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

No Response

烟火重燃之时

24 chapters · 1821 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

No Response 无人应答

Frame self-diagnosis... Complete.素体自检……完成

System self-diagnosis... Complete.系统自检……完成

Attempting to connect to local area network... Failed.正在接入局域网……失败

Accessing neural cloud backup... Failed.访问心智备份……失败

Selecting new neural log destination directory... Neural cloud will be backed up to a local destination... Confirmed.记录路径重定向……本地……确认

???What is your model?型号？

Qiuhua...……

(A loud bang shatters the silence, and swaying rays of light cut through the darkness.)（爆鸣声打破寂静，跳动的弧光击穿黑暗。）

(For a moment, the dazzling light shines right into the Doll's eyes, seemingly igniting a fire within them.)（有一瞬间，刺眼强光照亮人形的面目，她的眼睛似乎淬了火。）

???State your frame model.型号。

Qiuhua...SSD-62D.……SSD-62D。

???Your employer?归属方。

QiuhuaNot here. They don't know you either.没过来，跟你们不搭边儿。

???...Name.……命名。

QiuhuaQiuhua.秋桦。

???Ever seen these before?见过这些东西吗？

QiuhuaNo.没有。

???Ever been here before?去过这些地方吗？

QiuhuaNo.没有。

???Where did you put the stolen goods?你把赃物放在哪里？

QiuhuaI didn't... Look, I told you, I haven't even seen them before.我没……我说了，我根本没见过。

???...……

???What made the "drag marks"?“拖痕”是什么造成的？

QiuhuaDon't know.不知道。

???Do you know what the "Nian" is?那知道“年兽”吗？

QiuhuaObviously, I do. It's a legend from my hometown.必须知道啊，我老家的传说。

???Last question. Do you know the "scavengers"?最后一个问题，认识“拾荒者”吗？

QiuhuaOf course.当然。

(Qiuhua opens her eyes wide and glares at the one-way mirror in the room like she's taunting it.)（秋桦睁大眼，带着些许挑衅瞪向单反玻璃。）

(She knows someone is watching her through it.)（她知道那块玻璃的另一侧，有人在看着这边。）

QiuhuaIt's true that I came here for the "scavengers", but it's also true that I wasn't involved in any funny business.我确实为“拾荒者”而来，但我确定，我没整过啥歪门邪道。

QiuhuaAnd no matter how long you decide to lock me up here to let me "reflect on my actions", no matter how many times you question me, my answer will always be the same—不管你们让我“再想想”多久，还要再问我多少遍，我都是这个说法——

QiuhuaI. Didn't. Do. It.本、人、形、无、罪。

(Sunlight streams in through the structural beams overhead, giving the cold air the illusion of warmth.)（日光漫过头顶横亘的结构梁洒下，赋予此地冰冷的空气以温煦的错觉。）

(As Sabrina walks through the trade fair, her eyes light up as she takes in the items on display and the bright red festive decorations.)（塞布丽娜步入集市，双眼被大红色的吉祥饰物与各色货品点亮。）

SabrinaWow, it's cheese! You hardly ever see this in the Yellow Zone!哇啊，是奶酪！难得能在黄区看见这个呢！

SabrinaCan I buy some, please? Oooh, and there are ketchup, ham, and sausages too. The Commander might want to try these...我可以采购一点奶酪吗？这里还有番茄酱、火腿、肉肠，或许指挥官会想要尝尝……

GrozaIt's true that the ingredients here are rather uncommon in the Yellow Zone, but this isn't the time to think about what we'll be eating, no?确实都是黄区难得一见的珍贵食材，但现在不是考虑吃什么的时候吧？

GrozaRemember our mission, Sabrina.塞布丽娜，记得我们的任务。

SabrinaAh... Ahhh! I'm sorry! It's just that things were so peaceful that I ended up...啊，对……对不起！气氛实在太平和了，不知不觉就……

SabrinaBut this is urgent!现在可是紧急情况！

(Sabrina turns to a nearby stall owner and begins gesticulating wildly as she speaks, with her fingers pinched.)（塞布丽娜转向摊主，挥舞着手臂比划。）

SabrinaExcuse me, but have you seen a Doll, she's about this tall... A bit shorter than me, with a fiery color scheme, and looks very energetic and lively?请问，您有没有见过一个人形，这么高……比我矮一点，看上去红红火火，总是很有精神？

Sabrina...No, wait, the last time I saw her was several years ago. What if she's neither fiery nor energetic now...……也不对，我上次见到她还是几年前，万一她现在不红火也不精神……

SabrinaNo, that can't be. I'm sure she's still doing fine.不，不会的，以她的能力一定会好好的。

GrozaCalm down. Let the owner put down what he's carrying first. Also, we have a picture of Qiuhua, don't we?别慌张，先等这位老板放下手里的货物。还有，我们不是有秋桦的照片吗？

Stall OwnerPardon me, dear customer, coming through...客人，麻烦稍等，先让我过……

(The man's burden is piled up far above his head. As he brushes past Sabrina, the shaky tower suddenly begins to collapse.)（堆叠的物资箱远远超过了他的头顶，当他经过塞布丽娜身边，这座摇摇欲坠的高塔忽然开始倾塌。）

GrozaLook out!当心！

Stall OwnerAh! My cargo!啊——先救物资——

SabrinaEek! I got it, I got it!呀！我、我接住了！

SabrinaAre you alright, signore?老板，您没事吧？

(The stall owner dusts himself off as he gets back to his feet.)（摊主从地上爬起来，拍掉身上的浮灰。）

Stall OwnerThank you, Miss. I'm okay as long as my cargo is safe.多谢客人，货没事我就没事。

SabrinaBut you're bleeding.可是您在流血哦。

Stall OwnerIt's just a scratch. However, this cargo is important for the climax of this festive trade fair; if anything happened to it, I wouldn't be able to make up for it even if you docked all of my points. I'm just glad you reacted so quickly, Miss...这点擦伤算什么。倒是这堆物资，要是它们在开年大集的节骨眼上出问题，清空我的积分都赔不起。亏得客人您反应快……

Stall OwnerOh yes, I seem to remember you were asking me something?对了，两位客人刚才想问什么？

GrozaWe were separated from one of our friends. Have you seen the Doll in this picture?我们和同伴走散了，请问，您见过照片上的人形吗？

Stall OwnerLet me take a look... Yeah, she seems kind of familiar. I think I've seen her before.我看看啊……嗯，有点眼熟，我应该见过她。

SabrinaWait, really?! Lucky us! We only just started looking and we've already found a clue.咦？！我们运气真好呢，才开始调查就找到线索了。

SabrinaHave you seen her here? When did you see her? Where did she go?您是在这里见到她的吗？大概是什么时候？她去了哪里呢？

Stall OwnerSlow down now, Miss... No, wait. The Doll I saw didn't look like her.慢着……不对啊，我看见的那个，好像也不长这样。

Stall OwnerUm. I'm sorry, but there are just too many customers and Dolls for me to clearly remember. We're having a festive trade fair, after all. As for this Doll... I might've seen her, might have not. I can't be sure.呃，对不起，这几天不是正要办“开年大集”嘛，外来的客人和人形太多了，这个人形……可能见过，可能没见过，我记不住啊。

SabrinaA festive trade fair?开年大集？

Stall OwnerYou didn't know about it? We've had a huge rush of customers recently and most of them came just to attend ours.客人还不知道吗？最近来这边的客人，大多数都是冲着我们“开年大集”特意过来的。

Stall OwnerI'm pretty sure that in the entire Yellow Zone, hardly anyone else is bigger or better than us!我敢打包票，整个黄区，就没几个集市办得比我们更“这个”了！

(The stall owner unconsciously puffs up his chest as he gives Sabrina a thumbs-up.)（摊主竖起大拇指，下意识地挺起胸膛。）

Stall OwnerI mean, the festival's almost here, right? Every year, we hold a special broker's fair here and lay out all the best stuff we've found over the course of the year. Most of it is the good stuff from the Green Zone. You've come to the right place, dear customers!这不是快要到新年了吗？每年这时候，我们这里都要办个特别集市，把大家这一年里搜罗来的所有好东西都摆出来，那里头可多的是绿区来的硬货。两位客人，你们来得正是时候啊！

SabrinaWow! No wonder this place is so crowded.哇啊！难怪这里这么热闹。

GrozaPerhaps... Did Qiuhua come for the fair too?或许……秋桦也是冲着集市来的？

Stall OwnerThe busiest time of the fair is still a while off. Once it officially opens in a few days' time, every single bit of empty space here will be stuffed full of people.这还没到最热闹的时候，等过几天正式开业，这里、还有那里的空地都能挤满人。

Stall OwnerYou see that half-built stage over there? They're setting it up for the opening ceremony. Once it's built, things will be ready to kick off.看见那边搭了一半的台子了吗？那就是给开业仪式准备的，等到那台子搭好，差不多也就到开业的时候了。

(The owner looks up at a semi-assembled platform, and he can't help his face from creasing with a smile.)（摊主仰望着架起一半的高台，翘起的嘴角怎么也压不住。）

GrozaIt seems you're really looking forward to the opening. Will there be a special performance on that day?您好像十分期待开业仪式，那一天有什么特别的演出吗？

Stall OwnerA performance? Yeah right, as if anyone would care about that nonsense. On that day, the stuff that the Inspector hands out will be the real show...演出？那算什么，我们这不在意那些花架子。到了那一天，监察官分发下来的好东西，可是实打实的……

SabrinaHm... cheese blocks?嗯……奶酪块？

Groza...Collapse pieces?!……坍塌晶条？！

Stall OwnerEverything! Food, spices, medicines, clothes, you name it, it's all there! It's a full half a year's worth of living supplies, only for permanent residents like us.都有、都有！食物、调味品、药品、衣服，那可是应有尽有……整整半年份的维生物资啊，只给我们这些常住居民的。

Stall OwnerDuring this time in previous years...往年这时候……

(The owner suddenly lowers his voice.)（摊主忽然压低了声音。）

Stall OwnerWe'd already have our supplies on hand by this time last year. The "auspicious day" that the management committee decided on this year is later on, so the opening ceremony is also delayed until that day rolls around. It's apparently some kind of superstition or feng shui business, but I've got my doubts...要是往年，现在物资已经到手了。今年管理会给出的“吉日”在后头，“开年大集”的开业仪式当然要等到“吉日”才办。都说是玄学的原因，我倒怀疑……

Stall Owner(Clears throat) Whoops, I've said too much.咳咳，不能说太多了。

(After noticing a squad of uniformed security guards walking towards him, the owner immediately shuts up.)（眼角瞥见一队身穿制服的警卫向这里走来，摊主止住了话题。）

Stall OwnerWhat I'm saying is, since we've all waited an entire year for this, what's a few days more?我的意思是，大家都盼了一整年了，也不差再多等几天，是吧？

Stall OwnerIn any case, welcome to my stall, miss. Would you like anything? Even if we don't have it in stock, feel free to ask; I'd be happy to recommend a suitable place to you!总之，欢迎光临小店，客人，您想要点什么？即便是小店没有的货品也可以告知小店，十分乐意为您推荐合适的店铺哦！

SabrinaAh, well... I like the cheese you have here, but something urgent just came up...啊，我……虽然很喜欢您这里的奶酪，但是，现在可是紧急情况……

(Sabrina looks away from the stall owner's eager gaze and quickly pushes Groza elsewhere.)（塞布丽娜避开摊主热切的视线，推着闪电快步走向别处。）

GrozaBroker's fairs like this are a rare sight in the Yellow Zone. Actually seeing one in the flesh is quite an eye-opener.黄区少有这种规模的集市，亲眼所见，真是惊人。

SabrinaIt's hard to stay tense in an atmosphere like this. It's almost like a festival, in fact.这样的氛围里，很难保持紧张感呢，好像在过节一样。

SabrinaQiuhua... Did she really go missing here? I don't see anything around that could threaten a tactical Doll...秋桦……真的是在这里失联的吗？这里没什么能威胁到战斗人形的东西吧。

(Groza scans her surroundings.)（闪电看向四周。）

(They're surrounded by people moving goods, people decorating their stalls, people browsing through said stalls, and the air is filled with life and cheeriness that she hasn't seen in a while.)（搬运货物的人、装饰摊位的人、热情揽客的人，暌违已久的朝气与生机。）

GrozaThis place is too big, we need to be more efficient.场地太大了，我们必须提高效率。

GrozaI'll inquire at those stalls over there. I'll leave this place to you, Sabrina.我去那边的摊位打听，塞布丽娜，这个方向交给你了。

GrozaRemember to stay in touch. Once we've finished scouting out our assigned areas, we'll head back to meet up with the Commander.注意保持通讯，完成负责的区域后，就回去找指挥官集合。

SabrinaMhm, mhm, don't worry about it.嗯嗯嗯，放心吧。

GrozaLeave the matter of the cheese aside for now.暂时别再惦记奶酪了哦。

(Groza lightly pats Sabrina on the back, then turns and leaves without looking back.)（闪电轻拍过塞布丽娜的后背，干脆地转身离去。）

(...)（……）

(As the sun slowly descends in the western sky, the shadows of the crowd slowly begin to elongate.)（日照西斜，人群的影子逐渐变得细长。）

SabrinaCommander! We're back~指挥官！我们回来了……

CommanderHow did it go? Did you hear anything about Qiuhua?你们那边怎么样？有秋桦的消息吗？

GrozaIt's just like the reports from before. The security in this settlement is quite good and the stallholders at this fair are more "relaxed" when talking to us. Their wariness is lower and they seem to be working together to focus on sales. Security is being handled by those patrolling guards.和先前的情报一致，这个居住点的治安不错，集市上的摊贩比我们常打交道的暗商要“松懈”，戒心较低，他们似乎会互相合作，专注于销售，安保则统一依靠那些巡逻警卫。

GrozaUnfortunately... there was no news about Qiuhua. And while this might not be relevant, I'm somewhat concerned about that "festive trade fair".可惜……没有秋桦的消息。不过，虽说未必相关，我有些在意那个“开年大集”。

CommanderYou mean the one that's going to begin in a few days? I saw posters for it nearby while I was looking for information.是这几天要开业的集市吧？我在附近排查的时候看见了宣传海报。

GrozaYes. It seems this community has a tradition of holding a special trade fair. In the past, the residents would receive half a year's worth of daily necessities on the opening ceremony, so everyone's looking forward to the start of the trade fair.是的，这个居住点似乎有在冬春交际时举办特别集市的传统。往年在大集开业当天的启动仪式上，常驻居民能分到半个年度的基本生活物资，所以居民们都很期待集市开业。

GrozaHowever, what got my attention was the fact that the opening of this year's fair seems to have been delayed.我在意的是，今年的“开年大集”似乎延期了。

SabrinaHm... I don't get it, what does this have to do with Qiuhua?唔……不太明白，这会和秋桦有关吗？

GrozaWell, it's just an unfounded guess. I might be overthinking things.不，这只是没有根据的猜测，或许是我多心。

GrozaCommander, we need more time to make a breakthrough in this case.指挥官，我们需要更多的时间找到突破口。

Sabrina...Is Qiuhua alright? She hasn't responded to our calls or texts... What exactly happened to her?秋桦……没问题吧？通讯请求无应答，短讯也不回复……到底发生了什么呢？

(Sabrina pulls up the text message log. The last one was sent 43 hours ago.)（塞布丽娜调出通讯，最后一条消息停留在43小时前。）

("Something big happened. Wait for me—Qiuhua, AKA Hawk")（“摊上大事了，等我——秋桦AKA HAWK”）

SabrinaIt's been 43 hours...已经43小时了呢……

SabrinaIf only her most recent coordinates were more precise. She's a big girl, she couldn't be hiding anywhere around here.要是她最后的坐标定位能再精准一点就好了，这附近一看就藏不了那么大一个人形呀。

(Sabrina looks down at her communicator. The gray dot representing Qiuhua's location does not move, and its stillness seems a little oppressive.)（塞布丽娜垂头看着通讯，灰色的点位标记纹丝不动，沉寂得有些压抑。）

GrozaWorrying about her won't do us any good. We need to find her ASAP. That'll answer all of our questions.现在担心也无济于事，早点找到她，所有的问题都会有答案。

CommanderIt'll be fine, Sabrina. Have some faith in Qiuhua.没事的，塞布丽娜，对秋桦有点信心。

CommanderConsidering she could survive in the Yellow Zone by herself for all these years, I think she can look after herself for a few days even if she ran into a bit of trouble. Let's focus on gathering information here. That said, we need to be careful. Pose as fairgoers from the outside and don't draw the attention of the local police again.能在黄区独立生存多年的人形，即便遇到点意外，自保几天应该问题不大。我们优先在这里收集信息，小心点，尽量伪装成来参加集市的人，不要再引起当地警卫力量的注意了。

SabrinaYup! Qiuhua will be fine... right?嗯！秋桦一定会没事的……吧？

Gate To Paradise 乐园之门

(Twelve hours ago.)（12小时前。）

(The Elmo suddenly brakes and abruptly wakes me from my nap.)（匀速巡航的艾莫号忽然减速刹停，我从小憩中惊醒。）

(Outside the windows, an unknown light source is slowly brightening the sky.)（舷窗外，天空被不明光源映照得隐约发白。）

GrozaCommander, did we disrupt your sleep?指挥官，吵醒您了吗？

GrozaWe're almost at our destination. According to our planned route, we're still a short distance away. I'm trying to figure out why we stopped.我们已到达目的地附近。按计划，本应还有一段路程，我正在确认刹停的原因。

(The door to the ops room opens, and then Mayling and Sabrina enters inside.)（指挥室舱门开启，美玲和塞布丽娜走来。）

SabrinaCommander, are we there yet? Qiuhua...指挥官，我们快到了吧？秋桦她……

MaylingCommander!指挥官！

MaylingIs it me, or are there tons of vehicles up ahead? Am I seeing things? Is my sanity slipping because I pulled too many all-nighters? (Sob) I don't want this, I'm still young...前面是不是有好多车？我该不是出现幻觉了吧？通宵多了，认知是不是容易出问题？呜，我不要……我还年轻……

GrozaMayling, I don't think you're seeing things.美玲，我想这不是你的错觉。

(Groza pulls up the radar display, and the big screen is filled with densely packed blips representing various vehicles. They're spreading out in a fan shape, moving slowly and erratically.)（闪电调出雷达图像，大屏幕几乎被密密麻麻的载具型号填满。众多光点呈扇形散开，缓慢而无序地运动。）

GrozaMost of these vehicles are still operational, and I don't hear any sounds of fighting, so it's probably not a traffic accident caused by a firefight. If I'm not wrong... this looks like a traffic jam, Commander.大部分载具还能移动，也没有采集到什么战斗噪音，不像是势力火拼造成车祸的样子。如果我的推断没错……指挥官，前方或许是堵车了。

MaylingWhew. so it was a traffic jam. Thank goodness, I thought I was seeing...呼，原来是堵车啊。幸好，幸好，我还以为只有我……

MaylingHuh? Wha? ...Wait, a traffic jam? In the Yellow Zone?!咦？呃？……堵、堵车？……在黄区？

(Mayling lifts her head with a dazed look on her face, then pinches her cheeks.)（美玲恍惚地抬起头，重重地拧了自己一把。）

Mayling...Bweh, that hurt... But no, I'm not dreaming!……呜呃，痛……不，不是做梦！

SabrinaHuh, I didn't know you could get traffic jams in places other than the Green Zone.原来不止是绿区会堵车哦。

GrozaIt's hard to believe, but considering we're in an "unregulated area" with no traffic laws, once traffic volume exceeds the design capacity of the local roads, in the absence of people to direct traffic and adding on weather issues... traffic jams are a definite possibility.虽然确实难以置信，不过毕竟是没有交通法规的“不管地带”，一旦车流量超出道路的设计预期，又无人指挥调度，加上天气因素……理论上确实有出现堵车的可能性。

GrozaCommander, we can't drive the MCV into a situation like this. We'll need to change our mode of transportation to reach our destination; how about our jeeps?指挥官，基地车不适合驶入这种泥沼，我们需要换乘其他载具接近目的地，吉普车怎么样？

CommanderBefore that, let's verify our current information, Groza.在此之前，闪电，再确认一下现在的情报吧。

GrozaYes, Commander.是，指挥官。

(Groza removes the radar image of the vehicles and rearranges the main display, centering a single line of big text—)（闪电移出雷达图像，重排主屏幕信息，中心位置是一行大字——）

("Something big happened. Wait for me—Qiuhua, AKA Hawk")（“摊上大事了，等我——秋桦AKA HAWK”）

GrozaTwenty four hours ago, Type 97S—or Qiuhua, as she's now known—lost contact after sending a message to us and Aminda. She was scheduled to rendezvous with us imminently. Subsequently, Aminda contacted us, asking for help.24小时前，本应在近日与我们会合的97式霰——她现在的名字是秋桦，在向我方及阿米达处发送了一条短讯后失去联络。阿米达在这之后发来通讯，为此事请求援助。

GrozaQiuhua's last known location was at the coordinates up ahead, inside a settlement called "Darksteel Farm".秋桦最后回传的坐标点位就在前方，名为“黑钢农场”的居住点内。

CommanderZoom in on Darksteel Farm and pull up any annotations you might have.放大黑钢农场的地形图和相关介绍。

GrozaYes, Commander. According to the intel provided by Aminda, while this settlement is called a "farm", it no longer has any agricultural capability, being a legacy title from before the war.好的。根据阿米达提供的情报，这个居住点虽然以“农场”为名，现在已经不具备量产种植的能力，只是沿袭了战前用过的名称。

GrozaIt was abandoned for a long time before being taken over by a group known as the "Management". It is currently one of the most secure regions in the Yellow Zone.它曾经荒废了一段时间，现在则由名为“管理会”的势力把持，是目前黄区治安最好的区域之一。

SabrinaAnd Dolls can still go missing in such a secure place... Ugh, seems worse than people going missing in lawless areas.在治安最好的区域也会有失踪案吗……唔，好像比在混乱的地方失踪更糟糕哦。

(The ops room door opens and a newcomer slides into our discussion.)（指挥室舱门开启，有人形加入了讨论。）

PeriWell, this is the Yellow Zone, after all. The fact that these settlements are still standing at all is a minor miracle. And to be fair, Darksteel Farm is quite well known among us brokers.毕竟是黄区，平均只有10分的班级里出现了50分的同学已经很厉害啦，要怪就只能怪这是“最差的一届”。我知道黑钢农场，它在暗商中是相当出名的居住点呢。

CommanderPeri, what are you doing here?佩莉，你怎么来了？

PeriHehe, I came to see if I could help out. I daresay my knowledge of the Yellow Zone is second to none.嘿嘿，我来看看能帮上什么忙。要说对黄区的了解，我一定不会输给别人的。

PeriDon't worry about me, Commander. Keep going through the intel.指挥官，别在意我，继续看情报吧。

CommanderSo that's the geography of the farm... It's in a good place.这种地形……好地方啊。

GrozaIt has cliffs on three sides, making it very defensible. Definitely a good place for a settlement. Perhaps that's why they rebuilt it after it was abandoned.三面悬崖，易守难攻，确实是难得的好据点，或许这也是它在荒废后又被重新启用的原因。

SabrinaSo you're saying we have to assault them on the side with a comparatively gentle slope? The side that is currently clogged up with vehicles?意思是说，我们只能从唯一还算平缓的那一面“进攻”啦？我们要“进攻”的地方是前方堵车的中心点吗？

GrozaI don't think the situation is serious enough that we have to mount a "frontal assault". The Management has set up a security checkpoint at the sole pass leading to the Farm. Anyone with an entry permit obtained from a broker or a sufficiently well-known faction can enter after passing their inspection.我想情势还没有严峻到需要“正面进攻”。农场管理会在唯一的隘口处设置了安全检查站，只要持有暗商或是知名势力的担保凭证，经过安检后就能进入居住点。

PeriAn entry permit, hm... I think I have some friends who've done business with Darksteel before. They might be able to help. Want me to try hitting them up?担保凭证……我有几个朋友好像和黑钢农场做过生意，说不定能帮上忙，要不要我去问问他们？

GrozaNo need for that. Aminda's already applied to get some for us. Their entry guidelines also state that pretty much all forms of heavy weaponry are prohibited within Darksteel Farm.别着急，阿米达已经为我们准备了担保凭证。根据电子凭证上的注释，几乎所有的重型武器都在违禁品附录中，不能带入黑钢农场内。

GrozaAlso, the number of combat-capable Dolls allowed to enter the settlement is limited, as you can see on the screen.另外，居住点对随行战斗人形的数量也有限制，具体可见屏幕。

GrozaThat's all the intel we have, Commander, Please...以上就是我们现有的情报了，指挥官，请……

(A loud alert fills the air and a comms request from Aminda fills the main screen, interrupting Groza's words.)（伴随着响亮的通知音，大屏幕上跳出了阿米达的通讯申请，打断了闪电的发言。）

GrozaCommander, it's from Aminda.指挥官，阿米达申请接入。

CommanderPut her through.接通通讯。

AmindaHello, Qiuhua's Commander! Oh hey, Miss Peri's there too! Thanks for your help during the race! I'm glad everyone made it out safely.秋桦的长官，你好呀！哇，佩莉小姐也在！上次的比赛，真是多亏了大家的帮助！最后大家都能平安无事真是太好啦。

AmindaI'm guessing that you've already reached Darksteel Farm by now. I became a little frantic because Qiuhua's signal suddenly vanished. I only remembered some details later, once I was able to calm down. I'm glad you guys haven't headed out yet.我猜这个时间，你们已经到达黑钢农场附近了。因为秋桦的坐标忽然丢失，上次联络的时候我有点着急，有些细节后来才想起来，幸好你们还没有出发。

CommanderWe still have time, Aminda. Don't worry, take your time.现在还来得及，阿米达，缓口气慢慢说吧。

AmindaOkay! I've already transferred Qiuhua's affiliation to the Elmo. Darksteel Farm has tons of rules and regulations so I think that'll help you get her back more easily.嗯！我已经把秋桦的人形归属权限移交给艾莫号了，因为黑钢农场内的诸多条例，我想这样做或许能有助于你们顺利带回秋桦。

CommanderGot it, thank you.我知道了，谢谢。

AmindaAlso... I also have one more piece of news.还有，还有……我这里还有一条情报。

(Aminda lowers her head, looking for something.)（阿米达低下头，翻找着什么。）

AmindaFound it. Darksteel Farm has its own currency, so visitors have to go to a "currency exchange" to trade resources for a virtual currency called "contribution points" before they make purchases, so please prepare ahead of time if you plan to rest and resupply inside the settlement.找到了。现在的黑钢农场有自己的货币，“散客”购物前，需要先去“找换所”用你们的物资兑换名为“贡献积分”的虚拟货币。如果你们需要在居住点内休整和补给，记得提前准备。

PeriThat sounds very similar to Green Zone credits to me! Each region has its own independent credits, but I always thought everyone would stick to Collapse pieces or Sardis gold in contamination zones like the underground brokers do.听起来和绿区的信用币很像呢！各个州的信用币也彼此独立。不过，在污染区里，我一直以为大家都和暗商一样，倾向于使用晶条或者是萨狄斯金来交易。

AmindaYup, yup. Trades in Collapse pieces do exist, but it's only for large-scale transactions between the Management and underground brokers.嗯嗯，虽然也存在晶条贸易，但仅限于农场管理会与暗商间的大宗交易。

AmindaAll goods in the farm belong to the farm, and the residents earn contribution points through their labor, which they exchange for the items they need to survive. That system is similar to how things work in the safe zones, but don't confuse that place with an actual satellite city. It's a Yellow Zone settlement through and through.农场内的一切货品归属于农场，居民们也是通过工作来挣得贡献积分，再兑换生活物资的。这一点确实更像是安全区的城市，但是你们可不要真的把这里当作卫星城看待哦，这里依旧是彻头彻尾的污染区。

(Aminda raises her head again and looks at us.)（阿米达重新抬起头，看向我们。）

AmindaRight, that's all the intel I have. I won't take up any more of your time, so please go find Qiuhua ASAP! She is a capable assistant and a good friend of mine. If I just had more manpower on my side...好了，我获悉的情报就是这些。不耽误你们更多时间，请你快去找秋桦吧！秋桦不止是我曾经的得力帮手，也是我的好朋友，要不是现在的我没有足够实力……

AmindaWell, that's enough about that. In any case, I'm leaving it to you! Hope she comes back safely!不说这些了，总之，交给你们啦！希望她能平安！

(After we exchange farewells, Aminda ends the transmission.)（互相道别后，阿米达结束了通讯。）

GrozaYour orders, Commander.指挥官，请您下令吧。

CommanderSince the security situation there is fairly stable and our objective is just to find Qiuhua, we'll mount up while keeping a low profile and aim to settle things as quickly as we can.治安相对稳定，行动目标也只是找到秋桦，尽量轻装上阵，速战速决。

CommanderGroza and Sabrina will accompany me through the farm's security checkpoint. Everyone else will stand by on the Elmo.闪电和塞布丽娜跟我上吉普车进入农场安检站，其他人驻守艾莫号待命。

PeriAre you not taking me, Commander? I want to help too!指挥官，不带上我吗？我也想帮上忙！

(Peri raises her arms and hops around to get my attention.)（佩莉举高双臂，吸引我的注意。）

(I reach down and pat her head.)（我摸了摸佩莉的脑袋。）

CommanderThe comms situation on the Elmo is better and staying aboard will allow you to better leverage your intel advantage. Don't worry, you'll be helping me.艾莫号的通讯条件更好，你驻守更能发挥情报优势，是有帮上忙的。

PeriWell... If you say so, Commander.既然指挥官都这么说了……遵命，指挥官。

GrozaCommander, the jeep is ready. We can head out anytime.指挥官，吉普车准备好了，现在可以出发了。

(Ten hours ago.)（10小时前）

(The jeep emerges from the mass of milling vehicles like a ragged lion escaping a stampede of crazed wildebeests before coming to a halt.)（小型吉普车冲出车流停下，像是油锅中迸出的一滴水。）

(Covered by searchlights and gun muzzles, the crowd reluctantly forms up into a line.)（夜灯与炮口之下，人群勉为其难地收束列队。）

Groza(...Model of accompanying Dolls... number of accompanying Dolls... weapon scan authorization... form completed and sent.)……随行人形型号……数量……武器扫描授权……填写完毕，提交。

GrozaCommander, I've finished filling in the pre-inspection form. Now we have to head over to the checkpoint... Looks like we'll be queuing up for a while.指挥官，预检表已上传，要进入检查站……似乎还需要排一会儿队。

(Groza looks at the electronic sign in front of her.)（闪电看向身前的提示牌。）

("Estimated waiting time: 30 minutes.")（“温馨提示：前方预计等候时间，30分钟。”）

SabrinaWow, this is nothing like the rest of the Yellow Zones. Is it because there are tons of people here? Things here seem pretty stable... maybe even prosperous?哇，果然和黄区的其他区域不太一样呢。是因为人多吗？有一种安定……甚至繁华的感觉？

GrozaThere's a harshness behind that prosperity. Normal settlements wouldn't impose such rigorous security checks.繁华的背后是森严，普通的居住点不会设置这种强度的安全检查。

GrozaGreen Zone amusement parks are also strictly vetted, but amusement parks don't have gun turrets flanking the entrance.绿区游乐园的安全检查也很严格，不过游乐园应该不会在通道两侧设置炮台。

(Groza looks up at the menacing gun barrels towering over her.)（闪电抬起头，看着两侧悬崖上漆黑的炮口。）

CommanderLooks like they've got the whole line in enfilade. How exciting.所有人都在射程范围内，真刺激。

CommanderI'm kind of curious; do they have the habit of raking their security checkpoint with gunfire?我有点好奇，他们平时喜欢轰炸他们自己的检查站吗？

(Groza doesn't respond, only looking at the gun turrets once again.)（闪电没有说话，只是再次看向崖壁。）

("Estimated waiting time: 15 minutes.")（“温馨提示：前方预计等候时间，15分钟。”）

SabrinaAh, we're almost there.啊，马上就可以进入检查站了。

SabrinaThe closer we get to the checkpoint, the more guards there are. There were hardly any people maintaining order when we were further away just now.越是靠近检查站，警卫就越多呢。刚才在比较远的地方，根本就没有布置警力维持秩序嘛。

GrozaLooks like they're concentrating their defenses around their home ground...“收缩”的防守战术吗……

GuardHello and welcome to Darksteel Farm. Please have your entry permits ready for presentation. Before you enter the checkpoint, I will need to vet your pre-inspection forms. There's no need to stop; please continue moving along.您好，欢迎来到黑钢农场，请出示您的通行凭证。在您进入检查站前，我将对照您提交的预检表进行初次筛查。各位不必停步，跟随队列即可。

(Groza displays the entry permit that Aminda has requested for them.)（闪电展示了阿米达代为申请的通行凭证。）

GuardReceived. One moment, please.收到，请稍等。

(A long, silent wait follows.)（漫长的等待与沉默。）

SabrinaExcuse me. Is it done yet? Did you lose network connection or something?请问，还没有好吗？是不是网络故障了呀？

GuardMy apologies, but we have many visitors at the moment and some delays are to be expected. Please understand.请谅解，现在人数过多，偶尔是会出现这种情况。

(There's something strange about that last part, like there's a kind of unspoken, bizarre passive-aggressiveness brewing in the background.)（微妙的语气，某种不同寻常的敌意正在酝酿。）

CommanderGroza, Sabrina.闪电，塞布丽娜。

(Sensing something wrong, I quietly whisper a warning to them.)（我隐约觉察出异样，出声警告。）

SabrinaHm? Commander, what do you need me to do?嗯？指挥官，需要我做什么呢？

Groza...Understood.……明白。

SabrinaHuh?欸？

(Groza realizes what I'm getting at and tucks her hands away without changing her expression, ready for battle.)（闪电心领神会，不动神色地藏起双手，随时准备应战。）

("Estimated waiting time: 5 minutes.")（“温馨提示：前方预计等候时间，5分钟。”）

(The guards usher the people ahead of us into the checkpoint.)（队伍前排的人在其他警卫的引导下进入检查站。）

(Sabrina begins getting uneasy too.)（塞布丽娜也开始紧张不安。）

SabrinaCommander... is it me, or... are there more and more guards around us?指挥官……为、为什么周围的警卫好像更多了？

(Sabrina sidles up to me and asks me quietly, though there's still a hint of naive hope in her voice.)（塞布丽娜凑近我，很小声地提问，仍然抱着一丝天真的期望。）

GuardSorry to keep you waiting.久等了。

(A pair of gun muzzles suddenly appear from behind the guard, and the sound of turret machinery actuating comes from above us.)（警卫的身后，两支枪口突然冒出，头顶上方传来机链转动的声音。）

Groza(Groza moves to stand in front of me.)（闪电挡在我面前。）

GuardYour entry permits have been frozen for confidential reasons. We politely request that you cooperate with our investigations.由于不可告知的原因，您的凭证已被冻结，您“必须”移步配合我方调查。

GuardYour personal Dolls and weapons will be impounded for the time being. Should there be a misunderstanding, they will be returned to you shortly.请放心，您的私有人形及武器会被妥善收缴安置，如为误会，稍后即会全部返还。

SabrinaEh? Ehhhhh?! You're taking us away? Where to?咦？唉！移步？去哪里？

GrozaPotential hostiles incoming. Commander, your orders, please.来者不善。指挥官，请下令。

(I see people moving within the checkpoint, and more and more guards begin stepping outside.)（检查站内人影摇晃，站外也冒出了更多的警卫。）

(Guided by the guards, the people around us in the queue begin distancing themselves from us and move over to more distant inspection counters. The steadily-widening gap they leave around us is filled by the guards erecting portable barriers.)（在那些警卫的交涉和引导下，周围等待队列中的人群和附近的车辆开始远离我们，转向更远处的检查闸口。而在我们身旁逐渐空出来的区域中，警卫们架设好了可移动式的掩体。）

(I look up at the turrets above us, which seem to be taking aim.)（我看向头顶似乎正在校准的炮台。）

CommanderNow! Fall back!现在！撤退！

("Estimated waiting time: 0 minutes.")（“温馨提示：前方预计等候时间，0分钟。”）

(Bangbangbang—)（砰——）

Gate To Paradise 乐园之门

SabrinaMa sei scemo?! Groza, we're going to crash! We only just got on the jeep! AIIEEEEE...呜哇，闪电，我们要撞上了！好不容易才逃上车，呀啊……

GrozaRelax.放心。

(A sharp turn is followed by a mad dash.)（急转，猛冲。）

SabrinaWhat should we do, what should we do! They're still chasing us, my shield won't last much longer!怎么办，怎么办，他们还在追，我的掩护快要撑不住了！

(Sudden braking is followed by rapid acceleration.)（急刹，再加速。）

(Before the inertia can fling us out of the vehicle, Sabrina and I get slammed back into our seats.)（我和塞布丽娜还没彻底被惯性甩出就再次跌回座位上。）

Commander(Coughs)咳……

CommanderThe traffic outside is heavy, it'll snarl them up too. They won't be able to pursue us for long.外面交通乱成一锅粥，他们也会被搅在里面，追不了太远了。

GrozaKeep it up for 30 more seconds!坚持最后30秒！

SabrinaO-okay!好，好哦！

(The jeep performs several nimble twists and turns before leaving the whole mess behind it.)（小型吉普车做出几个轻巧的转向，将骚乱甩在身后。）

Sabrina...Whew, looks like we lost them. Commander, Groza, you're amazing...……呼，好像甩掉了。指挥官和闪电，太厉害了……

(A blinking light representing an incoming transmission comes on. It's from the Elmo.)（通讯提示灯在此时亮起，是艾莫号发讯。）

(I reach out and accept the transmission.)（我伸手打开通讯。）

PeriCommander, I'm seeing your jeep coming back. Did something happen?指挥官，我看见你们的吉普车正在返程，发生了什么吗？

Commander...There was a small issue.……小问题。

CommanderOur entry permits were frozen and we were nearly detained by the checkpoint security. We just shook off their pursuit. Looks like going in through the front door isn't an option.担保凭证被冻结，我们差点被警卫拘捕，刚刚甩掉了追击，看来走正门是进不去了。

PeriY-you call that a small issue? ...You're so cool, Commander.这，这是小问题吗……真不愧是指挥官呢。

CommanderWe'll need to find another way into the settlement, Peri. Use your contacts and the Elmo's comms gear and think of something.我们需要寻找别的方式进入居住点，佩莉，用上你的情报和艾莫号上的设备，想想办法。

CommanderI'll take Groza and Sabrina with me to scout the surroundings. Between us, we might be able to come up with a plan.我带闪电和塞布丽娜在周边排查，两边同步进行。

CommanderThis settlement was built over a set of ruins, so keep an eye out for pre-existing ventilation ducts, water pipes, and signs of remaining infrastructure. I refuse to believe they managed to seal everything off when they built the settlement.这个居住点是基于废墟重建的区域，重点关注早年的通风、水道、所有基建留下的痕迹，我不信他们重建的时候能面面俱到。

PeriGot it! I'll work on it right away!我明白了！我现在就开始任务！

(I lean back into my seat, calming my racing heartbeat and respiration.)（我靠向椅背，平复呼吸和心跳。）

CommanderWe should get started too.我们也开工吧。

(Six hours ago.)（6小时前）

PeriCommander! Our drones found an abandoned passage. It looks like a sewer from a long time ago; it might be able to bypass the checkpoint and allow access to the settlement.指挥官！无人机发现了一条废弃通道，似乎是很久以前的排水系统，说不定可以绕过检查站直通居住点内部。

CommanderSend the details over.把相关情报发过来吧。

(Peri sends the footage and coordinates from the recon drone.)（佩莉传输了无人机拍摄的照片和坐标。）

PeriOur drones only managed to penetrate a short way into the passage because there's a drainage grate inside. There's a lot of stuff caught on the grate too, so this is all we could get. A Doll could probably tear through it if they went in, though.我们的无人机只能进入浅层，内部有防护网。网格上的附着物太多，阻挡了镜头，所以情报只有这么多了。要是人形能接近，应该可以切开防护网。

CommanderIt's nearby. That's good.很好，坐标位置刚好在附近。

GrozaCommander, Sabrina and I can head in to scout the path.指挥官，我和塞布丽娜可以过去探路。

CommanderAlright, let's move out.好，开始行动。

Sewer Ecology Survey 下水道生态考察

Frame self-diagnosis... Complete.素体自检……完成

System self-diagnosis... Complete.系统自检……完成

Attempting to connect to local area network... Failed.正在接入局域网……失败

Accessing neural cloud backup... Failed.访问心智备份……失败

Selecting new neural log destination directory... neural cloud will be backed up to a local destination... Confirmed.记录路径重定向……本地……确认

???SSD-62D, Qiuhua.SSD-62D，秋桦。

???This interview session regarding your involvement with multiple supply theft incidents will be conducted under the supervision of the Inspector and three on-duty representatives.关于你涉嫌多次盗窃物资一案，本轮审讯将在监察官的主持及三名轮值代表的见证下进行。

???Please be aware that your statements are admissible in a court of law. Do you fully understand the preceding statement as it has been presented to you?请注意，你的发言将成为呈堂证供。你是否完全了解上述规则？

QiuhuaYes, yes, you already told me last time.知道了，你们上次已经说过了。

(An image is projected on the wall and Qiuhua looks at it.)（一段影像被投射到墙上，秋桦看向影像。）

(A pair of tactical Dolls flank a human in body armor as they slowly retreat from an encirclement of security troopers. Their situation looks precarious.)（警卫的包围圈中，两个战术人形保护着一名身穿防护服的人类慢慢后退，看上去岌岌可危。）

(Qiuhua's attention is drawn to the silver-haired Doll who seems to be at a loss for what to do next. Then she quickly glances at the other Doll and then the human that they're both protecting.)（秋桦的视线被那名不知所措的银发人形吸引，然后很快地扫过另一名人形，转向她们身后被包裹得严严实实的人类。）

(She stares at them for a long time, until her attention is drawn away by the head interrogator.)（秋桦目不转睛地看了许久，直到她的注视被审讯之人打断。）

InspectorDo you know the people in this image?你是否认识录像中的人？

Qiuhua...I can't be sure.……我不确定。

InspectorDid they come to link up with you?他们是否为接应你而来？

Qiuhua...I can't be sure.……我不确定。

QiuhuaNo, wait, even if I did know them, they'd only be here to pick me up, what's this nonsense about "linking up" with me?!不对，就算是我认识的人，也顶多算是来“接”我，“接应”是什么鬼啊！

InspectorYour statement indicates that these people are similar to others that you know. Is that true?你的证言暴露出这些人确实与你认识的人相似，是吗？

Qiuhua...……

InspectorDo you know who they are?你认为他们是谁？

QiuhuaI maintain my right to silence... You guys have that here, right?我拒绝回答……我有这个权利吧？

InspectorDo you or do you not know their plan and route of withdrawal?你是否知道他们的计划和撤离路线？

QiuhuaNope.我不知道。

InspectorHave you told them where the stolen goods are placed?你是否告知过他们赃物的存放位置？

QiuhuaThat's a leading question, I don't know anything about those stolen goods or whatever!这是诱导提问，我根本不知道你们说的那什么赃物是怎么回事！

Inspector...……

InspectorLet's move back to you. Do you have any collaborators?那就回到你自己吧，你有没有合作者？

QiuhuaCollaborators? Say what?合作？啥意思？

(Obviously, she isn't going to get an answer.)（当然不会有人解答。）

(After a brief silence, a voice interrupts the questioning.)（短暂的沉默后，一个声音打断了问讯。）

???Inspector! Inspector! I have something to say! It's important! It's urgent!监察官！监察官！我有话要说，很重要！很紧急！

(The speaker is so excited that his voice cracks a little, but Qiuhua can just barely make out the voice's owner.)（出声的人因激动而有些破音，但秋桦勉强辨认出了那个声音的所有者。）

(Qiuhua's eyes light up.)（秋桦眼睛一亮。）

QiuhuaChief Yura? Are you over there? I think I heard your voice!尤拉首领？你在“那边”吗？我好像听见了你的声音。

InspectorSit down, Yura. It is not your place to speak.坐下，尤拉，流程中没有这个环节。

YuraI have evidence! My people just found some new evidence! I—是证据！我的人找到了新的证据，就在刚才！我——

(The loudspeaker cuts off with a "beep", leaving only the sound of electrical humming and crackling to echo inside the room.)（“滴”的一声，扬声器被关闭，只剩下细微的电流声漫无目的地回荡。）

Qiuhua...Yura?……尤拉？

QiuhuaHello? I can't hear you guys!喂？我听不见你们说话了！

QiuhuaHello? Hello?! Hey, are you listening to me?喂？喂？！你们听得见我说话吗？

(Silence engulfs the room)（寂静蚕食着整个空间。）

(Qiuhua looks at the one-way mirror and she has a vague idea about what might be happening on the other side, but it's beyond her reach.)（秋桦看向单反玻璃，隐约能感受到另一侧有什么正在发生，但她无法触及。）

GrozaComms check.通讯信号测试。

GrozaCommander, this is Groza and Sabrina.指挥官，这里是闪电和塞布丽娜。

CommanderI read you.可以听到。

(The beam from my headlamp barely manages to illuminate the ground at my feet, but it also makes the fathomless darkness all the more sinister.)（头灯的光束勉强照亮脚下方寸之地，也让无法企及的黑暗变得更为浓稠。）

(Groza can hear the echoes of her voice and her footsteps.)（闪电听见自己的声音，还有脚步的回声。）

GrozaWe just cut through two layers of the grate, and we've made it into the tunnel.我们刚才剪开了两重护网，现在已经成功进入通道内部了。

GrozaThere seems to be more than one path through here, and I can feel the movement of the air. I think there's another opening here.通路似乎不止一条，我能感觉到细微的风，应该确实还有其他的出入口。

GrozaWe haven't encountered any enemies so far. We're continuing toward the center of the settlement, but it seems... A little too quiet.暂时没有遇敌，我们正在向居住点中心方向继续探索，但我感觉……有些过于平静。

CommanderWhat are the conditions inside the tunnel?内部环境怎么样？

GrozaWe're seeing signs of limescale and traces of sedimentation. Peri's guess was right; this was probably part of the drainage system, just abandoned for a long time.我们看见了干涸的痕迹和少量沉积物，佩莉的推断应该没错，或许这里曾经是排水系统的一部分，只是已经荒废很久了。

SabrinaThe insides are pretty flat and the atmospheric sensors aren't picking up anything unusual. Hehe, looks like things are going more smoothly than expected.路况相对平坦，空气成分测试仪也没有异常报告，嘿嘿，比想象中的要轻松呢。

CommanderDon't get careless. Stay alert and carry on.别掉以轻心，保持谨慎，继续前进。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

(The transmission ends.)（通讯结束。）

SabrinaUm, ah... Groza, what did you mean when you said "it seems a little too quiet"?那，那个……闪电，刚才说的“感觉过于平静”是……？

SabrinaIsn't that a good thing?平静，不是好事情吗？

(Doubt starts creeping into Sabrina's voice.)（塞布丽娜有些疑惑。）

GrozaWhy would they overlook a tunnel of this size? It's not like it's a smaller drain.不同于小型通道，这种规模的通道很难被忽视吧？

GrozaThe people on the surface are well-equipped, but they didn't fortify or harden an obvious opening like this. I find it hard to believe that this was just an oversight by the settlement's leadership...明明地面安保火力充足，这种“显而易见”的漏洞却没有做出任何布置，很难相信这只是那个居住点管理会的疏忽……

GrozaSince when was our luck ever this good?我们的运气，什么时候这么好过？

SabrinaYeah, you're right, but what could it mean?对哦，这意味着什么呢？

GrozaMaybe there's some reason that they don't need to defend this place, or perhaps setting up defenses were too costly...或许有什么“不必去做防御”的理由，又或者是布防本身需要付出较高的代价……

SabrinaHuh? Wait, does that mean this place is dangerous? Uwah, I'm starting to get goosebumps!咦？意思是说，这里也有什么危险吗？呜哇，我都开始毛骨悚然了！

(Groza suddenly comes to a halt.)（闪电突然停住脚步。）

SabrinaWhat happened?怎么了？

GrozaDid you hear something?你有没有听见什么声音？

GrozaI might be imagining things... No, you should come listen to it too.或许只是我的错觉……不，你还是也听一下吧。

(Sabrina stops and tilts her head attentively.)（塞布丽娜也停下脚步，侧耳倾听。）

SabrinaNope, don't hear a thing.没有什么特别的声音呀。

(Sabrina pulls a small device out of her frame's internal storage.)（塞布丽娜从素体储存格中掏出一种小装置。）

SabrinaI made this audio amplifier myself. Maybe I'll hear something when I hook it up.接入我自制的声音放大器再试试。

(The gentle breeze blows through and carries with it a quiet sound like some kind of ephemeral wailing.)（缓慢流淌的风送来细微的声响，气若游丝如同某种泣诉。）

Sabrina...I think... I heard something. It sounds like human speech.……我好像……听到了什么，说的还是人类的语言。

SabrinaGroza, this is the physical world, right? Ghosts and such... They don't exist, right?闪电，这个世界是物质的世界吧？幽灵之类的……是，是不存在的吧？

GrozaHuman speech? What are they saying?人类的语言？在说什么？

SabrinaShhh! I'll try and listen in.嘘！我仔细听听。

SabrinaHep... Mi? Help me? Well, it's definitely human speech.九……敏……？救命？可以确定，是人类的声音哦。

SabrinaAh! It's coming closer to us!啊，声源好像还离我们越来越近了！

(A quiet cry for help.)（虚弱的呼救声。）

(The sound of something heavy dragging across the ground.)（重物拖拽声。）

(Footsteps gradually resolving into clarity.)（逐渐清晰的踏地声。）

GrozaCut your lights and hug the wall now!关掉照明！贴紧管壁！

SabrinaWhat? Eh? What's happening all of a sudden, I—咦？唉？！好突然，我——

SabrinaToo late!来不及啦！

(Before she can finish, a swift gust of wind rushes past Sabrina's legs.)（话音落下的瞬间，一阵疾风削过塞布丽娜的腿侧。）

SabrinaAiiieeee! What are all these ELIDs doing here?!呀啊！怎么有这么多生骸！

GrozaPrepare for battle.准备作战。

Sewer Ecology Survey 下水道生态考察

(Groza takes down the last of the ELIDs.)（最后一只生骸被闪电击溃。）

SabrinaFinally... Was that the last one?终于……这是最后一只了吧？

SabrinaCan I turn my lights on now? I'm turning mine on now!可以开灯了吗？我要打开了哦！

GrozaThat person calling for help... She's still alive.那个呼救的人……还活着。

GrozaMiss, you're alright now. Are you hurt?这位女士，已经没事了，您似乎受了伤？

(The woman in question is collapsed on the ground. Her eyes drift around unfocusedly and then she suddenly erupts into an ear-piercing shriek.)（女人瘫软在地上，眼珠子迟缓地转了转，随即爆发出刺耳的尖叫。）

???Aaaaaiiiiiieeeeeeeeeee!……呀啊啊啊啊啊——

SabrinaWe beat up all the bad guys, it's okay, it's okay...坏东西已经被我们打跑了哦，没事啦，没事……

???Stay back!别过来！

SabrinaMiss, you're hurt. Do you need help? We're Dolls, not ELIDs.女士，您受伤了，真的不需要我们帮忙吗？我们是人形，跟生骸不一样的。

(Sabrina tries to smile in a disarming way as much as possible.)（塞布丽娜微笑着，努力表明自身的友好无害。）

(Groza tugs on Sabrina's sleeve and shakes her head imperceptibly.)（闪电拉了拉塞布丽娜的衣角，微不可见地摇摇头。）

???Don't ask me! I don't know, I don't know, I don't know, I don't knowwww—别问我！我不知道我不知道我不知道我不知道啊——

(Her wailing trails off into silence.)（这是最后的一句哭叫。）

Sabrina...Miss? Miss? Oh no, she's passed out. Is it from blood loss?……女士，女士？呀，她晕过去了，是因为失血过多吗？

SabrinaWhat should we do now? I'll try to stop the bleeding.现在……要怎么办呢？我先试着给她止血吧。

(Sabrina pulls a first aid kit out of her frame's internal storage.)（塞布丽娜从素体存储格中拿出急救工具。）

(Groza quickly triages the woman's injuries. Then, she glances toward the direction the ELIDs and the woman have come from; the signs of drag marks are immediately obvious.)（闪电检查过伤员的伤势，看向生骸与女人的来处，拖拽的痕迹一目了然。）

GrozaMost of the blood loss is from gunshot wounds. Her abrasions aren't too severe and she was only dragged for a short distance.主要出血点来源于枪伤，擦伤不算严重，拖拽距离有限。

GrozaIf we could follow them back to their source... perhaps their origin is also our destination.如果能成功追踪回去……或许，她的来处就是我们的目的地。

SabrinaAre we bringing her with us while we do that? Moving while carrying a casualty is kind of difficult...要继续追踪吗？带着她继续走不太方便呢……

GrozaSabrina, you stay here and care for her. Back me up when needed.塞布丽娜，你留在这里照顾伤员，顺便接应我。

GrozaI'll head out for a bit before coming back. I'll only be gone for 10... no, 20 minutes. It won't be far and the risk should be manageable.我再往前走一段就返回，十分钟……不，二十分钟，不会太远的，风险还算可控。

SabrinaAh, but that's so dangerous. If you run into ELIDs again...啊，这样好危险，要是再遇到生骸……

(Sabrina meets Groza's gaze and swallows the words she is about to say.)（塞布丽娜接触到闪电的眼神，默默吞回了后半句话。）

SabrinaOkay, okay, I got it. Still, don't push yourself too hard and come back soon.好啦，我知道了。不过，不能太勉强自己哦，要快点回来。

(Twenty minutes later.)（20分钟后）

(I receive a comms request from Groza while I sit in the jeep.)（我在吉普车中收到了闪电的通讯请求。）

CommanderGroza, how's it looking?闪电，探查得怎么样了？

GrozaCommander, we've found an entrance to the settlement.指挥官，我们找到通往居住点内的入口了。

GrozaHowever, something unexpected happened...不过，遇上了一件意外……

(Groza briefly describes what happened.)（闪电简述了探查过程。）

CommanderGot it. So that wounded lady is out of danger for moment but she can't be moved easily either, is that it?我知道了。那个伤员暂时没有生命危险，但也不方便移动是吗？

GrozaYes, Commander. Should we bring her back to the Elmo?是的，指挥官，我们要先带她回艾莫号吗？

CommanderWe can't be sure if she's an ally or an enemy, and we don't know about Qiuhua's condition...不能确定她是敌是友，秋桦那边也情况不明……

CommanderGroza, Sabrina, wait there for a bit. I'll meet up with you and then we'll enter the settlement together. As for the wounded woman, I'll have Colphne and Vepley look after her. We'll decide our next move once she regains consciousness.闪电，塞布丽娜，你们等我会合后就一起进居住点。至于伤员，我让寇尔芙和维普蕾过来帮她就地治疗，等她意识清醒后再看吧。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

Without Recourse 不得已

(Our first day of searching for Qiuhua in the trade fair ends in failure.)（我们在集市中的首次寻人调查以失败告终。）

(We discuss our next move after meeting up.)（会合之后，我们开始讨论下一步的行动。）

GrozaShould we go investigate another location? While few places are as populated as the trade fair, we might be able to learn something new.要去其他区域调查吗？虽说人口密度不如集市，或许会有些新发现。

SabrinaOr maybe we could walk around the fair again? We've only gone around the place once, so we might have missed something.要不要再在集市这边转转？只经过一轮调查，或许会有遗漏的地方。

(Sabrina looks over the trade fair again. There are eye-catching mascots everywhere, and while the decorations aren't too fancy, they're enough to dazzle the eye.)（塞布丽娜环顾着这片集市区域。到处都点缀着亮眼的吉祥饰物，虽然饰物的质感并不高级，但仍能看得人眼花缭乱。）

(The vendors and customers just keep pouring in, making the environment more and more complex with each passing moment.)（无论是摊贩还是顾客似乎都有增无减，这样的环境确实很复杂。）

CommanderLet me think...等我考虑……

GrozaCommander, there's a heavy—指挥官！有重型……

(Groza's warning is drowned out by the roar of the engines. All I see is her mouth moving and the crowd beginning to move.)（闪电的示警被引擎的轰鸣声吞没，只看见嘴唇开合，人群也开始躁动。）

CommanderHm? The vendors don't look nervous. Why is that?嗯？这里的摊贩好像不怎么紧张？

(Groza freezes up for a moment, then begins surveying her surroundings without saying a word.)（闪电愣了愣，不动声色地观察周围。）

(The nearby merchants don't look afraid; in fact, they're smiling.)（附近的摊贩面无惧色，反而露出笑容。）

GrozaIndeed, this kind of noise usually precedes a bandit raid.确实，这种声音总是意味着掠夺的开端呢。

GrozaIn other settlements, merchants would have started packing up their stalls by now...如果是其他居住点的商贩，这个时候，多半要拼尽全力收摊了……

Passionate Vendor...It's the expedition team! The expedition team has returned!……是远征队！远征队回来了！

Savvy VendorI heard that the road running in front of the warehouse was under repair recently, so the expedition team is detouring through here!听说最近仓库正门那条路在检修，远征队会绕道这里再过去哩！

CommanderFriend, when you say expedition, what exactly are you talking about?老兄，你们说的远征队是……？

Passionate VendorOh, are you customers from the outside?哦！是外来的客人吧？

Passionate VendorYou'll see a bunch of heavily-armed guys passing through here in a bit. They're the expedition forces of our Darksteel Farm.一会儿你们会看见百来个全副武装的壮汉路过这里，那个就是我们黑钢农场的远征队。

Savvy VendorDon't worry, dear customer, they're not here for involuntary asset transfers. We don't operate like people on the outside.客人别紧张，他们不是来零元购的，我们这里和外面不一样。

Passionate VendorLook! Their convoy's actually passing through! It's your lucky day, you'll get to see our expedition team leader in the flesh, that doesn't happen often.看啊！车队真的过来了！今天的客人真走运，这可是难得能见到我们远征队长的机会。

Passionate VendorTheir expeditions usually go on for a really long time. In the past, Leader Garen would bring his boys back in just a few days, but recently they've been gone for up to two weeks at a time!现在远征队外出的时间长，以前三五日就能看见凯伦队长带队出入，最近少说也要十天半个月了呢！

Savvy VendorYeah! Good thing they made it back in a timely manner. I bet they've got lots of good stuff with them. This is a good sign!是啊！能赶在新年之前回来太好了，他们肯定也带回来不少好东西，真是好兆头啊！

(The roar of engines gradually dies down, and everyone turns to look in the same direction. A convoy of jeeps and heavy bikes slowly cruises by.)（引擎噪音逐渐减弱，人们望向集市的一端，一个由吉普车和重型摩托组成的车队慢速驶来。）

(The convoy is led by a big motorcycle. Its rider is a massive man in full combat gear who's casually steering his ride with one hand while waving with the other. His response seems to excite the surrounding vendors, who begin to shout and cheer.)（车队的中心是一辆重型摩托，驾驶者全副武装，身型魁梧，单手控制着行驶方向，另一只手正在大幅度地挥动示意。他的回应鼓舞了两侧的摊贩，人们开始欢呼喊叫。）

Savvy VendorYou might not know this, but the reason why we can set up here without having to worry about anything is because Expedition Leader Garen and his boys go out and collect supplies for us. In fact, it's thanks to Leader Garen's valiant efforts that this festive trade fair is even possible in the first place!客人们不知道，我们能在这里舒舒服服地摆摊，全靠凯伦队长带领着远征队的兄弟们去外面收集资源。我们的开年大集能办起来，也多亏了凯伦队长雷打不动地出去冒险呢！

Savvy VendorIt's every man for himself on the outside, right? In here, everyone has a job and we do it. The expedition team finds stuff, and we sell it.你们外面的人都不爱合作吧？我们这里可是各有分工的，远征队负责找货，我们呢，负责卖货。

Passionate VendorYeah! Life's easy for us because everyone does their part.是呢！大家都把自己的任务做了，才能一起过上这种安稳日子。

Passionate VendorStill, the hardest-working people on the Farm are Inspector Leo and Expedition Leader Garen!不过要说最大的功臣，还得是雷欧监察官和凯伦队长！

Savvy VendorYep, it's got to be Inspector Leo and Expedition Leader Garen!是啊！还得是雷欧监察官和凯伦队长！

Passionate VendorNo doubt about it, it's the Inspector and the Expedition Leader!还得是他俩，监察官和队长！

Passionate Vendor...Hm? Why aren't you inquiring further, dear customer? Aren't you the least bit curious about these big shots of ours? How can we keep praising them if you don't ask us about them? Go on!……嗯？客人们怎么不追问呢？对我们这里的大人物就没有一点好奇心吗？你不问，我们怎么接着夸呢？你快问啊！

(The vendors seem to be in such high spirits that it actually comes off as a little oppressive to the Dolls.)（商贩们神采飞扬，高涨的情绪甚至给人形们带来了一点压力。）

SabrinaAh...? Okay, um... So why does everyone like them so much, anyway?啊？好吧……大家很崇拜他们，是有什么特别的理由吗？

Passionate VendorAw, it's nothing special, really. It's just because they built Darksteel Farm with their own hands, brought everyone together, and distributed the work among all of us, that's all!哎呀，也说不上有多特别啦。无非就是顺顺利利地一手组建起这个黑钢农场，平平无奇地让大家团结在一起，普普通通地给大家做了分工而已嘛！

Savvy VendorThat's right, and they built our checkpoint, laid down the settlement guidelines, made sure they came back from all their expeditions with something to show for them, and enriched all our lives with a fair and well-planned system of distributing resources, simple as that.没错，没错，不过还得加上建好了安检站，制定了居住条例，每次远征不跑空，还用公道又精准的分配方案养活了全体居民，也就这些了吧。

(The vendors are all smiles as they look expectantly at the Dolls.)（小贩们笑容满溢，期待地看向人形们。）

SabrinaUm... why are you looking at me? Are you waiting for me to say something? Hm, let me see...嗯？嗯？为什么看我？在期待些什么？……呃，我试试……

SabrinaI see, your inspector and expedition team leader sound like great people.原来是这样呀，你们的监察官和队长都是厉害的好人呢。

Groza...Bringing Sabrina along was the right decision.……带上塞布丽娜真是正确的决定。

(The vendors seem satisfied with that.)（小贩们终于心满意足。）

(Just then, there is movement from the other side of the trade fair. A man escorted by uniformed guards heads toward the expedition convoy.)（正在此时，集市的另一头又传来一阵骚动。在身着警卫制服的成员簇拥下，有人迎向远征队的方向。）

(The vendors' attention are drawn to the newcomer.)（小贩们的注意力被吸引过去。）

Passionate VendorOh hey, the Inspector's come to welcome the expedition back.嘿，监察官来迎接远征队了。

Passionate VendorYou sure are lucky, dear customers, you get to see both of our prominent figures at once.今天的客人们真是好运气，一次能看见两位大人物。

Savvy VendorThat's pretty good, right? Since our big shots get along, the rest of us can live in peace. I heard that in the past, they were both bounty hunters who befriended each other. Their friendship's older than this settlement!挺好，大人物们和睦，我们才有好日子过……听说那两位，以前做赏金猎人时就是同伴，他们的友谊比这个居住点的重建史还长呢！

(Both contingents make contact, and from where I'm standing, I can see the expedition leader take off his mask and laugh heartily.)（两支队伍相接，站在我的角度，正好能看见远征队长摘下防护头罩，爽朗地大笑。）

(The inspector and the expedition leader clap each other on the shoulders and their mouths move, but their words are drowned out by the surrounding noise.)（监察官与远征队长互相拍了拍肩，双方口型开合，话语被嘈杂的声响吞没。）

CommanderGroza, can you get closer? Try and eavesdrop on what they're saying.闪电，能接近他们吗？听听他们在说什么。

(Groza nods and blends into the excited crowd.)（闪电点点头，混入激动的人群。）

(Shortly afterwards, the groups head away from the trade fair together and Groza returns to my side.)（片刻后，两支队伍一起向外走去，闪电也跟着返回。）

Groza...They were just exchanging greetings. The "inspector" seemed to be asking about their casualty status, and the expedition leader replied...……只是一些寒暄。似乎是“监察官”的那个人问了伤亡情况，远征队长的回复是……

GrozaWe're old hands at this, so we didn't lose anyone. It was a milk run. You, on the other hand... you'd better speak up if you're having any difficulties. We both know how things have been for the past two years.“都是熟手，没什么损失，稳赚不赔的……倒是你这边，有什么困难尽管开口。这两年的环境，兄弟也都理解。”

SabrinaUm... Doesn't sound like anything special. Is all this stuff we're learning going to help us find Qiuhua...嗯……没有什么特别的呢。我们打听的这些事，能对找秋桦有帮助吗……

CommanderIt doesn't seem relevant right now. Perhaps we need to change our approach. Let me think.现在看来没什么联系，或许需要改变调查方向，我考虑一下。

Passionate VendorRight, back to work!好咯！继续干活吧！

Passionate VendorAh, seeing the Inspector and the Expedition Leader make me feel like I need to do my part too.每次见到监察官和队长的英姿，就觉得我们也要努力做出我们的贡献了。

Passionate VendorThe festive trade fair is our battleground!开年大集，就是我们的“战场”！

Savvy VendorThat's right! We need to lock in too! I'll keep an eye on my stall; the Nian isn't going to take a single gram away from me!啊，是！咱们也得打起精神，我就守着我这一摊子货，绝对不会让年兽偷走一克物资！

Passionate VendorHeh, even if a Boojum comes, it won't get anything from me either!呵，伯介姆来了也休想从我手中抢走物资！

Savvy Vendor(Spits) I'd rather those Boojums stay away forever!……呸！伯介姆还是永远别来才好！

Passionate VendorWell, even if one does turn up, I'm sure Expedition Leader Garen can deal with it, right? I heard that he beat a hundred ELIDs to death when he was outside! With his bare hands!就算来了，凯伦队长也能应付得了吧？听说他在外面，一拳能打一百个生骸。

SabrinaWhat? Whaaaaat?! Can humans even do that?咦？咦？！人类可以做到这样的事吗？

Passionate VendorWhy not? That's what all those pulp novels from circulating in the Farm say!怎么不能呢，农场地下小说里都是这么写的啊！

Passionate Vendor...Granted, I haven't actually seen him do it in person, but, er, it's got to be grounded in reality. There's got to be some basis to it, right?!……虽然不是亲眼所见，呃，总之一定有现实基础，他有他的道理，对不对！

Savvy VendorStill, I haven't heard about anyone being robbed by the Nian recently. My nephew's in the guards, and they say they've caught a suspect for being the "Nian". Maybe there won't be any more robberies from now on!不过，这两天好像没听说谁家有被年兽偷。听我那个警卫队的侄子说，他们抓住“年兽嫌疑犯”了，没准以后都不会被偷了！

Passionate VendorYou can catch something like that? My uncle's in the expedition team; he says it's an immortal monster that comes and goes without a trace and only goes to sleep in spring.那玩意还能被抓？我那个远征队的叔叔说了，那家伙可是永生妖怪，来无影，去无踪，只有春天来了才会重新沉睡。

SabrinaI have no idea what they've been talking about since just now.从刚才开始就都是些听不懂的东西了呢。

SabrinaWhat's the Nian? Is it some new kind of ELID?什么是年兽呀？是新的生骸品种吗？

GrozaI'm not too sure, but apparently one's been captured, and Qiuhua went missing around the same time... It's worth looking into.虽然不是很明白，但好像有什么被抓住了，秋桦也是同一时间失联了……值得深究。

CommanderThe Nian... Sounds kind of familiar. Now who mentioned it before, was it Mayling...?年兽……有点熟悉，好像听谁说起过，是美玲……？

(I think Mayling told me a story about it in the past. A light snow had been falling outside back then, and the season seemed to match up.)（美玲好像讲过它的故事，那时窗外飘着灰色的薄雪，似乎也是类似的季节。）

SabrinaMeh, why not just ask them directly? These vendors seem like nice people; surely they'll tell us all about it, right?哎呀，直接问问他们呗。热情的商人先生们会乐意解答的吧？

(Sabrina decides to ask them about the "Nian".)（塞布丽娜向小贩们打听起“年兽”的事。）

Passionate VendorThe Nian, hm... well, you don't need to worry about it, dear customer. Looks like it was actually a thief mucking about. I've never heard of it going after outsiders before.年兽……呃，客人们不必担心，目前看来，那怪东西就是小偷小摸捣捣乱，也没听说向外来人员下手的。

Passionate VendorThat expedition team uncle of mine said that it comes out to cause trouble when winter gives way to spring, and it goes back to sleep once spring comes.我那远征队的叔叔说了，每到冬春交际的时候，年兽就会出来作乱，等春天来了就回去睡了。

Passionate VendorHang in there, it won't be long. The festive trade fair is coming and so is spring. Like they say in the Farm—坚持坚持呗，没几天了。开年大集来了，春天也就来了。农场老话说得好——

Passionate Vendor—Stronger and stronger each spring, haha!一春更比一春强，嘿嘿！

SabrinaThis Nian sounds like a marvelous beast. Is your uncle an expert on such things?听起来年兽是好神奇的生物呢，您的叔叔是这种神奇生物的专家吗？

Passionate VendorNah, all this stuff about the Nian was collected by his pals in the expedition team from data chips they found outside.那不是，关于年兽的情报是远征队的兄弟们从外面的资料芯片里找到的。

Passionate VendorIt's just that recently, we've been losing stuff here and there, and it fit the description of that Nian monster causing trouble...最近我们这里多多少少都有丢东西的，跟那个“年兽作乱”的描述一模一样……

Savvy VendorTsk, tsk, utter nonsense! What's all this rubbish about monsters? If you ask me, it's the fault of those "trash collectors".去去去！哪来那么多怪东西，我看多半是“那些捡垃圾的”偷的吧。

Savvy VendorMy nephew in the guards has been doing extra shifts because of them for a long time now. They've changed patrols and apparently they found weird tracks where those trash collectors live...我那警卫队的侄子为了这事已经加了很久的班了，巡逻班次都改了呢，听说确实有一些奇怪的痕迹，就在那些“捡垃圾的”住的地方……

Passionate VendorPersonally, I think it was done by some horrible UMA or something. I mean, we're in the contamination zone, I wouldn't be surprised if there were weird mutants running around.我还是觉得那是某种恐怖的未知生物干的，毕竟这里是污染区，有什么奇怪的异变生物都不奇怪吧。

Savvy VendorTch, there's no getting through to occult freaks like you!跟你说不通，神棍思维！

Passionate VendorAs if you're any better! Where's your proof, you conspiracy theorist?!你就有证据啦？阴谋论！

SabrinaAhaha, thanks, guys. We'll, uh, take our leave then.啊哈哈，谢谢两位哦。我们就先……不打扰啦。

(The vendors begin arguing with each other and pay no heed to us.)（小贩们忙于争论，并未在意我们的动向。）

(Sabrina breathes a sigh of relief as she backs away. She then signals to Groza and me, indicating that we should follow her.)（塞布丽娜松了口气，一边慢慢地后退，一边向我和闪电招手，示意我们跟上。）

(However, in her relief Sabrina has not realized that a squad of patrolling guards is approaching us.)（放松的塞布丽娜并未注意到，一队巡逻警卫正向我们走来。）

GrozaSabrina, look—塞布丽娜，小心……

(Groza's warning comes too late. As Sabrina backs up, she crashes into the guards behind her.)（闪电的提醒晚了一步，塞布丽娜脚步轻快，直直撞进了身后警卫的队列里。）

SabrinaHm? Ack! I'm sorry!嗯？……哇啊！对不起！

GuardIt's alright, dear guests.没关系，新年快乐，几位客人。

GuardActually, we were looking for you. Would you mind coming with us?我们小队是特意来找你们的，请借一步说话。

SabrinaHm? Could it be that... you've seen the Doll we're looking for?嗯？难道是……您见过我们在找的人形吗？

GuardI'm sorry, but I don't quite get your meaning. However, I'm sure you don't want to cause a big disturbance here, am I right?很抱歉，我不太明白您的话。不过，我想客人们也不想在这里打扰到其他人吧？

SabrinaUm, well, of course we don't want to make trouble, but...嗯嗯，我们当然无意打扰大家啦。可是……

SabrinaI mean, while you're in uniforms and look really convincing, blindly following strangers in the Yellow Zone is really dangerous. I'll need a more convincing reason to go with you.虽然你们穿着制服，长得很可信，但是在黄区迷迷糊糊地跟陌生人走还是很危险的，请给我们一个更明确的理由哦。

(Groza looks at me, and after seeing me nod, she indicates that Sabrina doesn't need to stall them.)（闪电看向我，见我微微点头，示意塞布丽娜不必交涉。）

(After all, rather than traipse around trying our luck, I'd rather place my faith in this chance to turning our situation around. Who knows, we might end up finding a new clue.)（比起漫无目的地四处碰运气，我更愿意相信这样的变数会带来转机……也许是新的线索。）

GrozaIt's alright, Sabrina.没关系，塞布丽娜。

GrozaPlease lead the way, gentlemen.几位，请带路吧。

(The guard squad leader nods and takes us to a place on the outskirts of the fair.)（警卫小队长点点头，将我们带到了集市的外围。）

(There are empty stalls around us and the lights are off. There are signs reading "Preparing for the Fair" nearby.)（附近大多是空置的摊位，照明并未开启，近处立着“筹备中”字样的提示牌。）

GuardWe apologize for interrupting your shopping, but we received an anonymous report from a stall owner...抱歉打扰几位的游览，但我们接到了匿名摊贩的报告……

GuardApparently, you've been browsing the fair for several hours but haven't purchased anything. Is that true?几位在集市中来回走动了数个小时，并且没有买到任何合心意的商品，是吗？

(The guard's polite but suspicious gaze falls on our empty hands.)（警卫客气但怀疑的目光落在我们空着的双手上。）

GrozaWe simply wish to understand the wares that are on offer at your trade fair in order to optimize our financial expenditures and acquire everything at once.我们想先了解集市上可提供的物资，才好统筹规划我们的资金，一起采购。

GrozaAnd since the festive fair hasn't officially opened yet, I believe we ought to have some time to consider our purchases. Are we not free to do that?听说“开年大集”尚未正式开业，我想还有一些时间让我们犹豫挑选，这是我们的自由吧？

GuardI see, that is a most sensible explanation. However, according to that anonymous report, you... specifically, these two Dolls, did not ask any questions about what our sales personnel were selling.原来如此，您的解释确实合理。只是根据匿名报告，几位……特别是两位人形，向我们的销售队员工提出的问题都和所售商品没什么关联。

GrozaWe've only just arrived here, so being curious about unfamiliar things is unavoidable. These questions were also meant to help us determine the length of our stay and the reliability of your merchandise.我们刚到这里，对陌生的事物产生好奇也是难免的，那些问题的答案也能帮助我们判断在这里停留的时间长短，还有商品质量的可靠性。

GuardI see, perhaps this was just a misunderstanding.我明白了，或许这只是一场误会。

GuardHowever, we are compelled to do our due diligence, and thus I must remind you that according to the Farm Resident Regulations, any personal inquiries, eavesdropping, and other such activities that are not sanctioned by the Farm Management are considered illegal. Repeat offenders will be banished from the Farm and permanently barred from entry.不过，职责所在，我必须提醒客人们，根据《农场居民自治条例》，任何未经管理会授权的私自调查、探听等举动都被视为违法行为，多次违法者将被逐出农场管辖范围并终身禁入。

GuardSurely you must have heard that when passing through the security checkpoint. I urge you to keep that in mind and avoid doing this again.以上规则，各位在经过安检站时应该有专人宣讲过，请牢记于心，不要再犯。

SabrinaUwah... being "permanently barred from entry" sounds pretty stiff...呜哇……“终身禁入”，这么严格……

(Well, that's a stroke of bad luck.)（真是个坏消息。）

(I exchange glances with Groza.)（闪电和我交换着眼色。）

GrozaI see. We will keep that in mind.我明白了，我们之后会注意的。

GuardNow then, please show us your entry permits.那么，请各位出示你们的通行凭证。

GuardThis interaction constitutes a first warning. I will need to verify your entry permit serial number and ensure that said warning has been logged.我们的本次沟通视为第一次警告，我需要确认你们的通行凭证编码，记录本次警告详情。

SabrinaEh...? An e-entry permit...?唉……？通、通行凭证……？

(Sabrina sidles up to me and nervously asks me a question.)（塞布丽娜凑近我，不安地小声询问。）

SabrinaCommander, our entry permits... they won't work, right?指挥官，我们的通行凭证……不行的吧？

SabrinaI mean... if even asking around is illegal, then what are they going to think of illegal immigration like what we just did? You think... you think they'll dump us off the side of a cliff?连探听消息都犯法，不知道像我们这种“违规入境”的情况会算作什么罪行。该不会……要被从悬崖上丢下去吧？

(I pat Sabrina's back to console her while I observe the surroundings.)（我拍了拍塞布丽娜的后背，安抚塞布丽娜，一边打量着四周。）

(We're on the edges of the trade fair, and the cold wind is blowing wildly through the empty stalls. There are drifts of uncleared gray-white snow piled up against the walls. Even if we make a ruckus, I doubt it'll draw much attention.)（这里是集市最内侧的角落，冷风在空置摊位的间隙中肆意穿行，墙根堆着未及清除的灰白色积雪。即便闹出一些动静，似乎并不会引起太多注意。）

(I give Groza a meaningful look.)（我用眼神向闪电示意。）

CommanderCertainly, my permit's right here.稍等，凭证在我这里。

(I make a show of reaching into my backpack, and the guards focus their attention on me.)（我作势将手伸进随身背包，警卫的注意力集中到我身上。）

(Groza is ready to strike.)（闪电已做好了出手的准备。）

CommanderHere you go.哦，找到了——

(The guard squad leader reflexively reaches out to take my permit.)（警卫小队长下意识地伸出手，准备接过我的通行凭证。）

(I grab his hand and immediately put his arm into a lock; the other guards are taken completely by surprise.)（我握住了警卫小队长的手，顺势扼制住他的行动，其他的警卫们尚未回过神。）

CommanderGroza, knock them out.闪电，打晕他们。

GrozaWill do.是。

(Groza seizes the opportunity I've created, while I yank the guard leader away from his squad.)（闪电精准地抓住了我制造出的小小先机，我将警卫小队长用力推开。）

CommanderSabrina! Back Groza up!塞布丽娜！你也去支援闪电。

SabrinaEh? Ehhh?! Just like that...咦？咦？！好突然哦……

CommanderSorry, Mr. Guard, but right now...抱歉，警卫先生。但现在……

CommanderI need to ensure our freedom of movement.确保我方行动自由，是第一优先级。

Without Recourse 不得已

(Ordinary guards are no match for tactical Dolls. However, the dazed guards soon regain their bearings.)（普通的警卫队人员不是人形们的对手，很快，回过神的警卫队调整了对策。）

GuardThis is Squad 3! This is Squad 3!……喂……喂……这里是第三小队！……

GrozaNot good! Stop him!不好，要阻止他们求援！

(One of the guards is holding a communicator. Groza runs toward him.)（有警卫握着通讯器，闪电向他跑去。）

(A laser dot flickers across her back. I turn to the stray guard who's apparently slipped the net and kick his gun away.)（在她的身后，瞄准器在地面上留下晃动的光点。我找到了一条埋伏的漏网之鱼，踢开他的枪械。）

Guard...We're on the west side of the market... send...……我们在集市西侧……请……

(Something whistles through the air and a spatula smashes into the guard's communicator, sending it flying.)（破空声响起，一只飞来的锅铲重重撞开了警卫手中的通讯器。）

???Stop! It's all a misunderstanding!都住手！误会！都是误会！

(A loud voice rings out from the distance. Everyone pauses for a moment, which is long enough for the girl who shouted to run up to us.)（远处传来一声清脆的大喝，众人都是一顿，风风火火的少女已经冲到了我们面前。）

SabrinaQiu...Qiuhua?!秋……秋桦？！

(The newcomer picks up the spatula and smiles breezily at us.)（来人捡起地上的锅铲擦了擦，抬头露出爽朗的笑脸。）

(Indeed, this is Type 97S—Qiuhua—whom we haven't seen in a while.)（正是久违的97式霰——秋桦。）

QiuhuaYo! What's up, my old chromes?哟！老铁们，都还好吧？

SabrinaQiuhua! You're okay! But, but then why didn't you tell us? You scared my parts off...秋桦！你没事呀！你，你为什么不回复消息？你吓死人形啦……

(Sabrina steps up and gives Qiuhua a warm hug.)（塞布丽娜迎上去，给了秋桦一个大大的拥抱。）

(Qiuhua gently pats Sabrina on the back, then winks at me before gently extracting herself from Sabrina's arms and turning to the guard.)（秋桦轻拍着塞布丽娜的背，向我眨了眨眼，就推开塞布丽娜，转过去面对警卫。）

QiuhuaSorry about that, bro. Here's our permit.兄弟，不好意思啊，这是咱们的通行凭证。

QiuhuaThis is my commander, we were operating separately for a bit, but our signal was cut off. They panicked a little and forgot how things worked.我是归属于这位长官的人形，之前分头行动，信号断了，他们一时着急乱了方寸，可能忘了些规矩。

(Qiuhua produces her entry permit and hands it to the guard squad leader.)（秋桦拿出自己的通行凭证，递给警卫小队长。）

QiuhuaDon't worry, we'll follow the rules from now on.请放心，我们之后一定遵守法规。

Guard(Clears throat) Assaulting an officer is also a violation of the rules...咳咳，他们袭击警卫队，也是违法……

QiuhuaAw, c'mon, can't you just let it slide? If they're passed out, I'll just shake them awake, how about that? I mean, it's not like anyone died, right?哎呀，您这回就通融一下呗！这不是都还活着吗，我这就去把晕过去的摇醒？

QiuhuaSee, no serious injuries or anything...This doesn't even count as an assault here in the Yellow Zone, maybe an accident or something at most!您看看，这也不像是有什么受重伤的……这在黄区哪算得上袭击，都是不小心的啦！

SabrinaHm? You're going to wake people up? Let me help!咦？要摇醒吗？那我来帮忙！

(After getting my approval, Sabrina and Groza begin helping Qiuhua with the cleanup to show our sincerity.)（确认过我的态度后，塞布丽娜和闪电开始善后，配合秋桦表现我们的善意。）

GuardWhat rubbish is this?! You...你这是什么话！你……

(Just then, the communicator that's lying on the ground nearby connects automatically, and a distress call from another guard squad comes through.)（恰在此时，地面不远处的通讯器自动接通，其中传出其他警卫小队的求援语音。）

QiuhuaLooks like your guard friends are busy!您看，好像您的警卫兄弟们也都忙活着呢！

QiuhuaIt's festival and all...这大过年的……

QiuhuaI mean, this is a key period for the trade fair, when there are the most people around, so since we're alright here, we won't delay you guys any further.我是说，现在正是集市游人最多的关键时期，咱们这里也没什么大事，就不耽误警力了。

QiuhuaSo what say you close an eye to this and we'll live our lives on the straight and narrow from now on. Doesn't that work out for everyone?您高抬贵手，我们重新做人，这不是正好嘛？

(The distress call from the communicator keeps going.)（通讯器中不断传来催促援手的声音。）

(The guard squad leader glares hard at Qiuhua, then grits his teeth and picks up Qiuhua's entry permit.)（警卫小队长瞪了秋桦一眼，咬着牙低头验证起秋桦的通行凭证。）

GuardLet me check your logs... So you were arrested? And you were just released?这个记录……你被拘捕过？刚放出来？

QiuhuaYeah, yeah, it was a misunderstanding. Look, it says "NOT GUILTY" right there, doesn't it?是是，只是误会，您看上头是不是写了“无罪”？

QiuhuaYou've had way too many people here recently, so it's no wonder why these hiccups keep happening. Like this time round, for example. Our commander's here to make big buys at your festive trade fair and he's all about peaceful coexistence. Definitely not here to make trouble!最近来你们这儿的人实在太多了，误会真是不少呢。像是这回，我们长官只是来“开年大集”消费的，大家和平相处，绝对没有惹事的意思！

(The guard captain is silent for a very long time. Clearly, he doesn't want to deal with Qiuhua.)（警卫小队长沉默了一阵，显然不太想搭理秋桦。）

Guard...Fine, then. The warning's been logged; any future violations will result in a stiff penalty.……可以了。本次警告也记上了，如果再犯会受到严厉的惩罚。

(The guard eyes us reproachfully.)（警卫警告性地看了我们一眼。）

GuardI hope you will all abide by the Farm's rules from now on.希望各位客人日后，好好遵守农场的法规。

QiuhuaSure thing! Help me wish the rest of the boys a happy festival! Sorry for the trouble!好嘞！给大家伙儿拜个早年，麻烦大家了！

(The guard squad leader is forced to smile politely in response to Qiuhua's beaming grin, and then he goes to check on his downed men.)（面对笑容满面的秋桦，警卫不甘不愿地露出一个礼节性的微笑，随后走向那些被击晕的同伴们。）

(Qiuhua helps lift up the unconscious guards and hands them over to their comrades. Then, she pats her chest with a chuckle.)（秋桦扛起晕过去的警卫，交到对方的同伴手里，嘿嘿笑了两声，对着我们直拍胸口。）

Qiuhua...Whew. We might not have gotten out of this so easily if the guards weren't already so overworked.……呼，要不是这些警卫最近忙得晕头转向，这回还真不好脱身。

(At last, Qiuhua looks me in the eye. Her smile hasn't changed much, but there's a strange emotion in her eyes, one which doesn't translate well into words. It feels like she's getting emotional.)（秋桦终于能直视着我，面上笑容未有多少变化，亮晶晶的双眼中却流转着一些复杂难言的情绪，似乎感慨万千。）

QiuhuaIt's been a while, Commander.好久不见，长官。

(Her voice is softer than just now, with a hint of gentleness that's quite rare for her.)（她的声音比刚才要轻上一点，隐约带着一丝罕见的柔软。）

QiuhuaOh, and Sabrina and... OTs-14? Glad to meet you!还有塞布丽娜和……OTs-14？很高兴加入大家！

SabrinaAh... She's Groza. Just call her Groza from now on!啊……她是闪电，以后叫她闪电啦！

GrozaHello, Qiuhua.你好，秋桦。

SabrinaHm, so our mission to find Qiuhua is complete, then? It went better than expected!呼，寻找秋桦的任务算是完成了吧？比想象中顺利呢！

SabrinaQiuhua, I haven't seen you since you finished that job in the previous satellite city. How did you lose contact with us? When we get back, you'll have to tell me all about it...秋桦，你上个卫星城的工作离职之后，我们都没有再见过。你是怎么失联的，等回去要好好讲给我听……

(As Sabrina grabs Qiuhua and begins to drag her away, Groza looks at me.)（塞布丽娜拉起秋桦的手要走，闪电也看向我。）

GrozaCommander, will we be going back now, or are we staying here for a bit longer?指挥官，我们是现在回去，还是趁这个机会采购一下？

GrozaWell, since Qiuhua's entry permit passed muster, I think we can make proper purchases. And if we can shop, why not call the others over from the Elmo?既然刚才秋桦的通行凭证可用，我想正大光明地购物也是没有问题的。要是能购物，要不要告知还在留守的大家一起过来？

GrozaThe festival is almost upon us and Mayling's been looking forward to the shopping and celebration...新春将至，美玲也期待这种采购和庆典很久了……

QiuhuaWait, wait, wait!等等，稍等一下！

(Qiuhua tugs on Sabrina's arm, indicating that she should stop.)（秋桦扯了扯塞布丽娜，示意她先停下来。）

QiuhuaCommander, please allow me to stay here for a few more days. I have some "unfinished business" that I need to take care of.指挥官，请允许我再停留几天时间。有点“遗留问题”，我想做个了结再走。

CommanderUnfinished business?“遗留问题”？

QiuhuaI can't talk about it here. Please follow me, everyone.这里不是说话的地方，大家，请随我来。

(Qiuhua's face grows serious as she looks at the nearby guards.)（秋桦看了看仍在不远处的警卫，表情变得有些严肃。）

Why Reminisce At Reunions? 重逢何必叙旧

(The long winter night finally arrives in full by the time we reach the highland.)（我们到达高地时，独属于冬季的长夜已经降临。）

(Several gaunt workers are tying up strips of red cloth on their tents. Qiuhua says they're decorating for the festive trade fair.)（几个瘦削单薄的人正在往帐篷上捆绑红色的布条，秋桦说这是在为迎接“开年大集”做装饰。）

(She leads us to the edge of the settlement, which is bordered by barren land. The distorted forms of ruined buildings are visible in the distance.)（秋桦带着我们来到了居住点的边缘地带，不远处是荒芜的土地。更远的地方，一些废墟建筑留下光怪陆离的庞然黑影。）

QiuhuaThis is it. Let's go in.就是这里了，我们进去吧。

(There are over a dozen tents around us, all lit up, which just barely serves to banish the darkness. Some of them have ornaments made of red paper on them. The lights inside the tents make them cast twisted shadows on the ground.)（我们身边的十几顶帐篷内点着灯，勉强驱走近旁的黑暗。有的帐篷上贴着红纸做成的装饰品，被帐篷里的灯光照着，在地面投出七扭八歪的影子。）

(Qiuhua brings us into one of these tents.)（秋桦带着我们走入某一顶帐篷。）

???Qiuhua, are you out? I heard you were released this afternoon, I just knew you'd be here!秋桦，你出狱啦？我下午收到了你被释放的消息，就知道你会到这儿来！

QiuhuaChief Yura, I thought I heard your voice over the interrogation room loudspeaker. Did you get me out of there?尤拉首领，我在审讯室扬声器里好像听见了你的声音，是你捞我出来的吧？

QiuhuaThey were asking me a bunch of questions I had no clue about and they wouldn't let me leave either. I was bored out of my mind in there.他们反反复复问我一堆听不懂的东西，又不让我出门走两步，一点儿乐子都没有，关得我闷得慌。

YuraWell, my boys discovered some new evidence that proved your innocence, so I had them send it in.我确实提交了一样能证明你无罪的新证据，是我的兄弟们找到的。

YuraFortunately, I'm the scavenger representative in the "Management", so I could request to sit in on the questioning. Then that new evidence arrived just in time, so I submitted it.好歹我也是“拾荒者”在管理会里的代表，本来就可以申请旁听，也是那个新证据来得巧，我一收到就提交了。

QiuhuaThank you, and thanks to your boys in the scavengers!多谢，也谢谢拾荒者兄弟们！

YuraWell, you're a guest who came to help us, so it only makes sense that we should help you if you were wronged. I mean, the festive trade fair is almost here. We couldn't just let you spend it rotting in jail, right?你可是来帮我们的贵客，被冤枉了，大家帮你也是理所应当的。开年大集就要来了，总不能让你在牢里一个人过吧？

YuraOh yes, these guests of yours are...对了，这几位客人是……

QiuhuaThis is my Commander. These are my friends, Sabrina and Groza.这位是我的长官。这是我的伙伴们，她们叫塞布丽娜和闪电。

YuraSo you're the Commander that Qiuhua keeps talking about. Welcome to the scavenger camp!原来您就是秋桦整天念叨的长官，欢迎来到拾荒者营地！

YuraI'm sure you haven't spoken in a long time, so you must have a lot to talk about, right? Well, don't be shy, feel free to take a load off and rest here. The scavengers always welcome new members to the family!你们应该很久没见面了，有很多话要说吧？别客气，就在这里歇一阵子，拾荒者随时欢迎新的家人！

(Yura stands up and gives us the tent for ourselves.)（尤拉站起来，将帐篷让给我们。）

YuraI'll go see whether our experiments in raising crops have borne fruit. Feel free to catch up with each other.我去看看兄弟们的种植研学有没有新进展，你们聊。

QiuhuaHehe, looks like this tent is ours for the time being.哎嘿，看来这座帐篷暂时归我们了。

QiuhuaAlright, have a seat and let me tell you the story so far.大家都请坐，听我展开来讲讲经过。

SabrinaQuick, tell us! Aminda was worried about you too...你快说吧，到底发生了什么呀？阿米达也着急呢……

QiuhuaAck, sorry for making you all worry. Anyway, just give me a few minutes to tell you a little of the historical background...抱歉，抱歉，这回让大家伙都受累了。这件事情，说来话长……

QiuhuaI used to work in a Green Zone farm. Back then, my boss was an old lady who was really nice to Dolls and took really good care of me. She came from what we now call "Darksteel Farm".我以前在绿区农场工作过，那时我的上司是一位对人形十分和善的老太太，我受到了她的很多照顾。那位老太太的家乡，就是我们现在所在的“黑钢农场”。

GrozaBut if I'm not wrong... Aminda's intel states that Darksteel Farm was only just recently founded.可……我好像记得，在阿米达的情报中，黑钢农场是最近几年才开始崛起的居住点。

QiuhuaI'm talking about the former Darksteel Farm before the war—back then, it was still called "Sunset Farm". After the farm was abandoned, its people wandered all over the place, but that lady was still really attached to her former home. After I decided to go work in the Yellow Zone, she asked me to find the descendants of her former friends and neighbors and check on them in her place.我所说的是经历战争与灾害前的黑钢农场——那时候它还叫“黄昏农场”。农场荒废之后，后人流落各地，那位女士一直很记挂从前的同乡。在我决定要去黄区发展之后，她托付我寻找她的同乡后人，代年老的她照拂一二。

SabrinaWow, I think I heard you mention her before. I didn't know she had a background like that...哇，我听你说起过那位女士，没想到她还有这样的过去……

QiuhuaAyup! I'd heard that someone rebuilt the farm, and after learning that the descendants of former farm residents were going back this year, I made plans to come by and pay it a visit.嗯呢！我从前就知道有人在重建农场，今年又得到了农场后裔回乡的消息，一直想着啥时候来看看呢。

QiuhuaThen, Aminda came back from an underground brokers' gathering and told me that she'd run into the Commander and that the Agreement's restrictions had been relaxed... So as it turned out, going to the farm would end up bringing me back to the Elmo too.正好，前阵子阿米达去参加暗商博览会回来，告诉我她遇上了长官，协议限制也放宽了……我一看，巧了不是，农场的方向和回归艾莫号的方向相同。

QiuhuaI was thinking of taking care of the old lady's request and then meeting up with the Commander after everything was settled... But I didn't expect that I would end up causing trouble for everyone.我是想着，先过来把事儿办了，等到完成那位女士的托付，正好可以圆满地和指挥官会合……没想到，给大家添麻烦了。

(Qiuhua puts her hands together apologetically and smiles sheepishly.)（秋桦不好意思地双手合十，向我们再次道歉。）

CommanderNo problem. Keep going.没事，你接着说吧。

SabrinaSo why did the people here lock you up anyway?你为什么被这个居住点的人抓起来了？

QiuhuaWell, there had been a spate of theft cases shortly after my arrival, with the stolen items being rare spices, and the guards just so happened to find unknown drag marks in the barren land out back.我这是正好赶上了。最近集市和居民区那边窃案频发，丢的东西里就有稀有香料，警卫队偏巧在后头的荒地边上发现了不明拖痕。

QiuhuaThe only people there were me and the scavengers; the guards weren't able to find anything on the scavengers, but they just happened to find the exact same spices that were missing on me...这一带荒地附近只有拾荒者和我，警卫队没找到拾荒者的茬，倒是在我身上找到了部分同款香料……

QiuhuaLike, are we not allowed to cook stuff that actually tastes good? Couldn't they have imagined that I might have brought it along myself?不是，我说，我们厨子身上能没有点好东西吗？就不能是我自己带的嘛！

(Qiuhua slaps her thigh in annoyance, then she glances at me and mutters under her breath.)（秋桦愤慨地一拍大腿，又看了我一眼，轻声嘟囔。）

QiuhuaI went out of my way to gather all those spices! Since we were meeting again after so long, I wanted to show you what I'd learned during our time apart and give you a taste of my skills.那些香料还是我特意收集的呢！我好不容易才能见到长官，只想一见面就给长官露一手，让长官尝尝我这脱胎换骨的手艺。

QiuhuaBut now the surprise is all ruined...这下，惊喜是全没咯……

CommanderHm. Well, we've got a long time ahead of us. There's no need to rush it.呃，来日方长，会有机会的。

GrozaSo they arrested you because you just happened to have the same kind of spices on you, without any concrete proof that you had stolen it... It feels like the Management's handling of the case was very sloppy.仅仅只是同款物资……感觉这样的证据并不充分，这里的管理会断案似乎太草率了。

QiuhuaWell, that wasn't the only reason why.其实吧，也不止是因为这个。

QiuhuaIt was only after I came here that I learned that Sunset Farm's descendants were now called "scavengers". Their living conditions here were pretty bad and the other residents treated them like crap...我来了这里后才知道，农场后裔们现在被称为“拾荒者”，他们在这个居住点的处境并不乐观，其他居民们也并不待见他们……

QiuhuaI was living with the scavengers until a few days ago, which made me one of them in the eyes of Darksteel Farm. When they interrogated me, the guy doing it kept trying to make me say I stole stuff for them.我前几天都和拾荒者待在一起，在黑钢农场的其他人眼里，我们是一伙的。审讯的时候，总有人试图诱导我证明我是受拾荒者指使才偷窃物资。

GrozaSo you're saying the Management suspected the scavengers of using you to steal supplies, and they tried to use you to make their case?你是说，其实管理会是怀疑拾荒者利用你偷窃了物资，而你成为了他们试图破案的突破口？

QiuhuaYup. Chief Yura told me that the scavengers weren't doing too well on the Farm. For starters, a lot of people ended up turning to thievery because they couldn't earn enough contribution points to survive, but the guards already dealt with them. Based on what I've seen so far, the descendants of Sunset Farm who are still here in the highlands don't seem like criminals to me.是的。尤拉首领告诉我，拾荒者在农场的工作推进得并不顺利。先前是有不少人因为无法赚得足够的“贡献积分”，走上了小偷小摸的歧路，那些人早已被监察官处置了。根据我这段时间来的观察，现在还坚守在高地的农场后裔确实不像是犯人。

SabrinaHm... It's hard to sway public opinion with a subjective opinion now that their biases have developed.嗯……偏见已经形成了，主观性的评价很难扭转公众的印象呢。

QiuhuaSo I was thinking and took a look at the situation. While a lot of stuff's been stolen, the scavengers wouldn't be starving like this if they'd actually managed to get their hands on it.我寻思啊，看管理会的阵仗，失窃物显然不少，但凡那些东西能到拾荒者手里，他们这儿也不会像闹饥荒似的。

QiuhuaAlso, the fact that I was released at all was because Chief Yura's evidence convinced them. When I came out, however, I heard the guards talking about how that evidence cleared me, but at the expense of making the scavengers look even more suspicious... Chief Yura never mentioned anything like that.而且我能被释放，也是尤拉首领提交的证据起了作用。可我出来时，听到警卫们在议论，说是那个证据证明了我的清白，却加重了拾荒者的嫌疑……尤拉首领都没有提起这事呢。

(Qiuhua scratches her head and then shoots me a pleading, desperate look.)（秋桦有些局促地挠了挠头，带着请求看向我。）

QiuhuaCommander, I want to help clear the scavengers' name. That would let me help them and fulfil that request from my previous employer. Could you give me a few more days?长官，我想帮助拾荒者洗清“小偷”的罪名，这样也算是帮上了他们的忙，完成了我那位前上司的托付。可以再给我几天时间吗？

(The interior of the tent is dimly-lit by a little red lantern in the corner of the room. Compared to the affluence of the trade fair, the people here, hemmed in by circumstance, still tend to be positive.)（帐篷里点着昏暗的灯，角落里摆着一只红色的小灯笼。与饰物丰富的集市区域相比，这里的人们显得有心却局促。）

(I look at Qiuhua's eyes which shine with determination, and I find it very hard to say no to her.)（我看着秋桦明亮倔强的眼睛，很难说出拒绝的话。）

CommanderLet me guess. Even if I said no, you wouldn't let things be even if you came back to the Elmo, right?我要是阻拦你，估计你回了艾莫号也放不下这件事吧？

QiuhuaYup, you know me best, Commander.啊，还得是长官懂我。

CommanderThen let's take care of this together and head back into town again.那就一起解决这件事，一起重新出发吧。

QiuhuaWha? You said yes? Awesome!唉？长官同意了吗？！太好啦！

(Qiuhua jumps for joy, but just as she's about to glomp me, I push her back into her seat.)（秋桦高兴得原地跳起，就要扑上来，我连忙按住她。）

CommanderSo, uh... Do you have any ideas on how to clear the scavengers' names?呃，那关于洗清他们的罪名，你有什么头绪吗？

SabrinaMhm! What can we do to help?嗯嗯！我们要怎么才能帮上忙？

(Qiuhua's attention returns to the task at hand.)（秋桦的注意力成功回到了正事上。）

QiuhuaWell... I didn't get to ask Chief Yura about the new evidence he found. Maybe I could go grab him and have him explain it to us?这……关于那个新证据，我还没有机会问过尤拉首领。我去请他过来，给我们讲解讲解？

(After seeing me nod in agreement, Qiuhua heads out and returns shortly afterwards with Chief Yura in tow.)（看我点了头，秋桦出去寻找拾荒者首领尤拉，不久她们就一起回来了。）

YuraCommander, I heard Qiuhua say that you were willing to help us out. You arrived just in time; I'd like to thank you all on behalf of us scavengers.秋桦的长官，我听秋桦说了，您愿意帮我们，真是太及时了，我代表拾荒者感谢几位。

QiuhuaWell, that's enough meet and greet for now. Chief Yura, tell us about this "new evidence" you found!客气话就先到这里吧，尤拉首领，你快说说你们找到的“新证据”！

YuraIt's like this. We scavengers have been trying to plant new crops in the wasteland, and we take pictures of our plots at regular intervals as part of our experimental records.是这样的，我们拾荒者一直在荒地那边尝试种植作物。为了做试验，我们每天会定时拍摄耕地的照片。

(Yura indicates a set of pictures to me.)（尤拉向我们展示了一组照片。）

YuraThese pictures captured the "drag marks"—or what the guards consider "evidence of transportation of stolen goods".这些照片里拍到了“拖痕”——就是被警卫队认为是“罪证”的“赃物搬运痕迹”。

YuraWhile the guards only found those marks a couple of days ago, I'd like you to take a look at this picture... It was only when we checked the date of today's picture that we realized that marks like this had already shown up since last month... and Qiuhua hadn't arrived yet.虽然警卫队是两天前才发现这些“痕迹”的，但请看这张照片……我们今天回收照片记录时才注意到，其实早在上个月就已经有类似的痕迹出现了……那时，秋桦还没到这里呢。

QiuhuaI see, and that meant I wasn't likely to be the suspect. Chief, thanks again for submitting this evidence!原来如此，所以我的嫌疑降低了。尤拉首领，我得再谢一回，多亏了你提交的证据啊！

YuraHaha, well, the Inspector here is a pretty reasonable guy, and he was the one who ultimately decided to release you after looking at the pictures. I wouldn't dare claim all the credit for that.哈哈，这里的监察官挺讲道理，看重证据。也是他最终判断你可以被释放，你才能出来。我可不敢独吞功劳。

CommanderStill, that won't prove the scavengers' innocence, right?不过，这个证据无法证明拾荒者的清白吧？

(Yura's forced smile fades.)（尤拉强作的笑容暗淡下来。）

YuraWell, I'm trying to do that. Truth is, a few of my boys might end up being taken in for questioning over the next few days.我正在想办法。事实上，最近几天可能还会有我们的兄弟被抓过去接受讯问。

YuraCommander, Qiuhua always said you were a very capable and knowledgeable person. Do you... have any advice for us?秋桦的长官，秋桦一直说您是很厉害很有办法的人，您……有什么建议吗？

CommanderTo be frank, I don't fully understand the situation... Perhaps we might learn something if we had surveillance footage of the scene of the crime.其实我现在还不太清楚状况……要是有事发地点周边的监控录像，或许能发现什么。

(Yura shifts uncomfortably.)（尤拉有些不好意思。）

YuraWell, for... various reasons, everyone is wary of us scavengers. I know exactly where the security kiosks with the footage you need are located, but it's hard for us to go near those places. We'd probably end up reported before we even get there and end up "spawning" an entire tail of guards...因为……很多原因，大家都很戒备我们拾荒者。我知道存有录像的治安岗亭的具体位置，但我们很难接近那个地方，走在半路上就会被居民举报，身后“长出”一串警卫……

QiuhuaIf you know where to find it, then just leave it to me!知道坐标就好，交给我吧！

CommanderYup. Groza, Sabrina, you should go with her. We can plan our next move after obtaining that footage.嗯，闪电和塞布丽娜也一起行动，先拿到录像再说。

Whitewashed Peace 粉饰太平

(The night wears on. I wait in the tent for word from them.)（夜色渐深，我在帐篷内等待消息。）

(My communicator chirps and banishes my growing sleepiness.)（通讯器发出声响，打消了才起的困意。）

VepleyCom—man—der☆!指——挥——官☆！

(Vepley's magnified face appears on the screen, like she's trying to smoosh it into the camera.)（维普蕾放大的脸出现在屏幕上，她几乎要贴上镜头。）

ColphneVepley~ Maybe you should back up a bit?维普蕾~人家觉得你还是后退一点好哟？

VepleyCommander! Why do you look so gloomy? Did you miss Vepley☆?指挥官！你怎么没有精神呀？是不是想念维普蕾了呢☆？

VepleyVepley's ready to give you an extra special pep-up performance☆!维普蕾准备好了！给指挥官的特别打气表演☆！

ColphneAhem—I heard people say that idols need to check their image before doing a show~ Have you properly inspected your outfit, Vepley?唔唔——人家听说偶像开始表演前都会做形象检查呢~维普蕾有彻底地检查过造型吗？

ColphneIf the Commander saw Vepley in a messy state... Hehe~ That might damage your idol image~要是让指挥官看见不修边幅的维普蕾……呼呼~可是有失偶像身份的哟~

VepleyHuh? That... that's right! I can't let the Commander see Vepley when she's a mess—哎——？对、对哦！不能让指挥官看见潦草的维普蕾——

(Vepley squeals and hops off to the side.)（维普蕾惊呼一声，蹦蹦跳跳地退到了一旁。）

ColphneCommander, did you miss me?指挥官，有没有想人家呀？

(Colphne is smiling, but it seems a little forced.)（寇尔芙微笑着，但看起来并不轻松。）

CommanderDid anything new happen on your end, Colphne?寇尔芙，你那边有什么新情况吗？

ColphneYes. That wounded lady's stable now. She's asleep at the moment, but she'll probably wake up soon. We can't perform more in-depth diagnosis or treatment in our current location, so I'd like to move her to a more suitable medical environment...嗯，伤员的情况稳定下来了。她在睡觉，预计很快就会清醒。现场环境无法完成进一步的身体检查和治疗，人家想申请转移到更合适的看护场所啦……

ColphneDo we have access to anywhere that fits the bill, Commander?指挥官，我们现在有这样的条件吗？

CommanderI see. I've found a suitable location for the time being on my end.我明白了，我这边暂时算是找到了落脚点。

CommanderI'll send you the coordinates, so bring Miss Casualty over. Be careful on the way here and keep a low profile.我把我现在的坐标发送给你们，你们先带着伤员过来吧。路上小心，尽量低调。

ColphneHeh, keeping a low profile with Vepley around is a big ask...嘻嘻，带着维普蕾，要低调可不容易呢……

ColphneStill, it's no problem for me~ See you later, Commander.哎呀，说是这么说，还难不倒人家~稍后见，指挥官。

(The transmission ends, and the clock display in the corner of the screen silently increments.)（通讯结束，屏幕角落的电子时钟沉默地转过一个数字。）

(It's about time Qiuhua and the others checked in.)（这个时间，秋桦那边应该快有消息了。）

QiuhuaHey—嘿——

QiuhuaAll clear. Move in.风险确认排除，可以前进。

(Groza and Sabrina jump up to where Qiuhua is and crouch behind a pile of junk.)（闪电和塞布丽娜一跃来到秋桦身边，蹲身藏到杂物之后。）

(The cold light of the street lamps dyes the walls of the security kiosk a stark white. The boots of the patrolling guards tromp over the half-melted snow and leave a muddy path behind on the ground.)（冷色路灯将岗亭外墙照得苍白，巡逻警卫的军靴踏过残雪，在地面上留下泥泞的通路。）

QiuhuaOur target is right below us!前面下方就是目标岗亭了！

QiuhuaAccording to Chief Yura, this kiosk ought to have surveillance footage of the fair and settlement districts with the most theft cases.根据尤拉首领的情报，这个岗亭应该能记录到失窃较多的市集区域和居住区边缘的影像。

QiuhuaShould we contact the Commander?我们要连线长官吗？

GrozaDoing it now.我现在接通。

CommanderGroza? How are things going?闪电？你们进展如何？

GrozaCommander, the target is in sight.指挥官，我们已经能看见目标了。

GrozaOnce this patrol passes by, we'll have 15 minutes to approach the target.这轮警卫通过后，我们大约有15分钟的空隙可以接近目标。

CommanderRight, I'll stay in touch on my end.好，我这边会保持同步。

GrozaThere's a security camera there. Can you take care of it, Sabrina?那边有一个监控，塞布丽娜，能处理吗？

SabrinaLeave it to me. I've got a camera disruptor; disabling it for 15 minutes is no problem.交给我吧，我带了干扰装置，掩饰15分钟没问题的。

GrozaThe ground's slippery, so mind your feet.地面湿滑，行动时注意脚下。

SabrinaEh? Terrain like that is kind of bad for high-inertia frames, right?唉，对惯性大的素体不太友好呢……

QiuhuaIt'll be fine with me around!没事儿！有我在，翻不了车。

SabrinaWow, you're so awesome, Qiuhua!秋桦……变得好可靠呢！

GrozaQuiet. Prepare to move out.噤声，准备行动。

QiuhuaOkay!好嘞！

(The final guard in the patrol follows their route and heads into the distance.)（队列最后一名警卫按照既定路线走远。）

(Behind him, the Dolls silently land on the ground and approach the kiosk.)（在他的身后，人形们轻轻落地，贴近岗亭。）

QiuhuaUrgh... I can't open it, this lock is pretty solid!唔……打不开，这锁挺结实哈！

SabrinaLet me try.我来试试。

(Sabrina produces a small item and the lock's cylinder clicks.)（塞布丽娜掏出了某个小物件，锁芯发出一声轻响。）

SabrinaIt's open.解开啦。

QiuhuaWhoa! That's awesome! What is that?嚯！厉害啊，这是啥玩意这么好用？

SabrinaEhehehe, it's just a miniature electromagnetic pulser...哎嘿嘿，只是一个小小的电磁脉冲器而已啦……

GrozaFocus, ladies.两位，抓紧时间。

(Qiuhua resists the urge to chat. She nods vigorously, then begins searching the kiosk.)（秋桦忍住了唠嗑的冲动，认真地点点头，开始搜索岗亭。）

QiuhuaHm? Oh no, oh no, some of the cameras weren't activated...嗯？完了完了，有一小部分的监控装置根本没启动啊……

QiuhuaNo, wait, they weren't even wired up in the first place because they were just dummies! So they were decoys?不对，连电路都没有，那是模型吧？样子货！

SabrinaHm, dummies... So they're just there for a psychological effect? Were they trying to cut costs?唔……模型……难道只是起一个心理威慑的作用？这是为了节约成本吗？

SabrinaThis settlement doesn't seem hard-pressed for money, though.这个居住点，看起来明明不缺资源呢。

GrozaThat does seem rather suspicious. Are the cameras we're looking for there?是有些可疑。我们需要的监控还存在吗？

QiuhuaSpeak of the devil, I just found out! Turns out the one we're looking for isn't a dummy!好家伙！走运啊，找到了！我们需要的那个不是模型！

QiuhuaThe camera's logs are here, but we need really high access levels to copy the data. Groza, how much longer do we have?监控数据记录在这里，复制数据需要高级权限，闪电，我们还剩几分钟？

GrozaEight minutes.八分钟。

QiuhuaLooks like we don't have time to hack ourselves better access. I was thinking of using our neural clouds to directly transcribe the data, which would also make it easier to filter through the scenes.应该来不及破解权限了，我想直接用我们的心智转录一遍数据，顺便也可以做初筛。

QiuhuaCommander, does that work for you?指挥官，这样可以吗？

CommanderIt does. Proceed.可以，开始吧。

(The video data begins playing at high speed.)（影像数据以高倍速开始回放。）

QiuhuaUgh... What is this? I'm not seeing anything out of the ordinary.唔……这怎么可能呢？没有发现任何异常。

CommanderYou're sure the footage hasn't been doctored?确认这些录像没有被动过手脚吗？

QiuhuaI'm... wait, I think it has! Look at this!确……等等，好像真的有！看这里！

GrozaIt's almost imperceptible, but those are editing artifacts. These videos are not the original footage.的确是很微妙的衔接点，这些录像不是原始数据。

CommanderCan you restore the originals?可以做数据复原吗？

GrozaIt's theoretically possible, but we'll need to access the servers in Level II to crack their defenses.理论上可以，需要接入二级平层破解防御。

GrozaWe only have four minutes to do it, though.可是，我们只剩下4分钟了。

QiuhuaFour more minutes... No wait, we're down to three!还有四分钟……现在是三分多呢！

QiuhuaCommander, I think I can do it.长官，我觉得我可以。

CommanderYou have two and a half minutes. If it doesn't work out, forget it and focus on getting out of there.两分三十秒，超时之后就放弃，优先撤退。

QiuhuaWill do!是！

Whitewashed Peace 粉饰太平

SabrinaAhhhh, we're almost out of time... Counting down now, five, four, three, two—啊啊啊，快到时限了……倒计时，五，四，三，二——

QiuhuaWe did it! We managed to restore the original data!成功了！原始数据重录完成！

GrozaI see the guards approaching.已经看见巡逻警卫了。

QiuhuaWhat are you standing around for?! Move it already!愣着干什么快跑啊！

(The Dolls make to leave.)（人形们开始撤离。）

(Nobody says anything else. In just a few minutes, the only sounds audible on the communicator are the sounds of the wind blowing, which eventually fades.)（不再有人说话，数分钟内，通讯器中只剩下像是风声的杂音，直到风声也消失为止。）

Groza...Commander, do you read me?……指挥官，通讯还正常吗？

CommanderI read you. Go ahead.没问题，我听得见。

GrozaWe've found a hiding place and we're safe for the time being. I'm uploading the video data now. We'll return while avoiding the guards.我们临时找到了一个隐蔽点，暂时还算安全，我现在回传数据，我们会避开警卫尽快返回。

CommanderRoger.收到。

(While waiting for the Dolls to return, Yura and I go through the original footage.)（人形们返回之前，我和尤拉得以提前开始观看这些原始录像。）

(Yura looks thoughtful, but he doesn't say anything.)（尤拉若有所思，但并未直言。）

CommanderChief Yura, did you learn anything from these videos?尤拉首领，这些录像提示了什么吗？

YuraNo, but there's one thing I'm curious about. Could a normal person actually mess around with this footage?不是的。我只是有点奇怪，这录像是一般人能随便动的吗？

YuraI have a hunch, but it can't be true, right? There's no way...我有一些猜测，可是，不至于吧？不应该啊……

(Yura begins muttering to himself.)（尤拉开始意义不明地自言自语。）

YuraHang on, I think I just saw something... I'm sorry, but could you rewind that?等等，我刚才好像看见了什么……抱歉，能倒退吗？

(I bring up the scene Yura wants to see.)（我调取了尤拉需要的画面。）

YuraCommander, take a look at this!秋桦的长官，您看这个！

(Yura points at a part of the screen)（尤拉伸手指向画面某处。）

YuraIs there something moving here?是不是有什么在动？

(I enhance the portion of the image in question.)（我放大了相关的画面。）

(Snow is falling and a line of mini-robots are transporting supply crates at an even clip across the snowy ground. That much is obvious. Several hours later, the trail on the ground is slowly covered up by the greyish-white snow.)（天空下着雪，一排小型机械顶着物资箱，在雪地上匀速移动，清晰可见。数小时后，地面上的痕迹重新被灰白色的雪覆盖。）

(I clip this loop and begin replaying it.)（我将这段画面截选出来，反复播放。）

CommanderThese are mass-produced robots...是量产型机械……

YuraAh? So they were mass-produced models. No wonder they seem so familiar, many of us scavengers have seen them before!啊？原来是量产型，我就说经常见到这玩意儿，我们拾荒者里也有不少人见过它们！

YuraBut this one...但是这一个……

(Yura points to one of the mini-robots. One of its arms is clearly unusual compared to its fellows.)（尤拉指向一只小型机械，比起它的前后同伴，它的一条机械臂显得有些怪异。）

YuraHere, I remember hacking up one of these robots with an axe, and in this exact place too... Wait, seriously? What are the odds?这里，我记得我拿斧子砍过一只小型机械，就是这个位置……不会这么巧吧？

CommanderSo you've encountered it before?你是在哪里见到它们的？

YuraIn the ruins. Darksteel Farm was built on the ruins of a former farm. Most people live in the rebuilt areas, but the outskirts have a lot of areas that haven't been properly reclaimed yet.在废墟。现在的黑钢农场是在从前的农场废墟基础上重建的，大家平时主要在已经重建好的区域活动，但外围其实还有不少尚未重建的废墟建筑。

YuraFrom time to time, mini-robots like this emerge from the depths of the ruins, and that was where I encountered it last.偶尔，会从废墟深处窜出这种小型机械，我上次遇到也是在废墟中。

SabrinaHm, so you go in and out of the ruins regularly, Chief Yura?唔，尤拉首领你们经常出入废墟吗？

(Yura scratches his head.)（尤拉挠了挠后脑勺。）

YuraWell, it's actually like this... After we scavengers came back here, we were assigned to clear out any hidden dangers and rebuild the ruins. After all, these ruins could have been built by our ancestors and nobody would know the farm better than us. Unfortunately...其实是这样的……我们拾荒者回到这里后，排查废墟隐患、清理和重建废墟的任务就交给了我们，毕竟这些被荒废建筑，当初可能就是我们的先辈建造的，没有人比我们这些农场后裔更了解过去的农场了。可惜……

(Yura shrugs and falls silent)（尤拉摆摆手，没再说下去。）

CommanderMini-robots from the depths of the ruins...废墟深处的小型机械……

CommanderSo assuming these robots' ultimate destination was the depths of the ruins, that would mean they'd have to pass through the wasteland around here, right?如果录像中这些机械的终点在废墟内，它们一定会途经这附近的荒地吗？

YuraYes.是的。

YuraAh... I see. So that's why they found the "proof of our guilt" outside our test plots!啊……原来是这样，这就是我们的试验田外围发现“痕迹罪证”的原因！

CommanderNow this is just a guess, so in order to verify it, we'll have to find them in the ruins... as well as the stolen items.这只是一种猜测，要想证实这一点，我们需要在废墟中找到它们……还有这些失窃物资。

(I point to the crates they're carrying.)（我伸手点了点那些物资箱。）

YuraI'll lead the way. Although our attempts to rebuild didn't turn out too well, we've managed to map out a couple of routes that take us deep into the ruins with minimal risk. That ought to help.我来带路。虽然我们重建废墟的任务不顺利，但也算是排查出了一两条相对低风险的深入路线，应该能提供一些帮助。

CommanderIn that case, we'll head out once Qiuhua and the others come back.那么，等秋桦她们回来之后，我们就出发。

YuraAlright! I'll go get ready.嗯！我先去准备一下。

YuraThe sun should be up by then.到时候，天也快亮了吧。

(Yura looks outside the tent, and my gaze follows his.)（尤拉看向帐篷外，我的目光也随之转移。）

(The ruins sprawl before us like a beast awaiting its prey.)（夜幕下的废墟张牙舞爪，像一群等待猎物的狰狞巨兽。）

Paupers' Homecoming 寒门也还乡

(After Qiuhua and company return to the scavenger camp, Yura takes us into the ruins.)（秋桦一行回到拾荒者营地后，尤拉带着我们进入废墟。）

YuraA long time ago, this place was called "Sunset Farm", and it was my home.这里很久以前叫做“黄昏农场”，是我的故乡。

YuraI've been wanting to come back ever since I was a kid, but when I did, I found that it was completely different from what I imagined.我从小就一直想回来，真回来了才发现，这里和我想象的完全不一样。

YuraNaturally, I knew this place had been rebuilt after being reduced to ruins, but... I didn't expect its "ruin" to be so thorough.我当然知道这里是完全荒废后才开始重建的，但……也没想到能这么“废”。

(Yura pulls on his gloves and pulls the tangle of twisted rebar aside, clearing a narrow path for the rest of the group.)（尤拉戴着手套，将拦在我们面前的废钢条拖到一边，勉强清理出狭窄的通路。）

YuraWhen I was young, grandpa used to tell me stories about how fertile and prosperous our home was, how the scent of fruits filled the air all year round and painted pictures of lush wheatfields stretching out to the horizon... I always thought this place would be like a fairytale kingdom.小时候爷爷讲的童话故事里，我的故乡富饶安适，四季都有瓜果的香气，丰满的稻穗遮天蔽日……我小时候一直以为这里会是“童话里的秘境”那样美好的地方呢。

YuraOf course, after I grew up, I knew that there wouldn't be a place like that in the Yellow Zone and that grandpa's stories were embellished for effect. Still... thinking about scenes like that was strangely calming.虽然长大一点以后，知道了黄区根本没有这种好地方，爷爷编的故事有夸张的成分，但……果然一想到农场还是会觉得安心呢。

QiuhuaAh... If only it were real! Unfortunately, the only thing here that's real is this ugly rebar that's everywhere!啊……要是童话能成真就好了！现在这旮旯属实是，只有扎人的钢条遮天蔽日！

(Qiuhua and Groza help him clear the rest of the obstacles from their way.)（秋桦和闪电也上前拖开了其他的拦路杂物。）

SabrinaIt sounds like a paradise, so why did you leave? Also, how did you guys come back, Chief Yura?听起来是水土肥沃的好地方，怎么会说废弃就废弃了呢？尤拉首领，你们又是怎么回来的？

YuraWhy we left, hm... I don't know. Gramps might have mentioned it, but in truth, everyone who left had their own reasons for it.荒废的理由……我不知道。或许爷爷提起过，可离乡的每个兄弟都有自己的看法。

YuraMaybe it was because of the war, a sandstorm, a poor harvest one year, because they wanted to live elsewhere, or because they couldn't hold onto the farm... it's hard to isolate a single reason for it. In any case, by the time I was born, my elders and I were thousands of kilometers from the farm.一场战争，一次尘暴，一年的欠收，自行迁居的人，无力坚守的人……很难归咎于某个单一因素。总之，我出生的时候，我和我的长辈们都已经在几千公里之外了。

QiuhuaYou went that far?! But given the state of the Yellow Zone now, returning must have been difficult too, right?那么远！以现在的黄区路况，你们这一路回来也不容易吧？

YuraOh, yes. We walked a long, long way. Just surviving until now was a miracle... And I led my people here!是啊，我们走了很久很久，能活着到这里简直就是奇迹……是我牵的头哦！

(Yura puffs up his chest as he mentions that last part.)（尤拉自豪地强调。）

YuraAfter all, restoring the former glory of my hometown has been a childhood dream of mine!毕竟回来再现故乡当年的荣光是我从小的理想嘛！

YuraAfter I heard that people were going to rebuild the farm, I began making my way here. I met others from this place along the way and they decided to follow me on my journey. We've been travelling for a long, long time...当我听说有人开始重建农场的消息后，我就启程过来了。一路上发现了一些同乡，愿意跟我一起回来，我们结伴走了很久很久……

YuraWe only just managed to reach here last year, and by that time the farm had its management committee set up. The Inspector was also very reasonable; it's not often you find such an orderly place in the Yellow Zone...今年春天才终于走到农场，那时候农场已经有管理会了，监察官也很讲道理，黄区很少有这么讲秩序的地方……

(Yura's reminiscence suddenly cuts off.)（尤拉的回忆戛然而止。）

QiuhuaHm? What happened after that?嗯？然后呢？

QiuhuaChief Yura, it's not polite to stop telling a story halfway!尤拉首领，故事只讲一半可不厚道啊！

YuraAnd then...然后啊……

(Yura laughs, but there is a gloominess in his eyes.)（尤拉复杂地笑了笑，眼睛里笑意暗淡。）

YuraWell, things haven't been good for everyone recently, and there's a limit to how many people the local resources can support.这年景，大家的日子都不好过，区域资源能够养活的居民数量是有限的。

YuraWe came late and the guards, expeditions, and merchants were all filled to capacity. Back then, there was a lot of debate over whether or not to take us in, but the Inspector silenced all debate and allowed us to stay.我们来晚了，警卫队、远征队、经销队都已经满员，关于是否接纳我们，当时引起了不少争议。还是监察官力排众议，允许我们留下来的。

QiuhuaHm... For free? Out of the kindness of his heart?嗯……无偿的吗？他这么好心啊？

YuraI guess the original plan was mutual benefit, I think?原本的计划应该算是互利互惠吧？

YuraI became the representative of the descendants of Sunset Farm to negotiate a deal with the Inspector. After all, we came from this place and we had a lot of exclusive information about the ruins here. We had an advantage over others when it came to rebuilding the ruins or raising crops.为了留下，我代表农场后裔和监察官做了交涉。毕竟祖辈曾在这里生活过，我们身上带着不少有关这片废墟的独家资料。无论是重建废墟还是耕地，我们都比后来者要更有优势。

SabrinaOh! And if you could redevelop the ruins or grow food, you'd earn a ton of "contribution points", right?哦哦！如果废墟能开荒成功，或者是种出了食物，都能获得很多“贡献积分”吧？

YuraYes, if we could do that. I used those talking points to argue that they should take us in on account of us being able to provide the settlement with extra resources, and the Inspector accepted.要是顺利的话，是的。我用这些优势说服了监察官，看在我们能为居住点带来更多资源的份上，监察官接受了我们。

YuraUnfortunately... it turns out farming and rebuilding the ruins was harder than expected.可惜，种地和重建废墟……哪一件都不是容易的事。

(Saying so, Yura reaches out to dust off some twigs that fell on me.)（尤拉说着，伸出手拍掉我身上的不明植物断枝。）

YuraBe careful, this plant grows everywhere around here and nobody knows what the hell it is. Its branches are mildly toxic, and while small amounts aren't a problem, letting it build up over several hours is. A few of our guys ended up puking and shitting their guts out at the same time... Not a fun experience.小心，这里到处都长着这种灌木，也不知道是什么东西。它的枝条有微弱的毒性，一开始不严重，累积上几个小时就糟糕了，会让你上吐下泻的……我们的兄弟们没少上当。

(Qiuhua freezes up, then picks up one of the twigs and begins observing it.)（秋桦愣了愣，捡起掉落的断枝，左看右看。）

YuraGet rid of it, Qiuhua. Dolls might not get poisoned, but your Commander's a different story.秋桦，快扔掉它。人形虽然不会中毒，但万一毒到你的长官了呢！

(Yura snatches the twig away and throws it into the distance.)（尤拉抢过枝条，扔得更远了些。）

QiuhuaHuh? Aw...哎？啊……

YuraToxins, unknown machines, ELIDs, expired gunpowder... the ruins have everything. We can't go further in without the right tools for it.毒物，不明机械，生骸，过时的火药……废墟里什么都有。兄弟们没有合适的工具，很难向前推进。

YuraOur attempts at raising crops failed too; the soil composition now is different from our ancestors' time, and our experience from the past can't be applied to our current situation.我们的耕种尝试也失败了，现在的土壤成分和我们祖辈的时代不一样，过去的经验好像无法照搬复制。

SabrinaLooks like surviving is hard for everyone.大家要生存下来，都很辛苦呢。

CommanderSo the scavengers are in dire straits, then?现在的拾荒者，陷入了困境吧？

YuraBang on the money. We're bringing in fewer and fewer contribution points, to the point where we're having trouble just obtaining enough supplies to survive. We're stuck collecting the damaged goods for emergency use that the Management issues.您发现啦。我们的工作得到的贡献积分越来越少，甚至很难换到足够的生存物资，只能领取管理会发放的少量“救济用瑕疵品”。

YuraSome of our boys even got desperate and tried doing some messed up things, which got them kicked out by the Management. I tried to persuade them to hang in there a little longer, but...之前有一些兄弟们一时想不开，选择铤而走险的邪门歪道，被管理会逐出了农场。我努力劝说过他们再坚持一下，可……

(Yura shakes his head.)（尤拉摇了摇头。）

QiuhuaSo they decided to turn to banditry? (Sigh) Stories like that are a dime a dozen in the Yellow Zone...哎呀，走投无路就落草为寇嘛！黄区这样的故事每天都不少，唉……

YuraYeah. you were wrongly blamed for stuff going missing because of us. Sorry about that, Qiuhua.这次的失窃案，秋桦多半也是受了我们拾荒者的名声连累才被误会。

YuraI'm sorry to burden you guys with this, but I just had to let it out...真是不好意思告诉你们这些事，可要是憋着不说，我好像更不好意思……

(Yura scratches his head.)（尤拉挠了挠头。）

CommanderWell, Qiuhua has been released, at least. She's not the type to hold grudges, so you don't have to worry about it too much.现在秋桦已经被放出来了，她不记仇，你也不用在意。

QiuhuaYup, yup, it's not like I lost my parts while doing it. It's no biggie.没错没错，我也没什么损失，问题不大。

(Yura looks at the ground and sighs again. When he looks up, it's as though a weight has been taken off him.)（尤拉看着地面吐了口气，再抬起头时脸色少许轻松了一点。）

GrozaSorry to interrupt you, but there are unknown robots approaching. It seems we've triggered some kind of defense program.抱歉，打断一下。有不明机械正在接近，我们似乎触发了对方的防守程序。

QiuhuaSo it's time to fight? Come on, then, I've been waiting for this!要准备战斗了吗？来吧，我早就……在搓手啦！

Paupers' Homecoming 寒门也还乡

(Groza inspects a broken S.F. mini-robot.)（闪电开始检查宕机的铁血小型机械。）

GrozaCommander, I think we can follow their navigation data back to their base.指挥官，似乎能通过破解它们的行动路径，找到它们的据点。

CommanderHow long will that take?需要多久？

GrozaTheir security programs are fairly primitive, so it won't take long.安保程序相对原始，稍等，很快就好。

(Just then, Colphne sends a comm request and I accept it.)（就在此时，寇尔芙发来通讯请求，我接通了通讯。）

VepleyCommander! Commander☆!指挥官！指挥官☆！

VepleyWere you thinking of Vepley? Vepley's carefully checked her image and the comfort concert's all ready to go!指挥官现在总该想维普蕾了吧？维普蕾已经检查过形象了，随时可以开始慰问演出了哦！

ColphneHm? Vepley, didn't we just get here?咦？维普蕾，我们不是才到新舞台吗？

ColphneIt would be bad to perform a live show without properly setting up the stage, no?不调试一下舞台设备就开始演出，是不是不太好呢？

VepleyOh yeah☆ Now where should I put all this equipment? Vepley will do it now—对哦对哦☆舞台设备放在哪里呢？维普蕾这就去——

(Vepley hops, skips, and jumps out of the frame.)（维普蕾蹦蹦跳跳地让出镜头中心。）

ColphneCommander~ I have good news and bad news...指挥官，人家有一个好消息和一个坏消息……

(From the joyless cast of her mouth, I suddenly realize that all is not well.)（寇尔芙毫无喜色地扯了扯嘴角，我顿时意会到一丝不妙。）

CommanderEr, go on.呃，你一起说吧。

ColphneVery well. So that hurt lady just woke up...好的。就在刚才，我们的伤员女士醒了……

CommanderWell, that's good to hear. You don't seem too happy about it, though.那不错啊，但你好像不是很高兴？

ColphneThat's the bad news. She seems to have lost her memory.这就是坏消息了，她好像失去了记忆。

(Colphne points the camera at the woman who's lying down.)（寇尔芙调转镜头，让我能看见另一边半躺着的女人。）

ColphneMiss, what should we call you?女士，怎么称呼？

Casualty...I... Who am I? Who are you?……我……是谁？你们是谁？

ColphneDo you remember how you got here?您还记得您是怎么到这里来的吗？

Casualty...……

ColphneWhat do you plan to do next? Do you need our help?接下来有什么打算呢？需要我们帮什么忙吗？

Casualty...I'm sorry, my... head hurts...……抱歉，我……头疼……

CasualtyI... don't remember anything...我……什么都想不起来……

(She looks lost and confused.)（伤员的脸上只有茫然无措。）

(Colphne looks back and sighs.)（寇尔芙转回镜头，叹了口气。）

ColphneAs you can see, Commander, that's how she is~指挥官，如您所见，就是这样啦~

ColphneWhat should I do about her now?现在，人家该怎么办呢？

(A scavenger pokes his head in from the edge of the frame.)（一名拾荒者在镜头边缘探头探脑。）

ScavengerWow, we can see Chief Yura through this! Hey, Chief Yura, and that other chief! How are you doing?哇！这个设备里能看见尤拉大人哎！……尤拉大人！不知道名字的大人！你们好！

ScavengerWe heard it all just now, looks like that lady's going to have to stay with us for a while to recover. Don't worry though, we'll make sure she gets the best care. All visitors are friends, after all!我们在旁边听见了，那位大姐还得在我们这里休养一阵子。放心吧，家人们会好好照顾那个倒霉大姐的，来的都是客嘛！

YuraOh! I'll leave that to you, then!哦哦！交给你们了！

YuraDon't worry, Commander. Just let her heal. We'll decide what to do next when she recovers her memory.秋桦的长官，别担心，就让大姐先养伤吧，等她什么时候想起来了再说。

CommanderColphne, keep an eye on her health. The rest can wait until we get back.寇尔芙，继续观察她的健康情况吧，等我们回来再做打算。

ColphneWill do, Commander.好的，指挥官。

(Colphne ends the transmission just as Groza finishes her analysis.)（寇尔芙结束了通讯，闪电也恰好完成了解析。）

GrozaCommander, I've found their destination. If I'm not wrong, these mini-robots' origin and destination are over here.指挥官，我共享了终点坐标。不出意外的话，这一组小型机械的起点和终点都是那里。

CommanderYes, we'll head over now.嗯，我们现在去那里。

YuraThis is... It's pretty deep into the ruins. We've never been there before...这……已经是很深处的位置了呢。我们的兄弟们还没有到达过这个坐标点……

QiuhuaWhat's there to be afraid of? Things will be fine since we've got the Commander backing us up. Let's go, let's go!怕什么，有长官坐镇，一定没问题。走起走起！

Shucking Off The Past 割舍往日之人

(Colphne is in the scavenger camp, looking at the wounded woman from behind.)（寇尔芙站在营地旁，看着不远处伤员的背影。）

ColphneMiss, it's getting cold outside. Would you like to come back in and rest?女士，外面有点冷，还是回帐篷里休养吧？

CasualtyI'd like to walk around here a little. It might help jog my memory.我想在这里走走，或许能记起点什么。

(The cold wind blows across the highland every now and then, forcing Colphne to press down on her hat to keep it in place.)（高地上时有凌冽的风刮过，寇尔芙不得不伸手按住帽子。）

(She follows the woman's gaze, but all she sees is empty wasteland, which makes her hold on tighter to her hat.)（寇尔芙顺着伤员瞭望的方向看了一眼，只看见一片破败荒芜，她将帽子按得更紧。）

ColphneAlright, then. I'll keep you company for a bit. Don't stay out too long, though. The wind is cold.唔……那好吧。人家就陪你走一会儿吧。不过，不能吹太久的风哦！

(The hurt woman doesn't reply right away, only stretches her stiff neck as she takes in her surroundings, then begins shuffling aimlessly in a random direction.)（伤员没有回答，她转动略微僵硬的脖子看了看四周，开始随意地往某个方向挪动。）

(Colphne begins to wonder if this aimless wandering actually serves a purpose.)（寇尔芙怀疑这种漫无目的的游荡是否真能起到康复作用。）

ColphneAh, that's the test plot. I think it would be best not to go in there.啊，前面是试验田。人家觉得还是不要踩进去比较好呢。

CasualtyA test plot...?试验田……？

(She stops in front of that patch of land.)（她们在那一方土地前停住脚步。）

CasualtyBut there's nothing here.什么也没有嘛。

(It's a barren, square plot of land. Out of place, rough, a waste of effort and hope...)（不过是一个寸草不生的方格，突兀、生硬、徒劳、无望……）

(There isn't so much as a withered branch here. It seems like the only thing that grows on this plot is nothing.)（这里看不见一根枯萎的枝条，似乎人们种植与滋养的只有虚无。）

(However, Colphne notices some things that can't be overlooked.)（可是，寇尔芙依然发现了一些无法被忽视的东西。）

ColphneThe scavengers go out tilling the soil almost every day. They began a little earlier this morning and I can see the next shift heading this way.似乎每天都有拾荒者去翻地哦，今天早些时候，人家看见轮班的拾荒者往这边走了。

ColphneThere's nobody here now, so does that mean the day's work is done? Like, this is the only part where no snow has piled up.现在没有人在，是今天的工作已经完成了吧？看，只有这一块没有积雪。

(The scavengers seem to believe that the snow and its Collapse particles will contaminate the soil, so they pushed it outside the plot.)（拾荒者们似乎认为这些含有坍塌粒子的雪会污染耕地，所以将雪层推到了耕地之外。）

(Colphne looks down at the freshly-turned soil, somewhat curious about it.)（寇尔芙低头观察着新翻过的疏松土层，有些好奇。）

ColphneDid they plant seeds here? Or will they only sow after winter has passed?这里埋了种子吗？还是要等到冬天过去才会播种呢？

ColphneSupposedly, the seeds that the scavengers use were taken from their emergency rations. I wonder if they're still "live". But even if the seeds were fine, there aren't many cases where plants were successfully grown in the Yellow Zone... It looks like they've gone to a lot of effort for this. I wonder if they'll succeed?听说拾荒者们用于播种的种子是从救济口粮中节约出来的，也不知道那些种子是不是“活着”。即便种子没问题，好像也很少有在黄区种植成功的例子……真是辛苦，呵……会成功吗？

CasualtyNot all efforts are rewarded. That sort of thing is commonplace.不是所有的努力都能有收获吧，这样的事有很多。

(Colphne freezes, then turns to look at the woman. However, she just so happens to have turned aside, exposing an emotionless side profile to her.)（寇尔芙愣了愣，转头看向伤员，伤员却恰好转过头去，只留下无表情的侧脸。）

(Colphne reflexively follows the woman's gaze to the heart of the settlement.)（寇尔芙也下意识地跟着看过去，看向居住点的中心地带。）

ColphneAll lit-up and fancy, right? It's nothing like the desolation here.很繁华吧？和这里的荒凉完全不一样呢。

ColphneThat's the heart of the settlement. They've got trade fairs, residential blocks, warehouses and so on. You could call it a stable and fully-developed town.那里是这个居住点的中心，有集市、民居、仓库等等，属于是功能完整的、非常安稳的成熟居住点了。

ColphneHm—Does that jog your memory?唔——看到这些，你有没有想起点什么呢？

ColphneNobody among the scavengers recognizes you, so I'm guessing that you might be from the settlement or an outsider who came for the festive trade fair.既然拾荒者中没有人认识你，人家猜或许你是那边的居民，也可能是来这里参加开年大集的外来者哟。

(The hurt woman merely shakes her head, a blank look on her face.)（伤员只是茫然地摇头。）

Colphne...I see.……这样哦。

ColphneOh well, there's no rush. Maybe it'll all just pop back into place after a few days of rest and relaxation~别着急，或许是受了什么刺激，休息几天，舒缓一下，就“啪——”得想起来了哟~

(Just then, someone heads over from the ruins.)（此时，有人从废墟的方向走来。）

ScavengerHeyyy—Miss Amnesia? Miss Doll? Well, isn't that a coincidence! Did you girls come out for a breath of fresh air?喂——失忆大姐？人形小姑娘？巧了！你们出来走两步啊？

(Several of the scavengers call out to them. A few minutes later, they're in front of Colphne and the woman.)（几名拾荒者大声地打招呼。几分钟后，他们走到了寇尔芙和伤员面前。）

ScavengerMiss Doll! Did Miss Amnesia remember anything?人形小姑娘！怎么样，这大姐有没有想起什么？

ColphneI think she might need a little more time...似乎还需要一些时间呢……

(The scavengers murmur their agreement, then one of them pats the injured women on the shoulder.)（拾荒者哦了一声，想了想，拍了拍伤员的肩。）

(It seems to throw her off balance and Colphne moves to support her.)（伤员女士被拍得摇晃了一下，寇尔芙连忙扶住她。）

(It's surprising just how much strength a gaunt little body like that can possess. In contrast, the amnesiac woman seems a little more well-fed. Colphne sighs internally.)（明明是非常瘦削的人……真是令人惊讶的精气神呢。相对来说，这位女士看着还要丰润一些。寇尔芙在心里叹了口气。）

ScavengerAw, it's okay, Miss! Just focus on getting better; once you're strong enough, we'll take you round to look up the guards.没关系啊大姐！你再养养，等你能走远路了，我们带你去那边找警卫。

ScavengerThat said, those dogs of the Management have their noses in the air. They don't give a crap about us, so you'll probably have to explain your circumstances to them on your own.不过那群管理会的走狗眼睛长头顶上，不怎么搭理我们，你得自己去跟警卫说你的情况。

Casualty...Thank you.……谢谢你们。

ScavengerAw, it's nothing. If you really can't find your people, then you can just hang with us. Plowing the land and searching for parts is still enough to make a living.谢什么。实在找不到家人，你就跟着我们，种种地，捡捡废墟金属件，也能凑合糊口。

ScavengerWho knows, maybe you'll remember someday as long as you don't starve to death. Maybe we'll grow a pumpkin that's taller than a man too.只要饿不死，万一哪天就想起来了呢？万一哪天我们地里种出比人还高的大果子了呢？

ColphneHeh, you guys have a really positive outlook.嗯嗯，大家的心态真好呢。

ColphneYou're right; things might not look so good right now, but if you hang in there, things will probably get better.没错哦，虽然现在的处境不乐观，坚持下去或许会好起来的。

ScavengerYup, yup. We made it through this year, after all.是啊是啊，我们今年都坚持下来了。

ScavengerOh, I heard Expedition Leader Garen came back. Although we probably won't be allocated any of the good stuff, we can probably beg or borrow some of it, right? Plus, the trade fair is almost here, so spring is coming and we'll be able to collect our annual supplies. Who knows, we might be able to grow something by next year. That's an improvement, right?欸，听说凯伦队长带领远征队回来了，虽然我们分不到啥好东西，也多少能蹭一点吧？而且马上就是开年大集，到时候领了物资，春天也来了。明年我们的地里说不定能长出东西，这不就越过越好了吗？

ScavengerTruth is, most of us followed Chief Yura because our families were gone. The idea of finding people from our hometown and living with them is way better than dying alone out there. When the days are this cold, you'll go for any way of keeping warm, even if it's just by huddling up with others.咱们这些人，大部分也是亲人都不在了，这才一咬牙跟着尤拉首领回来的。想着能找到同乡一起过，总比孤单一个人死在外面要好。像这么冷的天，就算只能抱团取暖也是好的。

(The wounded woman is at a bit of a loss for how to respond and merely grunts.)（伤员仍有些无措，勉强应和了声。）

ColphneAlright, alright, that's enough chatting for now. Our little walk is almost over.好啦好啦，聊天就先到这里为止吧，散步时间已经差不多了哦。

ColphneMiss, you ought to head back and get some rest.女士，你该回去休息啦。

(Colphne bids the scavengers goodbye and helps the wounded woman back to her sickbed.)（寇尔芙向拾荒者们道别，一边扶着伤员往回走。）

(However, the woman turns and heads elsewhere as they approach the medical tent.)（伤员却在帐篷附近偏离了路线。）

ColphneMiss, our tent is this way...女士，我们的医疗帐篷在这个方向哦……

CasualtyThe wind isn't as strong here. I'd like to spend a bit more time outside.这里的风小一点，我想再透透气。

(The wounded woman slowly walks between the tents.)（伤员慢慢地在帐篷间穿行。）

(The red ribbons which serve as festive decorations flutter in the wind. When they block her vision, she reaches out to sweep them aside.)（那些作为节日饰物的红布条在风中摇曳，时不时遮挡住视线，她伸手将它们拂开。）

ColphneAh... Wait for me.啊……等等我。

(Even through several layers of tent fabric, the scavengers' voices carries clearly through the air.)（隔着几层帐篷帷布，拾荒者们交谈的声音毫无阻隔地传出。）

Hesitant Scavenger...This tastes awful... Are we really supposed to celebrate the festival by eating this?……太难吃了……真要吃这玩意来庆祝新春吗？

Passionate ScavengerWhat do you think? You know as well as I do how this year turned out. You might not even get potatoes if you were outside!不然呢？你也看见了，今年就是这个条件了啊。要是在外面，土豆都不一定能有呢！

Passionate ScavengerJust eat it, man... Or what if we tried turning it into mashed potatoes?就这么吃吧，要不然……咱试试土豆泥怎么样？

Passionate ScavengerMaybe with a little bit of dirt to bulk it up... Or we could add some potato to the dirt for flavor?我是说，土豆不够了加点泥，泥多了加点土豆。

Hesitant ScavengerI... come on, we can't possibly eat dirt, right? Leaving aside whether or not it's actually edible, we ought to save clean dirt for farming crops.这……加泥不行吧，先不说能不能吃，那点干净的土还得留着种地呢。

Hesitant ScavengerHow about adding some water? Would water work?不如加水，再加点水行吗？

Passionate ScavengerYou mean clean water? Didn't Chief Yura say to save some water for the sowing season in spring?清水？尤拉首领不是说了，得存着点水，开春播种的时候还有用。

Passionate ScavengerIf you think it's too dry, you can always try some of that meltwater outside. Now with added Collapse particles!你要是嫌干，自己加点那个坍塌粒子雪化的水吧。

Hesitant ScavengerYeah right, as if you could eat that crap... (groans)那玩意能吃吗……唉。

Hesitant Scavenger...Maybe we could tell Chief Yura that we won't be celebrating this time round? I mean, we don't even know how next year is going to be, so we should save up some rations—……要不然，我去跟尤拉首领说，我们营地这边今年不庆祝了？明年还不知道啥情况，存点口粮——

Passionate ScavengerHell no! If the year went poorly, it can't be helped. We all worked hard this past year, to the bone, even.那怎么行！年景好坏那是没办法，大家怎么说都是辛苦了一年，卖力气的卖命的都尽力了。

Passionate ScavengerThat's why we need this reunion dinner to wrap things up properly. Being able to eat well is a good omen for the coming year.有这一顿团圆饭，才算是有始有终。要是能尽量吃得好一点，就算是给来年讨个好兆头了。

Passionate ScavengerAnd besides, even if potatoes taste like crap, being able to fill your belly is still a good thing, right? At least you'll have the strength to work.那土豆再难吃，填饱肚子了不也是个好事嘛，至少有力气干活了。

Hesitant ScavengerOkay, okay...行吧……

Hesitant ScavengerOh yeah, have you taken a look around the fair? They say Leader Garen's back and he had quite a haul. There's just about everything in there! Lots of underground brokers came as well, with canned food, fish, meat, and so on... Wish I could try some of that while I'm still alive.对了，你去集市上看过了吗？说是凯伦队长回来了，带回来不少好东西，什么都有！暗商也来了不少，带了好多荤的罐头、鱼啊、肉啊的……要是我死之前能吃上一口就好了。

Passionate ScavengerDon't be retarded, yeah? If you break the law, they'll drive you out and then you'll really starve to death.你可别犯糊涂，犯了事被赶出去就真得饿死了。

Passionate ScavengerMeh, I'll just place my faith in these potatoes. Say, you think we can make it taste like fish?算了，我还不如指望土豆呢。你说，这土豆能做出鱼肉味吗？

(The wounded woman's strength fails her. She stumbles and collapses against one of the tentpoles.)（伤员似乎体力不支，脚步微乱，撞在帐篷支杆上。）

Passionate ScavengerGwargh! Who knocked my tent—哇啊！谁撞我帐篷——

(The scavenger draws the flap aside.)（拾荒者们掀起了帷布。）

Passionate Scavenger...Miss Amnesia? Hey, you okay? We were just making some dirtato salad... No, wait, we nixed the dirt. Want to try some?……失忆大姐？你没事吧？我们正在煮土豆泥……不是，没有泥，要不要来一点？

Casualty...Sorry for bumping into your tent.……不小心撞到了，抱歉。

Hesitant ScavengerAw, don't worry about it, Miss. Have some—it's better than going hungry, right? We don't have much in the way of fancy cuisine here, but we can still fill our bellies.大姐别客气，吃点吧，总比饿着对身体好。我们这里虽然山珍海味没有，糊口还是问题不大的。

Hesitant ScavengerWe'll be able to get some supplies once the festive trade fair begins!等到开年大集开业，多少也还能领到些物资呢！

Passionate ScavengerYeah, we still have the fair! I've been looking forward to it for half a year now—the Management's never failed to deliver on that side. Maybe we'll get something other than potatoes this year?对对，还有开年大集呢！从半年前盼到现在了，管理会从来没让大家失望过，今年或许也能比土豆多点什么吧？

Passionate ScavengerWhy not come in, Miss?大姐，进来吧？

CasualtyNo, it's alright. I was just passing by, I'm not hungry.真的不用了，我只是路过，我不饿。

(She waves to them, forcing a smile to her face.)（伤员摆摆手，难得地笑了下。）

(Her smile soon fades, replaced by confusion and mixed feelings.)（这丝笑意很快被敛去，只剩下恍惚与些许复杂。）

Treasure Trove 藏宝地

(We follow Groza's analysis of the mini-robots' route and head deeper into the ruins.)（根据闪电解析出的小型机械路径坐标，我们继续深入废墟。）

(Colphne sends through another comms request.)（寇尔芙再次发来通讯请求。）

VepleyCommander! Vepley—指挥官！维普蕾……

(Colphne shoves Vepley aside and forces herself into the frame. She's speaking much faster than normal.（寇尔芙推了推维普蕾，勉强挤进镜头范围，语速比平时快了不少。）

ColphneCommander, that wounded lady vanished!指挥官，伤员不见了！

ColphneEveryone in the camp searched all the tents, but we couldn't find any trace of her! She might have entered the ruins, because we can't find her anywhere else.营地的大家搜索了所有的帐篷，都没有她的踪影。或许她进了废墟，人家找不到她了。

ColphneWhat should we do, Commander?指挥官，有什么办法吗？

CommanderWhen was the last time you saw her?你上一次见到她是什么时候？

ColphneAbout half an hour ago. We came back from walking outside, but just as I was getting ready to change her bandages, I came back and found that she wasn't in her bed...半小时前。我们刚刚一起散步回来，人家去准备换药的器械，回来发现她不在病床上……

VepleyVepley's been practicing for the show in the Commander's tent! Vepley didn't see the missing audience member!维普蕾一直在指挥官的临时帐篷里排练新春节目，维普蕾也没有看见受伤的观众！

(Colphne briefly describes the events that took place.)（寇尔芙简述了先前的见闻。）

Qiuhua...Doesn't seem like anything's wrong.……好像也没啥不对劲啊。

GrozaThe camp's far away from everything else and she's hurt, so she couldn't have gone too far...营地位置偏远，她受了伤，活动范围应该不会太大……

SabrinaCould she have regained her memories and suddenly remembered that she had something to do?或许那位女士是恢复了记忆，突然想起有急事要办？

(With no idea about what might have happened, the Dolls fall silent.)（人形们毫无头绪，沉默下来。）

CommanderJust leave her be for now. Whether she stays or goes won't affect us, and we saved her simply because we had the luxury of doing so. She's free to leave if she wants.先这样吧。她的去留对我们也没什么影响，我们只是路过顺手救了她，离开是她的自由。

CommanderYou and Vepley can keep searching for her if you want. If you find her collapsed somewhere, help her out. If you can't find her... then you don't need to spend too much time and effort on it.寇尔芙和维普蕾可以再找一下，如果人倒在哪里就搭把手，实在找不到……没必要在这件事上消耗过多精力。

ColphneUnderstood, Commander. I'll look for her one last time.我明白了，指挥官，那人家再最后搜索一下哟。

(The transmission ends.)（通讯结束。）

SabrinaAh... I hope she's alright.啊……希望那位女士平安无事。

GrozaEveryone, we're almost at our destination. Hostile robots might show up, so please stay alert.各位，我们已经接近终点坐标了。附近随时可能出现敌对机械，请提高警戒等级。

QiuhuaIt's in the building up ahead, right? Main door looks closed, I'll go bash it open right now!就在前面的建筑里吧？大门好像关着，我这就去砸开大门！

SabrinaEh? W-we're going for a frontal assault?唉？要、要正面进攻吗？

CommanderQiuhua, wait.秋桦，等等。

(Qiuhua quickly halts in her tracks.)（秋桦连忙刹住脚。）

GrozaWe don't know what's happening inside that building. We should probably circle around the back and try to observe the insides before deciding on what to do.建筑内部情况不明，还是先绕道后方，进行观察后再行动吧。

QiuhuaOh, that makes sense. Sorry, I was being hasty.有道理啊，对不住，是我着急了。

QiuhuaLet's go from the left, then.那我们从左侧上去看看。

(Qiuhua runs on ahead.)（秋桦率先跑去。）

SabrinaHm... Well, these are ruins for you. There's tons of rot and rust overhead...唔……不愧是废墟呢，顶面受到了不少腐蚀……

QiuhuaOops! Mind your feet, the ground's crumbling!哎呀——小心脚下，这一脚下去嘎嘣脆啊！

SabrinaAh, thanks for the reminder, but I think you were the only one who stepped on the crumbly bits.啊，谢谢提醒，可是刚才只有秋桦踩到了脆化的部分哦。

QiuhuaIs that so? Ahahaha, clumsy me, then! No making fun of me for it, though!是这样吗？啊哈哈哈一时失手！不许笑话我啊！

GrozaLadies, please keep quiet. There might be robots in there listening to the situation on the outside.诸位，请尽量保持安静，内部可能有可以探知外界的机械。

(The air falls silent.)（周围顿时静下来。）

YuraI think... I can see what's inside from here.这里……好像可以看见内部的情况了。

(Yura finds a hole in the wall and crouches down to look inside.)（尤拉找到了某个缺口，蹲下身观察。）

(A moment later, Yura pulls away from the hole. He seems shaken by what he's seen. He looks at me and freezes up for a moment, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish's before he finally manages to regain the ability to speak.)（片刻之后，尤拉从缺口中拔出脑袋，眼神震动。他看着我愣了一会儿，张了张口，终于组织好了语句。）

(Beside him, Qiuhua eagerly takes his place.)（一旁的秋桦迫不及待地接管了观察口。）

YuraIt's the right place! It's full of...找对地方了！里面……

QiuhuaWhoa! Commander, there are mini-robots everywhere in there!嚯！长官，里头全都是小型机械！

QiuhuaRow after row after row, with all kinds of resource crates around them!一排、一排又一排，边上散落着大大小小的物资箱！

QiuhuaYou gotta see this, Commander!长官，你快来亲眼看看啊！

YuraEr... Qiuhua took the words out of my mouth.呃……话都给秋桦说完了。

(Qiuhua pulls me over to the hole.)（秋桦将我拉到观察口边上。）

CommanderQiuhua, take a few pictures of those mini-robots and see if you can find out anything new about them. Groza and Sabrina, help her out.秋桦，检索下面那些小型机械的外观数据，找找新情报，闪电和塞布丽娜也一起来。

(The Dolls begin working).（人形们行动起来。）

SabrinaThose mini-robots look just like any other robot you'd see in the Yellow Zone. Nothing unusual about them.那些小型机械好像就是散布在黄区各地的常见机械呢，普普通通的。

GrozaCommander, given the weathering on their outer shells, it's likely that not all of them are from the same batch. They seem to have been manufactured in different series and gathered here.指挥官，根据这些机械的外壳老化状态，它们可能不是同一个批次的产品，像是分多次收集来的不同批次产品，集中在了这里。

CommanderI see.我明白了。

YuraCommander, can I prevail on you and your Dolls to take out these robots?秋桦的长官，可以拜托您和人形们打倒这些机械吗？

YuraWe scavengers didn't steal those items, and if we can return the stolen goods, we might be able to change their bad opinion of us. At the very least, we won't be blamed for the most recent spate of thefts.拾荒者没有偷窃那些东西，如果我们能送还那些赃物，不说扭转过去的风评，至少不会因为最近的窃案而被冠上新的罪名。

YuraAlso... These robots attack us when we're out in the wasteland. Lots of our guys have fought them before, and rebuilding the ruins would be easier without them around.而且……这些机械来到外围时会攻击我们，不少兄弟们都中过招，要是没有它们，废墟重建也能容易些。

QiuhuaI mean, we're already here, Commander. Why don't we throw hands with them?长官，来都来了，咱们一起大干一场呗？

CommanderThat was my plan from the beginning.我本来就是这么打算的。

CommanderWhen you attack, try and leave a few intact. It'll make tracing them or turning them in easier.你们动手的时候，尽量留几个比较完整的机械，方便之后调查或是提交证据。

QiuhuaGot it! I knew you'd say yes!好耶！就知道长官会答应的！

QiuhuaNow then, shall we get to it, then?那事不宜迟，咱们这就下去？

GrozaBe careful, they might have a functional alert...谨慎点，它们之中可能有运行中的警戒机……

(With a "thud", Qiuhua lands among the mini-robots and yells to her friends.)（“咚”的一声，秋桦已经落在小型机械中间，只能仰头呼唤队友。）

QiuhuaAh?! Oh crap, I triggered their defense programs! Help me out, guys!啊？！晚啦！我已经触发对方的防守程序了，你们快来啊！

QiuhuaCrap, these Dinergates and Goliaths are all moving—这些小兵蚁小歌利亚都动起来了啊——

SabrinaI, I can see that...看、看出来了……

SabrinaQiuhua, you should inform your teammates before you start a fight.秋桦，下次开战前要先告诉队友啦。

QiuhuaSorry, I haven't had "teammates" in a while! Won't happen again!太久没有“队友”这回事了，不好意思，不好意思！

(The Dolls rush to join the battle.)（人形们匆匆投入了战斗。）

Treasure Trove 藏宝地

(After a brief skirmish, all the enemy robots are dealt with.)（经过一阵扫荡，所有的敌对机械都停止了运行。）

SabrinaWhew, it's over!呼，终于结束啦！

SabrinaSo the Nian that was responsible for stealing all the supplies was actually this pack of mini-robots!结合集市上“年兽作乱偷走物资”的传言……所谓的年兽，原来就是这群小型机械呀！

QiuhuaCommander, Chief Yura, let's go over our spoils... Ah, I mean, the stolen goods.长官，尤拉首领，一起来清点我们的战利品……啊不，它们偷来的赃物吧。

YuraOkay! Coming!好！来喽！

(Yura and I enter the building and look at the supply crates of various sizes that cover the ground. Many of them are plastered with labels reading "festive fair" in fancy lettering. It seems they're part of the trade fair decorations.)（我和尤拉一起走近，看着散落在地面各处的大小物资箱，不少箱子外侧还贴着开年大集的花体字样，似乎是集市饰物的一部分。）

CommanderLet's start by consolidating everything.先把物资集中到一起吧。

(The battle just now has made an even bigger mess of the supply crates compared to before. The Dolls begin working at my command.)（经过刚才的大战，地上的物资比我们开战前更凌乱了。人形们在我的指令下活动起来。）

QiuhuaChief Yura, once we send this stuff back, people won't suspect the scavengers as much, right?尤拉首领，接下来只要把这些东西送回去，拾荒者的嫌疑应该就能降低吧？

YuraYeah. We'll finish doing an inventory of the items, and then I'll hand them and these robots over to the Inspector.嗯，清点完物资后，我会把赃物连着这些机械一起上交给监察官。

YuraThe scavengers can't operate these robots, and if the Management takes a good look at these robots' authorizations and data logs, they ought to be able to find something that benefits us.拾荒者没有能力驱使这些机械，如果管理会仔细检查机械权限和数据记录，应该能找到对拾荒者有利的线索。

(However, Yura doesn't seem to be cheered up by this new development.)（尤拉的表情并未因此而变得轻松。）

YuraThe thing is, until the truth is made public, the fact that these items were found in our turf won't necessarily clear our names in the eyes of people who don't know the truth. On the contrary, it might actually make things worse.只是，在结果出来之前，对于不知内情的他人而言，这些在拾荒者的“地盘”上发现的东西未必能洗清我们的嫌疑，甚至可能会有反效果。

YuraI need to think about the best way to hand these things over, and I think it's better to keep quiet about this until we fully analyze the pros and cons of doing so.我得考虑一下移交这些东西的方式，在具体解析完成前保持低调。

QiuhuaCan't you contact the Inspector in private? Maybe try to send it back under the cover of night? This settlement has a night curfew so things are pretty quiet then.不能私下联系监察官吗？尽量低调地趁夜送回去呗，这居住点半夜有宵禁，挺清净的。

YuraI was thinking that too. I'll contact the Inspector now.我也有这个想法，我现在联系监察官试试。

(Yura's call is rejected twice before it finally goes through.)（尤拉的通讯请求在被拒绝两次后终于接通。）

(The man that Yura calls "the Inspector" has a stern look on his face, as though he was born scowling.)（被尤拉称作“监察官”的中年男人表情严肃，似乎天生只会绷着脸。）

Inspector LeoYura, did you schedule this call?尤拉，你提前预约通讯时间了吗？

YuraSorry about this, Inspector, but we made a surprising discovery.很抱歉，监察官，是突发惊喜。

(Yura points to the pile of lost items behind him.)（尤拉指向身后清点完成的失物堆。）

(The Inspector raises an eyebrow and for the first time, he looks directly at Yura and me as I stand beside him.)（监察官抬了抬眉头，今天第一次正视起尤拉和他身边的我。）

Inspector LeoWhere did you find them? Did you catalogue them? What exactly is in there?你们在哪里找到的？清点过了吗？具体有哪些东西？

YuraWe found them in the depths of the ruins. We're on the scene right now. I'll send you the coordinates.废墟深处，我们就在发现地点，我把坐标发给你。

YuraWe've also counted and sorted them. I'll send you a list as well.现场的物资清单也整理好了，我合并发送过去。

(The Inspector goes through the information Yura sent.)（监察官确认了尤拉发送的文件。）

Inspector LeoIs that all? Is there nothing else?就这些？没有别的东西了吗？

QiuhuaWhat else should there be? It's not like we've got a list of stolen items to check against, right?还应该有什么东西呢？我寻思也没给我们什么失物清单可以对照呀。

QiuhuaThere's something I've been meaning to say back then in that interrogation room; there's something weird about you guys. If you have something to say, then just say it!在审讯室那会儿我就想说，我老觉得你们怪怪的。有什么话别藏着掖着，你直说嘛！

(The Inspector seems completely unbothered by Qiuhua's displeasure.)（监察官对秋桦的不满置若罔闻，语气平稳无波。）

Inspector LeoNever mind. You've done well in finding the lost items.不必了。找回失窃物的事，你们做得不错。

Inspector LeoHowever, I have a question: these coordinates are in the depths of the ruins. When did the scavengers go so far inside? I don't recall seeing any reports about it.我只有一个疑问，坐标地点在废墟最深处，拾荒者是什么时候推进到这个深度的，我好像没看到过报告。

(The question is addressed to Yura, but he's looking directly at me.)（监察官这样问尤拉，视线却只与我相对。）

YuraWe've never been here before. There are mini-robots everywhere, and they attack in self-defense whenever anyone gets close. It's not like we can handle them with the weapons we have.先前我们也都没来过这里。这一带到处都是小型机械，人一靠近就触发防守反击，凭我们那点装备根本顶不住。

YuraIt was all thanks to Qiuhua and her commander...这次还是多亏了被你们当作嫌疑人的秋桦和她的长官……

(Yura steps away from the center of the frame so Qiuhua and I are fully visible.)（尤拉让出屏幕中心位置，让监察官能看见我和秋桦。）

(Qiuhua merely shakes a fist and grits her teeth.)（秋桦却不配合，只龇着牙扬了扬拳头。）

QiuhuaSo you're that Inspector Gadget or something? I remember your voice! You were questioning me in there! You were on the other side of that one-way mirror, weren't you?你就是那劳什子监察官？我记得你的声音，你一定审过我！审讯室玻璃那边的就是你吧？

(The Inspector nods to me and ignores Qiuhua.)（监察官对我点点头，并未理会秋桦。）

(Perhaps I'm imagining things, but he seems a bit too focused on sizing me up.)（或许是我的错觉，他对我的观察和打量似乎有些过于细致。）

YuraInspector, I called you in the hopes of arranging a way to secretly transport these items.监察官，我联系您是希望能在合适的时候暗中运回这些失物。

YuraAfter all, they were found in the ruins... It's not often that the scavengers get to contribute to the community, so we'd rather not have it cause suspicion and dissent instead.毕竟是在废墟中找回的东西……拾荒者难得做出了贡献，不希望反而因此惹来怀疑和非议。

Inspector LeoThat is understandable. I'll have my assistant arrange the details with you.可以理解。具体事项，我会安排我的副手跟你确认。

(And with that, the Inspector ends the call.)（简短地讨论过后，监察官结束了通讯。）

Yura...Huh, I just got an invitation to a meeting from his adjutant. Looks like I'll have work to do today.……哦，这么快就收到了副官的会议邀请，看来今天还得接着忙活呢。

QiuhuaThat's good, right? No matter how you slice it, since the scavengers are bringing the lost items in, they can't just turn it around on you and make you the villains of the story, right?这是好事啦。不管怎么说，既然是拾荒者奉还的失物，他们总不能还接着把拾荒者当成头号嫌疑人吧？

YuraWho knows? We're not like Leader Garen and his expedition corps. Everyone loves them... Still, since we can't change everyone's view of us overnight, all we can do is the best we can within our abilities.谁知道呢，咱们可不像凯伦队长和他的远征军，人人都喜欢……不过，反正别人的看法也一时改变不了，只能把能力范围内的事情做好了。

YuraThe Inspector seemed to be in a better mood after seeing those items. He probably won't hassle the scavengers for a while now.说起来，监察官看见那些失物后，好像心情变好了，应该暂时不会再揪着拾荒者了。

YuraQiuhua, everyone, thank you very much.秋桦，太谢谢你们了。

QiuhuaHm? Did his face change?嗯？他的表情有变过吗？

Yura...It did, right? Usually, he frowns even more than that...……有吧？他平时的脸可比刚才还要臭……

(Chief Yura seems to have thought of something and he hugs himself while shuddering.)（尤拉首领不知想起些什么，抱着手臂抖了抖。）

QiuhuaNever mind, it's in the past. No point thinking about it.算了，都过去了就别想了。

QiuhuaCommander, Chief Yura, will we be going back to the camp to resupply? If we're only going to move the stolen goods after the sun goes down, we might have to wait for a while.长官，尤拉首领，咱们这会儿要回营地补给吗？如果天黑之后才开始搬运失物，距离现在可还有好一会儿呢。

YuraI want to watch over the goods myself. After all, we went to a lot of effort to find it. We can't let this roast chicken fly the coop!好不容易找到的东西，我要亲自守着，绝对不能让煮熟的鸭子在我眼前飞了。

YuraCommander, could you lead the Dolls back and give them a rest? I've logged the route we took here. I'll have my stronger friends come by later to prepare to move the items tonight.秋桦的长官，您先带人形们回去补给休息一下吧？我们来时的路线我都记录好了，一会儿我就让身强体壮的兄弟们结伴过来，准备晚上的运输。

CommanderWill it be okay? I think you mentioned that this was your first time coming this deep.没问题吧？我好像记得你说，你也是第一次来这种深处。

YuraWell, you cleared the route and we'll be coming in force. I think we can handle it.才扫清过的路线，兄弟们又是结伴来，我们可以。

(Noticing our hesitation, Yura lightheartedly reassures us.)（尤拉看我们还是有些犹豫，又轻松补充了一句。）

YuraWe'll be fine. My boys and I have been exploring these ruins for almost a year now. They've grown a lot through their experiences; if there's anything we can't beat, we'll run.没事的，兄弟们在废墟外围转了这大半年，应付突发情况的经验也长了不少，打不过还能跑不过嘛。

CommanderFair enough. We'll be heading back, then.行吧，那我们就先回去了。

YuraOh, right! Commander, will you be staying for the festive trade fair? Once it starts, we'll probably be able to collect some supplies. When the time comes, feel free to come by our camp and we'll celebrate.嗯！秋桦的长官，你们会在这里留到开年大集之后吗？等到开年大集正式开业，我们应该还能领到一些物资。到时候你们要是不嫌弃就来营地，大家一起庆祝庆祝。

YuraWhile our points are kind of dismal, we should have enough for a decent dinner with our saviors... I think?虽说我们今年积分惨淡，和恩人们一起吃顿团圆饭还是没问题的……吧？

QiuhuaOh, speaking of meals, I actually found something interesting just now, but I don't have the time to explain in detail.啊，说起吃饭，其实我刚才发现了一些好东西，有个想法还没来得及细说。

QiuhuaOnce we're done here, I'll tell you all about it at the camp. If it all goes well, we'll be able to eat more lavishly next year, even if it isn't this year.等这里忙完，我就去营地给你们讲讲。不出意外的话，即便赶不上今年，明年大家肯定能吃得好一点！

YuraThat would be great.要是这样就太好了。

(The way back is long, and we can still see Yura waving to us in the distance.)（返程时走出了不少路程，还能看见远处尤拉热情地挥着手。）

QiuhuaCommander, I actually received a text message just now.长官！其实我刚才收到了一条短讯。

QiuhuaIt looks weird, like some kind of prank. However, the timing was impeccable, so it might actually be legit...内容有些奇怪，像是什么恶作剧。不过，时机十分凑巧，没准是真的……

(Qiuhua holds her communicator up in front of me.)（秋桦扯了扯我，将她的通讯器送到我面前。）

(The sender is unknown.)（短讯来自一个陌生的发信端。）

QiuhuaTo the Commander of the Elmo: I have an urgent commission for you that pays well. The price is negotiable. I would like to tell you about it in person. —Farm Inspector. There are a bunch of coordinates behind it, which just so happen to be inside Darksteel Farm.“艾莫号指挥官：我这里提供一份紧急赏金委托，酬劳丰厚可议，望私下面谈。农场监察官。”后面还给了个坐标，这个坐标倒是正好在黑钢农场内。

CommanderWhen did you receive this information?你是什么时候收到消息的？

QiuhuaRight after Chief Yura spoke to the Inspector.就在尤拉首领结束和监察官的通话之后。

CommanderGroza, can you pinpoint the location of the supplied coordinates?闪电，能大致查到短讯所附坐标对应的区域吗？

GrozaWhile it's within the Farm, it's some distance from the other locations we passed through previously.虽然同样在黑钢农场内，但先前我们经过的位置都和坐标有一定距离。

GrozaNow comparing with the map data of the fair and settlement... I've found it, Commander. It's the Farm's Administration Center.对比集市边的居住点地图数据……找到了，指挥官，是管理会管理处。

SabrinaHuh, could it really be from the Inspector?呀，难道是真的监察官吗？

GrozaAre you interested in the message's contents?指挥官对短讯的内容感兴趣吗？

CommanderHe did say it would pay well.他说酬劳丰厚呢。

(I give Groza a meaningful look, urging her to think of the Elmo's bills, and Groza indicates that she understands.)（我用眼神暗示闪电回想一下艾莫号的账单，闪电显然理解了我的暗示。）

GrozaCommander, I believe we should learn more about the nature of this commission.指挥官，我认为我们是可以了解一下这份委托的详情。

CommanderIt's decided, then. Once we've rearmed and rested, we'll head over.那就这样决定了，等回营地修整完后就过去吧。

QiuhuaDo we need to make an appointment or something? Chief Yura got grilled just now because he didn't make arrangements.我们需要预约会议时间吗？刚才尤拉首领没有预约，还被质问了呢。

Qiuhua...Come to think of it, how do we even make appointments? Do we have permission to do that?……说起来，这到底要怎么预约？我们有这种权限吗？

GrozaThe message didn't mention any particular timing, and it said it was an "urgent commission", so maybe we can skip the appointment...短讯中并未提及时间，又强调是“紧急委托”，或许是免预约的意思……

QiuhuaHuh, is that what it means? Ahhhh, no point thinking any more about it, we'll know once we get there!是、是这样解读的吗？哎呀不想了，到那边就知道了！

Voice of Faith 信念的声音

(There are many guards near the Administration Center, and we are approached before we can even reach the signposted main door.)（农场管理处附近警卫众多，没等我们走到挂有标牌的大门口，就有人率先向我们走来。）

(He's frowning too, just like that stern inspector.)（这人也皱着眉头绷着脸，和那个严肃的监察官气质神似。）

AdjutantAre you the Elmo's Commander? I'm Inspector Leo's assistant. Please follow me.是艾莫号指挥官吧？我是雷欧监察官的助手，各位请随我来。

(He produces a metal nametag with his name on it from his pocket, and after briefly checking our identities, he gestures to us to follow him.)（他从口袋里掏出写有名字的金属牌，简单确认过身份后，示意我们跟上。）

(Two squads of guards "coincidentally" happen to arrive and begin a shift change. As the rows of men interlock and shift, the adjutant heads toward the main door but instead goes around it, heading toward the rear of the Admin Center.)（两队巡逻警卫恰巧停在我们身边，开始了交接班。人影晃动间，那位副官走向大门，绕过大门，转往管理处的后方。）

(I signal to the Dolls to slow down. Qiuhua leans in close and whispers into my ear.)（我示意人形们暂缓脚步。秋桦凑在我耳边，小声嘀咕。）

QiuhuaIs there a need to be so sneaky about this? Isn't the Inspector the big boss of the settlement?有必要这么鬼鬼祟祟的吗？整个居住点，监察官不就是老大？

QiuhuaYou think they're going to try and arrest and interrogate us?长官，他们该不会要把我们全都抓去审讯室吧？

CommanderWe'll just have to ask them.直接问问吧。

(I look behind us. The shift change is proceeding apace, with the guards reporting to each other in the usual fashion. It serves to completely screen off the route we're taking around the Admin Center.)（我看向身后，交接班的警卫仍在列队报告，将外围路线遮挡得有些严实。）

SabrinaExcuse me, but... aren't we going in through the front door?先生，我们……不从前门进去吗？

AdjutantThe Inspector would prefer that this discussion be conducted in secret, so we seek your understanding. Our choice of location is not very conventional...监察官希望谈话能秘密进行，请见谅，我们选定的谈话地点并不那么常规……

QiuhuaHuh? Listen up pal, conventional or not, it had better not be that damn interrogation room again! No way in hell I'll let the Commander go in there!啊？话先说在前面，再特殊也不能是牢里啊！我绝对不会让长官进去的！

QiuhuaYou have no idea, Commander. You can't get out once you go in, it's like the Black Dolphin Prison...长官你不知道，进了那鬼地方太难越狱了，简直就是天堑……

AdjutantPlease be at ease. You are not under suspicion and the venue in question is simply a room that has not been used in a long time. We won't draw attention there.请放心，各位的身份并非嫌疑人。场地也只是很久没有使用的空置场地而已，那里不易引人注目。

(The Dolls look at me, waiting for my answer.)（人形们都看着我，等待着我的答案。）

(The adjutant glances to the side, at the guards behind us.)（副官则看向我们身后那些警卫们。）

AdjutantThey won't be able to buy us much time.巡逻警卫能为我们争取的时间有限。

AdjutantCommander, the Inspector does not want to force your involvement, but... I shouldn't be saying this, but as an individual I hope you'll bring some change, some... some way to improve things.指挥官，监察官无意勉强您入局，但……但我个人，说句不该说的，我真心希望您能带来一些变化，一些……好转的可能性。

(The adjutant does his best to show his sincerity.)（副官转向我，尽他所能地表现他的诚意。）

CommanderDoes your Inspector keep his promises? I distinctly recall him mentioning it "pays well".你们的监察官说话算话吗？“酬劳丰厚”，这可是他说的。

(The adjutant freezes for a moment, and then he responds.)（副官愣了愣，随后反应过来。）

AdjutantI'm sure you'll be satisfied with the payment! Please follow me.酬劳一定会让您满意！请跟我来。

(The adjutant pushes the door open and gestures for us to enter, while he stands watch outside.)（副官推开门，做出请的手势，自己则在外守候。）

(There's someone waiting inside the room.)（有人等在房间里。）

Inspector LeoCommander of the Elmo, your reputation precedes you. I'm glad we could meet at last.艾莫号指挥官，久闻大名，很高兴见到你。

Inspector LeoYour performance during the settlement theft case has left a deep impression on me; I'm looking forward to working with you.你们在居民区失窃一案上表现出的实力让我印象深刻，我非常期待与你们合作。

Inspector LeoI'm sure you will not be disappointed by the payment for this commission.我手里的这个委托，酬劳不会让你失望。

(He stands up and looks me over. There is no sign of anything resembling joy in his stern expression.)（他站了起来，眼睛打量着我，严肃的脸上看不出“高兴”的情绪。）

(Beside me, Qiuhua's clenches her fists. I cover her hand, then hand her off to Sabrina so the latter can try to calm her down.)（秋桦垂在身侧的手紧握成拳，我按住她的手，把她交给塞布丽娜安抚。）

CommanderHello, Inspector Leo.你好，雷欧监察官。

CommanderIt seems one of my Dolls was in your care previously. Allow me to thank you for your hospitality.先前我的人形好像受到你们不少关照，我替她谢谢你们的照顾。

(The Inspector goes silent for a moment.)（监察官沉默了一瞬。）

Inspector LeoWe regret mistaking your Doll for a thief and all suspicion on her has been cleared. If our interrogators gave any offense, I would like to apologize on their behalf.很遗憾你的人形被误认为窃贼，她的嫌疑已被洗清。如果审讯员之前有言语冒犯的地方，我代表他们赔罪。

SabrinaQiuhua, they've apologized already. Don't be mad, okay?秋桦，对方道歉了哦。你消消气好不好？

QiuhuaI'm not mad, I was framed! I've been running around in the Yellow Zone for years and this is the first time anyone's treated me like a thief...我不是生气，我是冤枉啊。我在黄区跑了这么些年，还是第一回被人当小偷……

SabrinaAlso, the Inspector seems to have a commission for the Commander. It's going to make things difficult for him if you stay mad at the Inspector, don't you think?监察官好像还有委托想要交给指挥官呢，要是一直对着他生气，指挥官也会为难的吧？

(Sabrina patiently quells Qiuhua's wrath, which allows her to cool down and think.)（塞布丽娜耐心地浇灭了秋桦的火气，让她开始冷静下来，思考利弊。）

QiuhuaThat... that kind of makes sense too.也……也是这个道理。

(Qiuhua glares at the Inspector one last time and takes a deep breath.)（秋桦最后瞪了监察官一眼，深吸口气。）

QiuhuaFine then... for the sake of the Commander and this payment... I hope we'll all get along.嗯……为了长官，看在“酬劳”的面子上……希望大家合作愉快。

(Sabrina breathes a sigh of relief as she mutters to herself.)（塞布丽娜在我身边小声自言自语。）

SabrinaGood thing it was Qiuhua... At least she's easy to persuade.呼，幸好是秋桦……这么容易就劝好了。

CommanderHehe, she's always been the accepting and optimistic type.呵呵，宽容大度和想得开一向是她的特长。

(I mutter my own reply to Sabrina.)（我也小声回应塞布丽娜。）

SabrinaMaybe that's why she makes friends everywhere she goes.或许这就是她走到哪里都能交到朋友的原因吧。

Inspector LeoI just want the misunderstanding to be cleared up so it does not impede our joint operations going forward.误会说清楚就好，我不希望先前的事影响之后的合作。

Inspector LeoHave a seat, Commander.指挥官，请坐。

(The Inspector pulls up a chair and we both sit down.)（监察官亲自拉来一把椅子，双方都坐了下来。）

Inspector LeoBefore we officially begin, there is one thing I'd like to verify, for safety's sake.正式开始之前，保守起见，我想最后确认一下。

Inspector LeoI understand your capabilities to a certain extent, and since I have decided to entrust you with this matter, I will also be placing great trust in you.本人对你们的实力已有一定了解，既然决定把这件事委托给你们，自然会给予充分信任。

Inspector LeoTo facilitate future endeavors, I will be sharing some information with you that should not leave this room. Can I ask you to keep it secret for me, whether or not we end up working together?为了你我方便，我会提供一些不应外传的机密信息给你们。接下来我说的话，无论合作是否成立，各位能否替我保密？

GrozaDon't worry. We of the Elmo know how things work around here.请放心，艾莫号并非新手，我们知道规矩。

Inspector LeoI'll get to it, then.那我就开门见山了。

Inspector LeoThe Farm lost more than just those items you found. We also lost Collapse pieces, enough to feed hundreds of people for six months.农场丢的不止是你们已经找到的商品，还有晶条，可以养活数百人半年的坍塌晶条。

(Once he finishes, the room is so silent you could hear a pin drop.)（他的话说完，屋子里落针可闻。）

Qiuhua...Wait, how many?!……多少？！

QiuhuaHoly crap! This is one hell of a job! If you're talking about enough to feed hundreds of people for half a year... You'd need half a dozen dump trucks to carry them all, right?我的天！这可真是座“大山”！要能让数百人生存半年……这得装满几辆大卡车吧？

Inspector LeoWe were planning to use those Collapse pieces to purchase the basic living supplies that we would be distributing to the residents on the first day of the festive trade fair. We have chosen to delay the opening ceremony, but that is not a permanent solution.这些晶条原定用于采购“开年大集”首日发放给居民的基本生活物资，我们拖延了开业仪式，但这只是暂缓之计。

Inspector LeoLet me put it this way—even if we distributed all the remaining supplies in our warehouse, we won't be able to support the settlement for half a year. In addition, we cannot keep delaying the opening ceremony forever.我就直说了，就算把仓库里剩下的所有物资都分发出去，也凑不到半年的份额。而开业仪式，不可能无止境地拖延下去。

Inspector LeoI want to hire you to find the lost Collapse pieces ASAP. As for the payment...我委托你们尽快找回失窃晶条。至于酬劳……

(The Inspector sounds tired and dejected, as though all of this has drained him of his emotions.)（监察官的语气平静而克制，像是已被这一切榨干了最后的情绪。）

(He sends me a contract, which contains a respectable figure.)（他向我发送了一份合同，价码确实可观。）

CommanderConsidering the sheer quantity of the Collapse pieces that went missing, don't you think calling it a simple case of "lost and found" is kind of insulting to the residents' intelligence?这种体积和重量的晶条突然不见……被称作“失窃”，是不是有些侮辱居民们的视力？

Inspector LeoOf course it would be strange to say they vanished all at once, but that is why I am handing this secret investigation to you.一次凭空运走全部的晶条当然不现实，这就是我请各位秘密调查的原因。

Inspector LeoThe Collapse pieces are normally stored in the most heavily-guarded part of the warehouse. Not many people can repeatedly access that area.晶条平时保存在安保最严格的仓库中，能顺理成章多次进出仓库的人，不多。

GrozaSo you suspect someone inside the settlement was involved?您怀疑，居住点内有参与其中的人？

GrozaIf a full transport chain was involved, maybe it was a group effort...要完成整个输送链，或许，还是团伙作案……

Inspector LeoRight now, I have no idea who I can trust, so I might as well draw on an outside force to help.现在我分不清哪些人可信，倒不如借助外部的力量。

Inspector LeoThanks to this Doll, I had the perfect excuse to publicly mobilize our resources to investigate the Elmo. At the very least, I am now certain that you are an uninvolved third party—at least for the moment.拜这位人形所赐，我得以光明正大地调动管理会人员，充分调查艾莫号。至少我可以确定，你们是暂无利益牵扯的中立方。

CommanderEverything is clear to me now for the most part, but I have one question.大致的情况我了解了，只是还有一点疑问。

(I point to the payment on the contract.)（我指向委托合同上的金额数字。）

CommanderIf the amount of Collapse pieces we find does not match the initial estimate, then even if we do this task for you, there's no guarantee that the Farm's management committee will be able to pay the full amount, or even pay at all. Am I correct to assume this?我是否可以这样认为——如果找回的晶条数量和预期不同，即便我方付出了劳动，农场管理会也没有余力支付这笔委托费用？

(The Inspector is silent for much longer than before. Finally, he nods.)（监察官的沉默持续得比先前更久，然后，他安静地点了点头。）

Inspector LeoTo be frank, the sum promised here is the maximum amount I can muster up, even if everything goes according to plan.坦诚地告诉你们，即便一切顺利，这个价格也已经是我能调动的全部资源了。

Inspector LeoThe recovered Collapse pieces are needed for the celebratory distributions. Only after those are given out can the remainder be used for payment.找回的晶条必须优先用于分发“吉日”物资，之后有剩余才能兑付酬金。

Inspector LeoIf you accept payment in installments, then as long as the Farm survives, we will be able to pay off the promised amount in two... no, three years.如果你们接受分期支付，只要农场还能存续，我们就能在两年……不，三年内清偿所有费用。

(I am somewhat surprised by this.)（我有些意外。）

GrozaIsn't three years a little long for this?三年的时间，是否有些太长？

GrozaFrom what we saw in the daytime, the festive trade fair had a wealth of goods on display. Surely the Farm's finances aren't that bad, are they?根据我们近日所见，“开年大集”上展示出的商品十分丰富。以农场集市的吸金能力，不至于如此吧？

Inspector LeoPart of the merchandise on display at the festive trade fair is brought by the brokers themselves. The rest of it is collected by the expedition team. Also, our trade with the brokers depends on what the expedition teams bring back.开年大集所售商品，一部分是由暗商交易而来，另一部分则是由远征队从外部探索采集来的。而与暗商之间的交易，也要靠远征队的收获来维持。

Inspector LeoRight now, the nearby ruins have essentially been cleared out, so the expedition team can only go further afield. We need to take into account the impact of such factors on our work efficiency.现在周边临近废墟已经基本排查完毕，远征队的探索区域只能不断外扩。我必须考虑到这些因素对效率的影响。

CommanderI see. You've been very forthcoming with us so... allow me to consider your offer.这样吧，你的话确实很有诚意……所以，让我考虑一下。

(I study the numbers on the contract, then think about the Elmo's financial situation and how we have very few options left.)（我看着合同上的数字，回想了一下艾莫号的资金状况，明白我的选择空间也十分有限。）

(Our expenses have increased as the number of Dolls joining us has gone up. Even 50% of the offered price would allow us to cover the Elmo's operating costs.)（随着车上的人形数量增加，开销也增加了不少。即便目前只能拿到标价的五成，也能解决艾莫号近日的经费问题。）

CommanderVery well, I accept.可以，我接受这份委托。

(I reach out and shake the Inspector's hand, then quickly finish signing the contract.)（我伸出手与监察官相握，随后快速完成了签字与备案流程。）

Inspector LeoAnd now, we can finally get down to business.现在，我们终于可以开始谈正事了。

CommanderDo you have any suspects in mind?你心里有没有真正的嫌疑人名单？

Inspector LeoYes. The lead suspect is our accountant cum warehouse manager. Her name is Delia.有，头号嫌疑……仓库管理员，兼，会计。她的名字是德利娅。

Inspector LeoWe found some irregularities during our previous routine investigation, but she had gone missing by then. The Management went through all our surveillance footage but didn't find any trace of her.管理会在上次例行检查中发现了异常，那时她已经失踪，管理会确认过全部的监控录像，没有找到她的踪迹。

QiuhuaI didn't know accounting was so dangerous...会计果然属于高危工作……

QiuhuaWhen did she vanish?那她跑路是啥时候的事儿呢？

Inspector LeoThat was three days ago.三天前。

Inspector LeoThis is her personnel file, including her picture.这是她登记的个人信息，有照片。

(The Inspector brings up the suspect's photograph.)（监察官调出了嫌疑人的照片。）

(Sabrina exclaims in surprise, and even Groza has a stunned look on her face.)（塞布丽娜发出一声惊呼，就连闪电也面露惊讶。）

GrozaShe... Commander, that's the lady we found!这……指挥官，这是那位“伤员”女士！

Inspector LeoYou've seen her? When? Where is she now?你们见过她？什么时候？她现在在哪里？

SabrinaIf she's the one you're looking for, things might be a little tricky...如果她就是您要找的人，那好像有点糟糕呢……

SabrinaIt's true that we saw her, but she ran off.我们确实见过她，可是，她已经跑掉了。

(According to the transmission from Colphne, she had already left the scavengers' camp before we found the missing trade goods.)（根据寇尔芙发来的通讯，早在我们找到失窃的商品物资之前，那位伤员就离开了拾荒者营地。）

(Groza quickly explains the situation.)（闪电解释了相关情况。）

CommanderHave you been checking your camera footage over the past couple of days?这两天你们还查过监控录像吗？

Inspector LeoNo. The trade fair is about to begin and our guards have been stretched thin. Also, we performed a comprehensive search before and concluded that she'd already left the Farm's territory.没有。开年大集在即，各处警力吃紧。再加上先前已经全面盘查过，我们认为她早就离开农场范围了。

SabrinaActually, some people subscribe to the theory that "the most dangerous place is the safest place". We might still have a chance...不一定哦，也有人会觉得“最危险的地方就是最安全的地方”，我们还有机会……

GrozaSince she already turned up in the scavengers' camp and we know the timeframe when she left, we could try looking through the logs for the cameras nearest to the camp. That might narrow it down.既然她曾经出现在拾荒者营地，离开的大致时间段也是已知的，顺着拾荒者营地附近的监控录像查，能更容易找到。

QiuhuaThen let's go! To the archives!那赶紧的，上录像！

(Some time later.)（许久之后。）

QiuhuaI see! It all makes sense now!整明白了！我都串起来了！

QiuhuaAfter she left the scavengers' camp, she entered a civilian home and left with a trolley and supply crates, heading for the fair.她从拾荒者营地离开后，进入了某一间民居，离开时带上了板车和物资箱，去了集市。

QiuhuaShe's disguised as one of the traders!她乔装成了集市上的商贩！

(Qiuhua plays the video clips of all those events in sequence, forming a complete narrative.)（秋桦将剪辑串联完成的录像放映出来。）

(Our eyes meet, and we decide to take action immediately.)（我们相视一眼，决定立刻行动。）

(There are more people in the trade fair today than before. Everyone is smiling brightly, their faces full of hope and anticipation, utterly clueless about the disaster looming on the horizon.)（集市上的人一日比一日多。人们笑容满面，满怀期待，对近在眼前的难关一无所知。）

(I glance to my side, at the Inspector whose face is fixed in a grim scowl, and reflect on how ignorance truly is bliss.)（我看着身边监察官挤不出一丝笑意的脸和眉毛间的皱纹，暗自感叹还是一无所知的人幸福。）

QiuhuaQiuhua in position.秋桦就位。

SabrinaI'm ready too!我也准备好啦！

(The disguised Delia has already come into range of the Dolls. It is time to close the net.)（乔装为摊贩的德利娅女士在不知不觉中落入了人形们的包围，现在，到了收网的时候。）

GrozaCommander, we're in range. Ready to capture the target anytime.指挥官，包围圈已经足够小了，现在随时可以捕获目标。

CommanderGo.行动。

(On my command, Qiuhua and Groza rush forward, each seizing one of the target's arms, and Sabrina steps up in front of her.)（随着我的命令，秋桦和闪电冲上前，分别抓住了目标的左右臂，而塞布丽娜也站到了她的正前方。）

SabrinaShhh... Don't panic, we're just here to...嘘……别紧张，我们只是来……

(Delia quickly looks between the Dolls and me, but her eyes light up the moment she sees the Inspector, like a limp marionette suddenly imbued with the spark of life.)（德利娅扫过在场的人形和我，当她看见监察官时，双眼明显一亮，像是一具死气沉沉的木偶被赋予了灵魂。）

(All of us disguised ourselves before coming here, but she somehow managed to hone in onto the Inspector with perfect accuracy. How she did it is a mystery.)（在来这里之前，我们都做了一定的乔装，但这位女士精准地发现了监察官，没有人知道她是怎么做到的。）

DeliaDear customers, your order is ready. Please follow me to collect it.几位贵客，你们预订的商品已经准备好了，拿货请跟我来。

SabrinaHuh? Wait, what order? Did we place an order?唉……？什么商品？有、有这样的安排吗？

(Delia lowers her voice.)（德利娅压低了声音。）

DeliaI won't run. Please let go of me so people don't notice.我不会逃，请放开我，别引人注目。

DeliaThe Inspector needs to know the truth. I can't let myself die before that.真相必须交到监察官手里，在那之前，我不能死。

(Delia looks at the Inspector.)（德利娅看着监察官。）

(Qiuhua and Groza look at me, awaiting my order.)（秋桦和闪电都看着我，等待着我的指令。）

DeliaWhy are you so afraid of me? I'm just a hurt civilian. I'm not even armed.你们在怕什么？我只是一个受了伤的普通人，甚至没有武器。

DeliaLet's go, you came here looking for me, right?走吧，你们是为了找我特地过来的吧？

I signal to Qiuhua and Groza to let her go.（我挥手示意秋桦和闪电放松了控制。）

DeliaPlease follow me to the temporary cargo holding area, dear customers.客人们，临时囤货点请往这边走。

(Delia leads us away.)（德利娅转身带路。）

(She's trying to move quickly, but her injuries mean she isn't actually moving all that fast, which only adds to the tension.)（她的脚步有些快，或许是因为伤势，这种速度并不显得轻快，只让人更加紧张。）

(We come to a halt deep within the storage area, which is largely deserted.)（我们在人迹罕至的筹备区深处停下。）

DeliaAt first, my plan was to continue pretending to have lost my memory and stay in the scavengers' camp before leaving this settlement. The further I got from this place, the better.我本来已经决定了，装疯卖傻地在拾荒者营地养好伤就离开这个居住点，走得越远越好。

DeliaBut in the end... I couldn't do it.可……还是舍不得。

(Delia looks toward the scavengers' camp and sighs, then she takes a booklet out of her pockets. There are dark red stains on it.)（德利娅看向拾荒者营地方向，叹了口气，从贴身的口袋中掏出一本册子，封皮上有着些许暗红色的印迹。）

DeliaThis is the real accounting ledger for the warehouse. You'll need it.仓库真正的账本，你们一定会需要的东西。

DeliaThe late former warehouse manager hid it very well, damn him. It took me a lot of effort to find it and I doubt you're interested in hearing the details right now.已故的前任仓库管理员——那个罪人，他把这东西藏得很好。我费了不少力气才找到它，具体经过，我想你们现在应该没时间听。

(Delia looks at the Inspector.)（德利娅看向监察官。）

(We still have no idea what that implies.)（我们仍不明白这意味着什么。）

DeliaFor the past few years, you would go out in person and inspect the progress of the preparations for the trade fair. That was why I chose to pose as a merchant at the fair in order to increase my chances of meeting you. I needed to personally ensure this book reached your hands.前几年大集之前，您每天都会巡视集市上的布置进度。所以我选择做回老本行，去集市上当商贩，这样见到您的机会更大，我必须亲眼看着这东西交到您手上。

DeliaInspector, I have someone I would like to report—监察官，我要举报——

DeliaThat would be Expedition Leader Garen. For many years, he has falsified the amount of supplies gathered and falsely claimed contribution points for the expedition team. In addition... he has stolen large amounts of Collapse pieces. They took them in roughly 20 batches since the start of last month. The evidence is included in that ledger.远征队凯伦队长，多年来虚报采集物资数量，为远征队骗取贡献点，以及……抢走巨额坍塌晶条。他们是分批搬的，上个月开始，前后共二十次，证据我一起贴在了账本后。

(A cold wind blows. For a while, everyone is silent.)（寒风刮过，一时无人开口。）

Qiuhua...Is it a tradition of this settlement to drop bombshell news with completely straight faces?!……你们这个居住点的传统是面无表情地扔出重磅新闻是吗！

DeliaContorting your faces for emotional expression consumes energy, which is a luxury I do not have right now.表现情绪是需要额外的力气的，对现在的我有些过于奢侈。

(Delia wobbles as another gust of wind blows, and Sabrina worriedly moves up to support her.)（德利娅在风中晃了晃，塞布丽娜担忧地扶住她。）

SabrinaYou need medical attention, signorina...女士，您需要医疗支援……

(Delia waves her off, her eyes still fixed on the Inspector.)（德利娅摆了摆手，眼睛还是看着监察官。）

DeliaThe previous warehouse manager was in on it, but it seems he had a disagreement with Garen on the matter of the Collapse pieces, so he lost his life.前任仓库管理员是知情者，在晶条一事上，他似乎和凯伦产生了分歧，所以他丧命了。

DeliaThe moment I took over, I noticed something wrong with the accounts and was nearly silenced as a result... my would-be killers thought I was dead and threw me into a disused storm drain. If these Dolls hadn't been there, nobody would have found my corpse.我一上任就发现账目有问题，我也差点被他们灭口……杀手以为命中了我的要害，把我扔在废弃井道里。要不是这几个人形钻废弃井道，谁也发现不了我。

DeliaWho do you think sent those killers? And what weapons do you think they used?你们觉得，那些杀手……是谁派来的？用的是什么装备？

(The Inspector does not reply.)（监察官没有说话。）

(Groza and Sabrina quietly look away. It's a little embarrassing to be called out for "illegal immigration" right in front of the region's supreme authority.)（闪电和塞布丽娜默默转开视线，当着监察官的面被人点破是“偷渡入境”，多少有些尴尬。）

DeliaI fled here because of disaster. I know just how bad life in the Yellow Zone can be. It took a long time and a lot of hard work for this settlement to get to how it is today, and it's thanks to everyone's efforts that it's still going. I've decided; I'm done fleeing. It's too tiring for me.我是逃难来这里的，我记得黄区外面是什么样。这个居住点好不容易才有今天的样子，大家都在努力让它能维持下去，我想清楚了，我不想再次逃难了，那太累了。

DeliaCan you take care of this, Inspector?监察官，您能解决这件事吧？

DeliaRight now, the only person who can stand up to Leader Garen, the only one we can count on... is you.在这里，有机会压制住凯伦队长的人……大家能依靠的人，只有您了。

(It is at this point that the Inspector breaks his silence.)（监察官一直沉默到了此刻。）

Inspector Leo...You ought to know that just this one piece of evidence isn't enough.……你应该知道，只靠这一件证据是行不通的。

Inspector LeoThe former warehouse manager's body has already been disposed of. That particular dead man will not be telling any tales.前任仓库管理员的遗体已被无害化处理，这件事，死无对证。

DeliaBut we have a duty to the residents.但居民需要一个说法。

DeliaEveryone has worked hard all year and handed their excess wealth and resources to the Management to handle. Hardly anyone has any reserves. Now that the celebration is at hand, we both know that people are going to start panicking if the supplies aren't handed out, and it will soon erupt into unrest and chaos like the outside.大家努力工作一整年，所有富余物资都交给了管理会统一调配，家中没多少存货。开年大集在即，我们都清楚一旦给不出物资人心惶惶，这里很快就会像外面一样乱起来。

DeliaThis is more than a simple case of theft, so I urge you to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness.这并非是单纯的窃案，恳请您慎重对待这件事。

Inspector LeoI understand the gravity of what you have said and I will thoroughly investigate this matter.你的证言我知道了，我一定会查清此事。

Inspector LeoUntil then, the guards will arrange for you to be housed in a safe location and receive round-the-clock protection.在那之前，警卫队会安排你住在绝对安全的地方，接受全方位保护。

QiuhuaEr... in jail?呃……坐牢？

Inspector LeoI have considered that option.我确实在考虑这样做。

(The Inspector ignores Qiuhua's groans and looks Delia in the eye.)（监察官无视秋桦的抽气声，认真地看着德利娅。）

Inspector LeoThe Farm does not have any dedicated witness protection areas, so in lieu of that, a prison cell would be a more secure location, as it is staffed by reliable personnel and its layout is already well known. Currently, it is the best option for protecting a sensitive witness.农场内没有设置过证人保护中心，作为临时替代，牢房相对其他场所人员结构更简明，通道也单一，这已经是眼下最适合保护证人的地方了。

Inspector LeoI will do my best to furnish you with a comfortable environment and medical care in your cell. You will only be detained for a short period of time in order to ensure your safety.我们会尽量在临时牢房中提供舒适的环境和医疗，收容只是暂时的，是为了保护你的安全。

DeliaYou don't have to explain further, I trust you to do the right thing.您不必解释，我相信您。

DeliaInspector, I've already celebrated many celebrations here, and the Management... you have never once missed a single one, which is why everyone has come to trust you.监察官，我已经庆祝过很多个 “吉日”了，管理会……您从未失约，所以大家才越来越信赖您。

(Delia thinks, and then she fixes the Inspector with a stern look.)（德利娅想了想，严肃地看着监察官。）

DeliaI believe you understand the significance of the celebration in everyone's eyes.您一定也很清楚“吉日”仪式对大家的意义。

DeliaIt's more than just a day to collect living supplies; it's a symbol of hope and the future. It shows that the path of unity, cooperation, and coexistence that we chose to cling to is a meaningful one.不仅仅只是生存物资，那是希望和未来的象征，那代表我们选择的“团结之路”是可行的正道，我们现在坚持的“各展所长，协作共存”的求生模式是有意义的。

DeliaSo please... may this celebration be a happy one.所以……请务必，让今年的“吉日”分配得以延续。

InspectorI will do my utmost.我会尽全力。

(The Inspector's adjutant and his men escort Delia away and out of sight.)（德利娅在监察官副手与警卫的护送下，走出我们的视野。）

(Sabrina notes that the Inspector's hands are balled up into fists. She nervously moves closer to me before whispering into my ear.)（塞布丽娜瞥见监察官紧握成拳的双手，有些不安地贴近我，说起悄悄话。）

SabrinaIs he going to be alright? He seems a little, uh...监察官他还好吗？我感觉他的情绪好像……唔，很难形容……

SabrinaIsn't it a good thing that we have an idea where to find the missing Collapse pieces?我们发现了晶条窃案的线索方向，这不是好事情吗？

(I remember the vendors talking about the Inspector and the Expedition Leader's shared past. They were battle buddies once...)（我想起上次来这个集市时，小贩说起过监察官与那位远征队长的往事，他们曾经是战友……）

CommanderIt's good for the case, but for him as a person... Well. Human emotions are a complex thing.对案件来说是好事，对他本人来说，嗯……人类的感情是复杂的。

(We return to the Admin Center with the Inspector. There is a gloomy mood in the air.)（我们与监察官一起回到管理处，这一路气氛有些沉重。）

Familiar Evanescence 似曾相识的泡影

(The Inspector looks down at Delia's notes as he flips through them.)（监察官低头翻动着德利娅整理的证据笔记。）

(In addition to the accounting data, Delia has tried to provide as much additional information as she could.)（除了账目，德利娅尽力给出了她了解的全部信息。）

Inspector LeoWhat do you think of the information provided by the witness?对证人检举的内容，你们怎么想？

GrozaEven if the witness' testimony can be corroborated, the charges are being levied against a core figure of the Farm... I believe having more proof would be helpful to the case.即便证人的话得到证实，毕竟她所指控的人也是农场内的骨干人物……要是能有更多实证，会更稳妥一些。

CommanderThere are cameras throughout the Farm. There's no way for the opposition to hide if they make a move, so verifying it won't be difficult. The question now is how far you're willing to go to gather this proof.农场内到处都是监控镜头，只要对方动起来就会留下痕迹，要想查证并不困难，只看决策方是否乐意追根究底。

(The Inspector remains silent in his seat, as if he's morphed into a statue.)（监察官坐在椅中沉默不语，像是化作了一尊雕像。）

(He seems ill at ease while sitting in the chair, as if the temporary meeting room suddenly seems very cramped.)（临时会面地点的座椅空间似乎有些局促，他看起来坐得并不安稳。）

Inspector Leo...Let's verify the evidence. The area surrounding the location where the witness was attacked was covered by a camera. Its footage should be in the appropriate security kiosk. I'll have my people give you today's cipher key.……先进行查证吧。证人遇袭地点周边的监控录像一般保存在对应的治安岗亭内，我让人把今天的权限密钥交给你们。

Inspector LeoCommander, I hope you will verify the truth of this attack, and I also need to know the identity of the person who attacked her—take whatever screenshots you need and send them to my adjutant. He will corroborate it against the database of residents.艾莫号指挥官，我希望由你方来确认证人遇袭这部分证言的真伪，我还需要知道袭击她的人是什么身份——截取相关影像给我的副手，他会和居民数据库做比对。

Inspector LeoThis commission is still secret, so I hope you will maintain a low profile.这仍然是一份秘密委托，保持低调。

CommanderA "secret", hm? Are you worried about something, Inspector?“秘密”吗？监察官在担心什么？

(The Inspector looks up. There is a sharp glint in his eyes.)（监察官抬了抬眼，表情有一瞬变得锐利。）

Inspector LeoIt's just in case... Neither the Management nor the guards can be fully trusted.只是保险起见……管理会和警卫队，未必全部可信。

Inspector LeoMy adjutant is beyond suspicion. He is reliable; I am sure of that.我的副手不在怀疑范围内，他是可信的，我确认这一点。

CommanderUnderstood. All the best to the both of us.我知道了。那么，预祝合作愉快。

(I lead the Dolls to the security kiosk in question.)（我带着人形们前往指定的治安岗亭。）

QiuhuaDammit, someone's messed with this camera too.好家伙，这里的监控也被动过手脚。

QiuhuaWait, "too"? Why did I say "too"?嗯？……“也”？我为啥会说“也”来着？

GrozaThat's because the tampering here is almost exactly like what was done during the mini-robot theft incident.因为这种覆盖手法，跟小型机械窃案的时候几乎一致。

QiuhuaDon't tell me the same person was behind both cases?那这两个案子，该不会是同一个犯人干的吧？

GrozaIt's hard to say. We don't have enough evidence.难说，证据不充分。

GrozaLet's just start by restoring the original footage.现在还是先把录像还原到原始版本吧。

SabrinaWe just need to connect to Level II like last time, right? Shouldn't be a problem.像上次一样接入二级平层就好了吧？应该没问题。

Familiar Evanescence 似曾相识的泡影

(The data restoration is complete.)（数据复原顺利完成。）

(In the restored footage, we can see Delia falling over after being shot. The killer approaches and drags her to a nearby storm drain.)（原始录像中可以清楚地看见德利娅被枪击后倒下，随后凶手靠近，将她拖进附近的井道。）

GrozaLooks like we're in luck; we've got several shots of the killer's face. I'll send these images to the adjutant.运气不错，有几个角度拍摄到了凶手大半的正脸，我先将这些影像发送给那位副官。

CommanderWhile you're at it, ask the Inspector about how to proceed next. Should we head back to the Admin Center and meet up with him?顺便问问监察官，下一步怎么说？我们要回管理处碰个头吗？

(We find a secluded corner and take a quick rest.)（我们找了一个没人的角落，简单休整。）

(Shortly afterwards, the communications alert beeps.)（片刻之后，通讯提示音响起。）

GrozaIt's from the Inspector.监察官发来的通讯。

CommanderPut it through.接通。

(Groza quickly explains what we've discovered.)（闪电复述了我们的新发现。）

Inspector LeoYes. My adjutant just told me that there was a match in the resident database. The man is a high-ranking member of the expedition team.嗯，刚才我的副手告诉我，人像比对结果出来了，凶手是远征队的高级成员。

QiuhuaAwright! The expedition team, you say? Let's go catch their leader now!好！远征队是吧？这就去抓远征队长！

QiuhuaWhat was his name again?那人叫什么来着？

SabrinaI think he's called Garen.好像是叫凯伦队长。

CommanderIf it really was an inside job, then a lot of doubts from before can be answered.如果是“内贼”，之前的一些疑点倒是有了答案。

CommanderThe spate of thefts from the residential areas and trade fair would force the guards to focus on them, which probably means the warehouse wouldn't be as closely guarded as before, right? The people who would know this best would obviously be core members of the Management.居民区和集市频繁失窃，让警卫队不得不把更多注意力放在那桩窃案上，我猜最近仓库的守备不如平时吧？能对这些动向一清二楚的人，必然是管理会的核心成员。

SabrinaYes, that's right.对，对。

SabrinaAnd then there's that story about the Nian causing trouble... that one came from a member of the expedition team too, right? Someone's uncle's nephew's father's roommate or something...还有“年兽作乱”的传说，来源好像也是远征队的某些成员？什么叔叔、侄子的……

Inspector LeoAll this makes the expedition team more suspicious, but it doesn't directly implicate Garen.这些证据确实让远征队嫌疑上升，但并不明确指向凯伦。

QiuhuaHey! Are you still holding on to a past friendship or something?哎！我说，事到如今，你该不会是还念着什么过去的情分吧？

QiuhuaEveryone's Collapse pieces are missing here. Aren't they all going to starve if you drag your feet?失窃的可是整个农场所共有的晶条，再耽误下去让大家喝西北风嘛？

CommanderQiuhua, I'm sure the Inspector knows this, he just needs some time.秋桦，监察官应该也明白这些，他需要一点时间。

(I stop Qiuhua from pressing further.)（我阻止了急切的秋桦继续催促。）

Inspector Leo...He has done a lot for the settlement and the people trust him as much as they do me. I need to proceed carefully when it comes to him.……他是居住点的功臣，居民对他的信任不比我少，事关于他，我必须谨慎考虑。

GrozaBut the festive trade fair's opening ceremony is coming, and you've already delayed it once...可是，“开年大集”的开业时快到了，你们已经延迟过一次……

Inspector LeoYes. The traders with our supplies arrived at the Farm last week. If we leave them be and fail to close the trade with them, they'll cancel it and leave. These brokers are not in the habit of hanging around and wasting time.是。供应物资的暗商是上周进的农场。那边放话，要是不能如期一手交钱一手交货，这桩交易就取消，他们不会在一个地方久留浪费时间。

QiuhuaWell, I have to say that you guys have your principles. A lot of settlements would choose to just rob the brokers outright, I've seen plenty of that in the Yellow Zone.你们也是挺讲道理的。通常这种时候居住点会选择强抢暗商，我在黄区没少撞上这种事。

Inspector LeoTrade requires stability and trust. Those settlements you were talking about probably don't last long.贸易往来需要相对稳定的环境，你所说的那些居住点应该不会长久。

Inspector LeoAlso, we have too many non-combatants here, and we can't afford to have a firefight at the checkpoint... That's also a major factor in all this.而且，这个居住点里的非武装人员太多了，检查站内不能“交战”……这是一个重要的因素。

(The Inspector rubs his temples.)（监察官揉了揉眉心。）

QiuhuaCan't you like, you know, give out a little less?实在不行，可以少发一点吗？

Inspector LeoI would rather avoid such a course of action unless I have absolutely no choice.不到走投无路，我不想那样敷衍他们。

Inspector LeoThe Management does not rely entirely on the guards to maintain order. The residents obey our regulations because they have faith in us, and a major part of that is not stealing from each other. The residents' obedience is directly predicated on the Management's willingness to keep their word. It's a virtuous cycle.管理会维持农场秩序并不完全依靠警卫队，居民出于信任自发遵守规则，不再互相掠夺也是一个重要的因素。居民的遵守和管理会的履约是投桃报李，缺一不可。

Inspector LeoOnce trust in the Management is gone, nobody will buy into the social contract anymore. That way lies chaos.一旦管理会的信用消耗殆尽，大家不会再买账，接下来等着我们的就只有乱局了。

CommanderWe saw the expedition team before, and there's one thing I'm curious about; are most of the settlement's weapons concentrated in the expedition team?之前我们跟远征队有过一面之缘，有件事我很好奇，这个居住点的大部分武装资源都集中在远征队那里吗？

Inspector LeoThey are the only group that needs to leave the settlement to work, and they shoulder the greatest risk. Naturally, we give them our best gear, including over 70% of our personal protective gear, weapons, and ammunition to be distributed as they see fit.他们是唯一需要离开居住点工作的队伍，风险最高，当然会匹配最高水平的装备。七成以上的防护甲、武器和弹药都由远征队自由分配。

Inspector LeoIf the situation truly calls for it... We may need to disperse the residents.真到了迫不得已的时候……居民的疏散和安抚，都需要考虑。

CommanderI understand your concerns.我理解你的顾虑。

CommanderThe truth is, I have an idea, but it's a risky one...事实上，我有一步险棋……

Inspector LeoCome over to the Admin Center. We can talk there.来管理处吧，当面细谈。

(The transmission ends.)（通讯结束。）

Day of Departure 起程之日

(Two days later, early in the morning, a broker convoy loaded with supplies leaves the settlement.)（两日后的清晨，一个暗商车队满载着生活物资离开了居住点。）

(Perhaps it's out of pity or perhaps it's to repay the Inspector's honest dealings with them, but they make their exit without fanfare.)（或许是出于怜悯，或许是为回报监察官的道义，他们并未宣扬离开的原因。）

Expedition Leader GarenLeo! How can you even sit on your ass at a time like this?!雷欧！你倒是坐得住！

Expedition Leader Garen(The door to the Inspector's office flies open.)（监察官办公室的门被人大力撞开。）

Expedition Leader GarenThey really left! What should we do about our supplies now?!他们真的全撤走了！现在物资怎么办？

(This man from the expedition team projects an air of strength and danger, like a veteran Varjager captain or the leader of a band of bounty hunters.)（这位远征队长给人强壮且危险的第一印象，像一个老道的瓦良格帮首领或是赏金猎人领袖。）

CommanderThe supply problem has been taken care of, Mr. Garen.物资的问题已经解决了，凯伦先生。

(I nod to Garen. It is only then that he realizes my presence.)（我向着凯伦点点头，他这才发现我的存在。）

Expedition Leader GarenAnd who's this? A guest of yours?这位谁啊？你的客人？

(The Expedition Leader looks at the Inspector.)（远征队长看向监察官。）

Inspector LeoThis is the Commander of the Elmo, our new partner.这是艾莫号的指挥官，我们的新合作伙伴。

CommanderWe're partnered with the broker Aminda, whom I introduced to the Inspector. She can accept a short-term deferral in payment, with my guarantee.我向监察官介绍了我的合作暗商阿米达，有我从中担保，她可以接受短时延期支付。

CommanderYou sounded desperate, so she's on her way now.听说你们要得急，她现在已经在路上了。

Inspector LeoOnce again, I thank you for your help in this hour of need. All the residents will remember your kindness.再次感谢你的雪中送炭，全体居民会记得这份情谊。

(This development seems to have taken Garen by surprise, because he pauses before speaking.)（这个发展方向似乎出乎凯伦意料，他顿了顿才开始说话。）

Expedition Leader GarenOh, so it's been settled, huh?哦！哦！已经解决了是吧。

Expedition Leader Garen...Alright then.……挺好的。

Inspector LeoMiss Aminda doesn't know the region will, so we are planning to send a team out to receive her.阿米达小姐对这一带路况不熟，为免错过时间，我们正在商议带队去接应她。

Expedition Leader GarenIt's no problem.这都是小问题。

(Garen thinks for a moment, and then he adds something else.)（凯伦想了想，补充了一句。）

Expedition Leader GarenYour guards don't leave the settlement often so you probably don't know the way. Let me handle the meeting. I'll bring my boys along.你们警卫队的人不太出居住点，路上也不熟吧。接人的事交给我，我带人去接。

InspectorI can rest assured with you handling things. The festive trade fair is almost here; we cannot have any slip-ups.你办事我放心，马上就是开年大集，不能出岔子。

CommanderLooks like we'll be meeting Aminda together, Leader Garen.那就有劳凯伦队长，我们一起去接应阿米达。

Expedition Leader Garen...I'll get my guys ready.……那我去拉人准备。

(In the blink of an eye, it's time to head out.)（转眼到了出发的日子。）

Expedition Leader GarenThe Commander, was it? Let's go! You lead the way!艾莫号指挥官是吧？走吧！你带路！

CommanderHang on, the Inspector isn't here yet.等等，监察官还没到。

Expedition Leader GarenWhat the hell do you need him for? You're an outsider so you probably don't know, but all he does is send the expedition team off every now and then. He's too busy to come each time.他来干什么？你外来的不懂，平时远征他也就偶尔送送，哪有空次次来看。

Expedition Leader GarenLet's go! Don't bother waiting for him!走吧！不等他！

(Sabrina looks surprised.)（塞布丽娜露出惊讶的表情。）

SabrinaHuh? Didn't you know, Leader Garen? The Inspector's coming with us to meet Aminda.咦？凯伦队长是不知道吗？监察官要跟我们一起去接应阿米达的呀。

Expedition Leader GarenSay what?什么？

(I hear the sound of footsteps behind us—it's the Inspector.)（身后传来脚步声，监察官独自走向我们。）

Inspector LeoSorry to keep you waiting. We can go now.久等，现在可以出发了。

Expedition Leader GarenLeo?! What the hell?雷欧！你搞什么？

Expedition Leader GarenYou've finished all your business? The fair's about to begin, you know? Aren't you supposed to stay home and make sure everything's running fine? The hell are you doing out here?你的事情都做完了吗？马上就是大集，你不在里面坐阵出来干嘛？

Inspector LeoThis shipment is of vital importance. If anything goes wrong with it, nothing else will matter.现在最重要的就是那批物资，一旦出问题，别的都准备好也没用。

Inspector LeoSo if anything comes up, having me around will make things go more smoothly.万一有什么意外，我在场方便变通。

Expedition Leader GarenHah! It's been years since you've been outside of town. Don't you think you're getting a little too old for this?哈！你几年没出来过了，一身老骨头都松散了，受不了外面的环境吧？

Expedition Leader GarenJust settle down, we don't need sudden stunts from you at a critical moment like this. If you want to go out on a ride, I'll bring you with me on our next expedition.好了！别在这节骨眼突发奇想。你要出去走两步，等下次常规远征，陪你去。

Inspector LeoYou can save it. I've already made up my mind.不用劝我，这件事已经决定了。

Expedition Leader GarenSeriously...你真是……

CommanderIt's time to head out. Since you clearly value that shipment very highly, it's best you make a decision soon.出发时间已经过了。两位既然都很重视那批物资，还是尽快做决定吧。

Inspector LeoLet's go.可以出发了。

(Garen clearly hasn't given up on dissuading Leo, but the Inspector ignores him and looks at me.)（凯伦仍未放弃劝说，监察官没有理会他的目光，只看向我。）

GrozaMount up, everyone. Follow us.大家都上车吧，跟紧我们。

Old Glory 昔年峥嵘

(The jeeps race over the wilderness, stabbing into a horde of ELIDs like a lance.)（吉普车队在原野上飞驰，像一支锋利的长矛扎进生骸群。）

Expedition Leader GarenFuck! What kind of shitty route is this?!操！选的什么稀烂路线！

(Garen's voice is even louder with the wind blowing right in his face. The familiar outdoors seems to have caused him to shed some of his restraint.)（强风扑面，凯伦的音量比平时更大，他所熟悉的旷野似乎使他不再拘束。）

CommanderTime is tight, and the terrain here is comparatively flat, so going straight would be quicker.时间紧张，正好这一路地势平缓，笔直开过去更近。

CommanderAs for the occasional obstacle—至于偶尔撞上的阻碍——

(An ELID blocking our path collapses as a gunshot rings out.)（“砰”的一声枪响，拦路生骸应声倒下。）

(The Inspector's action supplies the answer.)（监察官用行动交出了标准答案。）

QiuhuaWhoa! Nice shot, Inspector!哇哦！监察官，你这枪法可以啊！

Inspector LeoMeh, I haven't been in a firefight for too long, so I've gotten rusty... Compared to back then.多年不实战，也生疏了……不比当年。

(The Inspector laughs in a self-deprecating way, and his mouth curves up in a smile.)（监察官自嘲地笑了笑，嘴角勾起细微的弧度。）

QiuhuaBack then?当年？

SabrinaI heard the vendors at the fair say Inspector Leo and Leader Garen used to be pals in a bounty hunter crew back in the day.集市上的小贩们说，雷欧监察官和凯伦队长当年是同一个赏金猎人小队里的伙伴哦！

Expedition Leader GarenYup, sure were!哼，确实！

Expedition Leader GarenThis guy used to be a real William Tell, he'd knock them down as fast as they popped up. That shot just now was too slow, nothing like how he was at his peak.这家伙可是我们的神枪手，打得又快又准，刚才那一下太慢，和他的巅峰水平差远了！

QiuhuaMost bounty hunters tend to stay on the move. Once they finish "sweeping" an area, they move on to the next, and their routes are largely decided by their commissions.赏金猎人一般都要到处转悠吧，一个区域“扫荡”空了就得移动到别的区域去，行程都得跟着委托任务来。

QiuhuaSo why did you guys decided to quit the business and settle down?你们怎么会想到定居下来？不做赏金猎人了？

(This seems to be ancient history for them. Garen thinks for a long time before finally giving an answer.)（这似乎是过于久远的事，凯伦回忆了半天，才想起个大概。）

Expedition Leader GarenEh, we messed up one too many times. Lots of our guys got hurt bad or kicked the bucket. In the end, our crew broke up.好像失手了几次，弟兄们重伤的重伤，没的就没了，队伍也就散了。

Expedition Leader GarenYou know how life is in the Yellow Zone, this sort of thing happens all the time. All you need is to fill your belly! Take me for example, as long as you've got the skills to pay the bills, you can eat well no matter where you go!黄区讨生活嘛，不就是这回事，能吃一天是一天！有个屁的关系，你看看我，只要手上有真本事，换个地方也一样能填饱肚子！

(Groza drives the jeep over a sandy curve, and all conversation stops for a bit. We end up swaying back and forth for some time before we can finally settle down.)（闪电驾驶着吉普车转过一个满是砂砾的弯，闲聊暂停，我们东倒西歪了一阵子才重新坐稳。）

Inspector LeoOur crew was never really that united to begin with, and we had discussions before doing anything. Anyone who agreed would join us on a commission, and anyone who didn't wouldn't take part. While we lived and ate together, we didn't have much in the way of a common consensus or close ties.赏金猎人团大部分都组织松散，成员平时商量着行事，说得通的时候合作，说不通就不参与行动。虽然也算是同吃同住，却很少有什么共识或者约束。

Inspector LeoGaren, remember that blond-haired midget from back in the day?凯伦，你记不记得我们那时候队里有个金毛矮子？

Expedition Leader Garen...I think so. What happened to him? Don't remember anything about him, don't think he rebuilt the Farm with us.……好像有，他后来怎么样？我没印象了，反正肯定没跟我们一起重建农场。

Inspector LeoWell, he loved picking up first aid kits and would always go straight for them. Whenever our guys got hurt, they'd have to buy medical supplies off of him, and if you couldn't pay, he'd just watch as you died in front of him.他爱捡药物箱，总是冲在第一个捡。兄弟们受了伤都要问他买药，要是有人钱不够，他可以眼睁睁看着人死在他面前。

Expedition Leader GarenAh yeah, I remember now.啊，我想起来了。

Expedition Leader GarenYou were always a busybody. I can't remember how many times you lent money to the people begging him for meds. In the end, everyone you lent money to died, and you didn't get a single credit back, hahaha...你那时候就喜欢多管闲事，他在边上卖药，你不知道借出去多少买药钱，那些问你借钱的全死了，你是一分都没收回来，哈哈哈……

QiuhuaHaiyah! Lending money in the Yellow Zone is risky! You need to invest wisely.嗐！黄区借贷有风险，投资需谨慎！

QiuhuaThat said, you're a good man for doing what you did, Inspector. Hats off to you!不过我摸着良心说，就这事儿，监察官你是条汉子，仗义啊！

Inspector LeoWell, that blond midget died later on, and nobody ever found that medical chest he always carried with him.那个金毛矮子后来死了，随身的药物箱也没找到。

Expedition Leader GarenWell, no shit! Hell, it might not even have been the enemy that got him; one of our guys might have been eyeing his meds!那还用想，他都不一定是被敌人干掉的，说不定还是自己人冲着药物箱下的手呢！

Expedition Leader GarenBack then, we were always coming back with fewer people than we started out with. Some died and some left, who's to say one of them didn't take the chest and scrammed?反正每天打完回来都少几个人，有死了的，肯定也有自己走了的，没准人家拿了药箱就跑了。

Inspector LeoBack then, people only cared about what they needed at the moment. It wasn't uncommon for infighting to happen because they found something valuable. Crews like that would either crumble or fall apart by themselves.当年人人都只能顾及当下的需要，发现了珍贵的东西，为此内讧偷袭的事也不少，这样的队伍不攻自破，消亡是必然的。

(Garen frowns. It seems like he's realizing something, because his tone changes.)（凯伦皱了皱眉头，似乎终于回味过来什么，语气微有变化。）

Expedition Leader GarenThat said, it's the Yellow Zone, Leo. It's like that everywhere.话是这么说，黄区嘛，哪里不是这样的。

Expedition Leader GarenWe're all going to die sooner or later, so I'll just have to fight to survive for as long as I can. How did that saying go... seize the day?大家迟早都要完蛋，我能力强多活几年是我的本事，那老话怎么说的……及时行乐！

Inspector LeoI thought that rather than drifting aimlessly, it was better to find a place to settle down. It wouldn't necessarily be worse than being a bounty hunter.我倒觉得与其浑浑噩噩地漂泊，不如找个地方安定下来，未必过得比当赏金猎人差。

Inspector LeoThat's why we came to Darksteel Farm after the crew disbanded.所以赏金猎人团解散后，我们来了黑钢农场。

(A strange silence fills the jeep.)（车内陷入微妙的沉默。）

(Just then, we spot a plume of smoke in the distance.)（此时，远处扬起烟尘。）

GrozaCommander, a pack of ELIDs is approaching us.指挥官，有生骸群正在靠近。

Inspector LeoThey're just in time. I've been meaning to give these old bones of mine a little workout.来得正好，我这把松散的老骨头，也能再活动活动。

Old Glory 昔年峥嵘

(Cowed by the Dolls' fire, the ELIDs instinctively flock toward direction where the gunfire is more sparse.)（在人形们的火力压制之下，一些生骸本能地向着攻势较弱的方位聚拢。）

(There, Garen and the rest of his expedition team members are having a hard fight.)（那里，凯伦带领着随行的远征队成员，正陷入苦战。）

Expedition Leader GarenCome have a go if you're hard enough! I'll— gwaargh!来啊！都朝我这来！老子怕你们——唔哦！

(Garen's shout becomes a cry of pain.)（凯伦的怒吼转为闷哼。）

(His heavy armor provides him with a solid defense, but it also makes him too slow to avoid the attacks coming from all directions.)（重型防护服为他提供了坚固的防御层，但也让他难以躲开来自四面八方的攻击。）

(Qiuhua's voice comes in over our encrypted channel.)（私密通讯频道中传来秋桦的声音。）

QiuhuaCommander! We've largely cleared this side out, should we go over to assist?长官！这边已经清理得差不多了，我们现在过去支援？

CommanderHm... No need to rush. Approach the combat area and wait for my signal.嗯……不急出手，先接近交战区域，等我指令。

(I watch Inspector Leo head toward Garen. After ensuring that the tactical situation is under control, I take out my binoculars.)（我看见监察官跑向凯伦的方向，确认过当前战况还算可控，我干脆拿出了望远镜。）

(Behind Garen, an ELID is about to bash his brains out.)（凯伦的背后，一只生骸正要一爪撕烂他的后脑勺。）

Inspector LeoGaren! Get down!凯伦！低头！

(Inspector Leo raises his gun and Garen instinctively ducks.)（监察官举起了持枪的手，凯伦下意识地矮身。）

(The "bang" which follows is lost in the clamor of battle, but the ELID behind Garen crumples to the ground.)（“砰”，枪声混杂在远征队各路武器中毫无突出之处，但凯伦身后的生骸倒下了。）

(However, this is just a single, insignificant moment on the battlefield and more ELIDs pounce on them.)（这只是战场上无关紧要的一个瞬间，更多生骸向他们扑去。）

CommanderQiuhua, Sabrina, go back them up.秋桦，塞布丽娜，去支援。

QiuhuaSure thing! I've been waiting for this!好嘞！早就等不及啦！

(Even after putting down my binoculars, I can still see Qiuhua dragging Sabrina over to help them.)（我放下望远镜，仍能看见秋桦拉着塞布丽娜跑过去的身影。）

(From the driver's set, Groza smiles.)（驾驶中的闪电微微笑了笑。）

GrozaAs lively as ever... Qiuhua, I mean.很有精神呢……我是说，秋桦。

CommanderYes, she's very good at managing the mood.嗯，她很擅长调节气氛。

(The battle soon ends and the others return to the jeep.)（战斗又持续了一段时间后结束，众人相继返回吉普车。）

(Garen and the Inspector collapse into their seats to regain their strength.)（监察官和凯伦坐定，回复体力。）

QiuhuaEveryone alright?都没受伤吧？

Expedition Leader GarenSome of our boys on the jeep over there are hurt. Nothing major though, it's no big deal.那边车上有几个兄弟受伤，不严重，没啥大事。

Expedition Leader GarenIt was a little close back there, but we're vets of the Yellow Zone, so it's not like we haven't seen this shit before.险是有点险，大家都是黄区混的，这种场面也不是没遇上过。

Inspector LeoBack when we first came to the Farm, it was still a heap of rubble and there were ELIDs running around inside its perimeter. Garen was always at the head of the pack whenever there was an attack.当年我们刚到农场的时候，那里还是一片废墟，农场区域内也经常有生骸在活动。遭遇生骸的时候，凯伦总是冲在最前面。

Inspector LeoStill remember those days, Garen?凯伦，以前的事你还记得吗？

Expedition Leader GarenHow could I possibly forget? We couldn't find anywhere to take cover so we had to pitch our tents inside one of those condemned buildings.啊！那还能忘了不成？实在找不到避风口，我俩的帐篷都快搭到危房底下了。

Expedition Leader GarenI think it was around the same time as now, yeah? You had to sleep with one eye open, and one night I woke up to an ELID about to bite my fucking nose off!哪一年，也是差不多这个时候，快到新年了。半夜醒过来一睁眼，格老子的，差点亲在生骸的牙上！它绝对是想咬我鼻子！

Inspector LeoOh, yes, it was cold that night. I thought we were done for; we used up all our ammo and nearly froze to death.嗯，那天晚上特别冷，打了一晚上，都以为死定了，弹药也快用完了。

(Qiuhua tenses up as she hears this.)（秋桦听得紧张起来。）

QiuhuaWhat happened then? How did you survive?然后咧？你们怎么逃生的？

Inspector LeoWell, we somehow managed to fight them off.然后勉强清完了场。

Inspector LeoWhile we were picking up the pieces, we suddenly heard a broadcast on the radio. It was a festive song and Garen began whistling along with it. Soon, everyone joined in, even though their singing was terrible...收拾地上碎块的时候，我们的无线电忽然收到了远方的新春祝福信号。那是一首祝福新年的歌谣。凯伦跟着旋律吹起了口哨，接着大家开始合唱，尽管那歌声并不美妙……

Inspector LeoI still remember the warmth of the sun that day. It was a good start to the day.我还记得那年第一天的太阳很暖和，是个不错的开头。

Expedition Leader GarenPfft... I still remember a passing Green Zone convoy asked if we were setting off fireworks last night. Yeah, we were shooting off fucking RPGs all night long, how's that for fireworks!嗤……那个早上还有绿区的车队路过，以为我们这一晚上“噼里啪啦”的是跨年放炮呢，放的全他妈火箭炮。

(They go back and forth, reminiscing about the past. The mood in the air is the most relaxed that it's been so far.)（他们你一言我一语地回忆起过去，气氛从未如此融洽过。）

Expedition Leader GarenYou shot that ELID off my face back then, didn't you? Like just now.那天也是你吧，一枪把我脸上那只生骸崩了。

Expedition Leader GarenMan, I'd have been dead if it wasn't for you.说真的，要不是你那枪打得准，我大概是死定了。

Expedition Leader GarenThat ELID had a whistle on it. I cleaned it and gave it to you as a memento. Still remember it?那只生骸身上有只哨子，我抓下来洗干净送你当纪念了，那哨子长得还挺有型，你还记得吗？

Inspector LeoOf course, I've been holding onto it all this time.当然，我一直留着。

(At this point, Garen falls silent and says no more.)（凯伦说到这里，张着嘴愣了愣，到底也没再说出什么。）

(The Inspector looks calmly at Garen.)（监察官看着凯伦，脸色很平和。）

Inspector LeoSo, working together was worthwhile, right?所以，合作还是有意义的，不是吗？

Inspector LeoAfter that, we built the Farm into what it is today. I believed that focusing on rules and helping each other meant that the Farm wouldn't fall apart after a few years, like most bounty hunter crews.后来我们一起把农场重建成了现在的样子。因为我认为重视规则、相互扶持与分享，农场就不会像那个赏金猎人团一样没几年就四散灭亡。

Inspector LeoYou know how it is. We humans are tiny specks. It's only by banding together that we have a chance against the storm of life.世道如此，渺小如人类聚拢在一起，才有抵御风暴的机会。

(Qiuhua nods vigorously, almost about to chime in with approval.)（秋桦在一边用力地点头，似乎忍不住要开口赞同。）

(I tug on her and interrupt her from doing so.)（我拉了拉秋桦，阻止她打断这场对话。）

Inspector LeoWell, it's almost time for the festive trade fair, our Collapse pieces were stolen and we can't buy the supplies we need... The Farm's facing an invisible storm of its own.现在开年大集在即，晶条失窃，无法兑现物资……我们的农场面临着一场无形的风暴。

Inspector LeoWe built this Farm together, and I want to keep it standing until the very end.这是我们亲手建立起的秩序，我希望亲自守护它到最后一刻。

Inspector LeoGaren, will you help me like you did back then?凯伦，你能像当年一样支持我吗？

(Garen looks down, and then he laughs.)（凯伦垂头笑了笑。）

Expedition Leader GarenYou're as stubborn as ever.你还是和当年一样顽固。

(The Inspector turns away with a look of disappointment on his face, looking at the road ahead.)（监察官有些失望地转过头，看向前方的路。）

(Just then, a text message alert breaks the silence.)（此时，短讯通知音适时响起，打破了短暂的静默。）

CommanderGentlemen, Aminda is here and we're almost at the designated meeting point.两位，阿米达已就位，我们也快到约定地点了。

Out With The Old, In With The New 辞旧迎新

(There are two people in the vehicle shelter. They're leaning against a truck in the shelter, waiting for us.)（避风处站着两个人，倚靠在重型运输车边等待。）

(We dismount to show our respect and trust. That said, despite being several hundred meters away, one of them is already jumping and hopping around.)（为表尊重和信任，我们都下了车。我还远在几百米外的时候，其中一人已经开始蹦跳。）

VepleyCom—man—der☆! Over here! Vepley's here!指——挥——官☆！在这里！维普蕾在这里！

(Vepley happily runs up to us.)（维普蕾高兴地迎上来。）

VepleyDon't worry, Commander! Vepley knows today's mission, Vepley will put on a good show...指挥官放心，维普蕾知道今天的任务，维普蕾会好好演……

VepleyHm? Mr. Pizza? Is something wrong?唔！披萨先生好像在动？

(Colphne quickly fiddles with Vepley's M. Pizzarus backpack, taking advantage of Vepley's distraction to flash the others a placating smile.)（寇尔芙摆弄了一下维普蕾身后的小恐龙，趁着维普蕾的注意力转开，对众人露出得体的微笑。）

ColphneSorry, she's new.抱歉，这个人形是新来的……

ColphneI, um... (clears throat) I'm Aminda, and it's nice to meet new clients.人家……嗯、咳！我是阿米达哦，很荣幸结识新客户。

(Qiuhua strives mightily to control her laughter and looks away, not daring to look further.)（秋桦努力压着嘴角，默默扭过头去，不敢再多看。）

(Sabrina smiles too. Only Groza remains calm.)（塞布丽娜的笑容也加深了几分，只有闪电保持着冷静。）

ColphneThe Commander has given me a rough summary of the situation. I've brought what you want. The payment will be in installments; the details are all in the contract.大致的情况我听指挥官说过，你们要的东西我都带来了，付款支持分期，详情合约中都有。

ColphneSince time is tight, shall we set off now and bring the goods back to the settlement right away?既然时间紧迫，我们现在就启程，早点把物资运回居住点吧？

Expedition Leader GarenHang on, I want to check the merch.等等，先验货。

Expedition Leader GarenOpen the cargo bay and let us have a look at it.打开运输舱，让我们的人先看看。

(As he says this, Garen brings his armed expeditioners over to the truck.)（凯伦一边说着，一边带着全副武装的远征队员走到运输车边。）

ColphneCertainly.当然可以。

(Colphne calmly opens the cargo bay.)（寇尔芙淡定地打开运输舱门。）

(The expedition team members move crate after crate of cargo out and lay them in neat rows on the ground before inspecting them.（成箱的物资被远征队员搬出，罗列在地上，远征队员开始开箱验收。）

(As they move toward the crates deeper within, Colphne moves to stop them.)（当远征队员将手伸向更深处的物资箱，寇尔芙拦在了他们面前。）

ColphneWe're deep in the middle of the Yellow Zone, right? Surely bringing them ALL out would be a little dangerous?毕竟这里还是黄区野外，全都搬出来不太方便吧？

ColphneIf we ran into the Varjagers... well, my humble enterprise wouldn't be able to take the losses if you couldn't move them all back in time.万一遇上什么瓦良格帮……各位来不及搬回去造成的损耗，我们小本生意可负担不起呢。

Inspector LeoGaren, we're getting the goods first and paying them later. We can inventory the cargo when we get back. No need to worry about them pulling tricks.凯伦，我们先货后款，可以等运回仓库再清点，不怕他们动手脚。

ColphneYup, that's right! Anything could happen out here, so it's best get it back to safety first!说的是呢，夜长梦多，还是早些“落袋为安”哟！

Inspector LeoGaren, just check a few of them. We should prepare to head back soon.凯伦，抽查几箱就装回去吧，我们准备返程。

(The expeditioners do not stop opening crates and ignore the Inspector's words.)（远征队员们并未停下开箱的动作，对监察官的话无动于衷。）

(My pulse quickens. These resource crates are placeholders borrowed from the Elmo; not all of them are filled with supplies and there's no telling when they'll open one that's filled with sand.)（我心里有点打鼓。这些物资都是从艾莫号上搬来的“临时演员”，它们并未填满所有的物资箱，不知何时就会开出装着沙土的空箱子。）

Expedition Leader Garen...Fine. Stop and load it all back up.……行，都停下，装回车上吧。

CommanderLet's go. We'll lead the way.上车，我们开路。

(The Inspector turns away.)（监察官转过身。）

(A weapon chambers with an audible "click" from behind him.)（“嘎”，武器上膛的声音自身后传来。）

(More plumes of dust rise up in the distance as more jeeps drive over, easily cutting us off from the truck.)（远处扬起沙尘，更多的吉普车驶来，轻而易举地将我们与车隔开。）

GrozaThese vehicles have the emblems of the expedition team on them, but they weren't in the convoy just now.车身上有着远征队的标志，可刚才的车队中似乎没有这些车辆。

GrozaLeader Garen, what is the meaning of this?凯伦队长，这是什么意思？

Inspector Leo...Is this what you chose in the end, Garen?……凯伦，你还是做了这个决定吗？

(Armed and armored men jump down from the jeeps and approach us.)（全副武装的远征队员跳下吉普车，向着这边包抄逼近。）

(Their guns are aimed at the Inspector and me; the Dolls immediately form a screen in front of us.)（所有的武器都对准了监察官和我，人形们立刻挡在我和监察官身前。）

Expedition Leader GarenBroker, this is Farm business. Stay out of it.暗商，农场处理内部事务，你们别插手。

Expedition Leader GarenYou'll get the money you were promised and an extra 10% as a gratuity.你们应该拿的钱一分都不会少，再给你加一成，就当是谢礼。

ColphneSure, we'll be good.好哦，我们可听话了。

(Colphne smiles and backs up with her hand behind her back, but I sense that she's waiting for my command.)（寇尔芙笑眯眯地背着手后退了几步，我却能感觉到她在注意我的指令。）

(I give her an almost imperceptible nod by way of response.)（我微不可见地点点头，作为回应。）

Expedition Leader GarenAnd you, Commander of the what was it, the Emo? If you butt out now, we'll pay you off too.还有你……那个什么号的头头，你们现在退出，我也给你们一笔大钱。

CommanderUnfortunately, in our line of work we have these things called principles, you see. Plus, I have my reputation to think about, so unfortunately, I can't do that.干我们这行的还是有一些职业道德要遵守，我们是有口碑的，很遗憾。

(I mock-bow in apology, but stand my ground.)（我象征性地欠了欠身，人还站在原地不动。）

(Garen snorts. There are far more expedition members now than before; clearly this has given him a huge boost in confidence.)（凯伦嗤笑了声，现在参与其中的远征队成员远比刚才途中要多，这给了他巨大的底气。）

Expedition Leader GarenNot leaving? Then you're just asking to die!不走？那是你自己找死了。

Inspector LeoBefore that, can I ask why you're doing this?在这之前，我能问一句为什么吗？

Inspector Leo...On account of the fact that we used to be friends.……看在我们曾经并肩作战的份上。

Expedition Leader GarenShit, you don't know? I figure I can give you a freebie before you die.为什么你自己不知道？行，那就让你做个明白鬼。

Expedition Leader GarenI took the Collapse pieces! I wanted to screw your little festive fair over, and I wanted those losers you took pity on to kick you out, along with all those useless bums you hired!晶条，是我拿走的！我就是要让开年大集办不成，让你被你可怜的那些废物拱下台，让你招来的那些吃干饭的全部滚蛋！

Expedition Leader GarenYou'd just run the Farm into the ground with those losers dragging you down! We in the expedition team do the most and risk the most! I should have been the Inspector in the first place!农场在你手里只会被那群废物的拖死，我们远征队的活最危险，出力最多，监察官的位子本来就该是我的！

(Garen gets more and more worked up as he speaks, as though he's pouring out years of frustration at once.)（凯伦越说越激动，像是将多年来积压在心底的话一下子全挤了出来。）

Expedition Leader GarenDo you know how many of my boys died out there? Do you even recognize their faces? Have you ever seen them bleed, get their limbs torn off, or the crystals growing through their bodies? They died for the supplies we brought back; why should we share it with those useless bums back at the Farm?你知道远征队在外面死了多少人吗？你认得他们吗？你亲眼看见他们流血、断胳膊断腿、长结晶了吗？！兄弟们拿命讨来的生活，凭什么分给那些没用的东西一起享福？

Expedition Leader GarenThose vendors and scavengers are all equally useless. This is the Yellow Zone, if we can find it, you think we can't sell it?什么销售队、拾荒者，一群废物。这是黄区，只要手上有货，谁卖不出去？

Expedition Leader GarenAnd your guards are just as useless! If it wasn't for the expedition team covering for them, what the fuck would they even be able to protect? But in the end, the supplies got around to everyone anyway!你的警卫队也没什么卵用，要不是我们远征队在外面挡着，就他们那点本事守得住个屁，呵！到头来，物资——人人有份！

(Garen waves his gun around wildly as he vents, but he never once points it at the Inspector.)（凯伦随意挥舞着枪发泄着，枪口并未对向监察官。）

(It seems at the moment, getting all this off his chest is more satisfying for him than just finishing us off.)（此刻在他眼里，似乎一吐为快比直接干掉我们更能让他解气。）

Inspector LeoSo that's what you were upset about...你还是在不满这些啊……

Inspector LeoBut have you ever considered what would happen to the Farm if things hadn't developed as you expected? What good would the title of Inspector be if the Farm had fallen to internal upheavals? Would your expedition team be able to escape all that untouched?可你有没有想过，万一这个计划没有按照你的预期发展，农场会变成什么样呢？如果农场内乱自取灭亡，监察官的名号还有什么意义？你的远征队又能全身而退吗？

Expedition Leader GarenSo what if I didn't think about it? I still believe that anyone who's strong enough can survive anywhere he ends up.没想好又怎么样？我还是那句话，实在不行，有本事的人，换个地方在哪不是活。

Expedition Leader GarenYou ought to know just how much the Farm is spending and how much we're taking in. We've pretty much swept all the nearby caches, and our expeditions are going further and further, about twice as long as before. Even if we can sustain our numbers at the moment, what about in three years' time, or five? Don't forget that all those useless mouths you're taking in are popping out brats too!居住点现在消耗多少进账多少你也清楚，周边的物资都扫得差不多了，今年年头开始我们远征队越走越远，出去一趟的时间以前能出两趟。就算我们还能养得起现在的人数，再过三年五年，你怎么办？你别忘了，那群吃饱了撑的东西还在生小崽子！

Inspector LeoYou can't think of it that way. There are others working in the Farm too. They're establishing a logistics chain for you and the kids will grow up to be productive members of the community.不能这样想，农场内的人也在工作，也在为你们稳固后勤资源，幼童长大会成为新的生产力。

Inspector LeoPlease reconsider, Garen. Put your guns down. The Farm still needs the expedition team. We can still make it work.凯伦，你再考虑一下。现在把枪扔掉，农场还需要远征队，我不会赶尽杀绝。

Expedition Leader GarenAre you fucking blind? How many people do you have? How many people do I have?你瞎了看不清局势是吗？现在，这里，你的人有几个，我的人有多少？

Expedition Leader GarenI'll make you a counter-offer; take your hired guns and get lost. Never come back to the Farm and I'll spare your life.你才是，现在带着你的雇佣兵用两条腿跑着滚蛋，永远不回农场，我可以留你一命。

Inspector LeoSo there's no room for discussion, then?没有任何谈判的余地，是吗？

Expedition Leader GarenYou can run or die. Pick one.逃跑还是去死，你选一个。

Expedition Leader GarenOh, but don't worry. I'll tell them you died along the way. Everyone will remember you. Once I become the Inspector, Darksteel Farm will become the most powerful settlement in the Yellow Zone under me.你放心，等我回去会告诉他们你在路上牺牲了，大家都会记得你。等我当了监察官，黑钢农场会在我手上成为黄区战斗力最强的居住点。

Expedition Leader GarenI'll keep the vendors who can make good pitches. As for the rest... heh, they can screw off.那些口才好的贩子我可以留，剩下的，呵……都给我滚蛋。

Inspector Leo...It seems there's nothing else to say.……看来是无话可说了。

Expedition Leader GarenI gave you the chance to leave. You were the one who rejected it.我给过你最后的机会了，是你不逃跑的。

Expedition Leader GarenGet them, boys!兄弟们，动手！

(Garen signals to the expedition team to attack.)（凯伦向远征队员发出了开始进攻的指令。）

(Some of them hesitate since the target is the Inspector, but after seeing their colleagues moving, they raise their guns too.)（目标是监察官，一些队员仍有些迟疑，但看着那些忠实成员的动作，他们还是举起了枪。）

Inspector LeoAlright, then.好吧……

(At some point, the Inspector has pulled out an old whistle. He blows on it.)（不知何时，监察官手中出现了一把老旧的哨子。现在，他吹响了它。）

(The shrill sound echoes through the sky. It is answered by the sound of jeeps roaring through the distance from afar; these are reinforcements from the guard squads.)（高亢的哨音直冲云霄，一辆辆吉普车从远处驶来，这一次是警卫队的援兵。）

SabrinaWhoa! Is that... a whistle-shaped transmitter?哇！那是……哨型发报器？！

SabrinaI've been meaning to modify my own transmitters with retro styling like that. I bet it would look great on the Commander. Turns out someone else already did it...我也想过把发报器改造成这种传统的外观，指挥官随身带着一定很合适。原来真的有人做出来了……

CommanderA whistle, you say? Didn't it come up in that story just now?哨子……吗？刚才的故事里好像听过……

SabrinaHm?嗯？

CommanderOh, it's nothing, it's not important.没事，不重要。

CommanderLet's get ready for battle too.我们也准备开战吧。

(Groza, Sabrina, and Qiuhua aside, I signal to Colphne and Vepley too.)（除了闪电、塞布丽娜和秋桦，我也给寇尔芙和维普蕾发出了暗号。）

VepleyTime for Vepley's exciting debut!终于轮到维普蕾登场啦！

ColphneI'm ready, Commander.指挥官，人家也准备好了哟。

(Colphne draws her gun, ready for battle.)（寇尔芙也摆出了战斗姿态。）

(Now, the expedition team's advantage is no more.)（现在，远征队的人数优势已经彻底不复存在。）

(Garen's eyes go wide and he looks incredulously at the Inspector.)（凯伦瞪大了眼睛，有些不可置信地质问监察官。）

Expedition Leader Garen...You knew?! That's impossible, when did you find out?……你早知道？！不可能，你是什么时候知道的？

Expedition Leader GarenOr did... Hmph, so you never trusted me in the first place, did you?你……哼，所以你根本没相信过我？

(The Inspector's eyes are filled with a complex mix of emotions.)（监察官的眼神有些复杂。）

Inspector LeoTen minutes ago, I was still thinking that if you were willing to give up on this, I could continue pretending that nothing happened.十分钟以前，我甚至仍然在想，如果你放弃，我也可以继续假装一无所知。

Inspector Leo...I'm sorry, Garen.……凯伦，我很遗憾。

Out With The Old, In With The New 辞旧迎新

(Several guards have Garen tied up. The Inspector walks up to him.)（几名警卫队员束缚住凯伦，监察官站到了凯伦的面前。）

Inspector LeoTell me where the Collapse pieces are, Garen.凯伦，告诉我晶条在哪里。

Inspector LeoYou sounded confident enough to give that broker a 10% bonus, so I'm sure you've hidden them somewhere.既然你有底气许诺给暗商多一成的收益，晶条应该还在某个地方吧。

(At first, we thought that Garen wouldn't tell us. After all, the Collapse pieces were a valuable bargaining chip, enough to buy his life.)（我们原本以为凯伦并不会老实交代，晶条太过重要，足以成为他祈求活路的筹码。）

(However, he gives up the location so readily that it catches everyone off guard.)（没想到凯伦张口就报出一个坐标，他爽快得让所有人猝不及防。）

Commander...Got that?……你们记下来了吗？

GrozaData logged, Commander.指挥官，我记录了。

ColphneI've recorded the coordinates too! It's inside Darksteel Farm, deep inside the ruins, it seems.人家这边也有记下来哦！坐标在黑钢农场内呢，好像也是在废墟深处。

Expedition Leader GarenSure, I lost. I wasn't wrong, though, I just wasn't strong enough! I admit that!我是输了，但我觉得我想法没错。这辈子……是我技不如人，我认了！

Expedition Leader GarenLeo, I'll be watching you from the afterlife.雷欧，你的结局，等我下辈子看吧。

(He snorts derisively.)（他挑衅地笑了声。）

Expedition Leader GarenWell, leaving that aside, if you ask me...话先放在这里，我看啊——

Expedition Leader GarenThings won't end well for softies like you, Leo.你这种老好人，最终也会不得好死，雷欧。

Expedition Leader GarenStill, considering we used to be buddies, I hope you make it to the next year.不过，看在兄弟一场的份上，就祝你活到明年吧。

Inspector Leo...Thank you, Garen.……多谢，借你吉言。

(As the Inspector looks at his former friend, his face is a mask of pity and regret. Then, he chambers a round.)（监察官看着昔日的战友，脸上只有淡淡的怜悯和叹息，他将随身枪械上了膛。）

(Garen leans forward, resting his head against the muzzle of the Inspector's gun.)（凯伦活动了下脖子，自己凑到监察官的枪口上。）

Inspector LeoCommander, this is an internal matter for the Farm, would you mind...艾莫号指挥官，农场处理内部事务，能否……

CommanderOh, the Dolls and I are just going to go scout the perimeter. Been a while since we went for a walk in the wasteland...哦，我带人形出去散散步。呃，好久没吹野风了……

(I gather the Dolls and lead them away with me.)（我识趣地招呼走了所有的人形。）

(Behind us, the guards have Garen's men at gunpoint.)（在我们的背后，警卫队控制住了所有凯伦的拥趸。）

(By the time we get back on the jeep, the faint sounds of cracks and pops can be heard in the distance.)（我们回到吉普车上的时候，远处隐约传来连绵的炸响。）

Sabrina...It sounds just like fireworks in the Green Zone, doesn't it?……真的，和绿区过节时的烟花一样的声音呢。

QiuhuaYeah... out with the old, in with the new. Leave all the bad stuff behind and welcome a brand new start!嗯……辞旧迎新，去除沉疴宿疾，快过年了吧。

GrozaI hope they will see a new beginning.希望他们会迎来新的开始。

(Despite Qiuhua's attempts to cheer everyone up, everyone is still strangely gloomy. I pat them all on the shoulder.)（即使秋桦试图活跃气氛，人形们的情绪都有些莫名的消沉，我拍了拍她们的肩。）

(Just then, Peri sends us a transmission.)（就在此时，佩莉发来通讯请求。）

PeriCommander! I contacted Aminda as requested. We're together now.指挥官！按照您的指令，我顺利接到阿米达了，我们现在就在一起哦。

PeriI think the sound of gunfire has died down. Can we approach?交火的声音好像都停下来了，我们可以接近了吗？

CommanderYes. Escort Aminda to the real meetup point.可以，护送阿米达去真正的会面地点吧。

CommanderThe Farm's Inspector will be there after we arrive.农场监察官应该也会在我们之后到达。

PeriRoger that!收到！

(Peri ends the transmission.)（佩莉结束了通讯。）

(Several days ago, after Qiuhua and I asked Aminda for help, the real Aminda responded to us.)（几天前，我和秋桦向阿米达发出了求助，真正的阿米达确实回应了我们。）

(I arranged for Peri to have her wait nearby so she wouldn't get caught up in the fighting, while Colphne and Vepley impersonated her.)（为了避免她受到火力波及，我让佩莉护送她先在附近等待，刚才由寇尔芙和维普蕾暂时冒充她。）

(The Inspector and Aminda quickly give the supplies a once-over, and on the way back, the Inspector chooses to ride with us.)（监察官和阿米达简单查验了物资，回程的路上，监察官选择与我同车。）

Inspector LeoWhen we go back, I'll tell them that Garen and his expedition team were attacked by Varjagers and died.回去之后，我会告诉居民，凯伦带领的远征先锋小队遭遇瓦良格帮袭击，不幸丧命。

Inspector LeoI trust you all know what to do and don't need me to elaborate, right?恳请各位记得行规，不需要我详细说明吧？

CommanderUnderstood. Don't worry, our lips are sealed.可以理解，我们会守口如瓶，放心。

Qiuhua...Um, can I ask about something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to.……我可以问问吗？只是问问。

QiuhuaI saw some of the expedition team members were kind of confused about what to do, and they didn't really seem too heavily involved with all this... are they going to "die gloriously" too?刚才也有一些远征队员看起来迷迷糊糊的，好像涉事不深，他们……也都“英勇牺牲”了吗？

Inspector LeoThere weren't a lot of those outsiders, so the guards are going to have a good, long chat with the "survivors".外围人员数量不多，这些“幸存者”，警卫队会逐一谈话。

Inspector LeoThey're probably going to be traumatized after watching their teammates die, so they'll need some "follow-up therapy" for a while.目睹队友遇袭丧命，他们的精神状态令人担忧，需要一定时间的“追踪治疗”。

Inspector LeoThen, once they're fully recovered, they can go back to work.一段时间后，等他们完全康复，自然可以回归工作。

(The Inspector says all this with a straight face, as though Expedition Leader Garen had actually been killed in a Varjager attack.)（监察官一本正经地说着，似乎凯伦队长死于袭击的故事真实发生过。）

SabrinaAh, Inspector, there's a little... splash on your neck...那个，监察官，您的脖子上有一点……污渍……

(Sabrina touches her neck to indicate the spot in question.)（塞布丽娜点了点自己的颈侧，向监察官比划。）

(The Inspector reaches up to try and wipe the stain but only spreads the reddish-brown color further, like a wound that will not heal.)（监察官抬手抹了把，反而将那点暗褐色的污渍涂抹得更开，像是一道难以遮掩的伤口。）

Commander...Let me do it.……我来吧。

(I squirt some water from my hydration pack and finally the "wound" is wiped away.)（我从随身水袋中倒了点清水，帮他冲上去，这道“伤口”终于消失无踪。）

(I note the whistle-shaped transmitter hanging around his neck is now outside his shirt.)（我注意到他的脖子上还是挂着那枚老旧的哨型发报器，现在滑落在外。）

CommanderIs that... the whistle Garen gave you?那是……以前凯伦送给你的哨子吗？

(The Inspector looks down and reaches up to hold it.)（监察官低了低头，握住那枚哨子。）

Inspector LeoYes.嗯。

(He doesn't elaborate, but he doesn't take it off either, only stuffs it back inside his shirt.)（他没有展开说什么，但也没有将它脱下来，只是将它塞回外套内。）

Inspector LeoI didn't fight for a long time before today. But now, I feel like I'm a bounty hunter again.今天之前，我很多年没参与过实战了。现在坐在这里，好像又回到了当赏金猎人的时候。

(The road is rough and the engine roars. We shake and shudder inside vehicle, not knowing what lies ahead of us.)（道路颠簸，发动机轰鸣，人们在车内摇摇晃晃，对前路一无所知。）

CommanderThe leader of a bounty hunter crew ought to protect his people. A settlement's leader ought to protect his home. It's the same thing.赏金猎人的首领应该守护他的车队，居住点的监察官应该守护他的家园，这也没什么区别。

CommanderYou are more than qualified to be a leader.你早就是一名成熟老练的首领了。

(My words force a laugh from the Inspector.)（我的话让监察官勉强笑了笑。）

CommanderActually, I have a question I'd like to ask... It's just an idle question, so don't take it seriously.其实我也有问题想问问……只是闲聊，别在意。

CommanderWhat are you planning to do after this trade fair? The expedition team was your primary source of income, right?这次开年大集之后，你准备怎么办？远征队是农场最主要的资源来源吧？

(The Inspector is silent for a while.)（监察官沉默了片刻。）

Inspector LeoThere are too many things I have to do; I don't know where to begin.要做的事情太多了，一时不知道从哪里开始说。

Inspector LeoThe expedition team has lost its leader; we'll need to appoint a new one and recruit new members. Garen's concerns were valid; the Farm needs to improve its productivity and find new resources...远征队失去了领袖，要选拔新的负责人，重新组建队伍。凯伦一直以来的担忧其实也没错，农场必须提升生产力，必须找到新的资源……

Inspector LeoThe path to survival will be difficult, but... I believe that when one door closes, another opens.要一起活下去很难，但……天无绝人之路，我相信。

(His tone grows more and more grim as he contemplates these matters.)（考虑着这些事情的时候，他起初彷徨的语气逐渐沉着。）

Inspector LeoNow that I think about it, I should have seen this coming.这次冲突，现在想来早有预兆。

Inspector LeoThe expedition team has been unhappy about how resources were allocated for a long time now. I told him that our current reward scheme favors the expedition team's contributions over all others. Plus, even if he had won, it wouldn't change the fact that he'd need a support staff. Everyone in the settlement has their own task to complete.远征队对资源分配的不满由来已久，我一直告诉他，现有的贡献计算规则已经尽最大的努力给予远征队优待了，而且他们的胜利也脱不开稳定的后勤供给，居住点中的每个工种都有他们存在的意义。

(The Inspector pauses, then looks at Qiuhua before continuing.)（监察官顿了顿，看了眼秋桦，还是说了下去。）

Inspector Leo...Apart from the scavengers.……除了拾荒者。

QiuhuaHuh? Why did you suddenly...咦！怎么突然……

Inspector LeoYura told me that the scavengers could effectively develop the ruins and that they knew various agricultural techniques which could provide us with a limitless source of food... but he was wrong. The residents don't see any "value" in keeping them. That was also one of the factors that drove Garen to his rebellion, although I didn't expect him to actually do it.尤拉说拾荒者的废墟开荒效率更高，还普遍具有种植技术，可以为居住点培育出源源不断的食物……他食言了，从他们身上，居民们没有看见足够的“价值”。 这也是凯伦的态度逐渐激进的导火索，虽然，我也没料到他最后会激进到这个地步。

Inspector LeoIt isn't just the expedition team that's unhappy with them. If we don't solve the problem of the scavengers, the other residents won't be able to tolerate them either.心存不满的不仅是远征队，拾荒者的问题不解决，其他的居民迟早也会无法容忍。

CommanderDo you regret taking them in?你后悔接受拾荒者的决定吗？

(The Inspector thinks, then he shakes his head.)（监察官想了想，摇摇头。）

Inspector LeoDarksteel Farm is their home, and people in the Yellow Zone have all had times when they were adrift and lost... myself included. Nobody wants to lose their home a second time.黑钢农场是他们的故乡，黄区的人都曾经流离失所过……我也是。没有人想第二次失去故乡。

Inspector LeoI'll do my best to buy them some time, but I also need to take the well-being of all the residents into consideration too, so... in the end, they'll have to rely on themselves.我会尽力再给他们争取一点时间，但我必须考虑全体居民的福利，所以……主要还是只能靠他们自己。

(After the Inspector says this, we all fall silent for a while.)（监察官解释完这些，一时陷入无话可说的沉默。）

QiuhuaWell, uh, if it's just about the food... I might have a solution there. Or rather, I'm pretty sure I have a solution.那啥，如果只是吃饭的话……我好像有办法。不，应该说，我确定我有办法。

(We all look at Qiuhua.)（我们都看向秋桦。）

QiuhuaI wanted to mention this earlier, but we had all this stuff going on so I never had the chance to tell Yura.我之前就想抽空说的，这不是后来的事太大了，都没有回去找尤拉的机会嘛。

QiuhuaAnyway, I saw "Solas hazelnuts" while we were exploring the ruins!探索废墟的时候，我看见了“索拉斯榛果”啊！

Commander...What's that?……那是什么东西？

QiuhuaIt's that poisonous plant Yura was talking about. Actually, it grows fruit. You need to crack them open and process them, but in short, they're edible.就是尤拉首领说有毒的那玩意，其实那玩意会结果子。把壳砸开，再这样那样一套操作，总之，它其实是可以吃的。

QiuhuaI spent a long time in the Yellow Zone running around and studying what new lifeforms in the Yellow Zone can and can't be eaten, so I think you can trust me on this.相信我，我这些年在黄区到处跑，主要就是在研究黄区里的不明新生物“能吃吗”和“怎么吃”。

SabrinaAh, I can vouch for that! Qiuhua is a proper Yellow Zone Master Chef now!啊，这个我可以证明，现在的秋桦可是黄区美食专家哦！

QiuhuaThe fact that they're everywhere in the ruins means raising them is pretty simple. Even if you need some time to grow them, just harvesting what's in the ruins should be able to tide you over for a year and a half or so. Also, they're really filling too!那玩意都能在废墟里疯长了，要种出来还不是简简单单。就算种植还需要一点时间，光是采集废墟里的现有存量，也能顶个一年半载吧。而且别看那玩意儿小小一个，很顶饱的！

QiuhuaIn short, I think the scavengers will be able to feed themselves.反正，拾荒者养活自己，应该不成问题。

Inspector LeoIt would be great if they could cultivate them.如果能种植成功就太好了。

QiuhuaRelax, Inspector. I'm sure the scavengers can do it.放心，监察官，我相信拾荒者可以的。

QiuhuaThe truth is, I disagree with what Leader Garen had said before.其实，我刚才听到了凯伦前队长最后的那几句话，我觉得他说得不对。

(Qiuhua hesitates, but she ultimately decides to continue with the topic.)（秋桦犹豫了下，还是提起了这个话题。）

QiuhuaEven if things are tough now, based on what I've seen of people in the Yellow Zone these few years...即使现在时局艰难，凭我这些年对黄区人观察……

QiuhuaI believe humans will continue to survive and the world will continue to get better. Someday, everyone will be able to eat their fill and wear a full set of comfortable clothes that fit well and do the work they like.人类会生存下去的，世界会变好的。总有一天，大家都能填饱肚子，穿上整洁得体的好衣服，做自己喜欢的工作。

QiuhuaOf course, the requirement for that is that the people don't give up. No matter what choices they make, whether they accept or reject something, they have to keep going on. As for me, I'll keep doing what I can do, which is to make sure everyone gets something to eat!前提是，每一代的人类都不能放弃。不管做出怎样的选择，放弃什么或是接纳什么，总之要向前走下去。而我，会一直做我能做的事，让大家伙儿都吃饱吃好！

QiuhuaMr. Inspector, you aren't a weak man. You'll live a good long time. And maybe when your hair turns gray and white, you'll see a kinder, gentler world like we've never seen before.监察官，你并不是脆弱的人，你会活得足够长。或许等你白发苍苍的时候，已经能看见前所未有的温柔的世界了。

(For once, Qiuhua is absolutely serious and solemn.)（秋桦的语气是罕见的一本正经。）

(Everyone is briefly stunned into silence, until Sabrina giggles.)（众人都愣了愣，塞布丽娜嘿嘿一笑，打破沉默。）

SabrinaBravissimo! That's exactly the kind of thing you'd say, Qiuhua.哎呀！确实像是秋桦会说出的话。

QiuhuaWhat do you mean by that? Of COURSE I'd say what I would say!说什么呢！我当然是说我会说的话啊！

(The Dolls begin squabbling as the jeep continues forward.)（人形们打闹起来，吉普车摇晃着驶向前方。）

(And from the corner of my eye, I can see the Inspector smiling too.)（我的余光里可以看见，监察官也露出了淡淡的笑。）

Endless Hearthflame 炊烟生生不息

(We find the Collapse pieces at the location Garen gave us, and the festival takes place as planned.)（我们在凯伦交代的坐标点找到了成堆的晶条，开年大集的“吉日”仪式得以如期举行。）

(Unlike the previous years, this year's ceremony includes a memorial service for the fallen members of the expedition team. After the solemn event, the distribution of annual supplies takes place, and the settlement erupts into wild revelry.)（与往年不同的是，今年的仪式前增加了悼念所有牺牲的远征队员的环节。肃穆的纪念典礼之后，才轮到分发物资，整个居住点由今日起进入年末狂欢。）

SabrinaChief Yura! Your boxes look really heavy! Need help carrying them?尤拉首领！你的物资看起来很重呢，需要我们帮你搬运吗？

YuraIt's alright, we scavengers didn't have that many contribution points so we only managed to collect a few boxes. I can handle three more loads like this by myself.不用啦！拾荒者的贡献积分就这点，物资也就这点，我一个人可以再扛三份。

CommanderIt's not like you have to push yourself so hard...倒也不用这么拼命……

YuraCommander, can you understand the joy I'm feeling right now?秋桦的长官，你能理解这种快乐吗？

YuraI'm carrying our supplies, and the more I have, the heavier they are. So the extra weight is actually a sense of security, or the tiredness that comes from happiness.我扛的可是物资，越沉越好，越沉越有安全感，这是幸福的疲劳。

(At Yura's insistence, all we can do is watch him return with his hands full, without lifting a finger to help.)（在尤拉的坚持下，我们只能两手空空地跟着，目视他满载而归。）

(By the time we return to the scavengers' camp, Qiuhua has just finished her tutorial on how to cook and prepare the Solas hazelnuts and we can hear her bright, cheery voice through the flaps of the tent.)（我们回到拾荒者营地的时候，秋桦的索拉斯榛果食用教学正好到了尾声，帐篷里传来秋桦爽朗的声音。）

QiuhuaOnce again, I emphasize, you absolutely have to make sure you cook it thoroughly! If it's not properly cooked, you mustn't eat it!我再强调一遍，千万、一定、必须要煮熟哦！不熟绝对不能吃！

(Groza has taken Sabrina to go shopping, which leaves me with nothing to do but watch the scavengers as they begin cultivating their test plot.)（闪电拉着塞布丽娜去逛集市了，无所事事的我站在试验田边看拾荒者冬耕。）

(Shortly afterwards, I hear footsteps from behind as Qiuhua walks up to me.)（过了片刻，身后传来轻快的脚步声，秋桦向我走来。）

CommanderDone with the lesson?教学结束了？

QiuhuaYup. My students are doing self-study now; I hope we don't get any food poisoning cases tonight.嗯呢，我的学生们正在自主练习，希望今晚没有人食物中毒。

(Qiuhua moves to my side. The scavengers are laboring on their various tasks and for the moment, so nobody notices us.)（秋桦走到我身边，不远处是忙得热火朝天的拾荒者，暂时没有人注意到我们。）

QiuhuaIn the past, I left that Green Zone farm because I saw a lot of cases where people and places fell apart.从前我决定离开绿区农场，是因为亲眼目睹了许多割裂的情景。

QiuhuaWhen I delivered fancy and expensive ingredients to Green Zone restaurants, I watched people throw away leftovers without a second thought. But when I did deliveries in the Yellow Zone, every moment and every place I visited had people plagued by hunger, pain, and fear.当我将高端珍贵的食材送往绿区的餐厅时，我看见人们毫不犹豫地倾倒隔夜的食物。可是，我在黄区送货的途中，每一刻，每一个地方，都有人在忍受饥饿、病痛、恐惧。

QiuhuaI couldn't change the restaurants in the Green Zone, but there's a lot I can do in the Yellow Zone.虽然改变不了绿区的餐厅，但在黄区，我还有很多能做的事。

(Qiuhua's voice is quieter and gentler than usual.)（秋桦的声音很轻，显得比平时要温柔。）

QiuhuaTruth is, I wasn't always good at cooking, but I spent the past few years focusing on food, looking for hidden gems among ingredients and figuring out how to prepare them. Slowly, my cooking skills improved.我本来不擅长做饭的，不过是这些年一直把注意力放在食物上，寻找着潜在食材，摸索着它们的处理方法，才慢慢提升了厨艺。

QiuhuaFood... It seems to have a magical power that can ease pain. People would sigh in relief after eating the stuff I made. Perhaps feeling hungry is something like the hope to survive, don't you think?食物……或许有着抚平伤痛的神奇力量吧，吃了我做的饭之后，大家总是会露出松了口气的表情。有了食欲，也算是多了一份生存下去的希望吧？

CommanderYou've grown a lot in your search for cooking skill.以寻找食物为契机，你也成长了很多。

CommanderYou've done well during this incident.这次的事件中，你起到了很重要的正面作用。

QiuhuaReally?是这样吗？

(Qiuhua looks at me, her eyes shining like stars.)（秋桦看向我，眼睛里像是有星星。）

QiuhuaI'm glad you approve, Commander.能得到长官的肯定，真是太好啦。

QiuhuaYou know, I haven't thanked you for helping me with this whole thing, Commander.还没谢过长官，是您支持我解决这里的事件的。

CommanderYou don't need to. This was an interesting experience for me.不用客气，我也增加了一段有趣的经历。

QiuhuaWhat do you mean, by that, of COURSE I have to thank you!当然要感谢啦！

QiuhuaWhile it started out as just fulfilling a request from my old boss, halfway through it turned into carrying out the mission that I assigned myself.虽然初衷只是完成前上司的托付，过程中却是在践行我一直以来交给自己的使命。

QiuhuaWhether it's the scavengers here, or the residents in this settlement... I want to spare them all the pain of hunger and give them the courage they need to live on.在这里的拾荒者，还有这个居住点的其他居民……我想让大家免受饥饿之苦，想为大家增加一点生存下去的勇气。

QiuhuaDo you think I managed to do that, Commander?长官，您觉得，我做到了吗……

CommanderWell, the look on your face tells me you're pretty proud of what you've done.你的表情告诉我，你自己挺满意的。

CommanderStill, since you want me to praise you, I'll praise you again.不过，既然你想要我夸奖，那就再夸你一次吧。

QiuhuaHahaha, thanks, Commander.哈哈哈，多谢长官。

(Satisfied, Qiuhua decides to change the topic.)（秋桦心满意足，于是话锋一转。）

QiuhuaAiyah! Now that you mention it, our reunion turned out completely different from what I originally planned!哎呀！话说咱们这次重逢，跟我原来的计划完全不一样！

QiuhuaI was going to sneak aboard the Elmo with a whole bunch of awesome ingredients and brand new skills, then announce myself with a full-on banquet! How did I end up making such a sloppy entrance, anyway?我本来是想带着最了不得的食材和一身新本事，偷偷潜入艾莫号，给您整一顿大餐惊喜亮相的！结果我怎么出场得这么草率呢？

QiuhuaCan we do it again, Commander? You know, pretend you never saw me? Give me a chance to sneak aboard the Elmo...长官，咱们能不能重新来一次啊？您就假装之前没见过我呗？再给我一个潜入艾莫号的机会……

CommanderThis reunion is good enough. Don't worry about it.现在的重逢就很好了，别在意。

QiuhuaTrue, true. Sure, it was sloppy, but that was just because of the circumstances. Our reunion was everything I wanted!也是。方式草率是时机的问题，长官，我想和您团聚的心意可没稀释啊！

QiuhuaI'm glad to be back by your side again!能够重新回到您的身边，我太高兴了！

(I laugh and pat Qiuhua on the back.)（我笑着拍了拍秋桦的后背。）

(A scavenger's voice comes from the tents, calling for Qiuhua.)（帐篷的方向传来拾荒者呼唤秋桦的声音。）

ScavengerMiss Qiuhua! Where are you, Miss? Could you show us a few more dishes, please?秋桦老师！老师您在哪里？再来示范几个特色菜吧，拜托老师了！

QiuhuaAh, I'm coming!来了，来了！看我的！

(Qiuhua bids me farewell before rushing toward the tents.)（秋桦向我道过别，风风火火地跑向帐篷。）

CommanderWait, Qiuhua!等等，秋桦！

CommanderI just remembered that Mayling—she's our machinist aboard the Elmo—sent a recipe for jiaozi filling a while back. Seems she wants some, can you do anything with it?我想起来美玲——我们艾莫号上的机械师，前阵子给我发了张饺子馅料配方，她馋这个，你看看能做吗？

QiuhuaNo problem! Jiaozi are part of my specialty! Just leave it to me!好嘞！饺子嘛，正在我的舒适区里，包在我身上！

(I send Qiuhua Mayling's recipe.)（我将美玲的饺子配方发送给了秋桦。）

(At the foot of the highlands, another person approaches me. It's the Inspector.)（高地的下方，又有人向我走来，是监察官。）

Inspector LeoThis is the first time I've seen the scavenger camp so lively.难得，拾荒者营地也很热闹。

Inspector LeoWe meet again, Commander.艾莫号指挥官，又见面了。

(The Inspector looks around and greets me breezily.)（监察官环顾四周，语气轻松地向我打招呼。）

CommanderChief Yura's by the tents.尤拉首领在帐篷那边。

Inspector LeoNo, I'm here for you.不是，我是来找你的。

(The Inspector takes an envelope from his pocket.)（监察官从大衣内侧拿出一份文件。）

Inspector LeoThis special entry permit is for you—an additional gift, above and beyond what was promised in the contract.特别通行凭证——这是合同约定的酬劳之外，我送给你的一份额外礼物。

Inspector LeoFor the sake of... our continued friendship.希望……友谊长存。

(I look at the permit, which bears the Inspector's personal signature. I suddenly recall all the crap we went through and being chased by the checkpoint guards because of this, giving me an urge to chuckle.)（我接过那份签有监察官名字的通行凭证，想起不久之前我们还因为这个东西被检查站门口的警卫追赶，有点想笑。）

Inspector LeoOn behalf of the Farm's residents... and myself, of course, I would like to thank you for the help you gave to Darksteel Farm.我代表全体居民……也代表我个人，感谢您给予黑钢农场的帮助。

Inspector LeoEven if I can't publicly declare it, this permit will serve as a symbol that the Elmo will always be a friend of the Farm.不能对外宣扬，就以这份通行凭证，认证艾莫号为农场永远的朋友吧。

CommanderYou're welcome.多谢认可。

Inspector LeoNow that I've delivered my gift, I'll be heading back.礼物送到，我就回去了。

CommanderWhy not stay for dinner? Qiuhua's cooking up a storm.不干脆吃个饭吗？秋桦在做大餐哦。

Inspector LeoI have to take care of things at the Admin Center.管理会还有事。

Inspector LeoWe'll share a drink next time.下次来，一起喝酒。

(The Inspector waves to us and goes back the way he came.)（监察官挥了挥手，走向来时的路。）

SabrinaCommander! We're back! Groza bought tons of cute little trinkets! And me too! I stocked up on cheese!指挥官！我们回来啦！闪电采购了好多精致的小物件哦！还有我！我囤了奶酪！

GrozaS-Sabrina, don't bring it up...塞……塞布丽娜，不要说出来……

CommanderWhy hide it? Today is a day of celebration; it's okay to go over budget if it's once in a while.藏着干什么，今天是庆祝的日子，难得超一下预算也没关系。

Commander...Why do you have so much food?……你们买了这么多食材？

GrozaMiss Delia forced us to take it, she said it was thanks for saving her life.是德利娅女士硬塞给我们的，说是谢我们的救命之恩。

GrozaShe spent a lot of contribution points on them, but apparently the Inspector transferred her some from his personal account...这些食材花费了她不少贡献积分，不过，据说监察官从私人账户上转拨了一笔奖励积分给她……

CommanderAh, so it's a gift! That's good to hear. Send it all to Qiuhua; we'll have extra dishes tonight.送的啊！那太好了，给秋桦送去，今晚加餐。

(Evening comes as smoke from the cookfires curls into the sky.)（袅袅炊烟中，傍晚很快降临。）

(In the distance, the trade fair and the settlement glow brightly in the twilight. Around us, the tents are suffused by a warm radiance.)（远处的居民区和集市都灯火通明，我们身边的帐篷区域仿佛也被漫散而出的光辉点亮，一片暖意融融。）

(I call Mayling and all the Dolls who aren't occupied at the moment to the campsite so they can enjoy the evening with us.)（我让美玲和艾莫号上有空的人形也到营地来，一起享受这个夜晚。）

QiuhuaHot, hot, hot, coming through! Make way, make way!都让一让——热腾腾的锅子来啦——

QiuhuaAiyah! Where did all the jiaozi go! Save me some, c'mon!哎呀！刚才上桌的饺子怎么少了一半，给我留一口！

(Qiuhua's voice fills the air as she strides out with big plates of food in hand.)（秋桦端着盛满食物的大锅走来，声音爽脆。）

(Around her the scavengers exchange seasonal greetings as they celebrate surviving another year.)（身边是拾荒者们互相道贺的声音，他们庆祝对方又活过了一年。）

QiuhuaCommander! Sometimes, I feel like the fire in the stove is like a little ember of hope, because whenever there's smoke from a cooking fire, there's hope and a future.长官！我有时候觉得灶火就像是希望的小火苗，有炊烟的地方，就有希望和未来。

(After thinking for a bit, I nod in agreement.)（我想了想，肯定了她的话。）

(No matter how hard the previous year might have been, people's hearts are still filled with joy in the moment when a plate of piping hot food is laid on the table, and their shared enjoyment of the dishes brings them closer together.)（即便年景艰难，当庆祝节日的美食冒着腾腾热气摆上餐桌，人们仍然在这短暂的时刻里感受着喜悦，并为分享食物而产生更紧密的联结。）

QiuhuaCommander! Have a good time!长官！新春快乐！

QiuhuaThe coming year's going to be a good one, right? I'm sure it will!明年，大家都会更好吧？一定会的！

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.