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Wounds That Will Not Heal

沉没夜潮

17 chapters · 1527 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Wounds That Will Not Heal 不愈的创痕

(In the Green Zone, on the outskirts of the satellite city KYI-09.)（……绿区，KYI-09卫星城，郊外。）

(A light mist hangs over the mansion district. Frostfall Squad is performing a battlefield cleanup under Qiongjiu's supervision.)（薄雾笼罩的别墅区，霜降小队正在琼玖的指挥下，执行任务结束后的战场清扫工序。）

(Their tactical boots crunch on mechanical parts scattered on the grassy lawn.)（四双战术靴掠过草坪散落的机械零件，发出阵阵细碎的声响。）

CheetaWow, this place is huge, and it's got a swimming pool too!哇啊，好大的庄园，还有游泳池！

CheetaNo wonder they had to buy so many guard robots. Is everyone living in the mansion district this rich?怪不得要买这么多机械看家，住在别墅区的富人都这么有钱的吗？

LindHmph, it doesn't matter how rich they are, it's not like we'll end up making the same kind of money.哼，就算钱再多也赚不到我们手里吧。

LindWe finally got a security assignment after so long, and in the end we're just facing a bunch of domestic robots...隔了好几天才接到一单安保任务，对手却只是几台家用机械而已……

LindI could have cleared them all out by myself.干掉这种东西的话，我一个人就够了啊。

QiongjiuLind, Cheeta, don't complain.琳德，奇塔，不要发牢骚。

(Qiongjiu opens her day planner and checks each item and number on it, line by line.)（琼玖打开日程清单，对上面的事项和数字进行一一核验。）

QiongjiuThere's 10 minutes until the mission deadline. Looks like our tactical planning still has room for improvement.距离任务交付还剩10分钟，看来，我们的作战计划还有可以优化的空间。

QiongjiuGive me a sitrep on your respective areas, starting from Tololo.从托洛洛开始，各区域按照顺序，汇报回收情况给我。

TololoRoger.收到。

TololoSix mechanical units eliminated in Area A. Motive core fragment clearance complete.A区共计6台机械单位，已将动力核心碎片清扫完毕。

CheetaHehe~ Area B's all cleaned up!嘿嘿~B区都清理干净啦！

CheetaIt was easy since this genius was around!有本天才出马，根本就是小菜一碟嘛！

LindArea C's fine, of course...C区这边当然也没问题……

LindBut has Griffin really been reduced to doing yardwork for rich people now?不过说真的，格里芬现在连给富人打扫庄园都要承包么？

LindFeels like we're providing aftersales service or something.感觉这种已经可以算进售后服务了吧。

QiongjiuIt's true that this wasn't explicitly requested in our contract, but since our mission takes place in the residential area... it would make sense that we would handle cleanup duties here.虽然合同上没有明确要求，但任务范围毕竟属于居住区域……由我们负责清扫战场也合乎情理。

QiongjiuIn addition, I believe that attention to details like this demonstrates our commitment to providing good service, which will affect our future clients' willingness to hire us.而且，我认为这种细节关系着未来的合作意向，正是能够展现诚意的一部分。

Lind(Groan) Well, I hope our employers will appreciate your attention to detail, Leader.哈……真希望雇主们都能理解队长的良苦用心啊。

TololoThat would keep our numbers from being so dismal.这样最近的订单数量就不会如此惨淡了。

CheetaI know, right? Seeing as how we perform so well and so efficiently and even have a genius like me backing everyone up, not hiring us is their loss!就是说啊，明明我们小队服务又好、效率又高，还有本天才坐镇，不选择我们根本就是他们的损失嘛！

LindIf you count not being blown up by those little explosive gadgets of yours as a loss, then they're definitely winning big.如果“损失”是指没能被你那些会爆炸的小玩具拆家的话，那对方还真是逃过一劫啊。

CheetaW-what are you talking about! It was only one or two times... I mean, a few times at most!哪、哪有那么夸张，最多也就炸了五六七八次而已！

TololoLooks like we've found the reason why people are hiring us less often, Leader.队长，近期订单变少的原因找到了。

Qiongjiu...Cheeta.……奇塔。

CheetaAw, don't listen to Lind, she doesn't know what she's talking about! My inventions are fairly reliable under MOST circumstances!哎呀队长，你不要听琳德乱说！我的发明在绝~大多数情况下，还是相当靠谱的啦！

(Annoyed, Cheeta spreads her arms in protest.)（奇塔不服气地伸开双臂，比划出一个“大”字形表示抗议。）

(Sunlight streams from behind them and reflects faintly off something on the lawn with a golden gleam.)（阳光钻过空隙，照进附近的草丛里，反射出一抹微弱的金色。）

TololoHm...唔……

(Tololo pauses as she spots the reflection.)（感受到眼底传来的波光，托洛洛不由顿了一顿。）

QiongjiuTololo, what's wrong?托洛洛，怎么了？

TololoThere's something in the grass.草丛里好像有东西。

(She bends down and retrieves an ID card from under the wreckage of a robot.)（托洛洛蹲下身，从机械底部抽出了一张ID卡。）

(It's an intricately made card that reflects glints of golden light. The circuitry-like patterns on it move slowly as she turns it.)（小巧的卡片泛着金光，卡面上的纹路正随着光线缓缓流动。）

CheetaHm? If I'm not wrong, judging by how it feels, this should be...!咦？如果我没猜错的话，这个质感该不会就是……！

QiongjiuDon't touch that, Cheeta, you don't know where it's been.奇塔，不要乱动。

CheetaAw, relax, Leader, it was just a little experiment. I'm not going to break it or anything.放心啦队长，我只是做个小测试，不会搞破坏的。

CheetaLook!你们看！

(Cheeta leans out from behind Tololo and experimentally pokes the card with her combat knife.)（奇塔从托洛洛的身后探出半个脑袋，伸出战术匕首戳了戳卡片。）

(Its edge nicks the honeycomb patterns on the card, but then they slowly return to their original shape.)（卡面上的蜂巢状纹路被利刃划开，又渐渐交融回了原样。）

TololoThe patterns... they fixed themselves...图案……竟然自动修复了……

CheetaHow's that? Cool stuff, huh? This material is called liquid-phase shape-memory alloy, or liquid polyalloy for short. The Girard Group just announced their patent on it recently~怎么样，很神奇吧？这种材料叫作液态记忆合金，也叫液金，是吉拉尔集团刚刚公布不久的专利~

CheetaIt might look small, but you could buy ten T-Doll frames for the price of this much material. We'll be set for a long time with this!别看它只有这么小小的一块，但光是材料费就够买十具战术素体的了，够我们吃香喝辣好一阵子呢！

TololoI think the valuable part of it isn't the materials that went into making it, but the technology.值钱的部分，大概不是用料……是技术。

LindStill, isn't this the property of the client? It's not like we're authorized to dispose of it, right?不管怎么说，这都是雇主的私人物品吧？我们又没有权利处置。

CheetaThat might not be the case. We found it under this toaster, so maybe even the client doesn't know anything about it~ Also, leaving valuable stuff like this lying around would make us look really unprofessional.也不一定啊，这是在铁块头下面发现的，搞不好连雇主也没见过它~而且把贵重物品随便丢在这里，会显得我们很不专业哎。

CheetaIn any case, we should be able to bring it back with us, right, Leader?总之队长，我们应该可以先带回去的吧，可以的吧？

Qiongjiu...……

QiongjiuAs a professional PMC, our focus should be on building long-term relationships and trust with the client as opposed to coveting short-term financial gain. However, it is true that taking care of valuable goods would count as a value-added service.作为专业的P.M.C.，我们的目标应该是和客户建立长期信任，而不是觊觎意外之财，但保管贵重物品确实也算作服务优化的一种。

QiongjiuAnd as it turns out, it's almost time.正好，时间差不多了。

(Beep—)（嘀——）

(Qiongjiu turns away and dials a familiar number.)（琼玖转过身，拨通了那个熟悉的通讯。）

QiongjiuMiss Helian, this is Qiongjiu.赫丽安，这里是琼玖。

QiongjiuPer mission requirements, Frostfall Squad has eliminated the rogue security robots, and we have also finished recovering their motive core fragments. I think the client should be able to move in without worries now.霜降小队已按照任务需求，将陷入失控的防卫机械全部击倒，动力核心碎片也全部回收完毕。我想雇主现在应该可以放心入住了。

(The sound of riffling paper comes over the transmission channel.)（通讯终端传来了纸张翻动的沙沙声。）

(Helian's tone seems a little more crestfallen than usual.)（赫丽安的声线，似乎比平日里更低沉了一些。）

Helian...Understood.……知道了。

QiongjiuAlso, we recovered an ID card on the premises. Its function is unknown.另外，我们在回收过程中还发现了一张作用不明的ID卡。

QiongjiuSince the card is quite valuable, should we hold onto it for the time being before handing it over to the client?由于卡片用料价值较高，考虑是否应该先由我们代为保管，再交还给委托方？

HelianYes, that would be a good way to handle the situation.嗯，这个方案的确比较妥帖。

HelianQiongjiu, I have full faith in your decisions because you always take all the relevant factors into consideration.琼玖，我对你的决策很放心，因为你考虑得一向很周全。

HelianI have also seen the efforts you and Frostfall Squad have made for Griffin.以及你带领的霜降小队为格里芬付出的努力，我全部都看在眼里。

HelianThank you all for your hard work. You should consider this upcoming period to be a vacation of sorts.一直以来辛苦你们了。最近这段时间，就暂且当作休假来度过吧。

QiongjiuA vacation? So you're saying that our upcoming commissions...休假？也就是说，接下来的几个委托……

(The sound of pages flipping comes to a halt, and Helian sighs quietly.)（翻动纸张的声音停了下来，赫丽安轻轻叹了口气。）

(Just then, an exclamation from Cheeta drowns out her reply.)（就在这时，奇塔的惊呼声截住了她的回答。）

CheetaUh, L-Leader, this is bad! Those tin cans are getting back up again!不不不、不好啦队长，这些铁块头又动起来了！

Defense RobotG&L-β... Protocol activated...G&L-β……协议激活……

Defense Robot...System rebooting...……系统重启……

Defense RobotTarget identification module... loading successful...目标识别模块……加载成功……

Qiongjiu—?!——？！

Defense RobotExecuting... attack order...攻击……指令……立即执行……

QiongjiuMiss Helian, the situation has changed! The rogue robots have reactivated, and we need to deal with them ASAP.赫丽安，情况有变！失控机械意外重启，我们必须立即处理。

QiongjiuBut if we do that, this commission might...只是这样一来，这笔订单可能就……

HelianPrioritize keeping your girls safe. If need be, you are authorized to take any and all means needed to resolve the situation.优先确保小队安全，必要时可以采取一切手段。

QiongjiuUnderstood.明白。

(After ending the transmission, Qiongjiu fires off orders to Frostfall Squad.)（结束通讯，琼玖立即对霜降小队下达指令。）

QiongjiuCheeta, Tololo, move up with me and suppress them. Lind, focus your fire and eliminate the nearby targets.奇塔、托洛洛，跟我一起压制前排。琳德，集中火力清理近距离目标。

QiongjiuRemember: short controlled bursts only. Make sure we thoroughly destroy those robots this time.注意弹药消耗，点射为主，将这些失控机械彻底击毁。

QiongjiuMove out!开始行动！

Wounds That Will Not Heal 不愈的创痕

(Bang!)（砰——！）

(As the final gunshot rings out, the last of the defense robots blows up, collapsing into a pile of junked parts.)（随着一声枪鸣响起，最后一台防卫机械从中间炸开，碎成一堆零散的废件。）

(Lind puts her gun away with practiced ease and unwraps a lollipop before rubbing her arm, which was grazed by shrapnel.)（琳德动作利落地收回枪，剥开一根棒棒糖，顺手揉了揉被爆炸碎片擦到的肩膀。）

LindI can't believe I actually got hit by something like this. Pisses me off.……居然会被这种东西打到，真叫人不爽。

CheetaHmm? Say, I noticed a while back, but you seem really sensitive to pain, Lind.哎呀？我从好久之前就发现了，琳德你的痛觉参数还蛮敏感的嘛~

CheetaWhy don't you turn it off in combat? Are you a masochist or something?战斗中不关闭痛觉模块，你是什么受虐狂吗？

LindMy frame moves slowly when my glucose levels are low, so it's perfectly natural to use pain to boost my reaction times...糖分补充不足的情况下，素体会变得笨重，用痛觉来提升反应速度也没什么的啊……

(Lind turns aside in a somewhat unnatural way.)（琳德有些不自然地错开了视线。）

LindMore importantly, you should be worrying about these robots, right? Why did they flip out all of a sudden?比起这个，眼下更应该关心的是这些机械吧，怎么突然就发起疯来了？

QiongjiuThey were making noises which sounded like commands before they started back up... It seems this outburst was triggered at the programming level.重启之前，这些机械有发出过一些类似指令的声音……感觉更像是从程序层面上引发的混乱。

LindBut we shot up their motive cores, didn't we? That's like cutting their power off. There's no way they could start up again, right?可是我们明明击穿了动力核心，相当于直接切断电源，已经没理由再自启了吧？

LindUnless their cores could self-repair—除非，它们的核心可以自主修复——

Lind...Ah.……啊。

(The four of them seem to realize something at the same time.)（四个人似乎同时意识到了什么。）

TololoThis is polyalloy. In other words, it was made by Girard.是液金，也就是说，是吉拉尔集团的产品。

(Tololo wades into the robot's wreckage and begins digging around inside it.)（托洛洛走入机械残骸中，将机械翻了过来，仔细检查着内部。）

TololoFrame code prefix reads G&L-β. This isn't a model that they're selling on the open market.前缀编码确认，G&L-β，不是市场上常见的型号。

TololoI don't see anything like it in their product catalog either.在吉拉尔的商品清单中也检索完毕，没有找到类似的款式。

QiongjiuLooks like this frame model isn't one that's commercially available.看来这款不是公开售卖的机型。

CheetaSooooo~ Does that mean it's some kind of fancy toy those rich people got through internal connections?所以说~又是那帮富人从内部渠道搞来的玩具咯？

QiongjiuThat's possible. And it's also perfectly reasonable that these beta models which aren't publicly available would have bugs in their programming.有可能，这种未经正式发售的BETA型号，有一些程序BUG也正常。

QiongjiuAnd that's not even getting into the fact that they're from the Girard Group.更何况出自吉拉尔集团之手，那就更不奇怪了。

LindAre you talking about what happened on Miss Kalina's side some time back?是指前段时间发生在格琳娜那边的事情么……

QiongjiuYes. The ripples from the robot uprising in Odesa spread far and wide. Girard's been paying out huge amounts in penalty fees and compensation. Their stock price has also plummeted.嗯，奥德卅州的机械暴乱事件影响很大，吉拉尔已经支付了大量的违约金和赔偿金，股价更是一落千丈。

QiongjiuFactor in Rurik's departure in a plane crash and the group having to appoint a new CEO... I'm sure even the Girard brass must be terrified right about now.再加上留里克坠机身亡、集团扶持新董事长上任……现在这个时段，即便是吉拉尔的高层也是人心惶惶吧。

QiongjiuThere have been multiple reports of robots going berserk this month already, and there's speculation that it's linked to their broken supply chains and chaotic internal management.这个月已经连续传出了好几起机械失控的报道，推测和吉拉尔集团的资金链断裂、以及内部管理混乱都逃不开关系。

TololoThree reports. Four if you count ours.第三起。算上我们这次的话，是第四起。

(Tololo presses a button on her communications terminal, and a holographic projection of a starry sky springs into existence.)（托洛洛打开终端开关，星空色的全息投影瞬间呈现在众人眼前。）

(She taps on the touchscreen and it is replaced by a clip from a news broadcast.)（伴随着键盘敲击的叮咚声，屏幕上播放出了一则新闻影像。）

Green Zone ChildUwaaahhhh... Papa, Mama, my eyes hurt...呜呜呜……爸爸，妈妈，我的眼睛好痛……

(The camera pans to the child, their eyes reddened from the thick smoke spewing from the kindergarten that was destroyed by haywire robots.)（被机械摧毁的幼儿园冒着浓烟，露出小朋友被烟熏得发红的双眼。）

(The ruined remains of a wall are visible in the corner of the frame, covered in scattered bullet holes.)（半扇墙壁孤零零地矗立在一角，依稀可辨出墙上零星的弹孔。）

(A neatly dressed Girard Group spokesperson stands in front of the devastation, addressing the reporter.)（一片废土的前面，衣着整洁的吉拉尔发言人正向记者发表着演说。）

YakovI am the representative of the Girard Group's R&D division, Yakov Holtz.我是吉拉尔集团开发部门代表，雅科夫·霍尔茨。

YakovOn behalf of the Girard Group, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to the people affected by this incident and their families.对于在本次事件中受到影响的所有家庭，我谨代表吉拉尔集团，向受害者及其亲属致以最诚挚的歉意。

YakovAfter preliminary investigation, we have found that the robots were affected by an unknown virus shortly before they went berserk.经过初步调查，我们发现机器人在暴走前遭受了不明来源的病毒攻击。

YakovCurrently, there is ample evidence to indicate that this was a malicious, deliberate act of destruction targeting the Girard Group.目前已有足够的证据表明，这是一起针对吉拉尔集团的恶意破坏行为。

YakovAs such, I wish to make our position clear to the world—在此，我要向社会各界郑重声明——

YakovWe will be investigating this incident with all the resources at our disposal, and we will not give the culprits any opportunities to cause further mayhem.我们将全力追查此次事件，绝不给予犯罪分子任何可乘之机。

YakovThere is no need to worry. The Girard Group has always made user safety our number one priority.也请大家放心，吉拉尔集团始终将用户安全置于第一位。

YakovWe will be holding another press conference later on to address how we intend to handle the situation...后续的处理情况，我们会另外召开记者会进行说明……

(Tololo ignores the spokesman's bloviation and shuts off the clip.)（忽略掉吉拉尔发言人的长篇大论，托洛洛按下了关闭键。）

LindI heard a whole lot of excuses but nothing in the way of actually compensating people.实际的赔偿方案没听到，推卸责任的话倒是一大堆。

CheetaDidn't they blame the previous incidents on a "technical loophole" or something? Now they're saying it's an external attack; they're just trying to wash their hands of everything, aren't they?之前不还说是什么“技术漏洞”吗？现在又说是外部攻击，这不摆明了就是想把自己摘干净嘛！

TololoBut... If someone really did infect those robots with a virus, there would probably be more victims.但……如果真的是有人恶意植入病毒，那受到影响的人恐怕还会更多。

TololoLeader, should we continue looking into this commission?队长，这次的委托要不要再继续调查一下？

(After thinking for a bit, Qiongjiu shakes her head.)（片刻的思索后，琼玖摇了摇头。）

QiongjiuWe don't have much ammo left, and getting further involved wouldn't be wise.我们随身携带的弹药不多，已经不适合再卷入这种纠纷。

QiongjiuAlso...而且……

(Qiongjiu's voice trails off.)（琼玖没有再说下去。）

(However, the look on her face tells the rest of her team what she couldn't bring herself to say.)（但从她的神色中，小队成员都读懂了那欲言又止的后半句。）

(Because they all know they don't have the mighty Griffin from before backing them up now.)（而且……如今她们背靠的，早已不是当年那个一家独大的格里芬。）

(Ever since the war ended, the demand for PMCs from various factions and the civilian sector has drastically declined. In addition, Griffin was forced to restructure and downsize.)（自从战争结束之后，各方势力及民众对P.M.C.的需求锐减，格里芬也面临被迫拆分重组的困境。）

(All the clients who had formed stable partnerships with Griffin in the past have ended their cooperation with Griffin in one way or another.)（从前那些建立了稳定合作关系的委托方，更是几乎以各种方式中断了和格里芬的合作。）

(Although Frostfall's efforts have secured them a few permanent customers, there are times like these when there's no business to be had.)（虽说凭借霜降小队这些年来的努力，已经积累到一些固定的客源，但还是会时有这种无单可接的状况发生。）

(Without their beloved Commander and many of the Dolls who were once their colleagues, the things they can do now are very limited indeed.)（失去了珍而重之的指挥官，挥别了并肩作战的人形同伴，她们现在能做的事情其实非常有限。）

(Frostfall understands this point very well.)（霜降小队不是不清楚这一点。）

(Even so, while they might have chosen to walk different paths, at least everyone is still alive and they all still have their shared memories.)（可即便在分岔口前走上了不同的道路，至少大家还活着，至少大家还有共同的回忆。）

(At the very least, when the Commander finally gets tired of wandering the Yellow Zone, he will still have a place that can be called "home".)（至少等到指挥官厌倦了流落在黄区的日子以后，还有这样一个可以被称作是“家”的地方。）

(For that reason alone, they will do their best to keep Griffin going.)（哪怕只剩下这一个理由，她们也会想尽办法将格里芬存续下去。）

(Still, there are times when they must face the limitations of their circumstances... and accept the knowledge of their powerlessness that accompanies this realization.)（只是偶尔，她们还是会由于自己只能置身事外的境地……而感到有些无能为力。）

(After sensing the dejection among her team, Qiongjiu softens her tone a little.)（察觉到队员们的失落，琼玖微微缓和了声调。）

QiongjiuI'll make a note of the potential risks in our debriefing.我会在任务报告里将风险情报记录下来。

QiongjiuEven if we can't do anything about it now, I'm sure it'll be useful in the future.就算现阶段做不了什么，也会在日后派上用场的。

Lind...……

Lind(It's not like there's nothing that can be done, right?)（也不是什么都做不了吧……）

(Frostfall Squad heads back to their vehicle. Lind lags behind, connecting her data port to one of the robots and downloading some of their data to herself.)（霜降小队起身向返程车走去，留在最后的琳德放慢脚步，将数据接口连在机械上，拷贝了一份内部的数据信息。）

Lind(While I don't know how it might help... let's just make a copy of it for now.)（虽然还不知道有什么用……暂且先保留一份吧。）

Twin Deficit 双赤数

(...Inside the meeting room of Griffin's main building in the Green Zone, late at night. Frostfall Squad is conducting their usual after-action review.)（……绿区，夜晚，格里芬大楼会议室。霜降小队正在开展例行的复盘会。）

CheetaIt's bedtime already! Why are we STILL having a meeting now?!明明已经到了乖孩子该上床睡觉的时间，为什么我们还在开会啊!

LindAlready trying to slack off? Leader usually works through the entire night on overtime, you know.才这个点就想偷懒了？队长平时可是会加班到大半夜的。

QiongjiuThen this will be all for the day...那今天的会议就先到这里……

CheetaAwesome! I'll be off now, genius brains need their beauty sleep!太好了！那我就先走了，天才的脑子急需充分的睡眠！

QiongjiuHang on.等一下。

(Before Cheeta can hop out of her seat, she feels Qiongjiu's hand pushing her back down.)（奇塔的身体刚准备弹出座位，又被琼玖的手强行按了回去。）

QiongjiuWe're done with the AAR, but there are other things that we need to talk about.只是战后复盘的会议结束了，还有临时追加的讨论会要开。

(Saying so, Qiongjiu flicks Tololo's hairband and brings her mind back from gazing at the stars twinkling outside.)（琼玖说着，顺手弹了一下托洛洛的发带，把托洛洛的思绪从窗外星星点点的夜空拉了回来。）

QiongjiuWhile I believe in avoiding unnecessary overtime... there are some things regarding Frostfall Squad's future development that merit discussion.虽然我是奉行不加班主义的队长……但事关霜降小队日后的发展方向，我认为还是有必要一起商量一下。

QiongjiuHave a look at this.先看看这个吧。

(Qiongjiu's fingers fly across her terminal, and the screen displays a spreadsheet checkered in red and green.)（随着琼玖操作终端的动作，屏幕上映出了一张红绿交错的表格。）

LindIs this... a record of our squad's finances?这个……是我们小队的收支记录？

QiongjiuYes. The green cells represent our income for the past month, and the red cells show our expenses.嗯，绿色的是最近一个月的收入，红色的是支出。

CheetaThat's weird. We got a lot of jobs last month, didn't we? How come there are so many red cells?怎么会？上个月我们接到的委托也不少，为什么有这么多的红色呀？

CheetaAnd the most common type of expense is... liability compensation?支出最多的项目是……赔偿责任金？

LindMission No. RD04003045: The client's mansion was damaged in the squad's explosion to the extent that a deformed gate forced them to climb through a window to get home.任务编号RD04003045，委托人的别墅因小队制造的爆炸受损，住宅大门被冲击变形，致使委托人只能爬窗户回家……

TololoThe compensation was four times the payment received.支出赔偿责任金4倍。

LindMission No. RD04010072: The client's car window was shattered by gunfire from the squad, leading to the client's right arm being gashed by glass fragments...任务编号RD04010072，委托人的车窗玻璃因小队的枪击碎裂，致使委托人的右臂被碎片划伤……

TololoThe compensation was three times the payment received.支出赔偿责任金3倍。

LindMission No. RD04011745: The client demanded double the value of furniture destroyed by an explosion created by the squad...任务编号RD04011745，委托人的家具因小队制造的爆炸损毁，委托人提出双倍索赔……

TololoThe compensation was five times the payment received.支出赔偿责任金5倍。

LindLooking at this, it seems a certain genius of ours featured heavily in all of these incidents. Am I wrong?看来看去，好像我们的某位天才功不可没啊？

CheetaWhat?! You've got some nerve pointing fingers at me, Lind! Half of those incidents were caused by you and your lack of trigger discipline leading to stuff getting shot up!什么？！琳德还好意思说我？这里面绝对有一半是因为你冲动开火弄坏的啦！

Qiongjiu...I'll deal with the two of you later.……你们俩的问题留到以后再说。

QiongjiuIn any case, Griffin's financial situation will be in the red next month, which means our living expenses will have to be cut too.按照目前的收支状况，格里芬下个月的可用资金就会出现赤字，我们对应的生活物资也要有所削减了。

CheetaThen our candy budget?那糖果采购预算呢？

QiongjiuZero.没有。

(Cheeta and Lind both exclaim in shock.)（啊——奇塔和琳德几乎是同时惊叫出声。）

Cheeta& LindSeriously?!不是吧？！

QiongjiuNormally, we'd still be able to handle a situation like this... But we haven't had that many commissions to begin with this month, and all our remaining commissions have been put on hold too.放在往常还可以应付……可是这个月的接单状况本就不佳，原本剩下的几个单子现在也被搁置了。

QiongjiuTherefore, we need to find a way to salvage our financial situation before it gets worse.所以，为了避免事态进一步恶化，我们要尽快找到解决财务危机的办法。

CheetaWhat if you sold this genius' inventions?那就把本天才的发明拿去卖钱吧？

CheetaCheeta's inventions are all original and genuine—those rich folks in White Zones will be falling over themselves to buy them up, I guarantee it!奇塔发明，绝对原创，童叟无欺——保证是连白区的富商都买不到的稀罕货！

Lind...Why would those wealthy people want to buy them? Are they tired of living, perhaps?……富商为什么要买这东西，自杀吗？

QiongjiuIndeed. The safety of those products is a concern. Proposal denied.没错，产品安全性过于令人担忧，驳回。

CheetaEhhhh?!诶？！

TololoPerhaps we could try taking on some personal commissions.或者我们可以尝试承接一些私人委托。

QiongjiuThe legality and safety of those commissions are questionable and cannot be verified. Proposal denied.任务来源，以及风险程度都无法评估，驳回。

LindNow that you mention it, don't we have some big assets gathering dust in the Logistics Department?说起来，后勤部不是还有一些重型物资么……

LindYou know, those helicopters, that big tugboat, and all that other crap. All our missions now don't call for that stuff, so can't we sell them off or something?那些直升机，还有大型拖船什么的，反正以我们现在的任务量级也用不到。

QiongjiuThose assets are essential for emergency situations and cannot be casually discarded. Proposal denied.重型物资是应对紧急情况的重要保障，不能轻易处置，驳回。

CheetaAhhhhh, this doesn't work, that doesn't work, isn't there ANYTHING here we can sell for some quick cash?!哎呀，这个那个的全都行不通，那哪里还有东西可以换钱嘛！

LindOh yeah...对了……

LindWhat about that ID card we picked up earlier today?之前拿回来的那张ID卡怎么样了？

QiongjiuMiss Helian discussed it with our client, who refused to claim it and said Griffin can dispose of it as we see fit.赫丽安和雇主确认过，由于委托方无人认领，已经交由格里芬自行处置了。

LindSounds great. Let's sell it off to an underground broker, then.那正好，我们把它卖给暗商吧。

LindDidn't Cheeta say it was super valuable? That means we ought to be able to hold out for a good long time if we do.奇塔不是说这个东西很值钱吗？多多少少足够顶一阵子了。

QiongjiuProposal denied.驳回。

LindYou're even going to deny that too...?连这个也要驳回……？

QiongjiuWell, do we have the addresses for any underground brokers in Griffin's systems?暗商信息在格里芬系统里有报备吗？

LindNo... I mean, they don't even have any fixed premises or anything... What kind of information would we possibly have on them?没有，暗商又没有固定据点……怎么报备啊。

QiongjiuThen can we use public trade platforms to work out this deal?可不可以使用公开平台进行交易？

LindIf such avenues were available to them, they wouldn't be underground brokers.如果可以的话……那就不是暗商了吧。

QiongjiuIn other words, it's too risky. Proposal denied.所以说，风险因素太多，驳回。

Lind...……

(As Qiongjiu looks around at her teammates, who all seem a little out of it, she feels her head beginning to ache.)（看着眼前有些脱线的队员们，琼玖感到一阵头疼。）

(While she'd already expected that finding a solution would be difficult, she wasn't expecting them to not make any progress at all.)（虽然早就猜到寻求解决办法会很困难，可会议没有丝毫推进，还是超乎了她的预料。）

QiongjiuFrostfall Squad's role is too poorly defined. We take on any kind of assignment, but that also makes it harder for clients to choose us over our peers who have more specialized skill sets.霜降小队目前的定位太模糊了，就是因为我们什么任务都接，才会导致我们很难从同行手里抢到单子。

QiongjiuIt seems just focusing on service details isn't enough...单单只是注重服务细节的优化是不够的……

(Qiongjiu sighs quietly and gives up on continuing the discussion.)（琼玖微微叹了口气，放弃了继续讨论下去的念头。）

QiongjiuWe'll end today's meeting here, then.今天的会议就到这里吧。

QiongjiuI'll go talk to Miss Helian again and see what other assets we have available to us.我再去找赫丽安商量一下，看看手头还有什么资源可以拿来用。

QiongjiuDismissed.散会。

(...Half an hour later.)（……半个小时后。）

(Someone stalks the quiet corridor, frazzled from a lack of sleep.)（寂静的走廊里，出现了一道因失眠而有些焦躁的身影。）

Lind(It's not like I don't understand where Leader is coming from, but she's being a bit too cautious, isn't she?)（虽然也不是不能理解队长的用意，但实在是有点谨慎过头了吧。）

Lind(Groza's Team and 404 are already helping the Commander, while Leva and the others are helping Kalina too.)（闪电小队和404小队都有帮上指挥官的忙，格琳娜那边也有莱娅她们协助。）

Lind(Meanwhile, we're stuck treading water in the Green Zone, all curled up into a ball and trying to think of how to make a living...)（只有我们老老实实地待在绿区，还要畏手畏脚地为生计发愁……）

Lind(It really pisses me off.)（总觉得很让人不爽啊。）

Lind(In any case, let's grab the ID card while Leader and Miss Helian are talking—)（总之，趁着队长还在和赫丽安开会的时候，先把ID卡搞到手再说——）

(After making up her mind, Lind opens the door to Helian's office.)（下定决心以后，琳德推开了赫丽安办公室的大门。）

(However, the scene depicted in her visual modules comes as a bit of a surprise.)（呈现在视觉模块中的，却是一幅有些意外的图景。）

Lind(Is someone there?)（有人？）

(The moonlight shines through the window and illuminates the corner of Helian's desk. A very suspicious-looking character is there, rummaging around like they're looking for something.)（月光透过窗户照亮了书桌的角落，一个鬼鬼祟祟的身影正蹲伏在那里，像是在翻找着什么。）

LindHaahhh...哈啊……

(After confirming that the object bobbing around on the "thief's" head is a beret, Lind breathes a sigh of relief.)（在确定“小偷”头顶那个晃来晃去的东西是贝雷帽之后，琳德松了一口气。）

(She silently circles around behind the burglar and slaps her on the back.)（她不动声色地走到身影的背后，一巴掌拍上了对方的肩膀。）

LindOi, Cheeta.喂，奇塔。

Cheeta—Aaaiiiiiieeeeee!——咦咦咦咦咦！

(The sudden smack startles Cheeta so badly that she curls up into the fetal position and grabs her head.)（被突如其来的拍击吓得浑身一震，奇塔慌忙抱着头蹲下。）

CheetaCaretaker's Caretaker— I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I-I-I didn't mean to come here and steal stuff! Please give me a chance to turn over a new—饲养员的饲养员对不起！我我我不是故意要来偷东西的！请给我一个改过自新的机——

LindQuiet, you! It's not Miss Helian, it's me.别叫！不是赫丽安，是我。

Cheeta...Huh?……咦？

(Cheeta looks back and giggles at Lind.)（奇塔回过头，冲着琳德嘿嘿一笑。）

CheetaOh, so it was you, Lind. You scared the hell out of me.原来是琳德啊，吓我一跳。

CheetaWhat are you doing here?你怎么会在这？

LindI'm pretty sure you already know.想想你自己不就知道了。

CheetaOh~ So you had the same idea as me—namely, to sell off the ID card. Am I right?哦~所以琳德是和我一样，想把ID卡拿出去卖掉，对不对？

CheetaCongratulations on arriving at the same conclusion as this genius' brain!恭喜你和天才的脑子获得了来之不易的同频！

Lind...Wasn't I the one who suggested that?……这个方案不是我先提出来的吗？

LindAlso, if you're searching for the ID card, you should be looking over there, right?而且要找ID卡的话，也应该去那里才对吧。

(Lind points to the code-locked safe behind the door.)（琳德指了指藏在门后的密码箱。）

CheetaBweh? When did Caretaker's Caretaker move it there?哎呀？饲养员的饲养员是什么时候把箱子转移到那里去的？

LindWho cares? The important thing is that our genius can finally be put to use.不重要，总之我们的天才现在可以发挥作用了。

LindYou should have something that can open safes right? Show me what it can do.你应该有能打开密码锁的东西吧？拿出来见识一下。

CheetaOf course I do! It's just a safe, I can open it in just three seconds!当然了！区区一个密码箱，本天才三秒钟就能搞定！

(Cheeta produces an unlocker from her pocket and connects it to the safe.)（奇塔从口袋里掏出一个开锁装置，吸附在锁芯上。）

Cheeta3, 2, 1—3、2、1——

(Click.)（咔哒。）

(As the bolt slides back, the two of them open the safe door. The gleaming ID card lies quietly inside it.)（随着锁簧弹起的声音，箱门被二人拉开，泛着波光的ID卡正静静地躺在箱子的内侧。）

CheetaHehe~ How's that? Are you in awe of this genius' invention? Isn't it amazing?哼哼~怎么样？被本天才的发明震撼到了没有？是不是超厉害？

LindYeah, it is.哦，厉害。

(Lind nods, then slips the card into a waistband pocket before heading out the door, leaving Cheeta staring dumbfoundedly at where the card used to be.)（琳德点点头，将ID卡放进腰间侧面的口袋，径自向门外走去，剩下奇塔一个人在原地目瞪口呆。）

CheetaHah? Walking off just like that is really rude, you know? Aren't you going to discuss your next move with this genius?啊？你就这么不客气地拿走啦，都不跟本天才商量一下的吗？

CheetaAlso, shouldn't you show some respect? I mean, I'm the one who opened the lock, you know!而且你那个态度也太敷衍了吧？说什么也是我把锁弄开的哎！

CheetaHey! HEY! Are you pretending not to hear me? You should be singing praises of my genius!不是，喂！别装听不见啊？对本天才的欣赏感谢以及崇拜呢！

LindShhh.嘘。

(Lind raises a finger and signals to Cheeta to shush. Then, she beckons behind her, indicating that Cheeta should follow.)（琳德竖起食指，冲奇塔比了个噤声的动作。而后摆了摆手，示意她跟上。）

LindWell, we're the ones who caused most of the trouble anyway, so we might as well go settle it together.反正差不多都是我们两个惹的祸，那就一起去解决吧。

CheetaHm? Settle what?嗯？解决什么？

LindThe money problem. The whole point of getting this was to sell it for money, right?解决钱的问题啊，搞这东西的目的不就是为了卖钱吗……

LindI know an underground broker, and he just so happens to be at one of his old hangouts today.有个之前认识的暗商，他今天碰巧在老地方。

LindCome with me.跟我来吧。

Lightless Alley 无光的巷角

(Cheeta follows Lind to a seedy little alley in the Yellow Zone.)（奇塔跟随着琳德，来到了位于黄区的一处背街小巷。）

(The nearby street lamps crackle and blink every now and then. The ground is covered with beer bottles and other junk, and the air is redolent with a rotting stench born from the unholy fusion of expired alcohol and food scraps.)（巷角的路灯不时发出“滋滋”的电流声，各种酒瓶和生活垃圾在地上随意堆积着，散发出过期酒水和食物残渣混合的腐臭味。）

CheetaUwah, is this the "old hangout" you were talking about?! Can anyone who lives here really afford to buy that polyalloy card?呜哇，这就是你说的什么“老地方”？！这里真的会有买得起液金的人吗？

LindYou can find underground brokers anywhere, why make a big deal out of it?暗商本来就是蛰伏在哪里都有可能，干嘛这么大惊小怪。

LindRather than worry about not being able to find a buyer, you should think about what you'll do if robbers suddenly show up...与其担心能不能找到买家，还不如想想会不会有强盗突然冒出来……

(Lind reaches into her waistband pocket. The hard sensation there helps calm her neural cloud down a little.)（琳德将手伸向腰间口袋，指尖传来的坚硬触感，令她的心智稍微平静了一些。）

CheetaRelax! We're both super strong tactical Dolls, aren't we? Who would be dumb enough to try and mug us?放心啦，我们可是强大的战术人形，怎么会有不长眼的抢到我们头上嘛！

CheetaOh yeah, how did you meet that broker, anyway?不过话说回来，琳德之前是怎么接触到暗商的？

LindYou know how you keep asking for materials for your inventions, especially the stuff with really weird names? I can only get those through less-than-legal channels.你平时要的那些发明材料，特别是名字稀奇古怪的那部分，只有在非正规渠道才能买得到。

Lind...Did you only realize that just now?……你不会直到今天才知道吧？

CheetaHuh? So that's how it works. I guess this broker guy really helped us out a lot!咦？原来是这样，那这位暗商先生还真是帮了我们不少忙呢！

CheetaI'm suddenly filled with confidence about this trade!我突然对接下来的交易充满了信心！

LindAfter hearing you say that, any confidence I had is gone...被你这么一说，我反倒开始没什么信心了……

(Lind comes to a halt in front of a neon sign that seems to advertise a bar.)（站在标有酒吧字样的霓虹灯牌前，琳德停下了脚步。）

LindRight, this is it.行了，就是这里。

LindWe'll do things like we discussed. I'll talk to the broker, you keep watch outside.按照我们说好的来，我去跟暗商接头，你负责在外围警戒。

CheetaHuh? Are you sure you don't want to let everyone's beloved genius, yours truly, handle the interaction?哎呀？这种需要交涉的工作，确定不交给人见人爱的本天才吗？

LindI've already dealt with him several times before, so I'll probably have better luck haggling with him.好歹之前做过几次交易，总归是我去杀价更方便一些吧……

LindYou can take that mouth of yours and squawk if you see anything funny.你那张嘴拿来通风报信就够了。

(Lind continues down another winding alley and arrives in front of a rusty door grate. She knocks lightly on it, and it cracks open a hair shortly afterwards. A wary face is visible in the gap.)（穿过狭窄的巷路，一扇布满铁锈的门出现在琳德面前。她轻轻敲了敲门，不一会儿，从门缝里探出了一张略带戒备的面孔。）

(The man exchanges looks with Lind, then nods and opens the door, gesturing for her to enter.)（对方和琳德迅速交换了一个眼神，而后点了点头，示意她进去。）

LindWhew...呼……

(Unlike the dreary, silent streets, the inside of the bar is lively and bustling. Several thugs are sitting around a table and drinking beer, their massive frames making their chairs creak with every move they make.)（热闹的酒吧有别于死气沉沉的街区，几个混混正坐在桌前喝啤酒，硕大的身躯压得木椅发出吱呀吱呀的声响。）

(Lind seems to have anticipated all this. She heads over to the counter and sits down next to a man in a ball cap.)（琳德似乎对这一画面早有预料，她径直走到吧台处，在一个戴着鸭舌帽的男人旁边坐下。）

LindIt's been a while.好久不见。

(Despite the fact that she's talking to the broker, Lind doesn't turn to look at him. Instead, her eyes casually roam the drinks rack in front of her.)（虽然是在和暗商交流，琳德的目光却并没有转向这个人，而是悠闲地盯着面前的酒柜。）

LindIt's easy to pick you out of a crowd, at least.你这身派头还真好认啊。

Underground Broker...Hehe, looks like this is going to be a good day; another good deal just walked up.……呵呵，看来今天是个好日子，又有不错的生意要送上门了。

Underground BrokerLet me think, the last time I saw you was...让我想想，上次见到这位朋友大概是什么时候……

LindIt seems you've got a wall of text you want to dump on me, but I'll just skip it if you don't mind. I didn't come here to listen to you reminisce.看你的样子还有很长一段话要讲，不过还是免了吧，我不是特意跑过来听你叙旧的。

LindI've got something that ought to be pretty valuable and I'd like you to take it off my hands.有个应该算是比较稀有的东西，希望你能拿得下来。

(Saying so, Lind reaches into her waistband pocket and exposes part of the card.)（琳德说着，打开腰包的上盖，露出了ID卡的一角。）

LindFreshly patented by the Girard Group. You interested?吉拉尔集团的新专利，你应该会有兴趣吧？

Underground Broker...……

(Upon seeing the card, the broker tenses up for a moment, but relaxes the next second.)（看到ID卡的瞬间，暗商的身形明显顿了一顿，但在下一秒便恢复了常态。）

(He takes Lind over to a table in the corner, then removes his hat, revealing a gloomy face.)（他带着琳德来到角落的酒桌，摘下鸭舌帽，露出了那张阴沉的脸。）

Underground BrokerIs that liquid-phase shape-memory alloy? ...That IS rare. Selling it off will be a bit troublesome, but if the price is right, there'll be no shortage of buyers.液态记忆合金？……确实稀有，出手也有一点麻烦。不过只要价格合适，总是不缺想要得到它的人。

Underground BrokerProvided, of course, that there's nothing wrong with the goods.前提是……东西没问题。

LindYou can just say you want to test it, you know.想要验货的话，直接说出来不就好了。

(Lind hmphs quietly, then places the card on the table before sliding it over to the broker.)（琳德轻哼一声，将包中的ID卡放在桌子上，推到了暗商的面前。）

(He picks up the card and examines it in the dim light of the bar, then takes out a small knife from his waist.)（暗商拿起ID卡，借着昏暗的灯光仔细端详过后，拔出了藏在腰间的小刀。）

(The edge glides across the surface of the card, and the honeycomb patterns on it ripple and gleam. After seeing this, the broker nods.)（刀刃在卡片上缓缓滑过，卡面上的蜂巢状纹路泛起了波光，暗商了然地点了点头。）

Underground BrokerThat's polyalloy, alright.确实是液金没错。

Underground BrokerHow much do you want for it?你想要多少？

LindThis much will do.就这些吧。

(Lind shows him a number. The broker doesn't respond right away, instead waxing thoughtful.)（看到琳德比划的数字，暗商并没有立即给出回答，而是陷入了思忖。）

(The card in his hand drums against the table with a tap-tap-tap.)（手中的卡片轻磕在硬木桌面上，发出咚咚的声响。）

Underground BrokerRare goods have a lot of value as collectors' items.稀有的货品自然有收入囊中的价值。

Underground BrokerUnfortunately, I don't have enough cash on hand to pay you in full.遗憾的是，目前我身上的现金不足以全额支付这单交易。

LindWhat does that mean... Are you going to buy on credit?什么意思……你要赊账吗？

Underground BrokerNo, what I'm trying to say is that if I had 10 minutes, I could get my boys to bring the full sum over.不，我是想说——如果有十分钟的宽限，我可以立刻叫手下筹措一些过来。

Underground BrokerBut as a trader, I understand that time is money. So in the end, the ball is in your court.但作为商人，时间就是金钱这种道理我也完全明白。所以是否要交易，还是要取决于小姐您的选择。

(Having said his piece, the broker waits for Lind's reply.)（语毕，暗商静静地等待着琳德的答复。）

LindIf it's just 10 minutes... Eh, I can wait.啊，只是十分钟的话……我倒是没什么关系。

Underground BrokerThank you for placing your trust in me.感谢您的信任。

(It seems the broker is pleased by the answer, because he smiles almost imperceptibly and raps on the table.)（得到了满意的答复，暗商露出了微不可察的笑意，随即敲了敲桌子。）

(The thugs seated by the entrance get up and squeeze their bulky frames out of the front door. The folding metal gate creaks mournfully.)（坐在门口的混混应声站起身，硕大的身躯挤出门外，被挤压的铁门发出了吱吱呀呀的哀鸣。）

(After that, the broker snaps his fingers and someone places a steaming cup of coffee in front of Lind.)（而后，暗商又打了一个响指，一杯冒着热气的咖啡被端到琳德面前。）

(The sweetness of the double-sugared beverage allows her frazzled nerves to relax a little.)（双倍焦糖的甜腻，令她焦躁的神经稍稍放松了下来。）

LindThis seems to be the first time I've sold you something, right? Thought you'd want to haggle more about the price.这好像还是我第一次卖东西给你吧？想不到，你给钱的时候还是蛮痛快的。

Underground BrokerI've never skimped on the money as long as the goods were worth it.只要货物值得，我从不吝啬。

Underground BrokerThat's my principle as a businessman.这是我作为商人一贯的准则。

LindSo... If I'm not wrong, the last time I saw you, you were alone. Turns out you got yourself a crew pretty fast.所以……上次见你的时候，你好像还是一个人，结果这么快都有手下了。

LindIs this the secret to making it big in business?这就是将生意做大的秘诀么？

Underground BrokerHehe, well, I've been slumming it all over Yellow Zones for so many years; makes sense to get a few buddies, right?呵呵，毕竟在黄区摸爬滚打了这么多年，有一些帮手也是理所应当的。

Underground BrokerStrictly speaking though, that isn't the secret to making it big in business.不过硬要说的话，生意做大的秘诀可不是这个。

Underground BrokerThat would be "profit above all".是“利润至上”。

(The sound of scattered footsteps echoes down the alleyway, heading for the bar.)（小巷里响起了稀稀拉拉的脚步声，朝着酒吧的方向渐渐靠近。）

(Lind glances through the window and sees several Varjagers walk past.)（琳德循着声音向窗外望去，几个瓦良格帮的身影从窗户中一闪而过。）

Underground BrokerAnd when an opportunity comes to kill two birds with one stone, no businessman would refuse.尤其是像这种一箭双雕的生意，更是所有商人都不会拒绝的吧。

(Click—)（咔嗒——）

(Lind hears the crisp sound of a chambering round from behind her. She turns and sees the broker's mouth twisted into a savage grin, the muzzle of his gun pointed between her eyes.)（清脆的上膛声从身后响起，琳德回过头，暗商的嘴角挂着狰狞的微笑，黑洞洞的枪口指着她的眉心。）

(Just then, she gets a transmission from Cheeta.)（与此同时，奇塔的通讯信息恰到好处地传了过来。）

CheetaHello? Helloooo? Can you hear me?喂——喂——听得到吗？

CheetaI saw a bunch of armed Varjagers heading toward the bar just now, better keep your eyes—好像有几个瓦良格帮的人带着武器往酒吧那边去了，提高警惕——

CheetaWhat's wrong with the signal here? Hello—是信号不好吗？喂——

CheetaLind, there are Varjagers headed toward the bar, be care—琳德，瓦良格帮冲进酒馆了，小心冲突——

Lind...Wow, thanks, Cheeta. That warning came just in time.……还真是“及时”的报信啊，奇塔。

(A pack of Varjagers bursts into the bar and they all point guns at Lind.)（一群瓦良格帮强行冲入酒馆，数杆枪口将琳德包围。）

(Lind shakes her head, ignoring Cheeta as she repeats "Hello?" over the channel and tightens her grip on her gun.)（无视耳机里重复的“喂——听得到吗？”琳德摇了摇头，握紧了手中的枪。）

LindI was hoping we could settle this in a civilized way, but it looks like that's not an option anymore.本来想尽可能文明地解决，现在看来是行不通了。

LindFine then.那好吧。

LindI've been pissed off all night; time to take it out on you!焦躁了整整一个晚上，就让我好好发泄一下吧！

Lightless Alley 无光的巷角

(Dakka-dakka-dakka—)（哒哒哒——）

(Tongues of fire spit from gun muzzles, riddling the door with sparks. Unable to hold up its own weight, it collapses with a loud crash, and Lind and Cheeta take the opportunity to escape the bar.)（喷泄的火舌在门板上留下一串火花，不堪重负的铁门应声而倒，琳德和奇塔看准时机冲出了酒吧。）

(The sounds of gunfire, the Varjagers' yelling, and the girls' frantic footsteps blend together in the pitch-black alleyway.)（漆黑的小巷里交织着激烈的枪响声、瓦良格帮的叫嚣声和少女们凌乱的脚步声。）

LindSavages, all of them...真是一群野蛮的家伙……

(Lind shoots an exasperated look at Cheeta.)（巷子中不停狂奔的琳德向奇塔递去一个无奈的眼神。）

CheetaWhat're you looking at me for? If not for this genius' heroic intervention, you'd be in even bigger trouble now, right?干嘛这么看着我？如果没有本天才及时救场，绝对会惹出更大的乱子好吗？

LindIf you hadn't started chucking smoke bombs around all of a sudden, I could have gotten the ID card back...要不是你的烟雾弹突然爆炸的话，我还可以趁乱把ID卡抢回来……

CheetaYou mean shaking off the guys chasing us isn't important at all?!难道现在最要紧的不是甩掉这群追兵嘛？！

(Just as Cheeta finishes, several more Varjagers show up at the entrance to the alley and point their guns at the duo.)（奇塔话音刚落，几个瓦良格帮成员又突然出现在巷口，向二人举起了枪。）

LindTsk...嘁……

(Lind grabs Cheeta and yanks her into a side alley. Several bullets hit the wall behind the place where they were a moment ago, throwing up wisps of dust.)（琳德拽着奇塔闪身进入岔路，数颗子弹打在她们背后的墙壁上，溅起一阵烟尘。）

CheetaAll the escape routes we planned have been cut off by Varjagers! What will we do now? Do you have any other backup routes?我们计划好的几条撤退路线都被瓦良格帮占领了！这下怎么办？还有其他的备用路线吗？

LindWell, if there's no way out, why not just make one?没有的话，用火力制造一个不就得了？

(Lind shifts behind Cheeta and pulls her trigger. A hail of buckshot forces the pursuing Varjagers back and they duck behind cover.)（琳德背靠着奇塔，扣下扳机，前来追击的瓦良格帮被弹幕逼退，被迫躲到掩体后面。）

(Bang! Bang!)（砰、砰——）

(Then, Lind swings her muzzle over and takes out the Varjagers trying to ambush them from the flanks.)（而后，琳德调转枪口，依次击中了埋伏在侧面的几个瓦良格帮。）

(Just as the two of them are about to make their breakout, yet another squad of Varjagers appears in front of them.)（正当二人打算一口气突围时，前方路口又再度涌出了另一队瓦良格帮的身影。）

VarjagerThere they are! Don't let them get away!在这里，别让她们逃了！

CheetaOver here, Lind! On your three!快过来，琳德，走三点钟方向！

(The two of them hurry deeper into the alley but find that it leads to a forbiddingly high wall.)（二人匆匆拐入巷子深处，却发现巷路的尽头是一堵密不透风的高墙。）

(The shouts of the Varjagers grow louder behind them.)（瓦良格帮亢奋的叫喊声立刻从背后响起。）

VarjagerWe got them cornered, boss! They're in a dead end!老大，我们堵住她们了，她们拐进死胡同了！

VarjagerGet the boys over here! They're not getting away this time!快点把兄弟们叫过来，这回她们跑不掉了！

LindTsk, dammit, is there no end to them? These goddamn cockroaches...啧，没完没了的，还真是烦人……

(After checking her ammo and discovering that she's running out, Lind looks at Cheeta.)（确认携带的弹药已经所剩无多，琳德看向了奇塔。）

LindHow many more of those bombs do you have?还有多余的炸弹么？

CheetaLemme see...我看看……

CheetaOops, I think I just threw the last one.哎呀，刚才扔出去的那个就是最后一个了。

(Lind looks at the wall. It doesn't seem surmountable by effort alone.)（琳德抬头看了看墙体，完全不是仅凭努力就能跨越的高度。）

(The sound of footsteps growing increasingly louder reminds her of the reality that the Varjagers are going to reach them any minute now.)（越发密集的脚步声更是在一遍遍提醒着她，瓦良格帮随时都会冲进来的事实。）

(They're out of time.)（已经没时间再犹豫了。）

LindCheeta, climb on my shoulders and get out of here.奇塔，踩着我的肩膀，你先翻出去。

CheetaWhat?什么？

LindI said, climb on my shoulders and get out of here. I'll stay behind to cover you. Hurry!我说你先从这里翻出去，我留下来做掩护，快一点！

CheetaSo you're telling me to escape ahead of you? Hell no!这是叫我先跑的意思吗？我不要！

CheetaIf someone's going to be covering someone else, I can do it for you too!如果一定要有人做掩护的话，也可以让我留下来保护琳德啊！

LindYour frame is smaller and you're more mobile than me. Your chances of escape are higher than mine.你的素体比较小，机动速度也比较快，你逃脱的概率比我更大。

CheetaBut... But—可是……可是——

LindNo buts. One person escaping is better than none at all, right?没什么好可是的了，有一个人能脱身，总比两个人一起被抓住要好吧？

LindWe've taken on so many hostage rescue missions already, so just think of it as my turn to be saved this time!我们小队接过那么多解救人质的任务，大不了我也被你们救出去一回就是了……

VarjagerIn there! They're all the way at the end!往里面走，她们就在最里面！

LindWe don't have time for this! Go, Cheeta!没时间了，奇塔，快走！

(Cheeta can hear the Varjagers' footsteps approaching. She grits her teeth, and then vaults over the wall with Lind's help.)（察觉到瓦良格帮近在咫尺的脚步声，奇塔咬咬牙，在琳德的助力下翻出了高墙。）

(She looks back and sees the Varjagers swarming Lind, who fearlessly fires into the horde.)（她回过头，脚下是瞬间簇拥而上的瓦良格帮，以及琳德毅然开火的身影。）

Cheeta...I'll be back for you, Lind! Wait for me!……一定要等我回来啊，琳德！

Like Scattered Grains 如黄沙扑落

(On the outskirts of the Yellow Zone.)（……黄区，郊外。）

(Frostfall Squad follows the signal to its endpoint, but all they find is a patch of sandy dirt surrounded by an endless expanse of wasteland.)（霜降小队跟随着信号来到黄区的郊外，眼前只剩下一片裹挟着尘土的黄沙，与漫无边际的荒漠。）

CheetaOver here, over here! Lind's signal is close by!这里这里，琳德的信号显示就在这附近！

QiongjiuThis is where the trail ends. They must have jammed it starting from this point.定位信息没有移动，应该是从这里开始就被屏蔽掉了。

QiongjiuTololo, can you make any contact by radio?托洛洛，无线电的通讯状况怎么样？

TololoConnection failed.连接失败。

TololoLind's communicator... is probably not in range.琳德的通讯节点……大概不在能够建立连接的范围内。

CheetaLet me see, when was the last time Lind's signal showed up... It was roughly five hours ago!我看看，琳德的信号最后显示时间——大约在五个小时之前！

(Tololo looks around. There is nobody else here besides Frostfall Squad.)（托洛洛抬头环顾四周，这一片除了霜降小队再无其他踪影。）

(A gust of wind blows and the trio's footsteps are instantly covered up by the sand.)（一阵风呼啸而过，三人留下的足迹转眼间便被黄沙掩埋。）

TololoEven our tracks from five minutes ago would be hard to find, let alone five hours.别说是五个小时前，就是五分钟前，我们的脚印都很难找到。

QiongjiuCheeta, you're the one with all the clues now.奇塔，现在所有的线索都在你这边了。

QiongjiuThink carefully—did you see anything noteworthy during the battle?仔细回想一下，在战斗过程中有没有什么值得注意的地方？

CheetaUm, if you're talking about noteworthy stuff...唔，要说值得注意的话……

CheetaWhat're you looking at me for? If not for this genius' heroic intervention, you'd be in even bigger trouble now, right?干嘛这么看着我？如果没有本天才及时救场，绝对会惹出更大的乱子好吗？

LindIf you hadn't started chucking smoke bombs around all of a sudden, I could have gotten the ID card back...要不是你的烟雾弹突然爆炸的话，我还可以趁乱把ID卡抢回来……

CheetaCome to think of it, those Varjagers were acting really weird—they'd already gotten the polyalloy card, so why would they need to pursue us so hard?说起来，这群瓦良格帮的目标很奇怪——他们都已经把液金卡搞到手了，干嘛还要追着我们不放啊？

QiongjiuWhat?什么？

QiongjiuSo this wasn't just a robbery, but a deliberate Doll kidnapping...并非只是单纯地瞄准货物，而是针对人形的绑架行动么……

CheetaA-also, there were tons of Varjagers, and they blocked off all the escape routes we planned beforehand.而且而且，瓦良格帮的人数特别多，我们预计的几条撤退路线都被他们挤满了。

QiongjiuHow many of them were there?大约有多少人？

CheetaAbout six or seven squads' worth, at the very least.少说也要有六七个安保队伍那么多吧。

QiongjiuHm... That is strange indeed.嗯……确实很奇怪。

QiongjiuThe Varjagers usually think of underground brokers as easy targets due to the difference in fighting strength, so both sides tend to think poorly of each other.鉴于武装力量上的差距，瓦良格帮经常会将暗商视作唾手可得的肥肉，所以双方的关系一般比较恶劣。

QiongjiuWhile there are some less moral brokers who slum it with the Varjagers, an operation like this is far beyond the ability of a single broker to control.虽说也会有和瓦良格帮沆瀣一气的暗商存在，但这么大的规模，已经远远超过了一个暗商能够支配的范畴。

TololoIn other words, it's not so much that the broker was in league with the Varjagers, but there was someone with troops of their own running the whole show from behind the scenes...也就是说，与其说是瓦良格帮，倒不如说是有幕后雇主的私人武装……

(Qiongjiu ponders the issue.)（琼玖陷入了沉思。）

QiongjiuWas there anything special about these Varjagers?除此之外，这群瓦良格帮还有没有其他特征？

CheetaSomething special, hm... Let me think...特征的话，我想想……

CheetaAh, I've got it!啊，有了！

CheetaThey were wearing badges with something that looked like a dagger on them. It was like... just like—他们的胸前徽章有一个像是匕首一样的图案，就像，就像——

(Vrm, vrm—)（嗡、嗡——）

TololoLeader, picking up an unknown signal nearby, approaching us from the south.队长，正南方向有一处不明信号，正在向我们靠近。

(The roar of an engine precedes the sight of a gray jeep cresting a sand dune.)（伴随着引擎的轰鸣声，一辆灰色的吉普车从沙丘后方驶来。）

(Thick black smoke spews from behind it as the noise shatters the peaceful silence of the desert.)（车辆的尾部卷起阵阵浓烟，搅乱了沙地原本的平静。）

CheetaJust like... yeah, just like that insignia on that jeep!就像……对，就像那辆车上面的标志一样！

CheetaThey were the ones chasing me and Lind last night!就是他们追了我和琳德一个晚上！

(Upon realizing that Lind might be on that vehicle, Frostfall Squad subconsciously tightens their grip on their guns.)（意识到琳德可能就在车上，霜降小队不约而同地握紧了手中的枪。）

QiongjiuFrostfall Squad, prepare for battle! Intercept that vehicle!霜降小队，准备应敌，拦截这个车辆！

Like Scattered Grains 如黄沙扑落

VarjagerDammit, they got the jump on us!糟糕，我们被伏击了！

(As bullets hit their tires, the Varjagers realize that something's off and frantically pull hard on the steering wheel.)（车胎接连挨了几发子弹，发现情势不对的瓦良格帮狼狈逃窜，惊慌地打着方向盘。）

VarjagerRetreat! Retreeeeeeat!撤退！向后撤退！

CheetaHehe~ Think you can run? Not so fast!哼哼~这就想跑了？没那么容易！

TololoBearing 035 degrees. Ready to—东北方向，35度，准备射击——

QiongjiuFire!就是现在！

(Frostfall Squad seizes the moment and opens fire as one—)（霜降小队看准时间，同时抠下扳机——）

(With a loud crash, the jeep finally gives up the ghost, skidding for a distance before overturning.)（伴随着“轰隆”一声巨响，吉普车终于不堪重负，在滑行了一段距离后翻倒在地。）

VarjagerUrgh... Cough...呃……咳……

CheetaLeader, we've intercepted the vehicle! I'm heading in to search it!队长，我们拦截成功了！我去检查车辆！

CheetaLeader, I didn't find Lind on the vehicle, but I found that broker from yesterday who dealt with us!报告队长，车上没找到琳德，但是找到了昨天和我们交易的那个暗商！

(Cheeta drags the trussed-up broker from the crashed jeep and dumps him on the ground like a sack of potatoes.)（奇塔把五花大绑的暗商从车里拖出，粗暴地扔在地上。）

(The impact knocks his gas mask off, revealing the grimace on his face.)（暗商的防毒面具因撞击而脱落，露出了面具下扭曲的面容。）

Underground Broker...Dolls?……人形？

QiongjiuIs that so surprising? You should have seen a lot of Dolls recently.至于这么惊讶吗？最近你见过的人形，应该不少吧。

QiongjiuFor instance, the one who tried to sell you that polyalloy card last night. What did you do with her?比如说——昨晚出售液金卡的那个人形，被你们弄到哪里去了？

(Qiongjiu presses her gun against the broker's head.)（琼玖将枪口抵上了暗商的头。）

(The broker laughs in an infuriating way, as if Qiongjiu's anger means nothing to him.)（暗商却像是感受不到琼玖的怒意一样，挤出了惹人不快的微笑。）

Underground BrokerHehe, so that's how risky this deal turned out to be...呵呵，原来是风险程度比较高的这类交易么……

Underground BrokerIf I'd known, I would have asked that guy for more.早知道就再找那边多要一点了。

QiongjiuDon't change the subject.不要转移话题。

(Qiongjiu jabs his temple with her gun for emphasis, and the pain makes the broker wince.)（琼玖重复着，将手里的枪狠狠地向暗商的太阳穴顶了顶，疼痛令暗商微微皱起了眉。）

QiongjiuI'll ask you one more time: what did you do to Lind? And who is "that guy"?我再问一遍，琳德被你们弄到哪里去了？“那边”指的又是什么人？

Underground BrokerOkay, fine.好吧。

Underground BrokerAccording to the code of the brokers... I shouldn't be telling you who hired me.按照暗商界的规矩……我们确实不应该供出委托方的姓名。

Underground BrokerHowever, I think exceptions can be made when your life is at risk.不过我认为，性命受到威胁的时候是个例外。

(The broker stretches out his right hand and draws a number in the air.)（暗商伸出右手，在空中比划了一个数字。）

Underground BrokerHe called himself "Holtz". He showed me a picture of the Doll to bring in and made me an offer I couldn't refuse.一个自称“霍尔茨”的雇主，开出了这样一个令我无法拒绝的价格，让我搞到照片上的这个人形。

Underground BrokerAs for whether it was a fake name or what he wanted the Doll for—beats me. It's way above my pay grade, so to say.至于雇主用的是不是化名，想要这个人形做些什么——我就不是很清楚了，也不在我的评估范围内。

QiongjiuHoltz?“霍尔茨”？

(Qiongjiu is visibly surprised to hear that name.)（听到这个名字，琼玖的反应显得有些意外。）

CheetaLeader, what's wrong?队长，怎么啦？

QiongjiuIf I'm not wrong, the client from yesterday's commission at that mansion was also called "Holtz".如果我没记错的话，昨天别墅的任务委托人也是这个“霍尔茨”。

QiongjiuAnd according to the client information he submitted, this Mr. Holtz ought to be the young master of a toy company.从委托人的身份备案来看……这位霍尔茨先生，应该是一家玩具厂商的公子。

CheetaWait, seriously? What would some little prince from a toy company even want with Lind?不是吧？玩具厂商的公子为什么会盯上琳德啊？

QiongjiuI'm not sure, but I am sure that Miss Helian's information is correct.还不清楚，但是赫丽安核验过的信息应该不会有误。

QiongjiuWhere did you hand her over?你们的交货地点在哪里？

Underground BrokerIt was due south from here, at a port on the edge of the Yellow Zone.从这里往南，位于黄区边界的一个码头。

Underground BrokerMiss Doll, if you ask me, we can talk terms here and make a mutually profitable ex—人形小姐，其实要我说的话，我们完全可以谈谈条件，做一笔互惠互利的交易……

(Bam!)（咚——！）

(Qiongjiu decides that there's nothing more she can learn from him and cuts off his blather with a gun butt to the back of his head.)（判定从对方身上无法获得更多信息，琼玖一枪托砸在暗商的后脑上，终止了他的啰嗦。）

(Cheeta knocks out the rest of the Varjager mooks as well.)（奇塔紧跟着砸倒了剩下的几个瓦良格帮喽啰。）

CheetaLeader, since we know where Lind is, we should head out right away!队长，既然知道了琳德的位置，我们就快出发吧！

(Tololo emerges from the jeep, waving to Qiongjiu with the ID card in hand.)（托洛洛同时从车内探出头来，两根手指捏着ID卡，向琼玖挥了挥手。）

TololoSearch complete. I've recovered the polyalloy card.搜查结束，已将液金卡回收完毕。

QiongjiuYes. Lind might be in danger, so we should move quickly.嗯，琳德可能有危险，我们动作要快一点了。

QiongjiuFrostfall Squad, head toward the port at maximum speed.霜降小队，以最快速度向港口前进。

Banquets, Wine, and VIP Guests 奢宴、红酒与贵宾

(The veil of night settles over the quiet port. Rusted cranes stand in formation by the waterline, a testament to its past glory.)（夜幕笼罩下的静谧港口，锈迹斑斑的起重机矗立在岸边，印证了昔日的辉煌。）

(Currently, most of the streetlamps by the shore are damaged, blinking on and off intermittently.)（如今，就连岸边的灯塔也破损了一侧，时明时暗地闪烁着微光。）

(Frostfall Squad huddles in a dark corner of the port, studying a massive cruise liner moored to a pier.)（在港口的昏暗角落，霜降小队正严密监视着一艘泊于岸边的大型游轮。）

(This luxury vessel stands in stark contrast to the dilapidated port. Its hull and surroundings are illuminated like daytime by high-power searchlights.)（这艘豪华的游轮，与破败的港口形成了鲜明对比，其周边被高功率探照灯照耀得亮如白昼。）

TololoMore people are boarding.又有人要进去了。

(Tololo studies the gangway intently through the binoculars she's holding.)（托洛洛手持望远镜，紧紧盯着连接游轮的廊桥部分。）

TololoThis will be the 11th group tonight.算上这组的话，是今晚的第十一组。

(Security guards in black uniforms stand on the gangway. They step forward and halt the two people who are approaching them.)（廊桥上，身着黑色制服的安保人员微微前倾，伸手拦下了正欲登船的两人。）

(One of them, a well-dressed gentleman, takes a card out from his pocket and hands it to the guards.)（其中一位衣着考究的宾客从礼服口袋中取出一张卡片，递向对方。）

(After verifying the guest's identity, the guard returns it to him with both hands and executes a picture-perfect 45-degree bow before gesturing to the guest and his accompanying Doll to board the vessel.)（查验完毕后，安保人员将证件双手奉还，而后以标准的45度角鞠躬，摆出一个“请”的手势，将宾客和身后的人形一同迎入了游轮。）

TololoMost of the guests are accompanied by Dolls.大多数宾客都有人形随行。

TololoI surmise that after this "Holtz" kidnapped Lind, he might have brought her aboard as his companion Doll.我推测，“霍尔茨”在绑架琳德之后，也有可能将琳德作为自己的同行人形带了进去。

CheetaGiven the way they're dressed, I'd say there's some kind of party in there?看这些人的打扮，里面大概是在搞宴会之类的？

CheetaBut then why would they need so many Dolls for a party? It's just weird.什么宴会要带这么多人形，也太奇怪了吧。

CheetaAlso, our current location could be considered the border between the Green Zone and the Yellow Zone.而且我们现在所处的位置，姑且算是绿区与黄区的交界地区。

CheetaSo why would those rich people from the White Zone come all this way to join an ordinary party here?住在白区的富人干嘛要跑这么老远来参加一个普普通通的宴会啊？

Tololo...……

CheetaHm? Tololo, why are you looking at me?咦？托洛洛，你干嘛这么看着我？

Tololo...I was just surprised.……我只是有些惊讶。

TololoIt turns out even you can say something useful at times, Cheeta.原来，奇塔偶尔也会说出这么有用的话。

CheetaAhhhh— So you're taking shots at me now that Lind is gone, Tololo?!啊——所以琳德不在的时候，吐槽我的那个人就变成托洛洛了吗？！

(Seeing that Cheeta is about to flip out, Qiongjiu strategically clears her throat to get the conversation back on track.)（见奇塔正要发作，琼玖咳了两声，及时将话题拉了回来。）

QiongjiuWe'll probably only learn the answer to those questions after we go in there.这些问题的答案，恐怕只有等我们进去之后才能知道了……

QiongjiuCheeta, do you have any items that could help us sneak aboard a cruise ship?奇塔，你有没有什么可以帮忙溜到游轮上的道具？

CheetaOf course I do! I recommend using this genius' tactical grappling claw! A gentle throw sends it onto the deck whereupon it latches on tight, and then you can swing over with a whoosh~有的有的，我推荐使用本天才的战术攀爬飞爪！ 只要轻轻一扔，就可以牢牢地抓在甲板上——嗖~地一下就飞过去了！

(Qiongjiu looks around at the searchlights around the cruise liner and shakes her head in resignation.)（环视了一圈游轮的探照灯，琼玖无奈地摇了摇头。）

QiongjiuAnything else?还有吗？

CheetaHm... How about this imitation dolphin? We could hide under it and swim over to the liner, then wait till they're not looking before climbing aboard!唔——那也可以试一下这个仿真游泳海豚？我们躲在海豚下面，悄悄游到游轮旁边，趁他们不注意的时候唰~地一下爬上去！

QiongjiuCheeta, the plan is to sneak in... not draw the attention of the people on the ship.奇塔，我们是想低调潜入……不是想吸引船上人员的注意。

TololoI knew it, I was clearly imagining things when I thought Cheeta could be useful.果然刚刚那个认为奇塔有用的瞬间只是错觉。

CheetaHey! I heard that, Tololo!喂！托洛洛，你讲的坏话我可全都听到啦！

CheetaFine then, why don't you come up with a solution of your own?那你们说说，还有什么办法比较合适嘛？

TololoIf stealth isn't an option, let's just walk right in.无法潜入的话，那就光明正大地走进去好了。

Cheeta...What?……什么？

TololoIt looks like this cruise liner is for members only.这艘游轮看起来是会员制的。

TololoWhile the perimeter security is very tight, the security procedures for boarding are fairly simple. All guests have to do is show their ID.虽然周边的安保措施非常严密，但是登船的安检程序却比较简单，每位宾客仅需出示身份证明即可。

TololoAnd this is what they were showing to the guards.他们出示的物件，就是这个。

(Tololo takes out the polyalloy card she recovered from the broker and puts it in Qiongjiu's hands.)（托洛洛拿出从暗商处缴回的液金ID卡，放在了琼玖的手心。）

QiongjiuSo we'll be posing as guests, then...由我们来伪装成宾客么……

TololoYup. Based on what we saw just now, it's not unusual for a guest to board in the company of a Doll.嗯，从刚刚的观察结果来看，一位宾客携带一名人形的组合并不罕见。

TololoSo we should be able to get two people in there.我们应该可以进去两个。

TololoAs for whether there will be further security measures after we get in... that remains to be seen.至于进去以后是否还有其他的安检措施……就暂且无从得知了。

Qiongjiu...……

(This is the only plan they have which seems even the slightest bit workable, and every moment wasted only increases the chances of Lind meeting with danger.)（眼下只有这条方案具备可行性，且浪费的时间越多，琳德遭遇危险的可能性就越大。）

(Qiongjiu comes to a conclusion.)（琼玖迅速制定好了决策。）

QiongjiuThat's fine. We'll leave one person outside to respond to any changes in the situation and minimize the risk of failing the mission.这样也好，留一个人在外策应，也可以分担任务失败的风险。

QiongjiuI'll disguise myself as a guest. As for Tololo and Cheeta—那就由我来伪装成宾客，托洛洛和奇塔的话——

(Qiongjiu glances at Cheeta, whose face full of anticipation, and imagines what might happen if Cheeta is allowed to roam free on her own; scenes of the port being leveled by explosions and other kinds of devastation all fill her mind.)（琼玖看向一脸期待的奇塔，瞬间联想出奇塔单独行动后，整个港口被炸成废墟的情景。）

Qiongjiu...I think I'll bring Cheeta in with me.……奇塔还是随我一同进去吧。

QiongjiuTololo, stay outside and help analyze the vessel's structure. Make sure you maintain constant contact with Griffin HQ.托洛洛，你留在外面对船体的结构进行推演。切记，一定要和格里芬总部保持实时联络。

TololoGot it.明白。

(Tololo nods and raises the binoculars again.)（托洛洛点点头，重新举起了望远镜。）

QiongjiuNow the remaining issue is how to hide the glossiness of a Doll's synthetic dermis...剩下的问题还有，要怎样遮掩人形区别于人类的皮肤光泽……

CheetaHehe, that's easy, Leader. Just leave it to me~嘿嘿，队长，这种小事就交给我来搞定吧~

CheetaAt last, it's the time for my genius invention "Skinwalker Spray" to shine!本天才发明的“仿真皮肤喷雾”这下终于派上用场啦！

(Soon, Tololo is watching Qiongjiu and Cheeta approaching the gangway through her binoculars.)（不久后，托洛洛的望远镜里出现了琼玖和奇塔现身在廊桥上的身影。）

Security OfficerGreetings. Your identification, please.您好，请出示您的身份证明。

(Qiongjiu hands the guard the ID card with her left hand. Her right is behind her back, feeling for her dagger.)（琼玖轻轻抬起左手，将ID卡递交给对方。右手却置于背后，感受着匕首存在的位置。）

(The guard eyes Qiongjiu warily.)（安保人员有些戒备地看了看琼玖。）

Security OfficerIs something wrong, madam? Are you not feeling well?这位女士，您怎么了？是身体不舒服吗？

QiongjiuAh, I feel a little hot under those searchlights...嗯，在这么大的探照灯下面站着，稍微有点热了……

QiongjiuBe quick about it, please.麻烦你们的动作快一点吧。

(The guard sticks the card into the reader. There is a quiet "beep", and the word "SUCCESS" appears on the screen.（安检人员将ID卡插入验证仪，伴随着“嘀”的一声轻响，屏幕上弹出了Success的字样。）

Security OfficerWe apologize for your discomfort, madam.对您的体验不佳深感抱歉，女士。

Security OfficerWelcome aboard the MV Novalis, madam. We hope you have a wonderful night.让您久等了，欢迎来到诺瓦利斯号，愿您在此拥有一个美妙的夜晚。

QiongjiuThank you.谢谢。

(Qiongjiu nods and collects the ID card. Then she gently drags Cheeta along into the depths of the cruise liner.)（琼玖微微颔首，收回ID卡，轻轻拉了一把奇塔，向游轮内部走去。）

(The liner's interior is decorated in a Baroque style, with crystal chandeliers hanging high overhead, filling the hall with brilliant illumination.)（巴洛克风格的装饰充斥了游轮的各个角落，水晶吊灯高悬于头顶，将整个大厅映照得富丽堂皇。）

(Guests in fancy clothing hold flutes of champagne as they converse in small groups. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the air.)（身着华服的宾客们手持香槟，三五成群地轻声交谈着，欢笑声与碰杯声此起彼伏。）

(Qiongjiu and Cheeta only draw a few aside glances as they enter the hall. Those guests who noticed them merely raise their glasses in salute before turning away to re-immerse themselves in the revelry.)（琼玖与奇塔步入大厅，只引起寥寥几人的侧目，宾客们在举杯致意后收回目光，继续沉醉进眼前的欢宴之中。）

CheetaWow, is THIS how the rich throw parties? Look at all this luxury!呜哇，这就是有钱人的聚会吗？这也太豪华了吧！

CheetaLeader, look! They decorated this wall with Collapse pieces! Can we grab a few on our way out?队长你看，这块墙壁居然是用晶条装饰的哎！我们回去的时候能不能顺便抠几块带走？

QiongjiuLower your voice, Cheeta.奇塔，小声一点。

QiongjiuThere are many guests and security personnel here. We need to keep a low profile and avoid drawing unnecessary attention.大厅的宾客数量和安保布防都很密集，我们要保持低调，尽量避免引起不必要的注意。

(A line of security robots roll between them in an orderly manner. They split up and slowly roll into the areas to the left and right.)（一排安保机械从二人面前有序滑过，自中途分流，缓缓驶入左右两侧区域。）

(Qiongjiu watches them as they head into the depths of the hall.)（琼玖的视线跟随着机械的行动轨迹，延伸到了大厅深处。）

QiongjiuHm... the left contains the dining hall and shopping area, while the right has the bar and the lounge...嗯……左侧是餐厅和购物区，右侧是酒吧和休息区……

CheetaWhich one are we going to check out first, Leader?队长，我们要先查哪一块？

QiongjiuTime is tight, so for efficiency's sake, I think we should split up.时间紧迫，出于效率起见，还是分头行动吧。

QiongjiuCheeta, you go left and I'll go right. We'll meet back here in 10 minutes.奇塔，你去左边，我去右边，十分钟后回到这里汇合。

CheetaGot it! See you later, then!明白，那待会见啦！

(The bar that adjoins the casino is livelier than the main party hall.)（相较于宴会大厅，与赌场相连的酒吧更为热闹。）

(The guests gather in small groups, and occasional laughs escape them. Some of the guests are red-faced with anger, loudly bemoaning their luck, or lack thereof.)（宾客们三三两两地聚在一起，不时发出爽朗的笑声。也有部分宾客面红耳赤、高声抱怨运气不佳的情景。）

QiongjiuApple juice, please.给我一杯苹果汁，谢谢。

(Qiongjiu takes a drink from a passing waiter's tray and leans on the bar, quietly listening to the conversation between the guests.)（琼玖从侍者的托盘中随手取过一杯饮品，倚靠在吧台边缘，悄然聆听宾客们的交谈。）

(Soon, her attention is drawn by a nearby commotion.)（很快，一阵吵闹声吸引了琼玖的注意。）

Wealthy Businessman AHey, barkeep! Give me and my friend here a glass of Lafite!嘿，酒保！给我和我的这位朋友一人来一杯拉菲！

(Qiongjiu looks to the side. Two businessmen are walking in from the bar entrance arm over shoulders, headed for the counter.)（琼玖侧头望去，两位富商在酒吧入口热情拥抱，朝着吧台的方向走来。）

(Upon noticing what's going on, the people around them seem to be either afraid or in awe of their status, because they immediately clear a path for them and give the pair a wide berth.)（周围的人见状，似乎因畏惧他们的身份而纷纷后退，为二人让出了一条通路。）

Wealthy Businessman AI haven't seen you here in so long. Where have you been recently?好久没在这见到你了，最近又在哪里交际？

Wealthy Businessman BEh, I had some business on my family's side, so I had to attend a whole bunch of gatherings and parties. Took a lot of doing to get free, let me tell you that.家族那边有些生意要做，参与了几场舞会，忙得一直脱不开身来。

Wealthy Businessman AOh! But isn't that fun?喔！那不是很有趣吗？

Wealthy Businessman BAbout as fun as a hole in the head. They were all boring as hell. In the end, it's "this place" that suits me best.得了吧，那些场合无聊透了，果然还是“这里”最适合我。

Wealthy Businessman BAfter all, there are some events that you can only find "here"... They're the only things that really get my blood going.毕竟有些节目，只有在“这里”……才足够刺激。

(The rich man taps the table with a knuckle and then points down.)（富商用指节敲了敲桌子，又向下面指了指。）

(The two of them exchange knowing smiles.)（两人露出了心照不宣的微笑。）

Wealthy Businessman AHehe, that's right, and that's not even getting into tonight's special event.呵呵，你说得一点儿都没错，更不要说今天还有特别节目了。

Wealthy Businessman AIt should be about time, right?时间应该也差不多了吧？

(The rich man looks at his watch. The gemstones set into the hands glisten with a crimson light.)（富商抬手看了看腕表，指针上镶嵌的宝石在灯下闪烁着红光。）

(He laughs, then takes an exquisitely made metal box from his coat pocket, revealing a neat row of gold casino chips.)（他了然一笑，从怀中掏出一枚精致的金属盒，露出里面排列整齐的金色筹码。）

Wealthy Businessman ASince we've got some time, why don't we go do something fun to whet our appetites?既然还有一些时间，不如我们先去搞些预热环节，稍微助助兴？

Wealthy Businessman AThe card tables have been boring as hell during the past few weeks without you.没有你陪着，这几周的牌桌可是无聊得紧呢。

Wealthy Businessman BIt'd be my pleasure.乐意奉陪。

(A hint of excitement crosses the wealthy man's face. He nods, then snatches up his glass and drains it in one gulp.)（富商的眼中闪过一丝兴奋，点了点头，抓起桌上的酒杯一饮而尽。）

(He then adjusts his suit while the other man pats his shoulder. The two of them get up and head toward the casino.)（而后，富商整理了一下西装，另一位富商轻轻拍了拍他的肩膀。二人默契地站起身，向赌场方向走去。）

(Before long, they're lost in the flow of humanity.)（很快，二人就淹没在了人潮之中。）

Qiongjiu...……

(Qiongjiu places her empty, long-stemmed glass on the counter before nodding to the bartender and withdrawing to the main hall. At the same time, Cheeta returns from the dining hall.)（琼玖将空掉的高脚杯放在吧台上，对酒保微微颔首，退回了中央大厅，奇塔也刚好从餐厅方向出来。）

CheetaLeader, Leader! Listen to me, I found two really weird things!队长队长！让我先说吧，我发现了两件很奇怪的事情。

(Qiongjiu nods, indicating that Cheeta should continue.)（琼玖点点头，示意奇塔说下去。）

CheetaRemember what Tololo said about seeing humans with Doll partners at the port? But I didn't see any Dolls in the main hall. Where did they all go?之前托洛洛在港口观察到“人类携带人形”的组合不是很多吗？可是我几乎没有在大厅里碰到过人形，她们都去哪了？

QiongjiuHm... Now that you mention it, I've only seen humans here too.嗯……这么一说，我这边碰到的也只有人类。

CheetaSee? See? If Lind were taken onto this ship by that guy, she would have been put somewhere out of sight with all those other Dolls.对吧对吧，如果琳德是被那家伙带上游轮的话，她可能也和那些人形一样，被带到我们看不到的地方去了。

QiongjiuKeeping track of the Dolls' movements is definitely important.人形们的去向确实是值得关注的重点。

QiongjiuWell done, Cheeta. That was a very important clue.奇塔，做得好，这条线索很关键。

CheetaHehe, I've got more awesome stuff in store!嘿嘿，还有更厉害的呢！

CheetaTake a look at the pictures I managed to secretly take with my Microcam!队长你看，这是我用“微型记录仪”偷偷拍下来的照片。

(The picture shows a security robot's back access port.)（照片上是安保机器人的背部接口。）

(After magnification, they can clearly make out the serial number on it.)（经过放大处理后，可以清晰地辨认出上面所标注的前缀编码。）

QiongjiuG&L-β—that's the model we saw at the mansion, on those robots Mr. Holtz ordered from the Girard Group.G&L-β——这是我们在别墅区见到的，霍尔茨先生向吉拉尔集团订购的机械型号……

CheetaOh yeah, didn't Tololo say these models weren't being marketed by the Girard Group? Don't tell me... This entire ship is Girard Group property?对呀，托洛洛不是说这是吉拉尔集团未公开的非售卖款吗？难道说~这艘游轮其实就是吉拉尔的财产？

QiongjiuThat's definitely possible.有这个可能。

QiongjiuHowever, it's also possible that the Girard Group merely lent technical assistance to the ship operators.但也有可能，是吉拉尔向游轮方提供了安保技术支持。

QiongjiuRegardless of which case turns out to be true, the one thing that we know for sure is that this ship is firmly linked to the Girard Group...无论是哪一种情况，都起码能证明这艘游轮与吉拉尔脱不开干系……

(Whum—)（嗡——）

(Suddenly, a long hum fills the air. It seems to be coming from overhead.)（头顶方向突然传来了一阵悠长的嗡鸣声。）

CheetaWhat's going on?什么动静？

(Whum, whum—)（嗡、嗡——）

(The humming gets louder, but the guests seem completely used to this and do not respond in any way.)（嗡鸣声越来越大，但周围的宾客却仿佛已经司空见惯一般，没有做出任何反应。）

(Just then, Qiongjiu's communicator beeps. She picks up the call and hears Tololo's voice.)（通讯器适时响起，琼玖按下接通，从里面传来了托洛洛的声音。）

TololoLeader, the gangway guards just returned to the vessel, and the gangway's been closed up. It seems the ship is about to weigh anchor.队长，门口的安保人员回到了船上，廊桥也已经断开了连接，看样子游轮就要出港了。

QiongjiuNo wonder we heard that strange noise... It must have been the vessel's air horn.怪不得传来了奇怪的声响……原来是汽笛。

TololoI'll have Miss Helian arrange for vehicle support so I can continue supporting you at sea.我会联系赫丽安请求交通工具支援，以便在出海后顺利接应你们。

TololoI'm concerned that the situation might spiral out of control once the ship leaves port, so please be careful.一旦游轮离港，我担心会发生一些不可控的事情，请务必要小心。

QiongjiuUnderstood.了解了。

QiongjiuAs it turns out, I have some things that I need you and Miss Helian to investigate too.正好，有些事情需要你和赫丽安调查一下。

(Qiongjiu briefs Tololo on everything she's learned so far.)（琼玖将现有的情报向托洛洛进行简要说明。）

TololoSo you want to look into the link between the "Novalis", Mr. Holtz, and the Girard Group... Yes, I've got it.“诺瓦利斯号”和霍尔茨先生，以及吉拉尔集团之间的关系……嗯，我记下了。

TololoAlso, I have some input on the potential location of the Dolls that I'd like to share with you.至于船上人形的去向，我正好也有些结论想要同步给队长。

(In the next moment, Qiongjiu receives a quick sketch of the liner's structure.)（下一秒，琼玖接收到了一张游轮的船体结构草图。）

TololoObservations of the exterior suggest that the liner is divided into three main decks, marked 1F, 2F, and B1. Passengers can only board the vessel via one route.从外围观察来看，这艘游轮主要分为1层、2层、B1层，共计三层，所有宾客仅可通过一种途径登上游轮。

TololoIn other words, via the 1F deck, where you are now.也就是你们现在所处的1层。

CheetaThen what about 2F? What are they doing up there?那2层呢，2层是干嘛的？

TololoThermal scans indicate that 2F contains servers. So my guess is that it has a functional purpose similar to a server room, a command center, and other such facilities.根据热源检测仪的结果显示，2层存放了一些服务器，大概率是类似于机房、控制室这种偏向功能性的区域。

TololoHowever, I'm suspicious of the B1 deck.比较可疑的是B1层。

QiongjiuThe part that's below the waterline?地下层？

TololoYes. There's a hidden passage on 1F which appears to lead to B1. It's very heavily guarded and there's lots of worker traffic moving through it.是的。1层甲板边缘存在一条疑似通往B1层的隐蔽入口，布防极其严密，而且有大量工作人员频繁进出。

TololoMeasurements of the "cargo" they're moving show that they are very similar in size to Dolls.从他们运送“货物”的形状与尺寸来看，都与人形非常接近。

CheetaIn other words, Lind's most likely to be in B1!也就是说琳德最有可能在B1层对吧！

CheetaLeader, since we know where the entrance is, why don't we hurry over right now? We'll take out the door guards and rush straight in!队长，既然知道了入口在哪里，那我们也赶快过去吧？把看门的家伙通通放倒，一口气冲下去！

(After studying the number of security robots patrolling the main hall, Qiongjiu shakes her head.)（估测了一下大厅巡视的安保机械数量，琼玖摇了摇头。）

QiongjiuTololo, are there any guests leaving through that entrance?托洛洛，从甲板进出的那些人群里有没有宾客？

TololoNo, only workers.没有，只有工作人员。

CheetaHm? But it's not just the Dolls, I don't see their owners either!咦？但不仅是人形不在1层，携带人形的那些宾客也都不见了呀！

QiongjiuThat's where the problem lies.问题就出在这里。

QiongjiuThe fact that these guests can move through suggests that there must be a VIP route from 1F to B1, we just don't know where it is.这些宾客可以通行，说明1层存在通往B1层的宾客通道，只是我们还不清楚位置。

(Qiongjiu's eyebrows narrow as she recalls what happened earlier in the bar.)（琼玖微微蹙眉，心智中浮现出不久前发生在酒吧的回忆。）

(When that wealthy guest said "this place", he pointed down...)（那位富商说到“这里”时，向地下指了指的动作……）

(And then the look of interest when he flashed those gold casino chips...)（以及在他亮出黄金筹码时，另一位富商露出的略显玩味的表情……）

QiongjiuLooks like there's a big secret behind the bar.看来……酒吧后面有大秘密呢。

QiongjiuCheeta, let's head over to the casino.奇塔，我们也去赌场看看吧。

QiongjiuIt's very likely that the B1 entrance is hidden there.B1层的入口，很有可能就藏在那里。

Private Invitation 私人请柬

Lind...……

(The humming of fans, the beeping of machinery, the rush of liquids through pipes.)（风扇震动的嗡鸣声、仪器运作的滴答声、液体倾倒的流水声。）

(Surrounded by these sounds, Lind slowly opens her eyes.)（琳德在这些声音中缓缓睁开眼。）

LindDammit, my head hurts...可恶，头好痛……

(The room before her is dark.)（眼前是一片漆黑的房间。）

(The surrounding walls are covered in displays, whose flickering images radiate a ghostly blue light that dimly illuminates the interior.)（四周的墙面布满了显示屏，屏幕上跳动的图像散发着幽暗的蓝光，照亮了房间内的大致轮廓。）

(...She's never seen this place before.)（……是之前没见过的地方。）

LindWhere... am I...我这是……在哪……

???Ah, you're finally awake! How do you feel?哟，你终于醒了，感觉怎么样？

Lind—?!——？！

(Lind shudders as she hears an unfamiliar voice speaking directly into her ear and reflexively reaches for her gun—only to find that she is securely bound to the chair she's in.)（耳边传来陌生的声音，琳德心中一震，下意识想要抬枪反击——却发现自己被牢牢地束缚在座椅上。）

(The chair slides along the ground for some distance, and the shrill sound of metal grinding against metal fills the air.)（椅子在原地滑行了一段距离，金属与地面两相摩擦，划出了刺耳的声响，）

(The man laughs sadistically as he watches Lind struggle.)（旁观着琳德挣扎的动作，男子戏谑地笑出了声。）

Unfamiliar ManHehehe... no need to be so anxious.呵呵呵……不要这么着急嘛。

Unfamiliar ManI'll give your gun back later.你的枪，我等下就会还给你的。

(Lind looks to the side and sees a man in fancy clothes leaning against a control console, a mocking smile on his face.)（琳德侧头望去，一个衣着华丽的年轻男子斜倚在控制台边，脸上挂着轻浮的微笑。）

(He has one hand in a pants pocket and holds a long-stemmed glass in the other, blissfully savoring the fragrance of the wine within.)（他一只手插在裤兜里，另一只手举着高脚杯，陶醉地嗅着红酒的芬芳。）

(The man slowly raises his head and exhales a long, slow breath.)（男子缓缓抬起头来，呼出一缕悠长的气息。）

Unfamiliar ManEven the best wine only shows its true worth in the eyes of one who understands it.再上好的红酒，只有在懂行的人眼里才有甄藏的价值。

Unfamiliar ManSimilarly, even the most powerful Doll can only show its true power when wielded by a capable master.同理——再强悍的人形，也只有在有能力的人手下才能发挥出真正的作用。

Unfamiliar ManIf I were you, I'd feel honored to have been chosen by a professional like me.能被我这样的行家选中，即便我是你，我也会觉得自己真是荣幸无比了吧。

Lind...……

Unfamiliar ManCat got your tongue? Are you in such awe of my presence that you cannot muster up the ability to speak?怎么了？是不是被我的气场震慑到说不出话了？

LindNo, it's just that you're trying so hard to be cool, but all you're doing is being cringe instead.不，是你装得太过头……有点恶心了。

LindIs this what passes for businessmen these days? Have you fallen so low that you've resorted to kidnapping Dolls? You'll really do anything to make a quick buck, won't you?现在的废物商人都沦落到绑架人形的地步了吗？还真是什么不值钱的买卖都能干啊。

Unfamiliar Man...……

(The corner of the man's mouth twitches visibly.)（男子的嘴角肉眼可见地抽搐了一下。）

(He takes a deep breath and forces a smile to his face once again.)（他深吸一口气，重新挤出了微笑。）

Unfamiliar ManIt looks like I'll need to properly introduce myself.看来有必要做一下正式的自我介绍了。

Unfamiliar ManMy name is Karl Holtz, a genius who made best-selling toys at the age of six. Even a Doll should have heard of my name when the magazines published it.我叫卡尔·霍尔茨，是年仅六岁就制造出儿童畅销玩具的天才，即便是人形也应该听说过我刊登在杂志上的大名。

Lind...Harl? Who's that?……哈尔？那是谁？

KarlNot Harl. KARL.不是哈尔，是卡尔。

LindNope, doesn't ring a bell.啊，还是不认识。

LindSo what does this have to do with abducting Dolls?这跟你绑架人形到底有什么关系？

Karl...……

KarlMy father, Yakov Holtz, is the supervisor of the Girard Group's robotics R&D department. You should understand what that means, right?家父雅科夫·霍尔茨，是吉拉尔集团的机械开发负责人，这下你总该明白了吧？

KarlOur family hasn't fallen so far that we need to kidnap Dolls to sell for money.我们家的家底，还不至于沦落到要依靠绑架人形卖钱的地步。

LindSo you're not a failure of a businessman, you're a failure of a nepo-baby, then?所以不是废物商人，是废物富二代是吧？

LindIf your aim was to bring me here so I would praise you, you picked the worst person imaginable for the job.如果把我带到这里的目的，就是要请我夸夸你的话，那你还真是找错人了啊。

(...Karl's mouth twitches even more intensely now.)（……卡尔的嘴角抽动得更加厉害了。）

(He takes three deep breaths before he speaks again.)（他足足深呼吸了三次，才得以重新发出声音。）

KarlLet me say again, I'm not going to sell you off, so stop calling me a failure.再说一遍，我不会拿你卖钱，也不要再叫我废物。

KarlI simply want you to do me a favor, Miss Lind.我只是希望琳德小姐帮我一个忙。

KarlTonight, there's going to be an arena match in the depths of the cruise liner. I want you to help me win the match so I can make a point to my father.今晚，在这艘游轮的地下层将会举办一个擂台赛，我希望你能替我拿下这场比赛的冠军，让我给我的父亲做个交代。

(The confusion in Lind's eyes grows, but Karl gets more and more excited. He begins a long spiel without bothering to ask Lind if she wants to hear it.)（琳德眼中的不解程度更甚，卡尔却越发亢奋，自顾自地开始介绍起来。）

KarlThe cruise liner you're on is actually a cathedral of entertainment for those in our rarefied social class. In here, money, power, position... everything can be wagered.你目前所在的这艘游轮，其实是我们富豪阶层的娱乐殿堂。在这里，金钱、权力、地位……一切的一切，都可以化为赌注。

KarlAnd the most exciting bets are placed on the arena match that you will soon participate in. I don't believe anyone can resist that temptation.而其中最刺激的，莫过于你接下来要登上的擂台，我认为没有人能够拒绝这种诱惑。

LindWhat do you mean by arena match? Does it involve fighting?什么擂台啊，是打来打去的那种吗？

LindI have no idea why people are so captivated by these primitive displays of violence...搞不懂这种像原始人一样的野蛮暴力，究竟有什么诱惑可言……

LindAnd I have even less idea where you're getting your confidence from, thinking that everything's going to come up roses just because you kidnapped a Doll...更搞不懂你哪来的自信，认为绑架一个人形就万事大吉了……

KarlYou don't get it.你不懂。

KarlA genius like me only makes a move after crafting a 100% foolproof plan.像我这样的天才，自然是制订好百分百周密的计划以后才会出手。

KarlSince the arena match is a contest of strength, there's no question that tactical Dolls have an advantage over civilian Dolls.既然是比拼战力的擂台赛，相较于民用人形，无疑是战术人形的优势更大。

KarlUnfortunately, most tactical Dolls are employed by the military or government organizations, and I have no desire to antagonize the government. Neither do I possess the strength to face off against the military.可惜大部分战术人形都任职于军队或是政府机关，我没必要与政府交恶，更遑论具备与军队抗衡的实力。

KarlTherefore—所以说——

(Karl's eyes gleam with madness as he slowly walks around to the rear of the chair and plants his hands on Lind's shoulders.)（卡尔的眼中露出几分狂热，缓缓走到椅子的后方，将手搭在了椅背上。）

KarlMy best choice was a small PMC like yours with no funding or official backing, which won't make waves even if an incident occurs.像你们这种既没资金又没后台，即便闹出事情也掀不起什么风浪的小型P.M.C.，就是最合适的选择。

KarlThose robots I stationed at the mansion were part of a test I arranged. Congratulations, Miss Lind, your combat performance has won my highest approval.那批被我安插在别墅区的机器人也是火力测试的一环。恭喜你，琳德小姐，你的战斗表现荣获了我的最高认可。

LindHah? A small PMC? Won your approval?哈？小型P.M.C.？获得了你的认可？

(...Lind has no idea where to start picking his words apart.)（……琳德已经不知道该从哪里开始吐槽了。）

LindYou're an adult, right? Do you not even know about Griffin and Kryuger?看你的样子也该成年了吧，连格里芬都不知道吗？

LindTen years ago, Griffin was the premier PMC in the country, and you were still probably playing with literal dolls somewhere.十年前格里芬一家独大的时候，你这大少爷还不知道在哪儿玩泥巴呢。

LindAnd this plan of yours is so full of holes it's more like a fishing net. 100% foolproof, my ass.而且你这计划漏洞多得像筛子一样，还好意思说什么百分百啊。

LindFor example, if I hadn't gone to sell off that card, wouldn't your plan have derailed right from the start?要是我没去卖卡，这一套不就从头到尾都要泡汤了？

Karl...……

KarlBut in the end, you went out and tried to sell it, right? That just proves my plan worked.至少从结果来看，你不还是老老实实地跑出来卖卡了？这证明我的计划没有任何问题。

KarlEven if you hadn't taken the card, then I would have uncancelled my future commissions with Griffin and continued trying to lure you out.就算当时没能拿走卡片，那就不要取消格里芬的后续订单，继续把你们引出来就是了。

KarlAs long as I could get you away from Griffin, I'd have a chance to make my move...反正只要脱离了格里芬，我就总能找到适合动手的机会……

(Karl begins rambling to himself. The mania in his eyes gradually fades, replaced by gloominess.)（卡尔兀自念叨着，眼中的狂热渐渐褪去，化为浓重的阴鸷。）

KarlHmph. The Varjagers were useful for that, at least.哼，瓦良格帮就是这点好用。

KarlOffer enough and they'll solve any kind of problems for you...只要价格出得够高，他们就能帮忙解决所有麻烦……

LindHahh... If you hadn't mentioned "Girard Group" just now, I'd probably have mistaken you for some stupid playboy.啊……要不是你刚刚说了吉拉尔三个字，我真的怀疑你是哪里跑来的纨绔。

LindDo you actually think those Varjager thugs can be trusted? Are you retarded?连瓦良格帮这种流氓团伙都能相信，你到底是有多天真啊？

LindHow the hell did the Girard Group manage to produce a failure like you?吉拉尔集团怎么出了你这个废物？

Karl...……

KarlShut up.闭嘴。

(Karl's expression shifts, and he tightens his grip on Lind's shoulders.)（卡尔脸色一变，手上的力度瞬间加重。）

(The sudden pain forces Lind to frown.)（从肩膀处猝然传来的疼痛，令琳德不由蹙了蹙眉。）

KarlShut up, shut up... SHUT UP! Stop calling me a failure!闭嘴、闭嘴……闭嘴！不要再叫我废物！

KarlYou... you're the same as all those people from the Girard Group... All you do is piss me off!你也跟吉拉尔的那些人……一样……一样可恶！

CeliaI thank everyone here for taking time out of your busy schedules to take part in this charity gala. I'd like to use this opportunity to introduce my son, Karl.感谢大家在百忙之中参加今晚的慈善宴会，借此机会，我想给大家介绍一下我的儿子卡尔。

CeliaThe toy he developed is a best-seller on the market, and all proceeds from the sales will be donated in full to our charity foundation.他研发出的儿童玩具已经成为市场的热销款，所对应的销售额，也将全部捐献给我们的慈善基金哦。

CeliaCome, Karl, say hello to all the nice people.来，卡尔，和大家打个招呼。

KarlHello, everyone...大家好……

Guest 1I expected nothing less of Madam Holtz's boy. He's clearly extraordinary even at the tender age of six; I'm sure he'll be running a corporation of his own by the time he turns twenty six!哎呀，不愧是霍尔茨夫人的孩子！才六岁就这么与众不同，等到二十六岁一定就能执掌一家大公司了吧！

Guest 2How blessed you are, madam!夫人您真是好福气呀！

Guest 3But of course. It's only natural that Madam Holtz's son should be a rare genius.那当然了，霍尔茨夫人的孩子，自然也是万里挑一的天才。

Guest 4Why don't you say a few words, young Karl? We'd like to bask in your genius!下面请小卡尔发表一下感想吧，我们也想沾沾天才的光呢！

(...)（……）

YakovThank you all for coming to attend my wife's funeral. To honor my wife's dying wishes, I will shoulder the legacy of the Holtz family and strive to restore its glory.感谢大家出席我夫人的告别仪式。我会带着夫人的遗愿继续努力，重振霍尔茨家族的荣光。

GuestMy condolences, Mr. Yakov. It is truly a shame that your wife was taken from us in the prime of her life. I cannot imagine the sorrow that you and young master Karl must be going through now...雅科夫先生，请节哀，夫人如此英年早逝，真的是霍尔茨家族还有卡尔少爷的遗憾……

KarlFather, I want to see Mother! Where is she? Is Mother not coming back...父亲，我要见母亲！母亲在哪里？母亲不会回来了对不对……

YakovSilence, Karl! Stop whining like a little failure!卡尔，你给我闭嘴！不要像个废物一样哭哭啼啼的！

YakovMy apologies; it seems we have shown you an unseemly side of ourselves...真是不好意思，让大家见笑了……

(...)（……）

Guest 1Hoho, here comes the failure of the Holtz family! Still playing with toys at this age?哎呀，霍尔茨家的废物又来啦！都这么大了，还在鼓捣你的那些破玩具吗？

Guest 2The Holtz boy never really grew up, did he?霍尔茨家的孩子还真是一辈子都长不大呢。

Guest 3Why don't you say a few words, Karl? Teach us how to be a spoilt failure who doesn't even care about how pathetic he is!我们快请卡尔发表一下感想吧，要怎样才能做一个无忧无虑的小废物！

(...)（……）

YakovThe experimental funds I gave you were so you could develop mechanical products that would contribute to the Girard Group, not to waste on playing house!给你的实验经费，是让你做出对吉拉尔集团有贡献的机械产品，不是让你来玩过家家的！

YakovI wasn't expecting you to make a decent copy of that Doll, but are you saying you can't even figure out a way to defeat it? Is that it?我已经不指望你能复刻出一个像模像样的人形，你能想办法打倒它都可以，你能吗？！

YakovHow did Celia give birth to a failure like you?!茜莉亚怎么生出来你这么一个废物！

(...)（……）

KarlI am Karl Holtz, the heir to the Holtz family!我可是卡尔·霍尔茨，霍尔茨家族的继承人！

KarlIt's one thing if Father looks down on me, but for a mere Doll to do the same... What right do you have to criticize me?!被父亲看不上也就罢了，区区一个人形而已……究竟有什么资格来评价我！

(The hands gripping Lind's shoulders suddenly let go, and then a fist whistles through the air before slamming into the side of Lind's head.)（肩膀处的力度骤然一松，一个裹挟着风声的拳头砸在琳德的脑侧。）

(The impact of the fist and her head hitting the back of the chair briefly dazes her.)（椅背和拳头碰撞出的震动，令她不由产生了轻微的晕眩。）

(Lind turns and looks Karl straight in his angry, bloodshot eyes.)（琳德偏过头，直视着那双因愤怒而布满血丝的眼睛。）

LindYou mad, bro?这就急了？

LindSo the heir to the Holtz family went to all this expense just to capture "a mere Doll". Doesn't seem very smart to me.霍尔茨家族的继承人，这么大费周章就为了抓“区区一个人形”，听起来也不是很聪明嘛。

LindAnd besides, why exactly should I do what you tell me?况且，我凭什么一定要听从你的安排？

KarlI can control those berserk robots... I have access to the Girard Group's latest technology!就凭我能控制这些暴走的机械……就凭我可以接触到吉拉尔集团的最新科技！

KarlYou've already seen those robots before. They were under my control... Soon, you will too.你不是已经见过那些被控制的机械了吗？接下来你听话的理由，就和它们一样。

(Karl kicks a button on the back of Lind's chair. The surface of the armrests and the back of the chair slides open, revealing a dense network of cables within.)（卡尔一脚踢向椅背上的按钮，扶手和靠背的表皮瞬间剥裂开来，露出内部密集的电线。）

(They coil and wrap around Lind until she is tightly bound.)（它们互相扭曲着，旋转着，直至将琳德紧紧缠绕。）

(Right after that, a powerful electrical current pours into her frame.)（下一秒，一股强烈的电流涌入了她的素体。）

Lind...Hrg!……呃！

(Pain fills Lind's neural cloud, and she can't help the grunt that escapes her.)（剧痛瞬间席卷了琳德的心智，她无法抑制地发出一声闷哼。）

(Karl slowly walks around Lind until he stops in front of her.)（卡尔从背后缓缓踱步到琳德的面前。）

KarlYou're right. I didn't NEED to capture an ordinary PMC Doll. After all, an ordinary Doll wouldn't have given me such an amusing reaction.你说得没错，我确实没有必要抓一个普普通通的P.M.C.人形，毕竟一般的人形也不会有这么有趣的反应。

KarlYou, on the other hand, are a different story.而你不一样。

KarlAfter all, you're a UL-SD test type with sensory feedback comparable to that of a human being's.你可是拥有堪比人类感官的UL-SD实验体。

KarlIsn't that right, SIC-012?SIC-012，你说对不对？

Lind—!——！

(Lind hasn't heard the designations "UL-SD" and "SIC-012" in a long time. Her pupils suddenly contract as she hears them spoken once again.)（“UL-SD”、“SIC-012”……听到这些久违的代号，琳德的瞳孔骤然收缩。）

(The experimentation regime she endured as a UL-SD was a nightmare that constantly haunted her. She's never revealed that part of her past to anyone else apart from the Commander.)（UL-SD人体实验的经历对她而言，犹如一场挥之不去的噩梦。除了指挥官以外，她从未向任何人袒露过这段过往。）

LindYou... How did you...你……怎么，会……

(Lind wants to ask just where he learned that information from, but the agony in her frame keeps her from speaking.)（琳德想询问卡尔究竟是从哪得来的这条信息，素体传来的剧痛却令她发不出声音。）

(All she can do is watch as he takes out a remote control, and see him smile coldly as he presses the button on it.)（她只能眼睁睁地看着卡尔拿出一个遥控器，又看着他冷笑着按下开关。）

LindUgh...!唔……！！！

(Streams of data and electrical current slam into Lind.)（激烈的电流裹挟着数据流，冲着琳德一齐涌来。）

(Her pain is amplified numberless times. Karl's body seems to distend away in an instant, only to pull back in front of her as though in slow motion.)（痛苦顷刻被放大了无数倍，卡尔的身影有一瞬间被拉远，又如同慢动作一般被拉伸到眼前。）

(Junk data washes over Lind like a flood, filling her neural cloud and assaulting her Level II layer.)（冗杂的信息如潮水般奔涌，充斥了琳德的心智，继而向二级平层发起侵袭。）

(The tearing pain of the forced overwrite process pours into every corner of her frame.)（强制覆写所带来的撕裂感，流淌进素体的每一个角落。）

(...)（……）

(Her visual modules shut down amidst the pain, and her vision fills with a cold, white light.)（视觉模块在疼痛中失灵，一束冰冷的白光覆盖了全部视野。）

(Lind struggles to see amidst the radiance, but all that greets her is an endless void. Countless ELIDs appear out of the virtual nothingness, slowly creeping toward her.)（琳德在白光中努力睁开眼，眼前迎接的却是一片虚空。无数的生骸自虚空中幻化而出，向她缓缓逼近。）

(Things are looking very bad for her indeed.)（看起来是非常不幸的状况。）

LindDammit...可恶……

(The only good thing about all this is that she has her trusty Auto-12 in hand, and with it, her confidence returns to her.)（唯一值得庆幸的是，那把再熟悉不过的AA-12出现在她的手上，那阵熟悉的自信也得以回到了她的身上。）

(Lind raises her gun.)（琳德举起了枪。）

LindI cannot die... I will not die! Not here!我绝对……不可以在这里倒下……！

First Wager 第一枚筹码

QiongjiuTexas hold'em, blackjack, electronic dice, slot machines, roulette tables...德州扑克、黑杰克、骰子机、老虎机、轮盘赌……

QiongjiuThey really do have everything here.这里的项目还真是应有尽有呢。

(The illumination from the luxurious decorations and lurid lighting meld together as gamblers move back and forth between tables, lost in this hollow enjoyment.)（奢华的装饰与迷离的灯光交相辉映，各路赌客在赌桌间流连忘返，每个人都沉醉在这虚幻的欢愉之中。）

(Qiongjiu and Cheeta dart between the crowd, searching for a clue about how to get to the B1 deck.)（琼玖与奇塔穿梭于人群中间，搜寻着可能去往B1层的线索。）

Qiongjiu...Those two rich patrons I saw at the bar earlier are gone.……之前在酒吧碰到的那两位富商不见了。

CheetaLeader, look, do you think they went there?队长你看，他们是不是跑到那里去了？

(Qiongjiu looks where Cheeta is pointing. A pair of black-suited guards are standing in front of a grand-looking door.)（顺着奇塔手指的方向望去，两名黑衣保镖正守在一扇富丽堂皇的门前。）

(This door seems quiet and sedate compared to the liveliness of the rest of the casino.)（与人声鼎沸的赌场相比，这扇大门的附近显得有些冷清。）

CheetaThere's something written on it, let me see—门牌上写的是，我看看——

CheetaVIP Area... Only for guests with gold chips...“VIP区域……仅限持有黄金筹码的贵宾通行……”

CheetaWow, what's this VIP area? And what are those gold chips? Is there a super casino in there or something?呜哇，VIP区域是啥，黄金筹码又是啥？难道里面是藏了一个超级赌场吗？

QiongjiuMm. When that wealthy guest mentioned a "special event", he flashed a stack of chips which looked like they were made of gold.嗯，那位富商提到“特别节目”的时候，确实亮出了一枚黄金材质的筹码。

QiongjiuIt looks really suspicious...这里的嫌疑很大……

QiongjiuLooks like we'll need to think of a way to get in there.看来，我们不得不想办法进去了。

QiongjiuCheeta, how much cash do you have on hand that we can exchange for chips?奇塔，你身上携带的现金可以换到多少筹码？

CheetaRight now? About 500 credits' worth, I guess.现在嘛？大概可以换到500吧。

CheetaBut Leader, that's the last of my candy fund. Could you help make up the rest for me~不过队长，这可是我最后的糖果备用金了，剩下的部分可不可以队长帮忙补一下~？

QiongjiuI don't have much cash on hand either...我手里的现金也不多了……

QiongjiuAll we can do is hope that gold chips don't cost too much to redeem.只能寄希望于黄金筹码的售价不要太夸张吧。

(Qiongjiu and Cheeta pool their cash and then head to the casino's cage.)（琼玖和奇塔将现金整合到一起后，来到了赌场的吧台。）

DealerWelcome, ladies. Will you be buying chips tonight?欢迎光临，是需要兑换筹码吗？

QiongjiuHow much are the gold chips?黄金筹码的价格是多少？

(The dealer smiles and pulls back the red cloth inside the cage, gesturing to the labeled numbers below.)（荷官微微一笑，掀开吧台内的红布，露出下面标注的数字。）

DealerIt is as you see.如您所见。

CheetaOne zero, two zeroes, three zeroes... holy cow, FIVE zeroes? So each one is 100 grand?!一个零、两个零、三个零……天哪，居然有五个零！要十万？！

CheetaThis is insane! You might as well just grab a gun and rob people at this point!过分了吧，怎么不直接上手去抢啊？！

(Qiongjiu ignores Cheeta's protests. Her expression is one of serenity.)（无视了奇塔脸上呼之欲出的抗议，琼玖的表情看起来很平静。）

QiongjiuUnderstood.明白了。

QiongjiuI'll buy 2,000 credits' worth of chips for now. Thank you.先帮我兑换2000筹码吧，谢谢。

(Cheeta squeezes the two little chips they just bought in her fist and drags Qiongjiu off to a corner of the casino. Clearly, she has something to say.)（捏着兑来的两个小圆片，明显有话要说的奇塔拽着琼玖，来到了赌场的角落。）

CheetaIs this actually happening, Leader? Did our money disappear just like that? And even after all that, we only got these two measly little chips! Are you seriously planning to win 100,000 credits with a stake of 2,000?不是吧队长，我们的钱就这么一分不剩地花光了吗？ 而且就算花光也只有2000而已呀！你不会是想用2000一直赢到100000吧？

QiongjiuI was, actually.正有此意。

CheetaHahhh? Are you for real? Then we should just hold up everyone here, it would be faster that way!啊？！你还真想这么干啊？那我还是觉得上手抢要更快一点吧！

CheetaI mean, when it comes to gambling, we'll be totally screwed if we lose just once, right?赌钱的话，万一输一次不就完蛋了嘛？

QiongjiuCheeta, you've forgotten the most important thing.奇塔，你搞错了一件最重要的事。

CheetaWhat's that? You mean like how we can claim anything we lose from Caretaker's Caretaker as a business expense?什么？难道是输掉的部分可以去找饲养员的饲养员报销？

QiongjiuNo.不。

QiongjiuWhat's important is that we won't lose.是我们不会输。

(Saying so, Qiongjiu takes the chips from Cheeta before flipping them up into the air and neatly catching them.)（琼玖说着，将手中的筹码轻轻抛起，又稳稳接住。）

QiongjiuWe are Dolls, and that is why we will not lose.我们是人形——所以，我们不会输。

(For a moment, Cheeta stares blankly at the gleaming confidence in Qiongjiu's eyes. Then she gets what Qiongjiu is hinting at.)（对上琼玖眼中自信的光芒，奇塔愣了愣，很快就理解了琼玖的暗示。）

(A wicked grin spreads across Cheeta's face as she rubs up against Qiongjiu.)（奇塔坏笑着蹭到了琼玖的身边。）

CheetaHeehee, I get it~ So you're going to cheat then, is that it, Leader?嘻嘻，我懂了~队长的意思是要作弊吗？

QiongjiuIt's not cheating, just leveraging our advantages as Dolls.不是作弊，只是发挥我们作为人形应有的优势而已。

(Qiongjiu looks at the card tables in the distance.)（琼玖将视线对准了远处的牌桌。）

QiongjiuI was observing how the tables were distributed in the casino. Each one has five dealers and a supervisor, and they have IR scanners under each table to keep players from cheating.我刚刚观察了赌场的牌桌分布，除了每桌都有五个荷官和监场看守以外，还在桌下安置了红外扫描设备，就是为了防止客人出千。

QiongjiuWe probably won't have much luck trying to pull off sleight of hand at the gambling tables.在赌桌上搞小动作不大可能。

QiongjiuThe slot machines are fully automatic and appear to be a good choice, but there are too many punters around them and there's no way we can do anything with so many eyes watching.老虎机那边倒是完全由机械装置控制，算是一个不错的选择，但围观的赌徒太多，我们也没法在这么密集的眼线下行动。

CheetaHuh? Doesn't that mean we're out of options?咦？那不就基本不剩下什么项目了嘛？

QiongjiuWe still have this.还有这个。

(Qiongjiu exchanges a look with Cheeta, and then they approach one of the electronic tables.)（琼玖与奇塔交换了一下眼神，来到电子桌附近。）

(Upon detecting someone nearby, a mechanical arm lifts a touchscreen and presents it to the pair.)（检测到范围内有人，机械臂举着一台荧光屏幕，缓缓推至二人的面前。）

(Qiongjiu taps it, and the edges of the table light up. The hologram of a virtual dealer appears over the center of the table and bows to them.)（琼玖敲了敲屏幕，赌桌的边缘瞬间亮起，虚拟荷官的投影浮现在桌面中央，向二人的方向鞠了一躬。）

Mechanical VoiceEsteemed guest No. 03425, welcome to the "Carnival Kubik" DB-01 online entertainment system.尊敬的游客03425，欢迎您使用“狂欢库比克”DB—01线上游艺机。

Mechanical VoicePlease select the game you would like to play and insert your chips into the slot on the right. During the game, please refrain from striking, damaging, or attempting to disassemble the machine...请选择您要参与的游戏，并将筹码掷入右侧投币口，游戏过程中请勿用力敲击、损坏、或擅自拆解机器……

QiongjiuSince it's a networked device, we should be able to hack it through Level II. The plan is to stop the data pertaining to failures and only let the successful data through.既然是连接网络的设备，理论上应当可以通过渗透二级平层实现入侵。只要把失败的数据拦下来，只发送成功数据就可以了。

CheetaOh~ So you're saying we can directly access the casino network and mess with the results?哦~也就是说，我们可以直接接入赌场网络，干预赌博结果？

QiongjiuPrecisely.没错。

QiongjiuThe Girard Group provided this special service for gamblers who had difficulties going to offline casinos, but it's turning out to be a godsend for us instead.吉拉尔为了不方便在线下赌博中露面的客户提供的这项特殊服务，倒是对我们很方便呢。

(Qiongjiu smiles and slips her chips into the machine. The dice on the screen begin spinning at high speed.)（琼玖微微一笑，将筹码滑入机器，屏幕上的骰子开始疾速旋转。）

QiongjiuLet's go for the mode with the simplest rules, "High and Low".就选规则最简单的“比大小”吧。

QiongjiuI estimate six rounds should be enough for us to go from 2,000 to 100,000 credits.从2000到100000的话，大概六个回合就足够了。

CheetaWhy don't we maintain the signal spoofing for longer? Wouldn't that be better?为什么屏蔽时间这么短？再延长一点不好吗？

QiongjiuWe'll trigger system alerts if we do it for too long. It's less risky this way; all we need to do is work fast in Level II.屏蔽时间过长会引起系统警觉，这样设定风险比较小，我们只需要在二级平层里快速操作就好了。

QiongjiuAre you ready, Cheeta? The game is about to begin.准备好了吗，奇塔？游戏要开始了。

CheetaHehe, come on! This genius has been waiting for this!嘿嘿，来吧来吧，本天才已经迫不及待啦！

First Wager 第一枚筹码

(The spinning die gradually slows down and eventually comes to a halt with the "six" facing up. The Carnival Kubik machine plays upbeat music.)（旋转的骰子渐渐减速，最终定格在了“六”点上，狂欢库比克放起了欢快的音乐。）

Mechanical VoiceDing-ding-ding♪~当当当♪~

Mechanical VoiceCongratulations on winning again, Guest No. 03425! Do you wish to continue betting?恭喜游客03425再次获胜！请闲家选择是否要继续下注……

QiongjiuWe've scored the 100k we need. Let's wrap things up.分数已经超过十万，可以结束了。

(Qiongjiu clicks the "Quit" button, and a flood of chips pours out of the chute amidst the sound of clinks and beeps.)（琼玖按下“退出”键，伴随着叮叮咚咚的声响，大量的筹码从接口处倾泻而出。）

CheetaWow! Leader, Leader! We're rich!哇啊啊！队长队长，我们发财了！

Cheeta...Huh?……哎？

(Cheeta takes out the sole golden chip from the pile. Its mass takes her by surprise.)（奇塔挑出里面唯一的黄金筹码，掌心传来的分量却令她有些意外。）

CheetaWait a minute, I think this chip is made from actual gold! Is the Girard Group giving these out just like that?等一下，这黄金筹码好像还真的是用纯金铸成的哎！吉拉尔集团竟然这么大方的吗？

QiongjiuHm... Well, 100,000 credits is pretty close to the price you'd pay for actual gold.嗯……毕竟十万枚筹码换算下来，也和黄金的价格差不多了。

CheetaIs that how it is? Then this place is a gold mine!原来是这样吗？那这里的钱也太好赚了吧！

CheetaI wish we had more time to earn more, then we could hand it to Caretaker's Caretaker...要不是时间来不及，好想再多搞点回去带给饲养员的饲养员哦……

(Beep-beep-beep—)（嘀嘀嘀——）

(Cheeta's muttering is interrupted by an alert. Qiongjiu turns away to take Tololo's call.)（提示音打断了奇塔的碎碎念，琼玖转过身，接起了托洛洛的通讯。）

TololoLeader, the cruise ship has come to a halt in a bay that's surrounded by mountains on three sides.队长，游轮现在已经停下来了，停靠地点是一处被三面山崖环绕的海湾。

QiongjiuA bay that's fenced in by mountains...三面环山的海湾……

QiongjiuChoosing such a well-hidden location suggests that their "special event" isn't something that they want others to see.特意挑选了这么隐蔽的位置，看来，他们准备的“节目”不太能见得了光呢。

TololoThat's what Miss Helian said too. She sent two support echelons and a helicopter over. We're currently shadowing the liner.赫丽安的结论也是一样，她派遣了两个支援小队还有一架直升机过来，目前我正在游轮周边伴飞。

TololoIf anything happens, we'll be able to support you ASAP.一旦发生意外，我会在第一时间对你们提供支援。

QiongjiuAlright. Be careful, don't let the external guards spot you.好，小心一点，不要被船外巡逻的安保人员发现了。

TololoUnderstood.明白。

TololoWe've also finished analyzing the vessel's structure. I'll send a 2D map to you later.船体的构造也已经推演完毕，稍后我会将平面图传输给队长。

TololoOnce you find Lind, you can evac by following the indicated route. I'll pick you up on the deck.找到琳德之后，按照图上标识的路线撤离就可以了，我会在甲板位置接应你们的。

CheetaHehe, good work, Tololo! You're almost as efficient as this genius!嘻嘻，不愧是托洛洛，工作效率已经和本天才不相上下了呢！

Tololo...……

CheetaHuh? Why isn't anyone talking?啊嘞？怎么没人说话了？

(After a brief silence, Tololo awkwardly clears her throat.)（短暂的沉默后，托洛洛尴尬地清了清嗓子。）

TololoAlso... I learned something about the matter you asked me to investigate.另外……队长，你想要调查的事情有结果了。

QiongjiuWhat did you find out?怎么样？

TololoThe "Novalis" belongs to a toy company. It's a place that the company uses to host charity events, and many media outlets have reported on it.“诺瓦利斯号”隶属于一家玩具公司，是公司用于举办慈善晚宴的场所，曾被多家媒体争相报道过。

TololoIts CEO, Madam Celia, would often bring her son Karl to these events. The toys Karl created have also made the news.公司的负责人“茜莉亚”女士作为主办方，经常带着她的儿子“卡尔”出席宴会，卡尔制造的儿童玩具也在新闻上有过记录。

QiongjiuThe heir to a toy company... In other words, that Mr. Holtz...玩具公司的公子……也就是说，那个“霍尔茨”先生……

TololoThat's right. Karl's full name is Karl Holtz. The contact information he gave to Griffin was correct.没错，卡尔的全名就是卡尔·霍尔茨，他报备给格里芬的信息确实没有问题。

CheetaBut why would someone who runs a charity want to kidnap Lind? Also, the inside of this boat is about as far from "non-profit" as you can get!可是一个做慈善的好人干嘛要绑架琳德呢？而且这游轮里面怎么看也不像是和慈善有关系呀！

TololoYou're right. It isn't connected to charity at all, because Madam Celia passed away from an illness six years ago, and her toy company went down with her.确实没有关系，因为茜莉亚女士在六年前就已经病逝了，她旗下的玩具公司自那以后也跟着一蹶不振。

TololoCurrently, the ownership of the liner has been transferred to Karl's father, Yakov.目前这艘游轮的所有权，应该转移到了卡尔的父亲“雅科夫”的头上。

CheetaOh! I remember that name, he was that jerk who was building robots for the Girard Group!哦！这个名字我还记着呢，是那个在吉拉尔开发机器人的大坏蛋！

CheetaSo you're saying this kidnapping was masterminded by a father and son duo?那也就是说，这是父子联手的绑架案咯？

QiongjiuSomething's not quite right...好像有哪里不大对劲……

(After putting together all the information Tololo has given, Qiongjiu falls silent for a while.)（将托洛洛的信息整合过后，琼玖陷入了一阵沉思。）

QiongjiuSince Karl's father is a Girard Group researcher, he ought to have a way to get those berserk robots under control. Why did he go out of his way to get a PMC to clean up his mess?既然卡尔的父亲就是吉拉尔研究员，他应该有办法控制那批失控的机械，为什么要特意叫P.M.C.过来善后？

CheetaCould he have been trying to get us to pick up that ID card?难道不是为了引诱我们去捡那张ID卡嘛？

QiongjiuThat would make it even weirder.那就更加奇怪了。

QiongjiuGiven the Girard Group's wealth and power, they would definitely have access to in-house paramilitary forces. They wouldn't need to hire criminals like the Varjagers, and they most certainly wouldn't need to resort to such roundabout means to kidnap Lind.以吉拉尔集团的财力，一定拥有自己豢养的武装部队，没必要雇佣瓦良格帮这种流氓团伙，更没必要采用如此迂回的方式绑架琳德。

QiongjiuThe most likely possibility is that Karl didn't want to draw the Group's attention, and all this was simply a personal initiative.最大的可能，是卡尔不想引起吉拉尔的注意，这些纯粹是他的私人动作。

TololoSo you're saying... Yakov doesn't know about this?队长的意思……是那个雅科夫其实并不知情？

QiongjiuIndeed. Everything's been going smoothly, all night, from boarding the vessel to the ID check... Even the ship's security forces have been replaced by robots for the most part. I think it's less that he doesn't know and more like he isn't even on the ship at all.嗯，今晚从登船到查证的过程都太顺利了……就连船上的安保力量也几乎全部被机械代替。 别说是否知情了，我怀疑他根本就不在这艘游轮上。

TololoHmm...唔……

(Both sides of the line go silent.)（通讯两边再次陷入了沉默。）

TololoWell, even if we know all this... we still don't know what the kidnappers are trying to accomplish.就算知道了这些……也还是不知道绑匪的具体目的是什么。

QiongjiuThere's still too much that we don't know.我们目前掌握的信息还不够。

QiongjiuAll we can do is head down to the B1 deck and see if we can find more clues there.只能先去B1层，看看能不能找到更多的线索了。

CheetaYup! Seeing is believing, after all! Let's go, go, go!没错，还是亲眼见到的才最靠谱嘛！那就快走吧！

(After ending the transmission with Tololo, Qiongjiu and Cheeta arrive at the door marked "VIP Area".)（挂断托洛洛的通讯后，琼玖和奇塔来到了“VIP通道”的门口。）

QiongjiuCan we go in?现在可以让我们进去了吧？

Security OfficerOne moment, please.稍等。

(The security guard takes the gold chip and presses it to a sensor on the door.)（安保人员接过黄金筹码，将其按在门侧的仪器上。）

(There is a "beep", and then the door slowly slides open, revealing a lavishly decorated elevator.)（随着“滴”的一声响起，大门向两侧缓缓分开，露出了内饰花哨的电梯间。）

Security OfficerPlease proceed, ladies.已经可以了，女士。

CheetaHehe, it's a lift! Looks like our guess was on the mark~嘿嘿，是电梯！看来我们的猜测完全正确呢~

QiongjiuI hope we'll be able to see Lind soon...希望很快就能见到琳德……

(The pair enter the elevator while holding these thoughts in their hearts. The heavy doors separate the inside and the outside like a wall.)（怀揣着这样的信念，二人步入了渐渐下沉的电梯。厚重的大门像是一堵围墙，将内外两个世界隔离开来。）

(There is a muffled commotion from behind the door, as though the sound is being muffled by some invisible membrane. As the feeling of weightlessness from the elevator's descent grows, this noise becomes clearer.)（失重的感觉越是强烈，门后传来的那阵像是被裹进薄膜一样的嘈杂声就越是清晰。）

(Hums)（轰——）

(Until the elevator comes to a halt and the doors slowly open.)（直到电梯平稳落地，大门缓缓打开。）

(Shouts and screaming fill the air, and a mix of sweat, blood, and stimulants hits them in the face like a physical blow.)（吵闹和尖叫齐声灌入耳膜的同时，一股混杂着汗水、血腥和兴奋剂的浓烈气味扑面而来。）

QiongjiuWhat on earth is this place...这是什么地方……

(Unlike the brightly lit 1F, B1 is dim with blood-red lighting.)（与明亮的1层不同，笼罩在猩红灯光下的B1层显得有些晦暗。）

(In the center is a huge, circular arena surrounded by maniacal fans.)（场地正中央是一个巨大的圆形角斗场，擂台四周挤满了狂热的观众。）

(Their formal attire cannot hide the bloodlust in their eyes. The sound of cheers and curses blend together, as though this is their paradise of release.)（他们身着得体的衣装，却难掩眼中的欲望，欢呼声与咒骂声夹杂在一起，仿佛这里是他们肆意发泄的天堂。）

(And in the arena—a red Doll and a blue Doll are engaged in combat.)（擂台上——红色的人形和蓝色的人形正在两相搏斗。）

(The payout odds for both sides fluctuate on the overhead screen, and the shifting numbers have the audience in their grasp. It's as though the entire B1 deck is in the grip of some indescribable frenzy.)（大屏幕滚动着双方人形选手的赔率，变化的数字屡屡牵动着观众的神经，整个B1层都被一种难以言喻的癫狂所支配。）

CheetaHow... how could this be happening...怎么……怎么会这样……

Qiongjiu...……

CheetaDon't tell me they kidnapped Lind to, to...难道琳德被抓过来的原因，就是、就是……

AudienceOHHHHHHHH!喔——！！！

(Suddenly, an ear-splitting cheer comes from the crowd.)（突然，观众席中央爆发出一阵震耳欲聋的欢呼。）

(Qiongjiu and Cheeta look toward the arena. The red Doll has her foot firmly planted on the blue Doll's head, and the shiny floorboards reflect her crushed, distorted face.)（琼玖和奇塔向擂台望去，台上的蓝色人形被踩住了头部，光滑的地面映照出她被挤压变形的脸。）

(The red Doll raises her sword high, aims for her opponent's shoulder joint, and forcefully drives her weapon home—)（红色人形高高举起手中的长刀，瞄准她的手臂关节，用力戳下——）

Doll FighterGwaaaaargh!呃呃呃呃呃呃……！

(The blue Doll's right arm is parted from the rest of her body and she rolls several meters away, coming to a halt at the edge of the arena.)（蓝色人形的右臂脱离身躯，在擂台上滑行了数米，直到边缘才堪堪停下。）

(The disarmed blue Doll curls up on the ground, moaning in pain.)（失去右臂的人形蜷缩在地，发出了痛苦的哀嚎。）

(The Doll's pitiful cries are immediately drowned out by the cheers of the audience.)（人形的惨叫声转瞬便被观众们的欢呼声所淹没。）

(In the very next moment, the big screen above the ring zooms in on the red Doll's cold eyes.)（下一秒，大屏幕的特写镜头对准了红色人形冷漠的双眼。）

Krolik?Hmph...哼……

Blind Bet 盲注

KarlOi, you awake?喂，醒了没有？

(Lind's blank eyes open. She turns her head jerkily toward the voice.)（琳德睁开空洞的双眼，怔怔地转过头，望向声音传出的方向。）

Lind...Protocol activated...……协议激活……

Lind...Target identification module... successfully loaded...……目标识别模块……加载成功……

KarlAwake then, are you?醒了是吧？

(Karl presses a button on his remote. There is a crisp "click", and the bindings on the electric chair disengage.)（卡尔按下遥控器，一声清脆的“咔哒”响起，电椅上的束缚装置应声而解。）

KarlStand up and walk around.起来，走两步。

Lind...……

(Lind stands up and mechanically walks around the room, then awaits Karl's next command.)（琳德站起身，机械式地在屋子里走了一圈，等待着卡尔的指令。）

KarlTurn in place, and then sit back down.转一圈，然后再坐下。

(After seeing Lind execute his commands to the letter, Karl claps his hands in delight.)（见琳德对自己的命令一一照做，卡尔满意地拍了拍手。）

KarlHmph, I didn't think the BETA virus would be so effective. Even a rushed copy of 45% of the code segments is still enough to control a Doll's neural cloud.哼，想不到BETA病毒的效果这么出色，这还只是临时抄写45%的代码段，就能控制人形的心智。

KarlNo wonder those defects in the arena all fight like they're possessed once they get infected by it.怪不得那些残次品人形只要植入这个，就能在擂台上打得你死我活了……

KarlWhy did Dad sit on such good stuff like this instead of giving it to me?有这么好用的东西，老爹干嘛一直不肯拿给我？

Lind...……

Lind(Good... stuff? I was just pretending to space out, and he totally fell for it. Seems a bit too easy, doesn't it?)（好用……吗？我只是发发呆而已，这家伙就上当了，也太轻松了点吧。）

Lind(Talk about a stupid moron of a nepo-baby...)（还真是富人家的傻儿子啊……）

(Once again, Lind lambastes Karl's intelligence in the confines of her mind.)（琳德不由在心底再次鄙视了一下卡尔的智商。）

Lind(Eh, forget it. This actually helps bypass all kinds of problems. I might be able to get him to spill the beans on something too.)（算了，反正这样能省下不少事，顺便还能从他嘴里套点信息出来。）

Lind(That data assault on my Level II just now was massive. If I hadn't fought back in time, my neural cloud would really have been overwritten...)（刚刚在二级平层遭遇的那波数据攻击非常庞大，如果没能及时反击的话，真的会被强制覆写……）

Lind(Was it because the virus code was incomplete?)（可能也和代码段不完整有关？）

Lind(Still, wasn't this virus targeted toward Girard Dolls? I was built by IOP, so why was it effective against me...)（不过，这个病毒不是针对吉拉尔人形开发的吗？我是I.O.P.生产的人形，为什么对我也有作用……）

Lind(Could it be that Girard Dolls use the same base layer technology as IOP Dolls?)（难道说吉拉尔人形与I.O.P.人形采用了相同的底层技术？）

(Before Lind can reach a conclusion, Karl gives her another order.)（不等琳德思考出结论，卡尔又向她发出了下一步指令。）

KarlOi, Doll, come here.喂，人形，到我这边来。

KarlI'll tell you about the arena rules and your opponent tonight.给你介绍一下擂台赛的规则，还有你今晚的对手。

Lind...……

Lind(Hmph, here it comes. Let me see what exactly you're up to...)（哼，终于要来了，让我看看你到底想干嘛……）

(Lind walks over to Karl's side.)（琳德走到了卡尔身边。）

(While Lind was mentally prepared for what she might see in an "arena", the sight before her still hits her hard.)（尽管已经对“擂台赛”做好了心理准备，可眼前的画面还是给琳德带来了剧烈的冲击。）

Lind...!……！

(The screen shows a camera feed. In it, a red-colored Doll with bunny ears is viciously chopping a Doll on the ground to bits.)（电子屏里播放的是一段监控录像，头戴兔耳的红色人形挥舞着一把长刀，将倒在地上的人形狠狠切碎。）

(It exemplifies cruelty, violence, and savagery—just about every frame of the video maxes out Lind's tolerance for disgust.)（极度纯粹的残酷、暴力与野蛮——几乎每一帧画面都达到了琳德所承受厌恶的极限。）

KarlAs you can see, there are no rules in the Doll arena. You can use any means to attack and can freely destroy your opponent's frame.如你所见，人形角斗场的规则就是几乎没有规则可言。你可以采取任何手段攻击，也可以肆意破坏对手的素体。

KarlSimply put, whoever reduces their opponent to scrap first, wins.简单来说，谁先把对方拆成垃圾，谁就是赢家。

(Karl pushes the pause button. The feed is frozen on an image of the moment when the red Doll cuts her opponent in half at the waist.)（卡尔按下暂停键，画面定格在红色人形将对方人形腰斩的瞬间。）

KarlThis is your opponent tonight—Krolik, who's known as "K-09" here.这就是你今晚的对手——克罗丽科，在我们这里她被称为“K-09”。

KarlWhen a certain underground Doll arena was all the rage in the Green Zones, she was one of the two most popular fighters there. Do you know why that is?早在绿区“那个”人形角斗场兴起的时候，她就是选手当中的人气双TOP之一，你应该能理解为什么吧？

KarlMelee combat Dolls are rare enough for starters, and her brutal fighting style was most entertaining. And of course, the more thrilling the show, the more the audience loved it.近战类人形本就罕见，而这种暴力的战斗风格又极具观赏性，观众嘛，总是觉得越刺激的就越有趣……

KarlUnfortunately, the real Krolik escaped during an accident eight years ago, and it was her partner—the other most popular fighter there—who helped her flee.不过很可惜，真正的克罗丽科在八年前的一次意外中逃离，而且还是她的搭档——那个人气双TOP中的另外一个人形帮她逃出去的。

KarlEven though they usually tried their best to kill each other in the ring, they decided to be all buddy buddy at a time like that... Hehe, Dolls make me sick.平时在擂台上打得你死我活，却在这种时候玩起了互帮互助的游戏……呵呵，人形还真是有够恶心。

KarlDespite being created by humans, all they think about is betraying humanity...明明是人类制造出来的，却处心积虑地想要背叛人类……

KarlEh, forget it, why am I even telling a Doll like you all this?算了，算了，我跟你这个人形说这些做什么呢？

(Karl throws up his hands in exasperation.)（卡尔自觉无趣地摆了摆手。）

KarlThe organization's finances haven't been doing too well recently, so in order to whet the investors' appetite, Dad modified one of Krolik's replica frames into the K-09 unit.集团最近的经济不大景气，为了激发观众的投注热情，老爹改装了克罗丽科的复刻体K-09。

KarlIt preserves the original Krolik's fighting style to the maximum extent. Even her swing force is a 1:1 match.这个复刻体最大程度地还原了克罗丽科的战斗风格，甚至连挥刀的力度都进行了1比1的修正。

KarlUnsurprisingly, K-09 is undefeated in the arena. It's won 22 consecutive matches so far, and its total winnings are a jaw-dropping amount.结果不负众望，K-09在地下角斗场所向披靡，目前已经连胜了22场，累积的奖金也达到了一个令人瞠目的数额。

KarlThis is why I've brought you here.我把你带到这里的目的之一就是这个。

KarlI want you to replace the K-09 and become the new king of the ring—do you understand what I'm trying to say here?我希望你能够取代K-09，成为新的擂台之主——这样说你能听懂吗？

Lind(What... So it was for such a stupid reason...)（什么……就只是为了这么愚蠢的理由……）

Lind(That's why I hate unreasonable violence...)（所以说我才会讨厌不明不白的暴力……）

(It takes great effort for Lind to suppress her desire to throw up.)（费了好大力气，琳德才克制住自己想吐的冲动。）

Lind(...No, now's not the time to fight back...)（……不行，现在还不是反击的时候……）

Lind(If the Commander were here, or even just Leader... they'd tell me not to be impulsive...)（如果是指挥官……或者是队长在这里的话，一定会叫我不要冲动……）

Lind(I... I need to stay calm...)（我……要冷静下来……）

KarlThe way you are now makes it hard for me to tell how much is actually getting through.你这个样子，我很难判断你到底听进去多少啊。

KarlIf you understand, repeat what I just said.听懂了的话就重复一遍。

Lind...Understood.……明白了。

LindMy mission is to help you destroy the Doll that your dear father went to all that effort to build.我的任务就是帮你干掉你父亲精心制造的人形。

KarlYes, good.没错，没错。

(Karl nods in satisfaction.)（卡尔满意地点了点头。）

KarlThat tone, though, it sounds strange... Is sarcasm a factory default setting for you?就是这个语气，怎么听起来怪怪的……难道阴阳怪气是出厂设定吗？

KarlNever mind, it doesn't matter.算了，不重要。

KarlAs long as you blow K-09 apart with your shotgun, the audience will go crazy over you and you'll become the new star of the underground with countless fans and followers.只要用你的霰弹枪把K-09轰成碎块，观众绝对会为你疯狂，你会成为崭新的地下之星，收获万众追捧。

KarlMeanwhile, I'll have the grounds to talk terms with Father. I'll have proven that I can influence the family business, and that I'm the one who most deserves to operate Mother's cruise liner...而我将从此赢得和父亲谈判的资本，证明我也有影响家族企业的能力，证明最有资格经营母亲游轮的那个人是我……

KarlHow's that? Isn't that a win-win plan worthy of a genius?怎么样，是不是一个堪称天才的双赢计划？

Lind...……

(Karl looks at Lind's blank face and seems a little disappointed.)（卡尔看了看面无表情的琳德，显得有些失望。）

KarlFather was like this too. He'd either mock me or ignore me every day... Hmph...父亲也是这样，每天不是嘲讽我，就是对我的话置若罔闻……哼……

KarlGo ahead and talk, it doesn't matter if you're sarcastic or not. This is just too boring.你还是说说话吧，阴阳怪气也无所谓，一直这样太无趣了。

KarlFor instance, don't you have any questions you want to ask me? Right, just ignore those unnecessary orders and ask what you want.比如你有没有什么问题想问我？哦，把你那些多余的指令也省略掉吧，直接问就行了。

Lind...……

LindYou just said that having me get rid of K-09 was just one of your goals, right?你刚刚说过，让我干掉K-09只是目的之一，对吧。

LindSo firepower wasn't the real reason you picked me.也就是说火力不是选中我的真正理由。

KarlOf course. If I just wanted a fighter, buying a tactical Doll from the black market would have been simple enough.当然，如果只是想打架的话，从黑市上花钱买一个战术人形也很简单。

KarlBut the arena isn't a battlefield. It's ultimately just a form of entertainment; the performance aspects of it are more important than the fighting elements.但角斗场毕竟不是战场，它本质上只是一种节目，能够提升演出效果的因素比战力因素更加关键。

KarlLike "pain", for instance.就比如“痛觉”。

(Karl chuckles, then taps the UL-SD dossier on his table.)（卡尔呵呵一笑，敲了敲桌上的UL-SD文件。）

KarlI know you were an experimental unit with simulated sensory organs, and your ability to perceive "pain" is beyond anything other Dolls can match, let alone these fighters.你是拥有拟真感官的临床试验体，对于“痛觉”的感知程度是其他人形比不了的，更不要提现有的这些选手了。

KarlMost of them are defects Father produced in the process of producing third-gen Dolls. Most don't even have mature neural cloud modules loaded. They're failures in every sense of the word.她们大多是父亲在生产三代人形过程中废弃掉的残次品，甚至没有搭载成熟的心智模块，是纯粹的废物。

KarlWhile the BETA virus does have a side effect of amplifying sensory feedback, they can only respond mechanically, which is far from what research-grade work demands.虽然BETA病毒也有放大感官的副作用，但在她们身上只是机械反应，对比研究想要的效果还远远不够。

Lind...So even pain can become an object of scientific study?……连痛觉都可以作为课题研究的一种么？

KarlIf the audience wants it, nothing is impossible.只要观众有需求，就没有什么不可以。

KarlOh, you should watch this—we'll be working together for a good long time anyway, so the more you understand, the better.啊，给你看看这个吧——反正以后我们也是要长期合作的，带你多了解一些也无妨。

(The scene on the monitor changes to a video log of an experiment.)（屏幕内容切换为一段实验室的录像。）

(A shabbily dressed man is tied to a wooden rack, and a group of researchers in white coats are surrounding him.)（衣着简陋的下层居民被绑在木架上，一群身着白大褂的实验人员将他团团围住。）

Test SubjectCommencing Experiment No. GR-00237. Now collecting data on edged implement injury.编号GR-00237实验，刀具刺伤采样数据，收集开始。

(The researcher raises his scalpel and jabs it into the test subject. Blood sprays out and covers the screen.)（实验人员举起手术刀，直直插入受试者的手臂，喷薄而出的红色瞬间濡染了屏幕。）

(The test subject's screams echo through the chamber, while the researchers look down at their clipboards and scribble notes, as though all this was just a footnote to completing their experiment.)（受试者的惨叫声在实验室里回荡，而实验人员们低头记录着数据，似乎这些景象只是完成实验的注脚。）

Test SubjectExperiment No. GR-00237 Control group, begin procedure.编号GR-00237实验，对照组，复刻开始。

(The scene shifts. The test subject is now a Doll.)（另一边，受试者换成了人形。）

(A researcher jabs his scalpel into the Doll's arms—once, twice, over and over again, until he has produced suffering like what that human endured.)（实验人员将手术刀刺入人形的手臂——一次，两次，反反复复，直到模拟出与人类相近的痛苦为止。）

Lind...!……！

Lind(What...)（什么……）

Lind(Why? Why were... they doing this...)（为什么？究竟为什么……要做这种事……）

(Lind feels her neural cloud temperature spiking.)（琳德感受到自己的心智正在急速升温。）

(If what she saw before was merely nauseating, what she's looking at now... it fills her with utter, boiling rage.)（如果说刚才只是让她有些作呕，那么这一刻……就是彻彻底底的愤怒。）

(The image of the test subject Doll defocuses, disintegrates, then comes back together before her eyes, over and over again.)（受试人形的影像在琳德的眼前不停地失焦，分裂，又再次重组。）

(The lingering pain from the virus awakens, travelling through her frame until it converges on her right arm—it's as though the scalpel has passed through the screen and is stabbing through her synthskin.)（病毒残留的灼痛同时被唤醒，在她的素体中上下游移，而后聚集在右臂——手术刀仿佛穿过屏幕，刺入了她的皮肤。）

Lind(Ow! That hurts...)（唔呃！好痛……）

Lind(The last time I felt that was when...)（上次有这种感觉，还是那个时候……）

(Lind squeezes her eyes shut.)（琳德不受控制地闭上了双眼。）

(Memories pour in like a tide. Those days and nights laced with the scent of antiseptics and all the helplessness and misery suddenly feel exceptionally real to her.)（记忆如潮水般涌入心智，那些个弥漫着药水味的昼夜，所有的痛苦与无助在这一刻都显得极度真切。）

(She remembers the blindingly bright surgical lights, the ice-cold slab, the aloof looks on the researchers' faces, and the way she curled up from the pain.)（呈现在她记忆中的，是眩目的无影灯、冰冷的手术台、实验员漠然的表情，还有因疼痛而紧紧蜷缩的自己。）

(She remembers the questions she used to ponder back then.)（她想起了一些以前经常会思考的疑问。）

Lind(What did I feel back then when I was chosen as a test subject?)（那时被选为受试人形的我，究竟是怎么样的心情呢？）

Lind(Was it despair? Fear? Discontent?)（绝望？恐惧？不甘？）

Lind(No. Back then, I wasn't even self-aware enough to ask myself these things... I even thought that my pain was the whole reason I existed.)（不，那时的我，就连思考这些的意识都没有吧……甚至认为疼痛就是自己存在的价值。）

Lind(Just like these test subjects and these arena fighters... They're being treated as tools to be used and discarded by their masters, and they think it's perfectly natural...)（就像眼前这些受试人形，还有斗技场的人形们一样，明明被上位者视为可以肆意摆布的工具，却认为一切都是理所当然……）

Lind(But I know better now... I know this isn't right.)（不过，现在我知道了……这是不对的。）

Lind(I met people who showed me the truth, giving their all with correct words and correct actions in order to show that what was done to me was wrong...)（有人用明确的话语和行动，拼尽全力地告诉过我，这是不对的……）

(Lind recalls the faces of many people: the Commander, Kalina, Helian, the others from Frostfall... and many others beside, all friends that she had the privilege of sharing her life with.)（琳德的心智中浮现出了很多人，指挥官、格琳娜、赫丽安、霜降小队的大家……还有许多、许多曾有幸走过一程的同伴。）

(If she hadn't met them, she would probably still be trapped in a place like this—existing only to suffer like in this video.)（如果没有遇见大家，那自己应该还被束缚在这样的困境之中——作为影像里的一员而存在。）

Lind(So this time... It's my turn to—)（所以这一次……也该轮到我来做这件事了——）

(Just then, Karl's voice chimes in, taking Lind out of her thoughts and back to reality.)（就在这时，卡尔的声音传来，把琳德从思考中拉回了现实。）

KarlHey! You haven't moved a muscle for three full minutes. What's the matter, did you bluescreen or something?喂，喂！已经一动不动三分钟了，怎么回事，宕机了？

KarlWas that virus too strong, did it burn out your neural cloud or something? Crap, I hope not, that would be really bad...难道是病毒作用太强把心智模块烧毁了？不是吧，那这下可亏大了……

(Knock, knock, knock)（咚咚咚——）

(A series of rapid knocks interrupts his words, and a waiter's voice speaks from outside the door.)（一阵急促的敲门声打断了对话，从门外传来了侍者焦急的声音。）

WaiterMaster Karl, your father just called. It would be best if you attended to it immediately.卡尔少爷，刚刚收到了您父亲的来电，您最好尽快处理一下。

KarlWhat?什么？

(Karl's face falls instantly. He rushes over to the door and flings it open. The waiter on the other side is startled by the forcefulness of his actions.)（卡尔的面孔瞬间笼上了一层阴霾，他三步并两步地冲向门口，一把拉开房门，门口的侍者也被这气势汹汹的动作吓得一愣。）

KarlWhat did he say?他说了什么？

WaiterYour father sounded quite angry and said he was on the way back, so I was worried that he might have found out about your plan...您父亲很生气地说自己正在返程的路上，所以我有些担心，不知道少爷的行动是不是已经被发现了……

KarlDidn't he go to Lviv with his staff to prepare for the technical summit? Didn't he say it was very important? How could he spare the time to come back?!他不是带人去利沃夫准备集团的科技峰会了吗？不是说那个峰会很重要吗？怎么还能回来！

WaiterI... I'm not very sure...这……我也不是很清楚……

KarlDammit, dammit, dammit! He's always ruining things for me at the most important moment!可恶、可恶！每次都是在最关键的时候跑过来坏我的好事！

KarlTake me to the deck right now and think of a way to delay him!赶紧带我去甲板看看，想个办法把他拦下来！

(The door slams shut with a loud "bang", and the voices of Karl and the waiter gradually fade into the distance. Lind breathes a sigh of relief.)（随着“砰”的一声巨响，卡尔与侍者的交谈声在走廊里渐渐飘远了，琳德不由松了一口气。）

LindWhew...呼……

LindAnd here I was thinking about how to get rid of that arrogant young master. That phone call sure came in time.刚还在想要怎么把大少爷支开，这电话来得可真是及时啊。

(After that, Lind connects herself to the command console and begins planning her next move.)（而后，琳德迅速连上控制台的数据接口，开始制定接下来的对策。）

LindFortunately, I still have the virus data that I copied from the mansion robots.幸好……从别墅机械拷贝出来的那份病毒数据还在。

LindSince the robots going out of control was caused by a virus, then uploading it to all the security robots on the ship through the central command console should trigger an uprising too.既然暴走是由于病毒导致的，那通过控制台直接植入船上所有的安保机械，应该可以引发暴乱。

LindOnce they all go berserk, I'll wait for the right moment to lead the Dolls out of here and make our escape...等到机械集体失控之后，再找准时机，带领人形们一起撤离就是了……

(Lind looks at the clock on the wall and the endlessly progressing flow of time.)（琳德看了看墙上流转不停的时钟。）

(While there are still many variables in the plan, given the situation, she'll just have to take things one step at a time.)（虽然还存在很多变数，但依照目前的情况，也只能走一步看一步了。）

LindI don't have time to decrypt the security routine, I'll just break through it by force!来不及一点点解析安防程序了，强行攻破吧！

Blind Bet 盲注

Lind(Groan) If only Leader and the others were here. Doing this by myself is a pain.呼……要是队长她们都在就好了，一个人果然还是有点麻烦。

LindFortunately, the virus is already doing its thing. A few more minutes and the ship's defense systems will be completely paralyzed.还好病毒已经开始覆写了，只要再坚持几分钟，就能彻底瘫痪船上的防御系统。

LindMaybe I can use this time to find the exact locations of the imprisoned Dolls.趁着这段时间，或许可以找到人形们被关押的具体位置。

LindLet me see... The database should be here, right?让我看看……数据库在这边？

LindAh... I found it, it's a blueprint of the ship's internal layout! And what are these next to it... encrypted documents?啊……找到了，船舱内部结构图！旁边这个是……加密文件？

LindTsk, I can't open them—meh, I'll just copy them all and worry about them later.啧，打不开——算了，管它是什么呢，先通通拷贝回去再说……

(The hour hand on the room's clock has traveled quite some distance.)（墙上的时钟已经走过了一段距离。）

(The sound of hard leather shoes on metal passes is audible through the door, accompanied by Karl's cursing.)（走廊传来了皮鞋踩在地板上的哒哒声，卡尔的咒骂也从门外渐渐靠近。）

KarlYou useless bastard! Why did you make such a big fuss even though nothing happened?没用的家伙，还没出什么事，就知道大惊小怪！

KarlAs the master of the Novalis, I order you to bring my match forward right now!现在我作为诺瓦利斯号的掌控者，我命令你，必须把我的比赛顺序立刻提前！

WaiterBut...可是……

KarlNo buts! And I don't care what the backend people have to say about it either!我不想听你的可是！我也不想管后面那些人会有什么意见！

KarlYou will begin the match before Father returns!在我父亲回来之前，比赛必须立马开始！

LindCrap, that Karl guy is back!糟糕……卡尔那家伙要回来了！

LindCopy progress at 97%... 98%...进度还有百分之三……百分之二……

(Lind's fingers fly across the keyboard, her eye darting between the monitor and the door faster and faster.)（琳德飞快地敲击着键盘，眼神也在屏幕和房门之间流窜得越发迅速。）

LindCome on, just a little more!再快一点，就差一点点了！

(The progress bar fills up with a "beep".)（随着“嘀”的一声轻响，屏幕上的进度条走到了尽头。）

(Lind quickly closes the control terminal, then takes a deep breath before quickly returning to her previous position.)（琳德迅速关闭控制台，深吸一口气，恢复到了之前的状态。）

KarlHmph...哼……

(Karl storms in, then quickly glances around the room several times, but finds nothing amiss.)（卡尔怒气冲冲地推开门，目光在房间里来回扫视了几遍，没发现什么异样。）

(Then, he glares at Lind.)（而后，他将目光落在了琳德的身上。）

KarlAre you awake?醒了是吧？

Lind...Protocol activated...……协议激活……

Lind...Target identification module... successfully loaded...……目标识别模块……加载成功……

(Seeing Lind wake up from "offline" status soothes Karl's frazzled nerves somewhat.)（看到琳德的宕机状态恢复了，卡尔的躁动才稍稍平复了一些。）

KarlWhew— Seriously, screw that old fart, he keeps messing up my plans...呼——老家伙真是的，每次都来搅乱我的计划……

KarlI was planning to work on tactics, but the situation has changed and it looks like we won't have time for that now.本来还想安排一下战术的，现在也没时间做这种事了，情况有一些小小的变化。

KarlOur match has been brought forward. We're up next.我们的比赛顺序提前了，就在下一场。

Lind(Just as well... the virus should kick in around that time.)（正好……病毒的定时触发时间也差不多赶得上。）

Lind(Alright, I'll play with you, then.)（那就陪你好·好玩玩吧。）

(Ignorant of Lind's intentions, Karl takes a deep breath, and then his confident smile returns to his face.)（没有察觉到琳德的想法，卡尔深吸一口气，重新露出了自信的微笑。）

KarlLet's go, it's time we made our entrance.走吧，该到我们出场的时间了。

Absurd Carnival 荒诞的狂欢

(Bang!)（砰！）

(The red Doll easily evades the last shot. The blue Doll loses its other arm and stumbles back, its neck spewing sparks.)（最后一发子弹被红色人形轻巧躲过，已经失去双臂的蓝色人形颈部冒出火花，踉跄后退。）

(The red Doll lunges forward, swinging her sword at the blue Doll's vitals and delivering a fatal blow—)（红色人形飞扑上前，挥刀劈向蓝色人形的要害，给出致命一击——）

Doll Fighter...Urgh!……呃！

(In the next moment, the blue Doll keels over, and the red Doll ruthlessly stomps her underfoot.)（下一秒，蓝色人形颓然倒地，被红色人形狠狠地踩在了脚下。）

(With the battle decided, the roars from the audience grow louder and louder, waves of sound echoing inside the compartment.)（眼见斗技场上胜负已分，台下的吼叫声愈发疯狂，强大的声浪在船舱内阵阵回荡。）

AudienceFINISH HER— FINISH HER—!处决——处决——！

Krolik K-09...Target destruction command... load complete...……目标破坏指令……加载成功……

Krolik K-09...Yeeart—!……喝啊——！

(The red Doll drives her hand into the blue Doll's chest, and with a burst of strength, she rips out her opponent's still-glowing "heart"—)（红色人形将拳头砸进蓝色人形的胸腔，猝然发力，拽出了那枚仍冒着火光的“心脏”——）

(There is a crunch of electronic components splintering, and then the arena is filled with deafening screams.)（电子元件的碎裂声和震耳欲聋的尖叫声与此同时贯穿了全场。）

AudienceOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH—!唔噢噢噢噢噢噢——！

(In response to the audience's cries, the red Doll raises the fragments of her opponent's "heart" into the air. Then, she turns and vanishes backstage.)（在观众的欢呼声中，红色人形高高举起手中的“心脏”作为回应，而后，拖着冷漠的背影消失在了擂台后方。）

CheetaLeader, was the purpose of bringing all those Dolls aboard this ship... just so they could be thrown into this underground arena?队长，原来这些人形被带上游轮的目的……就是为了被扔进这个地下擂台？

CheetaI... I can't accept this, this is too much, how could something like this happen...我、我不能接受，怎么会发生这么过分的事情……

Qiongjiu...I didn't expect the people behind the Doll arenas to still be going strong.……我也想不到，人形角斗场的势力竟然还有存续。

QiongjiuLooks like that "crackdown operation" from back then didn't get rid of them.看来当年的“取缔行动”也没能将他们清剿殆尽。

CheetaWhat do you mean by "crackdown operation"? Were there places like this before?“取缔行动”是什么意思？是指以前就出现过这种场所吗？

QiongjiuYes. I heard that Doll arenas like these used to be really popular in Green Zones for a while.嗯，大约在十多年之前，我听说人形角斗场曾经在绿区兴起过一段时间。

QiongjiuBack then, they were run by mobsters, and the purchase, modification and smuggling of Dolls on the black market was very common.当时还是由黑帮主导，黑市上针对人形进行的买卖、改造、走私等一系列非法行为也很常见。

QiongjiuBut ever since Statesec began their "Doll arena crackdown operation" in 2067, such organizations began to decline, and the government began strengthening regulation of the use of Tactical Dolls.但自从国安局于2067年开展“人形角斗场取缔行动”之后，这股势力就日渐式微，政府也就此加强了对战术人形的使用管控。

QiongjiuFrom the looks of things... they're back; they just fled to the border between the Green and Yellow Zones.看样子……这股势力又重新兴起，并且流窜到了绿区和黄区一带。

CheetaSo those jerks from back then are walking around without a care in the world now? This isn't right!所以当年那群坏蛋就这么明目张胆地跑回来了吗？这也太便宜他们了吧！

QiongjiuWe can't be sure. Perhaps the mobsters were replaced by the Girard Group. Perhaps both sides reached an agreement to split the profits.不清楚，有可能是被吉拉尔集团所取代，也有可能是两边谈妥了利益分配。

QiongjiuThe one thing we do know is that the people in charge of the arena now are the Girard Group, with their massive influence, power, and resources.但几乎可以肯定的是，现在角斗场的主导势力变成了背景更为庞大的吉拉尔集团。

QiongjiuThe casino above us... No, I should say this entire cruise liner exists for the sake of this underground Doll arena.上面的赌场……不，应该说是这艘游轮都是为了这个地下擂台而存在的。

(Qiongjiu looks toward the ring.)（琼玖望向角斗场的方向。）

(Workers are clearing up the Doll wreckage from the arena. The sight makes Qiongjiu's voice more somber.)（擂台上，工作人员正在清理破碎的人形零件，琼玖的声音不由多了一丝沉重。）

QiongjiuThere's no telling how many Dolls have suffered like that in this place...不知道有多少人形在这里遭受了同样的痛苦……

QiongjiuWe were lucky to be able to live under the protection of Griffin, but we simply didn't know enough about the dark side of "civilized" society.我们有幸在格里芬的庇护下得以生活，对于社会公序的阴暗面，我们还是了解得不够深。

CheetaMmm...唔……

CheetaNow that you mention it, since this cruise is for members only, all the people it serves are definitely wealthy or powerful, right?这么一说，既然这艘游轮是会员制度，那服务对象都是一群有钱有权、或者是有背景的人吧？

CheetaMaybe Girard uses places like these to gain political leverage on them...搞不好吉拉尔也是在借用这个场所，顺便赚取一些政治筹码……

QiongjiuCorrect. I'm sure there are many deeply hidden dealings here that we haven't discovered yet.没错，这背后一定还有很多我们尚未察觉到的深层交易。

CheetaDammit! I wish I could reveal all their bad deeds to the world!可恶、可恶！好想把他们干的坏事统统捅出去！

Cheeta...Hey, who turned out the lights?……咦，灯怎么突然灭了？

Suddenly, the lights above the audience seats go out one after another, from the outside inwards.（突然，观众席的灯光由外至内依次熄灭。）

(In the darkness, a shaft of blinding light descends from above, illuminating the host.)（一束耀眼的白光打在了站在屏幕前方的主持人身上。）

HostLadies and gentlemen! Welcome to the MV Novalis!欢迎各位贵宾光临诺瓦利斯号！

HostOur queen of the ring K-09 will be taking a short rest, and she will return to give you an exciting show later on.让我们的擂台之主K-09稍事休息，稍后将为各位带来更加精彩的演出。

HostTo all our guests who wish to wager on the outcome, please proceed to the right side of the ring within 10 minutes and place your bets with your gold chips on hand.在此提醒想要竞猜下场比赛结果的贵宾，请于十分钟内前往擂台右侧，使用您手中的黄金筹码押注。

CheetaTch, no wonder you need gold chips to get into this place, so that's what they're for...嘁，怪不得这里要黄金筹码才能进来，原来是用来干这个的……

HostI'm sure many of our honored guests have lost their Dolls during the course of tonight's arena matches, and as such, we have a special offer for you.想必今晚有很多贵宾在挑战擂台赛的过程中损失了人形资产，为此，我们准备了一份特殊的优惠政策。

HostAll guests who have fielded contenders against K-09 tonight are entitled to a free trial of the Group's latest batch of prototypes—codenamed "G&L-β"—and enjoy the highest possible discounts tonight should they decide to purchase them!所有报名挑战K-09的贵宾，都可以试用集团最新推出的“G&L-β”批次测试款产品——并享受今晚的最高折扣！

(The host claps, and a carefully crafted advertisement trailer appears on the big screen.)（主持人拍了拍手，大屏幕播放起了一段精心制作的广告片。）

(Rows of specially modified Dolls walk into the frame, ranging from domestic models to entertainment types and everything else in-between, each of a different make and appearance.)（一排排经过特殊改造的人形出现在镜头内，从家政型到娱乐型应有尽有，类别及外形都各不相同。）

(The only thing these Dolls have in common is that they all have the same empty eyes as K-09 does.)（唯一相同的是，这些人形都拥有和K-09一样空洞的双眼。）

HostAs you can see, the Dolls from the "G&L-β" batch have blank neural clouds, and their default BETA programming makes them completely obedient to your instructions.如各位所见，“G&L-β”批次的心智内容都是空白的，默认的BETA程序更是可以令人形完全遵从您的指令。

HostThat means they won't complain, won't refuse orders, and they definitely won't betray you. You can customize them to suit your personal preferences and needs, or allow them to be freely "used"...这意味着她们不会抱怨、不会拒绝、更不会背叛，您可以按照个人的喜好或需求对其进行定制，也可以让她们被随心所欲地“使用”……

HostOf course, domestic models will have all combat functionality removed, so you can rest assured that your product is absolutely safe.当然，家用人形会对战斗指令进行统一移除，对于产品的安全性您可以百分之百地放心。

AudienceOh! Does that mean they won't even try to fight back?哦！那岂不是连反抗的动作也不会有？

HostOf course.当然。

(The host's voice slowly fades away, only to be replaced by twisted cheers and shouts from the audience. Some people are already planning how to "make full use" of their new acquisitions.)（主持人的声音渐落，观众席随即传来阵阵异样的欢呼，甚至已经有人开始计划要如何“物尽其用”。）

(All kinds of deviant discussions filter through the air and make their way to Qiongjiu's and Cheeta's ears.)（不堪入耳的议论透过嘈杂的空气，落到了琼玖和奇塔耳中。）

Cheeta...Holy crap, are these people all perverts? I can't take it anymore!……天呐，这群家伙都是变态吗？我受不了啦！

CheetaLeader, can I go and teach them all a lesson?队长，我能不能冲上去给他们一点教训？

QiongjiuCalm down, Cheeta. We haven't found Lind yet.先冷静下来，奇塔，我们还没找到琳德。

QiongjiuAlso, we learned something from that little speech just now. At the very least, we now know why the Dolls in the arena all seemed so strange, turns out they were under the control of a virus...而且刚才的对话也不算毫无收获，起码我们知道了为什么角斗场的人形看起来都有些异样，原来是被病毒控制了……

QiongjiuWe need to prepare for the possibility that Lind has also been controlled by that virus.我们要做好琳德也被那个病毒控制的准备。

(Snap!)（啪！）

(The spotlights come on again, illuminating the freshly cleaned ring.)（聚光灯再次打开，照亮了清扫完毕的中央擂台。）

HostAlright, after the short intermission, it's time for what we've all been waiting for.好了，经过短暂的中场休息，我们终于迎来了万众期待的比赛时间。

HostSince our next contender will be using firearms, we urge all guests to stay beyond the boundary line lest you be injured by stray rounds.由于下一位挑战者使用的是热兵器，请所有贵宾站在警戒线之外，防止被流弹意外伤害。

(Light red panes of bulletproof glass rise from the area around the ring, blocking it off from the audience.)（场地边缘升起了一层淡红色的防弹玻璃墙，将擂台和观众席隔离开来。）

HostAnd now, introducing the queen of the ring and her challenger!下面有请擂主和挑战者登场！

(As the audience cheers, the spotlights focus on and follow a crimson Doll as she slowly walks into the ring.)（配合着观众的欢呼，一道红色的身影迎着左侧的聚光灯缓缓走出。）

(—It is K-09, sword in hand.)（——是手握长刀的K-09。）

(And then, a shaft of dazzling light shines down on the right side of the arena, framing a purple Doll who's holding a familiar shotgun.)（而后，一束强光打到右侧的擂台上，照亮了紫色人形手中熟悉的霰弹枪。）

Qiongjiu and Cheeta!!!！！！

CheetaL-Leader, that's Lind!队……队长，是琳德！

Qiongjiu...Cheeta, try to establish comms with Lind right now!……奇塔，立刻尝试连接琳德的通讯！

QiongjiuAt this range, we should be able to contact her using our squad channel...如果是这种距离的话，应该能接得上队内频道……

(Beep, beep—)（嘀、嘀——）

(The transmission goes through, but Lind's face remains blank and she does not respond.)（通讯接通了，台上的琳德却一脸木然，没有做出任何回应。）

CheetaWhat should we do, Leader? I think Lind's really been taken over by that whatever virus!怎么办，队长？琳德好像真的被那个什么病毒控制住了！

QiongjiuIt can't be helped... We'll just have to go to her ourselves. I'll ask Tololo to make the necessary preparations.没办法……只能我们找机会上了，我去联系托洛洛做好接应准备。

QiongjiuCheeta, get ready to back me up! Lind's safety is our top priority!奇塔，准备支援！要优先确保琳德的安全！

Sea of Ashes 燃烬之海

(Kaboom!)（轰——！）

(A hot load of shot hits the floor of the arena. Metal balls ricochet off the bulletproof glass and cracks spiderweb everywhere.)（炽热的霰弹击中擂台下方，反弹至四周的防弹玻璃，激起阵阵波纹。）

(Upon seeing Lind's attack missed, K-09 quickly whirls her blade around, converting her swing to a thrust aimed directly at Lind's chest.)（目睹琳德一击未果，K-09迅速扭转刀身，由劈转刺，直逼琳德的胸前。）

(Lind steps diagonally backward and barely avoids the strike, but K-09's sword tip grazes her arm and leaves a dark-red wound.)（琳德闪身至斜后方，堪堪躲过这一击，刀尖掠过她的手臂，留下了一道暗红色的伤痕。）

Lind(Hss... that hurts!)（唔……好痛！）

Lind(Fortunately, my tactical BDU's made of strong material, so only my synthskin got nicked. Otherwise, I might have lost the entire arm...)（还好战术服的材料足够坚韧，只划破了表层，差点连胳膊都要交代在这里了……）

(K-09 clearly doesn't anticipate her opponent avoiding her otherwise fatal blow, because she freezes up in surprise. However, she quickly changes her stance and resets her sword, ready to launch another attack.)（未计算到对手能避开致命的一击，K-09的动作有些惊滞。她迅速改变姿势，刀身扭转，发起了下一轮攻势。）

(Lind's feet keep moving, and she dodges a series of attacks before pulling away to make some space between them.)（琳德脚下动作不停，接连躲过几波攻击，而后拉开身位，做好了继续迎战的准备。）

Lind(Why is she so damn fast? Is she actually a rabbit or something?)（这家伙的速度怎么这么快，属兔子的吗？）

Lind(She's been on me like Sabrina on dinner ever since the battle began, I haven't had a chance to counterattack at all. Even if it's because of the BETA virus, that kind of tenacity is just scary...)（从登上擂台开始就被她疯狂压制，根本找不到反击的机会，就算是BETA病毒的效果也太可怕了……）

(Lind carefully studies K-09's every move as she works to get her breathing under control while shifting her center of balance and keeping her finger on the trigger.)（紧盯着K-09的一举一动，琳德调整好紊乱的呼吸，重心下移，将手指按在了扳机上。）

Lind(Don't panic, Leader and Cheeta are in the audience, all I need to do is draw this out until the robots go berserk...)（不要急，队长她们就在台下，只要拖延到机械暴走的时间就可以了……）

Lind(I'll open fire the next time she rushes me. Should be able to find an opening then.)（等她下次再冲过来的瞬间开火，应该可以抓到破绽。）

Krolik K-09Yeeart—!喝啊——！

Lind(Now!)（就是现在！）

(The moment she sees K-09 raise her sword, Lind pulls the trigger without hesitation.)（看准K-09举起长刀扑来的空隙，琳德果断扣下扳机。）

(A wall of shot spews from her gun's barrel and slams into K-09's weapon with the crisp sound of metal on metal.)（密集的霰弹从枪口喷射而出，与K-09的刀身相撞，发出了清脆的金属撞击声。）

(Although K-09 evades most of the metal balls with preternatural speed, one of them manages to punch through her shoulder.)（尽管K-09以惊人的速度躲避，其中一发子弹还是击穿了她的肩膀。）

(Surprisingly enough, K-09 completely ignores her shoulder injury and brings her blade down on Lind's head with a cleaving chop—)（出乎意料的是，K-09竟然直接无视了肩膀上的创伤，一记裹挟着风声的刀刃直直劈向琳德的头顶——）

(Lind rolls back and out of the way, once again evading the attack by the skin of her teeth.)（琳德连忙向身侧翻滚，勉强避开了这一击。）

Lind(No wonder Karl said something about wanting to improve the BETA virus' sensory side effects. She's clearly nowhere as sensitive to pain as I am... how is that even fair?)（怪不得卡尔说什么要改进BETA病毒的感官效果，这家伙对于痛觉的敏感程度明显要比我轻得多……也太不公平了吧？）

Lind(Ahhh, it can't be helped, time to go full-auto on her... I'll just have to fix your frame once we get out of here!)（没办法，只能火力压制了……你的素体，就等到出去以后再帮你维修吧！）

(Lind takes a deep breath, then decides to max out her power output. A curtain of red-hot lead instantly blocks off the way ahead of her. )（琳德深吸一口气，决定全力输出，密集的弹幕瞬间覆盖了眼前的道路。）

(K-09 steps aside and dodges each and every pellet headed her way. Then she reverses her grip on her sword and rushes Lind.)（K-09微微侧身，灵巧地将子弹一一躲过，而后右手反握刀柄，向着琳德的方向袭来。）

(Once she determines that K-09 is within range, Lind focuses her fire on K-09's lower body.)（判定距离达到开火范围，琳德转而集火K-09的下盘。）

Krolik K-09—?!——？！

(K-09 loses her balance as she takes a hit to her right leg, which supports her frame.)（负责支撑素体的右腿受到攻击，K-09不禁陡然失衡。）

(Lind jumps over, pressing the off-balance K-09 to the ground with her elbow and pressing the muzzle of her gun against K-09's head with her other hand.)（琳德纵身一跃，用手肘将失去平衡的K-09紧紧压在地上，漆黑的枪口抵住了她的头。）

Lind(Hmph, that ought to settle her now...)（哼，这回总该没法乱动了吧……）

(However, K-09 chooses this moment to erupt with tremendous force—)（而就在此刻，K-09却爆发出了惊人的力量——）

(She punches up with the back of her blade, knocking away the gun on her head before slamming her right knee into Lind's chest and taking her by surprise.)（她刀背向上，弹开了架在头上的霰弹枪。而后右腿发力，一记膝撞猝不及防地击中了琳德的胸口。）

LindGwaaaargh...唔呕……

(Pain radiates through Lind's chest as she staggers back while panting heavily.)（胸口传来剧烈的疼痛，琳德踉跄后退，呼吸急促。）

LindDammit, it hurts so bad I can't see straight...可恶，痛到看不清了……

(Although her vision is blurry now, Lind still strives to right her balance while opening fire in K-09's direction. Soon, the Auto-12 she's holding clicks as its hammer falls on an empty chamber.)（尽管视线已经模糊，琳德还是竭力稳住素体，向着K-09的方向不停开火。很快，手中的AA-12就传来了空仓挂机的咔咔声。）

(K-09 dashes up in front of Lind, her sword held high—)（K-09闪身到琳德面前，高高扬起了手中的长刀——）

CheetaLIND!琳德……！！！

(And then, K-09's hand suddenly freezes in mid-air.)（下一秒，K-09的手却突然毫无预兆地停在了半空。）

(The lights above her suddenly flash, and the bulletproof glass around the ring slowly lowers. The entire arena is filled with a bizarre silence.)（头顶的灯光轮番闪烁，包围着擂台的防弹玻璃墙也降了下去，整个会场陷入一阵奇异的寂静之中。）

(Then, the sound of mechanical whirring comes from all around them.)（紧接着，从四面八方传来一阵阵机械运作的低鸣声。）

QiongjiuCheeta, now! Support Lind!奇塔！就是现在，支援琳德！

(Their guns blaze fire as bullets hit the ground under K-09's feet, driving her back.)（闪烁的火舌从二人的枪口喷出，子弹交叉着落在K-09的脚下，将她逼退至角落。）

(Then, as though they've received some kind of signal, every single robot in the arena begins opening fire indiscriminately. The members of the audience scream and flee in all directions.)（如同收到信号一般，场中所有的机械都对周围目标展开了无差别攻击，观众们叫喊着四散而逃。）

(Amidst the chaos, Qiongjiu and Cheeta hear Lind's voice over their communicators.)（一片混乱中，琼玖和奇塔的通讯器里同时传来了琳德的声音。）

Lind...Looks like luck was on our side in the end.……结果到最后，运气还是站在了我们这边啊。

CheetaLind, it's you! You mean you weren't taken over by that whatever virus thing?哎呀，琳德！原来你没被那个什么病毒控制吗？

CheetaThank goodness! I thought you were really finished just now!太好啦，我刚刚真的以为琳德要完蛋了呢！

LindFinished, my ass! Don't jinx me!真完蛋了也都是你这个乌鸦嘴的错！

(Lind gets up and dusts herself off, changing out a new drum of ammo as she does. Then, she vaults over the arena's fencing and returns to Frostfall Squad.)（琳德站起身，拍了拍身上的烟尘，手脚利落地换上新弹鼓。纵身翻过竞技场的栏杆，回到了一直等待着她的霜降小队身边。）

Qiongjiu, CheetaWelcome back, Lind.欢迎归队，琳德。

(Qiongjiu and Cheeta smile as they meet her gaze. Then, they pivot and wordlessly take up a defensive formation.)（琼玖和奇塔相视一笑，一同转过身，默契地组成了防御阵型。）

LindWhere's Tololo?托洛洛去哪了？

QiongjiuI'll tell you along the way. Right now, we're going to follow the route she planned and get out of here, the sooner the better.详细的情况路上再说，我们现在要按照预定路线离开这个地方，速度越快越好。

QiongjiuWe can't use the elevator anymore, so we'll need an alternative route. In other words, we'll have to go through the back of the audience seating, follow a supply corridor, and then use it to reach the main deck.电梯那边已经不能用了，需要启动备用路线——也就是穿越后方观众席，从运输通道撤离到甲板这一条。

QiongjiuCheeta, prepare to fall back.奇塔，准备撤退。

CheetaHehe, no problem, Leader! Leave it to me!嘿嘿，没问题队长，看我的吧！

(Cheeta pulls a flashbang out of her waist pack, pulls the pin on it, then throws it on the ground.)（奇塔从腰包中掏出闪光弹，拉开保险，用力砸向地面。）

CheetaSmile for the camera!当当，闪光弹来咯！

(A blinding flash of light envelopes the arena, and K-09 is forced to shield her eyes.)（铺天盖地的白光覆盖了会场，K-09不得不伸手遮住双眼。）

(When she can finally open them, all K-09 can see is the trio running into the back of the seating area.)（重新睁开眼的时候，K-09只能捕捉到三人最后钻进观众席的背影。）

Krolik K-09...Automatic loading... Pursuit command...……自动加载……追击指令……

Krolik K-09...Target identification... Successful...……目标识别……成功……

(Still looking in the direction where the trio have fled, K-09 stands up once again and gives chase.)（跟随着三人离去的方向，K-09再次站起身，展开了追击。）

CheetaWait, so Mr. Arrogant Young Master went to all that effort to capture you because... he wanted you to fight for him?!所以说，那个大少爷费了这么大工夫把你抓过来——就是为了让你帮他打比赛？！

(Cheeta's exclamation is so loud that it echoes through the hall. A bunch of security troopers come to investigate, but a hail of fire forces them to take cover behind the pillars.)（奇塔吃惊的声音传遍了整个大厅，闻声而来的安保队伍被火力压制到了柱子后方。）

(As Lind shoots, she gives Cheeta a "give me a break" look.)（琳德一边抬枪射击，一边丢给奇塔一个略显无奈的表情。）

LindHello, we're still trying to escape here! Can you keep it down?我们还在逃跑过程中呢，你就不能小点声吗！

CheetaBut things ended up this way because he half-assed everything!明明是那个大少爷办的事情太不靠谱了！

LindStrictly speaking, it wasn't just because of that, but I don't have time to elaborate now.硬要说的话，也不只是因为这个，但现在也没时间解释了……

LindCheeta, help me lay down some covering fire. I have something to tell Leader.奇塔，拜托你掩护一下吧，我有更重要的事和队长说。

CheetaTeehee, no problem~ This time, I'll protect you, Lind!嘻嘻，没问题~终于轮到我来保护琳德了！

(Cheeta flashes an OK sign, then moves up to the head of the formation. Just then, a transmission from Tololo comes in.)（奇塔比了个OK的手势，站到了队伍的最前方，托洛洛的通讯与此同时传了过来。）

TololoLeader, head right at the fork up ahead, and you'll see the corridor leading to the deck.报告队长，前方分叉口处向右侧前进，就能看到登上甲板的通道了。

QiongjiuUnderstood.了解。

Qiongjiu...Lind, what is it that can't wait until we get up there?……琳德，有什么事可不可以等到上去以后再商量？

LindSorry, Leader.抱歉了，队长。

LindBut in a sense, this is the last chance I'll get for this.毕竟从某种程度上来讲，这也算是最后的机会了吧。

(Lind takes a deep breath, then looks at the fork up ahead.)（琳德深吸一口气，望向了面前的岔路。）

LindI managed to interface with their systems in the liner's main control room, and I found their exact locations—that is, the Dolls being controlled by the arena staff.我在游轮总控室通过连接数据接口，查到了她们——也就是角斗场控制的那些人形被关押的具体位置。

LindI want to take them with us.我想带她们一起走。

QiongjiuWhat?什么？

QiongjiuWhere are they being held?那些人形被关在哪里?

LindArea D3 on the port side.左舷D3区。

QiongjiuTololo, calculate a route there.托洛洛，立即推演路线变更的可行性。

TololoRoger.收到。

(The reply from Tololo comes less than a minute later.)（不到一分钟，托洛洛便给出了答复。）

TololoThe left path from the fork ahead leads to Area D3, the exact opposite way from the exit... And ship security is closing in on your location. It would be a risky course of action.D3区位于前方分叉口左侧，与出口的方向刚好相反……且游轮的安保力量正在逐渐向你们包围，危险系数判定较高。

TololoIf Girard Group reinforcements arrive quicker than we can move, things will be even worse.如果吉拉尔的支援速度比我们的要快，那情况就更糟糕了。

TololoWhat do you want to do, Leader?队长，我们要怎么做？

(Qiongjiu doesn't reply, only tapping her terminal with her index finger.)（琼玖没有回话，只是用食指一下一下敲击着通讯器的终端。）

QiongjiuLind, I'm fairly sure you've prepared yourself for this possibility. But I must remind you that if we choose to commit to this course of action, we might not be able to complete the objective or ensure everyone's safety.琳德，虽然我知道你应该已经有所准备，但我还是要强调一遍。我们可能无法确定任务的完成结果，也无法保证所有人的安全。

QiongjiuEven so, do you wish to proceed?即便如此，你还是想这么做吗？

Lind...Yeah.……嗯。

LindI can't do it by myself, so I need you, Cheeta, Tololo... I need all of Frostfall to help me out.仅凭我一个人的力量是不够的，所以我需要队长，还有奇塔、托洛洛……霜降小队大家的帮助。

Qiongjiu...You don't say things like this often.……你很少会说这种话。

(There is a short silence.)（短暂的沉默过后。）

(Qiongjiu looks Lind in the eye, as though she's come to a decision.)（琼玖像是下定了某种决心一般，直视着琳德的双眼。）

QiongjiuUnderstood.我明白了。

QiongjiuChange of plans, Frostfall Squad—we're heading to Area D3 to rescue the captured Dolls.霜降小队任务目标变更——前往左舷D3区，营救受困人形。

Lind...……

(Lind blinks in surprise as she stares at her squad leader. The mental image she's always had of Qiongjiu is someone who has always been cautious and diligent.)（琳德惊讶地眨了眨眼，看向那位在她心目中素来谨慎的队长。）

(Yet, she has agreed readily to Lind's request. Lind can see a trust which needs no justification in Qiongjiu's eyes.)（这一次，琼玖并未多加询问就爽快地答应了自己的请求。在琼玖的眼中，琳德找到了一份无需多言的信任。）

CheetaOh? So we're going to be Doll saviors now? Awesome, I've always wanted a halo!哎呀？我们要去当拯救人形的大英雄了吗？太好啦，我刚刚就想这么干了！

QiongjiuTololo, help us draft up another route that helps us avoid ship security.托洛洛，帮我们重新制定一条路线，尽量避开船上的安保力量。

TololoWilco.明白。

QiongjiuLind, how many Dolls are we talking about here?琳德，这里的人形大概有多少?

LindAccording to the data from the control room, there are about 170 of them.根据总控室的数据显示，有170个左右吧。

LindThe more troublesome thing is that their neural clouds have been wrecked by the BETA virus... They might not listen to us anymore.比较麻烦的是，她们的心智空间已经被BETA病毒摧毁……可能没办法听从我们的指挥了。

CheetaWait, so there are almost 200 of them and they might not even cooperate with us? We can't exactly cart them all off one by one, right?这么多，而且还不听话？那怎么办，我们也不能把人形一个一个搬回去呀！

TololoAlso, even assuming we got them into a position to be evacuated, we wouldn't have the time or cabin space to evacuate them all.就算真能搬到直升机，不仅机舱无法容纳下这么庞大的数目，时间也很紧张。

QiongjiuHmm...嗯……

(Qiongjiu opens her terminal and begins thinking as she studies the ship blueprints.)（琼玖打开终端，对着结构图陷入了深思。）

QiongjiuThe Dolls are all at the stern of the vessel. If we could trap the enemy amidships, it would give us a lot more time to work in...人形们都在船尾部分，如果能将敌人隔离在游轮中段，应该可以极大地拉长操作时间……

(Cheeta looks over Qiongjiu's shoulder and studies the map. Then she points at the red-shaded area at the middle-rear of the vessel.)（奇塔凑到琼玖的旁边，歪着头看了看，伸手指向游轮中后方的红色区域。）

CheetaLeader, why don't we blow up the central fuel tank over here and cut the ship in half? That way, we can separate the part where all the Dolls are!队长，我们直接引爆这里的中央燃料库，把游轮炸成两段不就得了？这样人形所在的那部分也可以被隔开了！

LindAh... wait, you want to blow the ship in half? Do we even have anything powerful enough to do that?啊……把游轮炸成两半？我们有杀伤力这么强的武器吗？

CheetaHehe~ Have you forgotten this genius' forte?哼哼~你忘记本天才最擅长的是什么了嘛？

(Cheeta produces a little ball out of nowhere and tosses it up, a wicked glint in her eyes.)（奇塔不知从哪变出一颗圆球，放在手里颠了颠，眼中闪过一丝狡黠的光芒。）

CheetaTadaaaah! Behold, my remote bomb! At last, a place for it to see proper use!当当，遥控炸弹登场！这次总算能光明正大地派上用场啦！

CheetaAnyway, give the order, Leader! That bunny-eared Doll is coming after us!队长，快下命令吧！那个兔耳朵人形又追过来了！

(Qiongjiu's gaze hardens as she focuses on the incoming figure in red. She quickly judges the feasibility of the mission and makes a decision.)（望向疾步而来的红色身影，琼玖目光一凝，迅速对任务可行性进行评估，而后做出了决断。）

QiongjiuCheeta, plant the explosives at the central fuel tank. Watch for a chance to set it off, but only after Lind and I arrive.奇塔，你去中央燃料室布置炸药。要注意引燃时机，等我和琳德到了之后再动手。

CheetaGot it!明白！

QiongjiuTololo, contact Miss Helian right now and have her send more backup. Once we scuttle the ship, we'll need people who can manage and move the part of the vessel where all the Dolls are.托洛洛，你立即联络赫丽安，让她派遣其他支援小队过来，在游轮分体后接管载有人形的船尾部分。

TololoUnderstood.收到。

QiongjiuLind and I will stay here to lure the enemy to the other side of the ship. We'll buy time for Cheeta, Tololo, and our backup to arrive.琳德和我就留在这里，将敌方吸引到船体的另一侧，为奇塔和托洛洛、以及支援小队的到来争取时间。

LindCausing chaos should be Cheeta's strong suit, right? Still... Tsk, never mind, this sort of thing is alright from time to time.制造混乱应该算是奇塔的强项吧？不过……啧，算了，偶尔这样也不错。

(Lind reloads her Auto-12, then focuses her gaze on the incoming K-09 before pulling the trigger.)（琳德将AA-12的弹鼓装填完毕，将目标锁定至大步追来的K-09，用力扣下扳机。）

(Her shotgun sprays a torrent of lead, blasting huge chunks on the masterfully carved marble paneling. A column collapses with a deafening crash.)（霰弹枪激射而出，瞬间将精雕细琢的大理石轰出巨大缺口，支柱轰然倒塌，发出震耳欲聋的巨响。）

(K-09 is forced to stop as the fallen pillar blocks her path and throws up a huge cloud of dust.)（通道被石柱的碎块截断，飞扬的尘土中，K-09被迫停下了脚步。）

LindAren't you good at running? Come catch us, then!你不是很能跑吗？来追我们啊！

Sea of Ashes 燃烬之海

(Qiongjiu and Lind use the terrain to mount hit-and-run attacks on K-09 and their pursuers. They manage to strand them on the B1 deck and get to the main deck on time.)（琼玖和琳德利用地形展开游击战，将以K-09为首的追兵阻拦在B1层，按照预定时间登上了甲板。）

Lind(Pants heavily)呼——呼——呼——

LindIt's almost time, are Cheeta and Tololo ready yet?时间应该差不多了吧，奇塔和托洛洛那边好了没有？

QiongjiuThe plan's going smoothly and our backup is in place. Head to the pickup point now!计划推进无误，支援小队也已经就位，我们现在向接应地点移动！

(The pair run toward the center of the ship, where they find Cheeta waving to them happily.)（二人跑向游轮中部，奇塔正在那里又蹦又跳地向她们挥手。）

CheetaOver here, over here!我在这我在这！

CheetaThis time, I was faster than you and Lind! Aren't you going to praise me?这次我的速度比队长和琳德都快哎！不打算夸夸我嘛？

QiongjiuTololo, bring the chopper in! Prepare for extraction!托洛洛，降低飞行高度，准备接应！

(Qiongjiu pulls Cheeta behind her and looks up. Tololo pilots the chopper toward the three of them.)（琼玖将奇塔拽至身后，抬头望向斜上方，托洛洛驾驶的直升机正向三人俯冲而来。）

(It comes to a halt at the last moment, the rotors churning up waves on the surface of the water below.)（直升机在半空中急速悬停，螺旋桨卷动的气浪在海面上掀起了层层波涛。）

(The cabin slides open, and Tololo pokes her head out to throw a rope ladder down to the three of them.)（舱门拉开，斜靠着舱身的托洛洛探出头，将悬梯精准地甩到三人面前。）

TololoCome on!上来！

(Just then, there is a loud crash, and K-09 bursts out from a nearby hatch, her eyes aglow with crimson rage.)（就在这时，伴随着“轰隆”一声巨响，K-09突然从甲板下冲出，眼中闪烁着怒红的火光。）

(She tightens her grip on her sword and immediately lunges at the three Dolls.)（K-09紧紧握住手中的长刀，向着三人的方向飞扑而来。）

QiongjiuNow, Cheeta! Blow the charges!就是现在，奇塔，引爆炸弹！

CheetaHehe~ You're just in time!嘿嘿~来得正好！

(Cheeta squeezes the button on her detonator, and her bombs detonate the central fuel tank. A massive column of flame shoots into the sky and dyes the darkened sky a dull red.)（奇塔应声按下控制器，炸弹瞬间引爆了中央燃料仓，冲天的火光将夜空染为一片昏红。）

(The ship lurches heavily as it is cut in two. Fragments fly everywhere as the two halves keel over and begin sinking into the sea.)（游轮在剧烈的震荡中断成两截，迸裂的碎片四散飞溅，震颤着向两侧的海平面倾斜。）

(K-09's frame is sent flying by the shockwaves, and she lands heavily on the stern of the vessel, while Frostfall uses this opportunity to scramble aboard the ladder.)（K-09的素体被强大的冲击波掀飞，重重地摔落到船尾一侧的甲板处，而霜降小队则借机跃上了悬梯。）

(The helicopter climbs rapidly, rising high into the night sky.)（直升机迅速攀升而上，盘旋到了夜幕中的高空。）

CheetaW-we did it!成、成功了！

(Lind can see Helian's backup arriving by the light of the burning deck. The familiar, formerly "dust-gathering" tugboat is now towing away the stern of the vessel where the captured Dolls are.)（借助着甲板上的火光，琳德看到赫丽安派来的支援小队正驾驶着拖船，将载有人形的船尾部分从游轮处拖离。）

LindLooks like we managed to rescue all those Dolls, as well as that K-09.看样子那些人形，还有K-09……都已经被救出去了。

CheetaHeehee, things went better than expected!嘻嘻，简直比想象中的还要顺利呢！

QiongjiuWe're lucky that our backup arrived before Girard's forces did, but we can't get careless because of that.还好我们的支援速度比吉拉尔那边要快，但也不能就此掉以轻心。

QiongjiuTololo, activate EW stealth systems. We need to get out of here ASAP.托洛洛，开启反侦查系统，我们得尽快离开这里。

TololoUnderstood. Mission complete, preparing to RTB.明白。任务完成，准备返航。

(Tololo presses a button on the helicopter's control panel. It shimmers for a moment in the night sky, then it projects a holographic image around itself.)（托洛洛按下控制台按钮，直升机在夜空中闪烁了几下，展开了全息投影。）

(Several seconds later, the helicopter blends into the starry sky, vanishing into the darkness before the dawn.)（数秒后，直升机渐渐融入黑暗的星空，消失在了黎明前的夜色里。）

(Meanwhile, on the other side of the ship...)（……与此同时，游轮的另一侧。）

(A bedraggled figure struggles to his feet before pounding on the locked room like a madman.)（一个落魄的身影挣扎着爬起身，发疯般地捶打着紧锁的房门。）

KarlDammit! Dammit, dammit, dammit...可恶、可恶啊……

(Karl jabs at his communicator. He presses so hard that his fingers have gone white from a lack of circulation.)（卡尔紧紧攥着通讯器，过度用力的指节因失血而有些泛白。）

(The door thuds heavily under his pounding.)（门板在他一下一下的撞击下发出了咚咚的闷响。）

KarlFather, do you hear me? Mother's ship is about to sink!父亲，您听得到吗？母亲留下的游轮马上就要沉了！

KarlI know you must have some way to do it, so please... please save this ship!我知道您一定有办法，求求您……求求您救救这艘游轮！

KarlThis is... the last thing Mother left behind...这可是……母亲留下的，唯一的遗产了……

(Despite Karl's wail of despair, the only answer from the communicator is the sound of static.)（卡尔绝望地呼喊着，通讯器那端却只有沙沙的杂音。）

(Just when he thinks there will be no reply, the person he is calling suddenly speaks in a quiet voice.)（就在他以为不会再有回应时，那个人突然静静地开了口。）

Yakov...Hmph.……哼。

KarlFather, is that you? Thank god, you answered!父亲，是您吗？谢天谢地，您终于听到了！

KarlYou'll save this ship, won't you?您是来救下这艘游轮的，对不对？

YakovIf I were you, I'd think of how to get out of that room first rather than whine and cry about a boat when your life is in danger.如果我是你，我会先想办法逃出这个房间。而不是自己都快死了，还在这里哭兮兮地叫什么游轮。

YakovIt's just a tool for making money. Is it really that important?只是一个赚钱的工具而已，有那么重要吗？

YakovIt doesn't matter if it's blown up or scuttled... Once something loses its value, it doesn't matter what happens to it.这种东西被炸毁也好，拆烂也罢……一旦失去了可供利用的价值，什么下场都无所谓。

YakovYou're the only one who's so dedicated to something left behind by a corpse.只有你，才会对死人留下来的东西这么上心。

KarlNo... it can't be! This is Mother's legacy! How can you care so little about it?不……不会的！这是母亲的遗产，您怎么可能一点都不在乎？

KarlAlso, also, I'm still on the ship! I'm your SON, you can't just abandon me now!而且，而且我也还在这艘船上，我是您的儿子，您不会就这么放弃我们的！

YakovAbandon you?放弃？

(Yakov can't help but snort derisively at Karl's naive plea.)（听着卡尔天真的言论，雅科夫不由轻蔑一笑。）

YakovMy biggest mistake was NOT abandoning you after realizing that Celia had raised you into a failure, and even going as far as to give you chance after chance to prove yourself.我最大的错误，就是在明知道茜莉亚把你养成了废物的前提下——依旧没有放弃你，还给了你一次又一次证明自己的机会。

YakovIncluding this one.包括这一次。

KarlWhat do you mean? Are you saying... You already knew about my plan?什么意思？您是说……您早就知道了我的计划？

KarlBut... when did you...这，究竟是什么时候……

YakovWhat do you think? Did you really think you could have entered the main control room with just your meager access privileges?不然呢？凭你在游轮上的权限，你以为自己可以大摇大摆地走进总控室？

YakovAnd as it turns out, not letting you in was the right thing to do. I placed you in charge of things just once, and you fucked it all to hell.事实证明，不放你进来果然是对的。只是任由你做主这么一次，你就捅出了天大的篓子。

YakovNot only did those PMC Dolls run circles around you, they also managed to steal all the data in the main control room.不仅被那几个P.M.C.人形耍得团团转，还被拷走了总控室的数据。

YakovAnd now, they even got their hands on over 170 gladiator Dolls. Exactly what do you think qualifies you to talk terms with me?现在就连角斗场的170多具人形都落到了她们手里——你还有什么资格和我谈要求？

YakovYOU are the one who sank this ship, and you did it with your own hands.亲手葬送这艘游轮的，就是你自己。

(Yakov's judgment is like a cold blade, sinking deep into Karl's heart.)（雅科夫的宣判如同一柄冰冷的利刃，直直刺入卡尔的心脏。）

(Karl clutches the communicator tightly, muttering to himself, unable to believe what he's hearing.)（卡尔攥紧了通讯器，不甘地喃喃自语着。）

KarlNo, no... It's not over yet, I can remotely trigger those Dolls' self-destruct programming...不、不……还没有结束，我还可以远程引爆那些人形内置的炸弹程序……

KarlI can destroy the evidence, we can still turn things around!我可以毁尸灭迹，事情还有回转的余地！

YakovNow I am completely certain that you are even more of a mindless idiot than those Dolls.现在我可以彻底确定，你的脑子连那几个人形都不如。

YakovThey blew up the remote control server with their chopper before they left. You have well and truly fucked things up now.远程控制的服务器已经被她们驾驶的直升机在临走之前炸毁了，这一次，你是真真正正地给我惹出大麻烦了。

KarlWhat...什么……

(Upon realizing that there is no coming back from this, Karl slumps to the ground.)（意识到局势已经无法挽回，卡尔不由颓然倒地。）

KarlThis... this isn't my fault, those damn Dolls were only able to take advantage of the situation because I didn't get the full BETA virus...这……不是我的错，是因为我没有拿到完整的BETA病毒，才会让那些该死的人形趁虚而入……

KarlIt's not my fault, if you just gave me another chance...不是我的错，如果再给我一次机会的话……

YakovAnother chance... you still want another chance?机会——你还想要机会？

YakovThe company's had its hands full dealing with FABN recently. The CEO is tearing his hair out by the handfuls over them, did you know that?集团最近疲于应对法本的步步紧逼，董事长那边已经是焦头烂额了，难道你不知道吗？

YakovAnd you choose now of all times to pull off a stunt like this? There will be no more chances for you.在这个节骨眼上闹出这种事情，你已经没有机会了。

(Karl's mouth hangs open as he looks at the door that will not open for him.)（卡尔干巴巴地张着嘴，望向那扇再也不可能打开的门。）

(He does not even have the words to deny his father's words.)（……他已经连反驳的话语都找不到了。）

YakovAs a child, you fooled around with high-grade parts like they were toys... It was like watching a monkey with a kalashnikov.小时候的你就只会把高级零件当成玩具胡闹……再有用的东西到了你手里，都像是给猴子用手术刀一样滑稽。

YakovAfter all these years, you're still the same as when Celia was around. You haven't grown a bit.这么多年过去了，你还是和茜莉亚在的那时候一样，没有一丝一毫的长进。

YakovYou don't even qualify to be an obstacle for me, let alone my successor.别说是做我的接班人了，说是妨碍我的绊脚石都不为过。

KarlSo... once something loses its value, it doesn't matter what happens to it.所以……一旦失去了可供利用的价值，什么下场都无所谓。

KarlThat includes me too... right?也包括我……对么？

YakovHmph...哼……

YakovIf you were this smart each time, you wouldn't have ended up like this.如果你每次都能像现在这么聪明，也就不会走到今天了。

(Yakov's words are casual, but they hit Karl like a punch to the gut.)（从雅科夫口中轻飘飘的一句话，却将卡尔的心沉沉拉入了谷底。）

(In Karl's memory, this is the first time his father has ever praised him.)（在卡尔的记忆里，这好像是父亲第一次夸赞他聪明。）

(But it seems it will also be the last.)（但似乎也是最后一次了。）

KarlNo... you're my father, you wouldn't do this...不，您是我的父亲，您不会这样做的……

KarlRight...?对吧……

KarlYou won't do this to me, right?快告诉我，您不会这样做的，对不对？

KarlEverything I did was to make you proud... Ever since Mother died, I've been working hard, all this time...说到底，我所做的一切，也只是想要您的一句认可而已……自从母亲过世以后，我就一直、一直都在努力……

YakovDon't bring up that mother of yours!不要再提你那个母亲了！

(Yakov suddenly explodes with rage. His resentment that has festered for so many years is finally pouring out.)（雅科夫勃然大怒，积压多年的忿恨，终于在这一刻和盘托出。）

YakovI wouldn't even have married that dumb bitch if she wasn't from the Orlog Conglomerate!当初要不是因为她是奥尔劳格财团的人，我怎么会和这种蠢女人在一起！

YakovShe made a fortune and all she did was sit on it, making a bunch of worthless toys or donating to charity...赚来的钱不知道攥在自己手里，只知道做一些无聊的玩具，投给慈善基金会……

YakovNot only did she criticize me for obtaining 16Lab's Doll tech, she was even planning to reveal the secrets between me and the CEO to the public... and so she had to die, and good fucking riddance to her!指责我从16Lab拿到人形技术不光彩，还要把我和董事长的秘密公之于众……所以她死了，她早就该死了！

YakovAnd even after her death, she left someone like you behind... I've been living in her shadow for far too long, you should have died along with Celia!甚至她死了之后，还要留下你这么一个祸种，一直活在她的影子下面……你简直和茜莉亚一样该死！

KarlWhat...什么……

KarlSo you're saying... you... you killed Mother...也就是说……母亲她，其实是死在了你的手里……

(Crack!)（啪！）

(The nearby portholes collapse under the force of the explosion, and glass rains down like hail. Karl's communicator falls to the ground, emitting a shrill error tone.)（舷窗在爆炸的冲击下骤然崩塌，碎玻璃如暴雨般倾泻而下。通讯器跌落在地，发出刺耳的报错声。）

(Karl screams at it, but it will never answer him again, and the roiling flames consume his final words.)（卡尔对着已经不会再发出回音的通讯器大喊大叫，滚烫的火焰吞没了他最后的咆哮。）

KarlYou extinguished... the sparks Mother left behind...是你毁掉了……母亲留下的火种……

Forward Unto Dawn 步向曙光

QiongjiuHmm, bribery records for government officials, illegal Doll transaction logs, altered records for the ships' environmental emissions....政府官员的贿赂记录、非法人形的交易账目、游轮污染排放的数据篡改记录……

QiongjiuThe Girard Group has quite the litany of sins to its name.吉拉尔集团犯下的罪行还真是不简单啊。

(Frostfall Squad is going through the data Lind copied from the main control room. It is certainly quite impressive.)（霜降小队翻看着琳德从主控室拷贝回来的数据，忍不住发出惊叹。）

TololoThere's a breakdown for the MV Novalis' income and expenditure here too.这里还有诺瓦利斯号的一部分收支明细。

CheetaLemme see, lemme see—我看看，我看看——

CheetaWow, this is actually kind of scary, they make more in one day than our squad does in one month?!呜哇，这也太可怕了吧？随便一天的收入都够我们小队一个月的活动经费了！

TololoIt's just as we thought. The income from the entertainment was minuscule compared to the illegal betting on the Doll arena.和我们猜测的一样，娱乐收入的占比微乎其微，绝大多数还是源自人形角斗场的非法交易。

QiongjiuWell, we can now be completely certain that the Girard Group was controlling and running the Doll arena.嗯，现在已经可以完全确定，角斗场背后的实际掌控者就是吉拉尔集团。

QiongjiuThey could make a killing from the black market and use that opportunity to utilize their otherwise defective Dolls. The Girard Group wins either way.既可以从黑色市场牟取暴利，又可以借此机会反复利用他们所谓的残次品人形，对吉拉尔来说算是一本万利的买卖。

QiongjiuThe BETA virus was probably developed for that purpose and tested on the arena Dolls.BETA病毒大概也是基于这种需求被研发，并长期在角斗场人形体内进行试验的结果。

CheetaOh yeah! Speaking of which, don't you think you should get your frame checked out, Lind? It would be bad if there were traces of that virus left behind in your neural cloud.哎呀！说到这个，琳德要不要现在就检查一下素体呢？万一病毒还残留在心智里面就不好了。

Lind...Don't worry, I'm not weak enough to be taken over by an incomplete virus.……放心吧，我还没有弱到会被一个半成品控制的程度。

LindI'm more interested in why it works on IOP Dolls. Wasn't it meant to target Girard Group Dolls?我比较奇怪的是，这东西应该是针对吉拉尔人形开发的吧，为什么对I.O.P.人形也有效果？

CheetaLind, are you saying you suspect that the Girard Group stole 16Lab's Doll technology?琳德的意思，是在怀疑吉拉尔集团窃取了16Lab的人形技术嘛？

(Lind nods.)（琳德点了点头。）

LindThis virus isn't like normal programs. Its write locations and logic would require a target with highly similar base layer code for it to work.和常规的程序不一样，这个病毒的写入逻辑和位置……明显是需要高度相似的底层代码才能做得到。

LindBut if the base layer code were TOO similar, then it would essentially be intellectual property theft.但要是连底层代码都差不多，那和抄袭也没什么区别了吧。

TololoIf that's really true, we can use the evidence from the Doll arena as proof of the Girard Group's crimes and make them pay for what they've done.如果真的是这样，我们可以从角斗场救出的人形那里获得数据采样，证明吉拉尔集团的剽窃行为——再利用这一点让他们付出代价。

QiongjiuIndeed.没错。

QiongjiuEven without the technology theft, just the proof of their crimes is enough to bring the Girard Group to court.而且不光是技术盗窃这一条，单单凭借上面这些证据，就足够把吉拉尔集团请上法庭了。

QiongjiuI'll contact Miss Helian now. Once we get back, we'll verify the matter ASAP.我现在就和赫丽安联系，回去以后第一时间就对这件事进行求证。

QiongjiuI'm pretty sure what we've found will help the Commander and Miss Kalina out in some way.相信这次的内容，多多少少也能给到指挥官和格琳娜那边一些帮助。

(Qiongjiu opens a comm channel to Helian and begins sending over what she's learned.)（琼玖打开赫丽安的通讯窗口，开始传输获得的情报。）

(After receiving Helian's reply, Qiongjiu's stern expression softens considerably.)（在收到赫丽安的答复后，琼玖严肃的表情也缓和了许多。）

QiongjiuI have good news.有一个好消息。

QiongjiuMiss Helian managed to find a neutral organization that's willing to take in the Dolls from the arena and help them clear out the remaining BETA virus in their neural clouds.赫丽安那边通过关系，找到了一个愿意接手这批角斗场人形的中立组织，协助她们清理心智空间残留的BETA病毒。

CheetaReally? That's great! They'll finally be able to shake off the Girard Group's control!真的吗？那太好啦，这样她们就可以彻底摆脱吉拉尔的控制了！

QiongjiuAdditionally, the organization will provide them with counselling and support them as they reintegrate into human society.不仅如此，这个组织还会提供必要的心理疏导和生活保障，帮助人形们重新融入人类社会。

QiongjiuNot only will they be able to remove the Girard Group's influence, these Dolls will also receive a chance to make a fresh start.这样一来，在解决了吉拉尔隐患的同时，也为这些受害人形提供了一个全新的开始。

QiongjiuYou did very well, Lind.琳德，你这次做得很好。

Lind...……

(Lind doesn't answer, only leaning against the cabin wall in silence.)（琳德没有回答，只是沉默地靠在舱壁上。）

(The scorching pain from the virus infection still aches in her body, and a sense of survivor's guilt envelopes her.)（病毒侵蚀的灼痛感还在素体中徘徊着，一种劫后余生般的惆怅将她紧紧包围。）

(Lind reflexively looks down at her trembling hands.)（琳德不受控制地看向自己颤抖的指尖。）

Lind...……

Lind...I'm sorry...……对不起……

CheetaEhhhhh? Lind, Leader was praising you! Why are you apologizing?诶诶诶？琳德，队长可是在夸你哎！你干嘛要道歉？

LindI mean, all this happened because I went off without permission and acted alone, right?这次的事情，本来就是因为我的特立独行引起的吧？

LindAnd I even asked to change the plan at the last minute for selfish reasons...甚至都到最后关头了，我还在擅自改变计划……

LindIf anything had happened to you all because of that, then... then I...如果真的让小队遭遇了危险……那我……

(Lind swallows the rest of her words.)（琳德默默咽下了剩余的话。）

(The three of them quickly exchange glances, then they head over to Lind's side as one.)（三人的目光定了一瞬，而后，不约而同地凑到了琳德身边。）

CheetaWhat's this, Lind? Are you actually worried about us?哎呀？琳德这是在关心我们吗？

CheetaRelax! We're all okay, right?安啦安啦！你看，大家这不是都好好的嘛！

TololoI believe our squad exists to support each other, understand each other, and to encourage each other.我认为小队存在的意义，就是相互支持、相互理解、相互鼓励。

TololoAnd in the end, your plan turned out fine.而且从结果来看，琳德的决策也没有问题。

QiongjiuYes, Cheeta and Tololo are correct.嗯，奇塔和托洛洛说得都没错。

QiongjiuI know what kind of feelings must have motivated you, Lind: your unwillingness to let Griffin wither away, the anger that drove you to save your fellow Dolls, the pain you felt when you thought you had involved us in your trouble...我理解琳德每一次行动背后的心情，想重振格里芬时的不甘，想救出人形同伴时的愤怒，还有想到拖累队友时的痛苦……

QiongjiuThe truth is, we're all the same.事实上，我们都是一样的。

LindThe same...?一样的……？

QiongjiuCorrect.没错。

(Qiongjiu gently pats Lind on the shoulder and smiles tenderly.)（琼玖轻轻拍了拍琳德的肩膀，露出了温柔的微笑。）

QiongjiuAs members of Frostfall Squad, we all have the same goal. We simply see things from different perspectives.作为霜降小队的一员，我们的目的都是一样的，只是所处的位置和角度不同。

QiongjiuUltimately, I'm also partially responsible for this. I didn't communicate my thoughts clearly with you, which led to you feeling like you had to take everything on by yourself.说到底我也有一部分责任，我平时太过疏于沟通大家的想法，才会让你觉得需要独自承担这些事情。

QiongjiuSo don't blame yourself anymore and relax a little.所以不要再自责了，稍稍放松一下吧。

LindOkay...嗯……

(Lind looks up, her eyes filled with gratitude. It is then that Qiongjiu notices the wound K-09 made on Lind's arm.)（琳德微微抬头，眼中闪过一丝感激，琼玖注意到了琳德手臂上被K-09划破的伤口。）

QiongjiuHere, I'll help take care of that for you.来，我帮你把伤口稍微处理下。

(Qiongjiu takes out the repair kit and patches up the cut with a gentle touch and practiced skill.)（琼玖熟练地取出维修工具，轻轻碰触手臂上的创伤。）

(The pain from the wound makes Lind wince.)（伤口传来的疼痛令琳德忍不住皱了皱眉。）

LindAck...嘶……

CheetaAw, why don't you turn off your pain modules, Lind? Patching wounds up hurts, you know!哎呀，琳德为什么还不把痛觉模块关掉啊，伤口处理起来很痛的耶！

Lind...……

LindThe truth is, I can't disable my frame's pain modules.其实，我这具素体根本无法关闭痛觉模块。

TololoWhy not? Doesn't that mean you've been enduring all that pain during each battle?为什么？那岂不是之前的每一次战斗，你都是在强忍着吗？

(Lind falls silent, and then nods.)（琳德沉默片刻，点了点头。）

LindWell, I wouldn't say "enduring" it... After all, I'm used to it now.也不算强忍吧……毕竟我都已经习惯了。

LindI was an experimental Doll used in clinical trials... Part of the reason why Karl kidnapped me was because of that.我之前是临床项目的受试人形……卡尔抓我过来，也有一部分原因是这个。

QiongjiuWhat?什么？

(Lind doesn't feel the disgust or awkwardness she expected when discussing this part of her history that she didn't want to disclose.)（说出这段不愿提及的经历，琳德并没有预想中的恶心或难堪。）

(Instead, she feels... free.)（她反而有些如释重负。）

LindMy first memories of this world were an icy-cold research institute and endless days of clinical trials.我对这个世界最开始的记忆，只有冰冷的研究所和日复一日的实验。

LindMy frame received special modifications in order to meet certain experimental requirements.为了达到实验需求，我的素体被经过了一些特殊设置……

LindNot being able to switch off my pain modules was one of them.无法关闭的痛觉模块就是其中之一。

CheetaBut doesn't that make fighting and everyday life really inconvenient?那在战斗和生活中不是很不方便吗？

CheetaWhy don't we ask Miss Helian to change out your frame when you get back? I'm sure she'll be able to think of something!要不这次回去和赫丽安申请一下，帮你想想办法，更换一具素体吧！

(Lind shakes her head.)（琳德摇了摇头。）

LindOne of Griffin's researchers asked me the same question when I first came to Griffin. He said that human sensory feedback would affect my performance in battle and recommended that I change to a more convenient body.刚来格里芬的时候，格里芬研究员也问过我同样的问题，他说人类感官会影响战斗效率，建议我更换一个更便利的素体。

LindBut I refused.但我拒绝了。

CheetaWasn't that a good chance to do it? Why did you say no?这不是很好的机会吗？为什么要拒绝啊？

Lind...I didn't know why I did it back then. I just did it out of reflex.……我当时也不知道为什么，只是本能地想要摇头。

LindSame thing with my name.包括名字也是一样。

LindI ought to be repulsed by the name Lind. The lab I was in gave it to me, and it contains all the painful memories from back then...其实琳德这个名字，我也应该很排斥才对，它是实验室赋予给我的最初代号，承载了那些痛苦的过去……

LindBut even after getting the chance to change my name, I still chose this one.但是在可以改名的时候，我依旧选择了这个名字。

LindAt that time, I didn't know why I was so insistent on it... But now, I think I'm slowly beginning to understand.当时的我不明白自己为什么会这么坚持……现在，我好像渐渐开始理解了。

(Lind looks at her friends.)（琳德看向了同伴们。）

LindBack then, I... I thought I existed to be a test subject and that my pain was the only value I had.当时的我……依旧认为自己作为实验体存在，疼痛就是我留下来的价值。

LindTo deny this pain would be to deny my entire life and the reason I had for existing.否认了这份疼痛，就是否认了过去全部的人生，否认了迄今为止存在的意义。

Lind...It was in Griffin that I came to understand the true worth of a Doll.……是在格里芬的这些日子，让我渐渐明白了作为人形真正的价值是什么。

LindAnd it was my bonds with everyone that helped me realize that I could keep going forward, even while carrying the pain of the past, and that I could fight to protect others.也是和大家的羁绊让我明白，就算带着过去的伤痛，也可以大步向前迈进，可以为了保护他人而战斗……

LindI mean, the first step of accepting your past is being able to look it in the eye, right?直视过去才是自我认同的开始，对吧？

TololoLind...琳德……

LindAnd that's why... I won't change my body, and I won't change my name.所以……我不会更换素体，也不会更换名字。

LindFrostfall Squad made me feel like I belonged, and you helped me understand my reason for existing...是霜降小队真正让我感受到了归属感，让我明白了自己存在的意义……

Lind...Thank you all for that.……谢谢你们。

(A can of cool fruit juice suddenly presses itself against Lind's cheek.)（一罐温热的果汁贴上琳德的脸颊。）

(Lind looks back and sees Cheeta grinning at her, waving a pack of snacks she squirreled away for a moment like this.)（琳德回过头，奇塔正呲着虎牙，向她摇晃着偷藏的零食袋。）

CheetaAw, don't be so gloomy, Lind!哎呀，好了啦琳德，别这么沉重啦！

CheetaFrostfall is a home for four, which means we're all essential to it~ Makes perfect sense, right?霜降小队本来就是我们四个人的家，缺一不可~这些不都是理所当然的嘛！

CheetaJust like how you can't leave us, we can't leave you either~不仅是琳德离不开我们，我们也同样离不开琳德啊~

QiongjiuThat's right. We're only able to handle difficult missions because we have you around.没错，而且正是因为有了琳德，霜降小队才能接到更多更高难度的任务。

QiongjiuWhether in the past, present, or future, we will always fight side by side.无论是过去、现在还是未来，我们永远都会并肩作战。

CheetaYup, yup! In order to celebrate yet another perfectly completed mission, let's throw a party when we get back to base!是的是的，为了庆祝霜降小队取得圆满胜利，这次回到基地后还要开庆功派对呢！

TololoCorrection: it will be an after-crisis review meeting—fortunately, the gold chip that Leader and Cheeta brought back is worth quite some money.更正，是庆祝危机解除的复盘会议——还好队长和奇塔带出来的黄金筹码可以卖上一些价钱。

QiongjiuIndeed. Not only have we solved our current financial emergency, I've also managed to come up with a promising action plan for the future.嗯，这次不仅成功解决了眼前的资金危机，我还制定了一个颇具前景的计划。

QiongjiuWith Tololo's observation skills, the support from Cheeta's items, Lind's combat power and my planning ability—we managed to demonstrate exceptional results in rescuing the hostages and have proven that we can handle similar tasks of the same kind in the future.以托洛洛的观察能力、奇塔的道具支援能力、琳德的战斗能力，再加上我的策略规划——我们在解救人质方面展现出了非凡的天赋，日后可以多多承接一些类似的任务。

QiongjiuI believe that Frostfall Squad's reputation will soon spread far and wide.我相信，我们很快就可以把霜降小队的名声打出去了。

(Beep, beep—)（嘀、嘀——）

(The communicator rings. Upon seeing the name on it, Qiongjiu smiles.)（通讯终端响起，看到上面跳动的名字以后，琼玖的脸上浮出了笑意。）

QiongjiuIt's from Miss Helian. Let's take it together.是赫丽安的通讯，大家一起接吧。

(The four members of Frostfall Squad look at each other and smile. Then, as one, they press the "receive" button.)（霜降小队的四人相望一笑，四双手同时按下了接听键。）

(As the helicopter rises through the last of the Collapse particle clouds, the warm light of dawn shines on their faces.)（直升机穿过最后一层辐射云，晨曦的阳光泼洒在每个人的脸上。）

Frostfall SquadThis is Frostfall Squad.这里是霜降小队。

Frostfall SquadMission complete, we're heading home.任务完成，正在回家路上。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.