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Corposant - Part 1

火花之罪·上篇

14 chapters · 1800 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

The First Substance 第一原质

(23:42, XX/XX/2074)（2074年，X月X日，夜，11:42）

(Beneath an abandoned mine, a meticulously organized base is operating in perfect order.)（荒废的矿井之下，一处精密的基地正有条不紊地运行着。）

(Inside a clean, orderly, high-tech laboratory, a woman in a white lab coat has her feet propped up on the control console, lazily tapping at the keyboard while chewing gum.)（干净、整洁、充满科技感的研究室内，身穿白褂的女性双脚搭在控制台上，一边嚼着口香糖一边懒洋洋地敲击键盘。）

????I'm so booooooored... Night shift is such a draaaaaaag...无聊，无聊，值班好无聊……

(She turns her head, reaches out to enter a string of passwords, then squints at the screen.)（她转过头，伸手输入了一串密码，然后眯着眼盯着屏幕看。）

????Hey, little flower, how are you feeling today? Growing pretty well, huh!嘿，小花花，今天感觉如何？成长得还不错嘛！

(In sharp contrast to her flippant attitude, the other researchers in the lab are solemnly focused on their work.)（实验室内，其余的几位研究员正严肃地专注于工作，与她轻浮的态度形成鲜明对比。）

(Unimpressed with the tedium, the woman suddenly sits up straight and clears her throat with theatrical seriousness.)（女性似觉乏味，忽然一下坐直起来，清清嗓子故作严肃。）

????Log entry: Collapse particle adhesion carrier cultivation experiment, Day 217. Sample P-17 responds well to the new culture medium. The success rate of this batch has reached as high as 8%!记录：坍塌粒子附着载体培育实验第217天，样本P-17对新培养基反应良好，这个批次的试验成功率高达了8%！

(As soon as she completes the log entry, she slumps back into her lazy posture and blows a bubble with her gum.)（话音刚落，她便恢复懒散姿态，嘴里嚼着口香糖吹了个泡泡。）

????Ah, such beautiful data we got today.哎，今天的数据真漂亮。

????If that little cutie were still here, I can't even imagine how fast our research would be progressing... I'm really looking forward to it~要是那小可爱还在，我都不敢想我们的研究进度能有多快……真期待啊~

(She spins her chair and glides to another workstation, opens an encrypted folder, inputs the new data into the system, and labels the file "Eden Synchronization Test".)（她旋转椅子，滑到另一个工作站前，打开了一个加密文件夹，将新的数据录入系统，并标记为“乐园同步测试”。）

(She drags the file into a database labeled "Cocoon".)（她将文件拖入标记为“茧”的数据库。）

????Looks like Oleg is probably not far from being finished, huh~奥列克那家伙应该离完蛋也不远了吧~

????If "Eden" can't be built after all, then I guess it's time to activate the backup plan~要是“乐园”也建立不起来的话，是时候得启动备选了呢~

Security SystemIdentity verification required.身份验证需要。

ChiloveigI am the great Lady Chiloveig, Paradeus' brightest star, the most brilliant genius, the most—我，伟大的奇洛薇格女士，帕拉蒂斯最闪亮的明星，最聪明的天才，最——

Security SystemVerification successful. Welcome, Research Director.识别成功。欢迎，研究主管。

(Chiloveig pouts unhappily, clearly displeased at being interrupted.)（奇洛薇格不满地噘了噘嘴，似乎对自己的话被打断相当不满。）

ChiloveigYou're no fun at all. Fine, let's see where our little flower might bloom...你一点都不好玩。算了，还是看看我们的小花能在哪里绽放……

(Chiloveig opens an encrypted email and begins browsing through the entries with interest.)（奇洛薇格打开一个加密的邮件，饶有兴致地开始一条条检索。）

ChiloveigOh my, did a little flower actually grow up on its own?哦呀，竟然有一个小花自己长大了？

(She opens one of the intelligence emails and reads it carefully.)（奇洛薇格将其中一条情报邮件点开，仔细地阅读起来。）

ChiloveigMm-hmm... this little flower was even cultivated here?嗯嗯……这朵小花竟然还是在这里培育的？

ChiloveigOh~ Through a ritual, it can connect to that person's virtual cognition image... Might be a pretty good carrier~唔哦……通过仪式还能和那个家伙的虚识图景连接起来，说不定是个不错的载体呢~

(She opens the attachment. Inside is a photo of a girl whose hair spreads like wings, marked "Under Surveillance".)（奇洛薇格点开附件，一个头发像翅膀一样的少女的照片正在其中，上面标记着“监控中”。）

(Suddenly, an almost imperceptible tremor passes through the room. The lab lights flicker.)（突然，一阵几乎不可察觉的震动传入了房间，实验室的灯光都闪烁了一下。）

ChiloveigAh! An earthquake! The end of the world! It's—啊！是地震！是世界末日！是——

(The others in the room show no reaction to Chiloveig's exaggerated performance, as if they're already used to it.)（房间内的其他人对奇洛薇格浮夸的表演没有做出任何反应，就像是已经习惯了一样。）

(But suddenly, Chiloveig springs to her feet. The playful grin vanishes instantly as she opens a comms channel with a flick of her hand.)（但突然，奇洛薇格猛地站了起来，嬉皮笑脸的笑容瞬间消失，手上动作一转，打开了通讯。）

ChiloveigGuards, send everyone currently on shift to Zone A to check the security scanners, then report the perimeter conditions to me.警卫，现在你们整班所有人都给我去A区检查安全扫描器，然后向我报告A区外围状况。

GuardDirector? Everything appears to be in order in Zone A. There's no—主管？A区一切正常，没有——

ChiloveigI didn't ask for your opinion. Send people to check. Right now. Immediately.我没有询问你的意见，现在、立刻、马上，派人去查看。

(She moves quickly to the security console and enters a complex string of code under the puzzled gazes of the other researchers.)（她迅速移动到安全控制台，在其他研究员疑惑的目光中，输入了一串复杂的代码。）

Guard...Understood. We'll inspect Zone A right away.……明白，我们立即去A区检查安全情况。

ResearcherIs something the matter, Director?发生什么事了吗，主管？

ChiloveigNothing major, just that we have guests.也没啥大事，只是我们有客人了。

ResearcherGuests? Director, there are frequent earthquakes around here. That might have just been—客人？主管，这附近常有地震，刚才可能只是……

(Chiloveig stares intently at the surveillance monitors with narrowed eyes.)（奇洛薇格眯着眼睛，死死盯着眼前的监控屏幕。）

(The monitors display live feeds of every zone in the base. Everything appears normal, yet Chiloveig looks thoughtful.)（监控屏幕上显示着基地各个区域的实时画面，尽管看起来并没有任何异常，但奇洛薇格依然一副若有所思的样子。）

(With a smile, she shakes her head and raises a finger to shush the researcher.)（奇洛薇格笑着摇摇头，伸出一根手指做出噤声的手势。）

GuardReport! Motion detected at Zone A's perimeter with thermal imaging. Speed exceeds normal parameters!——报告，A区外围热成像扫描检测到异常移动物体，速度超出参数范围！

Researcher...?!……！？

(Chiloveig claps her hands excitedly.)（奇洛薇格兴奋地一拍手。）

ChiloveigI told you we had guests! Things are finally getting interesting!我就说有客人！这下就不无聊了！

ResearcherHow did you know—你是怎么知道……

ChiloveigYou have to trust a genius' intuition! I can sense even the tiniest discrepancy in this lab!你要相信天才的直觉！这座实验室再微小的差异我都能感觉得出来！

ChiloveigHaha! Everyone, initiate emergency lockdown protocol. You've got ten minutes to run for your lives. You still remember the evacuation point from safety training, right?哈哈——所有人，启动紧急封存协议。你们还有十分钟时间逃命，还记得安全训练时撤离的地方吧？

ChiloveigYou better move it~快动起来~

(Stunned by the sudden order, the researchers all remain frozen in place.)（研究员们对突如其来的命令不知所措，几乎所有人都愣在原地不动。）

(Chiloveig clicks her tongue in displeasure, her face twisting into a ferocious, furious expression.)（奇洛薇格不满地撇了撇嘴，露出了一副狰狞愤怒的表情。）

ChiloveigMOVE! NOW!我是说马上！

(The researchers jump at Chiloveig's roar. Panic spreads instantly, and they rush for the exit.)（研究员们被奇洛薇格的怒吼吓得一哆嗦，恐慌在一瞬间传递给了人群，研究员们匆忙往门外冲去。）

ChiloveigThanks~谢谢~

(Chiloveig turns around and blinks, her expression shifting back from icy ruthlessness to playful charm.)（奇洛薇格转过身眨了眨眼，脸上的神情又从严酷的冷厉恢复到俏皮模样。）

(Soon, there is no one else left in the lab. She strolls back to her workstation and sits back down.)（办公室很快就只剩她一人，她不紧不慢地回到工作台前，又坐回到自己的椅子上。）

ChiloveigHaha, that's more like it. System, activate Emergency Plan 48. Authorize use of the special transfer database. Emergency encryption. Authorization code: Stardust–Ballet–Red Cube.哈哈，还是这样有意思。系统，启动48应急预案，授权使用特殊转移数据库，紧急加密。授权码：星尘-芭蕾-红魔方。

Security SystemEncryption initiated. Please select priority data blocks for protection.加密启动。请选择优先保护的数据区块。

ChiloveigLet me think... Epiphyllum resonance data, and... oh, save that one too.让我想想……昙花共振数据和……啊，把那个也保存了。

ChiloveigOur guests might be interested in it~我们的客人可能会对此感兴趣~

(The progress bar begins to fill. While waiting, Chiloveig tilts her head, pulls a uniquely designed handgun from a drawer, and elegantly spins it in her hand.)（屏幕中的界面开始读条。无聊等待中的奇洛薇格歪了歪头，从抽屉里取出一把造型独特的手枪，在手中优雅地转了个枪花。）

ChiloveigGuests of this caliber... hmm... I suppose they're with Zelinsky... No, wait... They could also be Riefenstahl's? Mm... doesn't really feel like their style either...有这种水平的客人，嗯……我猜是泽林斯基派……嗯，不对……也可能是蕾芬斯塔尔派？嗯……也不是她们的风格……

GuardR-report, we need supp—!!报，报告，我们需要支——！！

(The transmission cuts off abruptly, followed by a scream and the sound of bones snapping.)（忽然响起的通讯瞬间戛然而止，只听到一声惨叫和骨骼断裂的声音。）

ChiloveigWow, our guests don't sound very friendly.哇哇，听起来我们的客人不太友善呢。

ChiloveigHey, dear intruders, would you like to stop for a cup of tea? I've got some excellent Darjeeling here~喂喂，入侵者先生或女士，你们有兴趣停下来喝杯茶吗？我这里有上好的大吉岭哦~

(Only static answers from the other side.)（通讯的另一侧只有静电声作为回应。）

Chiloveig(Sigh) How rude.唉， 真没礼貌。

(Chiloveig shrugs and presses a red button. Instantly, alarms blare throughout the entire base.)（奇洛薇格耸了耸肩，按下了一个红色按钮，瞬间，整个基地都响起了警报。）

(She brings the comms microphone up to her mouth.)（她将通讯麦克风凑到自己嘴边。）

ChiloveigAttention, attention, dear colleagues! We have uninvited guests! Security personnel, please entertain our visitors properly!注意，注意，各位亲爱的同事们！我们有不速之客光临！安保人员，请招待好我们的客人！

ChiloveigDon't say I didn't warn you, they seem pretty strong, so... good luck!别说我没提醒你们，他们貌似很厉害，所以……祝你们好运！

ChiloveigOh, almost forgot—I just activated the emergency lockdown protocol. The base will self-destruct in ten minutes.哦，差点忘了，我刚才启动了紧急封存协议，十分钟后基地会自毁爆炸。

ChiloveigAh, now it's only nine minutes left. Don't worry, that's plenty of advance notice. Don't say I didn't give you a chance to run~啊，只剩九分钟了，没事已经够提前了，别说我没给你们逃跑的机会哦~

(The receiver picks up a cacophony of chaos from the other end as alarms overlap everywhere.)（从通讯的收音器中，传出了一片混乱的声音，警报声此起彼伏。）

(Chiloveig hits the mute button and slides her chair back toward the surveillance monitors.)（奇洛薇格按下静音键，又滑动椅子回到了监控屏幕前。）

(Watching the security personnel in Zone A get taken down with alarming speed, she can't help but shake her head.)（看着监控屏幕上A区的安保人员被迅速击倒，她不禁摇头咂舌。）

ChiloveigTut, tut, what a useless bunch.啧啧，太没用了。

(She squints at the high-speed blur that flashes past in the live feed, too fast to make out clearly even in slow motion.)（她眯着眼睛，看着画面中，那个高速移动、一闪而过，即便锁定了慢速播放，也看不清楚的人影。）

Chiloveig...There's only one of them...?……就一个人？……

(She quickly switches to the Zone B feed and stares at it for a few seconds.)（她迅速切换到B区的监控，盯着画面看了几秒。）

ChiloveigHa! It really is just one intruder! And they took out all the guards!哈！还真的就一个人，把所有警卫都干掉了！

(She slams the desk and jumps to her feet, snapping her fingers and humming a tune, clearly exhilarated.)（她一拍桌子站了起来，忍不住打了个响指，哼着小调，显然心情十分雀跃。）

ChiloveigIt's THEM... It has to be THEM!是“她们”……一定就是“她们”！

(She drops back into her chair and spins around several times. Then she grabs a small remote from the desk and presses a button.)（她坐回到椅子上，转起了圈，随手抄起桌上一个小巧的遥控器，按下了按钮。）

ChiloveigOnly eight minutes left now. Hmm, I should think of a way to welcome them... Maybe some music?现在只有8分钟了，嗯，我得想办法欢迎她们……给她们配点音乐？

(She presses the button again thoughtfully.)（她若有所思地再次摁下按钮。）

(The base's broadcast system suddenly begins playing cheerful classical music.)（基地的广播系统突然播放起了欢快的古典乐。）

????...?……？

(On the monitor, the ghost-like figure pauses for an instant, seemingly puzzled.)（监控内，那个鬼魅一样的影子陡然顿了一瞬，似乎对此也有些不解。）

(Watching the screen, Chiloveig sets the remote down, hums along to the music, and gets up to whirl into a waltz with an invisible partner.)（奇洛薇格看着监控，放下遥控器，随着广播的音乐哼着调子，站起来在原地跳起了交际舞。）

(But less than ten seconds later, all the lights abruptly go out inside the lab, and the music cuts off.)（但仅仅只过了不到十秒，实验室的灯光突然全部熄灭，音乐也戛然而止。）

ChiloveigHey! Who cut my music? How crude!喂！谁切断了我的音乐？太没品了！

(Despite her complaint, she quickly hides, fumbling in the darkness to put on a pair of glasses and pressing a button on the frame.)（尽管嘴上抱怨着，但她还是迅速隐蔽了起来，并在黑暗中摸索了一下，戴上了一副眼镜，按了一下镜框的侧面。）

(The dark room instantly brightens in her vision.)（昏暗的房间在她的视野内一下又明亮了起来。）

(And that's when she sees a figure silently dropping down from the ventilation shaft.)（这也让她看见了一个身影正从通风口无声地降落。）

ChiloveigOh my god...我的天哪……

(She murmurs softly to herself.)（她小声地喃喃自语。）

Chiloveig...It's Alva, in the flesh!……是埃芙本人！

(In the darkness, she locks eyes with the newcomer.)（黑暗之中，她与来人面面相觑。）

(Swish—)（唰——）

(Bang! Bang!)（呯！呯！）

(Prepared in advance, Chiloveig pulls the trigger first. But the intruder is even faster, dodging sideways like lightning and drawing her gun in the same instant to return fire.)（早有准备的奇洛薇格先手扣动了扳机，然而对方比她更快，如闪电般侧身避开的同时瞬间拔枪反击。）

(Two consecutive rounds burst with lethal fire in the dark.)（三发子弹在黑暗中闪出致命的火光。）

ChiloveigUrk!!咕——！！

(Sharp pain explodes through Chiloveig's knee and wrist, and she collapses to the floor.)（奇洛薇格的膝盖和手腕骤然传来剧痛，瞬间跌倒在地。）

(Sweat beads on her forehead as she lies curled up on the ground. She peers up at the computer terminal riddled with bullet holes from her own shots, sparks flying, and remarks dryly.)（她的额头冒着冷汗，蜷缩在地面上，看着被她自己的子弹打出弹孔，冒着火花的计算机终端，语气仍旧戏谑。）

ChiloveigDo you have any idea... how much it'd cost... to fix that?你知道……嘶……修这个……嘶……要花多少钱吗？

??...……

(The intruder steps closer and crouches down by Chiloveig, her icy fingers wrapped around Chiloveig's neck.)（来人走近了奇洛薇格，蹲下身来，冰冷的手指贴在了奇洛薇格的脖颈上。）

??...You're not an ordinary researcher.……你不是普通的研究人员。

(Chiloveig raises the hand that had been clutching her wounded knee and gives an exaggerated salute.)（奇洛薇格抬起刚还捂着膝盖上伤口的手，夸张地敬了个礼。）

(Her palm, sticky with nearly congealed filthy blood, emits a nauseating stench.)（她的手心，粘稠的污血几乎凝固，散发着令人反胃的恶臭。）

ChiloveigThanks for the compliment! Chiloveig, Chief Research Director of Research Center No. 17, at your service!谢谢夸奖！奇洛薇格，十七号研究中心首席研究主管，为您服务！

ChiloveigOh, and can we take a photo together, Miss Snow Wolf? After all, I am your biggest fan.哦，还有，我是您的超级粉丝，雪狼小姐！我们能合影吗？

ChiloveigAh, I guess you go by Miss Alva now, don't you?啊，现在您应该被称为埃芙小姐，我记得没错吧？

Alva...You know me.……你认识我。

ChiloveigOf course! The legendary member of Task Force DEFY! I've collected all your operation records from Berlin and Frankfurt!当然啦！忤逆小队的传奇成员！我收集了你们在柏林和法兰克福的所有行动资料！

ChiloveigYour hacking skills and tactical expertise are exceptional... Let me guess... That attack by someone else out there was just a feint, and you're the one actually carrying out the core mission, am I right?您的黑客技术、战术素养都很卓越……我猜外面那家伙的袭击只是障眼法，真正负责执行核心任务的是您吧？

ChiloveigYou're really a work of art! Could I get your autograph? Oh, wait... I'm a bit immobile right now...您简直是个艺术品！能请您签个名吗？哦等等，我现在有点行动不便……

AlvaDon't play tricks.别耍花样。

(Alva speaks coldly. The fingers around Chiloveig's neck tighten into a chokehold as her other hand plucks everything from her person.)（埃芙冷酷地说着，按在奇洛薇格脖颈上的手指顺势转为了掐住她，同时另一只手摸走了她身上的所有物品。）

(...Two pens, some empty test vials, and a magazine.)（……两支原子笔，一些空试管瓶，一个弹匣。）

(None of that matters. What matters is—she doesn't feel a heartbeat.)（这些都不重要，重要的是——她没有摸到奇洛薇格的心跳。）

AlvaNyto...涅托……

(Alva looks down at Chiloveig with disgust. Chiloveig shrugs self-deprecatingly.)（她嫌恶地看了奇洛薇格一眼，对方自嘲般地耸了耸肩。）

AlvaWhat are you researching here?你们在这里研究什么？

(Chiloveig blinks and lowers her voice slightly.)（奇洛薇格眨了眨眼，略微压低了声音。）

ChiloveigYou want to know?您想知道吗？

(Alva squeezes harder, making Chiloveig suck in a sharp breath.)（埃芙掐得更用力了一些，疼得她倒抽了一口凉气。）

ChiloveigFlowers, flowers, flowers! Beautiful flowers!花花花！美丽的花！

Chiloveig...Of course, not ordinary ones. Special varieties that can attract butterflies.……当然，不是普通的花。是能引来蝴蝶的特殊品种。

ChiloveigAll we're missing is suitable... soil.我们只缺少合适的……土壤。

(Her eyes flick toward a hidden timer—five minutes left.)（她的眼睛瞟向一个隐蔽的计时器——还有5分钟。）

(Alva notices her glance, though she doesn't need to look to know what it means.)（埃芙注意到了她的视线，但根本不需要看，也知道她在想什么。）

AlvaWatch out. We have five minutes left.注意，还有5分钟。

ChiloveigOh my, if I'd known it was you coming, I wouldn't have rushed to self-destruct the place like this~诶呀，早知道来的是您，我就不这么急着自毁这里了~

(Ignoring Chiloveig's mad chatter, Alva releases her, then turns to the damaged computer terminal and starts extracting the data.)（埃芙没有理会奇洛薇格的疯话，松开了她，转向已经被破坏的计算机终端，开始了数据提取工作。）

(...Beep.)（……滴。）

White MastiffWhite Mastiff reporting in: Zone A is silent. Over.白獒报告，A区已沉默，完毕。

AlvaSnow Wolf copies.雪狼收到。

ChiloveigWow! The Doll on the other end must be AK-15! Today really is my lucky day!哇哦！那边的人形一定是AK15吧！今天肯定是我的幸运日！

AlvaWhite Mastiff, the base is going to self-destruct. Marking the rendezvous point; I'll guide you in. Over.白獒，基地将自毁，标定汇合位置，向你引导，完毕。

White MastiffWhite Mastiff copies. Following instructions. ETA to rendezvous point: 30 seconds. Over.白獒收到，同上指示。预计三十秒后抵达汇合位置，完毕。

ChiloveigAK-15... No, it's Voymastina now, isn't it?AK15……不，现在应该是叫威玛西娜吧？

ChiloveigI won't stand a chance under her interrogation—guess I'd better hurry up...要是被她拷问我可扛不住呢——那我得抓紧时间了……

(Chiloveig pouts with theatrical regret. An unnatural bulge suddenly appears on her cheek.)（奇洛薇格一副惋惜的样子，脸颊上出现了不自然的凸起。）

Alva...Don't move!……别动！

(Alva seems to realize something. She quickly grabs Chiloveig's face and forces her mouth open.)（埃芙似乎意识到了什么，迅速地掐住了奇洛薇格的嘴巴，强行撬开了她的嘴。）

(She forcibly wrenches out Chiloveig's metal tooth.)（她硬生生拔下了奇洛薇格那颗金属的牙齿。）

ChiloveigOof... Pffft... Haha... Too late...咕……噗……哈哈……迟了……

(Chiloveig starts coughing up blood, though it's clearly not just from having a tooth ripped out.)（奇洛薇格开始呕血，显然并不只是因为被拔下了牙。）

ChiloveigOnly four minutes left now... You'd better hurry, Miss Snow Wolf...现在只剩4分钟了……雪狼小姐您可得抓紧时间了啊……

(She barely gets to the end of the sentence before her eyes suddenly widen. A few rasping breaths escape her throat, and her body stiffens and collapses to the floor in the next second.)（话音未落，奇洛薇格陡然瞪大了眼睛，从喉咙传出几下气音，下一秒，便蹬直了身体，倒在了地上。）

(Her gaze turns vacant, yet the eerie smile at the corner of her mouth remains frozen forever.)（她的眼神变得空洞，但嘴角仍保持着那抹诡异的微笑，就像死前的最后一个表情被永远定格。）

Alva...……

(Alva turns away. She pulls a collar-like device from her tactical pack, draws out a data cable, and connects it to the still-sparking terminal.)（埃芙转过身去，从随身的战术背包中取出了一个近似项圈的仪器，从中抽出一条数据线，接到了眼前还冒着火花的仪器上。）

(She takes out her tablet. As the cable connects the device to the terminal, torrents of data begin scrolling across the screen.)（她掏出随身的平板，随着数据线连接，平板上开始滚动大量的数据流。）

(Facing the dense, complex interface, Alva flexes her fingers. She opens her palm, and hair-thin auxiliary fingers extend from her fingertips, spreading over the keyboard alongside her long fingers.)（面对繁冗复杂的屏幕，埃芙活动了一下手指，手掌摊开，指尖弹出细若发丝的辅助指，与修长的手指一同覆盖在键盘之上。）

(Fingers and auxiliary digits become a blur as they dance wildly across the keys; the furious typing sounds almost like a sudden downpour.)（敲击声如同疾风骤雨般响起，十指与辅助指化作了一道道残影，在键盘上飞速地起舞。）

Alva...……

(The vigorous motion abruptly stops. The screen's dim green glow reflects in Alva's teal eyes, and she freezes for a moment.)（雀动手指的激烈活动忽然间戛然而止，屏幕上幽绿的微光倒映在埃芙青色的眼眸中，令她不由微微愣神。）

Alva..."Cocoon" database. Subprogram: Helena. Entry: O-43 incubation data.……“茧”数据库，子程序：海伦娜，条目：O-43 孵化数据。

(The all-too-familiar contents make Alva pause, and she opens the file.)（过于熟悉的内容令埃芙停顿下来，并点入了档案。）

AlvaSo this... is where O-43 was incubated...O-43……就是在这里被孵化出来的……

(The detailed experimental logs record everything from the host to the incubation process—down to daily culture-dish temperature, humidity, microbial conditions, and other data far beyond Alva's expectations.)（详细的实验记录，包含了从母体到孵化的所有过程，甚至记录了O-43成长过程中，每日的培养皿温度、湿度、菌群状况一类超出了埃芙认知的数据。）

(That's not all...)（并且……）

(O-43#19...)（O-43#19……）

(It seems that more than one identical test subject was born in this base.)（似乎，同样的实验品，在这个基地内，也曾诞生过不止一个。）

(But in the end, only one finished product ever made it out.)（只是最终，只有一个成品走出了这里。）

Alva...……

(Harrowing images sear themselves into Alva's eyes one after another. She glances at the data-copy progress, then continues paging through O-43's file.)（……触目惊心的图像记录一篇篇烙印在埃芙的眼眸中，她侧目检查了一下数据的拷贝进度，随即又继续翻阅O-43的档案。）

(To her surprise, the logs don't end with O-43's birth. In fact, the very title of the database—"Cocoon"—already sets off the alarm bells in her head.)（令埃芙感到意外的是，截止到O-43诞生，这篇档案也还没有结束……说到底，档案文件以“茧”为名，就已经引起了她的警戒。）

AlvaProject... Eden...?乐园、计划……？

(Her fingers tap lightly on the keyboard, opening a data partition with even heavier encryption.)（她的手指在键盘上轻轻敲击，打开了一个加密度更高的数据分区。）

(A folder labeled "Connection Project: Girard Group" appears on the screen.)（一个标记为“链接工程：吉拉尔集团”的文件夹出现在屏幕上。）

Alva...……

(Alva is not at all surprised to see the Girard Group's name here.)（对于在这里看到吉拉尔集团的名字，埃芙并不感到惊奇。）

(Despite the incident in Odesa never being made fully public, such information is hardly difficult for Task Force DEFY to obtain.)（尽管在奥德卅州发生的事件并未通过公开媒体泄露太多信息，但对“忤逆”而言这些信息并不难获取。）

Alva...……

(Information pairing "Project Eden" with the Girard Group is hardly rare.)（“乐园计划”与“吉拉尔集团”组合在一起的信息并不少见。）

(The project is no secret. On the contrary, the Girard Group has spared no effort promoting the technology, even using it to temporarily halt the freefall of its stock price. The publicity campaign conveniently began shortly after the Odesa scandal broke.)（这并不是一个秘密项目，相反，吉拉尔集团在该项技术的宣传上堪称不遗余力，甚至借此暂时遏制了他们一落千丈的股价走势——刚好，对这一项目的宣传和包装，便是在奥德卅州的丑闻发酵之后不久。）

(According to the Girard Group, Project Eden is a brand-new clean-energy initiative. It's meant to deliver more abundant, cleaner, and revolutionary energy for all humanity.)（在吉拉尔集团的描述中，乐园计划是一项崭新的新能源计划，旨在为全人类带来更充足、更清洁、更划时代的能源运用。）

(...However, Alva knows better.)（……然而，埃芙十分清楚。）

(Anything tied to Paradeus can never be what it claims to be.)（任何事情，一旦与帕拉蒂斯产生关联，那么它的本质就一定……）

Alva...!……！

(While Alva is taking in the information, a series of Epiphyllum cultivation data and radiation test charts appear on the screen, displaying shocking values and abnormal growth patterns.)（就在埃芙思考的时候，屏幕上出现了一系列昙花培育数据和辐射测试图表，显示着惊人的数值和异常的生长模式。）

Alva...A particle resonance amplifier?……粒子共振放大器？

(She scrolls and keeps reading.)（她滚动着屏幕，继续阅读。）

AlvaEpiphyllum cultivation experiment, P-series samples... Absorption and release efficiency increased by 217%...昙花培育实验，P系列样本……吸收与释放效率提升217%……

(Just as Alva is about to dig deeper, an encryption wall blocks further access.)（正当埃芙想要继续深入查找时，一个加密墙阻止了她的进一步搜索。）

(She tries to crack it, but time is running out.)（她试图破解，但时间已经不多了。）

AlvaProject Eden...乐园计划……

(Alva murmurs the project's name again, this time in an entirely different tone.)（埃芙又一次默念出了计划的名称，而这一次，则是截然不同的另一种情感。）

(Why would Girard work with Paradeus to research Epiphyllums? What are they after? What does Girard want? And what role does O-43 play in all of this?)（吉拉尔为什么要跟帕拉蒂斯一起研究昙花？他们有什么目的？吉拉尔想做什么？O-43又在这计划中扮演什么角色？）

(As these questions swirl in Alva's head, a towering figure kicks open the laboratory door.)（就在埃芙陷入思考的时候，威玛西娜那如山峰一般的身影一脚踹开了实验室的大门。）

(Voymastina steps in. Her silver-white hair is as neat as ever. Faint streaks of red glint within the silver as they sway with her firm stride.)（她银白的发丝依旧干练，随着她坚定的脚步纷飞舞动，隐约可见银中透着的几抹鲜红。）

Voymastina...Kevin couldn't stop the aircraft evacuating the personnel.……凯文没拦住运送撤离人员的飞机。

AlvaHe'll keep tracking them. It's fine.他会继续追踪的，不要紧。

(Alva glances toward the other end of the screen.)（埃芙斜眼看了看屏幕的另一侧。）

AlvaThree minutes until self-destruct.离自毁还有三分钟。

VoymastinaThe data?数据？

(Alva plugs the cable drawn from the collar into the port at her own neck. Green light instantly starts flashing across her eyes.)（埃芙将项圈中抽出的数据线插到了自己脖颈上的插口中，随即双眼中迅速滚动起了绿色的光幕。）

(While Alva retrieves the data, Voymastina naturally takes a position beside her, keeping watch over the surrounding area.)（而在埃芙检索数据的时候，威玛西娜则自然地站在了她的身侧，警戒着四周。）

(About 30 seconds later, Alva unplugs the cable with a look of dissatisfaction.)（大约三十秒后，埃芙回过神来，拔掉了数据线，显得不那么满意。）

Alva...Only part of it is cracked. The deeper layers aren't decrypted yet, and the incubation data on O-43 is incomplete.……只破解了一部分，深层数据的解密还没有完成，关于O-43的孵化数据也不完整。

AlvaBut I did find some information on Project Eden.但找到了一些关于乐园计划的信息。

VoymastinaProject Eden?乐园计划？

AlvaA research project that the Girard Group has recently made public... Seems to involve using plants to regulate Collapse particle energy release.吉拉尔集团最近对外公开的一个项目……似乎是一个植物控制坍塌粒子能源释放的研究工程。

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina frowns.)（威玛西娜蹙了下眉头。）

Voymastina...Isn't that the same thing as a Remolding Pattern?……和拟态图谱是一个东西？

AlvaWith Girard's capabilities, their research shouldn't reach that level. The ones doing the real work are still these Paradeus corpses.以吉拉尔的实力，他们的科研水平应该到不了这个高度，真正在研究的还是这些帕拉蒂斯的死人。

(Alva glances at Chiloveig's body on the floor, then returns her focus to the files.)（埃芙看了一眼地上的奇洛薇格，随即将注意力放回到档案上。）

AlvaThey... genuinely seem to believe this research can bring them back from the dead.他们更像是……真心相信这项研究能助他们起死回生。

AlvaParadeus probably just wants their money and never fully disclosed the truth to the Girard Group.恐怕帕拉蒂斯需要的只是他们的钱，并没有真正向吉拉尔集团交底。

AlvaBut why is O-43 mentioned in Project Eden...? This looks like a recent revision.不过“乐园计划”中为什么要提及O-43……看起来是新修改的内容。

VoymastinaYou can't see it?看不到么？

AlvaMost of the contents are corrupted.内容大部分被破坏了。

Voymastina...What about the other files?……其他档案呢。

AlvaThere's no time to crack them. It's fine, we've learned enough already. Have Kevin check all the locations connected to this base. Don't let those researchers get away.来不及破解了。没关系，收获已经足够多了，让凯文查一下跟这个基地有来往的地方，别放跑那些研究员。

AlvaSend the copied data to Anna later. Have her decrypt what standard methods can't read.一会把拷贝的数据发给安娜，解密一下那些常规手段无法读取的东西。

VoymastinaRight.嗯。

(Beep.)（滴。）

Alva...Hold on.……稍等。

(Alva slings her gun behind her back and pulls the vibrating communicator from her tactical pouch.)（埃芙将枪背到身后，从腰间的战术挎包中取出了一个不停震动的通讯器。）

(The sight of that communicator stops Voymastina in her tracks. She stands rooted at the spot and stares at it in silence.)（在看到那个通讯器时，威玛西娜也停下了脚步，站在原地，静静地注视着。）

Alva...……

(The communicator is like a Rubik's cube. Alva aligns its patterns with a few twists and turns.)（通讯器就像一个魔方一般，埃芙几经转动对齐了通讯器的花纹。）

(With a soft click, a narrow seam cracks open, and a thin beam of light spills out.)（“啪”的一声，通讯器像被解开了一般，缓缓打开了一个缺口，里面一条微小的光芒射了出来。）

(Alva stares at the light in complete stillness, as if trying to decipher something. After a moment, she finally moves.)（埃芙一动不动地注视着光芒，仿佛在解析着什么。片刻，她有了反应。）

AlvaNotify Mona. Have the transport take us to these new coordinates once we're out of here.通知莫娜，撤离后让运输机立即带我们前往新坐标。

AlvaNew arrangements.我们有新的安排了。

Voymastina...Is "she" rejoining the team?……“她”会归队吗？

AlvaNot yet. There's still a lot within the conglomerate that she needs to dig into.暂时还不会，财团内还有很多事需要“她”挖掘。

Voymastina...………

Alva...I miss her too, Voymastina. But we need to stay focused on the mission.……我也很想“她”，威玛西娜，但我们要专注在任务上。

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina pauses, then finally asks...)（威玛西娜停顿了一下，看向埃芙问道。）

VoymastinaWhat did she say?“她”说什么了？

AlvaThe Girard Group is showing signs of desperation. We need to go to Lviv and make sure things don't go wrong there.吉拉尔集团有狗急跳墙的迹象，我们得去一趟利沃夫，确保那边的行动不会出现意外。

VoymastinaThere?那边？

AlvaNOMFA's operation.非军事管理局的行动。

AlvaShe wants us to monitor it closely.“她”要我们严密监控。

VoymastinaUnderstood. I will.我明白了，我会的。

AlvaLet's move.撤吧。

(Giving no further response, Voymastina turns and heads toward the evacuation point with haste.)（威玛西娜没有做出任何回应，只是立即转身向撤离位置奔去。）

(Alva rubs the communicator tenderly with her thumb, then slips it back into her pouch. She shoulders her weapon and sets off as well.)（跟在她身后的埃芙则怜爱地用拇指摩挲了一下手中的通讯器，随即将其放回了挎包内，背着武器，转身离开。）

(Following their departure, Chiloveig's body on the floor begins to slowly melt, her once human-like face dissolving into a shapeless puddle.)（随着身影的离开，倒在地上的奇洛薇格已经开始慢慢融化，原本类似人类的面庞已经变得不可名状。）

(The grotesque sight lasts only a moment. A massive explosion erupts, reducing everything to ashes.)（但是这恶心的画面没有持续多久，巨大的爆炸腾然而起，将这里的一切化为灰烬。）

As above, so below. 如其在上，如其在下

(...)（……）

(I wake up in bed. It has been a long time since I last slept this soundly for so long.)（我从床上醒来。已经很久没有安稳地睡这么长时间的觉了。）

(Outside the window, daylight has long since broken. Driven by its preset autopilot program, the Elmo cruises methodically onward. Its rhythm is as monotonous and steady as the scenery of the Yellow Zone.)（窗外的天早已大亮，艾莫号在设置好的自动驾驶程序的驱动下按部就班地巡航着，行驶的节奏和黄区里的风景一样单调而稳定。）

(After washing up, I head to the ops room early. Groza is on duty, monitoring the surroundings at the command console.)（洗漱完毕后，我便早早地前往指挥室，值班的闪电正在指挥台前监视周围的情况。）

(When she sees me, she brews a cup of coffee and sets it in front of my seat, as she always does.)（看到我过来，闪电一如既往地泡了一杯咖啡，放在我的座位前面。）

(I nod to thank her, look over the navigation trajectory, then raise my head and ask.)（我点头向她致谢，看着航向轨迹，抬头向闪电问道。）

CommanderThere shouldn't be any risks along the planned route, right?预定路线上没有什么风险吧？

GrozaNo units capable of threatening the Elmo have been detected for now. I think the chosen trajectory was carefully considered.暂时没有发现能威胁艾莫号的单位，我想他们选择的轨迹应该是缜密考虑过的。

CommanderThat's what I thought.我想也是。

GrozaBased on the projected intersections between our route and legal air corridors, potential contact windows are in 7 minutes, 125 minutes, and 314 minutes.按照我们路线走向与合法空中航道的交汇预判，接触时间可能在7分钟、125分钟和314分钟后。

CommanderThen we'll proceed according to plan.我们按计划行驶就好。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

(After a stretch, I go through the various tasks displayed on the terminal.)（我伸了个懒腰，开始检查终端上的各项任务。）

(The screen shows green markers representing several squads currently deployed on missions.)（终端中显示着正在外出执行任务的几支小队所代表的绿点。）

(They are proceeding in an orderly fashion along their planned routes. The mission logs they transmit back indicate that everything is normal so far.)（她们正有条不紊地按照规划好的路线进行着，回传的任务日志说明目前的状态一切正常。）

CommanderLooks like everyone's missions are going smoothly.看来大家的任务还算顺利。

(I open the task list and check a priority watch item named "Zucchero Squad".)（点开任务列表，我查看着一个名为“方糖小队”的重点关注目标。）

(After several days of travel, Springfield and Makiatto are drawing closer and closer to their destination—Satellite City LVI-13 near Lviv.)（经过数天的跋涉，春田和玛绮朵距离目的地——位于利沃夫周边的LVI-13卫星城也越来越近了。）

(Even though the two Dolls assigned to this mission are both highly reliable, when I think about all the attention we attracted back when the escorted target was still aboard the Elmo, I can't help but worry about them.)（虽然正在执行这项任务的两名人形都很可靠，但想到她们所护送的目标还在艾莫号上时，我们一路上受到的那些“关注”，还是让我无法避免地担心起来。）

(I activate the Elmo's comms system, enter the code, and connect to Zucchero Squad's scheduled contact channel.)（我打开了艾莫号上的通讯设备，输入代码后，与方糖小队的定期联络频道被接通了。）

SpringfieldCommander, good morning.指挥官，早上好。

SpringfieldYou're just as punctual as ever.您果然还是像以前一样很准时呢。

CommanderMorning.早。

CommanderHow is it? Has the journey been smooth?怎么样，路上还顺利吗？

SpringfieldWe haven't run into any trouble so far.目前还没遇到什么麻烦。

SpringfieldHowever, we have reason to suspect that we might be under surveillance. Therefore, we found a way to disembark from the Intercontinental Railway train ahead of schedule and resupplied yesterday—at a temporary supply point in the Yellow Zone.因为有疑似被跟踪的迹象，我们想办法提前下了洲际列车，昨天在黄区的一个临时补给点进行了补给。

SpringfieldOur pace is slower than planned, but for this mission, it's the safer option.虽然行进速度比计划中慢，但对这项任务来说，是更安全的选择。

SpringfieldMakiatto is conducting the final checks and preparations now. Once ready, we'll transport the target to the designated city by truck.现在玛绮朵正在做最后的检查和整备，准备完毕后会通过运输车将“目标”送往指定城市。

SpringfieldRoad checkpoints are much less strict than along the Intercontinental Railway. We'll find ways to smooth things over.道路入关的严格程度比洲际列车要低很多，我们会想办法再打点下。

SpringfieldIf all goes well, we should reach the scheduled handover point in two days.顺利的话，预计两天后就能抵达预定的交接地点。

CommanderWell done. Escorting such a conspicuous target across most of the URNC must have been tough on you.做得很好。带着这么显眼的目标穿过大半个罗联，一路上辛苦你们了。

SpringfieldDon't underestimate Miss Dandelion's VIP clearance—or the intelligence network that the Zucchero has carefully cultivated over the years.您可别小看了丹德莱小姐的VIP权限和方糖长久以来悉心经营的情报网哦。

SpringfieldThat said, even with all our preparations, the journey here has been unexpectedly smooth...不过说起来，就算是事先做足了准备，我们过来的路上也实在是顺利得出人意料呢……

SpringfieldEspecially for a mission that involves traversing the entire Yellow Zone.尤其是对于这种跨越整个黄区的任务来说。

SpringfieldThe enemy who's most likely to intervene forcefully hasn't made a move at all.最有可能强行出手的敌人却一直没有反应。

CommanderYou mean Paradeus...你是说帕拉蒂斯么……

SpringfieldYes. I originally thought that with such a conspicuous target, we'd definitely encounter them along the way.嗯。我本来以为，带着这样显眼的目标，中途一定会遇到他们才对。

SpringfieldTo prepare for an engagement, Makiatto has even brought along a lot of weapons that really aren't her style.为了应对遭遇战，玛绮朵准备了很多不太符合她风格的武器呢。

SpringfieldBut now it seems we may have worried too much.但现在看来，这种担心好像有些多虑了。

CommanderEven they wouldn't dare do anything so openly on an Intercontinental Railway train.就算是它们也不敢在洲际列车上明目张胆地做什么吧。

CommanderStill, don't lower your guard.不过还是别太掉以轻心。

CommanderThey might be lurking around you.说不定它们潜伏在你们周围。

SpringfieldYou're absolutely right. We'll stay vigilant.您说得很有道理，我们会小心的。

CommanderBy the way, how is Helena doing?对了，海伦娜的状态怎么样？

SpringfieldShe's been under the protection of the defense system the whole time. Her condition has remained stable since boarding the train.她一直处于防卫系统的保护下，从上列车开始直到现在，她的状态都保持稳定。

SpringfieldWhen passing through road checkpoints, I'll hide her in the deepest part of the truck cabin.道路入关时，我会把她藏在运输车轿厢的最深处。

SpringfieldI've added an outer layer of camouflage. It should be enough to deal with X-ray scans during inspections.我在外面设置了一层伪装，应付通关时的X光扫描足够了。

SpringfieldI'll have trusted contacts handle the checkpoint procedures.通关的手续我会找熟悉的线人帮忙办理。

SpringfieldPolicies seem to be tightening these past few days, but we should just about make it in time for the appointment with Miss Leva.虽然最近几天政策似乎在收紧，但应该勉强赶得上和莱娅小姐约定的时间。

CommanderGood. Stay in touch. The Elmo is also heading toward Lviv—we'll rendezvous with you there.嗯，保持联系。艾莫号也在往利沃夫行驶，到时候与你们汇合。

SpringfieldUnderstood. Please be careful on your end as well.明白。您一路上也务必小心。

(Beep.)（嘀。）

(The call ends.)（通讯结束。）

(After hanging up, I finally feel a bit more at ease.)（挂断通讯后，我总算稍微安心了一点。）

(The mission to escort Helena is proceeding smoothly, and the previous operations were all completed without major incident.)（护送海伦娜的任务一切顺利，之前的任务也都有惊无险地完成了。）

CommanderOur fortunes finally seem to be improving.感觉之前的困境已经过去了呢。

(Hearing my remark, Groza pauses for a moment, then responds with a smile.)（听到了我的感叹，闪电停顿了一下，随即露出笑容回应道。）

GrozaThings have indeed been going more smoothly, Commander, but we still can't let our guard down.的确顺利起来了，不过指挥官，我们还不能放松警惕哦。

CommanderMm, I know. Of course.嗯，我明白，那是自然。

(Groza and I finish our tasks with remarkable efficiency. I lean back in my chair and stretch again as I listen to the lively chatter of the other Dolls on board the MCV.)（我和闪电都以惊人的效率完成了手头的工作，我靠在椅背上又伸了一个懒腰，听到了基地车内其他人形的喧嚣声。）

(The Dolls currently stationed on the Elmo have finished their own work and seem to be gathered together chatting. As their conversations reach a particularly lively point, bits of their laughter and chatter occasionally drift into the ops room.)（留在艾莫号上的人形们也处理完了自己的事，似乎正聚在一起聊天，她们的说笑声随着聊天的内容进入高潮环节，便会偶尔传进指挥室几句。）

...Butterflies... silent whispers... never sleeping...“……蝴蝶……沉默的絮语……永不入眠……”

So that's why you didn't sleep all night?!“所以这就是你一夜没睡的原因吗！”

—That's Krolik and Nemesis bickering with each other.——是克罗丽科和纳美西丝在拌嘴。

Miss Mayling, may I ask what kind of breakfast you prefer?“美玲小姐，可以向您请教一下您有什么早餐的喜好吗？”

Uh... M-me?“啊，我我我吗？”

—Centaureissi must be preparing breakfast for everyone.——这个时候的桑朵莱希，一定在为大家准备早餐吧。

Sheesh... Do you HAVE to wake me up this early...?“喂喂……我说你也不用这么早把人叫起来吧……”

What time do you think it is? Get up and finish your shooting drill!“都几点了，快给我起来完成射击训练！”

—Those voices, without a doubt, belong to Mechty and Klukai.——毫无疑问是米什缇和可露凯的声音。

...……

(Maybe it's because recent events have been so turbulent, but this brief moment of calm respite feels strangely surreal.)（或许是近来发生的事情实在太跌宕起伏，眼前的短暂平静，竟然让我产生了一种不真实的感觉。）

(And yet, not long ago, I was just an ordinary bounty hunter driving the Elmo and drifting through the Yellow Zone.)（可是明明就在之前，我不过是一个驾驶着艾莫号游荡在黄区的普通赏金猎人。）

(This kind of banal daily life should have been my reality.)（这样的普通日常，本该是我的生活才对。）

(Is it because so many former companions are now aboard the vehicle?)（是因为车上多了很多从前的同伴吗？）

(Besides Groza's Team, there's now also Squad 404, Zucchero Squad... I never imagined I'd be lucky enough to reunite with everyone again, safe and sound. Each reunion fills me with the relief of having survived disaster.)（除了闪电小队之外，404小队、方糖小队……我从未想过自己居然有一天真的能足够好运到安然无恙地与大家再次相见，同样的重逢，每次都让我有种劫后余生的庆幸。）

(But I know this isn't the true reason for the nagging sense of surrealism.)（不过我内心知道，这并不是让我产生不真实感的确切原因。）

(What shatters all illusions and drags me back to memories so heavy they stir my emotions whenever recalled...)（击碎一切幻象，将我拉回从前那段只是偶然回想起来就会令人心绪万千的记忆……）

(...Is none other than that fateful confrontation with "Paradeus".)（全都是因为那场与“帕拉蒂斯”的交锋。）

(Yes... Paradeus...)（没错……帕拉蒂斯……）

(This evil force I nearly wiped out ten years ago has appeared before me once again.)（这个十年前几乎被我摧毁殆尽的邪恶势力，又重新出现在我的眼前。）

(Ten years of compromise brought neither stability nor even fleeting peace. It merely gave the enemy room to breathe... a chance to grow strong again.)（十年的妥协没有换来安稳的局面，甚至没有换来短暂的和平，只是让敌人获得了喘息之机……让它们拥有了重新强大的机会。）

(When I think about how they've been active right under my nose all these years, an uncontrollable anger wells up inside me.)（一想到这十年来它们竟然一直在我眼皮底下活动，我心中就会产生一种无法遏制的愤怒。）

(No. I will not allow this to happen—or rather, to happen again.)（不，我绝对不能允许这样的事情发生——或者说，再次发生。）

(At the very least...)（至少……）

(At the very least, let me...)（至少让我……）

GrozaCommander, the radar has detected a helicopter approaching the Elmo. Altitude 300 meters, distance approximately 2 kilometers, bearing exactly matching ours.指挥官，雷达探测到一架直升机正在接近艾莫号，高度300米，距离约2公里，航向与我们完全一致。

CommanderLooks like our guests have arrived.看来客人来了。

(I switch to the external camera feed and adjust the focus to lock onto the helicopter.)（我切换到外部摄像头，调整焦距锁定那架直升机。）

(It's a brand-new military helicopter, painted in the latest standard livery of the Neo-Soviet Union Army. The only jarring detail is the URNC emblem emblazoned on it.)（那是一架崭新的军用直升机，涂装是新苏联陆军最新的标准样式，唯一突兀的地方是上面印着罗联的标志。）

GrozaThey're sending a comms request. It seems... they want to land on the Elmo.他们正在发送通讯请求，似乎……想要降落在艾莫号上。

CommanderPatch them through.接通他们。

Military TrooperElmo, this is a special operations unit of the Non-Military Forces Administration under the URNC.艾莫号，这里是罗联非军事力量管理局特别行动小组。

Military TrooperWe request a brief stop aboard your vessel.请求在贵舰上进行短暂停留。

Military TrooperRepeat, we request a brief stop aboard your vessel.重复，请求在贵舰上进行短暂停留。

CommanderLet them come down.让他们下来。

GrozaYes, Commander.是。

GrozaLanding guidance established. Welcome aboard the Elmo.已经接通降落指引，欢迎来到艾莫号。

(NOMFA... I take a deep breath and straighten my clothes.)（非军事力量管理局……我深吸了一口气，整理了一下衣着。）

(I've spent long enough psyching myself for this. This time, I should be able to talk things through properly... right?)（我已经做了足够时长的心理建设，这次一定能把话彻底说开……吧？）

(But as the thought crosses my mind, the courage I'd mustered falters slightly. I shake my head, trying to push away those unpleasant thoughts.)（想到这里，原本已经鼓足的勇气又有一点气馁，我摇了摇头，尽量让自己忘掉那些不好的念头。）

CommanderGroza, I'll go receive our guests.闪电，我去接待客人。

CommanderNotify all Dolls to remain on alert, but take no hostile action.通知全体人形保持警戒，但不要有任何敌对行动。

(Groza nods, then makes a small gesture of encouragement toward me.)（闪电点了点头，然后她对我做了一个加油的手势。）

GrozaYou've got this, Commander.指挥官，你没问题的。

CommanderRight. Thank you.嗯，谢谢。

(I head toward the top deck.)（我朝着顶层走去。）

(The helicopter promptly lands on the deck of the Elmo. But after touching down, the engines are not shut off. The rotors above continue spinning at high speed, signaling that this is only a brief visit.)（直升机很快降落在艾莫号甲板上，但在停稳后引擎却没有被关闭，机顶的螺旋桨依然高速旋转着，这预示着这是一次短暂的拜访。）

(The hatch opens. An officer in a neatly pressed uniform strides down, followed by a figure I haven't seen in ten years.)（舱门打开，一位穿着规整制服的军官快步走下，而他身后跟着的是一位阔别十年都未曾见面的身影。）

(His hair is grayer than I remember, the lines on his face deeper. Yet even after a decade apart, that distinctive presence of his makes him feel anything but unfamiliar.)（他的头发比记忆中更花白了，脸上的皱纹也更加深邃，但即使十年未见，他身上独特的气质一点也没让我有陌生感。）

KryugerLong time no see, Commander.好久不见，指挥官。

Commander...………………

Commander...Mr. Kryuger?……克鲁格先生？

Kryuger...Give me five minutes.……给我五分钟。

(He speaks to the officer beside him. The officer nods and steps back toward the helicopter.)（他对身旁的军官说着，军官点了点头，退回到直升机旁。）

KryugerIs seeing me really such a surprise?看见我需要这么惊讶吗？

CommanderI thought...我原本以为……

KryugerYou thought Kalina would be the one coming, eh?以为来见面的是格琳娜是吧。

KryugerDon't worry. You'll get to meet her soon enough.不用着急，你们有机会见面的。

CommanderSorry, sir... that's not what I meant.抱歉长官……我不是这个意思。

(Kryuger smiles and shakes his head. He glances at the helicopter, then turns back to me.)（克鲁格笑着摇了摇头，看了眼直升机，回过头朝我说道。）

KryugerCan we talk? We don't have much time.能聊一聊吗，不过我们时间有限。

(I look toward the soldier standing by the helicopter and more or less understand Kryuger's intention.)（我看向了直升机边的军人，基本猜到克鲁格的用意。）

(I nod to him and lead him farther away.)（我朝他点了点头，带着他朝远处走去。）

(We walk to the edge of the top deck, where we get a view over the wasteland in the distance.)（我们走到了顶层甲板的边缘，望向远处的荒野。）

(The bitter smell in the air is much lighter than before. Sunlight falls on Kryuger, outlining his figure clearly.)（空气中苦涩的味道比以往降低了很多，阳光照射在克鲁格的身上，勾勒出一道清晰的轮廓。）

(He looks far older than he did ten years ago. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes are deeper, his temples completely gray.)（他比十年前老了许多，眼角的皱纹更深了，鬓角已完全花白。）

KryugerI know we shouldn't have disturbed you. Kalina's choice was her own judgment call. If it caused you any trouble, I apologize on her behalf.我知道我们不该来打扰你，格琳娜的选择是她个人的判断，如果对你造成困扰，我代替她向你致歉。

CommanderSir, please don't apologize to me.长官，您这么说我怎么承受得起。

CommanderBesides, what she did means a great deal to me.而且，她这么做对我而言意义重大。

CommanderBecause of the task she entrusted to me, I was able to learn things that are very important to me.正因为她交给我的任务，我才能知道一些对我而言很重要的信息。

KryugerI understand. It is, after all, a matter that continues to gnaw at both our minds. Something that we can never let go.我明白，那是你的心结，也是我们的心结。

Commander...……

(I don't respond and simply wait quietly for Kryuger to get to the point.)（我没有回应，只是静静地等待着克鲁格开始讲述重点。）

Kryuger...I'll get straight to it. The recent "Doll insurgence" in Odesa has caught the attention of the URNC's upper echelons.……我就直入主题了，上次奥德卅的“人形暴动”事件，罗联高层已经注意到了。

KryugerI've obtained full authority to investigate the Girard Group.我拿到了对吉拉尔集团的全面调查权。

(Kryuger turns toward me.)（克鲁格转向了我。）

KryugerI don't think I need to explain—you already know whom they've been backing behind the scenes, don't you?我想不需要我解释，你也知道他们在背后支持着什么东西吧。

Commander...Paradeus.……帕拉蒂斯。

KryugerWe've long heard rumors of the conglomerate colluding with Paradeus.财团和帕拉蒂斯勾结我们早有耳闻。

KryugerWe've been tracking this case for over two years. It's time to end it.这个案子我们已经追踪了两年多了，是时候了结了。

CommanderWhat's your plan?您准备怎么了结？

KryugerWe've already gathered sufficient evidence. In fact, O-43 "Helena", which was previously handed over to you, is also a crucial piece of evidence.我们已经掌握了足够的证据，而之前交到你手上的O-43“海伦娜”也是非常重要的证物。

Commander...……

KryugerCalling that little girl "evidence" may make you uncomfortable, but she truly is key.也许将那个小女孩称为证物会让你不舒服，不过她的确非常关键。

KryugerI'll be heading to Lviv tomorrow. After taking custody of O-43, we'll submit the materials to the prosecution.明天我将前往利沃夫，在接收完O-43后，我们会把材料交给公诉部门。

KryugerThey've already filed a lawsuit with the High Court of the Eastern European Administrative Region, accusing the Orlog Conglomerate of colluding with Paradeus to conduct illegal experiments.他们已经向东欧行政区域高级法院提起诉讼，控告奥尔劳格财团与帕拉蒂斯勾结，进行非法实验。

KryugerNext, a public trial will be launched in Lviv against everyone involved.接下来在利沃夫会对所有有罪恶的人发起公审。

CommanderA public trial?公审？

KryugerYes.是的。

CommanderShouldn't everyone connected be detained directly?不应该直接将有关联的人给控制起来吗？

KryugerWe're a law-enforcement body, but we still need authorization before we can act.我们虽然是执法单位，但也必须要得到许可后才能行动。

Commander...The litigation process alone will take at least a year. During that time, Paradeus will certainly continue its experiments.……诉讼的流程至少一年起步，这当中帕拉蒂斯一定会继续进行实验。

CommanderAnd given the URNC's actual enforcement capacity, things may not improve in areas outside the controlled territories in the Yellow Zone, even after the trial concludes.而黄区那些控制区域以外的地方，以罗联的实际执行力，即使诉讼完成了也未必能得到改善。

KryugerProcedural justice is sometimes more important than guns.程序正义有时比枪炮更重要。

KryugerOnce the conglomerate collapses, Paradeus will lose its largest source of funding. That will destroy the foundation that sustains its operations.只要财团倒台，帕拉蒂斯就会失去最大的现金支持者，这样能破坏掉它们维系活动的根基。

KryugerIf our actions are limited to striking their bases—even if we destroy one experimental facility—who knows how many more they have hidden elsewhere?如果我们的行动只停留在打击那些基地，就算能破坏掉一个它们的实验基地，谁知道它们在其他地方藏了多少个这样的基地呢。

Commander...………

CommanderEven so, destroying Paradeus' bases immediately would at least spare the people in nearby areas from harm.即使如此，立即破坏掉帕拉蒂斯的基地至少能让附近区域的人们免遭毒手。

KryugerYou're not wrong.你说得没错。

KryugerI know you don't believe that prosecuting those companies will solve everything.我知道你不相信通过起诉那些公司就能彻底解决问题。

KryugerBut this isn't ten years ago. We must operate within compliance now—and there's more we can do through the rules than you might imagine.但现在不同于十年前，我们必须在合规的范围内行动，而通过规则能做的事情比你想象的更多。

("And some people can also escape the punishment they deserve through those same rules.")（“而有人同样能通过规则逃脱应受的惩罚。”）

(I swallow the words that almost slip out and offer only a faint, bitter chuckle.)（我将几乎脱口而出的话语咽了下去，只是露出了一丝苦笑。）

(Kryuger catches my meaning. He bows his head slightly and decides to change the subject.)（克鲁格看出了我的意思，他微微低头，决定跳过这个话题。）

KryugerOur field personnel are already in place. Zucchero Squad shouldn't run into any trouble on their escort mission.我们的外勤人员已经安排妥当，方糖小队的运送应该不会有太大问题。

KryugerKalina will rendezvous with them near Lviv to complete the final handover.格琳娜会在利沃夫周边与她们接头，完成最后的交接。

KryugerJudging from the Elmo's course, you're headed to Lviv as well, aren't you?从艾莫号的航向看，你也准备去利沃夫吧。

CommanderYes. I ran into a small complication along the way and had to return to the Elmo.是的，当中遇到一些小插曲我才不得不回到艾莫号。

CommanderNow that it's resolved, I'll have to continue my mission and see it to fruition.现在解决完了，我势必得继续我的任务，直到彻底完成。

KryugerMm. I knew you'd say that.嗯，我就知道你会这么做的。

KryugerTo thank you for your cooperation, I'll try to secure a status of some standing for you. Even if you remain in the Yellow Zone, things will be much easier.为了感谢你的配合，我会为你争取一个有地位的身份，这样你就算还待在黄区中也可以轻松很多。

CommanderThank you, sir.谢谢您长官。

CommanderBut you know me—I don't need that kind of thing.不过，您知道的，我不需要那种东西。

KryugerOn one hand, our above-the-table approach can strike at the root, but the process is too long.我们放在台面上的方式可以釜底抽薪，但是过程过于漫长。

KryugerOn the other hand, your approach is direct, but it can't solve the problem at its foundation.而指挥官，你的方式虽然直接，但无法从根基上解决问题。

KryugerOnce you have status, perhaps you can cooperate better with the Non-Military Forces Administration.等你有了身份以后，也许和非军事管理局可以有更好的合作。

KryugerWe can make up for what the other lacks.我们可以补齐互相之间缺失的部分。

CommanderMr. Kryuger.克鲁格先生。

CommanderI'll cooperate with the mission, but not for the sake of any status.我会配合任务，但不是为了什么身份。

CommanderI only want Paradeus to be completely eradicated. As long as that can be achieved, I don't care what method is used.我只想帕拉蒂斯被彻底消灭，只要是能做到这一点，无论用何种方式我都不介意。

CommanderThat is to say, you should understand that I may not stop just because of certain "reasonable" justifications.相对应的，您应该能理解，我可能不会听从某些合理的“理由”而停手。

CommanderSomeone who acts this way probably shouldn't have any "status" in the first place.会这样行事的人，还是不要有“身份”比较好。

(Kryuger lets out a sigh.)（克鲁格叹了一口气。）

Kryuger...It seems that over these ten years, you've changed—and yet you haven't.……看来这十年，你变了，却又没变。

Military OfficerDirector, time's up.局长，时间到了。

Military OfficerIf we delay any longer, the travel log will—再停留下去行程记录就要……

KryugerI'm coming.我马上来。

Kryuger...Before I go, there's something I want to ask you.……在我走之前，我想问你一件事。

CommanderPlease go ahead.请说。

KryugerWhy won't you let go of the past and start over?你为什么不肯放下过去，重新开始？

Commander...Because I can't bear standing on the side of what's wrong.……因为我无法容忍自己置身在错误之中。

KryugerThat's an arrogant answer, Commander.你的回答很傲慢，指挥官。

CommanderI'm very sorry, sir.十分抱歉，长官。

KryugerBut who among those wanting to do something meaningful wouldn't give that same arrogant answer?但想要做些什么的人，又有谁不想说出你那个傲慢的答案呢。

Kryuger...This road will be lonely. And dangerous.……这条路会很孤独，也很危险。

CommanderI'm already used to it, Mr. Kryuger.我已经习惯了，克鲁格先生。

Military OfficerDirector!局长！

(Kryuger takes a small card out of his pocket.)（克鲁格先生从口袋里取出了一个小卡片。）

KryugerIf you want to enter Lviv, you'll still need a legal identity. Use this for now.想要进入利沃夫你还是需要一个合法身份，先使用这个吧。

(I hesitate, still not reaching out.)（我犹豫了一下，没有伸手。）

KryugerCome and witness how we bring those criminals to justice. I think Kalina would want you to see the results she's worked so hard for.来见证一下我们怎么把那些罪犯绳之以法吧，我想格琳娜也一定想让你看到她一直努力的成果。

(Kryuger looks straight at me. There's a kind of force in his gaze. Much as I resist, I find myself taking the card in the end.)（克鲁格直直地看着我，眼神中仿佛有种力量，我虽然有所抗拒，但最后还是不自觉地接过了卡片。）

(He seems to let out a quiet sigh of relief once he sees me accept it.)（看到我接过卡片，他似乎松了一口气。）

KryugerIf you need help, contact me anytime.如果需要帮助，随时联系我。

CommanderThank you.谢谢。

(Kryuger turns to leave, but stops again at the helicopter door.)（克鲁格转身离开，但在直升机门口，他又停下了脚步。）

KryugerDo you know what the most important thing we lost ten years ago was?你知道我们十年前失去的最重要的是什么吗？

Commander...Griffin?……格里芬？

KryugerIt was you.是你。

(I stand rooted to the spot, at a loss for how to react.)（我站在原地，一时间不知该如何反应。）

(On the deck, the helicopter is ready for takeoff.)（甲板上，直升机已经准备起飞。）

Commander...Mr. Kryuger!……克鲁格先生！

(Kryuger removes the headset he has just put on and looks toward me.)（克鲁格在飞机上摘下刚戴上的耳机，看向了我。）

(And I shout with all my strength, at a volume I believe can overpower the helicopter's engines.)（而我用尽全力，用自认为能压过直升机引擎声的音量大喊道。）

Commander...Whether or not we choose to go down the same path, you will always be the person I respect most!……不管我们选择的道路是不是一样，您都是我最尊敬的人！

Kryuger...……

(Kryuger smiles.)（克鲁格露出了微笑。）

KryugerSee you in Lviv, Commander.利沃夫见，指挥官。

(The helicopter lifts off and quickly disappears into the sky. I stand on the deck for a long time, staring into the distance, thoughts surging.)（直升机升空，迅速消失在天际。我在甲板上站了很久，望着远方思绪翻腾。）

(Perhaps I'm not the only one who lost a great deal because of the decision I made ten years ago.)（因为十年前我的决定而失去很多的人，也许不仅仅只有我。）

(Why is it that no matter what choice is made, someone always ends up getting hurt?)（为什么无论做出何种选择，最后都一定会伤害到别人呢？）

(The emotions I once tried so hard to avoid surface again. I even regret not responding to him more warmly just now.)（我曾经努力回避的情绪再次出现，甚至有些后悔刚才没能更热情地回应他。）

(I clench my fist and shake my head hard, forcing myself not to dwell on it.)（我捏紧了拳头，用力地摇了摇头，让自己不去思考这个问题。）

(...Now isn't the time to be tangled up in this.)（……但现在不是纠结这些的时候。）

Commander...Lviv.……利沃夫。

(I look at the card I've just received.)（我看着手中刚接过的卡片。）

(Will things really proceed as smoothly as Kryuger says?)（接下来真的会如克鲁格所说的那般顺利么？）

(I can't shake the feeling... that something bad is coming.)（我总有……不祥的预感。）

Pelican's Blood 鹈鹕之血

(As a side gate primarily used to divert traffic from the central checkpoint, the queue for entering the city here isn't usually very long.)（作为主要为中央关卡起到分流作用的侧门，平时从这里排队入城的队伍并不是很长。）

(But today, the entry security procedures seem especially cumbersome, causing a large number of civilians to pile up at this entrance.)（但是今天，入城安检的流程似乎格外繁琐，让这处入口堆积了大量等待入城的民众。）

(Guards stationed on both sides of the checkpoint hold their weapons at the ready, closely watching every movement within the line.)（关口两侧的守卫士兵们端着武器，密切关注着队伍内的一举一动。）

(A transport truck bearing the Zucchero logo spray-painted on its cargo compartment passes through the security gate. It waits in the inspection area for an inspector to carry out the review process.)（一辆在车厢上喷着“方糖”标志的运输车通过安检闸机后，在等候区等待着检查员进行审查流程。）

(From the pedestrian line beside the truck, the voices of a family drift through the half-open window and into the Doll's auditory module.)（在运输车旁边的行人队伍里，一家人的交谈声顺着半敞开的车窗，飘进了人形的听觉模块。）

GirlPapa, are we almost at Lviv?爸爸，我们是不是快到利沃夫了？

FatherYeah. Once we get through here, our whole family can start a new life.嗯，只要通过这里，我们一家人就可以开始新生活了。

GirlThat's great! I heard there are lots of pretty dresses in Lviv's shops! We can buy new clothes!太棒了！听说利沃夫的商店里有很多漂亮的裙子，我们可以去买新衣服了！

MotherBig brother can get new textbooks for school too~哥哥也可以买到上学用的新教材了呢~

(The mother walks at the back of the group, gazing lovingly at her two children. She rests her hands on their shoulders, drawing them closer together.)（母亲走在最后，慈爱地看着面前的一对儿女，扶着他们的肩膀，把二人拢到一起。）

(Springfield watches the family with a tender glimmer in her eyes.)（春田看着这一家人，眼中闪过一丝温柔的光芒。）

(She is no stranger to scenes like this—families willing to overcome countless obstacles for a better life. Seeing the hope in the children's eyes, she can't help but smile.)（她对这样的场景并不陌生——一家人为了更好的生活，不惜跨越重重障碍的画面。看着孩子们充满希望的眼神，她不由自主地微笑起来。）

(Although people ahead of them are being denied entry one after another for various reasons, the father remains confident.)（虽然前面陆续有人因为各种原因被拒绝入城，但是男主人的眼中依然透露着自信。）

(To qualify for life in the satellite city, their family has endured a long point-based process and strict screening. He firmly believes nothing will go wrong.)（他们一家人为了能获得进入卫星城生活的资格，已经经历过漫长的积分流程和严格的审核手续，他坚信一定不会出什么差错。）

(The transport truck finally reaches the inspection point. Springfield notices the fatigue and irritation in the inspector's eyes, along with faint, barely concealed arrogance. She lets out a quiet sigh, already foreseeing the possible obstruction.)（运输车终于来到了检查点。春田注意到这位检查员眼神中流露出的疲惫和烦躁，还有那一丝不易察觉的傲慢。她微微叹了口气，已经预见到可能发生的阻碍。）

Harsh InspectorHello. Please present your travel permit and cargo manifest.您好，请出示通行证和货物清单。

(Springfield hands over an elegant folder, neatly containing various documents. On the inside is a food exchange voucher—even in the Green Zone, such vouchers can still fetch a high price.)（春田递出一个精致的文件夹，里面整整齐齐地夹着各类证件。文件夹的内侧还贴着一张食品兑换券，即使是在绿区中，这样的兑换券依然可以卖出高价。）

SpringfieldThese are all our documents. Thank you for your trouble.这是我们的全部证件，麻烦您了。

(The inspector takes the folder, his gaze lingering on the voucher for only a second before he flips it open and begins reviewing the papers carefully.)（检查员接过文件夹，目光只在兑换券上停留了一秒，随即翻开文件仔细审阅。）

Harsh InspectorA Doll, huh?人形？

(Once he confirms that he's speaking to a Doll rather than a human, even his veneer of politeness disappears.)（确认与自己对话的是人形而非人类后，对方连表面上的礼貌也消失得无影无踪。）

Harsh InspectorSince you're a Doll, you should've read the updated regulations from a few days ago. All Dolls serving groups, organizations, or individuals must register in advance and prepare a special work permit.既然是人形，你应该不会没好好阅读过前几天更新的条款吧？所有服务于集团、组织及个人的人形应当提前登记，并准备好专用的工作许可。

Harsh InspectorAnd what you've submitted here is a business visa, not a Doll-specific work permit.而你刚刚递交的是商务签证，可不是人形类专用的工作许可。

SpringfieldBut I'm not currently serving any group, organization, or individual.但是我目前并未服务于任何集团、组织及个人呢。

Harsh InspectorSo you're an unaffiliated Doll?这么说，你是无归属人形？

SpringfieldMy authorizations belong to myself. Please look here—this is my proof of identity.我的权限归属于自己，请看这里是我证明身份的文件。

(The inspector flips through the documents impatiently, confirming the truth of Springfield's statement.)（检查员不是很耐烦地翻阅了下文件，确认了春田话语的真实性。）

Harsh InspectorHmph... another one of these.哼……又是这种。

Harsh InspectorSo what are you here for?那你是来干什么的？

SpringfieldI'm here to open a new branch of a café. There's some preliminary work to take care of.我这次来，是为了在这里开设咖啡店的分店，有些前期准备要做。

SpringfieldWe already have one shop in operation, and business has been fairly good, so we're planning to expand.我们目前有一家店正在营业，生意还算不错，所以打算拓展业务范围。

Harsh InspectorA café run by Dolls?人形开的咖啡店？

SpringfieldHere—our commercial building approval and operating license.您看，这是我们的商用建筑批文和经营许可。

SpringfieldOnce the branch officially opens, you're welcome to visit and try our coffee and desserts.等分店正式营业后，欢迎您来店里品尝咖啡和甜品。

SpringfieldOur staff will prepare a special signature cake just for you. I guarantee you'll be satisfied.我们的店员会给您准备特制的招牌蛋糕，保证让您满意。

(The inspector ignores Springfield's invitation as he skeptically scans the supplementary documents in his hands.)（检查员并没有理会春田口中后面的内容，而是将信将疑地扫视着手中的补充资料。）

(Meanwhile, behind him, the family in line is presenting their documents to another inspector.)（与此同时，他身后队伍里的那一家人正在向另一名检查员出示文件。）

Harsh InspectorHmph. You certainly came prepared.哼，准备得倒是挺充分。

Harsh InspectorWhat's in the truck?车里的是什么？

SpringfieldJust some ingredients and equipment needed to open the shop. They already passed a scan when we went through the gate.只是一些开店需要的原料和器材，刚才过闸的时候已经通过扫描检查过了。

SpringfieldWould you like to see the cargo manifest?您需要查看运输内容的清单吗？

Harsh InspectorLeave it there. And open the cargo compartment too. I need to check it.放在那里吧。还有，把货厢也打开，我要检查一下。

SpringfieldYou want to check the cargo compartment?您要打开货厢检查吗？

(Springfield's brow furrows slightly with concern.)（春田的脸上露出担忧的表情，眉头微微蹙起。）

SpringfieldBut... it took a long time to get everything loaded and packed... And some of it is fragile...可是……里面的东西花了很长时间才装好……有些是易碎品……

Harsh InspectorThen move faster. The sooner I'm done checking, the sooner you can load it back up.那就动作快点吧，检查完之后，你还能趁早把它们装回去。

(Nearby, the inspection of that family also runs into trouble.)（附近，那一家人的查验也遇到了麻烦。）

Aloof InspectorLet me explain again. Lviv is about to host an important summit. To prevent dangerous elements from slipping in, a single family permit only allows three people to enter starting this Tuesday.再为您解释一下吧。最近利沃夫要召开一个重要的峰会，为了避免危险因素混进来，从本周二开始，一张家庭通行证只允许三人进入。

Aloof InspectorThis notice is annotated under Chapter Eight, Article Three of the "Entry Guidelines for the White Zone and Surrounding Key Cities". Didn't you update your documents?这份通知在《白区及周边重要城市入城须知》条款的第八章第三条下方注释过了。你们没有更新文件吗？

MotherThen when will this regulation end? We... we can wait until martial law is lifted before entering...那这个规定到什么时候才会结束？我们……我们可以等到戒严结束后再进城……

Aloof InspectorUgh. Who knows. Could be three to five days, could be a month—or it might become permanent.唉，谁知道呢。少则三五天，多则一个月，也可能会变成永久条款。

Aloof InspectorI understand how you feel, but this is out of everyone's control. You'll just have to accept your bad luck.我理解你们的心情，但赶上这种事情，你们只能自认倒霉了。

(Springfield watches the situation unfold with pity and concern. The mother's panicked gaze and the children's dejection make her heart ache. She sighs softly, then turns her attention back to the inspector in front of her.)（春田注意到了这边的动静，眼中闪过一丝怜悯和担忧。那位母亲慌乱的眼神和孩子们垂头丧气的样子令她内心一阵揪痛。她轻轻叹了口气，随即又将注意力转回到自己面前的检查员身上。）

SpringfieldCould you perhaps make an exception? Some of the ingredients inside aren't fully sealed. If the packaging is damaged, they won't be usable anymore.是否可以稍微通融一下呢？里面都是些没有充分密封的食材，如果弄破了包装，之后就没办法使用了。

SpringfieldAnd if anything spills, cleaning it up would be troublesome... I'd feel terribly sorry if we make a mess for you.而且不小心洒出来的话，打扫起来也很麻烦……万一给您造成困扰，就实在太过意不去了。

(She produces a small pouch from somewhere, preparing to slip it into the inspector's hand.)（她不知道从哪里摸出一个小袋子，准备塞进检查员的手里。）

(But he merely gives it a cold glance and pushes it back toward Springfield.)（但对方只是冷冷地扫了它一眼，就将袋子推回给了春田。）

Harsh InspectorListen, Miss Doll—this trick of yours might've worked a week ago, but it won't fly now.我说人形小姐，你这套把戏放在一个星期之前还有戏，现在可行不通了。

Harsh InspectorDidn't you hear? In a couple of days, Lviv is hosting an important summit. Lots of big shots are gathering in the city.你刚才没听到吗？过两天利沃夫要举行一个重要的峰会，很多大人物都聚集在城内。

Harsh InspectorIf anything goes wrong here, I'll be packing my bags and getting sent back to a Yellow Zone settlement.万一这里出了什么差错，我可就得卷铺盖滚回黄区聚居地了。

Harsh InspectorThose two Collapse pieces of yours wouldn't even be enough for me to pitch a tent.就你这两根晶条，到时候还不够我搭帐篷的。

Harsh InspectorStop wasting time. Hurry up.别耽误时间了，快点吧。

(Springfield puts the Collapse pieces away, maintaining her gentle smile as she subtly glances at her watch.)（春田收起了晶条，脸上依然保持着温和的笑容，不着痕迹地看了一眼手表。）

SpringfieldI understand your difficulties. I'll cooperate with your inspection right away.我理解您的难处。那我这就配合您的检查。

(Springfield opens the cargo compartment. Inside, layers upon layers of coffee bean sacks and baking ingredients are stacked neatly, with refined coffee machines and baking equipment secured on racks. The air is filled with the aroma of coffee and sugar.)（春田打开了货厢。车厢内层层叠叠地堆满了各种类型的咖啡豆袋和糕点用的原材料，一台台精致的咖啡机和烘焙设备整齐地固定在货架上。空气中弥漫着咖啡和糖的香气。）

(The inspector switches on his flashlight and shines it through the gaps toward the depths of the compartment. From the outside, it's pitch-black, impossible to see anything clearly.)（检查员打开手电筒，沿着缝隙向货厢深处照了照。从外面看去，那里黑漆漆的一片，看不清任何东西。）

Harsh InspectorWhat's in there?里面是什么？

Springfield...Just some unopened raw materials.……只是一些未拆箱的原料而已。

Harsh InspectorMove these down. I'm going inside to check.把这些东西搬下来，我要进去检查。

SpringfieldUnderstood. Please wait a moment.好的。请您稍等。

(Springfield efficiently unties the ropes securing the cargo, unloading sacks of coffee beans and flour one by one.)（春田动作利落地解开用于固定货品的绳结，将一袋袋咖啡豆和面粉搬下车。）

(She moves them carefully, ensuring the expensive beans and Zucchero's specialty syrups don't spill onto the ground.)（她小心翼翼地挪动着它们，确保让那些价值不菲的咖啡豆和方糖特制的风味糖浆不会洒在地上。）

(As the items blocking the front are cleared away, a box covered with a waterproof tarp gradually comes into view.)（随着挡在前面的货品被搬空，里面那个盖着防水布的箱子也渐渐显露出来。）

Harsh InspectorIs that what you were talking about—raw materials?里面就是你说的原料？

SpringfieldYes. Some special imported ingredients that require careful storage.是的。是一些特殊的进口原料，需要特别保存。

Harsh InspectorOpen it.打开看看。

SpringfieldNo problem. Please wait a moment~ I'll tidy things up.没问题，请您稍等~我来收拾一下。

(Springfield turns toward the depths of the cargo compartment, her hand lightly brushing against a device hidden among the goods.)（春田转身走向货厢深处，她的手轻轻触碰到货物之间的某个装置。）

(—No matter what, she will protect the mission target entrusted to her.)（——无论如何，她都会保护好托付给她的任务目标。）

(Springfield glances around. Most of the nearby soldiers' attention is focused on the long line waiting outside the security gate. Meanwhile, the arguing and crying family inside the checkpoint also draws many eyes.)（春田看了看周围。附近几名士兵的注意力大多集中在闸机外那条长长的等待安全检查的队伍上，而关卡里那为了留下谁而争吵和哭泣的一家人，也吸引了不少目光。）

(She gently brushes her hair back. She soon receives a response on Level II.)（她轻轻地后捋了一下头发——在二级平层中她听到了一个应答。）

Harsh InspectorAre you done yet? I'm going in.弄好了没有？我要进去检查了。

SpringfieldAll set~可以了~

(Springfield watches as the inspector climbs into the cargo compartment, stepping over the burlap sacks and slowly approaching the box deeper inside.)（春田注视着检查员登上货厢，迈过那些装着货品的编织袋，一步步朝深处的箱子靠近着。）

(And while he isn't paying attention, Springfield has already moved closer behind him.)（而在他没注意到的时候，春田已经逐步靠近了他的身后。）

Beep, beep, beep, beep—“嘀嘀嘀嘀嘀——”

Alert! Alert!“警报——警报——！”

A suspicious target has been detected near Satellite City West Gate No. 3! All nearby personnel, immediately close the security gates and coordinate with security forces to provide support!“卫星城西侧三号关卡附近发现可疑目标，请附近工作人员立即关闭安检闸机，协同安保人员赶来支援！”

A suspicious target has been detected near Satellite City West Gate No. 3! All nearby personnel, immediately close the security gates and coordinate with security forces to provide support!“卫星城西侧三号关卡附近发现可疑目标，请附近工作人员立即关闭安检闸机，协同安保人员赶来支援！”

Springfield...……

(Springfield continues to smile.)（春田依然保持着微笑。）

(In front of her, the inspector—only a step away from opening the box—frowns impatiently and answers the beeping communicator in his hand.)（而在她面前，离出手仅一步之遥的检查员不耐烦地皱着眉毛，接通了手中嘀嘀作响的通讯器。）

Harsh InspectorWhat's going on at Gate 3?三号关卡那边什么情况？

Voice From The CommunicatorSir! A gang of Varjagers tried to smuggle contraband, and it suddenly exploded halfway!报告组长，一伙瓦良格帮的人试图夹带违禁品，结果半路突然爆炸了！

Voice From The CommunicatorWe've detained the suspects. There was also a batch of cargo mixed in—we need to quickly check for illegal items among those who already passed through.人已经被我们扣住了，一起混进来的还有一批货，需要尽快排查之前通关人员里可能夹带的非法物品。

Harsh InspectorGot it. I'm coming right now!知道了，马上就来！

(The inspector thinks for a moment, then hollers for Springfield.)（检查员思考了一下，开始呼喊起来。）

Harsh InspectorWhere are you?!人呢！？

SpringfieldAh, I'm here.啊，我在。

(Springfield steps out from behind him. The inspector urgently points at the innermost cargo.)（春田从检查员的背后走了出来，检查员指着最里面的货物急切地说道。）

Harsh InspectorSomething happened outside, so count yourself lucky. Open all those boxes. I'll take one last look and then let you go!外面出事了，算你走运，把这些箱子都打开，我最后看一眼就让你走吧！

(Springfield's smile stiffens slightly. She adjusts her gloves on her hands behind her back.)（春田的微笑有一些凝固，藏在背后的手开始将彼此的手套拉紧。）

SpringfieldAlright.好的。

(Instead of walking toward the box, she steps closer to the inspector.)（春田没有走向箱子，反而向检查员靠近过去。）

(Just as she gets into position, ready to take action—)（就在她调整了姿势，准备要做些什么时——）

Harsh InspectorWhat is it?! Why the rush—怎么了！催什么——

Harsh InspectorOh! Director! Yes, yes, I'll be right there!啊，是处长！是是，我立即就过来！

(The inspector hurriedly jumps off the truck, not even sparing Springfield a glance.)（检查员急匆匆地跳下车，甚至没空看春田一眼。）

Harsh InspectorAll inspections here are suspended for the day!今天这里的审查先暂停！

Harsh InspectorEveryone, follow me to Gate 3 for support!所有人，跟我一起去三号关卡支援！

Young ManWhat?! But I've been lining up since before dawn!什么？我可是今天凌晨就过来排队了！

Middle-Aged WomanExactly! I need to get to the hospital to see my daughter! This is outrageous!就是啊！我还要赶着去医院探望我女儿呢！你们这帮当官的，也太不靠谱了！

(Ignoring the surrounding complaints and curses, the security gate slowly closes. The soldiers responsible for security block the crowd attempting to rush the gate, then begin assembling to head toward Gate No. 3.)（无视着周围的抱怨和咒骂声，安检闸机缓缓关闭了。负责安保的士兵们挡下试图冲卡的人群后，准备集结队伍朝三号关卡的方向赶去。）

(Springfield watches the gate behind her seal shut, leaving her and the truck stranded within the inspection area of the checkpoint. She can't help but sigh.)（春田看着自己身后的大门被封闭，自己和这辆货车就这么被抛在了关卡检查区中，不由叹了口气。）

LevaOh dear, that was way too close for comfort.诶呀，就差一点点呢。

SpringfieldI was hoping you could step in sooner.如果可以的话，希望你能早点帮忙呢。

LevaWe just didn't want the café manager to think we're too meddlesome~这不是怕我们的行为让店长觉得太多管闲事吗~

(Springfield reloads the cargo back into the truck. As she steps down, the barricade blocking the vehicle is instantly lowered, and the road ahead opens up to her.)（春田将货品重新装回运输车的货厢内，走下车的同时，挡住车辆的路障瞬间被放下，前方的道路向春田敞开。）

(Springfield hops into the truck and starts the engine, her gaze falling once more on that family.)（春田跳上了车，发动引擎的同时，目光再次落在那一家人身上。）

(In front of the truck, the family that had been beside her in line stands there helplessly. Springfield hesitates, then issues a request through Level II.)（运输车前，刚刚排在她旁边队伍的一家人不知所措地站在原地。春田犹豫了一下，在二级平层内给出了请求。）

SpringfieldLet's help them out too.也帮下他们吧。

LevaJust this once, okay~?下不为例哦~

(Springfield shoots the father a subtle look.)（她微不可察地朝那位父亲使了一个眼色。）

SpringfieldGo on.快走吧。

FatherW...what...?什……什么……

SpringfieldGo. Take the children and start your new life.快去吧，带着孩子们开始新生活。

SpringfieldAs long as your family stays together, things will work out.只要一家人在一起，事情都会好起来的。

(Just then, the gate in front of the family opens as well.)（话音刚落，挡在那一家人前的闸门也被打开了。）

(The couple freezes for a moment, then realizes what Springfield has done for them.)（那对夫妻愣了一下，随即明白了春田的意思。）

(They bow deeply toward her in gratitude and hurry through the gate with their two children. Springfield watches them leave, her eyes gleaming gently.)（他们感激地朝春田鞠了一躬，带着两个孩子朝闸门内快步走去。春田目送他们离开，眼中流露出温柔的光芒。）

Springfield...May your future be filled with hope.……愿你们的未来充满希望。

(...)（……）

(The last transport truck to pass inspection accelerates away from the checkpoint. After exiting the not-very-long arched passage, the once-empty passenger seat is now somehow occupied by a figure.)（最后一辆通过检查的运输车加速驶离了关卡。驶出那条不算太长的拱形通道后，刚才还空荡荡的副驾驶座位上，不知什么时候已经被一个身影占据了。）

MakiattoYou're such a meddler. Now you owe someone yet another favor.你真是够多管闲事的，这样不是又多欠一个人情了吗。

(Makiatto props her chin on her hand glumly, clearly not in a very good mood.)（玛绮朵不满地托着下巴，心情似乎不是很好。）

SpringfieldThey were already here to help anyway. Helping a few more people takes barely any effort.反正她们已经来帮忙了，多帮几个人也不过是举手之劳罢了。

MakiattoTsk. They didn't have to step in at all.啧，本来压根不用她们出手的。

SpringfieldThis isn't your fault, Makiatto. You did a splendid job creating a diversion.这也不是玛绮朵你的错，你那边吸引注意力的处理已经够好了。

MakiattoExactly! I had the timing arranged so perfectly!就是啊，我时机已经安排得那么精巧了！

MakiattoWho could've guessed we'd run into such a stubborn inspector?!谁想得到还能碰到这么轴的检查员啊！

LevaEven in the Green Zone, there are pigheaded people like that~在绿区中也有那种油盐不进的人呢~

Makiatto...Leva?!……莱娅？！

MakiattoDon't just hack into other people's comms channel!不要随便黑进别人的通讯线路啊！

LevaSorry, sorry~ I was just checking whether our comms were secure~抱歉抱歉~我只是在检查我们的通讯线路是否安全~

LevaI just happened to overhear your conversation right after I finished.只不过刚做完这些，就恰好听到你在说话。

LevaI wasn't eavesdropping on purpose~ Cross my heart~可不是故意要偷听哦~

MakiattoTsk. Couldn't you have told us that you could open the checkpoint gates directly?啧，既然你都能直接打开关口的闸门了，那早点告诉我们不好吗？

LevaAh, well~ Tweaking city-defense authorizations here and there isn't a big deal, but we still have to submit our operation logs, you know. We should try to keep as low a profile as possible~!哎呀，虽然小小地使用一下城防的权限不是什么大事，但毕竟我们都要留下行动记录的嘛，能低调还是低调一些~

LevaIf it weren't for the fact that "collateral damage" was about to happen on Springfield's end, letting everything play out naturally would've been the best solution, wouldn't it?要不是看在春田店长这边要产生“附带损伤”了，不然让一切顺其自然才是最好的处理方式不是吗？

Springfield...………

LevaAnyway, it's great that there were no unnecessary casualties.总之没产生不必要的伤亡真是太好了。

LevaWe're already close to Lviv now. From now on, everything will be a piece of cake~现在已经接近利沃夫了，后面一切都会很轻松啦~

SpringfieldBut the security measures around Lviv look even more stringent than we expected...但利沃夫一带的安防布置看起来比我们想象中更加严格……

SpringfieldMiss Leva, what exactly is this "technology summit" they're preparing for?莱娅小姐，他们正在筹备的那个“科技峰会”，究竟是怎么回事？

LevaOh~ That?哦~那个呀。

LevaYour database should have information on the Girard Group, right? As a leading giant in the tech sector, they regularly invite industry bigshots to hold summits under the banner of academic exchange.你的资料库里应该有吉拉尔集团的相关资料吧？作为科技方面的龙头企业，他们会定期邀请一些业内大佬过来，以学术交流的名义召开峰会。

LevaAlthough a lot of this year's new research gets unveiled at the event, the grand finale is always the announcement of the Girard Group's latest cutting-edge technological achievements.虽然会上有很多本年度的新研究发布，但压轴环节一定是宣布吉拉尔集团本年度的前沿技术的成果。

LevaSo even though it's called a "technology summit" bringing together industry elites, it's really just the Girard Group's annual show-off event.所以嘛，说是召集行业内精英举行的“科技峰会”，其实只是吉拉尔集团每年一度的炫技罢了。

MakiattoEven so, security measures at this level seem a bit overkill, don't they?就算是这样，现在这种等级的安防措施，也稍微有点做过头了吧？

LevaYeah~ Which makes it pretty obvious—the real purpose of ramping up security is to deal with us.是啊~所以这不是明摆着，加强安防的目的，就是为了应付我们嘛。

SpringfieldTo deal with NOMFA?为了应付非军事管理局吗？

SpringfieldIf I remember correctly, the Non-Military Forces Administration should have pretty solid footing in Lviv, shouldn't it?我记得非军事管理局在利沃夫的根基应该挺稳固的吧？

LevaThat's true. Otherwise, Kalina wouldn't have chosen this location.是这样没错，不然格琳也不会把地点选在这了。

LevaBut things have been shifting rather rapidly these days~不过呢，最近的风向变得还是很快的~

LevaThe local administration has been getting less and less cooperative.本地的行政管理系统近来越来越不配合了呢。

LevaAs soon as Mr. Kryuger arrived in Lviv, he was "escorted" straight to a reception hotel designated by the Girard Group.克鲁格先生刚一抵达利沃夫，就被“送”到了吉拉尔集团指定的接待酒店。

LevaFor now, his actions aren't restricted. But even someone as distinguished as the director of the Non-Military Forces Administration probably wouldn't enjoy having to bring two "bodyguards" with him just to use the restroom~虽然行动暂时没受到限制，但就算是尊贵如非军事力量管理局的局长，应该也不会喜欢连去洗手间都得随身带着两位“保镖”吧~

SpringfieldThe bureaucracy here has been infiltrated by the conglomerates to this extent already...这里的官僚机构已经被财团渗透成这个样子了吗……

SpringfieldThis is more complicated than expected... Looks like we need to act quickly.情况比预计的还要复杂……看来我们得抓紧时间行动了。

SpringfieldMiss Leva, although there are still a few hours until the scheduled handoff... I'm worried that delaying any further might cause something to go wrong.莱娅小姐，虽然离预定交接的时间还有几个小时……可我担心再拖下去会出纰漏。

SpringfieldCan we contact Kalina now and proceed with the handoff?可以现在就联系格琳娜小姐进行交接吗？

LevaShe's right next to me, actually~她就在我身边哦~

(Leva's voice disappears for a few seconds.)（莱娅那边的声音消失了几秒钟。）

LevaAn early handoff is no problem at all. After all, we've already been waiting for you at the abandoned warehouse designated as the exchange point~提前交接的话当然没问题，毕竟作为交接点的那间废弃仓库，我们可是早就在那边等候你们了~

LevaBut first, we need to be sure—不过得先确定——

SpringfieldDon't worry. I promise we're not being followed.放心吧，我会保证不会被人跟踪的。

SpringfieldWe've shaken off everyone who tried to track us outside the purification zone.那些试图追查我们的人，早就被我们在净化区外甩得一干二净了。

LevaAs expected of the Zucchero's manager~ The Commander really made the right call entrusting the mission to you~不愧是方糖的店长~指挥官把任务交给你真是帮大忙了~

LevaThen let's bring the handoff forward.那么，就这么办吧。

SpringfieldMm. I've received the coordinates on my end.嗯。我这边收到坐标了。

LevaOkay.OK。

LevaSee you in 20 minutes.方糖的两位，我们二十分钟后见咯。

Gnostic Revelation 灵知启示

(Inside an abandoned warehouse at the edge of the satellite city.)（卫星城边界处的某间废弃仓库内。）

(Two figures slip in through the warehouse's rear door. After confirming that the interior is secure, the human woman lowers the gun in her hand and nods to the Doll beside her.)（两个身影从仓库的后门钻了进来。确认了仓库内部的安全后，其中的那名人类女性收起了手里的枪，朝身旁的人形点了点头。）

KalinaLeva, check the surroundings one more time.莱娅。再检查一次周围的情况。

LevaRoger~ Do you think it's too quiet?了解~你觉得太安静了？

KalinaQuiet is how it should be... but I just can't shake this uneasy feeling.虽然安静是应该的……但我总有点不安。

(Through her neural cloud, Leva runs a full check of all the cameras and detectors she has deployed. Under their surveillance, no one can enter this place unnoticed.)（莱娅在心智中将布下的摄像头和探测器全部检查了一遍，在这些设备的监控下，没有人能悄无声息地进入这里。）

(Everything is normal. Leva nods to Kalina.)（一切正常，莱娅朝格琳娜点了点头。）

(Kalina relaxes slightly, then picks up the radio and contacts the outside.)（格琳娜稍稍放下些心，随即她拿起无线电开始朝外联络。）

KalinaObservation team, report the situation around us.观察小队，周围的情况怎么样了？

Observation TeamThe observation team has detected no abnormalities, ma'am.报告参事，观察小队未观察到异常情况。

KalinaConfirm the thermal imaging scan again.再确认一次热成像扫描结果。

Observation TeamThermal imaging shows only our personnel in the area. No other heat sources.热成像显示区域内只有我方人员，无其他热源。

KalinaMm. Stay alert.嗯，保持警戒。

KalinaRapid response team, report your status.快速反应小队，汇报情况。

Quick Respose TeamReady for combat at any time. Evacuation routes are covered by our firepower. Awaiting instructions.随时做好战斗准备，撤离路线在我们的火力覆盖下，请指示。

KalinaStand by and wait for further orders.保持待命，等待进一步指示。

Quick Respose TeamYes, ma'am.是。

KalinaLeva?莱娅？

LevaSomething just feels... off.总觉得哪里不对劲呢。

KalinaHave you noticed anything unusual?发现什么异样了？

LevaNo, everything looks normal.没有，看起来一切正常。

LevaBut that's exactly why I feel uneasy.正因如此我感觉不太好。

LevaLenna, give me a status report.莱娜，汇报下情况？

LennaThe view from the rooftop is pretty nice, you know?屋顶的风景很不错哟？

LennaSame conclusion as the observation team on my end. Forget enemies—there isn't even an ant nearby~♪我和观察小组结论一样哦，别说敌人了，附近连只蚂蚁都没看到呢~

LennaLeva, want to switch positions with me?莱娅姐，要不要和我换位置？

LevaNo need. You stay outside and enjoy the fresh air~没事，你就留在外面，好好享受新鲜空气吧~

LennaHeheh, you're always looking out for me!嘿嘿，莱娅姐果然时时刻刻都在为我着想！

LevaHelp me scan the northwest sector again. I'm detecting a slight irregular connection signal.再帮我扫描一下西北方位的那片区域，我检测到有轻微的紊乱连接信号。

LevaCan you locate the signal source?你能找到信号源吗？

LennaHm... running a full-spectrum scan... I'm not detecting any signal here.嗯……正在进行全频谱扫描……我这边没有发现有信号。

LevaNothing at all?没有信号？

LennaAh! Kalina, I see them! It's Springfield!啊——格琳姐，我看到春田她们了！

LennaThey haven't changed at all! ♪大家一点都没变呢♪

(Kalina glances at the time. It matches exactly the time Leva and Springfield had agreed on earlier.)（格琳娜看了眼时间，与之前莱娅和春田约定好的时间分毫不差。）

(She raises the communicator in her hand.)（她抬起手中的对讲机。）

KalinaTarget has entered the designated range. All security teams, move to Level One alert.目标已进入预定范围，安防组全体进入一级警戒。

Security Team MembersRoger.收到。

KalinaLet the transport vehicle in.把运输车放进来。

(Outside the warehouse, the hum of an engine draws closer, then gradually comes to a stop.)（仓库外，发动机的嗡鸣声越来越近，随后渐渐停下了。）

(Leva and Kalina exchange a look and pull up the rolling shutter that covers the warehouse entrance.)（莱娅与格琳娜交换了一个眼神，将覆盖着仓库入口的卷帘门拉了起来。）

(Once the vehicle stops, Springfield hops down from the driver's seat first.)（车子停稳后，春田首先从驾驶室跳下来。）

(She gives Kalina a slight bow.)（她朝面前的格琳娜微微鞠躬。）

SpringfieldMiss Kalina, sorry to have kept you waiting.格琳娜小姐，让你们久等了。

KalinaYou've had a long trip.一路过来辛苦了。

KalinaDid everything go smoothly on the way?路上还顺利吗？

SpringfieldWe ran into a bit of trouble, but thanks to everyone's help, it was all resolved in the end.虽然遇到了点麻烦，但好在有各位的协助，算是全都顺利解决了。

KalinaThank you for your hard work. We should have provided more support... but we ran into some thorny problems earlier and couldn't really spare the manpower.辛苦你了，原本我们应该提供更多协助的……只是之前遇到了一些棘手的麻烦，实在无法抽身协助。

SpringfieldYou're too kind. You've always taken good care of us all these years. This is the least we could do.您太客气了。您这么多年来一直对我们关照有加，这点事情是我们应该做的。

SpringfieldIt's just that the original route seemed to be under surveillance. Otherwise, it would have been safest for Makiatto and me to escort the target all the way to Lviv for the handoff.只是原本的路线感觉被人盯上了，否则本来应该由我和玛绮朵一路护送目标到利沃夫交接才最稳妥。

KalinaIt's a sensible idea. You've already done very well. Leave the rest to us.这是合理的判断，你们已经做得很好了。剩下的事情就放心交给我们吧。

SpringfieldThen we'll leave it in your hands.接下来就拜托您了。

SpringfieldThe Commander... is very concerned about this matter.指挥官……很在意这件事。

SpringfieldBoth about Helena... and Paradeus...无论是海伦娜，还是帕拉蒂斯……

(Hearing Springfield's words, Kalina's expression grows grave.)（听到春田的话，格琳娜露出了凝重的神色。）

Kalina...I understand.……我明白。

KalinaWhen I meet the Commander, I'll explain everything from beginning to end.等和指挥官见面时，我会把前因后果都讲明白的。

SpringfieldThat would be for the best.那样就再好不过了~

(While Kalina is conversing with Springfield, Leva looks past her toward the distance, as if confirming something.)（格琳娜说话间，莱娅透过她看向远方，似乎在确认什么信息。）

(Meanwhile, Makiatto walks in and sets down the sealed container that had been hidden deep in the cargo hold.)（趁着格琳娜和春田寒暄的间隙，玛绮朵走进来，将之前一直被藏在货厢深处的那个密封舱体放在了她们面前。）

(With a heavy thump, the container hits the ground, kicking up a thick cloud of dust.)（舱体“嘭”地一声落在地上，将地上厚厚的尘土激起。）

MakiattoEvery time I have to move this thing, I'm speechless... This box is seriously heavy!每次搬这个箱子都让人无语……这个箱子居然有这——么重！

MakiattoEven though it just contains a little girl...明明之前看起来只是个小女孩的样子……

KalinaThe materials used for this container's automatic defense systems are the real deal.这个箱子配备的那些自动防卫系统，用料可是货真价实的。

(Kalina steps closer to the container, but it suddenly starts to quiver.)（格琳娜靠近了箱子，但箱子却开始抖动起来。）

MakiattoWhat's wrong?怎么了？

KalinaThat's the sign of the defense system entering alert mode...这是防卫系统警戒模式生效的特征……

KalinaDid this happen at any point during transport?一路上这样的情况有发生过吗？

SpringfieldNo. The Commander sorted out Makiatto's and my identification permissions before this transport mission.我们没有见过。在运输前指挥官就已经处理过我和玛绮朵的识别权限了。

KalinaHm... Leva, try stepping back.嗯……莱娅，你后退一下试试。

(Leva eyes the container warily. With a frown, she follows Kalina's instruction and backs away, but the container continues to shake.)（莱娅警惕地看着箱子，皱了皱眉头但还是按照格琳娜所说远离了箱子，但是箱子依然在不断颤抖。）

Kalina...How could this be?……怎么会这样。

(Leva looks up at her surroundings. Within her neural cloud, feeds from the cameras and scanners flash by rapidly, but whether in the outside world or within her neural cloud...)（莱娅抬头看向四周，同时心智中摄像头和扫描器的信息快速闪过，但是不管是外界还是心智中……）

(The situation is the same—all is still and quiet.)（情况都是一样的一片寂静。）

(Yet this very stillness makes Leva highly incredulous.)（然而这份寂静却给了莱娅强烈的不真实感。）

(Through Level II in her neural cloud, she senses a faint but persistent connection request still flickering.)（她感知到在心智的二级平层中，那微弱但依旧存在的请求还在闪烁中。）

LevaAre any of you sensing a nearby connection request signal?你们有感知到附近的连接请求信号吗？

SpringfieldA request signal?请求信号？

(Springfield looks at Makiatto in confusion. Makiatto shakes her head as well.)（春田疑问地看向玛绮朵，而玛绮朵也摇摇头。）

SpringfieldI'm not sensing any request signal at all...我没感知到任何的请求信号……

Leva...………

(If it were an enemy, they wouldn't be so brazen about it.)（如果是敌人的话不会这么明目张胆地请求连接。）

(Then there's only one possibility...)（那么只有一种可能……）

(Leva raises all the firewalls in her neural cloud to maximum. After a moment's hesitation, she accepts the request.)（莱娅将自己所有的心智防壁都开启到最高级别，在犹豫片刻后连接了请求。）

(The connection is established. Nothing happens. Then, after a long while, a string of characters is transmitted.)（连接后，什么都没有发生，许久，几个字母被发送了过来。）

??66616c7365

LevaThis is... a key?这是……密钥？

LevaNo... it's hexadecimal encoding...不……这是十六进制编码——

LevaFalse?“虚假”？

(Leva activates the key. In an instant, her neural cloud is assaulted by what feels like crashing waves.)（莱娅启动了密钥，突然间心智受到了像海浪般的攻击。）

(Her offensive firewalls immediately counterattack, but the opposing signal vanishes at once. The firewalls sever all connection interfaces, isolating Leva's neural cloud once more.)（攻性防壁立即进行了反击，但随即对方的信号消失不见，而防壁切断了所有连接接口，让莱娅的心智进入了静默状态。）

LevaAh!啊——

(Forcefully disconnected by the attack, Leva suddenly realizes something. She takes stock of her surroundings—only to find fully armed mechanical units all around them.)（被攻击强制断开连接的莱娅仿佛顿悟了什么，她定睛看了看周围，全副武装的机械体已经布满了她们周围。）

LevaWhat?!什么？！

(Leva immediately raises her hand and strikes the mechanical unit that has already approached the container.)（莱娅立即抬手击中了已经靠近箱子的机械体。）

LevaFind cover, now!快找掩体！

KalinaWhat's going on?!怎么了！？

LevaOur Level II has been breached...我们的二级平层被入侵了……

LevaWait... Kalina, you can't see them either?等一下，格琳你也看不见吗？

KalinaSee what?看见什么？

(Kalina looks around in confusion, but still draws her sidearm warily.)（格琳娜茫然地环顾四周，但她依然警惕地拔出配枪。）

(In Leva's view, the mechanical units are drawing their weapons as well.)（而在莱娅的视角中，机械体也拔出了武器。）

LevaEveryone down!所有人卧倒！

LevaFire at the positions I've marked!朝我标记的位置射击！

(Springfield and Makiatto immediately draw their weapons. Leva fires controlled shots at the enemy positions she can see, while the other Dolls raise their guns and fire at targets invisible to them.)（春田和玛绮朵立即拿出了武器，莱娅朝着看到的敌人位置分别点射，而其他人形朝着自己看不见的位置举枪追击。）

(The mechanical units are hit precisely and collapse to the ground.)（机械体被精准地命中，随即倒在地上。）

LevaDo you still have the Zener Protocol?你们齐纳协议还在吗？

SpringfieldMakiatto and I both still have it.我和玛绮朵都还保存着。

LevaClose your Level II interfaces and connect to me via the Zener Protocol.关闭二级平层接口，用齐纳协议和我连接。

(Springfield and Makiatto do as instructed. The moment the connection is established, they, too, see the mechanical units on the ground, sparking.)（春田和玛绮朵照做了，在连接的瞬间，她们也看到了在地上冒着火花的机械体。）

SpringfieldWhat...什么……

MakiattoHow did they get in?!它们是怎么进来的！？

KalinaWhat are you even talking about?!你们到底在说什么？

LevaTo think they could even mask them from a human's physical eyesight... Just what is this...?竟然连人类都能被遮蔽了信息……这到底……

(After the mechanical units are destroyed, the container finally stops shaking.)（机械体被消灭后，箱子停止了抖动。）

LevaLenna, have you spotted any enemies?莱娜，有发现敌人吗？

LennaEnemies? No?敌人？没看到敌人啊？

LevaConnect to my remote-control permissions.连接我的远程控制权限。

LevaWhat about now?现在呢？

LennaNow...? Whoa!!现在……呜哇！！

LennaWhy are there mechanical units everywhere outside?!外面怎么全是机械体！？

LevaKalina, what about the people we deployed out there?!格琳，我们布置在外面的人怎么样了！？

KalinaObservation team, do you copy?观察小组，能收到吗？

KalinaRapid response team, can you hear me?!快反小组，能听到我说话吗？

(There is no response over the radio.)（无线电中没有任何回应。）

LevaDamn it... Just who the hell are they...?该死……这到底是何方神圣……

LennaLeva, enemies are charging toward the warehouse!莱娅姐，敌人朝仓库里冲过来了！

LevaFall back and regroup with us! Everyone, prepare to engage!你回来和我们汇合，所有人准备交战！

Gnostic Revelation 灵知启示

MakiattoAre the enemies dealt with?敌人都干掉了吗？

LevaIt seems to have quieted down.似乎消停下来了。

(Suddenly, a series of noises come from outside the warehouse. Kalina frowns as she hears them.)（突然异样的响声从仓库的外面连续不断地传进来，格琳娜听到声音后皱起了眉头。）

KalinaThose are PSA sirens.是治安部门的警笛声。

(Outside the warehouse, the screech of vehicles braking hard can be heard, followed by multiple sets of footsteps drawing closer and closer.)（仓库的外面不断地听到有车辆急刹车的声音，而复数的脚步声也在往她们的位置越靠越近。）

Security TrooperThis is the PSA of LVI-13. Drop your weapons immediately!这里是LVI-13治安巡逻队，立即放下武器！

KalinaThis is field personnel of the Non-Military Forces Administration, conducting an active operation!这里是隶属非军事管理局外勤人员，正在执行任务！

KalinaYou have no authority to interfere!你们无权干涉！

Security TrooperAnd we're to take your word for it?!你说是就是吗！

Security TrooperDrop your weapons! We must verify your identities. If you refuse, we will launch an assault!放下武器，我们要查验你们的身份，不然我们要发动强攻了！

(From the extremely forceful tone, it's clear that they are prepared to attack at any moment. Kalina signals Leva to stay calm.)（对方的语气很强硬，看起来随时有准备强攻的意思，格琳娜对莱娅做了一个稳住的手势。）

KalinaThey're from the PSA. We can't just open fire on them.对方是治安部门，我们不好直接朝他们开枪。

LevaLooks like the first strike failed, so now they're switching to underhanded tactics.看来第一波强夺没成功，接下来要耍阴的了呢。

KalinaThey can't easily move against us either... Let's see what they're up to and play it by ear.对方也同样不好直接对我们动手……先看下他们要做什么，见机行事吧。

(Kalina gestures to the other Dolls, who quickly move to conceal the container holding Helena in a hidden corner.)（格琳娜朝其他人形摆了摆手，人形们迅速将存有海伦娜的箱子藏到了暗处。）

KalinaI've called for reinforcements. Our people will arrive within 15 minutes.我已经呼叫增援了，十五分钟内我们的人就会赶来。

Leva...Let's hope we can hold out that long.……希望能拖到那个时候。

(Kalina nods. She clears her throat and calls out toward the outside.)（格琳娜点了点头，随即清了清嗓子，朝外面喊道。）

KalinaWe've lowered our weapons. You may enter.我们已经放下武器，你们可以进来了！

??PSA officers, please enter the warehouse and conduct your inspection.治安部门的各位，劳烦进入仓库检查吧。

??There may be senior officials of the URNC inside. Please escort them to me courteously.里面很有可能是罗联的高级官员，请将她们礼貌地请到我这里来。

Security TrooperUnderstood!是！

(Armed PSA personnel enter the warehouse. Kalina raises her hands and presents her credentials.)（治安部门的武装人员进入了仓库中，格琳娜举起手并将证件拿了出来。）

KalinaI am a Level-Two Counselor and Regional Security Supervisor of the Third Sub-Bureau under the Non-Military Forces Administration, currently carrying out a special field operation.我是非军事力量管理局下属第三分局二级参事兼区域安全主管，正在进行特殊外勤任务。

Security TrooperWhat operation?什么任务？

KalinaYou don't have the authority to know.你无权知道。

(Under Kalina's imposing sense of presence, the armed officer doesn't dare act rashly. He takes the credentials, flips through them, then hands them to someone who appears to be the team leader. That person walks off and passes them to another indistinct figure in the distance.)（在格琳娜的气场下，武装人员也不敢轻举妄动，他接过证件翻阅了一下，然后将证件交给了队长样貌的人手里，而那人向远处走去，交给了另一个模糊的身影。）

(The moment she enters Kalina's field of view, Kalina's nerves snap taut—)（当她出现在格琳娜视野中的那一刻时，她的神经立刻绷紧了——）

(The one now standing before her is not a human, but a meticulously dressed third-gen Doll.)（站在她面前的并非人类，而是一名着装考究的三代人形。）

(Her suit is perfectly tailored. Like a highly trained senior butler from a noble estate, her every movement radiates elegance and composure.)（她身上的西装裁剪完美，举手投足间散发着优雅从容的气度，仿佛一位贵族府邸中训练有素的高级管家。）

(She inclines her head slightly, examining Kalina's credentials with near-reverent courtesy. Her fingers, fluid and graceful, turn the pages lightly.)（她微微欠身，以近乎恭敬的姿态检视格琳娜的证件，手指轻柔地翻阅，动作流畅优美。）

(Then she looks up, a gentle and polite smile on her lips, while her eyes resemble fine porcelain displayed in an old mansion.)（随后她抬起头，嘴角挂着温和有礼的微笑，眼神却如同古老豪宅中那些精美却总让人不安的瓷器。）

(Flawless on the surface, but hiding something deeply unsettling within.)（表面光滑完美，内里却蕴藏着某种令人不寒而栗的特质。）

??So you are a counselor of the Non-Military Forces Administration. Please accept my sincerest apologies for receiving you in such a manner—it is truly disgraceful.原来您是非军事管理局的参事阁下，非常抱歉我们以此等方式接待您，实在是太失礼了。

KalinaYou're certainly fast... and polite.你们可真是又快又礼貌啊。

??Efficiency and elegance are virtues that naturally complement one another. As a standard of next-generation etiquette, we always strive to integrate the two perfectly, in order to provide the most attentive service.高效与优雅本就是相辅相成的美德。作为新一代的礼仪标准，我们总是努力将两者完美融合，以提供最为周到的服务。

(Her voice is rich and smooth, her tone refined and courteous, yet this near-perfect politeness carries an irresistible sense of authority.)（对方的声音醇厚温润，语调优雅有礼，然而这种近乎完美的礼貌反而透露出一种难以抗拒的威严。）

KalinaSurely the Public Security Administration doesn't have a Doll as high-end as you in their ranks?治安部门应该不会有你这样的高级人形吧？

??You have a keen eye. I am indeed not a Doll registered under the PSA, but here in a support capacity.您真是慧眼识珠，我的确并非治安部编制人形，而是来协助的。

(The Doll gives Kalina a slight nod.)（人形轻轻地向格琳娜点头致意。）

??Please allow me to introduce myself—请允许我做个自我介绍——

IglaI am a special representative of the Girard Group responsible for security affairs in Lviv and the surrounding region. You may call me Igla.我是吉拉尔集团负责利沃夫及周边地区安全事务的特别代表，您可以称呼我为“针”。

IglaI was just informed that there has been some unusual activity in this area.我刚刚接获通知，这片区域出现了些许不寻常的动静。

IglaYou should be aware that the Girard Group also undertakes security operations for the cities around Lviv, so we could hardly ignore the PSA's request for assistance.您应该知道吉拉尔集团也承接了利沃夫周边城市的安全保卫工作，所以治安部门的支援请求我们不能坐视不理。

IglaAdditionally, with the upcoming summit placing higher demands on Lviv, I felt it necessary to personally lead a team here to assess the situation.另外，考虑到即将举行的峰会对利沃夫提出了更高的要求，因此我不得不亲自带队前来查看情况。

IglaBased on our preliminary observations, it appears that a rather... intense conflict has taken place here.根据我们的初步观察，这里似乎发生了一场相当……激烈的冲突。

IglaPerhaps you would be willing to share what you witnessed? After all, maintaining peace in this city is a goal we share.或许您愿意与我分享一些您所目睹的情况？毕竟，维护这座城市的和平，是我们共同的心愿。

(Igla's gaze rests gently yet intently on Kalina, then casually sweeps toward the corner behind her. That seemingly idle glance feels as though it sees straight through everything.)（针的目光温和而专注地停留在格琳娜身上，又不经意间扫过身后的角落，那看似随意的一瞥却仿佛能够洞察一切。）

(Her smile never wavers—polite and composed, yet exerting invisible pressure.)（她的微笑始终如一，彬彬有礼却让人感到无形的压力。）

KalinaAs you can see, NOMFA is carrying out its assigned task. We were suddenly attacked by unknown mechanical units, but fortunately our field personnel repelled them.如你所见，非军事管理局正在执行相关的任务，我们突然遭到了未知机械体的袭击，但好在我们的外勤人员击退了敌人。

IglaWhat an unfortunate incident.多么令人遗憾的事故。

(Igla inclines her head gracefully, offering a perfectly measured gesture of apology, as though expressing regret for an inconvenience she did not cause.)（针优雅地微微欠身，做出一个得体的歉意姿态，仿佛在为一场并非由她造成的不便致歉。）

(Her expression remains impeccably pleasant, save for the intense focus in her eyes—like a predator locking onto its prey.)（她的表情始终保持着完美的亲切，唯有眼底深处闪过的专注，犹如盯上了猎物的猛兽般令人不寒而栗。）

IglaUpon closer thought, I can't help but notice an interesting coincidence—the attack seems to have had a very specific target.仔细思考这个问题，我不禁注意到一个有趣的巧合——这场袭击似乎有着相当明确的目标指向性。

(Igla looks toward a spot—the very place where the container is hidden.)（针看向了一个位置，那正是被隐藏在深处的箱子。）

IglaAs a security officer of the Non-Military Forces Administration, I'm sure you're aware that firing weapons within a satellite city is a serious matter.您贵为非军事力量管理局的安全官员，应该知道在卫星城内开枪是一件很严重的事吧？

IglaAnd even more serious than gunfire—the covert entry of hazardous items that could threaten regional security into the heart of the city.而比开枪更严重的是，有会威胁到区域安全的危险品偷偷地进入到了城市的腹地。

Kalina...……

IglaAlthough this may displease you, my duties require me to conduct an appropriate investigation into you and your subordinates. Please come with us.虽然这样说会引起您的不快，但我的职责要求我必须对您和您的手下们进行相应的调查，请和我们走一趟吧。

IglaAdditionally, it is necessary for us to thoroughly inspect this area for any potentially dangerous items. I trust you won't mind?另外，对于这块区域我们也有必要将可能存在的危险物品做彻底的检查，我想您应该也不会介意吧？

KalinaYou have no authority to investigate us or to inspect this area. NOMFA's mission is still ongoing.你没有权力对我们进行调查，你也无权检查这个区域，非军事力量管理局的任务还在继续。

KalinaNow that you know we are on duty, please leave immediately.既然你已经知道我们在执行任务，请立即从这里离开。

IglaI'm afraid that won't be possible. Even if I were willing, the PSA officers cannot simply ignore suspected illegal activity within their jurisdiction.这恐怕不行呢，就算我愿意，治安部门的执法人员也无法坐视可能的违法行为在他们的管理下出现吧。

IglaThough we belong to different departments, for the sake of the city's safety, I must ask that you follow the proper procedures and cooperate with law enforcement to avoid unnecessary losses.虽然我们是不同的部门，但是为了城市的安全还是请您遵守相应的流程和规则配合我们执法，以避免不必要的损失。

KalinaProcedurally speaking, the local PSA has no authority to enforce the law against a counselor of the Non-Military Forces Administration—and as outsourced security, you have even less.从流程上来说，本地的治安部门没资格对非军事力量管理局的参事执法，而你作为外包安保而言更没有资格。

KalinaIf you truly crave authority that much, submit an investigation request through the Chief of Lviv. You will have my unconditional cooperation immediately.如果你真的有这么大的官瘾，那就通过利沃夫的首席将调查申请发送给我，我立即无条件配合你们。

IglaI must be frank—this confrontational attitude of yours brings no benefit whatsoever.我必须坦言，您这样的对抗思维并不具备任何益处。

(Igla raises a hand slightly. The surrounding PSA officers immediately raise their guns.)（针抬了抬手，周围治安部门的武装人员立即举起了枪。）

(The Dolls raise theirs in response.)（而人形们也同样马上举枪应对。）

IglaOh my, how surprising.哦呀，这还真是令人惊讶。

(Igla turns her gaze toward Leva, who smiles back while leveling her gun at Igla.)（针将目光投向了莱娅，而莱娅也在微笑下将枪口指向了她。）

LevaYou don't seriously believe that just because you're a third-gen Doll, you can overpower us NOMFA Dolls, do you?你不会认为自己是三代人形就强到能完全压制非军事力量管理局的人形吧？

IglaI'm not quite sure what you mean.我不太明白您的意思。

LevaYou're quite the joker~您可真爱说笑~

(Beneath their smiles, countless streams of light flash through their eyes.)（在两者的微笑下，双方的眼中都闪过无数光条。）

(Within Leva's Level II, a signal source at point-blank range attempts to forcibly connect to her neural cloud.)（在莱娅的二级平层中，近在咫尺的信号源正在试图强行连接她的心智。）

(Massive amounts of data crash violently against Leva's offensive firewalls. The signal source launches high-speed, high-density attacks against all her ports. But the key activated earlier provides Leva with a complete decoding logic, allowing her to dismantle those lethal viruses within the limits of her processing power.)（巨量的数据正在和莱娅的攻性防壁激烈地冲突，信号源高速且密集地攻击着她的各个端口。但刚才的密钥带给了莱娅一套完整的解码逻辑，让她得以在心智算力的范围内瓦解掉那些致命的病毒。）

Igla...…………

LevaI'd advise you, Miss Special Representative, not to act rashly~我劝您这位安全事务特别代表不要轻举妄动呢~

LevaLet's leave aside the fact that we could take you out even if you strike first. If anything happens to the Counselor, the Girard Group would probably get plowed into the ground and turned into next year's fertilizer. Are you sure that'd be acceptable?且不说你先动手我们也能干掉你们，要是参事小姐有什么三长两短，吉拉尔集团恐怕得被犁到地里当明年的肥料了，这样真的没问题吗？

(Igla frowns slightly, then resumes her original smile and addresses Leva.)（针微微皱了皱眉，然后恢复了一开始的微笑，朝着莱娅说道。）

IglaYou're also quite the jokester. Of course we wouldn't act rashly.您太会说笑了，我们怎么会轻举妄动呢。

IglaHowever, you did remind me of something important—the Counselor should indeed take good care of her health. If something were to happen to her, we wouldn't be able to shoulder the responsibility.不过有件事您提醒得很对，参事小姐的确得注意身体，不然要是有个三长两短我们可负责不起啊。

(Igla casts a meaningful look toward Kalina. Leva's gaze is drawn there as well.)（针意味深长地盯向了格琳娜，莱娅的视线也被吸引着看了过去。）

(Kalina keeps her gun trained on Igla, but suddenly her chest heaves. She coughs several times, then collapses into an uncontrollable, violent coughing fit.)（格琳娜举着枪对着针，但是胸口突然有了起伏，她连续咳嗽了几声，随即难以控制的剧烈咳嗽接踵而来。）

(She covers her mouth and nose, but blood spills through her fingers and drips onto the ground with each cough.)（格琳娜用手捂住口鼻处，但随着咳嗽喷涌出的鲜血却透过了手掌滴落到了地面。）

Kalina!!!！！！

IglaOh dear, the Counselor appears to be suffering from acute radiation sickness?诶呀，参事小姐看起来是不是得了急性辐射病呢？

IglaIf she doesn't seek treatment soon, the damage might be irreversible, you know.要是不早点就医的话，恐怕对身体会造成不可逆的影响呢。

Leva...!!……！！

(Kalina drops weakly to one knee, but immediately raises a hand to signal that she can still hold on.)（格琳娜因为脱力而半跪在地上，她立即举手示意自己还能支撑。）

KalinaI'm fine. My immunity is still pretty strong...没事，我的抗性很强的……

(Bracing herself against her knee, she forces herself back up, wipes the blood from the corner of her mouth, and raises her gun at Igla.)（格琳娜撑着膝盖勉强站起来，抹掉嘴角的血液举枪面对针。）

KalinaEven if I die here, I won't leave.我就算死在这里也不会离开的。

(Igla shows the same confident smile as before. She bows lightly and gestures for the other armed personnel to lower their weapons.)（针露出了一开始自信的微笑，她轻轻鞠一躬，然后招呼其他武装人员将枪放下。）

IglaThen let's wait a little longer.那我们就再等一会吧。

LevaTsk...啧……

(Suppressing the urge to shoot the wench named Igla in the face right there and then, Leva rapidly calculates how to eliminate every enemy present as quickly as possible.)（莱娅强压住现在立即就朝那个叫针的家伙脸上开枪的冲动，正在快速地计算如何尽可能快地将在场所有敌人干掉。）

(They've cunningly deployed human armed personnel, all wearing full-coverage helmets. There's no telling what's been released into the air.)（对方非常狡猾地派出了人类的武装人员，而且戴着全覆盖的头盔，恐怕空气中不知道被投放了什么。）

(As for Igla herself—just defending against her electronic attacks is already taxing. Crippling her through electronic warfare is nearly impossible.)（而眼前的这个针，光是防御她的电子攻击就已经十分吃力了，想通过电子战瘫痪她几乎没有可能。）

(Judging from the PSA's setup, they must have prepared for NOMFA reinforcements. The chances of NOMFA reinforcements reaching this place in 15 minutes are smaller than her winning the lottery.)（就对方的布局来看，不可能不对非军事力量管理局的增援做防备，十五分钟的时间内能赶到这里堪比彩票中奖。）

(And Kalina clearly can't hold out in her current condition. She already has a history of ELID—her life will be at risk if this continues.)（而格琳娜的状态明显无法拖延，她本身就有辐射病的病根，再这样下去她的生命都无法保证。）

Kalina...…………

Igla...…………

Leva...…………

(Boom!)（轰！）

(While Leva's neural cloud is racing, a massive explosion suddenly erupts deep within the warehouse.)（就在莱娅的心智快速运转时，突然一声巨大的爆炸声在仓库的深处传来。）

(Almost simultaneously, the Dolls all look toward the same spot—the location of the container, now shrouded in smoke.)（人形们几乎同时看向同样的位置——那个放置箱子而现在弥漫着烟雾的位置。）

Igla...Looks like the real guests have arrived.……看来真正的客人来了。

(Igla doesn't hesitate for even a second. Abandoning the Dolls she had been facing moments ago, she immediately rushes toward the explosion.)（针几乎没有任何犹豫，扔下了前一秒还在和她们对峙的人形们，立即朝着爆炸的位置冲去。）

(Kalina tries to follow, but her legs give out and she collapses.)（而格琳娜也试图跟上，但双脚乏力倒在了地上。）

LevaKalin!格琳！

(Leva rushes to her side at once, trying to help her up.)（莱娅立即冲到了格琳娜面前，试图将她扶起。）

(Kalina pushes her away and issues an order.)（格琳娜推开了她的搀扶，对她下达了命令。）

KalinaDon't worry about me! Go after her!别管我！快追上去！

LevaTsk...!啧……！

(Leva shoots a furious glare at the PSA personnel Igla has left behind and roars at them.)（莱娅看了眼被针丢在原地的治安部门人员，朝他们怒吼道。）

LevaCall an ambulance right now!赶紧给我叫救护车！

LevaIf anything happens to the Counselor, it'll be your heads rolling!要是参事出事了你们一个都别想跑！

Security TrooperUh... O-on it!哦……哦好的！

(Thrown into chaos by the sudden explosion and Igla's departure, the PSA officers fall into disarray. Their leader starts calling for medical support over the radio.)（治安部门的人也被突然发生的爆炸和针的离开搞得混乱了起来，领头的队长开始对着对讲机呼叫起医疗支援。）

LevaLenna, take Kalina to the hospital!莱娜，你把格琳送去医院！

LevaManager, please help protect Kalina!店长，请你们帮忙保护格琳！

LennaGot it!好的！

SpringfieldLeave it to us! Just go!交给我们，你快去吧！

(Leva gives Kalina one last look, then dashes toward the site of the explosion.)（在得到人形们的回应后，莱娅最后看了一眼格琳娜，随即朝爆炸的方向追了过去。）

Caduceus 双蛇杖

(Voymastina sprints at full speed with the container slung over her shoulder. The box is shaking violently. She clamps it tightly with her arm to keep it from slipping free.)（威玛西娜扛着箱子正快速地飞奔着，箱子正在剧烈地震动，而威玛西娜的手臂用力地将其夹住以免脱手。）

(Alva runs alongside her, but unlike Voymastina, she keeps her head down, continuously working on the terminal in her hand.)（而埃芙在她身边奔跑，不一样的是，她一直在低头处理手上的终端。）

VoymastinaI question the decision we just made.我对刚才的行动表示质疑。

(Alva doesn't look up, her fingers still flying across the terminal.)（埃芙没有回头，手指依然在终端上飞速移动。）

AlvaYou mean when NOMFA was attacked?你是指非军事力量管理局刚刚遇袭的时候？

VoymastinaThe timing was bad. We shouldn't have intervened.刚才的时机不好，我们不应该出现。

AlvaThat was my initial thought as well, which is why I helped Leva.我原本也是这么想的，所以我帮助了莱娅。

AlvaFacing a third-gen Doll puts enormous pressure on her. That key ensures she won't be crushed outright.她面对三代人形会有压力，那串密钥能帮助她不被击溃。

AlvaBut even so, they failed to uphold their responsibility.但是即便如此她们也守不住自己的职责。

Voymastina...?……？

(The terminal emits a crisp unlocking chime. The container on Voymastina's shoulder stops quivering.)（终端发出一声清脆的解锁声，威玛西娜身上的箱子不再颤动。）

(Alva finally turns to look at Voymastina.)（埃芙终于转身看向威玛西娜。）

AlvaAlthough this container wasn't part of our original mission, the Non-Military Forces Administration had already lost effective control over it.虽然这个箱子并不是我们的任务，但是非军事力量管理局刚才已经无法实际控制那个箱子了。

AlvaIf this continues, the Girard Group will obtain O-43. That's an unacceptable risk.这样下去吉拉尔集团的人就会获得O-43，这是巨大的风险。

AlvaSo we have to change the plan.所以我们必须要改变计划。

VoymastinaI don't understand.我不明白。

VoymastinaYou didn't disclose the full plan to me.你并未向我披露全部的计划内容。

(Alva lets out a quiet sigh.)（埃芙叹了口气。）

AlvaI'm sorry, Voymastina. You're right, I didn't explain it clearly. This was "her" request—O-43 must not fall into the hands of any conglomerate. Not a single one.抱歉，威玛西娜，我的确没有解释清楚，这是“她”的要求——O-43不能落入财团之手，任何一个都不行。

AlvaWe still don't know what role O-43 plays in Project Eden, nor do we understand the project's full scope. "She" has been active inside the Group for a long time, yet still uncovered nothing. So now, we can only rely on ourselves.我们依然不清楚O-43在乐园计划中扮演的角色，也不知道乐园计划的全貌，“她”在集团内部活动了很久，但依然没有找到任何消息，所以，我们只能靠自己了。

AlvaThat's why, in addition to this mission, we need to take her back. Nele will conduct a comprehensive examination—maybe we'll find some clues.所以除了我们这次的任务外，我们需要把她带回去，奈乐会对她展开一个全面的检查，也许能找到一些端倪。

AlvaOnly then can we determine how far Paradeus' scheme has progressed.只有这样，才能确认帕拉蒂斯的阴谋进行到了哪一步。

VoymastinaCarrying this container significantly reduces our chances of completing the mission. Perhaps we should find an opportunity to return it to NOMFA.带着这个箱子会大大降低完成这次任务的概率，也许我们应该找机会将箱子还给非军事力量管理局。

AlvaNo.不行。

VoymastinaCan NOMFA not be trusted?我们不信任非军事力量管理局？

AlvaI trust Mr. Kryuger, and I trust Miss Kalina, but I can't say the same for everyone else.我信任克鲁格先生，也信任格琳娜小姐，但除了他们以外的人未必值得信任。

AlvaIf the URNC were truly trustworthy, we wouldn't have broken away from Statesec in the first place.如果罗联值得信任，我们就不会脱离国安局了。

Voymastina...Understood.……明白。

AlvaThe Girard Group is almost done for, but it still possesses the capacity to cause enormous damage.吉拉尔集团离完蛋不远了，但它们依然拥有造成巨大危害的能力。

AlvaEven though Mr. Kryuger has done everything he possibly can, I'm still concerned that NOMFA's plans may veer far beyond what they anticipate.虽然克鲁格先生已经做了他所有能做的事，但我依然担心非军事力量管理局的计划会走向他们想象以外的道路。

AlvaIf instability erupts within Girard, the situation will become irreversible.如果吉拉尔的内部不稳定，到时事情会变得不可挽回。

(Voymastina pauses slightly, then nods, and says no more.)（威玛西娜微微一顿，随即点头，不再多言。）

(The silence between them carries an unspoken mutual understanding.)（两人之间的沉默仿佛包含了某种共同的心照不宣。）

(In the distance, the sound of running engines and footsteps draws closer.)（远处，引擎声和脚步声越来越近。）

AlvaLooks like the enemy is catching up.看来敌人追上来了。

AlvaI'll prep the vehicle. Give me the container. It'll just hold you back.我去准备载具，把箱子给我吧，她会影响你发挥。

VoymastinaHm.嗯。

AlvaWe rendezvous at the extraction point.在撤离点汇合。

VoymastinaUnderstood.明白。

(Voymastina watches Alva leave. Then, silently, she turns in the opposite direction, checks her weapon, and runs toward the enemy with heavy, deliberate strides.)（威玛西娜目送埃芙离开，随后沉默地转向了相反的方向，她检查了下武器，迈着沉重的步伐朝敌人的方向跑去。）

Caduceus 双蛇杖

(After taking down the last pursuer, Voymastina scans her surroundings. Once she confirms that the area is secure, she prepares to relocate.)（将最后一名追兵击倒，威玛西娜左右环顾，确认安全之后，便准备转移。）

Voymastina!!——！！

(Thud.)（咚。）

(Just as Voymastina is about to move, a razor-sharp gaze—one that seems to pierce through every electromagnetic disturbance on the battlefield—locks onto her like a precision-guided weapon.)（而就在威玛西娜准备离开的瞬间，一道仿佛刺穿了战场所有电磁干扰的锐利视线，如同精确制导的武器般直接锁定了她。）

(Her instincts trigger instantly. Before conscious thought can catch up, her body pivots. In 0.1 seconds, her right hand draws her MP443 tactical pistol, the muzzle snapping precisely toward the source of that gaze.)（她的本能立即触发，身体在思维作出判断前已经完成了转身动作，同时右手以0.1秒的速度拔出了MP443战术手枪，枪口精确指向了视线的来源方向。）

(At that very moment, Voymastina's system experiences a rare stall.)（而这一刻，威玛西娜的系统出现了罕见的停滞。）

(She stands in an open tactical zone, deliberately chosen to maximize attracting enemy fire while ensuring clear line of sight for battlefield control.)（她所处的位置是个战术上的开阔区域，选择此处是为了最大化她的火力吸引效果，同时保证足够的视野来控制战场。）

(Her first assessment is that the enemy has deployed a sniper team for long-range suppression, but her Wolf Eye's full-spectrum scan detects no thermal signatures or electronic traces of conventional weapons.)（她的第一判断是敌方派出了狙击小组实施远程压制，但随即，狼眼系统的全频段扫描却没有发现任何常规武器的热信号或电子特征。）

(Yet her intuition has never been wrong. Tempered through countless battles, it has become an integral component of her combat system.)（然而她的直觉从不出错。这种直觉在千百次的实战中不断锤炼，已经成为她作战系统的重要组件。）

Voymastina...……

(She raises her head slightly. Wolf Eye automatically shifts to maximum magnification, piercing the night mist to lock onto a distant target.)（她微微抬起头，狼眼系统自动调整至最大倍率，穿透夜色的迷雾，锁定了远方的目标。）

(On the edge of the battlefield—over a kilometer from the engagement zone—atop a high-rise overlooking a warehouse district, a slender figure stands in silence.)（在战场边缘，距离交火区域至少一公里开外，一座仓库区外的高层建筑顶部，一个挺拔的身影正静立在那里。）

(Even with Wolf Eye, Voymastina must run the system at full power to clearly capture the figure's image—it is a woman dressed in an elegant masculine formal suit, poised and graceful, with neatly styled short hair and movements that radiate near-perfect refinement.)（即使是配备狼眼系统，威玛西娜也需要全功率运转才能清晰捕捉对方的形象——那是一位身着典雅男式礼服的女性，风姿绰约，短发精致，举止间透着一种近乎完美的优雅。）

(Her gaze meets Voymastina's across the vast distance.)（此刻，她的目光正与威玛西娜隔空相对。）

Igla...……

(Voymastina maintains her firing stance. Rational analysis tells her a standard pistol is meaningless at this range, yet a more primal combat instinct refuses to let her lower her guard.)（威玛西娜依然保持着射击姿态，尽管理性分析告诉她常规手枪在这个距离上毫无意义，但某种更为原始的战斗本能让她无法放下戒备。）

(Across such an immense distance, every sensor in her body simultaneously enters maximum alert—a phenomenon she has never experienced before, not even when she infiltrated Avernus alone.)（隔着如此遥远的距离，她全身的传感器却同时进入了最高警戒状态——这种现象前所未有，甚至在单枪匹马闯入双子塔时也未曾发生过。）

(Her combat instincts scream a single conclusion: this person is a genuine threat.)（她的战斗本能正在告诉她：眼前这个人，是真正的威胁。）

(As if sensing Voymastina's wariness, the elegant woman tilts her head slightly and says something to a fully armed operative beside her.)（似乎是察觉到了威玛西娜的警惕，那位优雅的女性轻轻侧头，对身旁一位全副武装的作战人员说了什么。）

(Through her Wolf Eye, Voymastina sees the operative salute, open a specialized case, and respectfully present it to the woman.)（在威玛西娜的狼眼注视下，她看到作战人员向她行礼并打开了一个特制的箱子，恭敬地递给了那位女性。）

(With a flick of her wrist, the equipment is revealed in full—a tactical spear, forged from a special ultra-high-density alloy, its surface glinting coldly. Such weapons are typically ceremonial ornaments, not tools of actual combat.)（女性一抖手，装备便显现出了全貌：一柄战术长矛——由特制的超高密度合金制成，表面闪烁着寒光，那种武器通常作为礼仪的装饰品，而非实战武器。）

(But in the next instant, the woman's movement sends every one of Voymastina's senses screaming.)（然而下一刻，女性的动作让威玛西娜的所有感官同时发出尖啸。）

(She grips the spear gracefully, spins it in a motion as fluid as a dance, and then, something utterly unbelievable happens—)（她优雅地握紧长矛，以一种近乎舞蹈般的动作轻轻旋转，随后，不可思议的一幕发生了——）

(Holding the spear in one hand, she leans back slightly and, with a flawless throwing posture, hurls it toward Voymastina over a kilometer away.)（那位女性单手持矛，身体微微后仰，随后以一个完美的投掷姿态，将长矛投向了一公里外的威玛西娜！）

(The air shrieks as the spear tears through it like a silver bolt of lightning, traveling at armor-piercing round velocity across an inconceivable distance.)（呼啸声在空气中撕裂，那柄长矛如同一道银色闪电，以一枚穿甲弹般的速度飞越了难以想象的距离。）

(Voymastina's system calculates hundreds of evasion patterns, but her body makes a different choice.)（威玛西娜的系统计算出上百种闪避方案，但她的身体却做出了另一个选择——）

(She holsters the pistol, lowers her center of gravity, and precisely catches the spear mid-air with her right hand.)（她收起手枪，身体微微下沉，右手精准地在空中接住了那柄破空而来的长矛。）

(Boom!)（轰！）

(The colossal impact force carves deep grooves into the ground beneath her boots, sending her skidding several meters before she stabilizes.)（巨大的冲击力让她的靴子在地面上划出深深的沟壑，足足几米的距离才让她稳住身形。）

(The ground surface fractures under the force, cracks spreading outward like a spiderweb.)（地面因这股力量而龟裂，如同蛛网般向四周蔓延。）

(This is not power a normal human could unleash—nor an impact a standard T-Doll could withstand.)（这不是普通人类能够释放的力量，甚至不是常规战术人形能够承受的冲击。）

(Voymastina looks down at the spear in her hand. Etched delicately along the shaft is a single line of text.)（威玛西娜低头看着手中的长矛，只见矛身上精致地刻着一行字。）

Looking forward to making your acquaintance. Igla“期待与您的正式会面 —— 针”

Voymastina...……

(Beep.)（滴。）

Snow WolfSnow Wolf now at the rendezvous point. White Mastiff, report your position.雪狼抵达会合地点，白獒报告位置。

Voymastina...…………

Voymastina...White Mastiff is en route. Over.……白獒马上赶到，完毕。

(Beep.)（滴。）

(The call ends.)（通讯挂断。）

(Voymastina lifts her head and looks toward the distant buildings. A dull numbness pulses through her wrist. The impact was too much even for the components in her arm.)（威玛西娜抬头望向远方的建筑，手腕一阵一阵地发麻——就像是手部的元件也难以承受这样的冲击。）

(A sensation she has never experienced before surges within her: a sense of inevitability, like two planets being drawn together by gravity, destined to collide in a spectacular catastrophe someday.)（某种她从未体验过的感觉在心中涌动：一种宿命般的预感，仿佛两颗行星被无形的引力拉向彼此，终将在某一天发生壮烈的碰撞。）

(However, the elegant woman in menswear has already vanished into the night, as if she had never been there at all.)（然而，那优雅的男装丽人，已经消失在夜色中，仿佛从未出现过。）

(The night wind is bleak; only the heavy spear in Voymastina's hands proves that what just happened was no illusion.)（夜风萧瑟，只有手中沉甸甸的长矛证明刚才发生的一切并非幻觉。）

Tree of Life 生命之树

(Fwoosh... BOOM!!!)（咻——轰！！！）

(A dull sound tears through the air, and a blazing fireball blooms in the night. A jeep racing down a narrow road is struck dead-on by a precision-guided rocket. The shockwave throws out a ring of heat, shattering all the nearby windows.)（沉闷的破空声后，一团炽热的火光在夜色中绽放，那辆沿狭窄道路高速机动的吉普车瞬间被精确制导的火箭弹命中。爆炸气浪掀起一圈热浪，将周围的建筑玻璃震得粉碎。）

Armed PersonnelDamn it! Who authorized heavy artillery?! Headquarters explicitly stated urban combat restriction protocols! The target item is rated A+; any damage will result in—该死！谁擅自启动了重火力？总部明确指示过城区作战限制条例！目标物品的安全级别为A+，任何损伤都将导致——

Armed PersonnelAt least we can cut off their escape route! Wait... scans show the vehicle interior is... empty?!至少能阻断她们的撤离路线！等等……扫描显示车辆内部……是空的？！

(Fwoosh—)（咻——）

(Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang!!)（呯呯呯呯呯呯呯——！！）

(Just then, a string of precise gunshots cuts off the security team's transmission. Alva and Voymastina appear simultaneously from cover three blocks away. They are covered in light dust and scorch marks, yet their combat efficiency remains completely unaffected.)（话音未落，一连串精准的枪声打断了警备队的通讯。埃芙与威玛西娜从三个街区外的掩体后同时出现，她们身上沾染着轻微的烟尘和热损伤痕迹，却丝毫不影响作战效率。）

(Their perfectly coordinated crossfire suppresses the entire pursuit squad.)（完美的交叉火力将追击小队全部压制。）

(The private armed security forces bearing the Girard Group insignia clearly did not anticipate this—Task Force DEFY has not only evaded encirclement, but has already completed a counter-maneuver, turning from prey into ambushers.)（身上印有吉拉尔集团的私人武装警备队成员显然没有预料到这种情况——忤逆小队不仅成功规避了包围，甚至已经完成了反向穿插，从追击者变成了伏击者。）

AlvaKeep moving; do not stop. Urban surveillance systems have locked onto our signatures. In seven minutes, Girard's third heavy blockade unit will reach the outer perimeter of the combat zone.持续机动，不要停留。城区监控系统已经锁定我们的特征，再有七分钟，第三支吉拉尔的重型封锁部队就会抵达战区外围。

Voymastina...……

Voymastina...Do we execute the contingency plan?……要执行备用计划么。

AlvaYes, switch to Plan B. Disrupt their deployment as much as possible.嗯，调整为B计划，尽可能打乱他们部署。

AlvaWhen that's done, proceed to the second extraction point. Keep the channel open.完成后去第二撤离点，频道保持开启。

AlvaI've notified the support unit.我已通报接应单位。

(Without wasting a breath, Alva gives a slight nod and swiftly adjusts her comms to standard encrypted mode. She then shoulders the capsule containing the critical cargo and leaps nimbly into a gap amidst the dense architecture of Lviv's Green Zone.)（没有多余的言语交流，埃芙轻微点头，迅速调整通讯设备至常态加密频道，随后背起装有关键货物的舱体，精准地跃入利沃夫绿区复杂的建筑间隙中。）

(Her figure melds into the neon-lit steel jungle, vanishing into the night in an instant.)（她的身影如同融入了这座被霓虹灯装点的钢铁丛林，瞬间消失在夜色中。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina remains where she is, deliberately exposing her movements to every surveillance system. She is the decoy—the core executor of the diversion.)（威玛西娜立于原地，刻意将自己的行踪暴露在各种监控系统之下。她是诱饵，是声东击西战术的核心执行者。）

(The night in the satellite cities around Lviv should be lively and bustling. Colorful neon lights illuminate the commercial streets lined with buildings that blend Eastern European tradition with modern design. This place should be packed with nightlife seekers and tourists, mocking those who struggle desperately just to survive.)（利沃夫周边卫星城的夜晚本该是繁华热闹的。商业街上五颜六色的霓虹灯交相辉映，各种风格的建筑融合了东欧传统与现代设计，这里应该挤满夜生活爱好者和旅游者，肆意嘲笑那些苦苦谋求生存的挣扎。）

(Yet now the streets are completely deserted, as if the entire city has been evacuated by some invisible force.)（然而此刻街道上空无一人，仿佛整座城市都被某种无形的力量疏散一空。）

(Voymastina looks up directly at the armed helicopter flying toward her. The searchlight of the light tactical chopper illuminates her figure in stark clarity. On this empty battlefield, she stands like an unshakable mountain, awaiting the coming storm.)（威玛西娜抬头直视朝她飞来的武装直升机，那架轻型战术直升机的探照灯将她的身影照得一清二楚。在这空旷的战场上，她如同一座不可撼动的高山，等待着暴风雨的到来。）

(Fwoosh—)（咻——）

(BOOM!!)（——轰！！）

Armed PersonnelTarget hit!命中目标！

(The helicopter's side gunner excitedly confirms the hit. The launcher, still smoking in his hands, gives proof to his precise strike.)（武装直升机侧舷的武器操作员兴奋地确认着命中反馈，手中还冒着余烟的发射器证明了他刚才的精准一击。）

Armed PersonnelMaintain altitude! Deploy ground teams for battlefield confirmation! Watch the surroundings—her allies may still be lying in ambush nearby! Wait... what's that?!保持高度！投放地面小队进行战场确认！注意周边环境，她的同伴可能还在附近埋伏！等等——那是什么？！

(The thick smoke and dust from the missile explosion blanket the entire area. Combined with turbulent heat currents among buildings, infrared imaging is nearly useless. Just as the helicopter descends to deploy the confirmation team—)（导弹爆炸产生的浓烟与尘埃将整个区域笼罩，加上建筑间复杂的热气流形成的环流，让红外成像几乎失效。正当直升机降低高度，准备投放战术确认小队时——）

Voymastina—Come.——来。

(A violent, unnatural gale erupts from the center of the smoke. A dark shadow rockets upward, breaking free of gravity's pull.)（一股不合常理的狂风从烟雾中央涌出，黑色的身影弹射而起，脱离了地心引力的束缚。）

(The figure is still wreathed in lingering smoke, like a Valkyrie from myth taking flight.)（那道身影周围还缠绕着未散尽的烟雾，如同一位从神话中飞行的女武神。）

(Thwack!)（啪！）

Armed PersonnelThat's impossible!——这不可能！

(A hand seemingly clad in steel clamps firmly onto the landing skid. The immense force tilts the entire helicopter to one side, its frame emitting a dangerous metallic screech.)（一只钢铁般的手臂稳稳攀住了直升机的起落架，巨大的力量让整架飞机都向一侧倾斜，机身发出危险的金属扭曲声。）

Armed PersonnelThe enemy is on the helicopter!!敌人跳上来了！！

(Boom!)（嘭——！）

(Voymastina hauls herself into the cabin and immediately delivers a precise, crushing punch that sends the nearest armed operative flying out of the open hatch. The fully equipped tactical soldier is hurled hundreds of meters away, vanishing into the night like a feather.)（威玛西娜手臂发力，将自己拉上机舱，随即一记精准的重拳将最近的武装人员击飞出舱门。这名全副武装的战术队员瞬间飞出百米之遥，如同一片羽毛般消失在夜色中。）

(The helicopter crew consists of thirteen tactical elites, all specially trained to counter high-performance T-Dolls, veterans of two-person coordination and squad combat.)（直升机上的编队由十三名战术精英组成，他们都经过了针对高性能战术人形的特殊训练，在双人协同和小队作战中屡创佳绩。）

(In addition, four non-biomimetic droids are deployed inside the cabin—mechanized combat tools more efficient than humans, executing orders with absolute, merciless precision.)（除此之外，机舱内还部署了四台未经仿生处理的傀儡人形，这些机械化战斗工具比人类更加高效，对命令的执行也更加彻底无情。）

(Their weapons all lock onto Voymastina before the humans can react.)（在人类尚未反应过来时，它们的武器同时锁定了威玛西娜。）

(However...)（然而。）

(Faced with a true difference in power, even the finest training, the most flawless coordination, and the most advanced equipment are nothing more than meaningless numbers.)（在真正的力量差距面前，再精良的训练、再完美的配合、再先进的装备，也只是无意义的数字。）

(Blades slice through arteries and cables. At extreme proximity and speed, weapons clatter to the floor before a single shot can be fired—along with bodies that have grown limp.)（刀锋切过了血管和电线，在极近的距离和极快的速度下，还未有子弹出膛，武器就掉在了地上，同时掉在地上的还有一堆失去支撑的躯体。）

DriverUh... ugh...?!呃……呃……！？

Voymastina...Shh.……嘘。

(When the pilot turns at the sound behind him, his eyes fall on the bodies strewn across the cabin—and a T-Doll standing at the entrance, making a silencing gesture.)（当驾驶员听到身后声音转头时，映入眼帘的是横七竖八的尸体，以及站在机舱入口处，向他做出噤声手势的战术人形。）

(Voymastina gives the pilot one last look. When she's certain he won't attempt anything dangerous, she leaps from the helicopter as it continues circling at low altitude.)（威玛西娜最后审视了一眼驾驶员，确认他不会做出危险动作后，便纵身跃下了仍在低空盘旋的直升机。）

(Boom!)（轰！）

(She lands solidly on the rooftop of a mid-rise building. The impact fractures the concrete, yet she merely bends her knees slightly to absorb the force before straightening once more.)（她稳稳落在一栋中层建筑的屋顶平台上，冲击力让整个屋顶的混凝土板块如蛛网般龟裂，但她本人只是微微弯曲了膝盖缓冲，随即便恢复了挺立的姿态。）

(She has deliberately spared the pilot to prevent the helicopter from crashing out of control and causing unnecessary civilian casualties.)（她刻意没有对驾驶员下手，以确保直升机不会失控坠毁造成不必要的平民伤亡。）

(Even though this exposes her position, DEFY has its own principles. Besides, her current mission is to draw attention, to create space for Alva and the extraction team.)（尽管这意味着暴露自己的位置，但“忤逆”有自己的原则——何况她现在的任务就是吸引注意，为埃芙和负责接应的人创造空间。）

Voymastina...……

(Drones air-drop combat droids near Voymastina, but both the enemy and she herself know this is nothing more than a waste of time.)（无人机将作战机械扔到了威玛西娜的身边，但无论是敌人还是她自己都知道，这只是在浪费彼此的时间而已。）

Tree of Life 生命之树

(Amidst the wreckage, Igla surveys the site of devastation, lifting a hand to her head and rolling her neck.)（一片狼藉之中，针扫视了一圈周围的残垣断壁，用手扶着脑袋活动了一下脖子。）

Armed PersonnelLady Igla!针阁下！

IglaI must admit, meeting the legendary AK-15 in this manner has been quite... an enlightening experience.我不得不承认，同传说中的AK15进行这样的会面，是一次相当……有启发性的体验。

IglaThough the outcome is somewhat regrettable.虽然结果略显遗憾。

Armed PersonnelW-what...?什，什么？

(Squad after squad of Girard's armed security forces rapidly encircle the area, professionally raising their weapons and establishing a perimeter.)（一队又一队的吉拉尔武装警备队迅速包围了现场，专业地开始举枪警戒起了周围。）

(In fact, these units have been observing the entire battle from a safe distance. But after witnessing a confrontation that defies comprehension, not a single person dares to intervene.)（实际上，这些武装人员一直在安全距离外观看着整个战斗过程，但对于刚才那场超出常规认知的对决，没有一个人敢于插手干预。）

(If this were an ordinary firefight, some brave soldiers might have approached the battlefield.)（若是普通的武装交火，或许他们中会有勇敢的士兵愿意接近战场。）

(But the clash between Igla and Voymastina has already exceeded the boundaries of conventional combat power. The suffocating exchange of force compels every combatant present to wisely choose observation over interference.)（但针与威玛西娜之间的对决，已然超越了常规战力的边界，那种令人窒息的力量交锋，让在场的每一位战斗人员都明智地选择了观望。）

IglaPrepare a new formal outfit for me. If possible, I would like the same style.请为我准备一套新的礼服，若可能的话，希望是相同款式。

IglaAlso, please deliver the complete battlefield data log and loss assessment report to my office within two hours.同时，请将战场数据的完整记录与损失评估报告在两小时内送至我的办公室。

(Igla's voice is smooth and velvety, her phrasing polite and refined, yet carrying an elegance and authority that brooks no refusal.)（针的声音如同上好的丝绒般柔和流畅，措辞礼貌得体，却带着不容置疑的优雅威严。）

(She inclines her head slightly and offers her subordinates a proper smile, as though they are merely attendants at a salon.)（她微微颔首，对周围的部下展露出一个得体的微笑，仿佛他们只是沙龙中的服务人员。）

(Perhaps it's because she fully understands the nature of her own power that she does not reprimand those who failed to provide support. Instead, she shows a hint of approval for their wise decision to keep their distance.)（或许正是因为深知自身力量的特殊性，她不但没有责备这些未能提供支援的部下，反而对他们保持适当距离的明智举措流露出一丝赞许。）

(Igla pinches the slightly damaged cuff of her sleeve, her movements focused and graceful.)（针拈起被战斗略微损毁的袖口，动作专注而优雅。）

(She extracts a pristine white handkerchief from her breast pocket and gently wipes the remaining blood from her cheek, as if powdering her nose at a banquet.)（她从胸前口袋取出一方雪白的手帕，轻轻擦拭着脸颊上残余的血迹，宛如在宴会中整理妆容。）

(Her gaze drifts to the steel spike on the ground, stained with her own blood, while the flawless smile on her lips never falters.)（她的目光不经意间落在地面上那根沾染着她自己鲜血的钢钉上，嘴角依然保持着完美无瑕的微笑。）

IglaIf I may ask, where are our guests now?请问，我们的客人们现在身在何处？

Armed PersonnelYes, ma'am! The two target Dolls are still fleeing... They seem to have entered an underground facility.是！报告，那两名目标人形仍在逃窜……似乎，进入了地下设施。

Armed PersonnelWe've lost their precise location!现在丢失了她们的具体位置！

IglaI see.原来如此。

(Igla narrows her eyes.)（针眯了眯眼。）

IglaSo their objective was never escape.她们的目的看来并不是逃脱啊。

(Although she admits the encounter has been an enjoyable diversion, she must also concede that she has no time to continue playing games with the two from DEFY.)（尽管她承认这场娱乐给她带来了愉快的体验，但同时，她也不得不坦言，她并无空闲与忤逆的两人持续嬉戏。）

IglaRecall the security forces to headquarters.把警备队撤回总部。

Armed PersonnelHuh?啊？

IglaEveryone is coming back with me. Was I not clear enough?所有人都跟我回去，请问我说得够明白吗？

Armed PersonnelAh! Yes, understood!啊！是，遵命！

LevaAll that ruckus, and you still didn't catch them?打得这么惊天动地，结果还是没抓到吗？

(Just as Igla is about to issue orders to pursue, a female voice tinged with unmistakable mockery suddenly comes from nearby.)（而就在针准备下达追击指令时，一个带着明显戏谑意味的女声突然从不远处传来。）

(A small figure steps slowly out of the shadows, entering the glow of the streetlights.)（一个娇小的身影从附近的阴影中缓步走出，进入街灯的光芒范围。）

(Igla looks slightly surprised—she hadn't sensed the approach of this Doll at all.)（针略显惊讶，她完全没有感受到这名人形已经在自己这么近的地方。）

Igla...Miss Leva.……莱娅小姐。

IglaPlease forgive my surprise, but I thought you would be staying by Miss Kalina's side at this time.请原谅我所表达出的惊奇，但我以为此时您会伴随在格琳小姐左右。

IglaTo ensure her safety.确保她的平安。

LevaI'm not a medical Doll. Instead of standing around doing nothing, I'd rather be doing something more important.我又不是医疗人形，与其呆站在那，还不如做点更重要的事才能让她安心。

IglaSomething more important...更重要的事……

(Igla tilts her head slightly.)（针略微颔首。）

IglaI'm not quite sure what you mean by that.我不太明白您指的是什么呢？

LevaFor example, making someone pay—a certain Doll who obstructed the URNC's agencies in carrying out their duties and deliberately injured an important official.比如让某个阻挠罗联机关执行任务并故意伤害重要官员的某个人形付出代价。

IglaOh my. As the guardians of this city, the Girard Group will naturally spare no effort in helping you bring this unscrupulous Doll to justice.诶呀，犯下如此重大罪行的人形，我们吉拉尔集团作为城市的守护者，可势必要帮助您将其绳之以法。

IglaPlease provide me with sufficient evidence, and I will devote the greatest possible resources to accomplishing this "important" matter.请您将足够的证据交给我，我一定以最大的资源替您完成您所说的最重要的事。

LevaOh, there WILL be evidence. All in good time.不要着急，证据总会有的。

LevaAs a field Doll of the Non-Military Forces Administration, I'll be conducting an investigation here. I trust you won't object?我作为非军事力量管理局的外勤人形，对这里进行调查，我想你应该不会拒绝吧？

Igla...By all means.……请便。

(Igla makes a polite gesture, clearly uninterested in further entanglement with Leva.)（针礼貌地做了一个姿势，看起来并不想与莱娅多做纠缠。）

IglaIf you have no further instructions, I should take my leave and continue arranging the encirclement of other potential threats.倘若您没有其他事要吩咐，我应当暂且告辞，继续安排对潜在危险分子的围捕工作了。

LevaOh... That reminds me.啊……我差点忘了。

(Just as Igla turns to leave, Leva speaks up again, her mocking tone now carrying a hint of threat.)（在针转身将要离开的时候，莱娅变得揶揄的声音在她身后响起，且含着一丝危险的意味。）

Leva...About the group that launched the initial surprise attack on us.……关于最开始对我们发起偷袭的那一批袭击者。

LevaThey don't seem to be affiliated with these two "potential threats". Do you happen to have any guesses on who they might be?他们跟这两位“潜在危险分子”似乎并不是同伙，关于那批人的身份，不知道你有没有头绪啊？

LevaLady Igla?针阁下？

Igla...Thank you for your intel. I will see to the investigation.……感谢您的情报支持，我会做好调查工作。

IglaI will ensure that not a single criminal escapes Lviv's justice.确保没有任何一个犯罪者逃脱利沃夫的法网。

(Igla gives Leva one last look, then bows to excuse herself before turning away.)（针最后看了莱娅一眼，随后行了一个古典的告别礼，转身离去。）

(Her silhouette, elegant as ever, quickly melts into Lviv's nightscape.)（她的身影如同一道优雅的剪影，很快融入了利沃夫的夜色之中。）

Leva...Tsk. Bastard.……啧，混蛋。

(After confirming that Igla and her forces have withdrawn, Leva swiftly drops the mocking expression from her face. She then looks toward the direction where Voymastina and Alva have disappeared.)（确认针和她的部队已经撤离，莱娅迅速收起了脸上的嘲讽表情，转而望向威玛西娜和埃芙最后消失的方向。）

Leva...So it really was them.……没想到还真的是她们。

LevaDEFY... Just what are you trying to do...?忤逆……你们到底想做什么……

Mercurial Fountain 墨丘利之泉

(After spending some time on the deck of the Elmo getting some fresh air, I head back toward the ops room.)（我在艾莫号的甲板上吹了一会风后，开始往指挥室走去。）

(The Dolls who had been watching the spectacle through the glass earlier have already vanished without a trace, leaving only Mayling in the Garage servicing the drones. She waves to me in greeting as I come in.)（刚才隔着玻璃看热闹的人形们已经溜得无影无踪，只留下在格纳库内检修无人机的美玲和我打了个招呼。）

(Groza can probably tell that I'd rather be alone. After brewing me a cup of coffee, she says she's going to inspect the goods freshly delivered by the underground brokers and excuses herself.)（回到指挥室，可能看出了我想独处，闪电给我泡了杯咖啡后就表示自己去检查暗商新送来的货物去了。）

(I take a sip of coffee and sit down at the command console.)（我抿了口咖啡，坐到了指挥台前。）

(I take out the card I received earlier and glance at the route displayed on the console. There's still half a day before we reach Lviv's satellite cities.)（我拿出刚才拿到的卡片，瞟了一眼指挥台上显示的路线，离进入利沃夫的卫星城区还有半天的距离。）

(Lately, I've been leaving the Elmo again and again—and every time, nothing good ever comes of it.)（这段时间一而再再而三地离开艾莫号，而且每次离开都没有好事。）

(With a sigh, I toss the card aside, clasp my hands behind my head, and look up. At some point, a flying Dinergate has already come to a hover above me.)（我叹了口气，扔下卡片双手抱头朝上看去，飞行的兵蚁不知在什么时候已经悬停在了我的头顶。）

CommanderHoly!呜哇！

DandelionCommander, why do you look so troubled again?指挥官，怎么又一副愁眉苦脸的样子呀？

CommanderDon't scare me like that!你别没事吓我啊。

DandelionI thought you'd be in a super good mood having just finished catching up with Kryuger~我还以为指挥官您刚刚和克鲁格叙完旧，现在心情一定很好呢~

CommanderAnd how did you arrive at that conclusion...?你怎么得出这个结论的……

DandelionWell, look~因为，你看呀~

(The Dinergate flies over to the card on the desk, circles it once, and starts projecting Dandelion's image.)（兵蚁飞到了放在桌上的卡片上空，围着卡片转了一个圈，投影出了丹德莱的身影。）

DandelionThis is the highest-tier identification pass in the Lviv region! With this card, you can go anywhere unimpeded. Even if you're armed to the teeth and accompanied by T-Dolls, no one would dare inspect you~这可是利沃夫区域最高级的识别通行证哦，有这张卡意味着指挥官您不管去哪里都可以畅通无阻，就算带着一身的武器和战术人形也不会有人敢检查您~

Commander...I didn't know such passes were even a thing.……还能有这种通行证。

DandelionPlenty of officials need unrestricted access. No one wants to be searched routinely.需要自由通行的官员可多得很，大家可都不想被随便检查。

DandelionCan I take a look at that card?这张卡能让我看下吗？

(I raise the card. A scanning beam shines from the Dinergate's eye and rakes over it.)（我举起卡片，兵蚁的眼睛发出了扫描线，穿透了整个卡片。）

DandelionMhmm, this card contains 20 anonymous unrestricted-access identities, a reservation for a presidential suite at a five-star hotel in Lviv, and electronic keys to several buildings around the hotel.嗯嗯，这张卡片里包含了20个不记名自由权限身份，一个利沃夫内五星级酒店总统套房的预订信息，还有酒店周围几栋房屋的电子钥匙。

DandelionKryuger really understands you. He's already arranged your entire itinerary for you~克鲁格可是对您十分了解的，已经替您把行程都安排好了~

DandelionAfter all, without weapons or Dolls, you probably wouldn't even dare step off the Elmo~毕竟不带上武器和人形，指挥官可能连艾莫号都不敢下呢~

CommanderOh, shut up...啰嗦……

(I wave my hand dismissively, shooing the bothersome Dinergate aside.)（我做了个驱赶的手势，把碍事的兵蚁拨开。）

(I peer at the card and think about what Kryuger said to me earlier.)（我重新拿起卡片，思考着克鲁格之前和我说的话。）

(Things really aren't what they used to be. Bounty hunters can't change anything if they only ever stay in the Yellow Zone.)（现在的确今非昔比，只是在黄区中赏金猎人什么都改变不了。）

(If I had greater authority, maybe the Dolls around me wouldn't need to risk themselves, and we could handle more, bigger problems than before.)（如果能有更大的权限，也许我身边的人形们就不用以身犯险，能应对的问题也会比现在更多更大。）

(But still... even with Kryuger and Kalina on my side, I find the Non-Military Forces Administration—and the URNC as a whole—repulsive.)（不过……即使有着克鲁格和格琳娜，非军事力量管理局乃至整个罗联的组织都让我有种不自觉的排斥。）

(Especially that man... I recall that final phone call I had before leaving Griffin, and the frustration and anger start creeping back in immediately.)（尤其是那个人……一想起离开格里芬前的最后那一通电话，心中的憋屈和怒火又逐渐爬上心头。）

(Dandelion studies my expression, tilts her head, and decides to say something.)（丹德莱看着我的表情，歪了歪头，决定说些什么。）

DandelionSpeaking of Lviv, I've continued analyzing the data we gathered from the underground research facility in the Yellow Zone. Would you like to hear about it, Commander?说到利沃夫，这段时间我进一步解析了之前在黄区地下研究所里调查出来的信息，指挥官您有兴趣听吗？

CommanderOh?哦？

CommanderGo on.赶紧说吧。

DandelionThe people underground were subjected to many atrocious acts. By cross-referencing databases, corresponding cases can be found in past law enforcement archives. This indicates that these experiments have been going on for a very long time.在地下的那些人们被做了很多很过分的事，通过数据库比对，在之前的执法部门归档中都能找到对应的案例，这说明这种试验已经进行了很长一段时间了。

DandelionOf course, the most valuable information to us is that, according to the downloaded data, the test subjects and procedures were systematically categorized.当然对我们最有价值的信息，是从当时下载下来的信息来看，之前地下受试的人员和受试过程基本都被做了归类。

DandelionAnd this categorized data was periodically transmitted externally toward several fixed nodes.而这些重要的归类信息被定期朝外发送，发送的地址都指向了几个固定的节点。

Commander...Can those nodes be traced?……节点能追溯吗？

DandelionOh my, Commander, you know how those underground brokers' information relay services work—they go through millions of transfers and layers of obfuscation. For ordinary people, tracing them back would be extraordinarily difficult~诶呀指挥官，您知道的，那种暗商信息传递服务，会进行几百万次的转移和伪装，想要追溯对一般人而言难度可不是一般的大呢~

CommanderBut... you're no ordinary person, are you?但是……你不是一般人吧？

(Just as I expected, Dandelion smiles in satisfaction. She quirks an eyebrow and goes on with pride.)（和我预判的一样，丹德莱露出了满意的笑容，她挑了挑眉，以一种骄傲的方式说道。）

DandelionNaturally. Even the URNC's cyber intelligence agencies would need at least a year or two to crack protection at that level.那是自然，就算是罗联的网络情报机构，想要破解这种程度的信息源保护怎么也得花上一年半载的。

DandelionBut I cleverly reallocated some computing power from Heli while handling another project, so it only took a few days~但是我巧妙地在处理一个另外的项目时让赫利置换了一部分算力出来，所以只花了几天就解决了~

CommanderHuh? Is that really okay?诶？这样做真的没关系吗？

DandelionIt's no big deal for now.暂时只是小问题而已。

DandelionAnyway, I've traced all the data aggregation nodes to something called "Project Eden", and that project directly points to its developers and financiers—the Girard Group.总之追溯完后，信息归集的节点都和一个叫“乐园计划”的项目有关，而那个项目直接指向的就是背后的开发方和资助者——吉拉尔集团。

DandelionAnd the Girard Group's headquarters... happens to be in Lviv~而吉拉尔集团的总部，就在利沃夫~

CommanderLviv, huh... Based on this trace, can we assume that the Girard Group is cooperating with Paradeus and undertaking experiments related to Helena and Boojums?利沃夫么……按照追溯来归因，是不是可以理解为吉拉尔集团和帕拉蒂斯合作，并且承接了和海伦娜还有伯介姆相关的试验？

DandelionI don't think the Girard Group alone has the capability to pull off everything involved in those experiments.我倒并不觉得吉拉尔集团能有这么大的能耐把那些事情都做了。

DandelionBesides Girard, another entity known as Cecht FABN keeps appearing in the data. Although far less frequently than Girard, from what we've found, Cecht FABN's strength surpasses Girard's by far.除了吉拉尔外，还有一个叫法本集团的信息不断出现，虽然频率和吉拉尔比低了不少，但从查到的信息来看，法本的实力和吉拉尔比可不止高了一个档次。

DandelionGiven the current situation in Lviv, Girard may just be an outer shell—a disposable one that looks ready to be abandoned at any time.从利沃夫现在的形势来看，吉拉尔也可能只是个套在外部的保护壳，看起来像随时会被抛弃的样子。

CommanderGirard is just a scapegoat...吉拉尔只是个替死鬼么……

CommanderSo the public trial led by NOMFA has little real significance in dismantling Paradeus?那非军事力量管理局主导的公审岂不是对解决帕拉蒂斯并没有什么实质的意义？

DandelionNot necessarily. Girard is the main hub of fund circulation, after all. Taking them down is like severing a major artery.那倒也未必，毕竟吉拉尔是主要的资金流转主体，干掉吉拉尔相当于掐断他们一根大动脉。

DandelionBesides, without a white glove to handle execution, Paradeus' efficiency will drop significantly. That's not a bad thing~再说少了个白手套，没人做执行了，帕拉蒂斯的效率会下降不少，这也未尝不是件好事~

CommanderMm... uprooting even one accomplice is better than no change at all.嗯……能拔掉一个帮凶总比什么都不改变要好。

DandelionSo... what do you plan to do next, Commander?所以……接下来，指挥官您准备怎么做？

(I rest my chin on my hand and nod slightly. Maybe things really are moving in a better direction. Maybe it's also time for me to make some changes.)（我托起了下巴，轻轻地点了点头，也许情况的确在往好的一面发展，而我也许是时候要做出些改变了。）

CommanderHelp me gather information on Lviv—both on the Girard Group and NOMFA.帮我收集一下利沃夫那边的消息，不管是关于吉拉尔集团的还是非军事力量管理局的。

CommanderNext, I want to see with my own eyes how the Girard Group will actually be dealt with.接下来，我想去亲眼看一下吉拉尔集团到底会被怎么处理。

DandelionDo you want to return to your former companions?您想要回归到曾经的同伴中去吗？

CommanderNot exactly... I just want to observe a bit longer.倒也不是……我只是，想再观察一下。

CommanderHelp me develop an action plan. Here's the rough idea...帮我设计下行动路线和方案吧，我大概的思路是这样的。

(I sketch out my thoughts on paper. The Dinergate flies in a circle overhead as Dandelion withdraws her projection.)（我在纸上大概画了一下自己的构思，兵蚁在空中绕着一个圆圈飞行，丹德莱将自己的图像收了回去。）

DandelionAlright, we'll do it your way~那就按您的想法来好了~

CommanderTo be safe, let's prepare three plans. This shouldn't be difficult for you. Can you give them to me now?为了以防万一准备三套方案吧，这次没啥难度，能现在就给吗？

DandelionLike, right now?现在？

CommanderWith your processing power, it shouldn't take more than a second, right?以你的算力这点小事应该一秒钟就解决完了吧？

DandelionYou're still a slave driver as always...您还是一如既往地强人所难啊……

CommanderI'll take that as a yes.我就当你这是答应了。

(I pick up the communicator. Groza picks up almost immediately.)（我拿了通讯器，而闪电很快就接通了联系。）

GrozaCommander?指挥官？

CommanderHave 404, Zucchero, and Monsoon come to the ops room with you. I have something to discuss with you all.让404、方糖和季风小队她们和你一起来指挥室吧，我有事想和大家商量。

GrozaAre you planning on personally entering Lviv?指挥官想要亲自进入利沃夫吗？

Commander...You read me like an open book.……真是瞒不过你。

GrozaUnderstood. I'll summon them right away.明白，我这就呼叫她们。

(Soon enough, the Dolls file into the ops room. The scene looks almost identical to the pre-mission briefings from years ago.)（不一会，人形们就走进了指挥室，如此情景和当年作战前做准备会议时几乎一模一样。）

(They are chatting about their previous missions. Once I see everyone is present, I step up to the command console and clear my throat lightly.)（人形们在互相聊着之前的任务，我看她们都已经到齐后，走到指挥台前，轻咳了一声。）

(The room immediately quiets. All eyes turn to me as I gather my thoughts and begin.)（人形们立马安静了下来，目光齐刷刷地看向我，我整理了下思绪，开始说道。）

CommanderWe're approaching the outskirts of Lviv. Mr. Kryuger visited earlier and gave me a high-level access pass.我们已经接近利沃夫外围，刚才克鲁格先生过来拜访，给了我一张高权限的通行证。

CommanderSo I plan to enter Lviv, complete the task Kalina assigned to me earlier, and investigate all information related to Paradeus.所以我想进入利沃夫，完成之前格琳娜交给我的任务，以及调查和帕拉蒂斯有关的所有信息。

KlukaiWe knew all along that you'd definitely want to go there yourself, Commander.我们就知道指挥官你一定想要去那里的。

(The other Dolls nod in agreement.)（其他的人形也认同地点点头。）

ColphneEveryone's really worried about Helena...大家都很担心海伦娜的情况呢……

CentaureissiI wonder how the Manager and the others are doing now.店长她们不知道现在如何了。

(The Dolls start discussing among themselves again, but it doesn't last long before they turn the question back to me.)（人形们又开始七嘴八舌地讨论了起来，不过这次讨论的时间并没多久，她们很快就将问题抛给了我。）

DaiyanWhat do you want us to do, Commander?长官希望我们做什么呢？

(I bring up the regional map on the console. The Dolls step closer to look.)（我打开了指挥台上的区域地图，人形们靠近过来朝地图看去。）

CommanderI want to split everyone into three groups.我想将大家分成三组行动。

CommanderGroup One will enter the city with me and participate in the upcoming operation involving NOMFA.一组和我一起进城参与接下来和非军事力量管理局相关的行动。

CommanderGroup Two will enter as a rapid-response unit and be responsible for gathering intelligence within the city.二组进城作为快速反应力量并负责收集城中的情报。

CommanderGroup Three will remain aboard the Elmo, handling perimeter security and supporting emergency extraction for Groups One and Two if necessary.三组留守艾莫号负责周边安全并在紧急情况下支援一组和二组的撤离行动。

CommanderDandelion will explain the details.行动细节，丹德莱来介绍吧。

(The Dinergate flies above the console, drawing everyone's attention.)（兵蚁飞到了指挥台的上空，所有人的注意力都集中到了她的身上。）

DandelionRight, this operation is practically a sightseeing trip~诶呀，这次行动简直就是旅行观光呢~

DandelionThe Elmo will stop on the edge of the Green Zone's quarantine wall. Group One will be led by the Commander, with Colphne and Groza acting as close protection. You will enter Lviv proper via the Intercontinental Railway, transferring here, then here. There aren't many satellite city transfers, so in theory, with the pass, your journey should be completely unobstructed.艾莫号会停留在绿区隔离墙的边缘，一组由指挥官负责，寇尔芙和闪电负责担任贴身护卫，行进路线由洲际列车进入利沃夫城区，从这里转到这里，换乘的卫星城不算多，理论上有通行证应该会畅通无阻。

ColphneGotcha!好！

Groza...Understood.……好。

DandelionGroup Two needs to prepare vehicles, bring weapons and equipment into the city, set up safe houses, and monitor the area around Group One.二组需要准备载具，将武器和设备带进城内，设置安全屋并负责监视一组附近的情况。

DandelionI suggest Klukai lead Group Two, with 404 Team A and Monsoon operating together.二组我看就由可露凯负责，由404一队和季风小队一起行动。

DandelionThe Commander will be staying at this hotel, and these are the candidate safe houses nearby. Group Two needs to scout all of them.指挥官会下榻到这个酒店，这是酒店附近的几个安全屋备选点，二组需要把那里都踩一遍点。

DandelionWe're unfamiliar with Lviv, so collect as much information as possible on local roads, layout, and social conditions to support the Commander's decisions.对于利沃夫我们并不熟悉，关于当地的道路、布局、社会情况的信息也要尽可能收集，以便指挥官决策。

DandelionEmergency extraction plans will also be prepared by Group Two. We don't expect the worst-case scenario, but it's better to be prepared.另外紧急撤离的方案也由二组筹备，虽然我们预计不会发生最差的情况，不过有准备总比没有强。

KlukaiThis is child's play for 404.这点小事对404而言只是小菜一碟。

DaiyanWe'll coordinate closely with Leader Klukai. Any tasks requiring interaction with humans can be left to us.我们这边会配合好可露凯队长的，有什么需要和人类沟通的事也都可以交给我们。

DandelionGroup Three must keep the helicopter ready for immediate launch, and also take care of the guests aboard the Elmo.三组需要保持直升机随时可以起飞，还有艾莫号的那些客人们也需要照顾。

DandelionZucchero, you two stay on standby. The remaining members of Team Groza, please support them as well.方糖的两位，请你们随时待命。闪电小队剩下的几位也请支援好她们。

CentaureissiWe'll take care of everything aboard the Elmo.我们会安排好艾莫号上的一切的。

KrolikHmph... Even if you hadn't said it, we'd protect the Elmo.哼……不用你说我们也会保护好艾莫号的。

DandelionI've already sent everyone the maps, routes, and additional details. If anything's unclear, feel free to ask me anytime.地图、路线，还有别的细节信息我已经传送给大家了，有什么不明白的可以随时问我。

(Everyone nods in unison.)（大家不约而同地点了点头。）

(The Dolls assigned to different tasks begin refining their plans in their neural clouds, while teams that need to cooperate start coordinating.)（被分配到不同任务的人形们在心智中开始进一步细化计划，同时需要合作的小队成员也开始了交流。）

CommanderThe objectives of this operation are manifold. First, ensure Helena's transfer is completed successfully and guarantee her safety. If her safety cannot be guaranteed... then, if necessary, we will ensure it ourselves.这次行动的目标分为几个，首先确保海伦娜的交送成功并确保她的安全，如果她不够安全的话……在有必要的情况下她的安全由我们来确保。

CommanderSecond, monitor the Girard Group and cooperate with NOMFA's containment actions against them. Most importantly, collect as much intelligence as possible related to Paradeus, uncovering the chain behind the Helena and Boojum experiments.其次监控吉拉尔集团的情况，配合非军事力量管理局对于吉拉尔集团采取的遏制行动，最重要的是尽可能收集和帕拉蒂斯有关的情报，挖出与海伦娜和伯介姆试验有关的背后链条。

CommanderThe Elmo will reach the vicinity of Lviv in half a day. Everyone, get to work.半天后艾莫号会抵达利沃夫周边位置，大家开始去做准备吧。

(With all the tasks assigned, the Dolls head off to make their respective preparations.)（安排完工作后，人形们开始去做各自的准备。）

(Klukai does not leave right away. When most of the Dolls have already gone, she walks over to my side and begins to speak.)（可露凯没有马上离开，而是看到人形已经走得差不多时，走近到我身边，开始说道。）

KlukaiAbout the choice of personnel to escort you into the city, I think I...进城护卫的人选，我觉得我……

(Klukai stops mid-sentence and glances toward Groza. Groza is currently focused intently on the map displayed on the command console.)（可露凯说到一半，朝着闪电看去，闪电此时正聚精会神地看着指挥台上的地图。）

Klukai...I think, Commander, you should talk it over with Groza.……我觉得指挥官你需要和闪电队长沟通一下。

CommanderMm. Thanks for the reminder.嗯，谢谢你的提醒。

(Klukai nods and leaves the ops room as well.)（可露凯朝我点了点头，也走出了指挥室。）

(I walk over to Groza. She lifts her head and looks at me.)（我走到了闪电身边，她抬起头看向我。）

CommanderWhat was that just now? You seemed uncertain about the arrangement.刚才怎么了，你好像对安排有所犹豫？

GrozaNot at all.也没有。

GrozaIt's just that...只是……

CommanderYes?只是？

GrozaIt's just that I'm not very good at dealing with humans. Once we enter the city, my strengths won't really come into play.我不太擅长和人类打交道，进入城市后优势没法发挥。

GrozaAnd right now there are Dolls with stronger combat capabilities aboard the Elmo. There might be better candidates to serve as your escort.而且现在艾莫号上有战斗能力更强的人形在，指挥官的护卫也许有更好的人选。

CommanderUh...呃……

(I scratch my head. Groza never shows it outright, but it's obvious she's still upset about what I said back then.)（我挠了挠头，虽然闪电从来不会表露出来，但明显她还在为那时我的话而生气。）

(She doesn't look any different than usual, but with her eyes fixed directly on me, I find myself weighing my words with extra care.)（她还是和平时一样的表情，但眼睛却直直地盯着我看，让我不禁谨慎地考虑起了措辞。）

CommanderWell... um...那个……唔……

CommanderAfter entering Lviv, I'll need a partner who can work with me in perfect sync. There's no better choice than you.进入利沃夫后我需要能和我默契配合的搭档，没有比你更合适的人选了。

Groza...……

CommanderAnd this time is different from last time. Back then, both the Elmo and 404 needed you. Without you in the lead, none of the previous missions could have been completed.而且这次和上次不一样，上一次因为艾莫号和404小队都需要你，没有队长你在的话之前的任务一个都无法完成。

CommanderOur manpower has expanded a lot since then. We're no longer as stretched thin as before.这次我们的人手已经扩充了很多，人员没有以前那么捉襟见肘。

CommanderUnder these circumstances, the best choice is for you to act together with me.这样的话，你和我一起行动是最好的选择。

GrozaHm.嗯。

(Groza looks away and turns her gaze back to the command console.)（闪电转开了视线，重新看向了指挥台。）

(...I feel a quiet sense of relief, like I've just been let off the hook.)（……我有种逃过一劫的庆幸感。）

GrozaCommander, have you really thought this through?指挥官，你想清楚了吗？

CommanderI...我……

(I nod.)（我点了点头。）

CommanderI can't just stand by and do nothing.我不能坐视不管。

GrozaI understand.我明白了。

(Groza looks up again and offers me a sincere smile.)（闪电再次抬起头，对我坦然地笑了笑。）

GrozaI can tell you've already made up your mind, Commander.我看得出来，指挥官你已经下定决心了。

GrozaThen let's do it your way.那就按照指挥官你的想法来吧。

(Groza looks out the window. I follow her gaze and stare into the distance.)（闪电看向窗外的景色，我随着她的视线也朝着远处望去。）

(As the Elmo advances, the road stretches endlessly ahead. Perhaps it's time to take a brand-new step forward.)（随着艾莫号的前进，道路在不断延伸，也许是时候迈出全新的一步了。）

Ouroboros 衔尾蛇

(Splish, splash...)（哗啦啦——）

(Hurried footsteps kick up rhythmic splashes that echo through the vast underground passage system.)（急促的脚步溅起一阵有节奏的水花，声响在空旷的地下通道系统中形成有规律的回声。）

(In these narrow yet intricate tunnels, sound carries a long way, yet its true source is difficult to pinpoint.)（在狭窄又复杂的通道系统中，这些声音会传递到相当远的距离，但又难以辨明真正的出处。）

(Lviv's underground maintenance system is nothing like the conventional impression that people tend to have of such places.)（利沃夫的地下维护系统与传统印象截然不同。）

(Within this complex subterranean network, there is almost no odor at all. Clear water flows through the channels, having undergone multiple stages of purification. Every junction and ventilation shaft is precisely engineered to ensure the system's efficient operation.)（这个繁复的地下通道网络内几乎闻不到一丝异味，水道中流动的是经过多级净化的清水，每一处连接点和通风口都经过精确设计，确保整个系统的高效运行。）

(All of this is thanks to the fully automated maintenance works deployed by the Girard Group. The entire system requires virtually no routine human upkeep; even scheduled inspections only call for a small number of professionally trained Dolls to carry out standard maintenance protocols.)（这一切都归功于吉拉尔集团部署的全自动维护工程。整个系统几乎不需要人类进行日常维护，即便需要定期检查，也仅需派遣少量经过专业培训的人形执行例行维护协议。）

(Since the establishment of Lviv's satellite cities, this underground system has never suffered a security breach or operational failure. And today is clearly not a scheduled inspection day.)（自利沃夫卫星城建立以来，这处地下系统从未出现过任何安全漏洞或运行故障。而今天，显然不是按计划进行例行检查的日子。）

AlvaWe've shaken them off for now.暂时甩掉他们了。

AlvaBut things still aren't looking good.但是情况还是不太乐观。

Voymastina...Please elaborate.……请详述。

(Alva checks the status of her weapon. She removes the magazine, smoothly racks the charging handle, and a round pops out of the chamber. She catches it in her bare hand.)（埃芙检查着手中武器的状态，她拆下弹匣后利落地拉动拉机柄，一枚子弹从枪机中弹出，被她空手接住。）

(She presses the round back into the magazine, then takes out another pack of ammunition and loads it one round at a time. Once the magazine is full, she seats it back into the weapon and chambers it.)（她将子弹按进拆下的弹匣内，又拿出了另一包子弹一发一发按入，在将弹匣装满后她将弹匣重新装上武器上膛。）

AlvaWhile you were fighting that Doll, I checked every possible evacuation route.在你与那个人形交战期间，我已经将撤离路线都检查了一遍。

AlvaAll routes leading to the second extraction point have been sealed off. The Girard Group has deployed a large number of armed automatons. Getting bogged down with them would interfere with our mission timeline.通往第二撤离点的所有路线都已被封锁，吉拉尔集团部署了相当多的武装机械，和他们缠斗会影响我们任务的进程。

AlvaMoreover... that Doll...再加上……那个人形……

(Alva hesitates, uncharacteristically unsure how to describe what she just witnessed.)（埃芙少有地陷入了犹豫，不知如何描述刚才目睹的一切。）

(She saw the entire exchange with her own eyes.)（她亲眼看到了整个过程。）

(Voymastina. Erwin. AK-15. The strongest Doll in the Neo-Soviet Union—perhaps the strongest Doll in the world.)（威玛西娜，艾尔文，AK15，全苏联最强大的人形，全世界最强大的人形。）

(In a one-on-one frontal engagement, she gained no advantage at all, and was even suppressed at one point.)（在一对一的正面对决中，首次没有占到任何优势，甚至一度被对方压制。）

(This wasn't the first time. Long ago, Voymastina had lost once before—just once—and that single defeat had a deep and lasting impact.)（这并不是第一次，其实，威玛西娜很早以前曾输过一次……就那么一次，给她带来了沉重而深远的影响。）

(Alva has partnered with Voymastina for ten years now, longer than even her time with the previous Snow Wolf.)（她与威玛西娜已经在一起搭档了十年，甚至早已超过了她与前任雪狼搭档的时间。）

(And yet, at this moment, she still doesn't know how to begin. She doesn't know what Voymastina would think.)（但这一瞬间，她依然不知道该怎么开口，她不知道，威玛西娜会怎么想。）

Voymastina...The target Doll does indeed have superior specs. Under the current conditions, I can't say I have absolute confidence that I'd beat her in a direct confrontation.……目标人形的素体性能确实超越了我，以现有条件，与她正面冲突我没有绝对的把握。

(Voymastina's voice is calm and devoid of emotion, as if she is merely stating an objective fact.)（威玛西娜的声音依然平静，没有丝毫情绪波动，似乎只是在陈述一个客观事实。）

Alva...I thought you might need some time to adjust.……我本以为你会需要一些时间来调整。

VoymastinaWe're on a mission. We don't have time for emotional processing.我们正在执行任务，没有多余的时间用于情绪处理。

Voymastina...Besides, I don't feel discouraged.……况且，我并不感到沮丧。

AlvaWhen I lost to you back then, I was discouraged for years.当初输给你的时候，我沮丧了好几年。

VoymastinaThe technological advancement of Doll frames is inevitable.素体的进步是一个不可逆转的过程。

VoymastinaI'm already counting my blessings that Shaw's design has kept me at this level even after ten years.肖的设计即使在十年后仍能让我保持如此状态，这已经足够了。

(Voymastina pauses, then continues in the same even tone.)（威玛西娜停顿了一下，再次用平静的语气说道。）

VoymastinaEven if my frame is no longer the strongest, I am still AK-15.没有最强的素体，我依然是AK15。

VoymastinaI am still a member of Task Force DEFY.我依然是“忤逆”。

(Alva shakes her head with a faint smile.)（埃芙笑了笑，低下头摇了摇。）

AlvaI didn't expect to be the one getting comforted. That's embarrassing.没想到反而是我被你安慰了，真是丢脸。

(Alva looks up at Voymastina's calm face and quickly regains her usual composure.)（埃芙抬起头看向威玛西娜平静的脸庞，也迅速恢复了往日的状态。）

AlvaI received messages from Kevin and from "her". That Doll is called Igla. She's a third-gen Doll affiliated with the Girard Group.我收到了凯文和“她”发来的消息，那个人形叫“针”，是吉拉尔集团所属的三代人形。

Alva...Apparently, she holds the title of "the strongest third-gen Doll" within the conglomerate.……据说她在财团内部拥有着“最强的三代人形”的名号。

Voymastina...……

Voymastina...This doesn't change our course of action. Is the plan still viable?……这不会改变我们的行动，计划实施的可能性还存在吗。

AlvaCarrying O-43 comes with too many unpredictable risks, so I want to make some adjustments to the plan.携带O-43的情况下风险过于不稳定，所以我想对计划做一些微调。

(Alva sends her revised plan to Voymastina, who frowns slightly as she reads it.)（埃芙将自己调整过的计划发送给了威玛西娜，威玛西娜看到后微微皱眉。）

AlvaThe sewer system was indeed a blind spot that Doll failed to notice at first.虽然下水道系统的确是那个人形最初没有注意到的盲点区域。

AlvaBut judging from the command capability she demonstrated, encircling this area and tightening the perimeter is only a matter of time once she reorganizes and coordinates her forces.但以她所表现出的指挥能力，统合调整之后，将这里包围并缩小包围圈，也只是时限的问题。

Voymastina...Still, we successfully broke contact. Your decision was correct.……但我们成功脱离了直接接触，你的决策是正确的。

AlvaFor now.暂时的。

AlvaNo matter how complex the underground system is, it's still a finite space with predictable entrances and exits.地下通道系统再复杂，也是有限空间，存在可预测的进出口。

AlvaSo I've decided to abandon the plan of handing O-43 over to Kevin for extraction. Lviv's security alert level is already high, and... it's better for everyone if he stays alive.所以我决定放弃让凯文接应O-43并带她撤离的计划，现在利沃夫的警戒等级本来就很高，而他……还是活着对大家比较好。

VoymastinaCarrying O-43 while executing your plan is too risky.带着O-43实施你的计划过于冒险。

VoymastinaOur mission should take absolute priority. I think the container can be handed over to NOMFA.我们的任务应该被最优先完成，我觉得箱子可以交给非军事力量管理局处理。

AlvaI didn't really want to bring this up.我原本不想说这些。

AlvaBut... I specifically had "her" look into O-43... and the conclusion was that Girard Group's president, Oleg Girard, had already reached a cooperation agreement with NOMFA.但……我特意让“她”调查了和O-43有关的情报……得出的结果是，吉拉尔集团的总裁奥列克·吉拉尔早就与非军事力量管理局达成了合作。

AlvaThat explains why NOMFA would deliberately send O-43—a component of Project Eden and something that could fairly be called a dangerous object—to Lviv, right to Girard.不然很难解释为什么非军事力量管理局要特意将乐园计划的一环……将称之为危险物也不为过的O-43送到利沃夫，送到吉拉尔的眼皮底下？

Voymastina...They're involved too?……她们，也介入其中？

AlvaNo. I don't think it goes that far, at least... I trust their conscience.不，我想至少不会到那地步……我相信她们的良知。

AlvaBut it is also a fact that NOMFA and Girard have reached a consensus... They work for NOMFA, but they don't represent NOMFA itself.但非军事力量管理局与吉拉尔达成了共识也是事实……她们属于非军事力量管理局，但却不能代表非军事力量管理局。

VoymastinaThe Non-Military Forces Administration has no reason to cover for the Girard Group.非军事力量管理局并没有任何理由包庇吉拉尔集团。

AlvaAdmittedly, this is only a possibility, and I judge it more likely that this so-called cooperation is the Girard Group offering allegiance to NOMFA to avoid becoming a scapegoat.的确这只是一种可能性，而我判断更大的可能性为所谓的合作是吉拉尔集团为了防止自己当替死鬼而向非军事力量管理局投诚。

AlvaBut for safety reasons, we can't place our trust lightly in NOMFA as an organization without concrete intelligence.但是出于安全考虑，在没有情报证实的情况下，我们不能轻易信任作为组织的非军事力量管理局。

AlvaThat's also what "she" thinks.这也是“她”的看法。

VoymastinaI think we need her to make the call. Your plan is too risky. At the very least, she should provide intelligence support.我认为需要“她”给出判断，你的计划过于冒险，至少应该让她提供情报支持。

(Alva lets out a sigh.)（埃芙叹了口气。）

AlvaI don't want to disturb her, not just out of safety concerns, but also because this is a critical moment. She might be just one step away from uncovering the conglomerate's and Paradeus' inner workings... We can't drag her down.我不想打扰“她”，不仅是出于安全考虑，同时也是因为，现在正是关键时期，她或许只差一点就能摸出财团和帕拉蒂斯的底细……我们不能拖后腿。

Alva...But right now, there really isn't a better option.……但，现在的确也没有更好的办法。

AlvaI suppose I can ask her to provide that person's precise location. It's just a single set of coordinates. It should take no time at all.让“她”提供那个人的精准位置，一个坐标需要的时间也许微乎其微。

AlvaAt this point, going straight for the kill is our best chance—in a way the enemy doesn't anticipate.到现在这种情况只有以对方想不到的方式直插要害才是胜算最大的方式。

VoymastinaAgreed.同意。

(Alva takes out the cube-like communicator once more.)（埃芙再次拿出仿佛魔方一样的通讯器。）

(Voymastina watches her quietly, then she suddenly pipes up.)（威玛西娜在一旁默默地看着她，突然她张口发问道。）

VoymastinaWhat, if you turn it to the right position, the cube will start talking?只要转对了位置，魔方就会开口说话吗？

AlvaOf course not. It's based on hexadecimal algorithmic logic encryption, with physical-link pathways added to increase isolation and security—当然不会，这是基于十六进制算法逻辑加密再用物理连接式通路来增加隔绝保密性的设计——

(Alva looks up.)（埃芙猛地一抬头。）

AlvaWait... Did you just try to crack a joke, Voymastina? Are... are you worried about me?等一下……你刚才是在开玩笑？威玛西娜？你……难道是担心我？

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina closes her eyes.)（威玛西娜闭上了眼。）

Alva...She would be so pleased to know that you've developed a sense of humor.……如果“她”知道你学会了这个，一定会感到欣慰的。

VoymastinaShe'd just laugh at me.她会嘲笑我。

(Voymastina falls silent again, looking decidedly sullen.)（言毕，威玛西娜再次闭口不言，俨然一副抗拒的姿态。）

(Alva gently shakes her head, her lips curled up in a small smile, and redirects her attention to the cube.)（埃芙轻轻摇头，嘴角微微上扬，随即将注意力转回面前的“魔方”上。）

(She flexes her fingers. Micro data ports extend from her fingertips and connect precisely to the terminal's secure interface.)（她舒展手指，指尖延伸出微型数据接口，精准连接到终端的安全端口。）

(With another flex of her fingers, hair-thin auxiliary digits emerge and insert themselves into the cube as if they had a mind of their own.)（她舒展开手指，指尖再次弹出细若发丝的辅助指，像是有灵性一般自主插入了“魔方”内。）

(Data flow through the auxiliary digits and interface with Alva's neural cloud. Voymastina watches silently, periodically scanning both sides of the tunnel with her Wolf Eye.)（数据流顺着辅助指与埃芙本体的心智产生了交互，威玛西娜静静地看着，不时以狼眼警戒通道的两侧。）

(Pzzzt...)（呲……）

(...Beep.)（……滴。）

Voymastina...……

Alva...……

(The cube gradually lights up—the link on the other end has successfully been established.)（“魔方”逐渐变亮，与那边的链路启动成功。）

(Voymastina casts a questioning glance at Alva but remains silent.)（威玛西娜向埃芙投去询问的目光，但依然保持静默。）

(After several seconds of processing, Alva finally speaks.)（经过几秒的处理时间，她终于开口。）

Alva...I need a vodka.……我需要一杯伏特加。

Rubik...……

Rubik...……

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina frowns. She suppresses the urge to question Alva about what is going on while looking back and forth between the communicator and Alva's tightly knit brows.)（威玛西娜微微皱眉，虽然压抑住了询问的冲动，她的目光在通讯终端和埃芙紧锁的眉头之间来回移动。）

Alva...……

(After a long silence, Voymastina finally decides to ask.)（漫长的沉默之后，威玛西娜终于决定开口询问。）

(But at that very moment, the light in Alva's eyes abruptly goes dark, and the auxiliary digits extending from her fingers retract at once.)（然而，就在这一刻，埃芙眼中的明亮光芒突然熄灭，同时，指间延伸的辅助指也迅速收回。）

(Pop!)（啪！）

(The cube drops to the ground, producing a crisp, muted blast as its built-in emergency self-destruct protocol wipes everything.)（魔方掉到了地上，发出了清脆而轻微的爆炸声，内置的紧急销毁程序抹掉了一切。）

Alva...The signal was intercepted and traced.……讯号被拦截并追踪了。

(Before Voymastina can ask, Alva has already delivered a concise status report.)（在威玛西娜提问前，埃芙已经给出了简洁明了的状况报告。）

(Her expression turns grim. After only a brief pause, she rises swiftly and starts moving in a certain direction.)（她的表情变得异常严肃，只是短暂停顿便迅速站起，开始朝一个方向前进。）

AlvaI've obtained the coordinates, but our position is now exposed. We need to advance deeper into the tunnels.目标坐标的信息已获取，不过我们的位置也已经暴露，继续向内部通道推进。

Voymastina...Understood.……好。

(Voymastina replies tersely with no superfluous words. She quickly grabs O-43's container and adjusts its position for optimal ease of carrying.)（威玛西娜简短回应，没有多余言语，迅速抄起海伦娜的舱体，调整到最优的负重姿态。）

(...)（……）

(...)（……）

(...)（……）

(Inside a highly integrated tactical command room, rows of display screens cast a blue glow over the faces of technicians at work. The hum of data analysis systems and communications monitoring equipment weaves together into the distinct tension of a battlefield.)（一间高度集成的战术指挥室内，多层显示屏幕的蓝光照亮了专注工作的技术人员的面孔，各类数据分析和通讯监控设备运行的嗡鸣声形成了一种独特的战场氛围。）

(Beep.)（滴。）

Security GuardMa'am! Target comms signal tracking interrupted after 1.24 seconds!报告！目标通讯信号追踪中断，持续时间1.24秒！

Igla1.24 seconds... Quite a fast reaction time. Impressive.1.24秒……相当敏捷的反应速度。令人印象深刻。

(Igla stands elegantly before the main control console. Her brand-new uniform is immaculate with not a wrinkle in sight, her movements unhurried, as if she is enjoying a refined performance.)（针优雅地站在主控制台前，一身崭新的制服没有一丝褶皱，举止从容不迫，仿佛在欣赏一场精彩的表演。）

Security GuardMa'am... preliminary signal analysis indicates that the signal source connected to the Doll appears to be located within... the Group's internal network.长官……初步信号分析显示，与人形连接的信号源似乎位于……集团内部网络范围内。

IglaThat is, indeed, a logical inference.这确实是个合乎逻辑的推论。

IglaOf course it would be internal.当然是集团内部。

Security GuardYou... already knew?您……已经知道了？

IglaConsider the encirclement operation just now. We made the most thorough arrangements and plans possible.考虑一下刚才的围捕行动，我们已经做出了最为完善的布置与计划。

IglaWe even employed certain special technologies that cannot be disclosed to the public... Yet even under those circumstances, our operation still went awry. Tell me—what would be an appropriate explanation for that?甚至动用了一些不便于公开泄露的特殊技术……但在这样的前提下，我们的行动依然出现了差错，请问，关于其中缘由，可有恰当的解释？

Security Guard...Indeed. By all logic, with plans and deployment so complete, the operation should have been... watertight...……的确，按理说，计划和部署如此完备，应该是……没有破绽的才对……

IglaThe operation was never disclosed externally, but within the Group... a small number of specific personnel did have access to it.计划的确从未对外公开，但是在集团内部……少量的，一部分特殊人员之中却有掌握。

IglaFor testing purposes, there were individuals with varying degrees of possible foreknowledge. In such a situation, what is the simplest conclusion?出于测试的需求，是存在程度不一的、知情可能的……对象。这种情况下，最为简单的推论是什么？

Security GuardAn internal... information leak?内部……信息泄露？

IglaA remarkably accurate description.一个相当准确的表述。

(Igla turns gracefully and returns to her command position. She folds her hands atop the desk, her posture composed and dignified.)（针优雅地转身，回到她的指挥位置，双手交叠放在桌面上，姿态端庄而从容。）

(Her gaze settles on the sewer topographical map continuously updating on the display, and on the search perimeter that is steadily shrinking.)（她的目光落在显示屏上不断更新的下水道地形图上，以及那个被她们逐步缩小的搜索范围。）

(Her expression is calm as still water, yet deep within her eyes flickers a light much like Alva's when she enters analytical mode.)（她的表情平静如水，但那双眼睛深处，与进入分析状态的埃芙相似的光芒正在闪烁。）

(...A traitor? Or a long-embedded spy?)（……是一位内部的叛徒，还是一个长期潜伏的间谍？）

(How long have they been lurking?)（潜伏时间有多久？）

(How much critical intelligence have they obtained?)（获取了多少关键情报？）

(And how much has already been passed on?)（又向外传递了哪些？）

(Igla's gaze remains serene and courteous, but anyone who knows her can sense the restrained anger beneath that elegant façade.)（针的眼神依然温和有礼，但任何了解她的人都能感受到那份优雅表面下的……愠怒。）

IglaThis may be an unnecessary question, but please indulge me anyway.虽然也许这是个没必要问的问题，但还是让我多此一举一下。

IglaCan that internal signal source be traced?那个内部的信号源可以追踪吗？

Security GuardNo, it can't... The cutoff was too fast. We didn't have time to trace it back.不，不行……中断的速度太快了，我们根本来不及追溯。

IglaAs expected.说得也是。

(Igla gives the security officer a polite nod and steps out of the command room.)（针礼貌地朝警备员点了点头，走到了指挥室外。）

(She takes out an exquisite-looking communicator, frowns slightly, and presses the call button.)（她拿出一个包装精美的通讯器，皱了皱眉，按下了通话键。）

????At last, my dear Lady Igla~ Took you long enough to contact me. So, did you mess up?终于等到了针大人你的联系呀~怎么样，搞砸了吗？

IglaWhat you wanted was taken. We're in pursuit.你想要的东西被夺走了，我们正在追踪。

????Just like I predicted, huh? And you refused to believe me. Ugh, what a shame... We should've made a bet or something!果然和我预言的一模一样嘛，你看你之前还不肯信我，诶诶……早知道之前赌点什么东西就好了呢！

Igla...…………

(Igla's frown deepens. She reins in her emotions and continues speaking into the communicator.)（针再度皱了皱眉，她调整了一下自己的情绪，继续朝通讯器说道。）

IglaI've already identified the location of the container. Just as you anticipated, the Dolls who came to seize it are indeed Task Force DEFY.我已经发现了那个箱子的位置，和你预判的一样，来抢夺的人形的确是她们——“忤逆”。

????Oh my, those two Dolls are anything but easy opponents. Even if you're the "strongest" third-gen Doll, you really shouldn't underestimate them, okay?诶呀，那两个人形可是一点都不好对付啊，就算你是“最强”的三代人形也千万不要轻敌哦？

IglaYou flatter me. I will respond with full and thorough preparations.您说笑了，我会以万全的准备来应对她们的。

IglaWhat I'm wondering is, can you track those two Dolls continuously via the container they took?我只是在想，她们带走的那个箱子，您能通过它来持续将那两位人形定位么？

????I don't even know where the container is, how would I tra—我都不知道箱子在哪，怎么定——

????Oh, hang on a sec. Didn't you just say you found the container's location?哦等一下，刚才你是不是说了你发现箱子的位置了？

IglaIndeed. We intercepted their external communications. We can now determine an approximate coordinate.的确如此，她们对外通讯时被我们截获了，现在能确定一个大致的坐标。

IglaThe sewers they're in should all be equipped with signal amplifiers installed by the Girard Group. I believe you could use them to forcibly establish a connection with the container.她们所在的下水道吉拉尔集团应该都装有信号增幅装置，您应该可以利用其强行连接那个箱子。

????Mhm, that's true. Hold on, I'll get right on it!嗯嗯，的确如此，稍等我马上就下手！

????Ah, found it~ Connection successful. I'm sending the location over now~啊找到了~连接成功，我将位置发送过来啦~

????Also, heheh... Let's cause them some extra hassle while we're at it~另外，呵呵，再给她们整一些小麻烦吧~

IglaHassle?小麻烦？

????They may be powerful T-Dolls, but even they're bound to be thrown off by something like this, right? Heheh, I'm having so much fun just thinking about it.虽然她们是强大的战术人形，但面对这种场面一定会无所适从吧，嘿嘿，想想就觉得很有趣。

Igla...……

????In any case, this should slow them down. Now it's up to the strongest third-gen Doll to go and catch them!总之这会拖累她们行动的速度，请你这位强大的人形赶紧去逮住她们吧！

Spark of Life 灵性火花

(The dull sound of dripping water echoes through the empty sewer passageways. The metal walls—once refined by meticulous engineering—are now marred with scorched black marks left by ammunition, clearly recording the firefight that took place not long ago.)（沉闷的水滴声在空旷的下水道通道内回荡。原本经过精密工程处理的金属墙体表面，也布满了几道弹药留下的焦黑痕迹，清晰记录着不久前发生的交火。）

(The air, once heavy with disinfectant, now carries a faint scent of gunpowder, a reminder of what has just unfolded here.)（空气中原本弥漫着的消毒水气息中如今也多了一丝淡淡的火药味，提醒着两人不久前这里发生过什么。）

(Alva and Voymastina sit with their backs against the wall. Their combat suits are already soaked through, punctured by several fresh bullet holes.)（埃芙和威玛西娜靠坐在墙边，身上的作战服早已湿透，也凭空多出了数个弹孔。）

(A silver-gray pod lies quietly nearby. Despite the fierce battle, its surface bears not a single scratch.)（一个银灰色的舱体静静地躺在一旁，即便历经激战，表面却依然不见一丝划痕。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina remains silent as she methodically checks her weapon. The metal rustles and clatters occasionally while she works the parts.)（威玛西娜沉默不语，只是检查着手中的武器，枪械不时发出金属摩擦的声响。）

Alva...……

(Alva fiddles with a slightly singed lock of hair between her fingers, thinking through their next move.)（埃芙一只手捻着略有焦黑的鬓角，在思考着接下来的行动。）

(Even as the enemy closes in again and again, she maintains her composure, as if all of this has already been accounted for in her calculations.)（即使敌人一而再再而三地包围上来，她依然保持着足够的冷静，仿佛这一切都早在她的计算中一样。）

Voymastina...……

(The silence continues until Voymastina finishes checking her weapon. She looks up at her partner, her tone calm yet resolute.)（两人一直保持着沉默，直到威玛西娜完成武器检查，抬头望向搭档，语气冷静而坚决。）

VoymastinaDestroy it.销毁。

AlvaWhat?什么？

(Alva freezes for a moment, clearly not understanding what her partner has abruptly uttered.)（埃芙愣了一下，似乎没太明白搭档突然开口吐出的字眼是什么意思。）

VoymastinaAccording to your plan, we can't be 100% sure that we can hold onto the container.按照你的计划，我们并没有十足的把握能守住这个箱子。

VoymastinaThe container slows our movement and drags down the efficiency of our operation.箱子降低了我们的行动速度，拖累我们执行计划的效率。

VoymastinaAnd if it's seized by the Girard Group, the risks would be immeasurable.而如果被吉拉尔集团夺回去，所带来的风险不可估量。

(Voymastina glances toward the pod lying not far away.)（威玛西娜瞥了一眼放置在不远处的舱体。）

VoymastinaIf we destroy it, we increase our mobility and accelerate the execution of the plan, while also cutting off Paradeus' ability to complete Project Eden with it.那么销毁它，我们能增加行动效率加快计划执行速度，同时，也断绝帕拉蒂斯使用它完成乐园计划的可能。

VoymastinaThat is the most rational choice.这是最合理的选择。

(Voymastina puts forth her argument grimly. She seems to have anticipated Alva's reluctance, but she speaks her mind anyway.)（威玛西娜的声音很沉，她似乎已经猜到了埃芙不会情愿，但还是说了出来。）

AlvaNo.不行。

(Just as Voymastina expected, Alva rejects her proposal outright.)（就像威玛西娜预想的一样，埃芙断然回绝。）

(It has always been this way.)（以往也是如此。）

(Sometimes Alva accepts Voymastina's suggestions, sometimes she does not. Ten years have passed—Alva is no longer the Doll she once was. Now, not even "she" can easily sway Alva's decisions.)（威玛西娜的建议，埃芙有时会采纳，有时则不会，十年过去，她早不是曾经的人偶，如今，就连“她”也不能轻易动摇埃芙的决定。）

AlvaVoymastina...威玛西娜……

(Alva gazes at Voymastina somberly.)（埃芙认真地看向威玛西娜。）

(...In the past, she could never read Voymastina's thoughts. Standing before her, Alva would feel nothing but unease, as if facing a slab of cold steel.)（……过去，她一直无法揣测威玛西娜的心思，在她面前，只有惴惴不安，仿佛面对着一块冰冷的钢铁。）

(But in time, she finally understands why "she" always calls Voymastina an open book.)（但渐渐地，她终于明白，为什么“那个人”总说，威玛西娜其实是个藏不住心事的人。）

(Her emotions are simple and straightforward.)（她的情绪，简单易懂。）

AlvaI understand your reasoning, but this isn't how we do things.我知道你的考虑，但这不是我们的做事方式。

AlvaBesides, the exact nature of Project Eden remains an unknown variable. O-43 is a core component, yet her concrete function and role are still unclear. Even "her" intelligence network can't provide complete data.而且，“乐园计划”的具体内容仍然是未知变量。O-43作为其核心组成部分，其具体功能和作用尚不明确。即使是“她”的情报网络也无法提供完整资料。

AlvaDestroying her rashly could trigger unpredictable chain reactions.贸然销毁可能导致无法预期的连锁反应。

VoymastinaI believe the risk of destroying it is lower than the risk of failing the mission—or of Girard reclaiming it.销毁的风险我认为低于这次行动失败和吉拉尔重新获取她的风险。

(Alva remains patient.)（埃芙依然很耐心。）

AlvaNo matter what function she serves as O-43, or what role she plays in whatever plan, she herself is just an innocent little girl who knows nothing of the world.不论她作为O-43有什么功能，在什么计划中承担了什么样的角色，她本身，都只是个不谙世事的小女孩。

AlvaWhatever Paradeus or Girard intends to use her for, she herself is blameless.不管帕拉蒂斯和吉拉尔要利用她做什么，她本身都是无辜的。

AlvaDo you remember how we met Anna?你还记得，我们和安娜是怎么认识的吗？

Voymastina...The mission when RP... when I formally rejoined the unit. The submarine base. She was a failed subject among Paradeus' experiments.……我和……我正式归队的那次任务，潜艇基地，她是帕拉蒂斯实验产物中的失败品。

AlvaWe and Ange found her along with her other sisters.我们和安洁找到了她，还有她的其他妹妹。

AlvaAnge chose to save them. That was her choice, and it was Task Force DEFY's choice.安洁的选择是救下她们，这是她的选择，也是忤逆的选择。

AlvaWe cannot lay hands on innocent children, Voymastina. That goes against the very reason we're doing all this.我们不能对无辜的孩子下手，威玛西娜，这有悖我们做这一切的初衷。

VoymastinaIf you believe saving people comes first, then we can abandon this mission and have Kevin extract us.如果你认为救人优先，我们可以放弃这次任务，然后让凯文接应我们撤离。

AlvaWe won't get another chance.我们没有下一次机会了。

VoymastinaThen the conclusion is obvious.所以结论很容易就能推导出来。

VoymastinaWe have a mission that must be completed, and with our current capabilities, we cannot secure this container.我们有必须要完成的任务，现有的能力不足以守住这个箱子。

VoymastinaIf Paradeus reclaims her, the suffering she will endure will far exceed what she's facing now.如果让帕拉蒂斯重新得到了她，那她所受的折磨会远大于现在。

VoymastinaDestroying her is mercy.销毁是一种仁慈。

HelenaDestroy her! Destroy her!销毁！销毁！

(The debate is suddenly interrupted by a clear, childish voice—coming from right between the two of them.)（两人之间的争论突然被一个清脆的童声打断，声源就在她们之间。）

Voymastina...!……！

Alva...?!——！？

(Both of them startle at the same time, instinctively jumping to their feet into combat stance as they turn toward the source of the voice.)（两人同时一惊，本能地从休整姿态转为战斗姿态，同时循声转向声音来源。）

(The silver-gray pod that had been sitting quietly nearby has somehow opened. A doll-like little girl steps out. Behind her, the pod itself splits into countless tiny components, which then regroup into three spherical clusters. Drawn together by a force that appears to be magnetism, they form three metallic orbs that float at the girl's side.)（只见原本静置在一旁的银灰色舱体不知何时已经打开，一个洋娃娃般的小女孩从中走了出来，在她身后，舱体本身分裂成无数的细小零件，随即又分成三团球体，在类似磁力的作用下聚拢，变成三颗金属球，悬浮在小女孩身侧。）

(The small figure peeks out from behind the metal spheres, waving her tiny fists as she shouts excitedly.)（女孩小小的身影从金属球后探出头来，正挥舞着小拳头，兴奋地喊着。）

(Alva recognizes her—this is Helena, the immune individual designated "O-43" mentioned in the files.)（埃芙认得——这就是资料中曾提到过的海伦娜，代号“O-43”的免疫体。）

(Her expression is innocent and bright, clearly unaware of what those words mean to Alva, Voymastina, or even to herself.)（她脸上的表情天真烂漫， 显然并不知道这两个字对现在的埃芙和威玛西娜，以及她自己而言意味着什么。）

AlvaHow...?!怎么会……？！

HelenaThat sounds so cool!这个词好酷！

HelenaCommander, what does "destroy" mean?指挥官，销毁是什么意思？

HelenaCommander...?指挥官……？

HelenaWhere are we...?这里是哪里……？

HelenaW...who are you?!你……你们是谁！？

(Looking around, everything she sees is vastly different from what she last remembered, and a surge of fear threatens to overwhelm her.)（环顾四周，周边的一切都和自己的记忆有着巨大的差别，一股惊恐的情绪从海伦娜心头涌出。）

(When she notices the two T-Dolls watching her, Helena quickly retreats several steps. The three metal orbs immediately reconfigure into a simple barrier, partially shielding her body and leaving only a pair of wary eyes exposed.)（发现两位战术人形的注视落在自己身上，海伦娜迅速后退数步，身边的三颗金属球立即重组形成一道简易屏障，将她的身体部分掩护在后方，只露出一双警惕的眼睛。）

VoymastinaWhat's going on?发生了什么？

Alva...The pod should only open with a special sequence.……舱体应当需要特殊的序列才能开启。

AlvaOr... it was opened remotely by force.或者……被远程强行开启。

VoymastinaOur situation is already extremely precarious. The enemy can clearly connect to her.我们的境地已经非常危险了，对方可以清晰地连接到她。

VoymastinaI believe the risk level is now unacceptably high.我认为风险升为极高。

AlvaI think it remains controllable. We need to continue protecting her.我的判断是风险可控，我们需要继续保护她。

Helena...……

(Helena stays on guard behind the metal barrier, her gaze darting back and forth between the two as if assessing the threat.)（海伦娜在金属屏障后方保持着警戒状态，眼神不断在两人之间来回扫视，像是在评估威胁。）

(The three metal orbs vibrate faintly, ready to react defensively—or offensively—at any moment.)（三颗金属球微微震颤，似乎随时准备做出防御或攻击反应。）

Voymastina...……

(As Voymastina's Wolf Eye attempts to scan Helena and the spheres beside her, the system display is flooded with error messages of failed analysis. She pays it little mind; this has not been a rare occurrence in the past ten years.)（威玛西娜的狼眼在扫过海伦娜与她身侧的球体时，出现了巨量分析失败的数据，但她也并不在意，毕竟这十年来，这样的事也没有那么罕见。）

(She takes a small step forward, intending to investigate further, but the movement immediately triggers Helena's alarm.)（威玛西娜微微前进，想要进一步调查，但她的动作引起了海伦娜的戒备反应。）

HelenaD-don't move!不、不许动！

(Helena's voice is filled with fear, yet edged with threat. The three metal orbs instantly shift into a more aggressive formation.)（海伦娜的声音充满恐惧但带着一丝威胁，三颗金属球立即调整位置，形成一个更具攻击性的阵列。）

Voymastina...?……？

(A flood of warning alerts erupts in Wolf Eye, and Voymastina is uncharacteristically frozen in place.)（狼眼的系统出现了巨量的警报，威玛西娜少见地被镇在了原地。）

Alva...Voymastina, please remain still.……威玛西娜，请保持静止。

AlvaShe seems extremely sensitive to our movements... especially yours.她似乎对我们……尤其是对你的动作非常敏感。

(Voymastina halts, looking at the clearly overstressed little girl with some bemusement.)（威玛西娜停下动作，略显困惑地看向这个明显处于高度应激状态的小女孩。）

AlvaHelena...海伦娜……

(Alva speaks up, deliberately softening her tone in an attempt to lower Helena's guard.)（埃芙尝试用更为温和的语调开口，试图降低对方的戒备心理。）

AlvaWe won't hurt you. We're actually... protecting you.我们不会伤害你。我们实际上是在……保护你。

HelenaLiar! You don't look like good people!骗人！你们，不像好人！

(The metal orbs shake more violently, reflecting her emotional instability.)（海伦娜的金属球更加剧烈地震动，显示出她情绪的不稳定。）

Alva...It's true that we took you away from where you were before, but that was for your own safety.……我们确实带你离开了原来的地方，但那是为了保护你。

(Alva's brow furrows slightly as she comes to a sudden realization.)（埃芙蹙了下眉头，像是忽然意识到了什么。）

AlvaOh, right. The Commander asked us to look after you.对了，指挥官，是指挥官拜托我们照顾你的。

HelenaCommander?指挥官？

(Helena's attitude softens a little. The glow of energy within the three metal orbs dims, though she remains highly alert.)（海伦娜的态度有所松动，三颗金属球充能的光亮有所减弱，但她依然保持着高度的警戒。）

HelenaYou're lying!你们，骗人的！

HelenaWhere is the Commander?!指挥官，在哪里！

AlvaThe Commander... will come to pick you up later.指挥官……之后会来接你的。

AlvaHe has to handle an important mission right now, so don't worry, okay?现在有着重要的任务需要指挥官去处理，所以，不要担心好吗？

HelenaR-really...?真……真的吗？

AlvaYes. When the time comes, you'll be able to go back to the Elmo.是的，到时你就能回艾莫号上了。

AlvaBoth of us are Dolls who have served under the Commander before. Please believe us.我和这位都是以前受过指挥官指挥的人形，请务必相信我们。

HelenaD-Dolls...? Dolls are... probably... good?人、人形吗……人形，大概，好？

(Helena lowers the hands she had been holding up in front of herself. The metal orbs descend as well, no longer looking ready to fire.)（海伦娜放下了挡在胸前的双手，金属球也随即降低了高度，看起来不像是会发射什么的样子了。）

AlvaDo you remember what happened before?之前的事，你还记得吗？

AlvaThere's a place like a mine... an underground ritual site. Do you remember what happened there?一个像矿洞一样的地方……一个地下的仪式场，在里面发生过什么？

Helena...?……？

(Helena tilts her head, clearly not understanding what Alva means.)（海伦娜歪了歪头，似乎并不理解埃芙是什么意思。）

(Alva thinks for a moment, then decides to try a different angle.)（埃芙思索了一下，决定换一个角度碰碰运气。）

AlvaHelena... do you know what "Project Eden" is?海伦娜……你知道什么是“乐园计划”吗？

Helena...!……！

(Helena's body stiffens at the mere mention of "Project Eden".)（然而，仅仅只是听到“乐园计划”这个词，海伦娜的身体就明显地僵直了。）

(The metal orbs floating around her abruptly freeze in place.)（悬浮在她周围的金属球也突然停止了所有动作。）

HelenaEden... No, no! Don't say it!乐......不，不！不要说！

(Alva clearly sees the pure terror flash across Helena's eyes.)（埃芙清晰地看到海伦娜眼中闪过一阵纯粹的恐惧。）

(The little girl clenches her fists. Her body begins to tremble uncontrollably, faint whimpers of fear escaping her.)（她的小手紧紧抓住屏障边缘，身体开始不受控制地轻微颤抖，发出细微的恐惧呜咽声。）

HelenaI'm not... going back... to that place! No!那里......不......不要回去！不要！

HelenaI'm not going back!不要回去！

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina registers Helena's fear, but she lacks experience in dealing with such emotional outbursts.)（威玛西娜察觉到了海伦娜的恐惧，但她对如何应对这种情绪反应缺乏经验。）

(She maintains her guard while turning her head slightly toward Alva.)（她保持警戒姿态，同时偏头看向了埃芙。）

AlvaIt's okay, Helena. I promise you—we won't let anyone take you back to that place.没关系，海伦娜。我向你保证，我们不会让任何人把你带回那个地方。

(Alva gently comforts the frightened girl with far more practice.)（而埃芙则更加熟练也温和地宽慰起了不安的小女孩。）

(She cautiously extends her hand and takes hold of Helena's... Though it is only biomimetic, her physical warmth is clearly transmitted to Helena's palm.)（她试探性地伸出了手，轻轻握住了海伦娜的手……尽管只是模拟，但她的体温切实地传递到了海伦娜的掌心。）

Alva...I promise.……我保证。

Helena...……

Helena...Really?……真的？

AlvaOf course. Want to make a pinky promise?当然是真的，要不要拉钩钩？

HelenaPink... pinky promise?拉……钩钩？

AlvaLike this... Once we hook pinkies, we have to keep our promise.就是这样……拉钩之后，就一定会信守承诺。

(Alva hooks her little finger around Helena's.)（埃芙用尾指勾住了海伦娜的指头。）

AlvaYou're really scared of this "Project Eden", aren't you?你很害怕……那个叫“乐园计划”的东西吗？

Helena...!……！

(Helena, whose emotions have just begun to settle, visibly tenses up again when Alva brings up Project Eden once more.)（海伦娜稍稍平复的情绪，在埃芙又一次提及乐园计划时，又肉眼可见地紧张了起来。）

(She shakes off Alva's hand and stumbles backward several steps.)（她甩开了埃芙的手，又向后连撤了好几步。）

HelenaPro... Eden... bad!乐……计划……坏！

AlvaHelena.海伦娜。

(Instead of chasing after her, Alva stays crouched where she is and continues to speak softly and patiently.)（埃芙蹲在原地，并没有去追赶海伦娜，而是依然耐心地低声细语。）

Alva...We think so too. It's a terrible thing.……我们也认为，那是个糟糕的东西。

AlvaThat's why we want to stop it.所以，我们要去阻止它。

AlvaBut if we don't know what it is, we can't stop it.但如果连它是什么都不知道，就没办法去做。

AlvaIf you know anything, could you please tell us? ...Please.如果你知道什么的话，能请你告诉我们吗？……拜托了。

Helena...……

Helena...Strange...……奇……

AlvaStrange?奇？

HelenaA strange... woman...奇怪的女人……

Helena...She wants to... open the door.……要，开门。

Alva...Open the door? What door?……开门？哪里的门？

(Just as Alva is about to press further...)（而就在埃芙想要进一步追问的时候）

(In an instant—)（忽然——）

(Boom!)（轰！）

(A thunderous explosion erupts from deep within the passage, shattering the suffocating silence and cutting off Alva's thoughts.)（一声巨响从通道深处传来，打破了这令人窒息的寂静，也打断了埃芙的思绪。）

(The shockwave, carrying rubble and debris, spreads rapidly through the tunnel, causing visible structural damage. Multiple walls are blown through, forming irregular holes as stones and dust rain down in thick clouds.)（爆炸产生的冲击波裹挟着碎石和微粒迅速扩散，对通道结构造成了明显的破坏，多处墙面被炸穿，形成不规则的孔洞，碎石与粉尘密集坠落。）

HelenaAaaaaaah!呀——！

(Helena lets out a terrified scream. The three metal orbs emit erratic, high-frequency vibrations, clearly entering an emergency defense mode.)（海伦娜发出惊恐的尖叫，三颗金属球发出不规则的高频振动声，明显处于某种紧急防御模式。）

Voymastina—!——！

(Voymastina turns toward the source of the explosion, instantly entering full alert. Wolf Eye activates wide-spectrum scanning, attempting to assess the threat level of the approaching enemy.)（威玛西娜迅速转向爆炸源方向，同时进入全面戒备状态，狼眼系统启动全频段扫描，试图评估接近中的威胁等级。）

Alva...The search team has set off our trap.……搜索部队已经踩到了我们的陷阱。

AlvaFall back!撤！

Spark of Life 灵性火花

(In the narrow passage, the sound of flowing water is completely drowned out by movement. In its place are three distinct sets of footsteps, along with breathing rhythms distorted by environmental pressure.)（狭窄的通道内，原本的水流声被移动的噪音完全掩盖，取而代之的是三组不同频率的脚步声和受环境压力影响的呼吸节奏。）

(The walls along the way are riddled with bullet holes and scorch marks. With the metal structural layers penetrated, the reinforced concrete underneath becomes exposed. Craters and burn marks from thermal weapons form an irregular pattern. Spent casings and debris of the walls litter the ground in chaotic disarray.)（沿途的墙壁上都布满了弹孔和焦痕，金属结构层被精确穿透后露出内部的加固混凝土，多处弹坑和热能武器灼痕形成了不规则的战术痕迹图谱。地面散落着弹壳和墙体碎片，一片狼藉。）

(A few emergency lights flicker on and off, illuminating the exhausted figures of Alva and Voymastina.)（几盏应急灯忽明忽暗，照亮了埃芙和威玛西娜疲惫的身影。）

(Helena keeps a safe distance from Voymastina. The metal orbs hover around her, forming a mobile defensive barrier. However, she now at least allows Voymastina to move within a three-meter radius without triggering a defensive response.)（海伦娜保持着与威玛西娜的安全距离，金属球悬浮在她周围形成一道机动防御屏障，但比起最初的完全排斥，现在她至少允许威玛西娜在三米范围内行动而不会激活防御反应。）

(Her body language still shows caution, but the hostility in her eyes has lessened.)（她的肢体语言依然透露着警惕，但眼神中的敌意已经减弱。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina suddenly halts and turns back toward the way they came, Wolf Eye activating its remote acoustic analysis module.)（威玛西娜突然停下前进动作，转身面向来路，狼眼系统启动远程声纹分析模块。）

(The advance of the pursuing forces is precisely captured and analyzed, indicating they are closing in step by step in a tactical formation.)（追击部队的推进声波被精确捕获并分析，显示对方正在以战术队形逐步逼近。）

(At the same time, regular sounds are coming from other tunnels as well—the enemy has likely pinpointed their location and formed an encirclement.)（同时，其他通道方向也传来规律的声音，对方似乎已经掌握了她们的位置并形成了包围网。）

(Voymastina casually peels off the severed limb of a combat automaton still clinging to her, then touches the broken military knife at her waist, with only the hilt remaining.)（威玛西娜随手处理掉一个仍然抓附在她身上的作战机械的断肢，随后触摸了一下腰间被折断只余柄部的军刀。）

(With her current combat parameters, breaking through the outer blockade is theoretically possible. However, if the third-gen Doll known as Igla arrives on the scene and engages them in a direct confrontation, Voymastina will not be able to cover Alva and protect Helena.)（以她现有的战斗参数，强行突破外围封锁线在理论上是可行的，但如果那位被称为“针”的三代人形赶到现场，一旦陷入直接交战，自己就无法分出余力掩护埃芙和保护海伦娜了。）

AlvaVoymastina? What is it?威玛西娜？怎么了？

(Alva notices her partner has stopped. Standing a few steps ahead, she turns back with a questioning look.)（此时的埃芙也注意到了同伴停下的脚步，她站在前方几步处，转身投来询问的目光。）

VoymastinaIgla is coming... I'll hold her off.“针”来了……我来断后。

(Voymastina's voice is low and resolute.)（威玛西娜的声音低沉而坚定。）

AlvaShe's coming, huh...来了么……

(Alva considers this briefly.)（埃芙略加思索。）

AlvaYou take Helena and break through the encirclement.你带着海伦娜摆脱包围。

VoymastinaNo. I'll defeat her, then you can proceed with your plan.不，等我打败她后再继续你的计划。

(Voymastina stubbornly stands her ground, not accepting Alva's decision as readily as she usually does.)（威玛西娜固执地坚持自己的战术判断，没有像往常一样轻易接受埃芙的决定。）

Alva...……

(Alva doesn't argue right away. She falls silent for a few seconds, a complex light flickering through her eyes.)（埃芙没有立即反驳，而是突然沉默了几秒，眼神中闪过一种复杂的光芒。）

(Her expression sharpens with unusual focus as she turns her head, clearly thinking something through.)（她的神情变得异常专注，扭过头去，像是在进行某种思考。）

Alva...Your assessment is correct, Voymastina. I agree with it.……你的评估是正确的，威玛西娜。我认同这一判断。

AlvaBut I need to revise one key parameter.但我需要修正一个关键参数。

Voymastina...Key parameter?……关键参数？

AlvaSomeone does need to defeat that third-gen Doll.的确需要有人打败那个三代人形。

AlvaBut the one to do it... is me, not you.但执行者将是我，而非你。

Voymastina...?!……？！

(Voymastina's eyes widen in extreme confusion and dissent. This decision completely overturns their decade-long division of roles and operational patterns, exceeding every tactical plan she has preloaded.)（威玛西娜的狼眼瞬间放大，显示出极度的困惑与不认同。这个决策完全违背了她们十年来的战术分工和行动模式，超出了她预设的所有战术方案。）

(Voymastina finds herself paralyzed. She wants to voice further objections, but her available vocabulary fails to provide an appropriate way to express them.)（威玛西娜陷入了一种困境。她想要表达更多反对意见，但拥有的词库似乎无法提供合适的表达方式。）

Voymastina...The parameter is irrational.……参数不合理。

VoymastinaI am the combat-type unit.我才是战斗型单位。

AlvaExactly. Which is why you are the best choice to protect Helena.正是如此，你是最能保护好海伦娜的人选。

AlvaAnd I'm counting on you to deliver the final breakthrough.以及，我等着你来做最后的破局。

Voymastina...…………

AlvaThe lab is directly above us. Wait for my signal.研究室的位置就在这里的正上方，等我的消息。

(Alva's eyes flash with resolve and unquestionable confidence. Voymastina understands that, at this moment, she has no choice but to trust and obey.)（埃芙的眼神透出了坚决和不容置疑的自信，威玛西娜明白此时除了服从和信任她的决定外，自己没有其他选择。）

Voymastina...Alright.……好吧。

(Alva nods to Voymastina, then walks over to Helena and gently strokes her hair to calm her.)（埃芙向威玛西娜点了点头，接着走到海伦娜面前，轻轻抚摸她的头发让她平稳下来。）

(She points at Voymastina and speaks as softly as she can.)（她指了指威玛西娜的方向，用尽量温柔的声音向她说道。）

AlvaThis lady here may look scary, but she's actually a very kind and gentle Doll.这位大姐姐虽然看起来不好，但其实她是非常温柔的人形。

AlvaShe'll take you to find the Commander. You have to stay very close to her, okay?她会带着你去找指挥官，你一定要牢牢地跟紧她，好吗？

HelenaO... Okay...好……好吧……

(Helena is still highly wary of Voymastina, but sensing the urgency of the situation, she carefully trots along behind her.)（海伦娜依然对威玛西娜抱有着很高的警惕，但她也感觉到了此时形势的紧急，于是小心翼翼地小跑跟在了威玛西娜的身后。）

(Voymastina leads Helena off in the opposite direction. Before leaving, she turns back and says to Alva...)（威玛西娜带着海伦娜朝着反方向跑去，在临走前她回过头向埃芙说道。）

VoymastinaGood hunting.武运昌隆。

AlvaMm.嗯。

(Alva checks her chamber, then plants herself firmly in the very center of the passage, waiting for the arrival of the "strongest" Doll.)（埃芙检查了枪膛，直直地站立在通道的正当中，等待着那位“最强”的人形到来。）

(...)（……）

(...)（……）

(...)（……）

IglaOh?哦呀？

(The sharp clicks of high heels striking concrete echo through the hollow passageway. Surrounded by a cluster of combat automatons, the Doll approaches from the distance with unhurried grace.)（高跟鞋踩踏在水泥的地板上，于空洞的通道内回响着清脆的声响，在一众作战机械的簇拥下，那个人形款款自远方走近。）

(Igla's steps are calm and rhythmic, her arms folded neatly before her chest. A finely designed tactical rapier hangs at her waist, and an air of elegance utterly out of place in this environment radiates from her.)（针的步伐从容而有节奏，双手交叠在身前，腰间佩戴着设计精美的战术细剑，整个人散发着一种与周围环境格格不入的优雅气质。）

(When she spots Alva standing alone at the center of the passageway from afar, a flicker of surprise crosses her face.)（她远远地就看到了站立在通道中央的埃芙，似乎略有一些惊讶。）

IglaWhat an unexpected arrangement...多么令人意外的安排……

(When she reaches a distance of about 15 steps from Alva, she comes to a stop, her posture straight and composed, as if greeting a guest.)（在走到距离埃芙大约只有十五步距离的时候，她站定了挺拔的身姿，姿态端庄地如同在迎接一位客人。）

(Behind her, the combat automatons immediately spread into a standard tactical formation, weapons trained on Alva, ready to fire at a moment's notice.)（她的身后，作战机械立即展开了标准的战术阵型，武器也都对准了埃芙，随时准备发起攻击。）

(Igla raises one hand, casually halting them.)（针只是抬起一只手，轻描淡写地制止了这些行动。）

IglaI assume you are the one covering the others' retreat—after much careful deliberation?我猜测，你们经过深思熟虑的战术决策，是最终选择由你来执行断后任务？

(Alva remains silent, offering no response to the seemingly offhand question.)（埃芙保持着沉默，没有回应这个表面上看似随意的询问。）

(Just as she's anticipated, the third-gen Doll before her possesses not only exceptional combat ability, but also sharp analytical and observational skills.)（正如她所预料的，眼前的这位三代人形不仅拥有卓越的战斗能力，还具备极高的分析能力和洞察力。）

IglaI understand the implication for this tactical decision. Though you lack frontline combat capability, you clearly possess the admirable quality of being willing to sacrifice yourself for your team.我理解这种无言的战术选择。虽然你缺乏前线作战的能力，但显然具备为团队牺牲的崇高品质。

IglaSuch spirit is truly worthy of respect.这种精神着实令人钦佩。

(Igla gives a light, polite clap.)（针轻轻地鼓了鼓掌。）

Alva...……

(Alva still says nothing.)（埃芙依然没有说话。）

(In this situation, every second of delay is precious time bought for Voymastina's retreat.)（在这种情况下，每一秒的拖延都是为威玛西娜争取的宝贵撤退时间。）

(Since the other party is willing to spend time on this exchange, Alva is more than happy to oblige.)（既然对方愿意消耗时间进行这种对话，她自然乐于配合。）

IglaIn consideration of your courage, please allow me to offer a small courtesy—I am willing to wait here for one full minute and refrain from any pursuit.考虑到您的这份勇气，请允许我提供一个小小的礼遇——我愿意在此等候一分钟的时间，不进行任何追击行动。

AlvaOne minute?一分钟？

IglaAs a gesture of respect for your noble conduct.作为对您高尚行为的敬意。

IglaTo be frank, if I were not obliged to recover the cargo you two have taken as quickly as possible...坦诚地说，倘若不是我不得不尽快回收被两位夺取的货物。

IglaI would go far beyond this to show my respect.我所展示的敬意将远不止于此。

AlvaHeh...呵……

(...So beneath that elegant exterior lies such arrogance.)（……这优雅的外表下，藏着的竟是如此的狂妄。）

(Alva studies the Doll's exquisite face as her index finger lightly brushes the trigger on her weapon twice.)（埃芙看着眼前的人形那张精致的面孔，食指轻轻摩挲了两下扳机。）

IglaIt's a rare opportunity, isn't it?这也是一个难得的机会，不是吗？

IglaAfter all, it is an honor to me as well—being able to "converse" face-to-face with a member of the legendary Task Force DEFY.毕竟，能够与传说中的“忤逆小队”成员面对面“交流”，对我而言也是一种荣幸。

Alva...……

IglaI've had the privilege of studying some of your tactical records.我曾有幸研读过你们的部分战术记录。

IglaThough the material is quite limited due to your outstanding concealment capabilities, it was enough to earn my genuine admiration for Task Force DEFY.虽然由于你们卓越的隐匿能力，这些资料相当有限，但足以让我对忤逆小队产生由衷的敬意。

IglaAs a second-gen Doll, AK-15's performance is indeed impressive. The same goes for AK-12, the leader of the task force... And if memory serves, there was also a Doll who truly embodied the word "defy".作为二代人形，AK15的性能确实令人印象深刻，还有AK12……你们的指挥核心，以及如果我没记错的话，还有一位真正贯彻了“忤逆”这一词汇的人形。

IglaEven among the latest generation of tactical Dolls, there are only a handful who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.即使在最新一代战术人形中，能与她们比肩的也屈指可数。

IglaDo forgive my rudeness... but you are?请原谅我的失礼……您是？

Alva...My name is Alva.……我是埃芙。

IglaAh, yes, of course. Alva—AN-94, AK-12's tactical support unit.啊，是的，当然。埃芙，AN94……AK12的战术辅助单位。

IglaPlease forgive my oversight.请原谅我的疏忽。

IglaOnly someone like me, who takes a special interest in Task Force DEFY, would be familiar with every single member.只有像我这样对忤逆小队怀有特殊关注的人，才会对每一位成员都有所了解。

IglaExcellence is a quality worthy of admiration, and Task Force DEFY is undoubtedly its exemplar.卓越是一种令人尊敬的品质，而忤逆小队无疑是其中的典范。

IglaHowever, if you'll pardon my frankness, I've always been curious... How does a Doll like you find her place within such an elite team, one defined by excellence?不过，恕我直言，我一直好奇……像您这样的人形，是如何在这样一个以卓越著称的精英团队中找到自己的位置的？

Alva...……

(Alva purses her lips briefly.)（埃芙抿了抿唇。）

AlvaYou really do seem to know quite a great deal about us.看来你对我们确实有相当深入的了解。

IglaYour praise is an honor.您的肯定是我的荣幸。

(Igla inclines her head graciously in response.)（针优雅地微微欠身，像是回礼。）

IglaOutstanding Dolls always earn my sincere respect and attention... They deserve such recognition.卓越的人形总能获得我真诚的尊重与关注……她们值得这样的认可。

IglaAnd Task Force DEFY's reputation is indeed impossible to ignore.而忤逆小队的声誉，也确实让人难以忽视。

Alva...We have indeed garnered a reputation since ten years ago... after what happened in Frankfurt.……我们确实已经出名了，在十年前……在法兰克福的事之后。

AlvaThat's why we abandoned our old codenames, aliases, and other identities. Our concealment had lost all meaning.这也是我们放弃之前的代号、假名和其他身份的原因，我们当时的隐蔽，全都已经没有了意义。

AlvaAnd as for me... You're right. I'm the weakest one on the team.而我……你说得对，我是这个队伍里最弱的人。

IglaYour candor is admirable. In that case, I can't help but ask—why didn't you choose to retreat?您的坦诚令人欣赏。既然如此，我不禁要问……为何您没有选择撤退？

IglaWe gave you ample buffer time. From a purely tactical standpoint, you could have escaped. I have no particular interest in you personally.我们已经给予了您充分的缓冲时间。从纯粹的战术角度考虑，您大可以选择逃离……我对您个人并无特别的兴趣。

IglaWhat I truly look forward to is an exchange with AK-15.我真正期待的，是与AK15的交流。

IglaOr... do you believe you possess a character that makes you my equal?或者……您认为自己拥有与我相称的品格？

Alva...I want to try.……我想试试。

(A faint, unfathomable smile appears at the corner of Alva's lips. Her tone carries a subtle confidence.)（埃芙嘴角浮现出一丝难以解读的微笑，语调中带着一种微妙的自信。）

AlvaAnd by my assessment, your character doesn't seem all that compatible with the rest of my team.而且，从我的评估来看，你的品格，好像和我们队伍的其他人不太相称。

AlvaPerhaps only someone like me—the weakest Doll in DEFY—could be bothered to have an exchange with you.也许只有我这个在“忤逆”中最弱的人形，才愿意勉强和你做次交流吧。

Igla...……

(Igla retains her flawless smile, but a chill flickers deep within her eyes.)（针脸上完美的微笑依然保持着，但那双眼睛深处却闪过一丝冷意。）

(Her expression shows no obvious change, yet the atmosphere subtly shifts.)（她的表情没有任何明显的变化，但空气中的气氛却微妙地转变了。）

(Igla adjusts her stance and lightly smooths out her sleeve.)（针调整了一下站姿，轻轻地捋了捋袖口。）

IglaYour confidence is impressive. It seems you hold a rather unique evaluation of your own abilities.您的自信令人印象深刻。看来您对自己的能力有着相当独特的评估。

IglaIn that case, please allow me to personally verify the basis of that confidence.那么，请允许我亲自验证一下，这种自信的基础。

(She takes an elegant step forward, the sound of her heels striking the ground ringing clearly through the passageway.)（优雅地向前迈出一步，高跟鞋与地面接触的声音在通道中形成清晰的回响。）

(She finally unfolds her arms—with her left hand, she draws the finely crafted tactical rapier from her waist, and with her right, produces a beautifully made pistol of silver and gold.)（她的双手终于从身前分开——左手抽出了腰间那把设计精美的战术细剑，右手则取出了一把做工精良、银金相间的手枪。）

(Igla's subordinates also raise their weapons and take aim at Alva.)（针的手下们也纷纷举起武器，对准了埃芙。）

IglaPlease wait.请稍等。

(But Igla once again lifts a hand to halt them, her gaze never leaving Alva.)（但针只是再一次轻轻一挥手，制止了他们的行动，眼神始终没有离开埃芙。）

IglaI wish to savor this alone.我想独自享受。

The Fifth Element 第五元素

(The dull sound of dripping water echoes rhythmically through the empty passageway.)（沉闷的水滴声，在空旷的通道中有节奏地回荡。）

(This sewer branch lies far enough from the previous main battlefield that it is temporarily free from direct pursuit, forming a short-lived buffer zone.)（这处下水道支线与先前主战场有足够的距离，暂时不会受到直接追击，形成了一个临时的缓冲区。）

(A few damaged emergency lights flicker at irregular intervals, providing only minimal visibility.)（几盏损伤的应急照明设备以不规则的频率闪烁，仅能提供最低限度的环境可见度。）

(Voymastina settles Helena into a concealed spot at a bend in the passageway. She herself stands against the wall, scanning the surroundings while initiating a rapid system self-diagnostic.)（威玛西娜将海伦娜安置在通道拐角的隐蔽处，自己则靠墙伫立，观察四周的同时开始执行系统的快速自检程序。）

(Helena's metal spheres hover around her in a defensive formation, her wary gaze tracking every movement Voymastina makes.)（海伦娜的金属球保持在她周围形成防御阵型，眼神警惕地盯着威玛西娜的每一个动作。）

(She keeps the maximum safe distance from Voymastina. With Alva absent, her tension and vigilance are clearly heightened.)（她与威玛西娜保持着最大安全距离，在埃芙不在场的情况下，她明显更加紧张和戒备。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina looks at Helena, her expression inscrutable.)（威玛西娜看着海伦娜，眼神复杂。）

(She lets out a soft sigh and drives a fist into the wall.)（她轻轻地叹了口气，一拳砸在了墙壁上。）

(Thunk!)（咚！）

(The dull impact reverberates through the passageway.)（沉闷的响声，在通道中回荡。）

(The metal structure dents visibly at once; the concrete layer beneath fractures, and a cloud of dust erupts from the point of impact.)（金属结构在瞬间形成明显的凹陷，墙体内部的混凝土层碎裂，灰尘在撞击点周围扩散分布。）

Helena...!……！

(Startled, Helena immediately snaps her three metal spheres together into a shield.)（海伦娜被吓了一跳，三颗金属球迅速组成了屏障。）

(Her body tenses, fear and defensiveness filling her eyes, ready to respond to any perceived threat.)（她的身体紧绷，眼中充满了恐惧和防备，随时准备应对可能的威胁。）

(She looks ready to open fire if Voymastina makes even one more strange move.)（好像威玛西娜再有什么异常，她就要开炮了。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina notices Helena's reaction. Her brow furrows, but she makes no attempt to comfort her.)（威玛西娜注意到海伦娜的反应，眉头紧锁，但没有做出任何安抚举动。）

(Her systems contain no protocols for building trust with non-combatants... She has never been good at this, and it has never been her responsibility.)（她的程序并不包含如何与非战斗单位建立信任关系的模块……她一直不擅长这个，一直以来也不是她负责这个。）

(She looks at Helena, her neural cloud in disarray.)（她看着海伦娜，心智中一片混乱。）

(Without Alva's guidance, she finds herself facing a severe decision-making dilemma.)（在没有埃芙的指导下，她面临着严重的决策困境。）

Voymastina...Phew.……呼。

(Voymastina exhales slowly, forcing herself to calm down.)（威玛西娜长出了一口气，使自己冷静下来。）

(Although she understands Alva's plan, the plan itself carries an extremely high risk of failure.)（尽管她已经了解埃芙的计划，但这个计划本身也面临极高的失败风险。）

(If it were only the two of them, even with that risk, it would still be manageable.)（如果单只是考虑她们两人，那么即便有风险，她们也有办法控制。）

(But now there is this being right in front of her...)（但现在的问题，仍然是眼前的存在……）

(She must consider that even the slightest misstep during the operation could result in O-43 inevitably falling back into the hands of Girard Group and Paradeus.)（她必须考虑，在执行任务中哪怕出现一点差池，O-43都将不可避免地落入吉拉尔和帕拉蒂斯手中的可能性。）

(...To the current Task Force DEFY, she is unquestionably trouble as well as a burden.)（……对现在的忤逆小队而言，她毋庸置疑是个麻烦和累赘。）

(Voymastina's assessment has not changed.)（她的想法依然不变。）

(Directly destroying O-43 is still the most efficient and most thorough solution.)（直接销毁O-43依然是最高效、最彻底的解决方案。）

(Voymastina's gaze slowly shifts to Helena.)（威玛西娜的目光逐渐转向海伦娜。）

(If she destroys her on the spot... Girard and Paradeus' Project Eden will permanently lose this key component. No matter what role O-43 plays in that project, they will be forced to seek other alternatives.)（直接执行销毁……吉拉尔和帕拉蒂斯的“乐园计划”中将永远失去这一环，不论O-43在计划中扮演什么角色，他们都得另寻出路了。）

(And judging by the urgency and intensity of their encirclement and pursuit, O-43's role is clearly not something easily replaceable.)（而从针对她们急迫的围剿和追捕来看，O-43的角色绝不是能轻易替代的。）

(Discarding this burden would allow her to better leverage her own capabilities to assist Alva in completing the operation.)（丢掉这个累赘，她也能更好地发挥自身的能力，以辅助埃芙完成计划。）

(She could even turn back and help Alva deal with Igla directly, completing the operation as originally intended.)（甚至自己可以直接掉过头去帮她对付针，以原定的方式完成计划。）

(From every angle, this is the most rational decision.)（不论从哪个角度看，这都是最合理的决定。）

(All she has to do...)（只要……）

(...is eliminate her right here...)（只要在这里……）

Voymastina...……

Helena...……

(Helena remains on guard, but the defensive formation of the metal spheres loosens slightly. Alongside fear, a trace of cautious observation appears on her face.)（海伦娜仍然保持着警惕，但金属球的防御阵型微微松动，她的表情中除了恐惧，还多了一丝小心翼翼的观察。）

(She is highly sensitive to changes in emotion and atmosphere.)（她对情绪和气氛的变化十分敏感。）

HelenaY-you're not... going to do anything to me, are you?你……不会想对我做什么吧？

(This simple question is like a key, unlocking something sealed deep within Voymastina's neural cloud.)（这个简单的问题像一把钥匙，打开了威玛西娜心智中被锁住的某个区域。）

(She closes her eyes.)（她闭上了眼。）

Voymastina...……

HelenaI... I have really powerful orbs, you know!我……我可是有很厉害的球的！

(Helena spreads the metal spheres protectively in front of herself with bravado.)（海伦娜将金属球挡在自己的胸口，假装很有自信的气势。）

VoymastinaNo.不。

(Voymastina's answer is short and direct.)（威玛西娜的回答简短而直接。）

VoymastinaI promised her. So I will protect you.我已经答应她了，所以我会保护好你的。

(At the same time, the tension in her frame subtly eases.)（同时，她紧绷的身体也隐约放松了一些。）

Helena...Will she come back?……那个人，回来吗？

(Helena is clearly referring to Alva. Though wary of both of them, Alva's more kindly demeanor seems to have formed the foundation of trust between them.)（海伦娜指的显然是埃芙，尽管对两人都充满了戒备，但更温和慈善的埃芙的存在似乎为她们之间建立了基础信赖。）

VoymastinaShe will.……她会回来。

(Voymastina's reply contains no hesitation, as though stating an established fact rather than a hope or guess.)（威玛西娜的回答中没有任何不确定性，仿佛在陈述一个既定事实，而非希望或猜测。）

(She slowly lowers her hand, resolve settling in.)（她缓缓放下手，下定了决心。）

(...She is a member of Task Force DEFY. She will always fulfill her promises.)（……她是忤逆的一员，她永远会为自己的承诺负责。）

(Voymastina's Wolf Eye performs a full-spectrum scan. Once she's confirmed that the surroundings are temporarily safe, she retrieves a small device from her tactical pack and starts fiddling with it.)（威玛西娜的狼眼进行了一次全频段扫描，确认周围环境暂时安全后，她从战术背包中取出一个小型装置，开始调试。）

Helena...What's that?……那是什么？

(Helena's question still carries caution, but now also a hint of curiosity.)（海伦娜的问题中依然带着警惕，但也混杂了一丝好奇。）

(The metal spheres remain in a defensive state, though no longer as poised to attack.)（金属球保持防御状态，但不再那么紧绷。）

VoymastinaA communicator.通讯装置。

(Voymastina answers curtly as she continues to tune the device.)（威玛西娜简短地回答，同时开始调整装置参数。）

HelenaCommunicator? Doesn't look like one... Jammer?通讯？不像？干扰器？

(Voymastina glances at Helena, mildly surprised that she knows such a technical term.)（威玛西娜看了海伦娜一眼，这一次只是有些意外对方居然懂得这么复杂的词汇。）

VoymastinaThis is different.这个不一样。

Helena...D-different?……不……一样？

Voymastina...Yes.……是的。

(Voymastina answers each of the girl's questions. But unlike Alva's patient way of doing it, it is with an air of indifference toward both the conversation and her interlocutor, responding almost robotically.)（与埃芙表现出的耐心不同，尽管威玛西娜也有问必答，但更像是对谈话的内容和对象都毫无兴趣，只是机械地做出回应。）

(Even so, for her, this is already remarkable progress.)（但对她而言，这已经是了不起的进步。）

(To Helena, Voymastina's blunt manner of speech is unexpectedly reassuring. The two of them continue to talk in short, fragmented exchanges.)（对于海伦娜而言，威玛西娜的回应方式竟意外地让她很喜欢，两个人就这样以短暂又破碎的话语交谈着。）

Helena...……

Helena...You will... destroy... Eden?……你们，破坏，乐园，要？

VoymastinaYes.嗯。

HelenaYou have... a plan?计划？有？

Voymastina...Mm.……嗯。

(Voymastina's replies remain brief, but her demeanor has grown slightly milder.)（威玛西娜的回答仍然简短，但她的态度稍微柔和了一些。）

(Helena takes a small step forward. She still maintains a safe distance, but the subtle approach signals the beginning of tentative trust.)（海伦娜缓慢地向前移动了一小步，虽然仍保持安全距离，但这个微小的靠近动作似乎表明了她对威玛西娜初步信任的建立。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina watches Helena's cautious advance and recalls what her former partner would do in situations like this.)（威玛西娜注视着海伦娜谨慎的接近，脑海中开始回想曾经的搭档遇到类似的情况时会做的事。）

(After a moment's thought, she reaches out and places her hand on Helena's small head.)（短暂思考之后，她伸出了手，放在了海伦娜的小脑袋上。）

Helena—!——！

(Whoosh!!)（咻——！！）

(Like a startled cat, Helena instantly recoils and darts back behind cover.)（像是受惊的猫一样，海伦娜瞬间缩了回去，再一次地躲到了掩体后面。）

Voymastina...……

(Voymastina decides to stop forcing herself to do things she is bad at.)（威玛西娜下定决心不再做自己不擅长的事情。）

Voymastina...We need to move. This place isn't safe.……我们需要移动。这里不安全。

HelenaMove... where?去……哪里？

(Though hiding from Voymastina, Helena continues to converse with her.)（虽然躲了起来，但海伦娜依然老实地与威玛西娜交谈。）

Voymastina...To complete the mission.……完成任务。

(Voymastina replies curtly as she stands up and prepares to carry out Alva's plan.)（威玛西娜简短地回答，同时站起身来，准备开始执行埃芙的计划。）

(Helena hesitates, then follows behind her, still cautious but no longer openly hostile.)（海伦娜犹豫地跟在她身后，仍然保持着警惕，但不再表现出敌意。）

(Between these two very different figures, a subtle trust seems to be quietly taking root.)（两个画风截然不同的个体之间，一种微妙的信任似乎正在逐渐萌芽。）

Voymastina...Stay close.……跟紧我。

(Voymastina suddenly blurts this out. Her tone is as stiff as ever, but the words themselves carry a promise.)（威玛西娜突然冒出了这句话，语调依然生硬，但内容却传达了一种承诺。）

Helena...……

(Helena doesn't respond, and she simply follows along in silence.)（海伦娜并没有回应，只是默默地跟在她身后。）

(In the depths of the sewers, two figures—one tall and one short—move on wordlessly, one behind the other.)（下水道内，一大一小两个身影，就这么一前一后，沉默地移动着。）

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.