Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium 少女前线2：追放 › Doll stories

Koleda

克莱妲

25 chapters · 1103 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Springtide Banquet 1 春归之宴1

(The Elmo is always especially quiet in the dead of night.)（深夜的艾莫号总是格外安静。）

(Lately, I haven't been sleeping well.)（近来的一段时间，我的睡眠总是不太安稳。）

(It's nothing unusual. For the past ten years, this has happened to me every so often. No warning, no cure.)（这并不算什么稀奇事，十年来，我几乎每年都会偶尔出现这种情况，没什么征兆，也没什么解法。）

(It's just that the memories I'd rather forget always catch up with me whenever I have a little too much time to think.)（只不过是一些想要忘掉的过往在我不够忙碌的时候追了上来。）

(Just like tonight. Every time I close my eyes, familiar faces emerge from the darkness behind my eyelids.)（就像今天，每当我闭上眼，漆黑的视界里，总是会浮现出一些熟悉的面孔。）

(After tossing and turning for what feels like forever, I finally give up on sleep. I decide to head to the public area for a late-night snack. Anything to clear my head.)（我辗转反侧了许久，最终还是放弃了睡眠，准备去公共区找点夜宵填填肚子，顺便让脑子清醒一下。）

(Only half the lights are on in the public area. The dim amber glow makes the entire room feel strangely surreal.)（公共区的灯只亮着一半，昏黄的光线把整个空间都衬得有些不大真实。）

(Springfield is usually here until very late, but tonight I've come so late that even she's already gone.)（春田通常都会在这里待到很晚，但今天，我来的时间已经晚到连她也不在了。）

(What surprises me, however, is that I find someone else behind the counter—someone who should have gone to bed long ago.)（而出乎我意料的是，另一个本该已经进入休眠的人，此刻却站在吧台后面。）

Commander...Groza? Why are you still awake?……闪电？你怎么还没休息？

(Groza looks up and meets my surprised gaze with her usual gentle smile.)（闪电抬起了头，对上我惊讶的目光，脸上是温和的微笑。）

GrozaI saw the light in your office was still on, so I guessed someone was still awake.我看到办公室的灯还没有灭，就猜到有人还没休息。

GrozaKnowing you, Commander, it's about time you needed to replenish your energy.以我对您的了解，差不多也该到补充能量的时候了。

(She ties on an apron as she speaks and takes ingredients from the refrigerator. Every movement is as practiced and familiar as ever.)（她一边说着，一边自然地系上围裙，从冰柜里取出食材，那副熟练的样子，和往常没有任何不同。）

(I simply take a seat at the counter and watch her get busy.)（我索性在吧台前坐下，看着她忙碌的背影。）

GrozaThere hasn't been much work lately that should keep you up this late.最近好像也没太多需要忙到这么晚的工作。

GrozaSo... if you're still awake now, then something must be on your mind, isn't that right, Commander?之所以现在也还没睡，莫非是有心事吗？指挥官？

CommanderSomething on my mind...心事吗……

(I think for a moment, then shake my head with a wry smile.)（我想了想，苦笑着摇了摇头。）

CommanderNot exactly. You know how it is. The same old problem.要说……也谈不上，你知道的，老毛病了。

(On this vehicle, Groza is the only one I can speak to like this.)（在这辆车上，我能在这种时候如此说话的对象，也就只有闪电。）

(She's been by my side longer than anyone else here, and she knows this condition of mine inside and out... partly because I could never really hide it from her. If I had the choice, I'd rather not let anyone see this pathetic side of me.)（她在这里陪伴了我最长的时间，也对我的这一情况了如指掌……也是因为我实在瞒不下去。如果可以的话，我还是不想让每个人都知道我这没出息的样子的。）

Groza...Right.……是啊。

(Groza's hands pause for just a moment.)（闪电手上的动作微微顿了一顿。）

GrozaEven after all this time... your feelings still haven't changed?过了这么久，想法还是一点都没变吗？

CommanderWell... some things simply aren't worn away by time.与其说变或者没变……有些事本来就不是靠时间就能消磨的。

(I lower my head and idly turn the glass on the counter between my fingers.)（我低着头，把玩着吧台上的玻璃杯。）

(Springfield always polishes them until they're spotless—crystal clear without even the faintest water stain. Just picking one up makes me feel like I'm tarnishing it with my fingerprints.)（春田总是把它们擦得很干净，晶莹剔透，还看不见一丁点的水渍，以至于我只是拿起来，都觉得沾上我的指纹是对它的一种玷污。）

GrozaIt would be nice if there were a chance for you to go back and do it all over again.要是有机会能让您回到过去重来一次就好了。

CommanderDo it all over again, huh...重来一次吗……

(I set the glass down, pick up the nearby pitcher, and pour myself some water.)（我将杯子放下，自己拿起了一旁的水壶，往里面倒了一杯水。）

(The clear water carries a faint sweetness with a hint of bitterness. It reminds me of how excited Springfield was when she told me she'd found some exceptionally good dried lemons not long ago.)（清澈的水带着一股生涩的回甜，我想起春田前段时间十分高兴地同我说，她买到了一些成色很好的柠檬干。）

(Such a thing was nothing special back in Griffin. Fill out a requisition form, and endless supplies would be flown in.)（这种东西，以前在格里芬，只要填一填表，就会有吃不完的配给空运上门。）

CommanderI didn't get where I am today on my own.如今的情况，并不是我一个人到达的。

CommanderA lot of people have given their strength—or their lives—to make this possible.有很多人在这个过程里献出了力量或是生命。

CommanderI'm not arrogant enough to believe I could have changed the course of history alone.我还没有自以为是到，靠我一个人就能左右什么大局。

CommanderEven if I had known the future, I can't say I would have done any better than I did.就算能未卜先知，我也未必能做得比现在更好了。

CommanderIf my own self-righteousness only made everything worse... then I'd be the one to blame.如果因为我的自以为是，反倒让事情变得更糟，我就是罪人了。

GrozaDon't you think...这种想法……

(Groza turns around and gently sets a freshly prepared dish in front of me.)（闪电转过了身，将一盘刚刚做好的料理，轻轻放在了我面前。）

(The plate is filled with fresh seasonal spring ingredients. Its colors are bright and inviting, with steam rising softly from the surface.)（盘子里用了大量当季的春令食材，配色清新，热气袅袅。）

Groza...That's a rather spineless way of looking at it?……不会太软弱了吗？

Commander...……

(...It's rare for Groza to ask such pointed questions.)（……闪电还真是很难得地尖锐了一回。）

CommanderSpineless, you say...?软弱吗……

(I look at the scrumptious-looking meal and seriously consider her words.)（我看着盘子里看起来相当美味的料理，认真地在脑中思考了起来。）

CommanderI can't really argue with that.被这么说好像也没什么可反驳的。

CommanderHonestly, I can't say that I'm completely satisfied with how things turned out.就算只是嘴上说说，我也说不出对现状十分满意这样的话。

CommanderOver these past ten years—or let's admit it, ten years ago... could I have done some things better?这十年间——或者更极端一些，在十年前的时候，有些事，我是不是能做得更好？

CommanderI'd be lying if I said I'd never pondered that.如果说我一点都没想过这种事，那确实是假的。

CommanderHowever...但是……

Commander...Would I actually do better if I really got another chance? Or would I only make things worse?……真的重来一次我就能做得更好吗？会不会反而让事情变得更糟？

CommanderThat's also a genuine fear.这种念头也是真的。

CommanderThe present that I'm so dissatisfied with may already be the best outcome among countless possibilities.我所不满意的现在，或许已经是众多的可能性里，最好的一个了。

CommanderTen years ago... I don't think I've ever told you this.十年前……这件事好像从来没跟你提过。

CommanderAnge and I once had a discussion.不过，我和安洁曾经聊过一个问题。

CommanderOut of the past, the present, and the future... which one matters most?过去，现在，还有未来，究竟哪一个更重要？

GrozaKnowing the two of you, I'd say your answer is the present.以我对你们的了解，答案是现在吧。

CommanderThat's right... Wait, are you familiar with Ange too?对……你对安洁也很了解吗？

GrozaI don't need to know both of you separately, Commander.我并不需要同时了解你们两个人，指挥官。

Groza...You've always said Ange was a comrade who shared your ideals. And the members of DEFY have often mentioned that she felt the same way about you.……你总是说安洁是和你志同道合的战友，而忤逆的各位，也时常提起，过去安洁也是这样认为。

GrozaSo as long as I understand what you're thinking, I can understand her point of view as well.所以，只要猜到你的想法，就能理解另一边的想法了。

CommanderI see...原来如此……

GrozaThat almost makes me jealous.听起来真让人嫉妒。

GrozaIt's not easy to build that kind of mutual trust and understanding.能够建立这样互相信任和理解的关系，是一件很不容易的事吧。

GrozaBut compared to Miss Ange, who now belongs to the past... you've chosen to be with us, who are here with you in the present.不过，相比起已经过去的安洁小姐，指挥官选择的还是当下就在这里的我们。

GrozaAnd knowing that... makes me happy.知道这件事，还是挺让人高兴的。

(Although Groza seems to be giving an ordinary response, something about it feels slightly off.)（闪电的话虽然听起来只是普通地在回应我，但是，我总觉得哪里不太对劲。）

(It's as if she's subtly putting a different spin on what I wanted to say—one that isn't exactly wrong, but clearly isn't what I meant.)（就像是，我所想说的话被细微地导向了另一条不完全错误，但显然偏离原意的道路。）

Commander...No. This isn't about choosing one person over another.……不，我刚才说的那些，并不是在谁或谁之间做出选择。

CommanderNor was I saying that any of you matter more than anyone else.更没有说你们之中谁比谁更加重要。

CommanderIt's simply that, compared to things I can't be certain of, what's present right in front of me is what's real. That's all.只是比起无法确定的事，存在于眼前的当下才是真实的，仅此而已。

GrozaMm, you're right.嗯，说得也是。

(Maybe it's just my imagination, but the more serious I become, the brighter Groza seems to look.)（不知道是不是我的错觉，面对稍微严肃起来的我，闪电的心情看起来却变得更好了。）

Commander...Am I talking too much?……我是不是，说得有点多了？

GrozaNot at all.不会的。

GrozaSomeone has to be willing to listen, and someone has to be willing to speak.这些事，总要有人愿意听，也总要有人，愿意说。

(She unties her apron and, as always, gives me one last reminder.)（她解下围裙，一如往常地叮嘱道。）

GrozaIt's late. Finish your meal and get some rest, Commander.夜深了，吃完就早点休息吧，指挥官。

(With that, she turns and disappears into the darkness at the end of the corridor.)（说完，她便转过身，没入了走廊尽头的黑暗里。）

(Left alone at the empty counter, I pick up the plate.)（我独自坐在空荡荡的吧台前，拿起了那盘料理。）

(...That's strange.)（……奇怪。）

(I'm more familiar with Groza's cooking than anyone.)（闪电的厨艺，我是再熟悉不过了。）

(And yet what touches my tongue now is a flavor I've never tasted from her before.)（可此刻，舌尖上传来的，却是一种截然不同的口感。）

(It's a taste filled with the vitality of thawing snow—a remarkably gentle warmth.)（那是一种带着冰雪初融的生机、格外柔软的味道。）

(As though... I've just taken a bite of spring that's long overdue.)（就好像……尝到了一口，姗姗来迟的春天。）

(I freeze with the spoon still in my hand.)（我握着勺子，怔在了原地。）

Commander(...When did Groza learn to cook something like this?)（……闪电什么时候，学会做这种菜了？）

Springtide Banquet 2 春归之宴2

(It is a rare day off with no commissions.)（那是个难得没有委托的休息日。）

(I stay in the ops room to work through a backlog of paperwork. Compared to most days over the past ten years, the amount of documents that now require my review and signature is enough to give anyone a headache.)（我留在指挥室里，处理积压的文书——比起这十年间的其他日子，如今需要我过目签字的纸张，已经多到了让人头疼的地步。）

(The afternoon sunlight slants through the porthole, illuminating tiny specks of dust drifting in the beam.)（午后的光线透过舷窗斜斜地照进来，光柱里浮动着细小的尘埃。）

(Outside lies the unchanging landscape of the Yellow Zones—dry ochre wasteland stretching beneath leaden gray clouds.)（舷窗外是黄区一成不变的景色——铅灰色的云层下，荒原泛着干燥的土黄。）

(According to the old calendar, spring should have arrived by now. But in the Yellow Zones, spring has always existed only on such calendars... and on Springfield's recent menus.)（按照旧历，现在应该已经入春了。只不过黄区的春天，向来只存在于日历，和春田最近的菜单上。）

(A knock sounds at the door.)（有人敲响了房门。）

MaylingCommander? Do you have a moment?指挥官——您现在有空吗？

(Mayling pokes her head through the doorway and blinks at me, looking a little nervous.)（美玲从门缝里探进来了半个脑袋，眨了眨眼，有些局促不安的样子。）

(Compared to when she first came aboard the Elmo, she's grown much closer to me, to Groza, and to everyone else on board. And every now and then, she even slips back into acting like a kid.)（相比她刚来到艾莫号的时候，如今的她不论是与我、与闪电，还是与艾莫号上的其他人，都显得更加亲密；偶尔，也会像这样，变回一个小孩子的模样。）

(Now she's become an indispensable member of the crew. Whether she's taking inventory, maintaining equipment, or haggling with merchants at our stopping points, her busy figure can be found in every corner of the Elmo.)（如今，她已经是艾莫号上不可或缺的一员，清点物资、保养设备、和落脚点的商贩讨价还价……车上的每个角落，都能看到她忙碌的身影。）

(Sometimes I can't help but feel that she's the one taking care of me, instead of the other way round.)（与其说是我在照顾她，有时我也不禁会觉得，不如说是她在照顾我也不一定。）

CommanderI do. I was just getting tired of these documents anyway... What's up?有空。这些文件我也正好看累了……怎么了？

(Only then does Mayling step inside. She's clutching a drawing board against her chest, with a metal pencil case gripped tightly in one hand. She looks oddly tense.)（美玲这才推门进来，怀里抱着一块画板，手里还攥着一只铁皮铅笔盒，看上去有点紧张。）

MaylingUm... I've been learning to sketch from Miss Springfield lately!那个……我最近在和春田小姐学素描！

MaylingShe says my fundamentals are finally good enough that I can start trying portraits.春田小姐说我基本功练得差不多，可以试着画一画人像了。

MaylingSo...所以——

(She takes a deep breath, as though finally summoning her courage.)（她深吸了一口气，像是终于下定了决心。）

MaylingCommander, please be my model!请指挥官，当我的模特！

CommanderYour model? Me?模特？我吗？

MaylingYes! I want you to be the first person I ever draw!对！我想让指挥官做我画的第一个人！

MaylingMiss Springfield also says drawing people is the fastest way to improve.而且春田小姐也说了，画人是进步最快的练习。

MaylingBesides, out of everyone on the Elmo, you look the least busy—而且车上这么多人里，只有指挥官看起来最闲——

MaylingAh, no! I mean... you're the one who happens to have the most free time today!啊，不对。我是说，只有指挥官今天看起来最有空！

Commander...Fair enough. That's true.……行吧，反正也是事实。

CommanderWhat kind of pose do you want?要摆什么姿势？

MaylingYou don't need to pose at all!不用特别摆！

MaylingJust stay exactly like you were when you were going through your paperwork.您就保持刚才看文件的样子就好。

MaylingI want to draw you the way you normally are.平时的样子，才是最想画下来的样子。

(As she speaks, she carries her drawing board to a spot five or six paces away and unfolds the little stool she'd brought with her.)（说着，她抱着画板，在离我足有五六步远的地方，支起了随身带来的折叠凳。）

(I don't know much about drawing, but that seems awfully far away.)（虽然我不太了解画画，不过我感觉她好像离得有点远。）

CommanderShouldn't you sit a little closer? Can you even see me from there?不用坐近一点吗？隔这么远，看得清吗？

MaylingNo, it's okay! The most important thing in sketching is observing the whole subject! That's what my teacher says!不用不用！素描最重要的就是观察整体！老师说的！

Commander...Teacher?……老师？

MaylingMiss Springfield, of course!就是春田小姐啦！

MaylingAnyway, don't worry about it, Commander. Just keep reading your documents!总之指挥官不要管那么多，看您的文件就好了！

(...I suppose that's simply how sketching works.)（……大概，素描就是需要这样的距离吧。）

(Since I know absolutely nothing about drawing, I don't ask any more questions.)（我对画画一窍不通，便也没有再多问。）

(The office falls quiet, filled only with the scratch of pencil across paper and the faint sound of the wind beyond the porthole.)（办公室里安静了下来，只剩下铅笔划过纸面的沙沙声，和舷窗外隐约的风声。）

CommanderBy the way, what made you suddenly want to learn to draw?话说回来，怎么突然想学画画了？

Mayling...I want to preserve the way things are in the present.…………因为，想把现在的样子留下来。

MaylingI could take pictures, of course. But if I draw them... it somehow feels like all the thoughts I have while I'm drawing stay on the paper too.拍照当然也可以。但是画下来的话，总觉得……连画的时候在想些什么，都能一起留在纸上。

(The scratching pauses for a beat before resuming.)（沙沙声停了一拍，又重新响了起来。）

MaylingAfter all... so many things have been changing lately.毕竟……最近，变化的事真的太多了。

MaylingSo it just makes me want to hold on to a little more of the present.所以，反而让我想要多留下一点现在的记忆。

CommanderChanging?变化？

MaylingYeah. Back then, there were only a few of us on the Elmo, right?是啊，以前，艾莫号上一直只有我们几个人，对吧。

MaylingWe'd head out when we got a commission, then come back after we finished it...接了委托就出发，办完了事就回来。

MaylingGroza cooked, and she also had to keep an eye on you while you worked. I just ran around helping wherever I could.闪电姐做饭，还要盯着您工作，我就在车里到处帮忙。

MaylingWe weren't as well-off back when we were bounty hunters, but life was peaceful.虽然咱们做赏金猎人的时候没有现在这么富裕，但也挺安稳的。

MaylingI really believed those days would just... go on forever.我那时候还一直以为，这样的日子，会一直、一直继续下去的。

MaylingBut... so much has happened lately. There are more and more people aboard the Elmo.但是……最近发生的事情太多，艾莫号上的人也越来越多。

MaylingAnd what you're doing keeps getting bigger.您在做的事情，也越来越大了。

MaylingSo big that... I don't really understand it anymore.大到……大到我都已经有点看不懂了。

(At some point, the scratching stops.)（不知道从什么时候起，沙沙声停了。）

MaylingCommander.指挥官。

MaylingDo you think... we'll ever get to go back to the way things used to be?我们还有机会，回到以前那样的日子吗？

(I fall silent.)（我沉默了。）

(Instinctively, I start to turn around to look at her expression—)（我下意识地想回头看看她的表情——）

MaylingAh! Stay still!啊——！不许动！

MaylingI'll mess up your face if you keep moving around!模特乱动的话，脸会画歪掉的！

(...Left with no choice, I hold my pose and stare at the document in my hands, unable to read a single word.)（……我只好维持着原本的姿势，望着手里那份一个字也读不进去的文件。）

(After a long while, I finally speak again.)（过了好一会儿，我才重新开口。）

CommanderHm... If it were possible, I'd like that too.嗯……要是可以的话，我也这么想。

CommanderJust driving the Elmo around the Yellow Zones with everyone.和大家一起，开着艾莫号在黄区到处游荡。

CommanderIf someone runs into trouble, we'd stop by and lend a hand.哪里有人遇上了麻烦，就顺路过去搭把手。

CommanderAnd every now and then, if our luck runs out and we bump into a Varjager patrol, we'd trade a few blows with them.偶尔运气差，撞上瓦良格帮的巡逻队，就陪他们打上一架。

CommanderThere wouldn't be any grand mission waiting for us. But at the end of every day, everyone beside me would still be there, safe and sound.没有什么了不起的大事要做。但每一天结束的时候，身边的人，都还好好地在身边。

CommanderYou'll probably laugh at me for saying this...说出来你可能要笑话我——

CommanderBut being able to spend every ordinary day like that together with those around me... has been my dream all along.能和身边的人一起，平平静静地把这样的每一天过下去，对我来说，就已经是一直以来的梦想了。

CommanderTruth be told, these past ten years haven't been easy.要说的话，这十年我过得并不轻松。

CommanderBut at the same time... they've also been a gift.但同样的，这十年对我来说，也已经是堪称馈赠的时光了。

CommanderIt's just that...只不过——

CommanderWhat we are doing right now is something that someone has to do.现在我和大家在做的事，是不得不有人去做的事。

CommanderIt's not for our own sake that we've been working this hard... Though maybe that's just me trying to dodge responsibility, since in the end I'm the one who chose to do it.我们之所以努力到现在，也并不是为了我们自己……这么说可能有些推卸责任，毕竟最终要做的人还是我自己。

CommanderBut someone really does have to step forward.但的确应当有人站出来。

(Mayling's voice comes from behind me, softer than before.)（身后传来美玲的声音，比刚才低了一些。）

Mayling...Why?……为什么？

MaylingWhy does that "someone" have to be you?为什么那个“有人”，就非得是您呢？

MaylingI know... Even though I never saw it with my own eyes...我知道的。虽然我没有亲眼见过……

MaylingI know you've already done so, so much for this world.但是我知道，您以前已经为这个世界，做过很多很多的事了。

MaylingAnd in the end... this world never properly repaid you.可是到最后，这个世界也没有好好地报答过您。

MaylingSo if that's the case...既然是这样——

MaylingWhy do you always put aside what you want just to do what everyone else wants you to do?为什么您总是要把自己想要的东西放到一边，去做别人希望您做的事呢？

Commander...……

(I didn't expect Mayling to be so direct.)（我没想到美玲会如此直接地说出这样的话。）

(Perhaps she's been carrying these thoughts all along, simply keeping them bottled up inside.)（又或者，她早就有这样的念头，只是一直憋在心里。）

(I remain silent for a long, long time.)（我沉默了很久，很久。）

(Long enough for the dust floating through the shaft of sunlight to drift up and down more times than I can count.)（久到从窗外投下的光柱里的尘埃，都不知道起落了多少个来回。）

(At last, I finally speak.)（最后，我终于开了口——）

Commander...Because I want there to be fewer and fewer people who have no choice but to give up what they truly want.……因为我希望，不得不舍弃自己想要的东西的人，可以越来越少。

(This time, it's Mayling who falls silent.)（这一次，轮到美玲沉默了。）

(After what feels like an eternity, the scratching of her pencil resumes.)（不知道过了多久，身后才重新响起铅笔的沙沙声。）

(Softer than before, and slower.)（比刚才更轻，也比刚才更慢。）

Mayling...That's not fair.…………真狡猾。

CommanderHm?嗯？

MaylingYou're not playing fair, giving an answer like that.这样的回答，太狡猾了。

MaylingWhen you say that, I can't very well tell you to not do it, can I?听过这样的话，就再也没有办法说出“那您别去做了”这种话了。

(For just an instant, her voice carries something that doesn't belong to someone her age.)（那一瞬间，我总觉得她的声音里，有一种不属于这个年纪的东西。）

(But by the time I try to make sense of it, the familiar, puffed-cheek tone has already returned.)（可等我想要分辨的时候，耳边传来的，已经又是那个熟悉的、鼓着腮帮子的语气了。）

Mayling...Hmph. Grown-ups always know exactly how to use words like that to shut kids up.……哼。大人就是这样，最会用这种话堵小孩子的嘴了。

CommanderHaha, sorry.哈哈，抱歉抱歉。

Commander...But are you really still a kid?……但你还算是小孩子吗？

MaylingIn front of you, Commander, I'll still be a kid even if I'm 70 or 80 years old.在指挥官面前，就算我七老八十，也还是小孩子啊。

CommanderI have to live that long...?我得活那么久吗……

(...I must be overthinking it.)（……是我多心了吧。）

(Children are always like this. They quietly grow up where adults can't see them.)（孩子总是这样，在大人看不见的地方，悄悄地就长大了。）

(A while later, the scratching finally comes to a stop.)（又过了一阵，沙沙声彻底停了下来。）

Mayling...Done!……好，画完了！

(Mayling stands up, holding the drawing board as she studies it for a long time.)（美玲站起身，捧着画板端详了很久。）

(Long enough to make me curious.)（久到我都有些好奇了。）

CommanderFinished? Let me see.画完了？让我看看。

Mayling...No!……不行！

(As if startled, she hugs the drawing board tightly to her chest and takes half a step back.)（她像受惊一样把画板抱进怀里，倒退了半步。）

MaylingI-it's not that you can't see it.不……不是不给您看。

MaylingJust... wait until I've left.等我走了，您再自己看。

MaylingIf you look at it while I'm standing here... I'll be too embarrassed.当着面被看的话……太害羞了。

(She quickly walks over to the little table by the door and carefully removes the drawing paper from the board, placing it face down.)（她快步走到门边的小桌旁，小心地把画纸从画板上取了下来，画面朝下地放在了桌上。）

MaylingCommander, thank you for spending time with me today.指挥官，谢谢您今天陪我。

(As she reaches the door, she turns back one last time.)（走到门口的时候，她又回过头来。）

MaylingGetting to openly stare at someone for as long as I want while he stays still...能像这样光明正大地，盯着一个人一动不动地看个够——

Mayling...That's a pretty rare opportunity, isn't it?这样的机会，其实很难得的。对吧？

CommanderHaha, indeed. I'm not modeling for you for free. Make sure you settle the debt with your rice wine next time.哈哈，那是。模特可不是白当的，下次记得拿你的米酒来抵账。

MaylingWhaaaaat? No way! Stingy Commander!欸——才不呢！小气鬼指挥官！

(She sticks out her tongue at me, hugs her drawing board, and runs out of the office. Her light footsteps gradually fade down the corridor.)（她冲我做了个鬼脸，抱着画板跑出了办公室，轻快的脚步声沿着走廊远去了。）

(I sit there alone for a while before finally standing and walking over to the small table. Then I turn the drawing over.)（我独自坐了一会儿，才站起身，走到小桌前，把那张画翻了过来。）

(...As expected, it's the work of a beginner.)（……果然，还是初学者的画。）

(The lines are hesitant. The pencil pressure is uneven. There are obvious eraser marks where she's corrected herself again and again.)（线条生涩，笔触的轻重也不太均匀，好几处都有反复擦改过的痕迹。）

(And yet...)（可是。）

(Outside the porthole she drew, there are no leaden clouds, no dry wasteland.)（画里的那扇舷窗外，没有铅灰色的云层，也没有干燥的荒原。）

(There's only a pale, luminous sky, interspersed with a few strokes like the soft green of newly sprouted buds.)（只有一片涂得很轻、很亮的天空，和几笔像是新芽一样的浅绿。）

(The shaft of light falling through that window onto "my" shoulders in the drawing is impossibly gentle.)（透过那扇窗，落在画中那个“我”肩上的，是一种柔软得不可思议的光。）

(It's the kind of sunlight that belongs to a real spring, the sort I've only ever seen in old photographs from long ago.)（——是那种我只在很久以前的旧照片上见过的，属于真正的春天的阳光。）

(And the "me" in the picture gazes downward ever so slightly, my eyes focused somewhere far beyond the documents in front of me.)（而画上的那个“我”，微微垂着眼，视线落在文件之外的，某个很远的地方。）

(A gentle expression... but also sad, as if "I" was silently watching something drift away.)（温柔的，却又像是正在目送什么离开的眼神。）

(An expression I never thought I'd shown anyone.)（一种我以为自己从来没有，在任何人面前露出过的表情。）

Commander(...What is this?)（……这是？）

Springtide Banquet 3 春归之宴3

(A while ago, we moored the Elmo near this settlement to conduct some field investigations.)（前段时间，为了做一些实地调查，我们将艾莫号停泊在了这处居住点附近。）

(After several days of constant travel, even I can no longer tell which is more exhausted, my body or my mind.)（一连数日奔波下来，连我自己都分不太清，究竟是身子更乏，还是脑子更沉。）

(Before night falls completely, I send the accompanying T-Dolls back to the vehicle to rest properly, while I wander the streets alone without any particular destination.)（趁着天还没黑透，我把随行的人形们都打发了回去，让她们在车上好好歇着，而我自己则独自在街上漫无目的地漫步起来。）

(This place is not much different from any other settlement in the Yellow Zones. In fact, it's hardly different from the wasteland itself—the only change is that in addition to the lead-gray sky above, I am now also surrounded by rows of equally lead-gray buildings.)（这里和黄区其他的居住点并没什么太大的差别，或者说和黄区的荒原其实也没多大分别——无非是把头顶那片铅灰色的天，换成了脚下这一片同样铅灰、鳞次栉比的建筑。）

(After spending so long in Mokosh, I had almost forgotten that the overwhelming majority of people in this world still live in places like this.)（在莫科什待得太久，我都差点要忘记，在这个世界上，还有绝大多数的人们，都生活在这样的地方。）

(And then, in the midst of this lingering spring chill, at an unfamiliar street corner, I run into someone familiar who should not have been here at all.)（而就在这么一阵春寒里，我却在这样一个陌生的街角，撞见了一个本不该出现在这里的熟悉的人。）

Commander...What a coincidence.……好巧。

Kalina...Yeah. What a coincidence.……是啊，好巧。

(It's Kalina.)（是格琳娜。）

Commander...……

Kalina...……

(...I had imagined countless ways we might meet again, but this was never one of them.)（……我想过很多种与她再次重逢的画面，但怎么也没有想到会是这一种。）

(We're both a little awkward.)（我们彼此都有些尴尬。）

(She's the first to recover.)（先回过神来的，是她。）

Kalina...Ahem.……咳。

KalinaFancy running into you here.难得在这种地方碰上。

KalinaSince things have come to this, why don't we grab a drink together?既然如此——一起喝一杯吧？

Commander...Sure. I still owe you a meal anyway.……好啊，我刚好还欠你一餐呢。

KalinaAh... now that you mention it, you're right.啊……的确还有这么回事呢。

(I'm a little surprised. People often say I'm as dense as a block of wood, but I don't think I'm actually that oblivious.)（我有些意外——虽然常有人说我像木头一样，但我自觉我并没有真的那么蠢。）

(After what happened before, I was certain Kalina wouldn't treat me the same way when we met again.)（经过之前那件事，我觉得格琳娜再见到我，肯定是不会再像之前那样的态度。）

(Unexpectedly, she seems remarkably normal.)（没想到，她倒是出乎预料地平常。）

(I haven't received an invitation this direct since... a very, very long time ago.)（更别说，这样主动的邀约，也好像是……很久很久以前的事了。）

(I have no reason to refuse. If anything, this is exactly the kind of outcome I'd hoped for.)（我没有拒绝的理由，不如说，这也是我所期待的发展。）

(So we walk one after the other into an inconspicuous bar by the roadside.)（于是，我们一前一后，拐进了街边一家不起眼的酒吧。）

(The place is small and dimly lit. A few wall lamps bathe the room and its patrons in a murky amber glow. Finding a bar like this in a place like this is already a minor miracle.)（店面不大，灯光很暗，几盏壁灯把满屋的人影都泡在昏黄里……在这种地方，能找到一间这样的酒吧，已经是很不容易的事。）

(Kalina doesn't head for the counter. Instead, she goes straight to a small table tucked into the farthest corner and sits across from me.)（格琳娜没往吧台去，而是径直挑了最里头的一张角落小桌，在我对面坐下。）

(With a table between us, we are separated by a bigger stretch of space than if we were to sit side by side at the counter... This feels about right.)（隔着这么一张桌子，比起并肩坐在吧台前，倒是多出了一段……恰到好处的距离。）

(Perhaps Kalina still hasn't completely forgiven me.)（也许格琳娜还是没有真的消气。）

(But that's fine. For where we both stand now, this distance is probably more comfortable for both of us.)（但是也好，这样的距离，对我们彼此现在的情况来说，或许都会更自在些。）

KalinaShould I order you a vodka, straight?给你点一杯纯伏特加？

(Yep... She really hasn't forgiven me yet.)（嗯……看来她的确还没有消气。）

CommanderI've never been able to hold my liquor. You know that.我酒量向来不好，你又不是不知道。

KalinaRight. Then I'll have them add some coffee liqueur for you.也对，那就给你加点利口酒吧。

KalinaBut don't expect anything too smooth in a place like this.不过这种地方，也别指望太润口。

(She's still not letting me off the hook.)（她还是不打算放过我。）

(I decide to swallow this bitter consequence.)（我决定老实地咽下这份苦果。）

CommanderSo what are you doing here?你怎么出现在这？

KalinaKevin has a supplier around here. A lot of the parts for the Sinbreaker and Sinveiler have to be procured through him.凯文在这附近有个供货商，断罪者和隐罪者的很多零件都要从他手上采购。

KalinaI came personally to negotiate—to see if I can push the price down or take control of the supply channel.我亲自过来洽谈一次，看看能不能压压价，或者把渠道搞到手。

CommanderIsn't that basically ruining someone else's livelihood...?那不是砸人家饭碗吗……

KalinaNaturally, I have appropriate bargaining chips prepared.我自然会准备相应的交换筹码。

KalinaThe connections I built up at NOMFA over the years are quite valuable to underground brokers.这些年在非军积攒的渠道，对暗商来说能提供的帮助可不小。

(Although her demeanor and manner of speech are now very different from the logistics officer I used to know, one thing has remained unchanged—her reliability.)（虽然不论是气质和谈吐都已经和我熟悉的那位后勤官大相径庭，但唯有可靠这一点，却始终一成不变。）

Kalina...And what about you?……你又怎么出现在这？

KalinaLast I heard, you were buried in work.据我所知，你不是忙得很吗？

CommanderUh... I'm here for what you could call a field investigation.呃……我是来，算是实地调查的吧。

CommanderThese days, the Elmo isn't the only thing I have to worry about anymore. There's far more on my plate than before.现在，我要顾的也不只是艾莫号上的事了，要操心的东西比以前要多得多。

CommanderBesides the Elmo's daily operations, there are cooperative relations with Mokosh, the Great Wall Railway Force, and with several other Yellow Zone cities.除了车上的日常以外，还有莫科什，长城列车军……以及其他的一些黄区城市的合作关系。

CommanderThis is one of them. The Zucchero Squad ran into some trouble when they came here earlier, so I had to make the trip myself.这里也是其中一处，之前方糖小队过来的时候，遇到了一些麻烦，所以我得亲自走一趟。

KalinaHmph... Your operation really is getting bigger and bigger.哼……还真是越铺越大了呢。

CommanderIt is getting bigger, but it also means I can no longer always do as I like.是越铺越大，不过也越来越身不由己了。

KalinaForgive me for being blunt, but isn't this exactly what you brought upon yourself, Commander?虽然这话不太好听，但这还不是你自找的吗？指挥官？

KalinaYou've always been like this. You haven't changed at all.从以前开始你就是这样，一点都没变。

CommanderAhem... Well, what about you? Has everything been... going smoothly lately?咳咳……呃，那你呢？最近……还顺利吗？

Kalina...It's neither here nor there.……谈不上顺利或者不顺利。

KalinaThe work at Nele's organization is nothing compared to what I dealt with in NOMFA.奈乐的这个组织，需要做的事，跟在非军时比起来都不算什么。

KalinaIt's just that after all these years, it still operates like a startup. Such a massive mess of accounts, schedules, and external liaisons—and somehow not a single person can make sense of the whole thing.只是这么多年了，也还像个初创团队一样，那么大一摊子事——账目、排班、对外的联络——里里外外，居然没有一个人能理出个头绪来。

KalinaKevin may be an ex-special agent, but there are still plenty of things he doesn't understand.凯文虽然是前特工，但照样有一大堆事搞不明白。

KalinaIf Koleda weren't keeping an eye on everything—要不是有克莱妲在中间盯着——

(When she mentions that name, her tone carries a warmth I've rarely heard from her, something almost indulgent.)（提起这个名字，格琳娜的语气里，竟带上了一点连我都少见的、近乎纵容的暖意。）

KalinaKoleda always looks so lackadaisical and unserious.虽然克莱妲平日里看着吊儿郎当，没个正形。

KalinaBut she's more dependable than anyone when it truly counts.可真到了要紧的节骨眼上，反倒比谁都靠得住。

KalinaWithout her, that train wreck of an organization would have fallen apart ages ago.那个烂摊子，要没有她，怕是早八百年就散架了。

KalinaAnd she's handling so many things even when she's not at the base.明明她人都不在基地，还有那么多事要忙。

Kalina(Sigh) A T-Doll that perfect would have been exceptionally rare even in Griffin.唉，这么完美的人形，就算是在格里芬，也是凤毛麟角啊。

(...)（…………）

CommanderKoleda, huh...克莱妲啊……

(...She's definitely a very trustworthy Doll, but Kalina's evaluation of her seems a little excessively high.)（……虽然她的确是个很值得信赖的人形，但格琳娜对她的评价好像也有点高过头了。）

(Though it's not exactly worth arguing about.)（虽然也不是什么很值得反驳的事。）

(Kalina seems to realize she's said a bit too much. She sets down her glass and looks up at me.)（格琳娜似乎也感到自己多嘴了一些，放下了杯子，抬头看向了我。）

(Her gaze suddenly grows much more intense—the kind of look that usually means she's about to say something serious.)（我感觉到她的目光似乎变得深邃了许多——这大概是要说什么正经话的前兆。）

KalinaCommander...指挥官……

CommanderYes?怎么了？

KalinaHave you ever thought about... the future?你对将来——有过打算吗？

Commander...The future?……将来？

(Even though I was somewhat prepared, the question is so out of left field that I can't answer immediately.)（虽然已经有了一些心理准备，但这问题还是来得太突然，我一时竟答不上来。）

Kalina...I know it's none of my business.……你别觉得我多嘴。

KalinaAnd I'm not trying to interfere, but...我也没有要干涉你的意思，但是……

KalinaWhat you're doing right now—whether you succeed or not...你眼下做的这些事，先不论成与不成——

KalinaEven if you do succeed, you won't be able to see the results with your own eyes in your lifetime.就算当真能成，那也绝不是你一个人，穷尽这一生能亲眼看得到的结果。

KalinaHave you thought about that? Are you planning to throw your entire life on this endless road?你想过没有？是打算在这条望不到头的路上，把自己整个都搭进去？

KalinaOr do you intend to reach a certain point, accomplish what you can, and then step away?还是做到某一步，便功成身退，抽身离开？

KalinaAnd another thing—where do you place yourself, and the people around you, in all of this?还有——你又把你自己，把你身边那些人，都摆在了什么位置上？

Commander...……

(I pick up my glass and take a slow sip, using the moment to think carefully.)（我端起酒杯，慢慢饮了一口，借这点工夫，认认真真地想了想。）

(It doesn't take very long. I shake my head after a short while.)（这并没有花费我太多时间，没一会，我就摇了摇头。）

Commander...I'm ashamed to admit...……说来惭愧。

CommanderI've never really thought about any of that.这些，我还真是，从来没想过。

Kalina...Never?……从来没想过？

CommanderThat may not be entirely right. To be fair, I have thought about it many times.说是从来没想过可能不太贴切，硬要说，也可以说我想过很多次。

CommanderBut in the end, I always realize that there's no point thinking about those things.只是，最后到头来，会发现想这些事，也没什么意义。

CommanderHow big my ideals are, how unrealistic what I want to achieve is—that's something I already came to terms with ten years ago.我的理想，我想做的事，有多大，有多不切实际，这件事，十年前我就已经想清楚了。

CommanderI had the same discussion with Mr. Kryuger back in the day. I told him that no matter how far I went, I would never regret it.那时候，我和克鲁格先生聊过这个话题，我告诉他，不论我走到哪一步，我都不会后悔。

CommanderI believe what I'm doing is right. Even if, as you say, I never get to see the final result, I don't care.我相信我做的事情是正确的，即便像你说的，最后我看不到结果，我也不在乎。

CommanderBefore me, were those who walked the same path, and there will definitely be others after me.在我之前，已有同路人；在我之后，必有后来者。

CommanderIf you asked the me ten years ago to imagine the future, I never would have guessed I'd end up like this.你让十年前的我来考虑，也想不到十年后，我会是现在这副样子。

CommanderI know myself better than anyone. I can't sit still, and I can't keep turning a blind eye to what's right before me.我自己最清楚，我这人闲不住，也没法一直对看见的事视而不见。

CommanderThat's why I would always get dragged into such turmoil.所以最后，总还是会被卷进这些风波。

CommanderAnd I harbor no illusion now.我现在也很清楚。

CommanderWith my effort alone, even if all goes well, wanting to make it possible for everyone in the Yellow Zones—no, the whole world—to live normal, peaceful lives...单凭我一个人，就算一路都顺风顺水——想让全黄区，不，让全世界的人，都过上正常、安稳的日子……

Commander...Is nothing short of a fool's dream.就算是痴人说梦也算是温柔的说法了。

CommanderThere are countless obstacles in the way. I happen to be nothing more than an ordinary person.何况这一路上，挡在前头的东西多得是。我又偏偏只是个再普通不过的人。

CommanderFor all I know, I could well be the one who eventually makes a whole mess out of this. That possibility totally exists.说不准哪一天，亲手把这一切搅成一团烂泥的，反倒就是我自己——这种事，也不是没有可能。

CommanderBut none of these are reasons for me to stop.可这些，没有一样，是能叫我停下脚步的理由。

CommanderIf I were really the kind of person who hesitated because of every possible danger—我若当真会为这些前怕狼、后怕虎——

CommanderI would have reached out and taken the green card Mr. Kryuger offered me ten years ago.那十年前，克鲁格先生把那张绿卡递到我面前的时候，我早就伸手接下了。

CommanderIf that had happened, I'd probably be nothing more than the most ordinary of all Ordinary Joes right now.那样的话，今天的我，多半也不过就是芸芸众生里，最最普通的一个罢了。

(When I mention the green card, Kalina's hand, which is holding the glass, freezes almost imperceptibly.)（听我提起那张绿卡，格琳娜端杯的手，几不可察地顿了一下。）

(Then the corner of her mouth curls into a smile, and a teasing twinkle appears in her eyes—the kind I haven't seen from her in a very long time.)（随即，她唇角弯了起来，眼底浮起一种我已许久不曾见过的、近乎促狭的笑意。）

KalinaThat's true... If you had actually accepted it back then—是啊……如果你那时候，要是真接受了——

KalinaMaybe the two of us would be cozied up in some corner of a Green Zone or a White Zone right now, living a quiet little life.说不准这会儿，我们两个还窝在绿区，或是白区的哪个角落里，过着安生日子呢。

KalinaAh, you prefer daughters, don't you?啊，指挥官好像更喜欢女儿对吧？

(Pfft—!)（噗——！）

(The mouthful of vodka I'd just taken nearly sprays out. I choke on it and start coughing violently.)（含在嘴里的那口酒，险些没喷出来，我被呛得连声咳嗽。）

KalinaHm~哼~

Kalina...I was only joking. Why the panic?……开个玩笑而已，这么慌做什么？

(She lifts her glass and takes a small sip, as if trying to hide something.)（她端起杯，像是要掩饰什么似的，浅浅抿了一口。）

(When she looks up again, her expression has already returned to that familiar, carefully controlled composure.)（再抬眼时，神色已经又收回了那副熟悉的、处处拿捏着分寸的模样。）

Kalina...But jokes aside.……不过，玩笑归玩笑。

KalinaI was dead serious about what I said earlier, Commander. You really should think more about the future.但之前说的，我可是认真的，指挥官——将来的事，你也该多想想了。

KalinaNot just your own future. Think about the people around you too—the ones who have staked their entire future on you.不单是你自己的。也该想想，你身边那些把整个将来，都押在了你身上的人。

CommanderRight...嗯……

(I wipe the corner of my mouth and shake my head with a bitter smile.)（我抬手抹了把嘴角，摇头苦笑了一番。）

Commander...I'm not like you, Kalin.……我跟你不一样，格琳。

CommanderThere's only so much of the big picture I can see.我的眼界就只有这么点大。

CommanderYou should have known from the start that I only ever see the task directly in front of me.从以前开始你就应该知道，我这人向来只看得见眼前的一桩事。

CommanderDo this one thing, then the next thing, and the one after that...把眼前这一件做好，再把下一件做好，然后，才是再再下一件。

CommanderOne thing at a time, stacking them up little by little—一件事，一件事地去做，就这么一点一点垒上去——

CommanderI believe that if we keep doing that, things will eventually move, little by little, in a better direction.我相信，事情就总归，会一点一点，朝着好的方向发展。

CommanderIf you ask what kind of future I've thought about, then I suppose that's my future.如果要说我考虑过什么将来，大概这就是我的将来。

(Kalina looks at me quietly for a long moment, then smiles and shakes her head in resignation.)（格琳娜静静望着我，半晌，无奈地笑着摇了摇头。）

(I can tell from her expression that she had expected this very answer from me.)（那神情，像是早料到，会从我嘴里听到这么一个答案。）

Kalina...I really don't know what to do with you.……真是拿你一点办法都没有。

KalinaAnyway, this meal is on you, Commander.——那这顿就麻烦指挥官请客啦。

KalinaOur budget isn't exactly generous.我们的预算不怎么足呢。

(Before I even finish the sentence, she's already on her feet, sliding the bill across the table toward me with just enough force.)（话音未落，她已起身，把那张账单不轻不重地，推到了我面前。）

CommanderHey—喂——

KalinaAnd this absolutely does not count as the meal you promised me before.还有——这顿可不能算你之前答应我的那顿。

KalinaThat's its own thing. Totally separate.要分开算，一定要。

Commander...……

(After throwing that remark over her shoulder, she walks straight toward the exit, her figure quickly disappearing into the night outside.)（撂下这一句，她便径直朝门口走去，背影很快没入了门外的夜色。）

(The door opens and closes, and the cold wind of the lingering spring chill sweeps in once more.)（门扉一开一合，外头那阵倒春寒的冷风，又卷着灌了进来。）

(I pay the bill helplessly, return to the table alone, and drain the last sip from my glass in one go.)（我无奈地结清了账，独自回到桌前，把杯底剩下的那点酒，一饮而尽。）

(The vodka mixed with coffee liqueur really does make it less harsh.)（伏特加混着咖啡利口酒的香气，让它的确变得不那么涩口。）

(Holding the thin receipt between my fingers, I sit there and muse thoughtfully.)（我捏着那张薄薄的账单，若有所思地坐在椅子上。）

Commander(Kalin... It really has been a very long time since I last saw her.)（格琳……的确，很久没见她了呢。）

Springtide Banquet 4 春归之宴4

(I've grown used to the Elmo's late nights. Compared to the noisy daytime, the quiet of the night might actually be better for concentrating on work.)（我已经习惯了艾莫号的深夜，比起吵吵闹闹的白天，说不定安静的夜晚才更适合让我专心工作。）

(On nights like this, I stay in the ops room alone as usual, facing paperwork that never seems to end. Honestly, compared to dealing with Florence or the other troublemakers, this is actually quite relaxing.)（在这样的夜里，我照例独自留在了指挥室，对着那些怎么也批不完的文书——坦白说，比起面对芙洛伦或者其他的捣蛋鬼，这还算是轻松的。）

(The surroundings are quiet. I can hear the engine's low hum, the faint airflow through the ventilation ducts, and the occasional soft crackle from the power distribution panel. I've heard these sounds for so long that I barely register them anymore.)（周围很安静，我能听见引擎低沉的嗡鸣，还有通风管道里细微的气流声，以及配电盘上偶尔一两声电流的轻响——这些声音，我早就已经听习惯了，听惯到几乎可以当它们不存在。）

Commander...……

(—Until, at a certain moment, they all vanish, just like the scratching of my pen.)（——直到某一个瞬间，它们就像我笔尖的沙沙声一样全都消失。）

(And in the next instant, it isn't only the sounds that disappear.)（而就在下一个瞬间，消失的不再只是声音。）

(Click.)（啪嗒。）

(The moment the overhead lights go out, my head snaps up.)（在头顶的灯熄灭的瞬间，我瞬间抬起了头。）

(A faint, icy gleam cuts through the darkness with the whistle of splitting air, striking straight for the side of my neck from behind.)（一线幽幽的寒光，挟着破空的风声，自我身后，直取我的颈侧。）

(Whoosh—)（咻——）

(I throw myself sharply to the side.)（我向旁侧猛地一滑。）

(The blade grazes past my ear and buries itself deep in the back of my chair, sending splinters flying.)（刀锋擦着耳际掠过，深深钉进椅背，削飞了一片碎屑。）

(Without turning to look, I snatch the paperweight from the desk and hurl it toward the source of the murderous intent, using the momentum to roll away from my seat.)（我没有回头，反手抄起桌上的镇纸，循着那道杀气砸了过去，借着这股力，整个人翻滚着离开了座位。）

???Tsk!啧！

(Bam! Thud!)（嘭！咚！）

(Two muffled impacts echo through the darkness. The attacker knocks the paperweight aside with the back of the blade without losing momentum and closes in again.)（黑暗里传来了两声闷响——对方用刀背格开了镇纸，去势却丝毫不减，欺身又追了上来。）

(She's fast. Professionally trained, without question.)（她的速度很快，显然受过专业的训练。）

(The second and third strikes come in rapid succession, with almost no openings.)（接续的第二刀和第三刀动作迅猛，且几乎没有破绽。）

(In the pitch-black room, I barely evade them, and only when the fourth thrust comes for my face do I finally seize the wrist holding the knife.)（在一片黑暗中，我堪堪将其躲过，终于在第四刀递到面门的当口，一把扣住了那只持刀的手腕。）

???Ugh!咕——！

(The attacker is a woman, but she's more troublesome than many men I've fought.)（袭击者是一位女性，但却比我见过的许多男人都要更加难缠。）

(We become entangled in a blind struggle in the darkness.)（我们就这样在伸手不见五指的黑暗里绞成了一团。）

(Tables and chairs crash over. Documents scatter across the floor.)（桌椅被撞得东倒西歪，文件散落了一地。）

(Despite being a woman, her strength is astonishing, and her movements are viciously practiced. Every strike is aimed at a vital point.)（作为一个女人，对方的力气却大得惊人，下手也狠辣老练，招招都奔着要害而去。）

(And since she's the one who cut the power, she's almost certainly prepared for fighting in darkness, while I remain at a constant disadvantage.)（再加上，作为切断电源的人，她多半提前做好了黑暗视野的适应，而相对的，我则始终处于弱势。）

(At last, after one misstep, I'm thrown to the ground. She immediately follows through, pinning me beneath her as the cold knife point presses straight toward my heart.)（终于，脚下一个踉跄之后，我被掀翻在地。对方瞬间顺势压了上来，冰冷的刀尖，直直地朝我的心口压落。）

(I lock both hands around her wrist, stopping that sliver of steel barely an inch from my chest.)（我双手死死扣住她的手腕，将那点寒光，堪堪抵在了胸前一寸之处。）

(Only then, by the faint light leaking through the window, do I finally see her face.)（我也正在此时，才借着窗外的一丝光亮看清了她的面孔。）

(It's the face of someone cursing the world.)（那是一副诅咒着一切的面孔。）

LentineIt's you! It's all because of you!是你——都是你！

LentineYou ruined everything!是你毁了这一切！

LentineEverything Griffin was, everything I had—you destroyed it all with your own hands!格里芬的一切，还有我的一切——全都是被你，亲手毁掉的！

CommanderLentine!兰汀——！

LentineIf you hadn't given up, if you hadn't run away—如果你没有放弃，没有逃避——

LentineNone of this... none of this would have happened!所有事！所有事都不会走到今天这一步！

(The knife sinks a little lower.)（那把刀，又往下沉了几分。）

(The tip is almost cutting through my clothes, almost piercing my chest.)（刀尖几乎要划破我的衣衫，剖开我的胸口。）

CommanderI...我……

(Gritting my teeth, I force the words out one by one.)（我咬着牙，一字一句，从齿缝里顶了回去。）

Commander...I neither gave up nor did I run away.……我既没有放弃，也没有逃避。

CommanderIf I had stayed there, that would have been the true betrayal of everything I once had.如果我留在那里，才是真正地背叛了我所拥有的一切。

(I strain with all my strength and force the blade back another half inch.)（我猛地发力，将那刀尖，又生生逼退了半寸。）

CommanderI never abandoned my responsibility.我从没有放弃过我的责任。

CommanderI simply knew too well that the responsibility I had to fulfill was not with the URNC!我只是太清楚，我该尽的那份责任——不在罗联！

CommanderIf I had really stayed back then—stayed with those bureaucrats who kept talking about "necessary sacrifices"...若是当初，我真的留了下来——和那些满口“必要的牺牲”的官僚在一起。

CommanderThen I'd be nothing more than another devil giving succor to the enemy!那今天的我，也不过就是又一个，助纣为虐的魔鬼！

(As the words leave my mouth, the knot that has been lodged in my chest for so long finally seems to loosen.)（话音落下，胸中那口郁结了许久的气，仿佛也终于尽数吐了出来。）

(I take a deep breath and look at the "Lentine" in front of me.)（我深呼吸了一口气，看着眼前的“兰汀”。）

(Then I do something that would probably seem almost insane to anyone watching.)（随即——我做了一件，在旁人看来或许近乎疯狂的事。）

(I let go.)（我松开了双手。）

(I release every ounce of force holding her wrist.)（彻底卸去了，扣在她腕上的全部力气。）

Lentine...!……！

(—The knife does not plunge into my body.)（——那把刀并未随着我的妥协而刺入我的身躯。）

(It stops over my heart, perfectly still.)（它停在我的心口，纹丝不动。）

(The cold tip presses through the fabric with the faintest, almost probing pressure.)（冰凉的刀尖，甚至能隔着衣料，传来一点极轻的、试探般的压力。）

(But it goes no further.)（可也仅止于此了。）

(I knew it.)（我就知道。）

CommanderAre you satisfied now?这样说，你满意了吗？

Commander...Koleda?——克莱妲？

(...The body pinning me down stiffens slightly.)（……压在我身上的身躯，微微僵了一僵。）

(Then, in the next moment, the overhead lights come back on.)（随即，下一刻，头顶的灯重新亮了起来。）

(A soft chuckle, almost a sigh, sounds beside my ear.)（一声极轻的、近乎叹息的笑，在我耳边响起。）

Koleda...Oh dear.……哎呀。

KoledaSo you noticed after all.居然被您发现了。

KoledaI suppose it's rather difficult to impersonate someone I don't know very well.果然对不怎么了解的人，扮演起来还是挺困难的呢。

(The pressure on my chest vanishes instantly.)（压在心口的力道倏然消失。）

(She deftly withdraws the knife, rises from atop me, and then pulls me back to my feet from the middle of the wreckage.)（她利落地收起刀，从我身上起身，又反手将我从一地狼藉里，拉了起来。）

(As a gray-white cloak slips from her shoulders, Lentine's hatred-twisted face melts away like thawing ice and snow, revealing once more the Koleda I know—the Doll who is always wearing a faint, knowing smile.)（随着一件灰白的披风自她肩头滑落，兰汀那张写满戾气的脸，便如初融的冰雪般层层褪去，重新化回了那个我所熟悉的、唇角总噙着三分笑意的克莱妲。）

(I don't think I'll ever forget that cloak called Winterfrost.)（我大概这辈子也忘不掉这件名为冬霜的披风。）

KoledaSo, when did you figure it out?那么——您是从什么时候，看出来的？

CommanderFrom the very beginning.一开始就看出来了。

(Bracing myself against the desk, I straighten up again and adjust my disheveled collar.)（我撑着桌沿，重新站直，理了理被扯得歪斜的衣领。）

CommanderIt wasn't really about whether your acting was convincing... To be honest, I don't know Lentine that well in the first place.倒也不是你演得好不好……毕竟我其实也不怎么了解兰汀这个人。

CommanderIt's just that... if an ordinary person like her could sneak aboard the Elmo unnoticed and make it all the way to my ops room—只是……如果连她一个普通人都有本事能神不知鬼不觉地潜进艾莫号，一路摸到我的指挥室里来——

CommanderThen I should have died countless times already.那我，怕是早就不知道，死过多少回了。

CommanderAs for your acting...要说演技……

CommanderKalina, Mayling, and even Groza that night...之前的格琳娜、美玲，还有再往前，那天深夜的闪电……

CommanderThose were all you too, weren't they?也都是你吧。

Koleda...Hm.……唔。

(Far from looking embarrassed at being exposed, she merely shrugs with the disappointment of a child whose prank has failed.)（她非但没有半分被拆穿的窘迫，反倒像个恶作剧落了空的孩子，颇为遗憾地耸了耸肩。）

KoledaSo my little performance never fooled you for even a moment.看来，我这场恶作剧从头到尾都没能瞒过您的眼睛啊。

KoledaWell, that's disappointing. I spent so long preparing it too.真没意思，亏我还准备了那么久。

(I give her a quiet look as I bend down to gather the scattered documents, then shake my head lightly.)（我静静地看着她，俯身将散乱一地的文件拾捡起来，轻轻摇了摇头。）

Commander...If it were really just a prank, I wouldn't have taken it so seriously.……要真是恶作剧的话，我倒也不用那么认真了。

KoledaOh? And what exactly does that mean?呀？这是什么意思？

CommanderI've come to understand your personality fairly well.虽然我对你的个性也算是有些了解了。

CommanderI also know that since you went that far, you weren't simply trying to tease me.但我也知道，把事情搞到这个地步，你肯定不是单纯想要捉弄我。

CommanderOr rather, once I realized which moments were actually you, your objective became quite apparent.或者说，在清楚猜到哪些时候是你在之后，你的目的也并不难猜。

CommanderYou wanted to ask me questions... And every question you've asked has been far too serious to be treated as a joke.你想向我提问……你每次的问题，可都不是能当成玩笑对待的。

CommanderYou posed as different people and asked different things because you wanted to get some answers from me.你扮成不同的人，问我不同的话，是想从我这里，问出些什么。

CommanderMore specifically, you wanted to know what I truly think about certain matters.更具体地来说，是想知道，我对一些事，究竟抱着怎样的看法。

CommanderEven though it still puzzles me why you had to go through so much trouble and do it this way.虽然始终想不明白，你为什么非得绕这么大一个圈子，用这样一种方式。

CommanderBut since you wanted answers, that's what I gave you... So shouldn't you also be more honest with me about your own motives and thoughts, instead of trying to brush everything off as a prank?但既然你想问，我就清楚地给你回答……所以，你是不是也应该更坦诚地告诉我你的目的和想法，而不是打算就这样用恶作剧来糊弄过去呢？

(At that, the usual frivolity on Koleda's face finally fades.)（听到这里，克莱妲脸上那点惯常的轻佻，终于也淡了下去。）

(She is silent for a moment before speaking again.)（她沉默了片刻，才重新开了口。）

KoledaFine. Have it your way.唉，真是拿您没办法……

KoledaBut if we're going to have a long conversation, let's not do it standing here.不过，如果要长篇大论，就别在这里站着说了吧？

KoledaEven though I tampered with things deliberately, someone might still notice that something unusual happened here.虽然我特意做了些手脚，但没准还是会有谁发现这里的异常。

KoledaI don't mind having this pillow talk with you, but if other people overheard it, that would be mortifying.跟您说点真心话倒是没什么，但要是被别人听见，那可就糗大了。

Commander...Alright.……好。

(I nod.)（我点了点头。）

(Koleda and I make our way to the bar counter. Springfield isn't here tonight either. Koleda hasn't taken Groza's appearance this time, but she still moves behind the counter with practiced ease.)（我和克莱妲来到了吧台前，今夜春田也并没有在此守候，克莱妲也没有变作闪电的模样，但依然熟练地走到了吧台后面）

(Without asking my opinion, she places a drink in front of me.)（她没有过问我的意见，而是直接为我端上了一杯酒。）

(It's the exact same drink she ordered for me at the bar when she was masquerading as Kalina that day.)（是那一天，她装作格琳娜时，在酒吧里为我点的同一款酒。）

(Vodka mixed with a coffee liqueur.)（一杯掺入了咖啡色利口酒的伏特加。）

(The only difference is that this time, she pours herself an identical glass.)（唯一的区别是，这一次，她给自己也准备了一杯一模一样的。）

KoledaВаше здоровье. (To your health.)干杯。

Commander...Вздрогнули. (...Cheers.)……干杯。

(I take a sip. It's sweeter and smoother than the last time. The alcohol is still strong, but for me, it's no longer anything remarkable.)（我抿了一口酒，比上一次更加回甜、润口，尽管酒劲依旧不小，但对我来说已经不算什么。）

(I know what vodka means to Task Force DEFY.)（我知道“伏特加”对忤逆而言具备怎样的意义。）

(So I'm honored that Koleda has chosen to serve me a glass of vodka.)（所以，我很荣幸，克莱妲会为我端上一杯伏特加。）

KoledaMm, now this is what proper liquor tastes like.嗯，不错，这才叫酒。

Commander...People in the Yellow Zones already spend all their strength just trying to survive.……那些黄区的人们光是活下去就已经用尽全力。

CommanderFor them, alcohol is more of a drug to numb the mind.酒精对他们来说更多只是麻痹精神的药物。

KoledaYes, I know... Which is why what you want is a world where everyone can enjoy a drink like this from the bottom of their heart, isn't it?是啊，我知道……所以，您想要的，不正是每个人都能发自内心地享受这样的酒的世界吗？

Commander...……

(I set the glass down and watch the remaining liquor sway gently.)（我放下了杯子，看着剩下的半杯酒液轻轻晃动。）

CommanderSo...所以……

KoledaAlright, alright, I know. At least let me think about where to begin.好啦，我知道，不过，您总得让我想想从何说起吧。

(Koleda smiles as she sets her glass down beside mine.)（克莱妲笑盈盈地跟着我一同将酒杯放下。）

(The two glasses rest very close together.)（两杯酒靠得很近。）

KoledaLet's see... Commander, do you remember how many times we've actually met?我想想……嗯，指挥官，你还记得我们总共见过多少面吗？

Commander...……

Commander...Not really.……不记得。

KoledaIf you asked me for the exact number and the duration of each meeting, I do have records.具体的数字和见面时长，如果您要我说的话，我还真有具体的记录。

KoledaUnfortunately, the answer isn't very impressive. Compared to everyone else on this vehicle, I... or rather, Task Force DEFY hasn't actually crossed paths with you all that much.可惜答案并不怎么理想，至少相比起在这辆车上的其他人来说，我……或者说，我们忤逆小队，和您之间的交集，其实并不算多。

KoledaAt least, that's how it was originally.本来是这样的。

CommanderOriginally?本来？

KoledaFor the past ten years, we've had almost no contact.这十年来，我们之间也基本没有过接触。

KoledaBut then, in just a few months, Alva and Voymastina joined you here. I know what they're like—and what you're like—but I never imagined that they'd become so close to you in such a short time.但是，就这么几个月，埃芙和威玛西娜跑了过来，虽然我大概也知道她们的性格和脾气——还有您的，但怎么也想不到，就这么点时间，她们一下子好像就跟您混得很熟了。

CommanderIt's not as if we were strangers to begin with.原本我们也谈不上不熟吧。

CommanderWe may never have worked together for an extended period of time, but we did fight through countless crises side by side.虽然的确没有真的长期合作过，但我们也的的确确一起闯过了那么多难关。

KoledaThat's true, but that's beside the point.是这样，但这跟我说的不一样。

(Koleda shrugs.)（克莱妲耸了耸肩。）

KoledaAnge chose you as the successor of her legacy. Entrusted everything to you. You absolutely deserve our loyalty—I never doubted that.你能被安洁选中、被她托付下一切的继承人，绝不会是个错付了的效忠对象——这一点，我从未怀疑过。

KoledaTen years ago, we followed you and settled the score with Paradeus.十年前，我们也切实跟随您，完成了对帕拉蒂斯最后的复仇。

KoledaOver these ten years, and during this recent period as well, we've watched everything you've done.十年间，还有这段时间，您的所作所为，我们也都看在眼里。

KoledaWe trust you through our own "eyes"—and that is, without question, the highest praise we can give.我们信任你，通过我们的“眼”——这毋庸置疑，是我们能够给予的最高赞誉。

KoledaBut what I want to understand is not the hero, not the idealist, not even the "Commander". I want to understand the real you.但是，我想了解的，是并非作为英雄，并非作为理想主义者，甚至也并非作为“指挥官”的，真正的你。

Commander...What do you mean?……什么意思？

KoledaDidn't I tell you already? Tonight is one of those rare occasions when I speak from the heart.我不是说了吗？仅限今晚，是我难得会说真心话的时候。

KoledaAnge... actually had a terrible temper, and she was painfully blunt.安洁……她其实脾气很差，说话又直。

KoledaOnce she set her mind on something, she absolutely had to do it. She didn't care what was standing in her way.认准了什么事，就一定非做不可；不管前面挡着什么，她都一点不管。

KoledaWell, she really was exceptional, and her instincts were excellent. Most of the time, with the rest of us around, things never spiraled completely out of control.嘛，不过她确实很优秀，直觉也很好，大多数时间，还有我们在，不管怎么样都不会闹出什么事来。

KoledaLet me tell you a little secret: when she was little, she apparently picked a fight with a flock of ducks and lost. After that, she couldn't bring herself to eat duck meat at all.偷偷告诉你，她小时候好像和一群鸭子打过架，结果打输了，那之后就一点鸭肉都不敢吃。

Commander...What?……哈？

Koleda...That's what I mean.……就是这个意思。

KoledaI want to understand you as an actual person—a person stripped of position, goals, and ideals.我想了解一个具体的人，一个抛去立场、目标、理想的人。

KoledaSomeone who can attract so many people to his side through his own nature alone.纯靠自身，也能够吸引到那么多人在你身边的人。

KoledaIf you were merely a symbol, you could never have caused such a profound change in that gorilla.如果你只是个符号，是没法让那只母猩猩发生这么大的变化的。

Commander...So that's why you...?……所以你才……？

KoledaExactly. That's why I chose those four.对，所以我挑了她们四个。

KoledaThe four people who are much closer to you than "Koleda".相比起“克莱妲”来说，和您的关系更加密切的四个人。

(She raises a finger, counting them off one by one.)（她竖起一根手指，像是在清点着什么。）

KoledaFirst, Griffin's OTs-14, now your adjutant named "Groza". In terms of time, she's the Doll who has stayed by your side the longest.格里芬的OTs-14，现在叫“闪电”的副官，从时间上来说，她现在是在你身边陪伴了最长久的人形。

KoledaThen there's the logistics officer named Mayling. She's adorable. You probably see her as a child—or rather, as the "next generation" in whom you've placed your hopes. My, my, still single, yet you've already developed such unnecessary parental feelings~然后是那个叫美玲的后勤官，她挺可爱的，你多半把她当成了孩子吧，或者说，她就是你眼中充满了希望的“下一代”。哎呀，明明还是个单身，居然产生了这种多余的感情呢~

Commander...Could you not put it like that?……你能别用这种说法吗？

KoledaAs for Miss Kalina, she hardly needs any explanation.而格琳娜小姐，就不需要多解释了。

KoledaAnd I'm afraid that if I explain too much, you might die of embarrassment.我也怕解释太多，您会恼羞成怒呢。

Commander...……

(For some reason, I suddenly feel inexplicably guilty.)（不知为何，我莫名地，感到一阵心虚。）

KoledaCome to think of it, the way you disappeared without saying goodbye back then hurt her quite badly, you know?说起来，您当年那样不告而别，可是把人家，伤得不轻呢。

KoledaYou really meant a great deal to her too—亏她当初，还那样地看重您——

Commander...Ahem, alright, please get back to the point.……咳，好了，这是题外话了。

KoledaHumph.哼哼。

(She shoots me a meaningful sidelong glance, but ultimately decides to move on.)（她意味深长地睨了我一眼，到底还是没再说下去。）

KoledaThose three are the people I could think of who represent different things in your life, who are irreplaceable.她们三位，是我能想到的，在不同的地方，对您具备着不同的意义，且不可替代的存在。

KoledaI wasn't trying to deceive you by impersonating them. Rather... looking at you from their perspectives helped me understand you better.我并不是想以她们的身份来蒙骗你，而是……站在她们的角度去思考和看待你，本身也能为我带来帮助。

Commander...So how exactly does your impersonation work?……所以你的变身到底具体是什么原理？

Koleda"Winterfrost" is essentially powered by nanotechnology. When I wear it, the nanobots integrate with my frame and enable the transformation.“冬霜”本质是纳米技术的集合，当我把它披在身上时，纳米机器人会嵌入我的素体，帮助我完成变形的功能。

KoledaOptical camouflage is the basic feature. When used on people other than me, it can still provide concealment.光学迷彩是它的基础，在运用于我之外的人的时候，也能够发挥作用。

KoledaBut only when combined with my own frame can it truly reproduce another person's appearance.但只有与这具素体结合，才能达到易容他人的结果。

KoledaOf course, while I can make fine adjustments, large differences in body type are still tricky.当然，虽然可以进行微调，但体型相差太大还是会很麻烦。

KoledaThe optical camouflage can hide a lot, but if someone gets too close, the disguise becomes much easier to expose.虽然光学迷彩能够帮我进行掩饰，但凑近了看，就很容易露馅了。

CommanderThat explains why you stayed so far away when you were impersonating Mayling... Wait, I understand all that.难怪你扮成美玲的时候离我那么远……不，你说的这些我理解了。

CommanderBut why did you choose Lentine for the last one?那为什么，最后一个会是兰汀？

KoledaOh, that~ I've dealt with Miss Lentine rather more often than you have, so I understand what she actually thinks of you a little better.这个嘛~我跟兰汀小姐打过的交道，大概反而比您要多，所以我也稍微更了解一点，她对您究竟是怎样的想法。

KoledaShe is your enemy, certainly. But sometimes an enemy understands you better than your friends do.的确，她算是你的敌人，但敌人，有时比你的朋友更加了解你。

(At this point, Koleda suddenly lets out a derisive laugh.)（说到这里，克莱妲忽然发出了自嘲的声音。）

Koleda...Ange and I had almost no secrets between us. I could tell whenever something was weighing on her mind.……我和安洁，彼此之间几乎没有秘密，她有什么心事也瞒不过我。

KoledaThe same obviously goes for Alva. Even though she's now the team leader, nothing can erase what we went through together in the past. We still trust each other completely.埃芙就更不用说了，就算她现在成了队长，也改变不了她过去和我经历的种种，我们依然彼此信赖。

KoledaAs for Voymastina... Honestly, there are times when I have no idea what she's thinking, but we're sisters and rivals.威玛西娜……坦白说有时我的确搞不懂她在想什么，但我们是姐妹，也是劲敌。

KoledaAs long as we can understand each other when it truly matters, a little bickering the rest of the time does no harm.只要在紧要关头能心意相通，平时吵吵闹闹一下也不算什么大事。

KoledaBut if we're talking about the person who understands my true nature best... Or rather, the person who can see right through me, and vice versa...但是……如果要说最了解我的本性，或者说，和我彼此之间，看得最透，也最理解的人。

Koleda...Might not be any of those three.却搞不好根本不是她们三个中的任何一个。

Commander...……

(I think I know exactly who she's talking about.)（我好像知道她要说谁了。）

(But Koleda never says the name. She merely gives a cold snicker and continues.)（但克莱妲并没有说出那个名字，只是冷笑了一声，便继续了话头。）

KoledaThat's the thing. Some truths are invisible to the friends standing beside you, and only your worst enemy can see them clearly.所以说啊，有些东西，就是身边朋友看不见，唯有最深刻的仇敌，才能看得最清。

KoledaThat's why I chose those four.所以，我选了这四个人。

KoledaI approached you through their identities and tried to understand you from each of their perspectives.借着她们四个人的身份去接近您，站在她们各自的立场上，去揣度您——

KoledaAnd in the end, the Commander I pieced together fragment by fragment would be a complete one.到最后，我一片一片，拼凑起来的，才会是一个，完完整整的指挥官。

(I listen quietly, slowly digesting the meaning behind her words.)（我静静听着，慢慢咀嚼着她话里的意思。）

(For some reason, I feel as though I can genuinely understand her intention now.)（不知为何，我竟觉得，自己仿佛，真的有点能明白她的用意了。）

CommanderThen...那……

CommanderThis version of me you pieced together...你拼凑出来的那个我。

CommanderWhat's the answer you've ultimately arrived at?你最后得到的答案，又是什么？

KoledaAnswer?答案？

(She tilts her head and smiles again.)（她偏了偏头，又笑了起来。）

KoledaWhat answer could there possibly be?哪有什么答案呀。

KoledaIf a single little game like this were enough to reveal a person's true nature...要是单凭这么一场恶作剧，就能看清一个人的本性——

KoledaThen this world wouldn't be filled with so much pride and prejudice.那这世上哪还会有那么多的傲慢与偏见呢？

KoledaI'm not brushing you off, and I'm not being evasive either. I said I would speak from the heart, and I meant it.这可不是糊弄您，也不是敷衍，我说了要说真心话，那就是真的。

KoledaI did have serious intentions, but from beginning to end, I was also treating it as a game.我虽然有认真的想法，但从头到尾，也还是抱着玩一场游戏的心态罢了。

KoledaWhether you saw through me from the start, and how much of what you said tonight was truly sincere...您是不是一早就识破了我，您方才说的那一番话，又究竟有几分是真心——

KoledaI neither care nor have any way to verify.这些，我并不在乎，也无从证实。

KoledaHowever...不过——

(She lifts her eyes to meet mine. Her open gaze glows with a calm, deep blue light that fills me with an inexplicable sense of reassurance.)（她抬起眼，望向了我，睁开的双眼透着一股悠悠的，却令我十分安心的幽蓝色的光。）

KoledaJust as you said yourself—就像您自己说的那样。

KoledaIf you keep finishing one task, and then the next, and then the next, things will eventually begin to move forward.只要把一件事，又一件事，都好好地做完，事情就总归会有所发展的。

KoledaI never imagined DEFY would end up where it is today.我以前也想不到，忤逆会走到今天这一步。

KoledaSo from here on...那么，往后……

KoledaWhere this road will lead you, me, and Task Force DEFY...我和您，忤逆和您，这一路，究竟会通向何方——

Koleda...Is beyond anyone's guess.自然也无从知晓。

KoledaBut at least, here and now—但至少，此时，此刻——

(She extends her hand toward me. It feels both like an invitation and like an oath.)（她朝我，伸出了手。像是邀约，又像是起誓。）

KoledaWe will journey with you toward hell.我们会和您一起，朝着地狱前进。

KoledaEven if a bottomless abyss lies ahead, DEFY will leap into it with you without hesitation.即便前方是万丈深渊，“忤逆”也会义无反顾地和您一起跃下。

Commander...……

(At some point, the engine's hum, the airflow through the vents, and all the tiny sounds that belong only to the Elmo have quietly returned to my ears.)（不知是从什么时候起，引擎的嗡鸣，通风口的气流，连同那些细碎的、只属于艾莫号的声响，都已经悄悄地，回到了我的耳边。）

(Outside the ops room window, within the endless night of the Yellow Zones, a faint, impossibly faint gray-blue light has begun to seep into the darkness.)（指挥室的窗外，黄区那漫长得不见尽头的黑夜里，竟也透出了一线极淡、极淡的，灰蓝色的天光。）

(I take the hand she offers. Despite my mild exasperation, I can't stop myself from smiling in the end.)（我握住了她伸来的手，虽然有些无奈，但最终也还是忍不住笑了出来。）

CommanderВыпьем за это. (Cheers to that.)干杯。

KoledaПоехали~ (Cheers~)干杯~

(Clink.)（碰。）

(We release each other's hands, pick up our glasses, and after a gentle touch of crystal, drain them both in one go.)（我们松开彼此的手，端起了属于自己的杯子，在浅浅碰撞之后，同时一饮而尽。）

(It feels like spring again.)（好像又是春天。）

Covenant 铭契

KoledaI am no longer the alpha of DEFY, just a wolf's shadow lurking in the darkness.我已经不再是忤逆的头狼，而是潜伏在黑暗中的狼影。

KoledaBut you can still think of me as your best partner.但你依然可以把我当作最棒的伙伴。

KoledaWhen you stare into the abyss and search for traces of me...当你注视深渊，寻找我的踪影时。

KoledaWorry not—for I am staring right back at you.别担心，我也正在注视着你。

KoledaCommander.指挥官。

Shape of My Heart 真实心象

CommanderIt feels like you haven't been using Winterfrost in front of me very much anymore.最近，你好像不怎么在我面前用上冬霜了？

KoledaThe same joke gets old if you use it too many times. I only tease you when I find it amusing.同样的梗用太多次也会腻的嘛，我觉得有意思才会捉弄您。

KoledaIt's not as if I enjoy transforming just for the sake of it.又不是单纯喜欢变身。

KoledaOr do you not like seeing me as I naturally appear?还是说，您不想看见我本人的样子？

CommanderDon't go putting words in my mouth...我可没说这种话……

KoledaWhat if I turn into Miss Groza again, then call both Groza and OTs-14 over here, and make you guess which of the three of us is who?不如下次，我再变成闪电小姐，再把闪电和OTs-14都喊过来，让您猜猜看我们三个谁是谁怎么样？

CommanderPlease spare me...求求你放过我……

KoledaEh~ A joke is a joke, but I actually mean this part seriously.嘛~玩笑是玩笑，不过这话我倒也是认真的。

KoledaEven for me, if I become too accustomed to playing other people, then one day I might forget what I was originally like.即便是我，如果太习惯去扮演其他人，也许说不定哪一天，我就会忘了自己本来是什么样。

KoledaSo at least on this vehicle, in front of you, Commander, "Koleda" should spend a little more time being "Koleda".所以，至少在这辆车上，在指挥官你面前，“克莱妲”还是多做一些“克莱妲”吧。

KoledaOtherwise, one day you might all forget about me.免得哪天，你们都把我给忘了。

CommanderAs if that could happen.怎么会。

CommanderI don't think I'll ever forget you.我想我这辈子都不会忘了你的。

KoledaOh? Does that count as a confession? I'd heard the Commander was exceptionally good at getting into people's hearts. It seems the reputation is well deserved.呀，这算是表白吗？早就听说指挥官很擅长拿捏人心，果然名不虚传。

Commander...I can never tell where the switch between your sincerity and your jokes actually is.……搞不懂你认真和开玩笑的开关到底在哪。

CommanderBut I'm being serious.但我是认真的。

KoledaI know.我知道。

(Koleda gives a soft hum, her fingers lightly brushing across the documents I haven't finished copying, as if deliberately trying to draw my attention.)（克莱妲轻哼一声，手指轻轻划过我还未抄写完的文件，像是故意在吸引我的目光。）

KoledaWe feel the same way, Commander. A wolf never lets its prey escape.我们也一样，指挥官，狼可不会放走自己的猎物。

CommanderThank you.谢谢。

CommanderAnd stop stealing my spare pens. Give them back.然后，别再偷我的备用笔了，还给我。

KoledaTsk~切~

Food Tasting 1 美食品尝1

The first taste astounds, immediately awakening slumbering taste buds.入口的惊艳，瞬间唤醒沉睡的味蕾。

CommanderEvery mouthful tastes like bliss.每一口都是幸福的味道。

KoledaYou want to chat with me? Sure, killing time with you isn't bad either.想找我聊聊？嗯，能和您一起浪费时间也不错呢。

About DEFY's Name关于忤逆小队的名字

About Wolves关于狼

About Voymastina's Name关于威玛西娜的名字

About Alva's Name关于埃芙的名字

About Professor Shaw关于肖博士

About Clothing Preferences关于衣服的喜好

CommanderYou, Alva and Voymastina are still using the name of "Defy" after all these years. Is there any special significance to it for you?过去这么多年，你和埃芙她们仍旧在用“忤逆小队”这个名字，它对你们有特殊的意义吗？

KoledaFrom the moment we were rolled out, we were given the authority to disobey orders that should not be followed.必要时刻反抗不该服从的命令，从我们诞生之初，就被赋予了这样的权力。

KoledaNo matter who our commander is, no matter who stands above us... none of them can take our autonomy from us...不管是哪一任指挥官，不管上级是谁，都无法完全剥夺我们的自主权……

KoledaIt's also true that we've disobeyed orders more than once, but none of us has ever regretted doing it.我们也确实不止一次违抗命令，但不管是谁，我想都没有后悔过。

CommanderWasn't your former codename "Snow Wolf"? It suits you very well.雪狼好像原本是你的代号？其实和你的气质很相符。

KoledaHehe~ I'll consider that a compliment, then. In the past, I wasn't just a snow wolf, but the pack's "alpha".嗯哼~您这么说，我就当作夸赞收下了，过去我不仅是雪狼，而且是“头狼”哦。

KoledaSnow wolves have a long, sleek coat and a graceful running stance. They're beautiful creatures with sharp fangs... so I suppose they just barely qualify as a decent codename for me.皮毛纤长，奔跑时姿态优雅，美丽而又不乏獠牙的生物，作为我的代号勉强够格。

KoledaThen again, what I like best is the concept of the wolfpack. A lone wolf is powerless to do many things.但是，我最喜欢的还是狼群的概念，离群的狼，有许多无能为力的事。

CommanderDid you come up with Voymastina's new name too? For you, it's probably a way to mark the beginning of a new life, am I right?AK-15的新名字也是你起的吗？对你们来说，这也是开启新生活的方式吧。

KoledaAfter all, change is the only constant in this world.毕竟，这世界唯一不变的就是一直在变。

KoledaVoymastina. It's a name that suits her personality, isn't it? Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to copy Ange.威玛西娜，“战车”。很符合她气质的名字不是吗？哎呀，别误会，这可不是在抄袭安洁。

KoledaAfter all, rather than something as delicate as a "fine blade", she's far more a "bull in a china shop", isn't she?毕竟比起“利刃”这么精致的东西，她明显更适合这种横冲直撞的形象吧？

CommanderWhat were you thinking when you gave Alva the title of "Defy's Alpha Wolf"?你将“忤逆的头狼”这一称号给了埃芙，当时是出于什么考量？

KoledaThe reasons should be obvious to all of us, are they not, Commander?原因我们都有目共睹吧，指挥官？

KoledaAlva is no longer the AN-94 from before. If one were to say that I "gave up" the title ten years ago, well... I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to take it back now, even if I wanted to~埃芙她早就不是过去那个AN94了。如果说十年前，是我“出让”了这个称号，那么现在，就算我想拿回来，恐怕也没那个本事咯~

KoledaYes, she's our trustworthy alpha. Sure, I'm smarter, but she's our big sister.嗯，她毫无疑问是我们值得信赖的头狼，虽然我确实是更聪明的那个，但她才是大姐嘛。

CommanderDo you miss Shaw? Alva and Voymastina mention her from time to time.你会时常怀念肖吗？埃芙和威玛西娜不时会和我提起她的事。

KoledaWell, Professor Shaw was our "mother", after all.毕竟肖博士是我们共同的“母亲”。

KoledaIt's also true that I spent the least time with Professor Shaw out of all of us. But she was still my "creator" and "mother", and my feelings in that regard are no weaker than those of the others.在我们之中，我和肖博士相处的时间其实是最少的，但她同样作为我的“创作者”和“母亲”，我对她的感情一点也不比其他人少。

KoledaAt first, I thought we were kindred spirits... It was only later that I discovered that I never really understood her. It's annoying, really. For once, I have to admit that even I can be presumptuous too.本来我以为我和她之间心意相通……结果后来才发现，原来我根本没有真正了解过她。真讨厌，难得有一次，我不得不承认，我也有自作聪明的时候。

CommanderYou've always favored simple yet elegant clothing.你的穿着风格，一直都简洁又优雅。

KoledaThe way we dress is one of the simplest aesthetic endeavors. Through it, we can convey a specific message to the world around us.穿衣打扮是最简单的审美活动之一，通过这种方式，能向外界传达特定的信息。

KoledaMost of the time, though, my attire is determined by my current mission. It can't be helped, I guess; blending into the environment like a chameleon does offer a host of advantages, after all.但大部分时候，我的穿衣都由当前要执行的任务决定……没办法的事，犹如变色龙一样融入环境，能带来不少优势嘛。

KoledaIn private, though, I'd like to try on some different clothing... Like say, various kinds of sportswear.但私下里，我确实也想尝试穿一些不一样的衣服，比如……各种运动服。

The wafting aroma enchants, carrying away every trace of my weariness.扑鼻的芬芳，顷刻带走满身的疲惫。

The flavors blooming upon my tongue delight, filling my body with warmth and happiness.舌尖的绽放，幸福的暖意随即拥抱全身。

Project Neural Convergence · 3 虚境新始·3

Superstar Warrior S呜……可恶……又失败了吗？

Commander接下来你要说的是——“我还会再回来的”，对吗？

Superstar Warrior S……到底是谁让你把我的台词也抢走的？！

Superstar Warrior S总之……我还会升级的。总有一天，我会获胜的！

Commander你到底对这个活动有多执着啊？！

Superstar Warrior S比起执着来说……

Superstar Warrior S不努力的话，怎么对得起同样全力以赴的指挥官呢？

CommanderWha—?什……？

（我还没多问，它的双脚便腾空飞起，向着遥远的太空飞去了。）

Commander...……

（地上的尘晶，经过这么多天的收集，已经堆积成了小山，像是摘遍了天上的星星一般，熠熠发着光。）

Commander那……接下来……

（我刚开口，礼炮声便响了起来，很快，所有的人形也向着这里聚集了起来。）

Voymastina那就祝……咳，怎么说来着？

Koleda恭喜指挥官，击败了天外来物，可怕的外星袭击！真是令人感动！可喜可贺可喜可贺。

Asteria……表演成分加得太重了吧。

OTs-14总之，指挥官辛苦了，我很期待今晚的庆功宴哦。

Koleda威玛西娜特地做好了饭呢，辛苦了这么久，指挥官也迫不及待想回去吃了吧？

Tololo那……这些尘晶怎么办？

Commander要不要试着激发一下它们的力量？

OTs-14指挥官觉得它们能够实现愿望吗？

（我还没来得及回答OTs-14，一阵光芒从这堆尘晶中迸发而出，瞬间便将整个天空点亮。）

（随后，便是漫天的烟花——）

KoledaRight, that's enough!好——了！

CommanderWhat did you do to me?你做了什么？

Koleda只是觉得指挥官的提议很有趣，就试着激发了一下它们的能量。

Asteria希望其他人有趁机尽快许愿吧。

OTs-14其实真正偷偷许愿的，可能不止一个呢。

(...)（……）

（就这样，在她们一言一语的拌嘴声中，烟花逐渐消散了。一切似乎都没有变，但我却隐约感觉到了，某种变化正在悄然发生。）

Event Tie-in 1 活动番外1

（最后一盏指示灯变成绿色。）

（引擎室里安静了一瞬，随后响起一片欢呼。）

（几名趴在平台下方检修线路的人形用力敲击着装甲。建筑师双手叉腰，神情俨然像是刚刚赢得了一场战争。）

Commander美玲，干得漂亮。

MaylingNahhh~嘿嘿……

ArchitectOf course!那当然！

Architect也不看看是谁把她的设想变成了真正能开火的大家伙。

Commander也辛苦你们了，建筑师，巴希达，还有所有参与修复的人。

Architect哼哼，我可是迫不及待地想看这个大家伙朝军方开火了！

Architect小美玲也一样吧？

（建筑师伸出手，用力揉乱了美玲的头发。）

Mayling建筑师小姐别揉啦，我、我已经不是小孩子了！

Architect嗯？不是吗？可小美玲和破坏者差不多高诶……这就是小孩子的身高吧！

Mayling呜哇……我一定还会再长高的啦！

（美玲不甘心地整理着头发，身体却突然晃了一下。）

（我向前迈出一步，建筑师已经先伸手扶住了她。）

Commander好了，测试结束。美玲，你现在去休息。

Mayling我没事的，还有最终检查，我还可以继续——

Balthilde交给我们。

Architect嗯嗯嗯，放心吧！我也会替你看着的啦！

Architect你醒来以后，要是发现有谁敢把系统改坏，我就拆掉她，用她的零件替你修。

Mayling……噫！倒也不用这样啦……

（美玲瑟缩了一下，她似乎还有些犹豫是否要坚持留下，可就在此时，引擎室外突然传来了整齐的脚步声。）

Agent既然是主人的命令，美玲小姐也应当服从。

Agent若您身体抱恙，主人也会因此困扰。

（代理人率先走进舱室，闪电、OTs-14、春田与可露凯跟在她身后。）

（更远处的维修通道里，还有不少听见动静的人形正在向这里聚集。）

Mayling诶——？大家怎么都来了？

Groza刚才整个艾莫号都能感觉到充能产生的震动。

Groza我们还以为建筑师又背着大家试射了什么东西。

Architect哼哼，能让整艘艾莫号一起吓一跳，说明效果相当不错嘛！

OTs-14看来不是事故。

ArchitectOf course not!当然不是！

Architect不要把重武器试验和事故混为一谈啦，这是艺术！爆炸的艺术！

（在建筑师不满地反驳的同时，代理人继续朝我走近，微微躬身。）

Agent主人，各支部队的整顿已经基本完成。

Agent铁血受损机体仍在维修，但只要您下令，目前所有可以行动的成员都会立即出发。

Tokarev格里芬的大家也已经完成集结。

Klukai404也没有问题。

（可露凯自信地朝我点了点头。）

（——在拼着素体重伤护送我回到艾莫号后，因战后维修人手、备用素体双方面的不足，404小队的成员们也沉寂了许久。）

（直到近期物资充裕，小队才重新得以集结。）

Klukai404小队，已全员完成整备。

Klukai所以，指挥官——

Klukai接下来，我们的目标是什么？

（可露凯看向我，其他人的目光也随之聚拢过来。刚刚还充斥着争吵声的引擎室，逐渐安静。）

（那些因为长期工作而疲惫的人形，那些素体上还留有伤痕、武器也并不齐整的人形，全都在等待我的回答。）

（没有人询问是否还要继续战斗。）

（她们只是在询问，下一个目标位于何方。）

Commander在回答之前，我还需要确认一支队伍的情况。

Commander闪电，拜托你把忤逆叫回来。

Koleda不用麻烦，我们已经来了。

（人群从中间分开。）

（克莱妲与埃芙沿着通道向我走来。两人显然早已完成了整备，像是早就在等待这一刻的到来。）

（埃芙微微朝我点头，神情严肃而认真。克莱妲则一如既往地神情从容，仿佛早已猜到我准备交给她什么任务。）

Alva忤逆小队向您报到，指挥官。

Commander你们的状态怎么样？

Alva素体机能、武器与弹药均已完成检查。

Alva我可以立即投入战斗。

Koleda我也没有问题。

Koleda顺便，指挥官，在发动总攻之前，我提议由我先行潜入。

Koleda正面战场吸引的注意越多，内部留下的破绽就越明显。

Commander好，我会期待的。

Commander不过，注意自身安全，我相信你能判断好局势。

Koleda了解。你们就等着我的好消息吧~

Commander威玛西娜呢？情况如何了？

（克莱妲脸上的笑意略微收敛。）

Koleda还在奈乐那里。

Koleda她被拦腰斩断，搭载的机甲也已经完全报废。普通替换部件承受不了她的输出，修复工作自然快不起来。

Koleda即使能修复，没有适配的部件和机甲，她也无法恢复原本的战斗能力。

Mayling连机甲都完全报废了吗……

Koleda嗯哼~不过也不用太担心啦，奈乐都能搞定，只是配齐部件要花一些时间。

Commander看来，这一次她无法参加了。

KoledaYes.是。

Koleda所以我们来了。

Alva忤逆接受您的调遣。

（没有激昂的宣誓，也没有故作轻松的笑声。）

（她们只是站在那里，等待命令。）

（就像引擎室中央的艾莫号。）

（就像那门已经可以瞄准敌人的木星炮。）

Commander...Alright.……好。

Commander忤逆小队，归队。

（埃芙抬手敬礼。克莱妲轻轻笑了一声，站到了她的身边。）

（我注视着面前一一列队的人形，逐渐收敛表情。）

Commander这一次，我们要对敌人进行全面的反击。

Commander我们要全力以赴，但我不允许任何人进行没有意义的牺牲。

Commander如今的局势已经逆转，我们将会用策略与实力取胜。

Koleda这样才像你会下达的命令。

Agent主人，请宣布目标吧。

（代理人的声音落下，引擎室里所有人都再次望向我。）

（我看见建筑师把手搭在木星炮的控制台上，看见托卡列夫站在那些刚刚运抵的物资旁，看见巴希达和工程人形们尚未来得及清理的双手。）

（美玲的脸上还显露着疲惫，却还是努力站直身体，等待着我的决定。）

Commander我们的第一个目标，是夺回莫科什。

Commander击溃占领城市的武装，为地下的誓卫军打开道路，同时切断各方势力进入黑域的中转节点。

（我调出地图，将第二个坐标标记在红区之中。）

Commander然后，是奇铁兹圣堂。

Commander我们要救出欧菲露妮和所有仍被帕拉蒂斯控制的海伦娜，摧毁科德韦尔留下的研究设施。

Commander最后，关闭黑域。

OTs-14也就是说，一场接着一场。

Commander我们的时间不多。

Commander一旦罗联完成协调，下一次来到这里的就不会是零散的研究机构和几支部队，而是一支足以封锁整个黄区的正规军。

Commander所以这一次，我们要投入全部能够使用的力量。

Agent铁血会为您撕开敌人的防线。

Tokarev格里芬将服从您的统一指挥。

Klukai404负责解决那些不该出现在战场上的麻烦。

Alva忤逆会替您处理最危险的目标。

Architect而由小美玲和我亲手完成的木星炮，会把那些碍事的家伙连掩体一起送上天！

Architect哈哈哈哈，到时候就让敌人好好看看——

Architect被格里芬的人类和铁血联手盯上，究竟是一件多么倒霉的事情吧！

（轻微的笑声在引擎室中荡漾开来。）

（在那笑声之中，我再度认真地环视四方。）

Commander全员按照计划完成最后整备。

Commander在艾莫号驶出坍塌风暴以后，我们不会再隐藏行踪。

Commander要让莫科什的人们看见我们回来了，也要让敌人看清楚，他们究竟需要面对谁。

（短暂的寂静之后，回应声如同骤然点燃的火焰，充斥了整个引擎室。）

AllYes, Commander!是，指挥官！

（美玲用力按下控制台上的收纳按钮。）

（沉重的轨道缓缓转动，木星炮重新沉入无人机起降平台下方。装甲闭合，将它的獠牙隐藏进艾莫号的躯体之中。）

（紧接着，引擎开始轰鸣。）

（闪烁的灯光沿着新铺设的能源管线不断亮起，一路延伸向这辆伤痕累累的陆上战舰深处。）

（它不是一辆真正意义上的新战舰。）

（但所有失去过它、修复过它、等待着它的人，都已经站在这里。）

（这便足够让艾莫号再一次奔赴战场。）

Snow Wolf's Prank 1 雪狼的恶作剧·Ⅰ

KoledaHmm, your meeting habits are as good as ever. Neither early nor late, but always just in time.嗯，指挥官的会面习惯还是和以前一样好呢，既没有拖延也没有提前到，对时间的把控恰到好处。

KoledaPeople and Dolls with habits like yours are a rarity these days.拥有像您这样好素质的人和人形，真是越来越少了。

CommanderWhy does it feel like you've been making fun of me from the moment we met...我怎么感觉你一见面就在阴阳我……？

KoledaReally? Is that what you think?是么，您这样觉得？

KoledaEverything we feel is valid. But as for whether or not they're actually true—人的所有感受都是真实的，没有对错之分，至于事实——

KoledaSpending time and energy on determining the truth of trivial matters is not worth the effort.花精力确认无关紧要的小事的真假，得不偿失。

CommanderThen let's not waste any more time on such matters. You said you wanted me to come here to share your latest findings with me. So, what are they?那就不在这些方面纠缠了。你提到找我来，要跟我同步最近的新发现，现在说说看？

KoledaI remember that in the past, I told you that I was very interested in the Elmo.我记得之前我跟您提过，我对艾莫号很感兴趣。

CommanderAnd I remember that at the time, you were intrigued by the space aboard the Elmo and its firepower. So, how can I help you in that respect?我记得，你当时表现出对艾莫号的空间以及强火力的兴趣。这方面我有什么能帮到你的？

CommanderThat said, I might not be able to help you with the details. You'd have to ask Mayling and Dandelion about those.不过具体工作我可能帮不上忙，还得请美玲和丹德莱。

CommanderIf you want, I can ask them if they're willing to help and schedule a meeting for you.我可以代你询问她们的意愿和时间安排。

KoledaI haven't even stated my request yet and you've already made all the arrangements for me.我还没有说出具体请求，您就把后面的事都为我安排好了。

KoledaWhat brought on this sudden burst of sincerity, Commander?这份诚意源自什么，指挥官？

KoledaIs it repayment to Task Force DEFY for services rendered, or a way to deepen friendship between us in preparation for future cooperation, or perhaps it's just a sign of guilt?是对忤逆小队给予帮助后的报酬，还是为将来进行长期合作加深彼此的友谊，又或者是，源于愧疚？

Commander...All of the above.……都有。

CommanderBut it's true that I want to do my best to make life better for everyone.但我确实希望尽我所能，让你们每个人都能活得更好一点。

(Koleda looks at me in silence, like she's trying to see past my face and into the depths of my heart. Her gaze seems to take on a physical nature, conveying a message we both understand about someone whom we can't easily mention.)（克莱妲沉默地凝视我，似乎想要透过我的脸，看穿我的内心深处。那股视线有如实质般，向我传达着我们彼此都心照不宣的信息，以及那个我们都不愿轻易提及的人。）

Koleda...Would you like a drink? A vodka, perhaps?……要喝点什么？伏特加？

(The way the topic was changed feels so blunt it's almost rude, so I quietly sigh and move on for now.)（话题转移的生硬程度几近无礼，我轻轻叹了口气，让这个话题暂时翻篇。）

CommanderI have to work later, so let's save the vodka for next time.之后还要工作，伏特加就留到下次再喝吧。

CommanderShall we invite Alva and Voymastina then?到时候，叫上埃芙和威玛西娜一起？

CommanderIt's been a long time since we last had a drink together.我们几个上次一起好好喝酒，还是很久以前。

KoledaThat's a good idea, Commander.这个安排不错嘛，指挥官。

CommanderI'm glad that it satisfies you.我很高兴你能满意。

Commander...So, what exactly did you want to share with me this time?……所以，这次你找我到底想同步什么？

KoledaMost of the Sinveiler's functional modules were custom-made for me by Nele. However, some of the general-purpose modules can also be used by the Elmo. Plus, Nele's always had a soft spot for young and talented engineers.隐罪者的功能模块，大部分是奈乐为我量身定做的。但其中的通用模块，艾莫号也能用得上。加上奈乐也一直欣赏年轻有天赋的工程师。

KoledaI'd like to use this as an opportunity to build a bridge between Mayling and Nele so the two of them can get to know each other. What do you think, Commander?我想通过这件事，给奈乐与美玲搭个桥，双方互相认识一下。指挥官，您看？

CommanderOf course it's fine.当然没问题。

Snow Wolf's Prank 3 雪狼的恶作剧·Ⅲ

KoledaCommander, you're here. I thought you'd hesitate to accept another invitation from me.指挥官，您来了。我还以为面对我的再次邀请，您会有所迟疑。

CommanderI know you like pranking me, Koleda, but it's within the scope that I can tolerate.我知道克莱妲你喜欢对我做恶作剧，但在这方面我的耐受性还算可以。

CommanderDon't worry, I won't run away from you because of things like that.你大可放心，我不会因为这种事落荒而逃的。

KoledaYou say you won't run away from me, but does that mean the thought had crossed your mind in the past?但您说不会落荒而逃，之前是想过要逃跑？

CommanderOn occasion, yes. But I gave up on it soon enough.偶尔，偶尔。很快这个念头就胎死腹中了。

KoledaOh my, that look in your face is quite a rarity. I can't resist the urge to add it to my collection.哎呀，您现在这副表情很少见，让人忍不住想要收藏呢。

KoledaWhy don't I take a picture of it and send it to everyone on the Elmo?不如记录下来，群发给艾莫号所有人怎么样？

KoledaI'm sure Alva and Voymastina would be surprised by this side of you.埃芙和威玛西娜也会惊讶于您的这一面吧。

CommanderYou don't need to do that. I'm pretty sure everyone will have many chances to see this expression as long as you remain aboard the Elmo.不用了，我想只要你还留在艾莫号上，大家以后看见我这副表情的机会还很多。

CommanderYou can't really say it's a rarity.少见一说，并不成立。

CommanderAlright, so what did you want to see me about today? Surely it wasn't just to prank me, was it?好了，今天找我是为了什么？不会又仅仅只是为了恶作剧吧？

KoledaSo you're saying that you wouldn't be able to stand it if I really did ask you out again just to prank you?如果一再找您的原因只是为了恶作剧，您就无法接受了？

Commander...Not really.……并不是。

CommanderActually, I'd feel happy and at ease.我反而还会觉得安心和幸福。

KoledaHm?嗯？

CommanderThink about it, Koleda. When was the last time we could talk about personal matters like this?克莱妲，上一次我们像这样，纯粹只谈私事是什么时候？

KoledaThat would depend on your definition of "personal matters between us".那要看您把什么定义为“我与您的私事”了。

CommanderBe it ten years ago or now, we haven't had many opportunities to catch our breath and rest.不管是十年前，还是现在，喘息和休憩的时间，总是很短暂。

CommanderThe fate of DEFY and myself has always been to rush ahead. When forced, we've had to figure out ways to defy our fates and find the right way forward.不管是我，还是忤逆，总被命运逼着向前狂奔。避无可避之时，还要想办法对抗命运的一重重安排，试图找出一条正确的道路。

CommanderMost of the Dolls on the Elmo still have immature neural clouds, even after all these years. But this "immaturity" is a privilege of those who have been spoiled and protected.艾莫号上的大多数人形，尽管已经过去这么多年，心智也仍旧十分不成熟。但所谓的“不成熟”，本质上是被溺爱者、被照料者的特权。

CommanderYou, me and all of DEFY bear the burden of protecting the people around us and breaking the fait accompli imposed on us by fate. We don't have the right to be "immature".你和我，以及整个忤逆小队，担负的是照顾身边人、突破命运僵局的责任。我们是没有资格“不成熟”的。

Koleda...……

CommanderTherefore, if you're showing up in front of me to prank me, it means that our situation has improved to the point where you have the freedom to show me your most relaxed side.所以，如果以后你在我面前，显露的全都是恶作剧，说明我们正在做的事，已经有了极大进展，让你也能展现出纯粹轻松的一面。

KoledaOnce again, you've demonstrated incredible persuasiveness.您在这个时候，又展现出了惊人的说服力。

KoledaIn the past, I had the feeling that you didn't like trying to change the situation with words. It seems I'll need to correct that notion now.过去我总觉得您不太喜欢用言语去改变局面，现在我必须要更正这一观念了。

CommanderWell, I've been in my fair share of negotiations. I like to think I've handled them pretty well.我参与的谈判场合也不少，我自认为处理得都还不错。

KoledaAfter all, rather than playing word games, you've always preferred taking more direct action—such as by directly capturing the enemy command post.毕竟，比起口头的文字游戏，您更喜欢采取直接的行动——比如直接占领敌人的指挥部。

Commander...Well, you have to handle friends differently from enemies. When dealing with enemies, you need to speak in a language that they understand.……毕竟对内对外还是不一样的。对敌人就要使用敌人听得懂的语言。

Snow Wolf's Prank 4 雪狼的恶作剧·Ⅳ

KoledaWell, Commander? Are you looking forward to the leisurely conversation and surprising pranks that might unfold today?怎么样，指挥官？您对今天可能展开的别样闲聊、充满惊喜的恶作剧期待吗？

KoledaOh my, if you're craving a new experience, you can always come look me up, no strings attached.哎呀，当您缺乏新体验时，可以没有负担地来见我哦。

KoledaI've got plenty of novelty and fun to offer.在我这里，新奇和有趣管够。

Commander...I'll keep that in mind, thanks. So, you want to see me today because...……那多谢了。所以，今天是……

KoledaShall we have a little drink first?先小酌一杯？

(Koleda swirls her glass and the transparent beverage inside ripples with bizarre colors. The hues and tones shift like the skin of a chameleon, sped up countless times.)（克莱妲晃了晃玻璃杯，准备好的透明酒液在杯中漾出光怪陆离的波纹。仿佛变色龙在时间被快进无数倍的大自然中迅速变化的外壳。）

(I cautiously take the glass from her. As I look at the clear, transparent liquid, a faint sense of comfort and ease wells up inside me.)（我谨慎地接过玻璃杯，看着澄澈透明的酒液，一股微妙的惬意和舒适涌上心间。）

CommanderYou didn't spike it with anything, did you?这里面没加料吧？

KoledaHahaha, am I so untrustworthy in your eyes?哈哈哈，我在您这里的信誉就这么低吗？

CommanderIt's not a matter of trust. I just find it hard to anticipate what you'll say or do next.和你的信誉无关，我只是很难预料到你接下来会说什么，做什么。

CommanderAfter all, you're as ever-changing as your "Winterfrost".就像你的“冬霜”一样千变万化。

KoledaBut new experiences bring new excitement, do they not?新体验才能带来新刺激，不是吗？

CommanderIndeed.确实如此。

(I down the transparent drink. The high-proof vodka burns like fire on its way down, blazing a scorching trail through my throat and filling my guts with a searing pain. However, an intoxicating sensation soon fills my mind.)（我喝下了澄澈透明的酒液，高度数的伏特加仿佛一把烈火，从口腔顺着喉管一路往下灼烧，让我的内脏产生灼热的绞痛，但很快另一种醺醺然之感包裹了我的神智。）

(Koleda's face seems to be drawing closer. I feel like I'm being watched by a silent wolf who's about to drag me off to her lair. It all seems very absurd to me.)（克莱妲的脸似乎离我越来越近，我有种被狼静静盯住、似乎随时会被对方拖回巢穴的感觉，内心不禁觉得十分荒诞。）

Commander...Koleda?……克莱妲？

Koleda...……

CommanderKoleda...?克莱妲……？

KoledaCommander, your face is red.指挥官，您脸红了。

Commander...The vodka was too strong. Do you usually take such stiff drinks?……酒太烈了，你平常都喝这么高度数的吗？

KoledaYup.嗯。

CommanderWell, you should at least take my physical condition into consideration if you want me to try it... Ugh, I don't feel too good.想让我尝尝的话，多少也要考虑考虑我的身体状态啊……唔，有些难受了。

KoledaYou really are very different.您真的，很不一样。

CommanderHow... am I different...?什么，不一样……？

KoledaHowever similar you might be, your fundamental nature is completely different.就算再相似，本质也截然不同。

KoledaI'm sorry, it seems I was rather impolite today.抱歉，今天失礼的似乎是我。

CommanderHm...?唔……？

KoledaAs compensation, allow me to take care of you while you're in distress, Commander. I'll do my best to make you feel more comfortable.作为补偿，现在难受的指挥官，就由我来照顾吧。我会尽量让您舒适起来。

(My consciousness gradually fades away, like I've actually been carried off by a snow wolf to her lair, into a dangerous, warm and moist darkness.)（意识逐渐昏沉，仿佛我真的已经被雪狼叼入她的洞穴，陷入危险、温暖又潮湿的黑暗之中。）

Collection Overview 1 收藏展示1

KoledaWhy hello there, Commander. I hardly ever see you with any free time. Why not have a chat with me?哎呀，指挥官，难得见您空闲，来和我聊聊？

KoledaRelax, it's nothing bad, I always notify you immediately whenever there's any good news.您放心，不是什么坏事。每次有好消息，我都有第一时间告知您呢。

KoledaHmm, that's a pretty complex expression you have on your face. Surely I've earned a bit of credit with you by now, no?唔，您的表情有些微妙呢，我在您这里的信用应该还算不错吧？

KoledaSimply put, I wanted to tell you about my latest discovery. As you know, Nele's been helping me to upgrade and maintain my gear.很简单，想和您同步一下我最近的新发现。您知道的，奈乐那边也帮我更新维护了装备。

KoledaI'm pretty sure that info will help out the other Dolls on the Elmo.这些信息，对艾莫号其他人形也会有帮助哦。

Use {0}消耗{0}

Maybe next time...打扰了……

KoledaGood, you cooperated just as I expected.不错，您和我料想中一样配合呢。

KoledaI see. In that case, all I can say is "what a pity".是么，既然如此，只能说相当遗憾了。

Kitchen Chat 1 厨房闲谈1

KoledaWant to try something delicious? I can make any dish, no matter what it is.想品尝美食？不管是什么料理，我都能完成哦。

A mellow richness lingers between the lips and teeth, its rapturous aftertaste long and enduring.醇厚的滋味在唇齿间缱绻，幸福的余韵悠长，经久不散。

CommanderEvery mouthful tastes like bliss.每一口都是幸福的味道。

KoledaGood enough to tantalize your tastebuds, wasn't it?是能冲击您味蕾的美味吧？

Utterly delightful.鲜美至极

It's as you said.名副其实

CommanderMy mouth feels like it's been drowned in delicious flavor. I want to keep eating it over and over again.唇齿都被鲜美之味所淹没，是会想要无限次品尝的佳肴。

KoledaYou are correct; I am a Doll who excels in every aspect.如您所说，我确实是各方面都很优秀的人形。

CommanderA top-notch dish that brings a revolution to the palate.能颠覆味觉的上等佳肴！

CommanderIt's as delicious as you said. I didn't expect you to be so good at this, Koleda.味道确实如你所说般美味，没想到克莱妲在这方面也这么擅长。

The deep aroma coils around the tongue, wrapping me in a cloud of tenderness.浓郁的香气萦绕舌尖，仿佛坠入温柔的云端。

Kitchen Chat 2 厨房闲谈2

KoledaAlright then, since it's you asking me. I can easily satisfy this petty craving of yours.好哦，既然这是您的请求。区区口腹之欲，我轻而易举就能让您满足。

Her thoughtful cooking brings out soul-stirring flavors from even the simplest ingredients.合理的烹调让最简单的食材碰撞出令人动容的滋味。

CommanderThe perfectly managed heat brings out a natural harmony of taste.恰到好处的火候，食材的美味浑然天成。

KoledaHmm... that look on your face... Would it kill you to look a little more surprised?嗯，您的表情……表现得更惊喜一些比较好哦？

Taste of Happiness幸福的味道

Room For Improvement仍有进步空间

CommanderI can taste your feelings through your cooking. It's the taste of happiness.我能从饭菜的味道中品尝出克莱妲的心意，是幸福的味道。

KoledaYou need to taste more things in order to become an excellent gourmand.想成为出色的美食家，您的舌头得尝到更多味道才行哦。

CommanderThis home-style tastiness is great!家常美味，不错不错！

CommanderIt's delicious, but it's not quite like the dishes you usually make. There's room for improvement.很好吃，但和克莱妲平常做出的饭菜不太一样，存在进步空间。

With a single bite, their freshness blooms upon the palate.一口下去，食材的鲜味在口中绽放。

Kitchen Chat 3 厨房闲谈3

KoledaLet's try something new today~ I guarantee you won't forget it.今天来点新花样吧~保证让您印象深刻。

An indescribably complex sensation surges in my chest, leaving my mind in a daze.难以名状的复杂口感涌上心间，以至脑海只剩一片茫然。

CommanderA mysterious flavour—yet somehow, it feels familiar.迷之口感，但吃起来有点熟悉。

KoledaYou've got a very amusing look on your face. This new attempt was a great success after all.您的表情很有趣，新尝试果然不错吧。

Left An Impression令人印象深刻

A Unique Experience很特别的体验

CommanderIt's hard for me to put it into words. All in all, it left a really deep impression on me...难以用语言形容，是令人印象深刻的味道……

KoledaThe most exotic experiences are the most precious of all.最为稀缺的体验，才能带来最珍贵的价值。

CommanderSuch refined taste!品位高雅！

CommanderThis was a very special dining experience, and a very unusual one too...这次用餐的体验很特别，也很少见……

My once-keen sense of taste slowly loses its bearings amid this strange experience.昔日敏锐的味觉在此刻陌生的体验中逐渐迷失了方向。

Lobby Group Chat 1 休息室群聊1

KoledaHm? What's with the look on your faces? Did you get a computer virus?嗯？你们脸上的表情怎么回事？中病毒了吗？

KoledaDidn't the Commander invite us here to celebrate the reunion of Task Force DEFY?指挥官让我们过来，不是为了庆祝忤逆的集结嘛？

VoymastinaMm...嗯……

KoledaNaturally, I didn't expect much in the nature of sophistication from Voymastina. So, what do you have in mind, O fearless leader?当然我也不指望威玛西娜有什么高见。所以队长，有没有什么安排呀？

AlvaI've already requisitioned time at the Elmo's kitchen area. Tonight, we'll have a nice meal together.我已经提前申请好了艾莫号的厨区，今晚我们就在这里好好聚餐一次。

AlvaWhy do you have that look on your face?你那是什么表情？

Koleda(Sigh) I wonder if growing up too fast is a good or a bad thing. I kind of miss that flustered look on your face.唉……成长太快也不知道是好还是坏啊。我还是怀念你手足无措的表情。

AlvaYou're still saying that. If you want to blame anyone for it, then it would be your fault for being too capable and bringing me up like this.还是那句话，要怪就怪你太优秀把我培养成这个样子了吧。

VoymastinaHeh.呵。

KoledaHm? Am I hearing things? Did Voymastina just laugh?嘶……我没听错吧？威玛西娜刚刚笑了？

KoledaDid the Commander install some kind of weird program in her recently? Or did someone mess up the maintenance on her facial circuits?这段时间指挥官是给她装了什么程序吗？还是面部的哪根线路维护不当？

AlvaIt's because Voymastina's happy too.因为威玛西娜也很高兴。

KoledaOh~ Is that so?哦~是这样吗？

VoymastinaHeh.哼。

KoledaIn that case, does that mean I'll be able to sample the delicious cuisine of the "God of Cooking" Voymastina tonight?既然如此，今晚是不是可以品尝到“传说中的厨神”威玛西娜的美食呢？

Voymastina...I simply completed the logistical work in accordance with my directives.……我只是按照日程和指令完成后勤工作。

KoledaSo that rumor really WAS true♪ And here I thought it was just an urban legend.那个传言居然是真的啊♪我还以为是什么都市传说呢。

KoledaNow I'm beginning to look forward to what surprises you'll give me next.我开始期待你们还会给我带来什么样的惊喜了。

AlvaThere'll be many more of those in store as long as you stay with us and the Commander.还会有很多，只要你留在我们和指挥官的身边。

AlvaWelcome back, 12.欢迎回来，12。

KoledaYup, I'm home, 94 ♪嗯，我回来了，94♪

Huge "Honeycomb" 超大“蜂巢”

KoledaYou've got good taste, Commander. Did you already have your eyes set on this vehicle before you left Griffin?指挥官，您的眼光还真是不错。当年在离开格里芬前，就已经看上这辆车了吧？

KoledaIt's got enough internal space to rival an aircraft carrier and its vector engine grants it respectable firepower. Most importantly—it's filled with a veritable hive of Dolls who plaster themselves to you like bees flocking around a precious blossom...足以媲美航空母舰的容纳空间，和向力引擎带来的不容小觑的火力，加上如今最重要的——像蜜蜂簇拥珍贵花朵般，粘在您身边的人形们……

Come on, give me a break, Koleda...克莱妲就别开我玩笑了……

You're interested in the Elmo?克莱妲对艾莫号感兴趣？

KoledaI was simply making a rational assessment based on the facts.只是基于事实的理性评估。

KoledaHmm... perhaps I could use the Elmo as a reference for further modifications to the Sinveiler.嗯……可以将您的艾莫号作为“隐罪者”的改装参考。

KoledaI'm sure Nele would be delighted to have the opportunity to study the Elmo.能有研究艾莫号的机会，奈乐也会高兴吧。

KoledaHm? Well, the Elmo is pretty good, I agree, but I'm not planning to take what's yours at the moment.嗯？艾莫号确实不错，不过，抢您的东西，目前不在我的计划范围之内呢。

KoledaStill, your suggestion is an amusing one. Perhaps the day may come when you hand the Elmo over to me.但您提出的想法很有趣，也许在未来，会存在您将艾莫号交给我的那一天呢。

Spring Comes, Winter Goes 冬去春来

KoledaThe climate in the contaminated zones is complex and unpredictable. The sun is frequently obscured by Collapse storms and snowfall. However, this extreme weather comes and goes in the blink of an eye.污染区气候错综复杂，坍塌风暴和降雪时常会遮蔽太阳。但极端天气来得快，消失也是瞬息之间。

KoledaMeanwhile, the White Zones are filled with artificial illumination and mankind arrogantly assumes they have total control of the weather. Haha, their arrogance certainly leaves an impression.而白区则充斥着人造的“灯火通明”，人们傲慢得觉得自己连天气都能完全掌控，哈哈，真是令人印象深刻的自信呢……

Arrogance can impede progress.傲慢会成为行动的阻碍

Nobody can control everything.没有人能完全掌控一切

KoledaThose words sound indescribably persuasive coming from you.从您的嘴里听到这句话，有种难以言喻的强大说服力呢。

KoledaYour past actions typically lacked arrogance, but they were filled with a courage that could awe even Dolls.您过往的行动，通常与傲慢无关，但充斥着连人形也为之惊诧的勇敢。

KoledaStill, it was precisely that courage which led everyone to break through this "artificial illumination" and open a crack leading to a brighter tomorrow.不过，也正是这种勇气，才能带领大家在密不透风的“灯火通明”中，撕开更加明亮的缝隙。

KoledaNobody can completely control everything. Many have tried, of course. They spared no thoughts for the lengths they would have to go to or the price necessary for doing so.没有人能完全掌控一切，总有人试图完全掌控一切，并为此前赴后继，不惜一切代价。

KoledaVillains have always wanted to stand on the heavens. As my name is Koleda, it naturally follows that I will become their fated nemesis.反派们总想成为遮天蔽日的存在，而作为克莱妲的我，可以顺理成章成为他们命中的克星呢。

KoledaAs spring days grow longer, light will ultimately triumph over the darkness. Truly a lovely name, with such a lovely meaning behind it.“春日白昼渐长，光明终将战胜黑暗”，多好的名字，多美的寓意啊。

The Beloved Smoothie 被偏爱的冰沙

KoledaYou DO know I can clearly see the expression on your face and where you're looking, right?你应该知道我其实看得见你的表情和视线，对吧~？

KoledaWell, Commander? Did you secretly try to get closer to Alva and Voymastina while I wasn't around?怎么样？指挥官？有没有趁我不在的时候，偷偷跟埃芙和威玛西娜拉近关系？

Stage Performance 1 舞台演出1

Commander{}: ...{}：……

Commander{}: Koleda?{}：克莱妲？

Counterattack反击

Subdue牵制

Dodge闪躲

KoledaKoleda: Out of the three possible responses, you chose the most violent one among them, Commander.克莱妲：三种反制方案，指挥官竟然选择了最暴力的一种。

KoledaKoleda: Does that mean you value tactics over performance?克莱妲：看来比起性能，还是战术更重要一些呢？

Touch Her触碰

Commander{}: What the hell are you playing at?{}：你到底在搞什么鬼？

KoledaKoleda: I heard a noise from the shower and thought you were being attacked.克莱妲：浴室里有声音，我以为指挥官遇袭了。

Commander{}: ...How could I not make any noise when showering?{}：……洗澡怎么会没声音？

KoledaKoleda: ...克莱妲：……

KoledaKoleda: In that case... Why don't I demonstrate the new wrestling moves I just learned?克莱妲：那……我刚学的摔跤技巧，展示给指挥官看看？

Commander{}: I think that's the sort of thing Voymastina would prefer.{}：威玛西娜会更喜欢这种展示。

KoledaKoleda: Hmm... Or maybe I actually wanted to murder you, Commander?克莱妲：嗯……难道我真的想谋杀指挥官？

Commander{}: ...You'd better just be making stuff up.{}：……你最好只是在编造理由。

Commander{}: Well, in that case—{}：既然如此——

Submission Move降服技

Play A Trick开个玩笑

Let Her Go放过她

KoledaKoleda: Looks like you have a lot of combat experience, Commander. Going to start the ten-count now?克莱妲：很有实战经验嘛，指挥官，要开始读秒了哦？

KoledaKoleda: Ngh... You're definitely not going easy on me, given the amount of strength you're using.克莱妲：唔……从力道来看，指挥官也没放水呢。

Commander{}: I'm being serious right now.{}：我可是认真的。

Commander{}: Hold on, you...!{}：等一下，你……！

KoledaKoleda: It hasn't been 10 seconds yet, Commander. The result's still up in the air.克莱妲：指挥官，还没到10秒哦，还没分出胜负呢。

Touch Her触碰

KoledaKoleda: Giving up so soon?克莱妲：这么快就认输了吗？

KoledaKoleda: Time to turn the tables.克莱妲：该我反击了。

KoledaKoleda: You should have expected this when you were provoking me earlier.克莱妲：刚才挑衅我的时候，应该就想到这样的结果了吧？

Commander{}: At least close your eyes.{}：至少你把眼睛闭上。

KoledaKoleda: Are you scared? Am I very scary when my eyes are open?克莱妲：害怕了吗？我睁开眼睛的时候很吓人？

Commander{}: Tell me the truth, just what are you trying to do?{}：实话告诉我，你到底想干什么？

KoledaKoleda: Commander, your heart rate's been picking up, your systolic blood pressure's increased by 18 mmHg and your palms are covered in sweat.克莱妲：指挥官，你的心率一直在加快，收缩压暂时性上升了18mmHg，手心都出了汗。

KoledaKoleda: I want to collect this data because I'm curious, and also because... Hm... because I want to see your reaction, I guess?克莱妲：我想收集这些数据，因为好奇，因为……嗯……想看指挥官的反应？

Counterattack Again再次反击

Tell The Truth说出实情

Meekly Comply老实配合

KoledaKoleda: You really are stubborn, Commander.克莱妲：指挥官真是顽强啊。

KoledaKoleda: Hm? Is your heart rate picking up again?克莱妲：嗯？心率又加快了？

KoledaKoleda: Looks like something very interesting is about to happen.克莱妲：好像是很有意思的事情

KoledaKoleda: Now then, I'm going to start calculating in earnest...克莱妲：接下来，我要稍微认真计算一下了……

Commander{}: Is this about what happened a few days ago?{}：因为前几天的事？

KoledaKoleda: Oh yes. Your reaction from back then was most entertaining, but I lost the data.克莱妲：是啊，前几天指挥官的反应很有意思，不过当时的数据丢失了。

Commander{}: ...Then you should have said so earlier. Being ambushed by an elite Tactical Doll isn't exactly fun, you know.{}：……早说啊，被精英战术人形袭击可不是什么好的体验。

KoledaKoleda: Hm... All your biodata's gone back to normal. I'm feeling kind of bored now.克莱妲：嗯……你的各项数据已经趋于正常值了。稍微有些无趣了呢。

Commander{}: Well, the threat's gone, so I don't need to always remain on high alert.{}：危险解除，自然也不用总是备战状态。

KoledaKoleda: But my curiosity about you isn't satisfied yet, Commander.克莱妲：但是我对你的好奇还没有结束呢，指挥官。

KoledaKoleda: So, would you mind letting me collect a little more data?克莱妲：所以，再让我稍微收集一些数据吧？

Commander{}: Alright then, just do what you want.{}：好吧，随你怎么做。

KoledaKoleda: You're being such a good boy. What a surprise.克莱妲：这么配合，还真是让我意外。

KoledaKoleda: It just so happens I heard someone on the Elmo tell me that doing this would get me better data and more amusing reactions out of you.克莱妲：刚好，我听艾莫号上的人说，这样做，能够记录到更加有趣的数据，看到指挥官更有意思的反应。

KoledaKoleda: While I don't know why that is, I'll have you explain it to me after it's all over. It sounds terribly interesting.克莱妲：虽然不知道原因，等结束后，指挥官解释给我听吧。看起来很有意思。

Commander{}: Now just hold on a minute...{}：你先等一下……

KoledaKoleda: Relax, if you're worried about your bath, I'll just clean you up afterwards, okay?克莱妲：放心啦，指挥官如果担心洗澡的问题，待会我再帮你洗干净不就好了？

KoledaKoleda: Ngh... mff...克莱妲：唔……嗯……

Commander{}: Looks like I found another one of your weaknesses.{}：好像又被我发现了一个你的弱点啊。

KoledaKoleda: Ha, ahahaha—What are you doing? Is this how you plan to fight, Commander?克莱妲：哈、哈哈——这算什么，指挥官，这是你的战术吗？

KoledaKoleda: You DO realize I won't be able to stop myself from fighting back, right, Commander?克莱妲：我会忍不住反击的，指挥官。

Commander{}: I'll let you off for now. Run along now.{}：这次就先放过你了，快走吧。

KoledaKoleda: While that's very generous of you, Commander—That won't do, you know?克莱妲：虽然指挥官很大度，但是——不行哦？

KoledaKoleda: I haven't seen enough of your reactions yet.克莱妲：我还没观察够你的反应呢。

KoledaKoleda: Out of the three possible responses, it seems you went with the least novel of the lot, Commander.克莱妲：三种反制方案，指挥官的选择稍微少了些新意呢。

KoledaKoleda: Hm... 1.2 seconds slower than predicted. Were you going easy on me, Commander?克莱妲：嗯……和我的计算相比，指挥官慢了1.2秒，是手下留情了吗？

KoledaKoleda: Out of the three possible responses, you actually chose to flee.克莱妲：三种反制方案，指挥官却选择了逃走。

KoledaKoleda: Were you worried that I'd actually kill you? Or were you just scared?克莱妲：担心我真的会谋杀你？还是害怕了？

Wedding Scene 1 婚礼剧情1

Commander...……

Koleda...……

Koleda...Yo! Commander.……呀！指挥官。

Commander...What exactly are you trying to achieve by forcing yourself to give me a cheerful greeting?……你这个故作开朗的招呼是什么意思？

KoledaWell, shouldn't my spirits be naturally lifted when I catch sight of the Commander I've been longing to see?看到最期待见到的指挥官，心情也不自觉变好了？

CommanderDon't change the subject, you know what I'm talking about.别岔开话题，你知道我想问什么的。

KoledaHm... Your heart rate increased by 12.8%. Did seeing this outfit... arouse something in you?嗯……指挥官的心跳加速了12.8%，应该是看到了我这身装扮，突然燃起了某种特殊的……激情吧？

CommanderPlease don't say things like that which could lead to misunderstandings...这种会让人误会的话还是别说了吧……

CommanderRather, it just reminded me of what happened back at that beach...不如说，只是让我想到了之前在沙滩上的时候……

Commander(Crap, I can feel the pain from being smacked in the head coming back—)（糟了，被球砸到的头痛感觉再次袭来了——）

KoledaYes, that's what I was talking about.嗯嗯，我指的就是这个哦。

KoledaWhat was going through your mind just now, Commander? What exactly set your heart aflutter?指挥官才是，刚才在想什么呢，心跳还在加速哦？

CommanderIt wasn't so much my heart racing as trying to avoid a remembered pain...比起心动，我认为那更像是一种疼痛带来的回避……

CommanderIn any case, I haven't seen you dressed like this in a long time. What are you up to?总之，很久没见你穿成这样了，要去做什么？

KoledaYou'll find out in a bit, Commander.待会指挥官自会知道的。

CommanderHm?嗯？

KoledaAh, I mean, I'm not going to do anything bad.啊，我是说，不是要做什么坏事哦。

CommanderBut... I don't think there's anything summer- or beach-related planned for today... Is there?但是今天没有什么……关于夏天与海边的活动吧。

KoledaHm... Even so, it would be better to be in a swimsuit if you're planning to get wet, right?嗯……话虽如此，但是如果要沾水的话，还是换上泳装方便一些吧？

CommanderLike I was saying... What exactly are you planning to do, Koleda?所以说……回答我的问题，克莱妲，你要去做什么？

KoledaEr... Go for a swim, maybe?呃……或许是打算去泳池游个泳呢？

KoledaSee, Klukai's having lots of fun swimming over there, isn't she?你看，可露凯不是很喜欢在那里游泳嘛。

CommanderSo you want to spar with her for a bit?你想和她切磋两招？

KoledaThat's not entirely out of the question. After all, I'm getting a little tired of wrestling with Voymastina all day.也未尝不可呢，整天和威玛西娜摔跤我也有些腻了。

CommanderAlright then, please yourself.好吧，那就随你便吧。

KoledaSee you in a bit, Commander.那么，待会见啦，指挥官。

Commander...It's not like I'm planning to go to the pool.……我又不打算去泳池。

KoledaHehe, does that even matter? Honestly, the fact that you're happy with this outfit of mine makes me look forward to it too.呵呵，那有什么关系嘛，看到你满意这身装扮，我也开始期待起来了呢。

Wedding Scene 2 婚礼剧情2

CommanderWhat's wrong? Why do you have that look on your face?怎么了，这副表情？

KoledaDo I look like I'm in trouble?我看起来很苦恼吗？

CommanderYou should really look at yourself in the mirror.你真该拿镜子照照自己的。

So you had a smoothie?所以，你吃了冰沙？

What brought on the desire to have an iced treat?怎么突然想起来吃冰品了？

KoledaUgh... Even though it was clearly a weakness of mine... my head feels like it's going to split open...嗯……明明这是我的弱点，头痛得要裂开了……

KoledaIt's strange. When did Voymastina's cooking skills improve this much? I couldn't resist having a couple of extra scoops.真是奇怪，威玛西娜的厨艺什么时候进步成这样了，连我都忍不住多吃了两口。

KoledaThe same reason why humans eat smoothies.和人类吃冰沙的原因一样。

CommanderWas it really that good?这么好吃吗？

KoledaWhat's this? Would you like to try some too?哎呀，指挥官也要尝尝吗？

Wedding Scene 3 婚礼剧情3

KoledaCommander? You have a very amusing look on your face.指挥官？您的表情很有趣呢。

CommanderHaven't you been wearing this swimsuit a little too often lately?你最近是不是穿这身泳装的次数有些频繁了？

KoledaNot used to it, Commander?指挥官不适应吗？

I keep worrying that you'll assault me again.我总担心你会再次袭击我。

Do you like dressing up like this?你很喜欢这身装扮吗？

KoledaAnd while you've been worrying about that, I've done nothing at all. That counts as a form of assault too, doesn't it?在你为此而担忧时，我却什么都没有做，也是一种袭击，不是吗？

KoledaFor instance... Mmm, your current emotional shifts are quite amusing.比如……嗯嗯，您现在的心情变化，就很有趣呢。

KoledaYour wish will be my... will be "DEFY's" wish as well.您的愿望也将是我的……是“忤逆”的愿望。

KoledaYour orders, please.请您下达命令吧。

KoledaI will complete the mission, no matter what it is.不论是什么任务，我都会完成。

Affinity Records 契合度记录

Record 1At some point more than a decade ago, the top-secret Tactical Doll development project known as the "Wolf Pack Project", spearheaded by Statesec and funded by an influential figure who now sits at the top of the URNC, officially began. Unit 2 was created during this period. Unlike her "older sisters", Koleda displayed exceptionally strong emotions from the very beginning of her existence. Ironically, although she was the most successful Doll to fully embody all of Samantha Shaw's technical philosophies, Shaw herself mercilessly judged her to be the biggest failure as a "weapon". In Shaw's view, a weapon should never possess personal emotions. She once argued with Angelia over how to handle the prototype AN-94, but Ange's sarcastic remarks during that argument unexpectedly became a source of inspiration. Whether out of defiance or simple curiosity toward the unknown, Dr. Shaw adopted an "entirely new approach" when developing the successor model, "Snow Wolf". The result of that new approach was a feature given to Koleda's "Wolf Eye System", which differentiated it from that of her predecessor, "White Mastiff". It was equipped with a switch designed to temporarily disable the integrated data collection system, allowing her to see the world normally. That single modification fundamentally transformed Koleda's personality. She became lively, spirited, and endlessly curious about everything around her. This also became the root of her conflict with AK-15. The increasingly intense clashes between them were quietly condoned by their creator in the spirit of scientific curiosity. In the end, determined to prove that she was in the right, Koleda challenged AK-15 to a private duel. Although she resorted to some trickery along the way, she ultimately emerged victorious. The consequences of that victory were profound. It not only indirectly led to AK-15's subsequent changes, but also positively influenced the prototype AN-94, helping her break free from the shackles of being merely a "prototype" to truly become an indispensable member of Task Force DEFY. Even more importantly, the inspiration she gave Shaw ultimately precipitated the creation of Unit 3 of Task Force DEFY, "Silver Fox". There was a time when everyone expected AK-12 to fail, but she excelled beyond their imagination. Even she herself couldn't imagine what it would be like when she truly "failed"—at least, not until the operation that completely changed her destiny.个人简介 在距今十几年前的某个时间点，由安全局主导、并获得如今罗联高层某位大人物投资的特级战术人形研发项目——“狼群计划”正式启动。在此期间，2号机诞生了。 与自己的“姐姐”们截然不同，克莱妲在诞生之初便展露出了极其强烈的个人情感。正因如此，作为集成了萨曼莎·肖所有技术理念的、最成功的“人形”，她却被肖本人毫不留情地评价为最失败的“武器”。 在肖的理念中，武器不该拥有个人情感，在针对原型机“AN94”的处理上，其便因此与安洁莉娅展开过一次争执，而在那次争执中，安洁讽刺的话语却成为了启迪肖的灵感，出于某种叛逆，亦或是对未知的好奇，在后续机型“雪狼”的开发中，肖博士采纳了一种“全新的做法”。 这种“全新的做法”带来的结果，就是克莱妲拥有的“狼眼”得到了与她的前身“雪獒”截然不同的功能——能够暂时关闭集成式数据收集系统，让其能够正常视物的“开关”，而仅仅是这样一个改动，便为克莱妲的个性带来了天翻地覆的变化：她活泼，灵性，且对世界的一切都充满了热忱的好奇心。 而这也成为了她与AK15矛盾的核心，而出于“验证”的心理，她们之间愈演愈烈的冲突也得到了创造者的默许。 最终，为了证明自己才是“正确”的那一方，克莱妲与AK-15进行了一场私下的对决。尽管过程中用上了些许取巧的手段，但克莱妲确实赢得了最终的胜利。 这场胜利带来的影响是深远的。它不仅间接促使了AK-15在后续发生改变，更对另一位成员——原型机AN-94产生了积极的正面影响，引导94挣脱了“原型机”的身份束缚，真正成为了忤逆小队不可或缺的一员。 甚至于，她为肖带来的启发，变相催生了名为“银狐”的忤逆3号机。 曾经，所有人都在等待着AK-12的失败，但她的优秀却击碎了所有人的想象。甚至连她自己都无法想象，自己真正迎来“失败”的那一天究竟会是何种光景——至少在那次改变命运的行动到来之前。

Record 2Among the members of Task Force DEFY, Koleda considered herself the Doll with the best sense of style. Normally, a squad leader's tastes would gradually influence the rest of the squad, just like the aliases Ange had chosen for them and the matching suits that she had custom-ordered. Koleda enjoyed wearing clothes that highlighted her individuality, and she regularly teased AK-15 for paying absolutely no attention to her appearance. "Come on, could you at least care a LITTLE about how you look?" "..." "Even if you know nothing about fashion, at least brush your hair, would you? I don't want to spend every day hanging around a disheveled female gorilla with the same hair color as mine." "...I don't need to." "Don't worry, 12. Leave this to me." The only response was the usual silence, followed by a certain someone's seemingly gentle attempt to mediate. Naturally, Koleda didn't think much of the incident. She and 15 bickered over countless trivial matters every day, although most of the time it was just Koleda teasing 15. A few days later, the squad was preparing for another mission. Koleda finished her prep as usual. It was only a routine assignment that she could easily handle on her own, but that certain "someone" contacted her to say that both 15 and she would be accompanying her. The door opened. That inexplicably irritating smiling face flashed past, followed by the familiar female gorilla... No, something was different. She was still wearing the same old tactical outfit, but her usually wild, unkempt long hair was now neatly groomed, with two small braids carefully woven on either side. "..." "Well? Doesn't 15 look a little closer to what you have in mind now?" "She's still a long way off, but I suppose she's just about evolved from being a gorilla." "Hehe~ You're actually quite pleased about this, aren't you?" "If you call this a pleased face, I suggest you ask Dr. Shaw to check your visual module this afternoon—" "Sure, I'll do that this afternoon. Now let's go, 12. It's time for our mission~"在忤逆小队中，克莱妲自认是那个最懂“审美”的人形。 通常来说，队长的品味多半会潜移默化地影响队员——就像安洁曾经为她们挑选的假名和统一定制的西服那样。克莱妲热衷于追求能彰显自身风格的服饰，并以此为依据，时不时调侃一番那个对自身外表毫不在意的AK-15。 “拜托，能不能请你稍微注意一下自己的形象？” “……” “就算你对穿搭一窍不通，好歹也打理一下头发吧？我可不想每天看一个顶着和我同色头发的母猩猩，在我面前披头散发地晃悠。” “……我不需要。” “好了前辈，这事就交给我吧。” 回答她的，只是一如既往的沉默，以及来自“某人”看似温和的调解。 克莱妲自然没有将这段插曲放在心上。她和15每天都会因为无数件鸡毛蒜皮的小事拌嘴，尽管绝大多数时候，这只是她单方面对15的戏弄罢了。 几天后，小队再次准备执行任务。克莱妲一如既往地做好了万全的准备。这本只是一个简单的常规任务，理论上单人出动绰绰有余。但“某人”却发来通讯，声称15和她也要一同前往。 门开了。那张令人莫名生厌的笑脸一晃而过，紧接着走进来的，是那个打扮依旧的母猩猩——不，似乎有哪里不一样了。 虽然身上还是那套老旧的战术服，但平日里狂野披散的长发却被打理得十分柔顺，甚至还颇具巧思地编起了一束麻花辫。 “……” “怎么样？前辈，15现在的样子，有没有更符合你心中的预期？” “那还差得远了——不过就她而言，至少勉强算脱离母猩猩的范畴了吧。” “呵呵~明明前辈心里很开心呢。” “如果你觉得这叫开心，我建议你下午就去找肖复查一下你的视觉模块——” “好的，我下午就去。那么走吧，前辈，我们该去执行任务了~”

Record 3There was one person in Task Force DEFY whom Koleda genuinely despised. That was an undeniable fact. As DEFY's leader, Koleda had absolute confidence in her own abilities. That confidence was not baseless arrogance, but pride in the role she fulfilled. Although she and AK-15 often clashed over minor matters, that was merely everyday bickering and never developed into genuine resentment. Koleda once believed she could easily accept and accommodate every member's personal quirks. —That was, until SHE came along. Ever since the short-haired Doll with the perpetual smile joined the team, Koleda had found her utterly inscrutable. Unlike Koleda herself, whose trademark smile was simply a mask, that Doll never bothered to conceal the dangerous nature lurking beneath her cheerful persona. What irritated Koleda even more was that almost nobody else bothered to question her abnormal behavior. Most people simply dismissed it as her peculiar sense of humor, but Koleda recognized very early on that it was far more than harmless mischief. She was nothing like the gentle Alva or the taciturn Voymastina. Every word she spoke concealed a barb, constantly probing and challenging Koleda's limits. It was also the first time in Koleda's life that she lost a battle of words. To this day, she would occasionally recall that conversation she loathed so deeply. It was the first time her neural cloud ever experienced an emotion called "regret". "Out of everyone in Task Force DEFY, you really are the one who knows me best."克莱妲讨厌忤逆小队里的某个人，这是毋庸置疑的事实。 作为忤逆的队长，克莱妲对自身的优秀有着绝对的自信。这种自信并非空中楼阁般的傲慢，而是源于她以“忤逆队长”这一身份为荣的底气。虽然日常总会与AK-15发生些小摩擦，但那不过是日常中的调剂，从未真正衍生过负面情绪。克莱妲曾确信，自己能够游刃有余地包容并接纳所有队员的个性。 ——直到“某人”的出现。 自从那个总是挂着浅笑的短发人形加入队伍后，克莱妲发现，自己几乎从未看透对方的想法。与同样习惯用招牌微笑作为面具的自己不同，那个人形从不掩饰其性格中危险的底色。 更令克莱妲感到不悦的是，几乎没有其他人愿意去深究“某人”的异常，大家大多只是单纯地觉得“某人”有些恶趣味罢了。但克莱妲很早就敏锐地察觉到，那绝不仅仅是“恶趣味”那么简单。 “某人”与温柔的埃芙不同，也与闷葫芦般的威玛西娜截然两样。她那绵里藏针的言辞，无时无刻不在试探并挑衅着克莱妲的底线。 那也是克莱妲生平第一次，在言语交锋中落入了下风。时至今日，克莱妲偶尔还会回想起那场令她极度生厌的谈话，那也是她心智中首次品尝到名为“悔恨”的情绪。 “前辈，才是忤逆之中，最了解我的存在。”

Record 4Koleda neither particularly liked nor disliked cats. AN-94 often brought cat food with her to feed the stray cats outside the base. At first, 94 startled whenever the cats made any sudden movements, but over time she came to treasure those quiet moments spent with the little animals. Since both Dr. Shaw and AK-15 were so intimidating they'd scare away the cats simply by walking past, it naturally fell to Koleda to come along whenever AN-94 needed someone to accompany her. "You really like these little things, don't you?" "They're adorable, aren't they?" Koleda watched a calico cat happily expose its belly while enjoying 94's pats, then glanced down at the orange kitten rubbing frantically against her legs. "Well? Aren't they cute?" 94 looked up at her expectantly. "Cute?" "They're super cute. Their fur is so soft, their ears are so delicate, and most importantly, they have such interesting personalities. They're wary of strangers at first, but once they get used to you, they become completely affectionate, just like they are now." Koleda bent down, picked up the orange kitten, and held it at eye level. The kitten appeared to have been born only recently, yet it showed no fear at all. It stared directly into Koleda's eyes while letting out tiny, soft meows. Koleda loosened her grip slightly. The kitten landed lightly on the ground, then ran straight back to 94, and joined the fray to compete for the cat food. Koleda let out a little snicker. She still couldn't fully understand what's so adorable about cats, but at least in this moment, she got to see a rare, genuine smile on AN-94's face. "Hmph... Perhaps they are a little cute after all."克莱妲对猫谈不上喜欢，但也绝对算不上讨厌。 AN-94经常会带着猫粮出门，去喂养基地外流浪的野猫。最初的94还会因为野猫突如其来的动作而感到惊吓，但久而久之，她开始享受这段与小动物们相处的静谧时光。 因为肖博士和AK-15的气场过于生人勿近，只要路过就会吓跑好不容易聚集起来的猫群。于是，当AN-94需要有人陪同去喂猫时，那个站在她身边的人，自然而然地变成了克莱妲。 “你还真是喜欢这种小东西。” “很可爱，对吧？” 克莱妲注视着面前正翻着肚皮、心安理得享受着94抚摸的三花猫，又低头瞥了一眼正在自己脚边疯狂蹭来蹭去的橘黄色幼猫。 “怎么样？是不是很可爱？”94抬起头，眼神中带着些许期待。 “可爱吗？” “很可爱呀。毛发很柔顺，耳朵小小的，最关键的是性格很有趣。它们最初可能会对生人保持极高的戒备，可一旦熟悉之后，就会像现在这样毫无保留地示好。” 克莱妲弯腰抱起脚边的橘猫，将它举到与自己视线平齐的高度端详着。 小橘猫看起来出生没多久，却一点也不怯生，直勾勾地盯着克莱妲，嘴里发出细碎软糯的喵叫声。 克莱妲手上的力道稍稍松了些，橘猫便轻巧地落地，迅速窜回94身边，挤进同伴中抢夺起猫粮。 克莱妲撇了撇嘴。她依然无法完全共情猫咪所谓的“可爱”之处，但至少，此时此刻能看到AN-94在基地里露出难得一见的纯粹笑容。 “哼——或许确实有那么几分可爱吧。”

Record 5Over the past ten years, Koleda had repeatedly asked Nele to study her current frame. However, Nele was never able to make heads or tails of it. The intricacy of the frame and the technologies contained within it were beyond her understanding. Perhaps dismantling it completely would make analysis possible, but for Koleda, this frame was indispensable. "It's built upon Paradeus technology, combined with Dr. Shaw's own designs. Even your Wolf Eye differs from the original version." Koleda would openly express her hatred for this frame whenever she got the chance. Its origins, its technology, its appearance—above all, the one who designed and created it—all made her feel sick. Her disgust was especially at its peak ten years ago, when she was first given this frame. Almost everyone, including Alva, thought she would eventually abandon it. But she never did. For an entire decade, she survived countless hopeless battles and led DEFY through many difficult situations with this frame. Alva loathed the sight of the exposed mechanical framework, so she had some bionic skin specially commissioned to cover it up and restore Koleda's former appearance as much as possible. That was the only real modification that had been made to the frame, nothing else. These days, Koleda no longer talked about how much she hated this frame. Sometimes she even made fun of herself with an open smile. She seemed to have finally let it go. The Commander, having been separated from her for so long, was utterly oblivious to this change. But Alva seemed deeply moved. The Snow Wolf she admired and loved appeared to be slowly returning. Just like the uninhibited smile blooming once more upon the face of this frame.十年来，克莱妲曾经多次让奈乐对她现有的这具素体进行研究。 然而，面对这具素体，奈乐始终无从下手。它的精细度，以及包含的技术，每一项都让奈乐感到难以理解——也许如果能够将它彻底拆开进行解析，情况会有所不同，但对现在的克莱妲来说，这具素体是不可或缺的。 “它本身建立在帕拉蒂斯的技术之上，又结合了肖博士的设计，包括这对狼眼，都和最初的版本有所不同。” 尽管她只要找到机会，就会毫不犹豫地吐露对这具素体的厌恶，不论是它的来源，它使用的技术，它的外形——更重要的，是亲手设计并制造了这具素体的那个人，每一样都让克莱妲感到反胃。 尤其是在十年前，她刚刚得到这具素体的时候，这种厌恶感几乎达到了顶峰，以至于几乎每个人，包括埃芙在内，都以为她迟早会放弃这具素体。 然而她却没有。 整整十年，她依靠着这具素体，闯过了许多难以跨越的修罗场，并为忤逆小队驱散了诸多迷雾。 除却埃芙终于因无法忍受，而特意为她裸露的机械结构定制了可覆盖的仿生皮肤，以力求让她尽可能还原过去的形象以外，一切都毫无改变。 直到最近，她似乎再也没有提起过自己有多么讨厌这具素体，甚至有时，她还会带着爽朗的笑容，自己开些自己的玩笑，仿佛真的放下了执念。 指挥官与她分离的时间太久，所以浑然不觉。 但埃芙似乎十分感动。 她过去所敬仰和喜爱的雪狼，似乎真的在慢慢回归。 就像她用这具素体，再次绽放出的放肆笑容一样。

Record 6Koleda absolutely loved practical jokes. Everyone aboard the Elmo—indeed, everyone who knew her anywhere in the world—was well aware of this, largely because she never made the slightest effort to hide it. "Commander, here's the brief for the next operation." "Right. Leave it there... Alva, I'll read it later." I answered absentmindedly and instinctively glanced toward Alva beside me, only to realize that instead of leaving after finishing her report, she remained standing where she was, wearing a somewhat flirtatious smile as she quietly watched me. "Uh... Alva? Is something else the matter?" "Hehe... Commander." Alva slowly walked toward me. She plucked the pen from my hand, leaned forward slightly, and brought her face closer and closer. "You promised you'd treat me like a kitty, remember?" The atmosphere was thick with tension. Helplessly, I raised a hand to stop her face from getting any closer and let out a sigh. "...Could you stop doing things like this while wearing Alva's face, Koleda?" "Aww, busted already? As expected of you, Commander!" "Alva" straightened up, revealing a mischievous grin that the real Alva would never wear. "How did you figure it out?" "I mean... it's not like you even bothered to hide it. Alva would never talk like that... Anyway, could you change back first?" With a nonchalant shrug, "Alva" casually removed the flowing cloak "Winterfrost" draped over her shoulders, deactivated the optical camouflage covering her body, and reverted to her original appearance. "No matter how many times I see it, this technology is unbelievable..." "Of course it is. I went to a great deal of trouble to develop it years ago so I could perfectly masquerade as you and cause absolute chaos inside the URNC government headquarters." "So you're to blame for my terrible reputation." "Haha~ You're already the URNC's most wanted criminal, and you still care about your reputation?" I could only snort and shake my head. On the Elmo, the only one capable of overcoming AK-12 in a verbal duel was probably Dandelion. "Then I'll be off, Commander~ Oh, and by the way, that really is a mission brief that I just gave you." Koleda left the office wearing a triumphant smile. I rubbed my temples and picked up my pen, ready to get back to work. Just then, the office door opened once again. "What now, Koleda? Did you forget someth—" Assuming Koleda had come back, I looked up, only to find Alva standing there, looking genuinely puzzled. "Uh... Koleda?" "Commander, I just passed Koleda in the corridor. Were you looking for her?" I narrowed my eyes and carefully studied every micro-expression on Alva's face, searching for the slightest giveaway. There wasn't one. Alva's face was gentle and serene as always. Maybe... this was actually the real Alva? No. After what just happened, I couldn't let my guard down. "It's nothing... Koleda just pulled a prank on me, so I thought she'd come back for another round." Pretending to get myself a glass of water, I casually walked over beside Alva, quietly reaching behind her. I clearly saw Koleda remove "Winterfrost" and leave it there earlier... Except my hand grabbed nothing but air. "Not again... I'll remind her later not to overdo it. She shouldn't keep wasting your valuable time... Commander, what's wrong with your hand?" "Uh, nothing. Just flexing my joints..." I awkwardly withdrew my hand and leaned against the desk, trying to hide my embarrassingly clumsy little test. "...I'm actually quite happy that I finally got to chat with Koleda like this again after so long." "She was just complaining to me that you're as hard to read as a cat. But if you ask me, she's the one who behaves like a lonely stray cat. Just... don't tell her I said that, or she'll probably come up with another way to torment me." "..." "So... what did you need, Alv—" Before I even finished, I saw the corners of "Alva's" lips curl into that all-too-familiar wicked smile. That was when the penny dropped. "Oh my~ So that's how you really see me, Commander? In that case... would you like me to meow for you~?" ...Great. I fell for it again.克莱妲非常喜欢恶作剧，这是全艾莫号——乃至全世界所有认识她的人都清楚的事，同时，也是因为她本人从来没有半点遮掩的打算。 “指挥官，这是接下来任务的简报。” “嗯，放那吧……埃芙，我稍后就看。” 我随口应着，下意识地瞟了一眼身边的埃芙，却发现她并没有像往常那样汇报完就离开，而是站在原地，脸上挂着一抹堪称妩媚的微笑，定定地看着我。 “呃，埃芙？还有什么事吗？” “呵呵……指挥官。” 埃芙迈着缓慢的步子向我逼近。她抽走我手中的笔，上身微微前倾，脸庞越靠越近。 “您明明答应过，要把我当作猫咪一样对待的呀——” 空气中的暧昧几乎要凝结成实体。我无奈地伸出手，按住了那张即将贴上来的脸，叹了口气。 “……你能不能不要顶着埃芙的脸做这种事，克莱妲。” “哎呀，这么快就被拆穿了吗？不愧是指挥官呢！” “埃芙”直起身子，脸上露出了一个绝对不可能出现在她本尊身上的恶趣味笑容。 “指挥官是怎么发现破绽的？” “与其问我是怎么发现的……不如说你就没打算好好藏着吧。埃芙怎么可能用那种语气说话……呃，总之，你能不能先变回来？” “埃芙”无所谓地耸了耸肩，随手扯下披在身上的“冬霜”，又解除了覆盖在表层的光学伪装，恢复了原本的模样。 “不管看几次，都觉得这项技术实在太离谱了……” “那当然，这可是我当年为了完美扮成您，好去罗联政府大楼大闹一场时，绞尽脑汁琢磨出来的独家技术呢。” “原来我的风评这么差，都是你害的啊。” “呵呵~明明您已经是罗联最大的通缉犯了，还在乎风评吗~” 我苦笑着摇了摇头。在这个艾莫号上，想在言语交锋中压制住AK-12，恐怕只有丹德莱能做到了。 “那我就先撤了，指挥官~顺带一提，我刚才给您的那份任务报告可是真的哦？” 克莱妲带着得逞的笑意走出了办公室。我揉了揉眉心，重新拿起笔准备工作。 就在这时，办公室的门再一次被推开。 “怎么了？克莱妲，落东西了……” 我以为是克莱妲去而复返，但抬起头，映入眼帘的却是满脸疑惑的埃芙。 “呃……克莱妲？” “指挥官，克莱妲刚刚在走廊和我擦肩而过。您是在找她吗？” 我眯起眼睛，仔细审视着眼前埃芙的微表情，试图从任何细枝末节中揪出破绽。但回应我的，只有埃芙那张挑不出任何毛病的、温柔且平静的脸。 难道说……这次真的是埃芙本尊？ 不，有了前车之鉴，绝不能掉以轻心。 “没事……因为刚才克莱妲又跑来恶作剧，我以为是她又杀了个回马枪。” 我站起身，假装去倒水，自然地走到埃芙身侧，手悄无声息地向她身后探去。我刚刚可是亲眼看着克莱妲把“冬霜”扯下来放在那里的——结果，我的手在空气中扑了个空。 “克莱妲又在恶作剧了吗？回头我会提醒她，让她注意分寸，不要总是耽误指挥官的宝贵时间……指挥官，您的手怎么了？” “啊，没事没事，活动一下关节……” 我尴尬地收回手，不自然地靠在办公桌边缘，试图掩饰刚才那滑稽的试探举动。 “……能像这样和克莱妲久违地聊上几句，我也挺开心的。” “她刚才还向我抱怨，说你的性格简直像猫一样难以捉摸。但在我看来，那家伙自己才像是一只怕寂寞的野猫呢——啊，这话可千万别告诉她，我怕她又想出什么新点子来折腾我。” “……” “所以，到底有什么事吗？埃芙——” 话音未落，我眼睁睁地看着面前这位“埃芙”的嘴角，勾起了一个熟悉且恶劣的上扬弧度。 那一瞬间，我全明白了。 “哎呀~原来指挥官私下里是这样看待我的呀？那作为补偿……要不要我给您‘喵’一下~？” ……很好，我又中计了。

Record 7Koleda's personal ride was called Sinveiler. Unlike Voymastina's Sinbreaker, this luxurious sports car was designed and built entirely by Nele—at least, that was what Koleda claimed at first. "To be fair... it isn't entirely original. We drew inspiration from things such as this." The flowing, immaculate cloak called "Winterfrost", designed to work in conjunction with Koleda's frame, was the key component that allowed her to disappear completely from sight. "If we're strictly talking about invisibility, 'Winterfrost' plays an even more crucial role than my own frame. It can render not only me, but also Alva, Voymastina, and even you, Commander, invisible." "Of course, if I want to take it one step further, then my frame also comes into play. But for ordinary situations, invisibility is already more than enough." By studying the cloak, Nele eventually incorporated its optical camouflage system into the entire bodywork of Sinveiler, giving the sports car the same concealment capabilities as Koleda herself. The end result seemed similar to Ullrid's optical camouflage, but after discussing it with both Ullrid and Koleda, they each insisted the underlying principles were completely different... There were apparently countless technical distinctions, but I knew absolutely nothing about that sort of science; their technobabble just went straight over my head, so I eventually gave up trying to understand. "Besides invisibility, the car has plenty of other features. Thanks to turbocharging and specially designed tires, it can briefly drive straight up vertical surfaces. It's also one enormous command console that amplifies my electronic warfare capabilities..." The way Koleda enthusiastically rattled off feature after feature made it obvious how much she adored the vehicle. "So... after hearing all that, how about going for a drive with me?" "Huh?" "What do you mean, 'huh?' Why do you think I've been talking for so long? Come on, get in. I'll show you just how incredible the greatest sports car in the world really is!" "W-wait! Don't drag me—" If you must ask for my thoughts afterward... I must say Koleda was not exaggerating in the slightest. It truly deserved to be called the "greatest". The only problem was that once the car started moving against gravity, Dolls might not notice much—but for a human, the physical strain was a little overwhelming. I got carsick.克莱妲的座驾，名叫“隐罪者”，与威玛西娜的“断罪者”不同，这辆看起来十分豪华的高级跑车，从设计到制作，都纯粹是奈乐的原创作品——至少最开始的时候，克莱妲是这么说的。 “一定要说的话，也不是完全没有借鉴，比如说这个。“ 与克莱妲的素体配套的配件，那条犹如流水般丝滑、干净的，名为“冬霜”的披风，是克莱妲的身体能够彻底消失，在人们的视野中“隐形”的重要部件。 “如果只说‘隐身’这一项功能的话，冬霜的作用甚至大于我的素体，不止是我本人，就连我的伙伴，比如说埃芙和威玛西娜——甚至连指挥官你，也都可以在别人的视线中消失。” “当然，要做到更进一步的事，那就必须和我的素体搭配了~但对一般情况来说，隐身也足够应付了。” 因此，经过对这条披风的研究，最终，奈乐将其具备的光学迷彩功能覆盖在了整个“隐罪者”的外壳上，让这辆跑车也具备了和克莱妲一样的隐匿功能。 从结果上来看，似乎和乌尔丽德拥有的光学迷彩是相同的东西，但在经过交流之后，不论是乌尔丽德还是克莱妲，都跟我说原理大相径庭，有许多不同之处……我并不懂这方面的科学，所以也听不明白她们的解释，只能索性放弃。 “除了隐身之外，这辆车还有很多功能，比如利用涡轮增压和特殊的轮胎，让它可以短暂地在垂直的道路上爬行，另外，它也是个巨大的中控台，可以帮助我增幅电子战的能力……” 从克莱妲喋喋不休地向我介绍的样子里，很明显能够看出她对这辆车的喜爱。 “所以，说了这么多，要不要跟我出去兜兜风？” “啊？” “怎么这副反应啊~不然你以为，我在这里絮叨了半天是为了什么？来吧，上车，我带你体验体验，这辆全世界最棒的跑车跑起来有多迷人！” “等，等一下，别拽我——” 如果要问我事后的感想，那就是克莱妲对这辆车的吹嘘没有半个字是夸张的，它的确配得上“最棒”的评价。 只是，当车子以反重力的形式开始移动时，人形大概没什么明显的感觉，但对人类来说，压力还是有些过大了。 我有点晕车。

Record 8That day, I stayed behind in the office as usual to deal with unfinished work. The surroundings were unusually quiet because everyone else was out on assignments. Too quiet. I clearly remembered leaving the signed document on the corner of my desk. Yet when I reached for it again, I found it sitting on top of the filing cabinet—a place I could barely reach even standing on tiptoe. At first, I assumed I simply misremembered. Then the pen resting on my desk suddenly rolled onto the floor right before my eyes. There wasn't a breath of wind in the room. "...Koleda." Without looking up, I addressed the apparently empty office. "I know it's you." A brief silence answered me. Then a familiar voice, clearly amused, drifted over from somewhere I couldn't pinpoint. "Oh dear, you got me already. Your instincts are as sharp as ever, Commander." "You weren't even trying to hide... How long have you been in my office?" "Hmm... Since about the time you let out your third sigh while staring at the same report?" I stopped writing. Not only had she been hiding here, she was watching me work the entire time. "Come on out. Being watched while I work doesn't feel very nice." "Don't want to." Her voice circled lazily around me like a cat wandering through the room. "Isn't this more fun? I can see you, but you can't see me. Has that blonde lady never played this game with you?" "Ullrid isn't nearly this childish." I tried grabbing toward her voice. Naturally, I caught nothing. Sometimes she whispered beside my ear, making me jump; the next moment she was somewhere across the room. "Commander... what do you think it feels like..." She suddenly changed the subject, still sounding perfectly casual. "To disappear completely from everyone's sight the way we can?" "...What are you trying to say?" "When it comes to Miss Ullrid's ability and my 'Winterfrost', the principles may be different, but the result is the same. If I want to, nobody can find me. Nobody can see me. For Dolls like us, it's an incredibly useful ability." Her voice drifted toward the window and grew quieter. I guessed she was standing there. Or perhaps she only wanted me to think so? "So... if one day I really disappeared, leaving no trace behind... would anyone notice? Or would they only realize I wasn't here after I'd already gone far, far away?" The office suddenly fell silent. I lowered the hand I'd been using to pretend-catch her. "Someone would notice." I looked toward the empty space where her voice was coming from. "At the very least, Alva, Voymastina... and I would know immediately." "..." "You may no longer be the leader of Task Force DEFY... Still, not just us, everyone who's met you—Colphne, Mayling... they'll all remember you. Whether you simply hide yourself away or truly disappear, nobody will forget you." I paused. "No matter how well you hide, I'll find you." For a brief moment, the air itself seemed to stop. Then I heard her familiar carefree laugh again. "...Pfft... Hahaha, Commander, why are you taking this so seriously?" As she spoke, the flowing cloak parted in midair, and Koleda reappeared by the window, one hand resting casually on the windowsill, that flawless trademark mischievous smile once again on her face. "Watching you try to comfort me so earnestly was actually pretty entertaining. Seeing that expression alone makes this little visit worthwhile." I looked at her and quietly sighed. "Alright. Now that you've had your fun..." I picked up my pen again. "Would you mind putting the document you hid on top of the cabinet back where it belongs?" "C'mon, wouldn't climbing up there yourself be better exercise? I was only looking out for your health, Commander~" "Koleda." "Fine. I'll put it back."那一天，我照常在深夜的办公室里处理还未解决的工作，因为其他人都被我派了出去，所以周围显得格外安静。 安静到有些不对劲。 我记得很清楚，自己把那份签好的文件压在了桌角，可当我再伸手去拿时，它却出现在了文件柜的最上层——那是个我得踮起脚才勉强够得着的位置。 起初我以为是自己记错了，直到搁在桌上的笔在我眼皮底下“啪”地一声滚落到地上。 房间里没有风。 “……克莱妲。”我没有抬头，对着空无一人的办公室开口。“我知道是你。” 回应我的是一阵短暂的沉默，随后，一个熟悉的、噙着笑意的声音从某个我判断不出的方位飘了过来。 “哎呀，这么快就被发现了。指挥官的直觉还是一如既往地敏锐呢。” “你根本没有打算藏吧……你在我办公室待了多久了？” “唔——大概，从你对着同一份报告叹第三口气的时候算起？” 我停下笔。这家伙不仅藏在这里，还一直在看我办公。 “出来吧。被人盯着干活可不是什么愉快的体验。” “不要。”那声音轻飘飘的，绕着我打转，像一只在屋里逡巡的猫。“现在这样不是挺好的吗？我能看见你，你却看不见我——这种感觉，可比平时有意思多了，那位金发的小姐难道没有这么玩过吗？” “乌尔丽德才没这么无聊呢。” 我试着循声去抓，自然是扑了个空。她的声音忽左忽右，偶尔贴近我耳边，惊得我一激灵，下一秒又退到了房间的另一头。 “指挥官，你觉得……”她忽然换了个话题，语气还是那副漫不经心的样子，“像我们这样，能在别人的视线里彻底消失，是种什么样的体验？” “……你想说什么？” “你说的那位乌尔丽德小姐，还有我的冬霜，原理虽然不同，结果却是一样的——只要我愿意，谁都找不到我，谁都看不见我。对我们这种身份的‘人形’来说，这简直是再实用不过的本事了。” 她的声音飘到了窗边，慢了下来。我想，她大概现在正站在那里，又或者只是在诱导我？ “所以……如果哪天我真就这么消失了，连一点痕迹都没留下，你们会有人发现吗？还是说，要等我已经走了好远好远之后，才会发现我已经不在了？” 办公室忽然静了下来。 我放下了那只假装去抓她的手。 “会有人注意到的。”我看着那片声音传来的、空荡荡的方向，认真地说，“起码埃芙，威玛西娜……还有我，都会马上就发现的。” “……” “虽然你现在已经不是忤逆的队长了……但是不止是我们，只要和你接触过的人，寇尔芙，美玲……她们都会牢牢记得你，就算你消失不见，不管是你自己躲起来还是真的离开了，她们也不会忘记你。” 我顿了顿。 “就算你藏得再好，我也找得到。” 空气里有一瞬间的凝滞。 然后，那道我熟悉的、轻佻的笑声重新响了起来。 “……噗，哈哈，指挥官，这么认真干什么？” 随着话音，那条流水般的披风从虚空中被掀开，克莱妲的身影重新出现在窗边。她单手撑着窗台，脸上又挂回了那副无懈可击的、招牌的恶劣笑容。 “能看到你一脸认真地哄我的样子，倒是挺好玩的——光是能看到这样的表情，这趟也不算白来了。” 我看着她，轻轻叹了口气。 “行了，既然玩够了。”我重新拿起笔，“麻烦你把那份藏到柜子顶上的文件放回来。” “哎呀，亲自爬上去拿，不是更有锻炼效果吗？我这可是特地为指挥官的健康着想——” “克莱妲。” “好的，我这就放回来。”

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.