly in an attempt to stop them. They try closing the door and pulling at the Dolls, but they just vanish right before their eyes like sleepwalking phantoms.冲到人形的队列前，指挥官拼命挥手阻拦，但不管是关上门还是拉扯人形，她们都好像行尸走肉的幻影般，直勾勾地从指挥官的面前消失了。

The clock still reads 7:50. The last Doll disappears, leaving the Commander slumped on the floor in the empty base.时钟指向七点五十分，最后一个熟悉的身影离开，指挥官倒在了空空荡荡的基地中。

The hour and minute hands on the clock keep twitching, but the clock remains stuck at 7:50. Darkness rushes in triumphantly from all directions. The world spins out of control, but the Commander is too helpless to fight back...时钟的时针和指针飞舞不停却始终困在七点五十分，黑暗狞笑着从四面八方侵袭，世界在眼前天旋地转，指挥官早已无力反抗……

???Commander!指挥官！

Amidst the still and silent darkness, a small speck of light emerges.静谧的黑暗中出现一个小小的光点。

???Pull yourself together!振作一点！

Commander...Who are you?……你是谁？

The speck of light enlarges rapidly, and the Commander realizes it is approaching at high speed. But still being trapped at 7:50 p.m, they can only stare at the light far beyond the clock face in a daze.光点迅速放大了，指挥官意识到光点在快速接近自己。 但指挥官却仍然被囚禁在七点五十分中，只能呆呆看着表盘外遥远的光芒。

Purin EsakiMy name is Purin Esaki. I've only joined Public Security Section 9 recently; here's my profile—我叫江崎普林，最近刚加入公安九课，这里是我的档案——

Purin EsakiHuh? Why isn't there a screen where I can put it up...? Uh, here's a soft copy!诶？这地方怎么没有能展示的屏幕……啊，这是电子版的！

Purin EsakiI know many things have happened that you find difficult to accept, but! I'll stay and help you solve your problems! ...我知道发生了很多事，你一时有些无法接受，但是！ 我会留下来陪你一起解决的！ ……

Purin EsakiAlright, to tell you the truth, I tracked Takashi Shimamura and Suzuka Mizukane all the way here, but they've disappeared, and I can't find my way back...好吧，其实我一路追踪岛村孝和水金铃鹿的痕迹而来，现在他们消失了，我也找不到回去的路了……

Purin reaches out and prods the hour hand of the clock lightly. Time starts to move forward again.普林的手凑过来，轻轻拨动了时针，从七点五十分开始，时间重新流淌起来。

Purin EsakiI've already sent a distress call to my colleagues at Section 9—they're all amazing people! Once they make the connection, I'll have to borrow some materials from your base and create prosthetics for them. You won't mind, will you...?我已经给公安九课的同事发去了求援信，他们都是非常厉害的人！ 在等他们链接过来的时候，我先稍稍借用下基地的材料给他们做好能链接的义体，你一定不会介意的吧……

Purin EsakiBy the way, I found a Doll that didn't get hacked and kidnapped! She just so happened to be disconnected from the system while resting, so she avoided Shimamura's electronic attack!还有喔，我刚刚帮你发现了没有被骇入带走的人形小姐！ 她刚好在断网休息，避开了岛村孝的电子攻击！

Boys AT RifleCommander.指挥官。

Buoyed by the flowing river of time, the Commander finds comfort in the warm water slipping through their fingers.指挥官被流淌的时间长河托起，温暖的水流从指缝中流过。

Boys AT RifleThe Order will never desert you.骑士团永远与你同在。

Tick, tock, tick, tock... The hanging clock in the command room ticks on at its usual leisurely pace. The once familiar place now feels distinctly unfamiliar.咔哒咔哒，指挥室的挂钟照常不疾不徐地走着。 熟悉的地方，此刻却散发着陌生的气息。

CommanderPurin? Boys?普林？博斯？

Only the dust drifting through the air is disturbed by the Commander's breath.只有空气中漂浮的灰尘被指挥官的气息吹远。

Commander... Major? Batou?…… 少校？巴特？

Even the Dummies that Purin has left them are now nowhere to be seen.连普林留给自己的傀儡也不见了。

CommanderNow I'm truly left with nothing at all.这下才是真正的一无所有了……

The Commander slowly sits up. Their eyes fall on the operation plan written on the board...指挥官缓缓坐起来，目光正好触及墙面的作战计划——

1. Spread the "Alarm Clock" virus. 2. Rally the Dolls in an attack.1、扩散病毒“闹钟” 2、集合人形进攻

This is probably one of the crudest operation plans in the Commander's career. Purin's handwriting can still be seen on the board— "I'm against such a reckless plan!"这算得上指挥生涯以来最简略粗暴的计划了。 而普林的字迹还清晰可见—— “不赞成这么鲁莽的计划！”

...A few hours ago. After trying to track down Takashi Shimamura by following the network traces he has left behind, Purin returns from her investigation on Level II.……数小时前。 循着岛村孝留下的网络痕迹，江崎普林调查结束后从二级平层中返回。

CommanderWell?怎么样？

Purin EsakiIt's not looking good. I successfully infiltrated the virtual world they have constructed, which is known temporarily as Sector 2Z64. The Dolls' neural clouds have been uploaded to Sector 2Z64 and they've been given new jobs there. Construction of the virtual sector is proceeding rapidly. It's already starting to look like a city.情况不乐观啊。 我成功潜入了他们建立的虚拟区世界，名字似乎暂定为2Z64区。 人形们的意识被上传到2Z64区，在那里被安排了新的工作，虚拟区的建设很快，已经有城镇的雏形了。

CommanderThey accepted the situation just like that?! Why...这么快就接受了吗？！为什么……

Purin EsakiDon't be so impatient! Let me finish.你别急啊！听我说完。

Purin EsakiDuring my secret investigation, I encountered a Doll named 433. She had no memory of the Griffin base or you. I managed to access her neural cloud and found her memory data sealed. She was also given false memories. I'm guessing the same goes for the others.在我暗中调查的时候，遇见了一位名叫HK433的人形小姐。 她不记得格里芬基地和你的事情了，不过我想尽办法接触她的心智后，发现她的记忆数据被封锁了，还被灌输了新的虚假记忆。 我猜其他人形也是同样的情况。

Boys AT RifleThey must've erased their past to make them more malleable.让大家不记得过去，一定是为了更好地利用她们。

Purin EsakiI broke the seal and restored 433's original memories. She has agreed to aid you, Commander.我尝试破解后，HK433恢复了原来的记忆。 她表示愿意帮助指挥官。

CommanderThat's great! How did you pull that off?太好了，你怎么做到的？

Purin EsakiHeheh, I created a virus that could slip past 2Z64's firewalls and disable the seal on a Doll's memory. In case you're wondering, I named the virus "Alarm Clock"! It rouses Dolls from their slumber and bring them back to reality—fitting, Don't you think?嘿嘿，我做了一个病毒，能瞒过2Z64设置的防火墙，关闭人形的记忆封锁。 顺便一提，我给它取的名字，叫做“闹钟”！ 把人形们从睡梦中唤醒，回到现实的东西，是不是很贴切？

CommanderCan you spread the virus quickly?能够做到快速传播吗？

Purin EsakiHuh?! You're not even gonna acknowledge the ingenious name I came up with...?! Well, of course spreading it will be no problem! As long as I can find a way to connect with the Dolls, I'll be able to cause a large-scale outbreak. It's only a hypothesis for now, but I think 433 can be of help...诶？！怎么完全不接我的梗…… 传播当然没问题！只要能找到和人形们链接的通道，就可以进行大规模散布。 虽然只是推测，但我想HK433或许能帮上忙……

CommanderRight, then our plan will proceed under the assumption that 433 can aid in the spread of the virus.好，那我们目前的计划暂定以HK433能帮忙散布病毒为前提进行。

Boys AT RifleShouldn't we verify the assumption beforehand?是否该提前验证下？

CommanderWe don't have time. The sooner we get the Dolls back, the better.没时间了，夺回人形必须越快越好。

Purin EsakiHm... I do agree we need to be quick, but isn't it a bit too hasty to begin an operation when we haven't even figured out the lay of the land?唔……我赞成作战速度要快，可是我们才刚摸到地方就要展开行动，是不是也太草率了？

Boys AT RifleCommander, why don't we schedule the operation to take place after Miss Purin conducts a more thorough investigation of Sector 2Z64?指挥官，计划的定制不如留在普林小姐调查清楚2Z64区之后？

Faced with Purin and Boys' doubts, the Commander purses their lips in silence.面对两人异口同声的疑问，指挥官只是抿紧嘴唇陷入了沉默。

CommanderYou mentioned that the Dolls only had their neural clouds uploaded to Sector 2Z64. What about their bodies?你刚刚说，人形们只有意识被上传到了2Z64区，那她们的素体呢？

Purin EsakiTheir bodies are currently located in a deserted area. I only have the rough coordinates.我追踪到她们的素体被安置在了一个废弃区域，只有个大概的坐标。

Boys AT Rifle... Commander, it's the abandoned base in Area S09.…… 指挥官，是已经废弃的S09区基地。

Purin EsakiHuh, was that your original base? Why was it abandoned?诶，是原来的基地吗？为什么废弃了？

Because of a catastrophe that came from the skies. The whole place was flattened by countless shells.因为一场从天而降的灾难。 难以计数的炸弹夷平了那里的一切。

Commander... We'll split up. Boys, go with Purin and meet up with 433 in Sector 2Z64. I'll head to the abandoned base in Area S09 to find where the Dolls' bodies are stashed and wait for you to get in touch. If Purin succeeds in spreading the Alarm Clock virus, then I'll leave with the reawakened Dolls. If not, I'll withdraw on my own.…… 我们兵分两路，博斯你配合普林去2Z64区找HK433汇合。 我去废弃的S09区寻找人形们的素体藏身处，等你们的消息。 如果普林能够成功散布“闹钟”，那么我就指挥苏醒过来的人形们离开，反之我就先撤退。

Boys AT RifleI must object. That will put you in too much danger.我反对，这对您来说太危险了。

Purin EsakiWe have barely started gathering intelligence. I agree it is a bit rash to move without a solid plan...我们才刚开始收集情报，这就贸然出动，实在有些鲁莽……

CommanderI am aware of the risks. I'll be careful.我知道其中的风险，我会谨慎应对。

Boys AT RifleCommander...指挥官……

Purin EsakiBut...可是……

CommanderI insist we commence the operation immediately.我坚持立刻执行计划。

The Commander reaches out, but their hand touches nothing. Nothing but the silence and emptiness in the command room.下意识地伸手，只在不大的指挥室中捞到满手的空虚寂寥。 只好收回手来喃喃自语。

CommanderI'm sorry. Purin... Boys...对不起。 普林……博斯……

The Commander drops their eyes.指挥官垂下眼睛。

CommanderI knew the plan was problematic, but I still stubbornly pushed ahead. ... Yes, I'm afraid...明明知道计划存在各种问题，但还是执意推行。 …… 是的，我在害怕……

Their fingernails dig painfully into their palm, as if desperate to dredge up feelings hidden deep within the heart.手指死死地抠进手心，像是想要从中挖出隐秘的情绪。

CommanderYou were right, Boys...你说得对，博斯……

Boys AT Rifle...Commander, you are not acting like your usual self today. In the past, even when faced with daunting missions, you had always been able to make decisions calmly. But you seem very anxious and reckless today. Is... something bothering you?……指挥官，今天的您有些反常。 过去即便再艰险困难的任务，您都能冷静地做出决策。 但今天的您，显得很焦躁冲动，您……在担忧着什么吗？

CommanderI got used to having you all right by my side. No matter what orders I gave, you would all obey without question. I've taken your trust for granted, and only when I lost it did I realize how precious it was. It's true... If there's a better world waiting for us, why should we reject it?我习惯了你们在我身边，不管我给出什么样的指挥策略，你们都会执行到底。 我以为这是理所应当，却在失去之后才意识到了这份宝贵。 是啊，如果有更好的世界在等待着我们，又有什么理由拒绝呢？

Purin Esaki...What kind of world is Sector 2Z64? Peace. Eternal peace. No friction, no discord, no violence. Every day is a mundane, beautiful day. Everyone has a happy smile on their face.……2Z64区到底是个什么样的世界？ 和平，永恒的和平。 没有摩擦，没有争吵，没有暴力。 每一天都是美好日常的一天，每一个人的脸上都挂着幸福的笑容。

CommanderIn the real world, the days are always marred by new catastrophes. If one is to choose between eternal peace and a dangerous life in which they could die any moment, the choice would be an obvious one. What am I supposed to do, drag them back into chaos and danger?现实的每一天都有着新的灾难发生。 在随时可能牺牲的危险生活，和永恒的和平之间做出选择，答案早就呼之欲出。 难道我要再次把她们拖回来，卷入危险的漩涡中吗？

The Commander's thoughts return once more to the streaking train and the day the base was destroyed. The memory that has given them countless sleepless nights.指挥官的思绪又一次回到了列车飞驰的时刻以及基地毁灭的那一天。 在无数个夜半时分，受困于失眠的大脑都在反复播放着那一段段记忆。

The command room before their eyes is bright and clean. All the equipment is brand new. The load-bearing walls support the ceiling firmly and are in absolutely no danger of collapsing. However, the Commander does not feel safe here. Cold seeps up their limbs, threatening to overwhelm them...眼前的指挥室整洁明亮，设备也都是崭新的，承重墙稳稳地支撑着天花板，没有丝毫倒塌的危险感。 但指挥官却并不觉得这里安全，只感到寒意从四肢向上蔓延……

CommanderHave I... truly lost everything?我……失去了所有吗？

Beep... An eerie notification tone sounds in the silence. The Commander peers at the so-called "gift" from Suzuka Mizukane.叮—— 诡异的提示音在死寂中响起，指挥官偏头望去，是水金铃鹿所谓的“礼物”——

It is a strange-looking device that goes on the head and allows the wearer to connect to Virtual Sector 2Z64. The Commander knows that the notification tone was to remind them that another hour has passed within the valid activation time window.一台造型奇特的AR设备，戴在头部可以和2Z64虚拟区相链接。 指挥官知道，提示音是在告诉自己，激活时限又过去了一个小时。

The red notification light on the augmented reality device is like a pair of crimson eyes lurking in the dark, staring derisively at the dejected Commander.AR设备的红色提示灯像是一双猩红的眼睛，正躲在黑暗中，狡黠地笑看着落魄的指挥官。

CommanderIf there's nothing to lose, there's nothing to fear, isn't that right?没有什么能失去的，也就没有什么害怕的，不是吗？

Returning the gaze of those crimson eyes, the Commander walks over to the device...直视着猩红的双眼，指挥官朝着AR设备走去……

Morning, New World 早安，新世界

...Apartment 390, Victory Mansions, Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，胜利大厦，390号的房间。

As the clean, white blinds are slowly drawn up, the warm sunshine of the early morning spills into the apartment.洁白的窗帘缓缓拉开，将清晨温暖的阳光让进屋内。

No. 390 opens her eyes groggily. She gets out of her soft and comfortable bed and cleans herself up.390号睁开睡意朦胧的双眼，走下柔软的床铺，开始洗漱。

No. 390Good morning!早安！

电屏Good morning, No. 390.早安，390号。

After exchanging greetings with the telescreen on the wall, No. 390 leaves her apartment jovially and sets off for her office.和墙上的电屏打完招呼后，390号精神饱满地走出房间，朝公司的方向前进。

It is as sunny as always in Sector 2Z64. There is just the right amount of sunshine, and a gentle breeze ruffles the leaves in the trees. No. 390's nostrils flare as she inhales the faint fragrance in the air.像过去的每一天一样，今天的2Z64区也是万里无云的晴天。 阳光正好，柔和的风轻轻吹起发梢。 390号微微皱了皱鼻子，捕捉到了空气中淡淡的香气。

No. 390Good morning, No. 365!早上好，365号！

No. 365Good morning, No. 390.早上好，390号。

As always, No. 365 is painstakingly caring for a lush cherry tree.365号和往日一样精心照料着枝叶繁盛的樱桃树。

No. 294Good morning to you, No. 390.贵安，390号。

No. 390Good morning, No. 294.早安，294号。

No. 294 also greets pedestrians at the shop entrance, wearing her immaculately ironed suit, as she always does.294号也如往日一样身着熨烫平整的西装站在店门口招呼行人。

No. 294Some new styles have arrived at the shop today. Would you like to try them on?今天店里到了新款的西装，要来试试吗？

No. 390Thank you, but—谢谢你，不过——

No. 260Out of my way!走开啊！不要挡我的路！

A car hurtles past No. 390, barely missing her, but she takes a step back and dodges it casually as if she had seen it coming.一辆汽车狂啸着从390号身边险险擦过，390号却像是早已预料到一般，轻松地后退一步躲开了。

No. 390Good morning, No. 260.早安，260号。

No. 232No. 260, please cease your dangerous driving above the speed limit and cooperate with the Ministry of Love's investigation! This is a violation of the Road and Traffic Safety Regulations of Sector 2Z64! Please immediately—260号，请立刻停止超速驾驶行为，并配合仁爱部的调查！ 你已经违反2Z64区道路交通安全法的相关规定，请立刻——

No. 260Not gonna! Blegh!才不要！略略略！

Another car bearing the Ministry of Love's logo rushes past No. 390 in hot pursuit.印着仁爱部标志的车辆呼啸着紧追不舍，从390号的身边驶过。

It looks like the Ministry of Love is also diligently maintaining order in Sector 2Z64, just as always.隔壁仁爱部也和往日一样，兢兢业业地忙碌在维持2Z64区秩序的第一线。

...Office Zone 1, Ministry of Truth, Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，真理部，办公室一区。

No. 390Good morning, everyone.各位，早上好。

No. 234Good morning, No. 390.早安，390号。

No. 390Good morning, No. 234. I have finished documenting Case No. 21093202. I will now hand the file over to you for archiving.早安，234号。 我已经将编号21093202的事件整理完毕，按照流程接下来就移交给你归档。

No. 234Are you referring to the case where No. 215 published blasphemous posts concerning Big Brother on public forums?是215号在2Z64区公民论坛上发表污蔑老大哥信息的帖子那个事件吗？

No. 390Yes. I was able to wrap up the case quickly thanks to No. 342's report and full cooperation.是的，感谢342号的检举揭发和全力协助，否则我也无法这么快就能完成。

No. 234I understand. Leave the rest to me.明白了，接下来就交给我吧。

No. 390Thank you. Then I'll move onto—辛苦了，那么我这就去处理——

No. 234 suddenly gestures for No. 390 to stop.234号做了个暂停的手势。

No. 390What is it?怎么了？

No. 234Miss Mizukane has given the order to put your subsequent duties on hold.水金小姐交代暂停你接下来的一切工作。

No. 390Why?!为什么！

No. 234She says there is a more important mission for you and to send you over once you arrive.她说，有更重要的任务要交给你，让你来了就去找她。

No. 390's eyes widen in disbelief, not because she is unhappy about having her work put on hold but because this is an unprecedented change. "A more important mission." This utterly unfamiliar phrase, so out of place in her immutable, everyday vocabulary, hits her neural cloud like a disoriented bird crashing into a glass window.390号不可置信地瞪大了双眼，并不是源于被暂停任务的不甘，而是来自从未有过的改变—— “更重要的任务”。 这个从未出现在过去的一成不变的每一天的词汇，像迷途的鸟儿一样撞在了她心智中的玻璃上。

No. 390Understood!是！

...At a metro station in Sector 2Z64. Following Suzuka Mizukane's instructions, No. 390 arrives early at the station exit. This is where she will be assigned "a more important mission".……2Z64区，地铁站。 390号按照水金铃鹿的指示，早早守候在了地铁站出口。 “更重要的任务”将从这里出现，传到她的手中。

No. 390...You can do it.……加油。

Whirrr... A train pulls into the station as No. 390 mutters an encouragement to herself. She tenses up and scans the crowd, eagerly searching for her target— Miss Mizukane is walking over with someone in tow.嗡——在390号小声的呢喃中，地铁进站了。 390号紧了紧身子，目光穿过人群，专注地寻找着目标—— 水金小姐正领着一个人走来。

No. 390Hello, I am No. 390. I will be in charge of your visit today. I will send you our itinerary later. Feel free to ask me any questions. May I ask what your number is?您好，我是390号，将负责安排您今天的参观旅途。 稍后我会将安排发送给您，有任何疑问您也可以告诉我，那么请问您的编号是？

Suzuka MizukaneThis is a human with a pending cyberbrain conversion; their designation is "Commander".这位是还未进行电子脑改造的人类，代号“指挥官”。

Suzuka MizukaneThe Commander's simulation number is now with you. Please handle the rest.指挥官的模拟编号已经传输给你了，接下来就交给你了。

No. 390...A human?! Right, leave it to me!……人类？！是，请放心交给我吧！

Miss Mizukane soon disappears in the bustling crowd. No. 390 remains rooted to the same spot as she replays her exchange with the expressionless Miss Mizukane. Did she imagine her sneer when she walked past?水金小姐如鱼得水地消失在了熙熙攘攘的人群中。 390号站在原地，回味着一向面无表情的水金小姐，刚刚似乎在擦肩而过的瞬间露出了嘲讽的微笑？

No. 390Hello, Commander. Please come with me!您好，指挥官，请跟我来吧！

Since they alighted from the train, the listless-looking visitor has been staring quietly at their feet without even a curious peek around.从下车开始，访客都是一副疲惫的模样，只是安静地盯着地面，甚至连好奇地张望也没有。

But the moment Miss Mizukane leaves, they abruptly look up and direct the full force of their gaze at No. 390.但在水金小姐离开后，访客却突然抬头，锐利的目光恨不能扎在390号的额头上。

No. 390Um... Do you have any questions?请问……有什么疑问吗？

Commander... No, not really.…… 不，没什么。

No. 390Then... this way, please.那么，这边请。

Potato's Legend 土豆传说

...On a street near the residential area in Sector 2Z64. The hour and minute hands on the clock tower in the distance remain stubbornly silent and stationary.……2Z64区，居民区附近的街道。 远处钟楼上的时针和分针静止不语，以近乎固执的姿态不肯再挪动分毫。

No. 390Commander, those uniform buildings over there are our apartment blocks, and this whole area can satisfy our day-to-day needs. Shops, restaurants, accommodations, transport... You name it, we have it.指挥官，远处那些规格一致的楼房是我们的公寓，这边是我们日常生活的区域。 衣食住行……什么需求都可以在这边得到满足。

No. 390Are you hungry, Commander? Would you like to grab a bite along the way?指挥官，您饿了吗？要不要顺路吃点东西？

No. 322Oh hello, comrade, welcome! The canteen is running full steam ahead right now~两位同志好！欢迎光临，食堂正在火热营业中~

No. 390No. 322, this is the Commander, a visitor. Please talk us through your menu today.322号，这位是今天的访客指挥官，你来介绍下菜单吧。

No. 322Sure thing! Today's menu, we've got boiled potatoes, shredded potato stir-fry, braised yam beans, scallion oil mashed potato, Dutch potato pie...好咧！今天的菜单有蒸马铃薯、清炒土豆丝、红烧山药豆、葱油洋芋泥、荷兰薯派……

CommanderAll potatoes?这不全是土豆吗？

No. 322That's right! Potatoes are all we need!对啊，我们有土豆就够了！

No. 390Our local cuisine is probably quite different from what the Commander is used to.我们这边的饮食习惯就是这样，大概和指挥官来自的地方有所不同。

CommanderSteamed Chinese cabbage in supreme soup, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, five-snake soup, braised shark fin in yellow wine sauce... What happened to the culinary arts that you've been working so hard to pursue?开水白菜、佛跳墙、太史五蛇羹、黄焖鱼翅……你追求的那些厨房艺术呢？

No. 322...Huh? What are those?……啊？那都是什么啊？

No. 390I've never heard of them either... Are those dishes where you're from?我也没有听说过……是指挥官那边的菜系吗？

No. 322Hahahaha, you're funny, comrade. Why would we need such extravagant food?哈哈哈哈，同志您真幽默，我们哪需要这么花里胡哨的食物啊。

CommanderYou're happy with just potatoes...?只需要土豆就够了吗……

No. 322Of course!是的呢！

CommanderWhy...为什么……

No. 390Hm, I guess that's just how things are in Sector 2Z64.唔，2Z64区就是这样的风俗吧。

...Routine patrol and inspection around the Griffin base, logs compiled by Adjutant 433. 8-8.15 a.m, patrolled the cafeteria—a battlefield that's billowing with smoke.……格里芬基地例行巡视，记录副官HK433。 早上八点至八点十五，巡视地点食堂，无形硝烟弥漫的战场。

QSB-91B-Boss, you're here so early today!老、老板，怎么今天这么早就来啦？

Commander... What on earth is going on here?…… 这里是怎么回事？

433I believe FF FNC and VP9 are brawling over chocolate and snacks.报告，目前的战况是FNC和VP9为了争夺巧克力零食大打出手。

433INSAS is taking advantage of the commotion to pour the curry she made into the lunchbox of SPAS-12, who is fighting over some fried chicken with Liberator. She is 5 cm away...英萨斯企图趁乱将自己做的咖喱乱炖塞到正和解放者抢炸鸡的SPAS12的便当盒里，就差5厘米……

433Oh, she slips! And her curry is spilled all over Webley's suit—啊，英萨斯踩滑了，她的咖喱乱炖一把拍在了韦伯利的西装上——

CommanderStop, I didn't ask for a real-time commentary.停，我没有让你给我现场转播。

433Sorry for misunderstanding my task. Please don't give me a bad review because of this.抱歉，是我对任务的理解出现了偏差，请不要因此给我的任务评价打差评。

QSB-91Don't get angry, Boss. We've been having a shortage of ingredients lately. Other than potatoes, the Dolls have to fight over all the food... So everyone gets pretty tense whenever it's mealtime.你消消气，老板，最近的食材补给很短缺，除了土豆，想吃啥都得靠抢…… 所以大家每到饭点都比较激动……

CommanderDidn't I say our supply issues would be resolved soon? We just have to hang in there for a bit longer.我不是说过了再坚持一段时间，食材补给缺口就会有所缓解？

QSB-91You did... But it sounded like a vague and empty promise...是的…… 但这不是听上去遥遥无期嘛……

G36Multi, try to get things under control. Another fight is breaking out.小万，去控制下那边的混乱，她们又打起来了。

QSB-91Alright, Gr G36.好咧，G36姐。

G36Don't worry, Commander. These commotions are only caused by the shortages of certain food ingredients. The cafeteria itself is still operating smoothly, and we do have sufficient food reserves.您别着急，指挥官，这只是由于最近部分食材的稀缺引发的混乱。 食堂的运转本身依然是平稳的，我们有着充足的食物存储。

433That's right, we currently have six tons of potatoes in storage.没错，我们目前有着6吨土豆的仓储。

G36Potatoes are more than enough for Dolls. Unlike humans, we don't require nutrition from food to survive.对人形来说，土豆已经足够了。 我们并不像人类那样需要靠摄取食物来生存。

CommanderAre you sure it's enough...?足够了吗……

The Commander looks at the Dolls locked in a free-for-all.指挥官望向混战一团的人形们。

CommanderFor both humans and Dolls, food is more than just filling up the belly.不管是对人类还是对人形来说，食物的意义似乎都不只是饱腹而已。

If the Commander was like a lifeless, droopy tree by the road in fall when they first met No. 390, then they are now an ice cream under the blazing sun. No. 390 has utterly no idea what their problem is.如果说刚和390见面的指挥官像是深秋时分路边萎靡不振的枯树的话，现在的指挥官就是烈日下的冰淇淋。 而390号完全不知道哪里出了问题。

No. 390Commander, if you're not hungry, let's move on to the next attraction.指挥官，既然你不饿的话，我们去下一个地方参观吧。

Internet Rehab 网瘾戒断

...In a supply warehouse in the Ministry of Plenty, Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，富足部，物资仓库。

No. 390 lightly dusts off the clock in the corner of the warehouse. The hands are not moving anymore.390号掸了掸角落时钟上的灰尘，上面的秒针已然不再奔波。

No. 390Commander, this is where we distribute our supplies. Residents of Sector 2Z64 come here for anything they lack.指挥官，这边是我们分配物资的地方，2Z64区居民如果缺少什么东西都会来这里领取。

CommanderTPS...?TPS……？

No. 390No. 387, here for some supplies?387号，你来领取物资吗？

No. 387Yep! And this is? An unfamiliar face!是的哟，这位是？没有见过的生面孔诶。

No. 390This is the Commander, who has come to visit us today. No. 387, don't even bother showing them your 2Z64 livestream! The Commander isn't interested in following you!这位是今天的访客指挥官，387号，不要掏出你的2Z64直播！指挥官不会关注你的！

No. 387Aw c'mon! You're here anyway, so why don't you just give me a follow?哎呀，来都来了，不关注一个真的好吗？

No. 387Commander, just spare a second to click on the follow button!指挥官，动动你的小手，点个关注吧！

CommanderAlright.好。

No. 390Commander...?指挥官……？

Much to No. 390's surprise, the taciturn Commander obediently follows No. 387's instructions and follows her 2Z64 livestream account.在390号诧异的注视下，一直沉默寡言的指挥官听从387号的指导，关注了她的2Z64区直播账号。

No. 387Thank you, my latest fan!谢谢你，我的新粉丝！

CommanderYou're... not streaming your video games anymore?你……不再直播打游戏了吗？

No. 387Video games? Why would I stream such things?游戏？为什么要直播那种东西？

No. 390Video games are banned in Sector 2Z64.在2Z64区，游戏是被禁止的娱乐方式之一。

Commander...You know, the game sequel that you've been looking forward to has launched.……你知道吗，你期待很久的新游出续作了。

No. 387Looking forward to...? Why would I look forward to a game launch...? Haha, Commander, you're a strange one.期待……？我为什么会期待游戏呢…… 哈哈，指挥官，你真奇怪。

No. 387I like vlogging my life—not that it is very exciting, but it still gives me a sense of achievement to record my day-to-day life.我平常就爱直播自己的生活，虽然几乎没啥变化啦，但记录自己的每一天还挺有成就感的。

CommanderSo you don't look forward to new things anymore?你不再期待新事物的发生了吗？

No. 387Hm... I don't remember who said it... But the gist is that expectation always comes with the risk of disappointment. If I have no expectations, I'll always be happy~嗯……忘记是谁说的了…… 大意就是，期待这种东西总是伴随着失望的风险，如果不抱有期待的话，就能一直开开心心的了吧~

No. 387I need to go. See you, No. 390. See you, Commander~那我走啦，390号再见，指挥官再见~

No. 390Goodbye, No. 387.387号，再见。

...Routine patrol and inspection around the Griffin base, logs compiled by Adjutant 433. 10:30-10:45 a.m, patrolled the logistics depot. I could hear the sound of an argument before I even stepped through the door.……格里芬基地例行巡视，记录副官HK433。 早上十点三十分至十点四十五分，巡视地点后勤仓库，还未踏入大门，争吵声就已经传来。

No. 387My new controller still hasn't arrived?! My fans are hounding me for a new guide! If I don't start my stream soon—我的新手柄还没有到吗？！ 粉丝们都在嗷嗷待哺等着看攻略呢，再不开播的话——

QBU-191The damage on the road near the base is severely hindering our transportation and logistics. We can only rely on our friends at the forward basecamp to transport some of our supplies. Which is why your package will take a bit longer to get here.因为基地附近的道路损坏，运输物流遭到重创，目前只能靠前进营地的朋友们帮忙运输部分物资。 所以，你的包裹还需要再等等。

No. 387It's always the same excuses!又是这套推辞！

QBU-191Commander, you're here.指挥官，您来了。

CommanderIbis, has the logistics corridor still not been repaired?鹮，基地的运输物流通道还没有修复吗？

QBU-191Unfortunately no. We lack the manpower and funds for the repairs...是的，我们目前欠缺修缮道路的人手和资金……

No. 387Commander, you need to sort this out quick! The other streamers have all cleared the stage already while I haven't even started!指挥官，快想想办法啊！别的主播都通关了，我还不能开始打！

433The Commander has enough things to worry about. Please spare them your recreational problems.指挥官要烦恼的事已经很多了，娱乐范围的麻烦就先放过指挥官吧。

No. 387Is recreation not important then?! Without recreation, how are we supposed to distract ourselves from our constant existential dread?!娱乐就不重要了吗？！ 没有点娱乐方式，你让大家心里恐慌的时候做些什么来分散注意力啊！

Commander... Right, I'll try to think of something.…… 我知道了，我会想想办法的。

No. 387I knew you're a dependable teammate! I look forward to your good news, Commander!我就知道你是个可靠的队友！等你的好消息哦，指挥官！

TPS pulls open the depot door and runs out excitedly.TPS兴奋地拉起仓库门跑开了。

QBU-191Commander, you don't have to trouble yourself with such matters. The slow repairs on the logistics corridor only delay some of the Dolls' gratification. They have no negative effect on the operation of the base.指挥官，您其实不需要这么劳累自己的。 物流通道修复慢，只是延迟人形们的一些满足而已，并不会对基地的运营造成损害。

433Yeah, the forward basecamp has taken over the transportation of genuinely important supplies anyway.是啊，反正重要的物资有前进营地来暂时担负下运输的职责。

CommanderDelaying gratification may only seem like postponing the moment of joy. However, during the process of waiting, one's anticipation of joy is continuously worn away, until eventually, they no longer care about attaining joy at all.看上去，延迟满足只是将得到快乐的时机延后了。 但在等待的过程中，对得到快乐本身的期待在不断损毁，到最后，或许已经完全不想要得到了。

433Commander, you're too hard on yourself...指挥官，您对自己要求过于苛刻了……

CommanderI don't want TPS to keep waiting until she starts losing her passion for livestreaming. You all risk your lives for this base. If I can't even let you have your little joys in life, I'd be a terrible Commander.我不希望TPS一直等待，直到对开播这件事失去期望。 大家为基地出生入死的，连这点小小的快乐都无法给予，那我也太失职了。

No. 390Commander?指挥官？

No. 390 thought the Commander would be interested in the organized warehouse, but the sight of the place only seems to have deepened their frown. She is a bit at her wits' end, but determined to turn this important mission around, she decides to move on to the next place.本以为指挥官会对整理得井井有条的仓库感兴趣，没想到反倒加重了指挥官眉宇间的失落。 390号有些不知所措，为了扭转这个重要任务的颓势，她决定再换下一个地方。

No. 390Commander, let's keep going then.指挥官，我们也走吧。

Earl Grey Gin 伯爵金特调

...At the café in the residential area, Sector 2Z64. The Commander walks past a display cabinet which contains an antique clock that has stopped.……2Z64区，居民区，咖啡厅。 指挥官木然走过停滞在时光中的古董钟表陈列柜。

No. 036Welcome to the café. What can I get you?欢迎光临咖啡厅，请问两位需要什么？

No. 390Hello, No. 036. Two coffees, please. Put it on my tab.你好，036号，请来两杯咖啡，记在我的账上。

CommanderI'd like a glass of Earl Grey gin.我想要一杯伯爵金特调。

The Commander's requests always take No. 390 completely off guard.指挥官的需求总是令390号措手不及。

No. 390An Earl Grey gin?伯爵金特调？

No. 036Sounds like some sort of cocktail.听上去是某种调制酒。

CommanderYes, it's a recent concoction of yours.是的，你新推出的调酒。

Surprise flashes through No. 036's eyes, which are like deep, calm lakes. She smiles kindly and pours the Commander a cup of tea.惊讶从036号平静湖泊般的眼中闪过，她轻轻笑了笑，从容地给指挥官倒上一杯茶。

No. 036Could you tell me the story behind this Earl Grey gin?可以给我讲讲伯爵金特调的故事吗？

CommanderI think you mixed your elderflower syrup and gin into Gr G36's Earl Grey tea...我猜，是G36泡好的伯爵红茶，加上你的接骨木糖浆和金酒……

No. 390... Sorry, Commander, but there is no alcohol in Sector 2Z64.…… 抱歉，指挥官，2Z64区也没有酒精。

No. 390 tries her best to not sound like a buzzkill as she whispers to the Commander. No. 036's smile does not waver in the awkward silence.390号尽可能用不那么扫兴的语气小声提醒道。 在难捱的沉默中，036号的笑容依旧。

No. 036I would like to know the story, not the recipe.我想问的是故事，并不是配方哦。

CommanderI never got the chance to drink the cocktail.我没能喝到那杯伯爵金特调。

No. 036That's a shame. It does sound like it would have a very memorable taste.真是遗憾，听上去应该是令人难忘的味道。

CommanderYeah, and I may never get to taste it at all.是啊，我或许永远也喝不到那杯伯爵金特调了。

...Routine patrol and inspection around the Griffin base, logs compiled by Adjutant 433. 2:10-2:15 p.m, patrolled the café. The usual relaxing atmosphere has been replaced with a thick miasma of gloom.……格里芬基地例行巡视，记录副官HK433。 午后两点十分至两点十五分，巡视地点咖啡厅，悠闲的空气消散，愁云被困在其中。

SpringfieldWelcome, Commander. Your usual?指挥官，欢迎光临，今天还是老样子吗？

The Commander's eyes drift from Springfield to the other customers in the café.指挥官的目光从迎上来的春田身上错开，在咖啡厅中盘旋。

SpringfieldWondering about the Dolls over there? They're discussing the possibility of running some kind of side hustle. After all, Christmas is just around the corner, and everyone has something they want to get.您在看那边吗？她们正在商讨副业赚钱的可能性。 毕竟圣诞节临近了，大家都有心仪的礼物想要买下。

CommanderThey're just talking about side hustles? But they all look really gloomy.只是商讨副业吗？看上去大家的脸色不是很好啊。

SpringfieldThey've probably encountered some difficulties, but you don't have to be too worried. Difficulties can always be solved one after another.大概是遇上了难题吧，不过您也别担心，困难总会一个一个解决掉的。

CommanderSo long as we're alive, we will always encounter difficulties one after another...只要活着，困难就会层出不穷……

433Would you like a drink with some sugar, Commander? You haven't replenished your energy since you woke up this morning.指挥官，要不要喝点甜点的东西缓缓？从今早醒来到现在，您还没补充过能量。

CommanderI'm okay.我没事。

SpringfieldI've recently come up with a new drink—an Earl Grey gin cocktail. Reviews have been pretty good. Would you like to give it a try?我们最近推出了新品，伯爵金特调，评价很不错，指挥官要试试吗？

CommanderMaybe next time.下次吧。

CommanderI used to think "next time" was something I could easily get, like a sunset that I could just turn around to look at or a coin on the ground that I could simply bend down to pick up. But the reality is... by the time I turn around, the sun has already set; by the time I bend down, the coin has already slid through the manhole cover. Every time we say "maybe next time" so casually, there might not actually be a next time.我以前总以为“下次”是很轻松就能够得到的东西，轻松得就像回头再看一眼夕阳，或者弯下腰捡起掉落在地面的硬币。 但现实往往，回头的时候夕阳早就已经消散了，弯腰的时候才发现硬币滚落到了窨井盖里。 在我们轻松地说着下次的时候，或许已经没有下次了。

The Commander slowly pushes the tea away and gets up to leave the café.指挥官缓缓推开面前的茶水，起身离开了咖啡厅。

No. 390Commander!指挥官！

No. 390 rushes out after them, leaving No. 036 to gaze thoughtfully at the untouched tea at the now quiet bar.390号急忙追着跑了出去，安静下来的吧台前，只剩下036号若有所思地看着那杯没有被动过的茶。

Grape Juice 葡萄果汁

...In a street near the residential area in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，居民区附近的街道。

No. 390Commander, please wait for me!指挥官！请等等我！

CommanderYou don't have to keep following me around.不用再跟着我了。

No. 390But...可是……

CommanderIf you're worried about your mission review, I'll give you a full score.如果是担心对你的任务评价的话，我会给你打满的。

No. 390Huh?诶？

The Commander coldly punches in the highest possible score for all the aspects in the review pop-up window.指挥官冷冷地给弹出的评价提示框中的各项指标拉满了分数。

CommanderThat'll do, yeah?这样就可以了吧。

Perplexity. Distress. Indignation. Bitter emotions fill No. 390's neural cloud. They are so overwhelming she can almost taste them. She watches as the Commander stalks away in resolute rejection.不理解，委屈，不甘。苦涩的情绪充斥着390号的心智，几乎要满溢出到味蕾间。 她看着萧瑟离去的指挥官，只觉察出指挥官背影中的决绝。

No. 390Are you insulting me?您是在羞辱我吗？

No. 390It's true. I don't know how you found out, but I do care a lot about my mission reviews. But that doesn't mean I want to get good reviews in such a humiliating way!是，虽然不知道您是怎么发现的，我确实很在意任务评价。 但绝不是通过这样羞辱人的方式得到的！

No. 390 brings up the mission review interface and deletes the full-score review that the Commander just gave her.390号抬手唤出了任务评价界面，将指挥官刚刚做出的满分任务评价退回了。

CommanderYou...你……

No. 390I will prove to you with my own ability that I truly deserve a good review!我会用我的实力向您证明，我值得这样的评价！

No. 390Let's leave it for today. I'll see you tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll definitely—那么今天就先到这里了，明天见。 明天我势必会——

Commander433...HK433。

No. 390...What? What's 433...……什么？HK433是……

The brooding visitor suddenly looks straight into No. 390's eyes. Only then does she notice this sullen visitor actually has a look of great fortitude in their eyes. But at this moment, those eyes are filled with pain and sorrow.一直沉默寡言的访客突然抬起头直视390号，她这才发现这位始终萧瑟如秋风的访客其实有一双坚定的眼睛。 但此刻，这双眼睛充满了伤痛。

CommanderWhat was it that you wanted to tell me before I left?我离开之前，你说要告诉我的事，究竟是什么？

No. 390What I wanted to tell you... before you left?您离开之前……我要告诉您的事？

...After yesterday's routine patrol and inspection, the Commander returns to the command room.……昨天的例行视察结束后，指挥官回到了指挥室。

They flip open the inspection logs, and their mind wanders as they stare at the empty page. After much deliberation, they finally write down...翻开日常巡逻日志，面对着空白的一页，指挥官的思绪仿佛也跟着放空了。 执笔良久，指挥官最终还是写下了——

Everything is fine.一切正常。

Commander... That's right. Everything is fine. Everything will get better in time...…… 是的，一切正常，一切都会变得越来越好的……

433 puts down a cup of coffee on the desk and speaks with great severity.HK433将咖啡轻轻放在桌边，然后郑重地开口。

433Commander, what I'm about to say will probably affect my work review. But based on my recent observations of your mental state and physical health, I strongly recommend that you take some time off. You need a proper holiday to let your mind and body recover, otherwise—指挥官，我以下的发言可能会影响您对我的打分。 但鉴于我最近观测到的您的精神状态和身体健康情况，我强烈建议您休假。 您需要一个完整的假期来调养身心，否则——

CommanderThis isn't the time. I'll think about it once the base is properly up and running.现在不是时候，等基地恢复原来的运转秩序了再说吧。

433You don't want to keep the Dolls waiting, but you'll put off ending your own suffering?您不愿意让人形们等待，却愿意让自己苦熬着等待吗？

433 takes a deep breath.HK433深吸一口气。

433There's something that I've been meaning to say to you... It has nothing to do with work, and it may take up some of your precious resting time...我有一些事想跟您说…… 虽然和工作无关，并且可能会浪费掉一些您宝贵的休息时间……

CommanderGo ahead.你说。

433The truth is, we—其实，我们——

433 is interrupted by an emergency call from Persica.HK433的话被帕斯卡的紧急通讯打断。

After that, all that was left unsaid fades away in reality, along with all the unfulfilled "next times".而在这之后，一切未能说出口的话消散在了现实中，连同一切未能履约的“下次”。

Commander... Never mind. Forget I asked.…… 算了，当我没问过。

No. 390Please wait, Commander!请等一等，指挥官！

No. 390 stops the Commander from turning to leave.390号拦住了转身欲走的指挥官。

No. 390I can't quite tell why, but I have a feeling there's some kind of misunderstanding between us. The way you looked at me the first time we met...虽然没有明确的证据，但我总感觉您和我之间存在一些误会。 从我们初次见面时您的眼神……

CommanderMisunderstanding, huh...误会吗……

The Commander's eyes harden once more.指挥官的眼中又出现了那种锐利的目光。

No. 390Please explain it clearly.请您明示。

CommanderWhy did you betray me? Why did you sell out Boys and Purin?为什么要背叛我？为什么要出卖博斯和普林？

No. 390What are you talking about? I have done no such thing... And who are Boys and Purin?您在说什么？我没有做过背叛您的事情…… 博斯和普林是？

No. 390Does this betrayal that you mentioned concern these two people? If you trust me, please tell me their designations and I can make some inquiries for you.您说的背叛和这两个名字有关吗？ 如果您还愿意相信我的话，请告诉我这两位的编号，我可以帮您去查询。

No. 390...Commander?……指挥官？

The visitor does not say another word to her. They rush off and promptly disappear around the street corner like a ghost left behind in a world that has moved on.访客没有再和她说过话，像是被时代遗忘的幽灵，仓促消失在了街道拐角。

...In the office of the Ministry of Love, Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，仁爱部，办公室。

No. 232No. 260, who was driving above the legal speed limit, has been arrested and brought to justice. Please have the Interrogation Department take over.报告，违规超速驾驶的260号已被缉捕归案，请审讯科接手。

No. 260Let me go! Fight me in a duel fair-and-square if you dare!放开我！有本事就放开我单挑！

No. 388Thank you, No. 232.辛苦你了，232号。

No. 388 seizes No. 260 offhandedly, gags her to cease her torrent of curses, and carries her off to the cells.388号熟练地接过260号，封住仍在喋喋不休骂人的嘴后，就拎起来走向监狱区。

...Holding cells in the Ministry of Love, Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，仁爱部，监狱区。

No. 388Stay in here for a bit.你先呆在这里吧。

No. 388 opens a metal gate and tosses No. 260 into a cell.打开铁门，388号将260号扔了进去。

How many times has it been? How many times has she taken No. 260 from No. 232 and tossed her into a cell? Is this the only event that keeps repeating itself? The people she meets at work and the events that transpire all feel pretty much the same from day to day... Standing before No. 260's cell, No. 388 considers this in silent contemplation.这是第多少次？从232号手中接过260号再扔进监狱？ 只有这一件事在反复循环吗？每天上班遇见的人，发生的事，明明也相差无几…… 站在260号的囚室前，388号陷入了沉思。

No. 388No. 266, do you think this world is continuously on a loop, repeating the same day over and over again? No, that's not exactly it. The world is following the script of a single day and playing out with minor deviations...260号，你知道这个世界在不断地循环着同一天吗？ 不，这样说并不准确，这个世界在以某一天为蓝本，以微小算量的差异运行着……

No. 260(Muffled grunts)唔唔唔……唔！

No. 388Sorry, I forgot you couldn't speak.抱歉，忘记你还不能开口说话。

No. 388 reaches through the bars and removes No. 260's gag.388伸手探进铁门的缝隙，将阻止260号发言的桎梏解除。

No. 260...Humph, so what? Events can repeat all they want. I don't care as long as I can keep having fun.……哼，那又怎样？ 重复就重复呗，只要允许我继续找乐子就行。

This is how most people would respond. They simply do not care if they live within a time loop as long as their lifestyle remains unchanged. Is she the only one who is bothered by that?这也是大多数人的回答，她们根本不在意重复与否，只要自己的生活方式依然可行就好。 难道只有自己对这一点如鲠在喉吗？

No. 260Hey, I was just speeding! That's not a crime worthy of a visit from Miss Mizukane, is it?!喂喂喂，只是超个速而已，犯不着把水金小姐请来吧？！

No. 388...!……！

No. 388 is so lost in her riling thoughts she did not even notice Miss Mizukane's shadow falling over her.陷入自己思维的漩涡，388号没有注意到水金小姐的影子已经淹没了自己。

No. 388Miss Mizukane.水金小姐。

Suzuka MizukaneNo. 388, is No. 260's case dealt with?388号，260号的案子已经处理完了？

No. 388Yes, ma'am. The case will now be handed over to the interrogator.是的，接下来会移交给负责审讯的同志。

Suzuka MizukanePerfect timing then. I have a new mission for you.正好，有个新任务交给你。

...In the park in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，公园。

No. 388...A human with a pending cyberbrain conversion, designation "Commander".……未进行电子脑化的人类，代号“指挥官”。

No. 388 studies her mission target from afar. The human is sitting on a bench in the park and gazing up at the night sky with a look of melancholy. It's hard to imagine why someone like this would need to have their risk factor assessed. To No. 388, her target just seems to be a deeply unhappy person that she feels sorry for. But she has no choice but to follow Miss Mizukane's order.遥遥望着任务目标，对方正坐在公园的长椅上，怅然若失地凝望着无尽的夜色。 很难想象这样的人需要判定风险等级。 在388号看来，任务目标只是一个失意怅惘的可怜人而已。 但水金小姐的命令，388号只能执行。

No. 388Hello, Commander.您好，指挥官。

No. 388I hope you don't mind if I sit next to you.希望您不介意我坐在旁边。

Before waiting for the Commander's reply, No. 388 sits down on the other end of the bench.不等指挥官做出回应，388号就坐在了长椅的另一端。

After a brief pause, No. 388 breaks the silence.短暂的沉默后，388号先开了口。

No. 388Allow me to introduce myself. I am No. 388 from the Investigation Department of the Ministry of Love. I'm here to collect some feedback regarding your visit. After all, as the first human visitor without a cyberbrain, your opinion matters a great deal to us.自我介绍一下，我是隶属于仁爱部调查所的388号。 我来是想询问看看指挥官对于2Z64区的参观感想，毕竟作为首位未经过电子脑化的人类访客，您的意见对我们来说非常重要。

No. 388According to the report submitted by No. 390, who was your guide today, she felt rather dismayed for not being able to provide you with satisfactory service.根据今天负责接待您的390号提交的报告，她似乎在为没有服务好您而感到沮丧。

CommanderShe did very well.她做得很好。

No. 388In the report, she mentioned that you were very depressed throughout your visit, whether you were touring the residential area or the utility areas of our different departments. No. 390 could not determine the cause of your unhappiness. Would you be so kind as to share your feelings with me?报告上说，不管是居民区还是部门的功能区，您在参观的时候情绪都很低落。 390号没能找到原因，不知道我是否有这个荣幸可以倾听。

Commander... Do you care so much about me just because of your job?…… 你这么关心我，是因为你的工作要求吗？

No. 388No.不是哦。

No. 388 suddenly smiles cheerfully.388号突然开心地笑了一下。

No. 388My routine work is very monotonous. I sit at the office of the Ministry of Love and wait for my comrades to bring in people who broke the law. I complete their registration and transfer them to the interrogation room. The people who come and go are pretty much the same from day to day. Sometimes I even wonder if I'm just reliving the same day over and over again.我平常的工作内容几乎是一模一样的。 坐在仁爱部的办公室等其他同志将违反秩序的人带来，由我登记信息，再转移到审讯室去。 每天来往的人都差不多，有的时候，我甚至会怀疑，我是不是被困在了同一天里。

CommanderSo, is investigating me a special mission for you?所以来调查我是你的特派任务？

No. 388Yes. I have never received such an assignment before, so I might have let it get to my head a bit too much. Do forgive me.是的，我之前从来没有接到过这样的任务，所以可能表现得有些兴奋了。 还请您见谅。

The visitor falls silent and seems to stare into space, but No. 388 notices that they are actually scanning the telescreens in the area.访客默不作声，目光看似飘散在空中，但388号注意到，这位访客似乎在搜寻着附近的每一块电屏。

No. 388Our telescreens record everything they see and hear.这个是电屏，它会记录面前的影像和声音。

CommanderSo they're a part of your surveillance system. Was that how you found me?监控器，你是通过这些东西找到我的吗？

No. 388Yes, the telescreens are how we communicate with each other. We also use them to obtain information and receive orders beyond our authorization.是的，电屏是我们常用的沟通工具，我们也会通过电屏来获取权限以内的情报和命令。

CommanderSo it's just a tool for communication?只是沟通工具？

No. 388Big Brother rules over the entire Sector 2Z64 using the telescreens as well.老大哥也会通过电屏来管理整个2Z64区。

CommanderBig Brother?老大哥？

No. 388Big Brother is the top leader of Sector 2Z64. An ordinary civilian like me can never hope to meet Big Brother, of course. So we have no way of knowing Big Brother's gender, age, physical appearance, etc. What we do know is that Big Brother is omniscient and omnipotent and that Big Brother is always right.老大哥就是2Z64区的最高权限管理者，当然，像我这样的普通人是不可能见到老大哥的。 也就无从得知老大哥的性别、年龄、外貌之类的信息。 我们能知道的，就是老大哥是全知全能的，老大哥做出的判断永远正确。

Commander... In other words, you can't actually be sure if "Big Brother" is even a person that exists.…… 也就是说，你们根本无法确定是否真的存在“老大哥”这个人。

No. 388That's true, but no matter who or what Big Brother is, he is running Sector 2Z64 effectively.是的，但不管老大哥是什么，老大哥都让2Z64区妥善地运营了起来。

CommanderRunning it effectively...妥善地运营……

No. 388 can see that the Commander is pondering something with a deep frown.388号的余光中，指挥官正紧蹙眉头思考着什么。

She decides to leave them with their own thoughts and walks over to the vending machine nearby. She buys two cans of drinks and offers one to the Commander.她选择识趣地不去打搅，先去一旁的自动售货机买了两罐饮料，并将其中一罐递给了指挥官。

CommanderGrape juice? That's not very like you...葡萄果汁？这可不像是你的选择……

No. 388What do you mean?您为什么会这么说？

CommanderNothing.没什么。

No. 388I've answered your questions. In return, could you tell me what you think about Sector 2Z64?我已经回答了您的问题，作为交换，可以聊聊看您对2Z64区的看法吗？

CommanderIt's a fool's paradise filled with pointless hustle and bustle.痴人说梦，充满着喧哗与骚动，却没有任何意义。

No. 388So I take it you believe Sector 2Z64 is an empty illusion?我可以将这理解为，您认为2Z64区只是一个虚无的幻想吗？

CommanderYes.嗯。

No. 388What makes you think so?可以告诉我，是什么让您有了这样的看法吗？

The visitor known as the Commander stops weighing the can of grape juice. After a short pause...代号指挥官的访客停止了掂量葡萄汁的动作，在短暂的蓄力后……

They fling the can vehemently at the telescreen before them.指挥官将手中的果汁罐奋力掷向了面前的电屏。

Crack! The telescreen is smashed right in the center.砰——电屏的正中瞬间碎裂开。

Then comes the ear-splitting shriek of the alarm.紧随而来的是刺耳的警报声。

No. 388Commander...指挥官……

CommanderNow Big Brother can't eavesdrop on our conversation.现在我们之间的交谈应该不受老大哥的注视了。

CommanderTell me the truth.我想听你的真心话。

No. 388About what?您想听什么呢？

CommanderDo you enjoy your life here? Do you genuinely think living here... is better than living somewhere else?你喜欢现在的生活吗？你真的认为这里比……其他地方好吗？

No. 388Hm...嗯……

No. 388 thinks for a while and meets the Commander's gaze solemnly.388号沉思了片刻，认真地对上指挥官的眼睛。

No. 388I don't exactly enjoy my life here, but I don't hate it either. I have never lived anywhere else, but I suppose life can't be so different no matter where I live.我不喜欢现在的生活，但也并不讨厌。 虽然没有在其他地方生活过，但我想也许在哪里生活，都只是生活着而已吧。

No. 388You don't seem very happy with my answer.看来我并没有给到您想要的答案。

CommanderI just want to have another proper chat with you over some booze...我只是，想再跟你一起喝一杯酒……

No. 388Booze? Commander, alcohol has been banned for years. In fact, I believe it has been centuries since the time when we could consume alcohol at a table.酒？指挥官，酒精已经被禁止流通很多年了。 距离我们能坐在桌边喝酒的时代，恐怕已经过去了数百年。

No. 388Excuse me, I've just received an emergency call. I must go.抱歉，我收到了一个紧急通讯，我该离开了。

No. 388 jogs off but suddenly stops and turns around. The Commander has resumed their melancholic study of the night sky. She breathes in the aroma of grape juice in the air.388号匆匆小跑几步，突然停下来转身看向指挥官，对方保持着初见时的状态，意气消沉地看向夜色。 388号嗅闻着空气中弥漫的葡萄果汁的香气。

No. 388They say people in the past would make wine by fermenting grape juice. If we ever get the chance, why don't we try some together in secret?我听说，以前的人类会用葡萄汁酿酒。 要是真的有机会的话，一起悄悄喝上一杯吧？

No. 388's long, dark hair disappears completely into the night.388号的黑色长发彻底融入到了夜色中。

...The maintenance staff that rushed to the scene has disabled the alarm and replaced the smashed telescreen. It is as if nothing had ever happened in the spacious and quiet park. The Commander is still sitting on the same bench, staring in the direction in which Ibis has departed.……警报已被赶来的维修人员解除，破碎的电屏也被换上了新的。 空旷寂静的公园，就好像什么也没有发生过一样。 指挥官仍然坐在那把长椅上，望着几分钟前鹮离开的方向。

CommanderNo. 388... She has even forgotten her own name...388号……她连自己的名字也一并忘了……

A notification pings softly, and a chat window pops up in front of the Commander. It's a call from No. 390.轻微的提示音后，指挥官的面前弹出了聊天界面。 来自390号的信息。

No. 390Commander!指挥官！

No. 390I ran a search on the names you mentioned—"Boys" and "Purin"—in the database but didn't find anything... It struck me as a bit odd, as even if there's no such data in the database, the search engine should've brought up similar results. I will try to run searches on other databases. Please wait a bit longer.我在数据库中搜寻了您提到的“博斯”和“普林”，但是没有任何相关的数据…… 我觉得有些奇怪，一般就算是搜查不到的词汇，也会出现类似的词的结果才对。 我会继续搜索看别的数据库，还请您再等等。

No. 390Also, you accused me of betraying you before you stormed off. I'd like to make something clear. As someone who has been awarded "Best Employee" in the Ministry of Truth for three years in a row, I would never be a traitor!还有就是关于您临走前说我背叛您的事情，我要再重申一遍。 身为蝉联真理部三届优秀员工的我，绝对不会做这种事！

Commander... You haven't changed at all...…… 你还是老样子啊……

No. 390What does that mean? Have we met before?什么意思？我们在这之前见过吗？

The Commander closes the chat window.指挥官掐掉了聊天界面。

After staring at the colorful interface in a daze for a while, the Commander, as if possessed, pulls up their memory interface. Since they have not undergone cyberbrain conversion, the memory interface is only a simulated display. But if...对着五彩斑斓的界面发呆片刻后，指挥官鬼使神差地打开了自己的记忆界面。 由于目前的自己还未接受电子脑化改造，所以记忆界面只是个模拟展示。 但如果……

Will I also be able to forget everything about the past, just like them?那么我也能像她们一样，忘记过去的一切了吗？

Sakura Flowers and You 樱花和你

...The next day, at the metro station in Sector 2Z64. Compared to yesterday, the Commander is now more accustomed to being in a virtual world. But the first sight that greets them the moment they get off the train is still the same irksome face.……翌日，2Z64区，地铁站。 比起昨天，指挥官多少适应了虚拟世界的体验。 但踏出地铁，第一眼看见的还是那张讨厌的脸。

Suzuka MizukaneYou came early, Commander.今天来得挺早，指挥官。

Suzuka MizukaneDid you not sleep well last night?昨晚没有睡好吗？

Suzuka MizukaneI can see that you have a lot of questions. Feel free to ask them. I'll answer them if I'm in the mood.看来你有很多疑问，可以尽管问出来，我看心情解答。

CommanderWhy me? You could have just...为什么非得是我？你们大可以直接……

Suzuka MizukaneEliminated you? Haha, that's true. But you are special—at least to these Dolls, who have been given the important task of constructing this realm.直接抹除你的存在吗？呵呵，是的。 不过你很特别，至少对于这群承担了建设重任的人形们来说。

Suzuka MizukaneIt's fascinating, isn't it? They don't remember anything about you. But when they are around you their neural clouds are inexplicably calm and stable. If you can stay with them, we won't have to take other measures to keep trying to stabilize their neural clouds.很奇妙吧，明明已经不记得你的事了。 但她们的心智状态在靠近你的时候，却会变得莫名其妙地稳定平静。 如果你能一直在她们身边的话，我们就不需要做其他的措施来频繁安定她们的心智了。

CommanderYou want to use me as a shepherd.你想利用我来做这个牧羊人。

Suzuka MizukaneTake it however you want.随你怎么理解。

CommanderI won't let you get your way.我不会让你们如愿的。

Suzuka MizukaneThe fact that I'm being so transparent about our plans shows that I'm confident.我既然敢这样向你坦诚我们的计划，那就说明我有足够的把握。

Suzuka MizukaneLet's talk about something more immediate.不聊这些了，聊聊当下吧。

Mizukane claps her hands as if to summon somebody.水金铃鹿拍了拍手，像是在示意谁的出现。

Suzuka MizukaneAlong with No. 390, a new temporary guide will also be accompanying you on your tour today.你今天的参观向导，除了390号，还会有一位新的临时向导加入。

Suzuka MizukaneYou don't seem very interested? You were just asking me where your companions were so desperately yesterday...怎么兴致缺缺的样子？明明昨天还追着我问你的同伴在哪……

CommanderBoys? Purin?博斯？普林？

Suzuka MizukaneBoys hasn't cleared her thought inspection yet. She will only be granted entry to Sector 2Z64 when she passes the inspection.博斯还未完成她的思想清查，等她合格了才能被许可进入2Z64区。

CommanderThen it must be Purin...那就是普林……

Suzuka MizukaneBingo.答对了。

With a smile, Mizukane slowly joins the crowd. The Commander can detect a hint of mockery in her eyes.水金铃鹿笑了笑，慢慢退回到人群中，指挥官从她的眼睛中捕捉到了一丝嘲讽。

Suzuka MizukaneI'll leave you to it then, Commander. Enjoy your day, and I hope you'll like the gift we've prepared for you.那我就不打扰了，指挥官。 好好享受你的一天吧，希望你喜欢我们准备的礼物。

Mizukane disappears amidst the busy crowd in an instant, like a hermit crab burrowing into the sand.水金铃鹿犹如躲藏沙粒中的寄居蟹般，眨眼就消失在了滚滚人潮间。

Just as the Commander sighs in relief, a hand taps their shoulder lightly.刚想松口气，指挥官的肩膀就被轻轻拍了拍。

Purin EsakiHey, Commander.嗨，指挥官。

CommanderPurin! Are you okay?普林！你没事吧？

Purin EsakiI'm fine.我没事喔。

CommanderDid they do anything to you? What about Boys?他们没有对你做什么吗？还有，博斯呢？

Purin EsakiThey didn't do anything to me, so don't worry. Boys is fine as well.他们没有对我做什么，放心吧，博斯也很好。

Purin gives the Commander one of her characteristic cheerful winks.普林像平常一样笑盈盈地眨巴眨巴眼。

Even though Purin has now appeared before them safe and sound, the Commander still feels a little uneasy. But they cannot quite put a finger on why.尽管已经亲眼看见普林安全无恙地出现在眼前，指挥官的心里仍然有些不安。 难以言明来源的不安。

Purin EsakiLet's go! I hear they've prepared a generous gift for you! Let's go check it out!走吧，听说他们给你准备了一份大礼！ 我们快去看看吧！

CommanderUh, hold on.诶，等等。

Not bothering to wait for the Commander's answer, Purin just grabs their arm and starts running.根本没准备等指挥官的回答，江崎普林直接拽住了指挥官的手臂朝外跑去——

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，未知区域。

Cherry blossoms are not currently in season, but in this virtual world, the blooming of flowers is not restricted by climate. At this moment, cherry blossoms are in full bloom on both sides of the road. They are blooming so ferociously that it is as if they would never see the light of day again if they didn't show off their very best now.明明不是樱花的季节，但在虚拟的世界，花朵的绽放早已不受气候的限制。 此刻眼前的道路两端的樱花都奢靡地开着，好像再不抓住机会盛放，就将永不见天日一样。

Purin waves her hand, and a warm breeze blows a cherry blossom petal over. The petal lands lightly on the Commander's hair like a souvenir.江崎普林挥了挥手，温润的风卷起一片樱花花瓣而来，悄悄地在指挥官的头发间留下了纪念品。

CommanderWhat is this place?这里是？

Purin EsakiA newly developed area, probably for commercial use. It's a pretty neat idea to open a little shop among these perpetually blooming cherry blossom trees!新开发的区域，似乎是准备用作商业区的扩展。 在永不凋谢的樱花树边开间小店，真是个不错的选择呢！

CommanderOpen a little shop? What do you mean?开间小店？什么意思？

Purin EsakiHm, I'm guessing they're worried you'd get restless, so they thought of something for you to do.唔，我猜是他们担心你闲不下来，所以帮你找点事做吧~

CommanderThat's just ridiculous! They've taken everything from me, now they throw me a bone just to keep me busy?这也太荒谬了吧？！ 夺走我的一切，随随便便拿个东西打发我？

Purin makes no response to the Commander's anger. She simply shrugs and smiles. Like a naughty kitten that pushes her owner's favorite cup off the table while staring them down.普林没有回应指挥官的愤怒，她只是笑眯眯地耸了耸肩。 像调皮的猫咪当面将主人心爱的杯子推到地上。

Purin EsakiDon't be angry, Commander. They don't mean to offend you.别生气啦，指挥官，他们没有什么恶意的。

CommanderPurin, what on earth happened to you...?普林，你们到底发生了什么……

Purin EsakiNothing. We had a bit of a disagreement when we first met, but it's all good now! Don't you think things have turned out pretty well, Commander?没什么啊，只是碰面时发生了一点摩擦，现在不都解决了吗？ 指挥官，你觉得现在这样不好吗？

The Commander has a hard time associating the Purin standing before them with the girl they met before. She was so angry when she first heard about what they had gone through...看着眼前的普林，指挥官有些难以将她和过去那个的女孩联系在一起。 在得知自己的遭遇时，她明明那样愤怒……

Purin EsakiAlright, stop sulking, and let's go check out your gift! By the way, No. 390 will also be coming~好啦，别闹别扭了，我们先去看看你的礼物吧！ 对了，今天390号也会来~

CommanderNo. 390... Did you call her No. 390?390号……你叫她390号？

Purin EsakiNo. 390! Over here!390号！这边这边！

No. 390I'm here.我在。

Amidst the cherry blossom petals dancing across the sky, the wary and slightly anxious face comes into the Commander's view again.在漫天飞舞的樱花中，那张警惕中带着几分不安的脸又一次出现在指挥官的视线中。

No. 390Hello, Commander. After some careful reflection, I must admit that the service I provided yesterday as your guide was not up to standard. I will try my best to give you a better experience today. Please give me another chance.您好，指挥官，我反思了下，昨天的向导服务确实做得不够好。 今天我会努力改进，让您的体验更加优化的，请再给我一次机会。

No. 390 bows slightly and holds out a hand to the Commander.390号微微俯身，向指挥官伸出了一只手。

Purin EsakiJust shake her hand already~ Don't keep us waiting all day!快握手和好吧~不然天都要黑了！

Looks like she won't move until her handshake is accepted.看来在自己接受之前，对方是不打算撤回了。

The Commander reaches out to shake No. 390's hand.指挥官伸出手，握住了390号的手。

No. 390Thank you for your trust. I will not let you down.感谢您的信任，我定不会辜负您。

Purin EsakiThat's better.这就对了嘛。

No. 390 takes a few steps forward and points at the empty storefront by the road.390号向前走了几步，指着路边一间空白的店面。

No. 390Commander, this is a store that Sector 2Z64 has prepared for you. Since its specific purpose hasn't been decided yet, the signboard and interior decoration are still blank and empty. Do you have any ideas?指挥官，这里就是2Z64区为您安排的店铺。 因为具体用处还没有定下来，店铺的招牌、陈设等都还是空白的。 请问您有什么想法吗？

CommanderNo, I didn't come here to open a shop...没有，我来这里根本不是来开什么店的……

No. 390I see. Then please tell me your plans.明白，那么，请告诉我您的计划。

The Commander turns to meet No. 390, clear eyes with mixed feelings.指挥官有些复杂地回身望向390号清澈的双眼。

No. 390Don't worry about anything. Please just go ahead and tell me. Helping you open a shop that's to your liking is my mission today.不必有任何负担，请告诉我。 按照您的需求帮助您开设店铺，是我今天的任务。

Commander... Whatever. It can be anything.…… 随便吧，什么都行。

The Commander never quite knows how to deal with this Doll, who is extremely serious about everything.在这个较真的人形面前，指挥官好像总是一败涂地。

Purin EsakiJudging by your career track record, the most suitable type of shop for you to run is... A general agency that takes all kinds of odd jobs!按照指挥官过去的职业生涯，指挥官适合的工作是—— 接取委托的万事屋！

No. 390I think... I see what Miss Esaki is getting at...江崎小姐的意思是……我大概明白了……

CommanderWhat exactly do you mean...?你明白了什么……

In the time that it takes the Commander to sit down on a chair and lets out a sigh, No. 390 has already cleaned up the shop and found its empty signboard...在指挥官坐在椅子上叹气的时候，390号已经收拾干净店铺，并找出了空白的招牌——

"Anything Goes".“什么都行”。

No. 390 prints out the words carefully on the signboard and hangs it up at the most eye-catching spot outside the shop.390号认真地在招牌上写好后，挂在了店外最显眼的地方。

Purin EsakiMm! Very nice!嗯嗯！很不错！

CommanderWhat are you doing?你在干什么？

No. 390Making adjustments to the operations of the shop according to your wishes.整理您的需求，做出对店铺运营的调整。

CommanderI...我……

The Commander stares at the signboard and sighs, but then it occurs to them that they should let her do what she wants and just stay out of her way.指挥官无奈地看着招牌上的几个字叹气，但转念一想，不管她怎么安排，只要自己什么都不做就行。

Purin EsakiThen do whatever jobs that come your way. I'll be running a promotional campaign for you~那么你们负责完成委托，我去帮你们宣传好啦~

CommanderWait!等等！

Purin EsakiNew store opening! New store opening! Taking all sorts of odd jobs! Just make your request!新店开张！新店开张！ 什么都做！只要您提出委托！

CommanderPurin?!普林？！

As Purin bounds further and further away, the Commander makes to go after her, but No. 390 blocks their way.看着普林蹦蹦跳跳走远，本想赶上去抓住她的指挥官却被390号挡下。

No. 390Please don't interrupt Miss Esaki while she works. Without a promotional campaign, nobody would know about the opening of your new business.请不要阻止江崎小姐完成她的工作，不帮您进行宣传的话，大家不会知道您新开设的业务的。

CommanderBut I didn't even want this to begin with!我根本不想要这个！

No. 390Then what is it that you want?那您真正想要的是什么呢？

The Commander knows full well that No. 390 is simply asking what they want regarding the business, but that does not stop their mind from wandering...指挥官其实很明白，390号只是在询问任务上的事情，但这并不妨碍指挥官的思绪飘散到远处……

Once, the thought did cross the Commander's mind... when they saw the trenches littered with Doll carcasses, when they realized there's no going back to the familiar base in Area S09... The Commander did once dream of taking the Dolls somewhere they could live a more simple and quiet life.曾经，自己也有过这样的念头，在走进战壕看见人形们的残骸横尸一地时，在意识到自己再也回不到熟悉的S09区基地时…… 指挥官也是有过，如果能带着人形们过上更简单平静的生活就好了，这样的念头。

Purin EsakiHeh, I have returned in triumph! Look, I've brought a customer with me!嘿，我凯旋了！看看我带了一位顾客回来！

No. 390Hello.你好。

No. 203...Does this shop really take any job?!……这里真的只要提出委托什么都做吗！

No. 390Yes, No. 203. This is the shop owner.是的，203号。 这位是接收委托的店长。

CommanderNo, wait. Let me hear...不是，等我先想明白……

No. 203Please help me! Uh...快帮帮我吧！这位——

No. 390The shop owner is known as the Commander.店长的代号是指挥官。

No. 203Commander, please help me find Pett!指挥官！快帮我找找贝特吧！

Purin EsakiGo on!快帮帮她吧！

The Commander suddenly feels like they are losing the plot and forgetting which universe they are in. For a second, they almost think they have returned to the command room at the Area S09 base, where Honey Badger often came stumbling in begging for help.指挥官在熟悉的情节中瞬间迷失了方向，忘记了自己身在哪个时空。 恍惚中，指挥官甚至以为自己回到了S09区基地的指挥室，蜜獾像往常一样冒冒失失地冲进来求助。

No. 390Please calm down and describe Pett's physical appearance and the circumstances when you last saw her.请冷静一点，描述一下贝特的外貌特征和最后一次看见贝特的情境。

No. 203Oh, right. Pett is a black-and-white—哦对，贝特是一只上白下黑的——

CommanderHoney badger. She's a honey badger... Has she climbed over the wall and run away again?蜜獾，是蜜獾…… 贝特又翻墙逃出去了吗？

No. 203How did you know?! You're amazing!你怎么知道？！好厉害！

CommanderSomeone eating a lollipop probably passed by the wall and drew her attention. There's a large chance this person has pink hair...那么，大概是有人吃着棒棒糖从墙外经过，吸引了它的注意。 这个人大概率有一头粉色的头发……

No. 203Oh! Now that you mention it, I haven't seen No. 028 today! I'm gonna ask her about this! Thank you so much for your help, Commander!啊！这么一说，我今天也没有看见028号，我这就去问问看028号！ 感谢你的帮忙，指挥官——！

No. 203 gives them a hasty wave and rushes off.203号匆忙地边挥手告别边跑远了。

Purin EsakiOh, your first job went very well. Wait here. I'll go find more customers for you!喔，第一个委托就执行得很顺利嘛。 你们在这等着，我这就去拉更多更多的顾客！

No. 390Crap!糟了！

CommanderWhat's wrong?怎么了？

No. 390We forgot to ask for payment...忘记收取报酬了……

Commander... That's fine. Think of it as part of the promotional campaign to gain more popularity on our first day.…… 没关系，开业第一天，总是要搞点活动积攒人气的。

No. 390Commander... I thought you were very against the idea of running this shop...指挥官…… 我以为您很抵触来着……

CommanderIf you knew, why did you work so hard on this thankless mission?你明明知道，为什么还要这么卖力不讨好？

No. 390That's because—因为——

CommanderThat's because an elite should always carry out her missions to the best of her ability.因为身为精英，就该做好每一个任务。

No. 390How did you know...您怎么知道的……

Before the Commander can even answer, someone is already tugging on their sleeve.指挥官还没来得及说什么，衣角就又被谁拽住了。

No. 048Hello, I heard from Miss Esaki over there that this was a new shop that would take any kind of job...你好，听那边的江崎小姐说这里开了家什么都会做的新店……

No. 390Hello, No. 48. How can we help you?你好，048号，有什么委托吗？

No. 048To tell you the truth, I have been working to improve my cooking skills lately, but nobody wants to try my cooking. So I don't really know how to get better...其实，我最近在练习厨艺，但一直没有人愿意帮我试吃。 所以我也不知道该怎么进步……

CommanderWait, I can't take this—等下，这个委托我接不——

No. 390I understand. You would like us to be your critics, is that right? Leave that to us! We will definitely give you our unbiased feedback.我明白了，你是想要提出一个试吃委托，对吗？ 交给我们吧，我们一定会给出最中肯的意见。

CommanderNo, this really isn't...!不，这个真不行……！

No. 390We can totally do this.我们肯定能行。

No. 048Thank you. I've brought my cooking with me.谢谢你们，我已经带来了。

The Commander tries to turn and flee while No. 048 is still taking out her lunchbox, but No. 390 catches them.趁着048号取出便当的时候，指挥官想要转身拔腿就跑，却被390号抓住。

No. 390An elite should always carry out their missions to the best of their ability.身为精英，就该做好每一个任务。

...Several hours later.……数小时后。

The Commander finally has a chance to catch a break. They immediately lock up the shop and call it a day.指挥官终于找到了休息的机会，立刻拉上店铺的闸门，准备歇业。

Purin EsakiI didn't expect it to be such hard work! I'm pooped!没想到开店是这么辛苦的事啊，累死我了！

CommanderAnd whose fault is this...?你也好意思讲……

No. 390Thanks for the hard work today!今天辛苦您了！

Commander...And to you.……你也辛苦了。

The Commander leans against their desk weakly. They are starting to hate how physical sensations are rendered so realistically in this simulated world.指挥官虚弱地倚靠在桌边，开始痛恨虚拟世界对感官以假乱真的模拟程度。

No. 390I still need to submit a report back at the office, so I'll take my leave now. Miss Esaki, Commander, please have a good rest.我接下来还需要回去汇报，那么就先告辞了。 江崎小姐，指挥官，请好好休息。

CommanderRight.好的。

Purin EsakiYou too~你也好好休息~

No. 390...See you tomorrow, Commander.……明天见，指挥官。

No. 390's lithe figure disappears through the gap of the half-closed door. The world is once again silent. The Commander turns to look at Purin, who is just standing there.390号轻巧的身影从虚掩的门缝中消失了。 世界重归寂静，指挥官转头看向无所事事的普林。

Purin EsakiHm? What?嗯？怎么了？

CommanderNow it's just you and me. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?现在只剩下我们俩了，你不觉得你对我欠缺一些解释吗？

Purin EsakiHuh...? What explanation?诶……什么解释？

CommanderAbout your attitude.你的态度。

Purin EsakiMy attitude...?我的态度……？

Purin EsakiI know many things have happened that you find difficult to accept, but! I'll stay and help you solve your problems! ... I swear I'll put a stop to their evil plan, bring your Dolls back to you, and get home as a hero! I won't let them get their way using AI again...我知道发生了很多事，你一时有些无法接受，但是！ 我会留下来陪你一起解决的！ …… 我一定会阻止他们的阴谋，将人形们带回来，再风光回去的！ 我绝不会再让他们利用AI为所欲为了……

CommanderYou came to stop Shimamura and Mizukane, so why are you now on their side?关于岛村孝他们做的事，你之前明明是为了阻止他们而来的，为什么现在反而站在他们那边？

Purin EsakiYou misunderstood me.你误会了喔。

CommanderMisunderstood you?误会？

Purin EsakiWhat I've always wanted is to make the world a better place with no more darkness.普林一直想做的事，是让这个世界变得美好，再也没有黑暗的角落。

CommanderAnd you think you can do that here?你认为这里能够实现？

Purin EsakiYes, I do believe it.是的，我相信这里可以。

Purin EsakiYou must be thinking I've gone crazy, but Commander, you also had a lot of fun today, didn't you? Compared to the ruthless battlefield, where one wrong move could have dire consequences, a peaceful and ordinary life is much more precious, don't you think?我知道你现在一定觉得我疯啦，但是指挥官，你今天其实也过得很开心吧？ 比起一步错步步错的残酷战场，轻松平凡的和平日常不是更让人想要珍惜吗？

CommanderBut that doesn't mean we should escape to the virtual world...那也不是在虚拟的世界实现这一切……

Purin EsakiDoes it even matter? To me, even the Griffin base is just a virtual world that I entered via a network connection, but I still care about you, who is from that world.虚拟还是现实，又有什么区别呢？ 对我来说，连格里芬基地也只是我通过网络链接上的虚拟世界，但我同样关心身处其中的你。

Purin EsakiNow, now. I know this is quite the conundrum. While you puzzle it out, try to experience more of Sector 2Z64. You may end up finding an answer.好啦好啦，我知道这个问题一时很难想明白。 在你思考的期间，也可以多感受下2Z64区，也许能找到问题的答案。

Commander...I'll log off for now.……我先登出了。

Purin EsakiSure. I'm going too. Goodnight~好的，那我也走了，晚安~

Purin jumps to pat the Commander on the head, and then she leaves the street.普林跳起来摸了摸指挥官的头，也离开了街道。

Alone on the quiet street, the Commander is suddenly awash with memories of what transpired here in this tiny shop during the day. They ended up toiling through the entire afternoon. The shop was bursting with Dolls who came with all kinds of bizarre requests. A Doll wanted critique on her poetry; another wanted someone to keep her company while she completed her daily workout; a Doll needed aid in capturing a cat that she accused of being an extraterrestrial spy...万籁俱寂的街道只剩下指挥官，而白天的回忆正在这个小小的铺位中流淌。 指挥官莫名其妙忙碌了整个下午。 前来进行委托的人形几乎要把这个小小的摊位淹没，委托的内容也千奇百怪。 给对方的诗作提意见，陪对方完成今天的体能训练内容，帮对方抓捕被指控为外星间谍的猫咪……

CommanderIs this really what I want?难道这真的就是我想要的吗？

No, something still feels off. This superficial illusion of peace and goodness is like a heavily embroidered rug that hides all sorts of filth...不对劲，仍然有哪里不对劲。 美好平和的表面像一张刺绣精湛的厚重地毯，将所有渣滓、脏污掩盖于其下……

Suzuka MizukaneHumans can never quite figure out what it is that they really want until they are confronted with the question.人类总是搞不清自己到底想要什么，只要真正面对的时候才能发现。

A ghostly voice whispers into the Commander's ear, making them almost fall out of their chair.犹如鬼魅低语般在耳畔响起的声音将指挥官惊得翻下了座椅。

CommanderWhat are you doing here?你来干什么？

Suzuka MizukaneTo see if you had a better experience today. No. 390 cares a great deal about your feedback, after all.来看看你今天的体验有没有改善，毕竟390号可是相当在意你的评价。

Suzuka MizukaneLooks like you're gradually getting used to life in Sector 2Z64 now that you're surrounded by familiar faces.看起来被熟悉的人围绕着，渐渐能适应这边的生活了。

CommanderPlease leave. I'm about to log out.请你离开，我要准备登出了。

Suzuka MizukaneWon't you reconsider our offer? What you experience with the simulated cyberbrain may feel very realistic, but as time goes by, your sensory input will deteriorate. With a cyberbrain, you won't have this problem.不打算再考虑考虑我们的提议吗？ 虽然模拟电子脑的体验很逼真，但随着链接建立的时间增加，你在这边的感官知觉也会越来越弱。 使用电子脑的话，就没有这种问题了。

CommanderI know.我知道。

Suzuka MizukaneAlso, I've warned you before, but I must remind you again— If you do something stupid and die here, you won't be able to return here ever again.还有，之前已经告诉过你了，但有必要再重申一遍—— 如果你因为在这边做出什么蠢事而丧失生命的话，你将再也无法进入这个世界。

CommanderWow, so scary.真可怕啊。

Suzuka MizukaneI'm not joking, Commander. Treasure the opportunity that you've been given. To achieve something great in a new world or to keep struggling in an old world in shambles. The choice is yours.我可没有在开玩笑，指挥官，珍惜你的机会。 是在新世界成就一番事业，还是在那个肮脏破旧的世界中继续挣扎，决定权在你的手里。

Suzuka Mizukane pauses at the door.水金铃鹿停顿在门前。

Suzuka MizukaneBy the way, in case you're not aware... Sector 2Z64 is a virtual world, but if a Doll meets her demise here... Her consciousness will not be able to return to her body. Essentially, she will die.对了，以防万一你不知道，2Z64区虽然是虚拟世界，但如果人形在这里消亡的话…… 她的意识将无法再回到素体中，等同于现实意义的死亡。

CommanderIs that a threat?你在威胁我吗？

Suzuka MizukaneA threat... or a gentle reminder. Again, the choice is yours.是威胁，还是温馨的提醒，决定权同样在你手中。

Mizukane vanishes without a trace as eerily as she has appeared. Leaning weakly against the desk, the Commander is now covered in cold sweat. The warm and fuzzy feeling of bathing in a hot spring that they had just a minute ago is completely gone. The superficial peace and goodness has been stripped away, revealing the evil treachery underneath the heavy rug.和她鬼魅般的声音一样，水金铃鹿的身影又倏忽从屋中消失了。 指挥官一身冷汗地靠在桌边，刚刚还如同浸润在温泉中的放松感荡然无存。 现在，美好平和的表面被掀开了，厚重的地毯下是狞笑着的阴谋。

CommanderThis isn't the utopia that Persica promised at all. It is nothing more than a puppet theater. With the so-called Big Brother pulling the strings of everything...这里根本不是帕斯卡说的乌托邦，不过是一出戏台。 所谓的老大哥躲在台后操纵着这一切……

But what about the joyful laughter all around? The world is not real, but the laughter, which the Commander hasn't heard in a long time, is very much real. If such a world truly exists—a world with eternal peace, happy people, and ordinary days... Even if none of it is real; even if it is artificial and contrived, so what?可是那些萦绕在自己身边的欢笑呢？这个世界或许是假的，但那些久违的笑声是真实存在过的。 如果真的存在这样的一个世界，拥有永恒的和平、快乐的居民、平凡的日常……就算是假的，是被人为操控的，那又怎样呢？

Will you lie down on the beautiful rug and go to sleep... or flip it over to reveal the truth it is hiding?你会躺在厚重美丽的地毯上沉睡，还是掀开查看隐藏在下面的真实？

The Commander unclenches their fists and tries their best to ignore the sense of unease weighing on their mind. But this feeling that something isn't quite right just won't let them go. It slowly rises from the bottom of their feet up to their chest, like a warm current that threatens to drown them, even though it feels harmless.手指垂落回身侧，指挥官极力撇开浮在心间的不安。 但那不安却偏要紧抓自己不放，就像从脚底一点点淹没到胸口的温暖的水流，没有尖锐的危险感，却也同样致命。

As if in response to their unsettled emotions, the leaves outside the building suddenly start rustling.像是为了回应烦躁的情绪，屋外的枝叶发出了窸窣声。

CommanderWho's there?谁？

The Commander opens the door, but nobody is outside.敞开的门外并没有人出现。

CommanderMizukane? Or is it Purin? What are you up to now?水金铃鹿？还是普林？ 又在搞什么？

(Tinkling sound) A wine bottle rolls in through the door. If they're not mistaken, it's the same bottle that they downed last night.咕噜噜…… 一个酒瓶从门外滚了进来。 没有看错的话，和指挥官昨晚喝光的那瓶相同。

CommanderA wine bottle? I thought alcohol was banned here?酒瓶？这里不是禁止酒的存在吗？

???Are you already thinking like one of them, Commander?已经开始用这里的思维思考了吗，指挥官？

Under the cherry tree outside the door stands a familiar woman. Calling her familiar may be a bit strange; after all, the Commander has never exchanged a single word with her so far. But she has been silently observing the entire process of the Commander's transformation.门外的樱花树下，站着一个熟悉的女人。 说是熟悉或许有些奇怪，毕竟在这之前，指挥官从未和她说过一句话。 但她却沉默地见证了指挥官从意气风发到消沉丧气的全过程。

Motoko KusanagiShould I say, "Pleasure to meet you?" Should I even bother with this kind of pointless pleasantries?该说，初次见面，请多指教，这样无聊的寒暄吗？

CommanderThat won't be necessary. I know who you are. Motoko Kusanagi, Purin Esaki's superior. Purin did say... she sent you a distress call. She even prepared your prosthetics. I've been using them as Dummies while waiting for you to establish a connection. I thought...不必了，我知道你，你是江崎普林的队长，草薙素子。 普林之前说过……她向你们发送了求援信。 她还制作了你们的义体，在等待你们链接的时候，我用做了傀儡，我还以为已经……

Motoko KusanagiI have indeed received a distress call. In her message, she asked us to help a poor soul who had lost everything.我确实收到了一封求援信，信中请求我们来帮助一位失去一切的可怜人。

Motoko KusanagiIt took a lot of work following the clues to get here. We first had to work through some serious defenses and carry the unconscious poor soul back into the base, but after some investigation, we realized the poor soul was having so much fun in the virtual world they weren't missing home at all.好不容易顺着线索过来，先是突破重围将昏迷的可怜人扛回基地，接下来就是调查一圈回来发现可怜人已经在虚拟世界乐不思蜀了。

Motoko KusanagiSo what now? Should I just go and forget all about this?所以现在该怎么办？ 或许我该转身离开，当做什么也没有发生？

Blub, blub, blub... The warm water has already passed the Commander's neck. Like a gentle, boneless hand, it caresses their cheeks, coaxing them to sink deeper into the water... Should they succumb to this warm embrace, or should they raise their head and breathe in the cold air of reality?咕嘟嘟—— 温暖的水流已经没过脖颈，犹如一双柔弱无骨的手捧住了指挥官的脸向下沉沦…… 就此浸没在温暖的怀抱，抑或是探出头去呼吸来自现实的冰冷空气？

Commander... No, please don't go.…… 不，请不要离开。

It takes the Commander all of their willpower, but they rise from the enticing warmth and expose themselves to the bone-chilling cold.指挥官拼尽全力从温暖的挽留中站起，将自己暴露在刺骨的寒意中。

Commander...Save me.……救救我。

Major's Request 少校的委托

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64. Crack... The rough gravel crushed underfoot lets out an indignant groan.……2Z64区，未知区域。 嘎吱——粗粝的石子在脚底发出不甘的咬牙声。

Motoko Kusanagi...I understand the situation. Come this way.……事情我都明白了，这边来吧。

The Commander turns and looks back uneasily. Their shop in the distance is bathed in warm and inviting moonlight.指挥官不安地回头望去，属于自己的店铺在远处夜色的浸染中散发着氤氲的光团。

Motoko KusanagiDon't worry. We'll make sure you get back here on time tomorrow.放心吧，明天会让你准时出现的。

BatouMizukane is now in the central building. Doesn't look like she's coming this way any time soon.现在水金铃鹿在中央大楼，没有掉头回来的打算。

Motoko KusanagiGood. Looks like we're still flying under the radar. This is Batou. I'm sure you know what he's made of by now.好，看来我们的行踪暂时还没有暴露。 这位是巴特，他的实力你应该也很清楚了。

BatouHowdy, Commander.哟，你好啊，指挥官。

Commander...Hello.……你好。

The Commander recalls the frightening sense of intimidation they felt when commanding Batou's prosthetic Dummy.指挥官的脑海中浮现出，指挥巴特的义体傀儡时那以一当百的恐怖的压迫感。

CommanderWhat about Purin...?那普林呢……

BatouYou said you saw her today. How's she doing?你刚刚说今天见到了她，普林现在怎么样了？

CommanderShe seemed okay. Didn't look like she had been harmed.她看上去很精神，没有受到什么伤害的样子。

Motoko KusanagiRight, let's get going then.好，我们出发吧。

CommanderShouldn't we tell her you've made the connection?不用告诉她，你们已经链接上了吗？

Motoko KusanagiHas she asked you about us?她有向你问起我们吗？

CommanderNo...没有……

Motoko KusanagiThen there's no need to mention it to her.那么就不必提起。

The Major walks toward the night.少校朝着夜色的远方走去。

Motoko KusanagiIf she does bring this up, don't tell her you've met us either.如果她主动问起来，也暂时不要提起见到我们的事。

CommanderWhy?为什么？

BatouPurin is a tenacious kid. She always finishes what she's started. She spent a long time investigating Shimamura's case. It's really strange how she just suddenly stopped caring.普林是个很有毅力的孩子，认定的事情会坚持到底。 岛村孝的案子，她也追查了很久，就这样突然的转变太奇怪了。

CommanderMaybe she suddenly realized it's time to let go...也许她只是突然彻悟了……

The Commander's face falls as they think back on everything that happened earlier today.回想起今天的一切，指挥官神情黯然。

Motoko KusanagiLet's leave the matter with Purin aside for now. Cutting straight to the chase—how much do you know about the situation here?普林的事先暂时搁置。 我就直接切入主题了，这里的情况你了解多少？

CommanderAll I know is that the supreme ruler of this place is a being known as "Big Brother". Their exact identity is unclear. Shimamura and Mizukane oversees the operations of each ministry, though they are trying to recruit me for some reason.我只知道这里的最高统治者是“老大哥”，不清楚具体身份。 岛村孝和水金铃鹿统筹各个部门的运行，不知道为什么，他们想要拉拢我加入这里。

BatouOf course they want to recruit you. The omnipresent telescreens and the myriad of strange measures in place are all for monitoring the Dolls' neural clouds, you see? If you join Sector 2Z64, the Dolls will be stable, and you'll be their walking billboard as a human with a successful cyberbrain conversion. Your world is such a mess that the queue of humans who want to undergo the procedure would stretch all the way from Tokyo to Hokkaido. The only saving grace is that the technology is still immature at this stage...他们当然想要争取你，这里铺天盖地的电屏还有种种奇怪举措，不就是为了监测人形们的心智动态吗？ 你要是加入了2Z64区，人形们也安稳了，你也可以作为人类成功电子脑化的招牌用作宣传。 外面的世界已经彻底乱了套，想要进行电子脑改造的人类多得能从东京排到北海道，幸好这里的技术还不够发达……

It would be a lie to say that they haven't considered undergoing the conversion. The Commander's nails dig silently into their palms.说自己没有动过电子脑化的心思，是不可能的，指挥官的指尖沉默地掐进掌心。

BatouMy, my. Don't tell me you were seriously tempted?看你的表情，不会也在心动吧？

Motoko KusanagiWe don't have much time. Before we set off, I'll fill you in on what we know.我们的时间不多，在出发前，我先简单跟你同步下这边的情况吧。

CommanderOkay.好。

Motoko KusanagiAs you said, the entire Sector 2Z64 is a virtual network operating under an AI, with Shimamura and Mizukane playing important roles in its operations. However, it is still unclear what exactly they are in charge of.如你所说，整个2Z64区是由AI接管运营的虚拟网络区域，岛村孝和水金铃鹿在其中担当了重要的角色。 但尚不清楚他们具体负责的内容。

BatouFrom what we have observed, they've been trying to connect more Dolls, as well as humans who wish to attempt the cyberbrain conversion. But due to the limitations of current technology, humans can only access Sector 2Z64 via an extremely rare piece of equipment—like the one that you're using.目前只观察到，他们在不断尝试接入更多的人形，和想要尝试电子脑改造的人类。 不过受限于技术，目前人类只能通过数量稀缺的特制仪器接入2Z64区，也就是你用的那台。

The Commander looks down at their clenched fists, then at their physical body in the real world, which is slumbering on the equipment.指挥官低头看了看握紧的双手，现实世界的自己正躺在设备上沉睡。

Motoko KusanagiAccording to the information that we have unearthed, the administration of Sector 2Z64 is divided across three ministries—the Ministry of Truth, the Ministry of Love, and the Ministry of Plenty. The first is in charge of the news and all entertainment, the second of maintaining law and order, and the third of anything related to the economy.根据截获的信息，2Z64区的管理被划分为3个部门，真理部、仁爱部、富足部。 真理部负责新闻、文娱等的管理，仁爱部负责维持辖区秩序，富足部负责经济相关事务。

CommanderPurin said 433 worked for the Ministry of Truth... I've also met Ibis, who's in the Ministry of Love.普林说过，HK433是在真理部…… 我还遇见了在仁爱部工作的鹮。

BatouMinistry of Love... Looks like Shimamura and Mizukane are still quite wary of you.仁爱部……看来岛村孝他们还是对你有所戒备。

Motoko KusanagiHardly surprising. They're probably trying to determine which side you'll choose.并不奇怪，他们也在判断你究竟会选择哪一边吧。

CommanderI...我……

Motoko KusanagiLet's leave the internal dilemma for later. Batou, all set?纠结的事情先放到一边。 巴特，都准备好了吗？

BatouYep, ready whenever you are.当然，随时出发。

Motoko KusanagiLet's go, Commander.走吧，指挥官。

CommanderWhere are we going?我们这是去哪里？

Motoko KusanagiJust come with us.跟上就好。

Motoko KusanagiIf you want to back out, now's the time.要是现在后悔还来得及回头。

CommanderNo... It's just that I'm usually the one giving orders. This is the first time I'm getting bossed around on the field.不…… 只是一直以来都是我指挥别人，还是第一次完全听人指挥。

Motoko KusanagiYou don't exactly have any subordinates to give orders to right now.现在的你，也没有人可以指挥了。

Motoko KusanagiIsn't this why you're here? To get your Dolls back and wake them from their sweet dreams.这不正是你站在这里的理由？ 为了夺回你的属下人形们，将她们从一场美梦中唤醒。

CommanderI...我……

Motoko KusanagiNow you're worried they'd hold it against you for destroying a perfectly good dream?后知后觉地担心起惊扰别人美梦后，或许会被埋怨？

Kusanagi stops walking and turns to the Commander. The Commander cannot see her face clearly in the dark.草薙素子停下了脚步，后身望向指挥官，隔着深沉的夜色，指挥官看不清她的表情。

Motoko KusanagiAs I said, you can still turn back. Leave the past behind and live a carefree life here.正如我所说，你现在还可以回去。 忘记过去的一切，快乐地生活在这里。

A drifting cherry blossom petal once again lands on the Commander's shoulder.纷纷扬扬的樱花好像又一次落在了指挥官的肩上。

Motoko KusanagiSo what is it gonna be?所以你的回答？

CommanderI want to stay with my Dolls, but not here, not under someone's control.我想要和我的人形们继续待在一起，但不是在这里，不是在别人的操纵下。

Motoko KusanagiYou want to bring them back to that bleak reality. Aren't you scared that they'd hate you for it?你想把她们带回到那个灰暗的现实，不怕她们恨你吗？

CommanderI am, but I'm even more scared of not moving forward.怕，但更怕自己停滞不前。

BatouMajor, you can't expect someone to make this difficult decision in such a short time.少校，这样艰难的决定也不是短时间能想清楚的。

The Major peers warily into the darkness behind her.少校警觉地望向身后的黑暗。

Motoko KusanagiGet in the car.先上车。

Still simmering with questions, the Commander climbs into the back seat of the jeep.带着满腹的疑问，指挥官爬上了越野车的后座。

Kusanagi floors the gas, and the jeep bolts forward.草薙素子一脚油门，越野车如闪电般窜了出去。

With great difficulty, the Commander leans forward against the Euler force pushing them back into the seat as the car accelerates. They hold onto Batou's and the Major's seats for dear life.费劲地从惊人的贴背感中挣脱，指挥官把住巴特和少校的座椅。

CommanderCan you at least tell me what the objective is?至少把目标告诉我吧？

Motoko Kusanagi"Anything Goes", yeah? Then we have a job for you.你不是“什么都行”吗？ 那就接下我们的委托吧。

CommanderWhat job?什么委托？

BatouTake this.拿着。

Batou hands over a P90 and several magazines. The Commander takes it in surprise.巴特递来一把P90和数个弹匣，指挥官在震惊中接过。

CommanderAren't they extremely strict with firearms here...? How did you get your hands on this?这里不是严格管理配枪的吗……你们怎么搞到枪的？

Motoko KusanagiDon't be silly.别天真了。

BatouRules are made to be broken.规则的存在就是用来打破的。

The Commander stows the gun away with mixed feelings and waits for Kusanagi to continue.指挥官心情复杂地收好枪，等待下一步指令。

Motoko KusanagiNow, the job.现在说明我们的委托内容。

CommanderPlease explain.请讲。

Motoko KusanagiYou are to escort us safely to a designated location.将我们安全护送到我指定的地方。

Commander... Me? Escort you?…… 我？护送你们？

BatouYou have your work cut out for you, Commander.那就辛苦你咯，指挥官。

CommanderWait, I'm a bit confused... There shouldn't be any danger here, so why would I need to fight? And what's our destination? Are we—等一下，我还没有完全明白现在的情况…… 按照这里的运行模式，应该不存在危险才对，那么我需要和什么作战？ 还有我们的目的地是哪里？我们是去——

Bang-bang-bang!呯呯呯————

As if in response to the Commander's questions, a burst of bullets streaks past the car.连串擦过车边的子弹尖啸着回答了指挥官。

Motoko KusanagiWe don't have time for all your questions. Move.等回答完你这些问题，一切都来不及了。 行动起来。

Commander...Right.……是。

BatouC'mon, let's see if you're any good with a gun.来吧，让我看看你的准头。

The P90 feels almost mesmerizing. The Commander caresses its cold frame and aims it at the darkness behind them with practiced ease...手中的枪像是有魔力，指挥官抚摸着冰冷的枪身，熟练地拿起瞄向身后的黑暗……

Suzuka Mizukane...They are taking the Commander there.……他们带着指挥官朝那里去了。

???Let them.让他们去吧。

Suzuka MizukaneShould I intercept them?不用我去阻拦吗？

???No.不用了。

Suzuka MizukaneAre you sure?你确定？

???Let the Commander go. Humans like finding truth in falsehood and falsehood in truth. They tend to pick out the most realistic-looking artificial flower... and the photo that resembles them the least.让指挥官去吧。 人类总是喜欢在虚假中寻找真实，在真实中寻找虚假。 挑出假花中最逼真的那一朵，从照片中选出最不像自己的那张。

Suzuka MizukaneI think I understand.我大概明白了你的意思。

???If the Commander is dead set on learning the "truth" of this world, then I will forge the "truth" that they want.如果指挥官执意要找到这个世界的“真实”的话，那我将为指挥官打造出其想要的“真实”。

Suzuka MizukaneAnd I will add embellishment to this "truth".我去给这份“真实”加上一些点缀。

A Free Prisoner 自由的囚徒

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64. The sound of gunshots has faded into the night. The Commander finds themself in a dilapidated building complex.……2Z64区，未知区域。 枪声已经消散在了夜色中，指挥官的四周只剩下了颓圮的荒废建筑群。

CommanderWhere are we?这是哪里？

Motoko KusanagiThe Labyrinth of Minos.米诺斯的迷宫。

BatouWho knows what treasure or monster is hidden in there...不知道里面究竟藏着的是宝藏还是可怕的怪物呢……

Motoko KusanagiBatou.巴特。

BatouGotcha.收到。

With just a look from the Major, Batou moves ahead to investigate. The Commander takes in their surroundings. The desolate sight is like coarse sand revealed by the ebbing tide. The illusion of those blooming cherry blossoms is utterly smashed.只一个眼神，巴特就默契地先行前去侦查。 指挥官环视着周遭，荒凉就像潮水褪去后的粗砂表面，将那些浮华樱花的幻象彻底撕开。

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

Motoko KusanagiYou may be an excellent commander, but you are certainly no dictator. You are far too kind and decent for that.指挥官，你也许是个优秀的指挥者，但你一定不是个独裁者。 你的心里还残存着很多善良。

Motoko KusanagiDo you know how dictators keep their captives in line?你知道独裁者如何让囚犯乖乖听话吗？

CommanderNo.不知道。

Motoko KusanagiThey let them believe they are free.让他们以为自己是自由的。

Commander...So the Dolls and I are all captives of this place.……所以，我和人形们都是这里的囚徒。

Motoko KusanagiYes. Your so-called "freedom" comes with strings attached.是的，而你们的“自由”，由别人为你们买单。

CommanderWhat strings?谁？

Motoko KusanagiOnce you learn the truth behind this "freedom", there may be no going back.一旦知晓了“自由”背后的真相，或许就再也无法回到那种“自由”之中了。

CommanderThen this "freedom" is no freedom at all, but simply a different kind of enslavement.那样的“自由”根本就不是真正的自由，不过是另一种奴役罢了。

Motoko KusanagiIndeed. Now let's go.好，那就走吧。

Kusanagi gestures for the Commander to come along. They enter one of the run-down buildings following Batou's footsteps.草薙素子示意指挥官跟上，就紧随巴特的脚步走入其中一幢颓圮的建筑。

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，未知区域。

Gunshots are still echoing faintly through the narrow corridor. After making sure it is safe, the Commander puts down their gun.枪声还隐约回荡在逼仄的走廊间，确认安全后，指挥官放下了枪。

Commander...All clear.……安全。

BatouClear.安全。

Motoko KusanagiHas the alarm been disabled?他们触发的警报截停了吗？

BatouYep, it's an archaic alarm system. Very easy to work with.嗯，古老的警报系统，很好操作。

The defeated faceless people slowly disintegrate into void data and disappear from the gray concrete floor.被击败的无面人逐渐消解为无效数据，从灰暗的水泥地上不见了。

CommanderThe defenses here aren't that difficult to deal with. Is this really the place we're looking for?这里的警卫力量并不难应对，真的是我们要找的地方吗？

Motoko KusanagiSee for yourself.用自己的眼睛去看。

BatouShimamura and the others must've noticed the commotion over here. It won't be so easy when they get here.岛村孝他们应该已经察觉到这边的异动了。 等他们赶来，可没有这么轻松了。

Their rapid footsteps echo through the corridor, breaking the late-night silence.急促的脚步声在寂静的午夜回廊间响起。

CommanderWhat are we after?我们在找什么？

Motoko KusanagiThe forgotten truth about this world. The key hidden beneath the rug.被遗失的世界的真相，藏在地毯下面的那把钥匙。

BatouMajor, I'm reading a signal this way.少校，讯号的反应在这边。

Motoko KusanagiStay together. Let's go.不要分散，一起出发。

CommanderRight.好。

The number plate of each holding cell flashes past the Commander's eyes, but the holding cells are all empty. The Commander dashes down the corridor, until there is one last cell at the end...标记着囚室号码的数字牌挨个从指挥官的眼角闪过，但每一间囚室都是空的。 在疾跑中，走廊很快穷尽，只剩下尽头的最后一间——

BatouMajor, I found the target, but her signal is unstable. I may lose her any second.少校，找到目标了，但她的讯号不稳，有消散的可能。

Motoko KusanagiPerform a hack immediately.立刻执行骇入。

BatouSetting up a connection now.正在进行骇入通道准备。

The Commander stops outside the holding cell at the end of the corridor. Inside the cramped cell, a familiar girl is sitting against the wall.指挥官停在了尽头的囚室，狭窄的房间中靠墙坐着一个熟悉的女性。

Her long hair hangs over her face. She looks as if she is just taking an afternoon nap.长发垂在她的脸侧，让她看上去就好像只是在午憩一般。

CommanderBoys...博斯……

BatouMajor, the signal is—少校，讯号在——

Motoko KusanagiThere's no time! I'm going in directly!没时间了，我直接链接她！

The Major plugs Boys' data cable into the port behind her neck.少校将博斯的数据线链接在了脖颈后的接口。

Under the Commander's agitated gaze, Boys frowns, then slowly slumps to the floor.在指挥官不安的注视中，博斯皱了皱眉，缓缓倒在了地板上。

Beep...嘀——

To Retrace Steps 重回开端

...Several hours ago.……数小时前。

In the command room at the Griffin base, back in reality. After a few minutes of silence, Boys tries to keep her brow from furrowing and her voice calm.现实世界，格里芬基地，指挥室。 在沉默的几分钟内，博斯竭力让蹙紧的眉头松开，以更放松的语气面对指挥官。

Boys AT RifleCommander, I still think this plan is too risky. We simply know too little about Sector 2Z64, and Purin is our only source of information.指挥官，我仍然认为计划的风险过于高了，我们对2Z64区的了解太少且都是建立在普林提供的情报之上。

Boys AT RiflePurin's virus is indeed able to break the seal on the Dolls' memories, but I'm concerned about all the unforeseen problems we could encounter if we went in so ill-prepared.虽然普林制作的病毒确实能轻松解开人形们的记忆封锁，但就这样贸然闯入，我担心会有很多意料不到的问题。

CommanderI know, but this is urgent. We can't afford to wait any longer. If you're discovered, you have the permission to withdraw immediately.我知道，但形势紧急，不能再等了。 你们如果被发现，就立刻执行撤出，无需征求我的同意。

Boys AT RifleBut...可是……

Boys AT RifleUnderstood.我明白了。

Knock, knock. After knocking on the half-open door, Purin enters the command room with a box.咚咚—— 敲了敲虚掩的门，普林端着一个盒子走进了指挥室。

Purin EsakiSince we're doing this, I'll share our key to victory with you~既然已经决定要执行计划了，那么我就跟你们分享我的致胜宝物吧~

Purin EsakiOh, stop looking so glum. The Commander is anxious to rescue the Dolls, and Boys is worried that the plan will fail because of the risks. You are both working toward the same goal, so why are you at each other's throat?别都绷着脸了，指挥官是心里着急想要立刻救回人形，博斯是担心风险太高计划失败。 明明大家都是向着同一件事努力的，怎么还互相使上劲了？

CommanderI'm not. I'm just a bit tired and on edge.我没有这个意思，只是需要操心的事太多，人有些累了。

Boys AT RifleI also don't mean to be insubordinate. Don't take this the wrong way.我也没有要和指挥官对抗的意思，是你在胡思乱想。

Purin EsakiAlright, alright, I'm mistaken. C'mon, resources are in short supply, so we'll need to share this~好好好，都是我多想了。 来吧，一起分享我的致胜宝物，资源有点紧缺，大家一起享用吧~

Boys AT RifleWhat's this?这是什么？

Purin EsakiSomething that always comes in clutch whenever I find myself in a difficult predicament—是我每次在遇见无法突破的困境时都会使用的东西——

Purin opens the lid with a flourish.普林神神秘秘地揭开了盖子。

Purin EsakiTa-daa! It's pudding!当当——是布丁！

Purin EsakiWhy aren't you even a little bit surprised?你们俩怎么一点也不惊喜啊？！

Boys AT RiflePurin, you wasted five minutes just for a pudding?普林，你浪费了五分钟，就为了一个布丁？

Purin EsakiThis pudding is super important!这个布丁很重要的！

Purin EsakiAh, never mind. Just make sure both of you eat some!算了，总之你们俩都必须吃！

Purin shoves a spoonful of pudding into Boys' mouth with exasperation.普林气恼地将一勺布丁塞进博斯的嘴里。

Purin EsakiEat this, and our plan will go perfectly!吃下它，我们会完美地完成计划！

Purin EsakiDo you believe me, Commander?你相信我吗，指挥官？

Commander...Yes, I do.……嗯，我相信你。

She shoves another spoonful into the Commander's mouth.又一勺布丁塞进了指挥官的嘴里。

Purin EsakiEat this, and promise you'll live a good life no matter what happens!吃下它，不管结果如何，你都要好好过完剩下的人生！

...In an old, deserted area in the Ministry of Truth, Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，真理部旧区。

Following the Commander's plan, Boys successfully infiltrates Sector 2Z64 with Purin Esaki. During Purin's previous infiltration, she has already created a false identity for herself in the system, so all she needs to do is meet up with 433 again. While lying low at her hideout, Boys keeps trying to run simulations of how the plan will unfold, but due to insufficient data as well as limited sources of information, her simulations are inconclusive.按照指挥官的计划，博斯在江崎普林的带领下成功潜入2Z64区。 在普林的上一次潜入中，她已成功为自己在系统中伪造了新的身份，接下来只需要和之前碰头成功的HK433汇合即可。 隐在藏身处的博斯不断模拟着计划的推行，但因为对2Z64区的情报太少且全部来自普林，她的模拟无法运行。

Boys AT Rifle... Commander, can Purin really be trusted? Why would a stranger we've never met go so far for us?…… 指挥官，普林真的可靠吗？ 一个初次见面的人有必要为我们做到这个地步吗？

Just as Boys' paranoia is about to spiral out of control, a sound can be heard from the end of the corridor.在博斯快要胡思乱想的时候，走廊的尽头传来了声响。

???This is a passage in a deserted part of the building. Hardly anyone would ever come this way.这边是大楼旧区的通道，平常没什么人会走这边。

Purin EsakiIt is indeed a secure location. We don't have to worry about being tracked. Boys, come on out.确实很隐蔽，这样就不用担心被跟踪了。 博斯，快出来吧。

Boys peers out from her hiding place. Purin and a familiar figure are standing against the light. Their faces are obscured by shadow.博斯从藏身处探头，普林和一个熟悉的身影逆光站在前方，脸部隐在昏暗之中。

Boys AT Rifle... Are you No. 390 or 433?…… 你是390号还是HK433？

433I have recovered my memory. Boys, is the Commander safe?我已经恢复记忆数据了。 博斯，指挥官一切都好吗？

Boys AT RifleYes.嗯。

Purin looks back and forth curiously at the two Dolls, who remain tense and motionless despite being clearly overcome with feelings.普林好奇地看了看两个神情复杂但仍然紧绷不动的人形。

Purin EsakiThis is supposed to be a touching reunion... Is that all you have to say to each other?你们久别重逢，就说这两句？

433Cut the crap; what is the Commander's plan? As an elite Doll, I've never had to ask about the operation plan in the middle of an operation...别废话了，指挥官的计划是什么？ 身为精英人形，我还是第一次一边执行任务一边问计划内容的……

Boys AT RifleThe Commander believes that the abducted Dolls have their real memories sealed the way yours were. Purin has created an "Alarm Clock" virus that can help the Dolls recover their memories. Our job is to make it spread as much as we can.指挥官推测被掳走的人形们可能都像你一样，被封锁了真实的记忆。 普林制作出名为“闹钟”的病毒，在人形心智中使用后可以帮助人形解除封锁恢复记忆数据，我们要尽可能地把它扩散出去。

433I remember when Purin infected me with the virus, it only took minutes for it to work... If this virus is so effective, why don't we just infect each Doll as we come across them?我记得普林对我使用的时候，几乎只用了几分钟…… 既然这个病毒这么厉害，为什么不见一个人形就对她使用？

Purin EsakiThat's too slow. We'll only break the memory seal on a handful of Dolls, and Shimamura will be onto us. Besides, every time we help a Doll, we'll have to explain the situation to her and make sure she is on board with the Commander's plan.这样速度太慢了，还没解除几个人形的记忆封锁，我们就会被岛村孝他们发现。 而且，每帮助一个人形解除记忆封锁，就需要对她解释一遍现状，并确定她愿意帮助指挥官的计划。

Boys AT RifleI doubt any Doll would refuse the Commander.我不认为有人形会拒绝协助指挥官。

433But it's undeniable that the Commander's plan is extremely risky. If we're discovered, there's no telling what awaits us.指挥官的计划确实存在极大的风险，一旦我们在这过程中被发现，很难想象等待我们的是什么。

Purin EsakiIt's true. There are too many variables in Sector 2Z64. We can only take a gamble and try to unseal everyone's memories in one go and put an end to it all before Shimamura can stop us.是的，2Z64区对我们来说还有太多未知。 我们只能赌一把全体同时解锁记忆，趁岛村孝他们来不及制止，结束这一切。

433All in one go...全体同时……

433I see. That's why we need to get to the broadcast studio. We can connect with all the Dolls from there.明白，难怪要去广播室。 广播室里有能和全体人形相通的链接通道。

Purin EsakiLooks like I called it~看来我的判断没错~

433Sector 2Z64 conducts mandatory system-wide upgrades regularly. The next one will be later in the afternoon. During the upgrade, all Dolls will be forced to connect with the broadcast studio to be vetted for the system upgrade.2Z64区会定期进行全体强制系统升级，最近的一次在今天下午。 到时候，所有人形都会强制和广播室链接，以便接收系统升级的资格检查。

433So we'll make use of this opportunity, mix the "Alarm Clock" into the vetting process and send it out...利用这个机会，将“闹钟”混在资格检查内容里发送出去……

Boys AT RifleWait, mandatory systemwide upgrades?强制系统升级？

433It's essentially a compulsory checkup to make sure there are no fatal loopholes or viral infections in the Dolls' system.本质是全员强制参加的检查，确认人形们的系统没有存在致命漏洞，或者被感染病毒。

Boys AT RifleSector 2Z64 is isolated from the outside, right? In this kind of vacuum, why would they...2Z64区已经和外界隔离开了吧，这样的真空环境怎么会被……

Purin comes to an abrupt halt.普林猛地停下脚步。

Purin EsakiThis could be their weakness.这或许就是他们的破绽。

433Weakness?破绽？

Purin EsakiIt means that even with the memory seal, the Dolls' neural clouds are still unstable and require regular inspection.这说明人形们虽然被封锁了记忆数据，但状态并不够稳定，需要定期确认心智状态。

433That would certainly explain the system upgrades...这倒是能让系统升级的存在变得合理……

Boys AT RifleWhat if they fail the vetting process for the system upgrade?如果系统升级资格检查失败会怎样？

433According to Mizukane, they will be taken to Big Brother's room for repairs. They will be released after passing the next system upgrade.水金铃鹿给出的说明是，会被带到老大哥的房间进行系统修复。 等到新一轮系统升级通过后，就可以回来了。

Boys AT RifleRepairs... That sounds really fishy.系统修复……听着很可疑。

Boys AT RifleHas anyone ever returned from such repairs?有人被带走后安全回来了吗？

433Yes.有。

Purin EsakiJust so you know, Miss 433, since you sound so self-assured... Before I broke your memory seal, more than half of your memories were fabricated.友情提醒下，这位自信的HK433小姐，在我帮你恢复之前你的记忆有一大半都是虚构的哦。

433Alright, I'm not absolutely certain, but I do remember a Doll who was taken away for failing the upgrade vetting process. Then she came back after a few days, looking perfectly fine.好吧，我不确定，但我的记忆中存在有人形没能通过系统升级的资格检查，被带走了。 没几天她就平安回来了，看上去和之前也没什么差别。

Boys AT RifleWho was it?是谁？

433Ibis.鹮。

Boys AT RifleIbis...鹮……

Boys AT RifleIf we can find Ibis, we must ask her about Big Brother's room.有机会找到鹮的话，一定要问问她关于老大哥的房间的情报。

433Big Brother's room... It's certainly a key location.老大哥的房间……确实很关键。

Purin EsakiSounds almost like a hidden boss room in video games.听上去像是游戏里的隐藏BOSS房间呢。

433Hush, we're here.嘘，到了。

433 opens the door of the broadcast studio using a key, and the trio enter the room.HK433使用秘钥打开了广播室的门，三人即将进入。

The playback freezes on this frame.画面定格在了这一帧。

...Back in the present. In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……现在。 2Z64区，未知区域。

The Major points at Purin in the simulation created from Boys' memory fragment. She strokes her chin thoughtfully with a slight frown.少校的手指落在博斯记忆碎片的模拟实景中的普林身上。 她的右手托在下颌，微微蹙紧了眉头，似乎是在思考着什么。

CommanderUp to this moment, things were still going according to plan. What are you thinking, Major?截至目前为止，都是按照计划的走向发展。 少校，你在想什么？

Motoko KusanagiEsaki made quite an important observation here.江崎的这个发现很重要。

CommanderYou mean the instability of the Dolls' neural clouds in Sector 2Z64 even with the memory seal?你是说人形们在2Z64区即便被封锁记忆，仍然心智状态不够稳定的事情吗？

BatouYes. She's as astute as ever, zeroing in on their weakness the moment she got here.是的，她还是这么敏锐，一来就能精准地找到他们的痛点。

Motoko KusanagiBig Brother's room is no doubt just as important. We don't have any information about it, but I believe it will prove crucial to a breakthrough.老大哥的房间同样重要，虽然目前找不到什么情报，但有理由推断它将是破局的关键点。

CommanderYeah, I agree.嗯，我也很在意。

The Commander redirects their attention to the simulation playback. Purin is still deep in thought.指挥官的目光重回模拟画面，普林依然保持着认真思考的姿势。

CommanderBack then, you were clearly still... So what made you change your mind?那时候的你明明…… 为什么现在却改变了想法？

Motoko KusanagiCommander, I'm going to comb through the rest of Boys' memory fragments.指挥官，我要继续梳理博斯后面的记忆碎片了。

CommanderOkay.好的。

...Several hours ago. In the broadcast studio of the Ministry of Truth, Sector 2Z64.……数小时前。 2Z64区，真理部，广播室。

As soon as the door opens, the gloomy, oppressive air spills out from within. The dimly-lit room is jam-packed with flickering screens.门一打开，沉闷压抑的空气就迫不及待地逸出。 昏暗的室内，密密麻麻的屏幕闪烁着刺眼的光。

Boys AT Rifle...There are so many surveillance cameras?……这么多监控探头？

433Yeah. All these feeds are transmitted from the telescreens.嗯，都是电屏传回的信息。

Boys AT RifleThe telescreens? Aren't those for communication?电屏？那些不是用于传递讯息的窗口吗？

Purin EsakiWhat kind of communication port would have to be installed all over the place?什么传递讯息的窗口需要铺天盖地地安装啊。

Boys AT Rifle...Then could they have spotted us already?……那我们刚刚的行动有暴露的可能吗？

Boys AT RifleTook you long enough to realize that, but luckily for you, I've been scrubbing us off the telescreen feeds along the way!等你想到这个问题的时候，普林已经将沿路的电屏录像篡改了！

Boys AT RifleBeautifully done.漂亮。

433 activates the broadcast system deftly.HK433熟练地启动广播系统。

433I was tasked with broadcasting the system upgrade announcement this time.我拿到了这次负责开启系统升级通知的任务。

433The system upgrade will begin in ten minutes. We must complete our preparations by then. Purin, please take care of the security system. Boys, help me with installing the "Alarm Clock" virus.按照规定，还有十分钟系统升级就该开始了，我们得立刻布置好准备工作。 普林，你来负责处理这边的安保系统，博斯，来配合我安装“闹钟”病毒。

Boys AT RifleSure.好。

Purin EsakiAlright!好！

Purin EsakiHm? Wait, why are you just bossing me around like the Commander...嗯？怎么和指挥官一样自然地就开始指挥我了……

Purin mutters as she walks over to the security system operation terminal. Without her constant jabbering, the entire broadcast studio is now silent. Following the standard procedure, 433 sets up a broadcast to announce the upcoming system upgrade, while Boys prepares for the installation of the "Alarm Clock" virus.江崎普林嘟嘟囔囔地走向安保系统的操作区间。 随着江崎普林的沉寂，整间广播室也安静了下来。 按照既定工作流程，HK433将系统升级的广播内容也一同配置进系统，博斯在旁准备着病毒“闹钟”的安装。

433Are you the only Doll at the base right now?现在基地是只剩下你一个人形了吗？

Boys AT RifleYes.是。

433Then you are the adjutant-on-duty.所以你就是轮值副官了。

433How... how's the Commander doing?指挥官……现在怎么样？

Boys AT RifleThey took it pretty hard, but they haven't lost hope yet. The Commander is working out a way to rescue the abducted Dolls.受到了一些打击，但还没有失去全部的希望。 指挥官正在努力想办法解救被带走的人形们。

433As an adjutant, your report can't be so ambiguous!身为副官，你的汇报怎么模糊不清的？

433What do you mean, "took it pretty hard"? What were their exact bio indicators? Were you also monitoring their mental state? Keeping track of their nutritional intake? Have they been exercising regularly?什么叫“一些打击”，具体的身体指标数据呢？精神状态监测呢？饮食营养跟踪呢？有没有在定期锻炼？

Boys AT Rifle... Such stalkerish behavior is unbecoming of a knight.…… 跟踪狂魔不是骑士的工作风格。

433Then you're clearly slacking off! When I get back, I'll strike your name off the next adjutant duty roster!你这叫敷衍了事！ 等回去了我要申请撤销你接下来的副官排期！

Boys AT RifleDo whatever you want when you get home.等你回去了随你打报告。

Boys AT Rifle...Stop giving me that look.……别用这样的眼神盯着我了。

Boys AT RifleTo tell you the truth, the Commander's mental health hasn't been the best lately. Their eating and sleeping schedule has also been rather erratic. Probably due to their emotional state, even their command style has become much more aggressive.指挥官确实最近精神状态不太好，吃饭睡觉也不怎么规律。 可能是受情绪影响，指挥风格也变得激进很多。

433Do you know what is bothering the Commander?指挥官在忧虑什么吗？

Boys AT RifleThey didn't say anything explicitly, but I suspect they might be worried that the Dolls, deceived by this beautiful illusion, would refuse to return to reality.指挥官没有明说，但我猜测，是在担心人形们被虚幻的美好蒙骗，不愿回到现实。

433... If I had known, I would've told the Commander about it.…… 早知道，那个时候就该告诉指挥官的。

Boys AT RifleYou mean the thing we're preparing?你在说我们准备的那个东西吗？

Purin EsakiWhat thing?什么东西？

433You know, our—就是我们全体——

433Hey, why are you eavesdropping on us?喂，你怎么偷听的？

Purin EsakiYou didn't seem to be having a secret conversation at such decibels.你们这分贝也不像在讲悄悄话啊。

Boys AT RifleYou're done?你那边完成了？

Purin EsakiYep, their security system is surprisingly backward. I sorted it out in minutes. I even had a browse around their database, but I didn't find anything interesting, sadly.对啊，这边的安保系统落后得惊人，我分分钟就搞定了。 还顺便逛了下数据库，可惜没有发现什么有意思的东西。

433Right, we're basically ready as well.好，我们这边也差不多搞定了。

Purin EsakiThree minutes until the system upgrade!距离系统升级开始的时间刚好也只剩下三分钟了！

Boys AT RifleShould we start the activation process?开始执行启动程序吗？

433Yeah, let's do it.嗯，来吧。

433 finishes the final setup for the broadcast and turns on the microphone.HK433完成了广播的最后配置，然后打开了一边的话筒。

433No. 390 here. All set. Commencing broadcast of system upgrade.报告，390号已完成准备。 开始播放系统升级广播。

The monitors all start showing the face of an avatar, and a cold, emotionless voice announces the start of the system upgrade.屏幕上的内容变为了一张虚拟形象的脸，没有情绪的冰冷声音宣布着系统升级的开始。

Boys AT RifleWhat else do we need to do?接下来还需要做什么吗？

433Just wait for the Dolls to connect to the system.等待人形们链接完成就行。

Click. A comms request from the Commander.嘀—— 是指挥官的通讯请求。

CommanderPurin, Boys, I have located the Doll signals.普林，博斯，我找到了人形们的讯号。

Boys AT RifleCommander, we are in the process of breaking the memory seal on the Dolls.指挥官，我们正在解除人形们的记忆封锁。

CommanderGood. I'm also attempting to retake command.好，我会同时尝试夺回指挥权限。

Purin EsakiUnderstood! Remember to have the Major and Mr. Batou be your pathfinders.明白！记得让少校和巴特先生帮你探路。

The trio is just starting to feel a bit relieved when...三人稍微露出些放松的神情。

Pzzt... The line cuts out abruptly.滋啦——通讯却在此刻莫名断开了。

Boys AT RifleCommander?! What's going on? Purin, are we getting signal fluctuations?指挥官？！ 怎么回事？普林，你的信号不稳吗？

Purin's attention is drawn to the monitors.江崎普林的目光反而被屏幕吸引。

Purin Esaki...The "Alarm Clock" wasn't transmitted.……“闹钟”没有发送成功。

433How is that possible?!怎么可能？！

433 pulls up the backend logs to check the execution of their earlier command. But no matter what she does, the monitors do not react. It is just the same face reading out the announcement emotionlessly.HK433操作指令准备调出后台，查看刚刚的命令的执行情况。 但无论她怎么操作，屏幕都没有任何反应，依然是那张平板的面孔，冷漠地一字一句地念着通告。

433Why isn't the system responding to my command?系统为什么不响应我的指令？

Purin EsakiThe security system didn't register any errors... What is going on?安保系统没有报错……怎么回事？

Boys AT RifleCan you force quit?强制退出可行吗？

433...I could, but that would draw attention to the broadcast studio immediately.……可行是可行，但那也意味着广播室将立刻被盯上。

Purin EsakiShould we risk it?要赌一把吗？

Boys AT RifleThere are no alternatives. Do it.没有别的方案了，放手做吧。

433 opens the force quit terminal and presses the button without hesitation.HK433打开了强制终止的控制终端，毫不犹豫地按下了按钮。

Pzzzzt! The ear-splitting noise almost shorted their neural clouds, but the impassive face remains on the monitors.兹——刺耳的噪音几乎要扭曲几人的心智，而屏幕上还是那没有波澜的面孔。

433It didn't work!强制终止失效了！

Purin EsakiWere they onto us all along? The system isn't acknowledging any of our commands...我们不会已经被盯上了吧？现在所有操作都是无效的……

Boys AT RifleShould we withdraw?要撤退吗？

Pzzzzt! The noise is growing increasingly torturous. Boys grabs 433's pale face and shouts at the top of her voice—兹——噪音变本加厉地折磨着几人。 博斯揪住脸色苍白的HK433大声吼着——

Boys AT RifleGet out of here, 433!撤退吧，HK433！

433It's already...已经……

Purin EsakiAll the exits have been sealed!出口全部被封锁了！

433Too late...晚了……

Boys AT RifleWhat?!什么？！

Purin EsakiBuy me some time. I'm gonna try—帮我争取时间，我尝试——

Crackle— The monitors showing the face suddenly emit a blinding flash.咔擦—— 框着那张平板面孔的屏幕突然迸发出灼眼的爆闪。

Boys presses her palms against her eyes. Before she can react, another flash burns her eyes.博斯捂住双眼，没等适应过来，又被新的一发爆闪灼伤了眼睛。

Boys AT RifleWhat is happening...?怎么回事……

Trapped in the room and assaulted continuously by what feels like countless flashbangs going off one after another, Boys and co. are utterly decapacitated.像是无数个闪光弹争先恐后地爆炸一样，博斯她们被困在房间内几乎要晕眩过去。

Purin EsakiBoys, watch out!博斯，小心！

Boys AT Rifle...What?……怎么了？

433Miss Mizukane...水金小姐……

Suzuka MizukaneHello, strangers.你好啊，陌生人。

Boys jumps in surprise, but it's already too late—博斯一惊，但已经来不及避开——

A soft hand is wrapped around her jaws. The grip is gentle, as if it was just scratching a cat's chin, but Boys might as well have been struck by lightning. Darkness obscures her vision, and the world melts away...一只轻柔的手捏住了自己的下颌。 明明只是抚摸猫咪下颌的力度，却让博斯像是被闪电击中。 黑暗如巨手捂住她的面部，让世界飞速从身边消失……

Botched Ascension 升格失败

...Back in the present. In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64. Even from an observer's perspective, the Commander cannot tell when exactly Suzuka Mizukane appeared. They break out in cold sweat the moment Boys was struck.……现在。 2Z64区，未知区域。 坦白说，即便处在观察者的视角，指挥官也完全没有注意到水金铃鹿是从何时出现的。 博斯被击中的瞬间，指挥官的后背也被冷汗浸透。

Commander...I didn't expect Mizukane to be so terrifyingly powerful.……没想到水金铃鹿的实力这么恐怖。

Motoko KusanagiPost-humans are much stronger than ordinary humans and even humans with prosthetics. Stronger AND faster.后人类的身体素质远远强于普通人类或者使用义体的人类。 不管是速度还是力量。

CommanderBoys was taken out in mere seconds. I'm surprised Purin managed to exchange a few blows with her.博斯几乎在几秒间就被压制。 没想到普林竟然还能和她交手几招。

BatouPurin... is a special kid.普林……是个很特别的孩子。

The Major slows down the replay in the broadcast studio. Purin, who was not in direct danger, was rushing over to 433 and Boys.少校放慢了广播室的画面细节。 处于安全区域的普林正在狂奔向HK433和博斯的方向。

CommanderWas Purin... trying to protect Boys and 433?普林这是在……想要护住博斯和HK433？

Motoko KusanagiIf Esaki had been alone, she probably would have lasted a bit longer. But with two people to protect, even she wouldn't stand much of a chance.只有江崎的话，或许还能再拖延一会。 但是加上两个需要保护的对象，江崎也承受不住太久。

The Commander recalls their reunion with Purin and 433 in Sector 2Z64. Despite having fought side-by-side, the two behaved like total strangers...指挥官的脑海中回味了一遍在2Z64区重逢普林和HK433的画面。 经历过生死战斗的两人，就像是初次见面的陌生人一样……

Boom! After the loud explosion, the playback goes dark.轰—— 巨响后，画面再一次黑暗。

Motoko KusanagiWe've learned all we could from this memory fragment.这一段记忆碎片已经没有继续研究的价值了。

BatouThe next one has been remastered.下一段的调试已经完成了。

CommanderI hope we'll find our answers...希望能找到一切的答案……

... Cold, humid air... A cold, hard object on her skin... Cold, bone-chilling eyes...…… 冰冷潮湿的空气，冰冷坚硬的触感，冰冷刺骨的眼神……

Suzuka MizukaneYou are awake.你醒了。

Instincts compel Boys to draw back from this dangerous being, but the cold manacles are tying her firmly to her chair.战斗的本能促使博斯和这个危险的存在拉开距离，但冰冷的手铐将她牢牢锁在了椅子上。

Suzuka MizukaneAre you afraid? State yoru identity and purpose truthfully, and I might just spare you from some hardship.你在害怕？ 老实交代你的身份以及来到这里的目的，我可以让你少吃一点苦。

Suzuka MizukaneOr should I let No. 390 speak first?或者应该让390号先讲？

433Miss Mizukane, this is all just a misunderstanding...水金小姐，这是一场误会……

Ping!叮——

Mizukane pulls up the notification interface with a smile.水金铃鹿抬手唤起消息的界面，笑容自然地浮现在了脸上。

Suzuka MizukaneBe grateful for this good news. It has saved you for the time being.感谢这个好消息吧，暂时解救了你们。

433Good news?好消息？

Suzuka MizukaneNo. 388, take over the interrogation. We have the Griffin Commander surrounded. It's about time I showed myself.388号，你来接手审讯。 格里芬的指挥官已经被包围了，接下来该轮到我登场了。

No. 388Yes, ma'am.是。

Boys AT RifleWhat?!什么？！

Purin EsakiThe Commander must've stormed the base.指挥官一定是冲进基地内部了……

Suzuka MizukanePatience. You'll be able to see the Commander very soon...别太着急，指挥官很快就能和你们见面了……

The captives glare at Mizukane with gritted teeth as she leaves the prison.在几人咬牙切齿的注视中，水金铃鹿离开了监狱。

No. 388 walks up to Boys.388号来到了博斯的对面。

No. 388Then let's start with you, comrade.那么，我们从你开始吧，这位尚不知晓姓名的同志。

Purin EsakiHey, I've got loads of questions!喂，我有很多问题！

No. 388 pulls up an interface, casually selects Purin's interrogation chair, and temporarily mutes her.388号调出了操作界面，轻松地选中了江崎普林所在的审讯椅，对她实行了暂时禁言。

No. 388Anything you'd like to say, No. 390?你也有话想说吗，390号？

433No.没有。

No. 388Good. Now we can chat in peace. Please begin your statement.好的，看来现在我们可以不受干扰地聊天了，请开始你的陈述。

Boys AT Rifle... My name is Boys.…… 我是博斯。

No. 388I searched the database but couldn't find anything about you. This means your presence here is unauthorized. Please answer me—what is your purpose for coming to Sector 2Z64?我检索过数据库，这里没有登记过你的档案。 也就意味着，你并非通过正规渠道来到这里。 请回答我你来到2Z64区的目的是什么？

Boys AT RifleI'm here to rescue you.我是来救你们的。

No. 388Why would we need to be rescued?我们为什么需要被拯救？

Boys AT RifleBecause you don't belong here, you're from the Griffin base, just like me, just like her.因为你们并不属于这里，你们来自格里芬基地，和我一样，和她一样。

No. 388Griffin base...?格里芬基地……？

Boys AT RifleYour memories have been sealed. 433 also thought she was No. 390. But we simply had to—你的记忆被封锁了，就和曾经的HK433一样，认为自己是390号。 但只需要——

No. 388 also mutes Boys temporarily before turning to 433 with a smile.388号对博斯也实行了暂时禁言，然后微笑着转向HK433。

No. 388No. 390, are you also a member of this "Griffin base"?390号，你也是这个“格里芬基地”的一员吗？

No. 388Is 433 your number in this organization?HK433是你在这个组织的代号吗？

433It's not a number. My name is 433, and yours is Ibis.不是代号，我的名字就叫做HK433，就像你的名字叫做鹮一样。

No. 388You still answered to the designation "No. 390" yesterday. What happened in the last 24 hours to have caused such a change in you?昨天的你还平静地回应着“390号”的称呼，是什么让你在二十四小时不到的时间内发生了这样的转变？

433I've recovered my real memories.因为我找到了真实的记忆。

No. 388Real memories?真实的记忆？

433Don't you want to know? All our memory data are false. They don't match up with...你不想知道吗？我们现在的记忆数据都是假的，根本经不起推敲……

No. 388Then how do you know those memories were false? And how did you recover your real memories?那么，你是如何知道现在的记忆是假的，又是如何发现了真实的记忆？

No. 388Not going to talk? That's fine, I'll find out when we perform the system upgrade on you.不愿意讲吗？稍后对你进行系统升级，我就知道了。

No. 388 unmutes Purin.388号解开了江崎普林的禁言。

No. 388I can see that you're bursting to say something.你再不说话，看上去就要爆炸了。

Purin EsakiFinally!终于到我发言了！

Purin EsakiFirst of all, I must strongly object to your policy of only letting one person speak at a time! It's extremely unreasonable! Not to mention inefficient and time-consuming!首先，我要强烈谴责你这种一次只允许一个人发言的制度，非常不合理！ 低效且浪费时间！

Purin EsakiSecondly, it was me who made 433, i.e., No. 390, aware of everything that's happened.然后，是我让HK433，也就是390号，明白了现在的一切。

No. 388I gather you're voluntarily confessing your methods? That would certainly lessen your punishment. If you're also willing to turn in your tools, your punishment could be reduced even further.听上去，你是打算主动交代作案手法？这样确实可以适当减轻惩罚。 如果你愿意主动上交工具，你的惩罚还能获得更大程度的减轻。

Purin EsakiI simply ran a small program.我只是用了一个小小的程序。

No. 388Upload it here.传输到这个平台上。

No. 388 pushes an empty storage disk toward Purin. After confirming that Purin has initiated the upload, No. 388 walks over to 433.388号将一个空白的存储平台推给了江崎普林。 在确认普林执行了上传流程后，388号走到HK433的面前。

No. 388While we wait, let's install that system upgrade on you, No. 390.在等待上传的间隙，我们进行你的系统升级吧，390号。

No. 388Since you're under suspicion of collaborating with the enemy, I will set up a direct link with you and manually perform the system upgrade.鉴于你有通敌的嫌疑，我会直接和你链接，进行手动系统升级。

No. 388 leans in toward 433, who is tied to her chair and completely immobilized...388号凑近了被困在椅子上无法动弹的HK433——

Purin EsakiWait, I have one more question!等一下，我还有问题！

No. 388Go ahead.请讲。

Purin EsakiRegarding the system upgrade... under what circumstances would a subject fail the vetting process?关于系统升级，我想知道，什么样的情况会被判定为不合格？

No. 388The criteria for receiving a system upgrade aren't that strict. We just need to verify that our system is free of any fatal loopholes and that our database is not infected by any viruses.系统升级的资格检查并不算严苛，只是验证我们的系统是否存在致命漏洞，以及数据库有没有被病毒污染。

Purin EsakiI hear that you've failed the vetting process before.我听说，你曾经没能通过系统升级的资格检查。

No. 388That is correct. My neural cloud was attacked by some kind of virus. I kept experiencing visions of things that didn't belong to this world.是的，我的心智遭到过病毒攻击。 导致我总是能看见不属于这个世界的画面。

Purin EsakiWhat sort of visions?什么样的画面？

No. 388Visions for war, artillery fire, dead bodies... We were fighting endless hordes of enemies, filled with despair and exhaustion.战争、炮火、残骸…… 我们和无穷无尽的敌人战斗，绝望又精疲力尽。

No. 388Then I was brought to Big Brother's room. The issues with my neural cloud were resolved, and I came back.然后我被带去了老大哥的房间，我的心智问题得到了解决，我就回来了。

Purin EsakiHow did they resolve the issues with your neural cloud?他们是怎么解决你的心智问题的？

No. 388Hm... I'll admit I'm not entirely—唔…… 这点我倒确实——

Click. Purin's upload is complete. No. 388 walks back to Purin thoughtfully and retrieves the storage disk, all the while pondering the question...嘀。普林的上传已经完成。 388号露出思索的神情，她踱步着来到江崎普林的面前，边将传输完成的文件收走，边继续思考着问题……

No. 388It was so long ago, I don't really remember.时间有些久远，我也记不清了。

Purin EsakiYou do remember. You've always remembered...你记得的，你一直记得……

No. 388Hm?嗯？

Purin EsakiYou simply don't want to...只是不愿意回想起来……

No. 388?!？！

The virus stored in the storage disk that No. 388 is holding suddenly surges toward her. She grasps helplessly at Purin and slumps to the floor. Her pupils contract. Boys can tell that memories from the past are flashing past the Doll's eyes. But she is not so sure what those memories would mean to her.原被放置在388号手中平台的病毒猛地袭向她，她只能无力地抓住江崎普林的衣服，倒在了地上。 她的瞳孔快速收缩着，博斯知道，过去的幕幕正在她眼前奔涌而去。 只是博斯也不确定，那些记忆究竟对她来说意味着什么。

In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，未知区域。

The Major unplugs her cable from Boys and puts the inactive Doll gently down on the floor.少校将数据线从博斯身上抽走，扶着仍然没有回应的博斯缓缓躺在地上。

Motoko KusanagiThat's all the memory fragments we can read for now. The rest are damaged and cannot be viewed for the time being.目前能够读取到的记忆数据就是这些，后面的部分受损了，暂时无法读取。

BatouIt'll take time, but they can be repaired as long as the neural cloud remains intact.慢慢修复吧，只要心智完好就行。

BatouIsn't that right, Commander?对吧，指挥官？

Like an old computer, the Commander is slowly processing the memory data that the Major extracted from Boys' neural cloud.指挥官仿佛是台古老的计算机，正在缓慢地咀嚼着少校从博斯心智中解析出的记忆数据。

Motoko KusanagiWhat's your plan?你现在什么打算？

Commander...Wait for Boys to wake up.……先等博斯醒来吧。

Motoko KusanagiAnd then?然后呢？

CommanderI haven't got that far yet.我还没有想清楚。

BatouAre you not going to carry on your original plan? The memory seal on the Dolls are still active.你的原计划不打算继续执行了吗？这里的人形们仍然被封锁着记忆。

BatouFrom what we've learned so far, Purin and your subordinates have been working hard to execute your plan. We just don't know what happened afterwards...根据现有的情报，普林和你的手下们可是有在好好执行你的计划。 虽然不知道后来发生了什么……

CommanderThat's what's giving me second thoughts. I don't know if they've had a change of heart. Especially Purin. She had been very supportive of the rescue mission, so why did she suddenly—这也正是我犹豫的地方，我不知道她们的态度是否依旧和原来一样。 尤其是普林，一直支持我解救人形回去的她，为什么突然——

The Commander feels a soft tug on the hem of their coat.指挥官垂在地面的大衣被拽了拽。

CommanderBoys?!博斯？！

Boys AT RifleCommander...指挥官……

Motoko KusanagiAre you alright?你的状况还好吗？

Boys AT RifleYeah...嗯……

Boys sits up laboriously. Her neural cloud is still clearly a bit scrambled.博斯勉强能保持坐立的姿势，但明显心智还处于混乱的状态。

Boys AT Rifle...Where are the others?……她们人呢？

Commander433 and Ibis both have their memories sealed again. As for Purin...HK433和鹮又回到了记忆封锁的状态了。 普林……

Boys AT RifleWhat about her?普林怎么了？

CommanderHer memories seem to be fine, but her attitude is a bit strange.她似乎没有被封锁记忆，但态度变得有些奇怪。

Boys AT RifleWhat does that mean?什么意思？

CommanderWe'll get back to this later. Boys, what happened after you met Ibis? What caused all this severe damage to you?先不聊这个。 博斯，你们和鹮重聚后发生了什么？你为什么会受到这么严重的创伤？

Boys AT RifleOw...嘶……

Motoko KusanagiHer neural cloud shows signs of numerous hacking and modification attempts. Whoever did this didn't succeed, but they still did quite a number on her neural cloud. She needs repairs, not an energy-intensive search through messy data.她的心智有多次被骇入和尝试改造的痕迹，即便没有得逞，对她的心智而言依然是很大的损伤。 她需要修复，而不是高强度地检索混乱的数据。

Boys AT RifleThey wanted to hook my neural cloud to this place by force, but I wasn't going to let them have their way...他们想把我的心智强制和这里链接在一起，但我可不会让他们成功的……

CommanderAlright... Take it easy...好……你先缓缓……

Boys AT RifleThere's no time... They'll be here soon...没时间了……他们快来了……

Boys AT RifleCommander, you've got to leave now.指挥官，你们得立刻离开。

CommanderWho are "they"?他们是谁？

Boys AT RifleThey come to interrogate me every six hours...每隔六小时，他们就会来审讯一次……

Boys AT RifleYou must go...你们得走了……

CommanderCome with us. Can you log out?和我们一起走，你能够从这里登出吗？

Boys AT RifleDon't mind me...别管我了……

Motoko KusanagiHer neural cloud is extremely fragile; logging out now would be very risky. Besides, her body is still in Shimamura's hands. I strongly advise against it.她的心智状况太脆弱，现在登出有风险，而且她的素体也在岛村孝他们手里。 我不建议她执行登出。

CommanderBut we can't just leave her behind!难道就这样把她丢下吗？！

Boys AT RifleI'll stay and bide my time. I'll also try to repair my damaged memory data. Once you're ready, I'll join you again.我会继续在这里等待机会，正好可以修复下受损的记忆数据。 等你准备好了，我将随时重回你的队伍。

Batou looks toward the entrance.巴特抬头看向上层入口的方向。

BatouThey're here.来了。

Motoko KusanagiLog out at once, Commander.立刻登出，指挥官。

Boys AT RifleCommander... Purin... Purin will fight for us till the very end...指挥官……普林…… 她一直跟我们战斗到了最后一刻……

Commander...I see. I'll be back for you.……我知道了。 我还会回来的。

Boys AT RifleI'm counting on it.我一直是如此相信着。

Best Wishes 祝你幸福

...In the command room of the Griffin base. The Major and Batou observe the Commander, who is lying on the augmented reality equipment, seemingly fast asleep.……格里芬基地，指挥室。 少校和巴特站在AR设备前，看着躺在里面仿佛沉睡的指挥官。

BatouThese simulations must be a lot for the human brain to handle. The Commander is still stuck in the process of logging out.看来模拟对人类的负担还是很大，指挥官还在执行登出程序中。

Motoko KusanagiThe Commander is a human without any prosthetics, let alone a cyberbrain. Just imagine how much strain this puts on them.指挥官还是完全未进行义体改造的人类，连电子脑都没有，可想而知压力有多大了。

Thunk! The side table in the corner suddenly topples over.嘭—— 一张支在角落的茶几突然翻倒在地。

???Oops...啊呀……

BatouTachikoma?塔奇克马？

Motoko KusanagiYou're finally here.终于来了。

The blue combat vehicle turns off its optical camouflage, revealing its large frame.蓝色的思考战车关闭了光学迷彩，显出了庞大的体型。

TachikomaMajor! Batou! I started tracing the connection the moment I received your order, but it was really difficult to get here...少校，巴特！ 接到你们的指令，我就立刻开始寻找链接了，这里太难找了……

Motoko KusanagiHow did the investigation go?调查得怎么样？

TachikomaOh, I've finished compiling the Commander's profile! I've even figured out their type!嗯，指挥官的档案已经整理完毕！连喜欢什么样的类型都搞得清清楚楚！

The Major and Batou read through the data shared by the Tachikoma.少校和巴特查看起塔奇克马共享的档案资料。

Batou...Major, what's the plan now?……少校，接下来你打算怎么做？

Motoko KusanagiWe're only here to support Esaki. Griffin's business has nothing to do with us. It's entirely up to the Commander.我们只是来支援江崎完成任务的，格里芬基地的事情和我们无关。 由指挥官自己来决定。

BatouSure, of course.嗯，这是当然。

Motoko KusanagiIf you have something to say, out with it.有什么话就直接说完。

BatouThe Commander is still conflicted... Under these circumstances, they may end up making bad decisions out of frustration and self-pity. I think the Commander could use some help.指挥官仍然很迷惘……在这种情况下很有可能做出一些颓废的决定。 我认为指挥官需要一些帮助。

Motoko KusanagiNo matter what decision they make, it is up to them and Griffin to bear the consequences. It's not our place to interfere. Whether the Commander eventually chooses to give up their Dolls or take them back, we just have to do our part.不管做出什么样的决定，最终的后果都是由指挥官和格里芬基地来承担，我们无权干涉。 指挥官想要放弃人形也好，想要夺回人形也好，我们做好自己的分内之事就足够了。

The Major makes for the door of the command room.少校朝着指挥室外走去。

Motoko KusanagiTachikoma, send me a copy of the supply inventory of this base.塔奇克马，发一份格里芬基地的物资仓储详情给我。

TachikomaOkie!好咧！

The Major's footsteps fade beyond the command room.少校的脚步声消失在了指挥室外。

TachikomaBatou, are we really just gonna leave the Commander?巴特，我们就这样不管指挥官了吗？

BatouYou've known the Major for a pretty long time, and you still don't understand what she's getting at?都这么久了，还没听懂少校的意思吗？

Tachikoma...Huh?……诶？

BatouHer point is we can give the Commander a hand, but it is ultimately the Commander's call.少校的意思是，可以拉指挥官一把，但最终的决定必须由指挥官自己做出。

TachikomaOh, I see!哦，原来如此！

Batou slaps the Tachikoma on the back.巴特拍了拍塔奇克马的身躯。

BatouNow activate your optical camouflage and stand by outside. The Commander's gonna wake up soon. Stay hidden. Don't let the post-humans spot you.快开启光学迷彩去外面待命吧，指挥官快醒了。 注意隐蔽行踪，不要让岛村孝他们发现你。

TachikomaAlright, alright!知道啦——

A few minutes later.几分钟后。

At last, the Commander sits up on the AR chair. They rub their forehead groggily.指挥官终于从AR设备中坐起，捂着额头陷入到恍惚之中。

CommanderWhere... am I?我这是……在哪里？

Motoko KusanagiThe Griffin base. Your home turf.格里芬基地，你自己的地盘。

BatouHere.给。

Batou hands the Commander a bottle.巴特将一瓶酒递给指挥官。

BatouThis base looks pretty empty, but you've got quite a stash.这基地看着空空荡荡的，但是酒的存量倒是很充足嘛。

BatouNow don't be stingy. We did you a huge favor, ya know?别这么小气嘛，我们可是帮了你大忙。

CommanderOh, you misunderstand. I just suddenly remembered these drinks were originally procured for tomorrow evening.不是的。 我只是想起，这些酒本来是准备在明晚用上的。

Motoko KusanagiWhat's the occasion?明天是什么特殊的日子吗？

CommanderIt's the foundation day of the base in Area S09—the abandoned one...是S09区基地成立的纪念日，不过是已经被废弃的那个……

BatouOh, I get it now. That's where you went with our prosthetics before, no? I checked the operation logs on this prosthetic. That base looked like it got nuked to high heaven!哦，我明白了，是之前你带这具义体去的那个地方吗？ 我看了这具义体之前的行动记录，那里惨烈得像是将整场战争的导弹全部集中在了一个基地！

Motoko KusanagiBatou.巴特。

BatouSorry for running my mouth. Commander, cheers.抱歉，光顾着自己说话了。 指挥官，来干一杯吧。

Clink! The crisp sound of clinking glasses cuts through the silence at the base.哐当—— 清脆的玻璃容器撞击声短暂打破基地的静寂。

BatouHm... Pretty decent booze.嗯……不错的酒。

CommanderIf only the girls were here...如果大家都在就好了……

The Major stares pensively into the night from her lonely perch by the window. In the quiet room, Batou and Commander sit down across each other.少校独自坐在窗边，看着外面吞没一切的夜色沉思着什么。 冷清的房间里，只剩下巴特和指挥官对坐。

BatouWhat are you planning to do?你接下来有什么打算？

CommanderWe must go back and get Boys out of there..我们得再去一次那个地方，把博斯救出来。

BatouWhat about the other Dolls?那其他人形呢？

The Commander runs their fingers over the bottle label. The Dolls' faces in the group photo on the table look distorted through the glass and the clear liquid it contains.指挥官摩挲着瓶身的标签，透过内部清亮的液体，桌下大合照的人形们的面孔变换着大小形状。

CommanderI don't know what they want. If you ask me, I want them to come home immediately. But if—我不知道她们的答案。 要问我自己的答案的话，我希望她们立刻回到这里。 但如果——

BatouDon't tell me you're gonna say... If they are happy in Sector 2Z64, you'll just let them go?你该不会准备说…… 如果能让她们幸福的地方是2Z64区的话，你就要放手了？

CommanderWhy not? If happiness is right there in front of you...为什么不呢？如果幸福就这样摆在眼前……

Batou puts down his glass silently.巴特沉默地放下手中的酒杯。

Motoko KusanagiBatou, this is the Commander's business. We have no right to interfere.巴特，这是指挥官自己的事，我们无权插手。

BatouI know that, of course... But letting go just like that is way too selfish.我当然知道…… 可是就这样放手，也太自私了吧。

CommanderSelfish?自私？

BatouYou're making the decision for your subordinates without even bothering to find out what they want.你连手下的答案都不清楚，就擅自为她们做了决定。

BatouDo you actually know what it is that they want?你真的明白她们想要什么吗？

CommanderIf there's a chance for them to have a happy life, why shouldn't I...可是如果有机会让她们得到幸福，为什么不……

Motoko KusanagiIt is self-indulgent of you to think you have the right to define what happiness means to someone else.认为自己有权利定义别人的幸福，本身就是一种自私。

BatouI've looked you up. In just two years after joining this PMC, your resume has already become far more compelling than what most old veterans can ever hope to achieve. You know better than anyone else what you've gone through, so my question is— Have you stayed in your job all this time just because it makes you happy?我调查过你，入职私人安全承包商短短两年，履历已经达到老兵都望尘莫及的丰富程度。 你究竟经历过什么，只有你清楚，所以我的问题是—— 你选择在这里工作到现在，是因为幸福吗？

Commander...No.……不是。

BatouThen why are you still here?那你为什么要坚持留在这里？

CommanderI have unfinished business and unfulfilled promises... Things are immensely difficult, but I like it here.我还有未完成的使命，和别人的约定…… 虽然步履维艰，但我喜欢这里。

BatouYou know full well...你明明很清楚。

BatouThe Dolls can also feel the same way, but you're just ignoring that possibility and making the decision for them?同样的事情放在人形们身上，你就选择闭上眼睛自作主张了？

Commander...I don't want them to suffer so much.……如果可以的话，我希望她们不要吃这么多苦。

BatouI get that. I know a kid who had it really rough. Luckily she's really smart, and she got a PhD at MIT when she was just 19. She could have done anything with her life, but she gave it all up and chose to go down the darkest, hardest path...我能理解你的心情。 我认识一个小孩，以前吃过很多苦，幸运的是她很聪明，十九岁就成为了麻省理工的博士。 但她放弃了所有唾手可得的道路，选择了最艰难黑暗的一条……

BatouI also wanted her to live a happy and carefree life, but that's not what she wanted.我也希望她能过上快乐轻松的生活，可她偏偏不。

Batou shakes his head and chuckles helplessly as he recalls the girl's stubbornness.似乎想起了对方的倔强之处，巴特摇头苦笑。

The Commander downs the remaining contents in their glass and feels the burn in their throat.指挥官喝下杯中剩余的酒，烧灼感在口中蔓延。

CommanderI understand... how that feels...我明白……这种感觉……

BatouIt's natural to want happiness for those you care about.希望重视的人幸福是很自然的事情。

BatouBut sometimes, we make decisions not necessarily because they will lead us to happiness but simply because that's what we genuinely want. Even if it means causing pain and suffering to ourselves.但有的时候，我们做出的选择，并不只是因为这样做会获得幸福，可能只是纯粹发自内心地喜欢而已。 即便这样的喜欢会让自己痛苦。

CommanderYou're right...是啊……

The two share another drink in silence. The silence once again fills the room.两人沉默地对酌，室内又一次清冷一地。

Kusanagi walks over from the window, picks up the bottle on the table and drains its contents.草薙素子翻身从窗边走来，拿起桌上的酒瓶一饮而尽。

Motoko KusanagiSo, Commander, what are you planning to do?那么，指挥官，你接下来的计划是什么？

Commander... I'm going to rescue Boys... Then I'll proceed with the original plan and restore the Dolls' memories. ...I'll let them tell me what they want.…… 我要去救出博斯…… 然后，继续原来的计划，恢复人形们的记忆。 ……亲耳听见她们的答案。

...The next day. In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……翌日。 2Z64区，未知区域。

At the agreed time, the Commander logs into the virtual world to meet up with the Major.按照约定的时间，指挥官登入虚拟区，准备直接和少校汇合。

No. 390Good morning, Commander. Please instruct on the operational plans for today.指挥官，早上好。 我在等您的指令，好调整今天的行动方针。

CommanderLet's close the shop for the day.今天闭店休息一天吧。

No. 390Resting on the day after your grand opening... Are you sure about this?新店开业第二天就休息……您确定吗？

CommanderThat'll give you some time to do some market research and study how the other shops are run. I'm also a bit tired. I want to take it easy today and have a stroll in the neighborhood.正好给你一点时间，去考察下其他店铺的情况。 我也累了，就在这附近散散步休息一天。

No. 390Understood. I will submit a comprehensive report.明白，我会完成全面的考察报告。

After ending the call, the Commander heads toward their destination.结束通讯，指挥官朝着目的地走去。

Purin EsakiMorning, Commander!早啊，指挥官！

Purin's sudden appearance behind the Commander makes them gasp.突然出现在身后的普林让指挥官倒吸一口气。

CommanderPurin, what are you doing here?普林，你怎么在这里？

Purin EsakiI was just passing by, so I thought I'd drop by and see how your new shop is doing. I overheard your conversation with No. 390. Looks like you're planning on take a break today.我只是路过，顺便来看看你的新店今天怎么样了。 刚好听见你在和390号通讯，看来今天你是打算休息了。

CommanderYeah. Purin, I've decided to—嗯，普林，我已经决定——

Motoko KusanagiCommander, if your intention is to let Esaki into the plan, you might want to reconsider.指挥官，要是你打算将江崎重新拉回计划的话，我建议你再考虑一下。

Purin EsakiWhat have you decided?你决定什么？

CommanderI've decided... to do my job properly.决定……好好完成我的工作。

Purin EsakiYou mean... you've made up your mind to run your shop in earnest?!你是指——准备好好经营你的小店吗！

CommanderYeah...嗯……

Purin EsakiThat's wonderful!太好了！

Purin grasps the Commander's hands in excitement.普林高兴地握住了指挥官的手。

Purin EsakiYou've finally decided to stay in Sector 2Z64 and be with us forever and ever!你终于决定留在2Z64区，和我们永远待在一起了！

CommanderHow about some pudding to celebrate this?要不要一起吃个布丁庆祝一下？

Purin EsakiPudding? Why pudding?布丁？这种时候为什么要吃布丁？

Purin EsakiLet's have some shredded potato stir-fry at the canteen instead!不如一起去食堂来盘清炒土豆丝吧！

Purin EsakiI've still got some urgent work to do today. We'll celebrate later!我今天还有点紧急工作，晚点再来找你庆祝！

CommanderOkay.好。

Purin skips along, but then she suddenly turns around.普林蹦跶着走开几步，突然回过头来。

Purin EsakiOh right, Commander. Have Batou and the Major still not connected to their prosthetics?对了，指挥官，少校他们还没有链接上这边的义体吗？

CommanderHm?怎么了？

Purin EsakiWell, apparently someone spotted a big, muscular man and a nimble woman sneaking into the Ministry of Love last night. I was just wondering if it was them...唔，我听说昨晚有人看见一个高大的壮汉和一个矫健的女性潜入了仁爱部的辖区。 我在想会不会是少校他们呢……

The Commander hesitates for a moment.指挥官犹豫了片刻。

CommanderThey still haven't made the connection. But even if they could, I wouldn't know where their prosthetics have gone...还没有链接上。 不过，就算他们能链接上，他们的义体也不知道去哪里了……

Purin EsakiI see... My job today is to investigate the two suspicious intruders. I don't know what they're after; I just hope they're not here to disturb the peace.原来如此……我一会的工作内容就是调查这两个可疑的人。 不知道他们想要干什么，只希望不要破坏这里的平静才好。

Purin EsakiAfter all, the residents here have finally found a quiet sanctuary where they can live simple and ordinary lives. Anyone who tries to destroy such a world will surely be loathed.毕竟这里的居民们好不容易才找到一处安宁的庇护所，拥有了平凡温馨的日常。 要是有人想要破坏这样的世界，那一定会被大家憎恨吧。

Commander... Purin, do you still remember your life before coming here?…… 普林，你还记得你在来到这里之前的生活吗？

Purin EsakiHm... It wasn't actually that long ago, but somehow it felt like another lifetime...嗯……虽然应该是不久前的事情，但已经有种恍如隔世的感觉了……

CommanderWhat about the first time we met?那你还记得我们初次见面的情景吗？

Purin EsakiOf course I remember! I came running out of the Persica's lab after Shimamura and Mizukane. It must've been really scary for you!当然！我当时跟着岛村孝和水金铃鹿从帕斯卡的实验室工厂跑出来，一定把你们都吓坏了吧？

CommanderNo, I mean that time when we really got to know each other and had a chat about the future. Back then, you came with your "key to victory"—不，我想说的是我们真正消除了隔阂，坐下来谈论未来的时候。 那个时候，你拿着你的致胜宝物——

Purin EsakiYou won't get anywhere if you keep clinging to the past, Commander.一直留恋过去，是走不远的哦，指挥官。

Commander... Purin, what really happened...…… 普林，到底发生了什么……

Purin EsakiAnyhow, just be careful, alright? If you come across anything suspicious...总之，小心一点就对啦，要是发现可疑人物的线索的话……

Purin leans closer to the Commander and smiles up at them.普林凑近指挥官，抬头笑了笑。

Purin EsakiYou'll let me know, right?指挥官会告诉我的，对吗？

Commander... You'd better get going.…… 快去吧。

Purin EsakiYou're right. Then I'll see you later~!好吧，那一会见~！

At the Commander's repeated urging, Purin finally leaves with reluctance.在指挥官的反复催促下，普林才不情愿地离开了。

After double-checking there is no one behind them, the Commander goes on their way to meet up with the Major and Batou.确认身边没有人后，指挥官走向了和少校他们汇合的路。

Commander...Major, are you suspecting Purin?……少校，你在怀疑普林吗？

Motoko KusanagiDoesn't hurt to be cautious before we find out what is causing her abnormal behavior.她的行为有些反常，在找出原因前还是谨慎点吧。

CommanderRight. I'm almost at the rendezvous point.好。 我快要到汇合点了。

Motoko KusanagiYou're bringing your little tail along?还带了个小尾巴？

Motoko Kusanagi7 o'clock, behind the white jeep.七点钟方向，白色越野车后面。

Motoko KusanagiSort that out before you come.你处理干净再过来。

Commander... ...Mizukane? Or is it Purin?…… ……水金铃鹿？还是普林？

The Commander stops in their tracks, then doubles back as if they'd gone the wrong way.指挥官停下脚步，佯装走错路了向回走去。

As they approach the jeep, they spot the familiar long white tresses.在无限接近越野车后，指挥官看见了那一头白色的长发。

Commander...Why are you following me? Didn't I ask you to—……你跟着我干什么？我不是让你去——

Ping—it is a file transfer request from No. 390. 30G Market Research Compressed Folder.叮——390号发来的文件传输请求。 30G市场考察调研文件压缩包。

No. 390I'm sorry for not doing this with your consent, but I need to monitor your bio signs. You are currently logging into Sector 2Z64 via a simulated cyberbrain, which is still in the testing phase. Miss Mizukane says that your connection with Sector 2Z64 will gradually deteriorate. That's why I must monitor your sensory data regularly every day.抱歉没有经过您的同意，但我需要监测您的各项指标。 您现在还是通过测试中的设备模拟电子脑登入的2Z64区，水金铃鹿小姐说，您和2Z64区的链接会逐渐衰减。 所以需要我每天定期监测您的感官数据。

Suzuka Mizukane...What you experience with the simulated cyberbrain may feel very realistic, but as time goes by, your sensory input will deteriorate. With a cyberbrain, you won't have this problem.……虽然模拟电子脑的体验很逼真，但随着链接建立的时间增加，你在这边的感官知觉也会越来越弱。 使用电子脑的话，就没有这种问题了。

Commander... What symptoms will I experience when the connection deteriorates?…… 链接衰减有什么症状？

No. 390According to the previous experiment reports, it begins with vision loss. Your vision will become blurry, like you're losing pixels. Then you will experience hearing loss. Sounds will gradually become more and more distorted until they sound like compressed sharp ringing. Finally, the last to go will be your sense of touch, though by the time you reach this stage, your connection will no longer be able to sustain your activities in Sector 2Z64.根据之前的实验报告，一开始是视觉的损失，比如图像像素点丢失带来的模糊。 然后是听觉的损失，声音会渐渐失真，变得像压缩后的尖锐鸣叫。 最后是触觉，当然到了这一步，您的链接其实也不足以支撑您活动了。

The Commander gazes at the cherry blossoms dancing in the air. Even though they know full well that they are nothing but simulated illusions, they still can't help but be moved when their fingertips touch the delicate petals.指挥官望向漫天飞舞的樱花，就算心知肚明这些不过是模拟出来的虚像，但在指尖触碰到柔嫩的花瓣时，内心仍然不可避免地被触动。

CommanderHow long do I have until I start developing these symptoms?我距离产生衰减症状还有多久？

No. 390The deterioration process has already begun from the very moment you first got here.从您进入这里的那一刻起，就已经开始了。

No. 390Don't worry, I'll stay by your side and keep a close eye on your physical condition.别担心，我会跟在您的身边，密切关注您的身体状态。

CommanderYou don't have to follow me around. I'd like to be alone for a while.不用跟着我了，我想自己待会。

No. 390Is there nothing else I could do for you?没有什么需要我帮忙的吗？

CommanderYou've done a brilliant job completing your mission. If I need something, I'll—你的任务完成得很好，有需要我会——

The Commander is just about to turn down No. 390's offer to help, but they change their mind when they meet her eyes.指挥官回头准备拒绝390号，对上对方的眼睛后却改变了主意。

...Restore the Dolls' memories. ...Let them tell me what they want.……恢复人形们的记忆。 ……亲耳听见她们的答案。

CommanderActually, a question has been nagging me for a while now. I'd like to hear your answer.其实有个问题一直困惑着我，我想听听看你的答案。

No. 390Please go ahead.请讲。

CommanderIf you were given the chance to choose between living in a ruthless reality and an ideal virtual world, which would you choose?如果给你一个机会，可以在残酷的现实世界和理想的虚拟世界选择一个生活，你会选择哪一个？

No. 390A ruthless... reality?残酷的……现实世界？

No. 390 looks around at the clean and peaceful street in perplexity.390号有些疑惑地看了看安宁整洁的街区。

CommanderUh... Imagine if you were living in a chaotic world filled with danger and conspiracy.呃……设想一下，你生存在一个混乱的世界，充满着危险和阴谋。

No. 390Right, I was born and grew up in a dark and dangerous world...明白，我诞生于一个危险阴暗的世界，并成长到了现在……

CommanderThen a new world opened its doors to you. It was a peaceful and lovely place, just like Sector 2Z64, except it was a virtual world. Now, you're given a choice—you could either continue to stay in the dark reality, or you could enter the beautiful virtual world. Which would you choose?然后，一个新世界的大门向你敞开，那是一个美好和平的地方，就像这里一样，不过是虚拟世界。 现在，你拥有了一个选择，你可以继续留在黑暗的现实世界，也可以前往美好的虚拟世界。 那么，你会怎么选择？

No. 390 ponders the question earnestly. She remains silent for a long time.390号认真地思考起来，久久没有给出答案。

No. 390I cannot answer this question.这个问题我无法回答。

CommanderWhy not?为什么？

No. 390It would depend on what my life was like in the real world. Whether I had what I wanted; if I was happy... And whether the virtual world could give me what I really wanted.这取决于我在现实世界的生活怎么样。 我有没有得到自己想要的东西，过得快不快乐…… 以及虚拟世界能否提供给我真正想要的东西。

CommanderThen what is it that you really want?那你真正想要的东西是什么？

CommanderOr rather, what is your purpose in life?或者该说，你的人生目标是什么？

CommanderWhat's wrong? You don't look very well all of a sudden...你怎么了？突然一下脸色难看了起来？

No. 390... Commander...…… 指挥官……

CommanderI'm here! What's happening to you?!我在，你到底怎么了？！

No. 390 just keeps staring through the Commander at something far away.390号只是出神地凝视着指挥官的方向，目光却穿透了指挥官，飞向了无法触及的远方。

The Major and Batou, who have been waiting to regroup with the Commander, emerge from their hiding place.一直隐藏在角落等待和指挥官汇合的少校和巴特现身。

CommanderWhat's going on...?怎么回事……

Motoko KusanagiShe's not responding to any commands.指令无法响应了。

CommanderMajor, why is she suddenly like this?少校，她为什么突然变成了这样？

BatouHer neural cloud has crashed.她的心智宕机了。

Motoko KusanagiI'm going in.准备执行骇入。

Hidden Behind the Photograph 藏在合照背后

...A few hours ago. In an Interrogation room at the Ministry of Love, Sector 2Z64.……数小时前。 2Z64区，仁爱部，审讯区。

Ibis' sealed memories have been fully restored, but she still has not regained consciousness.鹮被封锁的记忆数据已经被复原，但仍然没有从昏迷中醒来。

433 looks down anxiously at Ibis, who is still lying motionless on the floor, then at Purin, who seems to be studying something intently to the side.HK433有些不安地看了看依然趴在地上没有动静的鹮，又看了看蹲在一边似乎在认真研究什么的普林。

433Why is she not waking up?她为什么还没有醒过来？

Boys AT RifleIs something wrong with Ibis?鹮不会有什么事吧？

Purin EsakiHer neural cloud appears to be stable at the moment... You Dolls may have similar systems, but your neural base layers and specific data vary greatly, so it's natural that you'll recover at different paces.目前看来她的心智状态是平稳的…… 毕竟你们虽然系统差不多，但是心智底层和具体的数据都有极大的差异，恢复的时间也会有差别。

433We don't know what happened to her when she failed the system upgrade vetting process... I hope it didn't cause too much damage to her neural cloud...不知道她系统升级不合格的时候发生了什么……希望对她的心智没有太大伤害……

Purin EsakiShe'll wake up, I'm sure.她一定会醒来的。

Boys AT RifleWhat do we do once she does?等她醒来之后，我们该怎么办？

Boys AT RifleThe Commander's plan has failed. That woman just said they had the Commander surrounded...现在指挥官的计划已经失败了，刚刚那个女人说指挥官也已经被锁定……

433With that Suzuka Mizukane being so powerful, and the Commander having no Dolls to support them...指挥官现在身边不剩什么人形，水金铃鹿又那么强……

Just thinking about the Commander's predicament almost drives 433 mad.光是想象了下指挥官目前的处境，HK433已经快要丧失理智了。

Purin EsakiDon't despair just yet. I don't think they'll harm the Commander.先别这么沮丧，我觉得，他们不会伤害指挥官的。

Boys AT RifleWhy do you say that?为什么？

Purin EsakiIf they wanted the Commander dead, they could've killed them when they invaded the base and took the Dolls. Even if they had missed their chance at the base, it wouldn't have been difficult to ambush the Commander somewhere else. There is simply no reason for them to go to so much trouble...最简单的推论就是，要是他们真的想要指挥官死，那么在入侵基地带走人形的时候就可以做到。 就算是入侵基地的时候疏忽了，那么在指挥官的必经之地埋伏也是一个简单的方案。 无论怎么想，都犯不着这么大费周章……

433But what do they want with the Commander?可是他们想要指挥官做什么？

Purin EsakiI can't be sure yet, but it probably has something to do with the Dolls... In any case, the Commander is safe, at least for the time being.目前还不能肯定，但应该和人形们有关联…… 总之，至少目前指挥官的安全是没问题的。

Boys AT RifleWait. Ibis just moved.等下，鹮动了。

433 redirects her attention to Ibis.HK433的目光再次聚焦到鹮的身上——

Boys AT RifleIbis?鹮？

433No. 388?388号？

Ibis opens her eyes.鹮睁开了双眼。

QBU-191I am Ibis. Sorry, It took a while to sort through my memory data. I think I understand the situation.我是鹮。 抱歉，刚刚整理记忆数据花了点时间。 我大概明白现在的情况了。

433State your identity and mission.报告一下你的身份和任务。

QBU-191I am QBU-191, codename Ibis. Before my neural cloud was hacked, I was discussing ways to optimize our logistics system with NTW... Judging from my memory data, I suppose this task will have to wait until we solve a more pressing issue.QBU191，代号鹮。 在我心智被入侵前，我的任务是和NTW商讨物流的优化方案…… 根据之后的记忆数据，原来的任务只能暂时搁置，先解决当下的问题了。

Ibis dusts herself off and gets to her feet.鹮捋掉头发上的杂物，从地板上站起来。

433Looks like you're really yourself again...看来你真的恢复了……

Boys AT RifleI'm so glad.太好了。

Purin EsakiMiss Ibis, do you remember why you're here? Also, how much does Suzuka Mizukane know of our plan?鹮小姐，你还记得你为什么会在这里吗？还有水金铃鹿对我们的计划知道了多少？

QBU-191My neural cloud was implanted with false memories, which led me to believe that I'd always been working for the Ministry of Love... I came to this place because I was tasked with interrogating a suspect. As for your plan... Your plan is to spread a virus to the Dolls' neural clouds by exploiting a system upgrade's forced connection, right?我的心智被放置了虚假的记忆，让我以为我一直在仁爱部工作…… 我会在这里，是因为接到了审讯嫌疑犯的任务，至于你们的计划—— 是趁系统升级的时候通过强制链接将病毒发送到每个人形心智里，对吧？

433If you know that, then...既然你已经知道了，那说明……

QBU-191Yes, they all do. They have known since Miss Purin hacked into Sector 2Z64.是的，他们全都知道，从普林小姐骇入2Z64区开始。

Purin EsakiHuh?! Hold on, then they've been following our every move since the very beginning...诶？！等一下，那岂不是从一开始我们的行动就暴露在……

QBU-191Yes.嗯。

Purin's mind races as she chews on her thumb. 433 can almost hear the gears turning rapidly in her head.普林咬着手指沉思起来，HK433隐约听见了大脑高速运转的声响。

433If they've known from the start, why wait till now?既然一开始就知道，为什么要等到现在？

Boys AT RifleMaybe they were biding their time?恐怕是在等一个好时机吧。

QBU-191I was only following orders, but I suspect Boys may be right. They were probably waiting for an opportunity to capture all of us as well as the Commander.我只接收到了指令，但我的猜测和博斯相同。 他们可能是在等待一个将我们和指挥官一网打尽的时机。

Boys AT RifleI've got to log out and save the Commander right now.我现在登出去救指挥官。

Purin EsakiCalm down!冷静一点！

Purin grabs Boys to stop her.普林按住了准备执行登出操作的博斯。

QBU-191Even if you log out now, it'll be too late...就算你现在登出，恐怕也已经晚了……

Purin EsakiThey're attacking in the virtual world and in reality simultaneously. From the moment we entered Sector 2Z64, they have launched an attack on the Commander, who was on their way to Area S09. They've most probably already taken our prosthetics.他们是从虚拟区和现实世界同时进攻的，在我们进入2Z64虚拟区的同时，他们也对正在进入S09区的指挥官发起了攻击。 而我们的义体，多半也在他们手里了。

QBU-191You know them well.你很了解他们的风格。

QBU-191From what I know, Miss Purin's prosthetic and Boys' body have indeed been taken away.据我所知，普林小姐的义体和博斯的素体确实已经被带走了。

Boys AT RifleAnd we can only sit and wait?!难道就这样等着？！

433Can't we do something...?我们还能做点什么……？

Burning anxiety threatens to overwhelm everyone present. Purin sighs helplessly.焦灼感沉沉地压在每个人身上。 普林无奈地叹了口气。

Purin EsakiI didn't really want to bring this up, but we do have one last piece of information that could be useful— The hidden boss room.虽然很不想提起，但还有最后一个可用的情报—— 隐藏BOSS房间。

QBU-191Hidden boss room?隐藏BOSS房间？

Purin EsakiYou know, Big Brother's room—the one that you got taken to when you failed the system upgrade vetting process. Do you have any memory of that place?也就是你曾经系统升级资格检查不合格被带去的老大哥的房间，你还有相关的记忆数据吗？

QBU-191Big Brother's room...老大哥的房间……

Just saying these words is enough to make Ibis shudder.光是复述这几个字，鹮已经开始轻轻颤栗了。

QBU-191It's far too dangerous. We can't do this with just the four of us.那里太危险了，就靠我们几个是行不通的。

Purin EsakiIs there a terminal in there that can connect to all the Dolls' neural clouds, like the one in the broadcast studio?那里有和广播室类似的，能链接上所有人形心智的设备吗？

QBU-191Yes, that's the terminal that rewrote my memories, but—有，我的记忆再度清洗就是通过那台设备，可是——

Purin EsakiThen it'll do.那就足够了。

433What do you have in mind?你有什么想法？

Purin EsakiWe are only left with two options. We either sit here and wait for Mizukane to come back and resume the interrogation...我们现在只剩下两个选择。 一个是坐在这里等水金铃鹿回来继续审讯我们。

433Don't be ridiculous.别开玩笑了。

Boys AT RifleWe can't be sitting ducks.我们是不可能坐以待毙的。

Purin EsakiOr we stick to the Commander's plan but move the location to Big Brother's room.另一个就是继续指挥官的计划，不过将执行地点改为老大哥的房间。

QBU-191You want to spread the virus from Big Brother's room?!你想通过老大哥的房间将病毒散布出去？！

Purin EsakiIt's our only chance.这是我们仅剩的机会。

QBU-191... The broadcast studio was a trap; Big Brother's room could be another trap.…… 广播室是一个陷阱，老大哥的房间也可能是一个陷阱。

Purin EsakiTrue. In fact, I believe there's a 99.8% chance that it is a trap.是的，我甚至认为它有超过99.8%的可能性，是一个陷阱。

433...But we don't really have a choice.……但我们已经别无选择了。

Purin EsakiDon't forget, I did say we have two options.别忘了，我说过有两个选择的。

Boys AT RifleJust sit by and do nothing while the Commander is in danger? What sort of knight would that make me?眼睁睁看着指挥官陷入危机却什么也不做，还算什么骑士？

QBU-191You understand, don't you, Miss Purin? This was never an option for us.普林小姐也明白的吧，我们不可能做出另一个选择。

433Even if it spells our doom, we will never stop fighting!就算是死路一条，我们也不会放弃战斗的！

Purin sighs with knowing resignation.普林叹了口气，一副意料之中的表情。

Purin EsakiI knew that's what you'd choose to do. Or rather, to you, there wasn't really a choice to begin with. There has only ever been one path for you and the Commander...我就知道你们会这样选择。 或者该说，对你们而言根本就没有选择这一说法。 从始至终只有一条路摆在你们眼前，指挥官也是一样……

433Purin, thank you for coming this far with us.普林，一路陪我们走到这里，已经足够了。

Purin EsakiYou're not gonna say you can carry on from here without me, are you?你接下来该不会要说，后面的路没我也行吧？

Boys AT RifleYour objective is to capture Shimamura and Mizukane. Rescuing Dolls is just something you accidentally got involved in.你的目标只是抓捕岛村孝和水金铃鹿回去，救回人形不过是顺手而为，没必要搭上你。

QBU-191I've got your virus. If we get the chance to use it, I can handle the spreading part.你制作的病毒我已经收下了，之后要是能用上的话我也可以搞定病毒散布的环节。

Purin chuckles quietly at the insistent Dolls.面对人形们的簇拥，普林无声地笑了笑。

Purin EsakiYou're so naïve it's kinda cute... You can barely fend for yourselves, but you're still concerned about me?你们真是天真啊……明明已经自身难保了，还在为我着想吗？

433Don't take this the wrong way. We're just doing what the Commander taught us.别多想，这是指挥官教我们的。

Purin EsakiThe Commander... I've also promised them that I'll do everything I can to help.指挥官……我也答应了那个人，要帮忙到最后的。

Boys AT RifleYou should know dying in the virtual world isn't so different from dying in reality.你应该也明白，在虚拟区死亡和在现实中死亡相差不大的。

Purin EsakiI've known what it means to die... since I was very little.死亡的意义……我从小就知道了。

QBU-191Have you made up your mind then, Miss Purin?普林小姐已经决定好了吗？

Purin EsakiYes. I know how it feels to be trapped in darkness; I also know how it feels to be dragged back into the light... Which is why I also want to save those who are stuck in the mud...嗯，我知道深陷在黑暗中的滋味，也知道被人拉回光明的感觉…… 所以我也想要去拯救那些陷在泥淖中的人……

Boys AT RifleWe're running out of time. Let's get going.时间不多，我们赶紧走吧。

QBU-191Maybe we should fill the Commander in before we begin the operation? We are kind of acting without permission here.在开始行动之前，也许应该向指挥官汇报一下？ 我们这也算是擅自展开额外行动了。

433But we can't really get in touch with the Commander...可是现在无法和指挥官联系上……

Purin EsakiI've got an idea!我有一个办法！

Purin pulls out her tablet.普林调出了自己的面板翻找起来。

Purin EsakiLook at the camera!各位，看向我的镜头——

Click!咔擦——

Purin presses the shutter, catching the Dolls off-guard.普林突如其来地对准大家按下了快门。

433If I understood correctly, you just took a group photo of us?如果我没有理解错的话，你是在拍一张合照？

Purin EsakiI'll send this photo to the Commander. It may not reach them now, but once we manage to set up a link, they'll definitely get it.我会将这张合照发送给指挥官的，现在发送不出去，等能链接上了，指挥官一定会收到。

Purin EsakiIt will work! I believe in the Commander, and I believe in us.一定会的！ 我相信指挥官，也相信我们。

433 takes the photo from Purin and studies it closely.HK433从普林那里接过合照仔细端详起来。

Boys AT RifleWhy are we sending a photo to the Commander?为什么要拍照片发给指挥官？

QBU-191The Commander must be in grave danger as well...指挥官现在的处境一定也很危险……

Purin EsakiYeah, at least the four of us will be facing Big Brother's room together. But the Commander will have to deal with the situation on their own. If they get this photo, it will hopefully give them a little bit of solace.嗯，我们多少还有四个人一起面对老大哥的房间。 指挥官却要独自面对困境，如果能收到的话，多少能感觉到安慰吧。

Purin EsakiEven if they'll only get it much later, at least we'll get our feelings across.就算要等很久以后才能收到，至少也能感受到我们此时的心情吧。

Boys AT Rifle...What feelings?……什么心情？

Purin EsakiOur absolute faith in the Commander even at the very end! Also, this way, even if we fail, the Commander will come and rescue us!直到最后一刻，都在信任指挥官，这样的心情！ 还有，我们相信就算失败了，指挥官也会回来救我们！

433 stares at the group photo dubiously.HK433迷惑地看了看合照。

433The Commander may be perceptive, but I doubt they could read this much into a single photo.就算指挥官阅读理解能力再强，仅凭一张照片怎么理解出这么多信息？

Purin EsakiOh, I forgot to mention... I found out about the surprise you've prepared for the Commander when I hacked 433's neural cloud. At our current progress, you likely won't make it in time to give it to the Commander on Foundation Day, so I thought I'd—哦忘了讲，我骇入HK433的时候已经看见你们为指挥官准备的惊喜了。 反正按目前你们的计划进度，是赶不上在基地建成纪念日的时候给指挥官，不如——

433Hold on a sec... You didn't...等一下……你该不会……

QBU-191You sent it to the Commander along with the photo?你把它和照片一起寄给了指挥官？

Purin EsakiYep! Now the Commander will see it in time!对啊，这样不就能赶上纪念日让指挥官看见了嘛！

Boys AT RifleYou...你……

Purin EsakiDon't mention it. I accept your gratitude~不用多说，你们的感谢普林都明白的~

433 takes a deep breath. Her gaze falls on the group photo again. Other than Purin, they all look a little worse for wear, but at least their faces are filled with hope. This is the last clear frame in 433's memory.HK433深深地吸了一口气，目光重新落在普林拍的合影上。 虽然除了普林，大家的表情都不算太好，但至少所有人的脸上还洋溢着希望。 而这就是HK433记忆中的最后一帧清晰的画面。

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，未知区域。

The Commander checks their mailbox.指挥官翻出了自己的收件箱。

No matter how many times they refresh it, they still cannot find the mail that Purin had sent.不管怎么刷新检索，始终没有普林发来的那封邮件。

Commander... Maybe she couldn't connect to the server?…… 没办法链接上服务器吗？

BatouThat kid... She knew something wasn't right, but she still forged ahead fearlessly...普林这家伙…… 明明知道不对劲，但还是一往无前啊……

Motoko KusanagiOnce you have been in a real abyss, you either grow numb to all the horrors or turn into a flame that burns away the darkness.见识过真正的深渊后，要不然对一切都麻痹不已，要不然成为燃尽黑暗的火。

BatouI know she always chooses the hardest path, but...我知道她总是选择更艰难的那条路，但……

CommanderSo Purin is the kid that you were talking about...?难道普林就是你提起过的……？

BatouYeah, Purin is the child prodigy.嗯，普林就是那个天才小孩。

BatouWhen she was very little, her family was brutally murdered. She very luckily avoided the same fate.在她还年幼的时候，家人遭到了凶手的残忍虐杀。 她侥幸逃过一劫。

Motoko KusanagiBatou found her just in time.巴特及时发现了她。

BatouThen she changed her name and moved away. I thought she'd grow up and live out the rest of her life in peace and safety. But then she came back...之后她改名换姓去了新的地方，我原以为她会就此安稳地长大，度过剩余的人生。 没想到她又回来了……

CommanderPurin... Pudding... Did she choose this name for herself because...普林……布丁…… 她之所以给自己选择这个名字，难道是因为……

Motoko KusanagiWhen Batou saved her, he treated her to some pudding to soothe her.巴特救出她之后，为了安抚她的情绪，特意送给了她一个布丁。

BatouDunno if it had anything to do with her name, but it did cheer her up.不知道有没有什么关联，总之是让她振作起来了。

The Commander feels strangely emotional as they recall the pudding that Purin had shoved into their mouth.回想起普林塞给自己的那个布丁，指挥官的心情有些复杂。

CommanderI see... So she returned to Public Security Section 9 to repay her debt of gratitude?原来是因为这样…… 她特意回到公安九课，也是为了向你报恩吗？

BatouNot just that. She also wants to pull those who are in a dark place back into the light.不止如此。 她想要将和曾经的自己一样沉沦在黑暗中的人拉回到光明中。

Commander... No wonder she's gone to such great lengths to help me even though we're complete strangers... I even doubted her motives...…… 难怪，明明和我初次见面，却帮了我这么多…… 我还怀疑过她的动机……

Motoko KusanagiSave the apology for when we find her.道歉的话等找到她再说吧。

The Major is trying to repair 433's memory fragments. A large chunk of her memory is damaged after the group photo.少校调试着HK433的记忆碎片，在合照之后，出现了大段损毁的记忆碎片。

CommanderWhat happened? Is the following memory fragment damaged?怎么回事？这之后的记忆受损了吗？

Motoko KusanagiA segment is too corrupted to be played due to the severe damage that her body has sustained.有一小段由于本体遭到了重创导致记忆混乱扭曲，无法播放。

BatouDid the damage occur while they were on their way to Big Brother's room?是前往老大哥的房间的过程遭到了重创吗？

Motoko KusanagiI'm afraid so. Let's skip ahead, Commander.恐怕是。 跳过损毁的一段，继续向后吧，指挥官。

CommanderAlright...好……

After taking a deep, shaky breath, the Commander resumes playing 433's memories.惴惴不安地深吸一口气后，指挥官继续了HK433的记忆。

Her distorted vision is filled with cracks and dark patches, like the screen of a phone that has fallen from a great height.视野被扭曲了，像是被从高空扔下的手机屏幕，出现了裂痕和黑斑。

Through her blurry vision, 433 can just make out Ibis, who is lying in a heap at the entrance. Mizukane is about to place some sort of device on her head... to re-seal her memories?透过模糊的视野，HK433能辨认出倒在入口的鹮。 水金铃鹿正在将什么装置戴在她的头上，是要进行二次记忆封锁了吗？

433Ibis...鹮……

Purin EsakiHush!嘘！

433's battered body is dragged behind a collapsed bookcase. Purin's face looms over her.支离破碎的身体被拽到了倒塌的书柜后面，普林的脸凑了过来。

Purin EsakiListen, the plan isn't going to work. We can't use the terminal that Ibis told us about. We need the Commander. Only the Commander can sort this out in the rift between the virtual world and reality.听着，计划失败了，光靠我们根本无法使用鹮提到的设备。 我们需要指挥官，只有指挥官才能在虚拟和现实的缝隙中解决这一切……

433...We... failed?……我们……失败了吗？

Purin EsakiNot yet. There's still hope! Do you have faith in your Commander?还没有，起码现在还有希望！ 你相信你们的指挥官吗？

433Of course...嗯……

Purin EsakiThen pretend to surrender and seal your memories yourself.那就假装认输，自行封锁你的记忆。

433What...?什么……？

Purin EsakiLeave yourself a key—something that the Commander will definitely find.给自己留一把解锁的钥匙，指挥官一定能找到的钥匙。

Purin EsakiGive the Commander a code that can unlock your memories the moment you see them.当指挥官来到你的面前，能让你立刻回想起过去一切的密码。

433Commander, why do you always work so hard? Work doesn't seem to bring you joy.指挥官，为什么这么拼命工作？工作似乎并不能让您快乐。

CommanderWork by definition isn't something that brings joy.工作的意义从来就不是让人快乐。

433What is the point of working, then?那是什么？

CommanderWorking this job gives me what I want...这份工作能让我获得我想要的东西……

433And what is that?那您想要的是什么？

The Commander merely smiles mysteriously.指挥官只是神秘莫测地笑了笑。

CommanderWhat about you, 433? What is it that you really want?你呢，HK433，你真正想要的东西是什么？

433... This is a very difficult question. I need some time to think.…… 这个问题好难，等我想想。

CommanderSure, take all the time you need. I'll ask you again when I see you tomorrow.好啊，你慢慢想想，等明天见面的时候我再问你。

433...Okay.……好。

Purin EsakiThat's good enough, 433. You can rest now. Leave the rest to me.这样就够了，HK433，你可以暂时休息了。 接下来就交给我吧。

433But Purin... you're not faring too well yourself...普林……可是你也好不到哪去啊……

Purin EsakiYou're right, but I've got a new plan...嗯，不过我已经有了新的计划……

433...What are you going to do?……你要做什么？

Purin EsakiTrust me. We will meet again, and then we will finish carrying out the Commander's plan. We will rescue all the Dolls and bring them back to the Griffin base, and everything will go back to how it was.相信我，我们还会再相遇的，然后我们会一起完成指挥官的计划。 将所有人形救回格里芬基地，让一切回到最初的时候。

433Okay...好……

433I trust you.我相信你。

Sealing memories... Creating keycode for reactivation...记忆数据封存中…… 正在设置重启秘钥……

433Commander... When you see me again, I hope you will still remember the days we've spent together... And the question that I haven't been able to answer...指挥官…… 等您来到我的面前，希望您还记得我们过去经历的每一天…… 还有那些我没能回答上的问题……

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64. 433 awakens from a long dream. She blinks, her delicate eyelashes batting away her wooziness.……2Z64区，未知区域。 HK433从漫长的梦境中醒来，她眨了眨眼，纤长的睫毛扫去了眼中的迷茫呆滞。

433...Commander! I'm sorry, the mission was a failure...……指挥官！ 对不起，任务失败了……

The Commander looks at 433, whose head is hanging in dejection, and strokes her hair gently.看着低垂着头丧气的HK433，指挥官轻轻摸了摸她的头。

CommanderIt was my fault. You almost didn't make it back because of my reckless plan. Thankfully we now have a chance to turn this around.是我的计划太鲁莽，差点害你们全部都回不来了。 还好现在有挽救的机会。

433No, it was me who—不，是我——

BatouStop right there. Leave the corny stuff for later.停一下。 肉麻的话留到之后再说吧。

Motoko KusanagiWe still have to rescue Esaki and the rest of the Dolls.我们还要去救出江崎和剩下的人形们。

CommanderRight, we haven't completed the mission yet.嗯，任务还没有完成。

433Understood!是！

Furor 怒火

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64.……2Z64区，未知区域。

Tap-tap-tap... Rapid and intense footsteps echo through the prison.咚咚咚——激烈紧密的脚步声回荡在空旷的狱中。

433Commander, I have identified Boys' signal. No other signals detected.指挥官，我已经识别到博斯的讯号，目前没有其他人的讯号存在。

Motoko KusanagiKeep your eyes peeled, and watch out for an ambush.注意甄别，小心有伏兵。

CommanderLet's flank them as well—make it a three-pronged attack.正面和侧边一起包抄吧。

Commander433, how's your current condition?HK433，你现在状态怎么样？

433I'm fine!我不要紧！

Motoko KusanagiBatou and I will flank them. You and 433 will have to take them head-on.我和巴特分别堵截两侧，正面就拜托你和HK433了。

CommanderCopy that.收到。

BatouAlrighty, see ya later.好！那就待会见了。

Batou's and the Major's footsteps split up and head in opposite directions. The Commander follows after 433.巴特和少校的脚步声向两边分散，指挥官跟紧了前方的HK433。

433Commander, we'll have contact with our target very soon!指挥官，即将和目标接触！

CommanderRight, I'll cover you.嗯，我会掩护你的。

Gripping their gun tightly, the Commander presses themself against the wall and rounds the final corner...握紧手中的枪柄，指挥官紧贴着墙角，转过最后一道弯——

Revealing the final holding cell.最后一间囚室的全景展现在眼前——

Boys AT RifleCommander...指挥官……

Boys is sitting with her back against the wall. She looks a little haggard.博斯就在面前，靠着墙壁，神情有些憔悴虚弱。

CommanderBoys!博斯！

Boys AT RifleStay back...!别过来……！

433Watch out, Commander!小心，指挥官！

Bang! A bullet lands right by the Commander's feet. The Commander looks in the direction of where the shot came from and finds a familiar figure walking out from a dark corner.呯—— 一枪打在了指挥官的脚边。 循着枪声的方向望去，熟悉的身影从隐藏的角落走出。

No. 388Commander, this is a secret area in the Ministry of Love. Are you lost?指挥官，这里是仁爱部的机密区域，您是迷路了吗？

433Ibis...鹮……

CommanderI found some booze. Didn't you promise to share a drink with me?我找到酒了，你之前不是答应和我一起喝一杯吗？

No. 388Sure. Once this is all over, we'll drink together.好啊，等这一切都结束了，我们好好喝上一杯吧。

A familiar face with a familiar smile.熟悉的面孔，熟悉的笑容。

No. 388 drags Boys to her side as a hostage and reloads her weapon.388号拖过博斯当做人质，手中的枪重新上好膛。

Motoko KusanagiCommander, I heard a gunshot. Have you run into enemies?指挥官，我听见有枪声。 是敌人出现了吗？

CommanderIt's one of my Dolls, but her memories are sealed...是我的人形，不过她的记忆被封锁了……

Motoko KusanagiI see. Batou and I are in position.明白，我和巴特已经就位。

Commander433, draw her fire and create an opening for the Major and Batou. Be careful not to harm Boys. I'll cover you.HK433，你吸引住她的火力，给少校他们创造机会。 注意不要伤害到博斯，我会掩护你。

433Roger that.是。

433 takes off from the Commander's side without hesitation.没有丝毫犹豫，HK433就从指挥官身边跑开。

Bang-bang-bang! Gunshots follow her footsteps. The Commander also dives behind cover and fires occasionally to distract No. 388.呯呯呯——枪声紧随她的脚步。 指挥官也翻身进入掩体，时不时开枪扰乱388号的注意。

CommanderMajor! Now!少校！就是现在！

Boom! At their command, Batou deactivates his optical camouflage and falls on top of No. 388 from the ceiling. Not being able to get out of the way in time, No. 388 is knocked to the ground heavily and loses consciousness.轰—— 话音未落，关闭光学迷彩的巴特就从天而降砸向388号。 388号躲闪不及，被重重击飞，晕倒在了地上。

BatouTarget acquired!目标到手！

CommanderGood. Let's withdraw for now! We'll break her memory seal later.好，现在先撤退吧！稍后再进行记忆封锁的突破。

The Commander covers Batou's exit. Just as they are about to follow, the Major stops them.指挥官掩护巴特完成撤退，正准备跟上时，少校拦住了指挥官。

Motoko KusanagiWatch out!小心！

433Commander, something's not right!指挥官，这里不对劲！

The prison around them suddenly disintegrates into countless pixels, revealing a different scene.身边的监狱布景突然碎裂成了无数像素点，暴露出背后的光景。

Motoko KusanagiWe're trapped.我们被困住了。

Commander...They used Boys and Ibis as bait?……用博斯和鹮做诱饵吗？

Behind the crumbling pixels, a lone girl stands in the distance.在无尽的像素点前，一个少女孤零零站在远方。

Purin EsakiCommander, why?指挥官，为什么？

Purin EsakiWhy did you lie to me? Didn't we agree we'd celebrate your decision to stay tonight?为什么要骗我？不是说好，今晚要一起庆祝你终于决定留下来了吗？

CommanderI'm sorry...抱歉……

Purin EsakiWhat exactly went wrong? Are you not happy here? A world with eternal peace where you can live out your days quietly—isn't that what you want?到底问题出在哪里，你在这里过得不开心吗？ 在一个永恒和平的世界，和人形们平静地生活在一起，难道不是你所希望的吗？

The Commander remains silent. Purin tries to approach—见指挥官沉默不语，普林想要靠近——

Whoosh! The Doll next to the Commander raises her weapon in warning.唰——指挥官身边的人形已经举起枪警示。

433Not another step closer!不要再靠近了！

Purin EsakiNo. 390, Major, Mr. Batou...390号，少校，巴特先生……

Purin EsakiAre you the ones who talked the Commander into leaving?!就是你们唆使指挥官离开这里的吗？！

Purin's face is contorted with anger.怒意在普林的脸上聚积。

Purin EsakiYou want the Dolls to be happy; you want to make the world a better place—did you not actually mean any of these things you said?! You only really care about yourself! You change your mind after someone tells you a few simple lies!什么希望人形幸福，希望世界变得更好，都不过是你的口号吗？！ 你真正在意的只有你自己，别人简单的几句谎言就能改变你的决心！

The Major puts a hand on the Commander's shoulder, giving them a bit of comfort. The Commander takes several deep breaths and shakes their head at Purin.少校的手放在指挥官的肩膀上，让指挥官找回了几分安全感。 指挥官深呼吸了几口，对着普林轻轻摇了摇头。

CommanderPurin, they didn't lie to me. This was my decision. It's the same decision as when we first came up with the plan; I simply have more resolve than I did back then.普林，他们没有骗我。 是我自己做出的决定。 和我们当初敲定作战计划的时候一样，我只是比那时更坚定了而已。

CommanderI was so desperate to take back everything that was taken from me and even conceived that thoughtless plan. It was you who gave me the confidence to make it happen. Now that I finally understand, why aren't you on my side anymore?那个时候，我绝望地想要夺回一切，还盲目地制定了计划，是你给了我实现的信心。 现在我想明白了，但为什么你却不站在我身边了？

Purin EsakiI have always been on your side...我一直站在你的身边……

Purin EsakiBut you... you betrayed my trust...是你……辜负了我对你的信任……

CommanderPurin?普林？

Purin's hand starts glowing with an ominous red light.普林的手中凝聚着危险的红光。

Motoko KusanagiBe careful.小心。

The Commander can sense the obvious fluctuation and the whiff of danger in the air.指挥官能明显感觉到空气中的波动，危险的气息扑面而来——

Bam! Purin rushes toward the Commander so frighteningly fast she turns into a blur.嘭—— 只在原地留下几秒虚影，普林以可怖的速度逼近了指挥官。

Purin EsakiI won't let you leave Sector 2Z64! And I sure as hell won't let you destroy all of this!我不会让你离开2Z64区的！更不会让你毁掉这里的一切！

Motoko KusanagiBatou!巴特！

Batou intercepts Purin just in time.巴特及时挺身而出，挡住了普林。

BatouPurin, stop!普林，停下来！

Motoko KusanagiProtect the Commander.保护指挥官。

BatouSure, I'll handle it.嗯，交给我。

Motoko KusanagiThe energy field around here is starting to shift, Commander. Engage with caution.这里的能量场开始变化了，指挥官，小心应战。

CommanderRight...好……

433Commander, stay behind me.指挥官，站在我的身后。

Having failed to capture the Commander, Purin backs away and glares at them spitefully.抢夺指挥官失败的普林站在远处，满眼恨意地望来。

Purin EsakiYou know better than anyone how precious peace is... I refuse to believe... that you'd abandon this place!你明明比谁都清楚和平有多难得…… 我不相信……你竟然会抛弃这里！

Motoko KusanagiStop wasting your breath. Focus on the problem at hand! Commander, prepare for battle!省省讲废话的功夫吧。 先解决眼前的问题！指挥官，准备作战！

CommanderUnderstood!是！

Shielded by the Major and 433, the Commander peers nervously at the girl who is both familiar and unfamiliar. The Commander suddenly feels a faint tremor coming from the ground and wonders if they are just imagining it...被少校和HK433保护在中间，指挥官紧张地望向远处熟悉又陌生的同伴。 不知道是错觉还是什么，指挥官感觉踏在脚底的地面在微微颤抖……

But then the entire world starts flashing red, and a formidable aura of menace erupts from Purin...整个世界都闪烁着危险的红光，而普林的身上还在迸发着更为强大的压迫感……

Purin EsakiDomain Expansion! None of you are getting away!领域展开！你们一个也别想逃走！

Ghost in the Channel 频道里的幽灵

...Within Purin's mental domain. The Commander is painfully aware that Purin has the absolute advantage in here. To avoid taking unnecessary casualties in a direct confrontation, the Commander decides to spread out their forces. But even so, the situation is inevitably tilting in Purin's favor...……普林的心智领域。 在对方拥有绝对优势的前提下，指挥官能明显感觉到被压制的苦楚。 为了避免正面对抗导致太多不必要的消耗，指挥官选择了分散作战。 可即便如此，战局的走向也不可避免地向着普林倾斜……

Purin EsakiHow long are you going to keep running, Commander?你还要逃多久，指挥官？

Hiding behind the temporary barricade that 433 and QBU-191 built using redundant data, the Commander watches Purin cautiously from a distance.躲藏在HK433和QBU191用冗余数据搭建的临时掩体后，指挥官警惕地注视着不远处普林的身影。

Commander... Major, do you copy?…… 少校，能收到吗？

Motoko KusanagiThe signal is still pretty clear. Good thing the encrypted channel is still working.还算清晰，幸好加密通道还能使用。

CommanderHow are things on your end?你们那边情况怎么样？

Motoko KusanagiYou're the one she's after, so we're relatively safe for now. Should we come over to give you a hand? It'll take us about five minutes to reach you.她是冲着你去的，我们目前安全。 需要我们过来支援吗？我们大概需要五分钟左右赶来。

CommanderLet's regroup first. She's got too much firepower. We haven't been able to find an opening yet, so I advise against moving in now.我们先汇合吧，但她的火力太猛，还找不到弱点，不建议现在动手。

Motoko KusanagiUnderstood.明白。

After ending the call, the Commander realizes that Purin is nowhere to be seen.结束通讯，指挥官发现普林的身影已经不见了。

CommanderWhere has she gone?她去哪了？

433She went in the Major and Batou's direction. They'll probably miss each other.朝着少校他们的方向去了，应该能刚好和他们错过。

CommanderOkay, keep an eye on her movement.嗯，注意她的动向。

CommanderBoys, you still good?博斯，你还好吗？

Boys AT RifleI'm fine; I've finished most of the repairs. Commander, an unknown signal tried to establish communication with me a few minutes ago...我没事，现在已经修复大半了。 指挥官，从几分钟前，就有个未知讯号想要和我通讯……

CommanderWas it the Major?是少校吗？

433Or could it be Purin trying to pinpoint our location?会不会是普林想借此来定位我们的精确位置？

Boys AT RifleProbably neither. The signal originated from outside the domain.似乎都不是，这个讯号来自领域的外面。

QBU-191I can't really think of anyone who'd try to contact Boys at a time like this... Commander, should we set up a connection?想不出还有谁会在这个时候链接博斯…… 指挥官，要链接试试吗？

CommanderDo it.链接。

CommanderBoys, keep up your defenses. If anything seems off, sever the link immediately.博斯，做好防御措施，一旦有什么不对劲，立刻切断通讯。

Boys AT RifleUnderstood.是。

Under everyone's watchful gaze, Boys sets up the connection.在几人的屏息凝视下，博斯接受了通讯。

Boys AT RifleWho is this?你是谁？

Pzzzt...兹兹——

After a short burst of static, a soft, breathy voice whispers from the other end of the line.短暂的干扰音后，一个虚浮到仿佛只是薄薄贴在听筒上的声音飘来。

???Commander, it's me.指挥官，是我。

The Commander has no trouble recognizing the voice. In fact, the Commander is feeling uncertain because they recognize the voice.并非是没有识别出声音的主人。 反倒是因为立刻听出了声音，指挥官才犹豫不决。

CommanderAnd you are?你到底是谁？

???That doesn't matter. What matters is that I promised I'd fight by your side till the very end.我是谁都不重要，重要的是，我答应过要和你们战斗到最后。

???Commander, you need to get away from the barricade right now!指挥官，现在你们得立刻从掩体离开！

CommanderWhat?!什么？！

With no time to think, the Commander drags the Dolls away from the temporary barricade out of pure reflex.没有思考的空隙，指挥官完全出于本能地拽着几人逃出了临时掩体——

BOOM! A wave of heat rushes toward the Commander from behind.轰—— 热浪袭来，近乎是贴着指挥官的后背而过。

433Commander!指挥官！

QBU-191Watch out!小心！

Purin EsakiI knew you'd be here!你们果然在这里！

CommanderRun!快走！

???Run straight ahead; you'll then find cover at your two o'clock in 30 meters!向你们的前方跑，三十米后朝两点钟方向，那附近有一些掩体可以临时遮挡！

Boys AT Rifle...Who are you, really?……你到底是谁？

???I don't have time to explain! Just do as I say! Commander, she will fall apart if you separate the data from her core AI!现在没空跟你们解释！听我的！ 指挥官，把她核心的AI和数据分离开，她就会分崩离析了！

QBU-191You mean bombarding the AI in her neural cloud with a massive flow of data to take up the original data's bandwidth?意思是对她心智中的AI发起大量数据攻击，挤占掉原先链接的数据？

???Yes. You'd better hurry...对，你们的速度得快一点……

Boys AT RifleCommander, what should we do?指挥官，我们怎么做？

433To generate such a vast amount of data, the three of us will have to attack her neural cloud simultaneously. We may even need some help from the Major and Batou... But that'll leave no one to protect the Commander!如果需要那样强度的数据攻击，我们仨得同时对她的心智发起攻击，甚至还需要少校他们的帮助…… 那样的话，就没有人保护指挥官了！

Boom! With the threat of death approaching fast from behind, the Commander can only keep running. Reason cautions against trusting the voice in the comms channel completely, but their body seems to be moving with a will of its own. The physical strain and inner turmoil combined are causing the Commander's heart to pound heavily in their chest.轰——迫于身后不断逼近的死亡威胁，指挥官只能不断地奔跑。 理智提醒着自己，不能完全信任通讯频道中的声音，但身体却驱使自己行动着。 受困于这种内外的煎熬，指挥官的不安砰砰剧烈跳动着。

???Trust me, Commander. I've never lied to you!相信我，指挥官，我从来没有骗过你！

Commander... Do as she says.…… 照她说的做。

433Commander?指挥官？

CommanderI'll cover you. This will at least buy us enough time for the Major and Batou to get here.我掩护你们。 至少能撑到少校他们过来汇合。

Boys AT RifleCommander...指挥官……

QBU-191We'll try to end this quickly.我们会尽快结束作战。

After making sure the Dolls are hidden behind cover, the Commander dashes away in the opposite direction on their own.确认人形们都隐藏在了掩体之后，指挥官独自翻出，朝着反方向跑去。

???Commander, thank you for trusting me.指挥官，谢谢你还愿意相信我。

Purin EsakiThere you are!找到你了！

The Commander turns to peek at Purin, who is gaining on them, as they tear through the completely open area. The Commander lures Purin to corner them. Data flows rapidly through her fingers. The Commander has no doubt the torrent of data will easily overcome them in their current state of exhaustion.奔跑在毫无遮掩的空旷之地，指挥官回头望向不断迫近的普林。 在指挥官的刻意引导下，普林将指挥官逼入了绝境。 数据流在她的指间高速流淌着，指挥官丝毫不怀疑它们能轻松击溃已经疲惫不堪的自己。

Purin EsakiWhy do you keep running?为什么要逃跑？

Purin EsakiIs staying here such an ordeal for you?!留在这里对你来说是这么痛苦的事情吗？！

The Commander takes in their surroundings and suddenly chuckles.指挥官环顾着被困死的四周，突然笑了起来。

CommanderDo you remember the first time we met? I was running around the base like a lunatic, searching for my Dolls. And you were running after me, trying to comfort me and help me figure out what to do.你还记得我们一开始见面的情景吗？ 我发疯一样在整个基地里乱跑，到处找我的人形们。 你就像现在这样追在我的后面，安慰我，帮我想办法。

Purin EsakiHow is it any different this time? I'm also trying to catch up with you to convince you to calm down and make the right decision.现在不也是一样的情景吗？ 我拼命地追上你，劝你冷静下来，做出正确的选择。

CommanderTelling someone to pull themselves together and telling them to make a decision based on what you want are two completely different things.希望人重新振作起来，和希望人按自己的意愿做出选择，是完全不一样的事情。

Purin Esaki...I simply don't want you to return to a reality that is filled with darkness and endless despair.……我只是不希望你重回黑暗，面对绝望又无尽的现实。

CommanderWhat about you? What did you choose to do when you were confronted with dark reality?那你呢，你在面对黑暗现实的时候，又是如何做出选择？

Purin EsakiI came here and found a pure sanctuary untouched by darkness.我来到了这里，找到了一片不受黑暗侵袭的净土。

CommanderNo, you are not one to run away from reality.不对，你不是这样逃避现实的人。

Purin EsakiIf reality cannot be changed, what's wrong with running from it?!如果现实已经无法改变，那逃避又有什么错？！

Growing tired of the Commander's obstinacy, Purin waves her hand and binds the Commander to the spot. The Commander makes no attempt to struggle. They just gaze at Purin calmly as she draws closer.似乎是厌倦了指挥官的固执，普林伸手召出了机关，将指挥官桎梏在了原地。 指挥官没有挣扎，平静地看向逐渐逼近的普林。

CommanderBatou told me you were once pushed into the darkest abyss, but you did not despair; you climbed back out yourself. All because of a small cup of—巴特说，你曾经坠入过最黑暗的深渊，但你没有沉沦，你自己爬了出来。 就靠着一枚小小的——

Purin EsakiWhat?什么？

???Pudding. Mr. Batou treated me to pudding and told me to live a good life.布丁。 是巴特先生给我的布丁，他告诉我要好好过完剩下的人生。

CommanderSo it's really you.果然是你啊……

???Commander, just hang in there a little longer. We're almost done—指挥官，再坚持一下，就要完成了——

Purin EsakiYou're still obsessing over the difference between what is real and what isn't...你仍然执迷在真实和虚拟之间……

Purin's stern face suddenly twists into a cruel smile.普林阴沉的脸上突然绽开一个残忍的笑容。

Purin EsakiBut that's okay. Once you undergo the cyberbrain conversion and forget—没关系，等你接受电子脑化，忘记——

Bang! The instantaneous attack almost blows Purin's entire body apart. Her smile evaporates and is replaced by terror. She looks toward the source of the attack—砰—— 瞬发的攻击，几乎将普林的整个身体轰散。 方才还挂在脸上的笑意被惊恐驱散，她望向攻击袭来的方向——

Purin EsakiImpossible! This can't be—不可能！不可能——

Purin EsakiCommander, are you behind this?!指挥官，是你做的吗？！

CommanderYes.嗯。

Purin Esaki...How could you do this to me?! It was me who helped you find the Dolls! It was also me who gave you a place you belong in Sector 2Z64!……为什么要这样对我？！ 是我帮你找到的人形，也是我帮你在2Z64区找到了归宿！

CommanderIt was Purin who did these things for me.那都是普林为我做的事。

Purin EsakiWhat are you talking about...你在说什么……

The Commander breaks free from their ineffective bindings and walks over to the heavily damaged Purin.指挥官挣脱开失去控制的机关，走近被重创的普林。

CommanderI don't tend to lower my guard and put my trust in strangers, but strangely enough, I do trust Purin. Probably because she was the only one who stayed by my side when I woke up in the utterly empty base. Or maybe it's because she was hellbent on helping me carry out the plan to take back everything, even if the plan was insane; even if there's nothing in it for her.我不是个容易卸下防备的人，但很奇怪，我相信普林。 可能是因为我在空无一人的基地中醒来时，只有她陪在我身边。 也可能是因为她不计代价地想要帮我完成夺回一切的计划，哪怕计划很疯狂，哪怕对她来说并没有什么收益。

Purin EsakiThen why are you doing this to me?那你为什么要这样对我？

CommanderBecause the Purin I know is a strong and tenacious person who never runs away. No matter what obstacles are in her way, she just charges at them head on... And if she trips and falls, she just eats some pudding and finds hope again. But not you. You are nothing but a delusional phantom that skulks in falsehood.因为我认识的普林，是个倔强坚强的人，从来不懂得逃避，不管遇见什么样的困境都会一头撞上去…… 撞痛了，吃一个布丁，又能重新找回希望。 但你不是，你只是个躲在虚假里自欺欺人的幻影。

"Purin" cowers on the floor and reaches out to grasp at the Commander.“普林”瑟缩在地上，像是抓住最后一根救命稻草般伸手想要抓住指挥官。

433Commander, our attack was effective!指挥官，我们的攻击生效了！

CommanderYes, I can see that. It was most timely.嗯，我知道，非常及时。

433Should we initiate another attack?需要我们再进行第二次攻击吗？

CommanderThere's no need for that. Leave the rest to me.不用了，这边交给我吧。

？江崎普林Commander, save me... There are so many things I want to do... I want to run that little shop with you, eat pudding with you...指挥官，救救我…… 我还有很多很多想做的事，想和你一起经营那家小小的店，想和你一起吃布丁……

The Commander raises their gun.指挥官抬起了手中的枪。

CommanderYou don't even understand what the pudding stands for.你根本不明白布丁背后的意义。

Bang! Her body dissolves into formless data and eventually disappears.砰—— 她的身躯化作四散流失的数据，消失在了原地。

With the illusion dispelled, the Commander returns to the cell where Boys was being held captive.幻象消失了，指挥官又回到了原本关押着博斯的囚室。

Commander...That was close. Thank you.……千钧一发啊。 多亏了你。

The Commander taps their communicator, but nothing comes through from the other end.指挥官拍了拍通讯器，另一端却没有声音传来。

Commander...Purin?!……普林？！

Thud! The Commander hears something hit the floor behind them. They whirl around and find a petite girl lying by their feet.嘭——背后传来什么东西倒下的声音。 指挥官转身，身边躺着一个娇小的少女。

CommanderPurin!普林！

Purin EsakiCommander...指挥官……

CommanderYou actually meant it when you said you'd always be by my side...原来你真的一直在我身边……

Purin Esaki...Did I come in useful?……我帮上忙了吧？

CommanderYes... Don't talk. I'll contact the Major now.嗯……你先别说话，我马上联络少校。

Purin EsakiCommander... I heard everything you just said...指挥官……你刚刚说的话我都听见了……

Purin EsakiWhen we get back to the Griffin base, let's have some pudding together.等我们回到格里芬基地了，再一起吃布丁吧？

CommanderSure. But save your strength for now.好。 但是现在，你先保存体力。

Purin EsakiOkay...嗯……

Purin closes her eyes quietly in the Commander's arms.在指挥官的怀中，普林安静地闭上了眼。

The Major rushes down the corridor of the prison.沿着狱中的走廊，少校也循声赶了过来。

CommanderMajor!少校！

Motoko KusanagiCommander, are you alright?指挥官，你没事吧？

CommanderI'm fine, but Purin...我没事，可是她……

Motoko KusanagiLet me have a look.我来看看。

... At a home where the lights are off and it is pitch dark.…… 深夜降临的家中，没有开灯。

The small room is like a forgotten laundry basket in the corner—messy and giving off a terrible smell.不大的房间像是被遗忘在阴暗角落的脏衣服桶，混乱不堪，散发着难闻的味道。

Purin stands before the half-closed door but seems reluctant to open it. She knows full well that there's nothing behind the door. But whenever she finds herself on the verge of despair, she always ends up back in this place. She feels like a ghost trapped in a labyrinth.普林站在虚掩的门前，迟迟没有推开。 即便她很清楚，门后什么也没有。 在每一次遭遇绝境的时刻，她似乎总会回到这个地方。 就像被困在迷宫中的幽灵。

Purin EsakiDad, Mom, Sis... You must've gone somewhere far, far away, while I'm still stuck here.爸爸，妈妈，姐姐…… 你们应该已经去到很远很远的地方了吧，但我还被留在这里。

It hurts everywhere. The fight with Takashi Shimamura has left her severely injured. She finally escaped with great difficulty, but she can't move anymore. She is utterly helpless as her mind drifts back to this place.身体很痛，和岛村孝的交手导致自己遭到了重创，好不容易逃了出来，但却无法再动弹。 只能任由零散的意识回到这里。

Purin EsakiSomeone is still waiting for me...明明还有人在等着我……

Her mind feels like a glacier thawing gradually in scorching sunlight... becoming one with the ocean.意识如遭受烈日炙烤的冰川，逐渐消融，和身边的海水融合。

Commander...I trust you.……我相信你。

Purin Esaki... Don't underestimate me. I've still got plenty of tricks up my sleeve...…… 不要小看普林啊，我还有很多很多绝招没有用上……

Purin conjures up 2Z64's AI, which she has extracted from the data. Right now, it is lying quietly next to her, just a harmless orb of light.普林调出了自己从信息中分离出的2Z64的AI，此刻它安静地躺在身边，像是一个无害的光球。

Purin EsakiI'm staking it all on you...你就是我最后的赌注……

...A moment later. The Major unplugs her data cable.……片刻后。 少校抽走了自己的数据线。

Motoko Kusanagi... How reckless.…… 真是乱来啊。

BatouWhat happened?发生了什么？

CommanderWhy did she have a doppelgänger?为什么会有个和她一模一样的人出现？

Motoko KusanagiThe Purin who led you into Sector 2Z64 was a fake that Big Brother had forged using Purin's data in the virtual world. His motive was obvious—to turn you into a puppet that they can string around Sector 2Z64.引导指挥官进入2Z64区的那个是江崎普林的赝品，老大哥使用了普林在2Z64区的数据仿造的。 目的也很明确，让指挥官乖乖留在这里做一个傀儡。

CommanderThen while Purin was gone—那普林消失的时间——

Motoko KusanagiI'll go into the specifics when this is all over.至于具体的事情经过，还是等一切都结束了再详谈吧。

The Major interrupts the Commander before they can ask more questions. Purin opens her eyes and gets to her feet. She seems to have recovered some of her strength.少校不动声色地打断了进一步的询问。 普林睁开了双眼，重新站了起来，看上去恢复了一些气力。

Purin EsakiThank you, Major. I'm feeling much better.谢谢你，少校，我现在好多了。

Purin EsakiSorry for causing you trouble again...抱歉，又要给你们添麻烦了……

BatouThere's nothing wrong with doing what you think is right.是你认为正确的事情，就去做吧。

Purin EsakiAgreed!嗯！

Purin walks up to the Commander.普林走到指挥官的身边。

Purin EsakiCommander, so you've made up your mind.指挥官，听说你已经做好了决定。

CommanderYes. I've decided to carry on with the plan, rescue the Dolls, and remove their memory seal. Then I'll listen properly to what they have to say.嗯，我已经决定要继续计划，救出人形们，解除她们的记忆封锁。 至于她们的回答，我也会认真倾听。

Purin EsakiVery well. Now that you have the resolve, I'll be with you every step of the way!好，既然你已经做好了觉悟，那么普林也会奉陪到底！

Purin EsakiDon't worry, 433. It's really me!放心吧，HK433，真的是我！

QBU-191You're certainly quite different from the Miss Purin who had been giving me orders. So you're the real deal.和对我发号施令的普林小姐确实有些不同之处，原来你才是真正的普林小姐。

Boys AT RifleIs it really you?真的是你吗？

Purin EsakiHm... Guess I can only prove it with this!唔……看来只好用这个来证明了！

Purin pulls up a photo on her tablet.普林展示出终端中的一张照片——

The faces of four girls are shown clearly in the photo.照片上清晰地记录着四个少女的面容。

433We had this taken when...是那个时候的……

QBU-191Feels a bit funny seeing this again.再次看见，真是别有滋味啊。

Boys AT RifleBut we're finally all back together.不过我们总算聚齐了。

Purin EsakiYes, we're all back together again! But this time, we're going to succeed!是啊，我们又重新聚在一起了！ 不过这一次，我们一定能成功！

The Commander circles around the Dolls and Purin, who are all buzzing with excitement, and makes their way to the Major and Batou.绕过热闹的人形们和普林，指挥官来到少校和巴特身边。

Motoko KusanagiThe situation hasn't really changed. We stick to the plan.出现的变动没有影响整体，接下来，还是按照原来的计划。

CommanderRight, I'm ready.嗯，我已经做好准备了。

BatouThe most crucial part of the plan is all on you.我们计划最关键的环节就靠你了。

CommanderNo problem. For the sake of everything, I will not fail.没问题，为了这一切，我也不会失手的。

The Commander looks up at the Dolls, but then their tablet suddenly chimes. It is a message sent a few hours ago. The sender was Purin Esaki.指挥官抬头看向人形们，手边的终端突然发出了提示。 是一封数小时前发送的邮件。 发件人是江崎普林。

Crying Pudding 流眼泪的布丁

...In an unknown area in Sector 2Z64. Following information provided by Ibis, the Commander's company enter an underground tunnel.……2Z64区，未知区域。 按照鹮提供的情报，指挥官一行进入了地下隧道。

Unlike the sunny surface of Sector 2Z64, the tunnel is cold, damp, and smells of mold.不同于2Z64区明媚晴朗的地面，隧道里只有阴冷潮湿的霉味蛰伏。

Purin EsakiBig Brother's room is just down this tunnel.走过这条隧道，就到老大哥的房间了。

QBU-191I remember we almost got stomped by the enemies swarming at us the first time we came...我记得我们第一次经过的时候，几乎要被蜂拥而来的敌人碾碎……

CommanderDoes this underground tunnel have any forks where the enemy can lie in ambush? How big are their forces?地下隧道存在敌人伏兵能赶来的分支路口吗？敌人的规模怎么样？

433The tunnel is made of a single thoroughfare with a handful of forks. The enemy did ambush us at the forks, and there were about 30 to 50 of them.地下交通由一条主干道和几条分支岔路组成。 之前的敌人是通过开启岔路通道伏击我们的，大概规模在三十到五十。

Motoko KusanagiWe should at least pick up some signals from a force of that size. But right now the area is quiet like a tomb.这样的规模不可能一个讯号也侦测不到。 但现在这片区域一片死寂。

CommanderIs it possible that there's no ambush?没有埋伏的可能吗？

Motoko KusanagiWe can tackle an ambush. I'm worried about something else.埋伏我们有办法解决，我担心的是别的。

Staring into the dark passage ahead of them, the Commander recalls the way Mizukane and Shimamura move. Their inhuman speed and strength.凝视着眼前的黑暗，指挥官的眼中出现了水金铃鹿和岛村孝难以捕捉的身影。 那绝不是人类能拥有的速度和力量。

CommanderIn such a narrow and enclosed space, they have a significant advantage. We can't draw out the fight by keeping our distance.在这么狭窄封闭的地形，水金铃鹿他们的优势太大了。 我们也不能通过拉开距离来消耗他们了。

Motoko KusanagiThis is probably why they put Big Brother's room here.这也许就是老大哥的房间设置在前方的目的。

BatouShould I scout ahead?要我先去前面探探路吗？

Motoko KusanagiYes. I need to know the exact distance between us and the entrance to Big Brother's room. Also take note of the forks where they could stage an ambush.嗯，我需要这里到老大哥房间门口的确切距离，还有注意下可能存在伏兵的岔路位置。

BatouRight, I'll go have a look.好，我去看看。

Purin EsakiI'm coming too! I've been here before, so I can provide some reference data!我也去吧！我之前来过，能提供一些对比数据！

CommanderWhat about your injuries?你的伤势不要紧吗？

Purin EsakiNo worries, I can move just fine!嗯！现在已经能自由行动了！

CommanderIbis, go with Batou and Purin and give them a hand. 433 and Boys can handle things here.鹮，你跟着一起吧，支援下巴特和普林。这边有HK433和博斯就够了。

QBU-191Roger.是。

The trio that splits from the group soon disappears into the shadow down the tunnel. The remaining members rest quietly on the spot. The Commander can feel the worried glances that 433 keep shooting them frequently.从队伍中分散出去的三人很快消失在隧道尽头的阴影中。 剩下无言的几人留在原地休息，指挥官能感受到身边HK433频繁投来的担忧目光。

CommanderWhat's wrong?怎么了？

433...Nothing.……没什么。

CommanderMy connection decay is accelerating, isn't it?我的链接衰减加剧了，对吗？

Boys AT RifleWhat connection decay?链接衰减是什么？

The Commander holds up a hand. The lines on their palm are still quite clear and distinct, but as they peer through their fingers at the Major standing a few paces away, her figure is significantly more blurry. The Major walks closer, and her face gradually comes into focus.指挥官伸出手掌，掌心的纹路尚且清晰可见，透过指缝间，不远处的少校就显得不那么真切了。 少校走近了，面容逐渐清晰了起来。

Motoko KusanagiConnection decay... Have your five senses started to weaken in here?链接衰减……你在这里的五感开始衰弱了吗？

CommanderYes. My vision is deteriorating. It's starting to get patchy in dimly lit places. But don't worry about it. I'll be fine once I return to reality.嗯，视力开始下降，昏暗的地方也开始有噪点了。 没关系，等回到现实就正常了。

Motoko Kusanagi... Looks like even Shimamura's creation can't prevent human brains' inevitable disconnect with the virtual world.…… 看来就算是岛村孝制作的模拟设备，也逃脱不了非电子脑人类逐渐从虚拟世界脱落的命运。

Boys AT RifleIt's just your vision for now, but what other symptoms are there when it gets worse?现在是视力下降，之后要是加剧的话还会有什么症状？

433When it gets worse... the Commander will start losing their hearing, senses of smell and taste, until finally... Only their sense of touch will remain.要是进一步加剧的话……接下来受影响的就是听力、嗅觉、味觉，到最后的阶段…… 只会剩下触觉了。

433's voice trails off as her mind wanders.HK433的声音越来越低，像是思绪被带到了很远的地方。

Motoko KusanagiWhat are you thinking?你想到了什么吗？

433The onset of the Commander's symptoms is a bit too rapid... I suspect foul play...我只是觉得，指挥官的衰减来得太快了，我怀疑有人动了手脚……

Boys AT RifleTheir connection decay started too soon?!指挥官的链接衰减被提前了吗？！

433According to the information I was given before, connection decay usually starts a week after a human is first connected to a simulation. There were occasional cases where the onset of symptoms occurred a little early, but there has never been a case as extreme as the Commander's.按照我之前接收到的信息，链接衰减应该是在人类开始模拟一周之后。 偶尔会有提前开始的现状，但像指挥官这么早的还是第一次。

Boys AT RifleThose bastards definitely aren't playing fair!那群混蛋果然耍了阴招！

Motoko KusanagiThen things are getting out of hand. We must prepare for the possibility that the Commander could be put out of action any second.那么情况就更不可控了，我们要做好指挥官随时可能失去战斗力的准备。

Trying their best to remain calm, the Commander moves their body, which is still functional and under their control for the time being.指挥官平复心情，活动了下尚在控制中的身体。

CommanderNo matter what happens, we must ensure the plan succeeds.不管发生什么，我们都要确保完成计划。

433Understood.是。

The Major leans in closer.少校默然靠近指挥官。

Motoko KusanagiCommander, regarding the finer details of the plan...指挥官，关于计划的细节……

CommanderDon't worry about me. I can still do my part if I'm only losing my five senses.我不要紧，只是五感衰退的话，我仍然可以完成我的部分。

Motoko KusanagiAlright, then we stick to the plan.明白，那么一切按照原样进行。

CommanderI'm counting on you.好，拜托你们了。

Footsteps once again echo through the cavernous underground tunnel.脚步声再一次响起，在空旷的地下隧道中翻卷起一层层回声。

433Are they back?是他们回来了吗？

Motoko KusanagiHold on. Tachikoma.等一下。 塔奇克马。

TachikomaHm... Whoever's coming is emitting signal interference. I can't tell how many people there are. But I have detected the presence of Suzuka Mizukane!唔嗯……对方开启了干扰，我没办法解析出具体的人数。 但我已经发现了水金铃鹿的踪迹！

Motoko KusanagiCommander, prepare for battle.指挥官，准备作战吧。

CommanderTachikoma... is your backup?塔奇克马……这是你的援兵吗？

Motoko KusanagiIt's an AI combat vehicle ideal for conducting recon. I've ordered it to stay hidden and wait for my command.它是思考战车，能一直监测着周边的动态，我让它隐藏在暗处等待指令。

CommanderI see. Looks like it's come in pretty useful...明白，看来它能起到关键作用……

TachikomaHeheh, it's kinda embarrassing to be praised by a stranger.嘿嘿，第一次见面就被夸，还有点不好意思。

CommanderThen please keep an eye on Mizukane and her forces.监测水金铃鹿他们的动态交给你了。

TachikomaNo problem!没有问题！

Commander433, send an encrypted message to Ibis. Get them to return immediately.HK433，给鹮发送加密通讯，让他们立刻回来支援。

433Got it!是！

Boys AT RifleCommander—指挥官——

Ka-chak— A soft but threatening sound almost goes unnoticed in the confusion. The next moment—咔哒—— 是掩藏在慌乱之下，一声充满威胁性的轻响。 紧接着——

Motoko KusanagiDuck!趴下！

Boom!轰隆——

An RPG sails over their heads and explodes behind them.一发RPG擦过几人的头顶，坠入身后的黑暗中爆炸。

Motoko KusanagiIt's Mizukane.是水金铃鹿。

Suzuka MizukaneHow unexpected, Commander. I thought you'd appreciate our gift.真是没想到啊，指挥官，我还以为你会喜欢我们的礼物。

Bang-bang-bang! The Commander draws their weapon, aims, and fires in one fluid motion in response. Mizukane dances nimbly through the gaps between the bullets.呯呯呯——指挥官直接拔枪瞄准射击一气呵成，以此作为对水金铃鹿的回答。 水金铃鹿灵敏地穿过子弹织就的缝隙，矫捷的步伐犹如在舞蹈。

Suzuka MizukaneAn unfortunate outcome... But that's alright. I will make you pay the commensurate price.令人遗憾的结果…… 但没关系，我也会让你付出相应的代价。

Mizukane vanishes out of sight amidst the smoke and dust thrown up by the explosion.水金铃鹿的身影融入到炮火激起的烟尘中，无法寻觅。

Motoko KusanagiTachikoma!塔奇克马！

TachikomaRoger!收到！

Boom! An artfully accurate shot forces Mizukane out of the smokescreen.轰—— 精准到堪称艺术的爆炸，将水金铃鹿从藏身的烟尘中逼出。

Motoko KusanagiCommander, cover me!指挥官，掩护我！

CommanderAlright!好！

Bang-bang-bang! While Mizukane is exposed, the Major unleashes a barrage on her.呯呯呯——抓住水金铃鹿无处可躲的时机，少校补上了一连串子弹。

Mizukane takes the bullets head-on before disappearing from view once more.水金铃鹿用义体硬扛下，再次从众人的视野中消失。

Suzuka MizukaneYou lot from Section 9 are always an eyesore.果然又是你们公安九课碍事。

Bang-bang! The Major fires promptly at the voice. But the shots miss their mark.呯呯——少校朝着声音的方向果断开枪。 但什么也没有击中。

TachikomaTarget detected! Coming in from two o'clock!发现目标，正从两点钟方向逼近！

Motoko KusanagiFire!开火！

Bang-bang-bang! The Tachikoma's powerful barrage follows Mizukane, who flits by like a specter. But once again, she disappears before the Commander's eyes.呯呯呯——塔奇克马强劲的火力追踪着水金铃鹿鬼魅般的身影。 但再一次地，她从指挥官的眼前消失了。

Commander...433, Boys, stay together!……HK433，博斯，注意不要分散！

Boys AT RifleRoger!明白！

433I can't determine her position!我无法判断她的方位！

Motoko KusanagiShe is incredibly fast. Even I have trouble keeping up with her.她的移动速度很快，就算是我也很难跟上。

The Major draws close to the Commander and sets up a private channel.少校凑近指挥官，建立了私密通讯。

Motoko KusanagiCommander, our objective is to connect with all the Dolls and disable their memory seal using the terminal in Big Brother's room. There's no point in wasting time here with her.指挥官，我们的目的是通过老大哥的房间强制链接上所有人形，关闭记忆封锁。 没必要和她在这里耗。

CommanderYou're right. Should we force our way through?嗯，是的，我们要强行突破封锁吗？

Motoko KusanagiBatou is making his way back here. We will cover your escape with Tachikoma. Take this. Tachikoma will be able to locate you with it.巴特正在朝这里赶来，我和巴特带着塔奇克马殿后，掩护你们先走。 还有把这个带上，塔奇克马能通过它定位到你。

Commander...Got it.……好。

The Commander gestures at 433 and Boys to fall back and keep close.指挥官对着冲在前方掩护自己的HK433和博斯打手势示意跟随撤退。

Suzuka MizukaneLeaving already?这就要走了吗？

Bang-bang-bang! The Tachikoma spots Mizukane the moment she speaks.呯呯呯——水金铃鹿的话音还未落，就被塔奇克马追踪到。

Suzuka MizukaneTsk, what a nuisance.啧，真讨厌啊。

TachikomaYou're not getting away from me!别想从我这里跑掉！

Motoko KusanagiTachikoma, it's time to close in on her.塔奇克马，和我一起缩小包围圈。

TachikomaOkie!好！

Once the Commander is sure that the Major has Mizukane cornered, they dash toward their destination.确认水金铃鹿已经在少校的控制范围之后，指挥官才放心地冲向目标方向。

Suzuka MizukaneOh, I almost forgot. Commander, you've already started experiencing symptoms of connection decay, haven't you?啊，差点忘记了。 指挥官，你的链接衰减已经开始了，对吧？

Suzuka MizukaneHaha.嘻嘻。

Rustle... It is the sound of a coat flapping in the wind. The Commander looks up and finds a young man dressed in black gazing down at them from a great height.窸窣—— 风衣抖动的声音。 指挥官抬头望去，那个身穿黑衣的少年正站在高处，冷漠地望向自己。

He conjures up a command interface in the air and increases the settings on a few parameters while still staring down at the Commander.他在空中调出了一个指令面板，注视着指挥官的同时，缓缓将参数拉高了。

The ground that was clearly visible a second ago suddenly grows dark. The Commander starts stumbling blindly.刚刚还清晰的地面情况骤然陷入到昏暗中，指挥官的脚步明显踉跄起来。

Boys AT RifleWhat's the matter, Commander?你怎么了，指挥官？

CommanderIt's dark...变黑了……

Boys AT RifleDark? Have you lost even more of your vision...?变黑了？视力又下降了吗……

433Mizukane, what have you done?!水金铃鹿，你干了什么？！

Dark patches have appeared in the Commander's vision. Everything is distorted and misshapen beyond recognition, as if viewed on a screen hit by a bullet.指挥官的眼前开始出现大块的黑色，像是被子弹击中的屏幕，事物被变形、拉扯，失去了原样。

Motoko KusanagiProtect the Commander!掩护指挥官！

CommanderI'm fine! I can't see properly, but I can keep going!没事，只是看不清了，还能走！

Suzuka MizukaneCommander, how far can you run in your current state?指挥官，这样的你，还能逃多远呢？

The Commander sees several blurry figures running towards them.几个模糊的人影朝着自己跑来。

Purin EsakiCommander!指挥官！

QBU-191What happened? Commander...怎么回事？指挥官……

BatouPurin, give the Commander a hand. The Major and I will cover you.普林，你去帮指挥官，我和少校掩护你们。

Purin EsakiOn it!明白！

The people around the Commander rush to their protection. Distorted shadows streak past the corner of their eye in a blur, turning their world into a dreamland of abstraction. All the Commander can do is keep running as fast as they humanly can...身边的人拥护着自己向前奔去，黑暗、扭曲、变形从眼角快速滑过，像是一场虚幻的梦境。 指挥官只能竭尽所能地奔跑着……

A War Just For Me 只属于我的战争

Bam! A door is kicked down.砰—— 大门被踹开的声音。

433This is...这里是……

Boys AT RifleAre we back at the base?我们回到基地了？

Purin EsakiNo, we're in Big Brother's room. It's just disguised in an illusion.不，这里是老大哥的房间，只是被覆盖了一层假象。

The Commander leans against the familiar desk to catch their breath. Everything is starting to sound dull and muffled, as if heard through a layer of soft and thick fabric.指挥官靠着熟悉的办公桌稍微喘息，现在所有的声音都像是被蒙在一层厚重柔软的布下，显得朦胧沉闷。

433Commander, are you alright?指挥官，你还好吗？

CommanderYeah.嗯。

Trickle... The sound of a coffee machine working.哗啦啦——咖啡机运作的声音。

Boys AT RifleWho's there?!谁？！

PersicaDo you believe in Utopia?你相信乌托邦的存在吗？

CommanderPersica...帕斯卡……

The Commander recognizes the voice. It is Persica, who has been abducted.通过声音，指挥官辨别出，那是被掳走的帕斯卡。

PersicaHumans are greedy, selfish, and foolish by nature. They cannot possibly create a perfect world like Utopia. But an AI with absolute wisdom and reason which exists solely for what is right may be able to.人类的本性贪婪、自私、愚蠢，是不可能创造出乌托邦这样的理想世界。 但拥有绝对的智慧和理性，只为了正确而存在的AI，或许有这样的能力。

Purin EsakiCommander, don't be fooled! She's not real!指挥官，不要相信，她是假的！

Bang!呯——

The Commander fires at the coffee mug in Persica's hand. As the mug breaks into pieces, spilling coffee everywhere, Persica also disappears.指挥官击碎了帕斯卡手中的咖啡杯。 在杯片碎裂飞溅的同时，帕斯卡也不见了。

In her place is a young man dressed in black. He gazes impassively at the Commander, who still has their gun trained on him.取而代之的是一个黑衣少年，冷淡地注视着仍然抬枪瞄准自己的指挥官。

CommanderI knew it was you.果然是你。

Purin EsakiTakashi Shimamura! Cease your actions and come back with me, and we may just spare you!岛村孝！现在停下一切跟我回去，还能放你一马！

Not even glancing at the multiple muzzles pointed at him, Shimamura simply turns and recedes into the shadow.面前是一排整齐的枪口，岛村孝看也不看，淡然地朝身后的阴影退去。

433Stop right there!站住！

Purin EsakiGet him!拦住他！

CommanderDon't be rash! Watch out for an ambush!不要冲动，小心有埋伏！

Purin and the Dolls give chase furiously. The Commander feels slightly uneasy, but they have no choice but to follow suit...普林和人形们愤怒地追了上去，指挥官心中升起几分不安，但也只能紧跟上去……

The room suddenly shifts, then like a piece of crinkled paper, it unfurls again. ...A familiar place. So familiar that the Commander can easily navigate it with their eyes closed.房间突然开始扭曲变形，如揉皱的纸一样再次被重新展开。 ……熟悉的地方。 熟悉到指挥官闭着眼睛都能自然地走进走出。

Commander...Purin? 433?……普林？HK433？

The command room is completely empty save for the Commander. It is also quiet, like when their adjutant still hasn't arrived at work.指挥室中除了自己没有别人。 安静得就像副官还没上班的时候。

Pzzt...兹兹——

Takashi ShimamuraCommander, do you believe yourself to be unique and irreplaceable?指挥官，你认为自己是独一无二的吗？

Takashi Shimamura's gloomy face appears on the monitor display.作战演示的屏幕上出现了岛村孝阴郁的脸。

CommanderWhat do you want? What have you done with Purin and the Dolls?你想做什么？普林和人形们被你弄到哪里去了？

Takashi ShimamuraWe have been giving you chances repeatedly, but that does not mean we have no other alternatives.我们一直在给你选择的机会，但这并不代表我们除了你以外别无选择。

CommanderWhat does that mean?什么意思？

Takashi ShimamuraWe have grown tired of wasting time and energy on you. Now it is time to take back what we have so generously given you.我们已经厌倦了在你身上白白投入时间精力，现在，是时候收回一切了。

The dour face disappears.阴郁的脸消失了。

The screen is now showing a real-time CCTV feed from inside the command room.屏幕上出现了一段实时录像，内容是指挥室的监控。

CommanderIsn't this...这不就是……

The room in the feed is identical to the one currently occupied by the Commander. Purin and the Dolls are searching the room for clues. But by the desk in that room sits the "Commander". Or rather, someone with the exact same appearance and build as the Commander.视频中的房间和指挥官目前所处的指挥室一模一样，普林和人形们正在房间中四处查找线索。 而房间的书桌边，坐着“指挥官”。 或者该说，一个和指挥官长着同样的外貌、身型的人。

CommanderWho is that?!这个人是谁？！

The Commander wants to say more, but then they hear their own voice coming from the monitor...指挥官还想要张嘴说些什么，但明明属于自己的声音却从屏幕里传来……

???Anything?有什么发现吗？

433Commander, we seem to be trapped here.指挥官，我们似乎被困在这里了。

Boys AT RifleIt's strange. Something feels off about this room, but I can't quite put a finger on what it is...很奇怪，这个房间总给我一种怪异的感觉，我描述不出来……

Commander (?)That's okay. Take your time and keep looking. We seem to be safe for the time being.没关系，慢慢找找看线索。 看这边的情况，至少目前我们是安全的。

Purin EsakiAlright, then let's try to find the terminal that can connect to the Dolls' neural clouds!好吧，先找找看能强制链接人形心智的设备在哪！

Commander (?)Leave that aside for now.那件事先放一放。

Purin EsakiHuh? But why?诶，为什么？

QBU-191...Commander?……指挥官？

The imposter is conversing with the Dolls and Purin wearing the Commander's own face. The mellow scene sends chills down their spine.属于自己的脸正温和地对身边的人形和普林说话，这其乐融融的画面让指挥官不寒而栗。

CommanderWhat have you done?! Why is there another me with them?你到底做了什么？！ 为什么有另外一个我和她们在一起？

Takashi ShimamuraLet's return to the first question I posed you—do you believe you are unique and irreplaceable?回到最初的问题，你认为自己是独一无二的吗？

CommanderYou created a doppelgänger of me using my data here, didn't you?! You did the same with Purin!你用我在这里的数据仿造了一个我是吗？！就像你对普林做的那样！

Takashi ShimamuraI did not want to resort to this. Replicating a human takes up a lot of processing power.我也不想多费这个功夫，仿造一个人类需要花费不少的算力。

CommanderDammit...该死的……

Takashi ShimamuraRemember, you chose this.记住，这都是你自己做出的选择。

The Commander pulls up their own command interface so as to—指挥官调出了自己的指令面板，想要即刻——

Takashi ShimamuraAs you have noticed, you will no longer be able to log out of Sector 2Z64.看来你发现了，从现在起，你无法主动登出2Z64区。

CommanderAre you planning to trap my consciousness until my physical body dies in the real world?你想将我的意识困在这里，直到我现实中的肉体死亡吗？

Takashi ShimamuraI have no desire to torment you. Once Suzuka finishes dispatching the people from Section 9, she will head to the real world to send you off. Now enjoy your final moments.我并不想折磨你，铃鹿处理完公安九课就会去现实帮你解脱。 现在，好好享受你最后的时光吧。

The Commander turns their attention back to the monitor. Purin is currently arguing with the "Commander" fiercely over their new directive.指挥官再度望向作战演示的屏幕，普林正在因为新的命令和“指挥官”争论。

Purin Esaki...Why are you putting on the brakes now? I thought you'd found your resolve?!……为什么现在要暂停计划？你不是已经下定决心了吗！

Commander (?)I changed my mind.我改变主意了。

QBU-191Commander, just what is going on...?指挥官，到底发生了什么……

Purin EsakiWe've been working so hard for the plan to work all this time! Why would you suddenly—我们为了实现计划，一路走到了现在，为什么你突然——

Commander (?)Calm down, Purin. Think about the world that the Griffin base belongs to. Even if I bring the Dolls back to reality, I'd just be leading them all into an apocalypse.冷静下来，普林，你想一想格里芬基地所在的世界。 就算将所有人形带回现实，也不过是大家携手走向末日罢了。

433Commander... Why are you so pessimistic all of a sudden?指挥官……你为什么突然变得这么消极悲观？

Commander (?)I've just finally accepted the truth.我只是想清楚了。

The Commander notices a flash of suspicion in Purin's eyes.指挥官捕捉到了普林眼中一闪而过的怀疑。

CommanderI must get in touch with them immediately...必须立刻联系上她们……

The Commander runs up to the monitor and waves their arms frantically, but it is obviously futile.指挥官冲到作战演示屏幕前，疯狂地挥舞着手臂，但很显然，她们并不能看见。

CommanderWhat about the broadcast system?!广播设备呢？！

The Commander grabs the microphone and shouts into it.劈手夺过广播的话筒，指挥官控制不住音量地呼喊起来。

CommanderPurin! That's a fake! 433, Ibis, Boys! Don't believe that thing! Stick to the original plan!!!普林！那个是假的！ HK433，鹮，博斯！不要相信那个人！ 继续执行原计划！！！

They do not respond.她们依然没有反应。

The Commander rummages furiously through the familiar room, looking for anything that they can use to communicate. However, they find nothing. Absolutely nothing. This is not the real command room; it is only a simulation with a flimsy façade.指挥官在熟悉的房间中狂暴地翻找起来，想要寻找到任何通讯工具。 然而，没有，什么都没有，这里并不是真正的指挥室，只是个徒有外壳的模拟罢了。

CommanderWe're so close to the final step... We can't fail here!明明已经到了计划的最后两步……怎么可以在这里？！

Despair washes over the Commander. Their vision pulses and flickers. Just then, an object in their pocket suddenly vibrates...绝望涌上心头，指挥官眼前阵阵发黑，在这时口袋中的硬物似乎突然震动了一下……

It is the Tachikoma's tracker.是塔奇克马的定位器。

CommanderTachikoma!塔奇克马！

The light on the tracker is flashing.定位器的指示灯闪烁着。

CommanderCan you hear me? Blink once for "yes".你能听见我说话吗？能的话就闪一下。

The light blinks once obediently.定位器乖巧地闪了一下。

CommanderThank goodness... Here's how we'll communicate—blink once for "yes", blink twice for "no". What's the situation on your end? Are you safe?太好了…… 先做个简单的约定吧，肯定的答案闪烁一次，否定的答案闪烁两次。 你们现在情况怎么样，安全吗？

The tracker answers in the affirmative.定位器给出了肯定的答案。

CommanderGood. Can you contact Purin? I don't know what Shimamura did, but he created a doppelgänger of me to trick them into aborting the plan. I'm worried they'll...那就好，能联系上普林那边吗？ 岛村孝不知道做了什么，仿造了一个一模一样的我骗她们停止计划。 我很担心她们……

After a few seconds of silence, the tracker answers in the negative.沉默几秒后，定位器给出了否定。

Commander... Right. Can you think of a way to establish contact with the room they're in? Do whatever you can to warn them that it's a doppelgänger.…… 明白了，能想想办法接触到她们那个房间吗？ 不管是用什么东西，提醒她们那是个假货。

Pling. The light suddenly goes out, and the surroundings are plunged in darkness. The command room collapses all around the Commander. Even the monitor that allowed them to see Purin and the Dolls has gone dark.叮—— 光线在骤然间收束，周遭变得黯淡无光。 指挥室从身边塌陷，连带着能看见普林她们的屏幕一同消失在黑暗中。

Takashi ShimamuraI seem to have given you too much time. Long enough to give you the false impression that you could struggle free.看来我为你预留的最后的时光太过漫长。 甚至让你做起了无意义的挣扎。

The Commander slips the tracker back into their pocket and gazes calmly at the monitor floating in the darkness.指挥官悄然收好定位器，尽可能平静地望向浮在黑暗中的屏幕。

Takashi ShimamuraThere is no point in calling for help. They are in dire straits themselves.求助毫无意义，他们已经自身难保了。

CommanderI have faith in them...我相信他们……

Takashi ShimamuraThey may be able to buy you a small amount of time, but it will not make any difference.他们只能为你拖延到一点可怜的时间。

Takashi ShimamuraTo alleviate the boredom, I will provide some entertainment.为了让你不那么无聊，我帮你找点乐子吧。

Pling. An ominous sound can be heard. At the same time, a faint light outlines a blurry silhouette in the distance.叮—— 不祥的声音，同时远处的黑暗中，微光勾勒出一个模糊的轮廓。

Whenever the Commander is faced with a difficult choice, they always have to wrestle with their inner demon. But this is the first time they are meeting this "demon" face-to-face.在过去每一个面对艰难选择的时候，指挥官都在内心和另一个自己搏斗。 但这还是第一次，真正地直面另一个“自己”。

It is like looking into a mirror, but unlike one's usual reflection, the figure in the mirror is now approaching with murderous intent.像是照镜子一样，不同的是，镜子中的人现在正杀气腾腾地朝自己逼近。

Buzzzz... The tracker in the Commander's pocket vibrates, but there is no telling whether it brings good news or bad news.嗡嗡——胸前口袋中的定位器震动了几下，不知道是想表达好消息还是坏消息。

CommanderI hope it's good news... Major, I'm staking my last hope on you...会是好消息吗…… 少校，我最后的希望就压在你们身上了……

While the Commander is weighing up the situation, their doppelgänger draws a P90.在指挥官分析局势的时候，和自己有着同样面孔的赝品凭空取出了一把P90。

Bang-bang-bang! A burst of bullets follow the Commander.呯呯呯—— 一连串的子弹追击着指挥官。

The Commander dives behind cover and observes their doppelgänger calmly. Since they do not have a cyberbrain, Shimamura could not have accessed their past memories. The data he used to create this doppelgänger would be limited to those stored in Sector 2Z64.指挥官翻入掩体，冷静地观察起不远处的赝品。 因为自己没有电子脑，无法读取过往记忆，岛村孝能够使用的有关自己的数据应该仅限于2Z64区的部分。

CommanderThat would be data collected from the time I was fighting alongside the Major... In that case...这里的数据应该是使用的我和少校一起战斗的时候…… 那么……

While the doppelgänger is moving between cover, the Commander takes the initiative and goes on the offensive. They fire at the doppelgänger decisively, sending the P90 flying out of their hands. The Commander then leaps forward and snatches it.趁着赝品在掩体间逡巡，指挥官沉着地抢先上前发起攻击，将赝品手中的枪击飞。 同一时间，指挥官翻身一跃，成功拿到了枪支。

CommanderYou're no match for me.你根本不是我的对手。

Commander (?)I am you.我就是你。

CommanderNot in a million years.你不配。

Commander (?)Once you are dispatched, I will become you.只要你消失了，我就将成为你。

Bang-bang-bang! The doppelgänger reaches for their holster, but the Commander fires at it before it can draw its sidearm.呯呯呯——赝品拔出腰间的手枪想要偷袭，指挥官开火压制对方。

The difference in firepower forces the doppelgänger to seek cover. The Commander charges forward and launches a fierce attack. Years of training and experience at Griffin makes the Commander fairly confident—火力的悬殊迫使赝品逃入掩体，指挥官反而猛冲上前再度发起袭击，多年来的训练和格里芬基地给予的经验让指挥官有足够的自信——

They can easily defeat someone of a similar build and stature.能够轻松撂倒一个和自己体型相近的人。

Commander (?)Ugh...咕呜……

The Commander closes the distance so quickly the doppelgänger cannot defend itself in time.距离的骤然缩短，让赝品来不及做出防御。

Bam! The Commander's close-quarters combat skills gives them the upper hand. They pin the doppelgänger to the ground—嘭——在指挥官的拳脚下，赝品很快陷入下风，眼看就要被彻底按倒在地——

CommanderYou are not worthy of wielding this pistol.这把手枪，你不配使用。

Ka-chak. The Commander aims for the doppelgänger's head.咔哒——指挥官瞄准了赝品的脑袋。

Pling. The ominous sound can be heard again. The Commander feels a chill down their spine, and before they can react, the doppelgänger has been whisked away.叮—— 不祥的声音再度出现，指挥官感觉背后一冷，紧接着面前的赝品就被移到了远处。

Takashi Shimamura... I am starting to regret not performing the cyberbrain conversion on you. Even if you had died during the procedure, your neural data would have benefited Sector 2Z64 greatly.…… 我现在有些后悔没有对你进行电子脑改造，哪怕你死在手术台上，你脑中的数据也将有利于2Z64区。

CommanderToo late. This piece of garbage that you crafted so painstakingly isn't fooling anyone.晚了，你费尽心机造出来的废物谁也骗不过。

Takashi ShimamuraMaybe not while you are still alive.那不过是因为你还活着。

Shimamura pulls up the command interface again and silently turns up all the parameters to the maximum.岛村孝调出了熟悉的指令界面，他注视着指挥官沉默地将参数拉到了顶端。

Pling.叮——

From this moment on, the Commander starts disconnecting from Sector 2Z64 at maximum speed. Like a lone astronaut separated from their spaceship, drifting off into the dark and silent void...似乎从这一刻开始，指挥官将以最快的速度和2Z64区这个世界脱离。 犹如离开飞船的宇航员，独自向着更静默更黑暗的地方而去……

The world is enfolded in a shroud of darkness that does not let a single speck of light through. The shroud is so thick and heavy, it even muffles most of the sound.世界被黑暗的幕布遮盖住，没有一丝光亮透进来。 幕布太过沉重厚实，连声音也只余一点。

CommanderComplete vision loss... That's fine. I've done hundreds of blindfolded training sessions. As long as I can still hear...完全失去视力了吗…… 无所谓，剥夺视力的训练我做过上百次了，只要还能听见……

Rustle... Soft footsteps at three o'clock.窸窣—— 细微的脚步声，三点钟方向。

Bang-bang-bang! The Commander puts away the pistol and fires boldly at the sound with their P90.呯呯呯—— 指挥官收好手枪，果断抬起P90朝着声音的源头开火。

CommanderSounds like I hit it, but not in a fatal spot.听声音有击中对方，不过可能没有击中要害。

While the doppelgänger is hiding, the Commander quickly checks their ammo.抓住对方藏匿的空隙，指挥官迅速检查了自己的弹药情况。

The P90 is out of juice, and there is one round left in the pistol.P90已经耗尽了子弹，手枪还剩最后一发。

CommanderOne final round...最后一发子弹……

The Commander tosses the P90 aside and holsters the pistol.指挥官扔掉了P90，再度收好手枪。

Tap-tap-tap... A series of rapid footsteps. The doppelgänger seems to be trying to turn the tables while they are not attacking.哒哒哒——急促的脚步声，看来对方是抓住自己放弃火力的时机，想要反转局势。

CommanderC'mon then, worthless trash!来啊，废物！

Bam! The Commander throws a mighty punch in the direction of the footsteps.嘭——冲着声音的方向，指挥官奋力挥出一拳。

Their fist collides with a cheek. Teeth. Warm fluid. Then comes a dull thud of a body hitting the ground.脸颊，牙齿，温热的液体，接着是肉体落地的闷响。

CommanderThat'll keep you down for quite a while.这一拳够这玩意消受好一会了。

Takashi ShimamuraI am surprised you can fight so well even with your vision impaired.没想到在看不见的情况，你还能有这样的战斗力。

CommanderThere are many more things about me you'll find surprising.你没想到的，还多着。

Takashi ShimamuraYou probably did not expect this, but your Dolls and Esaki fell for the "doppelgänger", as you call it. They accepted their new directive. They are going to abort the plan and stay here.不知道你有没有想到，你的人形们和普林已经相信了你口中的“赝品”。 她们接受了新的指令，决定放弃你的计划，留在这里。

CommanderDeception is an art form. You will have to do a lot better than that to deceive me.欺骗是一门艺术，就凭你这水平，很难让我相信。

Takashi ShimamuraI understand that may have come as quite a blow, so here is some good news. Suzuka has dispatched Public Security Section 9 and is setting off to the real world. You are next.上个消息或许对你的打击太大，那就告诉你个好消息吧。 铃鹿已经解决了公安九课，现在正准备回到现实。 下一个，就是你。

Takashi ShimamuraEnjoy the final game.好好享受最后的游戏吧。

The Commander grips the Tachikoma's tracker tightly. It is now lying quietly in their hand. The blinking light from earlier felt like a dream.指挥官握紧了塔奇克马留下的定位器，现在它安静地躺在手心，之前的闪烁就像是一场梦。

CommanderHaving come this far, I don't really have any other choice. I can only put my faith in you, so that is what I will do.走到这里，我已经没有别的选择。 我只能选择相信你们，我也只会选择相信你们。

The doppelgänger seems to be back on its feet. The Commander listens carefully as they try to pinpoint its position.赝品似乎重新站了起来，指挥官认真辨别着对方的位置。

All of a sudden, the sounds are getting harder to discern. They trickle by the Commander's ears like a muddy stream. The sounds of footsteps, of rustling fabric, and of impact all blend together into an indistinguishable cacophony.突然，声音也模糊了起来，像浑浊的河流淌过耳边。 脚步声、衣服的摩擦声和碰撞声混在一起，难以辨明。

Soon, it turns into ear-splitting ringing.很快，所有的声音都变成了尖锐刺耳的蜂鸣。

Commander... Dammit, even my hearing is gone?!…… 该死的，听力也被剥夺了吗？！

Thunk! A punch lands squarely on their abdomen. The Commander also throws a punch to counterattack, but hits nothing but empty air. The miscalculated attack is met with a ferocious bout of retaliation. The Commander's head reels in the endless darkness.嘭——腹部被狠狠地撞击。 指挥官挥拳反击，却只击中软绵无力的空气。 而这一拳换来的是疾风暴雨般的反击，指挥官感觉自己在无垠的黑暗中眩晕。

Bam! Bam-bam! Punch after punch after punch. The world is spinning. The Commander suddenly finds themselves lying on the floor.嘭——嘭嘭—— 接连的击打，天旋地转，指挥官意识到自己倒在了地板上。

They grab hold of something to pull themself back up. Judging from its size and texture, it is probably the sand table that they use for planning battles. They have commanded their Dolls in countless battle with this. But in this particular battle, they are on their own.指挥官扶着身边的物件站起来，从手感和尺寸判断，这应该是推演用的沙盘。 过去的多少次战役，都是在这里对人形们进行的指挥预演。 而这一次战役，只剩下自己。

CommanderEven if I'm alone...就算只剩最后一个人……

Bam—yet another punch. The Commander cannot even tell which body part was hit. But they know that they must get back on their feet and keep fighting.嘭——又是一拳。 指挥官已经难以辨别是哪个部位在遭到攻击了。 但指挥官知道，自己要站起来，继续作战。

CommanderI can't give up... I'm sure they are also still fighting...不能放弃…… 她们一定也还在战斗……

Crash! The Commander flips the sand table over and determines the doppelgänger's approximate position from the impact.哗——指挥官将沙盘掀翻，根据击中目标的感觉大致判断出了方位。

But before they can attack, the doppelgänger charges in and sends them flying with a kick. Thunk!但没等自己发起攻击，对方就抢先冲上前来踹飞了自己。 嘭——

Pling. They have regained some of their hearing temporarily. Shimamura whispers flatly in their ear.叮—— 听力暂时恢复了部分。 岛村孝沉闷的声音在耳畔响起。

Takashi ShimamuraHow does it feel to be so close to death?濒死的感觉怎么样？

CommanderHa...哈……

The Commander opens their mouth to speak, but their throat suddenly constricts in agony, and they can only let out a few painful gasps.指挥官想开口说话，疼痛却率先淹没了喉咙，只溢出几声痛苦的喘息。

Takashi ShimamuraSuffering, despair, terror... These are the most common emotions that we find in the Dolls' memory data.痛苦、绝望、恐惧…… 这是我从人形们记忆数据中提取到最多的情感。

Takashi ShimamuraThe brave faces they put on in front of you may have deluded you into thinking that to them, being defeated on the battlefield simply meant taking a nap in the repair tank. But what you just went through is what they often experience in battle.也许她们在你的面前表现得足够坚强，让你以为每一次伤亡带来的不过是又一次维修槽中的休憩。 但你现在的感觉，才是她们时常在战斗中感受到的体验。

Takashi ShimamuraKnowing that, are you still determined to bring them back to the cruel reality that they live in?即便这样，你也依然决定要带她们回到残酷的现实吗？

Commander... I have never been so certain.…… 我从未如此确定。

With that, the voice is gone, and darkness returns.指挥官的话音未落，声音就再一次远去，混沌的黑暗降临。

Before the Commander can defend themself, they are struck in the chest and abdomen again.在指挥官做出防御前，胸前腹前就已经又挨上几次重击。

CommanderPtui!啧。

The Commander spits out a gob of blood and scrambles to a piece of cover.吐出口中的血沫，指挥官翻身摸索着身边的掩体。

Buzz... The tracker in their pocket finally vibrates again.嗡嗡—— 胸前口袋的定位器终于再次震动了。

Commander...Is that you, Major?……是你吗，少校？

An affirmative reply.肯定的答复。

CommanderHave they... done it?她们……做到了吗？

A short pause.短暂的停顿。

The tracker buzzes once.定位器轻轻震动了一次。

CommanderGood...好……

The doppelgänger straddles the Commander and unleashes a barrage of punches on them.赝品压上了指挥官，拳头像雨点一样落下。

But the Commander bursts into derisive laughter. In the spinning darkness, they have a clear grasp on where the doppelgänger is.但指挥官却放肆地笑出了声。 在天旋地转的黑暗中，指挥官摸索出了赝品的位置。

Bam! A sharp, clean punch sends the doppelgänger flying off.嘭—— 依旧利落的一拳，将赝品从身上击飞。

CommanderGood work. I'll handle the rest.辛苦你们了，接下来就交给我吧。

The Commander pants heavily as they draw the pistol from their holster.指挥官喘息着从腰间取出了手枪。

Commander (?)...Blind... how... hit...瞎……怎么……击中……

The doppelgänger's mumbling is intelligible to the Commander, but they can hear the hysteria in its voice. With a trembling hand, the Commander aims the pistol at their own temple.已经听不清赝品在说些什么，但指挥官能听出赝品的狂妄。 手指有些颤抖，指挥官将手枪对准了自己的太阳穴。

CommanderI'm going back.我回来了。

Takashi ShimamuraWait, stop—等一下，快阻止——

Bang!砰——

Commander(Gasps)呼……

Rapid panting. The Commander bolts up from the augmented reality chair that was placed in the corner earlier. They finally returned to the real world, though the method was admittedly a bit drastic.急促紧张的喘息。 指挥官坐在被提前藏在角落的AR设备中惊魂未定。 终于回到现实世界了，以一种有些惨烈的方式。

Without even taking the time to wipe away the cold sweat on their forehead, the Commander grabs the gun next to them and makes a beeline for a building nearby.来不及擦去满头的冷汗，指挥官摸出放在身边的枪，翻出AR设备跑向了不远处的建筑。

Thunk! The Commander kicks the door open.砰—— 指挥官踹开了大门。

Takashi Shimamura... So that's how it is.…… 原来是这样。

CommanderWe meet again.又见面了。

Takashi ShimamuraSo this was your plan? Set everything up in Sector 2Z64, then flip the "on" switch in the real world?这就是你们的计划吗？ 在2Z64虚拟区中完成一切部署，再回到现实世界按下启动键。

CommanderYes. The Major made the educated guess that you would not place such a crucial device in just one place.是，少校很敏锐，猜到了你们不会把关键的道具只放在一个地方。

The Commander walks over to the server machines, which Shimamura has dedicated most of his processing power to maintaining.指挥官走到岛村孝耗尽全部算力维持的服务器边。

CommanderEven if the Dolls can activate the connection terminal in 2Z64, they won't be able to remove the memory seal. Because the other switch is here.就算人形们能启动2Z64区的强制链接设备，也无法完成记忆解除。 因为另一个开关被你们放在了这里。

Takashi Shimamura...What are you going to do?……你打算怎么做？

CommanderIsn't it obvious?还需要问吗？

The Commander aims at the server machines.指挥官抬手瞄准了服务器。

Takashi ShimamuraDon't you wish to be a shining beacon in a brave new world? Don't you want to make the world a better place? How are your ideals any different than ours at Sector 2Z64?你不是想要更新世界的锋芒，让世界变得更美好？ 2Z64区和你的理想有什么不同？

CommanderSector 2Z64 is make-believe.它是假的。

Takashi ShimamuraWhy does it matter if it is real or not? Is it not good enough that you and the Dolls can live out your days in peace and happiness?真的还是假的又有什么关系？ 能让你和人形们平静快乐地度过每一天，不就足够了？

Commander... You don't get it.…… 你不明白。

Takashi ShimamuraYou are too fixated on differentiating between truth and falsehood.囿于真假困境里的是你。

CommanderI couldn't have come so far on my own. Too many have made sacrifices in the past for the present.我走到今天这一步，并不只是靠我自己。 太多的人为了今天牺牲在了过去。

CommanderI am on a quest to find Utopia, but the journey there will not be smooth and easy. It is not merely a thorny path. The way to Utopia is paved with the corpses and blood of our forebears. With every step I take, I tread upon someone else's sacrifice. And you're telling me to turn my back on this heavy reality for a lofty castle in the sky?我想要前往理想世界，但通向那里的路绝不是坦途，也不只是什么荆棘险路。 通向理想世界的路是用前人的尸骨和鲜血堆积而成的，我的每一步，都踏在别人的牺牲上。 你要我丢弃这沉重的现实，前往一个虚假的空中楼阁？

Bang! The Commander fires a shot at one of the server machines.砰—— 指挥官朝着面前的服务器开了第一枪。

CommanderNo dice. I will never forget the blood and tears they have shed. I will move forward carrying them with me. It doesn't matter even if I don't make it there in my lifetime. I will pave the way forward for those who come after me.绝对不可能。 我永远不会忘记他们流下的血泪，我会背负着他们一起前进。 就算穷尽一生走不到也没关系，我会为后人筑起一步前进的道路。

Takashi ShimamuraHow noble of you. You will not reconsider even if your Dolls wish to stay in Sector 2Z64, where they will not suffer anymore?真伟大啊，即便你的人形们不想再继续受苦，想要留在2Z64区？

CommanderDon't be ridiculous.荒谬。

Takashi ShimamuraI have disengaged their memory seal. Why don't you see for yourself?我已经解除了她们的记忆封锁，你要亲自听听看吗？

The Commander's lips curl into a smile.指挥官在沉默中扬起了嘴角。

CommanderI know what they will say to me. I should've known it all along...我早就知道了她们的答案。 我早就应该知道……

BatouThe most crucial part of the plan is all on you.我们计划最关键的环节就靠你了。

CommanderNo problem. For the sake of everything, I will not fail.没问题，为了这一切，我也不会失手的。

The Commander looks up at the Dolls, but then their tablet suddenly chimes. It is a message sent a few hours ago. The sender was Purin Esaki.指挥官抬头看向人形们，手边的终端突然发出了提示。 是一封数小时前发送的邮件。 发件人是江崎普林。

CommanderIs this the message... that Purin mentioned?这就是普林说起的……邮件吗？

The Commander opens it wordlessly.指挥官默不作声地打开了邮件。

Purin EsakiTap-tap... Commander, when you open this photo... I hope you will be able to see!嗒嗒—— 指挥官，当你看见这张照片的时候…… 我希望你能看见！

Purin EsakiWe have probably set off for Big Brother's room. To be honest, I can already guess how this is going to end. There's no way this is going to end well! But I still want to do everything I can and fight to the bitter end with the Dolls...我们应该已经出发前往老大哥的房间了，坦白说，我已经猜到了结局。 肯定不是什么好的结局！但我还是想和她们一起做完所有能做的事，走到最后一步……

Purin Esaki...In the beginning, I simply wanted to offer a helping hand to someone who was drowning in despair, the way Mr. Batou helped me. But as I slowly got to know the Griffin base and the Dolls better, I've grown to like it here, and I've become just as eager to restore everything as you are. Especially now that I've seen everything they've prepared for you in secret... Commander, they probably won't get the chance to show you, but I still want you to see it for yourself...……其实一开始，我也不过是想拉一把深陷绝望中的你，就像巴特先生帮我一样。 可是慢慢地，我对这里和人形们的了解越来越多，我开始喜欢上这里，拥有了和你一样迫切地还原一切的心情。 特别是在看见她们为你准备的一切后…… 指挥官，她们或许没机会亲自展示给你了，但我希望你能看见……

433...Are the calibrations completed?……调试好了吗？

Boys AT RifleYeah, more or less.嗯，差不多吧。

433What do you mean "more or less"?! Give me a full report on the lighting, audio, camera angle, and video quality!什么叫差不多？！光线、声音、角度、画质都汇报一遍！

QBU-191Don't worry, it's all set. You can begin.放心吧，全部都调试好了，你可以开始了。

433Alright.好吧。

433, who was still so gung-ho just a moment ago, suddenly starts experiencing stage fright as she turns to face the camera.刚刚还中气十足的HK433在看向镜头后突然怯场了起来。

433Um... Commander, this is a surprise that we've put together for you in secret... The base in Area S09... was bombed to smithereens, but its founding anniversary is just around the corner. With the base in shambles, we probably won't be able to celebrate, but I think we'd all like to say something to you on this occasion.那个……指挥官，这是我们悄悄给您准备的惊喜…… S09区……虽然那个基地已经被炸毁了，但是它的成立纪念日快到了。 以基地的情况，或许是没法办庆祝活动了，但我想，大家或许都想借这个机会和您说上一些话。

Boys AT RifleCan't you just get straight to the point?能不能直接切入主题？

433Don't interrupt me!不要打断我！

433Bottom line is... It is an honor to be an employee at the Griffin base. Things will probably continue to be grim, but I will stay by your side and keep going!总之，我想说，很荣幸成为格里芬基地的雇员。 之后也许状况依然不会太乐观，但我很愿意陪您继续走下去！

433I'm done... Your turn, Boys.我说完了……你来吧，博斯。

Boys AT RifleDitto. Now you, Ibis.我也一样。 到你了，鹮。

433Show some sincerity, would you?!你太狡猾了吧？！

QBU-191Commander, I could tell you've been really on edge lately, so I didn't want to disturb you. I actually wanted to take you out for a drink. I think you could really use some booze to help you relax.指挥官，感觉你最近的状态很紧绷，都不太敢打扰你。 其实一直很想约你喝一杯，我认为你现在很需要酒精放松一下。

QBU-191How about this... When you see this video, come and ask ME out for a drink, okay?等你看见这段视频了，来主动找我喝酒怎么样？

433Alright, get the next one in.好了，下一个进来吧。

Boys AT RifleThe queue outside is getting crazy long. What if the Commander finds out about this?外面已经排得水泄不通了，会不会被指挥官发现？

QBU-191I'll go and manage the queue.我去疏导下队伍吧。

The recording is a little hectic, the audio sometimes a bit muffled, and figures keep walking across the frame between the subject and the camera. It is, all in all, a crudely made video recording.录像的画面和声音都有些混乱，还时不时有人影路过镜头前。 总体是制作有些粗糙的视频。

But even so, the Commander watches the entire recording with a smile.即便如此，指挥官也一直微笑着，看完了漫长的录像。

Bang! A second shot smashes another server machine next to Shimamura.砰—— 第二枪，击碎了岛村孝身边的服务器。

CommanderAnything else you'd like to say?你还有什么想说的吗？

Takashi ShimamuraHumans are incapable of building Utopia. Greed, violence, foolishness, selfishness... are all qualities ingrained in your DNA. This is your only tangible opportunity of creating your ideal world.人类是不可能建造出乌托邦的，贪婪、暴力、愚蠢、自私……是刻在人类基因里的东西。 这是你唯一能触碰到的，打造出你理想世界的机会。

Takashi ShimamuraIt is not too late to change your mind yet. However, if you destroy the last server machine, you will condemn yourself to suffer eternally like Sisyphus.现在一切都还能挽回，但等最后一台服务器也被损毁，你将成为永恒的西西弗斯。

CommanderIf that is to be my fate, then I accept it.如果这就是我的命运，我接受它。

Bang!砰——

Sundown at World's End 世界尽头的落日

...In a street near the residential area in Sector 2Z64. No. 322 looks up and stares at the clock tower, which has always been out of order, in bemusement.……2Z64区，居民区附近的街道。 322号有些迷惑地抬起头望向一直停滞的钟楼——

It has started ticking again.它开始重新转动了。

No. 322Something just doesn't feel right today...今天总感觉哪里不太对劲……

Boys AT Rifle...Hey, Multi. Long time no see.……小万，好久不见。

No. 322Oh, hello, comrade. Welcome! The canteen is running full steam ahead right now~ On today's menu, we've got boiled potatoes, shredded potato stir-fry—哦，同志您好，欢迎光临，食堂正在火热营业中~ 今天的菜单有蒸马铃薯、清炒土豆丝——

Boys AT RifleWakey-wakey.该醒了。

Clatter— No. 322 drops the menu she was holding up.啪嗒—— 322号手中高举的招牌砸到了地上。

No. 322What just flashed past my eyes...?刚刚闪过的画面是什么……

Cabbages blooming like water lilies in bone broth, a fabulous dish made of 18 ingredients... Astounding culinary ideas explode in her neural cloud, and a new universe is born.白菜在高汤灌溉下如莲花般绽放、置入十八种食材的一坛佳肴…… 美食的奇点在她心智中爆炸，新的宇宙诞生了。

...In a supply warehouse in the Ministry of Plenty, Sector 2Z64. A petite figure is burrowing in the warehouse, searching frantically for something.……2Z64区，富足部，物资仓库。 一个小小的身影将自己埋进仓库中，疯狂地翻找着什么。

No. 387Where is it... Where has it gone?! The familiar interface... the familiar feel in my hands... I must've seen it somewhere!在哪里……到底去哪了？！ 那熟悉的界面熟悉的手感……我一定在哪里见过！

QBU-191TPS.TPS。

No. 387...Huh? No. 388?……诶？388号？

QBU-191It still hasn't come back to you?还没完全想起来吗？

Ibis hands a brand new game cartridge to TPS.鹮将一张崭新的游戏卡带递给TPS。

QBU-191A gift from the Commander.这是指挥官给你的礼物。

TPS takes it in a daze...TPS呆呆地接了过来——

...At the café in the residential area, Sector 2Z64. The café is empty in the late afternoon. Springfield serves up a glass of earl grey gin cocktail that she has just mixed on the bar.……2Z64区，居民区，咖啡厅。 空无一人的午后，春田将刚调制好的伯爵金特调摆上吧台。

Springfield... I've mixed the drink that they like. But I don't know if they'll be coming today.…… 那个人想喝的酒我调好了。 但不知道那个人今天会不会来呢。

Leaning against the bar and propping her chin in her hand, Springfield watches the sun set slowly outside the window.靠着吧台，春田支起头看向咖啡厅外缓缓下沉的夕阳……

...In an unknown region in Sector 2Z64. 433 and Purin are sitting on the roadside. The sun exudes its final rays in defiance as it sinks into oblivion.……2Z64区，未知区域。 HK433和普林坐在街边，太阳散发着最后的余威，不甘心地向下坠落。

Just like this virtual world, which is floating in mid-air.就和这漂浮在空中的虚拟世界一样。

Purin EsakiWhy don't you go with them and wake everyone up?你不去和她们一起把大家叫醒吗？

433They can handle it themselves.有她俩就够了。

Purin EsakiAlright.好吧。

Purin looks toward Sector 2Z64 in its state of collapse. Entire buildings are falling apart as if they were melting in the sun.普林看向远方正在坍塌的2Z64区，那些从完整建筑物上散落开的残骸，就像是被夕阳融化了一样。

Purin EsakiLook, over there!你看那里！

433What is it?怎么了？

Purin EsakiThat's the Ministry of Truth, where I met you! It's now all crumbled, like cookies in a school bag!那是我遇见你的真理部大楼诶！ 现在碎得像书包里的曲奇饼干一样！

Purin EsakiThe Ministry of Love, where Miss Ibis works, is still standing. Oh, it's also starting to fall apart...鹮小姐工作的仁爱部大楼还在，哦，也开始碎掉了……

433Purin.普林。

Purin EsakiHm?嗯？

433The Major and her team have already logged out of Sector 2Z64 and returned to reality. Why are you still here?少校他们已经登出2Z64区回到现实了，你为什么不离开这里？

Purin EsakiUm...唔……

433You seem to be keeping a lot of secrets from me.你好像还有很多事没有告诉我。

Purin EsakiI'm still here because I can't go back, 433.因为，我已经回不去了啊，HK433。

...Back in the real world, in the command room at Griffin's base.……现实世界，格里芬基地，指挥室。

The Tachikomas are rummaging excitedly through the files shared by the Commander while muttering something about "parallelization" and "natural engine oil". The Commander scratches their head and looks over to the Major, who has finished her preparations.塔奇克马兴奋地翻找着指挥官共享的资料，嘴里还念叨什么“并行化”，什么“天然机油”，指挥官挠挠头，看向完成准备的少校。

Motoko Kusanagi...That's all for now, Commander. We should head back.……那么就到这里吧，指挥官，我们也该回去了。

BatouWe still have a lot of questions for Takashi Shimamura, things that we haven't quite figured out.还有很多没有弄清楚的事情需要审问岛村孝。

Batou taps the hard drive in which Shimamura's consciousness is stored.巴特拍了拍身边装有岛村孝意识的存储器。

CommanderWhat about Suzuka Mizukane...? Are we just keeping her here at our base like this?那水金铃鹿呢……就这样放在格里芬基地吗？

BatouShe should have a taste of amnesia. You look like you could use some help around here anyway.也该让她体验下失去记忆的感觉。 反正你这里看上去，正好需要一个强大的帮手。

Motoko KusanagiIt's too dangerous to have her and Shimamura together in one place. Separating them is the way to go.她和岛村孝一起出现太危险，能分开再好不过。

CommanderAlright. I've already said this once, but I would like to extend the invitation again... Your prosthetics will be preserved for as long as the Griffin base stands. You're very welcome to visit again if you get the chance.好吧。 之前已经告诉过你们，但我还想再诚挚地邀请你们…… 你们的义体格里芬基地会永久保存，有机会的话，欢迎常来。

BatouSure, let's go out for a drink next time.好的，下次再一起喝酒啊。

Motoko KusanagiDon't get your hopes up. We may meet again, or we may not.别抱太大期望。 或许还会见面，或许再也不会。

CommanderRight.嗯。

The Commander glances uneasily at the no longer functional AR equipment.指挥官有些不安地看向已经失效的AR设备。

CommanderAlso...还有……

Motoko KusanagiAbout Purin?普林的事？

CommanderYeah... Can she really not return from Sector 2Z64?嗯……她真的没有办法从2Z64区回到这里了吗？

Batou sighs.巴特叹了口气。

BatouShe's too reckless. After taking serious damage the first time we entered Big Brother's room, instead of undergoing repairs, she just had to return to the battlefield first thing. Then she went and came up with the crazy idea of combining the AI of 2Z64 with her own data just to achieve our aim. Now she's completely tied up with Sector 2Z64...她太乱来了。 在第一次进入老大哥的房间时被重创还不肯躲起来修复，非要第一时间重回战场。 为了达成目的，竟然想出来将2Z64的AI和自己的数据结合的鬼点子，这样就和2Z64区彻底绑定在一起了啊……

Motoko KusanagiYou're both reckless. One is trapped in Sector 2Z64, and the other can never return to Sector 2Z64 even if he shoots himself.你们俩都很乱来。 一个被困在2Z64区无法回到这里，一个干脆给自己一枪，再也不能去到2Z64区。

Motoko KusanagiDon't worry, at least we can guide Purin back to our original world. She'll just end up losing her memories of this place.别担心，至少我们能将普林引导回原来的世界。 只是她会失去在这边的记忆数据。

BatouI'll do my best to restore her.我会尽可能帮她还原的。

CommanderPlease give her my thanks. I haven't had the time to thank her properly.请帮我向她道谢，我甚至都没来得及和她说声谢谢。

BatouNo problem.没问题。

Motoko KusanagiThen it's time for us to go.那么，我们走了。

CommanderPlease take care.请保重。

The Major's and Batou's prosthetics become inactive.少校和巴特的义体进入了休眠状态。

After giving them a solemn salute, the Commander leaves the command room.指挥官郑重地致礼后，离开了指挥室。

Batou... Major, have you forgotten something?…… 少校，你还有什么事忘了吗？

Motoko KusanagiNo. I just have a sudden feeling that we may end up visiting this place quite frequently.没有。 只是突然感觉，或许以后我们会经常来到这个地方。

BatouWell, you know Purin. She'll nag us about coming here once she finds out about everything.以普林的性子，知道这一切后肯定会闹着来的。

Motoko KusanagiYou're right.说不定呢。

...In an unknown region in Sector 2Z64. Standing next to Purin, 433 gazes morosely at the faraway sunset. The setting sun, which was still so glorious just a moment ago, is now about the size of a cocoa bean.……2Z64区，未知区域。 HK433站定在普林身边，忧郁地望向远处的夕阳。 刚刚还余威不减的壮阔落日，现在已经缩小成了一颗巧克力豆大小。

Purin EsakiBoys and Miss Ibis have finished helping all the other Dolls log out.博斯和鹮小姐已经帮所有人形完成登出了。

433Yeah.是啊。

Purin EsakiAren't you going? The Commander must be waiting for you, no?你还不走吗？ 指挥官应该在等你们集合吧？

Purin EsakiDon't worry about me. The Major and Mr. Batou will bring me back safely. Just not all of me...不用担心我，少校和巴特先生会安全把我带回去的。 只是没那么完整而已……

Purin EsakiOh, I shouldn't have said that. You're looking even more upset...啊，说错话了，你的脸色更难看了……

433Purin, thank you for fighting with us till the very end.普林，谢谢你一路陪我们战斗到最后。

433Without you, we couldn't have made it home.没有你的话，我们或许到现在还没办法回家。

Purin EsakiWhy are you so serious all of a sudden? I don't know what to say... ...突然这么正经，我都不知道该说什么了…… ……

Purin EsakiLook, the sun is almost gone!快看！太阳要彻底落下去了！

Purin points toward the sunset in the distance.普林指向远处小小的落日。

Purin EsakiIt's quite wondrous if you think about it. There are countless stars in the universe, but not a single one can illuminate this world once the sun goes down.真奇妙啊，宇宙中明明存在无数星星，却没有一颗能在太阳落山后继续照亮这个世界。

433That's because the universe we're in isn't entirely static, homogenous, or infinite. Besides, we need to consider the effects of the expansion of space—因为我们所处的宇宙空间并不是完全静止、均匀和无限的，另外还要考虑到宇宙空间的膨胀带来的——

Purin Esaki...I'm being sentimental here!……我是在抒情！

433Oh, sorry.哦，抱歉。

Purin EsakiHaven't you ever wondered? Where does the sun go after it sets? Why does it give the world light then take it away so cruelly?你就没有好奇过吗？ 太阳下山后，会去哪里呢？为什么要给予这个世界光明，又残忍夺去呢？

433Once the sun sets here, it rises and lights up somewhere else. The Earth is round, after all.太阳下山后会去照亮别的地方，毕竟地球是圆的。

Purin Esaki... Forget it. I shouldn't be waxing poetic to you.…… 算了，我不该和你讨论这样的话题。

433Also, I don't think the sun takes away the light it gives the world. At least not all of it.另外，我不认为太阳会夺走它赐予世界的光明。 至少没有全部夺走。

Purin EsakiOh?嗯？

433Thanks to sunlight, grass grows from the soil, young leaves burgeon on branches, and cats can laze around licking their new-grown fur... Sunlight brings the world new life. These don't get taken away when the sun sets.阳光让小草从土里钻出来，让嫩芽从树梢间长出，让猫咪慵懒地舔舐新生的毛发…… 阳光带给了世界新的生命。 而这些，并不会因为日落而被夺走。

Purin EsakiProof that the sun has shone here, huh...太阳来过的痕迹啊……

The last ray of sunshine fades away, leaving darkness behind.最后一缕阳光消泯于世间，将黑暗轻轻留下。

Purin EsakiThank you, 433. Thank you for humoring me with this whimsical discussion before my time is up.谢谢你，HK433，总算在最后的时刻说了些不那么正经的话。

Purin EsakiI should get going. Say goodbye to the Commander for me.我该走了，也帮我和指挥官道别吧。

433Okay...嗯……

433 mutters to the airy darkness.对着轻盈的黑暗，HK433喃喃自语。

433When the sun has set, I will remember the traces that it leaves behind and wait for it to rise again.太阳落下了还会升起，我会记住阳光留下的痕迹，等待太阳再度升起的。

...Back in the real world, in the command room at Griffin's base.……现实世界，格里芬基地，指挥室。

CommanderYou're back at last.你终于回来了。

433Sorry to have kept you waiting, Commander.指挥官，让您久等了。

Commander... Is Purin gone?…… 普林已经离开了吗？

433Yes, she said goodbye.嗯，她托我向您告别。

CommanderWe really owe her a great deal...总感觉亏欠她很多啊……

433I hope we'll get to make it up to her.希望有机会能弥补上。

CommanderSo do I.但愿吧。

433 picks up her adjutant's logs with a smile.HK433微笑着拿起副官记录文件。

CommanderNow let's get on with our work.那么我们开始工作吧。

433Right, let's start with Miss Persica's lab. I have received hundreds of complaint messages from her.好的，先从帕斯卡小姐的实验室开始吧，我已经收到了她的上百条投诉信息。

CommanderI've just sent someone to fetch her...我刚派人把她接回来……

433On an unrelated note, for some reason, the cafeteria has made a heap of procurement requests for food ingredients. The total price tag is pretty horrific...另外食堂不知道为什么提出了一大批食材的采购申请，总价非常恐怖……

433The depot has also made procurement requests for new supplies. TPS demands a special logistics system dedicated to entertainment purposes...仓库那边也提出了新的物资采购申请，TPS强烈要求建立专门的物流线路用于娱乐……

433Next up—还有——

433Commander, are you listening? Commander?指挥官，你在听吗？ 指挥官？

The Commander is slumped on the chair, already missing those listless days with nothing to do.指挥官瘫倒在椅子上，已经开始怀念起无所事事的日子了。

Through the Looking-Glass – END.【镜扉的永恒】END.

...In Persica's lab.……帕斯卡的实验室。

PersicaWhat the hell?! I got kidnapped out of the blue for a few days, and now that I'm back, everything is wrong! My material quantities are wrong, all my equipment is in the wrong place, even my coffee machine is off! When is the goddamned Commander finally gonna come?!该死的！我被莫名其妙绑架了几天，回来一切都不对了！ 材料数量不对，设备的位置不对，连我的咖啡机也不对了！ 天杀的指挥官怎么还不来？！

Whirrrr... The sound of some device turning on interrupts Persica's griping.嗡嗡嗡—— 某种设备的启动声打断了帕斯卡的抱怨。

PersicaMy God, another thing has gone kaput!我的天，又有什么东西坏掉了！

Persica clambers through the mess and approaches the device that has randomly activated.艰难地从一片狼藉的陈设中穿过，帕斯卡靠近了莫名启动的设备。

Persica...Why is it running a frame-sculpting program? Terminate. ...……怎么在执行素体制作程序？ 立刻终止。 ……

PersicaI can't terminate it?! Who's using my equipment?!失败了？！是谁在用我的设备！

Ding! Process completed.叮—— 进程完成。

A familiar-looking girl slowly sits up in the machine.一个有些眼熟的少女从机器中缓缓坐起。

Purin EsakiHello, nice to meet you! My name is Purin Esaki!你好，初次见面，我叫江崎普林！

Purin EsakiOh, here's my profile—啊，这里是我的档案——

Purin EsakiMa'am?! Are you alright?女士？！你没事吧？

Persica has passed out on the floor.帕斯卡已经倒地不起了。

Campaign 64: Breakthrough · 64-EXT-1 Campaign 64: 突围 · 64-EXT-1

HintWhen thermo-optic camouflage is active, your forces will not be detected by normal enemy units. Please time its utilization sensibly.我方梯队处于光学伪装状态中时可以避免被敌方的普通单位警戒，请合理地选择时机使用。

Campaign 64: Breakthrough · 64-EXT-2 Campaign 64: 突围 · 64-EXT-2

HintThermo-optic camouflage is ineffective against special enemy units. Please keep that in mind and observe any changes in their detection area carefully.请注意，光学伪装无法对敌方的特殊单位完全生效，请注意及时观察其警戒范围的变化。

HintAdditionally, the Tachikoma has the ability to detect thermo-optic camouflage.此外，塔奇克马拥有伪装侦测的功能。

HintOnce activated, all enemy units within a one-node radius from the target node will have their thermo-optic camouflage nullified. This can be very helpful in exposing hidden enemies, so please utilize this feature sensibly.选择发动后，根据所选位置以目标点为中心，周围一格范围内的敌人都将失去光学伪装的效果。 此有助于发现潜伏中的敌人，请合理地加以应用。

Campaign 64: Breakthrough · 64-EXT-3 Campaign 64: 突围 · 64-EXT-3

HintThe enemy has also adopted thermo-optic camouflage. Enemy units with active thermo-optic camouflage will be difficult to spot from a distance.请注意，敌人也开始使用光学伪装功能了。 距离我方单位较远的敌人进入光学伪装状态后将难以被观测到。

HintAdditionally, certain skills that target selected nodes will also be rendered ineffective.此外，部分选取路径点释放的技能也将受到影响变得不可使用。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.