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Needless Notes

拂晓的回响

18 chapters · 1293 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Needless Notes 多余的音符

(Creeeeeak—)（嘎吱——）

(With a deafening screech, the doors to the intercontinental train car slowly grind open. A green-tinted figure rides the flow of the crowd into the cabin and quickly strides over to her cramped window seat.)（刺耳的金属噪音中，洲际列车的车门缓缓开启。一个青色的人影随着拥挤人流踏进车门，快步走至窗边狭窄的座位。）

ZhaohuiI'm on the train. I'll be back once the request is complete. Daiyan will manage the squad's affairs while I'm away. I would also urge everyone to rationally consider my proposal.“我已顺利上车，预计委托结束后返回。 在我离队期间，小队各项事务交由黛烟决策。关于我提出的议案，也请各位务必理性思考。”

(After sending that message to the squad's chat group, Zhaohui puts down her comm terminal and turns her gaze outside the train window.)（将消息发送至小队群聊后，朝晖放下了通讯终端，将目光转向车窗之外。）

(Somewhere, in a place where she cannot see, a gigantic MCV is encamped in the wilderness over ten kilometers away from the supply station.)（在视线不可及的地方，一辆巨大的基地车，正驻扎在补给站十余公里外的荒野中。）

(Just then, metal shutters close over the armored glass windows of the cabin, obscuring everything from view.)（但此刻，厚重的钢化玻璃封闭了车厢，令窗外的一切都斑驳不清。）

Zhaohui...……

(With nothing to look at, Zhaohui shifts her gaze to look inside the cabin. More and more people file into the cabin, filling up the seats around her.)（目光找不到落点，朝晖将视线转回车厢。人流鱼贯而入，不久便将她身边的空位填满。）

(Soon, there is a loud whistling as the fully loaded train lurches into motion, gradually picking up speed as it pulls out of this tiny supply station.)（很快，随着巨大的轰鸣声，满载着乘客的列车启动，在不断加速中驶离了小小的补给站。）

(—And also away from the Elmo.)（——也逐渐驶离了停驻于荒野中的艾莫号。）

(One week ago, aboard the Elmo.)（艾莫号，一周前。）

(The Elmo has set off once again after the mission to render emergency assistance to 404. We're heading toward Lviv to keep with our promise with Kalina.)（结束了支援404的紧急任务，艾莫号再次启程，依照与格琳的约定，向着利沃夫一路行进。）

(Ever since we got caught up in this crazy commission, the masterminds hidden within the shadows have gradually come to the fore. As a result, the Agreement that has bound me for ten years has begun to lapse, and the number of Dolls who "just so happened to return to the Elmo" has grown as well.)（自卷入这场莫名其妙的委托，隐藏在黑暗中的身影也逐渐显现。束缚我长达十年的“协议”因此松动，车上“意外回归”的人形也越来越多。）

(While meeting old friends again is always a joyous occasion, it does lead to some awkward moments at times.)（与昔日同伴的重聚固然令人欣喜，但有时，也会带来令人尴尬的暗流。）

(For instance—)（譬如此刻——）

CommanderA herd of Obshares? In a place like this?曜石兔群？在这个地方？

DaiyanThat does seem to be the case... What should we do about them, Commander?看起来是呢……长官，怎么处理？

(Three minutes ago, I was chatting idly with the others when I got a report from Mayling—the Elmo encountered a herd of Obshares while cruising across the landscape.)（三分钟前，正在走廊与众人闲聊的我，收到了美玲的报告——行驶中的艾莫号意外遭遇了成群的曜石兔。）

(I reflexively began issuing orders to the Dolls around me in order to get us into action quickly and minimize damage to the MCV's undercarriage.)（为快速进入作战、避免基地车底盘受损，我索性直接指挥起了身边的人形。）

CommanderCentaureissi, Makiatto, guard the forward engine. Monsoon Squad will cover the rear; Daiyan, Jiangyu, and Zhaohui, flank from behind and pick off any Obshares that approach.桑朵莱希、玛绮朵，保护前方引擎；季风小队殿后，黛烟、绛雨、朝晖从后方包抄，务必清理所有靠近基地车的曜石兔。

Centaureissi, MakiattoJawohl!收到！

DaiyanUnderstood.明白。

JiangyuHehe, time for me to show my stuff!嘿嘿！轮到我大显身手啦！

(As I finish giving orders, the Dolls reply in the affirmative, one after another.)（我下完命令，人形们纷纷利落回应。）

(The sole exception is the Doll in green before me, who's stroking her knife as she quirks up an eyebrow.)（唯独站在我面前的青色人形，摸着匕首、轻轻挑眉。）

ZhaohuiAm I a part of this operation too?我也一起行动？

CommanderEr...呃……

(I smile sheepishly as I look at her.)（望着面前轻轻挑眉的青色人形，我露出一个略显尴尬的微笑。）

ZhaohuiWell, am I?怎么说？

(After realizing what I have done, I look at Zhaohui, and the embarrassed smile fades from my face.)（反应过来现状，我望着朝晖，逐渐收敛了尴尬的笑容。）

(During the years since I left Griffin, Daiyan, Jiangyu, and CZ75—who hadn't arrived in time to meet me—found each other in the contamination zones, started traveling together, and eventually formed a band cum tactical squad—Monsoon Squad.)（在离开格里芬的这些年里，黛烟、绛雨，还有尚未来得及与我见面的CZ75……绯，在污染区重聚、同行，最终结成了全新的乐团兼战术小组——季风小队。）

(When Daiyan and Jiangyu came to my aid, Zhaohui, the leader of Monsoon Squad, accompanied them without complaint. Strictly speaking, however, she and her squad are not part of the Elmo, and as such, I have no authority over her or any right to give her orders.)（虽然毫无怨言地陪同黛烟、绛雨前来支援，但严格地说，季风小队的权限并不归属于艾莫号，因此，我也没有理由直接使唤季风小队的队长，朝晖。）

CommanderI'm sorry. I started barking orders without realizing it, and I didn't seek your opinion on the matter.抱歉。不自觉就发号施令了，忘了征求朝晖你的意见。

CommanderStill, this is something of an emergency, so would you mind if I borrowed two of your members for the time being? Naturally, if you were willing to help out too...不过，情况紧急，你介意我暂时借用一下你的两位队员么？当然，如果你也愿意……

ZhaohuiI don't mind at all. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. That said, Monsoon Squad has not conducted many joint operations with other tactical units in the past, so we're not really used to it.不介意，我懂客随主便的道理。只是季风小队过去不常参与联合作战，还有些不习惯。

JiangyuAw, what do you mean you're not used to it? Just stay on the Elmo for a few more days and you'll be right at home!哎呀，什么习惯不习惯的，在车上多住两天就习惯啦！

(Jiangyu walks over with a cheerful smile on her face and pats Zhaohui on the shoulder.)（绛雨开朗地靠过来，拍了拍朝晖的肩。）

JiangyuThe Commander's super trustworthy, you know? When it comes to fighting, just leave everything to him!长官很可靠的，作战的事，交给长官你就放一百个心吧！

Zhaohui...Right. Let's go, then.……嗯。行动吧。

(Zhaohui nods and says no more. She follows Jiangyu and the others as they jog down the corridor.)（朝晖点点头，没有再说什么，随着绛雨几人一同快步离开走廊。）

(As I watch her eye-catching green silhouette shrink into the distance, I shake my head.)（望着那个显眼的青色身影逐渐远去，我不禁叹了口气。）

Commander(Sigh)唉……

(Groza hears me and approaches, tactical tablet in hand.)（听闻我的叹气声，站在一旁的闪电拿着平板靠近过来。）

GrozaCommander, should we hold a welcome party for Monsoon Squad? I just checked; we have some decorations left over in the storeroom.指挥官，要不要为季风小队举办一个欢迎会？我刚才检查了一下，仓库里，装饰材料都还有剩余。

CommanderNo, let's... Let's leave the welcome party for later. We still don't know what Monsoon thinks about all this, and CZ75 isn't with them either. It will be very awkward if they end up declining our offer.不，欢迎会……还是再等等吧。现在还没摸清季风全员的意向，CZ75也不在。要是她们不愿意，那就是徒添尴尬了。

GrozaIn that case... what if we have Monsoon Squad put on a guerrilla performance?那……如果邀请季风小队开一场临时演出呢？

GrozaThey just finished an emergency reinforcement mission, so having them put on a show would be a way for them to relax. You can use this as an opportunity to have a good chat with the rest of Monsoon too.刚刚完成紧急支援任务，办场演出，权当放松。指挥官也可以趁这个机会，和季风的几位成员好好谈谈。

Commander...That does sound like it's worth a try. Can you help me make the arrangements, Groza?……是个值得尝试的主意。那就拜托你了，闪电。

GrozaJust leave it to me. Oh yes, Commander, there's one more thing.交给我就好。对了，指挥官，还有一件事。

(She hands me her tablet. The screen shows a new email from B.R.I.E.F.)（闪电将平板递给了我。屏幕上，一封来自B.R.I.E.F.的新邮件映入眼帘。）

CommanderInvestigate unusual Varjager activity? B.R.I.E.F. sure knows how to saddle me with more work. Can we not take this one? We barely just scraped together these few days of free time.调查瓦良格帮的异常活动倾向？B.R.I.E.F.可真是会给我找活。能不接吗？好不容易才有这几天的空闲。

GrozaBut Commander... the payout for this commission is the biggest we've recently gotten, and besides, B.R.I.E.F. hands out commissions based on a contractor's previous performance.可是……指挥官，这件委托的报酬是近期委托中最为丰厚的，B.R.I.E.F.也是根据以往业绩才优先把委托推给了我们。

Commander...Let me guess, we're in the red again.……是不是我们的预算又开始吃紧了。

GrozaMost perceptive, Commander. We spent a lot on that operation to assist 404, and now that we have more people on the Elmo, we may have to throw ourselves on Miss Kalin's mercy when we arrive in Lviv.指挥官真是敏锐。先前的支援行动花销不小，再加上艾莫号成员增加，如果不接这件委托，路上又遇见什么变故，恐怕到了利沃夫，就真得靠格琳小姐接济我们了。

CommanderHaha... at this rate, it'll be a mercy if we actually make it to Lviv in the first place.哈哈……现在这个情况，别说接济了，能不能安全到利沃夫都是个问题。

CommanderTake care of this commission too. We'll head out once Monsoon Squad does their show.委托的事，你也一起安排吧。等季风的演出结束我们就出发。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

(Two days ago, on the Elmo.)（艾莫号，两天前。）

(The lounge is packed with people even though it's close to midnight. Monsoon Squad's first "guerrilla live" has just ended in a resounding success.)（虽然已近深夜，公共休息区却依旧围满了人。就在刚才，季风小队在艾莫号的第一场“非正式演出”顺利结束。）

VepleyMarvelous! Your dancing was magical, Jiangyu☆好厉害！绛雨的舞蹈，像动感的魔法☆

ColphneI thought Miss Daiyan's guzheng music was moving too~人家觉得，黛烟小姐的古筝也很动人呢~

CentaureissiI preferred Miss Zhaohui's suona accompaniment. The solo near the end was quite stirring.我更喜欢朝晖小姐的唢呐伴奏。尤其是临近末尾时那段独奏，很是振奋人心。

(Upon hearing people praise them, Jiangyu puffs up her chest with a smug look on her face.)（听着一声声夸奖，绛雨挺起胸膛，露出得意的神色。）

JiangyuHow's that, Commander? I did well, didn't I?长官！怎么样，我们的演出很不错吧~！

CommanderMm. Yes, you did. My hands are actually sore from clapping.嗯，很精彩。我鼓掌拍得手都疼了。

JiangyuHehe, too bad we couldn't do the complete show because Faye isn't here. If all of Monsoon were here and we had Faye to play the drums for us, we'd really bring the house down~ Isn't that right, Big Sis? Zhaohui?哼哼，可惜绯不在，没能上演完整版，要是我们季风乐队全员集合，绯来配合我的鼓点，那才是真正的炸裂全场~对吧，老姐，朝晖！

(Jiangyu merrily grabs Daiyan with one hand and Zhaohui with the other, placing herself between them.)（绛雨开心地挽住身侧的黛烟，又顺势搭住了另一旁的朝晖。）

DaiyanYes, I do hope Faye will be able to return soon... My dear sister's been rather listless while handling the drums without Faye around to be her "sparring partner".嗯，希望绯能早些赶回来……缺了绯做“伴武”，我的妹妹打鼓都不精神了呢。

DaiyanEvery member of Monsoon truly is indispensable.季风小队的演出，真是一个人都不能缺。

(Daiyan smiles and squishes Jiangyu's cheeks. In contrast, Zhaohui puts the suona away and silently takes a step away from the group.)（黛烟微笑着揉了揉绛雨的脸蛋，朝晖却收起唢呐，不动声色地向人群外退了退。）

ZhaohuiThat would depend on the circumstances. At times, removing an unnecessary chord improves the piece as a whole.也看具体情况。有时，适当去掉一些多余的音符，并不会影响表演。

JiangyuWhat's that supposed to mean?! Since when did Big Sis put unnecessary stuff into her work?什么嘛！老姐作的曲子里，哪有多余的音符？

ZhaohuiThere aren't any in Monsoon's compositions, but the same does not necessarily apply to others.季风的曲子里自然没有，别的曲子就不一定了。

(Zhaohui shoots me a meaningful look.)（朝晖意有所指地看了我一眼。）

JiangyuHuh? What do you mean, others? You're just looking for a reason to slack off, aren't you? Big Sis, see what she's doing—!啊？什么别的曲子呀，我看你就是找理由偷懒吧？老姐，你看她——！

(Jiangyu pouts in annoyance, but Zhaohui pays her no further heed, merely nodding to me in acknowledgement before leaving the group entirely. She finds a quiet corner and begins looking at her communications terminal.)（绛雨不满地撇撇嘴，朝晖却不再理会，只是向我点了点头作为示意，便径自走出人群，找了个清静的角落，拿起通讯终端查看。）

(The lounge is warmly lit and full of life, yet this green figure seems to radiate an aura that deters others. Occasionally, curious Dolls try to approach her, but in the end they are driven off by Zhaohui's cold intensity.)（休息区的灯光热闹温暖，独立在墙边的青色身影却似乎自带生人勿近的气息。偶有好奇的人形想要靠近，最终都被人形专注查看终端的冷峻气息逼退。）

Commander...I should take this opportunity to speak with Zhaohui.……趁此机会和朝晖聊聊吧。

(After making up my mind, I begin heading toward her. However, right as I do so, Zhaohui suddenly puts her terminal away and approaches me instead.)（打定主意，我向墙边走去。朝晖却几乎在同一时刻拿起终端，向我走来。）

ZhaohuiCommander, are you free? There's something I'd like to discuss with you.长官，现在有空么？有件事我想和你商量。

CommanderHm? Of course. In fact, I was just about to speak to you.嗯？当然，我也正想和你聊聊。

(Zhaohui raises an eyebrow in surprise.)（朝晖有些意外地扬了扬眉。）

ZhaohuiI'll get right to it, then.那我就直说了。

ZhaohuiCommander, I would like to leave the Elmo for a while.长官，我想先离开艾莫号一段时间。

Commander...Pardon?……呃？

ZhaohuiPlease don't get me wrong, this is purely a personal matter. A friend of mine needs my help with a commission, and I think that it is a good chance to consider the future—for you, me, and Monsoon Squad.别误会，只是出于私人原因。我的朋友希望我帮忙接一个委托。但我想，对于我、长官和季风小队，这也是个思考未来的好时机。

(Zhaohui's words take me completely by surprise. Still, she has a point: this is a good chance for her to take some time and consider the future of Monsoon Squad.)（朝晖的话题完全出乎我的意料。但如朝晖所言，如果想留些时间，妥善考虑季风小队的未来，这确实是一个机会。）

CommanderHm... By all means. I have no objections to that.嗯……当然。我没什么意见。

ZhaohuiThank you, Commander. That's all I have to say—You said you wanted to speak to me?多谢长官。 我的话说完了。长官想聊什么？

(All the words I had in mind seem to lose all meaning in the face of Zhaohui's calm expression.)（面对朝晖平静的表情，先前想说的话此刻已经完全失去意义。）

(...Oh well. Perhaps now is not the right time.)（……也罢。或许现在还不是时候。）

CommanderIt's nothing. We can talk about it when you get back.没什么，回来再聊也不迟。

CommanderSince you're heading out, you should talk to your teammates about it.既然决定要出发，先告诉你的队友们吧。

(After giving up on the idea of having an in-depth conversation with Zhaohui, I nod to her and leave the lounge.)（放弃了与朝晖深谈的念头，我向朝晖点点头，离开了休息区。）

(Zhaohui watches the Commander leave, and then she turns her gaze to Jiangyu and Daiyan, who are in the middle of a throng of Dolls.)（注视着那个身影离开，朝晖将目光转向人群中的绛雨和黛烟。）

(Should she interrupt this lively gathering now, Zhaohui wonders.)（要在此时打断热闹的聚会么？朝晖沉思着。）

(However, Daiyan seems to sense Zhaohui looking at her, and she soon exits the group to approach the latter.)（可很快，像是察觉到了她的目光，黛烟竟也退出人群，走了过来。）

DaiyanZhaohui, what were you talking about with the Commander just now?朝晖，刚才你在和长官聊什么呢？

ZhaohuiHe was just saying hello.只是打个招呼。

DaiyanWas he? You seem rather subdued tonight for some reason.是吗？我总觉得，你今晚的兴致一直不太高。

DaiyanAre you still not used to this place? I apologize for not being considerate... It was my fault for asking you to come all the way out here with us.是还没有习惯这里吗？抱歉……是我考虑不周，突然就拜托朝晖跟着我们一起跑了这么远。

(There is a worried look on Daiyan's face, as though she already knows what's weighing on Zhaohui's heart. However, Zhaohui dismisses it with a slight shake of her head.)（黛烟面露担忧，仿佛已经看穿了朝晖的心事。但朝晖只轻轻摇了摇头。）

ZhaohuiYou don't have to apologize. We're a team, and it's only natural that we should travel together. Trusting in you was also a collective decision, and Faye would have come too if she were able.不必道歉，我们是一个小队，当然该一起行动。信任你也是我们共同的选择。绯要是在队里，也会一起跟来。

Daiyan...Thank you.……多谢。

DaiyanWith that being said, would you like to meet some of my past friends? Miss Groza mentioned she'd hoped tonight would help you get acquainted with everyone, but it appears to have inconvenienced you instead.那么，朝晖要不要再认识一下我过去的伙伴们？闪电小姐说，本来是想趁着今晚让你和大家熟识起来的，不过，好像反而让你为难了。

(Zhaohui shakes her head again.)（朝晖再次摇了摇头。）

ZhaohuiThere's no need for that. We still have a lot of time, we don't have to rush things.不用，时间还长，不必急于一时。

(After this roundabout refusal, the two of them briefly fall silent. Zhaohui once again glances toward the center of the lounge, where Jiangyu is happily discussing the finer points of her performance with several of the Elmo Dolls in the space that was cleared out for their show.)（婉拒了黛烟的邀请，二人一时陷入沉默。朝晖再次将视线投向休息区中央——为演出临时腾出的空地上，绛雨还在和几位艾莫号的人形热情地交流着演出心得。）

(She contemplates her words for a moment, and then she speaks again.)（斟酌了片刻，朝晖再次开口。）

ZhaohuiWhat do you plan to do after this? Will you stay on the Elmo?之后，你们怎么打算？留在艾莫号？

DaiyanWhat we plan to... Zhaohui, are you saying you're not going to stay with us?我们……？朝晖不一起吗？

ZhaohuiI am simply unsure as to whether remaining here is the right choice.我不确定留在这里是否是正确的选择。

ZhaohuiMonsoon Squad ought to be like the wind, should we not? Constantly on the move, constantly setting out on new travels. At the very least, that was what I believed when I first agreed to become leader.季风小队，应该像风一样，不是么？不断行走，不断踏上新的旅途。至少我决定成为队长的时候是这么想的。

DaiyanZhaohui...朝晖……

JiangyuHey, Big Sis, Zhaohui, what's going on? You both look so serious, let me in on it too!老姐、朝晖，你们在说什么？一脸严肃的，让我也听听！

(Upon seeing Daiyan and Zhaohui whispering to each other, Jiangyu immediately excuses herself and scampers over, inserting herself between the two of them.)（看到黛烟和朝晖说起悄悄话，绛雨立刻结束了心得交流，兴致勃勃地跑过来，挤到二人之间。）

DaiyanJiangyu, we're...绛雨，我们在……

ZhaohuiWe are discussing Monsoon's future.在聊季风的未来。

(Zhaohui doesn't give Daiyan the chance to soften the blow.)（朝晖没有留下缓和的空间。）

ZhaohuiIf we remain on the Elmo, then will Monsoon still be Monsoon? I want to know what you and Faye think about all this.如果一直留在艾莫号，季风还是季风吗？我想知道你和绯怎么想。

JiangyuOf course we will! Monsoon's the same anywhere we go, right...当然是呀！季风在哪里不都是季风嘛……

JiangyuNo, wait, why are you talking about this all of a sudden? And why did you bring Faye into this? What are you getting at, Zhaohui?不对啊，为什么突然说起这个？这和绯又有什么关系？朝晖你什么意思？

(After her outburst, Jiangyu glances over at Daiyan's frowning face, and understanding gradually dawns on her.)（绛雨嘟哝了几句，可望着黛烟皱起的眉头，她逐渐反应过来。）

JiangyuAh. Wait, are you—are you saying you want to break up Monsoon?!啊！难道说，朝晖你，你是在想——散伙？！

(Jiangyu's sudden exclamation draws a few curious looks from the nearby Dolls.)（突然放大的声音引来不远处人形们好奇的视线。）

(Jiangyu grabs Zhaohui by the shoulders and starts shaking her, not daring to believe her ears. Zhaohui remains silent, neither nodding nor shaking her head.)（绛雨猛地抓住了朝晖的肩膀，不可置信地摇晃着。朝晖却只是沉默，没有点头也没有摇头。）

JiangyuBut why?! We—we're a team, aren't we? Even if you're the leader, you can't... you can't decide to break us up just like that!为什么？！我们、我们可是一个小队呀！就算你是队长也……也不能这样说决定就决定说散伙就散伙吧！

DaiyanYes, Zhaohui, even if you're not used to the Elmo—是啊，朝晖，就算你还不习惯艾莫号——

ZhaohuiCalm down and listen to me. I didn't say I was going to break up Monsoon.你们都冷静一下。我并没有说要散伙。

(Zhaohui calmly raises her terminal and shows it to the two of them.)（朝晖神色自若地举起了终端，向着二人晃了晃。）

ZhaohuiI might be the squad leader, but I have never once felt that Monsoon's fate is mine to decide.虽然身为队长，但我从来不觉得自己有权决定季风的未来。

ZhaohuiI know that the Elmo and the Commander have a place in your hearts, just as I know Monsoon has a place in ours.我知道在你们心里，艾莫号和长官的分量，也知道季风在我们心里的分量。

ZhaohuiTherefore, what I put forward was merely a suggestion, one that requires Faye's involvement as well.所以，我只是发起了一个提案，需要绯一起参与的提案。

JiangyuLet me see...让我看看……

(Jiangyu studies the terminal and finds the latest message in the squad's group chat.)（绛雨打开了终端，从小队群聊中找到了那条最新的信息。）

JiangyuI would like you to decide on the future of Monsoon Squad's roster before I finish my commission. ...Huh?“在委托完成之前，决定季风小队成员未来的去留”……？

DaiyanWait, what commission? Did Monsoon Squad get a new commission?什么委托？季风小队接到了新的委托？

ZhaohuiNo, not Monsoon Squad. Just me.不，不是季风小队，是我。

ZhaohuiI received a personal request from an old friend just now. Do you remember Aminda?就在刚才，我接到了一个来自老朋友的私人委托。还记得阿米达么？

DaiyanThat name sounds familiar...这个名字有些耳熟……

DaiyanAh! Isn't she that broker friend of yours who saved you and helped fix up your frame?啊，是那位从前救过你，还帮你维修了素体的小暗商朋友？

ZhaohuiIndeed. She asked me to help bodyguard a friend of hers. I checked the location of the commission and it's located in a nearby city. It's just a few hours away by train.不错。她拜托我临时帮忙护卫一位伙伴，我刚才查过位置，恰好就在不远的卫星城，坐洲际列车几个小时就能到。

JiangyuHah? So you're going to run off by yourself to handle a commission and you're leaving us here to... to what, decide whether you're staying or going? Zhaohui, do we even need to think about this?哈？所以你打算自己一个人跑去做委托，把我们扔在这里……决定去留？朝晖，这还需要想？

DaiyanJiangyu...!绛雨……！

ZhaohuiOf course you do. Monsoon has never encountered a situation like this before, and I believe that we all need to take some time to think about it. In any case, I've already spoken to the Commander about leaving the Elmo for the time being.当然需要。季风没有经历过这种情况，而我认为我们都需要时间。 暂离艾莫号的事，我也已经找长官说明。

DaiyanI see, so that exchange just now was... Did the Commander agree to it?原来刚才是……长官同意了么？

(Zhaohui nods.)（朝晖点点头。）

Daiyan...Alright. I understand.……好吧。我明白了。

JiangyuBig Sis!老姐！

(Jiangyu tugs unhappily on Daiyan's sleeve, but the latter merely nods. It seems she has accepted Zhaohui's suggestion.)（绛雨不满地拽着黛烟，但黛烟只是点点头，似乎已经接受了朝晖的提案。）

DaiyanIn that case... How much time will we have to decide?那么……你会留给我们多少时间？

(Zhaohui turns to look at Daiyan. Her expression seems much more composed in contrast to Daiyan's worried look and Jiangyu's scowling face.)（朝晖回望黛烟。与皱眉的黛烟和拧眉的绛雨相比，她的神情显得格外平静。）

ZhaohuiNot too long. The commission will be two weeks long.不长不短，委托会持续两周。

ZhaohuiI hope that when we meet again, we'll be able to make a decision that none of us will regret.希望下次见面，我们都能做出不会后悔的决断。

Journey's Beginning 旅途起始

(Tap, tap, tap.)（哒、哒、哒。）

(The crisp sound of footsteps echoes down the alley.)（清脆的脚步声在小巷中回荡着。）

(Zhaohui follows the address displayed on her terminal and turns a corner into yet another run-down alley. The already poor lighting is obscured further by the tall, crumbling walls around her, making the cramped alley appear even more oppressive.)（照着通讯终端显示的地址，朝晖拐进了又一条破败的小巷。本就稀薄的日光被朽烂的高墙遮挡，令狭窄的小巷更显阴森。）

Zhaohui...Are Aida and the Talia Troupe really located here?……艾达和塔利亚剧团，真的驻扎在这里？

(Zhaohui comes to a halt as she eyes her surroundings in suspicion before checking the terminal again.)（面对幽暗的小巷，朝晖怀疑地停下脚步，再次查看终端上的信息。）

(However, the terminal indicates that the blinking icon of her destination is close by.)（但屏幕中，闪烁的坐标的确在附近不远处。）

Zhaohui...Looks like they are.……看起来没错。

ZhaohuiStill, this commission of Aminda's is really...不过，阿米达这个委托真是……

(Two days ago, on the Elmo.)（两天前，艾莫号。）

(Zhaohui's terminal has been vibrating throughout the show. Upon noticing the name blinking on the screen, Zhaohui quickly excuses herself and leaves.)（演出还未结束，朝晖的通讯终端便震个不止。注意到屏幕上那个不断闪烁的名字，朝晖很快借故离开了人群。）

(After finding a quiet corner, Zhaohui takes the call.)（找到一个安静的角落后，朝晖迅速接通了通讯。）

ZhaohuiWhat's the matter, Aminda?阿米达，什么事？

AmindaZhaohui, you free? Can you help bodyguard a friend of mine?朝晖朝晖，最近有空吗？能帮帮忙护卫一下我的朋友吗？

AmindaHer theater troupe is going on tour in the Yellow Zones for a couple of weeks, but she's been really unlucky lately and keeps getting harassed by weirdos, so I'm a little worried...她的剧团要到黄区巡演两周，可是她好像挺倒霉，总遇到奇怪的袭击，我有点担心……

AmindaI wanted to hire a PMC squad to protect her, but she said the troupe couldn't afford to hire security, and they were worried that the security people would interfere with the performances because they don't know about show biz. Plus, she said she didn't want me to pay and basically just shot down all my suggestions.我本来想帮她雇一支P.M.C.做安保，可她说剧团资金不足付不起安保费，又怕安保小队不懂剧团的工作干扰演出，也不愿意我出钱，总之说什么都不愿意。

AmindaSo I thought and thought about who I knew that could fight and understood this theater stuff, and in the end, only you came to mind.我想来想去，又要能打又要能懂演出的人，只能找你了。

ZhaohuiBut if she won't accept bodyguards, then how am I supposed to protect her?她不愿意接受安保小队，我怎么去？

AmindaHehe, I've got a brilliant plan. Just say you're a friend of mine and that you want to join their troupe as an assistant to gain some performance experience! She's a nice person, and I'm sure she'll say yes if she hears that a friend needs help!哼哼，办法我已经想好啦，你就说是我的朋友，想到她们的剧团里做助手，积累一些演出经验！她很热心，只要是听到朋友需要帮忙，她一定会同意的！

ZhaohuiI didn't say I was free to take the commission.我还没说我有空。

AmindaHehe, but you answered me, that means you're definitely open to it!嘿嘿，你都回答我了，那肯定是有空啦！

AmindaHer name is Aida. This is where she and her troupe are staying for the time being.她的名字叫做艾达，这是她和剧团临时落脚的地址。

AmindaPleeeeease, please help me out! I'll pay you for this!拜托你啦，酬劳我会另外支付的！

ZhaohuiYou don't have to. It'll be doing you a favor.酬劳就不必了，就当是帮你的忙。

(After ensuring that the address is correct, Zhaohui heads into the depths of the twisted alley.)（确认地址无误，朝晖再次走向曲折的小巷深处。）

(Just then, a scream comes from within—)（这时，小巷另一头突然传来了尖叫——）

??Aaiiiiieeeeeee!啊——！

(The panicked shriek seems especially loud in the dark confines of the alley. Zhaohui breaks into a sprint as she runs toward the source of the sound, but then she sees a dark shape suddenly burst out of the shadows and dart past her.)（惊慌的叫声在幽暗的窄巷里显得越发刺耳，朝晖向着声音的来处飞奔，只见一个黑影突然从黢黑的巷道中窜出，从朝晖身侧一掠而过。）

??Help! He took my bag! Stop him!他抢了我的包！抓住他！帮帮我！

(Before the voice finishes speaking, Zhaohui has already turned around and is hot on the heels of the robber.)（没等声音落下，朝晖已经转身追了上去，兔起鹘落之间便跃到了劫匪身边。）

(The robber clearly doesn't expect Zhaohui to catch up so soon and pulls out a knife, swinging it wildly at her.)（没料到这么快就被赶上，劫匪一边奔逃，一边不知从哪摸出一把小刀，愤怒地向朝晖比划。）

(Zhaohui nimbly evades the slashing knife and kicks it away before grabbing the robber's arm with lightning speed. With a quick reversal of her grip to take him off his feet, she slams him to the ground and pins him there.)（朝晖却轻巧地避开了刀锋，飞起一脚踢开刀刃，接着电一般抓住劫匪的胳膊，反手将劫匪摔了个大跟头，狠狠按倒在地面。）

RobberGwaaaarrrgh! Ow-ow-ow, that hurts!呃啊！痛痛痛痛！

ZhaohuiHmph.哼。

(Zhaohui ignores the robber's cries of pain and unwinds the cloth from her arm, using it to hog-tie the man. After that, she picks up the bag the robber was holding and heads back into the depths of the alley.)（没有理会劫匪的告饶声，朝晖摘下护手绑带，将劫匪的手脚紧紧捆住。随后，她捡起摔落在劫匪身旁的挎包，走回小巷深处。）

(There is a boy there who is struggling to get to his feet. A hat lies before him on the dusty alley ground.)（那里，一位摔倒的少年正在努力从地上站起。少年的身前，一顶帽子滚落在满地灰尘之中。）

(Zhaohui walks up to him, then picks up the hat before stuffing it and the bag into the boy's hands.)（朝晖快步走了过去，拾起帽子，将帽子和挎包一同塞回少年手心。）

ZhaohuiHere. Your things.给，你的东西。

Unfamiliar Boy?Ah... ah! Yes!啊……啊！好的！

(The boy is clearly still shocked as he numbly accepts his belongings from her.)（还未脱离惊吓的少年愣愣地接过挎包。）

(Zhaohui gently pats his shoulder, like she's trying to console him.)（像是安慰一般，朝晖轻轻拍了拍对方的肩膀。）

ZhaohuiIt's okay, just catch your breath. I'll contact the police, they'll send someone over to take care of this soon.没事了，先休息一会儿吧。我会联络治安部门，很快会有人来处理。

Unfamiliar Boy?Th-thank you!谢、谢谢！

(After hugging his bag and panting heavily for a bit, the boy finally manages to calm down.)（抱住挎包深呼吸一阵，少年似乎终于缓了过来。）

(He stands up, dusts himself off and puts his hat back on his head before bowing slightly to Zhaohui.)（他站起身，认真拍去破旧外衣上的灰尘，整理好罩在短发上的帽子，向着朝晖轻轻鞠了个躬。）

Unfamiliar Boy?Ah, th-thank you, thank you very much for your help just now!刚、刚才，真的非常感谢你的帮助！

(—In stark contrast to his tatty clothes, the boy's voice is clear and compelling.)（——与看上去破旧的衣着不同，少年的声音十分清澈动听。）

ZhaohuiDon't worry about it. It was nothing.不客气，随手而已。

ZhaohuiStill, why did you come here by yourself? Do you live here?不过，你一个人跑来这里干什么？你住这附近？

Unfamiliar Boy?Um... I-I guess, sort of... The truth is... I came here to collect inspiration.嗯……算、算是吧，其实……我是来这里采风的。

Unfamiliar Boy?I'm from an acting troupe. We have a play which we're going to perform while doing a charity tour in the Yellow Zone, but my gut told me that there was room for improvement, so I asked everyone in the troupe to come here to take in the surroundings so we could understand the audience better.我们剧团有部戏，很快要到黄区做公益巡演，但我一直觉得这部戏还有改进的空间，所以才拜托剧团的大家，先来这里采风，想提前了解观众的喜好。

Unfamiliar Boy?See? I look just like a Yellow Zoner, right?看，我这身衣服就是按照黄区居民的装扮搭配的呢，是不是很像？

ZhaohuiUm... Well, you do look like the Yellow Zone residents I've seen before.嗯……确实与我从前见过的黄区居民的衣着很相似。

Unfamiliar Boy?See! Everyone in the troupe was saying that this outfit was perfect for the female lead to wear while traveling in the Yellow Zone!是吧！剧团的大家都说，这套衣服特别适合女主角在黄区旅行的时候穿呢！

Zhaohui...The female lead?……女主角？

(Zhaohui scans the boy again.)（朝晖扫视着少年全身。）

Unfamiliar Boy?Yup! Our play is about two girls becoming friends and adventuring in various parts of the world—是呀！我们的剧就是讲两位少女结伴、在世界各地冒险的故事——

ZhaohuiNo, what I want to ask is—you're a girl?不，重点不在这。我是想问——你是女孩子？

(The "boy" blinks, then reaches up to "his" hat.)（少年摸着帽子，眨了眨眼睛。）

(She removes it, and a shock of soft, combed hair spills out as she laughs merrily.)（她摘下帽子，露出打理得顺滑柔软的短发，向着朝晖笑起来。）

Unfamiliar GirlYup, one hundred percent girl right here! Looks like my immersive style of cultural inspiration was a great success!是货真价实的女孩子哦！看来，我的沉浸式采风装扮很成功嘛！

ZhaohuiImmersive style?沉浸式？

Unfamiliar GirlMhm. This outfit might look raggedy and all, but it's our actual stage costume. I'm wearing this so I can get into character more easily. Still, I didn't expect to get robbed even though I looked so destitute. Just my luck, I guess...嗯嗯。虽然这身衣服看起来破破烂烂的，但其实是我们的戏服哦。我穿着这个，就是为了更快进入角色。只是没想到，都这么潦倒了，还会被抢劫，真是够倒霉的呢……

Unfamiliar GirlUm, although, when you think about it, it's quite common for people in these areas to get robbed too. Maybe I should try and work this part into the script as well...唔唔，不过这样看来，遭遇抢劫也很常见啊，要不要把这段也加进后续的剧本里呢……

(The girl pulls out her terminal and quickly notes it down.)（少女掏出了通讯终端，快速记录起来。）

(The girl's panic from just now seems to fade as she gets more and more into her "immersive cultural inspiration". It is only when she finally finishes making her notes that she realizes that there is someone beside her, waiting patiently.)（方才被抢劫时的惊惶，似乎也随着采风的进行，渐渐从少女身上消失。而直到终于记录完毕，少女才蓦地反应过来，身边还有一个人在等待。）

Unfamiliar GirlAh, I'm sorry! I ended up getting carried away and babbling nonsense! You must have been bored, right?啊、抱歉抱歉，又自顾自说了这么多！一定很无聊吧？

Unfamiliar GirlI mean, thank you very much for what you did just now. I'm an actress from the Talia Troupe. May I know who you—刚才真是谢谢你啦，我是来自塔利亚剧团的演员。请问你是——

ZhaohuiHello. I am Zhaohui.你好，我是朝晖。

(Zhaohui holds out a hand to her, a faint, slightly rigid curve tugging at the corners of her lips.)（朝晖向少女伸出手，唇角弯起了极为浅淡、有些僵硬的弧线。）

ZhaohuiDo you know perhaps, Miss Aida of the Talia Troupe?或许你是否认识，塔利亚剧团的艾达小姐？

Unfamiliar Girl...Eh?……诶？

Aida...And that's what happened, manager.……经理，您看，事情就是这样。

AidaWhat do you think of Miss Zhaohui? Can she join us? She comes highly recommended by that broker friend of mine.您觉得朝晖小姐怎么样？可以加入剧团吗？我那位暗商朋友可是倾力推荐呢。

(After returning to the troupe's temporary quarters, the girl explains Zhaohui's circumstances to the troupe manager.)（返回剧团的临时驻地后，少女向剧团经理说明了朝晖的情况。）

(The manager gives Zhaohui's CV a once-over and is very pleased by it.)（看着朝晖的履历，剧团经理十分欣赏。）

Troupe ManagerI didn't expect you to be a Doll with both stage and combat experience, Miss Zhaohui...真想不到，竟然还有朝晖小姐这样兼具舞台经验和作战能力的人形……

Troupe ManagerIs that broker friend of yours who's vouching for her the one who burst into tears while watching our previous show? If I'm not wrong, her name sounded like yours, something... -da?那位介绍人，是之前看我们的演出哭得稀里哗啦的小女孩吗？我记得她的名字和你有点像来着，叫什么……达？

AidaThat's her, yes, her name is "Aminda"~ She might be small, but she's a big figure in the underground broker business.对，就是她，“阿米达”~ 别看她个头小小的，但聊起暗商的生意很有大人的气势喔。

Troupe ManagerHehe, yes, I remember her. The contamination zones really do breed talented people.呵呵，我想起来了。污染区真是能人辈出啊。

(The manager looks at Zhaohui.)（剧团经理感慨地看向朝晖。）

Troupe ManagerTo be honest, we're really hurting for manpower for this tour. Anyone with plenty of experience and who can handle many roles is more than welcome to join us, Doll or otherwise.实不相瞒，剧团这次巡演的确哪哪都缺人手，我是很欢迎有经验能身兼多职的新人加入，是人形也没关系。

Troupe ManagerHowever, this is a charity tour in the contamination zones. We won't be making much in the way of fees, and the troupe budget is... Well, your salary might be...不过，毕竟这次是去污染区进行公益演出，收益就那么一点儿，剧团的预算实在是……给你的薪酬恐怕也……

(The manager smiles bitterly.)（剧团经理露出苦笑。）

ZhaohuiIt's alright. I'm here to get experience. Being paid for it is secondary.没关系。我本就是为积累演出经验而来，报酬反在其次。

Troupe ManagerI'm glad that doesn't bother you.你不计较那就太好了。

AidaSo, is that a yes, manager?所以，经理您是答应啦？

Troupe ManagerMhm, of course. Frankly speaking, I need to thank you for joining us on such short notice, Miss Zhaohui.嗯，当然。实话说，我还得感谢朝晖小姐愿意临时加入。

(The troupe manager looks at Zhaohui and holds out a welcoming hand.)（剧团经理看向朝晖，友善地伸出手。）

Troupe ManagerGlad to have you with us, Miss Zhaohui. The Talia Troupe welcomes you.欢迎你，朝晖小姐。 塔利亚剧团，欢迎你的加入。

(Beside the manager, Aida laughs and pats Zhaohui on the shoulder.)（站在经理身边的艾达也笑着拍了拍朝晖的肩。）

AidaYup, yup! We'll be travel buddies going forward, Miss Zhaohui!嗯嗯，朝晖小姐，之后的这段时间，我们就是同伴咯！

New Kid In Town 荒镇来客

(The Talia Troupe's convoy pulls slowly into the settlement and comes to a halt amidst loud cheering.)（塔利亚剧团的车队缓缓驶进居住点中心，在欢呼声中缓缓停下。）

(A vehicle door opens and the troupe dismounts, depositing huge crates on a patch of open ground. The girl at their head gives everyone present a breezy greeting.)（车门开启，为首的少女轻快地招呼了一声，剧团成员们从车里鱼贯而下，将巨大的箱子搬进一旁的空地。）

(The wrinkles between Zhaohui's eyebrows soften a little as she takes in the boisterous crowd outside. She drags a couple of heavy crates from the cargo bed and follows after the girl.)（看到车外喧闹的人群，朝晖一直紧皱的眉头也舒展了几许。她从车厢角落拖出两个道具箱，跟上了少女的脚步。）

ZhaohuiWhere are we putting these crates?这些道具箱要搬到哪？

AidaJust put them beside the advertising billboards for now!放在宣传展牌旁边就好！

AidaHm? Zhaohui, those crates are kind of heavy, aren't they? You should let the props department move them!诶？是朝晖呀，箱子有点重，留给道具组来搬吧！

ZhaohuiThat's alright. It's no trouble for me.无妨，举手之劳。

(As she says so, Zhaohui hoists the crates into a large circular clearing that's ringed by a fence of wooden posts and old rope.)（说话间，朝晖已抬着箱子走进了木栅栏与旧绳索围出的巨大圆圈。）

(She lays the crates in the center of the space reserved for the stage, then bends down to straighten a bunch of simple-looking billboards.)（她将箱子放在预留给“舞台”的空地中央，接着又低下身，顺手将一旁看上去有些简陋的展牌摆正。）

(Said billboards were made just for this show. Their pitted surfaces are covered in huge, eye-catching letters—"The 'Daybreak's Oath' play is now on tour!")（那是剧团为演出而专门制作的招牌板，坑坑洼洼的表面上，油彩写的大字十分醒目——舞台剧《曙光之誓》巡演火热进行中！）

(As she sees what Zhaohui is doing, the girl laughs and heads over to help.)（看着朝晖的动作，少女笑着走过来帮忙。）

AidaYou're way too nice. While we took you on as an assistant, you ended up doubling as an escort and took out all those ELIDs too. That must have been hard. You don't need to take on all these other tasks as well.你太客气啦。虽然说是来做助手，但朝晖你一路上还要兼任安保、清理生骸，已经很辛苦了，就不用包揽这么多杂活啦。

ZhaohuiNot at all. I'm helping myself by doing that too.不必客气，这也是在帮我自己。

ZhaohuiThere aren't many troupes out there who welcome Doll assistants, and I'd like more show experience myself.难得有不抗拒人形担任助手的剧团，我也想多积累些演出经验。

AidaHehe, aw, don't say that, you know the state our troupe's in. We're lucky enough to have people wanting to help out, we don't have the right to be picky...嘿嘿，就别这么说啦，我们剧团的情况你也知道，有人愿意加入帮忙已经很好啦，哪有资格挑挑拣拣……

AidaSpeaking of which, are you trying to build up this experience because of that band of yours? I remember Aminda said something about a... "Monsoon" or something?话说回来，积累演出经验是为了你们那个乐队么？我记得阿米达告诉过我，乐队的名字叫做……“季风”？

AidaWhat a nice name, going wherever you please like the wind~ You must have been to a lot of places in the past, right?像风一样四处行走，真是个好名字呢~你们一定去过不少地方吧？

(Zhaohui's hands freeze mid-movement, but only for a moment.)（朝晖手中的动作顿了顿。）

Zhaohui...Yes. We've been to many satellite cities.……嗯。我们去过不少卫星城。

AidaSo you get to travel and perform with your friends, I'm so envious...能和伙伴一起旅行、演出，真令人羡慕呀……

(Aida smiles, then sighs quietly.)（艾达微笑着，轻轻叹了口气。）

(For some reason, there's a hint of sadness in her expression.)（不知为何，她的神情似乎有些莫名的哀伤。）

Zhaohui...Miss Aida?……艾达小姐？

AidaHuh? Hm? Is something wrong?嗯、嗯？怎么了？

ZhaohuiMiss Aida, aren't you traveling with a troupe too?艾达小姐不也和剧团一同四处巡演么？

AidaYeah, everyone here is a friend of mine. But there are times when I wish I had a closer friend around.是呀，剧团的大家都是我的同伴。 但我还是偶尔会希望能有更亲密的朋友在嘛。

AidaWell, let's leave that aside for now. I suddenly remembered that it's going to be a while before rehearsals, so could you do me a favor, Miss Zhaohui?不说这个了。我突然想起来，现在距离排练还有好一阵呢，朝晖小姐，能不能帮我个忙？

ZhaohuiWhat do you need?什么事？

(Aida pulls a copy of the script and her comm terminal from her bag.)（艾达从包里掏出了剧本与通讯终端。）

AidaHehe, well, I heard one of the residents say there was an abandoned town around here, not far from our camp. Could you accompany me there? I'd like to take this opportunity to gather more inspiration about the Yellow Zone.嘿嘿，我刚才听这里的居民说附近有一个废弃的小镇，就在营地不远，你能陪我去那逛逛吗？我想趁现在多收集点黄区的素材。

AidaI'm sure the manager and the others will feel better with you around—Right, manager?有你在，经理和大家也放心些——对吧，经理？

(Aida waves to the manager, who's fairly close by.)（艾达向着不远处的剧团经理招招手。）

(After seeing her sunny smile, the manager has no choice but to wave back.)（面对少女开朗的笑容，剧团经理无奈地向二人挥了挥手。）

Troupe ManagerGo ahead, but don't take too long and stay safe!去吧，别耽搁太久，注意安全！

AidaI'll be fine with Miss Zhaohui around! Don't worry!有朝晖小姐陪我，您放心！

AidaHehe, let's head out then, Miss Zhaohui! Our jeep is this way! Follow me!嘿嘿，那朝晖小姐，我们这就出发吧！ 剧团的车在这边，跟我来！

New Kid In Town 荒镇来客

(Screech—)（吱——）

(In keeping with Aida's request, Zhaohui brings the jeep to a halt on the streets of the abandoned town. The moment it stops, Aida practically bursts out the door and runs over to stand in front of a cluster of ruined buildings.)（依照艾达的请求，朝晖将车停到了废弃小镇里的街边。刚停车，艾达便飞快地钻出车门，站到几栋破败的建筑之下。）

AidaNow these look pretty intact... Ah, the walls on the side collapsed, and the pipes are all rusted through...这栋楼看起来蛮完整的嘛……啊，原来侧面的墙塌了，管道也完全锈了呢……

AidaStill, they make a good reference, along with the abandoned cabling here... Hm, I should get footage of the cracks on the walls too.不过，配合这边的废弃电缆，还是很适合做场景参考呢……嗯，墙上的裂纹也拍下来……

(Aida holds her terminal up and begins recording her surroundings as she walks forward.)（艾达捧着通讯终端，一边往前走，一边快速地记录着。）

AidaWhat a shame, this town is completely ruined... I wonder why...真可惜，这个小镇好像完全荒废了……也不知道是什么缘故。

ZhaohuiELIDs, Collapse radiation, Varjagers... take your pick.生骸、坍塌辐射、瓦良格帮……都有可能。

(Zhaohui keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings as she walks behind Aida.)（朝晖跟在少女身后，谨慎地环视周围。）

ZhaohuiStill... I can see old signs of a firefight. Perhaps the residents fought Varjagers here.不过……这里留有一些过去交火的痕迹，也许从前的居民遭遇过瓦良格帮劫掠。

AidaI see, those Varjagers really are everywhere, aren't they... Looks like you need to know how to defend yourself when traveling the Yellow Zones.这样啊，瓦良格帮真是无处不在呢……看来，在黄区行动，还是要有一些防身的技能才行。

(Aida's mood turns morose all of a sudden.)（不知为什么，艾达的情绪似乎黯然了片刻。）

(However, she soon perks up and begins rattling off questions while filming her surroundings.)（但很快，少女又再次打起了精神，在记录素材的间隙好奇地发问。）

AidaMiss Zhaohui, since you travel with your friends all the time, you must have passed through the Yellow Zones quite often, right? Are your friends as awesome as you are?朝晖小姐，你和同伴一直四处旅行，也经常经过黄区吧？你的同伴们，是不是也和你一样有好身手？

ZhaohuiYes. They're skilled at both fighting and performing.嗯。战斗和演出，她们都很擅长。

AidaWow, that's amazing! Then... are they on tour recently? Why didn't they come with you?哇，真好！那……她们最近是在演出吗？怎么没和你一道来？

ZhaohuiThey...她们……

(The sudden question about why she has parted ways with her friends catches Zhaohui off guard and she lapses into silence.)（猝不及防地被问起了与同伴们分别的原因，朝晖不由陷入沉默。）

(After thinking about her answer for a bit, Zhaohui is about to speak when she hears a suspicious sound—footsteps on a paved road, and the sound of an unfamiliar male voice speaking—)（斟酌了片刻，朝晖正要开口，却忽然听见了某种诡异的声响。那是脚步在街道上踏过的回音，以及陌生男人的说话声——）

??Tch, didn't you say you saw that woman leave the troupe with her friend? Where the hell is she?嘁，不是说看到那女的带人离开剧团了吗？怎么找不见人？

??Search harder! Their jeep's by the side of the road, they can't have gotten far.再仔细找找！她们的车还停在路边，人肯定没跑。

Zhaohui—!——！

(Before Aida can react, Zhaohui grabs her hand and ducks behind a nearby wall with her.)（没等艾达反应，朝晖已经拉着艾达躲到最近的墙后。）

(Zhaohui looks Aida in the eye, then shakes her head and speaks in a quiet voice.)（望着艾达瞪大的眼睛，朝晖摇摇头，压低了声。）

ZhaohuiShhh. We're being followed.嘘。有人在找我们。

AidaW-what...?什、什么……？

ZhaohuiI don't know who they are, but it seems they're gunning for you. There are two of them.不清楚是什么人，但看起来是冲你来的。一共两个。

AidaW-wait, me...?冲着，我……？

(Aida's body begins to tremble.)（艾达的身体不自觉地颤抖起来。）

(Sensing Aida's fear, Zhaohui gently but firmly presses down on her shoulder.)（似乎察觉到艾达的惊慌，朝晖轻轻按住了艾达的肩膀。）

ZhaohuiAida, have you ever seen an upside-down tortoise? Their little legs flailing in the air as they try to get upright?艾达，见过倒立的麦克风吗？四脚朝天，但能冲着地面大声唱歌。

Aida...Wha?……诶？

ZhaohuiStay here and don't move. I'll show you now.待在这别动，马上就让你看到。

(Right as she finishes speaking, Zhaohui springs out of cover.)（话音未落，朝晖已冲出了藏身处。）

(The green flash, her bullets, and her blade streak through the air toward the two men peering into the rubble. They are instantly thrown into disarray and stumble back to the ruined walls, completely off balance.)（子弹、匕首与青色的身影一齐迅捷地飞向那两个在废墟间探头探脑的男人，只一瞬便打乱了他们的阵脚，令二人狼狈地向断壁颓垣间滚去。）

Panicked ManThe fuck are you running for? Shoot her! She's just one girl!你躲什么躲，开火啊！就一人！

Pathetic ManShe's too fast, I can't even gwaaaargh...!太快了，我瞄不上！呜呃……！

(A green-colored flash interrupts his reply with a kick, and his attempt at striking back is cut off by an emerald knife-hand strike.)（电光火石间，一记青色的飞踢止住了男人的回话，又一记青色的手刀阻住了男人的回击。）

(The leading man goes down and Zhaohui steps in to fill the gap. Green-tinted knife slices through the air in front of the other man, cutting off his escape and cornering him in an instant.)（面前的男人倒下，朝晖迈步进身。青色的刃光继续在空中飞舞，转瞬便将另一个逃窜的男人逼至绝路。）

(In less time than it takes to draw a breath, the knife's edge presses against the man's throat, and Zhaohui speaks coldly.)（不过瞬息，匕首停在男人的咽喉，朝晖冷冷开口。）

Zhaohui—Freeze.——别动。

(Using ropes from their jeep, Zhaohui trusses them up like turkeys and leaves them tied upside down by the roadside. She then dusts off her hands before lightly clapping a hand on Aida's shoulder.)（从车里找到了备用的绳子，将两个袭击者五花大绑倒吊在路边，朝晖拍去手上灰尘，轻松地拍了拍艾达的肩。）

ZhaohuiSee, upside-down tortoises. Won't be winning any races with bunnies, that's for sure.看，倒立的麦克风。可惜坏了，唱不了歌。

(The bound men are struggling and appear to be trying to speak, but their gags prevent them from doing so. All they can manage are muffled vocalizations.)（被绑住的男子正挣扎着想要说话，可是被堵住了嘴，只能发出呜呜的声音。）

(As Aida watches them squirm in their bonds, the tension finally leaks from her and she laughs.)（望着面前两个呜呜扭动的身影，一直紧绷的艾达笑出了声。）

AidaPffffft.……噗。

AidaI... I feel much better now. Thank you, Zhaohui.我……我感觉好多了。朝晖，谢谢你。

ZhaohuiYou're welcome. Still, who are these people? Why would they go after you?不客气。不过，这俩人什么来头？怎么会盯上你？

AidaI... I don't know.我、我不知道。

(Aida bites her lip and shakes her head.)（艾达咬住嘴唇，摇了摇头。）

(Upon seeing that Aida is completely clueless, Zhaohui walks up and pulls out the gag from one of them.)（见艾达也一脸茫然，朝晖上前，取出了一个男子口中塞的布条。）

ZhaohuiWhy are you following Aida? Who sent you?为什么跟着艾达？谁派你们来的？

Bound ManO-our employer told us to follow the lead actress of the troupe! W-we're just doing this because we were paid! We don't know anything!是、是雇主让我们跟踪剧团的女主演，我们、我们只是拿钱办事，什么都不知道！

ZhaohuiWho hired you?雇主是谁？

Bound ManTch, it was an anonymous request made through the underground markets, how the hell would we know? Why don't you ask this chick who would have a grudge against her?嘁，暗行里的匿名委托，鬼知道雇主是谁？你问我，不如问问这小妞儿有没有仇家？

(The man's answer is direct and to the point. Zhaohui turns to look at Aida.)（男子答得坦然，朝晖转回身，望向艾达。）

ZhaohuiWell, Aida?艾达，有么？

AidaA grudge against me...?仇家……？

(Aida clenches her fists and thinks for a bit, but then she shakes her head.)（艾达握着拳回想了片刻，摇了摇头。）

AidaI'm sorry, Miss Zhaohui, I... I can't think of anyone...抱歉，朝晖小姐，我、我想不起来……

AidaCould they be going after the troupe? I mean, I'm their lead actress.会不会是冲着剧团的生意来的呢？毕竟我是女主演嘛。

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui falls silent for a moment, then turns back to the bound men, her knife raised.)（朝晖沉思片刻，再度转向了被缚住的男子，微微举起了匕首。）

(However, just as Zhaohui is about to bring it to their necks, Aida suddenly steps up and tugs on Zhaohui.)（然而，就在朝晖准备将匕首逼至男子颈边时，艾达忽然上前一步，拉住了朝晖。）

AidaMiss Zhaohui, please wait!朝晖小姐，请等一等……！

(Zhaohui frowns.)（朝晖挑了挑眉。）

(Aida tightens her grip around Zhaohui's arm and shakes her head worriedly.)（艾达只是加重了手上力道，担忧地摇了摇头。）

AidaYou won't learn anything even if you keep questioning them, right?再逼问下去，也不会有结果吧？

AidaThe show hasn't even started yet, and the troupe will have to stay here for a while. If we end up offending someone now...演出还没开始，剧团还要在这里继续驻扎，要是现在就得罪了什么人……

Zhaohui...Alright, I understand.……好吧，我明白了。

(Zhaohui swipes her knife through the air one more time before returning it to its sheath.)（朝晖抽出手来，在空中轻轻一挥，随即收回了匕首。）

(The ropes binding the men come apart, and the two "upside-down tortoises" fall heavily to the ground.)（随着匕首划过，捆缚用的绳子断开大半，两只“倒立的麦克风”一起跌倒在地面。）

(Zhaohui leans against the two men's jeep and icily watches the two men trying to free themselves.)（朝晖退回身靠在车边，冷冷注视着二人手忙脚乱地解开绳索。）

ZhaohuiI'm letting you go because Aida pleaded for you. Don't let me see you again.看在艾达的面子上，别让我再在营地遇见你们。

Panicked PairY-yes, ma'am!是、是！

(The two suspicious-looking men quickly drive away under Zhaohui's watchful gaze.)（很快，两名可疑男子在朝晖的注视中，慌乱地驱车离开了废弃小镇。）

(As she watches them leave, Aida bows to Zhaohui.)（看到小车在荒野中远去，艾达对朝晖轻轻鞠了一个躬。）

AidaI'm sorry, Miss Zhaohui! I didn't mean to stop you from looking into things just now...朝晖小姐，对不起！刚才我不是真的想阻拦你追查……

ZhaohuiNo need to apologize, I understand.不必道歉，我能理解。

ZhaohuiThe troupe doesn't need distractions before the show begins.演出当前，我想剧团的任何人都不愿分心。

AidaYeah! Thank you! Thank you so much! So, um, I have another imposition to make—嗯，谢谢你！真的非常谢谢你！所以，我还有一个不情之请——

(Aida puts her hands together and bows slightly to Zhaohui.)（艾达再次向朝晖鞠了一个躬。）

AidaCould you pleeease not tell the others about this? I... I don't want the others to worry about me.刚才这件事情，可不可以请你不要告知剧团？我……我不希望大家因此为我担心。

Zhaohui...……

AidaPlease?可以吗？

AidaPlease, Miss Zhaohui, please!朝晖小姐，拜托了！

(In the end, Aida's sincere plea triumphs over Zhaohui.)（面对着艾达执拗请求的目光，朝晖最终败下阵来。）

ZhaohuiAlright, I'll keep quiet about this.好吧，我可以为你隐瞒。

ZhaohuiBut if anything comes up that disturbs the show, I'll tell the troupe the truth.但如果之后出现干扰演出的新情况，我会向剧团如实说明。

AidaYeah, that's fine! It's a deal, then! Thanks, Miss Zhaohui!嗯，没问题！那就这么说定啦，谢谢你，朝晖小姐！

AidaOh yeah, we should head back to our camp. Rehearsal ought to be starting soon, and we've spent enough time out here as it is!对了，我们也快些回营地吧，耽误了这么久，排练也该开始了！

(Aida hurries over to the jeep parked nearby. Zhaohui jogs after her, but she casts her eyes into the distance—)（艾达匆匆跑向停在一旁的越野车。朝晖快步跟上，却再次将视线投向远方——）

(—Toward the direction of the men's vehicle.)（投向先前那小车远去的方向。）

An Opportunity for Reunion 重逢的契机

(Night falls, and the troupe campsite which was bustling with activity during the day has calmed down as everyone retires to their quarters to rest.)（入夜，白天里热火朝天的剧团营地，随着众人歇息而逐渐安静下来。）

(However, Zhaohui is quietly opening the door to her quarters.)（然而，朝晖却悄悄地推开了住所的门。）

(After quickly looking around outside and ensuring everything is normal, she surreptitiously drives away from the campsite.)（在营地外简单探查了一番，确认了周围并无异常，随后，朝晖悄悄驱车离开了营地。）

(Her jeep races over the wilderness, toward the abandoned town Zhaohui and Aida had visited in the day for their "cultural inspiration".)（越野车在原野中一路飞驰，驶向白日里朝晖与艾达采风的废弃小镇。）

(She parks outside the town, then dismounts before examining her surroundings and the ground.)（行至小镇外的路口，朝晖停下了车，在夜色中仔细查看着地面。）

Zhaohui...The two of them left from here.……那两个人是从这个路口离开的。

ZhaohuiThese tire tracks look new... and they match the model of their jeep and the direction they took to leave.这里有车轮的痕迹，看起来很新……痕迹与车型以及离开的方向相符。

ZhaohuiThat's right. These are the tracks.没错。就是这道印记。

(She follows the somewhat indistinct tire tracks, the jeep turning here and there, stopping and starting again. Finally, Zhaohui comes to a halt outside a secluded valley.)（跟随着那道不太显眼的印记，越野车在荒野中七扭八拐、走走停停。终于，在一个颇有些荒僻的峡谷外，朝晖停止了追踪。）

(Before her are dozens of vehicle tracks, all leading toward the valley's mouth—)（眼前，数十道车辙在地面上纷繁交织，向着峡谷口汇聚——）

Zhaohui...What's going on here?……什么情况？

(Zhaohui parks her jeep in a secluded corner and cautiously approaches the mouth of the valley. She looks for a good vantage point which she can use to peer deeper within.)（朝晖将车停在一个隐蔽的角落，随后谨慎地移动至峡谷口附近，找到一个便于观察的位置，向着峡谷内远眺。）

(At its floor, she sees several rows of dilapidated houses. Their lights illuminate the valley and the vehicles of various makes driving through it, as well as the people patrolling beside them.)（峡谷底，数间破旧的小屋横列，来自屋中的点点灯火照亮了峡谷，也照亮了峡谷间空地上造型迥异的车辆，以及在车辆边巡逻的人。）

(Even from afar, their unique style of dress instantly tells Zhaohui who they are—)（即使距离遥远，巡逻者那别具风格的装束，仍令朝晖一眼辨识出了对方的身份——）

Zhaohui...Varjagers?……瓦良格帮？

(Zhaohui frowns.)（朝晖逐渐皱起了眉。）

(The Varjagers are endemic to the Yellow Zone so finding one of their bases isn't exactly out of the ordinary. However, the men she caught earlier today didn't seem like Varjagers, so what exactly is going on here...?)（黄区瓦良格帮肆虐，发现据点并不意外。但下午遭遇的那两名可疑男子，看起来又并不似瓦良格帮成员，这究竟是……）

(Just as Zhaohui sinks into thought, she hears a sound from nearby.)（朝晖正在沉思之时，身后不远处忽然传来声响。）

??We've found it. Over here.找到了，在这边。

(Zhaohui quickly ducks behind a pile of rocks and looks at the source of the sound—)（朝晖迅速隐蔽到石堆后，望向声音的来处——）

(A pair of figures walk through the night. The one in front appears to be a girl, and the one behind is wearing a huge coat.)（夜色中，两个人影谨慎地前进着。为首一人似乎是位少女，少女身后的人穿着宽大的风衣。）

(There seems to be something familiar about them. Zhaohui ups the output of her visual modules, but just as she's about to study them in more detail, they suddenly turn toward her.)（二人的身形令朝晖感到一丝莫名的熟悉，朝晖不由调高了视觉模块的功率。可就在朝晖探出头想继续观察时，对方忽然敏锐地望过来。）

??Look out! There's someone up ahead!小心，前面有人！

(The speaker opens fire, and a bullet kicks up a spray of sand at Zhaohui's feet.)（话音未落，夜色中的原野传来一声轻轻的炸响，一梭子弹射落在朝晖脚下。）

ZhaohuiTch!啧！

(The girl is already running toward her. Zhaohui ducks behind a nearby wall.)（为首的少女已经疾奔而来，朝晖闪身躲回墙后。）

(The fact that they have managed to spot her so easily is a clear sign that they aren't ordinary people, and normally, picking a one-on-two fight would not be wise. However, if the one in the back is someone important, then taking them out might be a good idea too...)（能这么快发现自己，对方绝不是普通人，一对二绝非明智之举，但擒贼先擒王也是不错的选择——）

(Upon making up her mind, Zhaohui bursts out from behind a pile of rocks and throws her grapple rope out at the coated figure.)（心念一定，朝晖从石堆的另一侧疾驰而出，向着身穿风衣的人掷出飞索。）

??Look out!小心！

(The girl immediately turns to cover Zhaohui's target, but she can't swat the grapple away in time. The coated figure executes a combat roll and evades the thrown spike.)（少女立刻转身回护，却没来得及拦住飞索钉入地面。身穿风衣的人在空地上翻滚一道，避开了飞索的袭击。）

(However, Zhaohui has already launched herself forward by now.)（但下一刻，朝晖已借力飞跃而至。）

??Commander—!指挥官——！

(Another burst of bullets dogs Zhaohui's steps, drowning out the girl's words. Zhaohui evades them with a rapid dash and her hand tightens around her knife as she leaps forward again.)（又一串子弹追着朝晖的脚步落下，模糊了身后的呼喊。朝晖疾奔着躲开，再次握紧匕首，奋力一跃。）

(The blade slashes through the fabric of the coat, and the light reflecting from the knife's blade illuminates its wearer's face.)（匕首向风衣衣角划过，借着匕首反射的亮光，朝晖看清了面前的脸。）

ZhaohuiCommander?长官？

CommanderZhaohui?朝晖？

(After our little scuffle, I explain the reason why we're here to Zhaohui.)（停止交战后，我向朝晖解释了在此地意外相遇的原委。）

Zhaohui...So you're saying that you're here to investigate Varjager activity in the region?……所以，长官来这里，是为了调查附近活动的瓦良格帮？

CommanderIndeed. The Elmo recently got a commission to track down these Varjagers. You wouldn't have known because Groza and I set out a little after you.嗯，之前艾莫号接到任务，让调查这批瓦良格帮的踪迹。只是我和闪电出发的时间比你更晚些，所以你不知道。

CommanderAccording to B.R.I.E.F., this particular band has been going all out with the killing, looting, and burning, and a few broker friends of mine have reported losing stock to them as well. They're very familiar with the terrain, and we only just managed to find their base today.听B.R.I.E.F.说，这伙人烧杀抢掠的事情没少做，我认识的暗商也有批货扣在了他们手里。他们很熟悉地形，我们也是今天才刚刚摸到了这个据点。

CommanderBut enough about us. What about you, Zhaohui? I suppose someone as capable as you must think nothing of coming to a Varjager stronghold by yourself so late at night.不说我们了，朝晖你呢？这么晚一个人摸到瓦良格帮营地来，真是艺高人胆大。

ZhaohuiIt was merely a coincidence that I ended up here. I didn't expect that the Varjagers would have their eye on my client.追踪到这里也是意外，没想到我的委托人能被瓦良格帮盯上。

CommanderSeriously? Who IS this client of yours, anyway?还有这种事？你的委托人是什么来头？

ZhaohuiShe's an actress. Her troupe just arrived in a settlement yesterday and they're preparing for a show. I have no idea why the Varjagers would go after her.一位演员，昨天刚到附近的居住点准备演出，我不清楚为什么她会惹来瓦良格帮。

ZhaohuiPerhaps it's just a misunderstanding. After all, they're a performing troupe from the Green Zone, so perhaps they appear like "plump sheep" to these hungry wolves?也许只是误会，毕竟来自绿区的剧团，在这群饿狼眼中算是“肥羊”？

CommanderI see. Still, she only arrived yesterday, and people already have their sights on her. It's quite surprising just how eager the Varjagers are about all this...原来如此。 但昨天刚到，今天就盯上了，瓦良格帮这么积极，倒是有些出人意料……

ZhaohuiWhat do you plan to do now, Commander? Are you going to wipe out this stronghold?长官之后打算怎么办？要剿灭这个营地么？

CommanderI'm not in a hurry to do so. My assignment was to conduct a discreet investigation, so in principle, I'm just supposed to remotely observe them. The important thing is to get a feel for their overall situation, so I won't be making contact with them or entering their hideouts unless I have to.不着急行动。这次是秘密调查，原则上是远程监视。调查重点是摸清他们的整体状态。非必要情况下，我不会主动接触瓦良格帮，也不会进入他们的驻地。

CommanderAnd besides, it seems these Varjagers have some kind of a "boss" in charge of them. They have more than one base, so sniffing them all out is going to take a while... (groan) What a pain.而且，这群瓦良格帮似乎还有“上线”，据点也不只一个，要追查肯定不止一天两天，唉……有点头疼啊。

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui thinks for a while. A moment later, she looks up at me.)（朝晖短暂地陷入沉思。片刻后，她抬眼看向我。）

ZhaohuiIn that case, I have a proposition, Commander.既然这样，长官，我有一个提议。

CommanderGo ahead.说说看。

ZhaohuiAt first, I thought that this was just an ordinary case of someone trying to intimidate my client, but things are clearly not that simple since the situation involves the Varjagers.我原本以为我的委托人只是遭遇普通的威胁，但牵涉到瓦良格帮，就没那么简单了。

ZhaohuiAfter taking into consideration the troupe's safety and the secret investigation you're conducting—考虑到剧团的安危，以及长官正在进行的秘密调查——

ZhaohuiWould you be willing to join the troupe protection mission for the time being and work with me?长官是否考虑暂时加入剧团担任护卫，与我合作？

CommanderSo the troupe serves as both bait and a cover for our investigation.以剧团作为调查的诱饵，也借剧团作为调查的掩护？

CommanderHeh, it does sound like a win-win situation.呵呵，确实是双赢的计策。

ZhaohuiYes. Also, if anything happens, the client and the troupe will be safer with you and Miss Groza around.嗯。若有万一，有长官和闪电小姐在，委托人和剧团的安全也更有保证。

CommanderI don't mind, but the client and troupe, on the other hand...我没意见，但你的委托人和剧团那边……

ZhaohuiI'll speak with them about it.我来交涉。

ZhaohuiHowever, the troupe's funds are limited and they probably won't be able to pay you too well.不过，剧团资金有限，恐怕付不起太高的雇佣金。

CommanderThere's no need for that. Ultimately, we're both making use of each other here, and besides, Monsoon has done their fair share of free labor for me too.不必了。我们的这次合作，本就是各取所需。何况季风小队也不是没给我打过白工。

CommanderAre you happy with that, Leader Zhaohui?这样的回答，朝晖队长满意了吗？

(I chuckle and extend a friendly hand to Zhaohui.)（我笑起来，尽量友好地向着朝晖伸出手。）

(She is silent for a moment, and then she extends her hand to me—one that's covered in scars.)（朝晖沉默片刻，也伸出手来，与我相握——那是一只遍布了伤痕的手。）

(That's strange. Since when was Zhaohui such a miser? Fixing this level of synthetic skin damage shouldn't cost that much.)（奇怪，朝晖有这么拮据吗？这种程度的仿生皮肤损伤，修补费用不算高。）

(Before I can ask further, Zhaohui nods to me.)（没有来得及细问，朝晖朝我点点头。）

ZhaohuiGlad to be working with you, Commander.那么，长官，合作愉快。

Secret Tears 秘密的抽泣

(After returning to the campsite the next day, Zhaohui introduces me and Groza to the troupe. Just in case, I have a set of credentials ready to prove my identity.)（回到营地的第二天一早，朝晖便向剧团引见了我与闪电。出于便利，我还准备了一份更加可靠的资历证明。）

(However, it seems my concerns were unfounded.)（不过，我的担忧似乎有些多余。）

(Once we reveal that there's a Varjager camp nearby, Zhaohui has no problems at all convincing the manager to take us on. Soon, the troupe has freed up temporary bunking space for me and Groza, while Aida has cheerfully taken it upon herself to show us around.)（在透露出近郊似乎有瓦良格帮驻扎的消息后，朝晖与剧团经理交涉便变得十分顺利。没过多久，剧团便为我与闪电腾出了临时驻扎的住所，艾达也热情地为我们带路。）

AidaOver here! This way, please!就是这边，请跟我来！

(After leading us to our quarters, Aida quickly shows us around the facilities and briefs Groza about the troupe's activities.)（引着我们到了住处，艾达简单地介绍了屋内设施，也将一些剧团活动的注意事项交代给了闪电。）

AidaIn any case, that's our performance schedule. If you guys need anything, feel free to look for me or the manager!总之，剧团的演出安排大致就是这样。 这些天如果有什么需要，找我或者经理就好！

GrozaThank you, Miss Aida. You're welcome to look us up anytime too.多谢艾达小姐。您有事也请随时找我们。

(After briefing us, Aida doesn't leave right away. Instead, she ends up gawking at Zhaohui, who's standing by my side.)（事项交代完毕，艾达却没有立即离开，反而不住地看向站在我身旁的朝晖。）

(Zhaohui notices Aida's gaze and walks over to her. Aida grabs Zhaohui and pulls her aside before whispering into her ear.)（留意到艾达的目光，朝晖走了过去。艾达立即拉住朝晖，压低了声。）

AidaMiss Zhaohui, they seem pretty skilled, but that bounty hunter's...朝晖小姐，虽然看资历很厉害，但这位赏金猎人……

(Zhaohui looks toward me from a distance.)（朝晖远远地看了我一眼。）

ZhaohuiHe's a reliable friend of mine. There was something fishy about that attack yesterday, so I asked him to come and help out.这位赏金猎人是我可靠的朋友。昨天的袭击有些古怪，所以我临时找来了支援。

AidaI see... Alright, then. Still, about that attack from yesterday...是这样啊……那就好。不过，昨天遇到袭击的事……

ZhaohuiDon't worry, I didn't tell the manager about it.放心，我没有和经理提及。

(Aida visibly relaxes and she bows to Zhaohui in gratitude.)（艾达的神色放松下来。她感激地向朝晖轻轻躬身。）

AidaThank you so much! I don't know how to show it, but I'm really very grateful to you!谢谢！我不知道该怎么表示，但真的非常感谢你！

ZhaohuiThink nothing of it. However, for safety's sake, I would recommend you leave the campsite as little as possible.不必客气。不过，出于安全考虑，你最好少出营地。

AidaSure, I won't go far!嗯，我会的！

(Aida leaves the room after nodding gratefully to Zhaohui.)（向朝晖感激地点点头，艾达离开了房间。）

(After she leaves, I smile and approach Zhaohui.)（看到艾达离开，我笑着走向朝晖。）

CommanderWell, that's the leader of Monsoon for you. I'm sure Daiyan and the others must have had a much easier time on their travels with you around.不愧是季风小队的队长。有你在，黛烟她们的旅行想必轻松了不少。

(Zhaohui turns as she hears my voice.)（听到我的声音，朝晖转过身。）

ZhaohuiJust doing my job as a leader. Is something the matter, Commander?队长的职责而已。长官有什么事？

CommanderSomething's bothering me. It seems Miss Aida doesn't understand the true identity of her attackers.只是有些在意。艾达小姐好像还不了解袭击者的真实情况。

Zhaohui...That does not seem to concern your mission, Commander.……这似乎与长官的任务无关。

CommanderI don't mean to pry, of course. That was just a reminder. Rather than quibble about that, I have a suggestion.我无意多管闲事，只是提醒。比起争论这个，我倒另有个提议。

CommanderThis settlement seems quite lively. Would you like to walk around it with me and get a picture of what's happening on the ground?这个居住点看上去挺热闹，要不要和我一道，四处走走，看看情况？

Zhaohui...Alright.……好。

(After leaving the troupe campsite which is still under construction, Zhaohui and I walk down the streets of the settlement.)（离开搭建中的剧团营地，我和朝晖在居住点中随意闲逛着。）

(The roads are covered in sand and gravel, the houses are run-down, the people are all poor... Settlements like these are everywhere in the Yellow Zones. The sole difference is that the one we're staying in is fairly large, which is most likely why the troupe chose to base themselves here.)（遍布砂砾的街道、破败的房屋、贫穷的居民……在黄区，这样的居住点比比皆是，唯一的区别在于，我们所在的这个居住点确实有些规模，也难怪剧团会选择在这里驻扎。）

(Still, the livelier a settlement is, the more likely it is to draw the Varjagers' attention.)（不过，越是热闹的居住点，就越可能引来瓦良格帮洗劫。）

(I turn my eyes outside the settlement as the thought crosses my mind—Piles of rock and drifts of sand hide the land and sky in the distance, but I know that there is a lurking threat hidden in that distant valley.)（我这么想着，将视线投向居住点之外——石堆与沙尘遮住了远处的天空与大地，但我知道，隐患正藏在峡谷之中。）

(Just as I'm about to head outside the settlement, Zhaohui comes to a halt.)（就在我准备往居住点外的方向移动时，朝晖停下了脚步。）

Zhaohui...Commander.……长官。

CommanderHm?嗯？

ZhaohuiWhy did you ask me to go with you? If this is meant to be a secret investigation, there is a chance that secrecy could be breached.长官为什么要叫上我一起行动？对于秘密调查，这有泄密的可能。

CommanderWe're working together on this assignment, after all. It's better that we interact and get to know each other.毕竟我们在合作，一起交流交流，知根知底比较好。

CommanderAlso, things in the Yellow Zone can be pretty complicated, and I'm empty-handed right now. I'd feel better with a certain squad leader by my side.而且，黄区情况复杂，我赤手空拳的，有位队长陪同比较安心。

ZhaohuiAccording to what I know of you, Commander, dealing with over ten Varjagers by yourself even without a Doll squad backing you up should be child's play for you. Besides, you have Miss Groza too.以我对长官的了解，就算没有人形小队支援，长官自己打十个八个瓦良格帮，应该也不在话下。何况，还有闪电小姐。

CommanderIndeed, which is why this is only part of the reason.嗯，所以这只是其中一个原因。

CommanderThe other reason—is you, Zhaohui.另一个原因——是朝晖你。

CommanderThe truth is, there was something I wanted to discuss with you on the day Monsoon had their concert. Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to do so.其实，我在艾莫号上就想和你谈谈了，在季风举行演出那天。可惜没能谈上。

ZhaohuiThat day, hm... Yes, it was unfortunate that we could not speak. What do you wish to talk about, Commander?那天么……确实不巧。长官想谈什么？

CommanderMonsoon and the Elmo.季风和艾莫号。

CommanderI know that you're the leader of Monsoon Squad, and you're not part of the Elmo.我知道，你是季风小队的队长，并不属于艾莫号。

CommanderIt's not easy for a gust of wind that's used to freedom to have to suddenly accept a new environment. I am grateful for the fact that you were willing to stay with the Elmo for the sakes of Daiyan and the others.习惯了自由的风，要突然接受一个新环境并不容易，你愿意为了黛烟她们而在艾莫号停留，对此，我很感谢。

ZhaohuiThey are my friends.她们是我的伙伴。

CommanderYes, and you are a good leader. That much goes without saying.嗯。你也是一位好队长，这一点不必讳言。

CommanderBut even though you're their leader, I can sense that you're changing too. Right now, the way you're talking to me is completely different from when Monsoon first came to help me.但即便同为队长，我也能察觉到，你在改变。你现在对我的态度，和季风初来支援见面时完全不同。

CommanderWe bounty hunters have keen noses, so feel free to talk about anything you want with me.赏金猎人的嗅觉是很敏锐的，你有什么想法可以和我聊聊。

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui does not answer.)（朝晖没有回答。）

CommanderOr perhaps we could discuss it with Monsoon, if you think it would be better that way.或者，也可以季风小队一起聊，如果你认为这样更好的话。

CommanderIt won't take long for them to come here from the Elmo, and they'll be extra hands for the commission.从艾莫号赶来这里，不需要太多时间，也正好补充委托人手。

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui remains silent, her face still blank.)（朝晖依然面无表情地沉默着。）

(According to Jiangyu, her facial actuators were damaged in combat, and as a result she does not show much in the way of facial expressions. But sometimes, this "poker face" of hers is the perfect camouflage for her feelings.)（据绛雨说，那是由于朝晖的面部模块在作战中受损，因此无法支持太灵动的表情变化。可有时，这样的“面无表情”，也是最好的伪装。）

(I look straight at Zhaohui, silently waiting for her to answer. Just then, I hear the sounds of an argument from a nearby hovel up ahead—)（我直视着朝晖，静静地等待她开口。这时，前方不远的民房后忽然爆发出争吵——）

??...It's not like that, listen to me... Those letters I sent were just...……不是这样的，您听我解释……我给您寄信只是想……

Angry Male VoiceListen? Listen to how you... If not for you... Feris wouldn't have...解释？解释怎么害……要不是听你……菲丽丝怎么会……

??No, Feris, she... Look, just listen...不是的，菲丽丝她……您听我解释……

(For some reason, the pleading girl's voice sounds strangely familiar.)（不知为何，正在哀求的女声听上去有些熟悉。）

(Zhaohui and I exchange looks. We nod, then take cover nearby.)（朝晖与我对视一眼，点点头，一同躲到了近旁的隐蔽处。）

Angry Male VoiceEnough of this bullshit! You think I'm going to buy that goody-two-shoes act? You're just... it's all because you...得了吧，装什么好人！你根本就……只是为了你自己……

Familiar Female VoiceNo, I... I really didn't...不是、我……我真的没有……

Angry Male VoiceHehe... know that you're someone like this? Because of you...呵呵……知道你是这种人吗？都是因为你……

Familiar Female VoiceI...我……

Angry Male VoiceTch, stop pretending already... Get lost! Get out of here!啧，别在这儿假惺惺了……滚！赶紧滚！

(...)（……）

(The argument doesn't last long. Soon, the owner of the nasty voice departs, leaving behind the sound of quiet sobbing.)（争吵没有持续太久，很快，咒骂的声音远去，前方只剩下轻浅的抽泣。）

(It lasts for a while before gradually tapering off. Then, a familiar figure steps out from behind the wall—it is Aida, the lead actress of the Talia Troupe.)（抽泣声持续了一阵也渐渐减弱，接着，一个熟悉的身影从墙后走了出来——正是塔利亚剧团的女主演艾达。）

(She rubs her tears away as she walks. Her clothes are dusty, and her hair is a little mussed, probably from a scuffle just now.)（艾达一边走，一边擦着眼泪。大约是争执的缘故，她的衣服上沾着不少砂砾，头发也有些凌乱。）

(Zhaohui frowns and prepares to stand, but I put a hand on her shoulder and gently shake my head.)（朝晖皱了皱眉，就要起身，我按住她的肩膀，轻轻摇头。）

CommanderDon't go right now. It might be a personal matter for Aida.先别冲动。也许这是艾达的私事。

(Zhaohui doesn't answer, but she doesn't move either. It is only when Aida leaves that I loosen my grip and let her rise.)（朝晖没有回答，但停住了起身的动作。直到艾达走远，我放开手，让朝晖站起身。）

(As expected, Zhaohui doesn't go after Aida. Instead, she fixes me with a cold look.)（如我所料，朝晖没有再追向艾达，只是冷冷望向我。）

Zhaohui...Why did you stop me just now, Commander?……刚才，长官为什么要阻止？

CommanderIf this is a personal matter for Aida, butting in rashly would only make things awkward for her.如果这是艾达的私事，我们贸然询问，只会令她尴尬。

CommanderThe troupe is about to put on their show. It would be better to figure things out and then ask Aida about it later rather than incur unnecessary trouble.剧团很快就要演出，与其现在节外生枝，不如等弄清楚全貌，再问艾达。

ZhaohuiThis isn't the first time Aida's encountered something like this.艾达遭遇这种情况不是第一次。

ZhaohuiThat dispute just now was very intense. If that man keeps bothering Aida, it might end up affecting the show.刚才的争执很激烈，如果对方继续骚扰艾达，也有很大的可能影响演出。

CommanderWe still don't know the full picture yet. Barging in thoughtlessly might only end up making things worse.我们并没有听清事情的全貌，贸然介入，也许反而会令事态扩大。

CommanderIn the contamination zones, there are times when minding your own business is not a bad thing. That's what Aida wants too, isn't it?在污染区这种地方，有时候少管闲事不一定是坏事。艾达也是这么希望的，不是吗？

(Zhaohui frowns.)（朝晖皱了皱眉。）

ZhaohuiMinding my own business...闲事……

ZhaohuiSo this is "minding your own business" to you, Commander... I see.原来这在长官的定义里是“闲事”吗……我知道了。

(Zhaohui's expression doesn't change, but I can hear a hint of disappointment in her voice.)（朝晖虽然没有表情变化，但我能感受到她语气中夹杂了一些失望。）

(However, this is the most sensible choice right now.)（但现阶段，这确实是最合理的选择。）

ZhaohuiIf Aida objects, then I will not pursue the matter for now. But if it affects the upcoming play, I will not remain silent.如果艾达介意，这次我可以不问。但如果这件事存在影响演出的可能性，我就不会置若罔闻。

ZhaohuiIn any case, I'll look around the area alone for now. I can handle things here by myself. You should head back to the campsite, Commander.总之，我先再调查一下周边。这里有我一个就够了，长官可以先回营地。

(It seems Zhaohui has made up her mind. I sigh, then turn to leave.)（眼看朝晖的态度十分坚决，我叹口气，转身离开。）

(We'll discuss it after she settles down.)（等她情绪恢复后再说吧。）

(By the time I return to the troupe's campsite, the stage at its center has begun to take shape.)（返回剧团营地时，搭建在营地中心的舞台底座已初具形态。）

(A group of people are gathered around it, and Aida seems to be in their midst. As I approach, Groza turns to me from where she is standing on the edge of the crowd.)（舞台边空地上，一群人围拢着，艾达似乎也在其中。我走过去，站在外围的闪电转过头。）

GrozaCommander?指挥官？

CommanderWhat's going on here?这是在做什么？

GrozaMiss Aida is rehearsing. Apparently there was a recent revision to a certain scene.艾达小姐正在彩排，据说是最新修改的段落。

(I look at the heart of the crowd. While this is just a scene rehearsal, Aida is completely into it; there's no sign of the tears she shed just now.)（我看向人群中央，虽然只是段落彩排，艾达的表演却无比投入，完全看不出先前刚刚哭过的模样。）

(Shortly afterwards, Zhaohui enters the campsite too.)（过了一阵，朝晖也走进营地。）

(Aida is still performing, so Zhaohui frowns slightly before standing aside to watch in silence.)（见艾达正在表演，朝晖轻轻皱了皱眉，也站到一旁静静观看。）

Zhaohui...……

(Soon, the scene is over, and the audience erupts with thunderous applause.)（很快，彩排的段落结束，围观的人群热烈地鼓起掌来。）

Excited Troupe MemberWow! That was a great change! It's even more moving than the previous version of the scene!好！这个改动好！感觉比之前的剧本还要感人呢！

Happy Troupe MemberHeh, I bet our tour is going to be a great success!嘿，我觉得，咱们的巡演肯定会成功！

AidaAlright, I'm happy that everyone's so confident about our tour, but I'd like to hear from our audience too!好啦，看到大家对巡演有信心，我也很开心。不过，也要听听观众的意见！

(Aida steps out of the crowd and beckons to me and Zhaohui.)（艾达走出人群，笑着向我和朝晖招手。）

AidaHi, you two! You saw our rehearsal just now, right? What did you think?嗨，两位！你们也看了刚才的彩排吧？你们觉得怎么样？

CommanderHm... It was very compelling.嗯……在我看来，是很精彩的演出。

CommanderAs for the fine details... Zhaohui, you've got stage experience; maybe you'd like to field this question?至于具体的细节……朝晖有不少舞台经验，朝晖来说说？

(I smile, then glance at Zhaohui. She considers her words for a moment, and then begins speaking in an earnest voice.)（我笑了笑，看向朝晖。朝晖思考片刻，认真开口。）

ZhaohuiI think your performance was very professional.我认为，艾达小姐的表演十分专业。

ZhaohuiWhile I arrived later and only managed to see part of it, the girl Zola that you played was lively and animated and very likable. Her final promise to her friend was very stirring too. I'm sure it would have won the hearts of the audience even in the Green Zone.虽然到场较晚，我只看了一部分，但艾达小姐所饰演的少女佐拉，活泼灵动，令人喜爱，最后与挚友许下誓约的桥段也十分动人。即使是在绿区演出，这段表演也能令观众折服。

ZhaohuiHowever, the delivery of some of the lines seemed a little unpolished. Further practice might be required.不过，部分台词衔接似乎还有些不熟，需要继续排练。

CommanderIt sounds harsh, but that's high praise coming from Zhaohui.虽然听起来有些苛刻，不过对朝晖来说，这是很高的评价了。

(After hearing her words, Aida scratches her head bashfully.)（听着夸奖，艾达有些不好意思地挠了挠头。）

Excited Troupe MemberAw, but that's to be expected! After all, the character was modelled after Aida!哎，应该的，毕竟是以艾达为角色原型嘛！

Commander...She was?……原型？

AidaUm, it's nothing! Right, I need to go check out my costume with the director. If there's nothing else, let's all go take a break for a bit!唔，没什么啦。对了，我得去导演那里核对一下服装，没什么事的话，大家就先休息一会儿吧！

ZhaohuiMiss Aida...?艾达小姐……？

AidaHm? Were you looking for me, Zhaohui?嗯？朝晖小姐还有什么事吗？

(Upon seeing Zhaohui hesitate, I cut into their conversation.)（看着朝晖迟疑的样子，我打断了对话。）

CommanderZhaohui, shall we talk about campsite security?朝晖。关于驻地的安保问题，我们聊聊？

Zhaohui...Yes.……嗯。

AidaWow, you guys sure work hard! I'll leave you to it, then~ Gotta head over to the director's office.诶，真是辛苦你们啦！那你们先忙~我去导演那边啦。

(Aida leaves, and I ask Groza to continue standing watch by the stage.)（艾达离开，我示意闪电重新回到舞台边护卫。）

(Zhaohui's face is as blank as ever. Sighing internally, I approach her.)（朝晖还是那样面无表情，我在心里轻轻叹了一口气，向前一步。）

CommanderWhat did you find outside the campsite?刚才在营地外调查出什么了吗？

ZhaohuiThanks to your "restraint", I didn't manage to find anyone suspicious.多亏长官“阻拦”，没有发现任何可疑人物。

CommanderIn that case, you shouldn't thoughtlessly question Aida about it either.既然什么都没有查到，那么最好也别贸然追问艾达。

Zhaohui...Commander, are you saying that you believe asking about the matter will be bad for Aida, or that it will affect your investigation of the Varjagers?……长官是觉得，继续追问下去，会对艾达不利；还是觉得，这会影响到对瓦良格帮的调查任务？

CommanderWhile I said I was willing to work with you, I was up front about how the investigation would take priority over protecting the troupe.虽然我同意了合作，但坦诚地说，调查任务的优先级的确在护卫剧团的委托之上。

CommanderCurrently, Aida's situation is not related to the troupe, and working with you does not extend to interfering with the actors' personal lives. I do not wish to give rise to unintended consequences by doing so.目前，艾达的事和剧团并无牵涉，合作内容也不包含干涉演员的私生活，我不想因此横生枝节。

CommanderIn the Yellow Zones, supplies are not cheap, and while I don't know how Monsoon operates, for a bounty hunter, "minding your own business" is an important principle for survival.在黄区，物资补给价格不菲，我不知道季风如何运作，但对于赏金猎人而言，“不多管无意义的闲事”，就是最重要的生存法则。

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui falls silent, as though she hadn't expected me to state my position that frankly.)（像是没想到我会坦诚地表明立场，朝晖陷入了短暂的沉默。）

(She frowns slightly, but in the end, she simply fixes me with a calm gaze.)（她似乎轻轻地挑了挑眉，但最终还是像之前一样，平静地朝我回望。）

ZhaohuiSince you've decided to prioritize the investigation, I have a request of my own—既然长官决定以调查任务为先，那么，我也有一个请求——

ZhaohuiI hope that you will not jeopardize the show for the sake of your mission, Commander.我希望长官，不要因为任务，影响剧团的演出。

CommanderOf course. I have my principles too.当然，我有分寸。

CommanderI'll inform you if I discover anything unusual.如果调查期间出现任何异常，我都会告知你。

ZhaohuiI hope you will keep your promise, Commander.希望长官信守承诺。

(Zhaohui turns and leaves after saying those cold words.)（冷冷地说完，朝晖转身离去。）

(As I watch her go, I rub between my eyes in resignation.)（看着她的背影，我无奈地揉了揉眉心。）

(...This misunderstanding is only going to get worse at this rate. Is there a way to soften Zhaohui's attitude? What would Monsoon Squad do when they have a dispute?)（……这样下去，误会只会越来越深。有什么办法缓和朝晖的态度吗？季风小队以往遇到分歧时会怎么办？）

Commander...Monsoon Squad.……季风小队。

(An idea springs into my head.)（想到这里，脑海中似乎有了思路。）

(I pull out my terminal and find the names—"Daiyan" and "Jiangyu".)（我打开通讯终端，找到了那两个名字——“黛烟”、“绛雨”。）

CommanderI'm sorry, girls... It seems I'll need your help again.抱歉……这次，又得麻烦你们来帮忙了。

Gentle Assistance 柔和外援

(In the wilderness, a jeep races toward its destination.)（荒野中，一辆吉普车正在向着目标飞驰。）

(The Doll in the front passenger seat leans against the window, idly rapping on the scratched glass.)（坐在副驾的人形倚靠着车窗，无聊地敲打着磨花的玻璃层。）

JiangyuBig Sis, go faster! The Commander and Zhaohui will have walked out on each other by the time we get there!老姐！快点啦！这么磨磨蹭蹭的速度，等赶过去朝晖都和长官拆伙啦！

(The Doll in the driver's seat stomps the gas pedal once again, but the only reply is the low humming of the engine as it strains under its weighty burden.)（驾车的人形无奈地又踩了一脚油门，但回应她的只有发动机不堪重负的低低嗡鸣。）

DaiyanJiangyu, we've been driving at top speed for a long time now. Any faster and this jalopy will probably come apart before we even reach their campsite.好啦，绛雨，我们已经以最高速度行驶很久了，再快下去，恐怕我们还没到营地，这辆旧车就会提前解体呢。

(After hearing Daiyan's reply, Jiangyu pouts and curls up in her seat.)（被黛烟如此安抚，绛雨嘟着嘴缩进了座椅。）

JiangyuFiiiiiine... Truth is, I just want to see the Commander and Zhaohui ASAP.好嘛……其实我只是想早点见到长官和朝晖而已。

JiangyuHehe, that poker-faced woman cruelly dumped us to take on a mission by herself; I can't wait to see her staring idiotically at us when we show up!哼哼，想到朝晖这个冷酷无情地抛下我们独自做委托的面瘫女人等会就要因为看见我们而惊讶地张大嘴，我就特别高兴！

Daiyan(Sigh) Jiangyu, I know you're still mad about what happened back then, but the Commander didn't ask us to come in order to make things worse. You don't want Zhaohui to truly leave Monsoon, do you?……唉。绛雨，我知道你在为之前的事生气，但长官悄悄通知我们赶过去，可不是为了火上浇油。你不希望朝晖真的离开季风吧。

JiangyuHeck no! Why else would we be rushing like this, anyway...当然不希望啦！不然，干嘛要这样着急赶路……

JiangyuOkay, fine, relax, Big Sis. I promise I won't get mad at her when we meet later. At most I'll wait till she gets back to the Elmo before secretly thumping her a little...好啦，老姐你放心，一会儿见面我绝对不会对她生气的！顶多就是等她回到艾莫号之后再悄悄绑住她揍一顿咯……

DaiyanThat's if she comes back at all. If we can't convince her...只希望她真的愿意回艾莫号就好。如果我们说服不了她……

JiangyuWe still have Faye, don't we? She's on her way too, isn't she? Faye's never gotten along well with others, but even she is willing to come to the Elmo, so there's no reason why Zhaohui would refuse either.不是还有绯吗？绯也在赶来的路上了吧？连绯这种和人相处不大好的人形都愿意回归艾莫号，朝晖也没理由因为相处不适应就拒绝吧。

DaiyanWe can't really say. After all, Zhaohui isn't an ex-Griffin Doll.很难说呢，毕竟朝晖从前并不属于格里芬。

JiangyuAhhhhhh, this is such a pain... Monsoon's still Monsoon even on the Elmo, and the Commander's a really nice guy too... Do we HAVE to choose between Monsoon and the Commander? Why is Zhaohui making things so difficult for us?!啊啊啊啊真是烦恼透顶……就算在艾莫号上季风也还是季风，长官也是很好的人……就非得在季风和长官之间做抉择吗？朝晖干嘛要给我们出这样的难题啦！

DaiyanIndeed. Perhaps this problem isn't just for "us"... but for all of Monsoon too.是啊。或许不只是“我们”的难题……也是季风的难题呢。

(The interior of the little jeep is silent for a while.)（小小的吉普车一时陷入了沉默。）

(Daiyan frowns as she gazes into the distance, then floors the accelerator once again.)（黛烟皱眉凝视远方，再一次踩下了油门。）

Gentle Assistance 柔和外援

(It is a fiery afternoon, and the Talia Troupe's campsite is as boiling hot as you'd expect. The troupe members hurry back and forth, rushing to set up the stage, rehearse, and prepare props. Zhaohui, Groza, and I are infected by this industrious mood and find ourselves taking part too.)（烈日炎炎的午后，塔利亚剧团营地里却是一片火热。成员们在营地中来来回回，匆忙地搭台、排练、准备道具，我和朝晖、闪电被这气氛感染，也不由参与其中。）

(Suddenly, I hear the sound of happy shouting from the distance amidst the sweltering heat.)（忽然，就在这一片火热之中，营地外远远地传来欢快的叫喊。）

??Commander, Zhaohui—长官，朝晖——

(Zhaohui turns and freezes up.)（朝晖先一步回过头，身体不自然地顿了顿。）

(Meanwhile, I turn just in time for a gust of crimson wind to slam into me.)（而我转过身，只来得及看见一缕红色的风，疾奔至我的怀中。）

(The impact is so massive that I lose my balance and stumble back.)（巨大的冲击力将我带得失去平衡，我不由往后倒去。）

CommanderGwaaargh...!呃……！

ZhaohuiLook out!小心！

(Just as I'm about to fall, a hand reaches out just in time to steady my shoulder.)（向后倒去的瞬间，幸而一只手及时伸来，托住了我的肩膀。）

(At the same time, the girl who just glomped me barely manages to correct her posture and helps Zhaohui to stand me back up.)（与此同时，猛扑过来的少女也艰难地止住了前冲的态势，和朝晖一道将我扶稳。）

JiangyuUwah! Sorry, Commander! It... it was an accident!哇啊！长官对不起！我、我不是故意的！

Commander...Urgh... I'm okay...……呃……没事……

(With my feet back under me at last, I look at the girl before me—Her long twintails are fluttering in the wind, and the smile on her face is so bright that it makes me feel happier just looking at her.)（终于重新站稳脚跟，我看向面前的少女——高扬的双马尾在脑后雀跃地跳动着，嘴角扬起的笑容仍是那样张扬明亮，让人看到就觉得心情愉悦了几分。）

(I reflexively reach out to affectionately ruffle her hair.)（我不由得伸出手，揉了揉少女毛茸茸的头顶。）

CommanderYou came fast. Almost caused a "speeding accident", in fact.来得很快啊，绛雨，差一点就酿成“超速事故”了呢。

JiangyuAhem! Uh, it's just because I missed you so much and didn't want to be apart from you for a second, Commander! And I guess I missed Zhaohui too... In any case, the moment we got your message, Big Sis and I came here as quickly as we could! Isn't that right, Big Sis?咳咳！这还不是因为我太想念长官了嘛，一分钟都舍不得和你分开！当然啦朝晖也想的……总之，一收到长官传讯，我和老姐就马不停蹄地赶过来啦！对吧，老姐？

(Jiangyu laughs and turns to Daiyan, who has only just arrived.)（绛雨笑着转过身，招呼慢一步走来的黛烟。）

DaiyanUm, we're not late, are we? Commander... and Zhaohui.嗯，我们没有来晚吧，长官？还有……朝晖。

(There is an apologetic smile on Daiyan's face as she turns to the green-hued Doll.)（转向青色的人影，黛烟露出有些抱歉的微笑。）

DaiyanForgive us for acting hastily and coming here without informing you.抱歉，事急从权。没有知会你，我和绛雨就来了。

ZhaohuiYou have nothing to apologize for. In the first place, decision-making authority was in your hands while I was away from the squad.没什么需要道歉的，离队期间的事情，本来就由你决策。

(Zhaohui remains calm even when confronted by this sudden visit from her teammates. Jiangyu seems annoyed by this and gets up in Zhaohui's face.)（面对两位队友的突然来访，朝晖仍是一脸平静。见此情景，绛雨不满地凑到了朝晖面前。）

JiangyuWait a minute, why isn't your mouth wide open?等一下，朝晖，你为什么不张大嘴？

Zhaohui...?……？

JiangyuAren't you the least bit surprised that Big Sis and I are here?我和黛烟姐突然出现在这里，你一点都不惊讶吗？！

ZhaohuiI AM surprised, but I'm not a Tickle Me Thoad Doll that opens its mouth when you squeeze its tummy.是有些惊讶，但我不是捏一下就会张嘴的锤岩蟾蜍玩偶。

ZhaohuiAlso, my emotive expression modules only support opening my mouth to a limited extent.而且，我的表情模块支持的张嘴幅度有限。

JiangyuAaaaahhhhhhh that's why you're so annoying! Big Sis and I came all this way over and you aren't even reacting to it! You... do you not care at all?啊啊啊啊就是这样才气人！我和老姐辛苦担心地赶过来，你却一点表示都没有！你、你一点都不在意吗？

DaiyanJiangyu...!绛雨……！

(Zhaohui looks the fuming Jiangyu in the eye and shakes her head.)（面对气呼呼的绛雨，朝晖轻轻摇了摇头。）

Zhaohui...It's not that I don't care. It's just that I guessed why you came.……我没有不在意。只是，我大致能猜到你们为什么而来。

ZhaohuiAs such, I have no choice but to accept your arrival and introduce you to everyone in the troupe.所以，现在除了接受你们加入，把你们介绍给剧团的大家，我也没有别的事可做。

(Saying so, Zhaohui pulls Jiangyu and Daiyan over and "smiles" faintly to the troupe members who are gathering around them.)（说着，朝晖拉住绛雨和黛烟，向闻声围过来的剧团成员们露出了一丝不太明显的微笑。）

ZhaohuiAida, manager, everyone.艾达，经理，各位。

ZhaohuiThese are Daiyan and Jiangyu, my friends from my band. Like me, they have extensive stage and combat experience.这两位是我所在乐队的同伴，黛烟和绛雨。和我一样，她们也有着丰富的战斗与舞台经验。

AidaWelcome! Are you the ones who have been traveling and performing everywhere with Miss Zhaohui?欢迎你们！就是你们一直和朝晖小姐一起四处旅行、演出吧？

ZhaohuiIndeed. They were interested in the troupe's upcoming play and insisted on coming by to help. Please feel free to tell us if you need anything over the next few days.嗯。她们对塔利亚剧团的演出很感兴趣，非要赶来帮忙。 未来这些天，各位有什么需要，直说就行。

DaiyanWe'll be in your care for the time being, everyone.今后几天，还请各位多加关照了。

(Daiyan smiles and bows. Upon seeing how Daiyan is acting, Jiangyu's face lights up with a smile too.)（黛烟微笑着行了个礼。看到黛烟表态，绛雨也扬起明亮的笑容。）

JiangyuYup, yup! Just let me know if you need any help! I can work, fight, and perform! Oh yeah, I can do kung fu, sing, and play the drums too!嗯嗯！有什么需要帮忙的都交给我吧！干活、表演和战斗我都很在行的！哦对了，除了唱歌，我还会打鼓和武术哦！

AidaWow, really? Miss Jiangyu, can I consult with you on the finer points of fight scenes? It might end up useful in our play!哇，真的吗？绛雨小姐，我可以请教你一些武术表演的知识吗，说不定演出里能用上呢！

JiangyuHehe, of course! In fact, I can give you a demonstration right now! Hm, empty space, empty space... There we go! Come on, this way!嘿嘿，当然！那我现在给你演示吧，唔，空地在……这边！跟我来！

(Jiangyu drags Aida off to the side and proceeds to give her an energetic display of martial arts moves.)（绛雨拉着艾达跑向空地，风风火火地演示起来。）

(Daiyan shakes her head with a smile as she watches Jiangyu's antics.)（看着绛雨活泼的模样，黛烟无奈地摇了摇头。）

DaiyanShe really does go full throttle all the time.真是一刻都闲不下来呢。

CommanderStill, there won't be any problems with blending into the troupe now.不过，这样就不用担心融入剧团的问题了。

ZhaohuiMhm. Well played, Commander. I'm impressed.嗯。长官好计策，令人佩服。

(Zhaohui looks at me and her "smile" fades.)（朝晖望着我，收敛了笑容。）

CommanderPlease forgive me. I simply did not want to cause any misunderstandings between us.抱歉，我只是不希望我们之间产生误会。

CommanderI believe that we'll be able to get along better with Daiyan and Jiangyu around. And as for the future—我想，有黛烟和绛雨在，我们能更好地相处。而关于未来——

ZhaohuiThank you for your concern, Commander.多谢长官关心。

(Zhaohui interrupts me halfway through my explanation.)（朝晖打断了我的解释。）

Zhaohui—I will carefully consider the future of Monsoon Squad.——关于季风小队的未来，我会冷静思考。

Second Female Main Character 第二位女主角

(Although there's a slight tension between Zhaohui and Daiyan and Jiangyu, it doesn't affect the assignment, and the show preparations are proceeding apace.)（虽然朝晖与黛烟、绛雨之间仍有小小的罅隙，但这并未影响到委托，剧团的演出仍在有条不紊地筹备。）

(The stage is finally completed by our fourth day in the settlement. The troupe decides to conduct an internal test show that night.)（在居住点驻扎的第四天，舞台终于搭建完成。这晚，剧团的第一次内部试演如期举行。）

(The music stops, replaced by enthusiastic applause from the audience. One by one, the cast members take their bows, and the director waves excitedly to the audience from the stage.)（音乐声停止，观众席传来热烈的掌声。舞台上，演员们一一谢幕，导演也兴奋地向着台下观众们招手。）

DirectorAnd that's a wrap! A big thank you to everyone for making this test show of "Daybreak's Oath" a great success!我宣布，《曙光之誓》内部试演圆满成功！辛苦大家！

(Following the director's announcement, the cast members gather excitedly into a group hug. As the lead actress, Aida is naturally in the center of the group.)（随着导演的宣布，舞台上的演员们也兴奋地拥抱在一起，作为女主角的艾达，理所当然地被围在人群之中。）

Young ActorAida, you were amazing!艾达，你真的太棒了！

Young ActressI didn't expect the changed finale to be so moving... (sniffle)没想到结局改动后这么感人……呜呜呜……

AidaThank you! Thank you, everyone! But I couldn't have done it without you! Be it the script revisions or in the later performance and joint rehearsals, I'm so, so grateful to have your support!谢谢、谢谢大家！试演成功，不止是我一个人的功劳，不管是剧本改动，还是后期的表演和合成编排，都多亏了大家才能完成！能得到大家支持，真的非常、非常感谢！

(Aida bows deeply from where she's standing in the middle of the crowd. The director comes over and pats her on the shoulder.)（人群中，艾达深深地鞠了一个躬，导演走过来，拍了拍艾达的肩。）

DirectorCome on, Aida, no need to be modest. We all know just how hard you've worked to make this tour a success.好啦，艾达你也别谦虚了。你为了这次巡演所做的努力，大家都看在眼里。

DirectorI'm sure Feris' parents would understand your feelings if they were here.如果菲丽丝的父母能来看演出，一定能够理解你的心情。

Aida...We sent the invitations out long ago, but... I guess they won't be coming... Otherwise they wouldn't...……演出的邀请函很早就寄出了，但是……我想他们二位是不会来了……不然也不会……

(Aida sighs quietly and drops the subject. Then, she instantly wipes her dejection away like it had never existed and smiles as she grabs Zhaohui's and Jiangyu's hands.)（艾达轻轻地叹了一口气，没有再继续这个话题。收起了一瞬即逝的失落，她走向舞台边，笑着拉住了朝晖和绛雨。）

AidaThat's right! Director, I've learned lots of interesting things recently while talking to Monsoon Squad.对了！导演，我最近和季风小队交流，真的学到了不少有趣的新知识呢！

AidaFor instance, Jiangyu's kung fu moves look really cool on stage. I was thinking that maybe we could work them into our next production!比如绛雨的武术，表演起来超级帅气哦！我在想，或许剧团的下一部剧，也可以融入一些武术元素呢！

JiangyuWow, really?哇，真的吗！

AidaYup, I still remember that super cool flying kick you showed me! It would be perfect for a fight scene! Also...嗯，我记得绛雨你演示过一个超级帅气的飞踢！那个动作就很适合加入打戏呢！还有……

(Just as Aida begins to act out a move with Jiangyu in tow, a dark shadow falls from the sky.)（艾达拉着绛雨快乐地比划起来，可突然间，一团黑影从天而降。）

ZhaohuiLook out!小心！

(Zhaohui pulls Aida away just as a glass bottle filled with paint hits the spot where Aida was standing just a moment ago. The paint inside it splashes out as the glass shatters into fragments, blooming into a lurid, savage flower.（就在朝晖拉着艾达退开后的一瞬，一个装满油漆的玻璃瓶狠狠砸碎了艾达原本的位置。瓶中的油漆随着碎裂的玻璃散开，在地面上留下一朵狰狞的花。）

(Before Aida can react, a second and a third bottle sail into the campsite, interspersed with a hail of stones and leaving streaks of paint all over the stage.)（没等艾达反应，第二个、第三个玻璃瓶砸向营地，一块块石子跟随着玻璃瓶飞来，在舞台上留下一道道油彩的痕迹。）

Young ActorHey, someone's causing trouble!有人、有人在捣乱！

ZhaohuiDaiyan, protect the cast and the Commander! Jiangyu, with me!黛烟，保护剧组和长官！绛雨，跟我来！

(Zhaohui's voice remains on the wind as she leaps out of the campsite, landing behind a nearby wall.)（话音未落，朝晖已利落地跃出营地，冲向不远处的一堵矮墙后。）

(With lightning speed, Zhaohui subdues a suspicious man hiding behind the wall without giving him any time to respond.)（没有给对方留下任何反击之机，朝晖以迅雷之势压制住了躲在墙后的可疑男子。）

(On her end, Jiangyu has also grabbed someone outside the campsite.)（而另一边，绛雨也从营地外揪出了一个人。）

(Both of them drag the men to the center of the campsite. Despite being pinned down, they're still struggling and cursing.)（两人押着可疑男子来到营地中心，虽然被制住，两人仍不停地挣扎着，口中骂声不断。）

Irate Suspicious ManWho the hell are you?! Let me go!你们谁啊，放开老子！

Angry Suspicious ManYeah, you're just a crappy group of actors, what right do you have to grab me? Get it through your thick skulls! Stop going around doing shows and get lost now before you mess up more people's families!就是，一个破剧团的，凭什么抓老子！搞搞清楚，就你们这个剧团还到处演出，最好赶紧滚蛋，别祸害别人家了！

Irate Suspicious ManShameless and harbor criminals! That lead actress Aida or whatever is a murderer! That makes the rest of you guys accomplices too!对啊，包庇犯罪的无耻剧团！你们那个主演艾什么达，就是杀人犯！剧团，也是同伙！

Aida...!……！

ZhaohuiShut up.闭嘴。

(Zhaohui knocks the ranting man out with a knife-hand strike.)（朝晖一个手刀，击晕了不断叫嚣的男人。）

(After seeing how his friend was KOed, the other man shrinks away in terror. However, when he sees how Aida is not trying to stop this and, in fact, lowers her head in dejection, he starts cursing again.)（见到同伴被击晕，男人惊惶地缩了缩，可见一旁的艾达并未阻止，甚至还黯然地低下了头，又继续咒骂起来。）

(As the verbal abuse grows louder, Zhaohui scowls and takes out her knife before pressing it to the man's neck with a cold look in her eyes.)（眼见骂声越来越响，朝晖皱了皱眉，拔出匕首，冷冷抵上对方的脖颈。）

Panicked Suspicious ManH-hey, let's talk this out! No need to get serious!有、有话好好说！别动手！

ZhaohuiAlright, then. Talk. Why are you attacking the troupe?那就好好回答。为什么袭击剧团？

Panicked Suspicious ManW-we were hired! Our client only gave us money and told us to make trouble and mess up the show!我、我们都是被雇佣的！雇佣的人只是给了钱，让我们来捣乱，把演出搅黄！

ZhaohuiAnd what's all this about a "murderer"?“杀人犯”是怎么回事？

Panicked Suspicious ManI-I don't know either, the client just told us to say that! Ah! Yes! They've got a grudge with your leading lady! He said she—我、我也不知道，都是给钱的人让我们说的，啊！对！他们和你们的主演有仇！说是你们的主演害——

(Before he can finish, Zhaohui knocks him out as well.)（男人的话没能说完，便被朝晖的手刀击晕。）

(She glances at Jiangyu and Daiyan, indicating that they should drag the two unconscious men away. Then, she looks at me, who is standing aside in the distance. I instantly get Zhaohui's meaning and enter the crowd before giving the director a meaningful look.)（示意绛雨和黛烟将晕倒的二人拖走，朝晖远远看向站在一旁的我。几乎立刻便明白了朝晖的想法，我走进人群，向导演使了个眼色。）

CommanderMiss Aida looks like she needs some rest. Let's end the rehearsal here tonight. Everyone should turn in early. We'll clean up the rest.艾达小姐看起来需要休息，今晚的试演不如就此结束，大家早些休息，收尾的事情就交给我们吧。

(After seeing the director nod, the rest of the cast and crew obligingly disperse. Soon, the only people left in the once-bustling campsite are the director, Aida, and the Dolls.)（见导演也点了头，围在一旁的剧团众人，会意地散去。热闹的营地，很快只剩下导演、艾达和几位人形。）

(Zhaohui helps Aida take a seat and then squeezes her hand.)（扶着艾达坐下，朝晖握住艾达的手。）

ZhaohuiAida, can you tell us what happened before this?艾达，从前发生了什么，可以告诉我们吗？

Aida...……

(Aida's head is still lowered. She remains gloomy and silent.)（艾达仍然低着头，神情黯然地沉默着。）

(After seeing the state Aida is in, the director shakes her head and sighs.)（看着艾达沉默的模样，导演摇摇头，叹了一口气。）

Director...Maybe I should do it.……还是我来说吧。

DirectorIf I'm not wrong, my guess is that the clients who hired those people to attack the theater were the parents of Aida's former friend, Feris.如果没有意外，我想，雇人来袭击剧团的人，应该是艾达曾经的好友——菲丽丝的父母。

DaiyanA former friend... called Feris?曾经的好友……菲丽丝？

DirectorYes. Feris was a good friend of Aida's and an outstanding young actress.嗯。菲丽丝是艾达的好友，也是一位非常出色的年轻演员。

DirectorThe truth is, she was supposed to be the female lead for "Daybreak's Oath".其实最初，菲丽丝才是《曙光之誓》这部戏的女主角。

DirectorBack then, Aida and Feris joined the auditions for the part and they made it through both of them. Feris was the female lead and Aida was the second female lead.那时，剧团为这部戏招募演员，艾达和菲丽丝一起来参加面试，两个人最后都通过了，菲丽丝饰演女一，而艾达担任女二。

Aida...Feris and I both loved to act.……我和菲丽丝，都很喜欢表演。

AidaI still remember the day we met each other...我现在都还记得我们认识的那天……

(Aida, who has been silent all this time, slowly lifts her head.)（一直沉默的艾达轻轻抬起头。）

(She looks at the stage, but it seems more like she's gazing into the depths of her past.)（她看着舞台，似乎也看向了记忆中遥远的某处。）

AidaThat day, I joined an impromptu drama competition... I was a rookie back then and nobody paid any attention to me.那天，我参加了一个即兴表演比赛……那时我还是新人，根本没什么人关注。

AidaBut by the time the competition ended, a girl ran over all of a sudden and praised me for doing a good job. She even pointed out all the little details in my act!可比赛结束的时候，突然有一个女孩子跑过来夸我演得好，还发现了我表演里藏的小细节！

AidaWe ended up talking for a long time... She told me her name was Feris and that she wanted to become a pro actor, just like me.我们不知不觉就聊了很久……她告诉我她叫菲丽丝，和我一样，也想成为专业的演员。

(Aida smiles as she recalls her past with Feris.)（回想着与菲丽丝的过往，艾达微微笑了起来。）

AidaAfter that, we became good friends.那之后，我和菲丽丝就成了好朋友。

AidaAt that time, all we had were bit parts, but no matter what roles or scripts we were given, we would always rehearse them together so we could critique and further refine our act.那时，我们都只能演一些边边角角的小角色，可不管拿到什么剧本，我们总会一起排练，演给对方看，再由对方提出修改意见。

AidaOver time, we slowly became able to play supporting roles. And then... we both made it through the auditions for "Daybreak's Oath" and began practicing in the Yellow Zone together, looking for cultural inspiration together, going on tour together...后来渐渐地，我们也能演上配角。再后来……我们一起通过了《曙光之誓》的面试，开始在黄区一起排练、采风、巡演……

AidaThose days were really happy... But...那段日子，真的很开心……可是……

(Aida stops speaking, as though she's thought of something, and her smile turns bitter.)（不知想起了什么，艾达停下讲述，露出一个有些悲伤的笑容。）

AidaTwo years ago, when Feris and I were out in the contamination zones together, we were attacked by the Varjagers... The PMC assigned to protect us was taken out by the Varjagers... and Feris too...两个月前，我和菲丽丝在污染区采风的时候，被瓦良格帮袭击……作为护卫的P.M.C.成员很快就被瓦良格帮击倒……菲丽丝也……

AidaI passed out back then and was mistaken for dead... But a passing bounty hunter saved me...我当时昏了过去，被误以为死了……后来还是一位路过的赏金猎人救了我……

DirectorEveryone in the troupe was heartbroken over Feris. We had lost a great actress and a good friend...菲丽丝的事情，剧团的大家都很伤心。我们失去了很好的朋友和演员。

DirectorBut the troupe couldn't stop performing just because of that. The show must go on, you know? We needed a replacement for the female lead, and after considering that Aida had always performed opposite Feris, I made Aida our lead. Since things turned out quite well, I decided to permanently leave her in that role.从那以后，剧团的大家都沉浸在悲痛之中，《曙光之誓》女一号的位置也缺失了许久。后来，考虑到艾达和菲丽丝经常一起对戏，我就让艾达试演了女主，结果效果不错，干脆固定下来。

DirectorBut I didn't expect that my decision would lead to a misunderstanding by Feris' parents... They thought that Aida had gotten Feris killed in order to become the lead actress.但是，没想到我的决定，反而引起了菲丽丝父母的误会……他们以为，艾达是为了当女主，才放任菲丽丝遇害。

ZhaohuiDid you not try to contact Feris' parents?剧团没有和菲丽丝的父母联络过吗？

DirectorOh, we tried many times, but Feris' parents thought the troupe was in on it with Aida and kept refusing to talk to us.我们联络过很多次，但菲丽丝的父母觉得剧团和艾达是一伙的，一直拒绝沟通。

DirectorAida also tried looking for those Varjagers, but they've never been easy to find, and the situation was very chaotic back then. With all that time gone by, we couldn't find any evidence at all.艾达也试过找当初那批瓦良格帮，但本来瓦良格帮就行踪不定，当时情况又很混乱，时间久了，根本找不到证据。

CommanderAnd that's how the misunderstanding lasted all the way until now.所以，误会就这样一直延续到现在。

DirectorYes... The truth is, Aida's been working hard to try and erase that misunderstanding.是的，其实……艾达一直在努力消除误会。

DirectorDuring this tour, Aida convinced me to change the script and its ending as a memorial to Feris.这轮巡演，艾达说服了我和编剧改动剧本，希望能改变结局，借此表达对菲丽丝的纪念。

DirectorFrankly speaking, we weren't too happy about the change at first. But Aida went all over to gather inspiration and built up experience as a scriptwriter before consulting me about it many times... And in the end, the altered script began to take shape.实话说，一开始我们并不看好这个改动，可艾达四处采风请教，学习编剧的知识，好多次来找我和编剧讨论……到后来，改动过的剧本也有模有样了。

DirectorAfter we finished rewriting the script, we began preparing for our tour. Right after we finalized the show schedule, Aida sent an invitation to Feris' parents.剧本重新定下后，我们开始为巡演准备，刚定下演出排期，艾达就邀请了菲丽丝的父母。

DirectorAnd you know how that went.只是，结局，你们都见到了。

(Everyone present goes silent as they look at the glass shards and red paint scattered everywhere.)（看着地面上的红漆和四散的玻璃碎片，现场众人陷入沉默。）

Zhaohui...……

JiangyuAida...艾达……

DaiyanIs there anything we can do to help?有什么事是我们能帮上忙的？

ZhaohuiStay alert and protect the future shows.注意戒备，保卫好后续演出。

CommanderThat's right. Since they've rejected Aida's goodwill, they definitely won't give up easily.嗯。既然对方拒绝了艾达的好意，想必不会轻易罢休。

(Aida smiles bitterly and bows to everyone again.)（艾达露出一个苦笑，又起身向大家鞠了个躬。）

AidaI'm sorry for causing you trouble.抱歉，给大家添麻烦了。

ZhaohuiEnsuring the show takes place successfully is part of the request. You don't have to blame yourself for this, Miss Aida.保证演出顺利本来就是我的委托内容，艾达小姐，你不必太过自责。

(Zhaohui helps Aida up, and Jiangyu comes over to help support her by the shoulders.)（朝晖轻轻扶起了艾达，绛雨也凑过来，挽住艾达的肩膀。）

JiangyuYup, yup! Nothing's going to happen to the troupe with us around!就是就是！有我们在，保证不会让剧团有事！

DirectorI'll be counting on you all in the future, then. It's getting late, and I also need to take care of troupe business. Oh yes, about those two attackers—那之后就拜托各位了。时间不早了，我得去处理下剧团的事，对了，那两个来偷袭的——

ZhaohuiLeave them to us.交给我们吧。

AidaAh, Miss Zhaohui, could you go easy on them? After all... it was... it was because of me that...那个、朝晖小姐，可以不要太责怪他们吗，毕竟……毕竟他们是因为我才……

ZhaohuiRelax, we know our limits.放心，我们会有分寸。

(Several minutes later, the two hired attackers receive a stern talking-to from Jiangyu and slink off, vanishing into the night.)（几分钟后，被雇来袭击的两人，在被绛雨恶狠狠地警告一番后，灰溜溜地离开了营地，很快消失在夜色之中。）

(As I watch them fade away, I can't help but ponder the situation.)（看着两人离去的背影，我不由陷入思考。）

Commander...So they were hired, then...……被雇来的么……

(No, if they were like the people who tried to ambush Aida earlier, they're probably related to the Varjagers too...)（不，如果他们和之前袭击艾达的人一样，也与瓦良格帮相关……）

(Before the two men can flee into the darkness, I call out to Groza.)（趁着两个身影尚未在夜色中消失，我叫住闪电。）

CommanderGroza, follow them and see where they're headed.闪电，跟上去，摸清他们的去向。

Crimson Return 绯色的回返

(Bang! Bang! Bang-bang!)（砰！砰！砰砰！）

(Out in the wilds, a petite Doll is racing through a herd of ELIDs. She places shot after shot with deadly precision, driving away the ELIDs that are swarming her.)（荒野里，一个小巧的人形正在生骸群中敏捷地辗转腾挪。一颗颗子弹从她的枪口迸发，精准地将围扑而来的生骸一只只逼退。）

FayeTch!呿！

(The ELID corpses ringing her are piled high like gruesome sandbags. Her gun is starting to heat up, but Faye shows no sign of stopping. Instead, she begins counting the bodies on the ground.)（倒在脚下的生骸已经围成小山，枪身也已发烫，但绯毫无要停下的意思，反倒数起了地面堆叠的尸骸。）

Faye7, 8, 9... 14...7、8、9……14……

FayeTch, still not enough! Again!啧，不够！再来……

(Faye scowls, then leaps up the "slope" of the ELID pile. Another ELID lunges at her as her gun is moving between targets.)（绯皱着眉跃上了另一侧的“小山”。枪口调转方向的间隙，一只生骸又向绯逼近。）

(Faye whirls and throws her tomahawk, which cleaves deeply into the creature's throat—)（绯一个旋身，扔出短斧，斧刃重重劈向生骸的喉咙——）

FayeYeeart!喝！

(Another body hits the floor. The impact shatters the Collapse crystals in the corpse, and the fragments land at Faye's feet.)（又一具生骸尸体跌落在地面，尸体上的几块坍塌结晶随着冲击破碎，滚落到绯的脚下。）

(Faye quickly bends down to pick up the chunks, wipes off the icky stuff on them, and shoves them into her pockets.)（绯迅速弯腰拾起那几块结晶，擦去结晶上的脏污，塞进了兜里。）

FayeThat's what you get for trying to ambush me.哼，这就是偷袭的下场。

(Soon, the gathered ELIDs have all been dealt with.)（不多时，群聚的生骸被解决一空。）

(Faye picks up the last Collapse crystal piece and pats her bulging pockets.)（绯收起最后一块结晶，拍了拍鼓鼓囊囊的口袋。）

FayeThat should be enough, right? I ought to be able to get a present with these.差不多了吧？这个数，应该够买礼物了。

FayeHm, or is it? According to the Art of Human Interaction, "presenting a gift after meeting an old friend following a long separation is a sign of your sincerity"...呃，够吗？按照《人际交往的艺术》写的，“与多年未见的故人重逢，赠送一份特别的见面礼，方显心意”……

FayeAck... So does this mean I should collect more crystals? I still have enough time to kill more of these ELIDs. Plus, the pieces will get worn down in processing. It will be bad if I don't have enough.嘶……要不再多收集点？现在时间还早，还来得及再打几只。晶条处理还会有损耗，万一不够就糟了。

(Faye looks up and gazes into the distance. A wisp of smoke curls into the air—It seems there's another ELID pack up ahead.)（绯抬起头，望向远处。原野深处有腾腾烟尘升起，似乎是又有生骸群聚。）

(She mounts up on her motorbike and roars over to the source of the smoke.)（绯跨上摩托，向烟尘的源头疾驰而去。）

(However, as she approaches the smoke, Faye gradually realizes something is wrong.)（随着向烟尘越来越近，绯逐渐发现了异样。）

FayeWait, those aren't ELIDs?不是生骸？

(The source of the smoke lies just over a hundred meters away, but it isn't being created by the ELIDs. Rather, it comes from weirdly modified Varjager vehicles. They seem to have found something, and several converted junkers are pouring fire on a small hill.)（百米之外，引起漫天烟尘的并非群聚的生骸，而是瓦良格帮造型怪异的改装车。不知发现了什么，数辆改装车正围着荒野中的一个小丘猛烈开火。）

FayeTch, it's the Varjagers again. Did they spread all the way over here?啧……又是瓦良格帮。这群家伙居然横行到了这？

(Faye ups the output of her visual modules and tries to see who the Varjagers' target is. However, she can only make out several indistinct shapes amidst the roiling cloud of dust.)（绯调大了视觉模块的功率，试图辨认小丘中被围困的目标。然而，灰尘滚滚，绯只辨识出了几个模糊的人影。）

FayeCould it be stranded travelers... or residents from a nearby settlement?是落单的行人……或者邻近居住点的居民？

FayeAh, who cares, those Varjagers are all assholes anyway, I'll just shoot first and ask questions later.啧，不管了，瓦良格帮没一个好东西，先上再说！

(Faye revs her motorbike and rides into the heart of the dust cloud.)（绯加大马力，冲向灰尘的中心。 ）

FayeHey! Over here!喂！看这边！

Crimson Return 绯色的回返

(To Faye's surprise, the people surrounded on the hill are actually pretty good fighters and work well with Faye.)（出乎绯的意料，被围困在小丘中的几人战斗能力颇为不俗，与绯的配合也十分顺畅。）

(Soon the Varjagers' convoy of modified vehicles is driven off.)（很快，瓦良格帮的改装车纷纷撤退。）

(Faye brings her motorbike to a halt and runs up the hill, waving to the people behind the smoke and dust.)（绯停下摩托，敏捷地跃进小丘中心，向被掩在灰尘后的几人招呼。）

FayeYou guys alright?你们没事吧？

??We're good. Thanks for your help just now. That surprise attack of yours was most impressive.没事，刚才多谢你帮忙。突袭的一招，打得很帅啊。

FayeYou're welcome. You guys were pretty good too.不用谢，你们也挺厉害的。

FayeAre you bounty hunters? I thought you were local res—是赏金猎人吗？我还以为你们是这里的居——

(As the people she's addressing emerge from the smoke, Faye's words catch in her throat.)（随着人影从灰尘后走出，绯的话顿在了口中。）

FayeY-you guys—你、你们——

JiangyuYo, Faye. Surprised to see us?哟，绯，见到我们惊不惊喜意不意外？

JiangyuSee, Commander, I TOLD you it was Faye! There's no way I would mistake anyone who lugs an axe around with her all day long for anyone else~长官，我就说这个人是绯吧！这把她天天都抡着的斧头我可不会错认~

GrozaIt's been a while, CZ75... I mean, Miss Faye.好久不见，CZ75……不，绯小姐。

CommanderYes, long time no see... Faye.是啊，好久不见了……绯。

(I smile and walk up to this Doll I haven't seen in a long time.)（我微笑着走上去，向久别重逢的人形打了个招呼。）

(Ten years have passed and she's changed her outfit, but her brilliant red hair still burns like a fire, and the spirited look in her eyes hasn't changed a bit.)（十年过去，娇小的人形变换了衣装，但那高高束起的头发依旧明烈如火，眉眼间的那份桀骜也未曾改变。）

CommanderI was looking forward to meeting you again from the moment Daiyan told me she had contacted you. I thought we'd meet at the campsite, but I didn't expect to run into you here.黛烟告诉我她联络了你时，我就很期待与你再会。原本以为会在营地里见面的，没想到提前碰上了。

CommanderCan we consider it fate that our reunion took the form of fighting side by side?再见的第一面就是并肩作战，该说是缘分使然吗？

(Faye seems to want to say something, but she spaces out after hearing me speak.)（听着我的话，绯似乎想说什么，但又似乎完全呆住了。）

(Her mouth hangs half open, and her face turns red as she struggles to find the right words to say.)（她望着我，有些张口结舌，脸也涨得通红。）

FayeC-C-C-Commander, n-n-nice to see you again!长长长官，好好好久不见！

FayeI-I-I-I got a gift for when we met again, er, I mean! I mean, I was planning to get a gift for you, b-but I haven't managed to get it yet, but I've got the funds ready—我我我为长官准备了一份见面礼，呃不对！我原本想准备一份见面礼，但但还没来得及买，但资金已经准备好了——

(Saying so, Faye reaches into her pockets, and then she freezes up.)（说着，绯紧张地将手伸进裤兜。但下一刻，绯的动作僵住了。）

FayeAiiiieeeee?!啊？！

(Faye exclaims in shock and looks down at her pockets. Unable to believe her eyes, she feels around inside—)（绯惊叫了一声，慌乱地低头看向裤兜，不可置信地掏着——）

(Her pockets, which had been stuffed to the brim just a short while ago, were grazed by bullets during the firefight just now. All the Collapse crystals she worked so hard to collect have been scattered everywhere, leaving only a few pieces sparkling forlornly in her hand.)（先前鼓鼓囊囊的口袋，不知何时被子弹擦破了口，收集的坍塌结晶都在方才的战斗中散落，只剩零星的几块碎片在绯的手心中闪光。）

FayeAhhhhh, how could this... My Collapse crystals...啊啊，怎么会……我的坍塌结晶……

CommanderFaye...?绯……？

(Faye clenches her fists in frustration, then grabs her head. It looks like she's struggling to keep control of her emotions.)（绯有些暴躁地抱住了头，似乎在努力地控制着情绪。）

(After a while, she looks up with a bitter expression on her face.)（过了一阵，绯抬起头，苦着脸看向我。）

FayeI-I'm sorry, Commander... It, it looks like your gift will have to wait...对、对不起，长官，见、见面礼……要晚点才能给你了。

JiangyuAw, cheer up! So you dropped all those Collapse crystals you collected, so what? Just pick them all up again. I'll help you!哎呀，不要那么没精神嘛！收集的坍塌结晶掉了，重新捡回来就好了啦。我也会帮忙的！

JiangyuWhat's important is that you met the Commander again, not some present!比起礼物，最重要的还是和长官见面才对！

CommanderYes, seeing you here is what matters to me.嗯，你来到这里才是最重要的。

(I pat Faye's shoulder and try to console her.)（我拍拍绯的肩膀，尽力安抚着。）

(Faye has seemed on edge ever since we met. She hasn't said much, and what little she says comes out as nervous stuttering.)（从见面以来，绯看起来十分激动，短短几句话说得结结巴巴。）

(What happened to her? I remember she was rather hot-tempered in Griffin, but not like this.)（她怎么了？我记得格里芬时的她虽然脾气大一些，但不至于这样。）

(Maybe I should ask her about it later when I get the chance.)（等有机会时问问看吧。）

FayeThank you, Commander. I-I'm happy to be able to see you again too.谢谢长官。能、能再次见到长官，我也很开心。

FayeAh... That's right, what are you doing here, Commander?啊……对了，长官你们怎么会在这？

CommanderIt's a long story.说来话长。

CommanderYou know about the troupe, right? Someone caused trouble there last night, and Groza followed them to another Varjager camp.剧团的事你大致知道吧？昨晚有人来剧团闹事，闪电一路追踪，又发现了瓦良格帮另一个据点的线索。

CommanderJiangyu and I came over to help check it out, but not long after we met up, those guys went out for a walk.我和绛雨赶来支援调查，刚在这附近汇合不久，就撞上了这群家伙出来晃悠。

FayeI see. And after this, you're going to...?原来是这样。那接下来长官准备……？

CommanderWe'll be heading back to the campsite first. Groza's got a good picture of the situation here.先回营地吧。这边的情况闪电已经摸索得差不多了。

CommanderI believe your teammates are looking forward to meeting you too.我想，你的队友也很期待和你见面。

(Once we return to the settlement, Jiangyu practically flies into the troupe campsite.)（刚回到居住点，绛雨就飞速冲进了剧团营地。）

JiangyuBig Sis! Zhaohui! Look who I found!老姐，朝晖，你们看谁来啦！

(Upon hearing Jiangyu's voice, Daiyan looks up from where she's working by the stage.)（听到绛雨的声音，在舞台边帮忙的黛烟抬起了头。）

DaiyanFaye!绯！

(Daiyan approaches with quick steps, enfolding Faye and Jiangyu in a hug.)（黛烟快步走来，和绯、以及扑过来的绛雨轻轻地抱在一起。）

(Zhaohui walks out of a nearby tent, having heard the commotion.)（朝晖听见声响，也从帐篷中走出。）

ZhaohuiFaye? What are you doing here?绯？你怎么也来了？

(Zhaohui reflexively glances at me, and I raise my hands defensively.)（朝晖下意识地看向我。我无奈地举起双手。）

CommanderIt really wasn't me this time. I only just ran into CZ... I mean, Faye.这回真不是我。我和CZ……呃，绯也是刚刚见面。

(Zhaohui then turns to Faye, who walks over and punches Zhaohui's shoulder.)（朝晖于是看回向绯。绯不客气地走过去，狠狠捶了一下朝晖的肩。）

FayeDaiyan gave me the location. What the hell, so you can go off by yourself and nobody's allowed to follow?黛烟给了我地址。怎么，就准你自己走，不准别人找过来？

Zhaohui...……

(The previously happy mood in the air suddenly freezes over. Daiyan sighs before walking over to the pair, taking a green-colored arm in one hand and a red-colored one in the other.)（原本欢快的气氛又突然僵硬，黛烟无奈地靠近绯与朝晖，伸手挽住了一红一绿两只胳膊。）

DaiyanThere, there, don't get mad. We should be happy that Monsoon's been reunited after so long.好啦，都别生气了，难得季风又聚在了一起，大家该开心才是。

JiangyuYeah, that's right! Faye came over to help us out! In fact, she helped us beat up a bunch of Varjagers just now! Don't be so stiff, Zhaohui!就是就是！绯赶过来也是为了帮大家的忙嘛，刚才还帮我们揍了一群瓦良格帮呢，朝晖你就不要这么硬邦邦的啦！

CommanderYes, Faye's skills were amazing. Also, do you have anything to say to "Monsoon Assembled"?嗯，绯的身手令人惊叹。 而且，终于见到了“完整版的季风”，朝晖队长就没什么想说的吗？

Zhaohui...Alright.……好吧。

(Zhaohui presses the spot between her brows in resignation.)（朝晖无奈地按了按眉头。）

ZhaohuiI was hoping that this brief period of independent action would be enough to spur you ladies into calmly considering our future. Clearly that plan has failed.我本来期望通过短暂的独立行动来促使各位冷静思考。 现在看来，这个计划完全失败了。

JiangyuThat just means it was the wrong thing to do! It's better to just be frank and speak up rather than having us all stew in our rooms by ourselves being miserable! Isn't that right, Big Sis, Faye?这就说明这个办法没什么用嘛！比起闷在房间里各自苦恼，果然还是面对面说话比较爽快！对吧，老姐，绯！

FayeFor once, I agree with Jiangyu.这次，我支持绛雨。

DaiyanYes. I agree that face-to-face discussion is the best form of communication for Monsoon. Much like when you play a song, one must be on the scene to properly judge the audience's reaction.嗯。我也认为当面沟通才是最适合季风的交流方式。 就好像弹奏一支曲子，只有在现场，才能接收到听众的第一反应。

DaiyanZhaohui, while this was a private commission, you're still a part of Monsoon. Will you allow us to help you with this commission for the next few days?朝晖，虽然你接的是私人委托，但你也是季风的一份子。接下来这几天，就让我们一起协助你的委托，好吗？

FayeI mean, your business is Monsoon's business.你的事也是季风的事。

JiangyuYeah! We'll help you out if Aminda gives you another job next time!对嘛！要是下次阿米达有别的事情，我们也一样会帮忙的哦！

(After seeing the sincerity in her teammates' expressions, the coldness on Zhaohui's face seems to have faded.)（面对着几位队友真诚的表态，朝晖眉目间的冷冽似乎终于短暂地消散了。）

(Zhaohui looks them in the eye and nods.)（直视着面前众人，朝晖轻轻点头。）

ZhaohuiAlright.好。

Released From the Shackles 被释放的枷锁

(Several days later, inside the troupe campsite.)（几日后，剧团营地内。）

(Monsoon Squad and Groza intensified patrols outside the campsite for the following days. Despite the little upset during the test show, the attack we feared never came again, and the troupe enjoyed a rare few days of peace.)（由于试演时出的小小风波，季风小队和闪电加大了在营地外的巡逻强度。但一直担忧的袭击并未再发生，剧团难得地度过了安宁的几日。）

(It's a relief that the troupe has been otherwise unmolested, but I'm hard-pressed to find a rationale for the Varjagers' actions.)（剧团能安宁让人松了口气，可瓦良格帮的行动，总令我感到费解。）

(—Could it be that the link between the Varjagers and the attackers from that night was purely a coincidence? Was it truly just two layabouts with nothing better to do accepting a job from the underground?)（——难道那晚的袭击者和瓦良格帮有牵扯，真的只是意外？只是刚好有那么两个闲着没事的家伙刚好在暗行接了这个活？）

(No, perhaps I need to investigate further. There must have been something behind the scenes that I've missed.)（不，也许还是该再调查一次。这背后一定有什么我遗漏了的东西。）

(Once afternoon rehearsals for the troupe are over, I seek out Zhaohui.)（趁着午后剧团排练告一段落，我找上朝晖。）

(As she listens to my intentions for coming here, she puts down the prop she is checking and looks at me in puzzlement.)（听我表明来意，朝晖狐疑地放下了正在帮忙检查的道具。）

Zhaohui...So you intend to investigate the Varjagers outside the camp? Right now?……长官要探查营地外的瓦良格帮？现在？

CommanderYes, right now. You can tell something's wrong too, right?对，现在。你也能看出异常吧？

(I turn to look outside the campsite—)（我转头看向营地之外——）

(While things seem peaceful enough in the campsite, the settlement outside is nowhere as warm and welcoming as it was when we first came. In fact, it feels somewhat deserted.)（虽然剧团营地里看起来安宁祥和，营地之外的居民点却远不如来时热闹，甚至还有几分冷清。）

Zhaohui...Our audience is gone.……观众消失了。

CommanderThat's right. The troupe advertised this show heavily, so there ought to be more people here.没错，剧团的演出宣传声势浩大，这里本该有更多居民。

CommanderHowever, it seems the Varjager activity nearby has forced people who were planning to watch the play to abandon their plans.可是，由于附近有瓦良格帮活动，一些原本打算观演的居民，被迫放弃了行程。

ZhaohuiCommander, do you think the change in the Varjagers' actions is linked to how we stopped the attack on the camp that day?长官是认为，瓦良格帮改变了行动策略，与那天袭击营地遭到阻止有关？

CommanderI can't be sure, but we both know the Varjagers are mixed up in this.我不确定，但你我都发现过瓦良格帮与此牵扯。

CommanderAnd besides, the Varjagers have been a scourge on the surrounding region, yet this settlement and the troupe have been completely untouched. It doesn't make sense.况且，附近瓦良格帮的活动如此频繁，这个居住点和剧团却始终安好无损，这不符合常理。

CommanderI don't think it's because we revealed ourselves, and I don't think anyone would actually pay to invite those starving wolves here.我不认为我们暴露了行迹，也不相信有人能花钱请动那群贪婪的饿狼。

CommanderTherefore, I need to head out there on foot to figure out what's going on. Since it's very likely that Aida is involved, I'll need the help of Monsoon Squad too.所以，我会再亲自走一趟，弄清真相——这件事很可能与艾达相关，我希望得到季风小队协助。

ZhaohuiUnderstood. I can accompany you, Commander.明白了。我可以陪同长官。

JiangyuOooh, me too, me too! I haven't gone out investigating with you in a long time, Commander!还有我还有我！我都好久没陪长官一起调查了！

(Jiangyu has appeared from seemingly nowhere and inserted herself between Zhaohui and me, followed closely by Daiyan and Faye who turn up in front of me.)（不知从哪跑过来的绛雨挤到我和朝晖之间，紧跟着，黛烟和绯也走到我面前。）

DaiyanWhy didn't you just tell us you needed help, Commander?长官需要帮助，怎么不直接告诉我们？

JiangyuYeah! Zhaohui would have monopolized the scouting mission with the Commander if I hadn't secretly followed you!就是就是！要不是我发现长官后悄悄跟过来，陪长官调查的好事就让朝晖一个人独占了！

(As I see the looks of anticipation in their eyes, I can't help but chuckle, but eventually I "harden my heart" and shake my head.)（看着几人目光闪闪一脸期待的模样，我不由失笑，却还是“硬着心肠”摇了摇头。）

CommanderThe Varjagers are still roaming around out there, so we need to leave someone behind to protect the campsite.瓦良格帮还在四处活动，得留人保护营地。

CommanderZhaohui and Jiangyu will follow me. Daiyan and Faye will stay behind and protect the campsite.朝晖和绛雨陪我去就好。黛烟还有绯，你们留下，和闪电一起待命。

JiangyuWoohoo!好嘞！

DaiyanUnderstood. Faye and I will mind the campsite, but please be careful, Commander.明白了，我们和闪电小姐会照看好这边，长官千万小心。

(As our jeep drives deeper into the wilderness, there is still no trace of the Varjagers.)（越野车在旷野中越行越深，然而，瓦良格帮仍然不见影踪。）

(Jiangyu stares out of the back seat window for a long time, but she can't find anything. Bored, she begins tapping out a rhythm on the vehicle's frame.)（绛雨从后座车窗向外张望许久，仍然一无所获，无聊得伸手在车里打起了节拍。）

ZhaohuiJiangyu, mind your volume.绛雨，注意音量。

JiangyuOkay, okay... Fine, I'll stop now!好嘛好嘛……我不打总行了吧！

(After being reminded by Zhaohui, Jiangyu sticks her tongue out and grumbles under her breath.)（被朝晖提醒，绛雨吐吐舌头，低声嘟哝。）

JiangyuThese Varjagers are such a pain! There's no sign of them anywhere, it's just a waste of your time, Commander!这群瓦良格帮也太难找了，到处都没影，完全是在浪费长官的时间嘛！

JiangyuI can't believe we're spending our precious time off on those Varjagers. Ahhhhh, I'm so mad!大好的休息时光，通通浪费在瓦良格帮身上了，真气人！

(After complaining, Jiangyu drapes herself over the back of my seat.)（绛雨抱怨了两句，转而伏到了我的椅背上。）

JiangyuStill, I'm glad I got to go out with you again on a mission, Commander. It feels just like the old days...不过，能陪着长官这样出任务也很开心，就好像又回到了从前一样……

JiangyuIn fact, I can't help but wonder how nice it would be if the troupe could just keep performing. Then Big Sis, Faye, and I could just ignore that crappy Agreement and stay with you forever. Right, Commander?我都忍不住想，要是剧团能一直一直巡演就好啦，那我和老姐还有绯，不就能无视那个破协议，一直跟着长官了吗？

(The Agreement... hm?)（协议……吗？）

(Actually, Kalin sent me a secret transmission about a month ago, when I was assisting 404, regarding new changes in the Agreement...)（关于那个协议，其实在之前赶往支援404时，格琳就秘密通知我，发生了新的变化……）

(While quite a few Dolls have already returned to the Elmo "through chance encounters", I was planning to maintain the status quo for a while longer to avoid the Elmo becoming a target once again.)（虽然有不少人形已经以“偶遇”的方式返回艾莫号，但我本打算再维持现状一段时间，这样至少可以避免艾莫号再次成为目标。）

(But after seeing the gloominess and delight on Jiangyu's face and thinking about the pendant that Daiyan cherished so dearly, I find it hard to keep quiet.)（可是，看到绛雨惆怅又欣喜的样子，想到黛烟至今珍视的那枚挂坠，我很难保持沉默。）

(Perhaps I can't answer for the world, but at the very least, I can give them an answer.)（也许我回应不了这个世界，但至少我可以回应她们。）

Commander...……

JiangyuCommander?长官？

Commander...Actually, you can do that right now. You don't have to worry about that Agreement anymore.……其实，现在就可以。现在不用在乎那个协议了。

JiangyuEhhh...?哎……？

(Jiangyu's jaw drops and her eyes go wide.)（绛雨张大了嘴巴，眼睛一瞬间也瞪得大大的。）

(I sigh and then smile as gently as I can.)（我轻轻叹了口气，尽量露出了最温和的笑容。）

CommanderJust last month, the Non-Military Forces Administration secretly lifted part of the Agreement's restrictions for various reasons.就在上个月，因为一些缘故，非军事管理局秘密解除了部分协议的限制。

CommanderThat said, it was done in secret, so I didn't tell everyone because I didn't want to alarm certain people. Also, I'm just a penniless bounty hunter right now, so all I can do is wander the land doing jobs to make ends meet. It's a hard life.只是，毕竟是秘密解除，我不希望再次引起一些警觉，就一直没告诉大家。而且，现在我只是一个一无所有的赏金猎人，跟着我只能四处颠簸，过到处接委托挣钱的辛苦日子。

JiangyuI don't care if you're wandering or not! I'm happy as long as I'm with you, Commander! It won't ever be a hardship for me!我才不在乎颠不颠簸！只要能跟着长官我就很开心了，绝对不会觉得辛苦的！

JiangyuI'm sure Big Sis and Faye feel the same way too! Oh yeah, we'll go back and tell them the good news! I'm sure they'll be really happy if they know they can follow you again!老姐和绯肯定也是这么想的！对，长官，我们回去就把这个消息告诉她们吧，她们要是知道能跟着长官，肯定也会很开心！

CommanderReally now?是么？

(I chuckle, then turn to look at Zhaohui. However, I realize that she's staring intently through the windshield, her face grim.)（我笑了笑，转眼看向朝晖，却见朝晖专注地盯着车窗前方，神情一点一点严肃起来。）

ZhaohuiCommander, Varjagers sighted ahead.长官，前方出现瓦良格帮。

Released From the Shackles 被释放的枷锁

(Thanks to Zhaohui and Jiangyu's combined attack, the ambushing Varjagers are soon driven off.)（在朝晖与绛雨的合击下，埋伏的瓦良格帮很快便溃逃四散。）

(We wipe out the remaining enemies along the way but don't see anyone else around us.)（我们一路追剿残敌，可再也没在周围遇见其他人手。）

(In order to verify the Varjagers' tracks, we even pursue them all the way to the Varjager camp we found earlier.)（为了确认瓦良格帮的行踪，我们甚至一路追到了之前探查到的瓦良格帮据点。）

(However, the brightly lit campsite from that night is now completely deserted. It's as though these bandits were tipped off and vanished without a trace after shifting their area of activity.)（然而，那天晚上灯火满谷的营地，此刻却空空荡荡。就像是这群土匪突然得知了消息，完全转移了活动地一般消失无踪。）

Commander...What's going on?……怎么回事？

JiangyuHehe, maybe they got scared by how we've been spanking them over the past few days and ran off~嘿嘿，是这几天被我们打怕了吧？所以全跑了~

ZhaohuiNo. Judging by the state of the camp, this was an organized withdrawal.不，看营地内的状态，更像是有组织的撤离。

CommanderTsk... So we've missed them again? Let's head over to the other camp that Groza found.啧……难道这次又扑空了？去闪电发现的另一个据点看看。

(We soon arrive at the other camp. However, the situation there is the same as before—)（我们很快赶到了另一个据点。然而，据点内的情况与先前如出一辙——）

JiangyuHey, where did everyone go? When I came here with Groza and the Commander just a few days ago, there were Varjagers patrolling around the area!哎，怎么会一个人都没有？明明那天和长官、闪电过来的时候，附近还有瓦良格帮在巡逻的呀！

CommanderIndeed. If they packed up and left in just a few days... then where did they go?是啊。几天之间完全撤离……他们撤到了哪里？

(I lean against the window and rub my forehead as I feel a headache coming on.)（我靠着车窗，有些头疼地揉了揉眉心。）

(Is there really nothing wrong with those Varjagers?)（这群瓦良格帮……真的没问题么？）

(In the past, exterminating Varjagers was not a difficult task.)（明明在以往，追剿瓦良格帮根本不是什么难差。）

(However, they seem to have become more cunning over the past six months. Their behavior we saw during this commission reflects that—They have multiple temporary bases, they actively send out people to take underground market commissions, and they can even conduct organized group withdrawals.)（可最近半年，瓦良格帮似乎变得越来越狡猾了，这次委托中所观察到的状况也是如此——拥有数个临时据点，会主动派人接取黑市的委托，甚至会有组织地撤离。）

(A vague feeling that there is something wrong about all this churns in my mind.)（一种隐约的违和感在脑海中盘桓。）

(It's almost as though someone is directing these crude bandits from the shadows. Unfortunately, I have no clues or proof regarding them at the moment...)（就仿佛有什么人在暗中为这群粗野的土匪出谋划策。只可惜，现在没有任何线索……）

JiangyuAw, don't be so down, Commander! Since they're gone, the troupe and the settlement will be safe. You should be happy, Commander.长官，别愁眉苦脸的啦！既然他们跑了，剧团和居住点这边就安全了呀，长官该开心一点才对。

ZhaohuiIt's good for Aida, yes, but it seems the bounty that the Commander will receive for investigating the Varjagers is going to be much smaller than expected.这对艾达是好事，但长官调查瓦良格帮的委托报酬恐怕要折掉不少。

Commander...You don't hold back at all, do you?……真是一针见血啊。

JiangyuAh! You're right! I'm sorry, Commander, I didn't think about that...啊！是哦！长官对不起，我没想到这一层……

JiangyuStill, there's no need to worry. Now that the Agreement's been loosened, Monsoon will help you out with missions as long as we get to stay on the Elmo! In short, you won't have to worry about starving with us around~不过，长官也别担心，现在协议松动了，只要季风小队能留在艾莫号，当然也可以帮长官接委托！总之，肯定不会让长官喝西北风的~

CommanderIs that so? I'm looking forward to that.是么？我会期待这一天的。

JiangyuHehe, me too! There's all sorts of fun stuff on the Elmo! And a lot of old friends...嘿嘿，我也很期待哦！艾莫号上有好多好玩的东西呀！还有好多从前的伙伴们……

JiangyuHm, well, not just the guys from Griffin, but lots of new friends too! We'll be able to make new friends too, right?唔，不只是格里芬的大家，还有很多新的伙伴！一定能交到新朋友的吧？

(Jiangyu tightens her grip on the steering wheel, and her eyes sparkle as she fantasizes about what the future holds. Zhaohui says nothing, only listening quietly.)（绛雨握着方向盘，眼睛亮闪闪地畅想着。朝晖没有说话，只是静静地听着。）

JiangyuMan, I want to head back to the campsite right now and see the look on Big Sis' and Faye's faces when I tell them the Agreement's been loosened up.哎呀，真想下一秒就回到营地，看老姐她们知道协议松动的表情啊。

JiangyuHold on tight, Commander, I'm putting the pedal to the metal!长官，我要加速喽，坐稳啦！

(Jiangyu mutters about the Agreement to herself as she speeds all the way back. Soon, the jeep lurches to a halt—we're at the campsite.)（一心挂念着“协议”的事，绛雨驾着车一路飞奔。很快，车身向前一冲——竟然已经回到了营地。）

JiangyuCommander, we've arrived!长官，到啦！

(Jiangyu eagerly dismounts and runs up to the nearby Daiyan and Faye. The flurry of wild gesticulation that follows tells me, even without hearing her words, that she's informing them about the Agreement.)（绛雨兴冲冲地下车，跑向不远处的黛烟和绯，手舞足蹈地比划了一通，不用猜都知道，那一定是在解释协议的事情。）

(Sure enough, Daiyan and Faye run up to me a moment later.)（果然，片刻后，黛烟和绯跑了过来。）

DaiyanCommander, is what Jiangyu said really true? Is the Agreement annulled?长官，绛雨说的是真的吗——那个协议，解除了？

(I nod.)（我点点头。）

CommanderStrictly speaking, it was because the terms have been loosened that, after the previous assistance to 404 concluded, you were allowed to stay on the Elmo.准确说是放宽了一些，所以先前的支援结束后，才会默许你们在车上停留。

CommanderSo if you don't mind following me on my wanderings, you can come back to the Elmo and stay with me permanently after this contract is finished.之后，如果你们不介意跟着我颠沛流离，等这趟委托结束，可以一起返回，并长期待在艾莫号上。

DaiyanThat's wonderful! I... I've been looking forward to the day when I could officially join the Elmo... to the day when I could return to your side for good, Commander.太好了！我……我一直期待着正式登上艾莫号的一天，期待着，长久地伴随在长官身边的一天。

(Daiyan strokes the pendant on her wrist.)（黛烟摸了摸手上的挂坠。）

FayeI... (cough)... Me too! I'll follow you anywhere, Commander! Doesn't matter where you go, Monsoon Squad was always about traveling after all.我，咳、我也是，我愿意追随长官！长官就算到处跑也没关系，季风小队本来就是四处旅行的。

CommanderAlright... Since you're willing, I have no reason to refuse you.好吧……你们既然愿意，那我也没有阻止的理由。

CommanderHowever, it seems your leader still hasn't chimed in yet.不过，你们的队长还没发话呢。

(I look toward Zhaohui. She's been keeping her distance ever since she got down from the vehicle. Jiangyu and the others all look expectantly toward her, expecting Zhaohui to respond with a smile. Daiyan's expression is colored further with mild concern and worry.)（我看向朝晖——从下车起，朝晖便一直站在远处。此时，绛雨和绯满怀期待地望了过去，似乎期望下一秒，朝晖便能微笑着回应。黛烟的表情则多了一丝无奈和忧虑。）

(—As expected, Zhaohui simply toys with the knife she's holding, her expression as cool and even as ever.)（——不出所料，朝晖只是静静把玩着手中的匕首，脸上仍然是那冷淡的表情。）

ZhaohuiWe haven't reached the deadline for the suggestion yet, so my answer is the same as before.提案还没到截止时间，所以我的回答和之前一样。

ZhaohuiSo you want me to join the Elmo... I will need to consider it. But I will not stop you.加入艾莫号……我还需要再仔细考虑。但我不会阻止你们。

JiangyuHah? What's there to consider? The Commander's super reliable, you know? You don't need to overthink this, Zhaohui!啊？还要考虑啊。都好几天了，我还以为你好歹会改变一点点态度呢……

FayeYou know, I've always been waiting for this to happen...你知道，我本来就一直在等待这个机会……

(The air turns chilly. Daiyan steps forward and carefully ventures a question.)（气氛一时冷了下来，黛烟向前走了一步，轻轻地问。）

DaiyanI never asked before, but... is there some reason that you're reluctant to join us, Zhaohui?我先前一直没有问。朝晖，你不愿意加入……是有什么顾虑吗？

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui doesn't answer. She simply continues rubbing the handle of her knife.)（朝晖没有回答，只是继续摩挲着匕首的短柄。）

(Upon seeing Zhaohui's reaction, I sigh inside—I probably won't be able to get the answer out of her today.)（看着朝晖的反应，我心底轻轻叹了一口气——今天恐怕无法得到答案了。）

(After patting the others on the shoulder, I chuckle quietly.)（拍了拍身侧几人的肩膀，我微微一笑。）

CommanderWell, if she needs to think about it, then we don't have to press her for an answer today.既然还需考虑，那么，也不必今天就给出答案。

CommanderThe troupe will be performing for a while. You can always decide once the contract is done.剧团演出还会持续一段时间，就如朝晖所说，不妨等委托结束后再做决定。

Curtainrise 揭幕时刻

(The week-long schedule of shows is slowly winding down. During this time, the Varjagers are still active in the wilderness, but they don't harass the troupe again. The attack Aida feared does not take place, and the troupe's performance receives glowing reviews.)（持续一周的演出，逐渐接近尾声。这一周以来，瓦良格帮虽然仍在荒野中活动，却并未再次骚扰剧团。艾达担忧的袭击没有再发生，剧团的表现也颇受好评。）

(On the night before the final performance, the troupe's campsite is brightly lit, and the members of the troupe are gathered in the heart of the campsite, nervously preparing for their last show.)（末场演出前夜，剧团营地里灯火通明，剧团的成员们聚集在营地中心，紧张地为最后一场演出准备。）

AidaWhen daybreak comes, I shall go with... go with...曙光到来时，我将随着……随着……

DirectorAida, mind your blocking.艾达，注意走位。

AidaAh, s-sorry about that! Let's do it over!啊，抱、抱歉！我重来一遍！

AidaWhen daybreak comes, I shall go with the wind, onward to a kingdom on the faraway clouds.曙光到来时，我将随着拂晓的风，一起前往遥远的云上之国。

DirectorAida, your delivery just now was too stiff.艾达，刚才的台词，太僵硬了。

Aida...I'm sorry, I...……不好意思，我……

(After the second reminder, Aida stumbles a little as she gets to her feet.)（再次被提醒，艾达有些局促地直起身。）

(Even the most clueless actor would be able to tell that right now, she is not in the right state of mind for a rehearsal.)（即使是再迟钝的演员，也看得出此刻，艾达完全不在排演状态中。）

(The director sighs and pats Aida on her shoulder.)（叹了一口气，导演拍拍艾达的肩膀。）

DirectorRelax. If you're not feeling well, then go rest up a little. We'll go over the other portions first.别太紧张，不舒服就先休息会儿，我们先排其他的部分。

Aida...Thank you.……谢谢您。

(Aida nods to the director in gratitude and slinks away from the stage.)（向导演点头致谢，艾达有些失魂落魄地离开了舞台。）

(Zhaohui rises from her seat in the audience and silently follows her.)（观众席里的朝晖起身，悄无声息地跟了上去。）

ZhaohuiMiss Aida.艾达小姐。

ZhaohuiWhen humans are bothered by something, do they feel better when they talk to holes in trees?人类有心事时，是不是和树洞倾诉会好些？

Aida...?……？

ZhaohuiSo if there's something bothering you, why not try telling me about it?如果有心事，要不要试着和我说说？

ZhaohuiIf nothing else, my color scheme is about 70% similar to a tree hole. I figure I ought to be able to provide 70% of the functionality of one.至少我的衣服配色——和树洞有七八分相似，应当也能承担树洞70%的功能。

(Aida freezes up, then carefully looks Zhaohui up and down before bursting into laughter.)（仔细看了看朝晖全身，艾达愣了愣，扑哧地笑了出来。）

AidaMiss Zhaohui, is this how you always comfort your friends?朝晖小姐，你总是这样安慰同伴吗？

ZhaohuiNot always. But right now, it seems to be working.并不总是。不过现在，它看起来有效。

AidaThank you, I do feel a little better now.谢谢你，我确实觉得好些了。

(Upon seeing that the sadness in Aida's eyes has abated a little, Zhaohui walks over to Aida's side.)（看着艾达眼中的忧郁消散了些许，朝晖走至艾达身边。）

ZhaohuiAre you feeling anxious about tomorrow's show?艾达小姐在为明天的演出担忧？

AidaYes. I believe Feris' parents won't give up that easily. I...嗯。我觉得，菲丽丝的爸爸妈妈不会轻易放弃。我……

ZhaohuiMiss Aida, I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but as an actor, your sole duty is to deliver your performance.艾达小姐，我不知道明天会发生什么。但是，作为演员，你唯一的职责只有完成演出。

ZhaohuiEnsuring that the show is safe is Monsoon Squad's duty.保证演出的安全，那是我们季风小队的任务。

Aida...!……！

AidaGot it. Thank you, Miss Zhaohui!我明白了，谢谢你，朝晖小姐！

AidaI'm sorry for subjecting you to that terrible performance just now. No matter what happens tomorrow, I'll perk myself up and properly prepare for it.抱歉刚才让你看到了糟糕的演出，不论明天发生了什么，我都会打起精神，好好准备。

(Aida smiles and nods to Zhaohui, then turns to head back to the stage.)（向朝晖笑着点了点头，艾达转身向舞台走去。）

(Zhaohui watches Aida leave, noting the extra spring in her step, and then she returns to the audience seats.)（看着少女轻快起来的脚步，朝晖也重新回到观众席。）

(After the rehearsal, in a corner of the camp.)（彩排结束后，剧团营地一角。）

(Having confirmed that her various tasks and preparations are complete, Zhaohui is about to head back to rest when she suddenly feels a weight on her shoulder.)（确认完各项准备无误、正打算返回休息的朝晖，肩膀忽然一沉。）

Zhaohui...!……！

JiangyuHehe, ambush successful! Big Sis, Faye, come quick!哼哼，偷袭成功！老姐你们快来！

(Having managed to grab Zhaohui's shoulder, Jiangyu excitedly waves the others over. Soon, Daiyan and Faye have arrived, flanking Zhaohui.)（得意地搭住朝晖的肩膀，绛雨兴奋地向着身后招手。很快，黛烟和绯从不远处跑来，一左一右地站到朝晖身前。）

(Faced with their "ambush", Zhaohui raises her hands in resignation.)（面对三人的“包围”，朝晖无奈地举起双手。）

Zhaohui...I don't recall a pre-show celebration on the cards?……我怎么不记得今天有演前庆祝仪式？

FayeNo, it's not really a celebration, we just have a few questions for you.不是仪式，是我们有些事想问你。

(Faye rubs her head, and her expression turns serious.)（绯摸了摸头，表情认真起来。）

FayeThat is to say... What do you think of the Commander?就是……你觉得长官这个人怎么样？

JiangyuYeah, yeah! We were all in a rush when we came to help the Commander out, so you probably didn't have much of a chance to talk to him.对呀对呀！之前支援艾莫号，大家都匆匆忙忙的，你和长官也没说上几句话。

JiangyuBut now, it's just us Monsoon Squad and the Commander. Plus, you've been with him for soooooo long already. Surely you must have made up your mind about him by now, right?但这次，只有我们季风小队和长官一起行动，你和长官都相处了这——么多天了，也该有些感受了吧！

Zhaohui...……

DaiyanThe last show is tomorrow... Zhaohui, no matter what you're planning to do, won't you sit down and talk things through with us before making your final decision?明天就是最后一场演出了……朝晖，不论你有什么打算，在做出最终决定之前，都和我们聊聊好吗？

JiangyuYeah, I hate how you just up and left the Elmo without saying anything.是呀，我可受不了你说两句后就冷着脸离开艾莫号了。

ZhaohuiI'm sorry. I was planning to make my decision after the commission was complete and I could discuss things with the Commander.抱歉，我原本想等委托结束，和长官谈过后再决定。

ZhaohuiI didn't think that I would cause so much trouble for everyone.没想到这给大家造成了困扰。

JiangyuAw, who says you're troubling us? Zhaohui, you're always so decisive and whatever most of the time, why are you all hesitant now?哎呀，哪有什么困扰不困扰的！朝晖，你平时那么爽快，怎么现在反而黏糊糊起来了！

JiangyuWe've known each other for so long, so you can just tell us if you've got anything on your mind!我们都认识那么久了，你有什么想法，直说就好了呀！

DaiyanMhm. Zhaohui, you can tell us directly if you have any doubts or questions about the Elmo.嗯，朝晖，关于艾莫号的事，如果你有困扰，大可直接告诉大家。

DaiyanAfter all, Monsoon's been through a lot over the past few years, and we've faced it all together, haven't we?这些年，季风遇到这么多事，不都是我们一起面对的么？

JiangyuYeah! In the past, you were always the one to come up with a plan when we ran into trouble. Now you've got trouble, so you should tell us about it. We're a team, after all!是呀！以前是我们遇到麻烦、你出谋划策，现在你有麻烦，也该好好告诉我们才是呀！我们可是一个团队！

Zhaohui...Thank you. I'll be frank, then.……谢谢。那我就直说了。

ZhaohuiIt is true—I have some reservations about joining the Elmo. However, they are not related to the Elmo or Monsoon, but rather, my past.加入艾莫号的事，我确实有些迟疑。但这与艾莫号和季风无关，只是关乎我的过去。

(Zhaohui looks down at the scars on her hand.)（朝晖轻轻低下头，注视手上的累累伤痕。）

(A moment later, she looks up at Daiyan.)（片刻后，朝晖抬头望向黛烟。）

ZhaohuiI want my choice to be meaningful, so... I'm sorry, but I can't give an answer right now.我希望我的决定是有意义的，所以……很抱歉，我现在无法给出答案。

(Daiyan steps forward and gently grasps Zhaohui's hand.)（黛烟上前一步，温柔地拉住朝晖的手。）

DaiyanIt's alright, Zhaohui. We didn't approach you tonight to ask you to do anything.没关系的，朝晖。今晚我们来找你，并不是要求你必须做什么。

DaiyanWe just wanted to tell you that... you have always been a great leader for all these years.只是想告诉你……这些年，你一直是很好的队长。

JiangyuYeah! You might have it out for me, but you're actually pretty trustworthy as a squad leader!是呀！虽然你经常针对我，但作为队长，你真的蛮可靠！

JiangyuMonsoon might not even be here if it wasn't for your ideas!要是没有你出主意，说不定季风早就散了！

FayeYes, I agree. I wouldn't follow orders from just anyone.嗯，我同意。我也不是谁的命令都听的。

DaiyanSo we truly hope that we can continue traveling with you.我们真的很希望今后还能和你一起旅行。

Zhaohui...I hope so too.……我也是这么希望的。

ZhaohuiAnd I will also seriously consider the matter of our future.关于未来的事，我会认真考虑。

(After noting that Monsoon Squad is almost done talking, I head over and knock lightly on a nearby tent pole.)（注意到季风小队几人似乎说完了话，我走过去，轻轻敲了敲一旁的帐篷杆子。）

CommanderSorry to interrupt, but I'd like to talk about the campsite's defensive posture for tomorrow.抱歉打断你们的悄悄话，但我想再聊聊关于明天防卫的事。

ZhaohuiWhat do you have in mind, Commander?长官有什么想法？

CommanderI believe the Varjagers have not given up on the "big fish" that this troupe represents. Those two attacks on Aida weren't coincidences, merely probes.我认为瓦良格帮没有放弃剧团这只“肥羊”。 对艾达的两次袭击并非巧合，同样也是试探。

(Zhaohui nods in agreement.)（朝晖认同地点点头。）

ZhaohuiYes. They were using them to determine how well the troupe was protected.嗯。他们的确借此了解到了剧团的安保能力。

CommanderIndeed. Er... while the mental image of disciplined Varjagers might sound strange, if they were really planning on making a big haul, they would probably hold back until the tour was over and the troupe's temporary guards were gone.不错。呃……虽然瓦良格帮有耐心这事听起来有些离谱，但如果他们真想捞上一笔，就会耐心等待剧团演出结束，那时，临时护卫的我们都会离开。

CommanderI don't want anything to happen to the troupe after we leave. Rather than leave those Varjagers free to threaten others, I'd rather look for a chance to put an end to the matter once and for all.我不希望我们离开后发生任何意外。与其放任威胁，不如找机会将之终结。

ZhaohuiWas this why you kept sending Miss Groza out after the Varjagers over the past few days?这就是长官这几天持续派出闪电小姐追踪瓦良格帮的理由？

ZhaohuiAnd here I thought you were going to mind your own business.我还以为长官不愿多管闲事。

CommanderCome on, it's not like bounty hunters only have Collapse pieces on the mind. And besides, I also want to—别说得好像赏金猎人眼里只有晶条似的。况且，我也想——

(—Bang! Bangbang!)（——砰！砰砰！）

(A series of gunshots and explosions outside the campsite interrupts my words and shatters the silence of the night.)（正要再说点什么，连续的枪声忽然在营地外炸响，宁静的夜色被突然而至的嘈杂打破。）

Yellow Zone ResidentRun! It's the Varjagers! The Varjagers are here!快跑！是瓦良格帮！瓦良格帮来了！

ZhaohuiHumph, so they came after all. Ladies, prepare for a fight!哼，果然来了。诸位，准备迎战！

Curtainrise 揭幕时刻

(The Varjagers who attacked the settlement are swiftly beaten back by Monsoon Squad and Groza's combined efforts.)（在季风小队和闪电的默契配合下，偷袭居民点的瓦良格帮很快被击退。）

(However, the campsite was caught in the crossfire, and much of the intricate backdrops and stage is destroyed. Anything even remotely valuable in the backstage area has vanished.)（然而，剧团营地被战火殃及，原本精致的舞台布景损坏不少，后台看上去稍微贵重的设备也不翼而飞。）

(The campsite is in an uproar. The troupe manager is frantically shuttling between the stage, the admin tent, and the costume racks, totaling up the losses while Monsoon Squad and I help her out.)（营地里一时嘈杂纷乱，剧团经理在舞台、营帐、服装棚之间焦灼地穿梭着，一刻不停地清点着损失，我和季风小队也在一旁帮忙。）

(Just then, an actor runs over.)（就在这时，一位演员慌慌张张地跑来。）

Young ActorManager, manager! It's bad! Aida's gone!经理、经理！出事了！艾达不见了！

Troupe ManagerHah? Tell me, be clear about it, what happened?啊？说、说清楚，怎么回事？

Young ActorThe cast was doing a headcount just now and we couldn't find Aida!刚才演员清点人数，一直没找到艾达！

Young ActorAfter that, someone mentioned that they think they saw several Varjagers going after Aida when the campsite was being attacked!然后有、有人想起来，说是在营地被袭击的时候，好像看到了几个瓦良格帮朝着艾达的方向去了！

Young ActorA-and also, someone was guiding the Varjagers—I think it was the people who came to cause trouble for us earlier!而且、而且还有人给那几个瓦良格帮带路——好像就是之前来剧团捣乱的人！

Troupe ManagerW-wait a minute. Are you saying the troublemakers from earlier were inside men for the Varjagers and that Feris' parents hired the Varjagers to attack the troupe?等、等等，你的意思是说，之前来捣乱的人是瓦良格帮的内应，菲丽丝的家人，雇佣了瓦良格帮来袭击剧团？

CommanderNo, I don't think so. When you consider how Feris died, there's no way her family would hire the Varjagers.不，我想不是。考虑到菲丽丝的死因，她的家人绝不可能雇佣瓦良格帮。

CommanderThe underground markets are chaotic and hard to manage. It's more likely that the commission to cause trouble here was "coincidentally" taken by the Varjagers.黑市交易鱼龙混杂，更大的可能性是——这个来营地捣乱的单子，“碰巧”被瓦良格帮的人捡到了。

Zhaohui...The Varjagers needed an "inside man".瓦良格帮需要“内应”。

CommanderThat's right. The tour was heavily publicized, so the Varjagers have probably had their eye on the troupe for some time now. The commission put out by Feris' family gave them the perfect excuse to sneak around the campsite without arousing our suspicion.没错。巡演声势浩大，瓦良格帮或许早就盯上了剧团。菲丽丝家人的雇佣，正好给了瓦良格帮混进剧团踩点、却又不会引起我们过度怀疑的机会。

Troupe ManagerWould the Varjagers actually do that? Don't they only know how to wave their guns around?瓦良格帮真会这么做吗？他们难道不是只会明抢？

CommanderThat would normally be the case, but it seems like the Varjagers have grown a brain over the past few months. Commissions involving them have gotten harder and harder to complete as a result.往常来说是这样，但近年来瓦良格帮确实像突然长了脑子，关于他们的委托越来越难做了。

CommanderWhile they're still fairly amateurish in actual combat, their ability to strategize does seem to have evolved a little.虽然真打起来还是一群莽夫，但策略上确实有了点进化的意思。

Troupe ManagerDammit! Then what should we do now, we—该死！那现在怎么办，我们——

(A sudden ringtone from a comm terminal interrupts the manager's words.)（一阵突兀响起的通讯铃声打断了经理的话。）

(The manager frowns and picks up. We instantly hear a girl's scream from the other side of the connection.)（经理皱着眉接起通讯，下一秒，通讯终端另一头传来少女的尖叫声。）

(It lasts only a second and then the girl's voice cuts off, replaced by a short-tempered voice.)（只持续了一瞬，少女的声音中止，终端里响起暴躁的话声。）

??Heard that?都听见了吧？

??Your lead actress is in my hands. Bring her ransom by tomorrow.你们的女主演在老子手上，明天之内带着赎金来换人。

??I'm warning you now, don't try any fancy shit with me or the chick dies!老子警告你们，别想整那些花的，否则撕票！

(The call cuts off, and the campsite instantly goes silent.)（通讯至此中断，营地里骤然安静下来。）

(But soon, a cacophony of voices erupts from all around, and panic swallows the entire troupe.)（可很快，四周爆发出更多混乱的声音，恐慌的气氛迅速笼罩了整个剧团。）

Young ActorThat was Aida's voice! The Varjagers kidnapped Aida!那是艾达的声音！瓦良格帮绑架了艾达！

Young ActorDirector, manager, w-what should we do?!导演，经理，我们、我们怎么办！

Troupe MemberCan we really trust the Varjagers? What if...瓦良格帮……真的守信用吗？万一……

(Amidst the clamor, the theater manager walks over to me, a look of utter helplessness in her eyes, and tightly squeezes my hand.)（嘈杂声响中，剧团经理无助地走来，紧紧握住我的手。）

Troupe ManagerPlease... please save Aida!拜托了……请您救救艾达！

Troupe ManagerWe'll try to get the ransom together, but we can't let anything happen to Aida again!赎金我们可以想办法筹，不管怎么样，艾达千万不能再出事！

CommanderAlright, calm down. No matter what—好，先别急，不论发生——

(Before I can finish, Zhaohui has already walked up to us.)（话没说完，朝晖已经走了过来。）

ZhaohuiCommander, allow me to handle the rescue.长官，救人的事，交给我。

ZhaohuiI've seen enough kidnappings to last me a lifetime, hmph... Those scum only know how to bully the weak and torment others.绑架人质索要赎金的事我见多了，哼……这群渣滓，只会恃强凌弱、为非作歹。

ZhaohuiI don't know how people live in the contamination zones, but stepping in when I see injustice being done is how I live. And now that I've seen it happen, there is no way I can turn a blind eye to it.我不懂污染区的生存之道，可“路见不平、拔刀相助”是我的原则。既然这种事被我撞上了，我绝不会视而不见。

CommanderI know that, but please wait a moment.我知道，但是你先等一下。

(Zhaohui's eyes narrow as I stop her.)（被我拦住，朝晖轻轻挑了挑眉。）

CommanderDon't get me wrong, Zhaohui. Calm down and listen to me.朝晖，别误会，冷静听我说。

(I massage the space between my eyes as I take in her guarded attitude and suspicions... Looks like she's really misunderstood me.)（看着她戒备的态势和眼神中的质疑，我头疼地揉了揉眉心……误会有点大啊。）

(Then I shake my head and look her in the eye.)（轻轻摇了摇头，我看向朝晖。）

CommanderZhaohui, I feel the same way as you. There is no way I would simply stand aside after seeing something like this; that has nothing to do with being a bounty hunter.朝晖，我和你一样，遇见这种事，我绝不会袖手旁观，这与我是或不是赏金猎人无关。

CommanderThat said, stopping you comes from my experience as a bounty hunter.但我阻拦你，确实是出于赏金猎人的经验。

Commander—I believe there is a better solution to this matter.——我想，这件事情，还有更好的解决方案。

The Sparks of Revenge 复仇的火光

(Inside a darkened corner of a Varjager warehouse, I secretly slip a thin razor blade out from between my layers of clothing.)（阴暗的瓦良格帮仓库一角，借着杂物的遮掩，我悄悄从层层叠叠的厚重袖口中，抽出一枚薄薄的刀片。）

(I remember the calm look on Zhaohui's face as she slipped it into my sleeve—)（我还记得朝晖将刀片塞进衣袖时平静的神情——）

ZhaohuiI've carried this blade with me all this time just for situations like this, when I'm trapped among the enemy.这枚刀片，我一直随身携带，就是为了应付这种被困敌群的境况。

ZhaohuiSince you're willing to take the risk, Commander, I'll give you this blade.既然长官愿意以身犯险，那这枚刀片就送给长官吧。

Zhaohui—The blade is sharp, so be careful not to cut your fingers when you retrieve it.——刀片很锋利，取的时候，长官小心别划破手指。

(I feel for the blade and take advantage of the fact that there's nobody there to cut the ropes binding me.)（我摸索着捏住刀片一端，趁着仓库无人，努力切割起束缚双手的绳索。）

(Soon, the ropes fall apart behind me, and I work my shoulders to free myself. As I tuck the little razor blade back into my thick sleeve, it nicks my fingertip and coolness oozes from the point of contact.)（很快，绳索在身后断开，我活动肩膀甩开绳索，将小小的刀片收回厚厚的衣袖中，指尖却冷不防被刀刃划过，一点凉意从指尖沁出。）

CommanderAck—it really is sharp.嘶——果然很锋利啊。

(I ignore the pain in my finger and fish out the micro-communicator in my collar before calling Zhaohui.)（没有在意指尖的疼痛，我摸出藏在衣领中的微型通讯终端，呼叫朝晖。）

(There is hardly any delay before the call goes through.)（几乎没有等待，通讯迅速接通了。）

CommanderThe plan was successful. I'm inside the Varjagers' warehouse.计划顺利，已安全进入瓦良格帮仓库。

ZhaohuiSo your definition of success is pretending to be defeated and captured so they can throw you into their warehouse while trussed up like a turkey?假装战败然后被五花大绑捆进仓库，也算顺利？

CommanderHey, it beats mindlessly charging in.至少比不顾一切地硬闯好些。

CommanderThis place seems lightly guarded, and their ropework is sloppy. Looks like these Varjagers aren't very experienced. Oh yeah, your knife was really useful too.这里看守很松，绳子也捆得不怎么样，看得出这群瓦良格帮没什么经验。嗯，你的刀也很好用。

ZhaohuiAs long as you're safe. Have you found Aida yet?长官安全就好。找到艾达了吗？

CommanderYup. Aida's in another corner. I think she's fainted.嗯。艾达在另一个角落，似乎晕过去了。

CommanderI'll go wake her up now. Wait for my signal. How are you and Jiangyu?我现在去叫醒她，稍后等我信号行动。你和绛雨准备得怎么样？

ZhaohuiReady to move in on your signal, Commander.已经准备完毕，随时等待长官信号。

CommanderAlright.好。

(I hang up and quietly approach the corner where Aida is lying.)（我挂断通讯，悄声移动至艾达所在的角落。）

(Aida's face is pale as she lies on the cold ground. Her hands are tied behind her, and her tired body is curled up into a ball.)（冰冷的地面上，艾达脸色苍白，双手被捆缚在身后，身体疲惫地蜷缩成一团。）

(I bend down and start cutting her bonds, then I pat her shoulder before calling her name.)（我俯身靠近艾达帮她切开绳索，轻轻拍着她的肩膀，低声喊她的名字。）

CommanderAida. Aida! Wake up!艾达！艾达！醒醒！

(After a while of this, Aida weakly opens her eyes.)（喊了一阵，艾达虚弱地睁开眼睛。）

(Upon seeing me, she grabs hold of my sleeve. Her eyes go wide and fill with tears.)（可才看到我，艾达便激动地抓住了我的衣袖。她睁大了眼睛，一颗颗眼泪从红红的眼眶中涌出。）

Aida(Sob) Please help me! It... it's them!!呜……拜托了，帮帮我！是他……是他们！！

(Zhaohui, Daiyan, and Jiangyu hide behind a pile of rocks, keeping a watchful eye on the nearby Varjager encampment.)（朝晖、黛烟与绛雨躲在石堆后，小心地监视着不远处的瓦良格帮营地。）

(Sounds of merriment and occasional laugh come from within. It seems they are celebrating their recent "victory". Jiangyu pouts in annoyance as she crouches by the rock pile, bored out of her mind.)（像是在为不久前的“胜利”庆贺，瓦良格帮营地里不时传来嬉笑声。绛雨鼓着嘴趴在石堆一角，百无聊赖。）

JiangyuAhhhhh, I'm so BORED! Why hasn't the Commander given the signal yet...啊，好无聊！长官怎么还没发信号呀……

ZhaohuiBe patient.再等等。

JiangyuEh? Weren't you about to butt heads with the Commander yesterday? Why are you willing to listen to him all of a sudden?哎？朝晖你昨天不是还挺纠结的，怎么现在又肯听长官的话了？

ZhaohuiThat was then, this is now.此一时彼一时。

(Zhaohui's eyes do not leave the Varjager campsite even as she delivers her flat reply.)（朝晖淡淡地回答，仍然目不斜视地盯着营地。）

JiangyuOh, I get it now! You've realized how trustworthy the Commander is, haven't you?啊！我明白了！你也理解长官的可靠了对吧！

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui remains silent, but then a command suddenly comes over the comm channel.)（朝晖沉默之际，通讯中忽然传来了指令声。）

CommanderZhaohui, go.朝晖，开始行动。

ZhaohuiAcknowledged.收到。

The Sparks of Revenge 复仇的火光

(After sending the transmission to Zhaohui, I instruct Aida to hide in a corner.)（切断与朝晖的通讯后，我嘱咐艾达躲到角落。）

(I ensure Aida is well hidden and take cover behind a nearby heap of junk, my gun ready in case we're attacked from the outside.)（见艾达躲好，我也隐蔽到一旁的杂物堆后，举枪防备着仓库外的袭击。）

(Soon, gunshots fill the air outside the warehouse.)（很快，仓库外响起了枪声。）

(The gunfire draws closer. Someone kicks the main door, and a familiar form rushes in—)（枪声越来越近，接着，仓库大门被一脚踢开，一个熟悉的身影闯了进来——）

ZhaohuiCommander! Aida!长官！艾达！

CommanderWe're here!我们在这！

(Zhaohui swiftly rushes over to our side, then nods to us.)（朝晖迅速冲到我和艾达身边，向着我和艾达点点头。）

ZhaohuiJiangyu and Daiyan are covering us outside. Come with me; there's a side path we can use to leave their encampment.绛雨和黛烟在外面掩护我们，跟我来，这边有一条小路离开营地。

CommanderNo, we can't leave now. At least, not like this.不，我们现在还不能离开。至少不能就这样离开。

ZhaohuiAnd what is the reason for that?理由是？

CommanderI took a commission from Aida.我接下了艾达的委托。

(Zhaohui raises an eyebrow.)（朝晖轻轻地挑了挑眉。）

CommanderTime is tight. I'll cut to the chase.时间紧迫，我长话短说。

CommanderJust now, Aida told me that she recognized these Varjagers.就在刚才，艾达告诉我，她认出了这群瓦良格帮。

AidaY-yes, I did, Miss Zhaohui! I've seen them before!是、是的，朝晖小姐！我认得这群瓦良格帮！

(Aida's eyes suddenly fill with anger as she tightens her grip on Zhaohui's arm. Her voice is trembling.)（紧紧攥住朝晖的手臂，艾达的眼睛忽地变红了，说话的声音也不自觉地颤抖起来。）

AidaLast night, when I was brought here... I saw their leader, the Varjager's leader!昨天晚上，我被绑到这里的时候……我、我看见了那群瓦良格帮的首领！

AidaHe, their leader had... He was wearing a necklace. I remember... that necklace was a birthday gift from her family. Feris cherished it dearly, and she'd wear it everywhere!那个首领他……他身上挂着一串项链，我记得，那、那串项链是……是菲丽丝家人送的生日礼物，菲丽丝、菲丽丝她一直都很珍惜，去哪都会戴着！

AidaThat's why I'm certain of it! He was the one who led the Varjagers that attacked me and Feris!所以，我绝对不会认错！两个月前，就是他带着这伙人，袭击了我和菲丽丝！

CommanderCorrect. And so, Aida made a request of me: she wants me to wipe out these Varjagers to avenge Feris.没错。所以艾达向我发起委托，希望我能消灭这群瓦良格帮，为菲丽丝报仇。

CommanderI accepted.我答应了。

CommanderAnd now, Zhaohui, you have a choice.现在，朝晖，轮到你来抉择。

CommanderAre you willing to join me in clearing this nest of Varjagers? Of course, it's going to be more dangerous than just escorting Aida out of here.你愿意加入委托，和我一起清剿这群瓦良格帮吗？当然，比起直接护送艾达离开，这会更加危险。

(For the first time, there is an almost imperceptible smile on Zhaohui's face.)（第一次，朝晖的唇角露出了几不可见的笑容。）

ZhaohuiIt would be my pleasure.乐意之至。

Oath at Dawn 曙光之誓

(Zhaohui and I coordinate with each other and corner the Varjager leader.)（在我和朝晖的默契配合下，瓦良格帮的首领被逼到绝路。）

ZhaohuiWhat should we do now? There are no police stations in the contamination zones.现在怎么处理？污染区也没有治安部门。

CommanderWe do it the bounty hunter way—either you hold your peace forever, or you leave no regrets behind. Though when it comes to scum like that, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I spared him.当然是赏金猎人的生存之道了——要么蛰伏不发，要么不留后患。尤其是对这种渣滓。留手我会嫌自己恶心。

(Bang—)（砰——）

(A single gunshot fills the air, and the bulky man wearing a necklace slumps against the wall.)（一声枪响后，壮硕的、挂着项链的男人，缓缓靠倒在墙面。）

CommanderContract closed.委托结束。

(I recover the necklace from the man and indicate to Zhaohui that we should leave.)（我从男人身上拾起项链，示意朝晖一起离开。）

(Zhaohui seems a little pleased with herself right now.)（此刻的朝晖，看上去似乎有些愉悦。）

CommanderLet's go.走吧。

(I turn and head out of the encampment.)（我转过身，向着营地外走去。）

CommanderIt's time we returned this to Aida.该把东西还给艾达了。

(Two days after the Varjagers were eliminated—)（瓦良格帮被清剿的两天之后——）

(The Talia Troupe's campsite is abuzz with activity. Tonight, "Daybreak's Oath" will be performed in this settlement for the last time.)（塔利亚剧团营地里，人来人往，热闹非凡。今夜，《曙光之誓》即将迎来在居住点的最后一场演出。）

(Night has just fallen, and the temporary seating is packed with audience members who have come here from nearby settlements.)（夜幕刚刚降临，从附近的居住点慕名赶来的观众，已将临时搭建的坐席挤得满满当当。）

(As the show progresses, the sounds of applause or sniffling come from the seats, and when the final scene arrives, all eyes are on the girl in the center stage who is illuminated by the spotlights.)（随着演出进行，观众席中不时爆发出掌声或抽泣，而到了最后一幕时，所有观众都目不转睛地注视着舞台中央，被曙光照亮的少女的身影。）

ZolaI'm sorry, my very best friend. Please forgive me for bidding you farewell.对不起，我最好的朋友，请原谅我必须向你道别。

ZolaFor last night, I received word from the goddess of dawn. She told me that when daybreak comes, I shall go with the wind, onward to a kingdom on the faraway clouds.就在昨夜，我收到了黎明女神的来信，信中告诉我，当曙光到来时，我将随着拂晓的风，一起前往遥远的云上之国。

ZolaBut my dear, beloved friend, do not be saddened by this parting.但是，我最亲爱的朋友啊，请不要为了分别而悲伤。

ZolaFor you know that it has always been my wish to become that faint ray of light that illuminates the dark night...因为你明白的，成为照亮黑夜的那道微光，正是我一直以来的愿望……

(As she recites her lines, a twinkle of light blossoms in her hand.)（随着台词念诵，一道璀璨的光芒绽放在少女的手心。）

(She holds up this radiant mote and descends from the stage into the audience seats, until finally she arrives before a man and a woman.)（少女捧着手中光芒，从舞台中央，一步步走到台前，又一步步走进观众席中，最终停在一对夫妇的面前。）

Zola...And so from now on, so long as you see the sky at dawn, remember that ray of daybreak and know that I wish you well.……从今往后，只要你看到拂晓时的天空，就请将那一线曙光，当作我的问候。

ZolaLet this necklace be the proof of our pact; no matter where you may be, so long as you need it, it shall become as the daybreak and defend you.就用这条项链作为信物，不论你身在何方，只要你需要，它都会化作曙光，守护你。

(And with that, Aida gently lifts her hand and deposits Feris' necklace into the couple's hands.)（话音落下，艾达轻轻抬手，将那串来自菲丽丝的项链放进夫妇二人的手心。）

(Then, Aida bows deeply to the two of them.)（接着，艾达向二人深深鞠了一躬。）

AidaI am so, so sorry...我很抱歉……

(Zhaohui and I watch the end of the show from an unobtrusive corner of the audience.)（观众席边不起眼的一角，我与朝晖一起看完了演出。）

(After seeing Aida finally embrace Feris' parents, even Zhaohui's cool expression seems to have softened a little.)（看着艾达最终与夫妇二人拥抱，朝晖那张冷脸似乎也变得柔和了些许。）

CommanderA good ending, don't you think?不错的结局，不是吗？

ZhaohuiIt is good that the misunderstanding could be resolved. And it was also good that you were willing to testify about the evil deeds of the Varjagers. Otherwise Feris' parents would have found the tale hard to believe.能解开误会，是好事。也多亏了长官愿意从旁佐证这批瓦良格帮的恶行。不然菲丽丝的父母很难相信。

CommanderSo, does that mean our misunderstanding has also been resolved?那么，我们之间的误会，也算解开了吧？

CommanderCan you tell me about your reluctance to join us?关于你的纠结，现在能和我说说了？

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui is silent for a while, and then she nods.)（朝晖沉默片刻，点了点头。）

ZhaohuiBefore joining Monsoon Squad, I was used to traveling alone and dealing with any dangers I encountered by myself.在加入季风小队前，我习惯一个人行动，独自应对所有的危险。

ZhaohuiBut after becoming part of Monsoon Squad, Daiyan, Jiangyu, and Faye became my friends. We traveled together with the same wish in our hearts, just like Aida and Feris.可是，在成为季风的一员后，我、黛烟、绛雨和绯成了同伴。我们怀着同样的愿望旅行，就像艾达和菲丽丝。

ZhaohuiI once thought Monsoon would keep traveling like this forever—While everyone kept talking about finding their Commander, they were still limited by that "Agreement", so I believed that the day when they would do so was still far off. Thus, I did not think much about what would happen once the "Agreement" ended, or what I would do.我曾以为季风会一直这么旅行下去——虽然大家也一直念叨着去找长官，可毕竟有“协议”限制，我总觉得，那一天还早，所以也没有仔细思考过协议失效后我们会怎样，我会怎样。

ZhaohuiSo when I realized that there really was a chance for them to go to the Elmo, I... hesitated.在意识到真有机会去艾莫号的时候，我……迟疑了。

ZhaohuiIf everyone else in the band chose to return to the Elmo, then what about me?如果回归艾莫号就是乐队的大家共同选择的未来之路，那么，我呢？

(Zhaohui pauses for a moment. She runs her fingers over her knife, and then looks at me.)（朝晖说到这里顿了片刻，她摩挲着手中的短匕，看向我。）

ZhaohuiThe members of Monsoon often told me about you and your shared past.季风的成员们经常会和我提起你以及你们的过去。

ZhaohuiSo before I make my decision, I would like to know, what made you walk this path of self-exile?在做出决定前，我想知道，长官是为什么走上了如今的自我放逐之路？

ZhaohuiTo my knowledge, you were not compelled to become a wandering bounty hunter.据我所知，长官并不是非得成为颠沛流离的赏金猎人。

CommanderOh, me?我吗？

(I look up at the sky. Too many scenes from the past flash before my eyes.)（我抬起头仰望天空，太多的画面在眼前浮现。）

(—What exactly was it that made me choose my present course? I think of the flames from that explosion, and that one-sided farewell.)（——是什么让我选择了现在的路呢？我想到了那场爆炸的火光，与被动的告别。）

(In order to give all of that some sort of meaning, I finally chose to sign the "Agreement", much as I loathed its terms and the fact that I had done so.)（而为了使这一切多少存在意义，我最终签订了“协议”，即使这让我非常不甘且厌恶。）

(As my emotions fly into disarray, I shake my head, and my gaze settles on the nearby stage.)（思绪纷乱，我摇摇头，最终将目光落回不远处明亮的舞台。）

CommanderPerhaps it was for these people... Feris, Aida, and the audience members watching the play, just like you.也许我是为了这些人……艾达、菲丽丝，还有那些在舞台下看演出的观众，就像你一样。

CommanderPerhaps I could have chosen a better-paying way of life. But if I had, I would always be taking and carrying out orders. By boarding the Elmo, perhaps I could follow my heart and help the people who needed saving.我也许可以为自己选择更优渥的生活，但那样，我永远都只能按照命令行事，可登上艾莫号，或许我就能按照自己的心意，帮助更多需要帮助的人。

Commander...But then again, maybe I just did it for myself.……但也可能，我只是为了我自己。

CommanderSo, I'm sorry—I cannot answer your question, because I still haven't accomplished anything yet.抱歉啊，我没有办法回答，因为我现在还什么都没有做到。

CommanderIs that what you wanted to hear, Zhaohui?朝晖，这是你想要的答案吗？

Zhaohui...……

(Zhaohui remains silent, and the night shrouds that "poker face" of hers.)（朝晖依然沉默着，那张有些“面瘫”的脸笼罩在夜色中。）

(She looks down at the scars on her hand, and there is a vague sense of confusion in her eyes.)（她低头注视着手上的伤痕，淡淡的迷惘似乎在她的目光中闪烁。）

Zhaohui...Once, I simply did as I was told, never questioning the rightness of my actions or the lack thereof.……曾经，我只是跟随命令行动，从不问正确与否。

ZhaohuiAfter that, I learned that I could choose for myself.后来我才知道，我可以有自己的选择。

CommanderAnd so... you chose Monsoon.所以……你选择了季风。

ZhaohuiNot just Monsoon.不止是季风。

ZhaohuiWhen I joined Monsoon, I also chose the future I wanted.在加入季风的同时，我也选择了我所期望的未来。

CommanderSo, what kind of future will you choose now?那么现在，你会选择什么样的未来呢？

(Zhaohui looks up.)（朝晖抬起头。）

(She stares into my eyes, and the confusion from before is now gone.)（她直视着我，先前眸中淡淡的迷惘，此刻已然消失不见。）

ZhaohuiCommander. I am not like Daiyan and the others. I have not experienced the days of fighting by your side in Griffin.长官。我与黛烟她们不同，没有经历过与长官在格里芬并肩作战的岁月。

ZhaohuiThat is why I cannot immediately decide to board the Elmo and follow you.所以，我无法像大家一样，在见到长官的第一刻便决定登上艾莫号、追随长官。

CommanderBut of course, I would like all Dolls who join the Elmo to do so of their own free will.当然。我也希望每一名加入艾莫号的人形，都是出于自己的意愿。

ZhaohuiHowever, this commission has allowed me to get the measure of your character. And since my friends in Monsoon Squad trust you completely—但是，这次的委托让我亲自见证了长官的为人。而季风小队的同伴们，也深深地信任着长官——

ZhaohuiI think I can try to trust you too, Commander.所以，我想，我也可以试着信任长官。

ZhaohuiIn the past, I chose to travel with Monsoon Squad. Now, I think I can choose a future of traveling with the Elmo.过去的我选择了与季风小队同行的未来，那么现在，我也可以试着选择与艾莫号同行的未来。

ZhaohuiSurely a journey with you should be a pretty good one, am I wrong?有长官在的旅行，体验应该不赖？

(And with that, Zhaohui watches me quietly.)（朝晖说完，静静凝视着我。）

CommanderHm... Well, in terms of "doing good and stopping evil"... it ought to be pretty good.嗯……如果说是“惩恶扬善”的方面……应该还不赖吧。

(Upon hearing my answer, Zhaohui smiles that barely visible smile again.)（听到我的回答，朝晖再次露出了极为浅淡的笑容。）

ZhaohuiThen from now on, the Tactical Doll Zhaohui shall join the Elmo.那么，从今往后，战术人形朝晖，加入艾莫号。

ZhaohuiHere's to jolly cooperation, Commander.长官，合作愉快。

(It is late at night, and the bustling crowds have receded. The actors have cleared away their costumes and props and are now taking a break, leaving the campsite silent at last.)（深夜，热闹的人流散去，收拾好服装道具的演员们各自歇息，营地终于安静下来。）

(Just as I'm about to return to my tent, I hear a familiar and gentle voice from behind me.)（正要返回营帐，身后忽然响起了熟悉而温柔的声音。）

DaiyanCommander... do you have a moment?长官……现在有空吗？

CommanderDaiyan? What are you doing here? Is something the matter?黛烟？你怎么过来了，是有什么事？

DaiyanI came to return you this.我是来还给长官这个的。

(Daiyan smiles as she approaches me. Then she extends a hand to me, revealing the intricate pendant in her palm.)（黛烟微笑着走近，她向我伸出手，露出掌心里那枚精致的吊坠。）

(The thunderbolt-shaped symbol on the pendant gleams in the night.)（夜色里，吊坠中心那象征着雷电的标志闪闪发光。）

CommanderAh, that's...啊，是它……

(My thoughts return to a time several years ago.)（我的思绪不禁飘回了几年前。）

(It was before I was officially reunited with Daiyan. A certain request had led to the Elmo traveling near the Green Zone. There, I received Daiyan's "signal"—a blue ribbon brought back by Groza after she returned from a mission in a satellite city.)（那是比我与黛烟正式重逢要更早的时间。由于某项委托，艾莫号行驶到了绿区附近。我收到了黛烟的“信号”——蓝色的绸带被去卫星城完成任务的闪电带了回来。）

(Without news, without a message, we were separated by just a purification zone—these were the limitations imposed by the Agreement, and also a sign of Daiyan's care and concern.)（没有信息，没有信件，只是隔着一片净化区遥望——这是协议带来的限制，也是黛烟的关心和体贴。）

(At Groza's suggestion, I had her pass Daiyan the pendant.)（在闪电的提议下，我让她将吊坠交送给了黛烟。）

DaiyanThis was the keepsake that you had Miss Groza give me.这是长官您让闪电小姐送过来的信物。

DaiyanI still remember the words she told me that day—我还记得，那时她所说的话——

DaiyanBathed in lightning and rain, waiting silently amidst the storm, the blue-white flash shall one day be seen.“沐浴于雷雨，于风暴中静待，蓝白色的闪光，终有一日可见。”

DaiyanThat is the origin of the name Elmo and also the promise you made with me, is it not, Commander?这是艾莫号名字的来源，也是长官与我的约定吧？

DaiyanI carried this pendant with me during our time apart... It got me through the countless lonely days when my thoughts were of you and gave me the strength to keep moving forward.在与您分别的时光里，我一直随身携带着这枚吊坠……它陪伴着我度过了无数孤独地思念长官的日子，给予我等待与前行的力量。

DaiyanThanks to its existence, I always believed that one day, I would be reunited with you, Commander.因为它的存在，我始终坚信着，终有一日，能与长官重逢。

CommanderYou're right...是啊……

CommanderThe rain and the storm have passed. Welcome back to the Elmo, Daiyan.雷雨和风暴都结束了。欢迎回到艾莫号，黛烟。

(I look toward Daiyan, but just as I'm about to retrieve the pendant, she suddenly pulls her hand back.)（我回望黛烟，正准备接过那枚吊坠，黛烟却忽地收回了手。）

(She holds it in her palm, looking tenderly upon it, as though she were caressing it with her gaze.)（她将吊坠捧在手心，温柔地注视着，仿佛同时在用目光轻轻抚摸着它。）

Commander...?……？

DaiyanC-Commander... The truth is, I have a request to make of you.长、长官……其实，我有一个不情之请。

DaiyanThough we are now reunited, I have always etched the meaning of this pendant onto my heart.虽然如今已经和长官重逢，可长官当初赠予这枚吊坠的意义，我一直铭记在心。

DaiyanIf I might, could I continue to hold onto it? I will always cherish the spirit in which it was given.如果可以，我能继续保留这枚吊坠吗？我会永远珍视这份心意。

(Still holding the pendant, Daiyan gazes into my eyes, her face flushing a faint pink.)（捧着那枚吊坠，黛烟深深地注视着我，面颊上带着淡淡的绯红。）

CommanderOf course.当然。

(Shortly afterwards, in the Elmo.)（不久后，艾莫号。）

(Several Dolls who have traveled from afar are now gathered at the foot of the massive vehicle.)（几位远道而来的人形，在短暂离开此地之后，再度重聚于巨大的车身脚下。）

(The twin-tailed girl tugs on the hand of the blue-clothed girl, hopping around excitedly in front of the Elmo.)（扎着双马尾的少女揽住蓝衣少女的手，在车前兴奋地跳来跳去。）

JiangyuI'm so happy, Big Sis! We've returned to the Elmo again!老姐，好开心啊！我们又回到艾莫号了诶！

DaiyanOh yes, I didn't expect we'd be able to come back. And now, our dear Leader Zhaohui has returned with us.是啊，没想到真的还能回来。而且，是和我们亲爱的朝晖队长一起回来了。

FayeYup, Monsoon's back together again.嗯，季风又能在一起了。

FayeIs this really alright? The Agreement...不过，这样处理真的没问题吗？协议……

ZhaohuiRelax, the Commander said that our friend in the Non-Military Forces Administration—namely, Miss Kalina—will help us take care of it. We won't have to worry about the paperwork.放宽心，长官说，是那位非军事管理局的熟人——格琳娜小姐帮忙处理的，手续无可指摘。

ZhaohuiSo let's enjoy our reunion with the Commander.所以，尽情享受和长官的重逢时光吧。

JiangyuWow, is that the Commander coming out? I'm feeling so nervous all of a sudden!哇，老姐，你看长官是不是从车里出来了，我突然好紧张！

ZhaohuiWell, that's unusual. To think the day would come when Monsoon's best drummer is blushing.哟，真难得。整个季风敲得最响的鼓，竟然也会脸红。

JiangyuUwaaaah, Zhaohui! You're still making fun of me at a time like this!哇啊啊，朝晖！你怎么这时候还嘲笑我！

ZhaohuiI was simply trying to add to the mood, and an opportunity presented itself.顺应时势，烘托气氛咯。

ZhaohuiBut I guess it worked pretty well, no?效果看起来还不错？

(With a "wow", Jiangyu runs to the Elmo, and Daiyan follows in resignation. Faye strides into the Elmo too.)（绛雨哇地一声向前跑去，黛烟无奈地跟上，绯也大步向着艾莫号的车门行走。）

(Zhaohui walks at the back of the group at a leisurely pace.)（不紧不慢地，朝晖走在最后。）

(What does the future hold for Monsoon Squad?)（季风小队的未来会如何呢？）

(Zhaohui looks up, at the person on the Elmo who's waiting for them.)（远远地，朝晖抬头望向艾莫号上那个正等待着的人影。）

(—Perhaps he will give her the answer.)（——不妨就交由这个人，给出答案。）

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.