Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 少女前线 › Events
Butterfly Nebula
蝴蝶星云
52 chapters · 2948 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.
Open in the Elmo Library readerChapters
- 73-A-2
- 73-A-4
- 73-A-6
- 73-A-8
- 73-A-10
- 73-A-12
- 73-A-14
- 73-A-16
- 73-A-18
- 73-A-20
- 73-A-22
- 73-A-24
- 73-E-2
- 73-E-4
- 73-E-6
- 73-D-2
- 73-D-4
- 73-D-6
- 73-H-2
- 73-H-4
- 73-H-6
- 73-D1-Attack
- 73-D1-Begin
- 73-D2-Begin
- 73-D2-Win
- 73-D3-Attack
- 73-D3-Begin
- 73-D4-Attack
- 73-D4-Begin
- 73-D4-Win
- 73-E1-Attack
- 73-E1-Begin
- 73-E1-Win
- 73-E2-Attack
- 73-E3-Attack
- 73-E3-Begin
- 73-E3-Win
- 73-EXT-1
- 73-guide-special1
- 73-guide-special2
- 73-guide-special3
- 73-guide-special4
- 73-H1-Attack
- 73-H1-Begin
- 73-H2-Attack
- 73-H2-Begin
- 73-H3-Attack
- 73-H3-Begin
- 73-H4-Begin
- 73-H5-Attack
- 73-H5-Begin
- 73-H5-Win
73-A-2 无光的区域
Read this chapter with voices →The Dark Zone, Kamona.卡莫纳，暗区地带。
It is a world with countless rules, yet ruled by none.一个有无数规则，却也没有规则的世界。
CommanderYou've been following us down two blocks. Why don't you show yourself?跟了两条街，还不出来吗？
In the eastern part of the Dark Zone lies a run-down town. Pedestrians are few and hurried; bullet holes scar the crude buildings—a silent testament to the town's poverty and lawlessness.暗区东部的一个破败小镇，街上行人稀少，大多行色匆匆；简陋的建筑上偶尔还可以看到些残留的弹孔，昭示着镇子的贫穷与混乱。
A weathered woman steps out from her hiding spot and approaches cautiously.一个略显沧桑的妇人从藏身之处走了出来，小心翼翼地上前。
WomanExcuse me... are you special operatives?请问，您是特遣队员吗？
She bows nervously as she addresses the Commander, who is clad in full combat gear with a rifle strapped to their back.妇人紧张地躬着身子，询问眼前背着枪、穿着全套作战服的指挥官。
CommanderI am.是。
WomanThank goodness! Please... you have to help me! Please save my son!太好了！求您帮帮我，救救我的孩子！
The woman drops to her knees and lunges to throw her arms around the Commander's leg.妇人闻言大喜，猛地跪到地上想去抱住指挥官的腿。
The Commander swiftly steps back, chambers a round, and levels their gun at her head.指挥官却快速后退闪开，从腰后取枪上膛，对准了妇人的头。
CommanderBack off.退后！
Woman...Ah! I-I mean no harm!……啊，这……我没有恶意。
WomanI'm sorry. I heard special operatives take all kinds of requests in the Dark Zone. I just want you to save my child. His name is Tony...对不起，我听说特遣队员们能接暗区里的一切委托。 我只是想请您救救我的孩子，他叫托尼……
CommanderHeard from where?听说？
WomanA relief doctor in town. She came from a big hospital in Marulos.是镇上的援助医生，从马尔洛斯的大医院来的。
WomanShe said if I found someone armed and in combat gear but bearing no insignia, they'd be a special operative, and they could help...她说找到带着枪、穿着作战服，身上却没有任何标志的人；他们就是特遣队员，可以帮我……
WomanI'm sorry... I didn't mean to trouble you.对不起……我不知道这样会给您带来困扰。
CommanderIn the Dark Zone, one can't be too cautious around strangers... Get up.在暗区，对陌生人保持警惕总是好事……你先起来。
The Commander stows away their weapon, but still keeps a careful distance from the woman. They scan her hands and coat for any concealed weapons.指挥官把枪收了回去，却依然小心与女人保持着距离，注意着她的双手和可以藏枪的衣袋。
CommanderTalk. Maybe I can help.说说吧，或许我可以帮你。
Late at night. At a makeshift camp in the eastern Dark Zone.深夜，暗区东部，某临时营地。
GangsterAll the "cargo" sent out yet?“货”都送出去了吗？
GangsterAll but the new kid. The rest are at the port. Boat leaves in two days.除了这个新到的小子，别的都送码头了，后天开船。
GangsterKeep a close watch. Things have been tense lately—盯紧点儿，最近不太平——
GangsterWho's there?!什么人！
Suddenly, the silence is broken by the dogs' barking. One of the guard curses and grabs his rifle.原本安静的营地突然响起猎犬的示警，值守的黑帮骂咧咧提起了枪。
GangsterGo check it out.出去看看。
In the darkness, pounding footsteps and ragged breathing can be heard.黑暗中，凌乱的脚步伴随着急促的呼吸。
Tony(Pants) I-I can't run anymore...呼，呼……不行，我跑不动了……
CommanderKeep going! Don't stop!跟着我，别停下！
Not far behind, four or five gang members are sweeping the area with flashlights. Two guard dogs start barking wildly.不远处，四五个黑帮打着手电正在搜捕。两只猎犬突然狂吠起来。
GangsterOver here!在这儿！
Beams of light converge at once. The two fleeing figures are caught in full view.几道手电光同时射来，奔跑中的二人变得无处遁形。
CommanderDown!趴下！
The Commander yanks the boy beside them to the ground as a burst of bullets rips overhead.指挥官把旁边的少年拽倒，一梭子弹从他们的头顶扫过。
GangsterStop!停！
GangsterCareful, we still need that "cargo" in one piece.小心点，别把“货”打坏了。
A man who appears to be in charge stops his subordinates from firing. He gives them a hand signal, and four men start circling toward the target.一个看上去像是头目的人制止了手下的扫射，打了个手势，四人朝着目标围去。
Behind a haystack, the boy is curled beneath the Commander, his eyes wide with panic.草垛后面，一个少年被护在身下，眼中的惊慌掩盖不住。
TonyWhat now?怎么办？
CommanderShhh...嘘……
No answer. The Commander gestures for silence, then edges to the right, using the haystack as cover. Suddenly—没有回答，指挥官示意少年噤声，而后悄悄移动脚步，借助草垛的掩护移动到右侧，突然——
Bang!“呯——”
GangsterF*ck! Over there!*！这边！
Bang!“呯——”
The Commander drops two of them in quick succession, then dives and rolls behind a nearby truck as bullets throw sparks into the night.指挥官迅速解决掉两个敌人，然后一个翻滚移动到另一侧的货车后，子弹追在后面在夜色中爆起一串火花。
GangsterServe them some Molotovs! Let's give 'em a show!上燃烧弹，给他们点颜色看看！
Their position is completely exposed. Two gangsters are closing in from either side. The Commander is out of options.位置已经被暴露，指挥官无路可退，眼见两个黑帮已经包围上来。
BOOM!“轰！——”
Smoke from the explosion clears to reveal the boy's stunned face. His right arm is still frozen mid-throw.爆炸的烟尘散开，草垛后露出少年不敢置信的脸，右手还保持着投掷的姿势没收回来。
TonyIt... it worked?!成……成功了？！
The commander steps out from behind the truck, still holding an unused smoke grenade. They kick one of the fallen gangsters, checking for signs of life. Nothing. They wave at the boy.货车后，指挥官走了出来，手中握着还没来及拉开的烟雾弹，踢了踢旁边倒下的黑帮，确认对方没有反应后，朝少年挥了挥手。
CommanderWhere'd you get that grenade? Not bad, kid.哪里捡的手榴弹？干得不错！
CommanderCome on, search the bodies. Let's see what we can use.过来找找，看有什么能用的。
The Commander combs through the fallen gangsters' gear, making sure not to leave a single bullet or medkit. They lift a bulging backpack and toss it to the boy.仔细翻动着脚下黑帮的装备，确认没有漏下一颗子弹或药包，指挥官掂起一个已经爆满的背包，甩给旁边的少年。
CommanderHere. Catch.接着。
Clang.“咣啷——”
A sniper shot zips past, grazing the Commander's arm and slamming into the truck door behind them.不知从哪里射来一记冷枪，险险擦着指挥官的胳膊，击中了身后的车门。
CommanderGet behind the oil drum! Now!在油桶后面，隐蔽！
The boy drops the backpack and dives behind the vehicle, but he soon realizes that the Commander hasn't followed.少年迅速抛下背包，藏到车后，却发现指挥官没有跟过来。
TonyHurry—你快——
A second explosion drowns out his cry.爆炸的轰鸣打断了少年没说完的话。
Tony—over here...——过来……
Rustle. Crunch. The sound of military boots crushing grass.“沙”、“沙”……是军用皮靴踏在草地上的声音。
The boy picks up a rock from the ground and clutches it tightly. He counts silently. One step... two steps...少年从地上捡起一块石头，紧紧攥在手里，默默数着：一步、两步……
As soon as the footsteps cross the front of the truck, he leaps up and hurls the rock—在脚步声越过车头的那一瞬，少年猛地跃起，把手里的石头朝来者头上砸去！
TonyGo to hell!死吧！
CommanderHey! It's me!喂？喂，是我！
TonyHuh?!啊？！
TonyWhew... Sorry, you scared the hell outta me.……呼，对不起，吓死我了。
Seeing the Commander's face, the boy sighs in relief and tosses away the rock sheepishly. It clatters under the truck.看清了来者的面容，少年松了一口气，抱歉地扔掉了手里的石头，一脚踢到了车盘底下。
CommanderLet's move. Grab the pack and stay sharp. Bullets could come at you anytime.先走吧。带上包，保持警惕，随时可能有子弹射向你。
CommanderAlways remember—this is the Dark Zone.要记住，这里是暗区。
CommanderM32 tactical headset? This will do. Noise cancellation is mediocre, but the sound amplification is alright.M32战术耳机？这个能用，降噪一般，拾音放大的效果还行。
Traveling through the jungle on a rainy night with a burden in tow is not a good idea. The Commander finds a place to take shelter and begins sorting through the spoils in their backpack.雨夜带着拖油瓶在丛林中赶路并不是一个好主意。找了个可以避雨的地方，指挥官清点着背包里的战利品。
CommanderDidn't expect them to be this tough... This job will probably lose me money.没想到对方这么不好对付……这趟怕是要亏本了。
The boy hands over his own backpack.少年见状，把自己的背包递了过去。
TonyHere. Take these too.还有这些。
The Commander glances at the boy's mud-streaked face and malnourished arms, then lowers their head and continues packing.指挥官看了看少年沾了泥污的脸和营养不良的胳膊，低下头继续收拾。
CommanderI gave them to you, so just keep it.给你了就收着。
CommanderYour mother went to great lengths to get you out. She offered this much for this job.为了救你，你的母亲不少费心；这个委托任务，她开了这个数。
They hold up their hand to indicate a figure. The boy's jaw drops.指挥官伸手比了个数字，少年见状长大了嘴。
TonyWe don't have that kind of money!我家哪来这么多钱？！
CommanderI thought so too. She didn't look like someone wealthy.我也觉得奇怪，看她的样子不像有那么富裕。
CommanderI was going to do this for free, but she insisted on following the rules... Now tell me, how did the Sewer Rats end up going after you?本来我想免费跑这一趟，但她坚持要按规矩办事……说说吧，你是怎么被硕鼠帮盯上的？
TonyThe Sewer Rats? You mean the ones who kidnapped me?硕鼠帮？你是说抓我的那些人?
TonyI don't know. I was on my way home when someone knocked me out. When I woke up, I was already here.不知道。我回家路上突然被打晕了，醒过来就已经在这儿了。
TonyThere were others locked up with me at first, but they were taken away during the day... Said something about a transfer to the port.原本还有其他人关在一起，但白天都被拉走了，说要到送到码头去。
CommanderThe port...?码头？……
The Commander seems to be lost in thought as they go through the motions of cleaning their gun, with no intention of continuing the topic.指挥官似乎在琢磨着什么，机械化地擦着枪，没有继续这个话题。
TonyWhat's wrong?你怎么了？
CommanderNothing. Get some sleep. I'll keep watch.没事，好好睡一觉，我守夜。
CommanderWe'll get you home when the sun comes up.天亮，送你回家。
Early morning. In a town on the northern outskirts of Marulos, Eastern Dark Zone.清晨，暗区东部，马尔洛斯北郊小镇。
Tony excitedly throws open the front door of a dilapidated shack.一座看上去久未修缮的窝房前，少年托尼兴奋地推开家门。
TonyWe're here! Come on in!到了，快进来！
CommanderWait—等——
A harsh red stains the moldy floor. Inside the room, a middle-aged man and woman lie lifeless in a pool of blood.刺目的血红，淌满了霉迹斑斑的地面；房间里，一对中年男女倒在血泊中。
Tony stands rooted at the doorway, stuck in the motion of opening the door, his smile still frozen on his face.托尼维持着开门的姿势，刚刚的笑容还僵在脸上，一动不动地站在门口。
CommanderBack off!走！
Deaf to the world around him, Tony breaks free of the Commander's hand and rushes inside.完全听不到外界的声音，反应过来的托尼挣开指挥官的手，冲了进去。
TonyDad! Mom! ...Who? Who did this?!爸！妈！……是谁？谁干的！
The Commander lingers at the doorway, glances at the sunlit street, then back at the sobbing boy kneeling over his parents in the darkened room.指挥官站在门口，回头看了眼洒满阳光的街道，又看了看房间阴影里抱着双亲失声痛哭的少年。
With a sigh, they remove the newly-acquired tactical headset and step inside.叹了口气，指挥官摘掉了新捡的战术耳机，跟在少年身后进了门。
CommanderWe need to leave—我们先离开——
GangsterLeave?离开？
The door slams shut behind them.身后的门被关上了。
A group of gangsters emerge from the adjoining room, surrounding them.四五个黑帮从另一个房间走了出来，围住了两人。
GangsterGot the guts to scam me out of my money? You're bold, alright.我的钱都敢骗？胆子挺大啊。
Outnumbered and cut off, the Commander raises their hands to show that they mean no harm.敌众我寡，后路被挡，指挥官举起双手，示意自己没有敌意。
TonyYou killed them?是你杀了他们？
GangsterYour old man lost you at the gambling table and had you stolen back later. You should ask him—did he not see this coming when he came up with this scheme to hoodwink me?你爹在赌桌上把你输给了我，又让人偷回去。你该问问他，拿这招骗钱的时候，有没有想过会有今天。
GangsterCan you read? See for yourself.识字么？自己看。
A contract is thrown to the ground. Tony's hands tremble as he reads and rereads it, unable to believe what he sees. Then he suddenly rips it into pieces.一张合同被丢到了地上，少年的双手止不住颤抖，不敢置信般反复读了几遍，而后突然把纸撕成了碎片。
TonyNo! This isn't true! Dad would never do this!不可能！这不可能！爸爸他不会这么做的！
TonyMy mom... She hired someone to rescue me!对了，还有妈妈……妈妈她在找人救我！
GangsterYou mean this bitch?你说这个女人？
The gang leader prods the lifeless woman on the floor contemptuously with the tip of his boot. He pulls a droplet-shaped gold pendant from his pocket and tosses it in his hand.嫌弃地用脚尖指了指躺在地上的女人，黑帮头目从口袋里掏出一枚水滴形状的金坠子，在手里抛了抛。
GangsterTut-tut. She'd rather sell her son than pawn the gold to pay the debt... What a real piece of work. Hahahaha...啧啧，宁愿卖儿子都不拿金子去还债，也算是对狠角色了，哈哈哈哈哈……
His gaze shifts to the Commander, who is still standing with their hands raised.头目将视线转向少年身后还举着双手的指挥官。
GangsterI know the rules—you're just a paid merc doing your job; I shouldn't hold it against you... but you did hurt a few of my boys...我知道，按规矩，你们收钱办事，不该找你清算；但你也伤了我几个兄弟……
GangsterLet's make this easy for both of us. Leave your valuables and walk away.识相点儿，把值钱的留下，自己走吧。
CommanderFair enough...好说，好说……
The Commander slowly crouches down and slips off their backpack.指挥官缓缓下蹲，而后右手把包脱下，放到地上。
GangsterThat's more like it. No need to make this harder than it is—这就对了，没必要跟自己过不去——
CommanderTony!托尼！
At that very moment, Tony lunges forward, heedless of the guns around him, and sinks his teeth into the gang leader's leg.就在呼声响起的那一刻，托尼突然暴起，不顾周围的枪口，猛地咬上头目的大腿。
GangsterSon of a—! Pull him off me!*的！把他给我拉开！
Not wanting to kill the boy, the leader raises his gunstock to strike.不想真的把少年打死，头目举起枪托，砸向少年的脑袋。
At the same time, the Commander reaches for a flashbang on their chest rig.同一时间，指挥官把手伸向了胸前的弹挂。
SQUEEEEEE—“嗡…………”
A piercing sound fills the room.刺耳的声音响彻了整个房间。
GangsterDammit! Stun grenade! Ear pro off! Off, damn it! Don't let them get away! Freaking hell! You hear me?!*的！震爆弹，摘耳机！都摘耳机！别让他们跑了！*！都听得到吗！
Hauling the stunned boy, the Commander shoves the guard aside and barrels through the door.拉起失去行动能力的少年，指挥官在巨大的晕眩中撞开门口的守卫，朝外奔去。
CommanderFeeling better? Can you run on your own?好点了吗，自己能跑了？
After staggering for a bit, Tony slowly regains some orientation despite the lingering effects of the stun grenade. He plants his feet and scans the streets.跌撞着跑了一段，少年受震爆弹影响的方向感勉强恢复了一些，努力站稳，分辨着眼前的街道。
Tony...Yeah.……能。
CommanderSplit up. Lose them and regroup at the west-side ruins.分开走，甩脱后，城西的废屋集合。
TonyStay with me!一起！
CommanderNo time. I'll draw them off—GO!没时间了，我去引开他们，走！
With a firm shove, the Commander sends the boy running. They wait a moment until they see the gangsters coming after them in the distance.用力推了少年一把，确认他已经跑远，指挥官原地停了一会儿，直到看见远处黑帮的人追了上来。
GangsterGet 'em! Dead or alive!追！死活随便！
The Commander turns and sprints the other way.指挥官转身朝另一个方向跑去。
Night falls. After shaking off the pursuers, the Commander arrives at the agreed hideout in the west.入夜，指挥官甩脱了追兵，按照约定来到了城西的废屋。
TonyYou made it!你来了！
Tony is already inside, covered in dust and grime. He also got there somehow.托尼已经在里面等着，衣服上沾满了灰尘泥污，不知这一路是怎么跑来的。
CommanderNo one followed you?没人跟着吧？
TonyN-no...没，没……
The Commander steps in and carefully shuts the door.指挥官走了进来，小心地把身后的门关上。
Click.“咔哒”。
Commander!！
The door locks—from the outside.门从外面被反锁了。
TonyI'm sorry!对不起！
Tony drops to his knees and lowers his head to avoid the Commander's eyes.托尼哽咽着跪在地上，头低得埋了进去，不敢去看指挥官的反应。
Familiar voices sound from beyond the door.门外响起了熟悉的声音。
GangsterShouldn't have gone soft on you. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Light it up!放你一马你不识相，就没必要继续客气了。上！
There is a splash. A pungent smell seeps through the doorframe—gasoline.门外传来了泼水的声音。一股刺鼻的气味透过门缝钻了进来——是汽油。
TonyWait! You said you'd let me go!等等！不是说好放了我吗？！
TonyLet me out! Let me out!放我出去！放我出去！
Tony pounds the door. The Commander has already moved aside.托尼扑到门前，用力捶着不厚的门板，指挥官早已避开闪在一旁。
Shuk—the sound of a match being struck.“刺啦——”是火柴的声音。
Flames rise.火，着了起来。
TonyDammit!可恶！
Tony stumbles away from the burning entrance and sees the Commander calmly leaning against a table, watching him.托尼离开了着火的大门，转身看见指挥官正靠在一旁的桌子上，神色平静地看着他。
TonyDo something!你倒是想想办法啊！
The Commander eyes the panicking, pale-faced boy. For a moment, they consider saying nothing, but then they chuckle nonchalantly.指挥官看着手足无措、面色惨白的托尼，本想置之不理，但随后还是了然地笑了笑。
CommanderSave your energy. They're just waiting for us to break the door down. Cover your mouth, wait until they let their guard down—省点力气，他们就在外面等着我们破门。掩住口鼻，等他们放松警惕……
Before they can finish, gunfire erupts outside.指挥官的话没有说完，外面突然响起了一阵枪鸣。
Bang! The door bursts open.“嘭——”，门从外面被踹开了。
A young woman with long dark hair tied in a ponytail stands in the doorway. Four pale-haired girls are engaged in combat behind her.一个黑色长发、扎着马尾的年轻女人站在门口，她的身后，4名浅发女子正在与黑帮激战。
???Focus fire!准备集火！
GangsterBunch of busybodies...多管闲事……
The Commander studies the dark-haired woman. They don't recognize her, but the group's coordinated movements remind them of a name...目光收回到门前站着的黑发女人身上，指挥官确认自己从未见过她，但五人小组的行动风格让他想起了一个名字……
CommanderYou're...你们是……
???Now's not the time for introductions. Got a gun?现在不是自我介绍的时候，有枪吗？
She tosses them a UMP9 and joins the fray. Not bothering to check on Tony, who is still huddling in the corner, the Commander follows suit.黑发女子甩给指挥官一把UMP9，转身加入了战斗。指挥官没有理会还躲在角落的托尼，跟了上去。
The gang is routed, and the fire is extinguished. Inside, the group finally sits down to talk.周围的黑帮已经被清理干净，火焰也被扑灭，几人回到屋内坐了下来，终于可以安心讲话。
CommanderThanks for the save.多谢了。
CommanderIf I'm not mistaken... you're Task Force DEFY?如果我没有猜错……你们是忤逆小队？
The dark-haired woman raises an eyebrow but doesn't deny it.黑发女子闻言挑了一下眉毛，没有否认。
AngeliaName's Angelia.自我介绍一下，我叫安洁莉娅。
CommanderA five-operator strike team known for taking tough contracts together—widely respected in the Dark Zone, but also rarely seen.5个特遣队员绑定接单的固定队伍，完成过不少出色的案子，在暗区里颇有名气，也很鲜见。
AngeliaRarely seen? I suppose.鲜见吗？或许吧。
AngeliaWe were passing through, heard the Sewer Rats was after a civvie and a operator, so we tracked the trail... showed up just in time.我们路过这里，听说硕鼠帮在追杀一家平民和一个特遣队员，就跟着线索追来，恰巧遇见他们放火。
CommanderAnd thank goodness you did. I almost ate it right here.幸好你们来得及时，今天确实险些栽在这儿。
LuciaGetting locked in a one-exit room? Not typical of a seasoned merc.被锁入没有其他出口的屋子，这不像一个成熟的特遣队员会做的事。
RenateTaking a no-pay job? Not typical of seasoned operator either.去做没有报酬的任务，也不像是5个成熟的特遣队员会做的事呀。
AntjeSo, that's the abducted kid?所以这就是那个被绑架的孩子？
Tony stands quietly in the shadows under the light, trying to disappear.托尼此时正站在灯下阴影的角落里，努力降低着自己的存在感。
CommanderI'll let him explain himself.让他自己说吧。
TonyI'm sorry! I really had no other choice! Please forgive me!对不起，我真的没有别的选择，请您原谅我！
AntjeWhat's going on?这是怎么回事？
Tony throws himself at the Commander's feet, smacking his forehead against the floor. Then he slumps back in a daze.托尼反应过激地对着指挥官狠狠磕了几个头，随后失神落魄地瘫坐在地上。
TonyI just...我只是……
Tony...Wanted to live...想要活下去啊……
RenateSo that's why you got locked in. You don't seem surprised.看来被锁在屋子里的原因找到了。不过你似乎并不意外？
CommanderThe Dark Zone's like that, isn't it?暗区里的常事，不是吗？
The Commander shrugs. Erwin, who has been silent until now, suddenly plucks Tony off the floor by the collar.指挥官无所谓地摆了摆手；之前一直在旁边沉默寡言的艾尔文却把托尼拎了起来。
ErwinI'll teach him a lesson.我来给他点教训。
AngeliaErwin.艾尔文。
Erwin releases him. Tony stumbles behind the Commander, cowering.艾尔文松开了托尼的领子，托尼起身后踉跄着跑到指挥官身后躲了起来。
RenateYou're letting him go?打算就这么放过他吗？
CommanderLet it be.算了。
CommanderBetrayal, exploitation... might get him killed someday. Or maybe that's how you survive here in the Dark Zone.背叛、利用……或许有一天会要了他的命，但也或许这才是暗区里正确的生存方式。
CommanderI'm in no place to be his judge.我没资格给他做老师。
CommanderYou can go.你走吧。
Tony scans the Commander's face for signs of anger or disappointment, but he is utterly calm—like it's nothing new.托尼小心观察指挥官的神色，没有预想中被背叛的愤怒、失望，而是一脸平静，仿佛早已习惯。
The others watch on as he makes for the door wordlessly.没再多说什么，托尼在一行人的注视下朝门外走去。
After several paces, he suddenly stops. He looks conflicted and hesitant.几步后突然停了下来，似乎挣扎犹豫着什么。
Finally, he turns back and presses something into the Commander's hand.而后低头回来，从口袋里掏出了一个东西塞到了指挥官手里。
TonyI picked this up earlier. No idea where she got it from, but... my mom promised you a reward for saving me.这是我白天趁乱捡到的。虽然不知道她从哪儿搞来的，但我母亲答应过，这是你救回我的报酬。
TonyTake it.还给你。
Without meeting their eyes, Tony mutters quickly and flees into the night.托尼没有抬头看指挥官，语速极快地小声说完，转身离开，消失在了卡莫纳的夜色中。
The Commander opens their hand. A droplet-shaped gold pendant gleams faintly in the dim light.指挥官打开掌心，一枚水滴形的金坠子，在不算明亮的灯光下闪烁着璀璨的光。
CommanderI'm heading to Marulos next; got a job there. What about you all?接下来我要去趟马尔洛斯，有个任务。你们有什么打算？
Angelia shakes her head, not answering the question.安洁莉娅摇了摇头，没有正面回答这个问题。
AngeliaWe're done here. Maybe we'll meet again.既然事情已经了结，我们就先走了。有机会会再见的。
Commander...Take care.……后会有期，保重。
The Commander doesn't press further. Angelia and the rest of Task Force DEFY gather their gear and take their leave.并没有再去多说，指挥官目送安洁莉娅与忤逆收拾好装备，告辞离开。
At the door, Angelia pauses.走在最后的安洁莉娅在门口停下了。
AngeliaOh, one more thing.对了，还有一件事。
CommanderHm?嗯？
AngeliaBetrayal and exploitation may be the norm here... but having teammates still beats being alone.虽然背叛和利用确实是暗区的常事，但不可否认，有队友的感觉还是比一个人要好。
She turns, waving goodbye.安洁莉娅转过身去，摆了摆手权当告别。
Ahead of her, Erwin is adjusting her gear in silence, Antje is consulting a map, and Renate has an arm thrown lazily over Lucia's shoulder.在她的身前，艾尔文沉默地理着弹挂，安提娅找出地图为大家看路，而蕾娜特的胳膊则轻松地搭在露契娅的肩上。
CommanderHeh...哈……
With a wry chuckle, the Commander glances at their watch.自嘲地笑了笑，指挥官抬手看了看表。
CommanderStill plenty to do tonight...今晚还能做很多事啊……
The next day.转天。
Town ResidentDid you hear? Someone hit the Sewer Rats's villa by the river—tore the place apart! Serves 'em right!听说了吗？硕鼠帮在河边的那个别墅被人端了。真是大快人心！
The town has been bustling with gossip since the morning. Everyone is discussing the skirmish that took place the night before.小镇一清早便开始沸沸扬扬，都在讨论昨天夜里的那场冲突。
A masked operative passes by the crowd unnoticed.人群旁边，一个头戴面巾的特遣队员恰好路过。
Town ResidentWhoever did it... I hope they don't get caught. Otherwise... sigh.不知道是谁干的，希望他不要被发现，否则……唉。
One hand in their pocket, the Commander toys with a string of metal tags—stamped with the Sewer Rats's insignia.指挥官左手插在口袋里，把玩着里面穿成串的金属铭牌，铭牌上印刻着硕鼠的标记。
CommanderToo bad... job's done, but the client didn't make it...可惜，任务完成，委托人却不在了……
They adjust the gold pendant around their neck, tucking it deeper into their collar, and smiles wanly as they walk toward the crowd.把颈间那枚水滴形的金坠子又往里藏了藏，指挥官苦笑着摇了摇头，向人群走去。
CommanderExcuse me, how do I get to Marulos?请问，马尔洛斯怎么走？
73-A-4 扮演盲目
Read this chapter with voices →The city of Marulos—an important hub in the eastern Dark Zone. Being in close proximity of both seaport and canal, its strategic transport connections draw all kinds of people chasing opportunity.马尔洛斯城，暗区东部重镇，临近海港、运河，四方发达的交通条件吸引了各色人员在此寻找机会。
VendorHey, just finished a mission? Brought back anything good? I'll buy whatever you've got.嘿，刚出完任务？带回来了什么好东西，我这儿什么都收。
CommanderEmpty-handed this time. Maybe next run.白忙一场，下次再关照您生意。
VendorNo goods? Then take a look at this fresh batch of gear. Fair prices, and it'll help you take down a few more bastards next time.没货？没货你看看我这儿新到的装备，价格公道，保你下次出去多做掉几个家伙。
The Commander nods a polite thanks to the vendor and continues forward. On their left, two men are kicking someone pinned to the ground.点头谢过推销的商人，指挥官一路向前，左手边两个男子正把一个人按在地上猛踹。
ManYou dare steal my gun? You've got a death wish?老子的枪也敢偷？不想活了？
Downed ManN-no, please! Just lend me one, I'll take on a job! I swear I'll pay you back, double, triple!别，别打了，借我一把枪，我去接委托，我保证双倍、三倍还给您！
ManFor f*ck's sake! A loser like you's just gonna get killed and hand the reward to someone else.*！你这孬种，出去也是送死便宜别人。
Turning another corner, the Commander spots two heavily armed operatives sitting on a stairwell, cracking open a can of food.又拐过一个路口，楼梯上两个全副武装的特遣队员正坐着开了个罐头。
Special OperativeThat last client was so stingy. Promised us ten thousand Koens but gave only eight.这次的委托人真黑，说好的一万柯恩币，只给了八千。
Special OperativeDon't dwell on it. It's hard to find work these days.算了，现在活儿不好找。
Two more streets. As the Commander approaches an intersection, they suddenly stop and duck behind a column.又穿过两条街；经过路口时，指挥官突然刹住脚步，一个闪身藏到了廊柱后面。
GangsterStill no trace of whoever hit the outpost up north?端了北郊据点的那人还没找到？
Two armed men walk past, deep in conversation, weapons bulging under their coats.前方走来两个正在交谈的男子，腰后鼓鼓囊囊，带着武器。
GangsterNope. Heard it was some operative. (Spits) If that bastard dares show their face in Marulos, we'll get 'em sooner or later.还没，听说是个特遣队员，呸！只要他敢来马尔洛斯，早晚落到我们手里。
After the men disappear down the road, the Commander slips out from behind the column and heads quickly toward a nondescript building at the end of the street.看两人走远，指挥官从藏身的廊柱后转了出来，快步朝道路尽头一个不起眼的房子走去。
It is an old warehouse that has been unused for some time. The lights are off, so it's impossible to see what's inside.这是一个久未使用的仓库，黑着灯，看不清里面有什么。
CommanderThis is the right address... Hm?地址是这儿没错……嗯？
The Commander pauses, spotting a large cardboard box to the left.注意到左侧那个巨大的纸箱，指挥官顿下了脚步。
Click. A warm light flickers on above, casting a soft glow—and a round little shadow—by the box.“啪嗒”，头顶的灯被打开了；暖白色的灯光在纸箱旁投下了一个圆滚滚的影子。
???Uh...啊……
A girl with her hair in high buns stands up behind it, backpack slung over her shoulders, looking annoyed.一个丸子头少女背着包不情不愿地从纸箱后站了起来。
???This place is terrible for hiding!这里根本就没办法藏人嘛！
CommanderCome on out.出来吧。
???What?你说什么？
From the top of a nearby shelf, a black-clad girl flips down lightly, landing without a sound.右侧的货架顶上，一个黑衣少女翻身跃了下来，轻巧落地，没有发出太大声音。
???How did you spot me?你是怎么发现的？
???There's another one?!还有一个？！
???I saw you come in.我是看着你进来的。
???You really thought a bag that big would be hidden behind a box? I've got the footage~这么大一个包，还想藏在箱子后面，真不知道怎么想的，我都拍下来了哦~
She smugly waggles a camera in her hand.黑衣少女得意地晃了晃手上的相机。
???You! ...I was hidden just fine until they suddenly flipped on the lights... Who are you people?你！……我原本藏得好好的，都是他突然开灯……你们是谁？
The dusty warehouse falls into tense silence as the three size each other up.落满尘灰的仓库里，三个人彼此打量着。
KuroI'm Kuro. From your look, you're both operatives too?我是卡萝。看打扮，都是特遣队员？
The girl with the high buns nods.丸子头的少女点了点头。
MitylMityl.米蒂尔。
MitylAn anonymous client contacted me two days ago and told me to be here today to take a job.前天一个匿名委托人找到我，让我今天来这里，接一个任务。
KuroSame here.我也是。
CommanderMe too. But I wasn't told there'd be others—一样。但我并不知道，这个任务还有其他人——
Female VoiceYou're all here. Allow me to introduce myself—I'm the contractor for this mission.都到齐了。自我介绍一下，我是这次任务的委托人。
A radio sitting on a cloth-draped box blinks red, active with the woman's voice.仓库中间盖着布的箱子上，一个对讲机闪烁着通讯中的红光。
Female VoiceI need the three of you to work as a team. Your task is to deliver the cargo to Northridge.我希望你们三人组队完成这次委托，帮我把货送到北山。
Her sudden voice echoes sharply through the cramped space. The three gather around the box, eyes wary and uncertain.突如其来的声音在狭小的仓库形成回响，三人围到箱子前，彼此对视，眼中都带着警惕与怀疑。
Kuro steps up and grabs the radio.见没人回答，卡萝主动上前，抓起了对讲机。
KuroYou didn't say there'd be other people.之前没说还有其他人。
Female VoiceThe cargo is... a bit unusual. Look under the cloth, just below the radio.要送的货物有一些特殊，对讲机下面有个箱子，你们把布掀开。
Kuro pulls off the white dust cover, revealing a large rectangular container.卡萝一把掀起了旁边的白色防尘布，一个长方形的箱子露了出来。
MitylThis big?!这么大？！
The box is over a meter long, and nearly half as wide and tall. Definitely not something one person can handle alone.箱子足有一米多长，宽、高不到半米；一个人搬运起来确实有些不便。
Female VoiceAs you can see, transport is best done with three. This is based on our risk assessment.如你们所见，要转移的货物有一些大，三人合作是我们评估后的最佳选择。
MitylAnd the reward? We still split the same pay three ways?那酬金呢？也要三个人分？
Female VoiceYour individual reward stays the same. As promised.酬金不变，和之前说好的一样。
The Commander, who has been silent until now, inspects the box closely. Titanium alloy shell. Two advanced biometric fingerprint locks.一直没有说话的指挥官仔细打量着箱子，钛合金的材质，装了两块最先进的指纹生物锁。
CommanderWhat's inside?箱子里面是什么？
Female VoiceThat's not information you need.你们不需要知道。
The woman's voice is striking—devoid of emotion, as though trained to suppress it.女人说话的语调极具特点，不带一丝情绪起伏，像是被特殊训练过。
It echoes coldly from the radio, with an air of superiority.冷漠的声音透过对讲机传到狭小拥挤的仓库里，不经意地显露出高高在上。
Kuro stops peeking through the air vents and grabs the radio from the Commander.卡萝停止了从气孔里窥探箱子的行为，抓过指挥官手中的对讲机。
KuroHey! If you want us to work for you, try showing a little sincerity.喂！想让我们办事，最好拿出点诚意。
Female VoiceI assumed generous compensation already showed my sincerity.我以为，优厚的报酬已经展现了我的诚意。
MitylStill doesn't seem fair. We don't know who you are, or what's in the box.可是这不公平。你是谁、箱子里是什么，我们都不知道。
Female VoiceDo you really want to know?你们真的想要知道吗？
The three lapse into silence.对讲机前的三人沉默了。
Knowing more often means greater risk.知道的越多，往往意味着更多的危险。
The heavy locks are there to protect not only the cargo, but also the ones carrying it.箱子上难以打开的锁，保护的不只是里面的东西，也是护送它的人。
CommanderNo need.不必了。
Female VoiceDepart from this warehouse at 1900 hrs tonight. Deliver the box to the Northridge Hotel within 24 hours. Ensure the cargo remains undamaged—no gunfire, no heavy impact.今晚19点从这里出发，请在24小时内将箱子送达北山酒店，过程中务必保证箱子的安全，不可使之遭受枪击或猛烈撞击。
Female VoiceThink of the cargo as... a piece of fine porcelain.就当是……里面装了一个精美的瓷器。
Female VoiceGood luck.祝各位好运。
KuroWhy exactly do we have to wait until 1900 hrs?为什么一定要等到19点？
The radio stays silent.对讲机没有回应。
KuroHey! ...Hello?喂！喂？
Kuro, frustrated, hurls the radio to the ground.卡萝气急败坏地把对讲机摔到了地上。
KuroIf I find out who she is, I'll stink up her name across the whole damn Dark Zone.要是让我知道她是谁，我一定帮她宣传到整个暗区。
The Commander lifts the box slightly.指挥官仔细打量着箱子，伸手抬了抬。
CommanderAbout 60 kilos... We'll need transport.大概120斤……恐怕需要交通工具。
KuroNot a problem. I'll grab a vehicle. Stick to the main road and we'll make it by morning. We won't even need 24 hours.这个好办。一会儿去搞辆车来，沿公路开过去，天亮就该到了，根本用不了24小时。
CommanderI doubt it'll be that simple...恐怕没有这么简单……
MitylDo either of you know who she is?委托人是谁，你们知道吗？
Silence. No answer.仓库陷入了沉默，无人回答这个问题。
The Commander brushes the dust from their hands and heads for the door.指挥官拍了拍手上沾上的尘土，朝门外走去。
CommanderWe've got some time, we should go get ready. See you at sundown.现在还有些时间，各自去准备吧，傍晚再见。
CommanderLet's... try our best to work together.希望我们……合作顺利。
In a shabby little clinic in Marulos.马尔洛斯城，一个简陋的医疗所里。
???It's been a while.好久不见。
The room isn't large, but it's stocked with various medical supplies. Behind the table, a short-haired woman props up her chin and greets the Commander.不大的房间放着各式医疗用品，桌子后面，一个短发女人支着下颌，与指挥官打了个招呼。
CommanderIt's been a while, Evita.好久不见，艾薇塔。
The Commander takes off their backpack and dumps its contents onto the table—weapons, ammo, gun accessories... all strewn messily across the surface.摘下背包，指挥官把里面的东西倒在女人面前的桌上，武器、弹药、配件……杂七杂八铺了一桌。
CommanderThis is all I brought back from the last job. How much can I get for it?上次任务就带回了这些，能卖多少？
EvitaLet me see... 23k Koens.我看看……一共两万三科恩币。
CommanderThat's it? ...Oh, and this.这么少？……哦，还有这个。
The Commander pulls a droplet-shaped gold pendant from their pocket and hands it over.指挥官从口袋里掏出那枚水滴形的金坠子，递了过去。
CommanderDidn't make much on this one. The client was just an ordinary woman who heard that she could hire a special operative with money, so she came to me. Pity though...这单赚得不多，对方是个普通妇人，从别人那里听说可以花钱雇佣特遣队员，就找到了我。只是可惜了……
CommanderOh, and the one who told her that was a doctor. From Marulos, apparently. Do you know them?对了，告诉她这些的也是个医生，从马尔洛斯过去的。不知你认不认识？
Evita takes the pendant and gives her price without inspecting it closely.艾薇塔接过了金坠子，没有仔细打量便给出了报价。
Evita30k.三万。
CommanderYou're not even going to check the weight?不用看下重量？
EvitaNo need.不必了。
EvitaI heard you got on the Sewer Rats' bad side because of this job. They're hunting you all across the city.我有听说，你因为这个委托得罪了硕鼠帮，他们正在全城搜捕你。
CommanderYep, almost ran into them.已经撞见了。
Evita starts packing up the items on the table, then hauls out a crate from the shelf behind her.艾薇塔把桌上的东西收了起来，又从身后的货架上搬出一个箱子。
EvitaSame as always? Five E3 military medkits, three Liquid Painkillers, three standard surgical packs... That leaves you with 13,600 Koens.还是老样子？5个E3军用医疗包、3个浓缩镇痛剂、3个标准军用手术包……还剩一万三千六柯恩币。
As she speaks, she pulls out the supplies smoothly and efficiently.艾薇塔一边说着，一边熟练地从箱子中拿出药品。
Then, after a brief moment of hesitation, she grabs a white pill bottle from the shelf.犹豫了一下，又从货架上取来一个白色的药瓶。
CommanderI can't afford that.这个我可买不起。
EvitaIt's on the house.送你了。
EvitaYou should skip town for a while. Best take an assignment that gets you out of here.最近这段时间，不要留在马尔洛斯，最好找个外出的任务。
The Commander raises an eyebrow at that, tossing the pill bottle gently and catching it again.指挥官闻言挑眉，拿过药瓶向上抛了抛。
CommanderWho's backing the Sewer Rats? What have I done to earn a free bottle of EX Painkillers?硕鼠帮的背后是谁，能值得一瓶特效止痛药？
EvitaIt's Doss.多斯。
The Commander's hand freezes mid-air. The bottle slips, rolls across the table, and is caught by Evita.闻言，指挥官手上的动作慢了半拍，药瓶跌在桌上向外滚去，被艾薇塔按住。
EvitaDoss Anthony.多斯•安东尼。
EvitaYou know how the Antonio family has run things for generations in the Dark Zone. They're vengeful as hell, and you've crossed them... Best to prepare for the worst.你知道的，安东尼家族在暗区几代经营，睚眦必报。得罪了他们，还是多做点准备的好。
CommanderTake two of the medkits off the order.E3军用医疗包帮我减掉2个。
EvitaHm?嗯？
CommanderI'm running low on funds.手头拮据。
CommanderAnd you're absolutely right. At this rate, I should be spending more on ammo instead.你说的对，现在看来，我该去多买一点弹药了。
Evita doesn't take back the medkits. Instead, she pushes the whole pile toward the Commander.并没有取走医疗包，艾薇塔将桌上的东西推给指挥官。
EvitaForget it. I don't mind giving you two extra kits. Consider it a thank-you for completing all my past jobs so perfectly.算了，不介意再多送2个医疗包给你，当是感谢你完美完成了之前我的所有委托。
CommanderThanks.谢了。
EvitaSo what's your plan now?之后什么打算？
CommanderThere just so happens to be a mission coming up that'll take me out of town.刚好有个任务要去外面跑一趟。
CommanderI was still debating it, but I guess my options are pretty limited now...本来还在犹豫，可如今看来留给我的选择并不多……
The Commander takes the supplies and the remaining Koens, but doesn't head for the door.接过了对方递来的东西和找回的柯恩币，指挥官却没有要离开的意思。
EvitaHm?嗯？
CommanderYou never answered my earlier question.你还没有回答我之前的问题。
CommanderThe doctor who helped that woman back in the northern town—do you know them?在北面镇上支援，指点那个妇人来找我的医生，你认不认识？
Evita freezes for just a moment. Then a smile spreads across her face. She opens a drawer, pulls out a velvet box, and places the pendant inside. A perfect fit.艾薇塔面上僵住了一瞬，随后笑容从嘴角漾开，从抽屉里拿出一个丝绒盒子，把金坠子放了进去，大小刚好。
EvitaI knew I couldn't hide it from you.果然瞒不过你。
CommanderNext time you've got a job, just come to me directly.下次有委托，不用这么麻烦，直接联系我。
CommanderAfter all, I need all the money I can get to evade Doss' manhunt.毕竟没钱可逃不过多斯的追捕。
Waving a casual goodbye, the Commander turns and walks out.摆了摆手当做告别，指挥官转身离开。
Behind them, Evita stands silently at the table, her gaze unreadable under her long lashes.身后的艾薇塔立在桌前，眼神在长睫的遮挡下看不大清。
KuroSo what are we doing here?所以为什么我们会在这里？
1915 hrs, at the canal port in Marulos.19点15分，马尔洛斯城运河码头。
The warehouse is behind them now. The trio are carrying the large box, preparing to board the boat.已经离开了仓库，三人抬着箱子准备登船。
CommanderDeparture was set for exactly 1900 hrs... It just feels so fishy.指定19点出发，总感觉不大对劲。
CommanderWe're posing as smugglers hitching a ride north. Should be less trouble along the way.伪装成走私商人跟着货船北上，或许可以少一点沿途的麻烦。
MitylSmart. No one would expect us to take the water route.支持，谁能想到我们会走水路呢？
Mityl's eyes sparkle with barely-contained excitement. Her oversized backpack bounces with every step.米蒂尔身上背着她那个巨型背包，眼睛里的兴奋掩盖不住。
Kuro...You just think it sounds fun, don't you?……其实你只是觉得好玩吧？
MitylHmm... Well, their plan does sound more reliable.嗯……只是听上去他的计划确实更加妥当。
The three approach the freighter docked at the embankment. It is the only boat still lit at the port.抬着箱子，三人朝靠在岸边的货船走去；此刻的码头上只有那里还亮着灯。
CommanderRemember, we're merchants. That box is "cargo". Don't let anything slip.记住，我们是商人，箱子里是货物，不要露馅了。
MitylRelax and leave it to me—I'm great at this!放心交给我，这个我擅长~
ManThere they are!他们在那儿！
A shout rings out behind them, followed by the pounding of feet on pavement.伴随着一声呼喊，三人身后响起了杂乱的奔跑声。
Bang! The first shot hits a shipping container nearby.“咣——“第一枪子弹已经射到了旁边的集装箱上。
KuroTrouble already?麻烦找来了。
Kuro drops the box and quickly loads her weapon. She fires two shots in the direction that the bullet came from.快速上弹，卡萝放下箱子，循声朝子弹射来的位置点了两枪。
MitylWe just left! Wasn't the water route supposed to be safer?才刚刚出发，怎么这么快？不是说好水路更安全吗？
The port is mostly empty, with just a few containers piled about. The freighter is a few hundred meters away—far too close for a firefight to go unnoticed.码头空荡，只堆放着一些集装箱，几百米外就是货船，在这里交火很难不引起船员的注意。
CommanderWe don't know who they are yet. Don't expose your identity.还不清楚对方是谁，不要暴露身份。
CommanderMove! Into the warehouse!走，先进仓库。
73-A-6 不和谐音符
Read this chapter with voices →KuroHa, another one down.哈，又做掉一个。
In the warehouse by the port, cargo containers and shelves create a maze of cover. After hiding the crate and throwing a tarp over it, the trio launches a counterattack on their ambushers.码头边的仓库里，各种集装箱、货架组成了复杂的地形。将箱子藏起来用防雨布盖住，三人对袭击者展开了反击。
MitylWho are these people? They got here fast.他们是什么人？来得这么快。
CommanderThey're after the crate. Watch your left!冲着箱子来的。小心左边！
Without checking on her teammates behind her, Kuro vaults over the shelf and makes a break toward the front containers.没有管身后的队友，已经放倒两人的卡萝越过藏身的货架，奔向前方的集装箱。
KuroFire!火力，发射！
To her left, an enemy is driven back by a burst from the Commander.在她左侧，一个刚露头的敌人被指挥官连射逼了回去。
MitylShe's charging in on her own...? Hey, you!她怎么一个人往前闯……欸，你！
Before Mityl can finish, the Commander uses the lull in enemy fire to dash to the right.米蒂尔话音未落，指挥官已经趁敌人隐蔽停火的间隙冲向了右边。
MitylOne forward, one right—shouldn't you at least try to coordinate?一个前，一个右，你们都不商量商量吗？
Gunfire erupts from both flanks. Torn between helping either side, Mityl grits her teeth and runs for the stairs.两个方向同时响起了猛烈的交火声，米蒂尔左右为难，一咬牙，转身跑向了楼梯。
From the second floor of the warehouse, the railing offers a wide view over most of the ground level.仓库二楼，透过栏杆可以以更高的视角俯瞰一楼的大半区域。
MitylOne, two, three, four, five, six... No, four left.1、2、3、4、5、6……不，还剩4个。
A grenade from Kuro and a clean sidestep-and-shoot from the Commander have thinned the numbers.伴随着卡萝扔出的手榴弹，和指挥官的一个侧身点射，场内还剩下4个敌人。
Mityl sets up her rifle behind a crate.米蒂尔在木箱后架好了枪。
Bang! ...Missed.“呯——”……没有打中。
Bang! ...The shot bursts a water pipe in front of the Commander, spraying a high-pressure stream.“呯——”……打爆了指挥官前方的水管，水流激射而出。
With their vision blocked, the Commander darts backward, avoiding a string of bullets fired through the mist.视线被挡，指挥官闪身回撤，避开了对面射来的一串子弹。
MitylOops... My bad.啊……对不住。
Mityl whispers an apology that the Commander can't hear. Having exposed her position, she flips over the crate to seek new cover.小声念叨着对方听不到的道歉，米蒂尔的位置已经暴露，翻身去找下一个掩体。
Gunshots ring out all over the warehouse, accompanied by smoke grenades and the occasional crash of a collapsing shelf.一时间仓库里四处都有枪声，时不时某个角落冒起烟雾弹的白烟，或是撞倒整排货架，噼里啪啦，好不热闹。
MitylPhew... All clear, at last.呼，总算都解决了。
After a stretch of silence confirms that the threat is gone, Mityl exhales and rushes downstairs.一段时间的平静后，确认这里不再有敌人，米蒂尔松了口气，跑下了楼。
MitylYou two okay? Anyone hurt?你们怎么样？受伤了吗？
Back by the crate's hiding spot, she shrugs off her oversized backpack that's wider than she is and slams it down, fishing out all kinds of medical supplies.跑回藏匿箱子的货架旁，米蒂尔从身后摘下了那个比她还宽的背包，重重放到地上，从里面翻出了各种医疗用品。
KuroI'm fine, though I almost died.我是没事，不过差点就被害死了。
CommanderSorry. I didn't expect that grenade to drive him right into your line.对不住，我也没想到那枚炸弹会把他逼到你那边去。
KuroForget it. Lucky for you, my movement was flawless.算了，幸好我的走位无可挑剔。
With the crate safe and undamaged, the three start sweeping the battlefield.确认了箱子安然无恙，没有被混战波及，三个人开始打扫战场。
Mityl reluctantly tosses away an enemy's assault rifle, pries out the magazine and stuffs it into her pack.米蒂尔遗憾地丢掉从敌人身上搜来的突击步枪，不舍地拆下弹夹强塞进了背包的缝隙里。
KuroThat thing still has room? You sure you can carry it?你的包竟然还能装？背得动吗？
Kuro tries lifting Mityl's backpack, but gets yanked down immediately by the weight.卡萝尝试性提起米蒂尔那个巨大的背包，却被猛地坠了一下。
Kuro...Impressive.……佩服。
CommanderHm?嗯？
The Commander picks up the rifle that Mityl has discarded and straps it to their own pack.指挥官拾起了被米蒂尔丢在旁边的突击步枪，绑在了自己的包上。
KuroYou're also scavenging now?你也开始捡垃圾了？
Hoooooooonk—“嗡——”
The freighter outside blares its horn—it is about to set sail.外面的货船开始鸣笛，提示着这趟旅程即将起航。
CommanderLet's move. Get to the ship.走吧，先上船。
CaptainWhat's your business? You're not on the passenger manifest.干什么的？名单上没有你们。
At the gangplank, a middle-aged man stops them. Judging by his size, he hasn't missed many meals running this ship.登船的艞板上，一个中年男人拦住了带着箱子的一行三人，从体型上来看，跑船让他没少吃到油水。
CommanderCaptain, please do us a favor and give us a lift.船长先生，行个方便，带我们一程。
The Commander discreetly slips something into the captain's hand. He rubs it between his fingers, then pockets it without a word.一边说着，指挥官将什么东西塞进了对方手里；船长放在手里捻了捻，直接塞进了口袋。
CommanderWe're moving a crate up to Northridge. You know how bad the roads are these days.我们要带箱货去北山，您知道的，现在路上不太平。
CaptainWhose crew are you with?你们是谁手底下的？
The bribe has smoothed the tone, and the Commander leans in to whisper a few words.收了东西，船长的语气好了许多，指挥官凑过去耳语了几句。
CaptainThe Sewer Rats? I didn't hear anything. Who are you people?硕鼠帮？我没收到消息。你们到底是谁？
The captain's face darkens again. Two sailors behind him raise their guns. Mityl stops Kuro from reaching for her own and puts on a near-tearful expression.船长的脸色再次坏了下来，身后两个水手拿枪对准了三人。米蒂尔按住了卡萝要去摸枪的手，摆出了一个快要哭出来的表情。
MitylI told you not to steal from the boss. What do we do now?我就说不要偷老大的货吧，这下怎么办啊？
MitylIt was such a huge shipment that came in, we thought nobody would notice if a small amount went missing, but we haven't been able to get it out at all.新进了这么一大批货，本来以为悄悄偷一点不会被发现，可现在根本运不出去啊。
MitylCaptain, I beg you, please don't tip off our boss. We'll return the stuff right away.船长，求求您行行好，不要告诉我们老大。我们这就把东西还回去。
With no rehearsal at all, Mityl jumps straight into the act. Her sobs stun everyone for a moment. Behind her, the Commander gives a subtle thumbs-up.一切都是没有彩排过的，米蒂尔说哭就哭，一时间看呆了众人，指挥官悄悄在身后比了个赞许的拇指。
CaptainYou stole this?你们偷来的？
Commander...Yes. We just wanted to make a little side money. The bosses eat well while we don't even get scraps. We got greedy.……是，我们就想赚点小钱。平常老大们吃肉，我们这些小角色汤都喝不上几口，这才动了心思。
CommanderHere are our tags. Look, the Sewer Rats' logo. You can't fake that.您看，这是我们的铭牌，上面烙印的硕鼠标志绝对做不了假。
The captain examines the metal tags, checking the engraved symbol. After a hushed exchange with his first mate, he hands them back.船长接过了指挥官递过去的金属铭牌，仔细检查着上面的帮派徽记，又和身后的大副小声讨论了几句，把铭牌还给了指挥官。
Captain500k Koens.五十万柯恩币。
Mityl500k?! The cargo isn't even worth that much! Couldn't we...五十万？我们的货也没那么值钱，能不能……
Captain500k, not a coin less. Call it fare... and hush money.五十万，一分不能少，算是路费和……封口费。
He gives them a "you get it" look. Kuro pinches her thigh to resist the urge to pull a gun.船长对三人使了个“你懂的”的眼色，不大的眼睛和眉毛挤在了一起；卡萝掐了一把自己的大腿，克制住了自己掏枪的冲动。
Commander...Fine. Mityl?好！米蒂尔……
The Commander doesn't have that much cash on them. They turn toward Mityl for help.身上并没有这么多钱，指挥官转身向米蒂尔求救。
Mityl...What, me?!……我？！
Mityl...O... okay...……………………好……好吧。
After a long internal struggle, Mityl pulls out a gold block from the innermost compartment of her "Bag of Holding" and hands it over reluctantly.经过了漫长的犹豫，米蒂尔从身后摘下了她那百宝箱一样的背包，从最里面的夹层里取出一块金子，不情不愿地递给了船长。
MitylMeals are included, right?船上包饭吧？
The cramped lower deck of the freighter reeks of mildew. The walls are stained with mold.货船底层的狭小船舱里，阴暗潮湿，发霉的痕迹爬满了墙壁。
Mityl500 grand and this is the kind of accommodation we get...五十万就住这儿啊……
After checking for bugs or hidden mics, the Commander signals Kuro to help hide the box behind some cardboard boxes.检查了各处角落是否有窃听之类的可疑设备，指挥官示意卡萝一起把箱子藏到了一堆纸箱后面。
CommanderAt least it's safe. You really saved us back there.至少这里还算安全。刚才多亏了你。
KuroYou reacted fast. It's almost like you'd turned into a different person.确实，你的反应好快，像变了个人一样。
MitylI'm great at mimicry. I can even do voice impressions.我可是很擅长模仿的，我还会变声呢。
Mityl"Allow me to introduce myself—I'm the contractor for this mission." How does that sound?“自我介绍一下，我是这次任务的委托人”。怎么样，像不像？
Mityl mimics the voice from the radio earlier with uncanny accuracy. Kuro whistles in admiration.米蒂尔模仿着几个小时前，在对讲机里听到的委托人的声音；惟妙惟肖，让卡萝啧啧称奇。
KuroWhoa! That sounded just like her! What do you think?像！简直一模一样！你说呢？
Kuro glances at the Commander, who has fallen silent.卡萝看向旁边一言不发的指挥官。
CommanderI have a feeling I've heard that voice before...总觉得这个声音还在哪儿听过……
MitylUgh... You think we can get reimbursed for the 500k Koens?唉……你们说，这五十万能找委托人报销吗？
KuroAsk when we finish the job.你可以到时候问问。
MitylWe're not even sure who our client is or how open they are to negotiation.也不知道委托人是谁，好不好说话。
KuroWouldn't even show her face—doesn't seem like someone to mess with.拿个对讲机也不露面，我看不是什么好惹的角色。
MitylWho were those people at the port? We'd barely just set off when they jumped us. That intel moved fast...码头上的那批人是谁？我们刚出发就被盯上了，消息也太快了……
The Commander unstraps the new rifle that they have just picked up.指挥官从包上解下了那把刚刚捡来的突击步枪。
CommanderThis rifle has been modified—shorter barrel, lower recoil, reduced range. It's more suited for tight spaces, but also harder to control...这把枪被改装过，缩短了枪管的长度，削减了后坐力和射程，提高了在紧凑地形里的适用性，同时也更难控制……
CommanderWhoever they were, they're trained. Not your average thugs...对方恐怕训练有素，不是普通人……
MitylNot average... You don't mean Blackgold Universal?不是普通人……黑金国际？
KuroHey! Don't say scary stuff like that!喂，你能不能不要提这么恐怖的东西。
CommanderWe can't rule it out. In the Dark Zone, only a few factions could field a squad like that.确实不能排除这个可能。毕竟在暗区，有能力打造一支精兵小队的势力也并不多。
KuroDidn't stop us from mopping the floor with them though, did it?还不是被我们打得落花流水？
CommanderBlackgold Universal is one of the biggest PMCs in the Dark Zone. If they're after this box...黑金是暗区最大的雇佣兵组织之一，如果他们的目标也是这个箱子……
Commander...We're in trouble.我们怕是有麻烦了。
Silence fills the cabin. All three stare at the damned box. Mityl gets up and throws a few more cardboard boxes over it for good measure.船舱一时陷入了沉默，三人盯着这个要命的箱子，米蒂尔起身，不放心地又给它盖了两个纸箱。
KuroTry to be optimistic.乐观点儿。
KuroFrom what I've heard, Blackgold has bigger plans. They should be too busy to bother with nobodies like us.从我掌握的消息来看，黑金国际最近会有大动作，应该没空理会我们这种小角色。
KuroI heard their Abyss Squad left their base recently. Probably on some big op.前些天听说，黑金的深渊小队离开了原本的驻地，像是要有什么行动。
MitylEveryone in the Dark Zone knows—when Abyss moves, the sky changes.整个暗区都知道，深渊一动，天就要变了。
MitylIs that supposed to make me feel optimistic?这真的是个能让人乐观起来的好消息吗？
The cabin goes quiet again. Mityl gives up trying to further camouflage the box.船舱再次陷入了沉默，米蒂尔也放弃了继续隐藏箱子的无用功。
KuroAnyway, enough gloom. The leader of the Abyss Squad, Hecate—I heard she got reported by her subordinate the other day.欸，别说这个了。深渊小队的那个队长，黑卡蒂。我听说她前些天被一个下属越级举报了。
MitylHow do you know everything?你怎么什么都知道？
Kuro grins and waves a communicator in her hand. The Commander notices that she has never put it down since they met.卡萝得意地笑了起来，手里挥舞着一个通讯器。指挥官注意到，从见面伊始，她的手上就总是抓着这个东西。
KuroInformation is everything! In the Dark Zone, there are no secrets from me!消息就是一切！暗区在我眼里，没有秘密！
MitylGot any intel on our contractor, then?那你有没有关于委托人的消息？
Realizing she's hit a sore spot, Mityl quickly pivots.意识到自己说错了话，戳到了对方的痛处，米蒂尔赶忙转移话题。
MitylUh... so! Hecate. That Abyss Squad she leads has always been Blackgold's sharpest blade, right? Why would someone report her?呃……还是说说黑卡蒂，她带的深渊小队不一直都是黑金的尖刀部队吗？战绩这么好，为什么会被举报？
KuroMaybe because she's TOO good...没准就是因为太好了……
KuroWhatever. We'll reach the drop-off point by tomorrow morning at the latest.算了不管了，按现在的速度，最迟明天上午就可以把箱子送到。
KuroAnd after that? What's your plan?在这之后呢，你们怎么打算？
MitylI...我……
CommanderLet's finish the job first. It feels too early to talk about later.等做完再说，总觉得现在说这些还太早。
KuroCome on! Show a little faith in your team, would you?喂喂喂，给你队友的能力一点信任好不好？
KuroBack in the warehouse, I took out seven—seven! Hey... are you even listening? Back then I shot down...刚刚在仓库，我做掉了7个，7个！喂……你有没有在听我说话啊，当时我一个点射就……
CommanderTeammates, huh...?队友吗？……
???Next time, would you still entrust your life to someone else?如果还有下次，你还敢把命交到别人手上吗？
The freighter's horn blares again, cutting off Kuro's incessant chatter and the Commander's reminiscence.货船再一次鸣笛，打断了卡萝的喋喋不休和指挥官的回忆。
CommanderThey're underway.起航了。
73-A-8 何处吹来的风
Read this chapter with voices →The freighter glides steadily along the canal linking Marulos to the mines. The gentle current and clear moonlight suggest a rare stretch of good weather.货船平稳地行驶在这条连接马尔洛斯与矿区的运河上，平缓的水流和皎洁的月色，昭示着这是一个不错的好天气。
Kuro stays in the cargo hold, watching over the box. Mityl goes off to scout the boat's layout, leaving the Commander alone on the deck.卡萝留在货舱守着箱子，米蒂尔去探查船舱地形，指挥官一个人来到了甲板上。
Bridge, masts, lifeboats... The Commander carefully surveys the deck, taking mental notes.船楼、桅桁、救生船……指挥官仔细探查着甲板的地形。
???Your recon is a little too obvious, don't you think?你的踩点会不会太直白了些？
Leaning casually against the railing is a girl in a suit, her posture relaxed... and completely at odds with the tense atmosphere of the Dark Zone.围栏边倚靠着一个身穿西服的少女，姿态放松，与暗区紧绷的氛围格格不入。
The Commander pretends not to hear, appearing captivated by the shimmering moonlight over the water at the bow. But their peripheral vision is locked on the girl's right hand, which is hidden behind her back, as they check for any sign of a weapon.指挥官假装没有听到，似乎是被船头水面上的粼粼月色吸引了，余光悄悄打量着少女藏在身后的右手，观察是否有藏着武器的可能。
???Is there someone else on board besides us?除了我们，这里还有其他人吗？
CommanderYou talking to me? Sorry, I thought I misheard.你是在喊我？抱歉，我以为自己听错了。
???Your acting is as terrible as always.你的演技真是一如既往的拙劣。
CommanderAs always...? Have we met before?一如既往？……我们以前认识吗？
Feigning nonchalance, the Commander leans against the railing nearby, careful to keep a meter between them, with a thick bollard conveniently positioned as cover, just in case.指挥官假装放松地靠在了旁边的围栏上，小心地和少女保持了一米的距离，中间隔着粗壮的船墩，像是有备无患的掩体。
???...This is the first time I've seen you in the Dark Zone.……这是我第一次在暗区见到你。
CommanderSounds like you've seen me somewhere else?听上去你还在其他地方见过我？
???No. Forget it. Who are you?没，不用在意。你是谁？
CommanderIsn't that a bit of forward of you? I thought passengers on this kind of trip were not supposed to ask such personal questions.这个问题是不是有些冒昧了？我以为这条船上的乘客都应该心知肚明，不要打探彼此的身份。
Under the Commander's watchful gaze, the mysterious girl finally brings out her hidden right hand.在指挥官紧张的注视下，神秘少女从身后伸出了藏着的右手。
BelugaName's Beluga.认识一下，白烨戈。
BelugaA... special operative.一个……特遣队员。
Commander...You really don't follow any rules, do you?……你还真是不按常理出牌。
The Commander wipes their hand on their pants, preparing to shake—but Beluga suddenly pulls hers back.把手在裤子上擦了擦，指挥官准备与突然出现的神秘少女握手，对方却突然把手缩了回去。
Commander...?？
BelugaWe've got company.有人。
The Commander follows her gaze. In the pitch-black forest on either bank of the canal, faint headlights flicker between the trees.指挥官顺着少女的目光望去，运河两岸原本黑沉沉的树林深处，似乎亮起了隐约的车灯。
BelugaI've got no time to waste. There's something on this boat that shouldn't be here.我不想浪费时间，船上有些不该在这里的东西。
Feigning confusion, the Commander crosses their arms and denies it flatly.面上不动声色，指挥官下意识地双手环抱在胸前，矢口否认。
CommanderI don't know what you're talking about—你说什么？我听不懂——
Clang!“咣——”
Commander!！
A disheveled man stumbles barefoot out of the lower deck, crashing into a pile of junk on the deck.一个衣衫褴褛的男子光着脚，踉跄地从船舱中冲了出来，去势太快，猛地撞上了甲板上堆积的杂物。
CaptainCatch him!把他给我抓回来！
The captain's furious roar follows, with several crew members charging after the man and quickly locking onto their target.伴随着船长愤怒的咆哮，三五个船员跟着追了上来，很快便锁定了目标。
Commander...What's going on?……这是？
ManMove aside!让让！
The fleeing man rushes toward the railing, scrambling up and making to leap into the river.逃跑的男人直接朝最近的栏杆扑来，一个翻身爬了上去，作势就要往河里跳。
CommanderHey! That's dangerous!欸！危险！
The Commander lunges forward and grabs him, trying to pull him back, but the man keeps struggling toward the edge.就在近旁，指挥官一把抱住了男人把他往后拉，但对方依旧不管不顾地想要跳下船去。
Beluga stands with her arms folded, quietly watching the chaos unfold.白烨戈双手抱臂站在一旁，静静地看着眼前的这出闹剧。
CommanderJumping into the river at night—are you trying to die?夜里跳河，不要命了吗！
With the Commander holding him back, the crew finally catches up and pins the man to the deck with difficulty.跳河的男人被指挥官拦住，几个船员趁机追上，四手八脚地把男人按在了地上。
ManLet go of me! Let go!放开我！放开！
He thrashes violently, nearly throwing three crewmen off, until the captain kicks him hard in the head twice. The man finally goes still.男人拼命挣扎，三个船员险些制不住他；直到船长在他的头上愤怒地踹了两脚，才安静下来。
CaptainHmph. Drag him back down and keep a close eye on him.呼，把这小子押回去，给我看牢了。
The crew ties him up tightly with rope, grabbing him by the neck loop and dragging him back into the hold, cursing all the way.几个船员找来绳子，把男人五花大绑起来，抓着他颈后的绳结，骂骂咧咧地把他往船舱里拖。
The Commander catches a dull flicker in the man's eyes and blocks the crew for a moment.注意到男人眼里的光逐渐淡了下去，指挥官拦住了正在拖人的船员。
CommanderWait. What the hell is this?等等，这是怎么回事？
CaptainPardon us. Just a runaway cattle.见笑了，不小心放了匹牛马跑了出来。
TonyThere were others locked up with me at first, but they were taken away during the day... Said something about a transfer to the port.原本还有其他人关在一起，但白天都被拉走了，说要到送到码头去。
CommanderYour ship runs that kind of cargo too?您的船还做这些生意？
CaptainHeh. People are more profitable than goods. No cost, you see. You get it, right?哈，走人比走货利润大，毕竟人不要本钱，你说是吧。
The Commander's expression stiffens, but they force a smile.指挥官面上僵了一下，而后抽动嘴角挤出个微笑。
CommanderYou're right.你说得对。
Even under a clear night sky, the canal is still part of Kamona—still the Dark Zone.即便晴夜下的运河让人短暂得到了平静，但这里依然是卡莫纳，是暗区。
CaptainWe'll be docking to load cargo soon. The deck has to be cleared. Please stay below for your own safety.等下船要靠岸上货，甲板要清场，还请两位待在船舱里不要出来。这也是为了两位的安全着想。
CaptainAfter all, the less you know, the longer you live.毕竟，知道得越少，活得越久嘛。
The captain signals his crew, and they drag the man below. The curses fade as they disappear inside. The captain nods at the Commander before following them.船长给手下使了个眼色，几人拖着男子进了船舱，咒骂声渐渐远得听不见了。船长朝指挥官点了点头，跟着离开了。
Silence returns to the deck. Only the Commander and Beluga remain. If not for the faint smear of red on the deck, one might think nothing had happened.甲板上恢复了平静，只剩下了指挥官和白烨戈两人，如果不是地面上的一抹鲜红，一切都像是没有发生过。
BelugaWhat's wrong?怎么了？
The cold voice slices through the quiet. The Commander glances again at the mysterious girl, who has appeared out of nowhere with a bit too much friendliness.冰冷的声音打破了沉默，指挥官再次打量起这个突然出现并示好的神秘少女。
Her hands are in her pockets. Her suit jacket flaps in the wind that has begun to stir.白烨戈的手插在口袋里，披着的西服外套在不知何时刮起的夜风中猎猎飞舞。
She's been standing like that since the man burst out—still, silent, observant.似乎从男子突然出现时，她就一直是这个姿态，没有动作，也没有说话。
The Commander glances toward the direction the man was dragged off, then shakes their head.指挥官看了眼男子被拖走的方向，摇了摇头。
CommanderNothing. It's windy. I'm heading back.没什么。起风了，我先回去了。
KuroYou were gone for quite a while.怎么这么久？
Back in the cabin, Kuro and Mityl have been waiting.回到了船舱，卡萝和米蒂尔已经等待多时。
MitylI've scouted most of the walkable areas. Some parts are guarded, but the crew isn't heavily armed. Looks like a standard smuggling boat.可以走动的地方我都探查得差不多了，不少地方有船员看守，但武装不强，看上去就是艘普通的走私船。
MitylWhat just happened on deck?甲板上是什么情况？
CommanderWell...刚刚……
KuroWhat? People?!什么？人？！
CommanderYeah, I'm afraid this ship really is in that line of business.嗯，这艘船恐怕确实做着这种生意。
Mityl fiddles with one of the buns on her head.米蒂尔挠了挠自己头上的丸子。
MitylI saw a crewman delivering food to the bottom deck just now. Judging by his attitude—super impatient—I bet it was for the people they've got locked up.刚刚我在船舱的最底层看到一个船员在送饭。看他的态度，十分不耐烦，可能就是送给被抓起来的人的。
KuroDo you remember where exactly?你还记得在哪吗？
MitylYeah, it was the rearmost section of the lowest deck.记得，就在最下面靠近船尾的地方。
The three of them fall silent for a moment.说完这几句，三个人陷入了短暂的沉默。
Newly met companions. A perilous journey. A sudden turn of events...刚刚认识的同伴、危机四伏的旅途、突如其来的意外……
Outside, wind begins to pick up. The river grows restless. The ship rocks, and the hooks hanging from the ceiling beams clink against each other in a strangely musical rhythm.可能是外面刮起了风，河水变得急了起来，船舱随着摇摇晃晃，挂在横梁上的几根钩锁碰撞出清脆的乐律。
The three of them glance around at each other, probing, with carefully concealed anticipation in their eyes.三个人彼此打量着，眼中带着试探，和一丝被小心隐藏的期待。
KuroI mean... why don't we drop the act already?我说……要不都别装了。
KuroYou two couldn't stand it either, right?你们其实也看不下去对吧。
Mityl doesn't reply, but her eyes light up with surprise and agreement. Her face relaxes, the tension fading, and a smile breaks through.米蒂尔没回答，但眼中漾出了惊喜与认同，原本因为紧张而绷紧的表情放松下来，控制不住地嘴角上扬。
Both girls now look at the only one still withholding their opinion—the Commander.两个少女齐齐看向唯一没有表态的指挥官。
Commander...Yeah, but—……是，但——
KuroThen that's enough!那就可以了！
Kuro cuts the Commander off, spinning her communicator once in her hand, then adjusting her cap with a practiced motion.卡萝打断了指挥官的话，熟练地把通讯器在手中转了一圈，向上推了推自己的帽子。
KuroI don't usually like sticking my neck out, but if you two are also in... Hey, what's with that face?虽然我平常不喜欢多管闲事，但既然你们都想去做……喂，你这是什么表情？
KuroYou're surprised by how we reacted?我们的反应很让你意外吗？
CommanderI... No, I mean—!是……不，不是！
The Commander bites back what they almost blurted out.指挥官收回了差点脱口而出的话。
KuroHmph.哼。
MitylI am surprised, though.我确实很意外啊。
MitylI haven't met people like you in the Dark Zone in a long time.好久没在暗区遇到像你们这样的人了。
MitylI almost feel like thanking the client, for getting us together like this...我有点想要感谢委托人了，让我们可以聚在一起……
Faced with Mityl's sincere gaze, Kuro opens her mouth but can't find anything to say. Embarrassed, she spins her communicator again.面对米蒂尔诚恳地看着自己的眼神，卡萝张开口却不知道说什么，只能尴尬地把通讯器又转了两圈。
KuroActually...其实……
Bam!“嘭——”
The freighter bumps against the dock, its starboard side striking with a dull impact that shakes the cabin. Kuro exhales, visibly relieved.货船靠岸，右舷与码头产生的撞击让船舱轻微一晃。卡萝如释重负。
KuroWe've stopped?船停了？
CommanderYeah. The captain said they're loading cargo and cleared the deck of anyone not involved—嗯，船长说要装货，让甲板上的人全部回避——
The Commander suddenly halts mid-sentence.指挥官突然停了下来。
Footsteps echo outside the door, steady and rhythmic. The confined space of the cabin amplifies every sound.门外传来了一阵规律的脚步声，密闭的船体空间让声音放大，显得格外清晰。
All three of them hold their breath. Their hands reach instinctively for their weapons.船舱里的三人屏住呼吸，手已经放到了枪上。
Thump, thump. Thump, thump... The sound is precise. It's more than one person.“蹬、蹬；蹬、蹬…… ”脚步声规律整齐，来的不止一人。
Thump, thump. Thump, thump... The steps are right outside now. Kuro suddenly leans toward the crack in the door.“蹬、蹬；蹬、蹬…… ”声音已经来到了门外，卡萝突然凑到了门缝上。
Click. A weapon is cocked. The footsteps stop. The three of them raise their guns.“喀嚓”，是枪上膛的声音，门外的脚步声停了；三人提起了武器。
WomanWhat is it?怎么了？
ManNothing. False alarm.没什么，听错了。
The regular footsteps resume, slowly fading away toward the end of the corridor.规整的脚步声重新响起，越来越远，逐渐消失在了船舱尽头。
MitylYou scared the hell out of me.你吓了我一跳。
KuroThere's a rose crest... on their rifle buttstocks.玫瑰纹章……他们的枪托上刻印着玫瑰纹章！
MitylWhat are you talking about?你在说什么？
CommanderDoss Anthony. The rose is the crest of the Antonio family.多斯•安东尼，玫瑰是安东尼家族的族徽。
MitylDoss is after the box too?多斯也想要这个箱子？
The Commander grimaces a bit sheepishly.指挥官面上露出了一丝尴尬。
CommanderNot sure. But... I had a bit of a run-in with them not long ago...不确定。事实上，前不久，我和安东尼家族发生了一点小摩擦……
KuroYou pissed off the Antonio family for a single client? Should I be saying "of course you did"?为了一个委托人得罪多斯？！是不是该说“不愧是你”。
Commander...Sorry.……对不住。
CommanderI can step down from the mission. I won't drag you into this.我可以退出任务，不会连累大家。
KuroSnap out of it. They're after the box.清醒一点，他们是冲着箱子来的。
MitylYeah, Kuro is right. A single operator wouldn't warrant all that muscle from the Antonio family.嗯，卡萝说得没错，一个特遣队员不值得安东尼家族兴师动众。
The Commander, who has already stood up, hovers awkwardly for a moment before moving to inspect the box.指挥官原本已经站了起来，此时不知道要不要重新坐回去，只能略显尴尬地去查看起了箱子。
MitylIn any case, our job is to get this box to Northridge. No one's backing out!总之，我们要一起把箱子送到北山，谁也不能走！
KuroThey don't have a lot of people. We could take them out on the boat.他们人数不多，不如直接在船上做掉。
Kuro draws a finger across her neck in a slicing gesture.卡萝在脖子上比了个“咔嚓”的姿势。
CommanderNo.不行。
CommanderThere's no retreat on the water. We don't know if there are others lying in wait... Better to back off for now—the mission comes first.水面上没有退路，不知是否还有别的敌人潜伏在侧……还是退一步，任务要紧。
MitylI agree.我同意。
Kuro...Fine. We'll let them off this time.……算了，这次先放过他们。
Reluctantly conceding, Kuro puts her gun away and starts sorting her gear.不情不愿地接受了现实，卡萝把枪收了回去，开始整理自己的弹挂。
KuroIncendiaries, spare mags...燃烧弹、弹夹……
MitylHere, take this.这个给你。
KuroHuh?哈？
Kuro looks surprised as Mityl hands her a medkit and some painkillers.卡萝看着米蒂尔递给自己的医疗包和止痛药，有些诧异地张开了嘴。
MitylWhy don't you carry any meds? Here, take mine.你为什么一个药包都不带？喏，拿我的。
Apparently unused to situations like this, Kuro accepts the gesture but doesn't know where to put it—her gear rig is already packed with ammo.似乎是第一次处理这样的情况，卡萝接过了米蒂尔的好意，却找不到地方放；弹挂里已经被她装满了弹药。
KuroThanks, but I'm used to it. If I don't have meds... I'll just knock out the enemy and take theirs!谢谢，不过我都习惯了。没有药的话……就把敌人打趴下，从他们的身上拿！
She hands the kit back, scratching her head.卡萝将药包还给了米蒂尔，挠了挠头发。
CommanderOnce the boat sets sail again, we lower the lifeboat from the stern and slip away under cover of night.等船重新起航，我们就趁着夜深，从船尾放救生船下去，悄悄离开。
MitylSounds good.好。
KuroSure... But are we really just gonna leave?行。……不过，我们真的就这么走了？
MitylYeah. We might still have a bit of time.嗯，是不是还有一点时间？
A sigh escapes someone's lips—followed by a low chuckle.叹了口气，又在叹气后忍不住笑了出来。
The Commander looks at the two girls, now fully armed and visibly prepared for combat, and feels a strange mix of emotion.指挥官看着眼前这两个已经全副武装、时刻准备战斗的少女，心情复杂。
CommanderI know what you're both thinking. Let's split up...我知道你们在想什么，我们分头行动……
73-A-10 协奏
Read this chapter with voices →On the deck. Two girls, carrying a box about as tall as they are, crouch carefully in the shadow behind a fire escape.甲板，两个少女带着一个跟她们差不多高的箱子，小心躲藏在消防梯后的阴影里。
MitylWe're all set. Once the Commander meets up with us, we move.都准备好了，等指挥官会合，我们就出发。
MitylIt's been a while, and there's still no sign of them... Do you really think they can handle it alone?这么久了，还没回来……你说他一个人真的可以吗？
KuroDon't worry. Can't you tell? They're not ordinary person.不用担心，看不出来吗，他不是普通人。
MitylHuh?啊？
KuroI've heard of them before...我以前听说过他……
KuroYou gave the job to someone else?!委托给别人了？！
ClientSorry. They quoted me a lower price.抱歉，对方的开价更低。
KuroWe can lower ours too!我们还可以再降！
ClientA team like yours can't possibly undercut a solo operator like them.你们组队任务的报价不可能低过他，他只有一个人。
KuroThat job wasn't easy. I thought they'd fail since they were going solo, but they pulled it off. So I asked around.那个任务并不简单，听说对方只有一个人，我本来等着看笑话的。没想到他真的完成了，就打听了一下。
KuroThey're well-known among elite operatives. Jaw-droppingly high completion rate.他在顶尖特遣队员的小圈子里很有名，任务完成率高到吓人。
MitylThat's amazing!好厉害！
KuroAmazing? I don't see it...厉害？我看也就那样吧……
MitylKuro, you know everything! YOU are amazing!卡萝你什么都知道，好厉害！
Kuro?？
Turns out Mityl is complimenting her. Kuro awkwardly fidgets at the unexpected praise.没有想到米蒂尔竟是在夸自己，卡萝面上露出不自然的扭捏，搓了搓手。
KuroHeheh, it's no big deal. I also heard they used to...嘿嘿，小意思。我还听说，他以前……
Thud.“咚”。
Mityl & Kuro!！
Thud. There comes the soft sound again—something collides with the hull of the boat; several ropes fly up and latch onto the deck.“咚”。又是一声轻响，是船板碰撞的声音；几根套索紧跟着被抛上了甲板，固定起来。
In the darkness, the girls exchange a glance. "Someone's here," the silent message is clear between them.黑暗中两个少女对视一眼，“有人来了”，无声的交流在传递。
CrewmanWhat's that noise?什么动静？
CrewmanHm...?!唔……！？
A crewman, the first to notice something amiss, silently has his throat slit.一个率先发现不对的船员已经被悄无声息地抹了脖子。
Under the cover of darkness, a team of soldiers in identical combat suits silently scale the boat's sides. One of them signals with a hand gesture, and the team instantly disperses into the shadows of the deck.黑暗的掩护下，一批穿着统一的作战服的特种兵已经悄悄攀爬上了船。其中一个无声地打了个手势，所有人立即散开，消失在甲板的夜色里。
MitylWhat's going on?怎么回事？
KuroQuiet.别出声。
Only a few muffled thuds can be heard in the wind. The infiltrators take down the crew with practiced efficiency without causing a stir.风中只传来了几声模糊的闷响，潜入的特种兵们经验丰富地处理着值班的船员，没有发出太大动静。
Creak. Across from the girls' hiding spot, a hatch opens... A figure emerges. One of Doss' men.“吱呀”，就在两个少女藏身之地的对面，船舱的门被打开了，一个影子钻了出来，是多斯的人。
The girls ready their guns. As the figure draws closer, a special ops soldier suddenly appears on the other side of the deck.少女们提枪戒备，眼看对方越走越近，甲板的另一侧，一个特种兵此时突然闯入视野。
They lock eyes—both freeze for a second, then wordlessly draw their guns and open fire at each other.特种兵与多斯的手下打了个照面，双方都是一愣，而后默契地没有说话，拔枪射向对方。
A fight has broken out after all. Gunfire erupts across the deck.战斗还是打响了，一时间甲板四处都传来了枪声。
MitylWho are they?他们是谁？
KuroNo idea.不知道。
MitylWhy are they fighting?他们为什么打起来了？
KuroNot a clue.不知道。
Completely confused by the chaos unfolding around them, Mityl raises a hand to measure the height of the box. It's actually a little taller than her.对眼前发生的一切毫无头绪，米蒂尔伸手比了一下箱子的高度，比自己还要再高一点。
MitylCan we still sneak off with it in a lifeboat, what with all this going on?现在的情况，我们还能带着它，悄悄坐救生船溜走吗？
KuroI have no—不知——
Kuro cuts herself off mid-sentence.卡萝硬生生截断了自己的话。
Kuro...You didn't do that on purpose, did you?……你真不是故意的？
MitylSorry.抱歉。
The fighting nearby has already come to an end. Doss' assassins come out on top—a special ops soldier collapses heavily right in front of the Dolls.近处的交战已经分出了胜负，多斯的杀手获得了胜利，特种兵的尸体重重地倒在了两人面前。
Kuro slips out from their hiding spot, rushes to the fallen soldier, and extracts the rifle from beneath his body before running back.卡萝从藏身之处钻了出来，跑去倒下的特种兵那里，从他的身下摸出了一杆步枪，又跑了回来。
MitylWhat are you doing?你干什么？
KuroGet out that gun. The one we picked up at the port.那把枪拿出来，码头上捡的那把。
MitylWhy?怎么了？
Mityl digs it out of her bag and hands it over. Kuro checks the barrel and magazine carefully.米蒂尔从包里把枪翻了出来，递了过去，卡萝仔细确认着枪管、弹夹。
KuroNo mistake. It's them.没错，就是他们！
MitylThe people from the port?是码头的人？
KuroYeah. The modifications match exactly. They're after the box. We've got trouble.嗯，这两把枪的改装一模一样。是冲着箱子来的，我们有麻烦了。
Gunfire continues to erupt on the deck under the cloak of night—it's impossible to tell how many people are in the fight.夜色笼罩的甲板上，枪声四起，不知有多少人正在战斗。
KuroThe lifeboats are about a hundred meters away at the stern. We sneak over while they're busy.船尾的救生船距离这里大约100米，趁他们混战，我们摸过去。
MitylBut the Commander isn't back yet.指挥官还没回来。
KuroWe can't wait. We move now.等不及了，我们先走。
Mityl looks at the massive box, then back to the cabin door—still no sign of the Commander. She stomps her foot in frustration and grabs one of the box's handles.看了看身后巨大的箱子，又看了看依然没有人影出现的舱门，米蒂尔跺了下脚，提起了箱子一侧的提手。
MitylFine.走。
Meanwhile, in the bottommost cargo hold.与此同时，最底层的货舱。
CrewmanWho's there?!谁？！
Crewman...P-please don't.……别，别冲动。
A crewman doesn't even get to draw his weapon before the infiltrating Commander presses a gun to the back of his head.一个值守的船员还没来及拔枪，就被潜入的指挥官用枪顶在了脑后。
CrewmanWhat do you want? Money? Just don't shoot.你想要什么，钱？都好说，你别走火。
CommanderThe keys.钥匙呢？
CrewmanWhat keys?什么钥匙？
CommanderThe people you locked up. Where are the keys?被你们关起来的那些人，钥匙呢？
Crewman...In my pocket.……口，口袋里。
The Commander takes the keys and knocks the crewman out with the butt of their gun. After dragging him aside, they move to the cargo hold door that Mityl mentioned earlier.从船员口袋摸走钥匙，指挥官用枪托将人打晕，拖到一边，来到米蒂尔之前说的那个货舱门前。
CommanderHm?嗯？
The lock is already broken.门锁已经被破坏了。
Cautious, they slip the keys back into their pocket, disengage the safety on their weapon, and kick the door open—then quickly dart aside to avoid any ambush.指挥官警惕地将钥匙放回口袋，拉开了保险栓，用脚踹开了货舱大门，而后快速闪到一侧隐蔽。
Commander...?…………？
No movement inside.门内没有动静。
They carefully peek in.指挥官小心地探出，向内窥探。
BelugaNot coming in?不进来吗？
In the middle of the hold, the mysterious girl from the deck is pointing a gun at a man in the corner—the same one who tried to jump into the river earlier.货舱的中间，甲板上一面之缘的神秘少女正拿着枪，枪口对着角落里之前试图跳河逃跑的男子。
CommanderWhat are you doing?!你做什么！
Bang!“呯——”
Too late to stop her, the Commander watches as Beluga shoots...指挥官阻拦不及，一声枪响，白烨戈已经射向了无辜的男人。
But only breaks the innocent man's handcuffs.手铐被打断了。
Bang!“呯——”
And his ankle chains.然后是脚铐。
The Commander exhales and holsters their weapon as they enter.松了一口气，指挥官把枪收回腰后，走了进去。
CommanderYou broke the lock?门锁是你打坏的？
BelugaI told you, there are things on this boat that shouldn't be here.我说过，船上有不该在这里的东西。
CommanderI thought—原来是这样，我还以为……
BelugaThought what?以为什么？
Commander...Nothing.没什么。
CommanderI'll unlock the rest. Gunshots are too loud in here. We'll attract—我来开锁，枪声在船舱里太大了，别引来——
Bang! Bang!“呯——”、“呯——”。
ManThank you! Thank you!谢谢！谢谢！
Commander—Enemies.——敌人。
The Commander hasn't even passed the keys, and the second prisoner is already freed.指挥官手里拿着钥匙还没来及递过去，第二个人就已经获救了。
BelugaWhat did you say? I didn't catch that over the gunfire.你刚说什么？枪声太大我没听清。
CommanderForget it.没什么。
Without wasting more words, the Commander rushes over to the last prisoner and unlocks his chains.没有继续废话，指挥官小步跑到最后一人面前，拿钥匙为他打开了身上的锁链。
Man on DeckThank you!谢谢你们！
CommanderHow did you end up here?你们怎么会在船上？
JohnMy name is John. They kidnapped us—said a mine needed workers. Planned to sell us off.我叫约翰，我们都是被抓来的，说是矿区缺人挖矿，要把我们卖过去。
JohnWe tried escaping a few times, but security is really tight. We finally made it to the deck this time, but they still caught us.我们跑了几次，但他们看得严，这次好不容易上了甲板，还是被抓回来了。
JohnI genuinely thought I'd die in a mine.我本来以为，自己就要死在矿区了。
JohnThank you, seriously!谢谢！真的谢谢你们！
CommanderNot the time for stories. Are there others?现在不是说这些的时候，还有其他人被关着么？
JohnNo, it's just the three of us.没了，就我们三个。
The Commander glances at Beluga.指挥官看向白烨戈。
She is once again standing off to the side with arms folded, just like she did on deck—looking as if she didn't care, but clearly doing the right thing.她又一次抱臂站在一旁，一言不发，就像在甲板上那样；看上去事不关己，实际上却做了正确的事。
CommanderHow do you plan to get them out?你准备怎么带他们走？
BelugaThere are four lifeboats at the stern. I assume you're heading there too.船尾有4条救生船，你的目标也是它们吧。
Commander...Yeah.……嗯。
CommanderJohn, come with us. Under cover of night, we'll escape using the lifeboats—约翰，你们跟我们一起，趁着夜色，一起坐救生船离开——
Suddenly, distant gunfire echoes outside the hold.原本还算安静的船舱外，传来了隐约的枪声。
The door bursts open—a crewman rushes in, but is immediately shot down in the doorway.门突然从外面被打开了，一个船员闯了进来，还没来及把门关上，就被射杀在了门口。
Using the fallen body for cover, the Commander shoots down the intruder and closes the door.指挥官在船员尸体的掩护下，探身击杀了目标，关上了舱门。
JohnWhat's going on outside?外面什么情况？
CommanderUnclear. Can you shoot?不清楚。会开枪吗？
JohnI've hunted before.打猎时用过猎枪。
The Commander pulls out a shotgun and hands it over.指挥官从包里挑出一把喷子，递了过去。
CommanderStay here. Lock the door. We'll come back when it's safe. If we don't...你们留在这儿，锁好门，等我们处理好外面的情况就来找你们。如果没有……
Understanding that he'd be a burden, John grips the gun without hesitation. As the Commander pulls their hand away, John holds it tightly.知道自己是对方的拖累，约翰没有犹豫地接过了枪。指挥官想要抽手的时候，却被对方紧紧握住了。
JohnTake care!保重！
CommanderYou too.保重！
The Commander looks to Beluga and draws two pistols.指挥官看向白烨戈，从腰后取出两把手枪。
CommanderReady?走？
Beluga nods. The Commander kicks the door open with the pistols in hand.白烨戈点了点头。指挥官双手持枪，踹开了船舱的大门。
BelugaWhere are they?人呢？
After snapping an attacker's neck, Beluga follows the Commander to the rendezvous point with Mityl and Kuro.扭断了一个偷袭者的颈椎，白烨戈跟着指挥官来到了之前和米蒂尔、卡萝约定的地点。
CommanderThey probably went ahead.可能先走了。
Beluga raises an eyebrow.白烨戈闻言挑眉。
BelugaYou think they left you behind?留你自己在船上？
Commander...Things are chaotic. For the mission, it was the right call.……情况这么乱，为了任务，这是正确的选择。
The Commander scans the area and searches the bodies.指挥官熟练地检查着周围的情况，又翻查了地上刚刚解决的敌人。
CommanderDoss' assassins. But who's the other group?是多斯的杀手。另一批是谁？
BelugaNo idea. Now let's go. We need to catch up.不知道。走吧，追上她们。
On the chaotic deck, two agile figures weave through the crossfire, making their way toward the stern while avoiding the melee as best they can.混战的甲板上，两道灵活的身影不断穿行，巧妙规避着敌人，尽量在冲突最小的情况下向船尾移动。
CommanderOver there.就在那边。
The lifeboats are just ten meters away, but between them and the two lies an open space with absolutely no cover.救生船在10米开外，与两人隔了一块没有掩体的空地。
And the open space happens to be caught in a vehement shoot-out between the mysterious special ops team and Doss' assassins.然而就在这片空地的一左一右，神秘的特种兵与多斯的杀手们正在激烈对战，空地恰好夹在了两批人的火力中间。
BelugaHow do we get across?怎么过去？
Beluga instinctively looks to the Commander for direction.观察着周围的环境与眼前局势，白烨戈下意识地征求指挥官的意见。
CommanderIt'll take time to release the lifeboats. We can't brute-force it...放救生船太慢了，需要时间，没办法硬闯……
CommanderThose fenders on the right—they'll serve as cover. We breach from this side and take out Doss' men first.右侧那排防撞轮胎可以做掩体，从这边突进，先把多斯的人解决掉。
BelugaGot it.好。
The Commander circles to the right, takes down an enemy, and rolls behind the fender wall.指挥官绕到右侧，解决了最近的一个敌人，翻身冲到了轮胎墙后面。
Under the pale deck lights, their movement inevitably exposes them for a brief moment.惨白的灯光下，他的身影不可避免地短暂暴露于对战双方的视野中。
Gunfire on both sides stops abruptly.两边的枪声突然停了。
Then both factions open fire on the Commander's position without warning.而后，毫无预兆地，两边的子弹倾囊打在了指挥官身前的轮胎墙上。
Commander?？
Unexpectedly drawing fire from both sides, the Commander is pinned behind a small piece of cover, unable to move.出乎意料地吸引了双方火力，指挥官被困在了一米见方的掩体后，进退不得。
With no further action from them, both groups cease fire to conserve ammo. The battle at the stern grinds to a stalemate.见指挥官没有下一步行动，对战的双方停止了浪费子弹的行为，一时间船尾陷入了僵持。
The Commander signals Beluga behind them, but there's no response.指挥官右手伸向身后，给还在原地没有过来的白烨戈打了个手势，却没有得到回应。
Commander?？
Beluga is gone.白烨戈不见了。
CommanderHa...哈……
They are all alone. No sign of Kuro or Mityl. No sign of Beluga either.只剩下了自己一个人，不见的卡萝和米蒂尔，不见的白烨戈。
They chuckle, unfazed, and pull out an incendiary grenade. Then with a deep breath—指挥官习惯地笑了笑，从弹挂中取出一枚燃烧弹，深深吸了口气。
Pop, hiss—“扑通”、“哧——”
A smoke grenade lands in the open, spewing useless white smoke.众目睽睽下，一个烟雾弹被抛到了空地上，孤独地冒着无用的白烟。
KuroYou threw it wrong!你扔歪了！
MitylIt's fine, I've got plenty.没事，我还有好多。
From the direction of the lifeboats, the two girls' voices carry clearly across the deck.船尾救生船的方向，两个少女嘀嘀咕咕的声音完全没有遮掩。
Another smoke grenade sails over, this time landing right next to the Commander's cover.随后，另一个烟雾弹被抛了上来，精准地落在了指挥官藏身的轮胎墙旁。
Under the veil of smoke, they toss the incendiary grenade at the enemy lines.在烟雾的掩护下，指挥官探头，把燃烧弹朝对面扔去。
Taking advantage of the brief confusion, they break cover, eliminate another enemy, and relocate.趁着对方反应的火力窗口，闪身做掉前方一个敌人，转移了位置。
KuroI have to do everything.还得是我啊。
Seeing that the Commander is free, Kuro and Mityl rush forward to reinforce them. With a pincer move, the trio quickly clear out the remaining foes on the right and converge behind cover.见指挥官已经成功脱困，卡萝与米蒂尔迅速接应，朝指挥官的方向奔来，三人前后夹击，迅速清理了右侧的残兵，在掩体后会合。
CommanderWhat happened?什么情况？
MitylWe were waiting on deck, then a bunch of spec ops soldiers climbed aboard and started fighting Doss' people.我们在甲板上等着，突然一批特种兵爬上了船，不知为什么和多斯的人打了起来。
MitylWe found out they were the same group from the port—they're after the box.我们发现这些特种兵和之前码头的是一批人，冲着箱子来的。
MitylIt's too big to carry, so we stashed it on the lifeboat first, then came back to get you.箱子目标太大，我们就趁他们还在乱战，先找机会把箱子藏到了救生船上，再回来接应你。
CommanderI thought—我还以为……
MitylThought what?以为什么？
Commander...Nothing.没什么。
The chaos caused by the incendiary grenade soon dies down. On the left, the special ops have regroup and are now staring down the trio on the right.燃烧弹并没有给对面带来多久的混乱，火焰熄灭后，对峙的双方变成了右侧的指挥官三人与左侧来历不明的特种兵。
Kuro peeks from cover, attempting a snipe, but enemy fire drives her back.卡萝从掩体后侧身探头想要突袭，却被对方的火力压了回来。
KuroThey've been tailing us since the port. Persistent bastards.从码头跟到现在，真是阴魂不散。
CommanderHow much time do you need to lower the lifeboat?救生船放下去需要多久？
MitylAt least a minute.至少1分钟。
CommanderYou have 55 seconds. There's no cover over there. 55 seconds is all we can buy you.55秒，那边没有掩体，我们只能为你争取到55秒的时间。
MitylGot it.好。
KuroWhat's with this haggling? Don't worry, I'll handle the last five.你们是在讨价还价吗？别担心，剩下的5秒，我来搞定。
Kuro empties her bag of ammo, secures all the magazines on her body, then tosses the bag aside. She reaches toward Mityl.卡萝从本来就不大的挎包中取出全部的弹夹，别在身上，把空包丢到地上，对米蒂尔伸出手。
Mityl?？
A little puzzled, Mityl places her hand over Kuro's. The Commander hesitates, then joins in as well.米蒂尔疑惑地把手放在了卡萝的手上，指挥官见状愣了一下，有些犹豫但还是把手搭了上去。
CommanderThree, two, one...3、2、1……
Commander & MitylGood luck!!加油！！
Kuro???？？？
KuroWho the heck cheers with their palm up?你们见过手心朝上是喊口号的吗？
KuroSmoke grenade!烟雾弹！
MitylHuh? ...Oh, oh, oh! Right! I also have regular grenades, incendiary grenades, stun grenades... Want any?啊？……噢噢噢，噢！……还有手榴弹、燃烧弹、震爆弹……要不要？
Mityl rummages through her "Bag of Holding" and hands several smoke grenades to Kuro, who pulls the pins with her teeth.米蒂尔翻开自己的“百宝箱”，取出几枚烟雾弹塞给卡萝；卡萝无语地接过，用嘴拉开了栓子。
KuroThis is plenty.够用了。
The three exchange a silent cue as their eyes lock in unspoken coordination.三人无声地交流着，在彼此眼中确认着行动的信号。
The next second, Kuro hurls a smoke grenade to draw enemy attention and dashes across the open space.下一瞬，卡萝把烟雾弹丢出转移敌人视线，趁机穿过空地奔向对面的掩体。
At the same time, Mityl runs for the lifeboat and starts lowering it.同一时间，米蒂尔跑向救生船，开始了放艇操作。
Bang! The Commander snipes a soldier aiming for Mityl.“呯——”指挥官在原地架枪，点掉了想要偷袭米蒂尔的敌人。
Kuro1, 2, 3...1、2、3……
Commander7, 8, 9...7、8、9……
Mityl11, 12, 13... Gotta hurry up!11、12、13…………快点，再快点！
They count silently, every second stretching like an eternity.三个人默默地数着秒数，时间在这一分钟里仿佛被拉长了。
Kuro33, 34...33、34……
On the left is Kuro, attacking at close-range with a submachine gun, and on the right is the Commander, constantly picking off targets with an assault rifle. Under their cover, Mityl releases the last clamp, and the lifeboat begins its slow descent.左侧是带着冲锋枪贴脸突袭的卡萝，右侧是架着突击步枪时刻盯点的指挥官；在两人的掩护下，米蒂尔已经松开索具，救生船开始缓缓下降。
Doss' AssassinDrop your weapon.放下武器。
Four of Doss' assassins have flanked the Commander from behind. The Commander ignores them and fires several shots to force the enemies who are trying to ambush Mityl back behind cover.身后，四个多斯的杀手已经围了过来；指挥官没有理会，几发点射把对面想要偷袭米蒂尔的特种兵逼回了掩体。
Commander44, 45...44、45……
The boat is halfway down.救生船已经下降到了一半。
Doss' AssassinDrop your weapon!放下武器！
Right as the enemies behind them shoot, the Commander drops, rolls to another piece of cover, and promptly throws a grenade behind them.身后敌人举枪射击的同时，指挥官收枪蹲下，一个翻滚移动至另一侧掩体，快速咬开一枚手榴弹，掷向身后。
The assassins scatter immediately as the grenade explodes with a boom.杀手们立即散开，手榴弹爆炸发出剧烈的响声。
The Commander scrambles up again and raises their weapon to resume their suppressive fire, but having spotted the window of opportunity, a special ops soldier points his gun at Mityl from behind.指挥官掷弹后迅速爬起，重新架枪掩护；却看到由于刚才的火力窗口，一名特种兵已经从后方举枪对准了米蒂尔。
Mityl50, 51... Just a bit more!50、51……再快一点！
The ambusher is poised to fire, but the Commander has just cleaned out their magazine, and there is no time to reload.偷袭者已经瞄准，而指挥官已然来不及上弹。
CommanderGet down! Mityl, get down!!!隐蔽！米蒂尔，隐蔽！！！！
Mityl turns to look—she sees Kuro tackle a nearby enemy, and the Commander screaming something from afar.米蒂尔回头，她看到卡萝迎着子弹撞倒一个近处的敌人，而指挥官在远处朝她大声喊着什么。
Bang!“呯——”
The Commander's pupils dilate.指挥官的瞳孔猛然缩小！
The soldier aiming at Mityl collapses—with a bullet shot clean through the helmet.一个特种兵的尸体倒了下来，头盔上是被击穿的弹孔。
BelugaHeh...呵……
On the rooftop of the deckhouse stands Beluga, her right foot on the railing and a sniper rifle braced on her knee. She still has her eye to the scope. A slight smile plays at her lips.不远处甲板室的楼顶，白烨戈右脚踩着栏杆，狙击枪架在了支起的膝盖上，眼睛还没有从倍镜上移开，嘴角勾出一个浅笑。
The Commander exhales in relief.指挥官松了口气。
Mityl54, 55... It's done!54、55……好了！
Splash. The lifeboat hits the water at last.“扑通”，救生船终于落到了水面上。
73-A-12 第四颗石头
Read this chapter with voices →CommanderWe should be safe now. Let's rest here for a while.应该安全了，我们在这休息一会儿。
By the riverside, a lifeboat drifts gently to shore. Two girls leap off.河岸边，一艘救生船轻轻靠岸，两个少女跳下了船。
Beluga follows close behind. Mityl is just ahead of her and reaches out a hand to help.白烨戈跟着跳了下来，米蒂尔刚好在她前面，伸手过去扶了一下。
Beluga...Thanks.……多谢。
MitylYou saved me back there, didn't you? Thank you!刚刚是你救了我吗？谢谢你！
Under the moonlight of a clear night, Mityl's eyes almost reflect the stars. Beluga stares into them, as if seeing another world beyond.晴夜的月色下，米蒂尔的眸子里像是映着星星，白烨戈定定看着她的眼睛，像是透过它在看另一个世界。
MitylIs there something on my face?我脸上有东西吗？
BelugaNo, I just remembered something from the past.没有，想到了一些以前的事。
CommanderYou two know each other?你们认识？
Beluga...No.……没。
CommanderWe introduced ourselves on the boat already. Anyway, we know each other now.刚刚在船上都介绍过了，不管如何，现在大家认识了。
MitylWhy didn't we let John and the others come with us?为什么不让约翰他们和我们一起走？
CommanderBringing them along would only put them in more danger. Setting off by boat to another location is the safer option for them.跟着我们只会更危险，乘船去其他地方对他们来说是件好事。
BelugaI shouldn't be staying with them either.我也不适合继续跟着他们。
As they speak, the Commander pushes the box off the boat. Beluga instinctively reaches out to catch it, but she's too late.说着，指挥官把箱子从船上推了下来；白烨戈下意识伸手去扶，却没来及。
Thud—the box lands heavily on the riverbank.“呯——”，箱子重重地落在了河滩上。
BelugaCareful!慢点！
CommanderNext time for sure.下次一定。
Beluga shakes her head in resignation and goes to lift the box. But it suddenly feels lighter—Mityl is helping support it from behind.白烨戈放弃似的摇了摇头，自己提起了箱子，却感到手下一轻——米蒂尔从后面帮她托住了。
The Commander also comes over to lift one corner, and Kuro follows suit, taking the last corner.指挥官也追上去抬起了一角，卡萝跟在后面，抬起了箱子的最后一个角。
The four of them form a circle around the box, each lifting one corner. Beluga glances around at the others' positions—then suddenly lets go.四人围了箱子一圈，一人提着箱子的一角；白烨戈看着大家的站位，突然松手。
The box tilts in the Commander's hands, and they quickly steady it with effort.指挥官手底下一沉，连忙用力把箱子扶正。
CommanderWhat's wrong?怎么了？
Beluga...Lifting a box like this... is bad luck.这么抬箱子……不吉利。
CommanderHuh?啊？
Beluga...Never mind.……没什么。
As if unable to bear the sight, Beluga turns away and walks straight toward a patch of dry grass.似乎是觉得不忍直视，白烨戈转过了头，径直朝前方干燥的草地走去。
BelugaThere's some shelter from the wind over here. Come.这里背风，来这边。
They find a clearing shielded by rocks. The four of them set down the box, light a fire, and huddle around it for warmth.找了块被石头挡住的空地，四个人放下箱子，生了火，围坐在火堆旁取暖。
MitylWe're finally safe.总算安全了。
MitylThat was too close. They were fighting each other, so why did they suddenly focus on us?刚刚好险，明明是他们在交战，为什么突然集火我们？
KuroIt's obvious—they're after the box.很明显，都是冲着箱子来的。
KuroOne group, then two... We've only been on the move for five hours, and we've already got a parade of rats on our trail.一个、两个……我们才出发5个小时，身后追着的老鼠就已经排好队了。
Kuro furiously taps at her communicator.卡萝噼里啪啦地按着通讯器。
KuroNo idea who's behind this. Radio silence.不知道是谁，一点消息都没有。
CommanderLet's recap what's happened so far and make sense of our situation. This afternoon—我梳理一遍现在的情况，今天下午——
BelugaI'll excuse myself.我回避一下。
Beluga interrupts the Commander.白烨戈打断了指挥官的话。
Mityl snaps the branch she's been playing with. She jumps up and grabs Beluga's arm.米蒂尔掰断了手里一直在玩的树枝，急着跳了起来，拉住了白烨戈的胳膊。
BelugaIf I remember correctly, we only just met tonight?如果没有记错，我们今晚才……刚刚认识？
MitylBut you still saved my life!可你刚刚救了我的命！
MitylTaking a job, delivering a box—it's all just to make money, but making money is only a means to survive.接委托、送箱子，都是为了赚钱，可赚钱也只是为了活下去。
MitylSo there's no need for you to make yourself scarce. The one who saved my life matters more than some anonymous client.所以没有什么可回避的，救命恩人比不知是谁的委托人重要得多。
KuroWe're teammates now... right?现在，我们算是队友了吧？
CommanderStay. Like it or not, you're already involved.留下吧。不论你愿不愿意，都已经被我们牵连了。
CommanderBesides, from what I can tell... I don't know a single thing about what's going on.而且，据我所知，我对现在的情况一无所知。
Beluga doesn't respond right away. Her gaze shifts across the three faces before her.白烨戈并没有立即作出反应，她的目光从指挥官三人脸上一一扫过。
Sincerity, candor, and trust... She closes her eyes.真诚、坦率与信任……白烨戈闭上了眼。
Beluga...Alright.好。
CommanderFirst, this afternoon in Marulos, we received a mission from an anonymous client. We were to depart at 1900 hrs and deliver this box to the Northridge Hotel within 24 hours.首先，今天下午，我们在马尔洛斯从匿名委托人那里接到任务，要求我们今晚19点出发，在24小时内护送这个箱子到北山酒店。
CommanderContents of the box—unknown; client—unknown.箱子内容未知，委托人不明。
The Commander picks up a small stone and places it on the ground.指挥官从脚边拾起一颗小石子，摆在空地上。
CommanderThis represents the client.它代表委托人。
CommanderSoon after that, we were attacked at the port by unidentified special forces. Their target was the box.之后，我们在码头遭遇来路不明的特种兵袭击，对方的目标是我们护送的箱子。
They place another stone.指挥官又摆上一颗石子。
CommanderThis represents the group at the port. I'll refer to them as special forces for now.它代表码头的人，我暂时用特种兵称呼他们。
CommanderThen on the boat, we noticed members of Doss' gang had boarded. Soon, the special forces caught up and started fighting Doss' men. But once they saw us, both sides targeted the box.接下来是船上。我们发现多斯的手下上了船，而后特种兵追了上来，和多斯的人开战；但在发现我们后，他们同时将目标转向了箱子。
CommanderDoss is a third faction.多斯是第三股势力。
Three stones now form a triangle on the ground.空地上落着三枚石子，形成了一个三角形。
CommanderThe client, unknown special forces, and Doss—they all want the box.委托人、来历不明的特种兵、多斯，他们都想要这个箱子。
CommanderSo what on earth is inside that box?这里面究竟有什么？
Everyone looks at the box.众人的目光投到了箱子上。
It measures about 1.8 meters long, half a meter wide and high.这是一个长约一米八，宽、高约半米的长方形箱子。
There are two biometric locks, four convenient carrying handles, and two rows of ventilation holes on the side. Kuro peeks inside through one of the holes.2个生物识别密码锁，4个方便携带的提手，侧面还有两排透气孔；卡萝正透过孔洞向内窥探。
KuroCan't see anything. It's blocked off...看不到，做了遮挡……
MitylI don't like that client either, but she has a point—the more you know, the more danger you're in.虽然我也不喜欢那个委托人，但她说的也有道理，知道得越多，就越危险。
KuroBut danger's already found us. Staying in the dark just makes us more vulnerable.可如今危险已经找上了门，不清不楚只会更被动。
MitylNot like we have much choice... We really can't open it.也没有别的办法嘛……我们确实打不开它。
BelugaI don't think it's wise to open it by force.我建议你们不要尝试暴力破坏。
Beluga examines the locks and the box's structural seams carefully.白烨戈仔细检查了密码锁和箱子容易被破坏的连接处。
BelugaThere's no way to break it open without damaging what's inside. You've got to unlock it properly.无法在不损伤里面物品的前提下，通过暴力的方式打开它，唯一的方式只有开锁。
CommanderWe're already halfway to the hotel. If we find a car, then we can reach it by morning.距离北山酒店只剩一半的路程，找辆车，天亮就可以把箱子送到。
CommanderWhatever's in there, it's not our concern.不管里面是什么，都和我们没有关系了。
MitylWant to come with us? ...Wait, no, it's too dangerous to travel with us.要不要和我们一起走？……啊不对，跟着我们实在太危险了。
MitylWe'll come find you after we finish this job?等我们跑完了这一单，去找你？
KuroHey, maybe ask her if she even wants that. You do talk too much...喂喂，你也不问问人家愿不愿意，毕竟你的话这么多……
MitylSay that again?你说什么？
Mityl jumps up and goes after Kuro. Kuro quickly scrambles to her feet and runs.米蒂尔爬起身来，越过指挥官去找卡萝；卡萝连忙起身逃跑。
The two whirl in circles around the fire, making everyone's head spin.两个人绕着火堆转了两圈，看得人眼晕。
Commander...Can you two please stop?……你们能不能停下。
KuroThen you stop her!你拦着她啊！
Mityl strides over the Commander's outstretched legs, trying to take a shortcut. But the Commander is just getting up to intervene, and accidentally trips her. Mityl stumbles forward—straight into the fire pit.追在后面的米蒂尔想抄近路，大迈步想从指挥官身前摊开的长腿上跨过去，却不料指挥官刚好打算起身劝架，一个不慎被绊倒，往火堆摔去。
CommanderWatch out!小心！
The Commander reaches to catch her. Mityl instinctively grabs Kuro to right herself. In a blink, all three crash into a heap.指挥官去拉米蒂尔，米蒂尔下意识抓向前方的卡萝想稳住身体；三人瞬间摔成一团。
BelugaHaha...哈哈……
Beluga, the only one not caught in the chaos, burst out laughing at the comical scene.看着眼前滑稽的一幕，唯一没有被牵连的白烨戈忍不住笑了出来。
MitylHaha... hahahaha...……哈哈，哈哈哈哈……
Laughter spreads quickly, drowning out the chirping insects along the riverbank.有人开了头，笑声在四人间传递爆发开来，一时间压过了河岸的虫鸣。
Commander...Hahaha... But Mityl's right. It really is too dangerous to travel with us.……哈哈……不过米蒂尔说的没错，跟我们同行确实太过危险了。
BelugaWhat place isn't dangerous?哪里不危险？
KuroExactly. What place isn't? At least with us, you won't have to worry about getting dragged down by rookies or stabbed in the back by traitors.没错，哪里不危险？至少我们几个在一起，可比被什么菜鸟拖累、叛徒背刺，安全多了！
MitylWe're companions, after all.当然，我们可是同伴啊。
Commander...Can we get up now?……能不能先起来？
MitylR-right, sorry!对……对不起！
The three climb off the ground and sit back down. The Commander dusts themself off. Beluga tosses more dry twigs into the fire. Kuro pokes at the embers, while Mityl takes out some energy bars to share.三人重新爬起坐好，指挥官拍着衣服上的尘土，白烨戈又往火堆里加了几根干树枝，卡萝帮她拨着火星，米蒂尔从包里拿出能量棒分给大家。
At least for this moment, there is no danger or death—only a rare, peaceful night under the stars.至少在这一刻，没有危险与生死，只有难得的平静的晴夜。
Crackle. The fire spits out a few sparks.“啪啦”，火堆爆出了火星。
BelugaI'll go gather more firewood.我再去捡些树枝。
After a long silence, Beluga suddenly speaks and walks toward a low thicket.已经沉默了一阵，白烨戈突然出声，起身朝一旁的矮树丛走去。
CommanderWe'll set out again after a short rest.再休息一会儿，我们就出发。
MitylAlright.好。
CommanderWhat about you, Beluga?白烨戈，你呢？
The Commander calls out in her direction... then freezes.指挥官转头朝白烨戈的方向喊道，却愣住了。
At some point, the insects have gone silent.不知何时，虫鸣声停止了。
Beluga is wearing a gas mask.白烨戈的面上突兀地带着一个防毒面具。
CommanderCough... Cough, cough, cough...!咳咳，咳咳咳……
KuroCough... What's... going on?咳咳，怎么……回事？
A tear gas canister rolls toward the fire. The chemical sting forces the others into violent coughing fits, their eyes burning too much to stay open.一枚催泪瓦斯被掷了过来，刺激的化学物质逼得三人剧烈咳嗽，双目刺痛难以睁开。
MitylWhere are they? Cough...在哪？咳咳……
Mityl reaches for her own gas mask. It's not there.米蒂尔去摸自己的防毒面具，没有摸到。
From the trees behind Beluga, more than ten masked individuals emerge. They are dressed in the same black suits as the assassins sent by Doss on the boat.白烨戈身后的树林中，钻出了十几个戴着防毒面具的人，身上的黑色西装和船上多斯的杀手一模一样。
CommanderDoss...多斯……
The hidden killers seize the box. Beluga signals, and one of them steps forward to knock each of the trio unconscious.潜伏的杀手们拖走了箱子。白烨戈打了个手势，其中一个人了过来，将指挥官三人一一击晕。
Beluga...Sorry.抱歉。
BelugaRight now, I'm not your companion.现在，我并不是你们的同伴。
The Commander collapses, struggling to keep their eyes on Beluga through the encroaching darkness.指挥官倒在地上，在被黑暗侵蚀前努力想要看清眼前的白烨戈。
At her feet, beside the triangle of stones representing the three factions, a fourth stone lies silently on the ground.就在她的脚下，代表三个势力的三角形石块旁，静静地落着第四块石头。
73-A-14 熟悉的刀
Read this chapter with voices →The Commander wakes up by the riverside, unsure of how much time has passed.不知过了多久，指挥官在岸边醒来。
In front of them lie Kuro and Mityl, still unconscious. Beluga and the box are nowhere to be seen.眼前是昏迷的卡萝和米蒂尔，白烨戈和箱子已经不见踪影。
CommanderWake up. Come on, wake up.醒醒，醒醒。
MitylMm?嗯？
KuroUgh...呃……
The Commander shakes the two awake. Once it becomes clear that the girls are unharmed, they exhale in relief. They take out their canteen to offer water, but after a moment's hesitation, they dig out two sealed bottles of water from their pack instead and hand them over.摇醒了两人，确认她们没事，指挥官松了口气，拿出水壶想递给她们；犹豫了一下，还是从包里翻出两瓶没有开封过的瓶装水递了过去。
CommanderHere, drink some.喝点水。
MitylWhat happened... Beluga?怎么回事……白烨戈？
KuroDon't even mention that woman.别提那个女人。
With the canteen in hand, the Commander walks to the river, empties the remaining water, and thoroughly washes it with river water.指挥官带着水壶走到河边，把里面的水全都倒掉，用河水仔细清洗。
CommanderBeluga is with Doss. They took the box.白烨戈是多斯的人，箱子被他们带走了。
CommanderJudging from the sky, we've been out for at least an hour. Go through your packs—throw out any opened food and water. We're going after them.看天色，我们至少昏迷了一小时。整理背包，把开封过的食品和水都扔掉，我们追过去。
MitylThat's such a waste...不要浪费啊……
KuroOne hour. Can anyone guarantee the opened stuff isn't poisoned?一个小时，这种开过封的东西，谁能保证里面有没有毒？
MitylThere's just the three of us here.这里只有我们几个。
KuroWhat about Beluga?那之前的白烨戈呢？
Mityl falls silent. She sighs and starts discarding things from her bag.米蒂尔沉默了，叹着气，从包里找出东西来丢掉。
Kuro slams a half-open pack of hard tack to the ground and crushes it underfoot, grinding it out in frustration.卡萝将一包开封了的饼干砸到地上，用力踩了一脚，泄愤似的把它碾碎了。
KuroForget it.算了吧。
MitylHm?嗯？
KuroI say we forget about this mission.我说算了吧，这个任务。
KuroDoss, unidentified spec ops, a client who won't tell us anything, bullets that could hit us from behind at any moment...多斯、不知来路的特种兵、什么都不说的委托人，还有随时可能从身后射来的子弹……
KuroI'm done with this job.我放弃这个任务。
MitylDon't be rash. There's still a way. I'll find us a vehicle—we can still catch up.你别冲动，会有办法的。我去找车，我们追上去。
Kuro has already packed up her small satchel. She swings it over her shoulder and stands.卡萝已经收拾好了她本就不大的挎包，向后一甩搭在身上，站了起来。
KuroWhat about you two? Are you going after the box or coming with me? We can team up on another gig...你们呢？是去追箱子，还是跟我一起走？我们可以组队去接新的委托……
CommanderIt's probably too late to back out now.现在脱身恐怕已经晚了。
KuroThe box is already gone. If we quit now, our reputation is the only thing that'll suffer. Worst case, we change names and start over.箱子已经没了，现在放弃任务，顶多信誉受损。大不了改名换姓从头再来。
KuroPeople die in the Dark Zone every day. No one's going to remember us...暗区每天要死那么多人，没人会记得我们……
MitylThere's still 18 hours until the deadline. We still have a shot—距离约定的时间还有18小时，还有机会——
KuroBut I don't care anymore!可我不想了！
Kuro's sudden outburst startles Mityl.卡萝突然的大声惊了米蒂尔一跳。
KuroLet me ask you—do you know what's in the box? Who the client is? Why you're delivering this thing?我问你，你知道箱子里是什么，委托人是谁，自己为什么要送这个箱子吗？
MitylKuro...卡萝……
KuroWe don't.不知道。
KuroWe're risking it all for those bigwigs hiding in skyscrapers, pulling strings from afar. Is it worth it?为了那些只会躲在高楼大厦里，远远操控一切的大人物。值得吗？
Mityl crouches, arms around her knees, clearly wanting to speak but too timid to. The Commander keeps their head down, busily fiddling with gear, pretending to be preoccupied.米蒂尔蹲在地上眼巴巴地看着她，像是有话想说又不敢；指挥官没有抬头，手底下继续收拾着东西，假装自己很忙。
No one answers. No one knows how to.没人回应，也不知如何回应。
KuroI'm leaving.我走了。
CommanderTake care.保重。
MitylWait!等等！
Mityl pulls three grenades and several medkits from her bag and presses them into Kuro's hands.米蒂尔从包中掏出3枚手榴弹，几个医疗包塞到卡萝手里。
MitylTake these three grenades—no shrapnel, so you won't hurt yourself. Take the medkits too. Don't skip carrying them just because they're heavy. With the way you charge in without cover...这3个进攻手榴弹你拿好，爆炸时没有碎片，不会伤到自己。医疗包也是，别嫌重就不背在身上。你这么不管不顾不找掩体的性格……
Mityl...Take care of yourself.……照顾好自己。
Mityl trails off, reluctant to finish. Kuro walks off a few steps, then rushes back and hugs Mityl tightly. She nods to the Commander.米蒂尔停下了依依不舍的嘱托，卡萝接过东西走了两步，又冲回来紧紧抱了抱米蒂尔，与指挥官点头示意。
KuroStay safe!保重！
Kuro heads off alone, leaving Mityl and the Commander on their own on the riverside.卡萝一个人离开了，河岸边只剩下了米蒂尔和指挥官。
MitylWhy didn't you stop her?你为什么不拦着她？
CommanderBecause she's right.因为她说的对。
The Commander stops what they're doing and straightens up to look at Mityl.指挥官停下了手上的动作，直起身看着米蒂尔。
CommanderWhat about you? Why are you staying?你呢，你为什么留下？
MitylI... I don't know.我……我也不知道。
Mityl hugs her knees.米蒂尔抱住了膝盖。
MitylI just liked it when the four... no, the three of us were together. I don't like being alone.我只是喜欢我们四……我们三个在一起的感觉；我不喜欢一个人。
MitylHow did things fall apart so suddenly?为什么突然就变成这样了？
CommanderCome on. Let's find a car first...打起精神来，我们先去找辆车……
The Commander leads Mityl toward the woods not far off.指挥官带着米蒂尔朝不远处的密林走去。
CommanderIt's not the worst-case scenario.现在还不算最糟的情况。
???You're right.说的没错。
Commander & Mityl!！
???Now it is.现在才是。
A group of uniformed special forces emerges and surrounds them, formation tight. Leading them is a woman with long, black hair.一群身穿统一制服的特种兵围了上来，形容整肃，为首的是一个黑色长发的女人。
CommanderI've had more guns pointed at me today than I did all of last year.这一天被枪指着脑袋的次数比我之前一年都要多。
The Commander raises their hands and turns around helplessly.指挥官双手举起，无奈地转过身来。
Commander...It's you?是你？
???You know who I am?？你知道我是谁？
CommanderNo, no...不，不……
The Commander eyes the group, focusing on the woman in front. The octopus emblem on her arm is impossible to miss.指挥官打量着眼前的一行人，尤其是为首的女人，她的手臂上，一个章鱼的标志格外瞩目。
CommanderBlackgold Universal...黑金……
MitylYou were the ones who attacked us at the port—and on the boat!你们是之前在码头和船上袭击我们的特种兵！
Mityl recognizes the distinctive modded rifle immediately.米蒂尔已经认出了那把标志性的改装枪。
???Hand over the box, and we'll let you live.交出箱子，可以放你们一命。
CommanderYou've revealed yourselves after hiding all this time. Doesn't that mean you were going to kill us anyway?主动暴露此前遮掩了一路的身份，难道不是已经打算灭口了吗？
???That was the plan, but the box isn't here.本来是这样打算的，但箱子不在这。
???Tell us where it is and spare us both the trouble. I have no interest in making this harder than it needs to be.说出箱子在哪儿，让我们省点力气，我也无意为难你们。
CommanderYou can guarantee that?你能保证？
HecateHecate keeps her word.黑卡蒂说到做到。
MitylHecate... You're from Blackgold's Abyss Squad!黑卡蒂……是黑金的深渊小队！
Shocked by both the woman's name and the identity of the soldiers, Mityl blurts out her realization.被女人的名字和眼前这群人的身份惊到，米蒂尔忍不住惊呼出声。
MitylKuro was right... This was a bad gig...卡萝确实说的对……这不是一个好差事……
HecateSo? Thought it through yet? I don't have all day.考虑得怎么样了？我没有很多时间。
CommanderAs you can see, we don't have the box.如你所见，箱子不在我们手上。
HecateThree.3。
CommanderWe were tricked. The box was stolen.我们被人骗了，箱子被偷走了。
HecateTwo.2。
MitylIt's really not with us!真的不在！
HecateOne.1。
CommanderDoss has it!在多斯那里！
HecateDoss?多斯？
CommanderYes. I'm sure you've figured it out by now. There were originally three of us. On the boat, a fourth joined us.是的，我想你已经知道了，我们原本只有三个人，但是在船上，第四人加入了我们。
CommanderShe called herself Beluga. She earned our trust, then brought Doss' men and stole the box.她自称为白烨戈，骗取我们的信任后，在刚刚，带着多斯的人抢走了箱子。
CommanderSo your enemy is Doss, not us.所以，你的敌人现在是多斯，不是我们。
Faced with gun barrels all around, the Commander stalls for time, trying to distract Hecate and her squad.面对周围指着自己的枪，指挥官想办法拖延着时间，分散着黑卡蒂和深渊小队的注意力。
HecateAnd the third person?那第三个人呢？
HecateHow do we know you're telling the truth? Maybe the two of them just moved the box together.如何证明你们说的是真的，而不是她们两个一起转移了东西。
MitylWell... uh...因为，因为……
HecateHeh.呵。
Hecate eyes the pair who have no proof to back up their claims and signals a soldier beside her to kill Mityl first.面对无法自证的两人，黑卡蒂示意旁边的手下，先处理掉米蒂尔。
CommanderWait! You got me; the box isn't actually with Doss.等等！箱子确实不在多斯那里。
CommanderYou want to know where it is? Put the guns down. You said you'd guarantee our safety.想知道在哪儿，就把枪放下，你说过会保证我们的安全。
HecateYou just refused the deal.刚刚你们已经拒绝了这笔交易。
A Blackgold operative steps forward, his gun aiming at Mityl's head. She shuts her eyes.一个黑金队员向前一步，枪口对准了米蒂尔的头，米蒂尔闭上了眼睛。
BOOM!!!“轰！！！——”
A huge explosion sounds from the forest behind them. Then another...巨大的爆炸声响从不远的树林后传来，而后又是一声……
BOOM!!!“轰！！！——”
HecateStop.停。
Hecate halts the execution, signaling for three subordinates to investigate the forest.黑卡蒂叫停了准备射杀米蒂尔的手下，示意三个人去探查树林的情况。
Only four people—including Hecate—remain around Mityl and the Commander.围着米蒂尔和指挥官的只剩下包括黑卡蒂在内的4个人。
The Commander glances at Mityl. They exchange a look, both catching a flicker of secret delight in the other's eyes.指挥官偏头看向米蒂尔，两人对视，都在对方眼中看到了一丝隐秘的惊喜。
MitylAn offensive...是进攻式……
Mityl gestures toward the slope on the left with her eyes. The Commander gives a subtle nod.米蒂尔用眼神向左侧的山坡示意，指挥官微微点头。
The three operatives sent to investigate have moved far away. But suddenly, white smoke from another smoke grenade rises from the opposite side of the forest, drawing everyone's attention.探查的三人已经走远，但在反方向，树林中突兀地冒起了烟雾弹的白烟，吸引了大家的视线。
CommanderNow!现在！
The Commander and Mityl spring into action, ramming into the Blackgold operatives in front of them.指挥官与米蒂尔突然行动，撞开身前的黑金队员。
Gunfire sprays off-target, tearing up the ground—黑金的子弹偏移，倾洒到了地上；
Another smoke grenade lands in their midst, clouding visibility.与此同时另一枚烟雾弹落在几人中间，模糊了大家的视线。
HecateCease fire! Get out of the smoke!停止射击，脱离烟雾。
Too close together and afraid of friendly fire, the Blackgold operatives stop firing blindly and reposition to regain vision.几个人的站位过近，为了避免误伤，白雾中的黑金停止了盲目的攻击，移动脱离视线盲区。
Meanwhile, the Commander and Mityl dash for the slope on the left.与此同时，指挥官与米蒂尔已经冲向了左侧山坡。
Hecate raises her rifle. Without aiming precisely, she fires at the ground near the Commander's feet, forcing them to duck for cover and halt their escape.黑卡蒂抬枪，没有刻意瞄准，子弹准确地扫向指挥官脚下的地面，逼迫两人就近寻找掩体，停止了奔逃。
CommanderYou okay?还好吗？
MitylYeah, but I left my pack. I'm low on ammo.可以，但是包没带过来，身上的弹药不多了。
The Commander hides behind a tree. Mityl observes the situation from behind a nearby boulder.指挥官靠在一棵树后，与旁边巨石后的米蒂尔确认着情况。
CommanderGot any throwables?有投掷物吗？
MitylTwo grenades, two smokes.2颗手雷，2枚烟雾弹。
CommanderThat's enough. They won't storm us—they want us alive.够了。他们不敢强攻，毕竟要留活口。
CommanderWe're just five meters from the woods. If we get in, we might lose them.5米外就是密林，只要成功进去，就有机会甩脱他们。
"Cuckoo~ Cuckoo~"—a bird call sounds from the dense thicket.“不咕~”、“不咕~”，突兀的鸟叫声从密林处传来。
Mityl...That sounds nothing like a real bird.……一点都不像好吧。
CommanderGet ready.做好准备。
The Blackgold operatives raise their weapons and creep forward. Mityl pulls the pin from a grenade.黑金的人举枪缓步朝两人压了过来，距离越来越近，米蒂尔拔出了手榴弹的栓子。
Bang—one of the lead Blackgold operatives drops from a gunshot.“呯——”，最前面的黑金队员中枪倒下了。
HecateFrom the trees!树林！
The shot acts as a signal. Mityl times it perfectly and throws her grenade. The two of them break into a sprint, heading for the "bird call".这声枪响就像行动的信号，米蒂尔卡着时间将手榴弹扔了出去，两人猛然起跑，跑向刚才“布谷鸟”叫的方向。
Hecate aims at the Commander and fires—黑卡蒂瞄向指挥官扣动扳机——
The first shot misses, but the second hits the Commander's lower left leg.第一发落空，另一发精准地击中指挥官左侧小腿。
They stumble, staggered by the hit. They're about to become a sitting duck.指挥官小腿中枪后一个踉跄，脚下一缓，眼见就要成为靶子；
Mityl stops, turns, and fires at the Blackgold operatives hot on their heels, forcing them into cover and giving the Commander a breather.米蒂尔停下，转身朝黑金的追兵扫射，黑金被迫寻找掩体，为指挥官赢得片刻喘息。
CommanderGo!走！
MitylWe're going together!一起！
Mityl empties her mag and reaches out for the Commander—Blackgold has them in their sights again.米蒂尔打空了弹夹，伸手去拉指挥官，被短暂压制的黑金又已经瞄准了两人。
Bang—another grenade from the trees stalls the pursuers for two seconds.“呯——”从树林中掷出的手榴弹又阻了黑金两秒。
Kuro peeks out from the woods.卡萝忍不住从密林中露头催促。
KuroCome on!快点！
MitylHow's your leg?你的腿？
CommanderI'm fine.没事。
The bullet that should've shattered their leg seems to have done far less damage than expected. The Commander steadies themself and runs with Mityl into the forest.那发本应打断指挥官左腿的子弹似乎并没有造成严重的影响，指挥官稳住身体后重新与米蒂尔朝密林奔去。
HecateHm?嗯？
KuroThis way, follow me! I found a car!这边，跟我来，我找到了一辆车！
It is much harder to pursue their targets in the woods at night. The Blackgold operatives hesitate to use grenades, afraid they would kill all three.夜色中的密林追击难度大，黑金投鼠忌器，不敢使用手榴弹等投掷物怕将三人全部杀死。
Soon, the trio finds the vehicle Kuro prepared ahead of time.很快，三人便找到卡萝提前准备好的车子。
KuroEveryone in? Buckled up? Alright—launching!都坐稳了吗？准备好，发射！
They speed away. The Blackgold operatives, with no vehicles of their own, fire uselessly after them. None of the shots land.三人疾驰而去。黑金的人没有车，在后面徒劳地开了几枪，没有射中。
HecateStop.停。
MitylYour leg?你的腿？
CommanderIt's fine.没事。
Hecate returns to where the Commander was shot in the leg. There isn't a single drop of blood on the grass.黑卡蒂回到之前射中指挥官左腿的地方，草丛中没有一滴鲜血。
HecateCould it be you?难道是你？
73-A-16 月光下的驼铃声
Read this chapter with voices →On the highway on the west bank of the canal, Dark Zone, Kamona.卡莫纳，暗区，运河西岸公路。
Having shaken off Blackgold's pursuit, the Commander takes over the driver's seat. With only a sparse cache of ammunition and supplies left, they speed across the Kamona plains.驾车逃脱了黑金的追捕，指挥官换到了驾驶位上，带着所剩不多的弹药补给，行驶在卡莫纳的平原上。
MitylAre you sure your leg's fine?你的腿真的没问题吗？
CommanderLook.看。
The Commander pulls a contoured steel plate out from their left pant leg and tosses it aside. A dent is clearly visible on the metal.指挥官从左腿的裤管里抽出一块贴合腿型的钢板，丢到一旁，钢板上有一个清晰可见的弹孔。
KuroImpressive.厉害。
MitylAnd you? Why did you come back?你呢，怎么回来了？
KuroUh... well...呃……这……
KuroI thought about it, and you guys are such noobs. Without me, you're definitely screwed. So I figured I'd reluctantly tag along a little longer.我想了想，你们这么菜，没了我肯定不行；我还是勉为其难再陪你们走一段吧。
MitylMm. You're right.嗯，你说得对。
CommanderI believe you.我信了。
KuroHey, I'm serious!喂喂喂！我是认真的。
MitylSo are we... Hahahahahaha...我们也是认真的……哈哈哈哈哈哈……
CommanderHahahaha...哈哈哈哈哈……
Kuro...Hey! Enough already!……喂喂喂！
CommanderAlright, alright, we'll stop. Thanks, Kuro!好吧，不笑了。谢谢你，卡萝！
KuroHmph... Sure...唔……嗯……
KuroJust so we're clear—I didn't come back for that client. I came back for you guys.先说好，我不是为了那个委托人，是为了你们才回来的。
MitylI know. Kuro, you're the best!我知道，卡萝最好了！
Seeing that Kuro is still sulking, Mityl throws an arm around her neck and pulls her into a big hug.见卡萝还在别扭，米蒂尔伸手勾过她的脖子，给了她一个大大的拥抱。
KuroHey, hey, hey! You're choking me!喂喂喂，你勒到我了！
MitylWelcome back!欢迎回来！
The night wind blows as the wind turbines spin silently on either side. The headlights cut a clear path ahead through the darkness. There's no one else around—only the three of them, alone in the Kamona wilderness.夜风吹过，两侧的风车无声地旋转着，车灯把眼前的路照得分明；四野无人，只剩下他们孤独地行驶在卡莫纳的旷野上。
MitylWhere are we going?我们去哪？
CommanderDoss controls Floranpino. If Beluga wants to take the box back and avoid Hecate's people, there's only one path she can take.多斯管控佛诺安皮诺，白烨戈想要带着箱子回去，又要避开黑卡蒂的人，那她只有一条路可以走。
KuroBridge 794!794号桥！
CommanderYeah. We haven't lost too much time. I know a shortcut—we can catch up with her there...嗯，我们耽误的时间不长，我知道一条近路，可以在那里追上她……
CommanderThen we'll ask her how it feels to be Doss' lapdog.我们去问问她，给多斯当狗，当得舒不舒服。
Half an hour later, the car passes through an abandoned town.半小时后，三人开车，经过一座废弃的城镇。
Mityl, who has been laughing and joking in the backseat, suddenly falls silent as she stares out the window.原本还在后座嬉笑打闹的米蒂尔突然沉默了，直直地看着车窗外。
KuroWhat's wrong?怎么了？
Mityl...This was my home.……这里是我家。
The road is riddled with potholes and scarred by deep tire marks from military vehicles. The buildings on either side have been wrecked by shelling, and rubble lies strewn across the road.道路已经坑坑洼洼，布满了军用重型车辆留下的车辙；两侧的建筑在炮火中被摧毁得残破不堪，残垣断壁横在了道路中间。
The Commander carefully navigates around the debris, slowing the car even more.指挥官小心避让着深坑和路障，将车速又放慢了一点。
MitylWhen the war reached here, I lost my home and my family. I was lucky. A special operative found me and let me follow him. He was the one who taught me how to shoot.自从战争打到这儿，我就没了家和家人。我运气好，遇到了一个特遣队员让我跟着他，就是他教我学的开枪。
MitylA few years later, he took on a job and never came back. Before he left, he gave me a gun. I used it to complete my first gig.可惜没过几年，他接了个委托，再也没回来。他走之前留了一把枪给我，我就用它完成了我的第一个任务。
MitylAfter that, I kept taking jobs, scrounging junk, stashing more and more stuff, saving up more and more money...后来，我就拼命接委托、捡垃圾，囤了越来越多的东西，攒了越来越多的钱……
MitylI even found a smuggler willing to get me out. Once I finish this job and get the payment, I can finally leave Kamona. For good.我已经找到了一个愿意帮我偷渡的中间人，只要完成这一单，拿到委托金，我就可以离开卡莫纳，再也不用回来了。
Mityl turns her gaze back into the car and instinctively reaches for the giant backpack that she always carries—only to realize she has left it on the riverbank. Her raised hand falls onto the empty seat.米蒂尔把头转回车内，习惯性地想拍一拍自己一直背着的巨大背包，却发现包已经被遗落在河岸，抬起的手只能放回空荡荡的座位上。
KuroDon't you worry. I'll get you a bigger pack.没事，等我帮你抢个更大的包回来。
Mityl forces a smile.米蒂尔勉强笑了笑。
KuroIs this smuggler really trustworthy? I've heard it's getting harder and harder to leave the Dark Zone lately. You sure you're not getting scammed?你找的这个中间人可信吗？我听说这两年想从暗区出境越来越难了，你可别被骗了。
MitylI don't think it's a scam? It's someone named Evita—she's a contractor in Marulos. I've taken jobs from her before. Seemed reliable.不会吧？是马尔洛斯一个叫艾薇塔的委托人，我以前从她那里接过任务，感觉是个可靠的人。
KuroEvita? I know her too. She may really have a way to get you out.艾薇塔？我也认识她，或许她确实有出境的门路。
KuroCome to think of it, I've seen her quite recently. If she hadn't helped me back then, I wouldn't have gotten this job in the first place.说起来前不久我们还见了一面。如果不是她当时帮了我，我也不会恰巧接到这个委托。
Commander!！
The Commander is momentarily distracted. The front-right tire runs over a massive rock, the steering wheel jerks, and the car lurches toward a pile of rubble.指挥官一时分了神，右前轮从一个巨大的石块上碾过，手中的方向盘打了滑，车子朝一旁的废土堆撞去。
KuroBrake! Brake!刹车！刹车！
A shrill screech fills the air. The car halts just short of the mound.一阵刺耳的急刹声，车子将将停在了废土堆前。
KuroWhat happened?怎么回事？
CommanderSorry. I was just... taken by surprise...抱歉。我只是有一点意外……
EvitaListen. Don't stay in Marulos for the next little while. It's better if you take an out-of-town job.最近这段时间，不要留在马尔洛斯，最好找个外出的任务。
The Commander shifts gears and reverses, restarting the vehicle.换挡倒车，指挥官重新启动了车子。
CommanderWe all know Evita, and we all saw her before this mission.我们都认识艾薇塔，而且都在任务前见过她。
MitylIs that a problem?有什么问题吗？
Commander...Not necessarily.……没什么。
KuroEvita is a well-known contractor in the Dark Zone. It's a coincidence, but not suspicious.艾薇塔也是暗区有名的委托人了，虽然有些巧，但认识她不奇怪。
KuroBut there's someone else you know. And that's not so easy to explain.可还有一个人，你怎么也认识？
CommanderWho?谁？
KuroHecate.黑卡蒂。
MitylWho?! That psycho woman who almost got us all killed?!！谁？！黑卡蒂？刚刚那个差点把我们全都送走的凶巴巴的女人？！
KuroI went back for you guys after I found the car, but Blackgold's people had already surrounded the area, so I had to hide in the woods. I saw everything.我找到车回来找你们，却看见黑金的人围了过去，没办法只能暂时藏在树林里，你们的情况我看得一清二楚。
KuroWhen you looked back and saw Hecate, you clearly recognized her.你回头看到黑卡蒂的时候，明显认出了她是谁。
Commander...Fine. I admit it.……好吧，我承认。
CommanderWe've met once.确实有过一面之缘。
Four years ago.四年前。
OfficerI'll say it again. Your mission is to rescue the hostages trapped in the mountaintop camp and ensure their safety. Is that clear?我再重复一遍，此次的行动目标：解救被困在山顶营地里的人质，确保人质安全，都听清楚了吗？
众人Yes, sir!听清楚了！
In a forested valley somewhere in Kamona, a uniformed officer is delivering a briefing. Before him are soldiers standing in a neat row—and six slack-looking special operatives.卡莫纳某处山谷的密林里，一个一身军服的长官正在训话；在他身前站着一队军姿整齐的士兵，和六个行容懒散的特遣队员。
OfficerThe hostages are at the top of the mountain. Three sides are cliffs; only the northeastern slope is suitable for approach.人质被困在山顶的营地，三面都是悬崖，只有东北缓坡方便行军。
OfficerIt's dense with rocks and trees, so I've brought in six local operatives familiar with the terrain.缓坡遍布密林乱石，情况复杂，所以，我找了六个熟悉地形的特遣队员配合行动。
OfficerStand up straight!站好！
The officer barks at the slouching operatives. They straighten up instantly.长官注意到一侧那几个松松散散的特遣队员，出声呵斥；几人瞬间站直。
CommanderWhat a hard-ass...官威真大……
Old FriendShh.小声点。
OfficerWhat was that? Speak up so I can hear it.说什么呢？大声点，让我听到。
CommanderSir! We will complete the mission, sir!报告！特遣队员保证完成任务！
OfficerHmph.哼！
The Commander is among the six, whispering to a friend.指挥官就在六人之中，与自己的朋友小声吐槽着。
OfficerThis mission is important. Anyone who performs well gets a commendation. Whoever takes the lead role gets a rank promotion!这次的行动非常重要！凡是立了功的，都有表彰！首功者，军衔升一级！
CommanderWhat if it's an operative?如果是特遣队员呢？
OfficerWhat a joke. An operative? Fine. If one of you gets the lead, I'll push to get them admitted into the military. Any other questions?开什么玩笑，特遣队员？行吧，如果是你们立了首功，我会帮他破格申请加入军队。还有别的问题吗？
CommanderNo, sir. Thank you, sir!没了。谢谢长官！
The Commander's friend elbows them, whispering excitedly.指挥官一旁的老朋友用胳膊撞了指挥官一下，压低了声音。
Old FriendThe military! Did you hear that? The military!军队，你听到了吗，加入军队！
CommanderOf course I heard.废话，听到了。
Old FriendJoin the military, and you get a chance to leave Kamona...只要加入军队，就有机会离开卡莫纳……
CommanderIt can't be that easy. They're just stringing us along.哪有那么容易加入正规军，都是唬人的。
Old FriendGod, I don't care where—I just want out of the Dark Zone...天啊，去什么地方都行，只求给我个机会，让我离开暗区……
Lost in dreams of a better future, the friend doesn't notice the Commander's cynicism.老朋友并没有注意到指挥官的话，沉浸在自己对美好未来的幻想中。
CommanderHey, look at that one with the dark hair.欸，你看那边那个黑头发的。
In the front row stands a girl with short dark hair, dressed in uniform and carrying a full set of climbing gear.那是一个站在前排的少女，一头黑色的短发刚刚过肩，穿着同样制式的军装，与众不同的是，身上背着一整套登山工具。
Old FriendWhat about her?怎么了？
CommanderWhen the officer was making promises, she shrugged. Clearly didn't believe a word, haha...刚刚长官“画饼”的时候，她耸了下肩，明显也是不信，哈哈……
OfficerQuiet!安静！
CommanderAhem...咳咳……
OfficerThe winds are too strong for helicopters today. The northeastern slope is the enemy's only retreat path. We'll advance from there and trap them—今天大风，直升机无法起飞，东北侧的缓坡是敌人唯一的撤离路径。我们从缓坡朝山顶进发，把他们堵在山上……
Dark-Haired GirlSir!报告！
The dark-haired girl suddenly speaks up.刚刚耸肩的黑发少女突然出声。
Dark-Haired GirlI found a potential escape path on the southern cliff during reconnaissance. The enemy might retreat that way.今天白天在南侧悬崖勘察地形时，发现了一条可以攀爬的路径，存在对方从悬崖撤离的可能。
OfficerYou said it yourself, "Might." "MIGHT!' That cliff is steep—how would they get down with hostages? What about the others who scouted south?“可能”、“可能”，你都说了只是可能！那么陡的悬崖，带着人质怎么下来？其他勘察南侧的人呢？
SoldierSir! I believe the south is impassable.报告长官！我认为南侧没有通行道路。
Dark-Haired GirlIf we only attack from the northeast and they escape another way, the mission fails.如果我方只从东北缓坡进攻，一旦对方从其他路线撤离，我们的行动就会功亏一篑。
Dark-Haired GirlI request—我申请——
OfficerI've scouted it too. No way they're getting out that way!南侧我也去看过，绝无撤离可能！
The officer cuts her off, clearly irritated.长官不耐烦地打断了黑发少女的话。
OfficerI don't care how smart you were in the academy or what your scores were. This is Kamona. The Dark Zone. Not your fancy simulation lab!我要告诉你们，我不在意你们在军校里是多么优秀，考核拿了多少分。这里是卡莫纳，是暗区！不是演习训练场！
As the officer drones on, the dark-haired girl falls silent.长官又开始了絮絮叨叨没完没了的训话，黑发少女暂时收了声。
CommanderInteresting.有意思。
Old FriendWhat is?怎么说？
CommanderSay, if that soldier's right... what then?你说，如果那个女兵说的是真的，会怎么样？
OfficerYou again? If you've got something to say, say it to my face!又是你？有话到我面前来说！
The Commander sighs and steps forward.指挥官再次被点名，无可奈何地上前一步，站了出来。
CommanderSir! I agree with her.报告！我认为，她说的对。
KuroAnd? That dark-haired girl was Hecate? Did the officer listen?然后呢？那个黑发少女就是黑卡蒂？长官听你们的话了吗?
The three have long since left the ruined town. Bridge 794 is just up ahead.三人早已驾车驶出小镇，离794号桥已经不远。
CommanderWell—后来——
MitylLook!你们看前面！
Mityl interrupts suddenly.米蒂尔突然出声打断了指挥官。
There is a sudden glow at the end of the dark road.黑暗的道路尽头，有着突兀的光亮。
KuroHeadlights. We've caught up.是车灯，我们追上了。
The Commander kills their own headlights and floors the accelerator.指挥官灭了车灯，加大了油门，朝光亮处追去。
CommanderGet ready.做好准备。
They arrive at where the light is. It is indeed a vehicle—but it's parked and not moving.三人将车开到了光亮处，确是车灯没错，但与想象中不同的是，那是一辆停下的车。
The headlights shine down the road in the direction from which the Commander is traveling. Beluga is leaning against the hood, as if waiting.白烨戈靠在车前，车灯照着指挥官来时的路，像是在等人。
A lone person, one car, beside the bridge under the moonlight. The Doss assassins are nowhere to be seen.月下、桥旁、一车一人。除此之外，之前那些多斯的杀手全都不见人影。
KuroWhat the hell...?搞什么鬼？
The Commander parks the car. The three get out, weapons in hand, cautious of Beluga and any unseen threat.指挥官把车停下，三人带着武器下来，小心警惕着白烨戈和周围可能的危险。
CommanderWhere's the box?箱子呢？
Beluga doesn't answer.白烨戈没回答。
MitylWhy did you betray us? We... we were in this together...你为什么要背叛我们？我们明明……明明一起……
BelugaI never said I was on your side.我从没说过，和你们站在一边。
Mityl falls silent. She realizes she had only assumed Beluga's allegiance. She was wrong. She raises her gun and points it at her.意识到确实是自己的一厢情愿，白烨戈从未表明过自己的态度，米蒂尔无话可说，抬枪对准了白烨戈。
MitylHand over the box. I... I might let you live.把箱子交出来。我……我可以饶你一命。
Beluga...Heh.呵……
CommanderWhere's everyone else? Why are you here alone?其他人呢？你怎么一个人等在这儿？
BelugaBecause they're all idiots...还不是全都没有脑子……
Beluga turns and walks toward the trunk, her back completely exposed.白烨戈转身朝车的后备箱走去，将背对着指挥官三人，完全没有设防。
But just as she opens it, she pauses—and looks to the far end of the bridge.可刚打开后备箱，她就停了下来，抬头望向桥的另一侧。
KuroWhat now?你又想干什么？
An engine revs in the distance. More headlights. A convoy is approaching from the other side.汽车引擎的声响从桥的对面传来，而后是车灯——一支车队正在过来。
Beluga slams the trunk shut, draws a pistol from the pocket of her suit, and points it at the Commander.白烨戈“咣”地盖上了后备箱，从西装口袋里抽出枪，对准指挥官。
CommanderYou—你……
The three shift focus to the convoy, weapons raised. The cars stop on the opposite end of the bridge.指挥官三人持枪小心戒备着车队的方向，直到他们在桥的另一侧停下了。
Bodyguards in black step out and flank a middle-aged man in a suit carrying a cane as he walks toward the Commander and company.一群保镖模样的人，簇拥着一个西装革履，手持绅士棍的中年男子下车，朝指挥官三人走来。
???What a show. Seems I arrived just in time.精彩啊，看来我来的正是时候。
The man wears sunglasses even though it's dark. He carries no weapon and strolls casually, in spite of the guns aimed at him.为首的男人在黑夜中依然带着墨镜，没有拿枪，在指挥官三人的枪口前仍如闲庭漫步般自在。
But the bodyguards around him and the glint of a sigil on his ring finger leave no doubt about his identity—但看他身边围得如铁桶一般的黑衣保镖和指间隐约闪烁光泽的纹章戒指，此人的身份已昭然若揭。
KuroDoss...多斯……
DossI came to see how things turned out.我来看看事情办得怎么样了。
BelugaIt's done.得手了。
DossGood. And these leftover pests—do I have to teach you how to deal with them too?很好。那剩下的这几个杂碎，还需要我教你们怎么处理？
Beluga fires, blowing out the front-right tire on the Commander's car. Doss' bodyguards fan out, guns drawn.白烨戈一枪打爆了指挥官车子的右前轮。多斯的保镖们呈扇形散开，枪口指向三人。
CommanderPrepare for battle!开战！
73-A-18 第二次变奏
Read this chapter with voices →DossNot bad.还算有些本事。
After a fierce battle, only a few of Doss' bodyguards remain by the bridge. They now stay close to him, giving up on any offensive.经过一番激烈的战斗，桥畔，多斯的保镖已经所剩无几，紧密护卫在多斯身旁放弃了进攻。
On the other side, the Commander and the Dolls are down to their last magazines.而另一侧的指挥官三人，也已经打到只剩最后一个弹夹。
KuroDon't even think about taking that thing with you.别想把东西带走。
DossCount your bullets before you speak.数数你剩下的子弹再说话吧。
DossWhere is it?东西呢？
Beluga jerks her head toward the car's trunk.白烨戈向后备箱的方向撇了撇头。
A bodyguard steps up, opens it, carefully checks something inside, then returns to whisper to Doss.一个保镖走上去打开后备箱，仔细确认着什么，回来对多斯耳语了几句。
DossAlright. At least for this part, you did well.好吧，至少在这件事上，你做得不错。
DossI'll leave the rest to you. Since you volunteered for this mission, see it through to the end.那接下来，这里就交给你了。既然你主动提出要出这个任务，就负责到底吧。
Doss taps his cane, and two bodyguards carry the box out of the car.多斯点了点手杖，两个保镖把箱子从车上搬了下来。
DossFarewell. I hope to see you again, my entrusted... loyal subordinate.再见了，希望以后还可以见到你，我委以重任的……忠诚下属。
Beluga remains behind, gun in hand, facing the Commander's group.白烨戈留在原地，持枪与指挥官三人对峙。
Doss turns away, escorted by his guards, and retreats across the bridge with the box in tow.多斯转身，在保镖的护卫下带着箱子朝桥的另一侧撤去。
Bang! Bang! Two consecutive gunshots ring out.“呯——”、“呯——”……两声枪响。
Kuro raises her gun and fires at Doss, but Beluga predicts her move and shoots first, hitting the weapon in Kuro's hand.卡萝举枪射向多斯。与此同时白烨戈预判了她的行动，一枪正中卡萝手中的枪。
Kuro's aim jerks, her submachine gun almost slipping from her grip. The bullets miss.卡萝枪口一晃，手中的冲锋枪险些脱手，子弹没有击中目标。
BelugaStop wasting bullets.不要浪费子弹了。
Kuro steadies herself, her gun still aimed at Doss—but he's already shielded by his guards.卡萝重新站稳，枪口依旧牢牢地跟着多斯，只是可惜，他已经被挡在了保镖身后。
The Commander and Mityl are completely out of ammo, and don't dare expose that fact by firing.指挥官和米蒂尔已经没有了子弹，不敢轻易开枪暴露这个事实。
DossGive it up. The only reason you're still alive isn't because I couldn't kill you.放弃吧，没亲手杀了你们，不是因为我不能。
DossYou should be grateful for tonight's moonlight. It put me in a good mood.你们应该感谢今晚的月色，让我有了一个好心情。
Even now, in what could be called a retreat, Doss remains composed and gentlemanly. He pulls out a handkerchief to wipe the gunpowder off his cane.即便此刻的情境称得上是“败逃”，多斯依然维持着绅士做派，抽出一块手帕，擦了擦沾上了硝烟的手杖。
CommanderThe Sewer Rats' business on the canal—was that your doing?硕鼠帮在运河上的生意，是不是你指使的？
DossSewer Rats?硕鼠帮？
Doss pauses on the bridge, glancing back at the Commander.多斯已经走到了桥上，闻言停了下来，回头看向指挥官。
CommanderThey kidnapped people from towns and sent them to the mines via the canals.他们从各处镇子找到合适的人绑架，通过运河送去矿区。
CommanderWas that the Antonio family's business?这些，全是安东尼家族的生意吗？
TonyDad! Mom! ...Who? Who did it?!爸！妈！……是谁？谁干的！
ManLet me go! Let me—!放开我！放开！
Doss...Perhaps. I don't remember such trivial things.或许吧，这种小事，我没有印象。
Doss shrugs dismissively and continues walking. Several cars are parked at the far side of the bridge.多斯无所谓地耸了耸肩，继续朝对岸走去；几辆车子正停在那里。
Beluga fires a shot into the ground in front of the Commander.白烨戈一枪打在了指挥官前方的地面上。
BelugaDon't move. I'm not out of ammo yet.别动。我的弹药可还没有打光。
CommanderHeh...呵……
Ignoring the threat, the Commander tosses aside their empty gun, draws a knife, and crouches to charge forward.没有理会白烨戈的威胁，指挥官丢掉了没有子弹的枪，从腰后掏出匕首，俯身就要前冲。
Mityl!！
Mityl is out of bullets, but Kuro fires to cover the Commander's charge.米蒂尔已经没有子弹，但卡萝举枪射向白烨戈，为指挥官争取了机会。
Beluga dodges, and the Commander sprints past her, heading toward the bridge. Doss has just reached the far end.白烨戈闪身的同时，指挥官快速越过她，冲向桥面，此时多斯已经退到了对岸。
Boom!“轰——”
With a massive explosion, part of the bridge collapses.巨大的爆炸声传来，桥被多斯炸断了。
Commander!！
Beep— beep—“滴——滴——”
There's no path ahead of the Commander now. Across the river, Doss's convoy honks in a cacophony of mockery.指挥官的眼前已经没有了路。而河的对岸，多斯的车队放肆鸣笛，像是不加掩饰的嘲笑。
The headlights grow smaller, the honking fades, and eventually everything vanishes into the dark forest of Kamona.车灯越来越远，鸣笛声也渐渐听不见了，最终全都消失在卡莫纳黑暗的丛林中。
The Commander turns back, knife in a reverse grip, and faces Beluga.转过身，面向白烨戈，指挥官反握了匕首。
CommanderNow, it's between us.现在，是我们之间的事了。
A dark cloud blots out the moon. By the ruined bridge, tension crackles between both sides.一片乌云遮住了高悬的明月，桥畔，双方冲突一触即发。
BelugaJust go. The bridge is gone, you can't chase him.走吧，桥被炸了，你们追不上的。
BelugaForget the box. This has nothing to do with you to begin with.放弃这个箱子，这件事本就与你们没有关系。
Beluga stands at the bridge alone, calm and unshaken.白烨戈站在桥前，独自面对指挥官三人，面上不带一丝慌乱。
MitylSays who? This is our gig.谁说没有关系？这是我们的委托。
KuroI didn't care at first. It's just a job from a faceless client.本来我是觉得无所谓的，一个不敢露面的雇主的任务罢了。
KuroBut having it taken right under my nose... someone has to answer for that.但把东西从我眼睛底下夺走……总要有个交代。
The bridge is destroyed. There's no way to cross the canal.桥被炸断，前路已然不通。
The tires on the Commander's car have been shot out. If they want to chase Doss, they'll have to seize Beluga's car.指挥官开来的车胎已被打爆，要想追上多斯，唯有去抢白烨戈的车。
CommanderI have one more question.我还有一个问题。
CommanderIf you're with Doss, why did you let those civilians go back on the boat?既然你是多斯的人，为什么在船上要放了那些平民？
Beluga doesn't answer.白烨戈没有回答。
Commander...There's nothing more to talk about.……我们没有什么好谈的了。
CommanderStall her. I'll grab her car.牵制她，我去夺车。
The Commander whispers to the two girls beside them and prepares to rush forward.小声嘱托旁边的两个少女，指挥官准备前冲。
Bang—another shot lands in front of them.“呯——”又是一发子弹射在指挥官身前。
BelugaDrop it, Mityl. I know you're out of ammo.把枪放下，米蒂尔，我知道你没有子弹。
BelugaKuro. If I counted right, are you planning to threaten me with four bullets?卡萝，如果我没有数错的话，你是准备用4颗子弹威胁我？
KuroOne is enough.一颗就够了。
BelugaI'll say it one last time—leave. Forget the box.我再说最后一次，离开这里，忘记这个箱子。
CommanderI don't know what's inside or who hired us.虽然不知道箱子里是什么，委托人也不会是简单的角色。
CommanderBut Doss... Ha...但多斯……呵……
CommanderIf I had to choose between them, I'd never hand the box over to someone like him!如果一定要我在他们之间做选择，那我一定不会把箱子交到多斯这样的人手里！
Oddly, the Commander thinks they catch a glimpse of Beluga's smile.莫名地，指挥官感觉好像看到白烨戈笑了一下。
KuroWatch out!小心！
Beluga shifts her aim toward the Commander, one corner of her mouth curling upward.白烨戈枪口微移，指向指挥官，一侧的嘴角向上勾起。
Bang—“呯——”
A gunshot. Someone hits the ground with a thud.枪响后，是人体倒地的声音。
In the woods, one of Doss' bodyguards collapses.树林中，一个多斯的保镖倒了下来。
Beluga's barrel is still smoking in the moonlight.白烨戈的枪口还在夜色中冒着轻烟。
CommanderYou...?你？
The Commander, Mityl, and Kuro stand rooted to the spot, all dumbfounded by Beluga's sudden about-face turn.面对再次反水的白烨戈，指挥官与米蒂尔、卡萝一时愣在原地。
BelugaThere, now we've gotten rid of our tail.尾巴终于干净了。
Beluga lowers her weapon, walks to the driver's seat, and starts the engine. Seeing the trio still frozen, she leans out of the window.白烨戈把枪收了回去，走到驾驶座上，发动了车子；见指挥官三人没有动作，探出了头。
BelugaC'mon, get in.走吧，上车。
They pull up at a cabin in the woods at a remote location not too far away. It looks long abandoned.这是一个距离不远的林间小屋，地点隐秘，看上去已经废弃许久。
BelugaCome in.进来。
Beluga opens the door and enters first. The Commander and the others exchange glances, then follow suit.白烨戈打开了小屋的门，率先走了进去，指挥官三人在门外对视了一眼，跟了上去。
Commander!！
KuroWhat is it?怎么了？
The Commander freezes in the doorway. Kuro and Mityl step forward and peer inside.看到指挥官在门口愣住，卡萝和米蒂尔跟着上前，朝门内望去。
Inside, the box that should've been taken by Doss is sitting quietly in the center of the cabin.只见本应被多斯带走的箱子，正安静地落在小屋中心。
BelugaWhy are you all blocking the door?都堵在门口干什么？
MitylWhat's going on? Didn't Doss take the box? Why is it here? And that guard you shot—why was he there?现在是什么情况？箱子不是被多斯带走了么？怎么会在这儿？还有刚刚的你击毙的那个保镖，他怎么在那儿？
Beluga...You ask too many questions.……你的问题好多。
The three walk inside. Kuro circles the box twice, inspecting it.三人走进了小屋，卡萝围着箱子转了两圈，左看右看。
KuroLooks exactly the same... Is it the real deal?和之前那个一模一样……真的假的？
She knocks on it with her knuckles.说着，卡萝伸手在箱子上敲了敲。
CommanderIt is.是真的。
The Commander, who has crouched down to examine it, stands back up.原本蹲下去检查的指挥官站了起来。
CommanderBefore we set off, I scratched some markings under the security lock—three left, one right.出发前，我在箱子安全锁的下面划了记号，左三，右一。
CommanderThey're very small and hard to spot. Shouldn't be any way to fake them.这个位置细小，不容易被发现，应该不存在被造假的可能。
MitylThere they are! You thought of that? That's genius!真的有划痕！你怎么想到的，好厉害！
CommanderI was worried you all might... Never mind. It came in handy after all.一开始，我也害怕你们……算了，如今也算是派上了用场。
Beluga leans down to check the box, then straightens up and shoots the Commander an unfathomable glance.白烨戈弯身低头查看，而后直起身来，意义不明地扫了指挥官一眼。
BelugaAlright. I admit I didn't see those marks at all.好吧，我确实也没有发现你在这里做了标记。
MitylWhat's going on? Can you tell us now?究竟是怎么回事，现在可以告诉我们了吗？
BelugaJust as you've surmised, the one that Doss took wasn't your box. It was another.和你们猜的一样，多斯拿走的，不是你们原来的箱子，而是另外一个。
KuroAnother?另外一个？
BelugaYes. Your client simultaneously hired at least six teams to escort identical boxs.嗯，你们的委托人至少同时请了6支队伍，来护送一模一样的箱子。
Commander!！
BelugaEach team departed at 1900 hrs from different locations, heading to different destinations. No one knew which box was real.这6支队伍的出发地和目的地都不同，一起在19点出发，没有人确定哪个是真的。
BelugaBut there was a leak saying that the real one was with you. So I'm afraid your team was just bait.但是有消息泄露，说真的在你们这里。所以，恐怕你们只是委托人吸引火力的靶子罢了。
Kuro slams her fist onto the box.卡萝一拳重重地打在了箱子上。
CommanderSo the one Doss took...?多斯的那个箱子是？
BelugaAnother team gave up the mission. Nobody else knew.另外一支队伍放弃了任务，这件事没有其他人知道。
BelugaSo I swapped the boxes and let Doss take theirs.所以我替换了一下，让多斯带走了他们的箱子。
BelugaTo people like Doss or Blackgold Universal, it doesn't matter which is real. They'll split up and chase down all six.对于多斯、黑金这样的势力来说，哪个是真的并不重要，他们会分散队伍，同时去追这6个箱子。
BelugaBut I had to find the real one.但对于我来说，我必须找到真的那个。
CommanderYou want it too?你也想要它？
Beluga doesn't answer immediately. She gazes quietly at the box, brushing off a few leaves that have fallen on top of it.白烨戈没有立即回答，她安静地注视着眼前的箱子，把不知何时落上去的几片树叶拂了下去。
BelugaNo, I want you to deliver it safely.不，我希望你们可以把它安全送到。
MitylThen why steal it earlier?既然如此，之前为什么要把它抢走？
BelugaIf people didn't think Doss had taken your box... how long could you have kept it safe?如果不让大家以为你们的箱子已经被多斯夺走。你们又能护住多久？
KuroHey, we're strong, okay? We had you and Doss running scared just now...喂喂，我们很强的好吧。刚刚还把你和多斯打得丢盔弃甲……
Kuro waves her hands proudly, but accidentally punches the box again. She winces, holding in the pain to keep up appearances.卡萝张牙舞爪地比划着刚刚的战斗，一不小心又是一拳捶到了箱子上，立即咬牙把呼痛憋在了嘴里，没有辜负自己“很强”的人设。
MitylPfft...噗嗤……
Kuro...Shut up...……闭嘴……
CommanderAhahaha...哈哈哈哈……
Laughter finally returns among the four of them. The past few hours of deception and conflict seem all but forgotten.久违的欢笑声再次出现在四人之间，过去几个小时的暗算、冲突，似乎都已经烟消云散。
KuroIf—and I mean if—we had given up the box like the other team, what would you have done?如果，我是说如果，如果我们和那支队伍一样，选择放弃箱子，你会怎么办？
BelugaDo you know why no one knew I had theirs?你猜为什么没有人知道他们的箱子在我这儿？
BelugaStill, I never even entertained the possibility that you'd abandon her. After all...不过，我确实没想过你们会放弃她。毕竟……
CommanderAfter all...?毕竟？
Beluga...People and circumstances change, but bonds don't.……人和环境或许都会变，但羁绊不会。
BelugaAnyway, I've bought you some time. The car is yours. You'll find ammo and supplies in the back.总之，我已经为你们争取到了时间。车子交给你们，后面有弹药和补给。
BelugaThe rest is up to you.剩下的路，就交给你们了。
Beluga gives the box one last look, then turns to leave.白烨戈又深深地看了一眼箱子，而后转身离去，没有再做留恋。
MitylWhere are you going?你要去哪？
BelugaThere's still clean-up to do on Doss' side.多斯那边，有些事还要收尾。
CommanderWait! One last question...等等！我还有一个问题……
CommanderWhy are you so sure ours is the real one?为什么你确定，我们的箱子是真的？
Beluga pauses and turns slightly. The Commander sees her eyes. They are filled with certainty, without a hint of doubt.白烨戈停下了脚步，微微侧头；指挥官看到她的眼睛里充满坚定，没有一丝疑惑。
BelugaBecause... this is the reason I exist.因为，这是我存在的意义。
BelugaTake the box and go. The road ahead will not be easy.带上箱子，出发吧，前面的路，也许没有想象的容易。
73-A-20 最后一条路
Read this chapter with voices →The trio get back in the car with the box and head toward the Northridge Hotel.三人重新上车，载着箱子，朝北山酒店的方向出发。
Kuro climbs from the back seat into the front passenger seat. She unfolds a massive map and studies the route.卡萝从后座换到了副驾，手里拿着一份巨大的地图，研究着路线。
KuroThis is truly a treasure we got from Doss—it's the most detailed map of the Dark Zone I've ever seen.不愧是从多斯那儿拿到的东西，我还没见过这么详细的暗区地图。
KuroWe're here right now, and the Northridge Hotel is northeast of us. To get there, we'll have to pass through the mines...我们现在在这儿，北山酒店在我们的东北方；想要过去的话，要经过矿区……
KuroUgh... Let's hope the boss there isn't interested in this box.呃……希望矿区那边的老大不要对这个箱子感兴趣。
CommanderDon't count on it.可能性不大。
MitylIs there any route that avoids the large factions' territories? We can go the long way. We still have... 13 hours.有没有什么路，可以避开这些大的势力范围，哪怕绕一点也可以，我们还剩下……13个小时。
KuroThe mines or the farm. Take your pick.矿区和农场，你选一个。
Mityl...Not thrilled about either of those graveyards.……我对这两块墓地都不是很满意。
KuroLook on the bright side—we might make it through without trouble.往好处想，或许我们可以安全通过呢。
CommanderI know a way, but we can't take the car. And it's not an easy climb.我知道一条路，但是车开不过去。而且，不是很好走。
KuroWhere is it? It has to be better than the other two options.在哪儿？总会比这两个地方好吧。
CommanderCheck the gear in the back. See if we have any climbing equipment.看看后面的物资里，有没有登山的装备。
CommanderThere's a path on the south face of the mountain. If we start from here, we can climb up and go over.这座山的南侧峭壁有一条路，我们从这里，翻上去。
Four years ago, on the south cliff of the mountain.四年前，山地南侧峭壁。
CommanderOver here, there's a foothold.这边，这有个落点。
The Commander and Hecate scale the sheer cliffside with their bare hands. The strong night wind makes the climb all the more treacherous.指挥官和黑卡蒂正在峭壁上徒手攀爬，夜晚的大风无疑增加了他们的攀岩难度。
To avoid alerting enemies, they've dimmed their headlamps to the lowest setting. Every step and grip is executed with painstaking care.为了避免打草惊蛇，两人把头灯的亮度调到了最暗，每一步落脚都万分小心。
CommanderDidn't think they'd only send the two of us this way. If we run into hostiles, it's going to be a problem.没想到最后只派了我们两个走这条路，真的遇到敌人也是个麻烦。
CommanderDid you piss off your superiors or something?你不会和你们长官有仇吧？
CommanderHaven't asked yet—what's your name?还没问，你叫什么名字？
HecateYou don't need to know.你不需要知道。
CommanderIf something happens, I should at least know what to call you.要是有什么事情，我总该知道怎么喊你吧。
HecateThere's no one else here. Obviously, I'll know you're talking to me.这里没有第三个人，我自然知道你是在和谁说话。
HecateDon't slow me down.别拖后腿。
Hecate doesn't engage further. With swift, practiced movements, she uses the natural protrusions of the rock to overtake the Commander.黑卡蒂没有继续理会指挥官，而是利落地几个翻身，借助岩壁上的凸起，爬到了指挥官的前面。
CommanderCareful...小心……
CommanderNow I understand why your superiors don't like you.现在我知道，你们长官为什么不待见你了。
The Commander looks up and aims their headlamp at a small patch of rock, inspecting it carefully.指挥官抬头，用头灯照亮了眼前的一小块山壁，仔细观察着。
CommanderWhen I was scouting the terrain in daylight, I noticed this area had far less vegetation than the rest. It looked like it'd been cleared by hand—made me suspect there might be a climbable route.今天白天考察地形的时候，我注意到这边的植被比其他地方都少，像是被人为清理过，所以怀疑有一条可能的攀岩路径。
CommanderHow'd you spot that?你是怎么发现的？
Hecate stops. Hanging by her left hand from a jutting rock, she pulls something from her pocket with her right.黑卡蒂停了下来，左手单手挂在一块凸起的岩石上，右手从口袋里摸出一个东西，递了过去。
CommanderA piton? For securing ropes?挂片？用来挂安全绳的？
HecateMm. Found it below.嗯，下面捡的。
She tucks it away again and continues her climb. The Commander searches the surrounding wall but finds nothing.黑卡蒂把挂片收了回去，继续向上攀爬。指挥官在周围仔细摸索了一下，毫无收获。
CommanderSo there is a path up alright.看来确实有路没错了。
CommanderWe're already at least 15 meters off the ground and haven't found any other pitons... If there were more, this climb would be a lot easier—已经至少离地15米了，还没有找到其他挂片……如果有的话，我们爬起来也能轻松一些——
CommanderAh!欸！
The Commander slips, their foot skidding off the rock. They catch themselves with their right hand, now dangling off the cliff.指挥官突然脚下一滑，向下栽倒，全靠右手单手支撑，挂在了崖壁上。
HecateUseless...废物……
Even as Hecate mutters the insult, she descends two meters without hesitation and returns to the Commander's side.嘴上如此说着，已经爬到上面去的黑卡蒂还是向下降了两米，回到了指挥官旁边。
HecateStill holding on?还撑得住？
CommanderI'm fine.可以的。
The Commander finds another foothold and steadies themself, then pulls two thin steel plates from behind their calf and drops them.指挥官在山壁上小心地找到一处支撑点，重新稳住了自己，然后从小腿后抽出两块薄薄的钢板，丢了下去。
CommanderToo cumbersome to keep carrying.带着还是不方便。
HecateWhat are those?这是什么？
Commander"Kamona Rules of Engagement, Article 11, Section 3—'When aiming to take targets alive, prioritize disabling shots to the legs to impair mobility.'"《卡莫纳地区行动准则》第十一条第三节：“针对不可击毙的目标，优先攻击目标小腿等部位，限制其移动能力。”
CommanderI got that right, didn't I? It's from your military handbook.我没记错吧，你们军队的行动准则。
Hecate...Yes.……没错。
CommanderHaha...哈哈……
They both understand the delicate relationship between foreign forces and Kamona's local task units. Neither chooses to comment further, and the climb continues in silence.外来军队与本土特遣队员，对彼此微妙的关系心照不宣；指挥官与黑卡蒂没有在此问题上继续交谈，沉默地继续攀爬。
CommanderLook.你看。
The Commander stops and pulls out a small flashlight, directing the beam at a section of rock nearby.指挥官停了下来，从怀中掏出一个小手电筒，照向旁边的山壁。
A piton is driven deep into the cliff face.一枚挂片深深地钉在岩壁上。
CommanderWe were right.我们是对的。
With that piton found, they quickly locate a second and third along the path.找到了一个挂片，两人很快循着路径找到了第二、第三枚……
Attaching their climbing rope with carabiners, they begin securing their ascent. With the added safety and support, they move faster and are soon halfway up the mountain.将一直背在身后的安全绳用锁扣固定在挂片上，有了绳索的帮助和保护，两人一路向上，很快便到了山腰。
The wind grows stronger the higher they go. For safety, they have to slow their pace.高处的山风更大，为了安全，两人不得不放缓了攀登的速度。
CommanderWhy aren't we using the same rope? With wind this strong, we'd be able to help each other if something happens.为什么不用一条安全绳？这么大的风，如果我们连在一起，出了问题也好照应。
CommanderIf I'm not mistaken, we're still on the same side.如果我没搞错的话，现在我们可还是同伴。
HecateI can handle myself.我一个人就可以。
CommanderBut it'd be safer.但那样更安全。
HecateA rope is a climber's second life. I'm not putting mine in someone else's hands.安全绳是攀岩者的第二条命，我对把命交到别人手上没有兴趣。
CommanderOn the battlefield, you need to trust your teammates.战场上，你要足够信任你的队友。
HecateOnly the weak need to huddle together.只有弱者才需要抱团。
Seeing that Hecate isn't budging on this, the Commander drops the subject. In no time, they ascend another dozen meters.见黑卡蒂态度强硬，指挥官放弃了继续这个话题。转眼间，两人又向上攀升了十几米。
Suddenly, Hecate turns off her headlamp.突然，爬在上面的黑卡蒂关掉了自己的头灯。
The Commander doesn't know why, but they quickly do the same and grow still.指挥官不知原因，但迅速效仿，停了下来。
From above, a rappel rope drops down.一根速降绳被从上方抛了下来。
ManBring the hostage up. We're pulling out.把人质带上，从崖壁撤退。
KuroYou discovered this path back then?你就是那个时候发现这条路的？
It is now dawn. Only 12 hours remain until the deadline set by the client.已经到了清晨，距离委托人约定的时间还剩下最后的12小时。
The Commander, Kuro, and Mityl struggle up the steep southern face of the mountain.指挥官与卡萝、米蒂尔三人，艰难攀爬在山地南侧的峭壁上。
CommanderMhm. I didn't think it'd still be here after all these years.嗯，没想到几年了，它还在。
KuroThen Hecate must know about it too, right? What if she's lying in ambush...那黑卡蒂不是也知道吗？如果她在这边埋伏我们……
CommanderIt's possible, but it's still better than walking straight into the mines and risking a direct confrontation.是有这个可能，但总比直接去矿区正面冲突要好。
CommanderAt least this route is so rough that even if Hecate's waiting, she can't bring many people with her.至少，山路这么难走，就算黑卡蒂埋伏在这儿，也带不了很多人。
KuroStill risky as hell. I really don't want to run into that woman again.但还是有风险啊喂，我可一点都不想再遇到那个女人了。
MitylLet's hope Beluga's plan worked and Hecate isn't chasing us anymore.希望白烨戈的计策有效，让黑卡蒂不要再追着我们了。
The three of them are tied together securely by a single climbing rope, with the Commander leading the way, and Kuro and Mityl following behind.三人的安全绳稳稳连在一起，指挥官在最前方为两人引路，卡萝和米蒂尔跟在后面。
The box has been left at the base of the mountain, tied to the rope and secured to the Commander's harness.箱子被放在了山脚下，绑了绳子，被指挥官牵在身上。
CommanderThere's a small ledge ahead. We'll climb there first and pull the box up from there.再往上有一个小平台，我们先爬到那儿，再把箱子拉上来。
MitylHow far is it? I'm getting tired.还有多远？我快要爬不动了。
Mityl calls from the back. To lighten her load, she had even abandoned the freshly restocked backpack at the foot of the mountain.排在最后一个的米蒂尔向上呼喊，为了能够减轻身上的负重，她好不容易重新填满的背包也被丢在了下面。
CommanderAlmost there.快了。
The Commander reaches the edge of the platform, braces both hands on the rock, and pulls themself up.指挥官已经够到了平台的边缘，双手撑地一个用力，翻身爬了上去。
Commander!！
On the ledge, Hecate and four Blackgold operatives are already waiting.平台上面，黑卡蒂和四名黑金队员，正在等他。
HecateYou're slower than I expected.你们动作比我想象的要慢。
Five guns are pointed at them, but at this position, they have no choice but to climb up.即便平台上已经有了5个枪口，但此时此刻，这样的地理位置，除了爬上来，三人别无选择。
CommanderDon't shoot. We can talk this through.别开枪，都好商量。
The three stand at the edge of the cliff, face to face with the operatives of Blackgold Universal.三人站在悬崖边缘，眼前是等待多时的黑金国际。
HecateLong time no see.好久不见。
CommanderIndeed. I thought you hadn't recognized me.好久不见，我还以为你没认出来。
HecateI don't want to admit it, but... those steel plates behind your calves actually came in handy.虽然不想承认，但你放在小腿后的钢板确实有点用处。
CommanderSo that's what gave me away... You haven't changed much either.原来是这里暴露了……你倒是没怎么变。
HecateEnough catching up. Same deal as before—hand over the box, and we'll let you go.叙旧结束。还是一样的条件，箱子交出来，放你们一条生路。
KuroWe don't have the box.我们没有箱子。
KuroOur fight with Doss at Bridge 794 caused quite a commotion. Blackgold must've caught wind of it.昨天我们和多斯在794号桥的战斗，动静那么大，黑金国际不可能没有收到消息。
HecateDoss took a box.多斯是带走了一个箱子。
HecateBut the one I'm after is yours.但我要的是你们这个。
Mityl...As you can see, we're standing here, the three of us—no box.……你都看到了，我们三个现在都站在这里，没有什么箱子。
CommanderWe lost it. We're just trying to lay low now in case the client comes after us.弄丢了东西，怕被雇主追究，我们现在只想避避风头。
HecateThen toss the rope clipped to your harness.那就把你身上系着的那根绳子扔下去。
The rope in question is connected to the box at the base of the mountain.指挥官身上正系着一根登山绳，绳子的另一端，绑在了被搁在山脚的箱子上。
HecatePull it up.把箱子拉上来。
Kuro and Mityl glance at the Commander. Hecate fires a warning shot into the air.米蒂尔和卡萝两个人看向指挥官；黑卡蒂朝天开了一枪。
HecatePull. It. Up.拉上来！
The Commander gives a slight nod.指挥官点了点头。
Mityl and Kuro also grab the rope and start pulling together.米蒂尔和卡萝从指挥官手中接过了绳子，三人合力，缓缓拉动了箱子。
The Commander isn't using all their strength—they're stalling, buying time.并没有使出全部的力气，指挥官想办法拖延着时间。
CommanderI have a question. Blackgold is chasing more than just this box, right?我有一个问题，黑金应该不止在追这一个箱子吧。
CommanderThen why would the leader of the Abyss Squad personally come after us?但为什么深渊小队的队长要亲自来追我们这条线索？
CommanderI'm just curious.我只是单纯的好奇。
HecateYour client leaked a false trail. Told everyone the real box was with you.你们的委托人假装对外泄露消息，说真的在你们这儿。
HecateThe leak was too convenient. Most people now think your box is a decoy planted on purpose.消息泄露得太过巧合，大多数人都判断，你们的箱子是假的，是委托人放出来的靶子。
HecateBut I don't buy it.但我不这么认为。
HecateI think your client is sneakier than that, and I think you didn't lose it.我赌他多算计了一层，也赌你们没有弄丢它。
CommanderHonestly? I don't even know if this box is the real one.说实话，我也不知道这个箱子是不是真的。
CommanderBut you're right about the second part.但第二点，你赌对了。
The box is only a few meters below the ledge. The three slow down, exchanging glances and silently asking each other what to do.箱子已经被拉到了半空，只差两三米就可以拉上平台；三个人放缓了手下的速度，用眼神交流着接下来该怎么办。
Blackgold OperativeHurry it up!快点！
Started by the Blackgold operative's sudden shout, Mityl stumbles backward and steps on a loose rock.突然出声的黑金队员吓了米蒂尔一跳，向后退了一步，却踩到了一颗碎石。
She falls over, and the rope slips from her hands. The box drops a few meters.不小心跌倒在地，米蒂尔手中一松，箱子瞬间下坠了几米。
HecateHold it!拉住！
Hecate instinctively moves forward to grab the rope, but stops herself just in time.黑卡蒂下意识地向前，想去拉住绳子，却反应了过来，及时顿住。
The Commander and Kuro are yanked forward, but manage to halt the box's fall. Mityl scrambles up and grabs the rope again.指挥官与卡萝被向前拖了两步才止住箱子下坠，爬起来的米蒂尔连忙抓住绳子，稳住了。
Mityl...Sorry.……对不起。
CommanderIt's okay.没事。
Seeing that the box is once again secured, Hecate lets out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. She gestures for the Blackgold operatives to stay put.见箱子已被拉住，黑卡蒂几不可见地松了口气，示意两边的黑金队员不要轻举妄动。
HecatePull it up. No tricks.快拉上来，别耍什么花招。
But the Commander stops moving.然而指挥官却不动了。
KuroWhat's the matter?怎么了？
Kuro and Mityl halt as well. They whisper uncertainly.见指挥官不再继续拉动绳子，卡萝与米蒂尔跟着停了动作，小声询问。
CommanderTrust me.信我。
HecateWhat are you doing?你做什么？
CommanderStep back, or I'll drop the box.退后，否则我就把箱子摔下去。
The three of them are standing unarmed on the cliff edge, the box dangling in mid-air, at least 50 meters above the ground.如今的局面，指挥官三人毫无保护地站在悬崖边上，手中的绳子绑着箱子，悬在半空，距离地面至少有50米的高度。
CommanderIf we fall, or even get injured, the box goes down with us. No one will catch it in time.如果我们死亡或受伤，箱子一定会和我们一起从悬崖上掉下去，没有人来得及阻拦。
CommanderI don't know what's inside this thing, but judging from your reaction just now, you really don't want it to fall.虽然不知道箱子里是什么，但看你刚刚的反应，应该很怕它会坠落吧。
CommanderStep back!退后！
KuroYeah! Step back! Or we'll drop it!对！退后！否则我们就把它摔下去！
Hecate glares at the Commander. Then she signals, and the Black gold team steps back five meters.黑卡蒂死死盯着指挥官，随后摆手，黑金队员们退到了5米开外。
HecateThe box is in your hands, but your lives are in mine. This stalemate won't last.箱子在你们手上，可你们的命在我手里；这样僵持下去不会有结果。
HecateGive it to me, and I'll recommend you for Blackgold Universal.把箱子交给我，我可以举荐你们加入黑金国际。
HecateYou know I invited you once—four years ago.你知道的，四年前我就邀请过你，加入当时的部队。
CommanderI remember, but my answer is still the same.是的，但我的答案和四年前一样。
HecateThe longer we stall, the worse it gets for you.如今局面，拖下去对你们更加不利。
CommanderWe don't mind.但我们无所谓。
CommanderYou want to know your biggest weakness?知道一直以来，你的弱点是什么吗？
Hecate doesn't respond. Her face remains impassive. But the Commander knows—she has no other option.黑卡蒂没有回答，面上的神情也未发生变化；但指挥官知道，她别无选择。
CommanderYou're scared of losing.你怕输。
CommanderLet's make a bet. If the three of us can break through your encirclement, we walk away with the box.我们打个赌。如果我们三个可以在你们的包围下成功突围，就让我们带箱子走。
CommanderIf we fail, it's yours.如果不能，箱子就是你们的了。
Kuro opens her mouth, but Mityl grabs her arm.卡萝想要说些什么，被米蒂尔拉住了。
MitylI believe in us!我相信我们一定可以的！
KuroYou think I was gonna stop you?难道你以为我是要阻拦吗？
KuroHey, you lot! It's five against three. Don't tell me you're scared?喂，对面的听着，有本事的话就答应这个赌约，五打三，难不成还怕了吗？
One of Hecate's men starts to speak, but another cuts them off.黑卡蒂身后的一个黑金队员想要说些什么，被另一个同伴拦住了。
Blackgold OperativeDid you forget? Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the box.忘了吗？第一优先级——确保箱子的安全。
HecateI accept.我答应你。
73-A-22 蛛丝
Read this chapter with voices →CommanderWe won.我们赢了。
On the ledge halfway up the mountain, the Commander, Kuro, and Mityl stand victorious over Hecate and her Blackgold squad.山腰平台上，指挥官三人战胜了黑卡蒂带领的黑金队伍。
The battle ends. The box is pulled up and set aside.双方息战，箱子被拉了上来，摆在一旁。
MitylWe actually won!我们真的赢了！
KuroHahahahaha... I told you... cough... told you we're strong!哈哈哈哈哈……我就说……咳咳……我就说我们很强吧！
HecateYou may leave.你们走吧。
Blackgold OperativeCaptain—队长——
HecateStand down.退下。
A Blackgold operative steps forward to speak, but Hecate shuts them down.一个黑金队员上前想说些什么，被黑卡蒂喝止。
HecateNext time we meet, you better hope you don't run out of luck.下次遇到，你们最好祈祷还和今日一样幸运。
CommanderThanks.多谢。
Now that the fight is over, the three gather around the box, watching as Blackgold begins to withdraw.已然取胜，指挥官三人围在箱子前，等待黑金先行撤离。
HecateLet's go.走。
Hecate slings her weapon across her back and turns without another word.黑卡蒂率先收枪背回身上，没有再做停留，利落地转身准备带队离去。
The four operatives follow her lead. But then...四名黑金队员稍作迟疑，也纷纷跟了上去，除了……
KuroWatch out!小心！
The Blackgold operative who tried to argue earlier hangs back, and just when everyone lowers their guard, he raises his weapon and fires at Kuro, who is the closest to the box.刚刚上前意欲劝说黑卡蒂的黑金队员磨蹭一番，落在了队伍最后，在所有人都放松警惕时，举枪袭击离箱子最近的卡萝。
Kuro dives and rolls aside just in time, dodging the incoming rounds. However—卡萝迅速翻身滚向一侧，躲避突如其来的子弹。然而——
Commander!！
She's too close to the cliff's edge. The bullets force her back step by step until she slips and falls.由于所站的位置距离悬崖太近，黑金的子弹追着紧咬不放，卡萝被逼到了悬崖边缘，落了下去。
MitylAAAAH!啊！
CommanderHold on!抓住！
The safety rope linking Kuro to Mityl and the Commander snaps taut, yanking them toward the cliff.卡萝与米蒂尔、指挥官之间连接的安全绳猛地绷紧，紧接着将两人向悬崖边拽去。
The Commander can't keep their footing and gets dragged forward.指挥官来不及稳住身体，直接被拖倒向外滑去。
At the back, Mityl clamps her hands around the rope, straining against the pull, her body arched to the limit as she slides several meters, trying to stop the fall.最后面的米蒂尔双手牢牢抓住绳子，身体向后弓起到极限，被拖着向前滑了几米，想要拽住滑落的两人。
The Commander's hands scrape across the rock, leaving blood in their wake before they finally grab a patch of wild grass on the edge, just enough to hold.指挥官的双手在地上留下了两条带血的抓痕，终于将将在悬崖边抓住一丛野草，借力阻住了下滑。
CommanderAre you okay?怎么样？
Dangling from the cliff, with only their arms keeping them up, the Commander glances down.指挥官大半个身体挂在了悬崖外，只剩双臂支撑在上面，死死抓住救命稻草，向下望去。
KuroI'm okay!没事！
Suspended in mid-air five meters below the ledge, Kuro sways dangerously with nothing but the rope to support her.卡萝在峭壁上无从借力，全靠安全绳的连接，被吊在距离平台五米的位置上，摇摇欲坠。
MitylWhat are you doing? We already won the bet!你们要干什么？刚刚的赌约我们已经赢了。
Blackgold OperativeCaptain, the box is safe! They can't use it to threaten us anymore. We should grab it and go while they're distracted.队长，箱子已经安全了，不怕要挟。趁他们自顾不暇，我们带着箱子走。
Blackgold Operative...If their box is real, we can't let them go so easily.既然他们的箱子大概率是真的，就不能轻易放过他们。
Hecate stays silent. She watches the three figures hanging by a single rope, fighting to stay alive, then looks toward the box resting quietly at the edge of the ledge.黑卡蒂没有回应，她看着被安全绳连成一串，挂在悬崖边挣扎求生的三人，和角落里，安静摆放的箱子。
The operative urges her again. The others hesitate, but clearly, they're tempted too.一旁的黑金队员还在劝说，另外几个队员不敢接话，但看样子也已跃跃欲试。
MitylYou promised!你答应过的！
Blackgold OperativeCaptain!队长！
Hecate walks up to the box. The operative's eyes glint in triumph. Meanwhile, Mityl clings desperately to the rope, unable to move, helpless to intervene.黑卡蒂走到了箱子面前，一直劝说的黑金队员眼中露出兴奋；而米蒂尔双手牢牢抓着绳子脱不开身，对眼前发生的一切无力阻止。
MitylHurry!快一点！
Still dangling off the cliff, the Commander tries desperately to climb up, but Kuro's weight makes it impossible.指挥官还艰难地挂在悬崖边缘努力想要起身，身下卡萝的重量让他没有办法立即爬上来。
Unexpectedly, Hecate doesn't touch the box. She walks to the cliff's edge and stands in front of the Commander.出乎意料的是，黑卡蒂没有搬动箱子，而是走到了悬崖边缘，指挥官的面前。
HecateThe scene feels all too familiar.眼前的情景，实在有一些眼熟。
The Commander's legs flail in the air as they struggle to find a foothold on the steep rock wall—only to send pebbles tumbling down. They glance up at Hecate and crack a tired grin.指挥官双腿悬空挣扎，想要在峭壁上找到一个可以借力的点，却只蹬下了一堆碎石；无奈地扯出一个笑容。
CommanderYeah... Definitely getting a sense of déjà vu.是啊，是很眼熟。
Four years ago.四年前。
HecateDon't hurt the hostage.不要伤害人质。
The Commander and Hecate have just cornered a group of retreating kidnappers on a cliff. Three are down, while one remains.指挥官与黑卡蒂果然遭遇了从悬崖撤离的绑匪，解决掉其中三人后，还剩下最后一个。
KidnapperDon't come any closer! Or I'm taking him with me!别动！否则我带着他一起掉下去！
The last kidnapper has the unconscious hostage tied to him. In his right hand is a paratrooper knife, its blade pressed firmly against the safety rope.最后一个绑匪身上绑着昏迷不醒的人质，右手握着伞兵刀，刀刃牢牢抵住挂着自己的安全绳。
KidnapperLet me down safely.让我安全下去。
They're still 50 meters above the ground. If they fall, the hostage won't survive.此处距离地面至少有50米的高度，如果两人直接掉下去，人质毫无生还的可能。
HecateStay calm.别冲动。
Hecate gazes at the infrared laser point hovering on the kidnapper's face.黑卡蒂盯着对方脸上，红外瞄准器落下的红点。
Bang! A gunshot cracks through the air. A sniper bullet has taken him clean. His hand falls open, losing grip on the knife.“呯——”，一声枪响，绑匪被不知何处的狙击手击毙，握着伞兵刀的手无力地垂了下去。
The Commander smiles, pulls out a flashlight, and signals downward with a series of long and short flashes.指挥官一笑，从怀中掏出手电，朝山下打了个三长两短的暗号。
A familiar voice responds from below.下面传来了熟悉的声音。
Old FriendHeh! I'm coming up.嘿！我这就上来。
HecateCare to explain?说说吧，怎么回事？
CommanderOld war buddy.介绍一下，我的老战友了。
CommanderWe planned this—he slipped away from the main unit to back us up.我们商量好，他从大部队溜出来，跟在我们后面照应。
CommanderSee? I told you—you need teammates on the battlefield.怎么样，我说过的，战场上，你需要队友。
Hecate...You did good this time, I'll give you that.……这次算你们做得不错。
The Commander's friend climbs up. Together, the three remove the hostage from the dead kidnapper and strap them securely to Hecate's back.指挥官的朋友已经爬了上来，三人将昏迷的人质从绑匪的尸体上解下来，绑在了黑卡蒂的背上。
Old FriendCan you carry him? Want me to? I can take the weight你能背动吗？不如换我来，我习惯了负重。
HecateNo need.不必。
CommanderHa, don't mind her. She's always like that.哈，别理她，她就这样。
They're still on the mountainside, and climbing up with an unconscious hostage is nearly impossible. They decide to rappel down and rejoin the main force later.此处还在半山腰，带着昏迷的人质继续向上攀爬难度较大，三人决定降落回地面，再想办法与大部队回合。
HecateReady?好了吗？
Hecate checks the straps securing the hostage, then she adjusts her own rope and prepares to descend.黑卡蒂已经将身后的人质牢牢绑住，调整好自己的绳索，准备速降。
The Commander and their friend are already roped together, like old times.另一边的指挥官和他的朋友也已经做好了准备，一根安全绳连住了他们，就像他们以往行动时那样。
The Commander tugs the rope tight.指挥官用力拽了拽绳子，确认已经绑紧。
CommanderLet's move.走吧。
As Hecate begins her descent, the friend calls out to her, only to stutter hesitantly.见黑卡蒂已经准备动身，指挥官的老朋友叫住了她，吞吞吐吐地想说些什么。
HecateJust spit it out.你直说。
Old FriendYour CO said... the first to succeed gets to join the military and leave Kamona. Is it true?你们长官说，只要立下首功，就可以加入军队，离开卡莫纳，是不是真的？
Hecate shoots the Commander a meaningful look, then answers as she rappels down.黑卡蒂意味深长地看了指挥官一眼，随后没再多做停留，一边下落一边回答。
HecateAsk him yourself.这你要自己去问他了。
Old FriendAsk him? So it's true? We can really leave Kamona?问他？所以是真的吗？真能离开卡莫纳？
Hecate is already two meters down, and proceeds to ignore the questions.黑卡蒂已经下降了两米，没再理会追问的特遣队员。
The Commander pats their friend on the shoulder.指挥官拍了拍他的肩。
CommanderLet's just get back down first. We'll have our chance.先下去吧，会有机会的。
The operator has a long scar over his right eye—a wound from a past mission. He almost lost the eye saving the Commander.这个特遣队员的右眼上有一道刀疤，那是之前一次任务时，为了救指挥官而留下的，险些废掉了他的一只眼睛。
Now, he narrows it slightly, trying to make out the Commander's face in the dark.此时，他带伤的右眼微微眯了起来，似乎想在夜色中把眼前的指挥官看清。
Then he also smacks the Commander on the shoulder—just like before.随后他同样拍了拍指挥官的肩膀，就像他们之前一起行动时那样。
Old FriendGo ahead. I'll follow.走吧，你先下去，我跟着。
The Commander turns and follows Hecate down the cliff, descending slowly with the rope.指挥官跟上黑卡蒂，借助安全绳的帮助，从峭壁上缓慢下落。
The operator left behind pulls out his paratrooper knife from inside his coat.留在上面的特遣队员从怀中掏出了伞兵刀。
Old FriendI'm sorry... but I won't die in the Dark Zone.对不起，但我不能死在暗区。
They're falling...坠落——
The Commander feels their body plummeting through the air, but their soul seems to float free.指挥官感到自己的身体在急速下坠，但灵魂却像是升了起来。
They see their friend's face—a twisted mix of excitement and fear. The bloodied paratrooper knife in his hand must have slipped during the cut, slicing his own hand in the process.他看到自己朋友混合着兴奋与恐惧的脸，手里的伞兵刀沾着血，那是割断绳子时太过紧张，不小心割伤自己留下的。
CommanderI was wrong.是我错了。
The Commander shuts their eyes.指挥官闭上了眼。
Then—suddenly, they stop falling.下坠突然停止了。
A tremendous force tugs at their right arm, halting their descent.指挥官的右臂感到了一股巨大的拉力，阻住了他的继续下落。
The Commander opens their eyes. Hecate is gripping them tightly from just below the cliff edge.指挥官睁开眼，他被崖壁下方的黑卡蒂拉住了。
HecateNext time, would you still entrust your life to someone else?如果还有下次，你还敢把命交到别人手上吗？
HecateSo after all that, why haven't you changed?那次之后，你为什么还是没有变。
Hecate crouches at the edge, looking down at the Commander—and the safety rope that links them to Mityl and Kuro.黑卡蒂蹲了下来，俯身看着指挥官，以及他和米蒂尔、卡萝之间，紧紧连着的安全绳。
Blackgold OperativeCaptain.队长。
The Blackgold operative who attacked earlier walks up.刚刚偷袭的黑金队员走了过来。
Blackgold OperativeThe cargo is secured. What about them? Should we...箱子已经确认无误，他们怎么办，要不要……
He makes a slashing gesture.他比了个“做掉”的手势。
MitylHecate! You promised you'd let us go!黑卡蒂！你答应过让我们离开！
Mityl is still on the ledge, barely managing to support Kuro and the Commander's combined weight. She can do nothing else but yell.米蒂尔还在平台上艰难支撑着卡萝和指挥官的重量，除了动嘴，别无他法。
CommanderWhether I've changed or not... you certainly have.不管我变没变，你都变了。
CommanderLooks like you haven't been having a good time at Blackgold Universal.看来你在黑金国际的日子，没有想象的顺利。
The Commander rambles on, trying to distract Hecate. While speaking, they flick a slim blade from their boot and try to wedge it into the rock face to gain some footing.想办法交谈分散着黑卡蒂的注意力，指挥官弹出了靴子上的薄刃，想办法插入岩壁，希望给脚下借到一点力。
But the clump of wild grass they've been using as a handhold gives way, and they fall again.然而，原本抓着的野草终于承受不住断裂，指挥官猛然下坠。
Commander!！
Hecate catches the rope.绳子，被黑卡蒂抓住了。
CommanderYou...你……
Veins bulge in her forearms. Supporting the Commander and Kuro's combined weight is clearly pushing her strength.突然的发力让黑卡蒂猝不及防，拉住绳子的小臂上爆起青筋，指挥官和卡萝两个人的重量让她有些吃力。
HecateShut up.少废话。
MitylAre you two alright?!你们还好吗？
With Hecate's help, Mityl grabs hold of the rope again. She's still visibly shaken from the near-disaster.在黑卡蒂的帮助下，米蒂尔重新拉住了绳子，刚刚的意外让她惊魂未定。
MitylGet up here already!快点上来！
Blackgold OperativeCaptain?队长？
Hecate ignores her subordinate. She extends a hand to the Commander.黑卡蒂没有理会旁边的队员，而是向指挥官伸出了一只手。
HecateStop wasting time.别再耽搁时间了。
Commander...Haha... hahahaha...……哈哈……哈哈哈哈……
...The Commander lets out a breathless laugh instead of grabbing it immediately.没有立即去抓黑卡蒂伸过来的手，指挥官先是忍不住笑了出来。
CommanderI take back what I said—you haven't changed a bit either.我收回刚才的话，这几年你也没变。
KuroHey, do you two mind? I'm still dangling down here!喂，你们考虑一下我被吊在下面的感受好吗？
Kuro's voice floats up from below, the safety rope swaying with her weight.安全绳晃晃荡荡的，下方传来了卡萝的声音。
The Commander braces their left hand against the cliff's edge and clasps Hecate's hand with their right, using it to pull upward.指挥官左手撑住悬崖的边缘，右手握住黑卡蒂伸过来的手，向上借力。
CommanderThanks.多谢。
At last, they make it back up. Mityl immediately secures the safety rope to a nearby rock, ensuring there won't be another mishap.两人终于爬了上来，缓过手来的米蒂尔连忙把三人身上的安全绳找了个地方固定起来，生怕再出什么意外。
MitylYou scared the hell out of me.你们吓死我了。
KuroSorry. My mistake.对不住，是我的失误。
MitylI'm just glad you're okay.没事就好。
She pulls Kuro into a big hug. Kuro squirms out of her arms.米蒂尔给了卡萝一个大大的拥抱，卡萝挣扎着从她怀里钻了出来。
KuroHey, the Blackgold team is still here.喂，黑金的人还在呢。
CommanderSo, what now?接下来你们怎么办？
HecateThat's none of your concern.这不是你该关心的事。
Hecate prepares her team for departure. The operative who tried to ambush them is silent now, head bowed and subdued.黑卡蒂重新带队准备离开，之前偷袭的黑金队员如今不敢再说些什么，垂头跟在后面。
She looks back at the three of them one last time—the Commander and Kuro remain on alert beside the box, while Mityl double-checks everyone's safety ropes. Hecate tightens the strap on her gun holster.再次看了一眼悬崖边的三人：指挥官和卡萝守在箱子前警戒，米蒂尔在确认所有人的绳子都已绑好；黑卡蒂紧了紧自己腰间枪套的搭扣。
HecateYour taste in teammates has improved in the last four years.四年过去，你选队友的眼光好了许多。
HecateNext time we meet, we'll settle it for real.下次见面，再一决胜负。
CommanderUntil then.再会。
Hecate and her squad depart.黑卡蒂带人离开了。
The Commander notices the raw, bloody gash on Hecate's forearm—clearly scraped when she grabbed the rope earlier. None of her subordinates dare say a word about it.指挥官注意到她的手臂在拉住绳子时摩擦到粗粝的地面，留下了一片血红的剐痕；但四个黑金队员对此毫无反应，一个字都不敢提。
Turning back, the Commander sees Mityl tending to Kuro's injuries. Kuro swears and complains, but she still sits obediently, letting Mityl's clumsy hands work the bandages.回过头来，指挥官看到米蒂尔在给卡萝包扎伤口，卡萝嘴上痛得骂骂咧咧，但仍是乖乖地坐在地上，任由米蒂尔笨手笨脚地把她弄痛。
KuroOw, ow, ow—careful!喂喂喂，轻一点。
MitylI AM being careful!我已经很轻了！
KuroTry being on the receiving end!你自己试试看！
CommanderYou okay?还好吗？
KuroIt's no big deal.小问题。
KuroJust a scratch on my leg. What I really want to know is—how did you know Hecate would let us go?比起腿上的这点小擦伤，我更关心的是，你怎么知道黑卡蒂会依约放了我们？
Commander...Because I wagered she's still the same as she was four years ago.因为我赌她也和四年前一样。
CommanderGather your gear. Let's talk on the move. We don't have much time.收拾一下，边走边说，留给我们的时间不多了。
73-A-24 颤动的蝶翼
Read this chapter with voices →At last, the three climb over the cliff with the box, reaching flat ground. They pause to rest and reorganize. In the distance, the Northridge Hotel comes into view.终于，三人带着箱子翻过了山崖，来到平地收整行装，北山酒店已遥遥在望。
KuroNever thought Hecate would show such mercy. Looks like the intel I had on her was wrong.没想到，黑卡蒂竟然这么心慈手软。看来我之前收集的情报有误。
MitylMercy? Hecate? Did I hear that right?心慈手软？黑卡蒂？我没有听错吧。
KuroFour years ago, if she hadn't shown mercy and instead killed that glory-hungry traitor, she could've claimed all the credit and gotten the reward.四年前如果她见死不救，再做掉那个想要抢功的叛徒，首功不就是她的了？
CommanderShe got to where she is not because she's ruthless, but because she has more principles than most.能够爬上高位，不是因为她不择手段，而是因为她比很多人更有原则。
Kuro unties the ropes from the box, casually lifting one of the handles. She tries to hoist it up, but her strained arm gives out from earlier exertion, and the box thuds back to the ground.将箱子上的绳子拆了下来，卡萝顺手抬起箱子的一个提手，将它的一头提了起来，却因为刚刚用力过度，一个失力让箱子跌回了地上。
CommanderCareful!小心！
Kuro stares at the Commander, puzzled at their overreaction.卡萝不解地看着反应过度的指挥官。
KuroWhat's wrong with you?你这是怎么了？
CommanderJudging from Hecate's reaction earlier, I have a bad feeling about what's inside this box. I hope I'm just being paranoid.看黑卡蒂的反应，我对这里面的东西有一个不太好的猜测，希望只是我多想了。
The Commander offers no further explanation. Together with Kuro, they lift the box again, this time more steadily.没有再做解释，指挥官和卡萝一起，将箱子平稳地抬了起来。
CommanderLet's go find a ride. We're almost at the hotel.走吧，找辆车，距离北山酒店已经不远了。
At dusk, less than two hours from the scheduled time.黄昏，距离约定的时间还有不到2个小时。
KuroDo we really have to leave our weapons outside? I bet it's another damn radio.武器还要留在外面，有必要吗？我猜这次又是个对讲机。
At the Northridge Hotel, the Commander, Mityl, and Kuro come to an unmarked room. They push open the door.北山酒店，一间没有门牌号的客房，指挥官与米蒂尔、卡萝推门而入。
ManYou made it.你们来了。
A man in black greets them inside the room. He is wearing sunglasses, which obscures his face.房间里，站着一个全身黑衣的男子，戴着墨镜，看不清容貌。
ManDid you bring the box?箱子带来了么？
Ignoring Kuro's snarky remark, the man cuts straight to the chase. The Commander sets the box down on the carpet in the center of the room.没有理会卡萝的无理，男子直奔主题；指挥官将箱子放到了房间中央的地毯上。
CommanderHere.在这儿。
The man doesn't touch the box. Instead, he picks up a walkie-talkie.男子没有去动这个箱子，而是拿起了对讲机。
ManThey've arrived.他们来了。
KuroWhat did I say...?我就说……
Mityl nudges her into silence. A familiar woman's voice crackles through the speaker.米蒂尔推了她一下，卡萝止住了自己的嘟囔。对讲机里传来了熟悉的女人的声音。
Female VoiceGood. The box?很好。箱子呢？
ManMinor wear, no major damage.轻微磨损，没有严重的破坏痕迹。
Female VoiceOpen it.打开。
ManOpen it? ...Alright.打开？……好。
The man hesitates briefly, then calls someone over.听到了女人的指示，男子明显犹豫了一下，随后叫来了一个人。
The two men each place a finger on a biometric lock. With a click, the box opens.两人分别识别了一个指纹锁，在三人面前打开了箱子。
The Commander can't see inside from their angle. The man reaches in, carefully inspecting something.从指挥官的角度，看不到箱子里面有什么，只能见到男子把手伸了进去，似乎是在仔细检查。
ManShe's alive.还活着。
Commander!！
Female VoiceGood. Get her to the doctor.很好，把人带去医生那里。
Female VoiceYou're free to go.你们可以走了。
The man sets the radio down on the table. With help from the newcomer, he lifts the contents from the box—男子把对讲机放到了桌子上。和刚刚进来的人一起，把箱子里的东西抬了出来。
Mityl & Kuro!！
It is a human girl, unconscious.那是一个昏迷的人类少女。
She looks about seventeen or eighteen. Her eyes are closed. Her supple long hair trails behind her, with a vivid streak of color dyed on the left side.少女年纪看上去不过十七八岁，双眼紧闭尚在昏迷之中，一头柔顺的长发垂在身后，左侧有一缕明艳的挑染。
MitylIt's a person... There's a person in that box!是个人……箱子里是个人！
Mityl's gasp escapes her mouth before she can clap a hand over her mouth. Her eyes widen in shock. Kuro grabs her arm.米蒂尔按捺不住惊呼，但很快反应过来，捂住了自己嘴巴，眼里惊慌不定；卡萝从旁边拉住了她。
ManPlease remain here. The client would like to talk to you.还请你们留在这里，委托人有话和你们说。
The man carries the girl toward the exit. As he passes, her limp hair brushes the Commander's arm.男子抱着昏迷的少女走了出去，从指挥官身旁路过时，少女垂下的头发擦过了指挥官的手臂。
CommanderWait!等一下！
The man halts. His partner places a hand on his waist—near his holster.男子停下了脚步；他旁边的另一个人右手按在了腰侧，那是他放枪的位置。
CommanderThe box... Aren't you taking that with you?箱子，箱子不用带出去吗？
ManNo.不用了。
The Commander has instinctively reached out for the girl, but they manage to stop themself in time. They jam their hands into their pockets forcefully.指挥官下意识地想要去抓住少女，但是胳膊微微抬起就被自己控制住了，匆忙把手塞进了口袋。
CommanderRight. Got it.哦，好的。
The two men exit, shutting the door behind them.两人带着少女离开了，临走前关上了门。
Out of sight, the Commander's hands in their pockets have clenched into tight fists.在他们看不到的地方，指挥官口袋里的双手已经攥成了拳头。
Female VoiceYou've done well.一路上辛苦了。
The walkie-talkie sits on the table. The three stand frozen. It's feels like the warehouse in Marulos all over again.桌上的对讲机，被动的三个人，一切都和最开始，在马尔洛斯的仓库里一样。
Female VoiceI heard Hecate and Doss gave you trouble along the way, but you made it. Thank you for your efforts.听说黑卡蒂和多斯曾多次对你们出手，但你们都扛了过来。感谢你们的付出。
Female VoiceI've arranged rooms for you in the Northridge Hotel. Rest here for the night. I'll bring your payment in the morning.我已经为你们在北山酒店安排好了房间，可以放心在这里休息一晚。明天一早，我会把约定的报酬带给你们。
No chance for a response. The light on the walkie-talkie goes dim.没有给三人对话的机会，对讲机再次亮起了无人响应的信号灯。
The door opens. A man dressed as a hotel staff member bows slightly.身后的门被打开了，一个侍者模样的人躬身站在门口。
侍者Allow me to escort you to your room.我带三位到房间去。
Room 307, Northridge Hotel.北山酒店，307号房。
The layout and decor are identical to the previous room. All three are assigned to the same space.这里的布置与刚才的房间一模一样，三人被安排在了一起；谢过带路的侍者，指挥官小心锁上了门。
After thanking the staffer and locking the door behind them, the tension finally breaks.见门被关上，安静了一路的两个少女终于按捺不住。
KuroThey stuffed a person in a box and tricked us into delivering her! That's kidnapping!他们竟然把人装在箱子里，骗我们送过来。这是绑架！
KuroThat's why there were air holes, and why they insisted it be delivered within 24 hours.难怪箱子上有透气孔，还要在24小时内送到。
MitylImagine if we'd dropped it off the cliff...不敢想要是在悬崖上我们把箱子摔下去……
CommanderGood thing we didn't. She's alive.至少好消息是，我们没有把她掉下去。她还活着。
MitylWhat about Beluga? Does she also know that it was a girl inside the box?白烨戈呢？她是不是知道箱子里是一个人？
MitylDefinitely. Hecate too.对，她一定知道，黑卡蒂也是。
MitylBeluga clearly knows the girl, and yet she still had us bring her here. Why?白烨戈明显和那个昏迷的少女认识，但还是让我们把她送来。为什么？
CommanderThe box had cutting-edge biometric locks and could only be opened with two people. Forcing it open could've harmed the girl inside.箱子使用了最先进的生物识别锁，需要2个人同时开锁才能打开；暴力破坏箱子也大概率会伤害到里面的人。
CommanderIf we didn't bring her to Northridge, she'd have died inside. This was Beluga's only option.如果不把她带到北山，她会被困死在箱子里，这是白烨戈唯一能选的路。
KuroWho is this girl, anyway? To have both Doss and Hecate fighting over her—it's totally unheard of.能让多斯和黑卡蒂都出面争抢，这个少女究竟是什么人？我竟然从来没有听说过。
MitylWhoever she is... To drug someone and lock them in a box... they're no good people.她是什么人都好，能把人迷晕放在箱子里的，肯定不是什么好人。
MitylShould we... should we...?我们要不要，要不要……
Mityl trails off. The three exchange glances. No one needs to say it aloud.米蒂尔没有继续说下去，与指挥官和卡萝相互对视，三人眼里藏着彼此的心知肚明。
MitylJust like when we let John go on the boat.就像我们在船上放走约翰时那样。
They nod to each other, sharing a knowing smile.从队友眼中收到了肯定的信号，三人会心一笑。
Kuro slumps back into a chair, finally relaxed without the weight of ammo belts and weapons.卡萝向后一倒，瘫坐在椅子上；身上没了那些弹挂、武器的束缚，此时的她格外放松。
KuroFirst thing—we need to figure out where they took the girl. And second—we've got to get our guns back.首先要解决的问题是，他们把人带去哪儿了。还有，得把枪找回来。
CommanderGuns? ...Damn it!枪？……不好！
The Commander bolts to the door and tries to open it, only to find it locked from the outside.指挥官转身奔向房间的大门，想要把门打开，却发现门被反锁住了。
They yank on the white-painted wooden door. The wood strains under the force.“哐哐……”，用力拉了几下门，漆成白色的酒店木门被指挥官拽得几近变形。
MitylThey're tying up loose ends!他们要灭口！
MitylThat's why they opened the box in front of us and didn't bother to hide their secrets.所以才在我们面前开箱，没有掩藏箱子里的秘密。
From the gap beneath the door, flames and smoke begin to seep in.房门下面的缝隙里，已经钻进了火光与黑烟。
KuroCough... Get back!咳咳，咳咳……闪开！
Mityl and Kuro grab the table, preparing to ram the door.米蒂尔和卡萝跑去抱起房间中间的桌子，准备把门撞开。
Bang!“呯——”
CommanderHang on!等等！
The Commander hears a shot fired from a suppressed pistol—then the door is kicked open from the outside.离门较近的指挥官敏锐地听到了消音手枪的枪响，随后，门被从外面踹开了。
Flames pour in from the hallway. Silhouetted against the blaze is a familiar figure.走廊上的火光瞬间涌入门内，逆着光，指挥官看到了熟悉的身影。
CommanderIt's you?是你？
The next day, in a hidden room one kilometer northwest of the Northridge Hotel, a phone call takes place.转天，北山酒店西北一公里处，某隐秘房间。一通电话被拨响了。
Female VoiceHello, it's me.喂，是我。
Female VoiceThe box was delivered, but someone took the "cargo" last night.箱子送到了，但昨晚有人把“货”劫走了。
Female VoiceAll we know is that it was a woman missing an eye.只知道是个女人，缺了一只眼睛。
Female VoiceMhm. Those three special operatives have already been dealt with, but I suspect someone else showed up at the Northridge Hotel last night.嗯，那三个特遣队员已经处理干净了。但我怀疑，昨晚还有别人来过北山酒店。
Female VoiceDon't worry. I'll get to the bottom of this.放心，这件事我会追究到底。
In the woods, fifty kilometers from the Northridge Hotel.北山酒店50公里外，树林。
A jeep bumps and grinds its way down a mountain path. Judging by the depth of the tracks, it's carrying a heavy load.一辆吉普车跌跌撞撞地走着山路，看车辙的深度，车上的负重不小。
CommanderWe're far enough. We should be safe now.这么远了，应该安全了。
The jeep halts. One, two, three... seven people hop off.吉普停了下来，从车上跳下来了1、2、3……7个人。
CommanderIs she alright?她还好吗？
The Commander glances toward the eighth person, still lying quietly in the back of the jeep. The unconscious girl's long dark hair is tied into a ponytail, trailing softly across the seat.指挥官看向还留在车上的第8个人，少女的黑色长发在脑后扎成了马尾，柔顺地散落在吉普车的后座上。
AntjeThe phone took the bullet. It didn't hit anything vital—just knocked her out. But the impact, plus the smoke from the fire...手机挡住了那颗子弹，没有命中要害，只是晕了过去。但冲击力太大，加上火场的浓烟……
AntjeShe still hasn't woken up. We'll take her to a doctor we trust.不知为什么还不醒，我们会带她去找熟悉的医生。
RenateDon't worry.放心好了。
RenateShe's like a blade of grass growing from the driest stones in Kamona. She won't die without meaning.她是卡莫纳最干渴的石堆里长出来的草，是不会这么毫无价值地死去的。
MitylI hope she's okay... Thank you. You saved our lives!希望她没事……谢谢你们，救了我们!
CommanderYeah, thanks. This was the second time you've charged into a burning building. What were you even doing in Northridge?多谢。闯入火海什么的，这已经是第二次了。你们怎么刚好会来北山？
LuciaIt wasn't a coincidence. A month ago, we took a job. The only instruction was to arrive at the Northridge Hotel yesterday and stay the night.不是巧合。一个月前，我们接到了一个任务，唯一的要求是，让我们在昨天抵达北山酒店，并在那里停留一晚。
CommanderA job?任务？
LuciaYeah. The client was a teenage girl. Never heard of her before, not even in the Dark Zone. But she had a streak of highlight dyed into the left side of her hair.嗯，委托人是一个十几岁的少女，我们从未在暗区听说过她，她左侧的头发有一缕挑染。
Commander!！
CommanderAnd?然后呢？
LuciaWe waited outside until sunset. That's when a girl with an eyepatch over her right eye came looking for us.我们一直守在外面，直到傍晚，一个右眼戴着眼罩的少女找到了我们。
MitylBeluga!白烨戈！
LuciaYou know her?你们认识？
CommanderShe's our friend. How is she?她是我们的朋友。她怎么样了？
LuciaShe looked fine.看上去还不错。
LuciaShe had a private conversation with Angelia, and then Angelia took us on a rescue mission. Didn't expect to see you again when we busted down the door...她和安洁莉娅单独说了些什么就走了，随后安洁就带我们来救人；没想到推开门，又是你……
Commander...Thank you, truly.……多谢了。
LuciaWe don't know much else.更多的我们也不知道。
LuciaIt's strange, though. Angelia is always so guarded... but she trusted those two enough to put everything on the line... Just like she risked her life to save you.真奇怪，安洁是一个戒心很高的人，但对这两人莫名其妙的信任……就像她莫名其妙地想要救你。
CommanderStrange? To be honest, I don't even understand it myself. But if I had the chance, I'd do everything in my power to save her too.……很奇怪吗？老实说，我也不知道怎么回事，如果可能，我也会不遗余力地救她。
LuciaBut you're strangers, no?你们应该是陌生人吧？
CommanderWe've never met. And yet, it feels as if we'd known each other forever—like we'd gone through fire and water together countless times.我们从未见过，却好像早已相识，早已同生共死过无数次。
CommanderMaybe there's a kind of trust that transcends time. A gift of fate.也许有一种信任可以跨越时间，这就是命运的馈赠。
ErwinSo what now?接下来你们准备怎么办？
CommanderWe'll probably need to lie low for a while.大概要先躲一段日子。
CommanderIf you hadn't swapped us out with three corpses yesterday, we wouldn't have gotten out so cleanly.昨天如果不是你们带着三具尸体来替换了我们，恐怕我们也没这么容易脱身。
CommanderWhoever's backing the client must be dangerous. We'll need new identities.委托人的背后绝不简单，之后我们恐怕都要换个身份了。
ErwinA wise choice.明智的选择。
RenateWell then, this is where we say goodbye. We need to figure out how to wake our sleeping beauty. And this jeep can't handle any more weight...好啦，那就在这儿分开吧，我们该去想办法叫醒车上的瞌睡虫了。这辆车也确实不能继续超载了……
AntjeGood luck. I hope we meet again.祝你们好运，有缘再见。
ErwinTake care.保重。
The four light-haired girls get back into the jeep. Lucia starts the engine and leans out of the driver's seat.四名浅发的少女陆续上车，露契娅发动了引擎，从驾驶位探出头来。
LuciaLet's not make it too long till next time.希望下次再见不会太远。
CommanderTrust me. It won't be.相信我，一定不会。
MitylBye! Stay safe!再见！注意安全！
KuroBye!再见！
The jeep carries off the four girls and the unconscious Angelia. The forest is quiet again, with only the Commander, Kuro, and Mityl left behind.四名少女带着昏迷的安洁莉娅开车离去，树林中只剩下了指挥官三人。
The morning sun rises slowly, dissolving the night fog clinging to the woods.清晨的太阳逐渐爬高，渐渐驱散了树林中隔夜的浓雾。
After two days and nights of chaos and peril, this hastily assembled team finally finds a moment of peace.经过了一天两夜的动荡波折，这支临时组建的队伍终于获得了短暂的平静。
MitylCrap! What about the girl in the box?坏了！箱子里的那个女孩怎么办？
CommanderDon't worry. Beluga would never leave her behind...放心，白烨戈一定不会丢下她一个人……
KuroSo what now...?那么接下来？……
Mityl and Kuro stand by the Commander's side.米蒂尔和卡萝都站在近侧。
Mityl has once again lost her precious backpack. Kuro's body is marked with bruises and cuts from combat...米蒂尔再次弄丢了她视若珍宝的背包，卡萝身上布满了战斗留下的伤痕……
But the three of them are still together—unbroken by the storm, unlost in the dark.但三人仍然还在一起，没有被洪流冲散，也没有在黑夜中丢失了自己。
The Commander raises a hand to shield their eyes as they peer up at the sky. An eagle soars across the rising sun.指挥官抬手挡在了眼前，看向天空，一只鹰恰好从日影前飞过。
CommanderShall we... go on together?要……一起吗？
Late night, at an unspecified forest camp somewhere in the Dark Zone in Kamona.深夜，卡莫纳暗区某处不知名的林间营地。
MitylFollow me.跟着我。
Mityl moves quietly through the camp, leading four bewildered civilians, carefully avoiding the guards.米蒂尔带着四个不知所措的平民悄然行进，小心避开着营地里黑帮的守卫。
KuroCuckoo! Cuckoo!不咕！不咕！
A familiar "bird call" echoes from the trees ahead—it is Kuro, signaling her position and urging them on.左前方树林中传来熟悉的“布谷鸟”叫声，卡萝提示着方位，出声催促。
MitylThis way.这边。
The kidnapped civilians are led to safety. At the same time, plumes of flame rise from several tents in the center of the camp. The Commander loops in from a side path and joins them.被绑架的平民们被安全送走，与此同时，营地中心的几处帐篷冒出了冲天的火光，指挥官从侧路饶了过来，与两人会合。
MitylTiming's perfect.时间配合得刚好。
CommanderYou ready?准备好了吗？
Soot smears the Commander's coat—evidence of their arson. Mityl fits a gas mask over her face. Kuro flicks off the safety on her weapon with a sharp click.指挥官身上还沾着放火留下的脏痕，米蒂尔戴上了挂在腰间的防毒面具，卡萝“咔嚓”拉开了自己的保险栓。
KuroThen it's showtime!现在，是表演时间！
Three figures dive into the Kamona jungle under the cover of night, cutting through the long-standing rot of the Dark Zone with fire and gunfire in their wake.三道身影闯入卡莫纳丛林的夜色里，带着火光与枪响，击碎了暗区沉疴的浓雾。
Faint, perhaps—but light all the same. Light that refuses to be extinguished by the dark.即便微弱，却也是黑暗中扑不灭的光亮。
73-E-2 意外的嫌疑人
Read this chapter with voices →DoctorStrange. They shouldn't be in a coma. Where exactly did you find them?奇怪，按理说他不该昏迷不醒。你是在哪里找到他的？
Little GirlJust east of the medical outpost not far from here. My sister and I found them lying by the road.就在医疗点东边不远，我和妹妹发现他倒在路边。
DoctorThere aren't any serious injuries. It doesn't make sense... It's almost like—没有什么严重的伤，不应该啊……简直……
DoctorLike they're faking it...简直像是装的……
Little GirlLook, their hand just moved.看，他的手好像动了。
This is a crude medical outpost. Part of the ceiling plaster is peeling, and a bag of glucose hangs from a metal rack nearby, slowly dripping into an IV.这是一个简陋的医疗所，天花板上部分墙皮已经脱落，一旁的铁架子上一个葡萄糖袋子正在输液。
CommanderWhere... am I?这是哪？
DoctorThis is the Mangrove Valley Medical Camp. Are you feeling any discomfort?这里是红树谷医疗营地，有什么不舒服的吗？
The doctor pulls open the Commander's eyelids and shines a flashlight in to check.医生拨开了躺在床上的指挥官的眼皮，用手电筒打光照射，看了看。
DoctorDoesn't seem like there's anything wrong. Do you remember who you are, or how you lost consciousness?看上去没什么问题啊，你还记得自己是谁，是怎么昏迷的吗？
CommanderI'm an operator. I was walking along the road when someone hit me from behind... After that, nothing.我是个特遣队员，之前我走在路上的时候被人从后面袭击了……之后就都不知道了。
CommanderIf I didn't wake up soon, I would've blown my cover.再不醒就怕要露馅了。
DoctorCould be a head injury. Better stay here for observation for a while.可能是伤到了头，在这儿观察一段时间吧。
DoctorSusan, take good care of them. Fetch me if there's any issue. I'm going to check on the other patients.苏珊，好好照顾他，有异常喊我；我先去看看别的病人。
The doctor leaves. A young girl, about 11 or 12, remains at the bedside, expertly checking the Commander's IV line.医生离开了，病床前只剩下一个十一二岁的小女孩，正在熟练地检查着指挥官的吊瓶。
SusanThis glucose drip will take another half hour to finish. If you're tired, you can rest a bit. I'll come get you later.这瓶葡萄糖还有一个半个小时才会输完，累的话可以休息一下，一会儿我会来喊你。
CommanderNo, it's fine. I think I've slept enough. Were you the one who brought me here?不，不用了，我感觉自己已经睡得够久了。是你把我带回来的吗？
SusanYes. You were unconscious by the road. My sister Tess and I found you.是的，当时你昏迷在路边，我和妹妹苔丝发现了你。
CommanderThank you.谢谢你。
The girl's clothes are patched in several places. They are well worn, but very clean. The collar is frayed from repeated washing.眼前女孩的衣服上打着不少补丁，看上去虽然破旧但很干净，衣领有着反复揉洗留下的毛边。
CommanderCould you tell me more about this place? I don't know anything about the medical camp.能不能给我介绍一下，我对这个医疗点一无所知。
CommanderThanks. I think I have a general idea of how things work around here now.谢谢你，我对这里的情况大概了解了。
CommanderRight, earlier you mentioned that a doctor was transferred from a big city hospital to help out here. Do you think he could take a look at me? I'm uneasy not knowing why I passed out.对了，你刚刚说，医疗点里有从城里大医院借调过来的医生，能不能请他来帮我看看。不知道昏迷的原因，心里总觉得不踏实。
SusanUm... you must mean Doctor Lawrence... Actually, something happened to him recently. The new doctor hasn't arrived yet.这……你是在说劳伦斯医生……实际上他前些日子出了点意外，新的医生还没有来。
Commander"Something happened"?意外？
SusanYeah. Last week, he got drunk one night and accidentally fell into the pond. By the time we found him, it was too late...嗯，上周，他晚上醉酒后不幸跌入了池塘，等我们发现时已经来不及了……
CommanderOh, that's awful... I didn't expect something like that. Doctor Lawrence must've been beloved here, giving up city life to support this place.啊，真是令人惋惜，没想到竟然出了意外……劳伦斯医生一定很受大家爱戴吧，放弃城里的生活来支援这里。
SusanYes, he helped us a lot over the years.是的，这些年劳伦斯医生帮了我们很多。
CommanderHe sounds like someone truly admirable. Did he found this medical outpost?真是一位值得尊敬的人，这个医疗点是他建的吗？
SusanOh, no. It was Doctor Evita.当然不是，是艾薇塔医生。
CommanderEvita?艾薇塔？
SusanYes, Doctor Evita established this medical camp. She also saved my sister and me, and brought us here.对，是艾薇塔医生建了这个医疗点，也是她救了我和妹妹，把我们安置在这里。
When Susan speaks of her savior, her voice quickens with emotion.提到了自己的救命恩人，苏珊的语速略微变快，显然有些激动。
SusanMy sister and I are orphans. We were starving when Doctor Evita rescued us and brought us here. We usually help out with chores...我和妹妹都是孤儿，快要饿死的时候被艾薇塔医生救到了这里，平常帮大家做些杂活儿……
SusanAh! I almost forgot!啊，差点忘了！
Susan grabs a messy stack of papers from a nearby desk and rushes toward the door.苏珊从一旁桌子上取过一摞凌乱的文件抱在怀里，急匆匆地朝门口小步跑去。
SusanI've got other things to do. You get some rest. I'll be back before it's time to change your bandages.我还有事，你好好休息，换药前我再回来。
CommanderWait!等下！
The Commander points to a red envelope that's fallen to the floor, stained with dark, brownish smudges.指挥官指着地上落下的一个红色信封，上面沾着黑褐色的污渍。
CommanderYou dropped this.你落下了这个。
SusanOh! Thank you!啊！谢谢你！
SusanI'm off now. Shout for me if you need anything.我先走啦，有事就喊人叫我。
Susan picks up the red envelope and tucks it into the messy pile of papers, then hurries out of the ward.苏珊捡起了地上掉落的红色信封，随手插进了那摞凌乱的文件里，离开了病房。
CommanderEvita? Coincidence...?艾薇塔？不会这么巧吧……
The next day.转天。
DoctorDon't walk for too long, and don't push yourself. If you feel unwell, come back right away.散步不要太久，别逞强，不舒服的话赶紧回来。
CommanderGot it. Thanks.知道了，多谢。
The Commander leaves the ward under the doctor's watchful gaze and steps outside the medical camp.身后传来医生不放心的呼喊，指挥官离开了病房，来到了医疗点外。
Tents have been set up around the station to house the staff and their families.以医疗点为中心，周围建了不少帐篷，作为工作人员的住所。
Over time, the area has grown into a rough settlement, sheltering not only workers but many homeless people like Susan.除了工作人员和他们的亲属，这里还聚集了不少像苏珊那样无家可归的人，渐渐地发展成了一个简陋的聚居地。
CommanderExcuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the pond?您好，向您打听一下，池塘怎么走？
WomanThe pond?池塘？
The Commander stops a woman carrying a tray stacked neatly with medical supplies. She's heading toward the medical outpost.指挥官拦下一个身旁的妇人，她手里的托盘上整齐码放着不少医疗药剂，正往医疗点走去。
WomanThere's a pond to the north... but unless it's important, I'd stay away. Someone drowned there recently.北面确实是有一个池塘……但没什么事还是不要去的好，最近，那边淹死了人！
CommanderSomeone drowned?淹死了人？
WomanYou must be new here. Early last week, someone found Doctor Lawrence from the medical camp drowned in that pond.你刚来这边吧，上周清早，有人发现医疗点的劳伦斯淹死在了池塘里。
CommanderThat's tragic.那可真是令人惋惜。
WomanTragic?惋惜？
The woman raises an eyebrow scornfully. She leans in and lowers her voice.妇人挑起一边的眉毛，脸上露出不屑的神情，压低了声音凑近。
WomanGood riddance, if you ask me.要我说，死得好。
WomanHe might look like a kind-hearted doctor, but he was actually a selfish, greedy man.劳伦斯看上去是个充满善心的好医生，实际上是个唯利是图的小人。
CommanderOh? What did he do?啊？他都做了什么？
The Commander tries to press for more, but the woman shakes her head, steps back, and turns to leave.指挥官想要继续套话，妇人却摇摇头拉开了距离，端着托盘准备离开。
WomanNo one believes it. No one wants to believe it.他们都不相信，没有人相信。
WomanIf you insist on going, head out the north exit, then turn right when you see a pine tree split by lightning.从北面的出口出去，看到一棵被雷劈断的松树后右转，如果你非要去池塘的话。
This is a small pond, surrounded by trees. No one else is in sight.这是一个不大的池塘，树林环绕，附近看不到其他人影。
Plunk. The Commander tosses a rock into the water to test the depth.“噗通”。指挥官丢了一块石头进去，测试水深。
CommanderThe water by the shore isn't deep enough to drown an adult. Sure, drunken disorientation is possible...岸边的水深不足以淹死一个成年人，虽然醉酒后意识不清也是一种可能……
They glance back toward the medical outpost.指挥官又看了看医疗点的方向。
CommanderLawrence was supposedly walking home alone after drinking... but if the info I gathered is right, he wouldn't even pass by this pond on the way...劳伦斯当晚喝酒后一个人回家……如果一路上打听来的消息没错，他根本不会经过这个池塘……
A branch snaps in the woods behind them—someone's there.身后树林中传来了踩踏枯枝的声音，有人！
CommanderWho's there?谁！
A middle-aged man, caught spying, reluctantly steps out from behind a tree.偷窥的中年男子被抓了个现行，不得已从藏身的树后走了出来。
ManHey! What are you doing, skulking around? I've been watching you!喂！干什么呢？看你半天了，鬼鬼祟祟的。
The man picks up a dead branch and grips it like a weapon. He waves it at the Commander, hollering loudly男子随手捡起一根枯树枝，当做武器握在手里，朝指挥官扬了扬，放大了嗓门吼叫。
The Commander doesn't respond. They step forward. The man freezes, then swings the branch toward the Commander's head.指挥官没有应声，直接迎了上去；男子见状愣了一下，随后拿手中的棍子劈向指挥官的头。
ManAaah!啊！——
He doesn't see what happens. All he feels is a sharp pain in his right arm. The stick slips from his hand. His world spins, and by the time he realizes it, he's pinned to the ground, arms locked behind him.没有看清发生了什么，男子只觉自己的右臂一酸，下意识地松开了木棍，随后天旋地转，反应过来时，自己已经被剪住双臂按在了地上。
ManOw, ow, ow! Easy—take it easy...痛痛痛痛痛！轻、轻点……
CommanderTalk. Why were you tailing me?老实点儿，跟我后面干什么呢。
ManLet go... just a little... I was just... I saw you asking around about Lawrence, and then you came here, sneaking around...你先松开……松开点儿……我，我就是看你到处打听劳伦斯的事儿，又跑到池塘来，偷偷摸摸的……
ManOw, ow, okay! I'll talk! You're investigating Lawrence's death, right? I have a lead!哎哎哎！痛！我说，我说……你是来调查劳伦斯的死因的吧？我有线索！
ManLawrence was murdered!劳伦斯是被人害死的！
CommanderBy whom?是谁？
ManEvita! It was Evita!艾薇塔！是艾薇塔！
Now released, the man sits across from the Commander by the lakeside.已经松开了鬼祟的中年男子，湖边，两个人相对而坐。
CommanderEvita? Which Evita?艾薇塔？哪个艾薇塔？
ManA doctor. She's the one who built the medical camp—got the people, supplies, funding... all her doing.一个医生，这个医疗点就是她建的，人、设备、钱……都是她想办法搞来的。
ManBut she hardly comes here. Lawrence handled most of the operations—treatments... and purchases.不过她自己很少过来，这边的事都是劳伦斯在打理，看病……以及采购。
CommanderPurchases?采购？
ManYeah! You know how procurement works—people skim a little off the top. Nothing serious, right?对！你也知道，哪个采购不从中间稍微捞一点儿？这也不是什么大事，对吧？
The Commander toys with the stick that the man had wielded as a weapon, tapping it in their palm without commenting.指挥官把玩着刚刚男子当做武器的木棍，一下一下地拍打着掌心，没有正面回答这个问题。
ManAhem. Anyway, Evita came by not long ago and found out. They had a huge falling out.咳咳，总之，前不久艾薇塔过来这边，知道了这件事，两个人起了冲突。
ManSoon after, Lawrence said he was going back to Marulos, and then he was found dead in the pond.之后不久，劳伦斯就说要回马尔洛斯，然后淹死在了这儿。
ManDrowned? Ha! The water's barely knee-deep. No way he just drowned.淹死？！笑死人了，这么浅的水怎么可能会淹死？
ManSo I'm sure he was killed. And the only one with real beef with him was Evita.所以我肯定，他是被人杀死的，而这里唯一和他有仇的就是艾薇塔。
CommanderAnd how do you know this? Did you see it happen?可你怎么确定，你看见了？
ManWell... no...那倒没有……
ManBut who else would've done it? Everyone knew Lawrence was skimming, but no one cared—didn't want to ruin someone else's cut.可除了那个女人，还有谁会这么做？大家都对劳伦斯的事心照不宣，毕竟没必要断了别人财路。
ManBut Evita wasn't like that. Lawrence was stealing her money! Word is she's planning to donate another batch of equipment soon.但是艾薇塔不是，劳伦斯贪掉的是她的钱！听说她最近正想着再给这里捐一批器械。
ManAsk around the camp. Two weeks ago when Evita was here, they got into a shouting match. Loud enough for everyone to hear.你去医疗点里问问，两周前艾薇塔过来的时候，他们是不是吵得把桌子都掀了？那动静，不少人都听见了。
CommanderI'll confirm it myself. But how do you know all this?这事我自然会去求证。但刚刚说的那些，你是怎么知道的？
ManUh...这，这……
The Commander slams the stick into the soft earth, burying it half a meter deep.指挥官把手中的棍子猛地戳到了地上，河岸边土质松软，棍子直接没进去了半米深。
ManI'll talk, I'll talk. Please don't hit me.我说我说，你别动手。
ManLawrence needed help with the skim. I... helped a little. Just a bit!劳伦斯从采购里捞油水，总要有个帮手，我就……嘿嘿，帮了点小忙。
ManHe got the lion's share. That's all I know, I swear. Look...但是我只是赚了个辛苦钱，大头都在劳伦斯那儿。我知道的都已经说了，您看……
CommanderGo. And keep your mouth shut.走吧，管好自己的嘴。
The man scrambles to his feet, bowing and scraping with a sheepish grin. He doesn't even bother picking up the shoe he lost earlier. He just turns and bolts.男子连忙从地上爬了起来，躬身给指挥官赔着笑脸，连挨打时落在旁边的鞋都顾不上捡，转身往回跑去。
CommanderEvita... two weeks ago, huh?艾薇塔……两周前吗？
73-E-4 不褪色的白衣
Read this chapter with voices →SusanTsk... Why aren't they back yet?真是的，怎么还没回来。
It's already evening when the Commander returns to the ward and sees Susan standing by the empty bed, clearly annoyed.已经到了傍晚，指挥官回到了病房，在门口看见苏珊正对着空荡荡的病床生气。
CommanderAhem...咳咳……
SusanWhere did you go? It's dangerous to wander off alone in your condition. What if you passed out again somewhere by the road?你去哪了？你现在一个人外出很危险，万一又昏倒在哪个路边了呢？
CommanderI actually feel much better now... No, I promise I'll stay here and complete the three-day observation.其实我觉得我已经好多了……不，我保证留在这里好好完成3天的观察。
Seeing Susan put her hands on her hips again, the Commander quickly changes their tone.见苏珊的腰又叉了起来，指挥官连忙改口。
CommanderBy the way, you said you and your sister were saved by Evita. Does she come visit you?对了，你说你和妹妹是艾薇塔救过来的，那她会来看你们吗？
SusanOf course! ...But Doctor Evita is very busy. She only comes by every few months. Last time was two weeks ago...当然！……不过艾薇塔医生很忙，经常几个月才会来一次，上次还是两周前……
CommanderTwo weeks? That is quite a while...两周？那真是很久了呢……
SusanIt's not! Doctor Evita has many important things to do. When she doesn't visit us, she's probably out there helping others.才不是呢！艾薇塔医生有很多更加重要的事要做，她不来看我们的时候，可能是在别的地方帮助其他人。
SusanWe don't mind at all. Besides, every time she visits, she brings us gifts.所以，我和妹妹才不会在意这个。何况每一次，她都会带礼物给我们。
Susan pulls out a small booklet from her pocket. The green cover reads, "Home-Based Medical Care".苏珊从自己的口袋里掏出了一本小册子，绿色的封皮上印着“家庭医护指南”的标题。
SusanSee? She brought me this last time, plus a reading book for my sister.看，这是上次她带给我的，还有妹妹的识字书。
Commander"Home-Based Medical Care"? Are you planning to become a doctor too?《家庭医护指南》？你也要当医生吗？
SusanOf course! I want to be just like Doctor Evita.当然！我想变成和艾薇塔医生一样的人。
SusanYou have no idea what a good person she is.你不知道，她是一个多么好的人。
It's a rundown warehouse. The glass on the windows has long since shattered, and the wind whistles coldly through the cracks.这是一个破败的仓库，墙上的玻璃早已碎裂，呼呼地漏着寒风。
In a corner lie some filthy cardboard boxes. Two young girls squat there, tearing the cardboard into small pieces.角落堆着几个脏兮兮的硬纸箱；两个女孩正蹲在那里，把纸箱撕成小块。
SusanFeeling warmer now? Stuff the cardboard under your clothes. It helps block the wind.暖和点了吗？把纸箱放到衣服里塞好，可以挡风。
TessSis, I'm hungry.姐姐，我肚子饿。
SusanLet's light a fire and sleep early. When we wake up, it'll be tomorrow, and we can eat something then...一会儿我们把火升起来，早点睡吧，睡醒就到明天了，明天就可以吃东西了……
Susan stows a piece of dry bread away behind her and helps her sister arrange the bedding—just a pile of cardboard topped with a rough burlap sack.苏珊把身后的干面包藏了藏，帮妹妹整理着床铺——那是另一堆纸箱，上面铺着粗糙的麻袋。
TessBut we still have bread...可是我们还有面包……
SusanThat's for tomorrow, Tess.苔丝，那是明天的份额。
SusanIt's too cold outside. There aren't many people on the road. We have to make it last...外面太冷了，路上看不到几个人，我们要省着点……
With frostbitten hands, she strokes her sister's head. Just as Susan turns to light the fire, the door opens.用生了冻疮的手摸了摸妹妹的头，苏珊准备去把火升起来，就在这时，门开了。
EvitaMy car broke down. May I stay here for the night?我的车坏了，请问我可以在这里借住一晚吗？
SusanCan we really live here?我们真的可以住在这里吗？
EvitaOf course. This place is going to be a medical outpost soon. Lots of people will come.当然，很快这里会变成一个医疗点，到时候会有更多人过来。
SusanA medical outpost?医疗点？
With a little girl on each side holding her hands, Evita walks through the half-constructed medical outpost.左右两边各牵着一个小女孩，艾薇塔来到了正在建设中的医疗点。
Tents and modular container rooms are being set up. Workers unload crates of medical and daily supplies from trucks.帐篷和集装箱房正在搭建中，几个工人正从货车上卸下满载的医疗和生活用品。
DoctorThere you are, Doctor Evita. We're making good progress—some of the consultation rooms are already usable.艾薇塔医生，您来了。这边进展不错，已经有部分诊疗室搭建起来可以使用了。
DoctorStaff are gradually arriving too. In less than a week, we'll be able to start treating patients from the area.人员也已经陆续就位，估计用不了一周，就可以开始接收附近的病患。
EvitaGreat work, everyone. Where's the consultation room?辛苦大家了，诊疗室在哪儿？
After sterilizing the tweezers, Evita gently takes Susan's hand. The frostbitten skin has fused with the torn fabric of her worn gloves.把镊子消了毒，艾薇塔小心地拉过苏珊的手，冻疮已经和旧手套破烂的布料长在了一起。
EvitaDon't be afraid.别怕。
SusanI'm not.嗯，我不怕。
She says this, but as the sharp tip of the tweezers draws near, Susan's left hand clenches hard on her thigh, trying to divert the pain.嘴上如此说着，但看到尖头的镊子靠近时，苏珊垂在一侧的左手还是用力掐住了自己的腿，希望可以转移注意力。
TessBig sis!姐姐！
Her younger sister's voice wavers as she fights back a sob.一旁年纪小的妹妹已经带上了哭腔。
A thought occurs to Evita. She puts the tweezers down and rummages through a messy supply box, pulling out a bag of 5% glucose solution.艾薇塔像是想到了什么，把镊子放了回去，从还没收拾好的箱子中翻出了一袋5%的葡萄糖注射液。
She carefully cuts a hole, snips a tube, and inserts it into the bag. Then she hands the improvised "sugared drink" to Susan.小心地破开一个口子，又把一根软管剪短插了进去，艾薇塔把这袋“糖水饮料”递给了苏珊。
EvitaDrink it.喝吧。
EvitaI don't have candy, but I have this.我没有糖，但我有这个。
DoctorSusan, Tess, it's been over a month. Are you getting used to things here?苏珊、苔丝，过来一个多月了，还习惯吗？
SusanWe are. Thank you for taking care of us.习惯的，谢谢您的照顾。
DoctorWell, since Evita left you in my care, I have to do my best.哈，毕竟艾薇塔把你们交给了我，总要尽心尽力。
SusanWhen will Doctor Evita come back?艾薇塔医生什么时候回来？
DoctorSoon, I think. She said she'd be bringing a colleague from the hospital—someone named Lawrence. He'll be in charge here from now on.快了吧，她说这两天会带一个医院里的同事过来，好像叫劳伦斯，以后这里就是他负责了。
TessSo we won't see her anymore?那我们是不是以后就见不到她了？
DoctorWell... I'm not sure about that.这个嘛，我也说不准。
EvitaWhat are you all talking about?你们在聊什么？
TessEvita!艾薇塔姐姐！
Tess runs over and hugs Evita's leg as she steps down from a jeep.见艾薇塔从吉普车上下来，苔丝冲过去抱住了她的腿。
SusanTess, mind your manners. Hello, Doctor Evita.苔丝，要有礼貌。艾薇塔医生，您好。
EvitaDoctor Lawrence is already in the consultation room. Please head over when you can.劳伦斯医生已经在诊疗室了，麻烦您过去一趟。
DoctorAlright.好。
Evita crouches to eye level with Tess, who barely reaches her thigh. She tidies the girl's hair, then pulls Susan close and fishes out a shiny object from her pocket.艾薇塔蹲下身来，平视着还没有她腿高的小苔丝，给她理了理头发，又把苏珊拉到了近前，从口袋里掏出了一把亮晶晶的东西。
EvitaLook, what's this?看，这是什么？
TessI don't know... I've never seen it.不知道，没见过……
Evita slowly curls her hand into a fist. A pink candy wrapped in cellophane slides down and falls to the ground, catching the sunlight with a dazzling glint.艾薇塔递出的手缓慢地攥成了拳头，一颗玻璃纸包装的粉红色糖果滑了下去，落到地上，在太阳的照射下闪着炫目的光。
TessSis...姐姐……
EvitaOh, it's candy. It's sweet. Just peel off the wrapper and you can eat it... I've brought a lot this time.啊，这个是糖果，甜的。把外面的纸剥开就可以吃了……我这次带了很多。
Evita pulls out all the candies in her pocket and stuffs them into the girls' hands.艾薇塔从口袋里掏出了所有的糖，塞到两个小女孩手里。
Beep—“滴——”
The jeep behind them honks. Evita stands up.身后的吉普车响起了催促的鸣笛，艾薇塔站了起来。
EvitaBe good here, and listen to the grown-ups.在这边好好的，听大人的话。
TessWhen will you come back?你什么时候再来看我们啊？
SusanTess!苔丝！
Susan pulls her sister off Evita's leg. Little Tess pouts in protest.苏珊拦住了妹妹，把她从艾薇塔的腿上扒了下来；年幼的苔丝发出不满的嘟囔。
EvitaI don't know. Maybe in a few weeks, maybe a few months. Maybe never.我也不知道，可能几周，可能几个月，也可能不会再回来。
Beep—the jeep honks again. The driver's face is obscured by the tinted window.“滴——”，吉普车再次鸣笛催促，隔着黑色的车窗，看不清里面是谁。
EvitaDon't wait for me.不要等我。
Evita walks to the passenger seat, opens the door, and is just about to get in—艾薇塔走到了副驾，打开了车门，正要坐进去。
SusanDoctor Evita!艾薇塔医生！
EvitaHm?嗯？
SusanI want to become a doctor—a doctor just like you!我想当医生，当和你一样的医生！
From a distance, Susan shouts loudly. Evita's face stiffens, but her eyes betray a hint of a smile.不远处，苏珊大声地喊着；艾薇塔依旧紧绷着脸，但眼睛里露出了一丝笑意。
EvitaAlright. I understand.好，我知道了。
The jeep drives off, taking Evita with it.吉普车带着艾薇塔离开了。
Just before the door closes, Susan glimpses the driver—a man with a covered face, in camouflage gear and a helmet. His exposed right hand is covered in burn scars.在车门关上前，苏珊看到驾驶座上是一个蒙着脸的男人，一身迷彩衣服，带着头盔，露出的右手上，遍布着烧伤留下的疤痕。
He looks just like many of the silent, hurried people she's seen before in the Dark Zone.就像她之前见过许多的，暗区里那些冷着脸不说话，行色匆匆的人一样。
SusanAnyway, I've applied to become an intern at a hospital in Marulos. If everything goes well, I'll become a doctor too.总之，我已经申请了去马尔洛斯的一家医院当见习生，如果顺利的话，以后我也会成为一名医生了。
TessBig sis!姐姐！
A blond girl shorter than Susan walks in, holding a crudely stitched doll.一个比苏珊还要矮一头的金发小女孩走了进来，手里拿着一个针脚粗糙的娃娃。
TessThe doctor asked me to check if you've finished yesterday's paperwork.医生叔叔让我过来问你，昨天的那些文件处理好了吗？
SusanTell him it's all done.告诉他，都办好了。
CommanderIs this your sister?这是你的妹妹吧？
TessHello, my name is Tess.您好，我叫苔丝。
CommanderDo you want to be a doctor too?你以后也想做医生吗？
TessI'm not sure yet... But I want to stay with my sister. If she wants to be a doctor, then I'll go too.我还没想好，不过我想和姐姐在一起。如果她要做医生的话，那我也一起好了。
SusanAlright, run along now.好了，快去吧。
Tess hugs the doll and skips out. Susan stays beside the Commander's bed, flipping through the last two days of medical records.苔丝抱着娃娃，蹦蹦跳跳地跑了出去；苏珊留在指挥官的病床旁边，翻着他这两天的医疗记录。
SusanAside from some glucose, there hasn't been much treatment. Are you sure you don't know what caused you to faint?除了打些葡萄糖，也没什么别的治疗手段。你真的不知道是怎么晕过去的吗？
CommanderI really don't. Honestly, I don't think I need to be lying here anymore.不知道，其实我觉得我已经不用再躺在这里了。
SusanNo way!不行！
Susan(Sighs) If only Doctor Lawrence were still here. He would definitely be able to figure out what's wrong with you.唉，要是劳伦斯医生还在就好了，他一定可以看出来你是怎么回事。
CommanderSpeaking of Doctor Lawrence... I heard he and Doctor Evita didn't get along?说到劳伦斯医生，我听说他和艾薇塔医生的关系不太好？
SusanHow did you know that?!你怎么知道的！？
Susan blurts out instinctively, then quickly covers her mouth, realizing she said too much.苏珊下意识地脱口而出，随后捂住了嘴巴，意识到自己说错了话。
CommanderSo it's true? Aren't they colleagues? Why the conflict?看来是真的？他们不是同事吗，为什么会有矛盾？
SusanI don't really know either. I mean, they didn't have many chances to meet...其实我也不知道为什么，毕竟他们应该没有很多见面的机会。
CommanderI heard they had an argument two weeks ago?听说两周前他们吵了一架？
SusanHow do you know all this? ...Well, it's true.你怎么知道这么多？……好吧，确实是这样。
SusanI went to deliver something to Doctor Lawrence's place that day. I heard two people arguing inside.那天我去给劳伦斯医生的住处送东西，在门口听到里面有两个人在吵架。
SusanOne of them did sound like Doctor Evita.听声音，确实像是艾薇塔医生。
CommanderYou didn't see her?你没有见到她吗？
SusanNo, I didn't go in.没有，我没进去。
SusanDoctor Evita didn't notify anyone before her visit that time, and she left quickly. I didn't see her—just heard from others that she'd been here.艾薇塔医生上次过来，没有提前通知这里，之后又匆匆走了，我没有见到她。还是听其他见到她的人说的她来过这儿。
CommanderDo you know why they were arguing? Don't tell me it was a lovers' spat?那他们为什么吵架，你知道吗？该不会是男女朋友闹矛盾吧？
SusanOf course not!才不是呢！
Susan slaps the Commander's bed in anger, her lips pouting again.苏珊生气地拍了一下指挥官的床，嘴巴又一次嘟了起来。
SusanI heard something about "documents" and "evidence"—definitely not anything that silly!我听他们说什么“文件”、“证据”什么的，反正才不是因为这种无聊的理由！
CommanderAlright, that was my bad. I apologize.好吧，是我说错话了，我道歉。
SusanHmph! You just lie there quietly. I've got lots of other patients to take care of. I'll come back later!哼！你老实躺着吧，还有这么多病人等着我去照顾，我晚点再来看你！
Susan picks up the tray of nursing supplies and storms out, nearly bumping into the doctor entering for rounds.苏珊端起旁边装着护理用品的托盘，气冲冲地走了出去，差点撞到推门进来巡房的医生。
DoctorWhat's with her?这是怎么了？
CommanderNothing. Probably just a bit overwhelmed by all the work.没什么，可能是太忙了吧。
CommanderOh, by the way—how do I get to Doctor Lawrence's residence?对了，劳伦斯医生的住处怎么走？
73-E-6 晶莹的灰烬
Read this chapter with voices →Night falls. The Commander quietly slips into Lawrence's residence.入夜，指挥官悄悄潜入劳伦斯的住所。
Out of respect, the room has been left untouched since Lawrence's death, awaiting hospital staff to come and sort through the deceased's belongings.出于尊重，劳伦斯死后，房间还维持着原来的样子，等待医院派人来整理亡者的遗物。
CommanderWhat a mess...有一点乱啊……
Carefully navigating through the cluttered room filled with documents and miscellaneous items, the Commander searches for anything that might serve as a clue.指挥官在堆满了文件、杂物的房间里小心地穿行，寻找可能有用的线索。
CommanderMedical records...病例……
CommanderMedical textbooks...医学书……
CommanderProcurement orders? ... Heh, he really didn't hold back... Wait, something's off...采购单？……呵，确实没少贪……等等，不对……
Holding a stack of procurement orders, the Commander quickly flips through the listed figures.手里拿着一叠采购单，指挥官快速翻看着上面的数额明细。
Commander3.4 million, 5.7 million, 2.15 million... Even accounting for embezzlement, why would Evita have invested so much money here?340万、570万、215万……虽然被黑掉了不少，可为什么艾薇塔会有这么多的资金投到这里。
CommanderIs being a contractor that profitable?做委托人这么赚钱？
Recalling their last meeting with Evita in Marulos, the Commander suddenly feels they should've haggled harder.回想起上次和艾薇塔在马尔洛斯的见面，指挥官突然觉得或许自己当时可以再杀杀价。
CommanderWell, maybe this is a secret I shouldn't be poking my nose into.好吧，这或许是我不该碰的秘密了。
They place the procurement orders back on the desk and pick up the picture frame lying next to them.指挥官把采购单放回了桌上，掀开了旁边扣放的相框。
CommanderIt's her?是她？
Click. A faint sound comes from the direction of the bedroom.“啪”。卧室的方向传来一声隐秘的轻响。
The Commander shows no reaction, pretending not to have heard, and instead restores the desk to its original state before continuing to search through the drawers, inching closer to the bedroom.指挥官对此没有做出任何反应，而是装作没有听见的样子，把桌面恢复了原样，继续搜索着房间里的抽屉，渐渐靠近了卧室。
As they step one foot across the doorway, a gust of wind rushes toward the back of their head—an ambush!就在一只脚踏入房门的时候，指挥官感到脑后一阵疾风袭来——有人偷袭！
Prepared for the attack, the Commander shifts sideways, causing the assailant's weapon to miss. They retaliate with a sweeping kick, sending the attacker crashing to the ground.指挥官早有准备地侧身闪避，对方的武器挥空，随后被指挥官的横踢扫倒在地。
WomanUgh!唔！
It's the woman who had given them directions earlier that day.是白天指路的妇人。
As she struggles to get up, the Commander swiftly kicks the knife from her hand and ties up her hands with an IV tube that they've brought from the ward.妇人挣扎着想要起身，指挥官眼疾手快，踢掉了妇人手里的刀；然后拿出一截病房里带出来的输液软管，把妇人的手缠了起来。
WomanWho are you?你是什么人？
CommanderYou killed Dr. Lawrence, didn't you?劳伦斯医生是你杀的吧。
WomanHow do you know?你怎么知道？
CommanderI guessed.我蒙的。
CommanderDon't ask so many questions. I'm not here to avenge him.你不用问这么多，我不是来给他报仇的。
CommanderThere's a photo of you two together on the desk. Intimate. So—what's going on?办公桌上，放着你们两个的亲密合影。说说吧，到底是怎么回事？
WomanWhy should I tell you anything?我为什么要告诉你？
The Commander pulls a small tape recorder from their pocket, its reel slowly turning.指挥官从衣袋里掏出一只小巧的录音机，录音机里磁带正在缓缓转动。
CommanderI've already recorded your confession. You just admitted to murder yourself.我已经录了下来，刚刚你亲口承认自己杀了人。
Woman...You vile prick!……卑鄙！
CommanderI need some way to protect myself.我总要有点自证的手段。
WomanTurn it off first.你先把录音关上。
Commander...Fine.……可以。
Once the Commander switches off the recorder, the woman slumps against the doorframe with a sigh.见指挥官关上了录音机，妇人叹了口气，放松了身体向后瘫倒，倚靠在门框上。
WomanIt's true. Lawrence and I were lovers.没错，我是劳伦斯的情人。
CommanderWhy did you kill him?你为什么要杀了他？
WomanI assume you already know he was skimming off the top of the procurement funds?我想你已经知道劳伦斯从采购里捞油水的事了吧？
Seeing the Commander nod, she raises her bound hands. A shiny gold ring gleams on her left middle finger.见指挥官点头肯定，妇人抬起了自己被绑在一起的双手，左手中指上明晃晃戴着一枚金戒指。
WomanLife was pretty good with him. But two weeks ago, he suddenly said he wanted to leave the medical outpost. I asked to go with him, but he refused.本来跟着他，我的日子也算过得不错。但是两周前，他突然说要离开医疗点；我想跟他一起走，却被拒绝了。
WomanIf he left, where would the money come from?他走了，以后钱从哪儿来？
CommanderTwo weeks ago, again...又是两周前。
CommanderSo you killed him over that?所以你就要杀了他？
WomanThat wasn't the plan.本来没有这个打算。
WomanHis sudden decision to leave raised some red flags. You know how profitable this place was for him. Something must've made him abandon all that.他突然说要走，我觉得奇怪，毕竟你知道的，留在这里他赚得不少。一定有什么原因让他放弃这里的财路。
WomanSo I pretended to see him off. Got him drunk and tried to get the truth out.所以我假装送别，把他灌醉了套话。
CommanderWhat did he say?他说了什么？
WomanHe'd gotten hold of a secret document. He was using it to blackmail someone into smuggling him out of Kamona.他得到了一份机密文件，以此为要挟，让人把他送出卡莫纳。
CommanderA document? What kind of document?文件？什么文件？
WomanI don't know. It had something to do with someone's identity. He was too drunk and kept rambling on about "fakes", "covert", "operative".不知道，好像和一个人的身份有关。他醉得太厉害，说话糊里糊涂，一直在说些“假的”、“伪装”、“特工”什么的。
WomanWe were walking near the pond. I asked again if he would take me with him. He cursed me instead.当时我和他正好走在了池塘边，我又问了几次他是否愿意带着我一起走，结果他竟然咒骂我！
WomanI just... snapped. He... he brought it on himself!我一时气不过，就……就……都是他活该！
CommanderWhere's that document now?这份文件现在在哪？
WomanI came here today to look for it. No idea why the place was already ransacked. I couldn't find it.不知道，我今天就是来找它的。不知为什么这里被翻得好乱，我没找到。
CommanderWhat does it look like?这份文件长什么样子?
WomanIt's in a red envelope with some wine stain—he spilled red wine on it by accident.一个红色的信封，上面被他不小心撒上了红酒的酒渍。
SusanI've got other things to do. You get some rest. I'll be back before it's time to change your bandages.我还有事，你好好休息，换药前我再回来。
CommanderWait!等下！
The Commander points to a red envelope that's fallen to the floor, stained with dark, brownish smudges.指挥官指着地上落下的一个红色信封，上面沾着黑褐色的污渍。
CommanderYou dropped this.你落下了这个。
SusanOh! Thank you! I'm off now. Shout for me if you need anything.啊！谢谢你！我先走啦，有事就喊人叫我。
Susan picks up the red envelope and tucks it into the messy pile of papers, then hurries out of the ward.苏珊捡起了地上掉落的红色信封，随手插进了那摞凌乱的文件里，离开了病房。
CommanderJust go. Let's pretend you never saw me tonight.走吧，今天你没有见过我。
The Commander unties the IV tube from the woman's wrists. She scrambles to her feet and stumbles toward the door.指挥官解开了缠在妇人手上的软管，妇人爬了起来，跌撞着准备离开。
CommanderAlso, forget about the envelope. For your own good.还有，忘记信封的事，这是为你的命着想。
The Commander quietly opens the door. The ward is pitch dark; no lights are on.指挥官悄悄推开了门，夜晚的病房里没有开灯，漆黑一片。
They feel their way to the bedside—only to see a shadow sitting there.指挥官摸到了自己的病床旁，却看到床上有一个黑影。
SusanYou snuck out again!你又偷偷溜出去！
Commander!！
Susan is sitting on the Commander's bed, her legs swinging off the edge.苏珊正坐在指挥官的病床上，两条腿垂在外面荡来荡去。
CommanderShhh... quiet. Let's talk outside.嘘……小声点，我们出去说。
Worried about waking the other patients, the Commander follows Susan outside the clinic.担心吵醒病房里的其他人，指挥官与苏珊来到了医疗点外。
CommanderSo... I was thinking. I really feel fine now. Maybe we should give my bed to someone else?打个商量，我真的觉得我已经没事了，不如把病房腾出来给别人。
SusanThat's what I came to tell you. The doctor says you're clear to be discharged tomorrow.我就是来和你说这件事的，医生说，明天你就可以出院了。
CommanderWonderful!好极了。
CommanderBy the way, when I first got here yesterday, I saw you carrying a bunch of documents. What were those?对了，昨天我刚来的时候，看到你抱着一摞文件，那些是什么？
SusanJust old records from the archives. They've been destroyed.是从档案室里清理出来的废旧文件，已经拿去销毁了。
CommanderDestroyed?销毁了？
SusanYeah, mostly backup medical files—duplicates.嗯，大多是一些多余的病例备份。
CommanderI remember... you dropped a red envelope back then?我记得，当时你还落下了一个红色的信封？
SusanWhy are you asking?为什么要问这个？
The Commander's question puts Susan on alert. She tilts her head and looks up at them, puzzled.指挥官的问题引起了苏珊的警觉，女孩仰头直勾勾看着指挥官，眼里充满着不解。
CommanderI just remembered—it might've been mine.我突然想起来，那个信封可能是我掉的。
SusanHuh? But I already burned it.啊？可是我已经把它烧掉了。
CommanderDid you open it? What was inside?你打开看过吗？里面是什么？
SusanNo, I didn't... Was it something important? I didn't mess anything up, did I?我没打开……你丢了的是什么，重要么？不会被我烧了吧……
CommanderNo, nothing important. Just a letter from a friend.没事，不那么重要，只是一个朋友的来信。
SusanOh no... I'm so sorry. I should've checked before burning it!天啊，真对不起，我当时应该打开确认一下的。
Susan stomps her foot in frustration. The Commander gently pats her head in reassurance.苏珊懊恼地跺着脚，指挥官只得安慰地摸了摸她的头。
CommanderIt's not your fault. I'd just woken up; my mind was foggy. I forgot about the letter myself.不是你的错，当时我刚清醒，脑子里还不清楚，一时间把这封信给忘了。
SusanDon't pat my head. I'm a grown-up now.不要摸我的头了，我已经是大人了。
CommanderOh?哦？
SusanRemember I told you I applied for a medical internship in Marulos?还记得我跟你说的吗，我申请了去马尔洛斯的医院里见习？
SusanI just got the news—it's been approved! And I'm allowed to bring my sister too!我刚刚收到消息，我的申请已经通过了！而且，他们还允许我把妹妹一起带过去。
CommanderCongratulations. Looks like your wish is coming true.恭喜你，愿望成真！
SusanThanks! I'm so excited! I'll be heading out next month.谢谢，一想到下个月就要出发，我就忍不住兴奋。
SusanI finally have a chance to become the person I want to be. I just don't know if I'll get to see Dr. Evita at the hospital...我终于有机会变成想要成为的样子了。就是不知道在那边的医院里，有没有机会见到艾薇塔医生……
CommanderYou'll see her.会见到的。
SusanYeah! I will! I've even prepared a gift for her!嗯！会见到的，我还给她准备了礼物！
Susan pulls out a string of colorful, glimmering beads from her pocket.苏珊从口袋里掏出一串亮闪闪的透明珠子，五颜六色的，看上去十分喜人。
SusanDon't they look like candy?像不像糖果？
Commander...Kind of.……有点儿。
SusanI strung them myself. Took me ages to collect enough pretty ones...我自己穿的，这些珠子我攒了好久，才终于凑够一串好看的……
Under the light, she excitedly shows the Commander the fruits of her labor and explains the story behind each bead, utterly oblivious to the Commander's distracted silence.灯光下，女孩兴奋地向指挥官展示着自己的成果，介绍着每一颗珠子的来历，没有注意到眼前的人已经沉默了很久。
Susan...Anyway, I'll make sure to hand it to Dr. Evita myself.……总之，我一定会亲手把它送给艾薇塔医生。
SusanIt's getting late. I won't keep you. I'll visit again tomorrow.已经好晚了，不打扰你休息了，明天我再来看你。
Carefully packing the beads into a small cloth pouch, Susan tucks it away and waves goodbye, running off down the footpath.苏珊小心地把珠串收了起来，用棉布的小袋子装好放回口袋；与指挥官告别，朝小路的尽头跑去。
CommanderHey!喂！
SusanHm?嗯？
She stops and turns back. The flickering street lamp overhead casts a wavering shadow across her face.苏珊停了下来，回过头，因为电路不稳而闪烁的路灯在她脸上投下了明灭不定的阴影。
CommanderDon't mention that envelope to anyone. I feel... embarrassed about the silly mix-up.不要和别人提起那封信，我觉得……我觉得自己竟然搞错了，有点丢人。
SusanHahaha... okay, no problem.哈哈哈哈……好的，没问题。
CommanderNot even to Evita!艾薇塔也不可以！
Susan waves to show she understands. The Commander watches her run off into the night until she's completely out of sight.苏珊摆摆手表示知道了，指挥官看着她跑向了夜色里，直到再也看不清楚。
At night, the pond is even quieter than it was during the day. The Commander arrives at a clearing, carefully ensuring there's no place for anyone to hide nearby.夜晚的池塘比白天更加清静，指挥官来到了一处空地，确保周围的环境没有任何藏人的可能。
CommanderHello?喂？
EvitaHow did it go?怎么样？
CommanderIt's all confirmed. Doctor Lawrence was indeed murdered.都查清楚了，劳伦斯医生确实死于他杀。
CommanderHe had been using his procurement privileges here to make money for himself, and his mistress took a decent cut of that too.他一直在这里利用采购的权限谋取私利，他的情妇也跟着拿了不少钱。
CommanderNot long ago, he announced that he was leaving but didn't plan to take her with him. Out of resentment, she got him drunk and pushed him into the pond.前不久，劳伦斯要离开这儿却不打算带上她，这个情妇出于怨恨，趁着劳伦斯酒醉把他推下了池塘。
EvitaIs that all?还有什么别的吗？
CommanderIf I remember correctly, my job was to investigate the cause of Lawrence's death. Beyond that, I didn't dig further.如果没记错的话，我的任务是调查劳伦斯的死因。除此之外，我没有多管。
EvitaDid Lawrence leave behind anything?劳伦斯有没有留下什么遗物？
CommanderAs far as I know, all of his belongings are still in his home, waiting for your team to come sort them.据我所知，他的全部遗物都还保留在家里，等你们派人来整理。
EvitaAnything else?有没有什么其他的？
CommanderWhat do you mean?其他的？
EvitaNever mind.没什么。
EvitaYou did well. You'll receive the promised payment.这次你办得很好，我会给你约定的报酬。
CommanderThanks.多谢。
EvitaOne more thing—I heard there was a recent raid on the clinic. A lot of supplies were stolen.还有一个消息，我听说前不久有强盗洗劫了医疗点，抢走了不少东西。
EvitaI'm sending you the coordinates of the raiders' hideout. I hope you can go "check in" on them tomorrow.我把他们据点的信息发给你，希望明天你可以帮我去“关照”一下。
CommanderNo problem. My pleasure.没问题，我的荣幸。
The next day.转天。
CommanderAfter two days of bed rest, the Commander finally gets to stretch their limbs again.躺了两天，总算活动了筋骨。
Carrying the spoils recovered from the raiders' hideout, they return to the town.指挥官拎着从据点里带回的战利品，回到了镇上。
CommanderWith this, I should be able to repay everyone for their help these past few days.有了这些，应该可以报答大家这两天的照顾了吧。
Passer-byHurry! The fire's getting worse!快点，火越来越大了！
Someone rushes past the Commander, hauling a bucket of water.有人提着水桶急匆匆从指挥官身旁跑过。
Commander!！
The Commander immediately follows the man. They're headed straight for the medical outpost.指挥官没有多问，跟着男人一起跑了起来，而他们的方向正是医疗点。
CommanderWhat happened...?这是……怎么回事？
Turning the corner, the Commander sees thick black smoke billowing from the clinic's windows. The man with the bucket dashes inside.拐过了弯，指挥官看到浓浓的黑烟从医疗点的窗户里飘了出来；刚刚的男子提着水桶冲了进去。
Passer-byThere are still people in there!里面还有人！
The Commander strips off their coat, soaks it in a water bucket nearby, throws it over their head, and rushes into the building.指挥官脱下了外套，把它放进旁边水桶里浸透，蒙在头上，冲进了医疗点里。
The fire originated in the archives. The Commander kicks open the jammed door.起火的地方是档案室，指挥官踹开了被卡住的门。
Someone lies motionless on the floor. Shelves have been knocked over, papers scattered everywhere—some already reduced to ash.一个人影躺在档案室的地上，周围是被推倒的档案架，地上杂乱地散落着各种文件，有些已经被烧成了灰烬。
It's the same woman from last night.是昨晚的妇人。
Without hesitation, the Commander scoops up the unconscious woman and bolts for the exit.不及思考更多，指挥官抱起昏迷的妇人，朝大门跑去。
Is anyone still inside?“里面还有人吗？”
No, everyone's been rescued.“没了，都救出来了。”
What about the two girls?!“两个孩子呢？”
CommanderWhat?!什么？！
The Commander turns to rush back inside, but is restrained by those around them.指挥官转身就要重新冲进火场，却被周围的人架住了。
The fire's too intense! Do you have a death wish?!“火太大了，你不要命了吗！”
CommanderLet go of me!放开我！
CommanderThey didn't... even open it...她们明明……没有打开看过……
TessDon't scare me... (Sobs)你不要吓我，呜呜呜呜……
A tiny hand tugs at the Commander's coat—it's Tess and Susan, both with tear-streaked faces.指挥官的衣角被拉住了——是哭花了脸的苔丝和苏珊。
SusanThe fire was so big... I-I was scared...火好大！我……我害怕……
The girls throw themselves at the Commander from both sides. They can feel their small bodies trembling as they tighten their arms around them.女孩们一左一右扑了过来，指挥官感到两个瘦小的身体在怀里不断打颤，紧紧抱住了她们。
CommanderDon't be afraid... It's okay now... It's over...别怕，没事了，没事了……
SusanWe... didn't go to the clinic today... What happened?我们……今天没有去医疗点……这是怎么了？
Around them, people scramble to extinguish the remaining flames. A doctor continues CPR on the woman for over ten minutes before finally shaking his head in exhaustion and closing her eyes.周围的人还在忙碌着救火，医生已经持续做了十几分钟的心肺复苏，最后无力地摇了摇头，阖上了妇人的眼睛。
Handing the girls over to a nearby nurse, the Commander walks over and checks the woman's nostrils.将两个女孩交给了一旁的护士照顾，指挥官走到近旁，用手擦拭了妇人的鼻腔。
CommanderNo soot...没有灰烟……
"The cause of the fire was identified—chemicals spilled in the dispensary. When two compounds mixed, they ignited and set the curtains ablaze. It then spread to the archives..."“起火原因找到了，是药剂室打翻了药物，两种药品混合后起火点燃了窗帘，又蔓延到了档案室……”
CommanderDid anyone come here today?今天有谁来过这里？
DoctorNo.没。
CommanderNot even Evita?艾薇塔也没？
DoctorEvita? No, she's been busy over in Marulos, arranging a donation of new equipment for us. Fire safety systems, in fact...艾薇塔？没有，最近她在马尔洛斯忙着捐给医疗点的新设备，那是一批消防设施……
DoctorIf only they'd arrived a little sooner...如果能够再早一点……
The doctor trails off, unable to finish the sentence.医生没有继续说下去。
TessBig sis... It's not—姐姐……不是——
SusanHush! We promised.嘘！我们答应过的。
Susan interrupts her little sister's soft protest. Her right hand subconsciously reaches into her pocket, but the pouch containing the chain of beads is now empty.苏珊打断了妹妹小声的嘟囔，右手下意识地摸向自己的口袋，之前放着珠串的袋子已经空了。
DoctorIt was an accident...这是一个意外……
Commander...An accident, you say?……意外吗？
"Hold on. Wasn't there one more patient here? That new one from a few days ago."“等等，好像少了一个人？前几天那个新来的病人。”
"Oh right! Where has he gone? I remember him—his right arm was covered in burn scars..."“是啊，怎么不见了？我记得他，他的右手全是烧伤留下的疤……”
CommanderTake good care of yourselves, you two.之后，你们都要好好的。
The Commander pats the two girls' heads one last time and turns to leave.最后摸了摸两个女孩的头，指挥官起身离开。
DoctorWhere are you going?你要去哪儿？
Commander...Now that you ask me, I don't really know either.……你这么问，我突然也不知道了。
The open flames at the medical outpost have finally been extinguished. No one is crying, and no one expresses sorrow over the losses.医疗点的明火已被扑灭，面对伤亡，没有人哭泣或者惋惜。
Everyone just goes about their tasks—salvaging what can be saved, tending to the injured—as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened...大家都像什么也没发生过那样，整理着抢救出来的医疗器材，忙碌着转移伤者……
After all, they've all grown used to it. Used to sudden, irreversible partings.毕竟，每个人都已经习惯了，习惯了突如其来的离别。
The Commander waves their hand in farewell.指挥官摆了摆手，算是告别。
CommanderBut I know this for certain—such "accidents" must stop happening in Kamona.但是我知道，卡莫纳，不能再有更多的“意外”了。
73-D-2 吸金的老鼠
Read this chapter with voices →In a deserted warehouse on the western plains of the valley, Dark Zone.暗区，山谷西侧平原，一处无人的仓库。
MitylThere's no dust. The marks of heavy items dragged across the floor are still fresh. They haven't been gone long.没有积灰、地上重物拖拽的痕迹还很新，他们没有离开太久。
The warehouse is now empty of cargo. All that remains are some bare shelves and cardboard boxes, left scattered without care.仓库里已经没有了货物积存，只留下了一些空荡的货架与纸箱，无人在意地随意堆放着。
In a small side room, there's still a kettle full of water on the stove. A dry teapot sits on the nearby table.旁边的小隔间里，炉灶上还放着一个装满水的水壶，旁边的小桌上，茶壶里放着干燥的茶叶。
CommanderThey must've been about to make tea, but didn't wait for the water to boil.当时他们烧水想要沏茶，却没等到水烧开。
CommanderLeft in a hurry, huh.走得很匆忙嘛。
CommanderThe documents our client wants are supposedly in the basement safe. Let's find them first.委托人让我们找的文件据说在地下室的保险柜里，先找出来看看吧。
The three descend into the basement. It's damp and dimly lit. The small room holds just a few simple tables and chairs. There are torn marks on the walls where papers once hung.三人来到地下室，这里阴暗潮湿，不大的房间里只摆着简单的桌椅，墙上有纸制品被撕下来的痕迹。
MitylThey destroyed everything before leaving and left no evidence behind. Are they hiding from someone?走之前把东西都销毁了，不留证据，是在躲着什么人？
KuroThis whole region is just scattered settlements. No major power has taken an interest, so it's been left to fester.这片地盘都是散落的集镇，没什么大势力看得上这里，一直以来都无人接手。
KuroThat's why so many small gangs gather here. No one's big, they rise and fall overnight. It's chaos. Hard to tell who this warehouse belongs to... or who they're afraid of.所以，这边聚集了大量的小帮派，规模不大，今天吞并、明天解散的，情况很乱。说不准这个仓库是谁的，又在害怕谁。
Using the code provided by the client, the Commander opens a hidden safe behind a painting on the wall.按照委托人给的密码信息，指挥官打开了藏在墙上挂画后的保险柜。
Inside is a sealed brown envelope, marked with tamper-proof tape.那是一个被封条封死的牛皮纸档案袋。
CommanderLet's go. Time to hand it over.走吧，拿去交差。
KuroAren't we going to take a look?不打开看看吗？
Kuro eyes the folder in the Commander's hand, itching to open it.卡萝紧紧盯着指挥官手里的档案袋，蠢蠢欲动。
KuroIn the Dark Zone, information is power.在暗区，情报可是很重要的呢。
MitylSo is knowing when not to be curious...可没有好奇心也同样重要吧……
KuroWait—look here. Isn't this the Sewer Rats' emblem?等等，你们看这个。这不是硕鼠帮的标志吗？
Kuro snatches the envelope and flips it over, pointing to a stamp in the corner—two rats gnawing on a wad of cash.卡萝从指挥官手里拿过档案袋，翻到背面，指着角落里的一个印章——那是两个正在啃食纸钞的老鼠。
KuroDidn't expect to run into your rivals. No reason not to open it now, right?没想到撞上了你的对家，现在，没理由不拆开看看了吧。
Mityl...Pages upon pages. Files on the Sewer Rats... gold mines. Doss... Karven. Cargo ships...……好多的文件……硕鼠帮……金矿……多斯……卡文……货船……
MitylWhat does all this mean?这些都什么意思？
Back upstairs, the three of them sit in a clean corner of the warehouse, spreading the documents out to examine them.已经回到了上面的仓库，三人找了块干净的空地，一张张翻阅着档案袋里的文件。
So many contracts, invoices, financial records. Overwhelmed, Mityl sets down the one in her hands.面对零零碎碎，种类繁多的纸片，米蒂尔放弃地把手里的合同单放了下去。
KuroIf it's sealed in a safe, marked, and retrieved by a third party, it must be something dirty.锁在保险柜里、加了封条，又特意请人来拿，肯定有见不得人的秘密。
The Commander keeps flipping through the files, searching for links among the various forms and papers.指挥官还在一张一张翻阅着文件，在各类合同、账单里，找寻着可能的关联。
CommanderThese show that Doss is offering protection to the Sewer Rats and helping them with human trafficking.这些文件说明，多斯给硕鼠帮提供庇佑，帮他们完成人口走私。
CommanderIn return, the Sewer Rats give back 80% of their profits, handled through a subordinate of Doss' named Karven.而硕鼠帮则抽80%的利润作为回报，由多斯手下这个叫卡文的进行对接。
Mityl80%?!80%？！
MitylThey're skimming that much off the top?!他们要抽80%？！
CommanderThey only take that much probably because the Sewer Rats are relatively big.可能因为硕鼠帮还算有一定规模，所以才只抽这么多。
Mityl"Only"?! That's insane!“才”？！“只”？！
MitylSure, what they're doing is illegal, but the cut is outrageous...虽然赚这种钱不对，但这也抽成太多了吧……
Mityl grabs several contracts, her eyes wide as she searches for any sign that this could be fake.米蒂尔不敢置信地抓起脚边的几张合同，瞪大双眼想从上面找到这一切都是假的的证据。
KuroCalm down. That's the Antonio family we're talking about.冷静，那可是安东尼家族。
KuroIn the Dark Zone, if you want to do shady business, you can offend Blackgold Universal, but not Doss.在暗区，想做地下生意，你可以得罪黑金国际，但不能不和多斯打好招呼。
KuroGetting 20% is better than getting nothing.和一分钱都赚不到相比，20%已经是不错的选择了。
Mityl slumps to the ground, defeated. One of the pages slips from her hand, landing near the Commander.米蒂尔无力地瘫坐到地上，手中原本抓着的一张合同滑落到指挥官身前。
Commander...Hm?……嗯？
The Commander picks it up. It's stamped with the emblems of both parties. They study them incredulously.指挥官拿起了那张盖着双方徽章的合同，不确定地仔细查看。
CommanderBeluga said the stuff they left us was all taken from Doss. Some had the Antonio family crest on it... If I remember correctly...白烨戈给我们留的东西都是从多斯那边拿的，有些上面带着安东尼家族的族徽，如果我没记错的话……
The Commander points at the stamp.指挥官指着合同上的玫瑰印章。
CommanderIsn't this one missing a leaf?这里是不是少了片叶子？
MitylI think... you're right!好像……确实是这样。
KuroWhoa! This is huge!哇！大发现！
KuroSomeone's pretending to be the Antonio family and impersonating Doss! That's a death wish!有人在冒充安东尼家族，冒充多斯！他真是嫌自己的命太长了。
MitylSo when Doss said he didn't know about the boat... he was telling the truth?所以之前多斯说并不知道货船的事，竟然是真的？
The Commander gathers the scattered papers and reseals the envelope carefully.指挥官把散落一地的文件整理好，重新放回档案袋里，又小心地复原了上面的封条。
CommanderLooks like we'll have to ask that nervous client what's really going on.或许，只有问问这个急着追回文件的委托人了。
Outside an inconspicuous-looking villa in northern Floranpino, Dark Zone.暗区，弗洛安皮诺地区北部，一栋看上去毫不起眼的别墅外。
BodyguardOnly one of you can go in.只能进去一个。
Two bodyguards block their path. The three glance at each other. The Commander pulls out the sealed envelope.两个保镖在门口拦住了指挥官三人，三人对视一眼，指挥官从怀中掏出了那个档案袋。
CommanderI'll go.我进去。
The Commander raises their hands, letting the guards search them. All weapons and their communicator are placed on a nearby table.指挥官抬起双手，让两个保镖搜身，两人卸下了指挥官身上的全部武器，和通讯器一起放在了旁边的桌子上。
BodyguardCollect them on your way out.出来后拿。
The Commander nods to Mityl and Kuro, then steps inside.指挥官向米蒂尔与卡萝点了点头，走进了别墅。
The villa's interior is lavish. Genuine leather sofas, ornate rugs, a glittering crystal chandelier—all a stark contrast to the humble exterior.这是一个装修无比奢华的客厅，考究的真皮沙发、精美的地毯与水晶吊灯……与别墅外朴素寻常的样子形成了鲜明对比。
The Commander studies the place carefully, noting the layout and security as they're led to a small study next to the living room.一路上指挥官仔细观察着这里的环境与安保情况，直到被引到客厅侧间的一个小书房里。
A pot-bellied middle-aged man sits behind the desk, waiting.一个大腹便便的中年男人正坐在书桌后等他。
ClientYou brought it?东西带来了？
The client waves off his men. The Commander hands him the envelope.委托人摆摆手，示意手下们离开。指挥官把档案袋递了过去。
He doesn't open it, just inspects the seal.对方没有拆开，而是仔细查验着上面的封条。
ClientGood work. Here's your payment.辛苦了，钱在这里。
He pushes a small briefcase across the desk. The Commander doesn't take it.一个小手提箱从桌子上被推了过来，指挥官没有接。
CommanderThanks.多谢。
CommanderThe package is delivered. If there's nothing else, I'll be going.东西已经带到，没有其他事的话，我先走了。
The client says nothing. He waves a hand in dismissal.委托人没有回答，摆了摆手，示意指挥官离开。
The Commander reaches for the briefcase—then suddenly slams it into the client's face. At the same time, they duck, roll beneath the desk, and kick over the man's chair.指挥官伸手去提桌上的箱子，却在刚刚碰到把手时猛地把箱子砸到委托人的面上，同时快速下蹲，从下方穿过书桌，一脚踹翻了委托人的椅子。
The client yelps, caught off guard and temporarily blinded. By the time he recovers, the silenced pistol he was hiding under the desk is already in the Commander's hands.委托人猝不及防，又一时间被遮挡了视线，等反应过来时，原本藏在桌下握着的消音手枪，已经被指挥官夺在了手中。
ClientHel—救——
Staring down the barrel now aimed at his head, the cry dies in his throat.看着顶在自己头上的枪口，委托人把呼救憋回了喉咙里。
ClientWhat do you want?!你要干什么？
CommanderKeep your hands where I can see them.老实点，把手放在我看得到的地方。
CommanderYou weren't going to let me walk out of here anyway. Consider this a small payback.本来你也没打算要我活着出去，不过是一点小小的回敬罢了。
The man lies on the floor, clutching his head. His heavy frame trembles, too afraid to move.委托人倒在地上，双手抱头，肥胖的身躯难受地缩在那里，不敢轻易动弹。
ClientDon't kill me! I have money! You can have everything—everything in this villa!别杀我！我可以给你钱，我有钱，别墅里你看到的东西，都可以拿走……
CommanderWhat's going on between you and the Sewer Rats, Karven?你和硕鼠帮的生意是怎么回事，卡文？
KarvenHow do you know... You looked at the files!你怎么知道……你看了这些文件！
KarvenIf you read them, then you should know I'm with the Antonio family. I'm Doss' man! Touch me, and... heh, how many lives do you think you've got?既然你已经看过了，那就该知道我是安东尼家的人，是多斯的人！敢动我……哼哼，想想你有几条命。
KarvenBesides...何况……
Karven's small, beady eyes dart to a spot behind the Commander. A chill of killing intent washes over them...卡文小得几乎看不见的眼睛瞟向了指挥官的身后，指挥官感到了一股冷冷的杀意……
BelugaBeen waiting for me, have you?在等我吗？
73-D-4 执行官
Read this chapter with voices →Inside the villa, where everything feels off in an uncanny way, an unexpected figure appears.处处透露着奇怪的别墅里，出现了意想不到的身影。
The Commander doesn't move. The muzzle of their gun stays pressed to Karven's forehead, even as they expose their back to the person behind them—Beluga.指挥官没有动，枪口依然顶在卡文的额头上，把自己的背暴露给了身后的白烨戈。
KarvenBeluga, kill them!白烨戈，杀了他！
CommanderThink my bullet's slower than hers?信不信我的子弹比她的快？
KarvenHahaha... You're not here to kill me. If you were, you'd have already pulled the trigger.哈哈哈……你的目的不是杀我，否则你早就开枪了。
KarvenWho are you? Why are you interested in the Sewer Rats' business? Since we're at a standoff now... how about a little chat?你是什么人？为什么对硕鼠帮的生意感兴趣？反正现在僵持住了，不如……聊聊？
Though still sprawled awkwardly on the floor, Karven's greed glimmers visibly in the slits of his fat-sunken eyes.虽然还狼狈地躺在地上，但卡文胖得看不见的眼睛里露出了贪婪的光。
Commander...You really are disgusting.……你还真是，令人作呕。
The Commander lifts the knee pinning him down and steps back, standing up straight again.指挥官提起压制住卡文的膝盖，退后一步，站了起来。
Karven props himself up with both hands and struggles to his feet, fussing over the creased hem of his suit jacket.卡文用手撑在地上，艰难地爬起了身，打理着被弄皱的西装下摆。
KarvenHahahaha... See? No one says no to money. In the Dark Zone, it's all just business—哈哈哈哈哈……我就说嘛，谁会和钱过不去？暗区里的，都是生意——
He freezes mid-sentence.卡文的话停住了。
As the Commander steps away, the distance between them grows, and Karven suddenly realizes—Beluga isn't aiming her gun at the Commander. She's aiming at him.随着指挥官的起身，两个人拉开了距离，卡文震惊地发现，原来白烨戈枪口瞄准的不是指挥官，而是自己。
KarvenBeluga! Are you insane?!白烨戈！你是疯了吗！
Beluga doesn't respond. Not even a flicker of emotion crosses her face.白烨戈没有回应，甚至表情都没有变化一分。
CommanderI'd keep my voice down if I were you. Call the guards in here, and you'll be the first to die.我劝你还是小声点，引来了外面的保镖，先死的可是你自己。
The redness in Karven's face drains rapidly. He swallows hard and reaches up to wipe the sweat from his brow.卡文原本已经涨红的脸肉眼可见地快速变白，不自觉地咽了口口水，伸手想去擦头上的冷汗。
BelugaDon't move.别动。
His hand freezes awkwardly in the air.卡文的手尴尬地举在了半空。
Karven...We're all Doss' people. What are you doing?……大家都是多斯的人，你这是什么意思？
BelugaFollowing orders. Cleaning up traitors.奉命行事，清理叛徒。
KarvenTraitor...? Me?叛徒？……我？
Karven points at himself, incredulous.卡文不可置信地指了指自己。
Beluga says nothing. The muzzle of her gun bobs up and down slightly, like a silent nod.白烨戈没说话，指着卡文的枪口像是点头一样上下点了两下，算是回应。
KarvenI've served the Antonio family for years! I was already with them before Doss was even born! And now you—just some new face who's been around for what, two months?—you think you can call me a traitor?!我跟着安东尼家族多少年了？多斯还没出生的时候我就是安东尼家的人了！现在，你一个刚来两个月的新面孔说我是叛徒？！
CommanderShe's not wrong though, is she?恐怕她没说错吧。
The Commander grabs the forgotten envelop off the desk, rips the seal, and shakes the contents onto the floor.指挥官抓起被遗忘在桌上的档案袋，随手撕开封条，把里面的文件抖落一地。
CommanderYou forged the Antonio family's seal, signed contracts with the Sewer Rats behind Doss' back, and funneled the profits straight into your own pockets. I doubt this is the only thing you've done.你冒用安东尼家族的名头，背着多斯，和硕鼠帮签订协议……最后钱都落到了你的口袋里，这种事你只怕不止做了这一件吧？
Karven's lips tremble. His tight suit shirt strains as he breathes faster, panic rising in his chest.卡文的嘴唇抖得更厉害了，胸口绷得有些紧的西装衬衫可以看出他在喘着粗气。
KarvenI don't know what you're talking about...你在说什么……
KarvenI'm loyal to Doss. He told me to handle all of this...我对多斯忠心耿耿，这些事都是他交给我去做的……
His voice trails off, getting quieter. But no one is paying attention to him anymore.卡文的声音越来越小，不过此时的他也已经无人在意。
CommanderDoss sent you to kill him?多斯派你来杀他的？
BelugaYep. You?嗯，你呢?
CommanderWe share the same goal.目的一致。
BelugaIt's been a while and there's still no noise outside. All clear?这么久了，外面都没动静，已经清理干净了？
CommanderYeah. Mityl and Kuro are here too.嗯，米蒂尔和卡萝也来了。
BelugaThen there's nothing left to wait for—那现在没什么要等的了——
KarvenWait!等等！
Just as Beluga raises her weapon to shoot, Karven shouts in desperation.白烨戈正要开枪，却被卡文喊住了。
BelugaI've got something to say!再给你一句话。
KarvenI have evidence—proof you're a spy!我有你是间谍的证据！
73-D-6 谁才是鱼
Read this chapter with voices →The atmosphere inside the villa shifts once again. Though Karven is still held at gunpoint by both the Commander and Beluga, he now seems oddly at ease. Smiling, he pulls out a chair and sits down.别墅里的情况再次发生了变化，虽然卡文依然被指挥官和白烨戈的两支枪口指着，但此时他已经放松下来，笑着拉出了一把椅子坐下。
KarvenDon't forget—it was me who introduced you to Doss in the first place.别忘了，当初是我把你引荐给多斯的。
Two months earlier, in a nameless town west of the valley.两个月前，山谷西部某无名小镇。
KarvenGot this month's cut?这个月的账收齐了吗？
Karven, flanked by a few loyal subordinates, goes about his usual routine—collecting protection money from a small gang seeking shelter under their name.卡文带着几个得力的下属，像往常一样，去找庇护的小帮派收保护费。
BodyguardIt's all here...都在这儿了……
KarvenYou seem to have something to say?犹犹豫豫想说什么？
BodyguardThe gang here says someone troublesome just showed up. They're hoping we can help take care of them.这边的黑帮说，最近来了个棘手的家伙，希望我们帮忙做掉。
Karven narrows his eyes slightly, glancing sideways at the bodyguard who brought the message.卡文的眼睛微微眯了起来，斜着看了那个保镖一眼。
KarvenHow much did they pay to have you deliver that message?能让你帮忙带话，收了多少？
BodyguardIt's all here.都在这里了。
The bodyguard pulls a gold ring from his pocket and respectfully hands it to Karven.保镖从口袋里掏出一枚金戒指，恭恭敬敬地递给了卡文。
KarvenHeh, you've learned a few tricks from me over the years.这些年跟着我，学了不少嘛。
KarvenHmph!哼！
KarvenNow that we've taken their money, we should at least offer them something in return. So, who's the target?收人钱财总要稍微给他们点甜头……那人什么来路？
BodyguardNo idea.不知道。
KarvenNo idea?!不知道？！
BodyguardWord is, it's a teenage girl. She suddenly appeared in town, had some kind of run-in with them... They didn't expect her to be so dangerous...据说对方是个十几岁的少女，突然出现在了镇上，因为一些小事双方起了冲突，没想到对方是个惹不起的……
KarvenOh? Interesting.哦？有意思。
KarvenSend someone to investigate. Don't provoke her yet.派人去查，先不要招惹。
KarvenYou're Beluga, the one they were talking about?你就是他们口中的白烨戈？
BelugaSomething you want?有事？
KarvenRelax. I come in peace. I'm here to offer you a sincere invitation—to join the Antonio family.放心，我没有恶意。此次来是想诚挚地邀请你，加入安东尼家族。
BelugaAntonio? You're Doss?安东尼？你是多斯？
KarvenHaha, no. But I'm one of Doss's most trusted men. You can call me Karven.哈哈，不，但我是多斯最信任的下属之一。你可以叫我卡文。
Beluga eyes the rotund middle-aged man in front of her. He doesn't quite match the fearsome image she'd heard associated with Doss.白烨戈打量着眼前这个肥硕的中年男人，确实与传闻中多斯的形象不甚相符。
BodyguardBoss, about that favor we promised the gang—老大，之前答应黑帮那边的——
Bang!“呯——”
Karven draws and shoots the bodyguard who whispers the reminder.卡文抽枪击毙了身旁小声提醒的保镖。
KarvenA little gift, to mark our first meeting.一点见面礼。
Beluga smirks coldly.白烨戈勾起嘴角，露出一丝冰冷的笑意。
BelugaPleasure doing business.合作愉快。
Half a month later.半个月后。
KarvenBoss, it's here.老大，就是这里。
Karven hunches forward as he leads the way. Behind him is Doss, dressed in a tailored suit, cane in hand, flanked by four stoic bodyguards.卡文躬着身在前面带路。身后，多斯西装革履、手持文明棍，身边围着四个面无表情的保镖。
KarvenWatch your step here, there's a ledge.欸，这边有个台阶，您注意脚下。
Doss ignores Karven's obsequious chatter and strolls forward, stopping in the center of the road.对谄媚的卡文毫无回应，多斯信步走下台阶，在路的正中间站定。
DossIs it cleaned up?清理干净了么？
KarvenAl... Almost.差……差不多了。
KarvenThe damn bandits had no idea what they were messing with, daring to cross the Antonio family... Blind fools!这群该死的土匪竟然惹到了安东尼家，真是瞎了眼！
DossHm?嗯？
KarvenTheir leader, Jim, ran off. We're going after—带头那个叫吉姆的跑了，正在追……
DossIf someone has to die today, I'd rather it be Jim than you. Understand?如果这里要死一个人，我希望是吉姆而不是你。明白吗？
KarvenY-Yes...是，是……
Karven wipes the sweat from his brow, bowing even lower than before.卡文擦了擦头上的冷汗，原本便躬着的腰弯得更低了。
A disarmed subordinate runs over from a distance and whispers something to one of Doss' guards.一个卸了武器的手下从远处跑了过来，小声对多斯旁边的保镖说了些什么。
BodyguardBoss, we got Jim.老大，吉姆抓住了。
DossGood. Let's see him.走吧，去看看。
DossDid you bring him in?人是你抓回来的？
In the center of the room, a middle-aged man lies bound on the floor. Behind him, Beluga hands her weapon to one of Doss' bodyguards.屋子正中的地板上，一个中年男子被绑住了手脚。在他的身后，白烨戈正把枪交给多斯身旁的保镖。
BelugaI did.是我。
Doss doesn't even glance at her. He raises his cane and lifts Jim's chin with it, inspecting his face from side to side. Then—多斯没有看白烨戈，拿着文明棍抬起了吉姆的下巴，仔细地左右看了看。随后——
JimHnng!唔！
Jim lets out a muffled cry as Doss strikes his jaw with the cane, his teeth flying out as he collapses to the floor.吉姆被多斯一棍打在了下巴上，倒在地上从口中吐出了几颗沾着血的牙齿。
Doss tosses the now-dirtied cane to a nearby guard and adjusts his rose-crested gloves.多斯把手里弄脏了的文明棍丢给了一旁的保镖，整了整自己印着玫瑰族徽的手套。
DossFrom now on, you work for me.以后跟着我。
KarvenBoss...老大……
Karven tries to interject, but chokes back the rest of his words.卡文只开了头的话被自己憋了回去。
BelugaI hear you don't let anyone carry weapons near you, other than your guards. If there's no trust, why would I work for you?听说你身边除了那几个保镖，不允许别人带枪。毫无信任，我为什么要做你的手下？
Karven subtly takes a step back.卡文不着痕迹地向后退了一小步。
DossHuh? Hahaha...哈？哈哈……
Doss claps his hands and guffaws. Hidden behind his sunglasses, no one can tell whether it's amusement or threat in his eyes.多斯笑着鼓掌，隔着墨镜，没人看得到他的眼神里带的是笑意还是杀意。
DossPeople should serve willingly. If that's not the case, then forget it.用人还是要你情我愿。既然如此，那就算了。
Doss turns to leave with his men. One guard lags behind intentionally, as if this scenario is routine.多斯带人转身离开，其中一个保镖熟练地落在后面，似乎对眼前的情况十分熟悉。
Thud! The sound of something heavy hitting the floor.“砰”，是重物落地的声音。
Doss glances back from the doorway to see Jim's lifeless body, his neck twisted unnaturally.已经走到门口的多斯回头，看到的是倒在地上的吉姆的尸体。
Next to him stands Beluga.旁边，是刚刚扭断吉姆脖子的白烨戈。
BelugaYou don't need a gun to kill someone.杀人不一定需要用枪。
BelugaI'm in.我加入。
KarvenHaha... You realize, if you hadn't agreed to Doss back then, you'd have been the one to die.哈哈，你可知道，如果当时你没有答应多斯，死的就是你了。
Whatever Karven's recalling—perhaps a scene of Beluga being gunned down by Doss' men—it makes him burst into smug laughter in his chair.不知想到了什么，或许是白烨戈被多斯保镖击毙的样子，卡文忍不住在椅子上得意地大笑起来。
But then he remembers the situation he's in. The glee contorts into a grimace of rage and bitterness.但随后，他意识到眼前的情况，笑容变成了咬牙切齿，扭曲的表情让他看上去更加地可憎。
KarvenI knew keeping you close could bring me trouble, so once you transferred to Doss's side, I had people watch you closely. Eventually, I found something off...怕你惹出麻烦牵连到我，你调到多斯身边后，我派人死死盯着你，终于让我发现了不对劲……
KarvenThe team Doss sent with you to hijack the boat... You killed all of them, didn't you?多斯派出来跟你一起劫船的人，都是被你干掉的吧？
KarvenIf you kill me—如果你杀了我——
Bang!“呯——”
Karven crumples to the floor. Blood pools from the back of his head. A single bullet hole marks the center of his forehead, and the smugness still lingers in his eyes, frozen at the moment of death.卡文倒在了地上，血从脑后缓缓地流了出来，额头正中有一个弹孔，眼里还停留着死前的得意。
BelugaHe talked too much.废话说得太多了。
CommanderWhat if he really had exposed you...万一他真的暴露了你……
BelugaHe already did.已经暴露了。
Commander!！
The Commander stares at Beluga in shock, but she seems unfazed. She casually wipes her pistol clean with the curtain and holsters it.指挥官一脸震惊地看着白烨戈，对方却毫不在意地用旁边的窗帘擦了擦自己的枪口，把枪收了起来。
BelugaWhy are you surprised?有什么可意外的？
BelugaA local gang with no military ties, and yet no one dares cross Doss in the Dark Zone. You really think he's that easy to fool?多斯一个没有军方背景的本地帮派，在暗区里没人敢轻易招惹，难道是好骗的吗？
Commander...Maybe I just trusted your skills too much.……或许我只是对你的能力太过信任了。
CommanderEven a guy like Karven could get away with all this under his nose.何况卡文这样的人都能在他的手底下作假。
Beluga looks slightly exasperated, but she doesn't argue. She tosses a cassette tape into the Commander's hands.白烨戈看上去有点无奈，但也没有反驳。把一个磁带摔到了指挥官的怀里。
CommanderWhat's this?这是什么？
BelugaListen to it yourself.自己听听吧。
With a flick of her hand, Beluga kicks Karven's corpse out of the way and heads for the door.白烨戈摆了摆手，踢开地上碍事的卡文，就要离开。
CommanderWhere are you going?你要去哪？
BelugaMaybe you'll find out someday.以后你或许会知道。
She reaches the door, then suddenly turns back.白烨戈已经走到了门口，却突然回过了头。
BelugaOh, right.对了。
CommanderHm?嗯？
BelugaTell Mityl and Kuro I said hi.帮我和米蒂尔、卡萝打个招呼。
With a chuckle, the Commander watches the familiar figure disappear once again.指挥官笑了笑，看着这个自己总觉得莫名熟悉的身影再一次消失。
CommanderTell them yourself next time.留着自己去和她们说吧。
Ssshh—skkk—“刺啦——刺啦——”
The cassette's audio is rough and filled with background noise—an engine rumbling, likely recorded secretly in a car.磁带的声音并不清晰，还有汽车引擎的声音，似乎是偷录的。
Gradually, a familiar voice cuts through...渐渐地，一个熟悉的人声传了出来。
DossSend Beluga to Karven. That rat's already eaten more than enough.让白烨戈去卡文那里，那只老鼠已经偷吃得够多了。
DossYou mean Beluga? She's not coming back. I know the things she's done.你说白烨戈？她不会回来，我知道她做的那些事。
DossThey threw out bait. If we don't bite, it'll look suspicious.对方丢出了诱饵，如果不去咬，就会惹人怀疑。
DossBut if you bite the real one... heh. Let someone else take that risk.但如果你咬了真的那个……呵，还是把它留给别人吧。
73-H-2 私人处决
Read this chapter with voices →Northridge, Dark Zone. The Commander arrives with Kuro and Mityl at an abandoned factory.暗区，北山，指挥官与卡萝、米蒂尔三人来到一处废弃的工厂。
KuroSo this is where he disappeared?就是在这里失踪的？
The factory appears to have been untouched for quite some time, with dust blanketing every surface. The three leave clear footprints as they step inside.工厂看上去已经有一段时间没有来过人了，四处落满了灰尘，三人在里面留下了清晰的脚印。
The Commander makes a circuit around the empty main hall, then crouches by the entrance to examine the uneven layers of dust on the floor.指挥官在空旷的厂房里走了一圈，而后蹲在门口，观察着地上薄厚不一的尘土。
CommanderThe client, who calls himself Saul, claims his teammate Hubert came here with Blackgold Universal on a mission a month ago and never returned. He's not on the casualty list either.委托人自称索尔。一个月前，他的队友休伯特跟着黑金一起来这里出任务，之后就没再回去，伤亡名单里也没有他。
MitylWhat kind of factory is this? Why was Blackgold even here?这是什么工厂？黑金为什么要来这里？
CommanderAll the equipment has been moved out. No idea what they used to produce.生产设备都被转移了，不知道之前是做什么的。
CommanderLet's split up. See if we can find any clues.分开搜，看看能不能找到点线索。
The three split off in different directions. The two girls search the interior, while the Commander steps outside.三人分散各自行动，两个少女搜查厂房内部，而指挥官来到了外面。
The factory is nestled deep within the woods of Northridge, unconnected to any main road; only a hidden dirt path leads here. Judging from the deep tire tracks, heavy goods were transported regularly.厂房坐落于北山的密林中，并不与公路相通，而是开辟了一条隐秘的泥土小路，从车辙的深度来看，这里的货物分量不轻。
CommanderCloak-and-dagger... No wonder Blackgold raided the place.鬼鬼祟祟，会被黑金围剿也不奇怪。
The Commander surveys the surroundings carefully, trying to reconstruct the events of that day.指挥官仔细观察着周围的环境，试图还原当时的情况。
The factory gate shows no signs of forced entry. There are more bullet holes on the inside than the outside. Drag marks mar the ground just before the entrance...工厂的大门没有被暴力破坏的痕迹，内侧的弹痕比外面多，门前的地面上有明显的拖拽痕迹……
CommanderSo Blackgold showed up mid-evacuation... and they weren't fast enough.黑金过来时，工厂正在转移，只是没有来及。
Signs of combat are scattered everywhere—spent casings, bullet scars on tree trunks...厂房外也到处留下了战斗的痕迹：散落的弹壳，树上的弹孔……
CommanderThe fight must've lasted at least ten minutes. For Blackgold, especially the Abyss Squad, that's unusually long to take down one factory.战斗至少持续了10分钟，对黑金尤其是深渊小队来说，剿灭一个工厂，用时有些长了。
CommanderNo signs of explosions either... Whatever was stored here must've been fire-sensitive.没有看到任何爆炸痕迹……这里的东西怕火。
After circling the site, the Commander still finds nothing to explain Hubert's disappearance.已经围着工厂绕了一圈，关于为什么休伯特从这里失踪，指挥官依然一无所获。
CommanderA knife mark?刀？
On the trunk to their left is a gash about 20 centimeters long, and two centimeters deep at its deepest.指挥官左侧的树干上，一道长约20厘米，最深处有2厘米的刀痕清晰可见。
CommanderA knife mark out here? Looks more like... a marker.这里为什么会有刀痕？倒像是一个……记号。
The shallower end points toward a large boulder deep in the woods.刀痕的一侧较浅，指向了密林深处的一块巨石。
CommanderThe soil near the rock looks freshly disturbed...土被翻过……
KuroFound anything?有什么发现吗？
Kuro and Mityl return from their interior search.卡萝与米蒂尔结束了对工厂内部的调查，来到外面寻找指挥官。
The Commander crouches down, draws a dagger from behind their waist, and begins to dig.指挥官蹲下身来，从腰后抽出一把匕首，翻开巨石旁被动过的土。
Out comes an empty metal chain and a shoulder patch bearing an octopus emblem.一根空荡荡的金属链子，和一枚印着章鱼的肩章。
MitylThis is a Blackgold insignia! And this chain... is meant for a dog tag?这是黑金国际的肩章！这个链子……是用来挂铭牌的？
CommanderLooks like we've found a clue... Hubert's disappearance is definitely tied to this mission.看来线索找到了……休伯特的失踪确实与这次行动有关。
MitylYou think someone at the factory did it?是工厂的人干的？
CommanderDoesn't seem like it... But since we can't approach Blackgold directly, we'll need to dig into the factory side.不像……但我们没有办法直接接触黑金，还是要从工厂入手。
KuroHa! Then you'll want to see this...哈，我们在楼里发现了这个……
Kuro holds up a half-burnt delivery receipt. At the top is a single name—Michel.卡萝拿出一张被烧得只剩下一半的供货单，最上面写着一个名字——“米歇尔”。
KuroIf we're lucky, this might be the same Michel I know.如果运气好的话，我想这个米歇尔可能就是我认识的那个。
In a villa on the eastern foothills of Northridge, Dark Zone.暗区，北山东麓的某个别墅。
Factory OwnerWho are you people? How did you find me?你们是什么人，为什么找到我？
KuroMichel, remember me? Half a year ago, I helped you sort out that nitrocellulose supplier.米歇尔，还记得我吗？半年前，是我帮你搞定了那个硝化棉供应商。
Factory OwnerYou're... that special operative?你是……那个特遣队员？
KuroThat's right.没错。
Factory OwnerSo what? I paid you in full back then. Why show up now?所以呢，当时的报酬已经结清了吧。隔了这么久突然找上我，想干什么？
CommanderWas your factory raided by Blackgold?你的工厂是不是被黑金围剿了？
Factory Owner!！
Factory OwnerBlackgold? What are you talking about? I've got nothing to do with them.黑金？你在说什么，我和黑金有什么关系。
CommanderThe factory in Northridge. The weapons plant behind the smoke and mirrors.北山里那个，掩人耳目的兵工厂。
Factory Owner!！
KuroRelax. We're not here for Blackgold. Quite the opposite. Someone thinks their operation wasn't clean. We're here to help you.放心，我们不是来替黑金办事的，甚至恰恰相反，有人怀疑黑金的这次行动有问题，我们是来帮你的。
Factory OwnerHelp me? I'd be lucky just to keep my name out of it!帮我？我能和这件事撇清关系就已经很不错了。
Factory OwnerThat was Blackgold's Abyss Squad. Hecate's Abyss Squad!那是黑金的深渊小队，黑卡蒂的深渊小队！
CommanderHecate?黑卡蒂？
CommanderWe swear, none of this leaves this room. We won't mention your name. So... can you tell us what happened that day?我们保证不透露今天的事情，绝不会把你牵扯进来。能不能给我们说说，那天究竟发生了什么？
The portly factory owner finally slumps into the sofa, exhausted. He lights a pipe and takes a long, slow drag.工厂老板胖墩墩的身子似乎终于站累了，向后瘫坐进沙发里，给自己点燃了烟斗，深深地吸了一口。
Factory OwnerI really didn't want to think about that day again...我真不愿再回想起那天的事情……
Factory OwnerMove! Smash the rest of the machines! Blackgold's almost here!快！把剩下的机器都砸了！黑金就要到了！
One month ago. Inside Michel's factory, Northridge.一个月前，北山，米歇尔兵工厂。
Two trucks are parked at the gate. Workers hustle crates out of the warehouse, piling them into the cargo beds. Labels on the boxes read "No Open Flames" and "Keep Dry".两辆卡车停在门口，几个工人正从厂房里把一箱箱货堆到车上。货箱上标着明显的“禁止明火”、“禁止淋雨”标志。
Factory OwnerHow many left?! Hurry up! Whether we make it back depends on what we get for this batch of ammo. We roll out in two minutes!还差几箱？赶紧搬上去，能不能东山再起就看这批子弹的价钱了，2分钟内必须发车！
Gunfire echoes faintly from the woods.树林中已经传来了隐约的枪声。
Factory OwnerNo time! Just go! Drive!来不及了！直接走，都开走！
Michel rushes to a truck, but the masked driver shoves him back.工厂老板打开旁边的车门想要上车，却被驾驶座的司机一把推了下去。
Factory Owner?？
The driver's face is hidden, but a faded knife scar is visible on his exposed forearm.司机蒙着脸，看不清面容，露出的小臂上有一道陈年的刀疤。
Factory OwnerYou... Aren't you...你……你不是……
The mysterious driver ignores him. He honks the horn twice—short and sharp. It's a signal. The two trucks roar off, leaving the stunned factory owner and his workers behind.神秘的司机没有理会瘫坐在地上的老板，车笛短促地鸣了两声似是暗号，两辆装满了子弹的货车扬长而去，丢下没有回过神的工厂老板与工人。
Bang! A bullet narrowly misses Michel's head, slamming into the gate behind him. Blackgold has arrived.“呯——”，一发子弹擦着老板的头发打在他身后的大门上，黑金来了。
Factory OwnerRun!跑！
The workers and guards scatter. Crossfire erupts with Black Gold. Amidst the chaos, Michel slips back into the warehouse unnoticed.见工人和守卫们朝外四散跑去，已经与黑金正面交火；工厂老板见无人注意到自己，转身跑回了厂房里。
On the second floor, Michel listens intently while hiding behind a shelf until the gunfire ceases. Carefully, he peeks out.工厂二楼，老板躲在一个货架后面，小心地听着外面的动静，直到交火声停止了，才小心地探出头查看。
The factory gate hangs wide open. Three Blackgold operatives clad in full tactical gear step inside. Leading them is a dark-haired woman.工厂的大门敞开着，三个身穿黑金作战服的特种兵走了进来，走在前面的女人有着一头黑发。
Factory OwnerHecate... Abyss...黑卡蒂……深渊……
Michel recognizes her instantly and ducks deeper into the shadows.工厂老板认出了为首的女子，把自己又往阴影里藏了藏，不敢暴露。
HecateMission complete. You know what to do.任务完成，接下来你知道该怎么做。
ManYes, ma'am.是。
Through a gap in the shelving, Michel watches as one operative sheds all his weapons and gear, laying them neatly on the floor. He reaches for the Blackgold bedge on his right arm.透过两个柜子间的细缝，工厂老板窥见一个黑金队员卸下了身上所有的武器装备，整齐地放在地上，随后想要摘下右臂上的黑金肩章。
Hecate glances at another operative and gives a slight nod. At the signal, the second operative chambers a round and shoves the first one forward.黑卡蒂向一旁站立的另一个黑金队员摆头示意。接到指示，这名黑金把枪上膛，猛地推了一把前一个人。
Blackgold OperativeLet's go. Time to move on.走吧，该上路了。
The unarmed operative bows deeply to Hecate, then follows the one with the gun outside.卸下武器的黑金队员对黑卡蒂深深鞠了一躬，跟着持枪的黑金走了出去。
Bang!“呯——”
A sudden shot rings out. Michel flinches. Moments later, the second operative returns alone.外面突兀的枪响让工厂老板吓了一跳。过了一阵，刚刚带人出去的黑金队员独自跑了回来。
Blackgold OperativeIt's done.办好了。
HecateClear this place. We're leaving.把这里清理干净，走吧。
Hecate and the Abyss Squad vanish into the forest. Michel stays hidden until nightfall before finally summoning the courage to flee.黑卡蒂与深渊小队撤离了工厂。而老板直至夜幕低垂，才壮起胆子从躲藏地方出来，逃离了这里。
Factory OwnerAfter that, I went into hiding. Luckily, Blackgold didn't care about small fry like me...在这之后，我就躲回了家避风头。幸好黑金也没在意我这种小角色……
CommanderYou're saying one of their own was executed that day?你说有一个黑金队员在那天被秘密处决了？
Factory OwnerYes. I don't know who he was, but the one who gave the order... was Hecate, the squad leader.是。我不知道他是谁，但处决他的人就是深渊小队的队长，黑卡蒂。
CommanderThank you. Could you describe what he looked like?谢谢你，可以请你描述一下他的样子吗？
73-H-4 无法冒犯
Read this chapter with voices →After leaving the factory owner's villa, the Commander calls the client.离开了工厂老板的别墅，指挥官给委托人拨出了通讯。
SaulRed curly hair—that's him, that's Hubert!红色卷发，就是他，就是休伯特！
SaulHecate... I knew it. It's got to be her!黑卡蒂……我早就知道……一定是她！
CommanderHold on, what makes you so sure?等等，你为什么这么肯定？
SaulHubert humiliated Hecate in public once—offended her.之前，休伯特在公开场合伤了黑卡蒂的面子，得罪了她。
SaulI've suspected all along that she was settling a personal grudge. That's why I came to you instead of letting Blackgold know.我早就怀疑是她公报私仇了，所以这次才找你们帮忙，没让黑金这边知道。
CommanderBut from what I know, Hecate doesn't seem like the type to kill in the shadows...可是以我的了解，黑卡蒂不像是会暗下杀手的样子……
SaulYou have no idea what happened!你不知道出了什么事！
SaulIt was three months ago...那是三个月前了……
Nice!“好！”
Good hit!“漂亮！”
At a Blackgold Universal Abyss Squad encampment, two Blackgold operatives are sparring in the open area.黑金国际深渊小队的某处驻扎营地里，两名黑金队员正在空地上比拼着格斗。
Hubert, get him! Nice one!“休伯特，好样的！揍他！”
The man with red curls, shirtless under a tight tank top, is none other than Hubert.其中一个红色卷发、脱了外套只穿着紧身背心的，正是休伯特。
With a swift sidestep and a bit of redirecting force, he throws his opponent to the ground.他正用一个轻巧的闪身，借力打力，将对手摔在了地上。
"The winner is Hubert!"“获胜者，休伯特！”
Cheers erupt from the crowd. Hubert stands in the center of the clearing, raising his arms to acknowledge the spectators.围观的众人欢呼起来，休伯特站在空地中间，抬起双臂，向四周示意。
Then, the cheering abruptly dies down. Hubert turns around in confusion, A black-haired woman has stepped out of the tent.欢呼声突然停止了，休伯特一脸疑惑地转过身来，看到一个黑发女人走出了营帐。
It's Hecate.是黑卡蒂。
The Blackgold operatives lounging around quickly scramble to their feet, snapping to attention in unison.原本松散地坐在地上的黑金队员们慌忙站了起来，整齐划一地面向黑卡蒂立正站直。
Blackgold OperativesMa'am!长官好！
Hecate nods. She was heading toward the camp entrance, but she changes course and walks directly toward the sparring ring.黑卡蒂点了点头，原本迈向营地大门的步子却转了个弯，朝正在比试的众人走了过来。
She stops in front of the group, arms crossed, lips tight, chin slightly raised.在大家身前站定，黑卡蒂双手抱臂、嘴角紧绷、下巴微微上抬。
HecateDon't mind me. Continue.不用管我，你们继续。
The Blackgold operatives, previously laughing and relaxed, now stand frozen.原本嘻嘻哈哈的黑金队员们，却无一人敢动。
HecateContinue.继续。
The second time, the word sounds colder. Despite their tension, no one dares disobey. They hesitantly reform a loose circle, leaving space in the center.这句话听上去比之前那句更冷，黑金队员们即便紧张，却也不敢再站在原地不动，局促地重新围起来，留出了中间的空地。
Blackgold Operative...The last winner was Hubert. Anyone else want to challenge?……上一场的胜者是休伯特，还有人要继续挑战吗？
Hubert returns to the center, awkwardly rubbing his hands together and glancing around, carefully avoiding eye contact with Hecate.休伯特回到了空地中心，尴尬地搓了搓手，眼神四处乱瞟，没有直视站在前面的黑卡蒂。
Blackgold Operative...Anyone?……还有人吗？
No one responds. One operative at the edge tries to slip away but is yanked back by the teammate beside him.没有人应答，一个站在外围的黑金队员想要溜走，被他旁边的同伴一把按住了。
Realizing her presence is paralyzing the team, Hecate finally lowers her arms, swallows discreetly, and sits down on the spot.意识到是自己的到来让手下紧张起来，黑卡蒂终于放下了抱着的胳膊，微不可见地咽了下口水，原地坐了下来。
Only then do the others slowly begin to sit down. At Hubert's pleading glance, Saul steps forward.见此，原本一直站着的黑金队员们才陆续坐了下来；索尔在休伯特恳求的目光下站了出来。
Hubert...C'mon.……来吧。
They've already been exchanging blows for a while. Both men are overly cautious now—nothing like the energetic combat earlier.已经一来一回地打了一阵，对战的双方出手都十分谨慎，完全不见之前的酣畅淋漓。
SaulWhat now?怎么办？
HubertA draw?平手？
Taking advantage of a close-range stalemate, they whisper to each other. Then, they simultaneously let go and retreat, ending the match.趁着一次短暂的近距离僵持，两人小声进行了沟通，随后同时松手后撤，结束了格斗。
HubertIt's a draw.我们打平了。
This heavily theatrical duel is finally over. The watching operatives seem relieved. Scattered applause echo through the camp.这场表演性极重的比试终于结束，围观的黑金队员们像是松了一口气，稀稀落落地响起了掌声。
Hecate sits expressionless at the front, snapping a dry grass stalk in her hand.黑卡蒂冷着脸坐在最前面，右手捏断了旁边的一丛枯草。
Blackgold Operative...So, can we disperse now?……那，我们散了？
Everyone exhales in relief. A few younger operatives start to rise, trying to escape the oppressive atmosphere.所有人都如释重负，几个年轻的黑金队员已经陆续起身，想要逃离这里的低气压。
HecateI'll have a go.我来。
Hecate brushes the crushed grass from her hand and rises to her feet.黑卡蒂拍掉了手中的碎草叶，站起了身。
CommanderHubert beat Hecate in front of everyone??!!休伯特当众把黑卡蒂打败了？！？！
SaulYes.是。
CommanderHow could he even dare?他怎么敢的？
KuroWhat's the big deal?有什么了不起，这么大惊小怪。
SaulYou wouldn't say that if you knew Hecate's record.如果你知道了黑卡蒂的履历，就不会这么说。
SaulShe was a decorated Marine before joining Blackgold. After an operative, she became a living legend for how quickly she rose through the ranks.退役前在海军陆战队立功无数，加入黑金后又创下了快速攀升的传说。
SaulAt first, people questioned how someone so young could lead the Abyss Squad. But soon, no one questioned her again—she earned it with her life.最初，也有人质疑她凭什么年纪轻轻就可以担任深渊的队长，但很快，队伍里再也没有了这样的声音，因为这是她实实在在靠命挣出来的。
SaulIn the Abyss Squad, no one disobeys her. Hubert... how could he dare?在深渊小队，没有人敢违背她的意思。休伯特……他怎么敢的？
CommanderIt's surprising, I admit. But there's still no proof that Hecate had anything to do with Hubert's disappearance.虽然这件事确实出乎了我的意料，但也没有证据表明休伯特的失踪是黑卡蒂干的。
SaulEver since that incident, Hubert has been targeted—on purpose.在这件事之后，休伯特被恶意针对了。
SaulThere were so many signs...有很多的迹象……
HecateIs everyone clear on the team assignments for this infiltration mission?这次潜入任务的分组都清楚了吗？
Blackgold OperativesYes, ma'am!清楚了！
In the camp, Hecate is giving out instructions. Two rows of Blackgold operatives stand straight, eyes forward, expressions serious.营地里，黑卡蒂正部署着工作。面前两排笔直站立的黑金队员眼观鼻、鼻观心，形容整肃。
HubertOne question, ma'am!报告！
HecateGo ahead.说。
HubertWhy are the others in teams of three or four, and I'm alone?为什么别人都是3-4人一组，我却是一个人？
HecateI'm not obligated to answer that.我没有义务回答这个问题。
HubertYes, ma'am.是！
HecatePrep yourselves for departure. Dismissed!各自准备，解散！
The operatives break formation, heading off in groups to gather gear or discuss strategies. Only Hubert walks alone toward the dorms, dragging his feet.黑金队员们原地解散，成群结队地去领取装备或者商量作战计划，只有休伯特一个人拖着步子往宿舍的方向走去。
Seeing this, Saul catches up to him.见此，索尔追了上去。
SaulWhat's going on?怎么回事？
HubertI don't know... Could be a mission requirement?不知道……任务需要？
SaulCould it be... retaliation?会不会是……报复？
The two mutter under their breath, not noticing Hecate walking right past them.休伯特和索尔凑在一起小声嘀咕着，没有注意到黑卡蒂正从他们身旁经过。
HubertAhem! Cough...咳咳！……咳咳……
She gives no sign of having heard anything. Her pace never falters; her eyes remain fixed directly ahead as she walks into her ops room.黑卡蒂仿佛没有听到他们的对话，步伐不变，目不斜视地与二人擦肩而过。
Watching her go, Saul pats Hubert on the shoulder.看着黑卡蒂走进了自己的作战室，索尔拍了拍休伯特的肩。
SaulJust be careful, alright?总之小心一点儿。
HecateKeep up. We've only done 20 kilometers—just about halfway.都跟上，刚刚20公里，才到一半。
A team from Blackgold is silently trekking through mountainous terrain, each person carrying a heavy pack.一支黑金队伍沉默地在山地里攀爬，每个人身上都背了沉重的行囊。
Hecate leads at the front. Even her face is drenched in sweat from the long, grueling hike.黑卡蒂走在队伍的最前面，长时间的负重徒步让她的脸上也挂满了汗珠。
HecateIf anyone falls behind, it's double training when we return.如果有人掉队，回营后加训一倍。
No one says a word. They march in sync, focused entirely on conserving breath.队员们没有说话，机械性地迈着步子跟在后面，担心交谈会乱了自己的呼吸。
Hubert and Saul are at the rear. At a bend in the trail, Saul stops Hubert.休伯特和索尔落在队伍的最后，在一个拐角的地方，索尔拦住了休伯特。
SaulGive me five kilos of your load.把你的负重分5公斤给我。
Hubert's face is pale. Sweat—cold or hot, it's hard to tell—pours from his forehead. He takes a few seconds to catch his breath before replying.休伯特的脸色已经发白，头上不知是热汗还是冷汗，停下后缓了几秒才开口回应。
HubertThanks... but no.谢了……不用了。
SaulEveryone else is carrying 20 kilos, only you've got 30. She's singling you out!大家都是20公斤负重，只有你是30公斤。她就是在针对你！
SaulDon't push yourself. C'mon, quick—before they notice.别逞强了，快，趁这里他们看不见。
Hubert pats Saul's shoulder, breaks off a tree branch to use as a walking stick, and continues climbing.休伯特拍了拍索尔的肩，从一旁折了一根树枝当做登山杖，跟上了队伍。
SaulDangerous missions, harsh training... there's been a lot of this.危险的任务、苛刻的训练……像这样的事，还有很多。
SaulAnd all of it started after Hubert took Hecate down in front of everyone. I choose to believe that's not a coincidence.而这一切，都是在休伯特把黑卡蒂摔到地上后发生的。我决定相信，这两者之间的关联。
SaulHecate is taking revenge!黑卡蒂就是在报复！
CommanderI admit, it sounds pretty convincing, but we still don't have proof. Hubert's just missing—我承认这听上去确实很像事实，但我们依然没有证据证明这一点。休伯特只是失踪——
SaulWe do!有！
CommanderWhat?嗯？
SaulYou mentioned the person who killed Hubert just now...你刚刚提到的，杀害休伯特的那个人……
CommanderThey only left together. The factory owner didn't see Hubert actually get shot—只有一起出去，老板并没有看到休伯特被枪杀……
SaulRegardless, that bald guy with the scar is named Stone. I know where he is.总之，那个刀疤脸的光头叫做斯通，我知道他在哪儿。
73-H-6 弹孔永不愈合
Read this chapter with voices →Nightfall. At a forest camp in Kamona, the Commander, Mityl, and Kuro observe quietly from the camp's perimeter.入夜，卡莫纳某林间营地，指挥官与米蒂尔、卡萝三人在营地外围悄悄观察。
MitylAre we really going in? Blackgold's camps aren't exactly easy to break into.真的要进去？黑金的营地不是那么好闯的。
KuroWhat's to be afraid of? Worst case, we can still run.怕什么，打不过难道还跑不掉？
MitylBut are we even sure there'll be clues here?可是这里真的会有线索吗？
CommanderThe client said Stone was transferred here. If we want to know what really happened that day, he's the only one who can tell us.委托人说斯通被调来了这儿，那天究竟发生了什么，恐怕只有问他才能知道了。
MitylThere's no other way?就没别的法子了吗？
KuroUnless you want to go ask Hecate?要不你去问黑卡蒂？
CommanderWe don't have to clash head-on. Ideally, we'll find something in his quarters... Someone's coming.也不一定要正面冲突，最好可以在他住处搜到点儿什么……有人来了。
A burly man in military uniform approaches a tent with two soldiers in tow. He stops at the entrance and signals for them to stay outside.一个魁梧的军装男子在两个士兵的陪伴下走向了一个帐篷，在门口停下，回头示意两人留在外面。
Under the glow of the camp lights, the three clearly see a long scar running down his exposed right eye.营地灯光的照射下，指挥官三人清楚地看到，他露出的右眼上，划了一道长疤。
MitylIs that him?是他吗？
CommanderNot sure. Too much is hidden by the helmet and mask. Keep watching.不确定，头盔和面罩遮挡了太多，再看看。
The tent has no windows, and the entrance flap is lowered, blocking all light and sound from inside.帐篷没有窗户，门口的帘子被放了下来，隔绝了里面的一切灯光与声音，让人无法窥探。
After a while, the man emerges with another similarly dressed special forces soldier, whose appearance is also entirely obscured by his mask and helmet.过了一阵，刚刚进去的男子和另一个打扮相近的特种兵一起走了出来，面罩与头盔遮挡了那人的容貌。
KuroTogether, they head toward the woods.他们朝树林去了。
Kuro turns to the Commander and Mityl, her eyes brimming with excitement.卡萝转头望向指挥官与米蒂尔，眼睛里全是跃跃欲试的兴奋。
Commander...Follow them. Wait until they're far enough. Be fast, don't alert the others.……跟上去，等他们走远。速度要快，不要引来其他人。
Kuro pats the pouch on her chest rig, where Mityl just stuffed two more magazines.卡萝拍了拍自己弹挂上的枪袋，那里刚刚被米蒂尔又塞进去了两个弹匣。
KuroDon't you worry!放心！
MitylDon't move!老实点！
After a coordinated ambush and a swift skirmish, the two men who exited the tent are subdued.经过一番默契的偷袭与闪电般结束的战斗，帐篷中走出的两人已经被控制住。
Mityl stands before them, hands on hips, chin raised high, projecting as much authority as she can muster to intimidate the two bound men.米蒂尔叉腰站在两人面前，高抬着下巴，努力放大着自己的气场，希望可以震慑住被绑住手脚的两人。
StoneHeh...呵……
The one with the scar on the face is the very man they're looking for—Stone. He scoffs with disdain.刀疤脸的男子正是三人要找的斯通，嘴里发出不屑的笑声。
MitylI said, don't move!我说了，老实点！
She slams the rifle buttstock into Stone's back. The burly man stumbles forward, gritting his teeth to suppress a groan.米蒂尔用枪托猛力打在斯通的背上，这个魁梧的中年男子被突如其来的攻击打得一个踉跄，把呼痛声憋在了嘴里。
StoneOof...唔……
Blackgold OperativeWho are you? What do you want?你们是什么人，要做什么？
The other subdued Blackgold operative remains still, offering no resistance since his hands got tied behind his back.和斯通一起被制住的黑金队员手被绑在身后，一直安安静静没有过多地挣扎。
CommanderA month ago, at the weapon factory in Northridge. What was Blackgold doing there?一个月前，北山兵工厂，黑金去那里有什么任务？
Blackgold OperativeBlackgold was ordered to destroy an illegal factory. Who in the Dark Zone dares question that?黑金国际奉命剿毁非法工厂，暗区里谁敢有疑问。
CommanderThat's all?只是如此？
Blackgold OperativeWhat are you implying?你什么意思？
Mityl and Kuro stand on either side of the Commander, rifles in hand, exerting pressure on the captives.米蒂尔和卡萝一直横抱着枪，站在指挥官的左右，武力“威慑”着两人。
Mityl raises her weapon again and walks over to the masked operative, ready to rough him up a bit.见此，米蒂尔再次端起枪托，走到这个掩住头面的黑金队员身旁，准备给他吃点苦头。
Suddenly, the supposedly restrained operative breaks free, catching Mityl off guard and grabbing for her gun.突然，原本还跪在地上的黑金队员双手挣脱了束缚，趁米蒂尔疏忽了防备，伸手夺枪。
Mityl!！
In a split second, the rifle is wrested from Mityl's hands, but she doesn't let go. Instead, she crashes into the kneeling man, driving her elbow into the back of his neck and rolling back to gain distance.刹那的拉扯间，米蒂尔的枪被夺了过去，但她没有松手，顺势撞向了跪在地上的黑金队员，手肘重重地击在了他的后颈上，随后翻身后撤，拉开了距离。
The Blackgold operative, still bound at the feet, stumbles from the blow and topples sideways.夺过枪的黑金队员双脚还被绑着，重心不稳，被米蒂尔的肘击撞得失去了平衡，侧身翻倒。
Despite the fall, his training kicks in. He doesn't try to get up. Instead, lying prone, he turns the rifle toward the Commander.训练有素的精英队员迅速反应，没有尝试爬起，而是毫不犹豫地就着俯卧的姿势，将枪口对准了身前的指挥官。
Clank!“咣啷——”
As the two scuffle, a rectangular metal object falls from the operative's pocket and clinks against a nearby rock.两人短暂交手的同时，一枚长方形的金属物从黑金队员的口袋中滑出，跌撞在一旁的石块上，发出清脆的声响。
Blackgold OperativeDon't move!别动！
The standoff holds in the clearing, with the Commander and Kuro aiming at the two downed operatives.林间空地上，指挥官与卡萝持枪对着地上的两名黑金队员，双方呈对峙状态。
KuroI suggest you don't do anything rash. You should know by now how a head-on fight with us ends.我劝你不要轻举妄动，和我们硬碰硬是什么结果你应该已经很清楚了。
Though ambushed, the two men remember how quickly they were taken down. Embarrassment flickers across their faces.虽然是被偷袭，但回想到刚刚自己二人被对方快速制服，两个黑金队员的脸上露出了一丝尴尬。
MitylWhat's this?...A dog tag?这是什么？……铭牌？
She picks up the fallen object—an ID tag common in the Dark Zone. The engraved name is obscured by a bullet hole.米蒂尔拾起了刚刚从黑金队员身上掉下来的东西，那是一个暗区里常见的身份铭牌，上面刻着拥有者的名字，一枚弹孔赫然破坏了它。
MitylT, H... something... S?T、H……什么什么……S？
Commander & KuroHubert?!休伯特？！
Recalling the empty dog tag chain buried outside the factory, the trio share a shocking realization.回想到工厂外被埋藏的空链条，三人有了个令人震惊的猜测。
Mityl steps forward. The operative turns the gun toward her.米蒂尔走上前去，休伯特将枪口调转对准米蒂尔。
HubertStop!停下！
Mityl ignores the threat, reaching out to remove his headgear.米蒂尔无视眼前持枪威胁自己的黑金队员，继续靠近，伸手想要去摘他的头套。
Click. The operative freezes. The gun is empty.“咔哒”，休伯特愣住了，枪里并没有子弹。
Mityl pulls off the mask, revealing a head of red curls.米蒂尔摘下了他的头套，一头红色卷发露了出来。
KuroIt's really you!果然是你！
Helpless, Hubert hurls the useless weapon to the ground in frustration.受制于人，休伯特愤怒地把枪摔在了地上。
HubertWho the hell are you people?你们究竟是谁？
The Commander glances at Stone, who is still tied up nearby.指挥官看了看还被绑在一旁的斯通。
CommanderCome with me. I've got some questions for you.跟我来，有些话想问你。
HubertA client?委托！？
Still unsure of Stone's role in all this, the Commander decides to speak to Hubert privately. and explain the circumstances不知斯通在这件事中扮演了什么身份，指挥官单独与休伯特件讲述了前因后果。
HubertYes, I'm Hubert.是，我是休伯特。
HubertThis is all a misunderstanding.这是一个误会。
CommanderHm?嗯？
Hubert hesitates, not sure if he should continue.休伯特欲言又止，似有犹豫。
CommanderYour friend went through hell to find you. You owe him an explanation.你的朋友为了找你费尽心血，或许你也需要给他一个解释。
The dog tag, now returned to him, rests in his palm. Hubert gazes at the bullet hole and sighs.那枚被毁掉的铭牌已经回到了他的手中，休伯特看着上面的弹孔，叹了口气。
Hubert...Alright. Even if it's a bit early, it doesn't matter anymore.……好吧，虽然早了一点，但也没什么影响了。
HubertI wasn't assassinated. I was transferred here for a covert mission. The mission's over now.我并没有被暗杀，我被调来这里执行秘密任务，如今任务已经完成。
HubertYou misunderstood Hecate.你们误会黑卡蒂了。
With the mission completed, the Blackgold operatives return to the camp for a debrief and operation review.任务圆满完成，黑金队员们回到了营地，进行复盘。
HecateMost squads hit their objectives. Hubert!此次行动，大多数小队都按计划完成了目标。休伯特！
Hubert, who is seated among the group with his head hanging, jumps to attention.休伯特正坐在众人之中，垂着头，闻言立即站起立正。
HubertMa'am!是！
HecateYou were 1 minute and 20 seconds late. Explain.你比预计时间迟了1分20秒，原因！
HubertMa'am! I went to sabotage the power grid as planned, but enemy numbers exceeded expectations. It took more time to clean them out.报告！我按计划去破坏电力系统，但路上遭遇的敌人数量超出预期，解决起来需要更多时间。
HecateWhat do you think was the problem?你认为问题出在哪里？
HubertThere were too many enemies. I needed more time.敌人太多，比预计用时要长。
HecateSo, personal incompetence?所以是个人能力不足？
HubertNo! I neutralized eight enemies alone in just 1 minute and 20 seconds!不！我一个人处理了八个敌人，只多花了1分20秒！
HubertAnd the system was already down when I arrived—my objective served no purpose. I question the operation plan!何况，在我抵达的时候，发现电力系统已经被破坏了，我的行动没有意义，我质疑这个安排！
Hecate, who is standing sideways to study the tactical map, tilts her head at his outburst.原本侧身看着作战地形图的黑卡蒂闻言微微偏头，扫了一眼情绪激动的休伯特。
HecateReflect on this. Submit a written report tomorrow. Dismissed!回去好好想想，明天把复盘检讨交给我。散会！
Everyone rises and leaves the stifling ops room.黑金队员们纷纷起身，逃离作战室内令人窒息的空气。
SaulHeh.嘿。
Saul bumps shoulders with Hubert as he passes, telling him to quickly make himself scarce. But Hubert doesn't budge. He keeps staring at Hecate.索尔经过时用肩膀撞了一下休伯特，示意他赶紧离开；但休伯特不为所动，依旧紧紧盯着地形图前的黑卡蒂。
Saul sighs and leaves with the others. Soon, only Hecate and Hubert remain in the room.索尔无奈，只能和其他人一同离开。转眼间，作战室内只剩下了黑卡蒂与休伯特两个人。
HecateWhat is it?什么事？
HubertMa'am! I don't know how to write the report.报告！我不知道检讨书该怎么写。
He clenches his fists, veins pulsing on his forehead, but still he doesn't dare step out of line.休伯特双手死死攥着拳头，可即便他的额头已经跳起了青筋，面对自己冷脸冷语的上级，也不敢有丝毫的逾矩。
HecateYour mission was to cut power—not follow a set route to the generator room. When you saw the original plan was too difficult, you had at least two alternate ways to achieve the same result within the time limit.你的目标是破坏电力系统，不是按计划路线抵达供电室。在发现原本的计划完成难度过高时，你至少有2个方案可以按时切断对方的供电。
HecateBut you failed to improvise. You ignored the objective and lacked strategic awareness.可你却无法变通，忽略自己的核心目标，没有全局意识，只知道全盘执行。
HecateAre you brainless?你是没有脑子吗？
Finally turning around, Hecate peers over her glasses and coldly scrutinizes the agitated rookie standing before her.黑卡蒂终于转了过来，一双深色的眸子透过眼镜的上方，冷冷打量着眼前这个强压着情绪的新兵。
Hubert looks away in shame. He turns to exit the room, but stops hesitantly at the door.休伯特无话可说，无颜再看黑卡蒂，转身想要离开，却在门口犹豫着停下了。
HubertSince I didn't complete my mission... who sabotaged the system?我没有完成任务，电力系统是被谁破坏的？
Hecate raises an eyebrow and marks a red circle on the map.黑卡蒂挑眉，在作战图上画了一个红圈。
HubertThat was your position...这是当时你的位置……
HecatePlan B.Plan B。
Hubert...I'll write the report.……我去写检讨。
Hubert says curtly. Just as he steps through the door, Hecate calls out to stop him.休伯特粗着脖子憋出了这么一句，出门时却被黑卡蒂叫住了。
HecateHubert!休伯特！
HecateIf you want to advance further, you'll need to prove yourself to me.如果你还想更进一步，就要自己证明给我看。
At the foot of the mountain, the Blackgold team finishes a 40km march while carrying heavy loads. Having earned a short break, they dump their heavy packs in a pile under a tree.山脚下，黑金队员们结束了长达40公里的负重徒步，获得了短暂的休息时间；身上沉重的背包在树下被堆了一地。
Having been subjected to tougher training than the rest of the team, Hubert slumps down to the ground next to the pile of packs and opens a bottle of water while trying to catch his breath.更高强度的训练让休伯特此时瘫坐在这堆背包旁，喘着粗气拧开了一瓶水。
Blackgold OperativeHey! Fetch a spare battery from the Captain's pack.喂！帮忙找个东西，在队长包里，一个备用电源。
黑卡蒂与几个黑金队员站在远处，其中一个朝着休伯特喊话，让他就近找个东西。
Hubert drags himself off the floor with resignation and picks up Hecate's pack.休伯特认命地站起来，找到黑卡蒂的背包，拎了起来。
Hubert?？
He hefts it, then grabs another for comparison.休伯特手里拎着黑卡蒂的登山包，掂了掂重量；又随手抓过另外一个包，掂了掂。
SaulWhat's with that look on your face?怎么了，脸色这么奇怪？
Hubert puts down Hecate's pack and unbuckles it, rummaging through its contents.休伯特把黑卡蒂的包放到地上，打开搭扣，在里面翻找着什么。
Saul...What is this?……这是什么？
HubertA cast iron block. Ten kilos.是铸铁块，10公斤的。
Hubert holds up the heavy black hunk of metal that he just pulled out of Hecate's pack in disbelief.休伯特手里托着一个黝黑的铁块，正是刚刚从黑卡蒂的包里翻出来的。
SaulAre you crazy? You stashed your own load in the Captain's pack?你是疯了么？把自己的负重放到队长包里？
SaulEven if she gives you hell, you need to stay calm. Don't throw yourself at the knife like this...就算她刁难你，你也要冷静，不要自己去找死……
Blackgold OperativeWhat's the problem? Hurry up!干嘛呢？快点！
The operative in the distance shouts impatiently. Hubert stuffs the iron block back into the pack, retrieves the spare battery, and hands it to Saul.远处的黑金队员还在催促。休伯特迅速把铁块放了回去，从包里翻出备用电源，递给了还在小声喋喋不休的索尔。
HubertGive it to her.去拿给队长。
Saul grumbles as he goes. Hubert puts the pack back where it was, then looks toward Hecate.索尔骂骂咧咧地走了，休伯特把背包恢复了原样，放了回去，看向远处的黑卡蒂。
She's standing tall, instructing two teammates—unlike everyone else lying sprawled on the ground around her. Her posture betrays no trace of fatigue.黑卡蒂正给两个黑金队员交待着什么，身姿挺拔，与周围三三两两瘫在地上休息的其他人不同，不见一丝的疲惫。
Hubert straightens up subconsciously, adjusts his uniform, and walks over.休伯特下意识地站直了身，正了正自己的作战制服，朝黑卡蒂走去。
HubertMa'am...报告队长……
CommanderSo... Hecate has actually been training you and setting you up for promotion?所以，黑卡蒂其实是在锻炼你，准备提拔你？
HubertYes.是的。
Commander...Well, that's a surprise. But I guess it's more believable than her trying to kill you out of spite.……虽然有点意外，但是与她记仇暗杀你相比，确实这个原因更有说服力。
HubertSounds like you know her well.听上去你们好像很熟。
CommanderWe met... once or twice.一面……几面之缘罢了。
HubertAfter the Northridge mission, I left the team to take on this classified operation.因为要带队完成保密任务，北山工厂的那次行动之后，我就离队到了这边。
HubertCan you promise me something?能不能答应我件事？
CommanderGo on.你说。
HubertMy promotion to squad leader will be announced tomorrow morning. My friend will know then.明天上午，我升任这支小队队长的消息会在黑金公布，我的朋友自然就会知道。
HubertUntil then, I'd appreciate your silence. I'll explain it to him myself.希望你能帮我保密到那个时候，之后我会自己去跟他解释。
CommanderAlright.好。
Hubert rubs the bullet hole on the dog tag, feeling the dent on the surface. He sighs.休伯特用手指摩挲着铭牌上的弹孔，感受着刻印凹凸不平的触感，叹了口气。
HubertEverything identifying me was supposed to be destroyed—like the buried stuff you saw. It's also why Stone shot my dog tag.本来需要把所有标志身份的物品全部销毁，就是你看到的埋在土里的那些，这个铭牌也是因此被斯通射穿的。
HubertBut I couldn't bear to leave it behind, so I took it with me. Didn't expect you to track me down and chase me all this way.可是因为不舍，我还是带走了它，没想到被你们追到了这儿。
HubertI'm still... nowhere near as good as her.我还是……远远不如她。
He smiles wanly. There is no resentment on his youthful face, but his eyes are heavy with a profound sense of helplessness.休伯特自嘲地扯了个笑容，年轻的脸上没有不甘，眼中却透露着深深的无力。
HubertNo matter how hard we try to catch up to her... the captain's always ahead. We're already giving it our all just to avoid falling behind.无论我们怎样追赶，队长都在我们的前面。只是为了不被她落下，我们就已经要拼尽全力。
The Commander doesn't know what to say. They simply pat Hubert on the shoulder.指挥官不知如何安慰，只能拍了拍休伯特的肩。
CommanderCome on. The others are still waiting.走吧，他们还在那边等着。
CommanderAt least... be glad she's not your enemy.至少你该庆幸，她不是你的敌人。
73-D1-Attack 73-d1-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90We're outgunned by the gang. If only we had more gear for support.黑帮火力太强，要是有更多的道具支援就好了。
P90Let's search around. Hopefully we'll find something useful.四处搜搜看，希望能找到些有用的东西。
73-D1-Begin 73-d1-begin
Read this chapter with voices →EvitaI have a new job for you.我这里有个新任务需要交给你。
EvitaThe client asked for a fresh face to track down some documents in an abandoned warehouse near the valley.委托人希望可以找个生面孔，去山谷附近的一个废弃仓库里找一份资料。
EvitaOnce you have them, hand them over at the villa in Floranpino.东西拿到后，带去弗洛安皮诺的别墅给他。
EvitaJust a word of advice—don't let slip who you are. I suspect there's some connection between this client and Doss.提醒你，不要暴露身份，我怀疑这个委托人可能和多斯有关。
73-D2-Begin 73-d2-begin
Read this chapter with voices →P90Nothing yet. Keep going. We may find new clues.暂时没有什么发现，继续前进，希望可以找到新的线索。
73-D2-Win 73-d2-win
Read this chapter with voices →P90Good work, everyone~ I've got some energy bars here~大家辛苦了！我这里有能量棒~
73-D3-Attack 73-d3-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90The enemy is now even better armed. Can't be helped—we'll have to take them head on.敌人的武装更强了，没办法，只能正面冲突了。
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Read this chapter with voices →P90Strange... The more I think about it, the less it makes sense?奇怪，怎么知道得越多越是想不明白？
P90Hm... Forget it! Better just focus on what's at hand.唔……算了不想了！还是把眼前的事做好。
73-D4-Attack 73-d4-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90Careful. These aren't your ordinary thugs.小心，这些不是普通的黑帮。
73-D4-Begin 73-d4-begin
Read this chapter with voices →P90The client actually did so many terrible things?! I know... but still... ugh...委托人竟然做了这么多恶事？！虽然……但是……呃……
P90No! I just can't bear working for such a villain! Why don't we... off the client?!不行！我还是不能接受帮这样的坏人做事。不如……做掉委托人！
73-D4-Win 73-d4-win
Read this chapter with voices →P90All done, finally! Now clean up the battlefield. Don't let Doss find out we were ever here.总算解决了！打扫战场，不要被多斯发现我们来过。
P90With this, I suppose we've avenged the innocent...这样的结果，也算是给无辜的人们报仇了吧……
73-E1-Attack 73-e1-attack
Read this chapter with voices →KuroA new mission? Woohoo! Let's see what we're working with here.新的任务？太棒了！先熟悉下这里的情况。
KuroReady... Fire!准备，发射！
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Read this chapter with voices →EvitaI have a new job for you.我这里有个新任务需要交给你。
EvitaMy colleage Doctor Lawrence was temporarily transferred to the medical camp at Mangrove Valley to give them a hand there.劳伦斯医生是我的同事，之前被借调去红树谷医疗营地支援工作。
EvitaHe should've returned to the hospital last week, but he died in an accident the night before he was set to leave.上周，他的借调结束，本应回到医院，然而他却在出发的前夜意外身故。
EvitaI suspect foul play. Please investigate his death for me.我怀疑他的死有蹊跷，希望你可以帮我调查。
73-E1-Win 73-e1-win
Read this chapter with voices →KuroNicely done! Now organize the team and your backpack.干得漂亮！先回整备调整下队伍和背包吧。
73-E2-Attack 73-e2-attack
Read this chapter with voices →KuroSo many bandits... Do they have a backer or something?这么多的强盗……难道他们身后还有别的支持？
KuroWhatever! Gotta focus on taking these out first!不管了，先解决眼前的这些！
73-E3-Attack 73-e3-attack
Read this chapter with voices →KuroSo they're backed by a gang. That certainly explains the audacity.没想到还有黑帮在背后支持，难怪这么嚣张。
KuroNonetheless, they'd better surrender when they run into yours truly!不过，遇到卡萝就乖乖投降吧！
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Read this chapter with voices →KuroDammit! They stole a bunch of medical supplies! Our lives depend on that stuff!可恶！他们竟然抢走了这么多医疗物资，这些都是救命的家伙。
KuroWe gotta get them back!一定要把东西带回去！
73-E3-Win 73-e3-win
Read this chapter with voices →KuroMission accomplished! Well done me!完满完成任务！不愧是我！
KuroNot only did I take back the stolen supplies, I even got us some extras! Mityl will be over the moon!不仅追回了被抢的物资，甚至还有更多收获，米蒂尔要开心坏了！
KuroGotta bring everything back to the medical camp and share them with the others.赶紧带回医疗营地，把东西分给大家。
73-EXT-1 73-ext-1
Read this chapter with voices →A civilian has been alerted. Please note that civilians are alerted by any battle that takes place within 2 nodes from them.一个平民被惊扰了。注意，在平民周围2格内发生战斗会将其惊扰。
73-guide-special1
Read this chapter with voices →Please read the Combat Handbook carefully, Commander! Tap "Skip" in the top right corner to close this window.请指挥官认真阅读战斗手册！点击右上角"跳过"关闭该界面
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Read this chapter with voices →Please read the Upgrade Instructions carefully, Commander! Tap "Skip" in the top right corner to close this window.请指挥官认真阅读升级说明！点击右上角"跳过"关闭该界面
73-guide-special3
Read this chapter with voices →Please read the Combat Handbook carefully, Commander! Tap "Skip" in the top right corner to close this window.请指挥官认真阅读战斗手册！点击右上角"跳过"关闭该界面
73-guide-special4
Read this chapter with voices →Please read the Withdrawal Instructions carefully, Commander! Tap "Skip" in the top right corner to close this window.请指挥官认真阅读撤离说明！点击右上角"跳过"关闭该界面
73-H1-Attack 73-h1-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90Hm, Blackgold again. I hope we won't run into Hecate once more.唔，又是黑金，希望不要再遇到黑卡蒂了。
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Read this chapter with voices →EvitaI have a new job for you.我这里有个新任务需要交给你。
EvitaA few days ago, a Blackgold operative came to me, saying that his teammate Hubert had gone missing.前几天，一个黑金队员找到了我，说他的队友休伯特失踪了。
EvitaHe would like you to investigate Hubert's whereabouts and the cause of his disappearance.他希望你可以调查休伯特的下落以及失踪的原因。
EvitaI've given him your contact. He will fill you in on the details himself.我已经把你的联系方式交给对方，具体信息他会自己告诉你。
73-H2-Attack 73-h2-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90This can't go on forever. That gold lion statue could be a clue. I've got to find it!这样下去不是办法，那尊金狮雕像可能会是线索，一定要找到它！
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Read this chapter with voices →P90For the mission, we must all keep it up!为了委托任务，大家还要继续加油啊！
73-H3-Attack 73-h3-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90Barricade ahead!前面有路障！
P90There's no time to go round! We'll have to barrel through!来不及绕路，只能强攻过去了！
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Read this chapter with voices →P90Hecate and Hubert... Ugh, just the thought is enough to make me shudder!黑卡蒂和休伯特……啊，想想就可怕！
P90What on earth happened to Hubert? ...We need more clues.休伯特究竟怎么样了？……还是需要更多的线索啊。
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Read this chapter with voices →P90We're... getting closer to finding out the truth behind Hubert's disappearance.好像……接近休伯特失踪的真相了。
73-H5-Attack 73-h5-attack
Read this chapter with voices →P90Those are all elite operatives from Blackgold! Keep your eyes peeled!前面都是黑金的精英，大家小心！
73-H5-Begin 73-h5-begin
Read this chapter with voices →P90There are so many of them... Blackgold's base sure is dangerous.这么多敌人……黑金的营地果然危险。
P90Better make sure we're all well prepared!大家要做好充足的准备啊！
73-H5-Win 73-h5-win
Read this chapter with voices →P90We finally did it! Well done, everyone!总算完成任务，大家真的好棒！
P90This gig should earn us quite a handsome figure~这笔委托，应该可以赚到不少钱吧~
Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.