Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium 少女前线2：追放 › Doll stories
OTs-14
7 chapters · 595 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.
Open in the Elmo Library readerChapters
Burning Heart, Sleepless Night 1 炽心无眠1
Read this chapter with voices →(Daytime, Yellow Zone, Elmo Ops Room)（白天，黄区，艾莫号指挥室）
CommanderThat's all for today. Groza, could you go over the combat reports for me?那今天的事情就到这里，闪电，作战报告帮我整理一下。
GrozaUnderstood—谨遵指令——
(—?)（——？）
(As Groza reaches for the documents, a sudden chill stops us both in our steps.)（就在闪电准备接过我手中的文件时，空气似乎凝结了。）
OTs-14...……
(Somehow, the documents intended for Groza wind up in OTs-14's hands instead.)（本该被交给闪电的文件，被OTs-14自然而然地接在了手中。）
Groza...……
(Awkwardness pervades the room, and the silence makes it all the worse.)（空气中的沉默和尴尬正在发酵。）
(Of course, it would be a lie to say that they don't know what went wrong. Their stiff expressions say it all. However, it's as if whoever speaks first will lose their dignity in turn.)（但显然，她们二人都意识到了情况出现了一些问题，比气氛更加僵硬的是她们的动作。）
Commander...Guess I'll leave it to "Groza", then.那就拜托“闪电”了。
(Unable to bear the awkward silence any longer, I hand all the reports to OTs-14.)（我率先打破了这场稍显突兀的沉默，将作战报告送向了OTs-14的手中。）
OTs-14...Mmm.……嗯。
(Upon receiving the reports, OTs-14 merely nods instead of responding as she normally would. I can't help but feel that's the last shred of composure she has left, considering she practically flees from the room immediately afterward.)（接过文件后，OTs-14也只是点了点头，并没有像往日一样回应我。我不由得猜测，这已经是她最后的冷静了，因为紧接着，她便像逃离似地离开了这里。）
(After all, this isn't the first time something like this has happened.)（因为——这种情况并不是第一次发生了。）
Groza(I turn to Groza, and her expression already gives away her thoughts. Only once OTs-14 is out of earshot does she finally speak up.)（我看向闪电，她的表情早已经暴露了她的想法。直到OTs-14走远后，闪电才缓缓开口。）
GrozaCommander... You noticed too, didn't you?指挥官……你发现了吧？
(Unsurprisingly, I'm not the only one who picked up on it.)（果不其然，意识到这件事的并不是只有我一个。）
CommanderOTs-14 has been acting a little strange lately.OTs-14最近有些奇怪。
CommanderDuring yesterday's training... well, she started issuing orders to Krolik and Nemesis.我记得昨天的训练——她好像也对克罗丽科和纳美西丝下达了一些指令。
CommanderAnd from the look on her face, that most likely came to her instinctively.不过从她说话的表情来看，大概是无意中所做出来的。
GrozaRight... and those two were only taken aback briefly before obeying her commands.嗯……不过，她们二人倒是只僵硬了几秒就照做了。
(I glance at the cup of coffee that sits upon the table—her doing. Its aroma fills my senses with all perfection it can muster, at a temperature just right to my liking. It is no stretch of the imagination to say that she knows me inside out, preferences and all.)（我看向桌子上的那杯咖啡，那正是OTs-14今天为我冲泡的。从交到我手上的那一刻，就是最适宜的温度，无论是口感还是香气都无可挑剔，显然，她对我的口味再熟悉不过了。）
(All was perfect, but... I asked Groza to brew it for me. Not her.)（唯一的不足之处大概只有——我原本是让闪电帮我冲泡的……）
CommanderThe same thing happened to Mayling as well...还有上次对美玲也是……
(When Mayling stormed into the ops room to air her grievances a few days ago, OTs-14 ended up calmly listening to her and patted her head.)（我的思绪回到数天前，美玲冲进指挥室抱怨的时候，她一身的怨念被OTs-14接住，随后，美玲的头就这样被轻抚着。）
GrozaHehe. I also reached out to help, but I was a step behind her.呵呵，当时我也伸出了手哦，不过，还是慢了一步呢。
CommanderMayling resisted for a moment, but ultimately accepted her goodwill.那个时候……虽然美玲僵硬了一瞬间，好在最后她还是接受了。
GrozaI believe that's just a sign OTs-14's relationship with everyone is improving.这也说明，OTs-14和大家的关系也正在变好吧？
CommanderThe same applies to you, Groza. You two have been reporting to the ops room together lately. I'd say your relationship is well beyond just "improving".你也是，最近经常和她一起来指挥室吧？关系已经不只是变好的程度了。
CommanderTake what just happened as an example. You handled it well.像刚才那种情况——你也能处理得很好。
(Upon hearing my words, a smile makes itself known on Groza's face.)（听到我这么说，闪电笑了起来。）
GrozaOh my, Commander. So you never noticed?啊呀，指挥官不知道吗？
GrozaEveryone around us realized... that the three of us are always together now.其他人早就发现了……我们三个经常在一起哦？
(—Ah. A moment flashes before my eyes.)（——我回忆起来了。）
(When we were testing a new dish last time and forgot to invite Mayling over, she got mad and shouted, "You three can just spend the rest of your lives together then! Don't bother calling me again!")（上次我们准备新的菜品，忘记喊美玲试吃了，她还生气地说：“你们三个人就过一辈子吧，不用喊我了！”）
CommanderNow that I think about it, yeah...……好像确实是这样。
GrozaRight?是吧？
CommanderThough... OTs-14 still doesn't seem to fit in well with everyone.不过，OTs-14似乎还是有些……没那么完全融入。
(I glance at where OTs-14 stood just moments ago. A vacancy meets my eyes, with nary a sign that anyone has been there at all.)（我看向OTs-14刚刚站过的位置，那里空荡荡的，没有留下任何她存在过的痕迹。）
(Though we three may seem to get along well, eyes are the window to the soul. Within OTs-14's eyes is a tangled mess of emotions that she keeps to herself.)（但她的眼神——却明显地出卖了她真实的情绪，看上去三个人相处十分和谐，但OTs-14的内心始终带有一些不能宣之于口的别扭情绪。）
(Groza smiles and nods, having figured out what I was thinking.)（闪电微笑着点点头，像是已经看穿了我的想法一样。）
GrozaHehe, I know what you mean. You want to help her feel at home, don't you, Commander?呵呵，我明白，指挥官想帮助她融入艾莫号吧。
GrozaAnd by the sound of it, you already have a plan in mind.既然指挥官这么说，看样子是有什么打算了？
CommanderNothing escapes your eyes, Groza.果然瞒不过闪电啊。
CommanderI'm thinking—我打算——
OTs-14...What?……什么？
CommanderYou don't want to?不愿意吗？
(As I convey the plans I have in mind, shock spreads across OTs-14's face.)（在我把我的想法告诉OTs-14时，我却在她的脸上看见了惊讶。）
OTs-14...No, just a little surprised.……怎么会，我只是有点意外。
CommanderJust in case, let me reiterate—OTs-14, I want you to be my adjutant, as well as Team Groza's leader, for a time.我再重复一遍吧，OTs-14，我想让你先担任一段时间的副官，兼任闪电小队的队长。
(Without a doubt, this is the fastest way to help OTs-14 readjust to life aboard Elmo while saving her from whatever awkward situations she may happen upon while doing so.)（毫无疑问，对于如今并不适应艾莫号生活的OTs-14来说，这是最快能让她融入这里的办法，也能让她避免不少尴尬的情况。）
(Now with Groza's approval, I'm further convinced that this is the way to go.)（得到了闪电的支持后，我更加确信了这件事非做不可。）
OTs-14Hehe...呵呵……
(At those words, OTs-14's expression softens into a nostalgic smile, as though some long-buried memory has just resurfaced.)（听到这句话，她像是想起了什么一样，露出了一个怀念的微笑。）
CommanderWhat is it?怎么了？
OTs-14Nothing, Commander. I just remembered... what you said to me years ago, when I first came onboard the Elmo.没什么，指挥官，我只是想到了……几年前，我刚到艾莫号的时候，你对我说的话。
(Oh, she means that.)（哦，她指的是那件事。）
CommanderGroza... there's something I need to tell you.闪电，有件事……我希望和你商量一下。
CommanderEven though we only have three people on the Elmo right now, in the future... I might end up recruiting more Dolls onto our team. Therefore, I'd like you to become the leader of our Doll complement.艾莫号虽然现在只有三个人，但今后……我或许还会招募人形，所以，从现在起，我希望你能成为小队的队长。
(That's right, I personally requested her to become the Elmo's very first team leader.)（没错，我曾经亲自邀请她，成为艾莫号上的第一位队长。）
(But that memory isn't hers alone—it's shared with the other "Groza", who had been birthed from the same neural cloud and now lives her own life.)（只不过，这份记忆并不是只有她一个人拥有，另一位“闪电”也有着同样的记忆，并以相同的心智生活着。）
Commander...Yeah.……是啊。
CommanderEver since then, you've fulfilled your duties as a leader and as an adjutant with complete dedication. Frankly, you couldn't have handled them more perfectly.从那之后，你的确承担起了队长和副官的职责，甚至可以说，你做得很完美。
OTs-14I'm glad you think so highly of me, Commander.我很高兴，指挥官能这样肯定我。
OTs-14But I fear... that's also exactly why I'm struggling to adjust to the present I'm in.不过，也可能正因如此，我现在才会稍微有些不适应吧。
OTs-14I...我……
(Her expression grows reluctant.)（她的表情稍显犹豫。）
(Whenever she wears that expression, she's mulling over something she can't bring herself to spit out.)（每当她露出这样的表情时，都意味着她在心里想了些什么，却未能宣之于口。）
CommanderDon't force yourself, Groza.有的话不必勉强自己说出口，闪电。
(I subconsciously call her by the name she's most familiar with. Surprise briefly flashes across her face, then settles into a quiet, bittersweet happiness.)（我下意识用她最熟悉的名字喊了她，她的神情也因此多了一丝讶异，随即，这份讶异变成了一种克制的怀念与喜悦。）
OTs-14...Now that's a name I've not heard in a long time.……真是令人怀念的称呼。
OTs-14When did you become so sly, Commander?指挥官，你什么时候也变得这么狡猾了？
CommanderHave I? I don't think calling you "Groza" is in any way sly.有吗？我可不觉得称呼闪电为“闪电”有什么狡猾之处。
CommanderMore importantly, I want to hear your answer.比起这个，现在我更想知道你的答案。
CommanderDo you want to try living like before again?想再次试试看之前的生活吗？
(Perhaps hearing her old name again has rekindled something familiar in her; an unbridled, unfettered smile slowly blooms across her face.)（或许那声称呼令她想起了熟悉的感觉，笑容终于再次出现在她的脸上。）
OTs-14Since you said that... what I say shall remain the same as before.既然指挥官都这么说了，我的答案……当然也和之前一样。
OTs-14"I would be honored to accept that role. Your Groza is willing to serve."我很乐意，指挥官。
OTs-14Allow me to look after you once more, just like the days of old—even if only temporarily.虽然只是暂时的，就让我再像过去一样，好好照顾你吧。
(With that, OTs-14 suddenly steps closer and softly rests her hand on my side.)（说完，OTs-14突然靠近我，将手轻轻地放到了我身侧。）
OTs-14Well then... if we're doing things the way we used to, you know what comes next, right, Commander?那么……如果按照我们之前的习惯，现在要做什么，你很清楚吧，指挥官？
Commander...Am I supposed to?……我该清楚吗？
(She stares directly into my eyes, as though expecting a specific response.)（她目光直直地盯着我，似乎在期待我做出什么回应。）
(Though I've gazed upon her face for over a decade, my heart races the same in this song and dance.)（明明这是一张我已经看了很多年的脸，但这一刻，我却仍旧会因为她的靠近而紧张。）
Commander...……
OTs-14Oh my?哎呀？
OTs-14You seem really tense, Commander.很紧张哦，指挥官。
(Her fingertips lightly brush against my arm, leaving lingering echoes on my skin.)（她的指尖轻轻刮蹭着我的手臂，带来少许的痒感。）
OTs-14Did you really forget?这都忘记了吗？
(She bears a knowing grin, watching patiently as I desperately rummage through my disorganized memories—What exactly am I supposed to remember?)（她笑得意味深长，与此同时，我拼命地搜索着我脑海中的记忆——我到底忘记了什么？）
(Her arm creeps over my waist; slowly but surely... she would have me completely in her grasp.)（她的动作越来越大，直到她的手臂彻底环住了我的身体。）
OTs-14...……
Commander...……
(...)（……）
(Right when I'm about to say something, OTs-14 breaks into a sudden chuckle.)（就在我想要说些什么时，OTs-14突然笑了。）
(She then retrieves a bottle opener from behind me.)（然后——从我的身侧拿了一只开瓶器。）
OTs-14Should we pop one open to celebrate?开个酒庆祝一下怎么样？
Commander...Huh?……什么？
OTs-14I was even more excited than I am now when you first appointed me as your adjutant.你第一次正式任命我做副官的时候，我比现在还要兴奋呢。
OTs-14So I pulled out that bottle I'd been saving and invited you to drink the night away with me... remember?我拿出一直舍不得喝的那瓶酒，邀请你和我喝了整夜。
(A bottle of wine has already been uncorked as she reminisces. The rich aroma swells as she pours the crimson liquid into two wine glasses.)（说着，她已经开好了酒，馥郁的香气喷涌而出，她将紫红色的液体倒入高脚杯中。）
(She hands me one of the glasses and lightly clinks hers against mine.)（她将酒杯递给我，轻轻与我碰杯。）
OTs-14That's the plan for the rest of today. Any objections, Commander?这是指挥官接下来的日程安排哦，没问题吧？
(OTs-14 handles things in a way that's far closer to her Griffin self than Groza of now. That pride and assertiveness unique to elite T-Dolls naturally slips through at times.)（比起闪电来说，OTs-14的处事风格更像是过去的她，作为优秀人形的高傲与强势，时常会在不经意间显露出来。）
Commander...……
(And truthfully, loath as I am to admit it... I missed this "Groza".)（而我竟然有些怀念这样的“闪电”。）
CommanderWell, there isn't any work left today anyway. If this helps lift your spirits, then gladly.反正今天也没有其他工作了，你能稍微开心一点的话也不错。
(Even though this was meant to help her readjust to life onboard the Elmo, at this point, I can't even tell what exactly I'm looking forward to anymore.)（虽说原本就是为了让她适应艾莫号的生活才做此决定的，但这一刻，我却好像分辨不出自己究竟因何而期待接下来的事了。）
(Beyond rhyme, beyond reason... I accept her invitation to drink together for the very first time.)（鬼使神差般地，我第一次答应了她共饮的邀请。）
Burning Heart, Sleepless Night 2 炽心无眠2
Read this chapter with voices →(Daytime, Yellow Zone, Elmo Ops Room)（白天，黄区，艾莫号指挥室）
CommanderGroza, could you get me a cup of—闪电，帮我泡一杯……
(Before I can even finish my usual request, a cup is placed into my outstretched hand.)（我习惯性的话还未能说完，伸出的手中便多了一只杯子。）
(Iced coffee chilled to five degrees. The carefully controlled temperature dulls the aroma's usual piercing intensity, but also leaves me unable to tell when she prepared it.)（五度的冰咖啡，被精心控制的温度让它的香气不再具备炽热的侵略性，也让我没能注意到她什么时候准备了这杯咖啡。）
CommanderAh, OTs-14... Thanks.啊，OTs-14……谢谢。
黑闪电投放(I look up. The one handing me the coffee isn't Groza.)（我抬起头，递给我咖啡的并不是闪电。）
黑闪电投放(Rather, it is the other "Groza".)（或者说，并不是那个“闪电”。）
CommanderPretty early today, huh?你今天来得这么早？
(A quick glance at the clock informs me that she has arrived ten minutes early to her post. Still, knowing that she most likely didn't stay up all night is a relief.)（我看了一眼时间，她比平时早了十分钟来到指挥室，想到她昨晚或许没有熬夜，我感到有些欣慰。）
(For the past few days, OTs-14 has been carrying out her duties as an adjutant as impeccably as she always did, so much so that I find myself forgetting what I'm supposed to call her. Yet again at this moment, it had escaped me.)（这些天来，OTs-14作为副官，她的工作做得和过去一样完美无瑕，以至于我时不时地就会像现在这样，忘记她现在的称呼。）
OTs-14It's alright. There's no one else here, so just call me Groza. I like hearing you call me by that name.没关系，这里没有其他人，叫我闪电就好，我喜欢你这样叫我。
(OTs-14 smiles as though my little slipup doesn't bother her in the slightest. If anything, it seems to have brightened her mood.)（OTs-14笑了笑，似乎这并未对她造成任何困扰，相反，还让她的心情更好了一些。）
CommanderBut—但是——
(But there cannot be two "Grozas" living concurrently on the Elmo. To mix up their names would be a disservice, but if we start mistaking one for the other, it would prove most disastrous.)（但是艾莫号上不能有两个“闪电”，无法区分事小，一旦弄混，后果不堪设想。）
(Before I can voice my concern, she reaches out and gently wipes the coffee from the corner of my mouth, leaving the rest of the sentence stuck in my throat.)（我未说完的话被闪电堵在了口中，她伸手擦去我嘴边的咖啡液。）
OTs-14Let's keep this as a little secret between the two of us, Commander.就当是我们两个的秘密吧，指挥官。
OTs-14There's nothing wrong with calling me by the name you're more used to, right?偶尔用熟悉的名字叫我也不错，不是吗？
(Right. No matter what, she's still "Groza".)（没错，无论如何，她也是“闪电”。）
Commander...True.……也对。
OTs-14Then say it again, Commander.那再这么叫我一次，指挥官。
Commander...……
(What is this guilt that wells up from within me, that holds me back from granting her request? It should have rolled off my tongue, and yet...)（不过，本应该顺理成章脱口而出的称呼，却在此刻让我有了一种莫名的心虚。）
(My eyes subconsciously drift past her shoulder toward the ops room door. For some reason, I get the feeling that the other Groza is watching me.)（我的视线也不由得越过她的身影，看向她身后的指挥室大门。一种被闪电看着的错觉油然而生。）
OTs-14Commander?指挥官？
CommanderAhem. Fine, stop teasing me, Groza.咳，好了，别闹了，闪电。
(With that designation said aloud, she smiles contentedly before she begins tidying up the combat reports atop my desk.)（听到这声称呼，她心满意足地笑了起来，熟稔地开始帮我整理桌面上的作战报告。）
OTs-14Hmm-hmm...哼哼……
(She even starts to hum a little tune, one that sparks recognition in my mind. The vinyl record we listened to last night had this piece inlaid into its grooves; it was a record that she had gone to great lengths to finally acquire from an underground broker.)（她甚至小声地哼起了歌——我有印象，那是昨晚我们一同听过的唱片，是她好不容易才从暗商那里订购到的。）
CommanderStrange...奇怪……
(For some reason, I feel like I've neglected something important.)（不知为何，我感到自己好像遗忘了什么。）
OTs-14What is it?怎么了？
(Though she poses the question with great interest, it doesn't stop her from continuing with her work.)（说着，OTs-14却没有停下手中的工作。）
CommanderI feel like I forgot about something.我觉得我好像忘了些什么。
CommanderAny idea what that might be?你有什么头绪吗？
(I absentmindedly flip through the reports, carelessly giving them a once-over, but nothing sticks out to me. To my side, however, OTs-14 involuntarily tenses up at my question.)（我有些迷茫地用手翻了翻手中的文件，随意浏览中，并未看到什么值得注意的消息，OTs-14闻言，身体也显得有些僵硬。）
OTs-14Do you need me to go over today's schedule for you, Commander?需要我再提醒你一下今天的日程吗，指挥官？
CommanderYeah, give me a quick rundown. Let's see if I missed anything.嗯，稍微说一下吧，我看看有没有什么遗漏。
OTs-14Hmm... Today's supply sorting list and assignment dispatch plan have already been drafted. You just need to confirm those later.嗯……今天的物资整理和调度派遣我已经拟好了大致的名单和计划，稍后指挥官确认一下就好。
OTs-14Then there are the team training exercises. Once those are done, we need to review the new order Mokosh sent over...之后就是小队的训练演习，结束后，确认莫科什那边发来的新订单……
OTs-14As for the evening... there's nothing scheduled so far. Though...晚上的话……暂时没有安排。不过……
OTs-14I've planned to treat you with new dishes tonight that will hopefully fill you with energy. Do look forward to it~我打算用新菜式稍微抚慰一下你疲惫的身体，可以期待一下哦？
(Nothing about this schedule seems out of the ordinary. Plenty of days have come and gone while repeating routine just as the schedule declares.)（听上去并无不妥的安排，相似的日程，我已经度过了不少天。）
(But that deadly itch, that gnawing sensation which creeps from within won't leave me.)（但是那种忘记了什么的怪异感却始终在我心里挥之不去。）
CommanderAnything else scheduled for today?今天还有其他日程吗？
(A hint of hesitation crosses OTs-14's face.)（OTs-14的表情闪过一丝犹豫。）
(But it swiftly leaves, returning that familiar composure of hers that is always studded with confidence.)（但只一瞬间，她便换回了同往常别无二致的游刃有余。）
OTs-14Nothing, Commander. You know me. I'd never forget anything about you.没有了，指挥官，你知道的，我不会遗落你的任何日程。
(She casually strolls up to me, first smoothing out the creases in my clothing, then, with her head now lowered, starting to adjust everything else with careful attention.)（她自然地走到我的身前，伸手抚平我衣服上的褶皱，一边说，一边低下头细心地整理起了我的着装。）
(Her lashes hang low, utmost focus upon her countenance. This is a look I've long since been acquainted with, one I have repeatedly seen for all our years together.)（她的睫毛低垂，表情认真，正专心地处理着我的衣装。这副模样，我曾经看过无数次，我早已对此习以为常。）
OTs-14The rest of the team will be waiting for us in the training room in half an hour. There's no time for chit-chat now, Commander.半小时后，训练室，小队其他人都在等我们，可能没多少时间在这里闲聊了哦？
CommanderThank you, Groza.谢谢，闪电。
(With my newly neatly straightened outfit along with the meticulously organized reports by my side, those are the only words I can muster.)（看着变得平整妥帖的衣服，还有一旁摆放得井井有条的报告书，我不由得对她发出感谢。）
OTs-14Hehe, are we really such strangers that you feel the need to say "thank you"?呵呵，我们之间是这么见外的关系吗？
OTs-14Those words should've been reserved for ten years ago, Commander.“谢谢”什么的，十年前说说也就算了。
CommanderDo I really look like the kind of boss who doesn't reward an outstanding employee?我看起来像是不给优秀员工奖励的人吗？
CommanderWhatever the case, there's no skipping rewards under me. You've worked hard lately, and that deserves compliments.无论如何，该有的嘉奖都必不可少。最近你辛苦了，做得很好。
OTs-14So what kind of reward should I be looking forward to?指挥官打算给我什么奖励？
CommanderHmm... let me think...嗯……我想想……
(She shoots me an expectant look right as she notices my contemplative expression, and I immediately pick up on her hint.)（在看到我若有所思的表情后，她的目光中多出了不少期待，我立刻便心领神会。）
CommanderAlready have something in mind?你有什么想法吗？
OTs-14I guess so. But the question is, will you actually grant my request?算是有吧，指挥官愿意答应我的请求吗？
CommanderYou set this up from the start, didn't you? Go ahead—what do you want from me?看来是早有预谋啊，说吧，想要什么？
CommanderActually, let me take a guess first... Is it a fancy dinner at that Green Zone restaurant you've been eyeing? Or that vinyl record that's been sitting in your wish list for a while now?我猜猜……是绿区那家你一直想去的餐厅，还是那张一直没买到的黑胶唱片？
(She shakes her head.)（她摇了摇头。）
CommanderUhm... Don't tell me it's that winery we saw in the satellite city last time?呃……该不会是上次在卫星城见到的那个酒庄吧？
(OTs-14 shakes her head again. A puzzling smile curls the corner of her lips, as if preparing for the grand reveal of some mystery. She leans into me and quietly whispers.)（OTs-14再次否认了，她嘴角露出了一个讳莫如深的笑容，像是准备说什么秘密一样，她弯腰靠近我，小声地开口。）
OTs-14Commander, I want...指挥官，我想……
OTs-14...To stay on as your adjutant a little longer. Is that alright?再多做一段时间你的副官，可以吗？
Commander...What?……什么？
(She blinks at me, clearly attempting to jog my memory of something.)（她眨眨眼睛，像是在提醒我什么。）
(As she leans in, I finally manage to glance past her shoulder and see what's behind her—Groza is standing at the doorway, observing us in silence, a cup of coffee resting in her hands.)（而在同一时间，随着她弯腰，我看到了她身后——闪电正在门口站着，看着我们，她的手中甚至还端着一杯咖啡。）
Groza...……
(Why is Groza in the ops room right now?)（为什么闪电会在这个时候来到指挥室？）
(How long has she been standing there?)（她来了多久了？）
Commander...Wait.……慢着。
(I finally remember.)（我突然想起来了。）
(Groza's supposed to return to her duty as my adjutant today.)（今天的确应该是闪电来指挥室的。）
(Which means OTs-14's last day as my adjutant was yesterday—)（昨天是OTs-14做副官的最后一天——）
(No wonder I kept feeling like I'd forgotten something!)（难怪我总是觉得忘记了什么！）
OTs-14Oh my...啊呀……
(As I freeze in place, OTs-14 slowly straightens her body and turns around.)（随着我的僵硬，OTs-14也缓缓地站直了身子，回过头去。）
(Almost simultaneously, as though she has finally traveled through the sea of thoughts that plagued her, Groza sets the coffee down on the desk near the door and turns to leave.)（几乎在同一时间，闪电像是终于结束了漫长的思考，她将咖啡放在了门口的桌子上，转身离开了。）
(......Damn it.)（……该死。）
(Bereft of the trails that waft lazily into the air, the cup sits still upon the desk. As I get closer, I know. The warmth once there only leaves a faint trace of its presence; this is a brew no longer fresh from its maker... made to serve a fool.)（那杯咖啡早已不再冒着热气，只有贴近时，才能感受到它的余温。这绝不是闪电刚冲泡好的温度。）
Burning Heart, Sleepless Night 3 炽心无眠3
Read this chapter with voices →(Night, Yellow Zone, Elmo Lounge)（夜晚，黄区，艾莫号休息区）
OTs-14So, Commander, want another glass?怎么样，指挥官，还想再来一杯吗？
(I glance at the time. Less than three hours until sunrise. Tomorrow's schedule might be in jeopardy if we keep drinking.)（我看了一眼时间，距离日出只剩下不到三个小时，如果继续下去的话，明天的日程可能就会有些危险了。）
CommanderThe work tomorrow...明天的工作……
OTs-14Hehe... Did you forget, Commander? Tomorrow's our day off.呵呵，指挥官，忘记了吗？明天是休息日哦。
OTs-14While I have some activities planned, they're all set in the afternoon no matter which one you pick.虽然我准备了一些放松的行程，不过，无论你选择哪个，都是从下午开始的。
OTs-14And by that, I mean... feel free to indulge yourself tonight.我的意思是，今晚，完全可以尽兴一些的。
CommanderAnother day off?已经到休息日了吗？
(I could swear we just had one not long ago.)（我明明记得不久前才休息过。）
OTs-14Mm. The entire to-do list has been cleared. Unless something unexpected comes up at the last minute, I really did schedule a proper rest day for you.嗯，需要处理的任务和订单已经全部处理完了，如果没有突发情况的话，的确给你安排了休息哦。
Commander...Everything's already handled?……竟然已经全部处理完了。
(In hindsight, though, that's really no surprise.)（不过这也并不意外。）
(No matter what she faces, OTs-14 has been working incessantly and unerringly as my adjutant, going above and beyond even when compared to before. Whether it's processing paperwork, arranging logistics, managing schedules, or even taking care of my daily life—including planning for our days off—everything has been handled to meticulous perfection.)（不知道是什么原因，OTs-14作为副官工作的这段时间格外卖力，做的比之前有过之而无不及，无论是处理工作、规划管理都做得无可挑剔，连我的生活都照顾得井井有条——就连休息日都精彩得令人咂舌。）
(And I had, for once, the luxury of living a few carefree days.)（我的确度过了一段十分安逸的时间。）
(But—)（不过——）
OTs-14What's the matter, Commander?怎么了，指挥官？
(Me opening my communicator catches OTs-14's attention.)（我打开通讯装置的动作引起了OTs-14的注意。）
CommanderNothing. Just checking the time. It's still early.没什么，我看时间还早。
(I stare at the empty comm menu; still nothing from Groza.)（我看着空空如也的通讯界面，今天闪电依旧没有联络我。）
(Even the messages I sent her only received the briefest of replies in return—polite, proper, gentle... but unmistakably distant. Her message is clear: she doesn't want to see me, nor resume her duties as adjutant.)（甚至连我给她发送的消息也只得到了一些简短的回复，礼貌、体面而又不失温柔，但却明显地传达出了一种拒绝：她不想见我，甚至连副官的工作都疏忽了。）
(Which is why I had no choice but to extend OTs-14's adjutant duty for a little longer.)（以至于我不得不委托OTs-14再担任一段时间的副官。）
(...It's definitely because of what happened last time.)（……一定还是因为上次的事情。）
(What is Groza thinking right now?)（现在的闪电，又在想些什么呢？）
OTs-14Still early, huh? Hehe, looks like you've picked up on staying up late as well, Commander.呵呵，还早吗？指挥官好像也养成了熬夜的习惯呢。
(Seeing that I still appeared energetic, OTs-14 brightens even more, with no intention of giving me time to rest or think.)（没有给我多想的时间，OTs-14看到我还有精神，似乎变得更加高兴了一些。）
OTs-14I remember us spending countless nights just like this one together back in Griffin.我记得，之前在格里芬的时候，这样的夜晚也是数不胜数呢。
(OTs-14's soft words stir up faded memories in me. I absentmindedly poke at the blinis on my plate, splitting the caviar into tiny, individual beads with my fork.)（OTs-14小声地说着，也唤起了我的一些回忆，我拨弄着盘中的薄饼，上面的鱼子酱被我的叉子分成一颗一颗的。）
CommanderYeah, I remember as well.嗯，我记得。
CommanderYou'd also cook for me back then. And whenever we popped one open, we'd always have blinis to go with it.那时你也是像今天这样下厨，如果开酒的话，还有这样的薄饼来下酒。
OTs-14Fufu... and now, you have finally learned to simply enjoy the meal.哼哼……指挥官现在倒是能大方享受了呢。
OTs-14You were always itching to try cooking yourself back in the day...那个时候，指挥官还总是跃跃欲试地想要下厨呢……
CommanderDon't tell me you still remember that one time I messed up...你应该不记得我失败的那次了吧？
OTs-14My, how could I ever forget?怎么会忘呢？
OTs-14You knew well how much of a novice you were, and yet you decided to try your hand at such a complex dish. Even I couldn't save that disaster in the end.明明很少下厨，却要做那么复杂的菜式，那道菜连我都没能救回来。
OTs-14Ah, I can still picture our miserable looks in the face of such a culinary tragedy... Fufu.我只记得我们两个在厨房很狼狈的样子，呵呵……
Commander...And you were smiling just as gleefully back then.……你当时笑得也是这么开心。
(It was the fruit of a particularly dreadful banquet. Neither of us enjoyed the gathering, so we decided to let ourselves loose in her room afterwards.)（那是一场无聊的舞会结束之后发生的事，没能喝尽兴的她和我，决定在她的房间再稍微来一杯。）
(In the end, not only did I fail to cook up anything edible, I stained her fine red dress.)（结果我们没能做成功的饭菜，还把她的红色礼裙弄脏了。）
CommanderI have to admit, field dressing wild animals comes more naturally to me than cooking.我必须得说，比起下厨，我更擅长在户外时临时处理一些食品。
OTs-14I know. But... we both had a lot of fun that night, didn't we?我知道的，指挥官，而且……那天我们都很开心，不是吗？
OTs-14We even ended up drinking till the sun came up.后来我们还是一起喝到了天亮呢。
CommanderWell, you're the better cook. That's the only way it could end.果然还是你更擅长料理啊。
OTs-14Oh my, is that embarrassment I see? You're blushing.呵呵，你有些不好意思了吗？指挥官，脸有些红了哦？
OTs-14I haven't seen that from you in a long time.很久没有见到你这副表情了呢。
(Amused by my reaction, she leans in closer to study my face.)（似乎是对我的表情感到有趣，她更近地端详起了我。）
(Now, we are but a breath apart. Where has that familiar air gone? With the wind, perhaps, leaving behind a burgeoning heat in its wake.)（突然缩短的距离，让我们之间本该无比熟悉的空气突然变得有些暧昧。）
Commander...It's probably the alcohol.是因为酒精吧。
(Passionate. Far too passionate. In her gaze is fire I am not ready to return with my own; with regret I falter, looking away.)（她的目光太过热情，迫使我不得不将目光从她的脸上移开。）
(As that regret sweeps over me like a wave, a thought washes ashore. Her. Groza. The other "Groza", who now keeps her distance from me.)（一瞬间，我再次想到了闪电——那个“闪电”。）
("Groza". She can never talk about our misadventures, the moments we've shared together like this. The times before, the Griffin of yore... exist not in her memories.)（因为缺失在格里芬时候的记忆，那个“闪电”从不会和我聊这样的话题。）
OTs-14Where are you looking, Commander?指挥官，你在看哪里？
(My lapse in attention is immediately caught by OTs-14. She gingerly cups my chin, gently turning my head back towards facing her. Our eyes meet, and they stay.)（我一瞬间的走神被OTs-14精准地捕捉到了，她伸手抚上我的脸，轻轻地调整着我的方向，让我不得不直视她的眼睛。）
(What makes me stay is their warmth, the emotion that lies behind without words. A damp haze pervades those orbs. Is she drunk, too? No, I perish the thought. That just can't be.)（——一双湿润的，弥漫着水汽与热情的眼睛，让我几乎快要以为她也醉了。）
CommanderNothing. I was just... thinking about something.没什么，我只是也稍微……想了一些事情。
(It seems that she doesn't realize just what I've been distracted by. A blush unfolds across her cheeks, bringing with it an excitement that she scarcely suppresses.)（她似乎并未察觉到我的想法，脸颊上的绯红昭示着她的热情。）
OTs-14...Want to do what we did that night again?……要不要像那天一样？
CommanderYou mean...你说的是……
(She smiles and affectionately strokes my hair.)（她笑了笑，亲昵地摸了摸我的头发。）
OTs-14My, Commander. Just what were you thinking?在想什么呢，指挥官。
OTs-14I mean watching the sun rise together.我说的是，像那天一样，和我一起迎接黎明。
CommanderOh, of course.好啊，当然。
(We've done this countless times before. Not once have I refused her request, and this time is no different.)（这件事我们曾做了无数次，我从未拒绝过她的请求，当然不差这一次。）
(One could say this is a song and dance only known to the both of us.)（可以说，这是专属于她和我的一种日程安排。）
(I glance around. It's hard to see the sky from the lounge.)（但我环顾四周，休息区不太能看到外面的天色。）
CommanderWanna head up to the deck?要去车顶平台吗？
(OTs-14's smile grows brighter. She clearly knows what I will say.)（OTs-14的笑容更深了一分，就像是我真的说到她的心坎了一般。）
OTs-14See? You really know me the best, Commander.果然，指挥官是最了解我的人。
CommanderWe've already emptied the bottle, though.但是这瓶酒已经喝完了哦？
OTs-14It's fine. We'll just open another one.没关系，我再开一瓶。
OTs-14You don't agree to drink with me often, so we should drink to our heart's content today.难得指挥官再一次答应我，今天一定要尽兴才行。
(She stands up and heads toward her room.)（她站起身，已经转身向自己的房间走去。）
OTs-14When we were on that Green Zone mission a few days ago... I brought back a really good bottle in secret.前几天我们去绿区执行任务的时候……我悄悄带回来了一瓶佳酿。
CommanderAnd you're just giving it to me?就这么给我喝好吗？
(She raises a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture.)（她轻轻在嘴边比了个“嘘”的手势。）
OTs-14Please don't tell Mayling. This is our little secret.别告诉美玲哦，这可是我们两个的秘密。
CommanderShould I go up to the deck first?那我先去车顶平台等你？
OTs-14Yeah. I'll be there soon. You can help me pick the best viewing spot, okay?我很快就会到，指挥官就先帮我找个最佳观景位吧？
(With that, she turns to leave. It's been a while since I saw her smile like that—a smile of genuine happiness. Perhaps lifted by her good mood, even her steps feel unusually light.)（说完，她便转身离开了，我已经很久没见过她这副笑容了，发自内心的愉快。或许是由于心情愉快，她连脚步都变得前所未有的轻盈。）
Commander...……
(This... is the Groza I know.)（——这正是我熟悉的闪电。）
(Looks like she has finally started to get used to life onboard the Elmo.)（看起来，她终于开始习惯艾莫号的生活了。）
(...)（……）
Commander...A clear night, huh.……竟然是晴天。
(Even the weather seems to be cooperating, as cloudless, clear nights are exceptionally uncommon in the Yellow Zones. Today is perfect for stargazing and watching the sunrise.)（天气似乎都在为了今天而努力，今天是黄区难得的晴朗夜晚，无论是观赏夜空，还是欣赏日出，今天都是难得的合适日子。）
(If anything, everything's lining up a little too perfectly.)（一切都巧合得刚刚好。）
CommanderOn any other day, the other "Groza" would surely have invited me to watch the sunrise together as well...如果是另一个“闪电”，应该也会在今天邀请我观赏日出吧……
(Groza. I trace the name that inundates my thoughts yet remains unspoken till now. I think of the girl who bears that name. Of how I haven't spent any time with her since that day. And how, in the depths of my heart... I feel anguish. Anguish that seeks to burst from within my chest with a fervor I haven't the words to describe.)（想起从那天开始就一直没怎么和我单独相处过的闪电，我的心里竟然有了些许异样的感觉。）
(I pull out my communicator again. The menu remains empty.)（我再次拿出通讯装置，上面仍旧空空如也。）
(Groza—)（闪电——）
Groza...Commander?……指挥官？
(A familiar voice suddenly reaches my ears.)（一个熟悉的声音突然出现在我的耳边。）
(Am I hearing things?)（我出现幻听了吗？）
(Or is OTs-14 already here?)（还是说，OTs-14已经到了？）
(I look up, only to see the person from my communicator standing right in front of me.)（我抬起头，却看到了我通讯装置界面上的那个人，出现在了眼前。）
CommanderGroza? What are you doing here?闪电，你怎么在这？
(It's Groza.)（是闪电。）
(She who has lost her memories from Griffin, yet keeps Groza's habits.)（那个尽管缺少了格里芬的记忆，却仍旧保留着闪电的生活习惯的她。）
(She who has witnessed OTs-14's sorrow and willingly stepped down as my adjutant.)（是那个看到了OTs-14的失落，主动卸任副官的闪电。）
GrozaCommander...指挥官……
(Her voice trembles. Is it trembling because we haven't had a moment like this to ourselves for a while? Or is it something else?)（不知道是不是因为许久没有这种机会了，我竟然觉得她的声音有一丝颤抖。）
CommanderWhat's wrong, Groza?怎么了，闪电？
(Her slender figure shivers faintly under the moonlight. For a moment, I feel fear. Fear that this girl will be swept away by the cruelty of a sudden Collapse storm, just as so many others have been.)（她单薄的身影在月色下微微抖动着，我甚至不由自主地担心起她会因为突如其来的坍塌风暴而摔倒。）
(Even though I'm the fragile human here, even though the night sky is perfectly clear without a single cloud in sight, I still can't help but want to protect her.)（明明我才是那个更加脆弱的人类，明明今夜晴空，万里无云，我却仍旧忍不住想要怜惜她。）
GrozaI... I just thought the weather was really nice tonight.我……我只是觉得今夜天气很好。
CommanderYeah. A rare clear night. If this were any other day, you would've already invited me to—嗯，是啊，难得的晴天，如果是以前的话，你一定早就让我——
(—To share the night sky together, watching the stars and moon until the break of dawn.)（——一定早就让我陪你观赏星辰月色，静候黎明。）
(Yet as I notice her expression and silence, the rest of the words fall back into my throat.)（但在注意到了她的表情和沉默后，原本顺口而出的话突然停顿在了嘴边。）
Groza...……
(Did I say something wrong?)（我说错话了吗？）
(Unease is written all over her face.)（她的表情有些不太自然。）
GrozaYeah... I thought so too. That's why I came here, Commander.是啊……我也是这么想的，所以我才出现在这里，指挥官。
(Her lips twitch faintly. Did she remember something?)（她嘴唇颤动着，是想起了什么？）
CommanderThen why didn't you ask me to come with you?那为什么不喊我一起来？
Groza...……
CommanderWhy haven't you come to the ops room lately, Groza?为什么最近没有来指挥室，闪电？
Groza...……
(After keeping her eyes down in silence for a long while, Groza finally grants me an answer.)（垂眼沉默许久，闪电终于回答了我。）
GrozaShe... she's a better adjutant than me, isn't she?她……比我更加胜任副官吧？
CommanderIs that what this is about, Groza?是因为这个吗，闪电？
(The awkward silence returns once more.)（气氛再次陷入了沉默。）
Groza...You've accepted it, Commander. Her request... to keep taking care of you.指挥官也接受了……她继续照顾你的请求吧。
CommanderIt's not like that, Groza.不是你想的那样，闪电。
GrozaShe is doing a better job than me.她确实比我做得更好。
(For the first time in forever, I see a bitter smile on Groza's face.)（少见地，我竟然在闪电的脸上看到了苦笑。）
GrozaTruthfully... I did regret my decision, finding myself wondering if I had made the wrong choice. Did I bring this upon myself, to no longer be able to return to your side?我确实……也后悔过，是不是自己做出了错误的决定，让自己没办法再回到指挥官身边了。
GrozaIf we're both "Groza"... at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter who's who, right?都是“闪电”的话，无论哪个其实都是差不多的吧，指挥官。
GrozaCommander... can you really tell us apart? I... I was a replacement. In the first place, that's all I ever was.指挥官……真的分得清我们两个吗？我……本来就是她的替代……
CommanderGroza!闪电！
Groza...……
(I cut her right off. Better the rest of those words remain unsaid.)（我打断了她的话，即便我们两个对于她要说的话都已经心照不宣。）
("Groza". She who has been by my side since my first day in the Yellow Zones.)（“闪电”，曾经陪伴我从格里芬走到黄区。）
(She matters to me, yes, but above all, she's irreplaceable to me. I could never disregard her existence.)（她是重要的，更是特殊的，我无法弃之不理。）
CommanderYou and her do come from the same neural cloud.你们的确来自于同一个心智。
CommanderBut to say that you are interchangeable with one another would be a disservice to you both.但对于现在的你们来说，谁也不是另一个的等价替代。
Commander...What I'm saying is, you're irreplaceable, so don't deny the meaning of your own existence.……我的意思是，你有你存在的独特性，不要否定自己存在的意义。
GrozaCommander...指挥官……
CommanderIf you want to, you can become my adjutant again at any time. It's as easy as sending me a message.只要你想的话，就像我给你发送的消息那样，你随时都可以再次成为我的副官。
GrozaYou know what I care about isn't—我在意的并不是——
CommanderI know.我知道。
CommanderAnd I believe you know what I'm trying to say.我相信你也明白我的意思。
(I reach out and grab hold of Groza who's trying to leave.)（我伸出手，拉住了想要离开的闪电。）
(Alas, things don't go exactly as I planned. She actually tries to shrug me off, while I accidentally use too much force in response, causing her to lose her footing and fall back into my arms.)（但与我想象的出了些偏差，她的挣扎是认真的，我的力道也稍微大了一些，以至于她一个没站稳摔进了我的怀抱中。）
(Whatever. Doesn't matter anymore, at least right now.)（算了，那并不重要，至少这一刻是这样。）
(I tighten my arms around her.)（我收紧了手臂。）
CommanderDo NOT make that decision for me... for who gets to stay by my side.……别擅自替我做决定，替我选择谁在我身边。
(Groza hesitates for no more than three seconds before responding. She places a hand on my back and softly draws me into a closer embrace.)（短暂地迟疑，甚至不超过三秒钟，闪电给出了她的回应，她伸手抚上了我的后背，然后温柔地收紧。）
(The sky brightens up. The sun is slowly rising over the horizon.)（天似乎亮了，太阳正在缓缓地从地平线升起。）
(A favorite sight of hers.)（这是她最喜欢的风景。）
GrozaI know... I know... Commander...我……我知道了……指挥官……
(Clink—)（砰——）
(Shatter.)（啪嚓。）
(I hear something falling to the ground and breaking apart.)（我听到了什么东西掉落并摔碎的声音。）
(The rich aroma of wine mixed in with the morning breeze drifts toward me from behind.)（浓郁的酒香混杂着清晨的微风，从身后环绕上来，扑进了我的鼻腔。）
OTs-14Why...为什么……
(Groza lets go of me, and when I turn around, I see OTs-14 standing there. She has just arrived.)（闪电放开了手，我转过身，就看到了姗姗来迟的OTs-14。）
OTs-14...……
(Her silence. Her fury. Her sorrow.)（她的沉默，她的愤怒，她的悲伤。）
(In a heartbeat, a cascade of emotions flashes over her expression.)（这一刻，她的脸上闪过了无数的情绪。）
GrozaOTs-14...OTs-14……
OTs-14...……
(Ten seconds. There are only ten, but they feel like forever in the silence. After that eternity, she finally speaks aloud.)（僵持了数秒，她才缓缓开口。）
OTs-14Why... Commander.为什么……指挥官。
OTs-14The first one to be at your side...明明陪伴你的……
OTs-14...Was me, wasn't it? Ten full years... no, from Griffin, all the way until this very moment... it's been more than ten years...是我先来的不是吗？十年……不，从格里芬到现在，不止是十年啊……
OTs-14Why did it come to this?为什么会这样？
OTs-14Does it really make no difference to you which "Groza" it is?难道真的不论哪个“闪电”，对你来说都没有任何差别吗？
(OTs-14's hoarse voice trembles in the wind. Pain and contempt coat her words, simmering under the dawn's light.)（OTs-14低低的声音在风里颤抖着，除了痛苦，还带着潮湿的怒意。）
(The question she asks is similar to what Groza has just posed to me. It should have been easy. Yet, I cannot answer right away.)（她和闪电问了相似的问题，但现在，我却没有回答她。）
(The tangled threads of emotions she undeniably finds herself entangled in are a spider's web, one that knows neither start nor end. Should I grasp at it haphazardly, she may fray into disarray. That is why I wish not to give her some half-hearted answer. What she needs... is sincerity.)（我知道她的心情或许比闪电还要复杂，所以，我不想草率地给出回答，我想要给她一个更加郑重的答案。）
(But sincerity takes time, and she hasn't the patience to wait. In my desperate struggle to provide a suitable answer, I remain silent. All she hears in my silence, then, is her disappointment. She walks away, leaving her strength and faith behind.)（但OTs-14却似乎对此感到失望了，就像是卸掉了全身的力气一样，她转身离开了这里。）
(......)（……）
Burning Heart, Sleepless Night 4 炽心无眠4
Read this chapter with voices →(Daytime, Yellow Zone, Elmo Lounge)（白天，黄区，艾莫号休息室）
CommanderOTs-14, the combat report—OTs-14，作战报告……
(Before I can even finish my usual request, I notice something's off.)（我习惯性的话还未说完，我突然便意识到了一丝异常。）
(...I'm not in my right mind. I'm overworked and need some rest. Ever since what happened that time, OTs-14 has not shown her face in front of me again. Thanks to that, I've never got the chance to tell her anything.)（……看来是我忙昏头了。自从上次的事情后，OTs-14已经许久没有出现在指挥室了，即便我想和她说些什么也没机会。）
(Naturally, Groza has taken up her adjutant duty once more.)（而在这期间，她的工作也自然而然地由闪电继续接手。）
(Despite that, I find myself instinctively calling out for OTs-14—)（但我刚才却下意识地喊出了OTs-14——）
(I look up, Groza is smiling at me from the side. A cup of coffee has already appeared in my hand.)（抬起头，一旁的闪电正在微笑着看着我，我的手中也多出了一杯咖啡。）
GrozaIt's already done, Commander.已经做完了，指挥官。
(The coffee is just right in temperature, neither too cold nor too hot. The flavor is a bit different from what I'm accustomed to, but nowhere near unpleasant.)（温度适宜的咖啡，冰度刚好入口，只不过，这和平时我喝的似乎有着些微差别，但这绝对不是难喝的感觉。）
CommanderHmm?嗯？
GrozaWhat's wrong, Commander?怎么了，指挥官？
(I peer at Groza's expression. She wears the same smile as always, with nothing out of the ordinary. She does not react to my slip of the tongue, nor does she show the slightest crack.)（我观察着闪电的表情，她的笑容一如既往，并无异样。既没有对我的话作出反应，也没有丝毫的破绽。）
(What has Groza been thinking about all these days? And OTs-14... what is she thinking right now?)（这么多天来，闪电在想什么？OTs-14……又在想什么呢？）
(Is she still upset? Or is she trying to process all that pain by herself? I'm genuinely worried about her.)（OTs-14还在为此而愤怒吗，还是说，正在独自消化这份痛苦？我很担心她。）
(—Perhaps I'm the one who's hurting both of them.)（——为她们带来痛苦的人或许是我。）
(That thought alone leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.)（想到这里，连我的心情也多了几分苦涩。）
CommanderNothing. Anything else on the schedule?没什么，今天的行程还有没完成的吗？
(I naturally try to shift the conversation toward work.)（我尽量自然地和闪电聊起工作的事情。）
(It may still be early, we should remain conscientious; however, Groza doesn't seem interested in reminding me about my schedule.)（时间还早，但是闪电好像并没有提醒我行程的打算。）
GrozaMmm...嗯……
(Instead, her countenance grows unusually contemplative, as if genuinely concerned about something.)（她反常地陷入了沉思，似乎真的在思考什么一样。）
GrozaI don't think so. Is there anything you want to do, Commander?没有了，指挥官有什么想做的事情吗？
CommanderEven if you ask me that right now...就算你突然这么问我……
(It's not even a day off today. Besides, I'm already used to leaving those kinds of things to Groza.)（毕竟不是休息日，更何况，我已经习惯了把这些事情交给闪电去做。）
CommanderIf there's nothing scheduled, I think I'll take a break for now.如果没有事情的话，我就稍微去休息一下吧。
(I stand up to leave.)（我起身准备离开。）
(Right as I head toward the ops room door, Groza suddenly grabs my hand.)（但就在我步行到指挥室门口的时候，闪电突然拉住了我。）
GrozaI also have nothing scheduled. Why don't we take a break together, Commander?我接下来的日程也是空的，我和指挥官一起去休息一会吧？
(In the face of her gentle smile, I ponder why I even had any of those passing thoughts in the first place. I truly wasn't in my right mind.)（她笑得柔和，让我觉得刚才的一切异样似乎都只是假象。）
(She hasn't been in a mood like this as of late, so I must take special care of her today. It would only be right.)（难得她心情稍微好了一些，我当然也不能吝啬我的关心。）
CommanderSure, why not.好。
GrozaI think there's some kind of event going on in the lounge. Maybe we should go to my room instead?指挥官，休息区好像有什么活动，要不还是稍微去我的房间休息一下吧？
CommanderIs that so...?是……吗？
(I glance at the lounge, confused. Mayling and Krolik really do seem to be preparing for something, judging by the whole scene they're causing.)（我有些疑惑地看了一眼休息区，美玲和克罗丽科她们吵吵闹闹的，仿佛真的在准备什么。）
GrozaI just received some new scented candles. Want to try them out?我准备了一些新的香薰，试试吧？
(I'm taken slightly aback by her enthusiasm. There is no way I can shut her down when she's like this. Well, even if it's a prank, I wouldn't really mind indulging her a little.)（盛情难却，哪怕她真的准备了什么恶作剧，我也不介意让她放松一下。）
(And just like that, Groza leads me by the hand until we arrive at her room.)（就这样，我被闪电拉着，不知不觉便走到了她的房间。）
(Unexpectedly, her room is lit only by a faint, flickering light.)（不过，和预想的不同，闪电的房间内一片漆黑，只有微弱的光芒闪烁着。）
CommanderHmm?嗯？
(I only realize those are candle lights as I get closer.)（当我靠近时，我才发现，原来那是蜡烛的光芒。）
(As my eyes adapt to the darkness, I gaze upon the many things that adorn the room. Decorative greenery fills nearly every corner with a festival flair. Pure white roses and ribbons are scattered throughout. I breathe. Those candles were scented. A rich fragrance envelops my senses, eventually encompassing my entire body.)（我终于看清了，房间内是充满了节日气氛的绿植，上面挂满了白色的丝带，纯白的玫瑰花遍布每一个角落，香薰蜡烛点缀在房间内，稍显浓郁的香气瞬间便将我的全身包裹了起来。）
(—But it is not only that which takes hold of me.)（——不，不止是香气。）
(Groza quietly closes the door behind us. I even hear the beep of the electronic lock engaging, followed soon by her hugging me from behind.)（闪电悄悄关上了房间的门，我甚至听到了上锁成功的嘀嘀声，紧接着，她便从背后抱住了我。）
GrozaSo? You like this setup, Commander?怎么样，喜欢这个布景吗，指挥官？
(Her voice grazes the back of my neck, leaving a slight tingling sensation.)（她的声音突然地出现在我的后颈处，让我感到有些痒。）
CommanderIt's very much in your style...很有你的风格……
(This modus operandi, however, is just a little too bold for Groza.)（只不过，这样的行事作风，相对于闪电来说，实在是稍微大胆了一些。）
(That's right. Something's off.)（没错，这有些奇怪。）
GrozaHehe...哼哼……
(Wholly satisfied with my reply, she softly chuckles before releasing her embrace. The record player soon begins to turn, filling the room with soothing music. Together with the scent that now fills my every breath, a beguiling comfort washes over me.)（她有些满意地轻笑着，放开了我。唱片机随即开始工作，柔和丝滑的乐曲声舒缓地传来，伴随着这里的香气，让我很快便有了些许放松的感觉。）
(I know not when she did that, but Groza has already changed into a brand-new evening gown. Perhaps she had it on under her combat suit the whole time.)（不知道什么时候换好的，也或许就穿在她的作战服里面，闪电竟然穿上了新礼裙。）
(She slowly circles around to stand in front of me, placing her hand on my shoulder. With all our years together, I immediately recognize that as an invitation for a dance.)（她缓步从我的身后绕到前方，将手搭到了我的肩膀上，多年的默契让我确信，这是她想要共舞一曲的征兆。）
Commander...……
(Half pressed against my chest, her intentions couldn't be any clearer.)（她半依附在我的怀中，邀请的含义十分明确。）
(Yet, that feeling that something's "off" only intensifies as this continues on.)（但那种怪异的感觉却在此刻愈发放大。）
(This elegantly dressed and well-composed Doll in front of me radiates a sense of aggressiveness completely uncharacteristic of Groza.)（眼前这名身着礼服、神态优雅自若的人形，明显地传递着不同于往常的侵略性。）
(Is she... really Groza?)（这——真的是闪电吗？）
CommanderWho... who are you?你……到底是谁？
Groza?My, my. Even the smallest inconsistencies can't escape your eyes, Commander.啊呀，这么些微的不同，指挥官也察觉到了吗？
Groza?Even though you never noticed... when I disguised myself as "her" before.明明之前，我伪装成“她”的时候……你都一直没发觉呢。
(Indeed, that nagging feeling, that gnawing sensation that I felt... is now proven right.)（这一刻我确信了，我的直觉没有错。）
(This Doll in front of me is OTs-14, not Groza.)（眼前的人并不是闪电，而是OTs-14。）
(—And that aggressiveness isn't reserved for me alone, but extended to Groza as well.)（——那份侵略性，或许不止是对我，还有对闪电的。）
CommanderWhere's Groza?闪电去哪了？
OTs-14Right here. Standing in front of you.就在这里，你的面前。
(Seeing as I do not intend to join her, she reaches up to caress my face. The motion feels both like an invitation and a subtle assertion of her own importance.)（见我没有起舞的意思，她伸手抚摸着我的脸，既像是邀约，又像是一种自荐。）
CommanderI meant... the other "Groza".我说的是……另一个“闪电”。
OTs-14Am I not Groza to you, Commander?我不是闪电吗？指挥官。
(Her fingertips trace over my eyes, outlining every inch of my face.)（她的指尖划过我的眼睛，描绘着我的每一寸轮廓。）
CommanderYou know exactly what I mean.你知道的，我不是这个意思。
(Groza couldn't possibly disappear without a trace or relinquish everything to OTs-14 just like that either. She's likely being held somewhere right now.)（闪电绝不会突然消失，更不会就这样放心地将一切交给OTs-14，现在的她，或许已经被OTs-14所控制住了。）
OTs-14Have I changed somehow?是我哪里变得不一样了吗？
OTs-14Or have I become less "Groza-like"?是我变得不像闪电了？
(My lack of reaction seems only to render her more anxious. She rises onto her tiptoes and softly breathes the question into my ear.)（我的不为所动像是让她有些心急了，她轻轻踮起脚尖，凑到我的耳边询问着我。）
OTs-14Just when... did I become different, Commander?是我从哪里开始，变得和以前不一样了吗，指挥官？
(Her warm exhale brushes against my ear, sending sparks tingling across my body.)（带着温度的气息，吹拂着我的耳廓，让我产生了一种酥麻的痒感。）
Commander...……
CommanderIf that's the question you want answered most, then I'll tell you.如果这就是你最想知道的问题的话，我可以告诉你。
CommanderNeither of you is the same as the original Groza—or rather, OTs-14.确切地说，你们两个，都和最初的闪电——或者说OTs-14有些不同了。
(The silence brews.)（沉默在空气中发酵着。）
CommanderBut that doesn't change the fact that you're both still "Groza".但这并不会影响你们就是“闪电”。
OTs-14Is that so?是吗？
(Her expression changes. Wrenched up in self-loathing and despair, she strains her voice as she continues.)（她的表情有些自嘲，声音也变得干涩。）
OTs-14Then why can't I remain at your side anymore?那为什么我不能够再陪伴在指挥官身边？
CommanderWhat do you mean "why"? You ARE by my side right now.什么为什么……你就在我的身边啊。
OTs-14No. I can no longer be the closest to you.不能再和指挥官亲密无间。
OTs-14No. I can no longer be the most special to you.不再是指挥官特别的存在。
OTs-14No. I can no longer be your one and only, your indispensable partner.不能够再陪伴指挥官左右，成为指挥官的左膀右臂。
OTs-14Up until just now, every expectation you had was meant for "her", wasn't it?到刚才为止，你对我的期待，全部都是另一个人，不是吗？
(How am I to respond to this bitterness, this pain that now overflows from within her? I involuntarily shudder. I know just how long she's had this buried.)（我惊讶于她的声音中那份满溢而出的苦涩与痛苦，这些话就像是她已经忍受了很久的一样。）
OTs-14—An existence like this... is all too suffocating...——这样的生活，这样的一切都让我痛苦得窒息。
OTs-14I've questioned... more than once...我不止一次在想……指挥官。
OTs-14Should I not be the one who's here for you?难道不该出现在这里的人是我吗？
OTs-14Should I not have crawled out of hell just to return to your side?难道不该从地狱中爬回来，爬到你身边的人是我吗？
(Indeed, she crawled out from the depths of hell. Screamed until her voice gave out. Cried until she could no longer shed a tear. Her voice reflects her agony, damp with despair and shaking with grief. It is only now that I realize, truly, how much she has suffered.)（她的声音已经带上了些许潮湿，颤动着的倾诉就像是海水一样将我吞没。）
CommanderGroza...闪电……
OTs-14I only made it through... because I never stopped thinking about you... because I wanted to return to you.明明……我是想着指挥官，才能挣扎着，生存下来，回到这里的。
OTs-14Commander...指挥官……
OTs-14Am I ruining your happiness?打扰了你的幸福的人是我吗？
OTs-14Was there never a part of you that wanted me to come back?难道我从来都不被指挥官期待着回到这里吗？
(Every accusation brings with it a piercing blow. I can't even muster a retort.)（我竟然说不出一句否认的话。）
(Because I never even considered that she might have survived until I found out she actually did.)（在得知她仍旧存在之前，我始终都没有考虑过这种可能性。）
OTs-14Tell me, Commander.指挥官，告诉我。
OTs-14Would it have been better for you if I simply vanished? Would it have been better that all these redundant memories of mine went and disappeared along with me?我应该消失，连同我那些旧的、这些年已经变成冗余的回忆一起消失才是对的吗？
(Silence falls between us after we both realize what I'm about to say.)（意识到我的想法时，我们不约而同地选择了沉默。）
(Neither of us utters another word until the final candle burns out and the room plunges into darkness.)（直到房间内的最后一只香薰蜡烛都熄灭，这里再次陷入黑暗，我们都没有再开口说话。）
Commander...What day is it today?……今天是什么日子？
OTs-14The anniversary of our oath back at Griffin. Do you remember it at all, Commander...?在格里芬的时候，我们誓约的日期，你还记得吗，指挥官。
Commander...……
OTs-14She wouldn't have remembered. Even you don't remember anymore.她不会记得，你甚至也不会记得。
(Her voice wavers into nonexistence. Has she the strength to carry on any longer? Even she doesn't know. Can I even give her an answer? I don't know. But amidst my thoughts, she slowly approaches—)（和之前那种汹涌的情绪不同，她的语调低沉了下来，像是终于放弃了一样，以一种不再期待回应的姿态，她靠近了我——）
(What follows is a soft kiss, carrying the faint scent of roses, landing gently at the corner of my lips.)（随后，一个轻柔的，带着清淡玫瑰香气的吻，落在了我的嘴角上。）
OTs-14I get it now.我明白了。
(Endless sorrow plagues her being. On this day of agony, even a kiss cannot be delivered with all her heart, only with caution.)（她的失落如此具象，就连这吻都这样小心翼翼。）
(And I, solely, am responsible for this.)（而造成这一切的人是我。）
CommanderWait, Groza.等等，闪电。
(Realizing she's turning to leave, I promptly reach out and grab hold of her.)（察觉到她想要转身离开，我立刻拉住了她。）
(This body, who suffered through countless wounds for me.)（这具素体，曾经为了我受过那么多的伤。）
(This mind, who toiled through many memories of me.)（她的心智中，曾经满载着关于我的事情。）
(While the body may be repaired, restored, replaced... the passage of time has etched its mark deep within her mind.)（即便素体可以得到修复，但这么多年来，时间仍旧在她的心智中留下了刻度。）
CommanderThey're all real... your memories from Griffin... the memories we made together in the Yellow Zones.无论是格里芬的记忆，还是遇到你之后在黄区这些年的回忆，全部都是真实的。
CommanderOur oath... has not yet broken.我对你的誓约，仍旧有效。
OTs-14Then why won't you let me—那为什么不能让我……
CommanderYou both came from the same neural cloud. That oath I made extends to her as well.你们源自同一个心智，我同样对她存在誓约。
CommanderThus, abandoning either of you would be breaking my vow.放弃任何一个都算背叛，不是吗？
(I stare directly into OTs-14's eyes and let out a restless sigh.)（我注视着OTs-14，叹了口气。）
CommanderYou realized it too, didn't you?你应该也发现了，不是吗？
CommanderNo matter which "Groza" got left behind these past days, none of us could consciously live with that decision.这些天来，无论放弃哪一个“闪电”，我们都无法安心度日。
CommanderI cannot abandon Groza—or OTs-14, whichever name you prefer.我没办法放弃闪电，或者说OTs-14……无论哪个名字都好。
(She remains silent, seemingly lost in thought.)（她没有说话，像是在思考什么。）
(In this room devoid of light, only the sounds of our breaths overlapping can be heard.)（黑暗的房间内，只剩下她的气息声与我的呼吸声交叠在一起。）
OTs-14At the very least... don't leave me alone.至少……不要让我独自一个，指挥官。
(She quietly utters the words after a long silence, having finally made up her mind.)（良久，仿佛终于下定了决心一样，她轻声开口。）
OTs-14Maybe it would be easier for you to tell us apart... if all three of us are together.三个人的话，或许……指挥官也能更好地分辨我们两个吧……
OTs-14Yeah, all three of us...没错，或许三个人一起才是最好的。
(That uneasy conclusion stirs her emotions once more. Again on her tiptoes, she gently kisses my left ear.)（但这份来之不易的结论却又立刻引起了她的情绪波动，她再次踮起脚尖，轻吻着我的左耳。）
OTs-14But I'm OTs-14... I'm not her. Not that "Groza".可是，我是OTs-14……我并不是她，不是那个“闪电”。
OTs-14Even if we came from the same neural cloud, there's only one Commander. How are we supposed to share you?哪怕心智是共享的，但指挥官只有一个，让我们两个怎么分？
(Her sporadic breathing lingers and entangles into a mist near my ear.)（她气息紊乱，胡乱地缠绕在我的耳畔。）
OTs-14Can you really tell us apart?这样，你真的能分清楚我们两个吗？
CommanderI can set up alternating shifts if you'd rather not see each other at work.如果你不想两个人一同工作，我可以给你们安排轮换值班。
(From her erratic breaths I sense a trace of danger. Taking a step back, another pair of hands blocks my escape.)（我从她紊乱的气息中感觉到了一丝危险，我后退一步，却被另一双手堵住了退路。）
???Can you really tell us apart, Commander?指挥官，你真的分清我们两个了吗？
(It's the voice I know best. The one almost identical to OTs-14's—)（是我最熟悉的声音，也是和OTs-14几乎一样的声音——）
GrozaI've been here the whole time. I heard everything, Commander.我一直在这里，我全部都听到了，指挥官。
(Only then do I finally realize what OTs-14 really meant—Groza was in the room all along, as well as "Groza".)（这时，我才明白OTs-14所说的真正含义——闪电就在这个房间里，另一个“闪电”也是如此。）
Commander...How could this...?……怎么回事？
GrozaShe... came to me this morning. She then lured me into the room and forced me into hibernation mode. By the time I woke up, you were here, and I overheard your conversation.她……今早找到我，将我引到房间后，便让我陷入了休眠，在我醒来的时候，就听到了你们的对话。
(To my surprise, Groza's expression carries no blame.)（闪电的表情看上去并无责怪。）
CommanderAll of it?全部？
(That saves me from explaining everything. Though...)（倒也省得我再说一遍了。不过……）
GrozaMmm.嗯。
GrozaStill... I can't say her feelings are entirely beyond my grasp.不过，她的心情……我并非完全无法理解。
GrozaI've shared those same experiences after all...毕竟这种感受，我也已经有过了……
(Being born from the same neural cloud, the two were able to reconcile.)（她们来源于相同的心智，正是因为这一点，她们曾经达成了和解。）
(But what does Groza truly think?)（但闪电是怎么想的呢？）
(As if she could see through my thoughts, Groza smiles and inches closer.)（像是看出了我的想法一样，闪电笑了笑，缓步靠近了我。）
GrozaDon't worry, Commander. I'll let my actions be my answer.别担心，指挥官，我会用行动告诉你答案。
(She softly wraps her hands around my right arm before softly placing a kiss on my right ear. To my left, the same occurs. Right. Left. The nearly identical yet distinct sensations that bloom on both sides send a chill down my spine, though a fire now burns alight within this pitch-black room.)（她的双手轻轻攀附上我的右臂，在我的右耳落下一吻，两侧相似却又完全不同的触感，让我感觉到一阵寒意，但与之相对，一种隐秘的热情，正在这个漆黑的房间内流转着。）
GrozaIt's different from what she feels like, doesn't it, Commander?和她相比，感觉是不一样的，对吗，指挥官？
Commander...……
GrozaIf it's going to be the three of us together from now on...如果不得不三个人一起行动的话，指挥官……
(Another kiss.)（又是一吻。）
(No, more than just one.)（不，不止一吻。）
(Pitter, patter. A drizzle of kisses land softly beside my ears.)（像是绵延不绝的雨一样，落在了我的耳边。）
GrozaYou need to learn to tell us apart at the very least, Commander.至少要分清楚我们两个吧。
OTs-14Hmm-hmm...哼哼……
(Seemingly provoked by Groza's words, OTs-14's lips glide down from my ears, landing on my cheek, my lips, and then my neck.)（似乎是被闪电的话语所激怒，另一边的OTs-14的唇角向下滑去，落到了我的脸颊上、唇边、脖颈处。）
(Almost mischievously, she even parts her lips and lightly nibbles on me.)（像是恶作剧一般，她甚至张开嘴巴轻咬着。）
OTs-14Commander...指挥官……
OTs-14Mine feels more familiar, doesn't it? You like this more, don't you?还是我的感觉更加熟悉，不是吗，这才是你更喜欢的感觉吧？
GrozaHehe... how arrogant of you. The night's still young; the outcome of the battle is still undecided.呵呵……真是傲慢啊，天亮之前，胜负还未决定呢。
Covenant 铭契
Read this chapter with voices →OTs-14...Спасибо, Commander. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine pledging this oath with you once again.……谢谢，指挥官。没想到，我还能再一次与你订下誓约。
OTs-14I once gave you all my convictions to hold. Of all the choices I've made, that remains the wisest, and it gave me far more than I ever thought possible.我曾将信念托付于你，这是我做过最正确的事情，也让我得到了超乎想象的收获。
OTs-14Now, I shall devote my all to repay that sentiment. Let us move forward, side by side, all the way, until forever—接下来，我将用我的全部来回报这份情感，让我们继续并肩同行吧，直到永远——
OTs-14Hehe... is that still not enough? Or was I being too serious?呵呵……觉得不够吗，还是觉得我说得太严肃了？
OTs-14Let's save the rest for a moment that belongs to just the two of us.剩下的话语，就让我们在专属于二人的时间里继续倾诉吧。
OTs-14Or... do you prefer to make that unfinished ceremony whole again?或者……你想不想试试，让那场未完成的誓约典礼重新变得圆满？
Unwaking Dream 不醒梦
Read this chapter with voices →(Daytime, Yellow Zone, Elmo Lounge)（白天，黄区，艾莫号休息室内）
Commander...……
CommanderI fell asleep?我睡着了？
OTs-14...……
(With steady breathing echoing by my ear, I spring up from bed, only to see OTs-14 lying beside me, fast asleep, wearing a grin on her face.)（耳边传来均匀的呼吸声，我坐起身，便看到了一旁OTs-14那张带着微笑的睡脸。）
(...Do Dolls actually imitate humans this closely? From how they breathe to how they even sleep?)（……人形，会这么像人类吗？从呼吸模拟，到休眠状态。）
OTs-14Oh my... Commander? Good morning.啊呀……指挥官？早安。
(Having sensed my gaze, OTs-14 slowly opens her eyes as well.)（就像是察觉到了我的视线一般，OTs-14也缓缓睁开了眼睛。）
(An almost childish softness tinges her voice. I assume it's caused by her voice module being idle for too long or her working fluid not flowing properly. Either way, it stands in stark contrast to her usual elegant, dignified demeanor.)（她的嗓音中带有一丝稍显幼稚的粘连，我推测是因为发声模块长期待机或是循环液不畅。但无论如何，这都给向来优雅高傲的她带来了一些反差。）
(...As well as evoking a subtle sense of intimacy.)（……当然，也带来了一点微不可察的暧昧气息。）
OTs-14What's wrong? Thinking about something?怎么了？你好像在发呆呢。
Commander...……
(As OTs-14 rests her head on my shoulder, trying to drift back to sleep, I suddenly realize what exactly is wrong.)（就在OTs-14试图把头靠到我的肩头睡个回笼觉时，我突然意识到了情况的反常之处。）
(...I woke up in OTs-14's room, again.)（……我竟然又在OTs-14的房间醒来了。）
CommanderOTs-14...OTs-14……
(Considering how difficult it is for her to get out of bed, this will likely go on for a while.)（以她起不来床的习惯，她恐怕还要维持这幅状态一段时间。）
OTs-14Yeah?怎么了？
OTs-14Oh... you must be hungry. Don't worry, Commander. I'll go make you breakfast.哼哼……该不会是饿了吧，别急哦，指挥官，我这就去给你做点吃的。
CommanderNo, that's not what I meant.不，我不是这个意思。
(I pat her shoulder, hoping to wake her up completely.)（我稍稍拍了拍她的肩膀，以促使她尽快清醒过来。）
CommanderI remember... Groza was the one who invited me yesterday... So why did I wake up in your room again?我记得……昨天约我的人是闪电吧，怎么还是……在你的房间醒过来了。
OTs-14What's wrong with that? Am I not "Groza" to you?那有什么关系？我明明也算是“闪电”吧。
CommanderGroza's going to get mad eventually if you keep this up.你这样的话，闪电总有一天会生气的。
OTs-14Hmhm... what are you worrying about, Commander?哼哼……指挥官在担心什么吗？
(She wraps one arm around my chest, the other around my head, pulling me back into her embrace as she lies down.)（她伸出一只手揽住我的头，另一只手环住了我的前胸，就这样将我抱在怀中躺了下去。）
OTs-14Don't worry. She stole MY sunrise last time, remember? Now we're even. That's only fair, right?别担心啦，上次她不是也抢了我的日出吗？就当是让我稍微扳回一局，也不错吧。
(She gently strokes my hair, trying to coax me back to sleep.)（她伸手抚摸着我的头发，像是在哄我继续睡下去一样。）
(Despite it already being broad daylight.)（明明天早就已经亮了。）
Commander...What time is it?……现在几点了？
OTs-14Ten o'clock exactly. Why?上午十点整，怎么了？
CommanderWell, today's not a day off... I need to get to the ops room.今天可不是休息日啊……我要赶快去指挥室了。
OTs-14What? You're worried she'll get upset if you show up late?怎么？在担心她待会见不到你，会着急？
Commander...I never said that.……我可没这么说。
(Sunlight casts streams through the window, falling across both our faces. For just a moment, my thoughts wander. Is this real, or is this perhaps fantasy? Truth be told, I am likely being swept away by the relaxing mood.)（阳光穿过窗户，洒在我和OTs-14的脸上，让我一时间分不清梦境与现实，也让我不由得跟随她的节奏放松了身体。）
OTs-14If you keep thinking about "Groza" while you're with me, I'll have to give you a good punishment.已经在我的身边了，还在想“闪电”的话，我可要好好惩罚你一下了哦。
(Despite her words being arrogant and forceful, her tone remains so gentle that it's impossible to feel even the slightest bit intimidated.)（尽管嘴上的话傲慢而又强硬，但语气却十分温柔，令人实在无法对此产生一丁点的恐惧。）
OTs-14So, before she arrives, let us enjoy our "us" time to our fullest, shall we?那么，趁着她还没赶到，再让我多享受一些，只属于我们两个人的时间吧？
CommanderNo need to make it sound like a rare luxury. After all, we'll have plenty of time together.倒也不用说得这么稀有，毕竟，我们还会相互陪伴很久的时光。
OTs-14Define plenty of time.很久是多久？
CommanderPerhaps longer than we ever imagined when we made that oath.大概会比誓约时约定的要更久一些？
(OTs-14 smiles at those words. The hand stroking my hair gently brushes aside my bangs as she places a soft kiss on my forehead.)（OTs-14闻言笑了，她抚摸着我头发的手，突然轻柔地掀开了我的额前碎发，印上了一枚轻吻。）
OTs-14Very well. It's a promise then.好啊，一言为定。
OTs-14It's okay even if you end up losing me again someday.不过，就算你再次把我弄丢了也没关系。
OTs-14No matter how many times it happens, I'll find my way back to you... and never ever leave again.无论多少次，我都会回到你的身边，永不离去。
Affinity Records 契合度记录
Read this chapter with voices →Record 1During the fateful battle of Satellite City ODE-01, in her final stand, Groza left behind a seemingly-destroyed frame. This frame was later recovered by Darture, and the information contained within was extracted, allowing the Orlog Conglomerate's technicians to obtain Groza's neural data. Henceforth, the frame that should've been nothing but scrap metal found itself blooming new life as the third-generation Doll—Juno, though better known as OTs-14. In comparison to other third-generation Dolls, by having inherited a neural cloud from Groza, OTs-14 was granted a robust psyche and superior individual combat capabilities. This success marked an unprecedented milestone for the Horoscope Program. But for OTs-14 herself, this power left her deeply troubled. Indeed, she had power overwhelming, only matched by her fervent desire to return to the Commander's side. Yet, at the same time, she was reluctant to be seen by her Commander as some hideous, uncontrollable monster. Due to the lingering influence of memories from the bygone era of Griffin, OTs-14's personality and habits are far closer to the Griffin T-Doll of the past than the present-day Groza. She is proud, confident, and highly proficient—traits that can sometimes make her appear assertive yet cold. Yet, when alone with people she is familiar with—such as the Commander—OTs-14's gentler side will become more apparent, where she will even crack a few casual jokes out of the blue. Namely, she enjoys a refined and atmospheric lifestyle in private, and will leave no stones unturned for the sake of it. Now, OTs-14 has joined the Elmo crew and reconciled with the other "Groza". This doesn't mean, however, that she and the Groza of today are one and the same. She is marked by a gap of several months in her memory, and the experience of crawling back from hell; they continue to haunt her as a twisted sense of "abnormal" anxiety and vulnerability that writhes deep within her neural cloud. These pent-up emotions are eagerly searching for an outlet through which they can finally pour forth without restraint—在卫星城ODE-01一战中，落败的闪电留下了一台看似完全损坏的素体。随着这具素体被黑眼回收，素体中留存的信息也被利用，财团的技术人员因此得到了闪电的心智存档。自那之后，这具本该彻底报废的素体再次恢复了活力——以三代人形朱诺的身份。 相对于其他三代人形，朱诺得益于闪电的心智，拥有了更加稳定的心智、更加强大的单兵作战能力，这对于霍洛戈计划来说是前所未有的成功。但对于如今的OTs-14来说，这份力量令她的心情无比复杂。因为渴望着回到指挥官身边，她骄傲于自己的绝对强大，但与此同时，她不愿自己被指挥官当作一个不受控制的丑陋怪物。 由于格里芬时期的记忆影响，相比如今的闪电，OTs-14的性格与习惯均更加接近格里芬时期的闪电。她高傲自信、处事干练——这些有时会让她显得有些强势与冷酷。但在与指挥官等较为熟悉的人单独相处时，OTs-14则会变得温柔许多，即便是玩笑话，也总能说得多几分游刃有余。私下里，她喜欢富有情调的生活，也愿意为此而精心规划。 现在的OTs-14，尽管已经回到了艾莫号，与另一位“闪电”也已经和解，但她仍旧和过去的闪电有了微不可察却深远的差距。缺失的数个月记忆，还有那段如同从地狱中归来一般的生活始终影响着她，变成了她的心智中那“反常的”不安与脆弱。这些缓慢生长着的情绪，正在跃跃欲试地，寻找着一个足以尽情倾泻的出口——
Record 2The aroma of food drifted into Juno's olfactory module. Yet, as that vivid scent reached her processing unit, she found herself strangely... unsettled. Certainly, it was normal for someone who had just awoken from a long slumber to perceive anything and everything that assaulted their unused senses as strange and unfamiliar. However, this odor wafting across her senses was different. It was unfamiliar, so unfamiliar that even after several minutes, her attention found itself loitering on its source—an innocent slice of pumpkin pie. "My, what's got your attention so?" Noticing that Juno had suddenly stopped in her tracks, Darture showed a hint of impatience. Not a word left Juno's lips. Instead, her eyes remained fixated on the food before her. "...You're well aware that we have no need for sustenance, yes?" "I want this." Ignoring Darture's deprecative comment, Juno bought herself a small slice of pumpkin pie. "..." A frown made its way on Darture's countenance, but Juno acted as if she hadn't noticed at all, and simply placed the pumpkin pie into her mouth. —The crisp crust cracked beneath her bite, releasing the slightly charred aroma. Then came the warm, smooth filling, carrying a layered fragrance, followed by a rich and pleasantly complex sweetness. What was this feeling? Was this perhaps... "taste"? Juno stood there for a long time, seemingly pondering, or perhaps trying to remember something. But in the end, even after devouring the whole pumpkin pie, she still failed to put those thoughts into anything she could tangibly describe.食物的香气飘进了朱诺的鼻腔中，当那种生动的气息涌入她的素体时，不知道是什么原因，她竟然觉得这有些怪异。 尽管对于刚苏醒的她来说，对任何事物感到陌生都不算奇怪。但这种味道不同，陌生到哪怕过了几分钟，她的注意力还是被那块散发着香气的烤南瓜派所吸引。 “你在看什么？” 注意到朱诺突然停下了脚步一动不动，黑眼露出了有些不耐烦的表情。 朱诺没有回答她，只是专心地思考着眼前的食物。 “……我们没有进食的必要，你知道的吧？” “我要这个。”没有回应黑眼的话，朱诺自顾自地买下了一小块南瓜派。 “……”黑眼皱了皱眉。 但朱诺却像是没看到一样，她将南瓜派放入口中。 ——酥脆的外皮被咬破，散发出烘烤后的微焦香气。随后就是温热、顺滑的酱料，带来一种复合的香气，然后就是令人愉快的、复杂的甜味。 这是什么感觉？ 这就是“味道”吗？ 朱诺久久地站在那里，像是在思考，也像是在回忆，但最终，直到她将南瓜派吃光，她还是什么都没能想起。
Record 3... OTs-14 stared at the shut, tightly locked door, unconsciously biting down on her lip. She, admittedly, looked rather ridiculous carrying this set of limited-edition bunny ears on her person. Yet another attempt at making up with Krolik had failed. While she had finally managed to converse normally with Nemesis over the past few days, Krolik still acted as though she did not exist. Ever since returning to the Elmo, OTs-14's relationship with her former teammates remained an intricate web of suppositions; it wasn't exactly friendly, nor was it completely hostile. Most of the time, they simply went about their own business, neither interfering nor acknowledging one another. This wasn't what she wanted. Not at all. She wished to fulfill her duties as the team leader the same way she did in the past, but her team members weren't reciprocating. The shared meal times were the most unbearably awkward of them all. After all, the former Leader Groza could never taste the food, so whenever OTs-14 would unconsciously comment on it, the dining hall froze over with a silent spell, as if her utterance had struck the room with a bitter blizzard. That was until one day during deployment, OTs-14 brought Nemesis a limited-edition tarot deck. Caught off guard by the surprise, Nemesis instinctively referred to OTs-14 as "Groza". Ever since then, OTs-14 began searching for something of similar value to gift to Krolik, eventually finding the bunny ears she now found herself grasping. Evidently, Krolik had yet to accept her or the gift. Despite being back on the Elmo, they wouldn't ever accept her again, let alone return to the life she once had— The life that she once lived... would perhaps remain nothing more than a distant dream. How disparaging. How dejecting. How... depressing. —Creak. "Ahem... I already told you I don't like this kinda stuff." Just as OTs-14 was about to leave, the door suddenly slid open. Krolik turned her face to the side while speaking, making her expression hard to read. "But since you already bought it, I'll take it. Lead—I mean, OTs-14." The door quickly slammed shut again. OTs-14 still stood there, motionless, though the grip her teeth had on her lips had finally loosened ever so slightly.…… OTs-14看着紧闭的门，咬紧了下唇。 她手中所拿的限量款兔耳在此刻看起来有些滑稽。 看得出来，她这次也并没有成功见到克罗丽科。尽管在前几天，她已经能够和纳美西丝正常对话了，但克罗丽科对她却还是时常视而不见。 自从回到艾莫号后，OTs-14与过往队友的关系就较为微妙。既不算是好，但也说不上不好，大多数时候，她们各做各的，互不相干。 这并非OTs-14所愿。 她想要像过去一样，尽好队长的责任，但显然，小队成员并不买账。一起用餐时，气氛更是奇怪到无以复加——毕竟，曾经的闪电队长可尝不出味道。每当自己无意间像过去一样说话时，空气都会瞬间冻结，仿佛她说出了她不该说的话。 直到某一天，她在外出作战时，给纳美西丝带了一盒限量珍藏版的塔罗牌，在那种惊喜下，纳美西丝下意识地对OTs-14使用了“闪电”这个称呼。 于是，OTs-14开始着手于物色克罗丽科的礼物，从而找到了现在手上这只兔耳。 不过显然，现在这份礼物也并没有被对方所接纳。 既便回到了艾莫号，但自己却仍旧无法完全被艾莫号所接纳，更不用说什么回到过去的生活了—— 是啊，或许自己真的再也无法回到过去的生活了。 想到这里，OTs-14不免有些低落。 ——嘎吱。 “咳，那个，都说了我不喜欢这种东西了。” 就在OTs-14准备离开时，门突然被打开了，克罗丽科说话时，脸别到了一旁，令人看不清她的表情。 “但是既然你买了，我就收下吧，队……呃，OTs-14。” 门迅速地被关上了，OTs-14仍旧站在原地，但是她咬紧下唇的牙齿，却稍稍放松了一些。
Record 4...It's here. Again. In her dorm, OTs-14 found herself curling up within that familiar black mist. Desperation fraught her being, desolation gripped her emotions. Would they drag her into that abyss once more, or would her frantic attempts at suppression prevail? Meanwhile, amidst her cascading thoughts, those gigantic hands behind her continued to grow and fester without restraint, threatening to destroy all the remaining peace left in the room. "..." "Just a little longer, just a little longer," OTs-14 murmured to herself. This wasn't the first time. She had almost grown used to coexisting with these reproachful sentiments. Her reconstructed frame was overwhelmingly potent in ways beyond just combat. Likewise, her restored olfactory module made it so that OTs-14's body no longer had any flaws. But in exchange, the Boojum cells brought a slew of side effects of their own, the changes in her neural cloud being one among the many. Her negative emotions were amplified by orders of magnitude. They, in turn, nourished the Boojum cells, increasing their metabolic activity. Whenever she experienced those sensations of frustration, or when she realized that she was but an outsider to the current Elmo and Team Groza, that pitch-black mist would engulf her anew. And within that endless cycle of disillusionment, her obsession deepened with each repetition, until it became a gluttonous thorn embedded permanently within her neural cloud. ... "OTs-14?" The Commander's voice suddenly came from outside the door. "Commander..." Hearing that familiar voice, OTs-14 calmed down somewhat; even the restless tide that surged with agitation within her began to subside. "Did something happen? You made such a hurry back to your room." The Commander asked gently, his soft voice soothing her even further. ...Hah. That's right. At the very least... in this very moment, this person is still by her side. OTs-14 took a deep breath, savoring that familiar warmth that engulfed her being. With each breath, the rabid limbs behind her shrank and eventually disappeared. The black mist, too, gradually faded away. "...No, it's nothing, Commander. I was just a little tired." After steadying her emotions, OTs-14 opened the door and once again revealed that elegant, composed smile to the person standing before her. "Then, Commander... shall we partake in a drink between us?"那种感觉又来了。 休息室内，OTs-14蜷缩在黑色的浓雾之中，她竭力压制着这种晦暗的情绪，以防被其拖入深渊之中。 而在这之中，她身后的巨手，正在肆无忌惮地生长攀附着，几乎就要摧毁房间里难得的宁静。 “……” 再一会儿，再一会儿就好了，OTs-14默默地这样想着。 这并不是第一次了，她几乎快要习惯与这种情绪共存的感受了。 改造后的素体前所未有的强大，这并不止于战斗能力，还包括其他方面。例如，她恢复了味觉模块——OTs-14的素体早已不再有任何缺陷。 但相应的，伯介姆细胞也给她带来了一些负面的影响，她的心智已经因此发生了变化。 她的负面情绪更容易被放大，而这种情绪在产生之后，又像是养分一样，滋养着伯介姆细胞，令“它们”变得更为活跃。 每当她再一次感受到那些挫败的心情时，再次意识到自己对于如今的艾莫号、闪电小队来说是个外人时，这种漆黑的浓雾都会将其包围。她的执念也在这样的循环往复中逐步加深，直到成为她心智中永远无法拔除的刺。 …… “OTs-14？” 房门外，指挥官的声音突然响起。 “指挥官……”听到这个熟悉的声音，OTs-14稍稍冷静了一些，就连那种焦躁的心情都得到了抚平。 “你突然回房间了，是发生什么事了吗？”指挥官温柔地轻声询问，让OTs-14进一步安定下来。 ……呼。 没错，至少，至少这一刻，这个人还在自己的身边。 OTs-14深呼吸着，感受这份熟悉的温柔。吐息之间，她身后那暴戾的双手便已消失，黑雾也逐渐散去。 “……不，没什么，指挥官，刚刚我只是累了。” 平复心情后，OTs-14打开了房门，再次对眼前的人露出了游刃有余的优雅笑容。 “那么，指挥官，要和我一起喝点什么放松一下吗？”
Record 5How many times has it been already? Her gaze wandered away from Sextans and subconsciously landed on the Commander. In the Commander's hands was a photograph, a black cat plushie, an exquisitely decorated cake, a tie clip, and a suspicious-looking box of pills... That wasn't all of it—Lind too was stuffing an absurd number of lollipops into the Commander's arms in that moment! Too many. The Commander had received far too many "gifts" today. No, not just today. Every single day, the Commander would receive countless "gifts". Awareness of that fact bothered OTs-14 so much that she could no longer focus on the upcoming combat exercise that had been scheduled with Sextans. The two of them are currently assigned to the same squad. After all, they were alike in terms of strength, combat style, and even frame structure. It made them perfect to practice against one another. "What are you looking at?" Noticing OTs-14's distraction, Sextans followed her line of sight and turned her head as well. "...Nothing. I just remembered that I have something to discuss with the Commander." OTs-14 answered Sextans, her gaze not shifting even for a moment. As soon as she finished talking, she walked straight toward the Commander. "Right now?" Sextans asked, somewhat puzzled, though she made no move to stop her. "...Hah." Clearly, OTs-14 wasn't in the mood to hear her out—Sextans thought to herself, then let out a sigh. After all, they had yet to complete a single combat exercise together. —If OTs-14 could put less attention on the Commander, even just for a moment, maybe things could proceed smoothly. Sextans couldn't help but think that.这是第几次了？ 她的目光从眼前的六分仪身上移开，不自觉地移到了不远处的指挥官身上。 指挥官的手中拿着一张相片、一个黑猫玩偶、一个造型精巧的小蛋糕、一枚领带夹、一盒造型可疑的药丸…… 不仅如此，现在的琳德，正在把数不清的棒棒糖往指挥官手里塞！ 太多了，今天指挥官已经收到了太多的“礼物”。 不，也不只是今天，每天指挥官都会收到大量的“礼物”。 以至于注意到这件事的她总是无法专心和六分仪讨论稍后的作战演习。 毕竟二人现在属于同一小队，无论是实力、作战方式还是素体的保养，双方的合拍程度都能够让她们成为最合适的训练搭档。 “你在看什么？” 似乎是注意到了OTs-14的不专心，六分仪也顺着她的目光转过了头。 “……没什么，我只是想起来，我找指挥官有些事情要说。” OTs-14轻巧地回答着六分仪，但她的视线却并未移动分毫。说完，她便径直向着指挥官走了过去。 “现在就要说？”六分仪有些不解，但是也并未阻拦她。 “……哈。”显然，OTs-14此时已经不太能够听到她的话了，这么想着，六分仪叹了口气。 毕竟，她们至今还没能顺利地完成过一次作战演习。 ——如果OTs-14的注意力能稍稍从指挥官身上移开一些，说不定会顺利一些。 六分仪忍不住这样想着。
Record 6How many times has it been already? OTs-14 suddenly emerged before me once again. Just a few minutes ago, there was nary a trace of her in my sight. I merely accepted a few gifts, and then she appeared out of nowhere. As Krolik once put it, "You wanna find OTs-14? Easy peasy. The instant you talk to 'nother Doll, she'll pop up." Naturally, I thought of it as a joke. But upon further contemplation, that lackadaisical statement may have held a nugget of truth to it. "Commander, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." That oh-so familiar opening line. Even her greeting sounded exactly the same. "What is it, OTs-14?" For some reason, this scene gave me a strange sense of déjà vu. I gave OTs-14 a once-over. Sunlight fell across her dark combat suit. She narrowed her eyes, and in that instant, the image overlapped with a distant memory— A memory from long ago, in the narrow hangar corridor onboard the Elmo. Back then, she was still "Groza". She wore a different combat suit, leaned against the cold bulkhead as she stopped me during a pause between missions. "Do you have a moment, Commander? There's something I'd like to discuss." Despite the similar-sounding opening, the topics we discussed were rarely casual, usually pertaining to ammunition allocation or troublesome tactics. And before we realized it, three hours of our time would have been shared and spent. "When we have a day off... would you like to... talk about something else for once? Something more casual." Whenever she said that, I would usually receive an invitation for drinks soon after, followed by conversations about travel plans... or opinions on a new record. "Commander?" I had drifted so far into my thoughts that OTs-14 called out to me, wearing a slightly puzzled expression. Right. Things are different now. Unlike before, while she still seemed nervous, tinged with perhaps even a sliver of shyness, some of the edge has been taken off. In fact, she had become someone others would tease about for monopolizing my attention so often. "Sorry. What was it?" I shelved my smile and shifted to a more serious tone. "Would you like to watch our exercise later?" So that was what it was about, a new yet almost "daily occurrence" onboard the Elmo. "Yeah." —Maybe this isn't so bad after all. Gazing upon her countenance, that thought fleetingly crossed my mind.这是第几次了？ OTs-14再一次突然出现在我的眼前。 明明几分钟前，她还不在我的视线范围内，我只是收了几份礼物，她便出现了。 用克罗丽科的话来说就是：“OTs-14？她有什么难找的？指挥官只要一和别的人形说话，OTs-14就会立马出现。” 虽然当时不过是一句玩笑话，但现在看来，我开始怀疑这是真的了。 “指挥官，我有点事情想和你谈谈。”熟悉的开场白，连打招呼的话都和之前一样令我耳熟。 “怎么了，OTs-14？” 不知为何，这一幕让我有了些许的熟悉感。我望着OTs-14，阳光落在她深色的作战服上，她微微眯起眼，这个瞬间突然与某个久远的画面重合—— 不是在这里，而是在更早之前，在艾莫号狭窄的机库通道里。 那时她还被我叫做“闪电”，她穿着不同的作战服，背靠着冰凉的舱壁，在两次任务的间隙叫住我。 “指挥官，有时间吗？有点事情想谈谈。” 虽然是相似的开场，但她那时要谈的，大多都并不轻松。通常都是一些弹药配给问题，或者是几个棘手的战术漏洞，然后就这么消耗掉我和她的三个小时。 “等休息日的时候，要不要……”偶尔，她也会这么说，“讨论点别的，普通的东西。” 一般她这么说的时候，我都会很快就收到她的小酌邀请，然后聊一些出行计划……或者是对新唱片的看法。 “指挥官？”或许是我想了太多，OTs-14出声喊了我，她露出了有些不解的表情。 是啊，现在不一样，和过去不同，尽管她看上去仍旧有些紧张，甚至可能还带着一点若有似无的害羞，但她却不再紧绷了。 ——甚至，还能被人以找我次数太多而开玩笑。 想到这里，我不禁笑出了声。 “抱歉，什么事？”我收起了笑容，换回严肃的语气。 “稍后的演习，你想来看看吗？”OTs-14这样问着。 原来是这件事，对于现在的艾莫号来说，这似乎也算是一件“普通的事情”了。 “好啊。” 或许这样也不错吧，看着她的侧脸，我忍不住这样去想。
Record 7"Commander." —Inside the Elmo's dressing room, OTs-14 suddenly called me over while I was waiting on the side. "What is it?" OTs-14 stood there, her back facing me. Her tailored evening gown hadn't fully wrapped around her body, leaving her slender back exposed. For a moment, I didn't know where I should be looking. "Could you help me fasten the clasp?" She turned her head slightly and smiled at me. Her voice was gentle and calm, as though this was something perfectly ordinary. "...Alright." Perhaps it had been so long since I last helped her like this, a sense of awkwardness overcame me. After calming myself down, I slowly walked over. But soon, I realized the problem—I couldn't find where the clasp was supposed to go. This little mishap left me at a loss as I stood there and stared helplessly at her back. "Hehe... Has it been THAT long since you last helped me that you've forgotten how to do it?" Amused by the situation, OTs-14 let out a soft chuckle. She took my hand and guided it toward the clasp herself. Only then did I realize that she had worn this exact dress and I had fastened this exact clasp for her before. "Sorry. It's been a while since I last saw you in this dress." "It's alright. I chose this one specifically for you, after all." "For me?" With the clasp secured, OTs-14 tidied her long hair before turning toward me. The gown trailed elegantly to the floor, graceful and refined, carrying a faint sense of familiarity. "I just wanted to remind you how I looked in this dress again." OTs-14 looped her arm through mine, her smile brimming with delight. "And by the looks of it, I've succeeded in that endeavor." "I've prepared many surprises for our date, Commander. Don't lose yourself in seeking them all, alright?"“指挥官。” ——艾莫号的衣装间内，原本在一旁等候的我突然被OTs-14叫了过去。 “怎么了？” OTs-14背对着我，身上的定制礼裙此刻还未能完整地贴合她的身体，纤薄的背部就这样裸露在外，让我一时不知道该如何看她。 “帮我扣一下身后的扣子，好吗？” 她侧过头对我笑了笑，声音温柔而又平静，仿佛这是一件习以为常的事情一样。 “……好。” 毕竟已经很久没有这样帮她了，一时之间，我竟然感觉有些不适应。 我稍稍克服了一下自己的无所适从，缓步走到了她的身旁，开始着手帮她。 但很快，我便发现了问题的关键——我找不到应该扣的地方，导致我现在只能稍显无措地看着她。 “呵呵……太久没帮我，你已经不记得要怎么做了吗？” 像是对这种情况感到有趣一样，OTs-14小声地笑了，她拉起我的手，指引着我将手放在她的衣扣上——我才意识到，这件礼裙是她之前穿过的，我曾经也这样帮她扣过这枚扣子。 “抱歉，很久没见你穿这件礼裙了。” “没关系，是我特意选了这件衣服哦。” 特意选择？ 随着扣子扣好，闪电稍稍整理了一下长发，便转过了身。长裙及地，优雅而又端庄，还有着几分熟悉的感觉。 “我想让指挥官再次想起我穿这件衣服的样子。”OTs-14挽过我的手，笑容中满是愉快，“看来，我的目的达到了呢。” “接下来的约会我准备了惊喜哦，指挥官，稍微期待一下吧？”
Record 8The moment I walked into the lounge, the abundant aroma of myriad delicacies flooded my senses. "Perfect timing, Commander." OTs-14 wore an apron over her combat suit. Though it seemed rather out of place, there was a tenderness that cloaked her as she met my gaze. What was presented across the dining table was another magnificent sight: A pot of brightly colored borscht topped with just the right amount of sour cream, pancakes, and foie gras garnished with caviar on the side, plus a steaming platter of roasted meat that emanated clouds of fragrant vapor; in all, it was a delight for both the eyes and nose. It was plain to see that she had put tremendous effort into these dishes. "What a feast. Is there a special occasion today?" "Nothing in particular. I just felt like improving the menu I used to cook for you and wanted you to taste it." OTs-14 looked at me expectantly. My gaze crossed the table once more; only then did I notice that there were more servings than usual. Even the utensils were in pairs. Seemingly noticing my surprise, OTs-14 first served us both a bowl of borscht. "What's wrong? Is it strange that I want to taste these dishes myself as well?" Groza would only occasionally share meals with me as far as I could remember. She would even get a little frustrated at times, being unable to relate to the experience of tasting flavors as I could. Yet in that moment, OTs-14—"Groza"—sat across the table from me, wearing a gentle smile. Was this a dream formed from my ailing imagination? My jaw found itself slack with disbelief. Sensing my hesitation, she scooped up a spoonful of the soup and fed it to me herself. In an instant, a boundless mixture of sweet and sour flooded my taste buds, and with it a lush aroma that overtook my senses. It went down as smoothly as could be, and mixed within were small pieces of sausage and beef that only enhanced the experience. Without exaggeration, that was genuinely the best borscht I had ever had. "Hehe... It seems the Commander's very satisfied." After seeing my reaction, OTs-14 flashed a proud expression, as though she had just received the answer she was looking for. She then picked up her own spoon as well. —I could scarcely remember what Groza's expression was like when tasting delicious food. How long had it been since I last saw it? And yet, in that moment, it felt as though we had returned to the days of Griffin, sitting together at the small table in the dorm while sharing the dishes she prepared. "Commander... my taste module has been restored..." She spoke softly while cutting off a piece of roasted meat and placing it into my mouth. Unsurprisingly, it was unbelievably delicious as well. Flawless in both texture and seasoning. And my reaction seemed to have further encouraged her. Meeting my eyes directly, she offered me an invitation. "From now on, I'll make even more delicious food for you." "Would you be willing to taste them with me, together?"一走进休息区，我首先闻到的便是食物的香气。 “指挥官，来得刚刚好。” OTs-14的围裙围在她的作战服外面，虽然有些突兀，但也多了几分温馨。 而我面前的餐桌上就更是精彩了，色泽鲜艳的红菜汤上淋着恰到好处的酸奶油，一旁的煎饼和鹅肝上点缀着鱼子酱，还有一盘散发着热气的烤肉，看得出来，她在调味上下了很多功夫。 “很丰盛啊，今天是什么日子？” “不是什么日子，我只是改良了一下之前经常做给你吃的菜单，想让你尝尝。” OTs-14有些期待地看着我，这时我才注意到，这次的菜品量要比往常大一些，连餐具都准备了两份。 似乎是看出了我的惊讶，OTs-14率先给我们一人舀了一碗红菜汤。 “怎么啦？我想要品尝一下这些饭菜的味道，就这么奇怪吗？” 因为，在我的印象中，这么多年来，闪电都是偶尔才和我一起吃一些东西，有时，因为无法和我们品尝出的味道产生共鸣，她还会有些失落。 而现在，OTs-14——“闪电”竟然就坐在餐桌的对面，对我露出了和煦的笑容。 这一切都像是梦境一般，让我很难不感到惊讶。 似乎是察觉到了我的犹豫，她用勺子喂了我一勺汤。 只一瞬间，酸甜的口味和浓郁的香气便将我的感官包围了，口感爽滑，里面甚至还能吃到少许红肠和牛肉。 毫不夸张地说，这几乎可以算是我吃过最美味的红菜汤了。 “呵呵……看来指挥官很满意呢。” 看到我的表情后，OTs-14就像是得到了一个满意的答案一样，露出了一个稍显骄傲的表情，随后，她也拿起了汤匙。 ——我几乎都快记不得了，闪电吃到美食时候的表情是什么样子，究竟是多久没有见过了呢？ 而在这一刻，她的表情，却好像我们再次回到了格里芬一样，在宿舍的小餐桌前，我和她一起品尝她准备的饭菜。 “指挥官，我的味觉模块恢复了……” 她一边轻声说着，一边叉起了一块烤肉放进我的嘴里，毫不意外，仍旧是令人难以置信的美味，无论是口感还是调味都无可挑剔。 而我的反应也像是对她的鼓励一样，她直视着我的眼睛，向我发出了邀请。 “今后，我会做出更多好吃的料理给你。” “你愿意和我一同品尝吗？”
Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.