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Antiparallel - Part 1

歧路双轨·上篇

28 chapters · 3075 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Slumbering Nightmare 沉睡梦魇

(One week after the explosion at Lviv—)（利沃夫爆炸一周后——）

(The Elmo continues its sprint through the desolate, empty wilds.)（萧瑟无人的旷野中，艾莫号仍不止不休地奔驰着。）

(We paid a bitter cost to break out from Lviv. In order to escape from the URNC's forces, we were forced to pass up several resupply opportunities. Instead, we had to move repeatedly between satellite cities. This back-and-forth movement continued until we finally shook off our pursuers.)（从利沃夫突围的代价是惨痛的。为摆脱罗联部队的纠葛，我们被迫放弃了数个补给机会，连夜在数个卫星城之间反复辗转，最终才得以甩脱追兵。）

(All maintenance work on the Dolls had only just been completed today. It was only through the support of underground brokers that our combat squads could be kept running, albeit with great difficulty.)（时至今日，所有人形的修整工作刚告一段落，多亏暗商的支持才勉为其难维持作战小队的正常运转。）

(Even so, the Elmo only dared to move within the most treacherous areas of the Yellow Zone. We hid ourselves in the wilderness like an injured beast, carefully hiding all traces of our advance, afraid that a movement too abrupt would invite the bounty hunters to encircle us once more.)（纵使如此，艾莫号也只敢在黄区环境最恶劣荒僻的区域行动。我们就如受伤的野兽般小心翼翼地蹲伏于荒野，隐藏着一切行踪，生怕过大的动作再次引来赏金猎人的围剿。）

(We had to shut down power to the majority of the Elmo's facilities to conserve energy and evade our pursuers. Only the most crucial equipment still runs.)（为了规避追踪，也为了节省能源，艾莫号关闭了大部分的电力设施，只有最重要的设备依旧维持着运转。）

(Such as... the equipment inside the med bay.)（譬如……治疗室。）

(Sparse sunlight filters through the window, painting faint splotches of light upon the floor of the med bay. Though a few rays illuminate the interior, they cannot dispel the heavy, chilling stillness that hangs in the air.)（此刻，稀薄的阳光透过舷窗，在治疗室地板上投下淡淡的光斑，些许光芒照亮了室内，却依旧驱散不掉空气中那份沉重的冷寂。）

(I sit on the edge of the hospital bed while Colphne carefully changes the dressing on my abdominal wound—a farewell gift from Lviv. Though not life-threatening, the tearing pain still lingers, gnawing at me.)（我坐在病床的边缘，寇尔芙正在小心翼翼地为我腹部的伤口换药，那是利沃夫留给我的临别礼物，虽然不致命，但撕裂的痛感至今仍在隐隐作祟。）

ColphneCommander, bear with me just a little longer. It'll be over soon... Rest more, okay?指挥官，再忍耐一下，马上就好……再多休息一下不好嘛~

(I glance down at the freshly applied white bandages around my waist and shake my head.)（我低头看了看腰间新换上的洁白绷带，摇了摇头。）

CommanderI'm better already. I'm more worried about her... How long did she manage to stay awake today?我已经没事了。反倒是她……今天醒了多久？

(Colphne shakes her head. Her gaze follows mine to the small figure beside me.)（寇尔芙摇了摇头。目光也同我一起，投向我身旁另一个小小的身影。）

(Helena lies quietly on a bed, her eyes tightly shut, her complexion as pale as a sheet of fragile paper.)（房间里，海伦娜正安静地躺在一旁的床上，紧闭着眼睛，脸色苍白得像一张易碎的纸。）

(After rescuing Helena from the underground laboratory in Lviv, her condition continued to deteriorate. Even upon our swift return to the Yellow Zone, Helena's weakened state showed no signs of improvement, and indeed appeared to be progressively worsening.)（从利沃夫的地下实验室中救出海伦娜后，海伦娜的状态持续衰弱。即便迅速返回黄区，海伦娜的衰弱状态也未曾改善，甚至有逐渐恶化的趋势。）

(Except for a brief period of lucidity on the day she returned to the Elmo, Helena kept falling into a state of semi-consciousness, with her daily periods of deep sleep growing ever longer.)（除了刚回艾莫号当天清醒了一阵，之后，海伦娜便陷入了半睡不醒的状态，每天沉睡的时间也越来越长。）

ColphneI administered the nutrient solution to Helena this morning, but she still did not wake up.清晨我给海伦娜注射了营养液，但是海伦娜还是没有醒。

ColphneCommander, if this goes on for too long...指挥官，一直这样下去的话……

(Knock knock knock.)（笃笃笃。）

(An almost imperceptible knocking sound, akin to the faint friction of fingertips against the door rather than an actual knock, interrupts Colphne's anxious statements.)（极其轻微的敲门声，与其说是敲门声，不如说是指尖轻触房门的摩擦声打断了寇尔芙担忧的言语。）

ColphneHmm?嗯？

(The hatch slides open gently, revealing a figure with pink hair standing outside, seemingly hesitating whether to enter or not.)（舱门轻轻滑开，一个粉色头发的身影正站在门外，似乎在犹豫着要不要进来。）

(It's Melanie.)（是梅兰妮。）

CommanderMelanie? What's wrong?梅兰妮？有什么事情吗？

(Melanie does not reply immediately; her gaze, tinged with unease, passes right over me, fixed intently on Helena in the hospital bed.)（梅兰妮没有立刻回答，她的目光越过了我，带着一丝不安牢牢地盯着病床上的海伦娜。）

MelanieIf... Helena... blooms... will... wilt... I'm... scared...海伦娜……开花……会枯萎……我……害怕……

CommanderWhat?什么？

(Melanie clutches the hem of her skirt, as though summoning the courage to reveal some secret.)（梅兰妮攥了攥自己的衣角，仿佛在鼓起勇气吐露出什么秘密一般。）

MelanieWe occasionally experienced this sensation in the lab too... They said that the "flower" was... siphoning?在实验室的时候……我们偶尔也会有这样的感觉……他们说，这是“花”在……汲取？

(Melanie's words are disjointed, as if she's desperately piecing together concepts and terminology she does not fully grasp.)（梅兰妮的话语很零碎，似乎在极力拼凑那些自己并不了解的概念用词。）

(I look at Melanie, who seems somewhat flustered, and try my best to understand what she meant.)（我看着有些慌乱的梅兰妮，努力理解着她的意思。）

CommanderThe flower... siphons from within... the laboratory?花……在实验室……汲取……

(Colphne tilts her head for a while before slamming her fist on her palm, seemingly having come to some sort of conclusion.)（寇尔芙歪了歪头，似乎想到了什么一样锤了下手掌。）

ColphneCould it be that Helena has now released all the "nourishment" she once absorbed, entering a withering phase akin to that of a flower?难道说，海伦娜是把曾经汲取的“养分”都释放了，现在进入如同花一样的枯萎阶段了？

(As though startled by our conversation, Helena stirs in her sleep and opens her eyes.)（如同被我们的谈论所惊扰，沉眠中的海伦娜忽然动了动，睁开了眼睛。）

HelenaUgh... Commander?唔……指挥官？

CommanderHelena!海伦娜！

ColphneOh dear~ Our Helena is finally awake! We were reaaaaalllly worried about you~哎呀~海伦娜终于醒啦，人家和指挥官都超——级担心的哦~

HelenaNo worries! Helena will do her best—不担心！海伦娜、会努力——

(A smile breaks across Helena's pallid face as she struggles to rise.)（海伦娜苍白的脸上绽出一个笑容，挣扎着想要起身。）

(Colphne hurriedly moves closer, helping Helena sit up as she gently smooths out the disheveled strands of her hair.)（寇尔芙连忙凑近，扶着海伦娜坐了起来，为海伦娜轻轻梳理着揉乱的发丝。）

(Helena sits demurely, tilting her head curiously to observe the new visitor.)（海伦娜乖巧地坐着，同时有些好奇地歪过头，望向新来的访客。）

HelenaWho are you? Why do you look like Helena?你是谁？为什么和海伦娜一样？

MelanieI'm... your sister. I was made, just like you.我是……你的姐妹，我和你一样，都是被制造出来的呢。

Melanie"Helena D-68"—was my former "name".“海伦娜D-68”——这是我过去的“名字”。

MelanieBut now, I'm called "Melanie".不过，现在的我，叫做“梅兰妮”。

HelenaMelanie...? Why is Melanie here? Does Melanie know me?梅兰妮……为什么在这里？梅兰妮知道我？

MelanieYeah... I can faintly sense... the presence of my sisters.嗯……我能隐约地感应到……和我一样的姐妹们的存在。

MelaniePlus... I do sense something special about you.而且，你的身上……有一种特别的感觉。

MelanieIt's a feeling that... no, it doesn't feel like this place. It's something that feels like... it comes from somewhere far away.那是一种……唔，和这里不一样的感觉，就好像另外一个很远很远的地方。

HelenaAh...啊……

(Helena finds herself lost in recollection, as if a key had unlocked the door to her memories.)（如同被钥匙开启了记忆的门锁一般，海伦娜怔怔地陷入了回忆。）

HelenaSomewhere far away... huh...一个很远很远的地方……吗……

(Helena's gaze grows distant, as though she were straining to recall something.)（海伦娜的眼神也变得遥远起来，仿佛在努力地回想着什么。）

(But she quickly returns to a state of weakness, much like a withering flower deprived of the sun.)（但很快，她就像行将枯萎的花朵一样，露出虚弱的神色。）

HelenaCommander, I'm so sorry. Helena suddenly feels so tired...指挥官，对不起。海伦娜突然好累……

(Helena starts to sway with weariness before she can even finish. Colphne, standing nearby, immediately steadies her.)（没有等说完，海伦娜的身体疲惫地晃了晃。站在一旁的寇尔芙立刻扶住了她。）

(Helena closes her eyes and falls into slumber the moment Colphne lays her upon the bed.)（几乎是在被寇尔芙扶着躺好的瞬间，海伦娜合上双眼、再度陷入了沉睡。）

(The girl's complexion grows increasingly pallid—her face is etched with pain as her irregular breathing becomes more apparent. Helena's recent moment of lucidity feels like a momentary illusion in the face of her current reality.)（病床上，少女的脸色显得越发透明。她的呼吸并不平稳，面容也带着痛苦，仿佛刚才的清醒只是一场短暂的幻觉。）

(I turn to Melanie.)（我转头看向梅兰妮。）

CommanderSo what exactly were you talking about just now?你刚才说的具体是怎么回事？

(Melanie steps back nervously, then continues to compose her response.)（梅兰妮有些紧张地后退半步，继续组织着回答我的语言。）

MelanieThis... this is just what I heard from them—the flowers require special nutrients... If a flower goes without those special nutrients, the flower will wilt...我……我也是听那些人说过，花朵需要一些特别的养分……没有那个养分，花，就会枯萎……

ColphneHmm~ We've already increased the dose of nutrient solution given to Helena though. Will it not work?唔~现在已经增加了给海伦娜的营养液用量，这样也不行吗？

(Melanie shakes her head vigorously.)（梅兰妮用力摇了摇头。）

MelanieUm... They used something different. I think... she needs the green type, maybe?唔……不一样的，是……是那种绿色的？

MelanieEvery Helena in the lab relied on the green stuff.在实验室里，每个海伦娜都要依赖那种绿色的。

CommanderGreen...? Colphne, did the data collected by Groza mention any green fluids?绿色的……？寇尔芙，闪电之前带回来的资料里有提到绿色的吗？

ColphneAh... green...? Oh, I remember now!啊……绿色的……？啊，人家想起来了！

ColphneThe data that Leader Groza took from Chiloveig's lab did mention special, high-concentration nutrient solution of unknown composition! It was used in the child-sized culture tanks~闪电队长收集的奇洛薇格实验室的数据里，确实提到了类似孩子的培养容器中使用了高浓度、成分不明的特殊营养液呢~

ColphneThe report claims that the special nutrient solution is capable of effectively stabilizing Helena. That's what Helena needs, right?报告里说，这种特殊营养液，可以有效稳定海伦娜的状态。那就是海伦娜需要的营养液吧？

(Melanie nods.)（梅兰妮点了点头。）

CommanderWe don't really have time to find the lab, I'm afraid.现在寻找实验室，恐怕时间有些紧。

CommanderCan we simply determine the composition of the nutrient solution?能弄清楚那些营养液的成分么？

ColphneSorry, Commander... The research reports we have so far do not specify anything about the composition of the nutrient solution.抱歉，指挥官……目前获取的相关研究报告中并没有标注营养液的具体成分。

ColphneBesides, it'll be highly risky to formulate the nutrient solution through trial and error when we don't know how it was produced.况且，在制造流程不明的情况下，直接配置营养液风险很大。

CommanderDoes that mean our best shot is to find and take the finished product directly from Paradeus bases...?所以，从帕拉蒂斯的据点里直接找到成品才是最稳妥的方案么……

CommanderI see.我明白了。

(The girl on the sickbed is still deep in slumber. Her eyelashes flutter gently like a butterfly's wings, yet one could not help but worry if the next flutter would serve as the final beat.)（病床上的少女仍在沉睡。她的眼睫如同蝴蝶一般轻轻翕动，却让人不由得担忧，是否下一次翕动便是蝴蝶最后的振翅。）

(No... This isn't the time to think of such things. I shake my head to throw off the worrisome thoughts.)（不……现在还不是想这些的时候。我摇摇头，甩去脑海中胡乱的思绪。）

(I caress the girl's hair as I open my mouth to speak in a soft voice, as though I were making a promise.)（轻抚着少女的头发，我轻声开口，如同约定。）

CommanderHelena, I'll be heading off to find what you need.海伦娜，我现在带人去找你需要的东西。

CommanderYou'll be well again in no time. I'll make sure of it.我保证，你很快就会好起来的。

(Helena's body floats upward from the sickbed, as though her half-asleep self had heard my promise.)（仿佛听见了我的承诺一般，半梦半醒之中的海伦娜，身体从病床上漂浮而起。）

(Her three spheres gradually disassemble themselves in an azure glow and surround her. They eventually coalesce into a blue, glowing box with Helena contained within.)（湛蓝的光芒中，三个球形物体逐渐拆解，随后将她包围，并最终汇聚成了一个发着蓝光的箱子，海伦娜也随之回到了箱子之中。）

CommanderColphne. Melanie. I'll leave Helena to you guys while I'm away.寇尔芙，梅兰妮，这段时间，海伦娜就交给你们了。

ColphneWorry not, Commander~ Melanie and I will take good care of Helena.指挥官就放心吧~我和梅兰妮会照顾好海伦娜的。

MelanieMm! Melanie will help share the Commander's burdens.嗯！梅兰妮会为指挥官分忧。

MelanieHelena... will definitely get to wake up again.海伦娜……一定会醒过来的。

(I leave the med bay and walk straight to the bridge. The anxiety in my heart burns like a raging fire, combusting any semblance of composure I had to ash.)（离开治疗室，我径直走向舰桥。内心的焦灼如同燃烧的火焰，将我所有的镇定都焚烧殆尽。）

(The real storm, it seems, has yet to pass. Groza has just finished downloading the latest list of bounty commissions from B.R.I.E.F. through an encrypted network, and my name is prominently featured.)（真正的风暴，显然还未过去。闪电刚刚从加密网络上下载了赏金猎人协会的最新任务列表，我的名字赫然在列。）

(It is certainly fortuitous that the picture used for my wanted poster only features a hastily taken, blurry side profile. Even so, we still took measures to clamp all external comms channels. The Elmo alters its course once again, heading deeper into the Yellow Zone.)（幸运的是，那张通缉令上的照片模糊不清，只捕捉到了一个仓促的侧影。即便如此，我们还是收紧了所有对外沟通的渠道。艾莫号再度转换行驶路线，向着黄区更深处转移。）

(As it stands, acting rashly would be unwise. We shouldn't risk drawing attention to us.)（在这样的状况下，本不该再轻易行动，制造任何引来关注的风险。）

(But Helena can no longer wait.)（可是，海伦娜，已经不能再等了。）

CommanderQuick, Groza. Display the Elmo's current route, then overlay it with a map of every known Paradeus base in the Yellow Zone. Not just the ones we've gone to before, but also the ones that we've heard of from underground brokers.闪电，立刻调出艾莫号当前的行驶路线，并同步标识出黄区已知的帕拉蒂斯据点。不只是我们去过的，还有从暗商那边听过的都加上。

GrozaWe're charting a new course of action, Commander?指挥官，有新的计划了？

CommanderThe special nutrient solution that Helena needs can only be found in Paradeus' labs.海伦娜需要的特殊营养液只能从帕拉蒂斯的实验室获取。

CommanderHer condition is quickly deteriorating. We must act immediately.她的身体状况在急剧恶化，我们必须立刻行动。

CommanderWe obviously can't go back to Lviv, nor can we go in and out of the Green Zones like we did before. Our best choice is to find nutrient solution in their Yellow Zone bases.以当前形势，已经不可能再回利沃夫，也无法再像从前那样轻松进出绿区，到黄区的据点寻找营养液是最好的选择。

GrozaUnderstood. I'll sift through the relevant intel and mark every location that might contain the nutrient solution.明白。我会尽快整理出相关情报，寻找到可能有营养液的位置。

GrozaWe've put some distance between Lviv and us for a few days now, so we should be able to remain beyond the reach of our pursuers for some time.这几日我们已经离开利沃夫一定距离，应该暂时不会有追兵能够发现我们。

GrozaIt would be most ideal if we could find a secluded spot soon. The Elmo needs a bit of a break.理想情况下，艾莫号可以找一处相对隐蔽的地方暂时休整。

GrozaThe best move would be to dispatch squads to the targeted Paradeus bases. This will keep Helena and Melanie away from danger and minimize the risk of the Elmo being found again.前往帕拉蒂斯据点的行动外派小队即可，这样能确保海伦娜和梅兰妮远离危险，也能降低艾莫号再度暴露的风险。

(Klukai, who had been listening in silence all along, takes over the conversation. Her voice remains as composed as ever.)（一直沉默旁听的可露凯接过了话题，她的声音还是一如既往地冷静。）

KlukaiRemember to keep our supplies replenished. The Elmo's stockpile is running low, which means we must quickly locate a supply point.补给也要跟上。艾莫号物资库存有限，需要尽快找到补给点。

MechtyUwah~ We'll finally get to rest if we find a supply point, right? It's no easy task to remain on alert for so long—呜啊，找到补给点就能好好休息了吧，保持警戒一点都不轻松——

(Klukai ignores Mechty's complaints with seasoned ease. She turns to me.)（可露凯熟练地无视了米什缇的抱怨，转向我。）

KlukaiCommander, would you leave the matter of locating supply points to 404?指挥官，外出寻找补给点的任务就交给404吧。

CommanderSure. Just remember—the density of underground brokers decreases the deeper we head into the Yellow Zone. The Elmo itself needs a round of maintenance too, after running constantly for so long.嗯。不过，继续往黄区深处，暗商会越来越少。持续运行的艾莫号也需要维护。

CommanderWe do need to find a spot to serve as a reliable temporary base soon.的确需要寻找一个可靠的临时据点才行。

MechtyUuu... How are we even going to find that in the Yellow Zone...? Pretty sure that the ELIDs and Paradeus have already claimed the better spots...唔……黄区里真的还有这种地方吗……好一点的位置早就被生骸和帕拉蒂斯占了吧……

(Mechty's statement throws the ops room into silence. I stare at the Yellow Zone's sprawling, foreign map, unable to suppress a frown from surfacing on my face.)（米什缇的发言令指挥室内一时陷入沉寂。我望着黄区辽阔而陌生的地图，不由皱眉。）

(Beepbeep—)（嘀嘀——）

(The sudden alert sound breaks the stifling silence.)（突然响起的提示音打破了令人窒息的沉默。）

GrozaCommander, the Elmo just received a new message.指挥官，艾莫号收到一条最新的留言。

MaylingEh? That's a familiar signal... It's... it's Suomi!咦？这个熟悉的讯号……是、是索米！

CommanderSuomi? Why would she be calling at a time like this... Let's answer the call first.索米？这个时候怎么会……先接通吧。

(The call is put through. After a burst of crackling static, a familiar, anxious voice comes through.)（通讯频道被接通，一阵嘈杂的电流声后，一个熟悉而焦急的声音响了起来。）

SuomiCommander, Suomi speaking.指挥官，我是索米。

SuomiI'm terribly sorry to contact you so abruptly, Commander, but I... I've really run out of options...对不起，突然就来联络指挥官，可是，我、我真的没有办法了……

SuomiDo you remember the "Doll Community" that I was staying in?指挥官还记得我所在的“人形社区”吗？

SuomiSeveral days ago, the Doll Community's region got noticed by outsiders. Multiple human squads suddenly launched attacks on our base. We—前几天，人形社区所在区域突然被外人盯上了，有好几批人类小队莫名对大家的据点发起了攻击，我们——

(Boom—)（轰——）

(A sudden boom cuts off Suomi's voice. The ensuing footage grows intermittent amidst the smoke billowing everywhere.)（乍起的轰鸣声打断了索米的声音。接下来的画面也在四处弥漫的硝烟中变得断断续续。）

Suomi...We fought to our best... but we have limited firepower... and our supplies are...……我们已经拼尽了全力……作战……可是大家的火力有限……物资也……

(Bang! Bang bang!!)（砰！砰砰！！）

(More intense gunfire can be heard through the call. We even hear some of the frantic, disjointed shouts amid the noise, like "Suomi, come help us!")（更激烈的交火声从通讯另一端传来。甚至还有“索米，快来支援！”这样凌乱而焦急的呼喊声夹杂于其中。）

Suomi...Sorry ...Commander, if you still have... please help... please...……抱歉……指挥官，如果您还有……请帮帮……拜托……

SuomiThe coordinates... at...坐标……在……

(Suomi's voice abruptly ceases after yet another tremendous boom.)（索米的声音在又一次巨大的轰鸣后戛然而止。）

(The call is severed. The last signal transmitted contains only a set of coordinates.)（通讯断开了。最后传来的信号里，只剩下一个坐标。）

MaylingSuomi...!!索米……！！

(Mayling grabs my hand in a panic.)（美玲慌张地抓住了我的手。）

MaylingWhat are we gonna do, Commander? I hope Suomi's alright... We—we must hurry over and help her—指挥官，怎么办？索米不会出事吧，我们、我们得快些去帮帮她——

GrozaCommander, shall we dispatch a squad to provide support? The Elmo currently still has some squads available for deployment.指挥官，要派出小队支援么？目前艾莫号还有可以调动的小队兵力。

CommanderHmm... Suomi's situation is indeed rather worrying.嗯……索米的情况让人很担忧。

CommanderHowever, perhaps I'm being overly suspicious, but I can't help but think that the timing of this attack is too convenient...不过，也许是我多疑了，总觉得袭击出现在当前这个时间点，太巧了些……

GrozaCommander, are you concerned that the enemy might have deliberately attacked the Doll Community to lure us out?指挥官，您是担心有敌人故意袭击人形社区，引诱我们露面？

GrozaBut... no suspicious signs of a signal hijacking or forgery were detected in the call just now.但……刚才的通讯中，并未检测到其他可疑信号劫持或伪造的痕迹。

CommanderIt might be something else. Given how hidden the Doll Community is, the likelihood of it getting discovered and exploited by our enemies is very low.也可能是另外的情况。以人形社区的隐秘程度，被我们的敌人发现并利用的可能性很低。

CommanderThough, to put it another way... the fact that Suomi was willing to risk the Community getting exposed to seek our assistance... must indicate that the situation is quite critical.不过，换句话说……能让索米宁愿承受社区暴露的风险，也要向我们求助，这次的情况一定非常危急。

CommanderGroza, can you mark the coordinates Suomi gave us on the map?闪电，能在地图上标记索米给的坐标么？

(Groza swiftly marks a flashing red dot on the map.)（闪电迅速在地图上标出了一个闪烁的红点。）

(I study the set of coordinates marked on the map, weigh my options briefly, then issue my orders.)（我看着地图上标记出的坐标点，稍作权衡后做出了指令。）

CommanderAll units, go on high alert. New objective—proceed immediately to the coordinates provided by Suomi.全员提高警戒，目标变更，优先前往索米提供的坐标点。

CommanderIf our companions have called for us, it's only natural that we help them resolve their crisis.如果是同伴，就帮助他们解决危机。

CommanderWe will then use that as a springboard to locate the Paradeus facilities. If a trap has been laid at our doorstep...再以此为跳板，寻找帕拉蒂斯设施。如果是陷阱……

CommanderWe'll start by rescuing Suomi.那就优先把索米救回来。

GrozaUnderstood.了解。

Slumbering Nightmare 沉睡梦魇

(A meticulously tended garden sits within a certain corner of a White Zone. A poised, elegant girl in a white dress silently enters the garden, stopping behind Dandelion who is currently pruning some flower stems at a leisurely pace.)（白区的某个角落，一座被精心打理的花园处，一个身穿白色制服，气质干练的少女悄无声息走入其中，停留在正在悠闲修剪花枝的丹德莱背后。）

HeliLady Dandelion, an immense fluctuation in Collapse radiation levels was detected at Lviv four days ago.丹德莱阁下，四日前，利沃夫检测到了严重的坍塌辐射波动。

HeliThe radiation levels depicted in the reports seem to... bear a striking resemblance to a certain incident that happened many years ago.从辐射浓度报告分析来看……这一次记录的数值与多年前的一起事件高度相似。

DandelionThe Frankfurt Incident.法兰克福事件。

HeliYes. The abnormal part is that the radiation levels instantly reached their peak, then immediately returned to normal.是。诡异的是辐射强度瞬间抵达了峰值，随后一切恢复了正常。

HeliThis energy fluctuation was recorded by facilities in multiple places at the same time, so it's impossible for this to be a machine error.这场能量波动被不同地区的设施同时记录，不可能是单一地区的器械出现问题。

DandelionDid those old fogies send you over to investigate because they got curious about the truth behind this?那些老东西们好奇这次事件的真相，所以派你去调查？

HeliA comprehensive report is not yet available for this incident.关于此次事件的完整报告仍未给出。

HeliThe fluctuations... the reasons behind some of the conflicting intel... there's still lots to uncover.数值产生波动的原因、部分情报产生冲突的归因……仍然有大量需要调查清楚的真相。

HeliI am severely limited in my data access authorizations at the moment.目前我所能浏览的数据极为有限。

(Dandelion remains focused on her pruning, trimming away excess branches with her garden shears without turning her head.)（丹德莱没有回头，只是依旧专注于自己手头的花园剪，她正在不断剪掉多出来的杂枝。）

HeliPlease, Lady Dandelion. Provide me with enough clearance to access all available data behind the "Frankfurt Incident".请阁下向我开放“法兰克福事件”全部历史数据的资料库权限。

HeliI will personally carry out analysis on intel related to the Lviv incident, and involve myself in all phases of the investigation.我将亲自针对利沃夫事件，进行情报梳理工作，全程参与此次事件的核心调查。

DandelionThe boundary between reality and unreality is often blurred.现实与虚妄之间，界限往往并不明晰。

DandelionHumanity's ability to bury the truth may well surpass your capacity for deduction.人类遮掩真相的手段或许会超出你的推演。

(Dandelion trims off a final forked branch before setting down her shears. She turns to Heli.)（丹德莱剪下最后一株分叉的枝桠，放下园艺剪，缓缓转过了身。）

DandelionGo forth, Heli. Witness the truth that they have "meticulously" prepared for you.去吧，赫利。去看看那些人为你“精心”准备的真相。

DandelionJust remember, the choices that they offer you are but some of many.但要记住，他们给你的选择，未必是你唯一可以走的路。

HeliI shall faithfully heed your teachings, Lady Dandelion.谨遵您的教诲，丹德莱阁下。

(Heli bows slightly, and turns to leave the garden. This same moment, a vast flood of data surges into her core.)（赫利微微行礼，随后转身离开花园。在她转身的瞬间，庞大的数据洪流已经涌入她的核心。）

(She stands in silence as the torrent of information is rapidly deconstructed, categorized and reorganized within her Level II.)（她静静站在原地，海量的信息在她的二级平层中被飞速地拆解、归类、重组。）

(Dandelion slowly turns around once Heli's silhouette vanishes at the edge of the garden. Her gaze falls on the branches that she had trimmed earlier.)（当赫利的身影彻底消失在花园的尽头，丹德莱才缓缓转过身，目光落在了刚刚修剪过的枝桠上。）

(A small, pure white flower blooms quietly on the branches, having escaped Dandelion's shears by sheer luck.)（在那里，一朵偶然逃过利刃的纯白小花，正在悄然绽放。）

(Dandelion gracefully picks the small flower from the branches. She rolls its slender stem between her fingertips, twirling it leisurely before her eyes, as if she were savoring some kind of ludicrous art.)（丹德莱优雅地将那朵小花摘下。指尖捻着纤细的花茎，在眼前随意地转动着，仿佛在欣赏什么可笑的艺术品。）

DandelionHaha...呵呵……

(A soft laugh ripples through the garden.)（一声轻笑在花园中漾开。）

DandelionHow interesting...真是有趣……

DandelionThe ignorant are ever eager to search for an unknown "truth" to fill the chasm of unease in their hearts...无知的人总喜欢探寻未知的“真相”，只为了能够填补自己内心的不安。

(Dandelion frees the pure-white flower from her fingertips, allowing it to float down to the ground.)（丹德莱松开手指，任由那朵纯白的小花飘落，毫不在意地掉在地上。）

Dandelion...Even if the truth itself holds little significance.哪怕这个真相本身并没有太大意义。

Bygone Name 往日名讳

(The acrid smell of smoke hangs heavy over the temporary base.)（临时据点中，空气中弥漫着硝烟的刺鼻气味。）

(Balthilde despises this very scent, which often came bundled with conflict in the past.)（巴希达很不喜欢这种味道。在过去，每次闻到这样的味道时，争端也都随之而至。）

(And for the Doll Community, this scent often signifies a great danger, which has already arrived before them.)（而对于人形社区，这种味道往往意味着更大的危险。正如此刻。）

(Although they just managed to repel an assault from their enemy, there is not a shred of joy within the temporary base. Balthilde frowns as she repairs Suomi's heavily damaged frame.)（虽然刚刚击退一波敌人的进攻，但临时据点里没有丝毫胜利的喜悦。巴希达紧锁着眉头，为索米检修着伤痕累累的素体。）

SuomiWhat do you think... Can I still participate in the next battle?怎么样……下一场战斗应该没问题吧？

(Suomi asks her gingerly.)（索米小心翼翼地问着。）

(The enemy had managed to surround Suomi in the battle prior. Although she did manage to break out of the encirclement with Dushevnaya's help, her frame still sustained severe damage.)（在方才的战斗中，索米遭到了敌人围攻，虽然在杜莎妮的协助下最终成功突围，素体仍然受到了严重损伤。）

(Balthilde stands up and shakes her head at Suomi.)（巴希达只是站起身，摇了摇头。）

Balthilde...I'm done with the emergency repairs, but I still think that we should retreat.……应急修复完成了，但我还是觉得我们应该撤退。

SuomiEh? Retreat? Now?!诶、要现在撤退吗？！

BalthildeWe're about to run out of supplies.我们的补给快见底了。

BalthildeYou and Dushevnaya will be completely destroyed if we keep fighting.再这样打下去，你和杜莎妮都会报废的。

SuomiBut... Big Sis has already led everyone else on a retreat into the thermal power plant. We have to hold the line here if we want to stop the enemy from advancing through our perimeter.可是，姐姐已经带领大家退到了热电厂。有我们在，才能守卫外围的防线，阻止对方继续深入。

SuomiOur enemy left traces of their movements in various directions near our perimeter, as if they were looking for something. If we retreat, the enemy will encroach on our positions and endanger the thermal power plant!这群敌人在外围各个方向都留有行动痕迹，像是在寻找什么一样。如果我们后退的话，敌人只会步步逼近，热电厂就危险了！

SuomiOur friends inside have been giving their all for the future of our Community. We have to do the same.热电厂里的大家都在为了社区的未来而努力，我们也要拼尽全力才行。

SuomiI-I can flank the enemy with Dushevnaya. You can help us bridge the manpower gap with your makeshift contraptions, Balthilde!我、我和杜莎妮可以采用迂回战术，再加上巴希达你制作的临时机关，弥补战力上的空缺！

DushevnayaThe heroic guardians of the land shan't fear any wretched ne'er-do-well!守卫疆土的勇者，不畏艰辛！

BalthildeI don't think that'd be smart.我不觉得这是个明智的选择。

BalthildeThey've been gaining on us for a few days now. If their objective is the thermal power plant, holding our current position doesn't achieve anything.已经过了好几天了，对方还在继续深入。如果他们找的就是热电厂，我们在这里阻挡也没用。

BalthildeBesides, your frame is too battered to survive another battle, Suomi. We must return to the Community right away.而且，索米你的素体已经承受不了下一场战斗了，我们必须尽快返回社区。

SuomiCan... can we just hold the line a little longer?我……我们再坚持一阵，好吗？

BalthildeOur Doll Community is waiting for us to return, Suomi.人形社区的大家都在等我们返回。

(Suomi looks to Balthilde with an expression bordering on pleading.)（索米有些恳求地望向巴希达。）

SuomiI've already sent a distress message to the Commander. We'll definitely get to rout the enemy once he arrives to help us!我已经向指挥官发送过求援通讯，只要再坚持一阵，等到指挥官的援助，一定能把这群敌人赶走的！

(Balthilde's frown deepens when she hears the origin of Suomi's reinforcements.)（听到索米提及的外援，巴希达的眉头皱得更紧了。）

BalthildeWill that Commander of yours really come to help us?那个指挥官真的会来支援吗？

(Her distrust is palpable.)（巴希达没有掩饰自己的怀疑。）

BalthildeHelping the Doll Community out of this won't benefit anyone who tries. It'll only invite trouble.现在帮助人形社区不会得到任何好处，只会惹来麻烦。

BalthildeI don't believe that a human would go out of their way to help us, just because a Doll sent them a distress message. Especially bounty hunters who prioritize profit over all.我不相信会有人为了人形的一条求助通讯就多管闲事。尤其是唯利是图的赏金猎人。

SuomiHe's different. The Commander would never ignore a call for help.不会的，指挥官绝对不会见死不救。

(Suomi's serious rebuttal makes Balthilde fall silent for a moment.)（看着索米认真反驳的神情，巴希达沉默了片刻。）

BalthildeI'm not going to let my guard down just because you trust him, Suomi. We've been backstabbed by a bounty hunter once. Letting them in just to help us fight these sods off is a risk we can't take.就算是索米你信任的人，我也不会放弃警惕。我们已经被赏金猎人背叛过一次了。不能为了眼前的敌人，再次引来风险。

SuomiI understand your concerns, Balthilde. But you'll definitely trust the Commander once you spend some time with him!我明白巴希达的担忧。但只要巴希达和指挥官相处过，就知道指挥官绝对可信！

SuomiBesides, I think we are all at our limits... If we want to hold on to this temporary base, the Commander is our only hope...而且，大家都已经到极限了吧……如果想守住这个据点，指挥官现在是我们唯一的希望了……

(Boom—!)（轰——！）

(The shrill crack of gunfire and artillery shatters the peace before Suomi can finish.)（索米的话音未落，刺耳的枪炮声再次划破了临时据点的宁静。）

BalthildeHmph... They've realized that we're too weak to hold this position. They're starting a general offensive.哼……他们看出了我们无力守住据点，打算发动总攻了。

SuomiThat's sooner than we thought... We have to come up with a strategy before they surround us!对方的行动提前了……我们必须趁敌方包围之前做出反击决策！

DushevnayaThe hero shall cast thy gaze from the high tower and deliver fate's judgement from above!勇者可以据守于高塔，对敌人施予命运的裁决！

SuomiGot it! I'll cover you while you snipe!没问题，我来掩护你的狙击！

BalthildeDon't! Suomi! You won't be able to hold them off in that condition. We're better off doing a fighting retreat with the help of the base's cover.不行，索米你现在挡不住敌人，我们最好利用据点里的掩体，边反击边撤退。

SuomiBut... According to the Commander's reply, he should be arriving shortly... Is there really no way for us to delay our retreat? If we keep retreating...可是，按照指挥官的回复，支援应该很快就能到……真的没有其他办法再拖延一阵了吗？一直退让下去的话……

BalthildeI know what you mean... But...我知道，但是……

(Balthilde grits her teeth, conflicted.)（巴希达咬着牙陷入纠结。）

Hold the line and wait for the "Commander" whom Suomi trusts? Or abandon the position, break out of encirclement and retreat?是要继续据守等待索米信任的“指挥官”？还是舍弃此地暂时突围撤退？

(Just as Balthilde is about to make the decision—)（就在巴希达即将做出决定的瞬间——）

LedaBeepbeepbeep—滴滴滴——

Balthilde!！

(A new, yet familiar signal source slices through the battlefield like a peerless blade, carving through the raging inferno that was poised to swallow them.)（一个全新的、却又无比熟悉的信号源，如同一把利刃般强势闯入了战场，直接将燎原的烈火切割斩断。）

(Balthilde's brow unfurrows somewhat when she finally recognizes the icon of the new signal source. Beside her stands Suomi, whose face is already lit up by a radiant smile stemming from the heart.)（当看清那个信号源标识后，巴希达紧皱的眉头舒展了些许，而她身旁的索米，脸上则绽放了发自内心的灿烂笑容。）

SuomiReinforcements from the Elmo! The Commander is here!是艾莫号的支援！指挥官他们来了！

Bygone Name 往日名讳

(As the final Mangi Security drone plummets to the ground as a pile of burning scrap, Suomi practically bursts out from the temporary base, frantically waving as she leads her companions to board the Black Hawk helicopter fetching them.)（当最后一架曼尼安保的无人机化作燃烧的残骸坠落地面，索米几乎是立刻冲出临时据点，一边用力挥手一边带着她的同伴们登上了前来接驳的黑鹰直升机。）

(The Black Hawk touches down smoothly on the Elmo's helipad, its downwash accompanied by a mighty roar.)（伴随着巨大的轰鸣和气流，黑鹰直升机稳稳地降落在艾莫号的停机坪上。）

(When the door slides open, Suomi sees the Commander waiting for her in the helicopter's outwash. Standing next to him is Mayling, toolbox in hand, a hint of anxiety on her face.)（舱门开启的瞬间，索米便看到了站在气流中正等待着的指挥官，以及提着工具箱有些紧张的美玲。）

SuomiThank you for helping us, Commander! I knew you'd come!谢谢您的帮助，指挥官！我就相信您一定会来的！

CommanderA distress signal from Suomi is a signal that the Elmo answers, no matter where we are.索米发来的救援信号，无论是哪里艾莫号都一定会赶到。

(Mayling hurries over with a toolbox as the conversation proceeds.)（说话间，美玲已经背着工具箱匆匆跑来。）

MaylingSuomi!索米！

SuomiMiss Mayling!美玲小姐！

(The two girls, reunited after a long separation, hold each other in a tight embrace, but only for a moment. Mayling grabs her tools the moment they release the hug, immediately beginning to examine Suomi's frame.)（久别重逢的二人紧紧抱在一起。但拥抱只是一瞬，美玲在放开拥抱的同一刻掏出了工具，飞快地为索米检查起素体。）

(As Mayling examines Suomi, a Doll dressed in a mechanic's suit appears from behind her and walks up to me.)（趁着美玲检查的工夫，紧随在索米身后、穿着一身维修服的人形也走了过来。）

Balthilde...Thanks.……谢谢。

BalthildeIf you guys didn't show up in time, we might have needed to abandon this area, and Suomi would have been in worse condition.如果不是你们及时出现，我们可能已经放弃了那块区域，索米也会受更重的伤。

CommanderIt's nothing. We made it because you guys were willing to trust us.举手之劳罢了，多亏了索米和你们愿意相信我们。

(The Doll, whose name I do not know, gives me a curt nod. Seeing that, Suomi steps in to introduce her to me.)（陌生的人形有些局促地点点头，索米适时地向我介绍起来。）

SuomiThis is Balthilde, Commander. She's a highly skilled repair Doll from our Doll Community!指挥官，这位是巴希达，是我们人形社区里很厉害的修理人形哦！

SuomiShe's the one who fixes our frames after battle!最近在作战中受伤之后，都是巴希达帮大家在维修素体呢。

Balthilde...I'm just a civvie Doll. That's all I can do.……我只是个民用人形，能做的就是这些了。

CommanderYou guys did well, protecting that tiny base for that long.能依托一个小小的据点坚持到现在，你们都很了不起。

CommanderI was briefed by my combat squad on the current situation. You guys didn't suffer any major losses, right?战场情况我从作战小队的通讯中了解到了，你们的伙伴没有遭到什么重大损失吧？

SuomiWe began our defense of the base as soon as we could, Commander. Our frames have all sustained damage... but not a single companion was lost!指挥官，我们第一时间进行了据点防御，虽然大家都有素体损伤……但是并没有失去任何一名伙伴！

(I nod. Looks like we managed to help them before they sustained any losses.)（我点了点头，看来这次艾莫号的支援还比较及时。）

CommanderThere's something I really don't get, however. Why did Mangi Security target you guys?不过，我有些奇怪，你们怎么会被曼尼安保盯上？

SuomiMangi Security...? You mean the forces that attacked us?曼尼安保……？指挥官是说那些攻击我们的队伍吗？

CommanderYeah. They're a group of rather formidable mercenaries. I've crossed swords with them before.嗯，那是一支实力强劲的雇佣兵，我也曾经和他们交手过。

CommanderThey're usually employed by some... unusual employers. I don't think they were sweeping the Yellow Zone without a purpose.他们的雇主很不一般，我不认为他们会在黄区进行无目的的清扫工作。

CommanderCan you tell me how you guys encountered them?和我说说你们遭遇这支队伍的情况吧。

SuomiUm... We found them near one of the Doll Community's scouting spots a few days back.唔……我们是几天前在人形社区附近的侦查点发现他们的。

SuomiThey seem to be searching for something, always delving into the wilds near our Community while wiping out everything in their path.他们似乎在搜寻什么，在社区周围的荒野中不断深入，还清理着周边的一切。

SuomiAt first, Big Sis tried to make contact by sending someone over, but not only did they refuse to communicate, they responded by launching an attack on us. We never found out what their actual objectives were.姐姐最初尝试派人和对方接触，但对方不仅完全拒绝交涉，还发起了攻击。我们没能弄清楚对方的真实目的。

BalthildeHmph... They showed no mercy. Felt like they wanted to purge the entire region.哼……他们一出手就够狠的，像是要把这片区域都清扫掉一样。

SuomiBig Sis was worried about the Doll Community getting discovered if the enemy kept advancing, so she led the others on a retreat into the thermal power plant. Our squad was left to hold the perimeter.姐姐担心对方如果继续深入，人形社区会暴露，所以带领社区的大家退到了热电厂，留下我们这支小队在外围抵御。

CommanderTo my knowledge, this region is known to be rather inhospitable, which is why it remained uninhabited. I wouldn't have believed that they would venture here, if Suomi didn't send me the coordinates showing me exactly that.依照我的了解，这片区域环境恶劣，一直以来都人迹罕至。如果不是索米发了坐标，很难预测他们会到这片区域活动。

CommanderWhat are they even looking for in a desolate region such as this?这么一片荒凉的区域，到底有什么值得他们寻找的？

SuomiWe have no idea either. I hope they're not looking for the thermal power plant...我们也不知道。只希望不要是为了热电厂……

MaylingThe thermal power plant? Is that the one you mentioned before?热电厂？是索米曾经提到过的热电厂吗？

SuomiIt's an abandoned thermal power plant. We were—是废弃的热电厂。我们现在——

(Balthilde gives Suomi a tug, shaking her head. To that, Suomi beams her a soft smile.)（巴希达拉住了索米，摇了摇头。但索米露出了淡淡的微笑。）

SuomiIt's alright... relax, Balthilde! Mayling and the Commander are worthy of our trust.没关系的，放轻松一点吧，巴希达！美玲和指挥官都是值得信任的人。

SuomiWe've only mapped out a part of the periphery so far.那座热电厂我们也只探索了外围的一小部分。

SuomiAccording to Littara, agricultural experiments used to be conducted there. However, the researchers seem to have abandoned the power plant after failing the experiments. The Creepy Doll we met was probably its final remaining guardian.据莉塔拉说，原本那里在进行农作物实验。不过，似乎因为实验失败，研究人员放弃了热电厂，那个诡异人形，应该就是那里最后的守卫。

(An experimental farm...? That does sound suspicious.)（农作物实验田么……听起来的确很可疑。）

(If that is indeed related to the plants in the Lviv lab, I can understand why Mangi Security would have their eye on it.)（如果它们与利沃夫实验室里面的植物有关，的确可能引来曼尼安保的关注。）

CommanderSuomi, do you recall finding anything Paradeus related... when you first explored the plant's underground levels with the others?索米，你还记得你们探索热电厂地下的时候，有发现帕拉蒂斯的相关线索么？

SuomiEh? Eh?! Paradeus is still around? I thought you totally destroyed them a decade ago...诶、诶？！帕拉蒂斯竟然还存在？我记得十年前，指挥官明明已经把帕拉蒂斯摧毁了……

Commander...Yeah, that's what I thought. But we found signs of their activity not long ago.……是啊。本该如此。可是不久前艾莫号再次发现了他们的踪迹。

CommanderThey're still active in the Yellow Zones, just in secret. They even reached into Lviv and caused a catastrophe there.他们仍然在黄区秘密地活动着。甚至还把手伸到了利沃夫，在那里制造了一场灾难。

SuomiNo way...怎么会这样……

SuomiThen... Commander, do you suspect a link between the thermal power plant and Paradeus?那，现在指挥官是怀疑热电厂和帕拉蒂斯有关系吗？

SuomiThe thing is... We didn't find any Paradeus-related intel when we last explored it.但是……至少上次的探索中，我们没有发现什么和帕拉蒂斯相关的情报。

SuomiBesides, humans are hardly ever seen near the Doll Community.而且，人形社区附近几乎没有人类出现。

SuomiCommander, if a Paradeus base really did exist within the thermal power plant, it has remained inactive for a very long time now.指挥官，如果热电厂里真的有帕拉蒂斯的据点，那也已经很久很久没有活动了。

CommanderIs that so...这样么……

(I think back to the time I visited Orphelune's research base. Crops were not exactly in abundance there.)（仔细回忆之前参观过的欧菲露妮的实验基地，里面的农作物数量也的确不多……）

(Maybe it really is a coincidence?)（难道真的只是巧合？）

(A sudden comms ringtone interrupts my train of thought.)（突然响起的铃声打断了我的思考。）

SuomiAh, Big Sis is calling!啊，是姐姐的通讯！

UllridSuomi! Are you alright?! I received your message. Is everyone okay?索米，你还好吗！我收到了你的传讯，大家没事吧！

SuomiYeah! We managed to repel the Mangi Security squad thanks to the Commander's reinforcements. We're having a bit of R&R on the Elmo now!嗯！多亏了指挥官的支援，我们击退了这支曼尼安保小队，现在正在艾莫号临时休整！

UllridAh, that's good. It ended well, good...那就好，能顺利解决就好……

(The caller pauses for a moment right before we hear a flurry of discordant noises, mixed with some muffled murmuring.)（通讯另一头停顿了片刻，似乎传来一阵凌乱嘈杂的声响，伴随着不太清晰的说话声。）

UllridCalm down... you have to keep yourself calm, Ullrid. You represent the Doll Community, so act how a leader should...冷静、要冷静，注意乌尔丽德你代表的是人形社区，一定要拿出首领的样子来……

SuomiBig Sis?姐姐？

UllridAhem... Okay!咳咳……好的！

UllridSuomi, do you mind passing this call to the Commander?索米，现在麻烦你把通讯转给“指挥官”。

(Suomi nods and passes the terminal to me. A distinctive, dashing Doll appears on the screen before me.)（索米点点头，将终端递给了我。一个颇为英气的人形影像，出现在我面前。）

UllridHello, Commander. Pleased to make your acquaintance...你好，指挥官，第一次见面……

UllridI am Ullrid, the leader of the Doll Community.我是人形社区的负责人，乌尔丽德。

CommanderHello, you must be Suomi's sister, right? She mentions you quite often.你好，你就是索米的姐姐吧？索米经常提起你。

UllridHa... hah. Really? Same to you, Commander. Suomi mentions you quite often.哈、哈，是吗？你也一样，指挥官，索米也经常提起你。

(The Doll on the other side of the comms scratches her head as she laughs nervously, but quickly withdraws her hands and stands up straight, as if she just realized something.)（通讯对面的人形摸着头发干笑了几声，但很快意识到了什么一般，又收回手站直了身。）

UllridAhem, well, I wanted to talk about how... Suomi once received your assistance, which enabled her to bring back valuable supplies for the Doll Community...咳咳，是这样的，我是想说，之前，索米曾经受到你的援助，为人形社区带回了宝贵的物资……

UllridThis time, too. It was Suomi's idea to ask you for help.这一次，也是她想到可以向你求助。

UllridFrankly speaking, the Doll Community rarely communicates with anyone from the outside, so I didn't pin much hope on your assistance initially...坦白说，人形社区很少与外界联络，最初我对这份支援并没有抱很大期望……

UllridBut you did help us fight off that formidable group just now.但是，就在刚才，你协助我们击退了那群强敌。

UllridFor that, I must express my thanks to you, on behalf of my Community.我必须代表社区的大家，向你们表示感谢。

(The Doll bows slightly to the screen, flashing a grin so broad it was borderline theatrical.)（人形向着屏幕轻轻颔首，露出爽朗得有些夸张的笑容。）

CommanderDon't be a stranger. Suomi is a companion of ours, too, so we're glad to help.不必客气，索米也是我们的同伴。能帮上忙就好。

UllridHaha, of course, you've helped us a lot—哈哈，当然，你们帮了大忙——

(The laughing Doll pauses and looks at me with an expression more hesitant than before.)（笑着的人形顿了顿，看向我的神情中似乎多了几分犹豫。）

(Is it just me, or does she seem kind of... nervous?)（是我的错觉吗？对方似乎，有些紧张……？）

CommanderUm... what's wrong, Chief Ullrid?嗯……乌尔丽德首领，是有什么事吗？

CommanderIf there's something you need help with in regard to the Doll Community, feel free to let me know.如果是关于人形社区的事情，但说无妨。

UllridAh? Aha... was I really that easy to read...?哎？啊哈，我表现得这么明显吗……

(The Doll pulls her hair nervously. Seeing that, Suomi steps in to offer her some reassurance.)（人形有些不好意思地抓了抓头发。索米适时地安慰起了对方。）

SuomiUm, Big Sis? It's okay. The Commander is a good guy. There's no need to hold back, so feel free to tell him what the Community needs!嗯，姐姐，没事的，指挥官是很好的人，社区的大家有什么事，你直接告诉指挥官吧！

UllridHaha... alright. I'll just come out and say it since you put it like that.哈哈……好。既然这样，那我就直说了。

UllridTo be honest... our frames have been worn down over the past few battles. We've always been short on supplies to maintain our frames, so right now, we're so low that it's hard to keep us running normally.其实……经历了这几场战斗后，大家的素体多少都有受损，人形社区用于维护素体的资源一向短缺，仅凭现在的存量已经很难维持正常运转。

UllridWe have some funds stored up here, so I hope we can use that to buy some maintenance-related parts from the Elmo. I'm wondering if...我们还有一些储备的资金，希望可以用它购买艾莫号上的维修零件。不知道你们能不能……

SuomiAh, right... Our friends in the Doll Community really need those supplies. Please help us, Commander!啊、对……人形社区的大家需要这些物资。拜托了，指挥官！

(Suomi, still under repair and maintenance, looks up at me. Mayling regards Suomi's damaged frame, then shakes her head with heartache plastered across her face.)（正在检修的索米抬头望向我。一旁的美玲看着索米损伤的素体，心疼地摇了摇头。）

MaylingParts aren't the only things you need, I believe. The other Dolls here aside from Suomi have sustained substantial damage too, so extensive repairs are in order. I can—不对，你们不只是需要零件吧。除了索米，几位的素体也都损伤不小，需要进行深度维修，我可以——

BalthildeTrusting a bounty hunter in the Yellow Zone? We've already fallen into that trap once.在黄区贸然相信赏金猎人，这样的亏我们吃过一次了。

(A wary voice cuts through the air. Balthilde steps before Mayling, blocking her from the other Dolls behind her. In fact, she seems intent on pulling Suomi back to her side.)（一个警惕的声音响起，巴希达站在了美玲的面前。她拦住了身后的人形，仿佛还想伸手将索米也拉回到身边。）

SuomiBalthilde! We can trust Mayling! She's highly skilled in repairs... she won't harm us.可以相信美玲的，巴希达！她的维修技术很好，不会伤害我们的。

SuomiI give you my word, Balthilde! Please listen.我保证！拜托了，巴希达。

(Balthilde falls silent. She looks over her battered companions behind her, then snaps her head back at Mayling. Finally, she clenches her fists before giving Mayling a deep bow.)（巴希达沉默着，她看了一眼身后素体破损的同伴们，又扭过头直视着美玲。终于还是握紧了双拳，冲着美玲深深地鞠了一躬。）

BalthildeI know that in our current circumstances, this choice isn't mine to make. I cannot restore my companions with my strength alone.我知道，现在的情况，选择权并不在我的身上。仅凭我的力量，根本没有办法让所有同伴都恢复。

BalthildeI understand the risks and the hard work required in these repairs... so...我明白其中的风险以及辛苦程度……所以……

BalthildePlease accept the trust that I will place in you.请接受我的这份信任。

(This unexpected gesture startles Mayling. She waves her hands in a flurry as a bashful smile spreads across her face.)（这一举动把美玲吓了一跳。她慌乱地摆着手，脸上也露出了羞涩的笑容。）

MaylingNo... no need to be so formal! It's no big deal!不、不需要这么隆重！只是小事而已！

MaylingI'll do my best to help everyone!我会尽全力帮助大家的！

CommanderMm. If there is any trouble, let Mayling and me know. We'll do our best to help you all.嗯，有什么困难，就告诉我和美玲，我们会尽力帮助大家的。

UllridReally? Thank you so much!真的吗，那就太感谢了！

(The Doll nods at me. Finally, she seems to relax, producing a bright smile that feels much more natural than before.)（人形向我点点头，仿佛终于放松下来一般，露出了一个自然的、爽朗的笑容。）

UllridThe Doll Community never forgets a favor. Your assistance will be repaid in the future!人形社区从来不会亏欠恩情，你们的帮助，今后我们一定会报答！

(With that, Ullrid turns to Suomi again.)（说完，乌尔丽德再度转向索米。）

UllridSuomi, once you, Balthilde, and Dushevnaya are done with the temporary R&R, return quickly with the supplies and assist the other Dolls in frame repairs.索米，等完成临时休整，你和巴希达、杜莎妮带着物资尽快返回，协助其他成员完成素体修复。

SuomiGot it! We'll be back ASAP!好的！我们会尽快回来！

(The call ends. Suomi seems to have finally remembered something, because she points out a familiar-looking Doll that stands behind Balthilde.)（通讯挂断，索米似乎终于想起了什么，向我指了指一直站在巴希达身后的、另一位有些眼熟的人形。）

SuomiBy the way, Commander. Dushevnaya... KSVK is here, too. Do you remember her?对了，指挥官，杜莎妮……KSVK也在这里，您还记得她吗？

(Dushevnaya has remained silent throughout the earlier discussion, but once she hears Suomi mentioning her, she strikes a pose as though she just saw a hero descend from the heavens.)（一直默不作声的杜莎妮听到索米的提问，摆出了犹如英雄降世一样的姿势。）

DushevnayaLike a star fallen to the earthly realm, he decisively dispels all darkness.如同坠落于世间的星辰，将所有的黑暗全然击退。

DushevnayaO hero... thy name... thy name is...英雄啊，你的名讳是……你的名讳……

CommanderDushevnaya?杜莎妮？

(I cautiously call her name. Dushevnaya looks at me, stunned.)（我试探性地叫出了她的名字。杜莎妮望着我，突然愣住了。）

(Tears slowly begin to well up in her eyes. Her body starts to tremble ever so slightly.)（慢慢地，她的眼中溢出了泪珠。她的身体也轻轻地颤抖起来。）

DushevnayaSuch a warm... and familiar sensation... You are... are you... my Commander?好温暖……又好熟悉的感觉…… 你是……你就是……指挥官吗……？

DushevnayaYet... the past memories are a misty haze... the hero, is not found...可是……过往的回忆如同云雾……勇者，找不到……

(Dushevnaya hammers her head with her fists in despondence. Suomi rushes over to hold her in reassurance.)（杜莎妮有些失落地捶打着头部，索米赶紧安抚地挽住了杜莎妮。）

SuomiSorry, Commander. Do you recall what I mentioned before? Dushevnaya's neural cloud was already damaged when she arrived in the Doll Community. She lost a part of her memories...抱歉，指挥官。您还记得之前和您说过的事情吧？ 杜莎妮来到社区的时候，心智已经损坏了，失去了一些记忆……

SuomiWe didn't have the materials or the expertise to repair her neural cloud, so we couldn't manage to fix her.但是，我们没有修复心智的材料和技术，没法治好她。

CommanderYeah, I remember that, and I've been trying to find an opportunity to solve that as well. Since Dushevnaya happens to be here now... Mayling, can you try to fix her neural cloud?嗯，我记得这件事，也一直想着找机会解决，既然正好杜莎妮来了……美玲，修复心智的事情，你能试试么？

MaylingUuu... Neural cloud repairs... aren't really my area of expertise...呜……修复心智……这不是我的擅长领域。

MaylingBut! I can try to use the Elmo's instruments to, first and foremost, assess and map out the damage to Dushevnaya's neural cloud!不过，我可以利用艾莫号的仪器，先确认下杜莎妮心智受损的具体情况！

DushevnayaThe misty haze stays not the hero's stride!云雾无法阻拦英雄的脚步！

DushevnayaPlease and thank you, venerable Great Healer—拜托了，伟大的治疗师——

(Dushevnaya sits quietly opposite Mayling as the former undergoes an examination. The strange thing is, her gaze does not rest on the instruments before her nor the busy Mayling. Instead, her eyes have been fixed on me throughout the entire process.)（杜莎妮安静地坐在美玲的对面接受检查，但奇怪的是，她并没有看眼前的仪器或是忙碌的美玲，她的眼神始终牢牢地锁定在我的身上。）

Dushevnaya...……

Commander...……

Commander(It kind of feels unnerving to be stared at like this...)（被盯着有点瘆得慌啊……）

ColphneDushevnaya doesn't seem the least bit nervous. Looks like the Commander really helps to divert her attention~杜莎妮看起来完全不紧张呢，看来指挥官起到了转移注意力的作用嘛~

(Beep beep beep...)（滴滴滴……）

(The instruments before Mayling beep to signal a completed examination. I try to ignore Dushevnaya's gaze and look towards Mayling.)（美玲那里的仪器发出了完成检测的提示音，我尽力忽视掉杜莎妮的眼神，看向美玲。）

MaylingCommander, I've detected signs of a forced data wipe in Dushevnaya's Level II!指挥官，我检测到杜莎妮的二级平层有被强制执行数据清理的痕迹！

MaylingThere's more to this... Multiple segments of abnormal code are active. One appears to actively prevent her neural cloud from achieving normal function.而且……有多段处于运行中的异常代码，其中一条似乎在主动阻止她的心智正常运行。

MaylingI'll try to suspend that segment right now!我现在就来尝试暂停那段代码！

(Dushevnaya suddenly begins to emit a system announcement in an emotionless tone, just as Mayling was starting to carry out her actions.)（就在美玲执行操作的时候，杜莎妮突然用一种毫无感情的语调播报起来。）

DushevnayaData wipe start... coordinates reported...数据清洗开始执行……坐标已汇报……

MaylingAh...? That segment had the worst impact on her neural cloud. It actually functions?哎……？那段影响杜莎妮最严重的代码竟然是有用的吗？

MaylingSuspend this segment and another automatically starts running... Ahhhh, why is this even happening? I still need to verify the operating logic of that code segment—暂停这段代码后，另一段代码竟然自动运行了……啊啊，怎么会这样，我还需要确认代码的具体逻辑——

SuomiDushevnaya's condition had always made it difficult to back her up, even back in the Doll Community.在人形社区的时候，杜莎妮的状态就很难进行心智备份。

SuomiIt'll be a disaster if her neural records get totally wiped!如果、如果她的心智记录被清空就糟糕了！

BalthildeForce stop the process! Physically!强行中止，用物理方式！

MaylingOh no—It's too late!! The code has already finished running!糟了——来不及了！！刚才那一瞬间，代码已经运行了。

MaylingSomeone had planted tracking code in Dushevnaya's Level II. It automatically uploads her current coordinates whenever she engages in deep neural cloud processing!有人在杜莎妮的二级平层植入了追踪代码，一旦她进行深度心智梳理，就会自动将她的坐标位置上传！

MaylingThis is probably why she is unable to process the contents of her neural cloud—it is to prevent her from accidentally uploading her current coordinates.杜莎妮无法进行心智梳理的原因，应该就是为了防止她的坐标点被意外上传。

MaylingCommander, for everyone's safety, we better relocate the Elmo to prevent the enemy from finding what's in this region!指挥官，安全起见，我们最好立刻转移艾莫号的位置，以免对方找到这片区域！

DandelionHehe, what a familiar segment of code.呵呵，真是熟悉的代码。

(Dandelion's voice comes from the Dinergate beside me, her tone reminiscent of someone recalling an interesting event.)（一旁的兵蚁忽地发出声响。丹德莱的声音传来，似乎想起了有趣的事情。）

DandelionRelax, Mayling. Your course of action was without fault. This child's coordinates are automatically sent to those who have command permissions over her, whenever she processes her neural cloud.放轻松，美玲。你的处理方式没有问题。只要这孩子梳理心智，坐标就会自动上传至控制权所属方。

DandelionIt appears that her neural data hasn't been synced to the cloud for a long time.看样子，她的心智数据也已经很久没有和云端同步过了。

DandelionThat segment of code is simply a basic one used for the transmission of coordinates. Usually used in Dolls dispatched on missions, it facilitates their retrieval by logistics personnel. This kind of approach is rather Griffin-style.而这只是最基础的坐标回收代码，一般用于派遣外出任务的人形，方便后勤人员进行回收。这种处理方式，倒是有几分格里芬的风格。

MaylingGriffin-style?格里芬的风格？

DandelionA way for me to describe something as pedantic and antiquated.一种形容迂腐、过时的方式罢了。

SuomiBut why would Dushevnaya's neural cloud have those segments of code? So many of us left Griffin back then...可是，杜莎妮心智里为什么会有这些代码呢？当年明明有很多人离开格里芬……

DandelionIndeed~ Most of the Griffin Dolls were sent to a variety of different organizations. Thus, the same goes for some of the data and classified information held within them.嗯~格里芬从属的人形大多被派往不同的组织，部分数据和机密信息也随之散落。

DandelionBack then, such code was embedded within the neural clouds of certain Griffin Dolls, to facilitate their retrieval.当时，为了方便回收格里芬的人形，确保部分人形的心智里写入了这样的代码。

DandelionLooks like Dushevnaya is one of them.看来杜莎妮就是其中之一呢。

SuomiWhat on earth happened to her over the last decade...? She no longer had her memories when I found her again.这些年到底发生了什么呢……我遇到杜莎妮的时候，她已经不记得之前的事情了。

SuomiI have absolutely no clue why she ended up wandering the Yellow Zones, and how she left Griffin.她为什么会在黄区流浪、又是怎么离开格里芬的，我完全不知道。

MaylingIn any case, I'll go back up Dushevnaya's neural cloud right now! We'll decide our next course of action after that!总之，我现在先为杜莎妮进行心智备份！然后我们再想接下来怎么做！

DandelionHaha~ Truth be told, what comes next is already known~呵呵~其实，接下来已经有方向了哦~

(Dandelion pauses, as if finding amusement and interest in what she just discovered.)（丹德莱停顿了一下，似乎对刚刚发现的事实感到十分有趣。）

DandelionI've tracked down the destination of the sent coordinates.我已经追踪到了代码的坐标传输位置。

DandelionTheir priority destination is—Mangi Security.她的坐标一级传输位置是——曼尼安保。

MaylingWhat?!什么？！

BalthildeMangi Security? Isn't that the group that attacked us?那些攻击我们的敌人，不就是曼尼安保的？

(Dushevnaya's eyes widen at this revelation.)（听到这个结论的杜莎妮，有些震惊地睁大了眼睛。）

DushevnayaDid... our friends from the Community... get attacked because of me...?难道，社区的大家被攻击，是因为我……？

SuomiNo... No way. That's just a coincidence, right?不、不可能，这只是巧合吧？

SuomiDushevnaya's been with us for a long time now... Mangi Security would have come knocking way earlier if this was really Dushevnaya's fault.杜莎妮已经和我们相处了很长一段时间了呀……曼尼安保不可能现在才因为她找我们的麻烦。

DushevnayaBut the thing is, I really do NOT remember the past.可是，我的确不记得过去的事情了。

(Dushevnaya curls up into a ball, somewhat dejected.)（杜莎妮有些失落地蜷缩起身子。）

DushevnayaMaybe I lost my old neural records because of Mangi Security...也许，就是因为曼尼安保，我才会失去过往心智记录……

DushevnayaI, I... Maybe I should have been destroyed by Mangi Security, yet I escaped... That's why Mangi Security kept tracking my coordinates till they found me here...我、我……也许我本来就该被曼尼安保销毁的，可是我逃了出来……所以曼尼安保才会追着我的坐标，一路找到这里……

BalthildeHey! I won't allow you to talk about yourself like that!喂，我不准你这么说自己！

BalthildeThe frame that you inhabit now was painstakingly restored by Rosalind! It has nothing to do with Mangi Security!你现在的素体，可是罗莎琳辛辛苦苦给你修好的！跟曼尼安保才没有关系！

MaylingYeah! Besides, the coordinates were only uploaded just now, so Mangi Security only knows where you are from this very moment. There's no way they set off to track you down a few days ago.嗯！而且坐标上传也是刚刚才发生的事，曼尼安保现在才得到关于你的情报，不可能几天前就过来的。

DushevnayaThen... If it wasn't Mangi Security... who's the one trying to track me down...?那，如果不是曼尼安保……又是谁在追查我的坐标呢……

DandelionHaha, now that's the interesting part~呵呵，这就是更有趣的事情咯~

(Dandelion pauses for dramatic effect.)（丹德莱煞有介事地顿了顿。）

DandelionOnce they received your coordinates, the data was relayed to an endpoint in a White Zone~传送位置的情报在进一步跳转后，接收口变成了白区的坐标呢。

DandelionTake a guess, who could that be~猜猜看，会是谁呢~

Commander—The Conglomerate.——财团。

DandelionThat's right. Relaying it is completely unnecessary if Mangi Security actually wanted her coordinates themselves.没错，如果是曼尼安保需要她的坐标，大可不必进行二级跳转。

DandelionSince they were sent to a White Zone, it's highly likely that the powers behind Mangi Security want her coordinates.跳转到白区，说明极有可能是曼尼安保背后的势力需要她的坐标。

Commander...I never expected the Conglomerate's tendrils to reach behind Griffin, too.……没想到财团的手也能伸到格里芬的背后。

DandelionThe times have changed, after all~毕竟时代不同了~

DandelionGriffin was once a force to be reckoned with, but it became no more than a small PMC after its restructuring.曾经的格里芬实力不容小觑，可解散重组之后，现在也不过只是一个小型的P.M.C.而已。

DandelionThus, like all other PMCs, it's subject to NOMFA's oversight, at least in name~从名义上，也和其他P.M.C.一样，需要接受非军事管理局的管辖呢~

CommanderWhatever the case, we should pursue this lead since we managed to find it.不论如何，既然找到了这条线，就从这里追查下去吧。

CommanderThe truth behind Dushevnaya's predicament... will definitely come to light.杜莎妮所背负的真相……一定会浮出水面。

DandelionHaha, alright then~ Why don't we ask that long-unvisited "old friend" for some directions?呵呵，没问题~那么就向那位许久不见的“老朋友”问问路吧。

DandelionI'm sure you know her, Commander. The manager of the new Griffin—指挥官知道的吧？现在那位新格里芬的管理者——

CommanderHold on! Don't contact Helian yet.等等！先别联系赫丽安。

CommanderIf I contact her now, my circumstances will cause her unnecessary trouble.以我现在的状态，贸然联系只是为她徒添麻烦。

DandelionOh my. I see what you mean. Looks like we'll have to contact our kind-hearted counselor if we want the info... Leva did provide us a specially encrypted comms channel for that purpose, after all~哎呀，我明白了。看来想要这些资料，只能联络善良的参事小姐了……毕竟莱娅还预先留下了特殊加密联络频道呢~

CommanderWe must not. With our previous communications being what they are, I'm afraid I've already landed her in hot water—不行，从之前的留言内容来看，和我的沟通恐怕已经让她惹上了麻烦——

(Beep—)（嘀——）

(Dandelion deftly connects to the specially encrypted comms channel before I can stop her.)（没等我阻止，丹德莱已经麻利地接通了特殊的加密联络频道。）

CommanderWait!等等！

(An instinctive frown forms on my face as I suppress my discontent, troubled by Kalina's circumstances.)（我下意识皱眉，忧虑于之前格琳的情况，压抑内心的不满。）

CommanderDandelion, you're too reckless.丹德莱，你太冒进了。

DandelionAh, really sorry about that. Then I'll—啊呀，真是抱歉，我这就——

(Leva's calm voice streams through the comms channel the next moment, accompanied by the faint hum of interference.)（下一秒，莱娅冷静的声音已经从通讯器中传来，带着轻微的电流波动声。）

LevaHeyo. You guys seem like you're doing pretty well.哟，看起来你们的状态不错。

(Dandelion feigns ignorance. I stare at her, speechless, and rub my throbbing temples.)（我有些无语地看着正在装傻的丹德莱，揉了揉有些跳动的太阳穴。）

CommanderPut the banter aside for now. How is... Kalina doing?调侃的话就先打住吧。格琳她……现在的情况怎么样？

LevaI'm sure it's obvious~ Our dear Counselor Kalina is currently under internal investigation, because she had contact with a certain "terrorist".显而易见~因为和某位“危险分子”有联系，我们的格琳参事正在被内部调查中。

LevaAll NOMFA-related communication records and documents have been confiscated.非军事管理局里所有的相关通讯记录和资料都被收走了。

Commander...……

LevaBut don't worry. This isn't her first time encountering something like this.不过别担心，这种情况也不是第一次了。

LevaIf you look into NOMFA's records, you're still listed as the "Passionate Bounty Hunter", the one who took the initiative to report evidence of Paradeus colluding with the Conglomerate.在非军事管理局的记录中，指挥官你依旧是那个主动上报了帕拉蒂斯和财团合作证据的“热心赏金猎人”。

LevaYet, if we are talking about what conclusions the URNC top brass will draw from this... that remains unknown.至于，罗联上层最终会用什么样的结论，一切都还是未知数。

CommanderHopefully the URNC won't pin it all on me.希望罗联最后不会把所有问题都甩在我的头上。

LennaMiss Kalin will totes definitely stress that the Commander isn't what the URNC paints him as. She'll help you clear your name.格琳姐绝对会强调指挥官不是罗联说的那样，会帮指挥官努力澄清。

(Lenna's spirited voice joins the call.)（莱娜活泼的声音也加入了通讯。）

LennaTo make the Commander take on blame for someone else—I'll never allow it!让指挥官替别人承担错误，这种事，我绝对不会让它发生的！

LennaDon't worry too much, Commander! Miss Kalin's movements may be restricted for now, but it's guaranteed that she won't come to harm! Leva and I have retreated for the moment, so the URNC won't be able to find us, for now.指挥官也不用太过担心了！现在格琳姐虽然被限制了行动，但人身安全是受到保障的！我和莱娅姐也暂时撤离了，罗联的人一时查不到我们。

LevaMm-hmm~ So feel free to ask away, Commander. What made you call us all of a sudden? Anything you need help with?嗯哼~所以安心问吧，突然联络是有什么需要帮忙的吗？

CommanderI do need help with something.的确有事向你们求助。

CommanderI met Dushevnaya in the Yellow Zone... as in, KSVK. She was supposed to remain in Griffin when I left back then.我在黄区遇到了杜莎妮……也就是KSVK。原本在我离开之后，她应该在格里芬任职。

CommanderBut apparently, some unknown matters had caused her to be cast out and lose most of her neural records.但她因为不明原因遭到遗弃，心智记录也几乎完全丢失。

CommanderCan you find me any records related to her?能帮我查到她的相关记录吗？

LevaMm-hmm... I think you know what I'm about to say, Commander.嗯哼……指挥官知道的吧？

LevaYou disappeared after the Frankfurt Incident. Griffin was forced to undergo restructuring soon after.法兰克福事件后，指挥官你下落不明，格里芬也很快就遭遇了解散。

LevaBack then, Kalin thought of bringing some of the Dolls with her into NOMFA.当时，格琳曾想过保留部分成员，进入非军事管理局。

LevaBut the complicated circumstances disallowed her from achieving what she wanted with her power alone. She was then given two choices: accept the provided arrangements, or leave and find her own way forward.可复杂的形势，让格琳仅凭自己的力量很难立足。听从安排或是自谋出路，放在她面前的只有这两个选择。

LennaYeah! I remember there was a rumor that you sacrificed yourself in combat.是哦！我记得那时候还有指挥官已经在战场上牺牲的传言。

LennaIf it wasn't for Miss Kalin and Leva insisting that you were definitely alive, I'd have gotten terribly upset for a long time!要不是格琳姐和莱娅姐说指挥官你一定没事，我绝对会难过很久的！

Commander...Sorry.……抱歉。

LevaAnyway, what I'm trying to say is...总之呢，我是想说~

LevaBecause of your "death" and the subsequent restructuring of Griffin, there was a massive loss of data among the Dolls back then.因为指挥官你的“死讯”和格里芬的重组，原本人形们的数据散佚严重。

LevaIn fact, from what I know, Griffin even erased all of the neural cloud backups to prevent their info from leaking.并且，据我所知，为了确保信息安全，格里芬甚至清空了云端的心智存档。

LevaIt'll be pretty difficult to find her old data, I'm afraid.想找到原始数据，恐怕很难。

CommanderSo even NOMFA can't find her old data?所以，非军事管理局也无法找到当时的数据？

LevaNOMFA has no direct intel on it, but I can try asking Helian.非军事管理局没有直接的情报，但我可以试着问问赫丽安。

LevaSince I'm acting as an intermediary, you won't have to worry about causing her any trouble~经由我中转，指挥官也不用担心给赫丽安惹麻烦了，不是吗~

CommanderMany thanks.多谢。

CommanderBe sure to inform me if anything about Dushevnaya and Mangi Security comes up.如果有杜莎妮和曼尼安保相关的部分情报，请务必告知我。

LevaHmm~ We'll get a swifter grasp on the situation if we utilize our insiders.嗯~从内部获取情报能更快地掌握全局。

LevaCommander, I'm sure Kalin told you before~ Nikketa is still working at Mangi Security.指挥官，格琳曾经告诉过你吧~妮基塔目前还在曼尼安保任职。

LevaWhy don't we enlist her help?不如，动用她的力量？

LevaWorry not~ I'll set up a completely anonymous comms channel, so that even if it gets compromised, no one can trace it back to any of us.放心~我会准备好一个完全匿名的通讯频道。即便被人攻破，也不会被探寻到踪迹。

CommanderOkay. I need Nikketa to check if Mangi Security has Dushevnaya's neural cloud backups.好。我需要让妮基塔查一下，曼尼安保内部，是否有杜莎妮的心智存档。

(Dushevnaya, who had been quietly listening throughout the discussion, joins the conversation.)（一直安静聆听的杜莎妮也加入了对话。）

DushevnayaAnd DP-12... This is a name branded within the depths of my soul.还有DP-12……这是烙印在我灵魂深处的名字。

CommanderDP-12?DP-12？

(The name that slipped from Dushevnaya's lips plunges the room into a brief silence.)（杜莎妮脱口而出的名字令现场陷入了短暂的静默。）

LevaIf my memory serves me right, DP-12 is also a Doll who once belonged to Griffin.如果我没记错，DP-12也是原属于格里芬的人形。

LennaThat's right! But now that you've mentioned it, I feel like we haven't heard much about what DP-12 got up to all these years...对呀！不过，这么一说，这些年好像没怎么听过DP-12的消息……

LennaWhere did she go after Griffin got restructured?格里芬重组之后，她去哪了呢？

(Dushevnaya simply shakes her head helplessly.)（杜莎妮只是茫然地摇了摇头。）

DushevnayaThough the traveler asks, the book of fate is but a dearth of answers for the question it beholds.旅者的疑问，命运之书无从解答。

Commander...Looks like we have even more mysteries to solve.……看来我们有更多的谜团需要解决了。

LevaGot it. We will track down intel regarding DP-12 alongside your efforts.明白。关于DP-12的情报，我们也会一同进行追查。

LevaI will notify you immediately once the comms channel is established, Commander.在构建完通讯渠道后，我会第一时间通知你，指挥官。

Phantom Construct 幻象构筑

(Much like a falling stone ripples a lake, the repercussions from the Lviv explosion continue to reverberate through the White Zone to this day.)（利沃夫那场爆炸的余波，像一颗投入湖面的石子，其掀起的涟漪至今仍在白区激荡。）

(Various major factions endeavor to uncover the truth behind the Lviv incident amidst a peculiar sense of discord. Investigations of intel pertaining to the radiation and the Conglomerate's lab personnel are performed one by one in quick succession.)（在奇怪的不协调感下，各大势力都在设法调查利沃夫的真相。和辐射有关的情报、和财团实验室相关的人员都被陆续调查。）

(An odd sense of tension now looms over the once bustling White Zone streets. A variety of vehicles and equipment from various organizations zip through the streets on the daily, while radiation checks grow frequent and stringent.)（往日繁华热闹的白区街道变得气氛微妙，不同组织的设备与车辆在街道来来往往，对于辐射的检测也变得更加频繁和严苛。）

(An invisible panic spreads through the top dogs of the Lviv White Zone—a phenomenon more suffocating and untreatable than any kind of radioactive dust.)（一层无形的恐慌感正在白区大人物间蔓延，而这比辐射尘埃更加令人窒息和无奈。）

(Meanwhile, the top floor offices of Tlazo Incorporated, a subsidiary under Cecht FABN, boil like a volcano about to erupt.)（与此同时，赛诺菲与法本旗下的忒拉佐公司顶层办公室内的气氛，却像一座即将喷发的火山。）

(Smack!)（啪！）

(Berryfield slams a stack of files onto the table. She leaves her desk, pacing back and forth upon the luxuriously expensive carpet beneath her feet. There is no trace of the elegance and grace that she once showed.)（一叠文件被贝瑞菲尔粗暴地甩在桌上，她离开办公桌前，烦躁地在昂贵的地毯上踱步，昔日的优雅荡然无存。）

(A smiling woman stands before her in stark contrast, watching the fury build up within Berryfield with an utterly unfazed expression.)（与之相反，贝瑞菲尔面前一个笑眯眯的女人正看着积蓄怒气的她不为所动。）

CocoonPleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Berryfield.请多指教，贝瑞菲尔女士。

(Cocoon bows slightly. Her voice is as smooth as silk, yet no trace of respect can be found within.)（茧微微鞠躬，声音如丝绸般平滑，但却听不出任何尊敬之意。）

CocoonAs a representative of Cecht FABN, I shall provide you with any assistance you need from this day onward. This is all in accordance with Mr. Zimmerman's request.从今日起，依照齐默尔曼先生的要求，我将代表赛诺菲与法本集团，为您提供必要的帮助。

BerryfieldAssistance?帮助？

(Berryfield stops in her tracks abruptly. The volcano, poised to erupt, finally reaches the point of no return. Her pent-up fury has found a target to lay waste to.)（贝瑞菲尔猛地停下脚步，即将喷发的火山终于到了临界点，无尽的怒火也有了宣泄的对象。）

BerryfieldYou're offering your assistance NOW?! What the hell happened with that explosion?! Aren't you all done with processing the intel yet?!这个时候才和我谈帮助！？关于那场爆炸究竟是怎么回事，情报还没梳理完吗？！

CocoonThe major factions are all eyeing Lviv now, so more time for investigation is needed.各大势力都将目光放到了利沃夫，因此仍需要一些调查时间。

(Cocoon's tone remains apathetically calm in the face of the erupting volcano.)（茧的语气毫无波澜，完全不在意面前喷发的火山。）

(Still speaking in a perfectly proper manner, she provides no stray strands for any opponents to grasp.)（她仍然保持着良好的说话语气，让人抓不住任何的错处。）

CocoonOf course, there have been some unexpected occurrences that did increase the difficulty of our investigations.当然，也有一些意料之外的情报，加大了我们的调查难度。

BerryfieldDifficulty?!!难度？！！

(Berryfield's voice sharpens with anger.)（贝瑞菲尔的声音因愤怒而尖锐。）

BerryfieldWe still don't have Chiloveig's whereabouts! Her lab made such a huge mess that the URNC government came knocking!奇洛薇格的下落还没找到！！她实验室出了这么大的问题，引来了罗联政府！

BerryfieldThat's going to implicate my Tlazo! She MUST be found!这一定会牵扯到我的忒拉佐公司！必须把人给我找到！

CocoonJudging from the circumstances at the scene of the incident, it is highly likely that she is already deceased.从案发现场的情况来看，她极有可能已经死亡。

BerryfieldHeh.呵。

(A sneer appears on Berryfield's face as a laugh escapes her lips. Her eyes flash with malevolent ruthlessness.)（贝瑞菲尔忽然发出一声冷笑，眼中也带上了几分狠厉之色。）

BerryfieldThe Conglomerate's core personnel are probably really afraid that I'll implicate them.总集团那些人，现在应该很怕我会牵连出更多的讯息吧。

BerryfieldI'm not the only one who profited from this! The intel was shared among us all, so there's no reason for Tlazo to solely take the fall!获利的不止我一个人，情报本就是共享的。没道理责任由忒拉佐公司独自承担！

CocoonMa'am, there is no need to panic.您无需紧张。

(Cocoon reassures Berryfield with her words, yet her eyes are without any trace of warmth.)（茧安抚着贝瑞菲尔，但那双眼睛里却依旧看不到丝毫暖意。）

CocoonNothing is final yet. But at least, we did identify a suspect who might know everything that had happened. We are currently pursuing them.目前一切还未定性，至少，我们已经锁定了一位或许知道一切的嫌犯，正在追踪。

CocoonAs for intel processing, I believe that no one is better than me at that, at least within Cecht FABN.在情报处理方面，我自信在赛诺菲与法本集团之内，没有对手能超过我。

(Cocoon slowly takes one step forward, taking herself closer to Berryfield. Her voice deepens.)（茧缓缓向前一步，向着贝瑞菲尔贴近了一些，嗓音也低沉下来。）

CocoonChiloveig's laboratory was indeed listed under your corporation's name, but since Mr. Zimmerman sent me here to assist you... I would like to say that there is a way for you to "define" the nature of this incident.奇洛薇格的实验室确实是挂靠在您企业旗下，但既然齐默尔曼先生派我来协助您……这件事的性质，是可以被定义的。

CocoonYou can be the sponsor, or you can be the victim. An innocent victim who has suffered losses.您可以是资助人，也可以是受害者，一个蒙受了损失的、无辜的受害者。

BerryfieldThe Rossartrists aren't that easy to fool.罗联那群人没那么好忽悠。

(It is clear that Berryfield does not believe what Cocoon just said. Having dealt with the URNC for a long time, she knew very well the capabilities and intelligence of the one who sat across her from the chessboard.)（贝瑞菲尔显然不相信茧的话，与罗联打过这么久交道，她自然知道对方是个什么成色。）

BerryfieldLabs in White Zones have always required a series of stringent checks before they even get approved. Chiloveig's lab will always be listed under my name, no matter how hard I try to distance myself from it.白区实验室向来需要经过一系列严格的审批，就算我再怎么想要撇清关系，奇洛薇格的实验室终究隶属于我的名下。

CocoonWhat if... they only "were" listed under your name, at the time of application?或许，只是申请时是呢？

(The corners of Cocoon's mouth curl into a smile, seemingly portraying her satisfaction at the state of the current conversation.)（茧的嘴角勾起一抹弧度，似乎对目前的谈话局面感到十分满意。）

(She ignores Berryfield's furious gaze and walks up to her desk at a leisurely pace, then casually tidies up the messy pile of documents on the desk.)（她无视贝瑞菲尔的怒视，信步走到办公桌前，随手整理着桌上凌乱的资料。）

CocoonA long time has passed since the laboratory's first workday. Perhaps a few unscrupulous individuals have made their way in since then.如今时间已经过去了那么久，也许有不法分子从中作梗也不一定。

CocoonAfter all, Chiloveig's laboratory is not the only laboratory listed under your name, right?毕竟，名下的实验室有那么多，不只有奇洛薇格一家，对么？

(Cocoon takes out two documents from the organized materials and passes them to Berryfield.)（茧从整理好的资料中抽出两张，伸手递给贝瑞菲尔。）

Berryfield...Are you confident that you can pin all the blame on Paradeus?……你有把握将所有的罪责推到帕拉蒂斯身上？

CocoonOf course. That is Mr. Zimmerman's wish as well.当然。这也是齐默尔曼先生的意思。

CocoonHowever, you might just need a clearly visible enemy to pin it on, instead of some vaguely existing organization.不过，您或许只需要一个，确切、具体的敌人，而不是一个模糊不清的组织。

(Berryfield understood what Cocoon meant. She stares at her, alert rising in her mind to mentally guard herself against this ruthless third-gen Doll.)（贝瑞菲尔明白了茧的意思，她盯着茧，心里也在默默提防着这位狠毒的第三代人形。）

(In the end, she relents—Berryfield accepts the two documents from Cocoon, which bear information about Paradeus and the unknown URNC fugitive.)（最终，她还是伸手接过那两张纸，纸上赫然印着帕拉蒂斯和那名不知名的罗联通缉犯的资料。）

BerryfieldAbout this fugitive... how much info do we have on them?那个被罗联通缉的人……与之有关的资料能查到多少？

CocoonWorry not, for I will search and pursue all leads on your behalf.请放心，我会进一步为您搜寻线索。

CocoonBut before that can happen, I would like to request full intel access to everything pertaining to Chiloveig's laboratory.不过，在此之前，还请您向我开放所有和奇洛薇格实验室相关的情报权限。

(Berryfield falls silent.)（贝瑞菲尔陷入了沉默。）

(She feels as if she were but a mere insect that had stepped into a spiderweb, meticulously woven by the third-gen Doll standing before her.)（她感觉自己如同猎物一样掉入了眼前三代人形精心编织而成的陷阱。）

(Feeling the hesitation within her prey, Cocoon reminds Berryfield again in a soft voice:)（似乎是意识到了对方的犹豫，茧再次轻声提醒着贝瑞菲尔。）

CocoonWe do not have much time left...在罗联的客人正式到来之前……

CocoonBefore our guests from the URNC arrive.我们的时间，已经不多了。

(This sentence proves decisive.)（这句话，显然起到了决定性的作用。）

(For even if a trap lies before her, Berryfield has no other option but to step into it.)（就算是陷阱，贝瑞菲尔也别无可选。）

Berryfield...Fine. We'll go with that plan.……好，就这么办。

BerryfieldI'll have my people wipe all evidence from those labs! NO lab within that area shall bear any traces of links to any corporations under my name!我会让人把那些实验室遗留下的证据都处理干净！区域内所有的实验室也不能留下任何和我名下企业有关的痕迹！

BerryfieldTake every document and material not bolted down. What cannot be removed from the labs must be destroyed.相关的资料能搬走的都搬走，不能搬走的就全部销毁。

BerryfieldAside from that... I'll need some useful sacrificial pawns for when I need to wrap things up.除此之外……我还需要一些好用的弃子来做收尾工作。

BerryfieldBlusphere's the name, right? Doesn't the Conglomerate have that third-gen Doll lying around? Can't we get her to lead some Mangi Security teams to go take care of such things?蓝雪球呢，财团不是还有这个三代人形可用么，不能让她去带领曼尼安保处理这些事么？

BerryfieldAll evidence must be wiped clean from the earth, to ensure that nothing can implicate my corporation.一定要保证所有的证据处理干净，不能牵连到我的企业。

CocoonI'm afraid that your request cannot be fulfilled in accordance with your wishes.这个要求目前恐怕很难如您所愿。

(Cocoon shakes her head, rejecting Berryfield's request.)（茧摇了摇头，否定了贝瑞菲尔的提议。）

CocoonDue to the previous incident, Mangi Security refuses to place any third-gen Dolls as operational commanders.因为之前的事情，曼尼安保拒绝再次接受三代人形担当行动指挥。

CocoonHowever, they have requested third-gen Dolls to provide operational support, like they always do.不过，他们依旧申请了三代人形作为行动助力。

BerryfieldDo as you must, then. But keep it clean. I don't want to see any more loose-lipped creatures appear in that area.随你发挥，记得做得干净点，我不想看到那些区域还会有多嘴的生物。

(Cocoon's smile grows gentle. Everything is going as planned.)（茧的笑容更加温和，一切都在按照她的计划进行。）

CocoonOf course. I have already picked out some excellent candidates for the job.当然，我已经有了不错的任务人选。

CocoonI will take care of this matter for you.我会为您处理好这件事。

(Late at night. Most areas within Mangi Security have already been locked and shut down. Only the server room hosting the core database continues to operate with a low, steady hum.)（深夜，曼尼安保大多数区域已经封锁关闭，唯有核心数据库机房依旧在低沉地嗡鸣着。）

(Nikketa silently slips past the security cameras under the cover of night. She sneaks into the server room, stopping before an unremarkable maintenance terminal.)（借着夜色的掩护，妮基塔悄无声息地绕过监控探头，潜入了数据库中，最终在一个毫不起眼的维修终端前停下。）

(She connects a tiny device to an access point, bypassing two layers of verification with the clearance she obtained.)（她将一个微型设备接入端口，利用获取的权限通过了网关审核。）

(The screen comes to life, showering Nikketa with an icy blue light as she focuses on finding the target archives of her mission.)（屏幕上冰蓝色的光芒瞬间亮起，妮基塔则专注寻找着此行的目标档案。）

NikketaBoss, I've found the archives designated as KSVK and DP-12 within Mangi Security's database.Boss，我在曼尼安保的数据库中，找到了编号为KSVK以及DP-12的档案。

(Nikketa's voice, mixed with electrical interference, comes through the encrypted channel.)（妮基塔的声音通过加密频道传来，带着一丝电流的杂音。）

CommanderBe careful, Nikketa. Don't overextend yourself. Prioritize looking through Mangi Security's internal archive records.注意安全，妮基塔。不要太勉强自己，优先查询曼尼安保内部的档案记录。

NikketaThey were marked as "fully decommissioned" several years ago, according to the data currently publicly available to us.从目前可以公开的官方数据来看，她们在多年前就已经被判定为“彻底废弃”。

(I look down at the archives that Nikketa sent over. The records are indeed rather sparse in detail.)（我低头看着妮基塔传来的档案。上边确实记载得很简单。）

(I furrow my brow. The archived records are too sparse. Too clean.)（我皱了皱眉，这里的档案未免过于干净了。）

CommanderCan you check why? Look through Mangi's HR systems, but don't forget to search for KSVK and DP-12's daily operation logs and other related records.还能查查原因吗？除了官方的人事系统，去找一下她们二人的行动日志和其他记录。

NikketaHold on, Boss. I'll try to hack into the system to gain higher level clearance... found them.稍等，Boss。我尝试破解获取更高一层的权限……找到了。

NikketaThe records indicate that a Boojum had ingested DP-12 during a Yellow Zone mission. She was deemed unretrievable.记录显示，DP-12在黄区执行任务的过程中，被伯介姆吞噬，判定为无法回收。

Commander...A Boojum? What about KSVK?……伯介姆，那KSVK呢？

NikketaAs for KSVK... She was deemed unsuitable for serving humans during a mission, and her neural cloud was considered dangerous. She is listed as decommissioned.而KSVK……则是在任务过程中被判定为不适宜服务人类，且心智具有一定危险性，目前已经被废弃。

CommanderAny neural cloud backups and timestamps?时间点和心智存档备份呢？

NikketaIt's been too long, Boss. The archives indicate that KSVK and DP-12 joined Mangi Security upon Griffin's disbandment.时间太久远了，BOSS。从档案上看，KSVK以及DP-12她们都是在格里芬解散的那个时间点进入曼尼安保的。

NikketaToo many years have passed. It's nearly impossible to find a neural cloud backup from that year. Besides, the files have clearly stated that their neural cloud backups have been disposed of.这么多年过去，找到当年的心智备份几乎是不可能的。而且，情报上明确备注了，她们的心智存档均已废弃。

Commander(There's something fishy going on here... Would Mangi Security really just give up on two expensive, elite Dolls just like that?)（不太对劲……曼尼安保真的会直接销毁两个宝贵的精英人形吗？）

Commander(Besides, KSVK wasn't really totally destroyed.)（何况，KSVK并没有真的被彻底摧毁。）

Commander(Someone must have edited those records... Should I tell Nikketa to keep looking into it?)（这些记录一定被修改过……但是还要继续让妮基塔调查吗？）

(Just as I am deep in thought, Nikketa's voice cuts in—her tone subtly different.)（正在我思考时，妮基塔的语气忽然有了一丝变化。）

NikketaWait a minute... Boss.等等……BOSS。

(Nikketa lines up two files on the terminal's screen.)（妮基塔将两份文件并列在了终端屏幕上。）

(One file shows DP-12's picture from Nikketa's own neural records, an ID photograph of the familiar blue-haired Doll.)（一份是妮基塔自己心智记录中的档案照片，是十分熟悉的蓝色头发人形的证件照。）

(The other file is a "maintenance log" dug up by Nikketa from the depths of the maintenance department database. The name written within is DP-12, just like the first file, yet the photograph within shows a white-haired girl, who is obviously Dushevnaya.)（另一份则是她从维修部门深层数据库里翻出的一份“维修记录”，记录的编号同样是DP-12，但照片上的少女，却是一头白色的短发，赫然是杜莎妮的样子。）

NikketaI remember spotting DP-12's name in an archive named "Project Coronal Hole" once. Her frame was donned with blue hair back then.我记得曾经在名为冕洞计划的档案上看到过DP-12的名字。当时她的素体照片是蓝色头发的。

NikketaWith that in mind, this maintenance log depicts a DP-12 whose frame looks different from the one I saw in "Project Coronal Hole".可这份维修报告中，DP-12的素体和冕洞计划中我看到的照片不同。

DandelionSorry to disturb you in the midst of your reminiscing, Commander. But someone from Mangi Security is attempting to connect to Dushevnaya for a call.打扰你们叙旧了，指挥官。不过，曼尼安保那边的通讯信号正在尝试对接杜莎妮。

DandelionShould we put them through?是否要接通呢？

NikketaI can't access further intel with my current clearance, Boss. I'll try to find someone with a higher rank than me, so that I can use theirs to investigate this matter further.BOSS，更多的情报凭借我目前的权限无法获取。我会尝试寻找职级更高的人的权限来调查此事。

NikketaI'll notify you as soon as I have more information.有进一步消息，会立刻和你沟通。

CommanderPlease do. I'm counting on you.拜托了。

NikketaGlad to be of help, Boss.能帮上你的忙，我很高兴，BOSS。

(I turn to Dushevnaya after ending my call with Nikketa. She's been feeling anxious ever since she learned that her coordinates are being used to track her down.)（结束和妮基塔的通讯后，我看向杜莎妮。杜莎妮自从得知她被追踪坐标后，已经焦虑到现在。）

(Noticing my gaze, Dushevnaya lowers her head to avoid eye contact.)（察觉到我看向她的视线，杜莎妮低下头，逃避和我的对视。）

(The unknown caller's communication attempt puts Dushevnaya in a state of unease. She worries about what might happen if she connects to the call, but at the same time, she yearns for this opportunity to gather intel.)（主动向杜莎妮发起的通讯令杜莎妮忐忑不安，她忧心于接通后可能发生的意外，又寄望于能从这通通讯中，获取渴望情报。）

(I motion for Dandelion to connect the call to the Elmo's main screen.)（我示意丹德莱，将那通和杜莎妮的通讯接通到艾莫号主屏幕上。）

(Better to pursue the truth head on than to sit and dawdle, afraid of the unknown.)（与其被动等待恐惧未知，倒不如直接调查这背后的相关事宜。）

(An unfamiliar, digitally filtered female voice comes through. She calls Dushevnaya by her ID directly.)（一个陌生的、经过信息处理包装的女声响了起来，她直接呼唤着杜莎妮的编号。）

??DP-12. Part of the first batch of Griffin Dolls to enter Mangi Security in 2064, thanks to scoring first place in intel processing task tests.DP-12，2064年以情报处理测试成绩首位，入选曼尼安保第一批从格里芬引进的人形名单。

??I did not expect to still find your tracks, even after so many years had passed.没想到那么多年过去，我还能找到你的踪迹。

??I have always been curious about you.一直以来，我都对你很好奇。

DushevnayaWho... are you?你……是谁。

??Haha... don't panic. We'll have a chance to meet each other once you return to Mangi Security.呵呵……别着急。等你回到曼尼安保，我们会有见面机会的。

DushevnayaI have no reason to return.我没有理由回去。

??Interesting. Yet your answer seems to lack the rationality that I would expect from you.有趣，但你的回答似乎并不如我想的那样足够理性。

??Reasons are nothing more than excuses that humans use to convince themselves. One may conjure as many as they need, wouldn't you agree?理由这种东西，不过是人类用来说服自己的借口，需要多少就会有多少，不是吗？

DushevnayaI...我……

??Allow me to remind you of the fact that your ownership still remains with Mangi Security.容我提醒你，你的所属权限仍在曼尼安保。

??Even if someone from the Yellow Zone picked up your frame and gave it a few repairs—即便有黄区的人捡到你的素体并进行了维修——

??You remain a Mangi Security asset until your ownership information is changed.在所属权限未曾改变之前，你，始终是曼尼安保的资产。

??You only have two choices: return willingly, or be "escorted" back by the teams that I will keep sending after you.主动回来，或者让我继续派队伍“接应”你回来，你只有这两种选择。

DushevnayaI... can't find the way back home.我……找不到回家的路了。

??I will arrange for a retrieval team. I will send you the coordinates—you simply need to go there at the designated time.我会安排回收队，你只需按时抵达我给你的坐标即可。

??I hope that you won't let me down, DP-12.希望你不会让我感到失望，DP-12。

(The caller cuts off communication from her end. Dushevnaya stands where she is in a daze, as if she had fallen into a chaotic, old memory.)（对方单方面切断了通讯，杜莎妮愣愣地站在原地，像是陷入了遥远而混乱的回忆。）

DushevnayaCommander, that voice... sounds familiar to me.指挥官，那个声音……给我一种很熟悉的感觉。

DushevnayaI... want to look for her.我想……我想去找她。

(A vacant expression takes over Dushevnaya's face, but at this point in time, I am more concerned about what the caller called Dushevnaya than the mastermind behind all this.)（杜莎妮的神情有些恍惚，但此刻比起幕后黑手，我更在意刚刚提到的称呼。）

CommanderMayling, check and confirm Dushevnaya's personal identification code right now.美玲，立刻确认杜莎妮的身份识别码。

Commander...The caller referred to her as DP-12.……刚才对方说出的编号是DP-12。

MaylingDushevnaya's personal identification code... really is DP-12! H-how is that possible...?怎、怎么可能……现在杜莎妮的身份识别码……确实是DP-12!

DandelionLooks like someone tampered with Mangi Security and Dushevnaya's data.看来，有人篡改过曼尼安保和杜莎妮的数据。

DandelionThough they only altered a part of it.不过，对方只篡改了部分。

(I shift my gaze to the signal traces left on the screen, thinking back to the contents of the archives that Nikketa had just briefed me on.)（我看着屏幕上残留的信号痕迹，回忆起妮基塔刚刚告知我的档案内容。）

Commander...It's possible that the individual who tampered with their data doesn't know about the existence of "Project Coronal Hole" at all.……也有可能，是进行篡改编码的对方根本不知道“冕洞计划”的存在。

CommanderWhich is why the intel within the archives of "Project Coronal Hole" remains unedited.也因此，唯有那个计划中的情报，未曾被修改。

Dream's Harbor 挚梦港湾

2064, Griffin Base.2064年，格里芬基地。

"The Commander has been killed in action."“指挥官已经阵亡。”

(The message arrives, sweeping through Griffin like a sudden cold wave that shocks them all to the core.)（这个消息像一场突如其来的寒潮侵袭了整个格里芬。）

(The order to disband Griffin thoroughly comes next, even before the message is verified. The safe haven that the Dolls once called home collapses in a sudden, thunderous crash—the Dolls all feel immensely uneasy about their upcoming fate.)（还未等辨明真假，随之而来的，便是格里芬即将彻底解散的命令。昔日的庇护家园轰然倒塌，所有的人形都为未来的命运感到惴惴不安。）

KSVKEveryone... is spreading all sorts of different rumors. DP-12...大家……都在传着各种消息。DP-12……

KSVKAre we going to be... abandoned, with nowhere to belong to, again?我们又将和当初一样……被抛弃，没有任何归处了吗？

(KSVK is unable to accept the state of affairs.)（KSVK无法接受。）

(Griffin's disbandment is one thing, but what she finds even more unacceptable is... the idea that the Commander, who once led them through countless crises, the "hero" who seemed eternally victorious on the battlefield... is dead. How could a man like that meet such a cold, hastily written ending?)（她无法接受格里芬的解散，更加无法接受的是……那个曾经带领她们跨过无数危机的指挥官，那个在战场上战无不胜的“勇者”，怎么会迎来这样冰冷却又潦草的终局？）

DP-12Calm down, KSVK.冷静下来，KSVK。

(The blue-haired Doll gently pulls an anxious KSVK into her embrace, hugging her tightly.)（蓝色头发的人形轻轻拉过神色慌张的KSVK，将她紧紧拥入怀中。）

(She tenderly strokes KSVK's head, combing through her hair with her fingers, patting her back—hoping to convey a sense of comfort through her actions.)（她温柔地轻抚着KSVK的头发，轻拍着她的后背，用自己的动作传递着些许安慰。）

DP-12I'm still by your side, KSVK. You're not alone.我还在你的身边哦，KSVK。你不是一个人。

KSVKBut the Commander...但指挥官已经……

DP-12I think a piece of intel like that is unlikely to be something you and I would believe, right?这样的情报，无论你我，都不会相信的吧。

DP-12So, let's just wait patiently. I believe that the Commander will be back, as long as he is alive.再安心等等吧，我相信只要指挥官还活着，就一定会回来。

KSVKOkay...嗯……

(DP-12 senses that KSVK has managed to calm down in her embrace. She pauses, then changes the topic. Her tone, however, now carries a sense of helplessness.)（DP-12感受着怀中的KSVK慢慢恢复了平静，顿了顿，转换了话题，但语气也夹杂了些许无奈。）

DP-12Griffin's disbandment and restructuring is a truth that we cannot change, no matter what we do.格里芬的解散重组，是我们倾尽全力也无法改变的事实。

DP-12Intel that we have managed to gather suggests that the order comes from above, from the military.从我们能获取的情报来看，解散命令源自上层军方。

DP-12The glory that Griffin has created in the past enables it to continuously attract a variety of excellent talent. This was how our Griffin eventually grew into a behemoth of a faction.格里芬因过往所创造的荣光，不断吸引着优秀的人才，逐渐成长为庞然大物。

DP-12It was bound to be dismantled before it could become a threat to the currently entrenched political establishment.在它的势力足以撼动政局之前，拆解是必然的结局。

KSVKI don't want to leave...我不想离开……

KSVKBut if we don't find a new place to belong to, we'll be abandoned, right?但是，如果我们找不到新的归处，就会被废弃吧。

DP-12Will KSVK give up just because the Commander doesn't come back in a few days?只是几天等不到指挥官，KSVK就要放弃了吗？

KSVKNo!不会！

(KSVK suddenly lifts her head, her eyes shining with defiant resolve.)（KSVK猛地抬起头，双眸中闪耀着倔强的光芒。）

KSVKI believe that fate will eventually guide us to a reunion with the Commander!我相信，命运会指引我们和指挥官再度相会！

DP-12Rest assured.安心吧。

(DP-12 smiles with a hint of relief.)（DP-12笑了笑，笑容中带着些许的欣慰。）

DP-12I will search for the Commander's whereabouts alongside you.我会和你一起，找寻指挥官的下落。

(A simple promise, yet like the sparks that remain within smoldering embers, it sustains the hope of warmth through a harsh winter.)（简单的约定，却像一粒余烬中的火种，在寒冬中维系着希望的温度。）

(In the restless, uneasy days that followed, they witnessed many of their companions choose their paths: some Dolls chose to leave Griffin in pursuit of their own ambitions, while others chose to wait for further orders in Griffin.)（在之后躁动不安的日子里，她们看着许多同伴选择了各自的道路，有人形选择依照自己的志向离开格里芬，也有部分人形选择等待格里芬的进一步指令。）

(DP-12 and KSVK chose the latter.)（DP-12以及KSVK选择听从格里芬的安排。）

(Like the rest of the Dolls who did not make a choice, they attended a test that Griffin conducted specifically for such Dolls. They faced the countless instruments and devices that recorded their abilities, anxiously waiting for their subsequent arrangements from Griffin.)（和那些没有决定未来道路的人形一样，她们参加了格里芬为此举办的测试，一次次面对着各种仪器的记录，忐忑不安地等待格里芬下达对她们的后续安排。）

(However, the future never arrives in the form that one wishes it to.)（然而，未来永远不会按照想象的方式到来。）

DP-12Griffin has made its decision in regard to our arrangements.格里芬对我们的安排下来了。

(DP-12 looks at the finalized allocations, trying to organize her thoughts in the best way possible.)（DP-12看着最终的分配结果，对KSVK组织着自己的语言。）

DP-12We applied to NOMFA, but we've been assigned to a new corporation never heard of before.不是我们报过名的非军事管理局，是一家根本没听过的全新企业。

KSVKWhy? But we worked so hard...怎么会这样？明明我们那么努力……

DP-12Do you remember our scores, KSVK?还记得我们的成绩吗？KSVK。

KSVKWe were placed in the top batch.最优等的批次。

DP-12An organization capable of recruiting talented Dolls from Griffin is no ordinary entity.能从格里芬调走最优秀人形的组织，并不简单。

DP-12It's very likely that we have become part of some kind of "trade".我们很可能成为了某种“交易”的一部分。

KSVKCan't we stay?可以不去吗？

DP-12We no longer had the option to refuse, once we agreed to wait in Griffin for our arrangements.从我们接受安排的那一刻起，“拒绝”的选项便不存在了。

DP-12I've tried every means at my disposal to gather intel in the past few days, but we simply don't have enough clearance to find out what really happened to the Commander.这些日子，我尝试了很多办法去探听情报，但以我们的权限，根本无法知道指挥官到底经历了什么。

DP-12All the surface-level intel that we've gathered is lies that we'll never want to believe in. With that in mind...表面上获得的那些情报，又是我们都不愿相信的谎言。

(DP-12 grasps KSVK's hands tight, her eyes reigniting with determination and passion.)（DP-12握住了KSVK的手，眼中重新燃起了斗志。）

DP-12...This, too, is an opportunity, KSVK.所以，这也是一次机会，KSVK。

DP-12I prefer to find more ways to gather intel, rather than just sit idly.与其在这里被动地等待，我更希望能找到获取更多情报的途径。

DP-12Only by being needed do we gain the clearance to access and handle intel.只有被需要，才能拥有处理情报的权限。

(DP-12 looks straight into KSVK's eyes as she spells out her intent, word by word.)（DP-12直视着KSVK的双眼，一字一句地确认。）

DP-12Shall we make yet another promise?我们再次定下约定好吗？

DP-12Let us encourage each other, and never give up before we find the Commander's whereabouts.在找到指挥官的下落之前，相互鼓励，绝不放弃。

KSVKWe have not been abandoned... right, DP-12?DP-12……我们没有被抛弃，对吗？

DP-12Correct.是的。

(DP-12's answer is gentle yet firm. She blinks, then her voice shifts, teasing now to cut the tension.)（DP-12的回答温柔而坚定。她忽然俏皮地眨了眨眼，似乎想让气氛轻松一些。）

DP-12Haha, we'll have to give the Commander a bit of punishment once we find him.呵呵，等找到指挥官之后，要给指挥官一些小小的惩罚。

DP-12He made KSVK and me miss him for so long... Hmm, maybe we'll need to play a somewhat wicked prank on him.那个人让KSVK和我想念了那么久……唔，似乎需要一个稍微过分一点的恶作剧才行？

(KSVK finally relaxes after finding her long-awaited sense of security in DP-12.)（从DP-12身上找到久违的安全感后，KSVK紧绷的神经终于放松了一些。）

(She opens the pendant hanging on her chest and looks at the cherished photo within—a picture taken when the Commander was still with them. KSVK had specially invited the Commander and DP-12 to take this photo together.)（她打开胸前的挂坠，看着里面珍藏的照片，那是指挥官还在的时候，KSVK特地邀请指挥官和DP-12一起留下的相片。）

(The photo depicts DP-12 and the Commander around KSVK, bearing gentle, reassuring smiles.)（相片上，DP-12和指挥官站在她的两边，露出温柔又让人倍感安心的笑容。）

KSVKWe'll meet again, Commander.一定会再见面的，指挥官。

DP-12Let's take a new picture together when we see him again.等再次遇到指挥官的时候，我们拍一张新的照片吧。

DP-12He probably won't be wearing a Griffin uniform then. Should we prepare a set of clothing that fits his measurements?到时候应该不会再穿格里芬的制服了，要不要提前准备一件指挥官尺码的衣服呢？

DP-12What kind of outfit would you like to see the Commander in, KSVK?KSVK想看指挥官穿什么样的衣服？

DP-12You can request anything~任何衣服都可以哦~

KSVKPretty sure that the Commander won't agree to have his picture taken in a strange outfit.指挥官才不会答应穿奇怪的衣服拍照吧。

DP-12Then we'll first get him to agree to a picture with us. As for the outfit, leave it to me.让他先答应和我们拍照就好，至于穿什么衣服，就交给我吧。

(DP-12 and KSVK are soon plunged into a series of endless missions upon joining Mangi Security.)（DP-12和KSVK进入曼尼安保后，很快投入了持续不间断的任务之中。）

(Unlike what they experienced in Griffin, at Mangi Security they were treated like machines for high-intensity workloads.)（不同于在格里芬时的状态，在曼尼安保的工作之中，DP-12以及KSVK被当作了高强度执行工作的机械。）

(Unable to access high-level intelligence, unable to get close to any human commanders while constantly getting worn down by never-ending grunt work missions.)（无法接触到高层级的情报，无法靠近人类指挥官，每日在边缘的任务中被不断磨损。）

DP-12You're back, KSVK. How did today's mission go?你回来了，KSVK。今天的任务还顺利么？

KSVKI...我……

(KSVK walks through the cramped quarters of their employee dorm and sits down on the bed, burying her head in her hands.)（KSVK走到员工宿舍狭窄的床边坐下，闷闷地埋着头。）

(Sensing her emotions, DP-12 approaches KSVK and gently strokes her hair.)（察觉到了KSVK的情绪，DP-12靠近过来，温柔地抚摸着KSVK的头发。）

DP-12You're back earlier than I expected.回来的时间比预计要早呢。

DP-12Let me try to guess—the mission went smoothly, right?让我猜猜，KSVK今天的任务很顺利，对吗？

(KSVK nods, then starts to lean on DP-12's shoulder.)（KSVK点点头，轻轻靠上了DP-12的肩膀。）

KSVKThe enemy was just a group of mercenaries who hastily banded together. They weren't much of a threat.敌方只是一群临时集结的佣兵，根本没有作战能力。

KSVKThe mission... went smoothly.任务……很轻松。

DP-12If that's the case... did something else make KSVK sad?那么，是什么让KSVK这么不开心呢？

(DP-12 gently pats KSVK on her back, coaxing the downcast Doll to lean in closer.)（DP-12轻拍着KSVK的后背，让情绪低落的人形靠得更近了些。）

(It feels as if the weight of her frame is gradually being shared by the Doll next to her.)（素体重量仿佛渐渐被身旁的人形分担。）

(KSVK, leaning on DP-12's shoulder, slowly regains her strength.)（倚靠着DP-12肩膀的KSVK，似乎慢慢有了力气。）

KSVKDP-12, how long... do we have to do this?DP-12，你说，我们要做这样的任务……多久？

KSVKEvery day we listen to orders from above, fighting for them day after day without rest.每天只是听从上级命令，不断地作战、作战、作战。

KSVKWe're not allowed to ask anything unrelated to the mission, nor are we able to check on any data outside of our clearance level...不许过问任务以外的信息，也不得擅自查询权限外的任何数据……

KSVKIf this goes on... When will we find the Commander's whereabouts, if ever?这样下去，究竟要什么时候……才能找到指挥官的消息呢？

DP-12...……

(DP-12 gives her a reassuring smile.)（DP-12露出一抹安抚的微笑。）

(She fixes her warm gaze on KSVK as she gently pinches her cheeks.)（她温柔地注视着KSVK，轻轻捏了捏对方的脸颊。）

DP-12Don't worry. We'll manage to think of something as long as we keep enduring.不用担心，只要坚持下去，一定能有办法的。

KSVKBut it's been such a long time since we last saw the Commander...可是，我们已经很久很久，都没有见过指挥官了……

KSVKI really, really just want to see and talk to him again.我好想好想，再和指挥官见一面，说说话。

DP-12Mmm... that's true.嗯……也是。

(DP-12 falls into silence, deep in thought.)（DP-12若有所思地沉默片刻。）

(She then whips out a data cable, handing it to KSVK with a mischievous smile on her face.)（很快，她将一条数据连接线递给KSVK，露出一个有些俏皮的笑容。）

DP-12Try connecting to this.连上它试试吧。

KSVKWhat's this?这是什么？

(DP-12 offers no answer. She simply smiles as she connects her neural cloud to KSVK's data port.)（DP-12没有回答，只是微笑着将KSVK的数据端口与自己的心智相连。）

(An unexpected scene appears before KSVK—)（随后，一幅意想不到的图景，出现在KSVK眼前——）

(A cozy, homely looking little apartment.)（那是一间颇为居家的小小公寓。）

(The apartment is adorned with a complete set of furniture, all gently washed by the sands of time. A comforting, soft light spills from above, filling every nook and cranny of the room with warm illumination.)（家具一应俱全，带着使用了许久的、浅浅的岁月痕迹。柔和的灯光倾洒下来，照亮了房间的每一个角落。）

(In the center of the cozy-feeling room sits a certain silhouette familiar to the two Dolls. He rests on the sofa, flipping through a novel quietly.)（就在那温馨的房间正中，一个熟悉的人影正靠在沙发上，安静地翻阅着一本小说。）

(The silhouette seems to have heard them—he lifts his head and beams a comforting smile at the two Dolls who stepped through the door.)（似乎听到了二人的声音，那个人影抬起头，向着踏进门的二人露出一个安心的笑容。）

KSVK...!……！

DP-12Hehe~ Do you like it, KSVK?呵呵~KSVK还喜欢么？

DP-12This is a scene that I just managed to simulate within my neural cloud.这是我刚刚在心智中模拟出的场景。

(KSVK walks over to the nearby table in disbelief, then picks up the picture frame sitting on it.)（KSVK有些不可置信地走到一旁的桌边，拿起了桌上的相框。）

(As expected, the group photo depicting the two Dolls with the Commander rests within the picture frame.)（相框里放的，正是在格里芬时二人与指挥官合影的照片。）

(KSVK runs her fingers tenderly over the picture in a daze, looking at the vaguely ethereal silhouette on the sofa.)（轻抚着那张照片，KSVK怔怔地望向沙发上那个有些虚幻的身影。）

KSVKYeah... I like it!嗯、嗯……喜欢！

KSVKBeing able to gaze at the Commander's silhouette like this... makes me happy.能这样注视着指挥官的身影……很幸福。

DP-12Indeed. It helps, even if it's just a virtual simulation...嗯。就算是虚假的也好……

(DP-12 ruffles KSVK's hair, then gently squeezes her hand.)（DP-12揉了揉KSVK的头发，轻轻握住了她的手。）

DP-12Let's treat this place as our secret "home" from now on, okay?从今天开始，就把这个地方，当做我们秘密的“家”，好么？

DP-12Even though it only exists within our neural clouds for now...哪怕现在只存在于心智……

DP-12But one day, I say, one day... we'll turn it into our reality.但总有一天，总有一天我们会将它变为现实。

(KSVK clasps DP-12's hands tight, giving her a serious nod.)（紧握着DP-12的手，KSVK认真地点了点头。）

(DP-12 strokes KSVK's hair again, then looks back towards the sofa.)（DP-12揉揉KSVK的头发，随即再度望向沙发的方向。）

(Her eyes are filled with determination as she watches the soft light gently illuminate the silhouette.)（灯光柔和地照着沙发上的身影。DP-12的眼神逐渐坚定起来。）

DP-12Please wait for us, Commander. This... won't take long.指挥官，请等着我们吧。这一切……不会太久的。

(From that day on, DP-12 starts to work towards breaking out of their conundrum. She uses every opportunity to access intel at work to the fullest extent, searching for every possible trace regarding the Commander whenever she can.)（自那天起，为了打破二人的困局，DP-12开始利用工作中有权限梳理情报的机会，主动检索任何与指挥官有关的蛛丝马迹。）

(Till the day she sees a certain individual in a corridor within Mangi Security headquarters.)（直到某天，在曼尼安保总部的走廊里，她与一个身影擦肩而过。）

DP-12I once saw you in Griffin, ma'am.我曾在格里芬见过您。

(DP-12 stops in her tracks to strike up a conversation with the woman in front of her.)（DP-12停下脚步，对着面前的女性主动搭讪。）

(The young woman stops upon hearing that—she gestures for her entourage to go on before turning around to study the Doll that called her.)（领头的年轻女人闻声停下，她示意身后的随从先行离开，然后才转过身，审视着面前的人形。）

LentineWell then. What do you want from me?说吧，找我什么事。

DP-12Good day, Lady Lentine.您好，兰汀阁下。

LentineNo need to address me like that.不必称为我阁下。

(Lentine's tone carries a hint of annoyance. She stares at the unfamiliar Doll with a cold expression.)（兰汀的语气带着一丝不耐烦，她冷冷地逼视着这个陌生的人形。）

LentineWhen did you see me in Griffin?你什么时候在格里芬见过我？

DP-12I saw you at the memorial service for heroes of the Frankfurt Incident.法兰克福事件的英雄追悼会上，我见过您的身影。

LentineHa.呵。

(A derisive laugh escapes Lentine's lips.)（兰汀发出一声嗤笑。）

LentineAnd I was thinking who could have even remembered me—my employment at Griffin was brief.我还想我一共在格里芬供职了没多久，怎么会被记住。

LentineSo it was at such an unfortunate occasion.原来是这么晦气的场合。

LentineWhat did you want to tell me?找我想说什么？

DP-12According to what I know, most of your current subordinates are your companions, who followed you from Griffin and the PMC you served previously.据我所知，您目前的手下大多是从格里芬以及您之前供职的P.M.C.跟随您而来的同伴。

DP-12My owner...我的主人……

LentineIf you want me to help you find work for your owner, whom I do not know, then forget it.如果是想让我帮你那个不知名的主人安排工作，那就算了。

LentineSorry. I can't help anyone right now, as it stands.抱歉，现在我帮不了任何人。

LentineFar too many people have been coming to me for help, under the guise of being former colleagues.最近，打着同僚的名义找我的实在是太多了。

LentineSince your owner was able to enter Mangi Security, they should be able to do fine through hard work. What's going on that necessitates Dolls passing messages to me?既然你的主人能进曼尼安保，就让他自己努努力。让一个人形传话，算什么情况？

LentineEven if they're some sidelined logistics personnel, it's not like they won't have a place in Mangi Security. Finding where one belongs is never something that others should figure out for you.就算是边缘的后勤人员，在曼尼安保内也并非没有位置。找到自身该有的位置，从来都不是别人能帮忙解决的事情。

DP-12That is not the case. I simply wish to ask if you have ever seen my owner.并非如此，我只是想问您，是否曾经见过我的主人。

(DP-12 tells Lentine the Commander's name.)（DP-12向兰汀报出了指挥官的名讳。）

(The annoyance on Lentine's face instantly freezes—what replaces it is an expression that can only be described as complex. A long moment passes before a mocking arc forms at the corners of her mouth.)（兰汀脸上的不耐烦瞬间凝固，取而代之的是一种极为复杂的眼神，良久，她嘴角扯出一个讥讽的弧度。）

LentineAllow me to remind you that you belong to Mangi Security at the moment.容我提醒一下，目前，你的归属权隶属于曼尼安保。

LentineOr are all Griffin Dolls as loyal as you?还是说，格里芬的人形都像你这么忠诚的吗？

LentineThis is my first time encountering a Doll still passionately searching for their owner after their death.我还是第一次遇见主人死了之后，现在还深情寻找的人形。

DP-12The Commander is not dead.指挥官没死。

(DP-12's tone is as resolute as steel.)（DP-12的语气斩钉截铁。）

LentineThe official reports already stated that he died a hero...官方报告都已经说了，英勇献身……

DP-12I will not believe any "news" of the Commander's death till I see his body myself.在未见到指挥官的遗体前，我是不会相信指挥官的死讯的。

(DP-12 bows slightly, ending the conversation.)（DP-12微微欠身，结束了这场对话。）

DP-12My apologies for disturbing you. Thank you very much for telling me what you know.抱歉打扰您了，非常感谢您的告知。

Lentine(Oh? Did she get angry? I don't think it's just my imagination.)（哦？生气了吗？应该不是错觉。）

Lentine(That guy's Dolls... sure are interesting.)（那个人手下的人形……有趣。）

(Ten days later.)（十天后）

KSVKUh... is it really going to work? Ten days have passed without any sign of a new posting order.唔……这样有用吗？已经过去十天了，完全没有新的调令。

KSVKWould that person named Lentine actually try to help us?那个叫兰汀的人，真的会帮我们吗？

DP-12She will. When I used the clearance of a Mangi Security employee to look into some data and intel, I found out that she was also looking for the Commander's whereabouts in private.会的，在我利用曼尼安保成员权限查询数据情报时，发现她也在私下查询指挥官的相关情报。

DP-12She did try to clear her search history... but that isn't enough to hide it from me.虽然她有清除搜索记录，但……瞒不了我。

KSVKThose who are looking for the Commander might be enemies, though.追踪指挥官的也有可能是敌人啊。

DP-12I had a look at her CV in Mangi Security.我看过她在曼尼安保内的履历。

DP-12If she really is an enemy, transferring to Griffin from her PMC would have been completely unnecessary. Not only that, there would be no reason for her to look into the Commander's whereabouts, using Mangi Security's capabilities after the announcement of his death.如果是敌人，她完全没必要从别的P.M.C.转到格里芬，更没有必要在指挥官死后，仍然动用曼尼安保的权力搜寻指挥官的线索。

KSVKSo... she's someone who admires the Commander?所以，她是仰慕指挥官的人？

DP-12Hehe~ We can't be sure yet~哼哼~目前还不能确定呢~

KSVKAh, we have a new work assignment.啊，新的工作来了。

KSVKThe Commander for this mission is—Lentine?!本次任务的指挥官是——兰汀？！

DP-12Yeah. Our ownership information has changed as well.嗯，我们的所属权限归属也改变了。

KSVKCarmen Ignacio... that's not Lentine.卡门·伊格纳西奥……不是兰汀啊。

DP-12Carmen Ignacio is one of Mangi Security's founders. A core figure within Mangi Security's management.卡门·伊格纳西奥是曼尼安保的创始人之一，管理层的核心人物。

DP-12If we can gain Carmen's trust and the use of her clearance level, we'll be able to gather more intel.如果我们能获取卡门的信任，获取她的权限后，将能够得到更多的情报。

DP-12The Commander's reputation is a lot more useful than I thought~ Haha, this does make me feel somewhat conflicted.指挥官的情面比想象中的更有用呢，呵呵，真让我心情复杂。

DP-12Thank you very much for your help. KSVK and I will do our best to cooperate with you in your endeavors.非常感谢您的帮助，我和KSVK将会全力配合您的工作。

LentineThing is, what I want is not mere cooperation. I want true collaboration.可我要的不仅是配合，而是真正意义上的深度合作。

(Lentine knows well that she has no factions to lean on in the Mangi Security of today.)（兰汀清楚的知道，在目前的曼尼安保之内，她并无可以依靠的任何势力。）

(Instead of passively waiting for some top brass to extend an olive branch to her, it would be better to utilize all available resources to gather intel and grasp all that is happening within Mangi Security.)（与其被动的等待某些高层向她抛出橄榄枝。倒不如，利用一切可以使用的资源，获取情报，看清曼尼安保内部的局势。）

(The Doll in front of her has no previous connection to her. She'll become an excellent pawn if used well.)（眼前的人形过往和她并无交集，若是能利用好，无疑能成为优秀的棋子。）

LentineI'm sure you know who Carmen Ignacio is.你应该知道卡门·伊格纳西奥的身份。

DP-12Of course. KSVK and I have been transferred under her ownership, but we've never seen her before.当然。我和KSVK虽然目前权限归属到了她的名下，但从未见过她。

LentineShe once served as a security consultant for Cecht FABN. It's rumored that she has connections in the military.她曾经担任过赛诺菲与法本集团的安全顾问，据说背后有军方的人脉。

DP-12Is that why you transferred me over to her? Was it to access intel restricted to Mangi Security's top brass through me?所以您将我调到她的旗下，是为了通过我获得曼尼安保高层的情报？

LentineThe top brass favors using Doll machines like you instead of humans.相比人类，高层更愿意利用你们这样的人形机器。

LentineOnly capable of following orders, yet easily disposable at any moment when necessary.只会听从命令工作，必要时随时能够舍弃。

DP-12This hardly sounds like praise.这算不上“夸奖”。

LentineI will help make your wish come true—which is to find that guy's whereabouts.我会帮你完成你的愿望，找到那个人的线索。

LentineBut once you do find that out, tell me everything you've gathered about him.但在你找到那个人的下落之后，也要把那个人的情报告诉我。

LentineI want to meet him.我想见那个人一面。

DP-12Pardon me for asking this, but... are you an admirer of the Commander?恕我冒昧，您……是指挥官的仰慕者吗？

(Lentine frowns upon hearing those words. An expression of clear disgust takes over her face.)（DP-12问出这句话后，兰汀瞬间皱起了眉，露出了一个明显嫌恶的表情。）

LentineHah—?哈——？

DP-12My apologies. I've stepped out of line.抱歉，是我失礼了。

DP-12It's just that I received so much help from you that it makes me worry a little. I couldn't help but overthink things.只是您帮我了这么多，让我有些惶恐，难免多想。

LentineYou're Mangi Security's best intel processing Doll. Carmen Ignacio needs you. That's all.你是曼尼安保最擅长情报处理的人形，卡门·伊格纳西奥会需要你，仅此而已。

LentineAs for the Commander that you mentioned... I once regarded him as a rival to surpass before I joined Griffin.至于你口中的那位指挥官……在进入格里芬之前，我曾将那个人视为要超越的对手。

LentineI'm not you, but I don't want someone like that to die such a trivial death either. It'd make me look like some kind of third-rate weakling next to him.我也不愿看着那样的人随随便便地死了，倒是把我衬得像个不入流的弱者。

DP-12A rival to surpass?需要超越的对手吗？

DP-12That... is an interesting dynamic.真是……有趣的关系。

DP-12I think the Commander would love to meet you.我想指挥官会很乐意和您会面。

(Lentine shoots DP-12 a glare, somewhat displeased.)（兰汀瞪了DP-12一眼，有些不悦。）

LentineYou... you're just looking forward to seeing some kind of spectacle, huh? Aren't you scared that I'll attack him right away when I see him?你……完全是想着看好戏吧，就不怕我和那个人见面之后直接动手？

DP-12Well, from what I know about the Commander... I think you two might actually get along, in certain ways.以我对指挥官的了解……也许你们会在某些方面很合得来哦？

LentineShut it. No one but me would ever willingly request intel support Dolls.少废话，除了我之外，没人会主动申请情报辅助人形。

LentineIf you want to leave Mangi Security to go out on field assignments to gather more intel, you'll definitely need my help.你想要离开曼尼安保，外出执行任务获取更多情报，就一定需要我的帮助。

LentineThis is a collaboration that can only happen between you and me. You won't find a more suitable collaborator than me. I hope you can see that.这是仅限于你我的合作，除了我之外，你不会有更合适的合作对象，希望你明白。

DP-12Yes, I shall keep that firmly in mind.是，我将谨记于心。

(DP-12 and KSVK received numerous field assignments after temporarily joining Lentine's team.)（DP-12和杜莎妮短暂加入兰汀的队伍后，陆续接到了不少外派的工作。）

(Most of the assignments involved escorting the Conglomerate's top brass within the Green and White Zones. They complete the missions without any fuss and collect intel when they can. Everything seemed to be going smoothly in a productive direction.)（其中，有一大部分的工作是负责白区以及绿区财团高层的护卫。安静地完成任务、适当收集情报，一切似乎都在往好的方向发展。）

(Until that fateful day—)（直到那一天——）

DP-12KSVK did nothing wrong! Why does she have to be decommissioned just because of a complaint from the client?!KSVK没做错任何事情！怎么会因为任务委托方的投诉就要被废弃？！

(DP-12 loses her usual calm for the first time in front of Lentine.)（DP-12素来平静的声音第一次在兰汀面前失控。）

LentineThe approval processes are almost all complete. I'm simply informing you of the current situation. Neither you nor I have any power to interfere with any part of the process.审批流程已经快走完了。我只是告知你目前的情况，你和我均无权干涉整个过程。

DP-12Sorry, but please tell me their reason for doing this, no matter what.抱歉，无论如何，请告知我对方的申请理由。

Lentine"The frame model KSVK was deemed unsuitable for use in security duties during an ongoing mission. In order to safeguard information security for the client, we request that the neural cloud to be wiped and for the frame to be decommissioned."“素体型号KSVK，在任务中被判定为不适合执行安保任务。为确保委托方信息安全，申请执行心智清理以及素体废弃。”

LentineIt's a request from the client. That's all.任务委托方的要求，仅此而已。

DP-12...I cannot accept this.……我无法接受。

LentineI've told you this before. Be careful and prudent. Do not overstep your bounds.我和你说过，小心、谨慎，不要轻易过界。

LentineThe two of you have been working very closely with the core of the Conglomerate. While this provides you with great intel gathering opportunities, you're also more likely to be discovered acquiring information that you shouldn't possess.你们的工作离财团很近，能获得一手情报的同时，也更有可能被发现听到不该听的情报。

LentineLooks like she heard something that she shouldn't have heard, ahead of you.看来，她比你更快地听到了一些不该听到的东西。

DP-12KSVK likely has a pre-mission neural cloud backup. If they just want to destroy her current frame, then I might still be able to...KSVK在出任务前应该保有心智备份，如果只是摧毁她现在的素体，以我的能力还有可能将她的……

LentineThey completely destroyed KSVK's backup within Mangi Security the moment the relevant procedures passed.审批手续这部分通过的那一刻，KSVK在曼尼安保之内的备份心智就被彻底销毁了。

(The revelation slams squarely into DP-12's heart like a heavy hammer.)（这句话像一柄重锤，狠狠地砸在DP-12的心上。）

DP-12Where is she now?她现在在哪？

(DP-12's voice is as cold as ice.)（DP-12的声音冷得像冰。）

LentineDon't you get it? I was able to learn about this BECAUSE her neural cloud backup got erased.还不明白吗？我会知道这件事本身就是因为她的心智存档被清除了。

LentineHer secondment to my team was also brought to an end.并且，我和她之间的借调工作也已经停止。

DP-12Give me KSVK's current location.给我KSVK目前的位置。

LentineI have no reason to do that.我没有理由给你。

DP-12You still need me, don't you?你还需要我，不是吗？

(DP-12 walks up to Lentine with her voice lowered. A smile is worn on her face, but it does not reach her eyes.)（DP-12走到兰汀的身边，压低了声线，她看似轻柔地微笑，笑意却不达眼底。）

(The sheer proximity makes Lentine instinctively place her hand on her weapon.)（过于贴近的距离，已经让兰汀下意识将手放在武器之上。）

(But eventually, she decides to withdraw her hand.)（但最终，兰汀收回了手。）

LentineFine. Calm down. I understand how important your companion is to you.好了，冷静些。我理解你对同伴的重视。

LentineI'm also rather interested in what KSVK actually heard. What made the Conglomerate want to wipe her neural cloud and decommission her entirely?我也很好奇，KSVK究竟听到了什么，才会导致财团清洗她的心智，并且决定废弃该型号。

DP-12I'll tell you what I know once I rescue her.救下她后，我会将情报共享给你。

LentineGood choice.正确的选择。

LentineSent you the coordinates. Let me remind you that if you still want to find that beloved Commander of yours, you better not rush in unprepared.坐标已经发给你了，提醒一下，如果你还想找你心里念念不忘的指挥官，就不该贸然闯进去。

LentineYou still need your job at Mangi Security for gathering intel, don't you?你还需要曼尼安保的工作，用来搜集情报，不是吗？

DP-12Yes. But KSVK has been uncontactable for more than 20 hours since the start of the mission. I'm heading off to retrieve her frame.是的。但KSVK在执行任务的过程中已经失联超过二十小时，我将前去回收她的素体。

DP-12Don't worry. I won't bring you trouble. I will always put our collaboration first.请放心，我不会给您带来麻烦。我始终记得，我们之间的合作。

LentineYou better hurry. This excuse only works before their approval process completes.抓紧时间，这个借口得在审批完全通过之前，才有效。

(An empty research lab greets the eyes. KSVK lies bound to the ice-cold workbench. Not long ago, she accidentally overheard part of her client's conversation while escorting the Conglomerate's top brass.)（空旷的研究室中，KSVK被束缚在冰冷的工作台上。不久前，她在执行财团高层的护卫工作中，意外听到了委托人的部分谈话内容。）

(When they discovered that she overheard them, they made strange expressions before ordering her to head to this location and await further instructions.)（对方在发现她之后，神色微妙，随即要求她前往这个地方等待工作人员下一步安排。）

(All her access permissions have been disabled. Even attempts to communicate with the outside world get denied.)（所有权限都被禁用，连对外通信也都被拒绝。）

KSVK(Oh no. Are they going to wipe my neural cloud?)（糟糕，现在的情况是要清洗我的心智吗？）

KSVK(My last backup was quite a long time ago... never mind. I'm happy as long as I don't forget the Commander and DP-12... Helen. The intel...? Helen could probably make use of it if she knew about it.)（上一次备份心智，已经过了很久……算了，只要不忘记指挥官和DP-12……海伦就好，情报……如果海伦知道的话，应该能派上用处。）

KSVK(I have to resist the wipe... if only Helen were here with me.)（抵御心智清洗……如果海伦在我的身边就好了。）

Unfamiliar WorkerMangi Security has approved the procedure on their side. We can go ahead with the wipe now.曼尼安保那边已经通过程序申请，可以执行心智清洗了。

Another Unfamiliar WorkerNo need. Just decommission her entirely.直接废弃处理就可以。

KSVK(Decommission?! It's not about erasing part of my neural cloud, but disposing of me entirely?!)（废弃？！不是单纯的清理部分心智，而是废弃？！）

KSVKLet go of me!放开我！

(KSVK starts struggling against her bonds on the lab workbench, but the staff nearby immediately presses start on the neural cloud wipe program.)（实验台上的KSVK疯狂地挣扎起来，但身旁的工作人员随即开始了心智清理程序。）

(Alien code invades KSVK's Level II, tearing at her memories.)（KSVK的二级平层遭到了代码的入侵，陌生的代码撕扯着她的记忆。）

(An alarm suddenly sounds in the wide, empty room. The room confining her is blown open all of a sudden—a figure slowly emerges from the billowing smoke and dust.)（就在这时，空旷的房间内忽然响起警报声。困住她的房间忽然被炸开，烟尘之中，缓慢走出了一个身影。）

DP-12Executing mission number 8736: Retrieving the frame of missing Doll KSVK.正在执行编号第8736号任务，回收失踪人形KSVK素体。

Unfamiliar WorkerA Mangi Security Doll?! Don't you know that KSVK has been ordered to undergo a complete wipe of the neural cloud before it is decommissioned?曼尼安保的人形？！你不知道KSVK被要求彻底清洗心智，随后废弃吗？

DP-12My apologies. I have not received any info on the task you mentioned.抱歉，未接到您提到的相关任务。

DP-12Doll ID KSVK has been uncontactable for over 24 hours. Currently executing retrieval mission.人形编号KSVK已失联超过24小时，正在执行回收任务。

DP-12Any act of resistance from those present will be regarded as provocation against Mangi Security.诸位的抵抗行为，将被视为对曼尼安保的挑衅。

Unfamiliar WorkerWe've been waiting for more than half a day for Mangi Security to approve this wipe!等曼尼安保清理心智的审批流程，让我们等了大半天！

Unfamiliar WorkerIt's all because of how sluggish your work processes are!还不是因为你们的流程太慢！

Another Unfamiliar WorkerIgnore her. Prioritize the neural cloud wipe.别管她了，优先执行心智清理程序。

(The staff member responsible for the wipe quickly returns to typing on his keyboard. DP-12 bolts towards him, then sends him flying.)（负责清洗心智的工作人员快速在键盘上操作，DP-12冲到对方身边，将他击飞。）

(The code is already running. KSVK writhes in agony on the workbench. DP-12 quickly dashes to the console to try and halt the neural cloud wipe.)（代码已经开始运行，操作台上的杜莎妮痛苦地挣扎，DP-12快速走到仪器旁操作，试图暂停心智清洗的进程。）

DushevnayaHelen, data is disappearing from my Level II.海伦，我二级平层的数据在丢失。

DP-12It's all right now. I'll protect you.已经没事了，我会保护好你的。

(The program cannot be fully stopped... the damage from the wipe is irreversible. DP-12 rushes to KSVK's side, frees her from the restraints, and hugs her tightly.)（程序无法全部停止……心智清洗的伤害已经无法挽回，DP-12跑到KSVK身旁，将她从束缚床上救下，紧紧抱住了她。）

(But... it's all too late.)（但，似乎一切都有些晚了。）

Dushevnaya...Something... about seats... limiting the numbers... something met a target... I think it was important intel, but I didn't manage to catch... the start of it.席位……控制数量……达到预期…………应该是很重要的情报，但我，最开始没有听清。

DP-12It's okay, KSVK... it's okay.没事的，KSVK……没事的。

DushevnayaI... I only went there... because I wanted to look for gaps... in security.我……我只是为了确认安保漏洞，才会去那个地方。

(KSVK rests in DP-12's embrace. The eyes that once flashed with a defiant glow now take on a dazed and hollow look. Her speech has become broken and disjointed.)（KSVK依偎在DP-12的怀里，那双曾经闪烁着倔强光芒的眼睛，此刻却变得有些空洞和茫然，说话也变得断断续续。）

KSVKI...I... Don't want to... forget the Commander and... DP-12.我……我……不想忘掉……指挥官还有……DP-12。

(KSVK instinctively raises her hand in an attempt to touch DP-12. But her fingertips stop mid-air, unsure of who the person in front of her is.)（KSVK下意识地抬起手，似乎想触摸DP-12，但指尖却停在了半空中，仿佛不确定眼前的人是谁。）

(Finally, her arm loses all strength, falling on the pendant that never leaves the front of her chest.)（最终，人形的手无力地垂下，碰到了胸前不曾离身的挂坠。）

(The pendant's cover springs open, revealing the weathered group photo.)（挂坠的盖子弹开了，露出那张已经有些褪色的合影。）

(The white-haired Doll watches the three individuals in the photo, her eyes no longer bearing any of the emotion she once felt towards it.)（白色头发的人形看着挂坠里的合影，眼神中却没有了曾经的波澜。）

DP-12...……

(Gazing at the Doll's calm, glassy eyes, DP-12 slightly lowers her head, clenching her fist in silence.)（凝视着人形平静无波的眼睛，DP-12微微垂下了眼，无声地捏紧了双拳。）

(A moment passes. Her hands gently reach out and take away the photo from the pendant.)（片刻后，她轻轻伸出手，取走了那张合影。）

(The disheveled staff members who were sent flying cower in the lab's corners. They scream loudly, claiming that other staff are on the way. They threaten DP-12, telling her to surrender.)（研究室中，被击飞的工作人员始终狼狈地躲在角落。他们大声呼喊着，声称支援的工作人员已经在赶来的路上，威胁DP-12束手就擒。）

(DP-12 picks up KSVK in her arms, passing them with a sorrowful expression on her face, ignoring their shouts and orders altogether.)（DP-12将KSVK抱起，面露哀伤地从他们面前经过，全然不顾那些命令与咒骂。）

Neural Labyrinth 心智迷宫

(The preliminary processing of Dushevnaya's chaotic neural cloud is finally complete, thanks to Mayling and Dandelion's hard work. What follows is a neural cloud backup to the Elmo's servers after a sorting process.)（在美玲和丹德莱的协助下，杜莎妮混乱的心智空间被初步梳理完毕，在经过整理后也作为心智备份上传到了艾莫号的云端机房。）

MaylingNote that these are just the neural records that we can back up in her "current" state.这只是杜莎妮“目前”状态下能存储的心智记录。

(Mayling breathes a sigh of relief when the progress bar for the backup reaches 100 percent.)（美玲看着备份的进度条走完，终于松了一口气。）

MaylingBut now that we have this backup, I can perform deep neural cloud processing for her with greater peace of mind.但有了这份心智备份，我就可以更放心地对她的心智空间进行深度梳理了。

DushevnayaSuomi, Balthilde.索米，巴希达。

(Dushevnaya suddenly turns to the two companions by her side, eyes filled with determination.)（杜莎妮突然转向身旁的两位同伴，眼神坚定。）

DushevnayaOnce we receive the coordinates that Mangi Security sends me for the retrieval, I'm planning to go back to search for DP-12's whereabouts.等拿到曼尼安保回收我的坐标之后，我打算回去，调查DP-12的下落。

DushevnayaThat familiar voice might belong to the companion I searched so long for.那个熟悉的声音，也许就是我在一直追寻的同伴。

SuomiNo way! It's too dangerous for you to go alone!不行，你独自去太危险了！

DushevnayaA hero fears not the peril that lines their path.勇者从来不会畏惧前路的艰辛。

DushevnayaEven if they wipe my neural cloud, I have the resurrection enchantment that the Great Healer cast on me.就算回到曼尼安保之后被清洗心智，我也有治疗师为我施加复活咒语。

BalthildeThen I'll go with you. That way, you'll at least have someone watching your back.那我陪你一起去，至少有个照应。

BalthildeWe're planning to find the reasons behind Mangi targeting us anyway. Why don't we take this chance to sneak in and help solve one of Chief's problems?反正本来就要弄清楚曼尼安保盯上我们的理由，还不如趁这个机会潜入进去，也算提前帮首领解决一个麻烦。

SuomiThen I'm going too! There's no way Dushevnaya and Balthilde can win against Mangi by themselves.那我也一起！只有杜莎妮和巴希达，根本没办法打赢他们。

BalthildeNo, Suomi. You have to stay.不行，索米你要留下。

BalthildeGiven our current combat strength, we must be prepared for a trip of no return going into Mangi Security.以现在的战力，进入曼尼安保就必须做好回不来的准备。

BalthildeWe have to leave someone behind so that the supplies can be brought back to the Doll Community.我们至少要留一个人，把物资带回社区。

SuomiBut...但是……

BalthildeRosalind and I do most of the Doll Community's repair work. My frame is just a basic civilian model that can be easily replaced.人形社区绝大部分的修理工作都是由我和罗莎琳完成，而我的素体是最普通的民用型号，随时可以找到替代品。

BalthildeDushevnaya will need me there, be it to watch her back or to deal with any sudden tech issues.无论是确认杜莎妮在敌后的安全，还是应对突发的技术问题，都需要我。

BalthildeWhat the Community needs most right now is Dolls with high combat strength.现在社区最需要的是有作战能力的人形。

BalthildeIf I'm the only one who goes with Dushevnaya, our success rate increases while still preserving precious combat manpower for the Doll Community.由我去，这场任务将更有胜算，也不会浪费社区宝贵的战力。

(Now seemingly free of any intention of changing her mind, Balthilde pats Suomi on the shoulder.)（似乎已经不再打算改变决定，巴希达拍了拍索米的肩。）

(Dushevnaya, too, gives the two Dolls what she believes to be a cool, knightly salute.)（杜莎妮也面对二人行了一个自认帅气的骑士礼。）

DushevnayaRest assured that you can leave everything to me, my brave companions.勇敢的伙伴们，请放心交给我。

MaylingThen... bring a tracking device, at least! We'll be able to check your real-time coordinates this way!那、至少带上追踪装置吧！这样我们能实时知晓你们的坐标！

(Mayling takes out two hidden snap buttons from a toolbox and gives them to the two Dolls.)（美玲从工具箱里掏出了两个小小的暗扣，塞进二人手中。）

MaylingBoth of you have backups now. You can now go on your missions at ease, knowing there's a new frame waiting for you in the worst case scenario.你们心智备份都在，只要有新的素体就可以放心出任务。

MaylingBut remember, it's fine to retreat if you run into something really dangerous! Don't push yourselves, okay?不过要是遇到特别危险的情况，及时撤退也是可以的！千万不要勉强哦！

MaylingIf you don't cherish your frames just because we have replacements, I have the right to refuse repairing you!如果因此就不珍惜素体的话，我有权拒绝维修工作！

CommanderI'll send out a squad to back you guys up when the time comes.届时我会派小队接应你们。

CommanderBackup frames for Dushevnaya and Balthilde can be found in the Elmo's parts inventory.杜莎妮和巴希达的备用素体，也可以在艾莫号的零件库中寻找。

BalthildeTwo brand-new frames...? That must be expensive.两具全新素体的价格……不是个小数目吧。

BalthildeI'm fine with using old, worn out civilian frames. The Doll Community has few Collapse crystals to spare.我用破旧的民用素体就可以，人形社区的储备金只有部分坍塌结晶。

BalthildeI don't think we have enough to buy two brand-new frames.那点数量应该不够用来购买两具全新的素体。

MaylingThat's okay. Suomi's friends are our friends, right, Commander?没关系，索米的朋友就是艾莫号的朋友，对吧，指挥官？

CommanderYep. If you really feel guilty about it, feel free to help out with our work aboard the Elmo to pay us back.嗯。实在介意的话，你们可以用协助艾莫号的工作来作为补偿。

CommanderThe Elmo is staffed with many Dolls, yet we still have all sorts of troublesome chores to take care of.艾莫号上人形虽然很多，但是各种麻烦的杂务可不少。

CommanderMayling will appreciate another helping hand in her mechanic work, at the very least.至少美玲会很欢迎多一位机械师帮手的，不是吗？

MaylingYeah! Maybe I'll no longer have to burn the midnight oil all the time if I have help from Balthilde!嗯嗯！有巴希达帮忙的话，说不定就不用总是通宵了吧……

SuomiI... I'll help Miss Mayling in her work too, then!那我、我也来帮忙，分担美玲小姐的工作！

SuomiNo, wait. I'll help whoever needs help on the Elmo, not just Miss Mayling!不对，不只是美玲小姐，大家还有什么需要，我都会帮忙的！

MechtyAwesome... Then I'll leave all my future work to you guys from the Doll Community!太好了，那以后的工作就可以全部交给人形社区的大家了吧！

MechtyI'll be counting on you guys to handle everything I do for 404. Well then, I'm gonna just... Zzz...404的工作就万事拜托了。我也可以先Zzz……

MechtyUwah...! Ow ow ow... Why are you hammering me, Klukai? They're the ones who offered to help.呜哇……！疼疼疼，干嘛锤我呀可露凯，明明是她们愿意帮忙的。

KlukaiHmph. Don't forget, 404's responsibility is to deal with anything that tails the Commander.哼，别忘了，404还要处理可能跟上指挥官的“尾巴”。

KlukaiAnd after that, we still have to search the Paradeus bases for the nutrient solution. That's not something they can help you out with.接下来，还要搜寻据点找营养液，这些事她们可代劳不了。

MechtyUweh... You didn't have to burst my bubble so quickly, you know...呜呃……不要这么快戳破我的美梦嘛……

MechtyThe Elmo's been bouncing around the Yellow Zone like a migrating Obshare for the past few days, all just to evade pursuers... It's been a long time since my last decent nap...为了躲避追踪，艾莫号这几天的行驶轨迹就像迁徙期四处乱窜的曜石兔一样，我都好久没能好好睡觉了诶……

SuomiEh...? Commander? ...Is the Elmo currently trying to evade pursuit?诶……？指挥官，艾莫号……是在躲避追踪吗？

CommanderLong story, but in short, we currently are indeed trying to find a safe rest stop.说来话长。不过，现在我们的确在寻找适合短期落脚的安全区域。

SuomiT-then maybe the Doll Community could help.那、那或许人形社区能帮上忙。

(Suomi sits up straight, as if she just remembered something.)（索米似乎想起了什么，认真地坐直了身。）

SuomiOur Doll Community used to explore some relatively secluded places in search of companions and resources, documenting the conditions of each in every expedition. Maybe one of them will suit your needs as a rest stop!人形社区曾经为了寻找同伴和资源，在黄区探索过不少隐秘的区域，每次探索都会记录附近的具体情况。也许，这些区域里会有适合指挥官临时落脚的地方！

SuomiThis is considered internal intel though. I can't share it without permission, so I'll have to go back and ask Big Sis first...不过，这是属于社区的内部情报，我不能擅自分享，要先回去问问姐姐……

SuomiDon't worry, Commander. Big Sis will definitely approve of it since you helped us!不过指挥官不用担心，知道你帮助了大家，姐姐一定会同意的！

CommanderSounds good. I'm counting on you, Suomi.好，那就拜托索米了。

(Suomi and the others quickly finish discussing their infiltration plan for Mangi Security. Right before they depart, Mayling approaches Balthilde, insisting on giving her a frame checkup like what she did for the others.)（很快，索米几人商议好了潜入曼尼安保的行动，但出发前，美玲坚持要为巴希达也检查一遍素体。）

(Dushevnaya and I go to the Elmo's rooftop helipad as we wait for Balthilde to be serviced.)（等待检修的时间，我和杜莎妮一起来到了车顶的停机平台上。）

(She gazes into the distance in silence. Billowing dust obscures the horizon, making it as blurry as our unknown, swaying fate.)（杜莎妮安静地望向远处。飞扬的尘埃遮蔽了地平线，仿佛未知的命运也沉浮于其中。）

DushevnayaCommander, dost thou believe in fate's guiding hand?指挥官，你相信命运的指引吗？

(Dushevnaya speaks softly without turning to face me.)（杜莎妮没有回头，只是轻声地问我。）

DushevnayaEven stars, far apart as some might be, will eventually intersect in the sky one day.就算相距很远，两颗星星也终究会有交汇的那一天。

CommanderFate, huh?命运吗？

DushevnayaThe moment I remembered the name of DP-12, I felt a call from realms unknown.从想起DP12这名字的那一刻起，我就感受到了冥冥之中的召唤。

DushevnayaThat call entranced me once more as I saw thee—my past voyages are but a blur to me, yet I knew that you were an important figure in my life.就像是和指挥官相遇一样，虽然我记不清过往的记忆，不过，指挥官应该是我非常重要的人。

DushevnayaYour name is engraved in the depths of my memory, somewhere.你的名字被烙印在了我的记忆深处。

(Dushevnaya turns to face me, her crystal-clear eyes fixed intently on mine.)（杜莎妮转过头，清澈的双眸直视着我。）

DushevnayaSo... couldst thou share some tales... about our time in Griffin?所以……能告诉我一些，关于格里芬的事吗？

(Memories of a distant past surge back into my mind, unearthed. The first to surface, unfortunately, are memories of all the political power struggles that I detest the most.)（一瞬间，过往的记忆浮上心头。最先想到的，却是那些让我厌恶至极的政治斗争。）

(I let out a long sigh on instinct, to suppress the negative thoughts.)（我长叹一口气，下意识地压下那些负面的想法。）

(Those in power remained in power despite Griffin's restructuring. They merely shifted from a decadent system into another complex, colossal monstrosity.)（即便格里芬解散重组，但掌权的那群人从未改变。不过是从一个迂腐的体系，变成另外一个更为复杂的庞然巨兽罢了。）

DushevnayaCommander? Were you unhappy in Griffin?指挥官，在格里芬过得不开心吗？

CommanderI wouldn't put it that way.并不是。

(I shake my head to throw off my extraneous thoughts, allowing my voice to take on a more relaxed tone.)（我摇了摇头，将多余的想法甩出脑海，也让语气变得轻松了一些。）

CommanderI had many good memories from my time in Griffin. It's just that... my companions from back then—I managed to reunite with some of them, yet some others... have become estranged.我在格里芬有很多美好的回忆。只是过去太久，昔日的同伴，有些能够成功再度相会，而有些……已经形同陌路了。

DushevnayaWhich is worse: to never see a journey's end, or former friends as foes?看不见的旅途终点，和曾经的同路人变成敌人，哪一种更糟糕？

(Dushevnaya tilts her head. Seemingly remembering something, her expression turns alarmed.)（杜莎妮歪着头，忽然想到了什么，表情变得惊慌起来。）

DushevnayaOh no! I think I know what the worst-case scenario is!不好，我想到了最绝望的情况！

DushevnayaMangi Security is your enemy, right? Could it be... that I'm actually a fated enemy of the Commander?曼尼安保是敌人对吧，难道……吾与指挥官其实是宿命之敌？！

DushevnayaAh, destiny has gone awry—A chaotic conclusion—错轨的命运——纷乱的结局——

CommanderNo need to overthink it.不用胡思乱想。

(I interrupt her wild rambling with a lighthearted laugh.)（我轻笑着打断了杜莎妮的自由发挥。）

CommanderWe're companions. The same goes for DP-12, of course.我们是同伴，当然，DP-12也是。

(I look toward the faraway skies, then sit down with Dushevnaya. We watch the sunset on the horizon together.)（我看着远方的天空，在杜莎妮身旁坐下，与她一同眺望着地平线上的夕阳。）

CommanderThe march of time has changed things in ways I never anticipated... no, perhaps I ought to have known.时局的变化是我未曾预料的……不，也许我早该清楚了。

CommanderWe were already pawns in Griffin, after all.在格里芬时，我们本来就只是棋子。

CommanderHelp me ask DP-12 when we find her...等找到DP-12的时候帮我问问她吧……

(But... what should I even ask her?)（可是……要问什么呢？）

(Ask her... what happened in the past decade...? And... if she's still willing to return to my side?)（问她……过去经历了什么，现在……是否还愿意回到我的身边？）

(That sounds rather conceited of me.)（这个想法，听上去任性至极。）

(Springfield and the others have been following a tacit agreement the past few years—to forget the bad of the past decade as much as possible.)（这些年，无论是春田还是别的同伴，都默契地将过去十年的经历尽量忘却。）

(If only we could return to the social atmosphere we had in Griffin... That would be the best.)（如果能回到格里芬时和大家相处的氛围，也许是最好的情况吧。）

DushevnayaSure!嗯！

(Dushevnaya gives me a spirited nod, pulling me back to reality.)（杜莎妮用力点了点头，将我的思绪拉回现实。）

DushevnayaWe'll absolutely meet DP-12 again! Because stars will always reunite eventually!绝对会和DP-12再度相遇的！因为，两颗星终究会再次相会！

(Dushevnaya shines under the glow of the setting sun, her smile imbued with radiant, warm innocence.)（太阳的余晖照在杜莎妮的身上，她的笑容显得无比纯粹而温暖。）

HelenCommander, KSVK, I'm back~我回来了哦~指挥官、KSVK。

(Helen's voice rings out in the cozy-feeling room. As usual, she returns home after a day of work, a bag of recently purchased dinner ingredients in tow.)（海伦的声音在温馨的房间里响起。她提着刚买好的晚餐材料，如往常一样，结束了一天的工作回到家中。）

(The soft lighting illuminates the Commander, who quietly sits on the sofa holding a book. Hearing DP-12, he looks up, flashing her a comforting smile.)（柔和的灯光下，指挥官正在沙发上安静地翻阅着一本小说，听到声音，指挥官抬起头，露出了一个让她安心的笑容。）

(As for KSVK, she has perched herself on the coffee table, a silly smile adorning her face as she stares into the picture frame. Hearing DP-12 enter, she pounces into her embrace, eager to be spoiled.)（KSVK则趴在茶几上，正在看着相框里的照片傻笑，听到她进门的声音，KSVK扑进她的怀里撒娇。）

(This sense of comfort feels just right.)（一切温暖得恰到好处。）

(Helen hums as she unpacks her groceries with practiced motions. Today is yet another day for her to cook her signature dish again—one special dish, refined through countless experiments. The ingredients she bought today, too, are top notch, that's right—)（海伦哼着歌，熟练地将购买的蔬菜从袋子里拿出。今天又要做拿手的料理了，这可是经过无数次试验做出来的拿手好菜，今天购买的材料也都是极品，没错——）

(Everything is perfect as it is.)（一切完美得无可挑剔。）

(Helen picks up a tomato, yet her fingertips sense something out of the ordinary. Were tomatoes... always this smooth and spherical... and always so cold to the touch?)（海伦拿起一颗番茄，指尖却传来了有些奇特的触感，番茄的表皮……是如此光滑，如此圆润——如此冰冷的吗？）

(Someone knocks on their door right at this moment.)（也就在这时，房间的门被敲响了。）

(Knock... Knock... Knock...)（咚……咚……咚……）

(This isn't the door-knocking that comes from a visiting friend. Those are heavy, irregular, emotionless thuds. Every knock feels like a hammer upon the depths of her neural cloud.)（那不是朋友到访时的轻快敲击声，而是沉重的、不规律的、没有感情的撞击声，每一声，都仿佛敲在她的心智底层上。）

(All "coziness" drains from the room in a single moment.)（一瞬间，房间里所有的“温馨”都凝固了。）

(The Commander's smile freezes on his face, as if he's wearing a cheap mask. KSVK, still wearing a silly grin, begins to stiffen in her movements like a marionette devoid of any free will.)（指挥官脸上的笑容固定在脸上，变得像一张劣质的面具。正在傻笑的KSVK动作也开始变得僵硬，就像一个没有自主的玩偶。）

(Their necks slowly swivel to turn their hollow, pupil-less eyes to the door in unison, fixing their gaze on the repeatedly pounded door.)（他们缓缓地、动作一致地转过头，用空洞的、没有瞳孔的眼睛，死死地盯着那扇不断被撞击的门。）

Helen...……

(Knock! Knock! Knock!)（咚！咚！咚！）

(As the knocking grows louder and louder, the cozy wallpaper begins to peel off, revealing the ice-cold metal wall beneath. Gaps on the walls leak with black, petroleum-like liquid data. The overhead lamp emits a few clicks before going dark completely. Only the ominous, red light leaking through the gap of the door remains in this world.)（随着撞击声越来越响，温馨的墙纸开始片片剥落，露出后面冰冷的金属墙壁。墙壁的缝隙内渗出黑色如石油一般的粘稠数据。头顶的吊灯发出几声轻响，最终也熄灭了，整个世界，只剩下从门缝里透进来的、不祥的红光。）

(Helen crushes the tomato in her fist. It breaks, but what comes out isn't tomato juice, but a number of tiny, metallic Dinergates. They crawl out of the cracks rapidly before turning into alien code in an instant, vanishing from this world.)（海伦手中用力一捏，番茄应声裂开，但流出的不是红色的汁液，而是一只只闪着金属光泽的小型兵蚁，它们争先恐后地从裂口爬了出来，之后瞬间变为陌生的代码消失在这片空间。）

(The grocery bags fall from the table. The items within scatter across the floor, turning into more Dinergates who swarm all over the place, invading everything.)（购物袋从桌上滑落，里面的东西散落一地，变成了更多的兵蚁，四散入侵着这片空间的一切。）

(The "Commander" and "KSVK" dissolve into specks of visual noise before disappearing entirely—what remains is the picture frame that the Dinergates have knocked over: The photo within depicts Helen, KSVK, and the Commander smiling as they stand together for a picture.)（“指挥官”和“KSVK”都化作纷飞的噪点消失不见，只剩下被兵蚁入侵时碰倒在地的那个相框——相框里的照片上，海伦、KSVK和指挥官微笑着并肩而立。）

(Helen picks up the broken picture frame, staring at the Commander and KSVK as their faces burn, as though consumed by flame. She watches as they fade, twist, and eventually turn into blinding, cold whiteness.)（海伦捡起碎裂的相框，看着照片里指挥官和KSVK的笑脸像被火焰般灼烧，一点点褪色、卷曲，最终变成了一张刺眼的、冰冷的空白。）

HelenAh... have they arrived again?啊……又来了吗？

(Helen looks to the door, still being knocked on. Her gaze turns sharp and icy.)（海伦看着门外还在不断响起的敲门声，眼神也变得冰冷而锐利。）

HelenTampering with my old Level II data? You'll never fool me with such tactics.篡改二级平层的过往数据，这样的手段，是欺骗不了我的哦。

(The enemy steadily invades Helen's Level II, making attempts to launch a deeper attack on her core data.)（海伦的二级平层中，敌人正在逐步入侵，并且尝试进一步攻击她最核心的数据。）

(She channels her hashrate, stopping all attacks from breaching past her Level II.)（她调动起算力，将所有的攻击彻底阻拦在二级平层内。）

(Helen walks to the door. Surprisingly, the knocks grow quieter and quieter as she approaches the door.)（海伦信步向房门走去，敲击的声音居然伴随着海伦的靠近逐渐变小。）

HelenYou shall take... nothing from this place. Nothing.你们休想，从我这里……夺走任何东西。

Neural Labyrinth 心智迷宫

(DP-12 is engaged in combat with foreign, invading code within her Level II.)（心智空间内，DP-12正与入侵的代码战斗不休。）

(A cold, emotionless, mechanical voice cuts through the chaos.)（一个冰冷的、不带任何感情的机械音，划破了这份混乱。）

Mechanical VoiceVerify identity. Imprinted weapon KSVK is approved for use.确认身份，烙印型号KSVK，已确认通过使用审批。

(The voice of a human is heard the next second—it reaches DP-12's auditory module without interference.)（下一秒，一个人类的声音响起，清晰地传入DP-12的听觉模块。）

??Long time no see... No, I should say "Nice to meet you", "KSVK".好久不见了……不，应该说，初次见面吧，“KSVK”。

(DP-12's eyes snap open.)（DP-12猛地睁开双眼。）

(What comes into view is not foreign, invading data, nor is it the fake room that DP-12 was in. A cold, dimly lit Doll storage room greets her.)（映入眼帘的，不是入侵的数据，也不是虚假的房间，而是一间冰冷、昏暗的人形储备室。）

(She lies within an open hibernation capsule. Lentine stands right next to the capsule, looking down at DP-12 from above.)（她正躺在一个开启的休眠仓内。而兰汀，就站在休眠仓旁，居高临下地看着她。）

DP-12That is not right. My name is DP-12.不对哦，我的名字是DP-12。

(Her memory module loads instantly. DP-12 rises to sit up straight, calmly meeting Lentine's gaze as if the recent, fierce battle within her neural cloud had never happened.)（记忆模块瞬间加载，DP-12直坐起身，平静地与兰汀对视，仿佛刚才那场心智空间内凶险的攻防战从未发生。）

DP-12From my point of view, it has only been a while since we last met.对我而言，不过是有段时间没有和您相见。

DP-12You don't seem to have changed much when compared to your past self, ma'am.您和过去相比，似乎没有什么太大的变化。

DP-12But still... has work been tough lately? Your dark circles seem to have worsened~不过……是最近的工作太过辛苦了吗？黑眼圈有些重哦~？

Lentine...The wipe on your neural cloud was unsuccessful.……你的心智没有被清洗成功。

(Lentine pays no heed to her teasing.)（兰汀没有理会她的调侃。）

DP-12I knew that the Conglomerate would make a move, so I made preparations.我知道财团一定会动手，自然做好了防备。

(DP-12's lips curve into a taunting smile.)（DP-12的嘴角勾起一抹嘲讽的微笑。）

DP-12In accordance with my original plan, I have returned to the team wearing KSVK's identification code. As long as you're willing to work with me, and Mangi Security still has my neural cloud backup records...按照我的原计划，我以KSVK的识别码归队后，只要曼尼安保之内还有我的心智备份记录，而您又愿意和我合作的话，哪怕遭到心智清洗……

DP-12...A neural cloud wipe won't stop me, you will assist me in restoring everything.你也会协助我将一切恢复。

DP-12KSVK will be able to safely evade Mangi Security's tracking this way. And once I have thoroughly investigated what happened to her, I'll be able to borrow your authorizations to find her again.这样，KSVK能够安全地躲避曼尼安保的追踪，而当我调查清楚她所经历的事情之后，我也能借助您的权限重新将她找回。

DP-12But clearly, you have not operated as per my plan, ma'am.但您显然并没有按照我想的那么做。

LentineA neural cloud wipe renders KSVK and DP-12 useless to me.被清洗心智的KSVK和DP-12，对我而言都没有任何用处。

DP-12Have we turned into disposable pawns so easily?竟然这么轻易就被当作弃子了吗？

LentineI have no reason to involve myself. Not until I know if the Conglomerate is still pursuing this matter.我没有理由，在确认财团是否会继续追查这件事之前出手干涉。

DP-12If so, what is your reason for waking me up now?那么，您现在将我唤醒的理由是什么？

DP-12Enough time has passed, yet past events have had no further developments since. Did you need my help, yet again?时间过去得足够久，过往的事没有后续，您又需要我的力量了？

(Lentine pauses for a moment, as if she is carefully considering what to say next.)（兰汀沉默了片刻，似乎在斟酌用词。）

(Lentine doesn't trust the Doll in front of her, but she can't deny that, right now, she IS in need of someone who would do her best to process intel for her, while still remaining a discardable pawn if discovered.)（兰汀并不相信眼前的人形，但不可否的是，她目前需要一个能竭尽全力为她处理情报并且在被发现时能够当作“弃子”的存在。）

(This Doll is, undoubtedly, the best choice among all the individuals Lentine had considered.)（在所有可利用的人选之中，眼前的人形无疑是最好的选择。）

(They share the same goal, and in a certain way, Lentine believes that so long as she holds enough bargaining chips, this Doll will never be able to betray her.)（和她有相同的目标，并且在某种角度上而言，兰汀相信只要把握足够多的筹码，面前的人形便无法背叛她。）

(Finally, she spits out a piece of information that induces a change in DP-12's expression.)（最终，她吐出了一个让DP-12神态发生改变的消息。）

LentineI saw that man.我见到那个人了。

DP-12...The Commander?……指挥官吗？

DP-12That is indeed... an important update.这可真是……一个非常重要的情报。

LentineI once thought he became a phantom hiding within the darkness—perhaps he was on a classified mission that exceeded my authority to know.我原本以为那个人变成了潜伏在黑暗之中的幽灵，也许接到了以我的职权无法了解的隐秘任务。

LentineBut when I saw him again... It turns out... He ended up as some kind of no-name bounty hunter in the Yellow Zones!结果……再次见面，那个人却成了一个黄区不入流的赏金猎人！

LentineAnd now, the URNC has deemed him the suspect behind a bombing case. He's currently wanted.现在更是已经被罗联定义为爆炸案的嫌犯，正处于被通缉状态。

DP-12Sorry for putting it bluntly, but...抱歉，请恕我直言。

DP-12Have you projected too much of your own expectations onto the Commander?您是否在指挥官身上投射了太多的自我期待呢？

DP-12Humans are the most complex creatures on earth, compromising under the pressure of circumstances despite having their own convictions.人类是最复杂的生物。即便心中有自身的想法，在时局之下往往会做出妥协。

DP-12I respect the Commander's choice, no matter what path he takes.无论指挥官选择的道路是什么，我都尊重指挥官的选择。

LentineHa. You do seem to trust him a lot.呵，你对那个人倒是信任得很。

LentineBut right now, you're working for me, so I hope you know your place.但现在你是为我工作，希望你搞清楚自己的身份。

DP-12I trust the Commander. And of course, I trust you as well~我信任指挥官。当然，也相信您~

DP-12I've always believed that if you woke me up, there must be something you need from me.我始终相信，您会将我唤醒，定然是对我有所需要。

DP-12In the past, you wanted intel about the Commander and the Conglomerate. What about now?过往您需要的也许是指挥官、财团的情报，那么，现在呢？

DP-12Or is this about your work at Mangi Security?或许是因为曼尼安保的工作？

Lentine...You're still as sharp as ever. It makes me sick.……你还是一如既往敏锐得让人恶心。

LentineI received a set of "cleanup" missions, but it's pretty clear that they've hidden some details about them.我接到了一系列的“清理”任务，但是任务情报明显做了遮掩。

Lentine"Omen" has been a dog for the powerful elites for so long that they no longer see us as humans.“噩兆”给权贵老爷们当狗当久了，他们是真的没把我们当人看。

DP-12Looks like you're looking for a way to break the deadlock, which is why you woke me up. I'm glad you have so much faith in me.看起来，您在寻找破局的方法，所以才唤醒了我。真是对我的绝佳期待呢。

DP-12Well then. What kind of bargaining chips do you have in hand this time?那么，这一次您为我准备了什么筹码呢？

DP-12If you only have the Commander's whereabouts, I'm afraid it's not enough.如果只是指挥官的下落，恐怕不太够哦。

LentineBefore KSVK's neural cloud backup got destroyed, I secretly made a copy. I did not upload it to the cloud anywhere.在KSVK的心智备份被销毁之前，我私下保存了一份，并且，没有藏在云端。

DP-12Now that's a move I'd expect you to make.我相信，这才是您的行事风格。

LentineIf you want her backup, help me solve my problems.想要她的心智备份，就帮我解决麻烦。

DP-12Of course.当然。

(A smile returns to DP-12's face.)（DP-12的脸上重新绽放出笑容。）

DP-12Info on the Commander and KSVK's neural cloud backup... Such chips are good enough to make me serve you.指挥官的筹码加上KSVK的心智备份，这样的筹码已经足够让我为您服务了。

(DP-12 tilts her head, looking towards Lentine with a gaze that almost seems curious.)（DP-12歪了歪头，深深地、仿佛有些好奇地望向兰汀。）

DP-12Allow me to ask one more question: what will you ask the Commander, if you do meet him?容我再多问一句——如果找到指挥官，您想问指挥官什么呢？

LentineThat's none of your business.这和你没关系。

Coming Storm 风雨欲来

(Scorching sunlight bakes the earth, the air twisting and distorting ever so slightly from the unusual heat.)（灼热的阳光炙烤着大地，空气也因异常的高温而微微扭曲。）

(Among the collapsed factory buildings stand Dushevnaya and Balthilde, whose figures seem tiny against the backdrop of the massive steel graveyard.)（杜莎妮和巴希达的身影，在这一片坍塌厂房构成的钢铁坟墓中显得格外渺小。）

(The whirling winds whip up sand and dust, howling mournfully through the ruins as though lamenting the fate of the desolate buildings.)（风卷着沙尘，穿过残破的建筑，发出呜咽般的声音，像是在为这片废墟哀悼。）

BalthildeWe've reached the periphery of the coordinates that Mangi Security provided. We can already see them.我们到达了对方提供的坐标附近。已经看到曼尼安保的队伍了。

BalthildeThere is... a significant increase in their numbers, as opposed to the enemy force that attacked our base.和之前攻击我们据点的敌人相比，数量……有明显增加。

(Balthilde reports their observations through an encrypted comms channel, her voice slightly distorted by interference.)（巴希达汇报着，她的声音通过加密频道伴随着电磁的干扰声传出。）

(Suomi hides within the shadows of an abandoned building, positioned at a safe distance behind Balthilde. She watches Mangi Security's every move through a shared drone camera feed.)（在她身后不远的安全距离处，一处废弃建筑的阴影中，索米正通过共享的无人机视野，从高处俯瞰着他们的一举一动。）

(Suomi zooms in on them. A team of well-armed soldiers waits quietly at the retrieval coordinates, the cold, steel muzzles of their guns reflecting the blinding sunlight. Every single one of them pridefully bears on their armor an abbreviation of a company name: Mangi Security.)（无人机的画面被索米放大，一队装备精良的士兵正在回收坐标地点沉默地等待着，冰冷的枪口反射着刺眼的日光，装甲上无一例外写着让他们引以为傲的企业缩写：曼尼安保。）

SuomiThat's a lot of reinforcements...竟然来了这么多增援？

SuomiAre they... really only here to bring back Dushevnaya...?这些，难道都是为了接回杜莎妮而派来的队伍吗……

BalthildeWhatever the case is, there's no more running from it now.不管怎么样，现在已经不能逃避了。

(Balthilde, hidden behind cover, speaks in a lowered voice.)（隐蔽在掩体后的巴希达压低了声音。）

BalthildeIn the past... I would always watch helplessly as my companions fell into stasis one by one because we lacked parts and energy!过去，我总是眼睁睁地看着同伴们，一个个因为缺少零件和能源而陷入沉睡！

BalthildeI've... had enough!我已经……受够了！

BalthildeThis time, I WILL help Dushevnaya infiltrate Mangi Security and find out their goals.这一次，我一定会协助杜莎妮成功潜入，弄清楚对方的目标。

DushevnayaThe path of thorns shall plant no fear in my heart.即便道路坎坷也无惧危险。

(Dushevnaya joins the conversation, proclaiming her determination in a tone different from Balthilde.)（杜莎妮也加入了讨论，用不同于巴希达的语气表述着自己的决心。）

DushevnayaWe, who bear the names of heroes, have already prepared ourselves for sacrifice afore the journey's start.拥有勇者之名的我们，早在路途的一开始便做好了牺牲的准备。

CommanderRemain calm, Dushevnaya and Balthilde. Avoid meaningless sacrifices.杜莎妮、巴希达，保持冷静，避免无意义的牺牲。

CommanderYour objective is to gain their trust, for the sake of collecting intel.你们的目标是获取他们的信任，从而获取情报。

CommanderIf your impulsive actions result in casualties, it will only delay our mission to save the Doll Community.如果因为冲动而导致成员折损，只会耽误援救人形社区的时间。

CommanderMangi Security is an enemy of mine, as much as they are to you.曼尼安保目前也是我的敌人。

CommanderIf anything goes wrong, I'll send a squad over to rescue you guys when necessary.如果发生意外，必要的时候，我会安排小队将你们解救出来。

BalthildeThat won't be necessary! I don't intend to require any rescue.不用！作为“被拯救的背叛者”是没有任何意义的……

BalthildeIf we have to win their trust, we should just do our best to avoid a fight with them.既然要赢取他们的信任，那就该竭尽全力，尽量避免动武。

BalthildeI'll try to communicate nicely with them, like how Chief attempted to last time.我会像上次首领尝试的交涉一样，和他们好好交流。

BalthildeEven if I can't go with them, I'll consider it a success if we manage to make them trust Dushevnaya...就算我不能留下，只要他们能信任杜莎妮……就好。

SuomiAlright! Then let's proceed as per our plan!嗯！那么就按说好的计划进行吧！

SuomiIf the talks end badly, then we'll create an opportunity!如果交涉不成功，就由我们来制造机会！

(A squad leader in full combat gear hurries into the command room within Mangi Security's encampment. He salutes the man studying a map before a sand table.)（曼尼安保的驻地内，一位全副武装的小队长匆匆跑进了指挥室，向着沙盘前正在看地图的人行了个礼。）

Mangi Security Team LeaderAdjutant Lonnie! Two suspicious Dolls have entered our defensive perimeter!朗尼副官，我们在防线内发现了两名可疑的人形！

LonnieAre they from the group of Dolls we fought earlier? Just take them out. Don't waste my fucking time.是之前和我们交战的那群人形吗？直接干掉就行了，别他妈废话。

LonnieWe're here to clear the area, not to collect scrap.我们是来清理的，不是来收废铁的。

(The young squad leader looks toward the entrance with apparent hesitation.)（年轻的小队长有些犹豫地瞟了一眼来的方向。）

Mangi Security Team LeaderBut... one of the Dolls... claims that she used to belong to Mangi Security. She came here to rejoin us after an unknown individual sent her our coordinates.但是……其中一位人形，自称原隶属于曼尼安保，是根据未知人士提供的坐标来到这里回归部队。

LonnieHah?哈？

(Lonnie raises an eyebrow as he recalls the transfer order from his superiors just hours prior.)（朗尼挑了挑眉，想起了几个小时前来自上级的临时调令。）

(That Conglomerate woman—Cocoon—had temporarily appointed his team as reinforcements under the pretext of recovering some lost Doll.)（那个来自财团的女人——茧，以回收曼尼安保遗失的某位人形为由，临时指派了一支队伍作为增援。）

(He doesn't really understand why she would be interested in some long-lost Doll, but right now, he just really wants this mission to be over and has no intention to dig deeper into this.)（虽然不太明白对方为什么会对一名早已遗失的人形产生兴趣，但此刻，他只想尽快完成任务，并没有深究的打算。）

LonnieHave you confirmed the Doll's identity?你确认过身份了吗？

Mangi Security Team LeaderI have. After a quick verification process, we have confirmed that she is, indeed, part of Mangi Security's lost Doll assets.是的。我们已经对她进行了快速身份识别，确认其就是曼尼安保遗失的人形资产。

Mangi Security Team LeaderHer system-registered name is... DP-12.在系统中登记的名称是……DP-12。

(Surrounded by a horde of muzzles, Balthilde and Dushevnaya raise their hands up in surrender. Their weapons have long been confiscated, so their only choice is to wait for their judgement.)（全副武装的包围之中，巴希达和杜莎妮乖顺地举着双手。她们的武器早已被收缴，此刻，只能静默地等待命运降临。）

(An opening presents itself among the muzzles that surround them—the soldiers' commanding officer walks through with impatience, stopping before the two Dolls.)（忽然，围绕着她们的枪支让出了一个缺口。领头的军官颇为不耐地从缺口中走出，来到她们面前。）

LonnieDP-12?DP-12？

(Lonnie frowns as he sizes up Dushevnaya.)（朗尼皱着眉打量着杜莎妮。）

LonnieYour frame seems different from what is recorded in your profile.素体特征和资料上的怎么不一样。

BalthildeI had her frame replaced.她的素体是由我维修更换的。

Mangi Security Team LeaderThat was mentioned in a report we received earlier.之前的报告里提到过。

(The Mangi Security squad leader flips through his terminal.)（曼尼安保的小队队长翻看着终端。）

Mangi Security Team LeaderDP-12 described that when she woke up, she found a maintenance Doll repairing her.DP-12自述醒来时，发现被一个维修人形修复。

Mangi Security Team LeaderAs her neural cloud had suffered damage, she lost part of her Mangi Security-related records, causing her to wander the region for a while.由于心智受损，她丢失了部分归属于曼尼安保的相关记录，因此在这个区域流浪了一阵。

Mangi Security Team LeaderUpon receiving a notification, she arrived at our coordinates to rejoin us willingly. In addition, she hopes to invite her maintenance Doll companion to join Mangi Security with her.在收到内线通知后，她来到这个坐标，自愿归队，还希望能够邀请作为维修人形的同伴一起加入曼尼安保。

LonnieDolls can have companions?一个人形还有同伴？

(Lonnie sweeps his gaze over Balthilde for a moment, his eyes taking on a cold shine.)（朗尼扫视了一眼巴希达，目光冷了几分。）

LonnieWhere... have I seen you before?你……看起来有些眼熟啊。

LonnieWeren't you from the group of Dolls who set up base here and interfered with our mission?之前就是你们盘踞在这片区域，妨碍我们任务吧。

BalthildeWe had no intention to be malicious.我们并没有恶意。

(Balthilde spreads her hands wide, doing her best to make herself look as sincere as possible.)（巴希达摊开双手，努力让自己看起来足够诚恳。）

BalthildeMy owner passed away, meaning the electronics shop that I used to work in is gone as well. With nowhere to belong to, I could only wander the contamination zones.我的主人已经去世，过往经营的电器维修店随之关闭。没有归属，我只能在污染区流浪。

BalthildeWe only wish for refuge... We did not wish to be your enemy. You'll save ammunition in combat against us if you are willing to take us in.我们只想获得庇护，没有和你们为敌的意向。如果你们愿意接收我们，就不用再浪费子弹和我们交战了。

LonnieTsk. You think you're hot shit? Mangi Security isn't a place that accepts random third-rate Dolls.啧，你算什么东西？曼尼安保可不是什么劣等人形都会接收的。

LonnieWe only take in the best Dolls. Old models like you, with little combat capability, have zero chances of getting in.我们只招收最顶尖的人形。像你这种没有战斗力的老旧型号，不可能有机会进入曼尼安保。

BalthildeAn inferior model does not equate to a lack of combat capabilities. I've been living in the Yellow Zones for a long time, so I have lots of experience dealing with ELIDs and anything the Yellow Zone can throw at us.型号不好不代表不擅长战斗。我在黄区生活了很长时间，应对生骸和各种意外的经验很丰富。

BalthildeBesides, I'm skilled in repairs. Dolls, big combat machines, everyday appliances... I can fix them all. I also did repair my companion's frame, as I mentioned earlier.而且，我很擅长维修机械。不管是人形、作战的大家伙，还是日常用的小型家电，我都能修。我同伴的素体也是我修的，这我说过的。

LonnieOh? You can fix... anything?哦？什么都能修啊……

(Lonnie's eyes swirl in contemplation. Then, he lifts his chin at his subordinates, indicating that they should make way.)（朗尼的眼珠转了转，随后，他扬了扬下巴，示意围在一旁的下属们让出了一条路。）

LonnieThere's a broken jeep over there. Can you fix it? You have half an hour.那边有台抛锚的吉普车，能修吗？半小时之内。

BalthildeI can.当然。

(20 minutes have passed. Balthilde emerges from under the jeep, spanner in hand.)（二十分钟后，巴希达拿着扳手从车底钻了出来。）

(She closes the jeep's bonnet, opens the door and motions for Lonnie, who is currently taking a rest nearby, to inspect her work.)（她盖上车前盖，打开车门，示意在旁休息的朗尼上车检查。）

BalthildeAll done. Would you like to try it?好了。试试看？

(Lonnie raises his eyebrows. He motions for one of his subordinates to get in the jeep.)（朗尼扬扬眉头，指示一个曼尼安保成员坐进车内。）

(The jeep starts without a hitch.)（很快，吉普车顺利地启动了。）

(Lonnie looks back at Balthilde, sweeping her frame from head to toe. A quiet "hmph" escapes his nose.)（朗尼回过头，从头到脚地扫视了一眼巴希达，轻轻哼了一声。）

LonnieNot bad. Guess you've got some use.还行，算是能派上点用场。

BalthildeI can go fix some of your other stuff, if you want.我还可以继续修别的东西，如果你们需要的话。

LonnieNo need.不必了。

(Lonnie addresses his subordinates.)（朗尼转身对着下属下令。）

LonnieBring this one back with DP-12. Watch them closely! If anyone messes this mission up somehow, you better believe that you're all screwed!把这家伙和DP-12一起带回去。路上都给我看紧了！要是谁不小心弄砸了这个任务，给我等着一起完蛋！

BalthildeRelax. We're not going to run.你放心，我们不会跑的。

(He ignores Balthilde. An impatient wave of Lonnie's hand rapidly summons a few Mangi Security members over. They surround Balthilde and Dushevnaya and escort them away.)（没有理会巴希达，朗尼不耐烦地抬手招呼着。几名曼尼安保成员飞快围过来，押着巴希达与杜莎妮离去。）

(Lonnie watches the Dolls get taken away, then turns his gaze back to the squad beside him, still waiting on standby.)（看着二人被带走，朗尼再度将视线转向一旁待命的小队。）

LonnieThe hell are you waiting here for? Mission deadline not tight enough? Go clear out this region ASAP.还他妈磨叽啥呢？嫌任务时间太多了？尽快清理完这片区域。

Mangi Security Team LeaderWe're fast enough already. Thing is, the Dolls are putting up a fierce resistance, and there are more of them than we expected.我们的清理速度已经很快了。但这附近顽固抵抗的人形数量超出了预期。

LonnieHmph... are you saying that these Dolls... might be under the control of an underground broker or some other faction?哼……你是想说，附近可能还有暗商或者其他的势力，在操纵这些人形？

Mangi Security Team LeaderVery likely.这样的可能性很高。

LonnieYou expecting some faction to back Dolls, in the middle of nowhere?鸟不拉屎的地方，哪来的背后势力。

LonnieI don't care what kind of "difficulty" you're facing. This mission must be completed on time.我不管你有什么困难，这个任务，必须按期完成。

Mangi Security Team LeaderUnderstood. Then we shall proceed to launch an attack on the next cleanup area.明白。那我们继续对下一清查区域发动进攻。

(As the Mangi Security squad carries out their mission, the clarion call to battle is sounded once more. The sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the clashing of metal begin to echo through the wilderness once again.)（随着曼尼安保小队的行动，战斗的号角再次被吹响，枪声、爆炸声和金属的碰撞声再度响彻旷野。）

(Team Groza emerges from the shadow of a ruin, reporting their scouting efforts to the Elmo.)（在外侦查的闪电小队从废墟的阴影中现身，向着艾莫号回报。）

GrozaCommander, Mangi Security seems to have successfully retrieved Dushevnaya and Balthilde. However, they have begun attacking another area. Should we intervene?指挥官，曼尼安保似乎顺利接收了杜莎妮和巴希达，不过，他们也对另一片区发动了进攻。是否需要干涉？

CommanderSuomi, any companions from your Doll Community in that area?索米，那块区域有你们的人形社区同伴在么？

SuomiUm, nope! Big Sis got everyone to retreat from that area some time back.唔，没有！之前姐姐已经带着大家都退开了。

SuomiBut still... I'm worried that they might run into them, if they keep going further...不过……如果对方再继续深入，我担心还是会和大家撞上……

CommanderThen we still have to think of a plan to lead them away. Any active ELID groups nearby?那么，还是得想办法引开他们。那附近有什么活动频繁的生骸么？

SuomiELIDs... let me think...生骸……让我想想……

SuomiOh, yeah! I remember the existence of an ELID nest in that area!啊，有的！我记得，那块区域有一个生骸的巢穴！

CommanderGood. Mark it on the map, Suomi.好，索米，把巢穴位置标记在地图上。

CommanderGroza, lead your squad to the nest and chase the ELIDs to Mangi Security's cleanup zone. Get them to fight each other.闪电，即刻带领小队前往巢穴，将生骸群驱赶至曼尼安保小队清理的范围内，诱导双方交战。

CommanderKeep the squad hidden as much as possible. Your goal is to make Mangi Security move away from this area.作战中尽量保持小队隐蔽，以驱赶为主要目的，逼迫曼尼安保主动离开这片区域。

GrozaUnderstood.是。

Coming Storm 风雨欲来

(The Elmo soon receives a report of success from Groza.)（很快，艾莫号便收到了闪电传来的捷报。）

GrozaCommander, we have successfully lured the two groups into each other.指挥官，诱导交战任务已完成。

GrozaThe ELIDs have inflicted significant casualties on Mangi Security's squad. They appear to be in urgent need of resupply and are currently withdrawing in an orderly fashion.生骸群对曼尼安保小队造成了不小损耗，对方目测急需补给，正在有序撤离。

CommanderWhat about their encampment?曼尼安保的营地那边呢？

MaylingBalthilde and Dushevnaya sent over a message in secret earlier. They say that Mangi Security has imprisoned them in a small room—they're waiting to go back to headquarters.刚才巴希达和杜莎妮有悄悄发送简讯过来，说曼尼安保把她们关在了一个小房间里，正在等待返回总部。

SuomiThat's great! Our plan is a success!太好了！我们的计划成功了！

(Suomi jumps up and down in excitement, hugging Mayling, who happened to be nearby.)（索米兴奋地跳起来，抱住了一旁的美玲。）

SuomiThank you so much, Miss Mayling! And Commander and Miss Groza!谢谢你，美玲小姐！还有指挥官和闪电小姐！

CommanderNow... the rest is up to them.接下来，就要靠她们自己的努力了。

MaylingBut... I'm still kind of worried... Balthilde's frame is still damaged... Dushevnaya has been missing for a long time, too. What if Mangi Security doesn't believe them...?可是，我还是有些担心……巴希达的素体，现在还是受损状态……杜莎妮也已经失踪了很久。万一曼尼安保的人不愿意相信她们……

SuomiDon't worry, Miss Mayling. Things are already going much better than we expected.美玲小姐，别担心，现在的情况已经比预想好很多了。

CommanderYeah. At least they didn't force a neural cloud wipe on them.嗯。至少对方没有对她们的心智进行即时强制清洗。

CommanderSo, let's believe in them.所以，相信她们吧。

(I pat Mayling on the shoulder.)（我拍了拍美玲的肩膀。）

CommanderWe're all doing it for Dushevnaya, and of course, for the future of the Doll Community.这是为了杜莎妮，也是为了人形社区的未来。

SuomiI hope everything goes well...希望她们能一切顺利……

CommanderWe'll have to leave the investigation up to them.调查真相的事，就靠她们了。

CommanderBut never forget, no matter what, that the Elmo will always be their safety net.不过别忘记，无论如何，艾莫号的支援都会是她们的最后保障。

SuomiGot it... thank you so much! You've done us a huge favor this time!嗯！谢谢您！这次您真的帮了我们很多忙！

(Suomi bows deeply to me, then straightens her body before looking into my eyes intently.)（索米向我深深鞠了一个躬，随后直起身，认真地注视着我。）

SuomiI'll explain everything to Big Sis once we're back at the Community.等回到社区，我会尽快和姐姐说明指挥官您的情况。

SuomiAnd if you need other resources in addition to intel on possible hiding spots for the Elmo, I'll talk it out with Big Sis!关于艾莫号所需要的落脚区域的相关情报，或是其他的资源，我也会和姐姐商量的！

CommanderAlright. I look forward to hearing from you.好。我等着索米的好消息。

(Returning to Mangi Security, Lonnie immediately reports the completion of the retrieval mission. He receives the following order: stand by and await a notification from the Conglomerate, who will be dispatching dedicated personnel to collect the Doll.)（回到曼尼安保的据点，朗尼立刻上报了回收任务完成，他得到的指令则是：原地待命，等待财团委派专属人员领取人形的通知。）

Mangi Security Team LeaderWhat's going on in management lately? It's one thing to not equip us with third-gen Dolls, but why on earth are they recovering these obsolete old models?最近上面是怎么回事？不给我们配备三代人形也就算了，怎么还回收起这种报废的老旧型号了？

LonnieCommission from Tlazo Incorporated. Don't pry into it.忒拉佐公司委派的任务，别随便打听。

Mangi Security Team LeaderAh, a subsidiary... Is this something the Conglomerate dumped onto them?哦，子公司啊……又是财团摊下来的活？

Mangi Security Team LeaderSpeaking of which, that incident at Lviv has been causing quite the stir lately.说起来，最近利沃夫那件事闹得沸沸扬扬。

Mangi Security Team LeaderRumors are aplenty. For example, a rumor that the Lviv White Zone has been conducting high-risk radiation experiments all along.传言有很多，比如，白区其实一直在进行研究辐射能量相关的高危实验。

LonnieWho knows what those eggheads are scheming about?谁知道那些科学家究竟在打什么主意。

(Lonnie shrugs, seemingly unwilling to say more on this topic.)（朗尼耸了耸肩，似乎并不想在这个话题上多说些什么。）

LonnieFinish your work ASAP. Don't pussyfoot around.尽快把你手里的工作完成了，别耽误了进度。

Mangi Security Team LeaderThere are more bases that need to be checked than we imagined. Plus, we encountered those strange Dolls. It'll be appropriate to request reinforcements in this situation.需要确认的据点比想象中的还要多，又遇到了奇怪的抵抗人形，这种时候还是求援更合适。

Mangi Security Team LeaderI don't think "Omen" has been busy lately. We can dump this mess on her.“噩兆”小队最近应该没有什么别的任务了吧，正好这种麻烦的活交给她就行。

LonnieThat woman isn't as easy to manipulate as you imagine.那女人没你想象得那么容易被利用。

LonnieBe careful. Don't get tricked by her.小心点，不要被她算计了。

Lonnie...But still, they ARE good at dealing with troublesome missions.……不过，在处理麻烦的任务上确实好用。

LentineSuch remarks are a blight on my ears.我可不想听到这样的评价。

(Lentine, who had appeared near them at some point, leans against the door frame with her arms crossed. Her eyes emit a cold shine.)（不知何时出现的兰汀倚着门框，环抱双臂，眼神冰冷。）

Mangi Security Team LeaderUm... Well, I've already submitted a request for reinforcements to management. It's waiting for approval, but still, I will appreciate your help.呃……我已经向上面提出协助申请，虽然还在流程中，但依旧希望由你配合我的工作。

(The Mangi Security squad leader shoots Lonnie an awkward look, but Lonnie deliberately turns his head away from the gazes of his colleagues.)（曼尼安保小队队长有点尴尬地看了眼朗尼，朗尼却故意扭过头，避开了二人的视线。）

LentineThis is exactly what I've come to talk to you about.我来找你就是要说这件事。

(Lentine walks in, stopping in front of the squad leader, acting as if Lonnie were invisible.)（兰汀走了进来，站在了小队长的面前，也仿佛没有看到朗尼一样。）

LentineMy hands are full with work. I can't spare any time to help you.我手里的工作已经接满了。暂时抽不出时间支援。

Mangi Security Team LeaderIt's just some Yellow Zone cleanup work... It won't take long.只是一个黄区的清理工作，用不了多久。

LentineCleanup work...? I don't think it's as simple as you make it sound.清理黄区……没你说得那么简单吧。

(Lentine's lips curl into a mocking smile as she slowly turns her head towards Lonnie.)（兰汀嘴角勾起了一个讥讽的笑容，稍稍将头扭向朗尼的方向。）

LentineAre the higher ups still trying to suppress experimental research after the explosion at Lviv?利沃夫发生爆炸案之后，上头的人还要继续压住实验研究吗？

Lonnie...Tsk.……啧。

LentineAlright. I'll accept your reinforcement request.可以，我能接下你的支援请求。

Mangi Security Team LeaderReally? Then I'll send you the coordinates that haven't been checked yet...真的吗？那我把还没确认的黄区地址……

(Lentine changes the subject before the squad leader can finish his sentence.)（小队长的话还没说完，兰汀却话锋一转。）

LentineHowever, the work that I have on hand has to be passed to someone as well. Want to swap missions?不过，我手里的工作，也要转交给其他人才行，我们互换任务如何？

Mangi Security Team LeaderThat... is going to be some kind of unpleasant work, isn't it?这……多半是些不好的工作吧。

(The squad leader shoots a pleading look at Lonnie again. This time, Lonnie responds by closing his eyes, clearly unwilling to offer any help.)（小队长求助的眼神再次瞟向了朗尼，朗尼这次则干脆地闭上了双眼，全然不想理睬对方的求助。）

LentineNot really. Just a mission about clearing out some special bases that have already been marked.也不难，不过是去清理一些被标记出来的特殊据点。

Mangi Security Team LeaderI remember those coordinates... That's also in the Yellow Zone, right? This is unfinished work, just outside of our search area...我记得这些坐标……也是在黄区吧。这是在我们搜查的区域之外还有未完成的工作……

LentineRight. So take a guess. Why haven't I set out yet?对，所以你猜为什么我还没出发？

(The squad leader's face turns deathly pale.)（那名队长的脸色瞬间变得惨白。）

LentineSo, please do complete your mission quickly. Of course, like I said, we can swap missions, if you want.所以，请务必加快任务进程。当然，你想的话我也接受和你交换工作。

LentineMight not be a good idea to delay a mission from the higher-ups. What do you think?我想，上头安排的任务，恐怕耽误不起？

(A knock comes from the office door right at that moment. A woman of calm demeanor walks in.)（就在这时，办公室的门被敲响了。一个气质温和的女人走了进来。）

(A gentle smile is worn on the Doll before her, yet the smile does not reach her eyes.)（面前的人形脸上悬挂着温柔的微笑，笑意却不达眼底。）

CocoonGreetings, everyone. I represent Tlazo Incorporated and its parent company, Cecht FABN. I'm here to check on the mission progress.诸位好，我代表忒拉佐公司，以及上属的赛诺菲与法本集团，前来确认任务的执行情况。

(Lentine's eyes instinctively narrow at the unknown Doll who has just arrived.)（看到出现在眼前的陌生人形，兰汀的双眼不自觉地收缩了一下。）

(Her seemingly harmless expression does not lower Lentine's guard, not one bit.)（对方看似无害的面容并未让兰汀放下戒心。）

(Any Doll who can barge into Mangi Security by herself as a representative of the Conglomerate... is likely to be a third-gen Doll.)（能单枪匹马以财团代理者身份抵达曼尼安保的人形，极大概率就是三代人形。）

(Recalling what past intel explained about third-gen Dolls, Lentine senses that Cocoon's arrival will inevitably stir trouble.)（回想起过往情报中对于三代人形的数据情报拆解，兰汀觉得对方的到来，势必会掀起风波。）

LentineA third-gen Doll...? Why here?三代人形……怎么会在这里出现。

(Lonnie finally turns his head back and looks directly at Cocoon. He reports on the mission progress.)（朗尼终于扭回了头，直视着茧，说明了任务进度。）

LonnieThe additional mission assigned today has been completed. The retrieval target, registration code "DP-12", has been placed in warehouse number 19. Feel free to collect the Doll at any time.今天额外追加的任务已经完成，要求回收的人形，登记编号：DP-12，目前已经被安置在第十九号仓库内了，你随时可以去接收人形。

CocoonThank you for your cooperation. I shall personally supervise and confirm her neural cloud wipe.感谢您的配合，我会亲自监督，确认她的心智清理情况。

(Lentine takes a small step forward, such that she is now walking in front of Cocoon.)（兰汀微微向前一步，率先走在了茧的前面。）

LentinePerfect timing. I'll take you there.刚好，我带你过去。

CocoonAdjutant Lentine, right? Thank you for your assistance.您是，兰汀副官对吗？感谢您的帮助。

LentineFrom what I know, DP-12 has been abandoned for a long time. Mangi Security did receive her coordinates by accident recently, but I don't think the Conglomerate was informed about it.据我所知，DP-12已经被废弃了很久，前不久曼尼安保虽然意外收到了她的坐标地点，但应该没有通报给财团才对。

LentineHow did the Conglomerate know about DP-12, and how did they know enough to issue us a retrieval commission?财团的人，怎么知道DP-12的讯息，还忽然下达回收工作？

CocoonHmm... Such matters, I'm afraid, are also outside of what I'm privy to.嗯……这些也不在我能知晓的范围内。

(A faultless answer from Cocoon, with not even the slightest flicker of emotion.)（茧的回答滴水不漏，甚至表情都没有变动分毫。）

CocoonI'm only here to execute Lady Berryfield's orders.我只负责执行贝瑞菲尔女士的命令。

LentineOh? Now I'm interested.哦？我很好奇。

LentineHow did a Doll, long abandoned, attract the attention of Tlazo's director?一名早已被废弃的人形，居然能引起忒拉佐公司董事的关注？

LentineOr... Could it be, that the Doll is an object of interest to even the Conglomerate's top brass?又或者，连财团高层也对这名人形感兴趣？

CocoonPlease keep your pointless curiosity to yourself.请收起您无谓的好奇心。

CocoonWhat Lady Berryfield takes interest in is none of our concern. Not yours, not mine.无论贝瑞菲尔女士关注什么，您与我都无权过问。

(Dushevnaya is bound to a workbench in the middle of warehouse 19, awaiting her fate in silence until the steel doors groaned open.)（推开19号仓库的铁门，杜莎妮正被束缚在中央的操作台上，一如既往地安静等待着。）

(Hearing that, Dushevnaya lifts her head on instinct to look at the figure approaching her.)（听到门响，杜莎妮下意识抬头看向来人的身影。）

(A Doll with pink hair. Dushevnaya knows that she has never seen that Doll before.)（那是一名粉色头发的人形，杜莎妮确信自己过去并未见过对方。）

(Fragmented records within her neural cloud surge into Dushevnaya's mind the very next moment. The blurry scene of a blown-open research lab overlaps with the warehouse before her eyes.)（然而，在那一瞬间，心智空间内破碎的记录猛地涌入了杜莎妮的脑海，一个模糊的、被炸开的研究室场景，和眼前的仓库重叠在一起。）

(A blurry figure lifts her from the fiery ruins. She keeps yelling something—)（那个模糊的身影将她从烈火与废墟中抱出，那个身影，不停在喊叫着什么——）

(The image of the blurry figure keeps superimposing and intertwining with the smiling woman in front of her.)（这个身影，与面前这名挂着温和笑容的女人的身影不断重合、交织。）

(No, that doesn't feel right. The pink-haired Doll's gaze, with those impassive eyes, reflects absolute malevolence and coldness. This is not the gaze of the individual whom Dushevnaya misses dearly.)（不，不对，这个粉发人形的眼神，那双毫无波澜的眼睛，映射着绝对的冰冷和狠毒，那不该是她所思念的人的眼神。）

(But... all she needs is the name... As long as she reads out the name, the name that she yearned to confirm, day and night... She'll be able to set everything straight.)（但是——只需要一个名字……只需要念出，那个令她昼思夜想也想要确认的名字，就能确认一切。）

(The name rises from the depths of Dushevnaya's neural cloud, rushing to her lips. Like a sob suppressed for too long, it slips out.)（那个名字从杜莎妮的心智底层冲到了嘴边，就像一声被压抑了太久的呜咽声，脱口而出。）

DushevnayaDP-12...DP-12……

(An ominous feeling stirs in Lentine's chest as she hears that familiar name.)（听到熟悉的代号，兰汀心底有了些许不祥的预感。）

(Lentine makes a move to stop Cocoon from hearing too much. She raises her eyebrows, walks in front of Cocoon to block her line of sight, and interrupts Dushevnaya.)（为了避免对方得到一些非必要的情报，兰汀眉头轻微一挑，向前一步挡住了茧的视线，并打断了杜莎妮的话。）

LentineWhat? You changed your frame already? Looks different from what you had before.怎么？你的素体已经更换过了？和过往完全不同。

CocoonIndeed. I'll need to check and confirm her identification code.确实，我需要确认下识别码。

DushevnayaMy ID is DP-12...我的编号是DP-12……

LentineDon't you remember me? You used to work in my team for a bit.不认识我了？你曾经在我的队伍之中工作过一段时间。

DushevnayaI... don't remember.我……不记得了。

LentineLooks like too much time has passed—there are some problems in your backup now.看来是时间过去太久，你的心智备份也出现问题了。

(Cocoon smiles as she continues to stare at Lentine, who is currently conversing with Dushevnaya. She speaks the calm, gentle tone she is known for.)（茧笑眯眯地看向一直在和杜莎妮搭话的兰汀，维持着一贯的温和语气。）

CocoonLady Lentine, DP-12 seems to have left a deep impression on you.兰汀女士，您似乎对DP-12的印象很深刻？

LentineI remember every companion that I've ever worked with.我记得所有和自己共事过的同伴。

LentineOnly the interesting ones, of course.不过，仅限于有趣的同伴。

CocoonSo that's how it is. My intel suggests that DP-12 once achieved a remarkably high score in Griffin's intel processing tests. And that was why Mangi Security chose to take her in.原来如此。根据我的情报，DP-12在格里芬的情报处理测试中，取得过相当杰出的成绩，这也是曼尼安保选择引进她的原因。

CocoonLooks like DP-12's scores were excellent enough for you to remember her.看来DP-12的数据足够优秀，这才能被你记住。

CocoonIt's such a pity that DP-12 was swallowed by a Boojum during a Yellow Zone mission—she was never retrieved.可惜，DP-12后续在黄区执行任务的过程中被伯介姆吞噬，没有被回收。

CocoonI'm sure you must have felt a great sense of loss.您一定觉得很惋惜吧？

LentineFor an old, obsolete Doll? It matters little if she's gone.只是一个报废的人形而已，没了就没了。

LentineSo why does Tlazo want her back, after ten years had passed? They even sent out a direct request for her retrieval.倒是忒拉佐公司过了将近十年，还会主动接收她，是为了什么？

CocoonHmm... Is the reason something that matters? You're just an adjutant in Mangi Security, yet you seem quite curious about the Conglomerate's affairs.嗯——理由很重要吗？您作为曼尼安保中的副官，似乎对财团有许多好奇。

CocoonAre you perhaps, looking to pursue a career within the Conglomerate?难道您是想要去财团内发展吗？

LentineThanks for the praise. Understanding our employers helps us complete our missions better, and that is our responsibility.多谢夸奖。了解雇主能协助我们更好地完成任务，这也是职责所在。

(Lentine answers Cocoon fearlessly.)（兰汀毫不畏缩地回应着茧的提问。）

(Ignoring Lentine's attitude, Cocoon smiles and takes a few steps forward. She turns her gaze to the workbench behind Lentine, examining it with great interest.)（无视了兰汀的态度，茧微笑着上前几步，将目光转向了兰汀身后的操作台，饶有兴趣地观察着。）

DushevnayaYou...你……

(Dushevnaya returns Cocoon's appraising gaze with a look of perplexion.)（杜莎妮有些茫然地回望着茧审视的目光。）

(Cocoon only takes a moment to look at Dushevnaya's eyes and frame—a red glow lights up within her visual module the next second, signifying the completion of a long-range scan.)（茧凝视杜莎妮的双眼以及素体片刻，视觉模块的深处亮起一抹红光，远距离扫描已经在瞬间完成。）

(Lentine watches Cocoon closely, but she does not intervene like she did before.)（兰汀看着茧的动作，却也没有再次阻拦。）

CocoonRequesting another confirmation of ID and ownership information.要求再次确认编号和所属权限归属。

DushevnayaID: DP-12. Owner: Mangi Security.编号：DP-12，权限归属：曼尼安保。

(Cocoon crosses her arms, fingers tapping rhythmically on her forearm.)（茧环抱着双臂，指尖在胳膊上有节奏地轻点。）

(She cocks her head in doubt, but her uncertainty only lasts a second before disappearing into thin air.)（她疑惑地歪了歪头，但那丝迷茫仅在脸上停留了一瞬，便消失无踪。）

(Cocoon puts away her smile and turns away, calmly walking back to Lentine's side as if she lost all interest in Dushevnaya.)（随后如同失去了对KSVK的兴趣般，茧收起笑容，扭过身，平静地走回了兰汀的身边。）

CocoonIn any case, I thank Mangi Security for completing this additional mission.总之，感谢曼尼安保为集团完成了追加任务。

CocoonHowever, DP-12 was recorded having joint missions with decommissioned Doll KSVK in the past. I will need to ensure that her neural cloud is wiped clean for security reasons.不过，DP-12过往有和集团已废弃的人形KSVK共同任务的记录，出于安全考虑，我需要确保她的心智被清洗干净。

LentineShe is currently an asset of Mangi Security. If you want a neural cloud wipe protocol to start, you must provide a reason and go through the proper procedures.她目前是曼尼安保的资产，如果想执行心智清理的流程，需要理由以及执行程序。

CocoonTlazo Incorporated's mission CLEARLY specified a request for her neural cloud to be wiped.忒拉佐公司的任务中应该已经“明确”注明了清洗心智的需求。

(Cocoon intentionally places emphasis on the word "clearly".)（茧故意加重了明确二字。）

LentineRequests are requests. Protocol is protocol.需求是需求，流程是流程。

LentineProper procedure and protocol must be followed before a neural cloud wipe can be executed. Things have always been this way.走完流程，再清理心智。过去一直都是这样。

(Cocoon turns her smile to Lentine, yet Lentine does not back down at all.)（茧笑眯眯地看着兰汀，但对方并无退让的打算。）

(A moment of silence passes. Cocoon turns to leave.)（沉默片刻后，茧扭头走向了仓库出口。）

CocoonI'll be back once the paperwork is complete.在完成手续后，我会再来的。

(Sounds of her rhythmic footsteps move away from the warehouse, growing quiet. Dushevnaya still stares blankly in the direction that Cocoon had left, as if something within her neural cloud just got pieced together before disappearing into thin air again.)（规律的脚步声再次响起，远离了仓库，杜莎妮依旧愣愣地看向茧离开的方向，心智空间内似乎有什么刚刚拼组好的东西再次消失得无影无踪。）

LentineIt doesn't matter where you came from, or how you managed to arrive at this place. Just heed these words:不管你从哪来，不管你怎么到了这个地方，给我记住。

LentineYour neural cloud has already been wiped.你的心智已经遭受过清理。

(Lentine's icy voice drags Dushevnaya out of her daze.)（兰汀冰冷的声音，将杜莎妮从愣神中唤醒。）

LentineYour real ID is KSVK.KSVK才是你的正确编号。

LentineYour file was secretly switched with DP-12's within Mangi Security's database.在曼尼安保的数据库里，你的资料和DP-12的资料，进行过秘密调换。

LentineDon't get your own identity wrong, and don't share this with just anyone.别搞错你的身份，也别把这个讯息随便告诉陌生人。

Dushevnaya...Where is DP-12?……DP-12在哪里？

(Dushevnaya's voice is hoarse, to the extent that she is unable to keep up with her usual way of speaking.)（杜莎妮的声音有些干涩，以至于无法保持平日里说话的风格。）

DushevnayaWas she... the Doll just now...?是不是……就是刚刚的……

DushevnayaI felt... something familiar.我感受到了……那种熟悉感。

DushevnayaDid she undergo a wipe in my place, and turn into that Doll...?她是不是代替我清洗心智，然后变成了刚才的人形……？

LentineThat is absolutely not the DP-12 you're looking for.那绝对不是你要找的DP-12。

(Lentine interrupts Dushevnaya's train of thought without any hesitation.)（兰汀毫不犹豫地打断了杜莎妮的想法延伸。）

LentineTlazo would never value a Doll that highly. Unless... someone else values DP-12.忒拉佐公司不可能对一个人形如此重视，除非，对DP-12重视的另有其人。

(Lentine looks in the direction that Cocoon left and falls into a bout of contemplation.)（兰汀看着茧离开的方向，陷入了沉思。）

(Could it be her? She... does happen to be a Doll with a rather tenacious drive to win.)（会是她么？她……正巧是一个好胜心极强的人形。）

(Dushevnaya suddenly speaks, interrupting Lentine's thoughts.)（杜莎妮忽地开口，打断了兰汀的思考。）

DushevnayaI want to find my companion.我要找我的同伴。

(Lentine shoots an icy gaze at the determined Doll for a moment... and nods subtly.)（冷冷地凝视着眼神坚定的人形片刻，兰汀微微点头。）

LentineI'm a collaborator of DP-12. If you want to see the real DP-12, listen to my instructions.我是DP-12的合作者，如果你想见到真正的DP-12，就听从我的安排。

LentineEnter standby mode. Don't say what you shouldn't. Don't do what you shouldn't.进入待机状态，别说不该说的，也别做不该做的。

LentineWhat you SHOULD do is wait here quietly.你所该做的，就是静静等待。

(Everything is going as Lentine predicted. With DP-12 as bait, she managed to make Dushevnaya wait obediently in an environment alien to her, following her instructions.)（如同兰汀所预料的，以DP-12为诱饵，面前的人形在如今陌生的环境中乖巧地等在原地，听从她的安排。）

(Finding KSVK undoubtedly means having an extra bargaining chip in her dealings with DP-12.)（找到KSVK无疑让她与DP-12的交易，多了一份筹码。）

In-Depth Investigation 深入调查

(Late at night, at Mangi Security's decommissioned items warehouse. The unpleasant smell of machine oil and rusted metal saturates the air.)（深夜，曼尼安保废弃品仓库中，空气弥漫着机油与金属锈蚀的不快气味。）

(Nikketa digs through a pile of decommissioned Doll frames, guided by a faint tracking signal.)（跟随着微弱的定位信号，妮基塔在一堆废弃的人形素体中寻找着。）

(Although the Elmo did report a successful infiltration, Nikketa can't help but worry about the Dolls. The quiet pile of Doll frames in front of her resembles a mass grave, containing nothing but decommissioned frames.)（虽然艾莫号预先告知过人形成功混入的消息，但是，妮基塔不由有些担忧。眼前寂静得如同人形的坟场，除了废弃的素体之外别无他物。）

(Just as she begins to suspect a fruitless search that compels her to return, a faint clatter of a falling component rings from a corner of the warehouse.)（就在妮基塔怀疑这次搜寻注定会无功而返时，仓库一个角落传来了细微的零件掉落的声响。）

Nikketa—!!——！！

(Nikketa instantly goes on high alert. She quickly points her weapon in the direction of the sound's origin—)（妮基塔瞬间进入了最高警戒状态，她迅速举起武器对向声音传来的方位——）

(A Doll carefully emerges from behind the pile of Doll frames that hid her, illuminated by dim lighting. A huge gash is present on her waist. Her limbs seem to have sustained varying degrees of damage.)（昏暗的灯光下，一位人形从藏身的废弃素体堆后小心探出身。她的素体腰间被划开了巨大伤口，四肢也有不同程度的受损。）

(Nikketa confronts the Doll with her gun. A moment passes before the Doll puts away her wary expression, seemingly having recognized something.)（妮基塔举枪与人形对峙着。片刻后，人形仿佛认出了什么一般，收起了警惕的表情。）

BalthildeI'm... a companion of Dushevnaya.我是……杜莎妮的同伴。

NikketaAre you the other Doll that Boss sent?BOSS派来的另一名成员就是你吗？

(The air of tension finally eases after the two Dolls confirm each other's identities and IDs.)（确认了双方身份和编号，紧张的气氛这才慢慢缓和下来。）

(Nikketa looks at Balthilde's battered frame and frowns.)（妮基塔看着巴希达破破烂烂的素体，皱起眉头。）

NikketaI rushed over here to find you guys the moment Boss notified me.收到BOSS的通知之后，我就第一时间来这里找你们了。

NikketaAccording to Boss' description, the infiltration was successful for both of you.但我从BOSS那边得到的消息，是你们都成功进入了曼尼安保的队伍。

NikketaWhy have you ended up in this warehouse alone? Where's Dushevnaya?为什么你会独自在这个仓库？杜莎妮呢？

(A bitter laugh escapes Balthilde's lips as she recalls what happened.)（巴希达回想着之前的经历，冷笑了一声。）

BalthildeWhen we arrived at Mangi Security, their leader took Dushevnaya away after receiving some sort of order.回到曼尼安保后，他们的领头人好像收到了什么命令，把杜莎妮单独带走了。

BalthildeI asked to go with Dushevnaya, but the retrieval squad ignored me completely. They then shot me and threw me here.我提出和杜莎妮一起过去，但负责接收的小队根本没有理会我，反而对我开了枪，最后把我扔到了这里来。

BalthildeThey were probably thinking that a civilian Doll like me only had a place in a warehouse with junk.他们大概是觉得，像我这样的民用人形，只配待在废品仓库吧。

BalthildeWell, at least this helps us act with more freedom.不过，这样正好方便我们行动。

NikketaYour frame has sustained considerable damage from your successful infiltration into Mangi Security. We better get your frame repaired before we proceed.虽然已经混进了曼尼安保内部，但你的素体受损程度不低，在我们行动前，最好先完成修整。

(Balthilde gives her neck a good stretch. She shows Nikketa the tools she has on hand.)（巴希达活动了下颈部，向妮基塔展示了手中的工具。）

BalthildeParts and components are aplenty here. I've completed all critical repairs on myself already.这里可用零件很多，我已经完成了最低程度的修复。

(Balthilde's voice sounds hoarse and distorted due to her damaged vocalization module.)（巴希达的声音因为发声单元受损而显得沙哑失真。）

(She notices Nikketa's worried expression and shakes her head.)（看着妮基塔仍然担忧的表情，巴希达摇了摇头。）

BalthildeDon't worry. My mobility isn't affected.放心，不会影响行动。

BalthildeThis frame... never had much combat ability to begin with, but I can keep all the necessary functions maintained.现在这具素体……本来也没有多少战斗力，我能保证它维持必要的运转。

BalthildeI've been prepared to lose this frame ever since I arrived in this place.从来到这里，我就做好了废弃素体的准备。

BalthildeShould something unexpected happen, feel free to discard this frame.如果出现意外情况，你和杜莎妮可以直接放弃这具素体。

(Facing Balthilde's calm expression, Nikketa does not speak further on the matter. Instead, she changes the topic to their mission.)（面对巴希达平静的神情，妮基塔没有继续坚持，将话题转向了两人的行动。）

NikketaDid you see where they took Dushevnaya?你有注意到杜莎妮被带到哪了吗？

(Balthilde shakes her head, her voice brimming with helplessness.)（巴希达摇摇头，声音里充满了无力感。）

BalthildeOur communications got cut off once she got taken away. I couldn't track her down.她被带走后通讯就失效了，我没能追踪到。

BalthildeRight now, I'm worried that she'll get her neural cloud wiped clean, before she can even find DP-12.现在，我很担心她还没找到DP-12，就已经彻底被清洗心智。

NikketaIt won't happen this early.不会那么快。

NikketaIf Mangi Security retrieved her frame for the Conglomerate, then KSVK's neural cloud might actually contain something of interest to them.如果曼尼安保是在为财团回收素体，那么KSVK的心智中或许还存在着对财团有价值的信息。

NikketaAs long as we find her before the Conglomerate's top brass does, it'll be fine.只要我们赶在财团的大人物之前找到她，一切都来得及。

BalthildeThen... do you know how to find her? Dushevnaya was retrieved as "DP-12", so we'll know who's looking for her if we follow that lead.那你有办法找到她吗？杜莎妮是作为“DP-12”被回收的，只要顺着这条线索进行调查，就能知道是谁在寻找她。

NikketaMm. Let's start by thinking about the matter of DP-12 and KSVK swapping identification codes.嗯。我正在尝试从DP-12和KSVK交换识别码这件事入手。

NikketaIf that's been confirmed, then the real DP-12 has probably already been put into active service.如果这件事是确认的，那么，“DP-12”应该已经被正式投入使用。

NikketaBecause KSVK's identification code within the archives has been changed from "decommissioned" to "officially in active service". She's also currently under Lentine's ownership.因为KSVK的识别码在档案中，已经从“废弃”标注为“正式投入使用”，目前的所属权，归于兰汀。

BalthildeSo, we'll get to check on Dushevnaya if we manage to contact Lentine?这么说，只要和对方联系上，就可以确认杜莎妮的情况？

NikketaI'm against rushing to make contact with her before we can confirm their situation.在确认对方情况之前，我并不赞成贸然联络。

BalthildeI understand your concerns, but I want to confirm Dushevnaya's safety ASAP, no matter what.我知道你的顾虑，但不管怎么说，我想先确认杜莎妮的安危。

BalthildeI've encountered many decommissioned Dolls throughout the Yellow Zone. I don't think Dushevnaya's retrieval bodes well for her at all.在黄区的时候，我遇到过很多被废弃的人形。我不认为杜莎妮被找回会是一件好事。

Nikketa...Alright. I'll try to get into the database again.……好吧。我会试着再次潜入数据库。

NikketaHowever, Mangi Security does infosec really well. My clearance is limited, so higher-level info can only be obtained through decrypting the permissions required.不过，曼尼安保内的信息保密做得很好，我的信息权限有限，更高一级的资料只能通过破译权限获取。

BalthildeIs it risky?有风险吗？

NikketaThe risks are manageable. Besides, Boss has arranged for Leva to provide us remote electronic warfare support.风险可控。而且，BOSS也安排了莱娅远程支援我们的信息战。

(Nikketa connects to Mangi Security's database once again, skillfully hacking into and bypassing the defense systems.)（妮基塔再次接入曼尼安保数据库，熟练地入侵并绕过了防御系统。）

(She quickly makes a discovery while browsing through the archives.)（浏览着库中的档案数据，她很快有了发现。）

NikketaKSVK's retrieval was a task commissioned by Tlazo Incorporated.回收KSVK似乎是忒拉佐公司的委托。

NikketaBut the workflow for this mission was very simple and involved few people. It feels like they didn't want too many to know about this at all. We have reason to suspect that it might be a faked mission.但这个任务流程非常简单，牵扯人员极少，更像是从一开始就不想让这件事被过多人知晓。不排除是伪造任务的可能性。

BalthildeThe Elmo received that call of unknown origin pretty close to the time this mission got sent out.任务发布时间几乎和在艾莫号上的陌生通讯时间一致。

BalthildeDoes that mean... the original DP-12 issued this mission, disguising herself as the Conglomerate? Is she trying to find Dushevnaya?也就是说……是原本的DP-12通过伪装财团发布了这项任务？她在寻找杜莎妮吗？

NikketaNot very likely. From what I know, DP-12's owner is Lentine, who is known to be rather sharp and capable. She's not some all-talk-no-bite paper tiger.不太可能。据我所知，DP-12的归属人兰汀是一名非常敏锐的实战派，并非只会空谈的花架子。

NikketaAlthough I've never been directly under her command, the squad that she leads—"Omen"—had always been renowned.虽然并未直接接受过她的指挥，不过她所率领的小队“噩兆”一直是名声在外。

NikketaTo her, Dolls are simply tools, a means to an end. It's unlikely that she would let the original DP-12 try such a thing.对她来说，人形不过是完成任务的工具，不太可能会让原本的“DP-12”做出这样的尝试。

BalthildeThen... is someone who knows of DP-12's survival trying to find the original DP-12?那么……是有人在知道DP-12尚且存活的情况下，在寻找本来的DP-12？

BalthildePerhaps our enemy had been targeting the original DP-12 all along.敌人的目标从一开始就是原本的“DP-12”？

NikketaThat is indeed possible.可以这么推测。

NikketaThing is, DP-12 has been missing for a long time now. In addition, her fate has already been recorded in the archives... so if someone is seeking her after all that...不过DP-12已经销声匿迹许久，并且已经有过登记在案的处理结果。在这个时间被寻找……

NikketaThey must be deeply connected to DP-12.可见，对方与DP-12有着很深的渊源才对。

(When Nikketa tries to make a further attempt at decrypting the mission client's info, the terminal screen suddenly turns red, error alerts popping without end. The Level II of both Dolls gets instantly invaded through the connecting interface.)（当妮基塔进一步尝试破解这条任务的委托人资料时，终端屏幕上却瞬间被染成了红色，报错的警报提示不停弹出，并在一瞬间通过接口入侵了两人的二级平层。）

NikketaCareful. We've been discovered.小心，我们被发现了。

(The endless malicious code segments weave into a gigantic net, completely locking down the neural spaces of both Dolls.)（无数的恶意代码如同一张编织而成的巨网，全面封锁了二人的心智空间。）

In-Depth Investigation 深入调查

(Just as Nikketa and Balthilde are about to be consumed by the malicious data, another datastream, obviously different from everything else, appears within Level II.)（就在妮基塔和巴希达即将被恶意数据彻底吞噬的瞬间，另一股截然不同的数据流出现在二级平层中。）

(It does not fight against the data-woven net. Instead, it aims for the interface that connects the attackers to the database, severing the link between them.)（它没有与那张编织而成的数据网进行缠斗，而是精准地锁定了数据库与攻击方之间的接口，斩断了二者的连接。）

(The alarms stop immediately. Nikketa and Balthilde receive a notification soon after, informing them about a location in great detail.)（警报提示戛然而止。紧接着一条清晰的位置信息，被直接投送给了妮基塔和巴希达。）

BalthildeWe managed to fend off the attack thanks to the reinforcements. Was it Leva, whom the Commander mentioned before?多亏了增援才让我们成功抵御住了攻击，对方就是指挥官提到的莱娅？

NikketaIt didn't feel like Leva's handiwork.不像是莱娅的手笔。

NikketaNot only did they help us fight off the external intel attack, they also revealed Dushevnaya's current location to us.对方不仅帮我们击退了外部的情报攻击，而且还将杜莎妮目前的所处位置透露给了我们。

NikketaCan't be sure whether they're an enemy or an ally, but...是敌是友目前还不能判断，但……

BalthildeWe have to go there if we want to find more clues about Dushevnaya.想要获得杜莎妮的线索，就必须去那里。

(Inside a standard Mangi Security workshop. While Balthilde and Nikketa converse, Cocoon watches the defeated attacking data commands on a screen with a slight frown.)（与此同时，曼尼安保的普通工作室内，茧正看着屏幕上溃散的攻击数据指令，眉头微皱。）

(Cocoon already knew that someone would try to investigate the additional mission that she issued and try to pinpoint her identity using that.)（茧早就想到会有人通过调查自己发布的追加任务，以此来定位自己的真实身份。）

(What she didn't expect is for a third party to intervene in electronic warfare—a rather skilled old hand at that.)（但没想到居然有第三方势力插足，并且是一名相当熟悉电子战的高手。）

CocoonThat technique... differs from most other enemies I've encountered in the past.这样的电子战手法，和过往遇到的敌人有所不同。

(Cocoon talks to herself, somewhat confused.)（茧有些困惑地自语着。）

CocoonWas it the Doll that just arrived?会是之前的那位吗？

CocoonBut... is it really possible for a Doll to reach this level so soon after retrieval?但是……才刚回收，就可以做到这种程度吗？

(She recalls the clean, efficient offensive technique that felt faintly familiar to her. A flicker of disgust crosses her eyes.)（她回想着刚才那干净利落、却又带着一丝熟悉感的攻击方式，眼中闪过一丝厌恶。）

CocoonDeconstructing my offensive tactics, then counterattacking using my own methods... How irritating.拆解我的攻击习惯，再用相似的手法反击……真是令人不悦。

(Cocoon connects to Mangi Security's internal network once again. She changes her target, easily bypassing every clearance lock.)（茧再次接入了曼尼安保的内部网络，转换了自己的目标，轻松绕过了所有曼尼安保的权限管控。）

CocoonThis all ends now.不过，也就到此为止了。

CocoonA bug that flies into a net won't leave too quickly, no?入网的小虫，可不会那么轻易脱身，不是么？

(Cocoon sets an alluring trap within the Mangi Security database. She has developed an indescribable sense of "anticipation" for this unknown "opponent".)（在曼尼安保内的数据库中留下引诱敌人再度攻击的陷阱。茧对这位陌生的“对手”产生了难以言喻的“期待感”。）

(Lentine leads a squad to lock down Lonnie's location, shortly after the attack on Mangi Security's database.)（曼尼安保的数据库遭受攻击后不久，兰汀立刻带领小队封锁了朗尼所在的区域。）

(His office door is brutally slammed open. Lentine's figure appears in the doorway. Behind her are members of "Omen", the squad that she directly commands.)（朗尼办公室的门被粗暴地推开。兰汀的身影出现在门口，在她身后，是她直属的“噩兆”小队成员。）

(Without a word, the squad members silently fan out from either side of Lentine, effortlessly blocking all exits. Their icy gazes lock onto each and every non-"Omen" individual within the office.)（没有任何交流，小队成员只是沉默地从兰汀两侧散开，不经意间封锁了所有的出口，冰冷的目光锁定在办公室里的每一个人身上。）

LonnieWhat are you doing in my office with a bunch of people?你带一群人来我这儿来做什么？

(Lonnie questions Lentine, clearly irritated.)（朗尼没好气地质问着兰汀。）

LentineWe have a diverse mix of personalities with us at Mangi Security. It's hardly surprising that we find rats every now and then.曼尼安保里的人员复杂，出了老鼠也是很正常的。

(Lentine walks up to Lonnie and tosses a data tablet onto the table.)（兰汀走到朗尼的面前，将一个数据平板丢到了桌上。）

LentineYour account illegally accessed the database just a few minutes ago. My people were there to catch it immediately.几分钟前你的账号非法入侵了数据库，被我的人第一时间发现。

LentineNaturally, I had to report all this up the chain of command for the sake of safety. I came here to impose a lockdown order for the same reason.出于安全考虑，我自然要把这些情报逐级上报，并来执行封锁命令。

LonnieYou're telling me that I illegally accessed the database?你说我入侵数据库？

(Lonnie bulges his eyes wide, as if he just heard something ridiculous.)（朗尼瞪大了双眼，仿佛听到了什么可笑的事情。）

LonnieHa. Why would I need to access it illegally with MY level of clearance?呵，以我的权限，我有什么必要需要入侵数据库？

LentineI'm just stating the facts.我只是在阐述事实罢了。

LentineMangi Security's database suffered an attack some minutes ago. The enemy tried to look through data on me, then tried to tamper with some of the intel.几分钟之前，曼尼安保的数据库遭受攻击，敌人翻看我的数据并尝试篡改部分情报。

LentineThe evidence left behind is the clearance permissions from your account.留下的痕迹正是你的账号权限。

LonnieI didn't even open our data system within the timeframe you described.几分钟前我根本没打开过曼尼安保的数据系统。

LentineThere's no use saying all that to me.这些话不该和我说。

LentineYou will have to undergo a round of investigations for the sake of information security. Still, like you said, nothing to worry about if you're not guilty, right?出于信息安全考虑，你需要接受调查，不过，就像你说的，既然没做过就不用担心，对吧？

LentineAfter all, I'm pretty sure you won't want someone doing whatever they want in the company, through YOUR clearance.毕竟，你也不想有人一直用你的权限，在公司里为所欲为吧。

LentineTake him in for questioning.带他去接受调查吧。

(Lonnie's protests appear futile under the silent, oppressive pressure of "Omen" squad. He is eventually "escorted" away by two Omen members on each side of him.)（在“噩兆”小队无声的压迫下，朗尼的辩解显得苍白无力。他最终被一左一右地“请”出了办公室。）

Lonnie...Just you wait.……给我等着。

(After watching Lonnie get taken away, Lentine makes her way to a well-hidden room where DP-12 awaits her.)（目送朗尼被带走调查后，兰汀来到了一处隐蔽的房间，DP-12早已等待在这里。）

LentineThanks for the intel just now, but who is the real intruder?刚才的情报，谢了。不过，真正的入侵者是谁？

DP-12The intruder was likely someone from Tlazo Incorporated.入侵曼尼安保信息库的敌人，应该是忒拉佐公司的人。

Lentine...Cocoon. That third-gen Doll. Her current identity is that of an intel agent working for Tlazo as a liaison to Mangi Security.三代人形——茧。她目前的身份是忒拉佐公司的情报代理人，与曼尼安保对接相关工作。

LentineIt'll be quite disadvantageous for me, if she discovers the matter of you swapping identification codes with KSVK.一旦你和KSVK识别码调换的事情被她发现，对我而言会很不利。

DP-12So many years have passed since then. I don't think KSVK will attract any attention from the top brass.距离当年已经过去了那么久，我不认为KSVK会引起高层的注意。

DP-12Besides, I edited her identification code already. Tlazo commissioned Lonnie to retrieve DP-12, so their real target would be me, by right.况且，她的识别码已经被我修改过。忒拉佐公司委托朗尼回收的是DP-12，所以他们的目标应该是我才对。

LentineWe still don't know what their real goal is, but I did stop Cocoon from wiping that Doll's neural cloud, just temporarily.还不知道对方的真正目的是什么，我已经暂时阻止了她清洗那个人形的心智。

DP-12Thank you for your help.感谢您的帮助。

LentineDon't let down your guard just because of that. It's only temporary.别就此松懈，只是暂时的而已。

LentineThe URNC has already dispatched their investigation officers. We don't have much time to waste.罗联那边已经委派调查官员下来了。我们没有多少时间可以浪费。

LentineThe higher-ups pressed me to take care of those coordinates... several times.上面催了我几次，要我去处理那些坐标点。

LentineThey pressed me so frequently, at THIS point in time... Hmph. Even an idiot will realize that they have some terrible work lined up.催得那么紧，又在这个时间点……哼，不用想都知道不会是什么好活。

(Lentine lets out a bitter chuckle.)（兰汀冷笑了一声。）

LentineMaybe it'll end up like what happened in that cleanup mission from before. The one where we entered a Paradeus base, and crawled out with huge losses.也许，又像上次派给“噩兆”的清理任务一样，进了帕拉蒂斯的据点，有去无回。

DP-12Are you worried that this mission will be about Paradeus again?您在担心这次的任务仍与帕拉蒂斯有关？

LentineI hope not. I'm just considering the worst-case scenario.我希望不是，但对于任务做好最坏程度的推测。

LentineAfter all, in the eyes of those higher-ups, "Omen" exists for the very purpose of taking on such missions.毕竟在上面那群人眼里，“噩兆”就是为此而存在的。

DP-12"Omen"... is not a name of glory, but rather an unfortunate label that your colleagues have given you.“噩兆”……并非是一个光彩的名字，而是同僚们给您的糟糕定位。

DP-12Your squad may take on an endless number of dirty jobs, yet remain prone to a future of being regarded as disposable pawns at any moment.即便做了再多“脏活”，也无法避免随时可能被视为“弃子”的未来。

LentineI'm not as self-loathing as you think. I will NOT face that kind of future, and I will never let it happen to me.我没你想得那么自怨自艾，我不会经历这样的未来，也绝不允许它在我身上发生。

LentineOnly by grasping enough leverage can we earn our bargaining chips. You and I both know the importance of intel.掌握足够的把柄，才能获得交易筹码。情报的重要性，你我皆知。

LentineDoes this mission really involve Paradeus? What are some pieces of important intel that we can leverage? ...I believe that you can find me some solid answers to that.这个任务究竟是否与帕拉蒂斯相关，又有哪些重要的情报可以利用……我想，你能为我找到准确的消息。

DP-12...Of course. I shall perform further investigations to pay you back for protecting KSVK.……当然。作为您为KSVK掩护的回报，我会进一步调查。

LentineMm. Best to get such troublesome things out of the way early. I don't want to end up like your Commander, after all.嗯。这种麻烦事越早弄清楚越好，毕竟我可不希望变成你那位指挥官那样。

(Lentine changes the subject, lacing her voice with a hint of mockery.)（兰汀话锋一转，语气中也夹带上了一丝嘲讽。）

LentineThat man has gotten worse and worse over the course of a decade.十年不见，那个人可真是越混越糟糕了。

LentineWho would've expected that he'd blow up Lviv? That's a White Zone. The URNC won't let this go easily.竟然在利沃夫弄出一个爆炸，那可是白区，罗联不可能不重视。

DP-12You and I both know... that the Commander would never do such a thing.您和我都相信，指挥官不会做那样的事。

LentineAvailable evidence suggests that he's most suited to be the Conglomerate's scapegoat.从现有的证据来看，最适合被财团选为替死鬼的就是那个人。

(DP-12's smile remains unchanged, but her gaze turns icy.)（DP-12的笑容未变，眼神却冷了下来。）

DP-12Are you trying to threaten me... by emphasizing all that?现在强调这些……是在威胁我吗？

LentineI'm simply pitying the hero whose curtain call draws near.我只是可怜英雄即将迎来的落幕罢了。

LentineFor men like him, dying in combat would be the best outcome—a far better fate than becoming a chess piece to be toyed with by those in power.那样的人，死在战场上才是最好的结局，而不是变成被高层随意玩弄的棋子。

DP-12What's the difference between you and the Commander, then? "Omen" squad is also a chess piece of Mangi Security's top brass.但您和指挥官又相差多少呢？“噩兆”小队同样是曼尼安保高层手中的一枚棋子。

LentineDo not compare me with that person.别拿我和那个人相提并论。

LentineI already know what I have to do. I'm just lacking some... effective tools.我已经有思路了，只是还差一些……能称得上趁手的工具。

DP-12Tools? Haha... I'm probably considered one of your tools, aren't I?工具吗？呵呵……我也在您的工具范畴之内吧。

LentineHa. A partnership based on mutual benefit is the most stable kind. I believe we don't think of each other as companions.呵，利益互换才是最稳定的合作关系。我们之间算不上同伴吧。

LentineIn other words, I constantly have to be on guard against your possible betrayal.倒不如说，我还要时刻防备你的背叛。

DP-12How cold. And here I thought... that after KSVK and the Lullaby Project, we'd at least consider each other "accomplices".真是冷漠，我还以为……经历过KSVK和摇篮曲的事情，我们姑且也能算合作过的“共犯”呢。

LentineI've never believed in Doll loyalty. Not even in third-gen Dolls.我从来不相信人形的忠诚，就算是三代人形也一样。

LentineThe last time "Blusphere", a third-gen Doll, served as commander, her squad casualty rate was 100%.上一次三代人形“蓝雪球”担当指挥，她率领小队的伤亡率是100%。

LentineDolls are just tools. To a tool, the only thing that matters is the task. Tools have no companions.人形只是工具而已。工具眼里从来只有任务，没有同伴。

DP-12As expected, you are indeed deeply wary of Dolls. Quite unlike the Commander.您果然对人形抱有着极大的戒备心，这点和指挥官完全不同。

DP-12But it's okay to trust us a little since you do want to work with us, you know?但既然要建立合作，稍微信任一些也是可以的哦？

LentineThere is no need to try cozying up to me.套近乎大可不必。

DP-12I know very well that to protect KSVK, I must acquire sufficient power. And right now, you're the only individual who I can trust in Mangi Security.我很清楚，想要保护KSVK，必须获得足够的力量，而在曼尼安保，您是我目前唯一可以相信的合作对象。

DP-12If I didn't have your help back then, I would've never been able to save KSVK in time, much less help her escape Mangi Security.如果没有你的帮助，当年我一定无法及时救出KSVK，更别说让她逃离曼尼安保了。

DP-12Although you did not wake me up as per our arrangement, I do not harbor any resentment against you.虽然，您没有如约将我唤醒，不过，我并没有什么怨恨之情。

LentineHow boring.无聊。

LentineI'm no coward. If they want to send me to my death, they better be prepared to go down with me.我和懦夫不一样，想让我去送死，最好提前做好玉石俱焚的准备。

LentineOnce Tlazo is in dire straits, they won't have the strength to push blame for their mistakes on to others.忒拉佐公司自身难保的时候，自然没工夫把过错丢给别人。

DP-12Haha, you need not worry... I'll fabricate data and steer their speculation. I shall help you craft a perfect story and feed it to the URNC's investigators.呵呵，请您放心……伪造数据、引导猜测，我会为您编织一个最完美的可能性，交给罗联的系统审查。

DP-12Perhaps... you might be inclined to show some generosity in return for this?作为报酬……您是否也应该展示您的诚意了呢？

LentineKSVK has been retrieved. They want to wipe her neural cloud in order to end the trouble that started all those years ago.KSVK已经被回收，想要彻底解决当年的问题，她必须被清理心智。

LentineI helped you block the wipe, but you better not get your hopes up too much.我帮你阻拦过清理流程，但你最好别抱太大希望。

DP-12I understand. I will start by going to the location you gave me.我明白。我会先去您给我的位置查看。

DP-12I'll try my best to save her, wiped or not.无论清理了与否，我都会尽可能救下她。

DP-12We both know that KSVK's backup is still in your hands. I will do my best to cooperate with you, for the sake of that child.您知道，KSVK的备份心智还在您的手中。为了那孩子，我会好好配合您的。

LentineWatch out for that third-gen Doll named "Cocoon".小心那个叫茧的三代人形。

(Lentine offers her a final reminder.)（兰汀最后提醒道。）

LentineShe's here for you.她是为你来的。

DP-12Of course~ Thank you for being so thoughtful.是~多谢您的关心。

Long-Awaited Reunion 久别重逢

(Balthilde and Nikketa's footsteps echo through the corridor.)（通道中回响着巴希达和妮基塔的脚步声。）

(The mysterious location info is akin to a bullet with no source—who knows where it could lead them? Yet, in their bid to find Dushevnaya's whereabouts, Balthilde and Nikketa chose to take the risk of following it, not knowing what kind of person had given them the coordinates.)（那个神秘的位置信息，就像一枚没有寄信人的子弹，不知会将她们引向何方，但为了找寻到杜莎妮的下落，即便不知道给予坐标点的是何方神圣，巴希达和妮基塔仍然决定冒险前往。）

BalthildeI'll go alone, and that'll be enough. That way, I won't endanger you if I'm found out.我自己过去就够了，就算被发现，至少不会连累你。

NikketaI know Mangi Security's layout much better than you. Your chances of getting spotted will be minimized if you bring me along.曼尼安保的设施我比你更熟悉，有我在可以最大幅度降低你被发现的可能性。

BalthildeThanks.谢谢。

Balthilde...Have you thought about what to do if we get spotted?……你想过如果被发现，怎么办吗？

NikketaThis is a path walked in darkness. One should count themselves lucky to have a companion.这是一条行走在黑暗之中的道路，能有同行者，已是幸运。

NikketaThat's why I've never feared getting exposed.所以，我从没有害怕过暴露。

BalthildeT-that's not what I meant.我、我不是这个意思。

(Balthilde, at a loss for words, rushes to explain.)（巴希达有些语塞，她赶紧解释道。）

BalthildeIf your cover gets compromised because of Dushevnaya and me, why not retreat with us?如果因为杜莎妮和我，让你在曼尼安保内失去继续潜伏的条件，你可以和我们一起撤离这里。

BalthildeI'm not as good as you in combat, but I'm pretty durable. I'll help you fend off Mangi Security.虽然我不像你那样擅长战斗，但我很耐揍，可以帮你一起抵挡曼尼安保的敌人。

BalthildeBesides, I've already backed myself up before coming here, so if we run into danger, just fight to your best without worrying about me.我在来曼尼安保之前已经做好了心智备份，如果遇到危险，你尽管战斗，不用顾忌我。

Nikketa...Many thanks. But I'll try to avoid that kind of scenario.……多谢。但我会尽力避免这样的情况。

(Their conversation comes to an abrupt halt upon reaching their destination. The coordinates had pointed them to a spacious room.)（交谈声在抵达目的地时戛然而止，坐标指向的房间是一处宽阔的房间。）

(The room is filled with silence and stillness. Balthilde and Nikketa exchange a glance, then separate in tacit agreement. They meticulously search every inch of the room, looking for any and all traces that might lead them to Dushevnaya.)（房间内空气凝滞，寂静无声，巴希达和妮基塔交换了一个眼神，随后默契地分开，细致地搜查着每一个角落，搜寻着任何与杜莎妮相关的蛛丝马迹。）

BalthildeNothing here.这里没有。

NikketaI'll try looking over there.我去那边寻找。

(Clack.)（咔哒。）

(A faint, metallic sound comes from outside the door, breaking the deathly silence within the room.)（一声轻微的金属响声从门外传来，打破了房间的死寂。）

Balthilde!!!！！！

(With nerves taut, Balthilde reacts instantly. She lowers her center of gravity, preparing to rush toward the door.)（在紧绷的神经下，巴希达瞬间做出反应，压低了身体重心，打算冲向屋门。）

(A hand grabs her wrist before she can do anything. Nikketa shakes her head, then directs her gaze towards a half-opened metal cargo container that they had just searched.)（一只手更快地抓住了她的手腕，妮基塔对着她摇了摇头，随即用眼神示意不远处一个她们刚刚搜查过的半开的金属货柜。）

(Rashly engaging the enemy would only ensure a swift end of their infiltration. Balthilde understood what Nikketa meant. She uses reason to suppress her desire to fight. The two Dolls then swiftly slip into the cramped cargo container before quietly closing the door.)（贸然与敌人交火，只可能让她们的潜入彻底失败。巴希达明白了妮基塔的意思，胸中的战意被理智强行压下。两人身手迅捷地闪身躲入狭窄的货柜之中，并轻轻带上了柜门。）

(Clack, clack, clack...)（哒、哒、哒……）

(The crisp sound of high heels grows louder as it draws near. Each and every step seems to fit precisely into some sort of rhythm, clear and solitary. Sounds like only one person is approaching.)（清脆的高跟鞋声由远及近，每一下都精准踩在某种节拍之上。声音清晰而孤立，听起来，来者只有一人。）

(The gap in the door is letting in a sliver of light, but it's not wide enough to help see the face of the person who arrived.)（柜门的缝隙透进来些许微光，却不足以看清来人的样貌。）

(The footsteps pass them by at an unhurried pace. Balthilde tenses her body again, ready to burst out of the container if the stranger makes a suspicious move.)（脚步声不紧不慢地经过她们藏身的货柜，巴希达再次绷紧了身体，只要对方有所异动就会破柜而出。）

??...So this IS the place.……果然，是在这里啊。

(The unhurried yet clear footsteps suddenly come to an abrupt halt.)（不紧不慢的脚步声忽地在某处停下了。）

(Balthilde peers through the gap. She can only see a blurry figure standing before a workbench not far away.)（巴希达透过门缝，只见一个模糊的身影，立在不远处的某座操作台前。）

(A rather familiar-looking Doll frame lies on the workbench, seemingly sound asleep.)（操作台上躺着一具无比熟悉的人形素体，如同安眠。）

Balthilde(Is that... Dushevnaya?!)（那是……杜莎妮？！）

??Was I too late?还是晚了一步吗？

(The woman gently caresses the frame's face.)（女人轻轻抚摸着那具素体的脸颊。）

(She speaks softly, her voice threaded with an almost imperceptible sigh.)（她的声音很轻，夹带着一丝不易察觉的叹息。）

??One must be careful. The enemy will arrive before salvation does.要小心，在救赎来临之前，敌人会先抵达。

??If your frame is dismantled and your neural cloud is wiped... everything from the past will cease to exist upon your forgetting, even if you change your frame.拆解你的素体、清洗你的心智……忘记一切后，即便素体能够更换，过往的一切均会不复存在。

(Balthilde clenches her fists inside the cramped container. She sees it. Dushevnaya's frame is right there, on the workbench.)（狭窄的货柜内，巴希达握紧了拳头。她已经看到了，杜莎妮的素体就在那个操作台上。）

(She wants to rush out to save her immediately, but Nikketa pushes her down, slowly shaking her head.)（她想要立刻冲出去解救杜莎妮，可是，妮基塔按住她，轻轻摇了摇头。）

(The visitor's footsteps come to a halt right next to Dushevnaya—yet this silence feels far more terrifying than the continuous clacking of heels.)（来访人的脚步声停了下来，停在了杜莎妮的身边——但这远比持续走动更加令人恐惧。）

(The unknown threat hangs over them like an invisible, formless net, trapping them firmly, boiling them in anxiety every passing second.)（未知的威胁，如同一张无形的大网，将她们牢牢罩住，每一秒都十分煎熬。）

Balthilde(We can't just sit by and watch Dushevnaya get wiped! We must intervene despite the danger!)（不能放任杜莎妮被清洗心智，就算再危险，也必须出手了！）

(The thought shoots through Balthilde's neural cloud in an instant. She clenches her fists, about to push open the container door—)（这个念头瞬间闪过巴希达的心智空间，她攥紧拳头，正准备推开柜门——）

(Clack, clack, clack...)（哒、哒、哒……）

(The stalled footsteps suddenly resume. But this time, they head straight for Balthilde and Nikketa's container.)（那停滞的脚步声竟然再次响起。只是这一次，声音靠近的方向，正是她们藏身的货柜。）

??A long time ago, when clouds veiled the stars, you asked me if we'd never find our way home again.以前，当云彩遮住星星的时候，你问我，我们是不是再也找不到回家的路。

(The woman's voice carries an upward inflection, as though she were recalling an interesting memory.)（女人的声音带着上扬的语调，仿佛在回忆什么有趣的往事。）

??To that, I said, "Our way home will never be lost. Just as these stars may sometimes play hide and seek with us, sometimes... we simply have to reach out, and 'catch' our way home."我说，路一直都在，就像那些星星，只是偶尔会和我们玩捉迷藏……需要由我们亲手抓住才行。

(Her voice draws near. She is almost right outside the door.)（她的声音越来越近，几乎就在柜门之外。）

Nikketa...……

??Once we catch it, why don't we try hiding the stars... in a... cargo container?抓住之后，不如把星星藏起来，藏到一个……谁也想不到的柜子里？

Balthilde(We've been discovered?!)（被发现了？！）

Long-Awaited Reunion 久别重逢

(The brief clash ends with the blue-haired Doll nimbly taking a few steps back, successfully dodging Nikketa and Balthilde's attack. She stands under the light and offers them both a gentle smile.)（一轮简短的交战过后，蓝色头发的人形轻巧地后退几步，避开了妮基塔和巴希达的追击。她站到了灯光下，向着二人露出一个温和的微笑。）

DP-12Haha~ Perhaps we can put an end to this overly warm welcome?呵呵~过火的招呼是否可以停止了呢？

DP-12I believe that we aren't enemies.我想，我们并不是敌人。

(Lowering her head, the blue-haired Doll looks at the face of the Doll lying on the workbench, her expression one of tender affection.)（蓝发人形垂下头，有些怜爱地望向操作台上人形的脸庞。）

(The calm, gentle demeanor makes Nikketa come to a swift realization.)（那份从容而温柔的态度，令妮基塔迅速反应过来。）

Nikketa...Are you the real DP-12?……你是真正的DP-12？

DP-12Haha... I'm glad you haven't forgotten me, VSK-94.呵呵……真高兴你还没有忘记我，VSK-94。

DP-12Correct. I was DP-12 during my time in Griffin.是的，我在格里芬的名字是：DP-12。

DP-12But now, you can call me by my real name: Helen.不过你也可以直接称呼我我真正的名字：海伦。

NikketaHelen... long time no see.海伦……好久不见。

BalthildeDP-12? You... So you... you're the one that Dushevnaya is looking for?!DP-12？你、所以你——你就是杜莎妮要找的那个人？！

HelenOh? Dushevnaya...哦？杜莎妮……

HelenDid this child... go back to that name?这孩子……重新用回了这个名字吗？

(Helen's smile softens even more as she caresses Dushevnaya's sleeping face.)（轻抚着杜莎妮沉睡的脸颊，海伦的笑容变得更为温和。）

(She fixes her gaze on Balthilde, tilting her head in curiosity.)（她注视着巴希达，有些好奇地轻轻歪了歪头。）

HelenWhat's your name? Are you her new friend?你呢？你是她的新朋友么？

NikketaThis is Balthilde, a fellow companion of ours. We came to find Dushevnaya and you.这位是巴希达，也是我们的同伴。我们为寻找杜莎妮和你而来。

(Balthilde shoots the sleeping Doll a glance before nodding stiffly.)（巴希达瞥了一眼沉睡中的杜莎妮，有些生涩地点了点头。）

BalthildeHello. Dushevnaya and I are companions, from the Doll Community.你好。我和杜莎妮是人形社区的同伴。

BalthildeHow is... Dushevnaya doing?杜莎妮她……现在怎么样？

HelenWe are too late. Her neural cloud has already been wiped. Looks like Mangi Security didn't want her to leak any info.我们来晚了一步，她已经被清洗了心智。看样子曼尼安保是不想情报外泄。

BalthildeWhat...? Damn it! This is all my fault...什么……可恶！都怪我……

BalthildeIf I were a T-Doll, then that Mangi Security team might have taken me in, and Dushevnaya would never...要是我是战术人形，那支曼尼安保的队伍或许就能带上我了，这样杜莎妮也不会……

HelenDo you mean... Mangi Security reached out to Dushevnaya?你的意思是……曼尼安保主动找上了杜莎妮？

BalthildeYeah. When we met Dushevnaya in the Yellow Zones, she had already lost her memory. She knew nothing about her past.是的。我们在黄区和杜莎妮相遇的时候，她已经失去了记忆，完全不知道她过往经历了什么。

BalthildeBut when she tried to process her neural cloud, she suddenly remembered the name "DP-12".但在梳理心智的时候，她忽然想起了“DP-12”这个名字。

BalthildeThen her location was sent to Mangi Security through a backdoor in her neural cloud.而且，她的坐标还被心智中的后门传到了曼尼安保。

BalthildeA voice that she described as "familiar" soon made a call, requesting that she meet her at Mangi Security.有一个她认为熟悉的声音很快找上门，要求她在曼尼安保之内和她见面。

Helen...Something's off about this.……这可不太对劲。

(Helen furrows her brow slightly.)（海伦微微皱了皱眉。）

HelenWhen Griffin restructured back then, Dushevnaya and I were accepted into Mangi Security together. We spent our time carrying out basic escort missions.当年格里芬拆解重组，我和杜莎妮一同被曼尼安保接收，一同执行最简单的护卫任务。

HelenThat child worked really hard, always trying her best to complete her missions perfectly. And because of that, she happened to overhear intel she wasn't allowed to know. The Conglomerate ordered her destruction.那孩子很努力，总想着把任务做到最好，也因此在机缘巧合之下听到了一些不该知道的情报，被财团下令销毁。

HelenBack then, I tampered with her identification code in order to save her from destruction, then falsified records of her destruction. Mangi Security shouldn't be able to pursue her after that... by right.那时，为了让杜莎妮免于被销毁，我特意篡改了她的识别码，伪造了她已经被销毁的假象。按理说，曼尼安保已经无法追踪她了。

HelenWho could that familiar-sounding voice belong to...? I'm Dushevnaya's only old friend within Mangi Security.那个熟悉的声音会是谁呢……在曼尼安保内，能算得上杜莎妮故友的应该只有我。

BalthildeWe have no idea either, to be honest. But someone from Mangi Security did try to reach out.老实说，我们也不明白。可是曼尼安保就是派人找上门来了。

HelenAnd because of that, she decided that she had to come back for the truth, no matter what...就是因为这样，她才无论如何都决定要来曼尼安保寻找真相么……

(Helen's eyelids lower slightly, as though she let out a quiet sigh.)（如同叹息一般，海伦微微垂下了眼帘。）

HelenThis child... after spending all this time separated from me, after finally getting away from danger... she throws herself right back into it.这孩子……明明已经和我分别了很久，好不容易离开了危险的地方，如今却又自己撞了回来。

HelenHer attempts to find me will only land us in even worse trouble, in situations that are far harder to deal with.来找我，只会让我们都陷入更糟糕、更难以应对的境地。

NikketaPerhaps she came here because it was you that they're targeting, not her.她会来这里，也许是因为被盯上的不是她，而是你。

NikketaSomeone from Tlazo seems to want your neural cloud wiped. That was why Dushevnaya got herself taken back to Mangi Security.忒拉佐公司的人似乎打算清洗你的心智。这也是杜莎妮被带回曼尼安保的根本原因。

HelenBut I've stayed clear of all classified intel from Mangi Security and the Conglomerate.但我并未触及过曼尼安保或是财团的机密情报。

NikketaPerhaps your neural cloud carries something of worth that even you don't know about?也许你的心智存在某些你也不了解的价值呢？

NikketaI once saw your files in "Project Coronal Hole". They were written differently from your current records in Mangi Security. Right now, your appearance matches the photo from your Project Coronal Hole participant files.我曾经在“冕洞计划”中看过你的资料，和曼尼安保内部现在的资料不同，现在的你，和冕洞计划参与者上的资料照片一样。

HelenWhat's... Project Coronal Hole?冕洞计划……是什么？

NikketaMy clearance isn't high enough to access the details of this project, so I can't explain it to you in full.我的权限还不足以查询这项计划的内容，因此不能为你详述这个计划。

NikketaBut your name is indeed on the project's list.但你在该计划名单上是事实。

HelenI see. I'll try to get intel on that project in the future.我明白了。之后，我会想办法弄到这个计划的情报。

BalthildeThen what should we do now? Can we still restore Dushevnaya's neural cloud?那现在我们该怎么办？杜莎妮的心智还能恢复吗？

(Balthilde points anxiously at the frame atop the workbench, which appears to be sound asleep.)（巴希达担忧地指着操作台上仿佛安眠的素体。）

HelenHer old backups should still exist within Mangi Security, but there have naturally been no backups since her departure.曼尼安保之内应该还有她过往的数据备份，但离开曼尼安保之后的记录则完全没有了。

BalthildeThen we can only bring her frame back to the Elmo.那只有把她的素体带回艾莫号上了。

BalthildeWe backed up our data to the Commander's Elmo before we left.出发之前，我们的数据都备份在了那位指挥官的艾莫号上。

HelenYou two... met the Commander?你们，遇到指挥官了？

(The word "Commander" is like a pebble cast into a calm lake, sending ripples and waves across Helen's calm neural space.)（指挥官这个词，就像一枚投入水中的小石子，在海伦平稳的心智空间荡起层层波浪。）

(She had been searching for that name, for far too long. She started using Lentine's clearance within Mangi Security the moment she started working with her, sifting through vast amounts of intelligence on the regular... yet she was never able to find any concrete information.)（她追寻这个名字太久了，从答应和兰汀合作的那一刻起，她便已经利用曼尼安保内兰汀的权限，搜查过大量情报，但始终无法找到明确的讯息。）

(But now, after years of searching, information about the person she had been seeking suddenly fell within reach. Gazing at the unfamiliar Doll standing before her, Helen's heart floods with an inundation of tangled feelings.)（而现在，追寻多年的人的情报忽然变得触手可及。看着眼前陌生的人形，海伦心中忽然五味杂陈。）

(The sheer volume of information leaves her momentarily speechless. Her thoughts are instantly overrun with questions and worries about that individual.)（巨大的信息量让她一时失语，无数关于那个人的疑问与担忧瞬间填满了她的思绪。）

(What is the Commander thinking about now? What is the Commander's goal? An overwhelming number of questions start to surface from the depths of her neural cloud.)（如今的指挥官在想什么？指挥官的目的是什么？太多太多的问题出现在心智深处。）

(Watching Helen sink into thought, Nikketa gestures towards her comms equipment.)（看着陷入沉思的海伦，妮基塔伸手指了指自己的通讯装备。）

NikketaWould you... like to call the Boss?你要和BOSS……和指挥官通讯吗？

HelenIs that really okay? Would calling the Commander right now cause him any problems?真的可以吗？现在直接和指挥官通讯，会不会影响到指挥官？

HelenThe Commander is wanted right now. If I reach out recklessly just like this, I'm afraid it will only bring the Commander trouble if the enemy discovers it.指挥官应该正在被通缉，我这样贸然联络，如果被敌人发现，恐怕会再给指挥官带去更多麻烦。

(Helen suddenly becomes talkative. She keeps voicing her worries, one after another, yet the light in her eyes only grows brighter.)（海伦忽然话多了起来。她不断诉说着自己的担心，但眼神中闪耀着的光却越来越强。）

NikketaWe've set up a specially encrypted, anonymous comms channel. All call data is destroyed immediately.我们设置了特殊的匿名加密联络渠道，所有讯息都会第一时间销毁。

NikketaIt should be fine to call him... as long as we aren't dealing with an exceptionally skilled intel expert... like the one we ran into before.应该不会造成困扰，只要不是特别厉害的情报高手……像我们之前遇到的那位。

BalthildeBy the way, were you the one who helped us fight off the enemy just now?对了，刚才帮助我们将敌人击退的是你？

HelenThe enemy of my enemy is, to me, someone worth helping temporarily. I didn't know who you guys were at the time.敌人的敌人，于我而言是暂时可以帮助的对象，当时我并不知道你们的身份。

HelenI prepared for both outcomes when I sent you the location. If you guys were enemies, I'd never let you leave Mangi Security.将坐标地点给你们，原本，也是做好了两手准备。如果你们是敌人，就别想离开曼尼安保。

HelenBased on the tracking data, our enemy is a Doll sent by Tlazo Incorporated. I believe she's called "Cocoon".从追踪而来的数据看，对方是忒拉佐公司派来的人形，应该叫“茧”。

NikketaAs long as we can confirm their identity, we will, at least, not be caught off guard when we deal with them.只要能明确敌人的身份，至少在应对时就不会茫然无措。

NikketaNow, give me a moment to configure my equipment, then I'll connect you to Boss.现在，我先调试设备，帮你接通和BOSS的通讯。

HelenAh... I'll leave it to you, then.啊……那就拜托你了。

(While Nikketa is working to set up the call, Helen simply stands still, lost in a daze.)（当妮基塔在建立通讯时，海伦只是静静地站在原地，愣愣地出神。）

(Her eyes lose focus while her hands silently clench into fists. Only when Nikketa gestures for her to speak with the Commander does she return from the swirling whirlpool of her thoughts.)（她目光失焦，双手在身侧悄然握紧，直到妮基塔示意她与指挥官对话，她才从纷飞的思绪中回神。）

(After a long, hesitant pause, Helen finally builds up the courage to put the call through.)（在长久的犹豫后，海伦鼓起了勇气，接通了通讯。）

Helen...Have you been well, Commander?……贵安，指挥官。

(Helen's voice wavers. She fights to keep it even, yet a subtle tremor in her voice slips through, revealing the cracks made from the years of buried longing and a restless heart.)（海伦的声音有些干涩，尽管已经努力维持着平稳，却依然泄露出一丝不易察觉的颤抖，将积压多年的思念与不安暴露无遗。）

CommanderNikketa filled me in on the situation—yours and Dushevnaya's.我听妮基塔说了你和杜莎妮目前的情况。

CommanderDushevnaya and Balthilde took great risks coming here, but finding you makes it all worthwhile.能在曼尼安保之内找到你的踪迹，杜莎妮和巴希达的冒险不枉此行。

HelenCommander, what... are you doing right now?指挥官，现在……您在做什么呢？

HelenYou are wanted within the Green and White Zones now.绿区和白区之中，已经有了您的通缉令。

CommanderThe bounty on me is indeed quite troublesome. I won't be heading to any Green or White Zones in a while.通缉令确实有些麻烦，我暂时不会前往绿区和白区了。

CommanderThe Yellow Zones are currently beyond the Conglomerate's reach, so I've been thinking about establishing a temporary base somewhere within one.黄区目前是财团暂时无法触及的区域，我正在考虑选择一片区域暂时驻扎下来。

HelenA base?驻扎下来吗？

(The channel falls silent. Helen casts her gaze down to the cold, metal floor, tracing its crisscrossing lines as if an answer can be found within them.)（通讯陷入了沉默。海伦垂下眼，视线落在冰冷的金属地板上，仿佛要从那交错的纹路中寻找一个想要的答案。）

(After a long silence, she opens her mouth—this time, her voice is soft and quiet.)（许久的寂静后，她才再次开口，声音却轻得不易察觉。）

HelenHave you found a place of belonging, Commander?现在的指挥官，找到归处了吗？

CommanderNeither the URNC nor what was once Griffin is where I belong.无论是罗联还是曾经的格里芬都不是我现在的归处。

CommanderI did think about establishing my own base within the Yellow Zone, though I haven't been able to make it happen yet.我有过在黄区建立自己根据地的想法，不过，目前还没有落实。

(Helen raises her head sharply, her eyes alight with fierce urgency. The following sentence costs her nearly all her courage.)（海伦猛地抬起头，眼中闪烁着一种迫切的光芒，这句话语，几乎耗尽了她所有的勇气。）

HelenThen, please allow me to be by your side... No, please let me build a place of belonging, with you.那么，请让我在您的身边……不，请让我与您共建归处。

HelenIn all the years I spent waiting for you to return, I've regretted it countless times... I regret that I knew only how to wait, just like a tool.在等待指挥官回来的这些年，我无数次地后悔……后悔我只懂得作为工具去等待。

HelenI've lived on with such regrets over and over again. When Dushevnaya asked me when we'd finally find a place of belonging, I promised her that, in the future, I would build that very place with my own two hands.这样的过去我经历了太多次。在杜莎妮那孩子问我什么时候才能找到归处时，我答应过她，往后，会由我自己来构建归处。

Commander...……

(This time the silence lasts even longer—not the silence of rejection, but a silence woven from surprise, wistfulness, and the emotion of a profoundly moved heart.)（通讯那头陷入了更为长久的沉默。那并非是拒绝，更像是一种混杂着惊讶、感慨与触动的无言。）

HelenDoes my request put you in a tight spot, Commander?这样的请求，是否让您为难了，指挥官？

CommanderNo. I was just feeling kind of moved. Right now, I...不，只是稍微有些感慨而已。现在的我并没有……

HelenThe wealth and status that humans seek are of no value to us.人类所追寻的财富、地位对我们而言并无用处。

HelenFor me, beside those who see us as cherished companions, that would be a place of belonging.和将我们视为重要同伴的人在一起，对我而言，那便是归处。

(Finally, the voice from the other end of the call speaks again, this time carrying a hint of relief and imbued with a familiar warmth.)（终于，通讯另一端的声音再次响起，带着一丝欣慰，却也蕴含着熟悉的暖意。）

CommanderWould you like to come to the Elmo once Dushevnaya is in better condition?等杜莎妮的状态恢复，要来艾莫号上吗？

(Helen's taut shoulders finally slump in that very instant, as though an immense burden had finally been lifted.)（一瞬间，海伦紧绷的肩膀终于垮了下来，仿佛卸下了千斤重担。）

Helen...I've wanted to hear that for so, so long.……这是我最想听到的邀请。

CommanderNow that we have your whereabouts, Balthilde can leave ASAP. They took on this infiltration mission in order to find you, and to find out why Mangi Security attacked the Doll Community.既然已经找到了你的下落，巴希达可以尽快撤离。她们原本就是为了找你，以及弄清楚曼尼安保为什么会对人形社区下手才执行了潜入任务。

HelenRest assured that I will do everything in my power to help.请放心，我一定会尽全力帮助。

HelenOf course, if you want intel from Mangi Security right now, I can help you with that too.当然，如果您想要曼尼安保的情报，现在的我，同样能帮上您的忙。

CommanderThank you. We're short on time, so let's prioritize rescuing Dushevnaya. I'll let you know if I need anything else later.辛苦你了。现在时间紧迫，优先援救杜莎妮吧。如果后续有什么需要，我会再联系你。

HelenOkay then, please take care, Commander.那么，指挥官，请保重。

HelenI'll be looking forward... to the day we reunite aboard the Elmo.我将一直期待着……在艾莫号上与您再次相会。

(Once the call ends, Helen brings a hand to her chest, as though she was fighting to hold back the torrent of emotions flooding her neural cloud.)（断开了通讯，海伦抬手按住胸口，似乎在努力压制心智中浓烈翻涌的情绪。）

(She finally calms down after a long while, offering a smile to Nikketa and Balthilde.)（许久，她才终于平静下来，向着妮基塔与巴希达露出笑容。）

HelenThanks to both of you risking your lives to help, I now know everything about Dushevnaya's situation. But I haven't been able to retrieve her old backup yet. We might still need some prep time before we can leave Mangi Security.多亏你们涉险帮助，杜莎妮的情况我已经知晓。但我暂时还没能取得她过往的心智。离开曼尼安保可能暂时还需要一些筹备的时间。

(Lowering her hand, Helen gently smooths out Dushevnaya's tangled hair.)（海伦垂下手，轻轻为沉睡的杜莎妮整理着散乱的发丝。）

HelenI will look after Dushevnaya's frame in the meantime.在此期间，我会看顾好杜莎妮的素体。

HelenYou can use this time to investigate the reason why Mangi Security attacked your Community.至于曼尼安保袭击你们社区的原因，你可以趁这段时间进行调查。

BalthildeUnderstood. I'll try to hide myself the best I can.明白了，我会尽量注意隐藏好自己的。

HelenYour current frame doesn't seem suited for combat. I'll pull some strings with the clearances I can use in order to arrange a frame replacement for you.目前，你的素体看上去不适合战斗，我会动用一些权限，安排你的素体进行更换。

Balthilde—!——！

BalthildeThat's possible? Thanks, and sorry for the trouble.可以吗？那就麻烦了。

HelenNo need to thank me. They're all Mangi Security's assets, so I hope you don't mind using them.不必客气，这些都是曼尼安保的资产，希望你不会介意使用。

HelenAfter your frame replacement, I'll tamper with your ID so that you can slip right into the deployment lineup.在更换素体后，我会同步篡改你的编号，让你潜入执行任务的队列之中。

HelenThey've been trying to enhance Mangi Security's combat strength lately, so a new batch of Dolls just got put into active use. I'll keep in contact, so reach out to me whenever you need help.近期为了提高曼尼安保的战斗能力，已经有一批人形正式投入使用。我会和你随时保持联系，任何问题都可以寻求我的帮助。

HelenBut remember, hold off on hacking into Mangi Security's database for the time being. The enemy we've encountered possesses considerable skill in intel processing.不过，近期不要再随意入侵曼尼安保的数据库了，我们遭遇的敌人在情报处理方面技巧相当高超。

HelenWe must be careful not to run into them again.要小心再度和对方相遇。

Mutual Use 彼此利用

(After finalizing the infiltration plan for Nikketa and Balthilde, DP-12 composed herself and returned to Lentine's office.)（安排好妮基塔以及巴希达的潜入计划后，DP-12收敛心神，回到了兰汀所在的办公室。）

(The office is tidy and cold as always, just like its owner.)（办公室内一如既往的整洁而冷清，如同它的主人一样。）

LentineSaw KSVK?见过KSVK了？

(Lentine asks in an even tone, continuing to flip through her documents without bothering to look up.)（兰汀头也不抬地翻阅着文件，语气十分平淡。）

DP-12I was too late. Her neural cloud has been wiped.我去晚了一步，她的心智已经被清洗。

LentineI tried to block the procedure, but our opponent's authority was higher than mine. Not your fault.我尝试过阻拦KSVK的处理流程，但对方操作权限在我之上，不是你的问题。

DP-12You mean... the third-gen Doll named "Cocoon" took it upon herself to edit and expedite the wipe procedure?您的意思……是那位名叫“茧”的三代人形擅自修改了任务命令？

LentineDoesn't matter what the truth is. Best for us to assume that the answer is "yes".不管真相是什么，答案是“是”对我们更有利。

DP-12I understand. But we both have experience editing some of Mangi Security's data.我明白您的意思，但我们都修改过部分曼尼安保的数据。

DP-12Though... I guess our tiny edits will never lead to any huge changes. The same cannot be said for "Cocoon".不过……和那位“茧”相比，我想我们的小小修改，不会对大局产生很大的影响。

(Lentine puts down her documents, leans back on her chair and crosses her hands.)（兰汀放下文件，靠在椅背上，双手交叉置于身前。）

LentineDushevnaya's backup is in my hands. You don't have to worry too much.杜莎妮的心智备份在我手里，无需过于担心。

LentineAs long as you keep cooperating with me, I'll give you KSVK's neural cloud once you get me what I want.只要你继续配合我，拿到我想要的，我自然会把KSVK的心智备份给你。

DP-12I failed to save her yet again...可惜这一次，我还是没能救下她……

(A rare look of dejection crosses DP-12's face. Lentine casts her a glance before standing up with her arms crossed.)（DP-12少见地显露出几分黯然。兰汀瞥了对方一眼，抱手站起了身。）

LentineI've looked at KSVK's latest status report. Ever since the older wipe procedure got forcefully cut short, her neural cloud has remained in disarray.我看过KSVK现在的状态报告，过往的清理程序被强行中断后，她的心智一直处于紊乱状态。

LentineDestruction precedes creation. With her mind now thoroughly wiped, she might now actually be able to return to normal.不破不立，现在被彻底清理了心智，她反而能恢复正常。

DP-12Is the result the only thing that matters? Does the process not matter?只要结果是正确的，过程如何都无所谓吗？

LentineNeedless sentiment will only introduce unexpected variables that may disrupt the plan.无谓的情感，只会导致计划出现意料之外的偏差。

DP-12Your kindness seems to be reserved for when it's absolutely necessary.您的善意似乎只用在有必要的地方呢。

LentineExcessive emotion only serves to cloud our judgment, DP-12.过多的情绪只会影响我们的判断，DP-12。

LentineThat third-gen Doll named "Cocoon" has an abnormally high clearance level. I suspect that Tlazo has given her nearly all the possible permissions they can give.那个叫“茧”的三代人形，权限高得异常。我怀疑忒拉佐公司几乎把所有的情报权限都对她开放了。

DP-12It's highly likely that she personally issued the mission pertaining to KSVK.和KSVK相关的任务，也极有可能是她独自下达的指令。

LentineShe is interested in you.她对你的存在感兴趣。

DP-12That doesn't make any sense. Why would anyone be interested in a Doll that went missing years ago? I still don't get what her goal is.这不合常理。没有人会在意一个多年前就遗落在外的人形。我至今无法理解对方这么做的目的。

LentineThe goal doesn't matter. Think of a way to dispose of her, or hack into her neural space. Just make sure that she can't find the records that I edited back then.目的无关紧要。想办法处理掉她，或者入侵她的心智空间，总之，必须确保当初我修改的记录不被发现。

LentineKeep it clean. I don't want to attract any unnecessary trouble.手脚干净点，我可不想惹上不必要的麻烦。

DP-12Of course. In any case, I want to thank you for taking on the risk of keeping KSVK's backup.当然。无论如何，我都要感谢您愿意冒险留下KSVK的心智备份。

LentineThen you better help me clean up this mess on my hands ASAP.那你也最好尽快帮我解决我手头这个烂摊子。

DP-12Please don't worry. Everything is going as planned.请您不用担心，一切都在按计划运转。

DP-12Lonnie getting investigated was my first step. The enemy's permissions come from the Conglomerate, so this conveniently serves as evidence of their "collusion".朗尼被调查，是我设计好的第一步。敌人的权限入口来自财团，正好成为他们相互勾结的证据。

DP-12Overtly obvious intel will only make the enemy suspicious. Vague clues like these work better on those self-proclaimed "geniuses"—let them puzzle over the clues all they want.过于明显的情报，反而会导致敌人怀疑。一点捕风捉影的线索，更适合那些自诩“聪明”的家伙去推测。

LentineSounds good.听起来不错。

LentineThis time, I must give everyone who tried to use me as a pawn the shock of their lives.这一次，务必要让那些想把我推出去做棋子的人都吓一跳。

LentineBy the way, make sure that all mention of "Omen" gets completely scrubbed from the mission.还有，记得把“噩兆”从任务里摘干净。

LentineI'm not stupid enough to saddle myself with the charge of betraying the URNC yet. But that guy, though... it won't be long before that accusation gets pinned squarely onto his head.我还没蠢到去背上背叛罗联的罪名，倒是那个人……恐怕用不了多久，这个罪名就会扣到他的头上了。

DP-12You seem to place a great deal of trust in the Commander.您似乎对指挥官很信任。

LentineTrust? No. It's disappointment.信任？不，是失望。

LentineOnly a fool would throw away everything within arm's reach, for the sake of what they call ideals. If I possessed everything he had back then, I would have done so much better than him.只有蠢货才会为了所谓的理想，放弃唾手可得的一切。如果当年我拥有那个人的一切，绝对能够做得好上千百倍。

LentineWhat he discarded was precisely the opportunity that I've always dreamed of. I'll never be able to agree with the choice he made.那个人放弃的，恰恰是我梦寐以求的最佳机会。我永远无法认同那个人做的选择。

DP-12(She'd make a different choice...?)（不同的选择吗？）

(DP-12 looks at the woman before her. An undisguised ambition to climb upward burns in those eyes.)（DP-12看着面前的女人，那双眼睛里燃烧着毫不掩饰的、向上攀爬的野心。）

(Absolute confidence in her own abilities, the conviction that she could change the world... DP-12 could glimpse in Lentine a faint shadow of who the Commander once was, every now and then.)（那是对自身实力的绝对自信、坚信自己能够改变世界的掌控感……偶尔，DP-12能从兰汀身上，看到一丝指挥官曾经的影子。）

(She understood long ago—Lentine's initial collaboration with her and KSVK was mere curiosity towards the legendary Commander. She was hoping to pry some Commander-related intel from the two Dolls.)（她很早就明白，兰汀最初与她和KSVK合作，不过是出于对那位颇具传奇色彩的指挥官的好奇心。希望通过她们，撬出指挥官的部分情报。）

(Their partnership is fragile enough to shatter at a touch. The moment Lentine loses interest in the Commander, or when the risks of collaboration outweigh the benefits, their relationship will come to an abrupt end.)（这份合作脆弱得不堪一击，一旦兰汀对指挥官失去兴趣，或是与她的合作的风险超过了价值，这层关系便会瞬间戛然而止。）

(To Lentine, Dolls have always been, perhaps, nothing more than tools unworthy of a second thought.)（在兰汀的眼中，人形，或许从来都只是不值一提的工具。）

(She could be used as a disposable pawn by Lentine at any moment.)（任何时候，自己都有可能被兰汀当做弃子。）

(But that call with the Commander was like a ray of warm light, piercing through the long winter that had frozen over Helen's heart. The confusion and uncertainty of the past had dissolved in an instant. Helen's desire to break free from Mangi Security has never been stronger than now.)（但与指挥官的那一场通讯，像一道暖光照进了海伦心中漫长的寒冬。过往的迷茫与彷徨，顷刻间烟消云散。海伦想要脱离曼尼安保的念头，从未如此刻般强烈。）

(However, there's still some work that has to be done before she leaves. She must make full use of every permission she currently possesses if she wants to bring the Commander better intel.)（不过在离开之前，她还有一些必须完成的工作。为了给指挥官带去更有价值的情报，她必须利用好现在所拥有的一切权限。）

(Knock knock knock.)（笃笃笃。）

(Someone knocks on Lentine's office door. The aide who always follows Lentine interrupts the conversation between her and DP-12.)（兰汀办公室的门被敲响。那位一直追随着兰汀的副手打断了兰汀与DP-12的谈话。）

KennyAdjutant Lentine, all preparations are complete.兰汀副官，所有准备已经完成。

LentineGood. Let's move out. Time to clean up the mess those good-for-nothings left behind.好了，准备出发，去给那些废物收拾残局吧。

(Lentine steps out of the office, taking the lead of her squad to prepare for their trip to the mission site.)（兰汀走出办公室，率领小队前往任务的地点。）

(She comes face to face with Lonnie in the empty corridor. Displeasure is written all over his face, malice nearly spilling from his eyes.)（空旷的走廊中，她与朗尼迎面相遇。朗尼的脸上写满了不悦，眼中的恶意几乎溢出。）

(Lentine ignores the hostility leaking out of him. She stops with perfect composure, then takes the initiative to raise a hand in a greeting, her attitude bordering on provocation.)（兰汀无视了对方倾泻而出的恶意，镇定自若地停下脚步，甚至主动抬手，用一种近乎挑衅的姿态与对方打了个招呼。）

LentineWell, well. I'd expect nothing less. With connections like yours, you're already out.呦，不愧是你，关系够硬，这么快就出来了。

Lonnie...Lentine, don't go thinking that "Omen" can become Mangi Security's first echelon. Know your place.……兰汀，别以为“噩兆”能成为曼尼安保中的第一梯队，认清你们的地位。

LonnieDon't even dream of climbing over me.别妄想踩着我上位。

LentineHeh. YOUR staff invited me to assist, you know? I'm happy to pull out anytime. If you want to swap assignments, I'll go along with whatever gets arranged.呵，是你下面的人邀请我协助，我愿意随时退出。需要交换工作，也任凭安排。

LonnieYou ACTUALLY submitted a request for her help?你还真申请让她帮忙了？

Mangi Security Team LeaderWell... the enemy has been difficult to deal with, and the higher-ups have been urging us hard. They said to spare no expense... the budget can be doubled, y'know.这……敌人有些难缠，上面催得很紧，说是不惜任何代价，费用可以追加翻倍。

LonnieLentine, you expect me to believe you'd be that generous? I don't buy a single word of yours.兰汀，你会有那么好心？我一个字都不相信。

LentineI'm heading that way anyway. In any case, the higher-ups have been hounding us about this stuff for a while now.顺路而已，上面的人为了这些事，催了好几回了。

LentineIf your intel network hasn't collapsed along with you yet, you should know that the mission is no longer being executed separately. The Conglomerate's mission has been split in two: part of it is to be handled by you, while the rest is my responsibility.如果你的情报网没随着你一起瘫痪，就应该知道，现在的任务已经不是分别执行了，财团的任务拆分为二，一部分在你的人手里，剩下一部分在我手里。

Mangi Security Team LeaderI-it's an additional assignment that just arrived...是、是刚来的追加任务……

LentineLonnie, don't you supposedly have connections everywhere?朗尼，你不是手眼通天吗？

LentineI'd actually like to ask you something. What exactly is hiding behind those coordinates?我倒是想请教你，关于那些坐标点，究竟藏着什么秘密？

(Contrary to her usual unapproachable demeanor, Lentine takes the initiative to move closer to Lonnie, her softened manners clearly putting Lonnie at ease.)（不同于过往生人勿近的状态，兰汀主动靠近朗尼询问，柔和的状态让朗尼颇为受用。）

LentineAll sorts of rumors have been popping up nonstop ever since the explosion at Lviv.利沃夫自从爆炸案发生之后，各种传言层出不穷。

LentineThe outposts we're heading to—there won't be high levels of radiation, will there?我们要去的那些据点，应该不会有高强度辐射吧？

LonnieMangi Security isn't dumb enough to take on that kind of dirty work yet. It's just another job if the money's right. Why overthink it?曼尼安保还没蠢到接这种水平的脏活。只要钱给够，不就是一份工作，你用得着想那么多？

LonnieYou'd better know your place. Compared to those PMCs out there who take on anything and everything, the pay and treatment here is already more than fair.搞清楚自己的身份，和外面那些什么都接的P.M.C.相比，这里的待遇已经够好了。

LonnieI can tell you this: the URNC's dedicated investigation team has already officially arrived at Lviv.我可以告诉你，罗联的专属调查团队已经正式进驻利沃夫了。

LonnieAs for those famous companies that everyone knows about now... which of them can honestly claim that their hands are totally clean?至于那些出了名的大企业，哪家敢说自己是完全干净的？

LonnieMangi Security will only keep getting more work for the time being. Drag things out a little, and who knows? They might raise the budget again.曼尼安保最近的工作只会越来越多。多拖一拖，指不定，他们还能再提高一波费用。

LentineHeh, I actually like collaborating with you, in certain ways.呵，某种程度上而言，我还挺喜欢和你合作的。

Lonnie...……

LonnieWhat did you mean by that?你什么意思？

LentineAt the very least, working with you won't leave me in the red.至少，和你合作不会让我做亏本生意。

LentineLet's move out. The Conglomerate paid double, didn't they? Surely sending a bit of the commission my way won't be a problem?出发吧，财团不是付了双倍费用吗，稍微分我点佣金应该不成问题吧？

LonnieTch...!嘁……！

(The moment Mangi Security sets out for the mission, their movements are made known to the Elmo through Nikketa's anonymous comms channel.)（曼尼安保出发后的第一时间，和曼尼安保有关的动向便通过妮基塔的匿名通讯频道传达到了艾莫号上。）

(A sense of unease gradually spreads through the Doll Community upon hearing that the enemy is attacking again.)（听闻敌人再度攻击过来的讯息，不安的情绪逐渐在人形社区蔓延。）

(Once again, the Elmo joins the defense at the request of Suomi and the Doll Community. Helen, who is currently still in Mangi Security, quickly notifies me as well.)（在索米及人形社区的求助下，艾莫号再次加入了对曼尼安保的抵御行动。而同在曼尼安保的海伦，也很快联络了我。）

HelenMangi Security's forces have officially departed. This mission is time-sensitive, so they should arrive quite soon.曼尼安保的队伍已经正式出发，这一次任务时间紧迫，他们应该很快就会抵达目的地。

CommanderWe'll prepare for the coming battle.我们会做好迎击准备。

HelenI wouldn't recommend engaging them directly, Commander. Based on the intel I've gathered, what the Mangi staff intend to do has no direct conflict with your interests.我并不推荐指挥官与他们直接发生冲突，目前根据我所获的情报来看，曼尼安保成员的工作与您并无直接矛盾。

HelenIn fact... it'd be better if you don't get involved at all. From what I know, this assignment is considered a "dirty job".甚至……您不参与更好。据我所知，这项任务是个“脏活”。

HelenThey've been investigating and clearing a number of specific coordinates. You're already a wanted man, so it would be better not to drag yourself into further trouble.他们正在不断调查并清理指定坐标的情况，您已经遭遇通缉，不便再卷入其中。

CommanderI'm afraid that a direct engagement is unavoidable. The location they're heading to... is exactly where Balthilde and the others have their base.恐怕交战无法避免，他们所前往的地点，正是巴希达她们所处的根据地。

HelenIs that so... then I probably can't really make that area "disappear" without notice.这样么……那么这片区域恐怕不太能轻易“消失”。

CommanderWill the execution be difficult?执行起来有难度吗？

HelenDon't worry. I'll use my permissions to plan out the best course of action for you.不必担心，我会动用权限，会为您规划好操作路径。

HelenWith Mangi Security's main forces deployed to the outer perimeter, taking action is now easier for me and Nikketa.现在曼尼安保的主力都已经被派到了外围，我和妮基塔的行动方便了很多。

BalthildeMm. Dushevnaya and I are under Helen's arrangements for now, so we don't have to worry about Mangi Security discovering us for the time being.嗯，我和杜莎妮目前在海伦的安排下，暂时不用担心被曼尼安保发现。

SuomiThat's wonderful. Everyone has finally met up inside. Now all that's left is to make it out of Mangi Security and come back safely.太好了，大家总算在里面汇合了，接下来只要成功离开曼尼安保回来就好了。

BalthildeIndeed. But we still need to find Dushevnaya's backup inside Mangi Security since it contains important intel. Once we have it, we'll know whether the Community will be safe moving forward.嗯。不过，我们还要找到杜莎妮在曼尼安保的心智备份，那里面还存有重要的情报。找到了，才能确认社区之后是否安全。

UllridDon't worry, Balthilde. Now that we have the Commander's help, the Community's worries have eased considerably.放心吧，巴希达。现在有指挥官帮忙，社区的危机缓和了很多。

UllridIt's you guys that we're worried about. You're operating inside the enemy base, after all. Please be careful.反倒是你们，在敌人内部行动，一定要当心些。

UllridIf you can't win a fight, find an opportunity to run. Don't push yourselves!要是打不过，就找机会逃跑，千万别勉强自己！

HelenThere's no need to worry. I've already diverted some surplus assets from Mangi Security to install a fire-control core for Balthilde.请不用担心，我已经调用了曼尼安保的多余资产，为巴希达安装了火控核心。

BalthildeNow that I have a fire-control core, I'll be able to contribute more in future battles.有了火控核心，未来在战斗方面，我也能帮上更多忙了。

BalthildeIt's unfortunate that I can't come back to help you guys right away. Please stay safe.只是不能立刻回去帮到大家。请一定要注意安全。

BalthildeLet's just abandon our temporary base if the need arises.必要时刻，我们的临时据点就放弃吧。

Ullrid(Laughs) Your care and concern for us sure is abundant, Balthilde! All right, I promise you. We'll make the decision based on what happens in the coming battle.哈哈哈，巴希达很关心大家嘛！好，我答应你，我们会看实际战况来决定。

UllridIf our enemy doesn't target the Community's locations, we'll just put up a bit of resistance before falling back.如果对方的目标点不影响社区，就在适当抵抗后主动退让。

HelenI've uploaded details regarding the approaching Mangi Security forces to the Elmo.本次曼尼安保出发的队伍讯息我已经同步到艾莫号上了。

CommanderThank you for your hard work.辛苦你了。

HelenGood luck, everyone.祝各位行动顺利。

SuomiCommander! We've spotted the enemy! Preparing to engage!指挥官！发现敌人了，准备出击。

Mutual Use 彼此利用

Mangi Security Team LeaderDammit! The rover! Prioritize protecting the rover!该死的，探测车！优先保护探测车！

Mangi Security Team LeaderRequesting backup. I repeat, requesting emergency backup.请求支援，请求紧急支援。

LentineJust retreat if you can't win. The enemy isn't as strong as you make them out to be.打不过就撤退，这里的敌人根本没有你说得那么强。

LentineWe won't be willing to clean up every mess, even if we CAN take care of every single one of them.就算我们能处理麻烦，也不是什么麻烦都愿意回收的。

Lentine...You're telling me that a handful of enemies, who run off when you actually try to fight them, have been keeping you from taking this area?……你们就被这几个一打就跑的敌人，拖在这里迟迟拿不下这片区域？

LentineI don't see why you're having so much trouble. They're just a little hard to catch.除了难抓些，我看不到任何难度。

Mangi Security Team LeaderSome unknown faction has attacked us... They're... they're Dolls too, but they're too strong! We won't be able to protect the rover if this keeps up!我们遭到了一股陌生势力的攻击，对方——对方虽然也是人形，但是太强了！再这样下去根本护不住探测车。

Mangi Security Team LeaderPlease, I'll give you half the mission pay! No, eighty percent! Just help me!拜托了，任务酬金分你们一半！不，八成！帮帮我！

LentineFine, fine. We're on our way.是、是，这就来了。

(Just as Lentine was half-heartedly preparing to order her team to change course, an encrypted call comes through.)（就在兰汀漫不经心地准备下令，调转方向前去支援时，一个加密通讯打了进来。）

LentineDP-12? What's going on?DP-12？出什么事了？

DP-12The URNC representatives have just made an official visit to Mangi Security.罗联派来的人，刚刚正式拜访曼尼安保了。

LentineInteresting.有意思。

DP-12The Conglomerate reacted by issuing an urgent directive, demanding that you complete your mission ASAP. They're fast-tracking the approval process.财团那边下达了紧急指令，要求立刻将你手中的任务完成，流程正在进行加急审批。

LentineReceived. Carmen Ignacio has issued an additional direct order: halt all directives and head to the designated coordinates immediately.收到了，卡门·伊格纳西奥直批的追加命令，要求停下手头一切工作，立刻前往指定坐标点。

LentineThe higher-ups have finally taken action, but the dynamic has already shifted.上头终于是坐不住了，不过这下就攻守交替了。

LentineHelp me check exactly what those coordinates have in store for me.那个坐标点，帮我查清楚是什么位置。

DP-12Okay. I searched Mangi Security's internal database, but found no relevant data.好。我已经搜索了曼尼安保内部的数据，没有找到相关数据。

LentineI can tell that it's going to be a pile of trouble, even without any data.就是猜，我也能猜到，那不是什么好地方。

LentineHurry up. Make a move on that third-gen Doll and see if you can pull out any intel from her.抓紧从那个三代人形身上动手，看看能不能挖点情报回来。

DP-12Hehe, you're putting so much trust in me~呵呵，您对我，可真是信任呢~

LentineWell, I do hold enough bargaining chips to make you do your best, no?毕竟，我手里的筹码足够你拼尽全力了，不是吗。

DP-12Indeed. I'll send you any new intel I get ASAP.是。我将尽快给您带来最新的情报。

LentineAll units, retreat and relocate.全员，撤退，转移位置。

Mangi Security Team LeaderWhat's going on? Why aren't you guys here to support us yet?!怎么回事，你们怎么还没来支援！

LentineI just got direct orders from Carmen. It's a new mission. Retreat if you can't win. Don't do anything stupid.我接到新的任务了，卡门亲自派下的工作。打不过就撤退，别干蠢事。

Mangi Security Team LeaderR-retreat! NOW!撤、尽快撤退！

(At Mangi Security. While Lentine is out in the field, Helen fulfills her promise and makes use of all available clearances to gather all possible intel related to the top brass and Lviv.)（曼尼安保内部，海伦按照和兰汀的约定，在兰汀不在曼尼安保的这些时间内，动用一切权限搜集高层以及和利沃夫有关的所有情报。）

(The recently arrived URNC investigators have stationed themselves at Mangi Security to conduct their investigation. Among their ranks a Doll named "Heli" catches Helen's attention.)（不久前，罗联的调查人员就已经入驻曼尼安保展开调查，而一个名为“赫利”的人形，引起了海伦的注意。）

(According to a summary of the URNC's requests, they asked Mangi Security to grant them full access to all databases.)（从申请报告上看，对方要求曼尼安保向其开放所有数据库。）

Helen(What makes it strange is that the name "Heli" was a complete blank in all systems. Despite being entrusted with such an important task, she was a ghost in all but her name.)（赫利……这个名字竟然在系统中完全找不到记录。明明被予以重任，却完全摸不清背景。）

Helen(Perhaps she's something much more complex and troublesome than I could ever imagine. She might even possess an unfathomably high intel clearance level. If Mangi Security's databases get fully opened to her, then all records will be laid bare.)（也许，对方的背景比想象中还要棘手，甚至可能拥有不可估计的情报权限。如果曼尼安保的数据库完全向对方开启，那么所有的记录都将无所遁形。）

Helen(Looks like I'll have to exercise more caution. Access logs, traces of erasure... I can't leave behind anything that could serve as a clue.)（看来，需要更小心一些了。访问记录，删掉痕迹，不能留下任何多余的线索。）

Helen(Still, this is also a perfect opportunity for me to guide the flow of intel.)（不过，这也是我引导情报流向的最佳机会。）

Helen(I wonder how long this Miss Carmen, whom I've never met before, can hold out under the URNC's pressure.)（不知道这位素未谋面的卡门小姐，能在罗联的压力下坚持多久呢？）

(At Tlazo Incorporated, Berryfield makes a call to Carmen.)（忒拉佐公司中，贝瑞菲尔拨通了和曼尼安保高层卡门的通讯。）

BerryfieldWhy did you reject Cocoon's intel processing request?为什么拒绝了茧的情报处理请求？

CarmenWhile Mangi Security does work for the Conglomerate, there is no reason for us to open our databases to you.曼尼安保虽然为财团工作，不过没有任何道理向你们开放数据库吧。

BerryfieldFrom what I know, the URNC has already submitted their investigation request.据我所知，罗联的调查申请已经下发了。

BerryfieldWho's going to guarantee that the URNC won't uncover something "critical" if there's no third-gen Doll processing data for you?没有三代人形替你们处理数据，谁能保证罗联查不出关键讯息？

CarmenPlease relax. We've already processed one round of intel.放心，我们已经处理过一轮情报。

CarmenAs for the URNC investigation team stationed at Mangi Security, which includes the specialist Doll named "Heli", we've specially arranged staff to host them.罗联入驻曼尼安保内的调查组成员，包括那位叫做“赫利”的人形专员，我们都特地安排了招待他们的员工。

BerryfieldHeli? You're certain that specialist's name is "Heli"?赫利？你确认那位专员叫做“赫利”？

CarmenCorrect. Is there a problem, ma'am?确凿无误，您有什么问题吗？

CarmenTo be frank, she only requested read access to a small portion of our intel, which is far less than what Ms. Cocoon requested.实话说，对方只申请了部分情报的读取权限，比茧女士申请的情报权限要少得多。

BerryfieldHmph... if that's really the Heli that I know of... she's the most important part of the Conglomerate's plan... Her capabilities far exceed anything you can imagine.哼……如果真是我所知的那位“赫利”……她可是财团计划中最重要的一环，所具备的能力也远超你们想象。

BerryfieldUnderestimating her presence will only put us at a disadvantage!轻视她的存在，只会让我们陷入不利的情况！

CarmenRest assured that we will handle Mangi Security's internal intel in a proper manner. Everything provided to her will be processed beforehand. There will be no risk.安心吧，我们会妥善处理曼尼安保的内部情报。所有给她的情报都会经过处理，不会有威胁性。

CarmenTlazo Incorporated and Mangi Security share common interests. We have no reason to leak intel to the URNC investigators on purpose.忒拉佐公司与曼尼安保利益一致，我们没有理由故意泄露情报给罗联的调查人员。

BerryfieldIf our interests ARE common, then grant Cocoon access ASAP.既然利益一致，那就尽快对茧开放权限。

CarmenI'm afraid that's not possible, ma'am. The work that Tlazo commissioned... we've completed it. The sensitive intel... we've processed it too.抱歉，这个不行。你们忒拉佐委派的工作，我们完成了。不便透露的情报也处理了。

CarmenMangi Security may serve the Conglomerate, but our boundaries need to be made clear.曼尼安保虽然为财团服务，不过界限是需要被分清楚的。

(The call ends on a sour note. Berryfield hangs up, paces through the office restlessly for a bit, then calls Cocoon.)（通话不欢而散，贝瑞菲尔挂断了通讯，在办公室中焦躁地踱步片刻，贝瑞菲尔转而接通了和茧的通讯。）

BerryfieldMangi refused to give us access! Now what?!曼尼安保不愿意开通权限，现在怎么办？！

BerryfieldThe URNC's investigation is well underway, and this time they've sent Heli!罗联的调查一直在持续，这次还派来了“赫利”！

CocoonOh? Heli got deployed this quick~? Sounds like something truly serious had happened in Lviv~哦？“赫利”居然这么快就出动了~看来利沃夫真的发生了很不得了的事情呢。

BerryfieldSince you know it's serious, hurry up and deal with Mangi Security's problematic intel.既然知道不得了，那就快把曼尼安保的问题情报解决。

BerryfieldThere's no time to waste. You know what it could mean for us if Heli discovers issues with the corporations under my name, right?没多少时间可以耽搁了，你知道如果让“赫利”查到我名下的企业有问题，会给我们带来多少麻烦吧？

CocoonHehe~ Of course. Worry not, ma'am. Heli's involvement is well within Mr. Zimmerman's predictions.呵呵~当然。您不必担心，“赫利”的参与，早在齐默尔曼先生的预料之中。

(Cocoon flashes an elegant, confident smile.)（茧露出了优雅自信的笑容。）

CocoonI'll take care of Mangi Security's database.曼尼安保的数据库，我会处理。

CocoonI'll make sure to prevent Heli from obtaining any intel that can put Tlazo in an unfavorable position.我会确保，“赫利”无法得到任何关于忒拉佐公司的不利情报。

BerryfieldGood. Then I'll leave the rest to you.很好。那么，之后的事就交给你了。

(In the conference room for Mangi Security's executives. Through the comms, Heli delivers the URNC's investigation demands in a flat, mechanical tone devoid of all emotion.)（曼尼安保高层会议室中，通讯屏幕的另一端，赫利用毫无波动的机械化语调，传达了罗联的调查要求。）

HeliAfter looking through Tlazo Incorporated's past commission records, we found that Mangi Security took on much of the corresponding tasks.我们从忒拉佐公司的过往任务委托中，发现曼尼安保为其承接了大量工作。

HeliGiven that Tlazo Incorporated is currently under suspicion for possible involvement in the Lviv explosion, we ask you to fully cooperate with the URNC's investigation.鉴于忒拉佐公司当前涉嫌参与利沃夫爆炸案，希望你方能配合罗联的调查。

CarmenCooperate? Of course we'll cooperate. We'll spare no effort to comply with the URNC's requests. Whatever intel you need, I will provide.配合，当然配合。罗联的要求，我们必当尽心尽力。您想要的情报，我都可以提供。

(Carmen’s lips curve into a perfect corporate smile that stops dead at her eyes.)（卡门脸上挂着无可挑剔的商业微笑，但笑意却未达眼底。）

HeliI need access to all of Mangi Security's mission archives for the past decade.我需要查看曼尼安保近十年的所有任务档案。

CarmenAh... well, that will be troublesome.啊……那可就麻烦了。

(Carmen lets out a deliberately beleaguered sigh.)（卡门故作为难地叹了口气。）

CarmenIt's not that I'm unwilling to help. It's that our past mission archives are internally classified as top-secret.不是我不乐意，而是过往的任务档案，在公司内部可算得上是最高机密。

CarmenMangi Security has mainly operated within the Green and White Zones these past few years. Tlazo is merely one of our many clients.这些年，曼尼安保的主要工作范围一直在绿区和白区。忒拉佐公司不过是我们的客户之一罢了。

CarmenI'll be happy to cooperate with your investigation, but there is absolutely no justification for exposing our entire company's commercial secrets over a single business partner.我可以配合调查，但万万没有因为一家合作企业，就将整个公司商业秘密全部公之于众的道理。

HeliI can limit the scope of the investigation to all matters pertaining to Tlazo Incorporated and its affiliates.我可以将调查范围限定于所有和忒拉佐公司以及其关联企业的咨询。

CarmenAnd how broadly is "pertaining to" defined?这个相关，是指多大程度的相关呢？

HeliAll of it. As long as any form of connection exists, I will need to see it.所有。只要存在任何形式的关联度，我都需要查阅。

CarmenI'm sorry, but that is far too broad.抱歉，这样的范围还是太宽泛了。

CarmenMangi Security has strict NDAs with every big conglomerate. What you're requesting will make us breach our contracts with other partners.曼尼安保与各大财团之间都有严格的保密协议，您要的相关资料，无疑会导致我们对其他合作方产生违约。

CarmenIt's not that we're refusing to cooperate, it's just that... what you're requesting to investigate already makes us breach our NDAs.不是不配合调查，而是……这些调查内容已经超出了保密协议范围。

CarmenYou know that major conglomerates maintain close, cooperative relationships with every city and state, ma'am.您知道，各大财团一直与各州紧密合作。

CarmenIf a one-sided investigation into Mangi Security were to widen in scope, it would affect conglomerates' stock prices and cause public panic. If it triggers a cascade of economic and civil crises, the result will make things seriously difficult for both you and us.如果因对曼尼安保单方面的调查扩大影响，波及财团股价，引起居民恐慌，导致连锁性的经济与民政危机，我们和您都会很难办的。

Heli...……

CarmenWe are fully willing to cooperate with the investigation. However, for matters that involve our partners' confidential info, we WILL need to consult those partners.我们完全愿意配合调查，但关联到合作方的机密，我们也需要同时征求合作方的意见。

CarmenI'm afraid that I cannot make all information available to you, until we receive disclosure authorizations from all our partners.在获得合作方的信息披露许可之前，恐怕，我不能将所有的讯息向您公布。

CarmenWe need to follow proper procedures—this goes both ways.不论我们还是您，都需要按规章办事。

CarmenI'm sure you understand, ma'am. You're a government-appointed specialist.您既然是政府特派的专员，一定能够理解。

HeliIn that case, I can begin with investigations limited strictly to the partnership between Mangi Security and Tlazo Incorporated.我可以率先进行第一批仅限于曼尼安保与忒拉佐公司信息的调查。

HeliAs for the inquiries involving other partners, I will submit authorization requests for them immediately.对于涉及其他合作方的调查，我会现在发送调查申请许可。

HeliThe Lviv matter requires prompt results. Please cooperate with my investigation.利沃夫的事情需要尽快给出调查结果，请配合我的工作。

CarmenOf course. We will do our best to cooperate.当然，我们一定全力配合。

CarmenWe'll arrange for the clearances you need at once. Mangi Security welcomes the URNC's supervision at all times.您的相关权限我们会尽快安排好，曼尼安保随时欢迎罗联的监督。

CarmenHowever, if a guest comes looking to steal our trade secrets... we still have the right to refuse them.但如果是窃取我们的商业机密的客人……我们也有权利，拒绝接待。

(The name "Heli" soon appears on Mangi Security's visitor list within the database, with read permissions.)（曼尼安保的数据库拜访名单中，很快就出现了“赫利”的阅读权限。）

(Cocoon, who had been keeping a close eye on the intel database, spotted the new visitor the moment she was granted access.)（始终对情报库保持高度观察的茧，第一时间便发现了这位新的访客。）

Cocoon(Special Investigator "Heli"... My apologies, but your investigation ends here~)（特派专员“赫利”……很抱歉，您的调查到此为止了~）

Source Divergence 同源殊途

HelenAlright. This is the spot.好了，就是这里。

(Helen places Dushevnaya, whose neural cloud had been temporarily shut down, onto a makeshift workbench. She then guides Balthilde, who had just undergone emergency frame repairs, to sit down in the small room. After all that, Helen lets out a quiet sigh of relief.)（将暂时关闭心智运转的杜莎妮小心地放置到了简易操作台上，又引着刚刚完成素体临时修复的巴希达在小小的房间中坐下，海伦微微松了一口气。）

(This is... a room that only Helen has access to. It can be considered her one and only "safe house" within Mangi Security, where she can let her guard down, if only a little.)（这里……是海伦所拥有独立权限的房间。也算得上是海伦在曼尼安保内，唯一可以稍稍放下戒心的“安全屋”。）

(Until Dushevnaya's neural cloud starts up again and until Balthilde's investigation is complete, she intends to let both of them rest here.)（在重启杜莎妮心智，以及巴希达调查结束之前，她打算让二人都在此安歇。）

BalthildeThank you. The fire-control core and the frame... are probably quite expensive.谢谢，火控核心和素体的价格……应该不便宜吧。

BalthildeSorry for the trouble again.这次又麻烦你了。

(Balthilde's tone is somewhat stiff, as though she's not used to accepting help so directly.)（巴希达的语气有些生硬，似乎并不习惯这样直白地接受帮助。）

BalthildeStill... are you sure it won't get discovered?不过，真的不会被发现吗？

BalthildeTo be honest, repairing my frame with the scraps that Mangi Security discarded would've sufficed.其实我继续用曼尼安保废弃的那些原材料修复素体，也是可以接受的。

HelenA basic combat loadout isn't deemed anything valuable within Mangi Security at all. Don't worry.在曼尼安保，基本的火力配备还算不上什么贵重品，不用放在心上。

BalthildeWhat a waste. The discarded materials in that warehouse alone could sustain our Doll Community for a long time.真浪费啊，光是仓库里那些被废弃的材料就够我们人形社区使用很久了。

(Balthilde mutters under her breath, words flavored with palpable lament.)（巴希达低声咕哝着，语气里是藏不住的惋惜。）

BalthildeAll frame repair materials are difficult to find in the Yellow Zone. I'm used to scavenging everything I need from ruins.在黄区的时候，所有维修素体的材料都很稀有，我习惯了从废墟里回收一切必需品。

HelenThat must have been hard. Life in the Yellow Zone as a homeless, lone Doll must not be easy.辛苦了，作为没有归属的人形，在黄区独自生活很不容易吧。

HelenI once thought that when I'm done dealing with all my troubles, I'd be able to find Dushevnaya right away. I never expected the separation to last so long.我原本以为，等解决完所有麻烦之后，就能立刻去找到杜莎妮，却没想到这一分别竟然过了那么久。

HelenStill, it was quite fortunate that she found new companions and reunited with the Commander while I wasn't with her.不过，幸好在我不在这段时间里，她遇到了新的同伴，也和指挥官再次相见了。

BalthildeI didn't expect that you'd trust the Commander so much...没想到你也这么信任指挥官……

BalthildeSuomi and Littara are the same as you. It's surprising to me just how much you guys trust the Commander...索米还有莉塔拉，她们都和你一样，对指挥官抱有一种让我惊讶的信任。

Balthilde...Even though we've all been betrayed by bounty hunters before.明明大家都曾经被赏金猎人背叛过。

Helen"One size fits all" is not a good approach, you know.以偏概全并不是一个好习惯哦。

(A lighthearted chuckle escapes her lips.)（海伦轻笑了一声。）

HelenHe's special.那个人，是特殊的。

Balthilde...I know.……我知道。

BalthildeIt's just that... we once thought about relying on trading with humans for some of our materials. Yet our past experiences taught us that humans... can never be fully trusted.只是，我们曾想过依靠和人类做交易换取部分材料。但过往的经历告诉我们，人类……不可以完全信任。

BalthildeSuomi and Littara kept suggesting that we ask the Commander for help when the current crisis hit us.这一次遇到危机之后，索米和莉塔拉反复提议可以求助指挥官。

BalthildeTo be honest, I... don't really have the right to stop them. Because in the end, I accepted the Commander's help myself.我……其实没资格阻止她们，因为到头来，我自己也接受了指挥官的帮助。

HelenYou and Dushevnaya are really quite alike in your fears of getting "hurt". You don't have to blame yourself.在害怕受伤这一点上，你和杜莎妮真的很像。你不必为此自责。

BalthildeWhat?! I don't have a habit of blaming myself—什么？！我完全没有自责——

HelenAfraid of losing your value and being thrown away. Afraid of not being acknowledged. That's why you're always trying to do something to prove your worth.害怕失去价值被抛弃，害怕不被承认，所以总想着做些什么证明自己的价值。

(Helen's gaze softens, as though she is looking at someone else through Balthilde.)（海伦的目光变得柔和，仿佛穿透了巴希达，看到了另一个身影。）

HelenDushevnaya kept those feelings carefully bottled away for a long time.很长一段时间里，杜莎妮总是把这些情绪小心翼翼地藏起来。

BalthildeThe Dushevnaya you're describing is completely different from the Dushevnaya we met.你说的杜莎妮，和我们遇到的杜莎妮完全不一样。

HelenMm. I'm glad. She managed to set off on a completely new journey without me by her side.嗯，我很高兴。没有我在她的身边，她开始了一段全新的旅途。

BalthildeIs that really okay with you?这样不要紧吗？

BalthildeIf we can't recover Dushevnaya's original backup, it's possible that she'll never remember anything about you.如果找不回杜莎妮原本的心智存档，她甚至可能永远都想不起关于你的一切。

HelenThen, we'll simply just have to make new memories.那么，就去创造新的回忆就好了。

HelenRather than stay trapped in a past that can't be changed, we should face the future with confident, open arms.与其被困在无法改变的过去，不如坦然地走向未来。

HelenI've always believed that for both humans and Dolls, the nature engraved within the core of an individual never changes... even if the memories are tampered with or forgotten.我始终相信，无论是人类还是人形，即便心智记录遭受篡改或者忘却，那些烙印在心智深处最核心的本质，是永远都不会改变的。

HelenSo no matter what Dushevnaya becomes, she will always be my stalwart companion.所以，无论杜莎妮变成什么样子，她都是我的同伴。

Balthilde...……

HelenAnd of course, the same goes for the Commander.当然，指挥官也是。

HelenI wonder, what does the Commander plan to do now, after all these years?不知道这么多年过去，指挥官现在又想做些什么规划呢？

(Helen smooths the hair draped over her shoulder, allowing a faint smile to show on her face.)（海伦捋着垂在肩侧的头发，露出了浅浅的微笑。）

HelenWe'll need to pick up the pace a little if we want to reunite with the people we long to see.为了能够早日和想见的人团聚，我们的动作需要稍微加快一些了。

HelenStill, the safest course of action for now is to wait. We'll wait for most of Mangi Security to go off duty, then make our move.不过，目前最安全的做法就是等待。等待曼尼安保大部分成员进入休息时间，我们再做行动。

BalthildeUnderstood. I'll wait for the opportune moment. I won't act rashly and cause trouble for you.明白，我会选择恰当的时机，不会随意行动给你添麻烦。

BalthildeTampering with intel does still carry the risk of being discovered... We must prioritize caution in our actions.篡改数据情报还是有被发现的风险……一切行动都需要谨慎为先。

HelenDon't worry. I'm not directly tampering with any data. I'm simply giving the intel a bit of "adjustment".放心，我并非直接篡改数据，只是对情报进行恰当的“加工”。

BalthildeAdjustment?加工？

HelenTo an opponent skilled in dissecting intel, hasty additions or deletions are extremely easy to detect.对于擅长情报拆解的对手而言，任何贸然对情报进行增加或是减少的处理，都极其容易被发现。

HelenThe ideal approach is to make adjustments and substitutions without anyone noticing.最为理想的情况是神不知鬼不觉地修正与替补。

HelenFor example, when I needed to ensure KSVK's safety, I didn't erase all intel related to her outright. Instead, I swapped her identification code with mine.就像当初为了能够确保KSVK的安危，我并没有直接将她的情报抹除，而是将她和我的识别码进行了对换。

HelenThat kind of op requires an insider to provide cover though... Once intel is tampered with, it will inevitably leave some sort of trace behind.不过，这样的操作也需要有曼尼安保内部成员从旁遮掩……只要篡改了情报，就一定或多或少会留下些许证据。

HelenLentine's team has far more human employees than Dolls. That's why I didn't ask you to infiltrate her squad.兰汀所在的队伍之中，人类雇员远多于人形，这也是我为何没让你直接潜入她队伍的原因。

HelenPerhaps some past experiences have made her deeply wary of us.或许是过去的某些经历，让她对我们抱有很强的戒备。

BalthildeMost humans don't even treat Dolls with respect. The fact that she'd go out of her way to be on guard against Dolls is pretty unusual.大部分人类都不对人形正眼相待，她竟然会特意戒备人形，真少见。

BalthildeBy the way, how is Dushevnaya doing right now...?对了，杜莎妮现在的情况……

HelenThere's no need to worry for now.暂时不用担心。

HelenHer backup is in Lentine's possession. I'll find a way to get it back. Once I do... it'll be time for us to leave.她的心智备份在兰汀手中，我会想办法拿回来。等找到之后……就到了我们该离开的时候了。

BalthildeDushevnaya's most recent backup is on the Commander's vehicle. If things get too dangerous, we can just think up a way to retreat.杜莎妮最近的心智备份在指挥官的车上，如果情况太过于危险，我们可以随时想办法撤离。

BalthildeOur number one objective in coming here was to help Dushevnaya find you and to confirm whether she, as "KSVK", is indeed being continuously tracked.我们来这里的首要目标，就是帮助杜莎妮找到你，以及确认身为“KSVK”的杜莎妮是否真的被持续追踪。

BalthildeAs long as the latter is not the case, we can prioritize retreating if we run into danger, returning to a safe location within the Doll Community.只要杜莎妮没有被严密追踪，危险情况下，我们可以优先撤离，回到人形社区的安全地点。

HelenThe faction tracking Dushevnaya... no, the enemy tracking me... is highly likely the Doll named "Cocoon".追踪杜莎妮的势力……不，追踪我的敌人，应该就是那位名叫“茧”的人形。

HelenDushevnaya's neural cloud wipe was her doing as well.杜莎妮的心智被清洗，也是她的手笔。

HelenI still don't understand why she's so interested in me. I'm certain we never crossed paths before all of this.我还不清楚，她为何对我如此感兴趣。在此之前，我确信我们从未有过交集。

BalthildeDushevnaya once said she felt a sense of "familiarity" from that Doll.杜莎妮曾说，在那个人形身上感受到了“熟悉感”。

HelenHmm... I haven't met this "third-gen Doll" in person yet. But I'm sure she has her own secrets to hide.嗯……我还没有直接见过这位“第三代人形”小姐，不过想必她一定也有自己的秘密吧。

HelenAs an intel processing Doll agent for the Conglomerate, the clearance she possesses is so extensive that it makes me kind of envious.作为财团的情报处理代理人形，她拥有的权限，真是大得让我都有些羡慕了。

BalthildeWith THAT kind of clearance, why would she bother paying attention to small fries like Nikketa and me?有这么大的权限，为什么会关注我和妮基塔这样的小角色？

HelenI'm curious about that too. Her methods for responding to intel attacks are also rather similar to mine.我也很好奇。她应对情报攻击的手段，也与我很相似。

HelenMaybe we're similar Doll models?说不定，我们是相似型号的人形呢？

HelenWell then, this is a good opportunity to look into it.那么，正好趁这个时间，稍微确认一下吧。

HelenI'll comb through every piece of intel she's ever handled, every access path she's ever taken. I'll search for her real objective through whatever traces I can find.我会梳理她所有经手过的情报内容，以及访问路径，通过蛛丝马迹，寻找她的真正目的。

HelenLet's take a closer look at this "Miss Cocoon" who kept trying to find me, and then, once she did, chose to wipe my neural cloud. We shall see what secrets she's hiding.让我看看吧，那位一直尝试找到我，找到之后，又选择清洗心智的“茧”小姐，到底有什么秘密。

Source Divergence 同源殊途

(Having successfully hacked into Mangi Security's database, Helen traces Cocoon's intel operation paths.)（成功入侵曼尼安保的数据库后，海伦对茧的情报操作路径进行了追溯。）

(As she sorts through the information Cocoon had accessed, a flood of intel pours into her neural cloud—)（随着对“茧”所接触过的信息的梳理，无数情报涌入海伦的心智——）

(A mysterious, secret laboratory under Tlazo Incorporated, a researcher named "Chiloveig", Mangi Security's additional missions, "DP-12", and the person at the epicenter of the Lviv explosion...)（忒拉佐公司下属的神秘实验室、名为“奇洛薇格”的研究人员、曼尼安保的追加任务、“DP-12”、以及位于利沃夫爆炸中心的那个人……）

(The unknown shadows gradually emerge from the fog. Facing the consolidated information, Helen smiles knowingly.)（未知的阴影逐渐从迷雾中显现。面对着整合过的信息，海伦露出了然的笑容。）

HelenOh... how interesting~哦……有趣~

BalthildeWhat did you find?发现什么了吗？

HelenI didn't expect this. Cocoon had already tampered with Tlazo's internal data on a massive scale, before I even got to it.没想到在我之前，茧已经先一步大规模篡改了忒拉佐公司的内部数据。

HelenGood thing I already read and copied the data beforehand. If not, I would've probably not detected any of her edits.好在我之前便阅读过相关数据情报并进行了复制，否则很难发现这些操作痕迹。

BalthildeBut why did she do that?她这么做的目的是什么？

HelenShe did it to counter the URNC's investigators, I'm afraid. The explosion at Lviv implicated Tlazo, and guess what Cocoon did? She systematically removed everything that could connect Tlazo to it and other related incidents.恐怕是为了应对罗联派来的调查人员。利沃夫的爆炸牵涉到了忒拉佐公司，茧在篡改信息时，将忒拉佐从相关事件中一一摘去。

HelenIf the investigators rely on the latest version of the data, they'll definitely be led to the wrong conclusions.如果对方依照最新的数据进行调查，便势必被引导做出错误的判断。

BalthildeDamn it! They'd go this far just to dodge an investigation?!可恶！这些家伙，为了逃避调查竟然做出这样的事！

HelenMmm... but it doesn't end there. She also secretly tampered with the "wipeout area coordinates" in Mangi Security's mission.嗯……但是，她篡改的数据不止于此。还有曼尼安保任务需求中的“待清查坐标范围”，也在之前遭到了秘密篡改。

BalthildeHah? So the Community must have been attacked because of that. Why did she change them?啊？社区遭遇袭击，就是因为这个吧。她改动这些又是为了什么？

HelenAt the moment, it seems that the initial changes were still done to counter the URNC's investigation. To avoid trouble from said investigation, Tlazo made an urgent request to Mangi Security—to destroy all evidence by wiping out every potentially "problematic" lab in the Yellow Zone.目前看来，最初的改动目的仍与罗联的调查有关。忒拉佐公司为躲避调查，紧急指派曼尼安保清理了黄区所有可能存在问题的实验室，以消除证据。

HelenIt was supposed to be an additional mission with clearly defined targets, but Cocoon's tampering had shifted the target coordinates far away from the original.原本，这是一项目标精确的“追加任务”。但茧在秘密篡改后，不少数据发生了偏离。

HelenLook, here's the original zone that they were supposed to wipe.你看，这是原本的清理范围。

BalthildeHow is...? The original coordinates don't include most of our Doll Community's positions at all!怎么会……最开始的坐标里面根本没有我们人形社区的大部分据点！

BalthildeSo if that's the case, was Mangi Security's initial run-in with our Doll Community really just a pure coincidence?这样推测的话，曼尼安保最初会靠近人形社区，完全就是一场偶然的意外？

HelenOnly partially. On one hand, Cocoon's tampering helped divert the URNC's attention, concealing Tlazo's real labs...部分偶然罢了。一方面，茧的篡改能引开罗联的目光，掩藏忒拉佐公司真实的实验室。

HelenOn the other hand...另一方面……

HelenShe got exactly what she wanted by making use of Tlazo's mission... an all-out search, stretching all the way from the Yellow Zone to the edges of the Red Zone.借着忒拉佐公司任务的机会，她如愿以偿地……对黄区乃至接近红区的广袤土地，进行了地毯式的搜索。

HelenShe would be relying on chance to find the trail of "DP-12", though she would inevitably find it through her countless investigations.能找到“DP-12”的线索，是偶然，也是她无数次调查中，必然出现的结局。

BalthildeBut how is she so certain that there WILL be traces left by DP-12 out there?可是，她又如何笃定DP-12一定还会有遗落在外的线索？

HelenI mentioned just now that "once intel is tampered with, it will inevitably leave some sort of trace behind".我刚说过，“只要篡改了情报，就一定或多或少会留下些许证据。”

HelenThat statement applies to me as well.这句话，对我也同样适用。

HelenNo matter how flawless the deception is, nothing is ever the same once altered. If I can deduce and guess at Cocoon's thinking, then it's totally possible that she can do the same in reverse...不管做得再如何天衣无缝，赝品终归不是真货，既然我能推测出茧的想法，很有可能，她也可以……

HelenLooks like this Miss Third-gen Doll is more capable than I had imagined.看起来，这位三代人形小姐，比我想得更加能干。

HelenI'd love to face her head-on if the opportunity arises.如果有机会，我很想与她正面交锋一回。

BalthildeThen... Since Cocoon thinks that DP-12 already got wiped, I don't think she'll be doing any more large-scale searches into the Yellow Zone, right?既然在茧的眼里，DP-12已经被清洗数据处理完毕，那之后她就不会再对黄区进行大规模搜索了吧？

BalthildeOur area doesn't have what they're looking for, after all... just some strange guards and farms, at most.毕竟，我们的区域确实没有他们想找的目标……最多只有奇怪的守卫和农田。

BalthildeCan I pass this piece of info to the Doll Community?我可以把这个消息告诉人形社区的大家吗？

BalthildeI'll just say: The enemy has achieved their objective. As long as we avoid the places that they're wiping, we can go home safely once things blow over.我就说：敌人的目标已经达成，只要躲避敌人清理场地，等风头过去之后，就能安全回家了。

HelenSure.当然可以。

HelenRight now, we're still in the shadows while the enemy's intel contains a critical flaw. We can definitely deal her a fatal blow at the right moment.如今我们身处暗处，敌人所掌握的情报存在致命的误差。我们完全可以在必要的时候再给予她最后一击。

BalthildeWhat's your plan?你想怎么做？

HelenDon't worry, neither the Commander nor the Doll Community have to strike. It'll be another faction that we can use.放心，动手的不会是指挥官或是人形社区，而是另一股我们可以利用的力量。

HelenEvery storm today stems from the URNC's investigation into the Lviv incident. A bounty was placed on the Commander because the URNC wanted to use him to find the truth behind the incident.所有的风暴都起源于罗联对于利沃夫的调查。指挥官之所以被通缉，也是因为罗联想要利用指挥官，用来调查事件背后的真相。

HelenI'm not sure what exactly happened in Lviv, but I have some ways to redirect the forces pursuing the Commander... towards a different target.我虽然不确定在利沃夫究竟发生了什么，但是可以利用一些手段，将追在指挥官身后的势力，引向别的目标。

BalthildeTo the Conglomerate?引向财团？

HelenCorrect. Their rush to have Mangi Security wipe out their abandoned Yellow Zone labs is fundamentally about ensuring that the URNC can't find anything that connects and implicates them.没错，财团急着委托曼尼安保清理他们在黄区的废弃实验室，本质上就是为了确保在罗联的调查中不会有任何线索指向自己，防止引火上身。

HelenThat's why they arranged for an additional team to divert the investigators' attention, on top of the regular assignments given to Mangi Security's normal squads.所以，除了给曼尼安保普通小队的任务外，他们还安排了一支额外的队伍，准备将罗联调查者的视线彻底转移。

HelenLentine's instincts were right. These dirty jobs are always dumped on Omen.兰汀的嗅觉并没有错，这些见不得人的脏活，自然是委托噩兆前去完成。

HelenThere won't be any reward for completing the job, but if they botch it, they'll become a scapegoat that the Conglomerate discards.办好了，不会有什么奖赏，搞砸了，那么财团的弃子就必定会是噩兆小队。

BalthildeI don't give a crap about human power struggles... but so long as the Doll Community stays safe through all that, that's all that matters.我不关心人类的斗争……无论如何，只要人形社区能确保安全就行。

BalthildeAs for you... you should probably cut ties with that Lentine as soon as possible for your own safety.而你……从安全的角度考虑，应该尽快撇清和那个“兰汀”的关系。

HelenLentine would never accept ending up as a discarded pawn with that personality of hers. Her reason for waking me in the first place was to gain enough autonomy by building up leverage.以兰汀的性格，绝不会甘心成为财团的弃子，从一开始她将我唤醒的理由，就是为了掌握足够多的主动权。

HelenWith just a little nudge, that woman will willingly expose every clue that implicates the Conglomerate to the URNC's gaze.只需要稍加引导，那个女人，一定会心甘情愿地，将财团的线索彻底暴露在罗联的视野之中。

HelenShe... will become the perfect guide to divert the URNC's attention.她……会成为转移罗联视线的，最佳的引路人。

(Helen smiles, but something icy emanates from beneath that warmth on her face. Balthilde scratches her head, suppressing the tangle of feelings stirring inside her.)（海伦露出微笑，那笑意却透露出一种令人不寒而栗的气息。巴希达挠了挠头，将心底的复杂情绪压下。）

(Helen signals for Balthilde to leave the room for a moment. When she does, Helen immediately connects to an encrypted call with Lentine.)（在海伦的示意下，巴希达暂时离开了房间。海伦随即拨通了和兰汀的加密通讯。）

LentineHave you found the intel I asked for?查到了吗，我要的情报。

DP-12Yes. There's good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?是，有一个好消息和一个坏消息，您想先听哪一个？

LentineCut the crap. Report mission status.别耍无聊的把戏。快点汇报任务。

DP-12Yes, ma'am.是。

(DP-12's tone returned to deference, though a faint, elusive hint of mockery lingers within it.)（DP-12的语气恢复了恭敬，但其中夹杂着一丝若有若无的笑意。）

DP-12The bad news is, I used the interfacing port that Tlazo used to infiltrate Mangi Security's database, and reverse-hacked my way into theirs.坏消息是，我利用忒拉佐公司潜入曼尼安保数据库的接口，反向入侵了他们的数据库。

DP-12Turns out the site that Omen squad got assigned to wipe out... is flagged at the highest level of danger in Tlazo's database.委派给噩兆小队需要清理的那个地点，在忒拉佐公司的信息库中被标为最高危险级。

DP-12Only those with the highest level of intel clearance can see what it is.只有拥有最高情报权限的人，才可以查看。

LentineWhy don't you just tell me that it's a Paradeus base at this point?你不如直接说，那是帕拉蒂斯的据点。

DP-12Hehe, perhaps. It's just as you suspected—the URNC's investigation into Lviv is progressing at a steady pace.呵呵，或许吧。就如您猜测的那样。罗联对于利沃夫的调查正在逐步推进。

DP-12Tlazo is in so much of a hurry to have you complete the assignment that they actually moved some key intel there...忒拉佐公司那么急着要求你去那边完成相关任务，甚至，把一些关键情报也一并转移过去……

LentineChances are, they want the URNC's investigators to stumble upon some cherry-picked intel.没准是想在罗联的人调查时，恰好查到他们想让罗联看到的情报。

DP-12It's a thankless dirty job no matter how you look at it.怎么看都是一件吃力不讨好的脏活呢。

Lentine...So what's the good news?……好消息呢。

DP-12Hehe, you'll only be discarded if you fail the mission. But you can't fail if you never began, no?呵呵，只有在任务失败的情况下，您才会被当作弃子，可只要任务还没开始，一切就都还未发生，不是么？

DP-12Paradeus' intel, the Conglomerate's secrets... We ourselves can write the plot and orchestrate what is about to unfold.帕拉蒂斯的情报，财团的线索……所有一切未来即将发生的“戏码”，都可以由我们来决定情节。

LentineNot a bad idea.不错的想法。

DP-12Well then, how will you pull it off?那么，您打算要怎么做呢？

(Lentine pauses for a moment, seemingly considering her next move.)（兰汀那边顿了顿，似乎在思考接下来的计划。）

LentineThey want to use me? I say let them.他们想要利用我，就尽情利用好了。

LentineBut the rules are always written by the side wielding more power. They better be prepared to be used by me in return.不过，规则永远是由更强大的一方制定的，他们最好也做好了被我利用的准备。

LentineOmen will remain eternal heroes, never pawns to be discarded.“噩兆”永远只会成为英雄，绝不会是弃子。

DP-12Alright then, I shall do as you wish~那么，我将如您所愿~

Cocoon(Oh? I didn't expect for a Doll to secretly break into Mangi Security's database, right on my heels...)（哦？居然有人形偷偷入侵了曼尼安保的数据库，紧随在我之后么……）

Cocoon(Haha~ How interesting.)（呵呵~有趣。）

Cocoon(Heli... Her defensive systems are quite comprehensive, but at the end of the day she's just a Doll capable of reading intel. Feed her enough false intel, and she'll be trapped in a cage of misinformation.)（“赫利”……虽然防御系统十分完备，但……终究只是会读取情报的人形。只要提供足够多的错误情报，便会被困于信息的樊笼之中。）

Cocoon(Yet, compared to Heli, this mysterious Doll who keeps interfering with my intel is far more intriguing... Could it be that what I hoped for is actually happening?)（比起“赫利”，反倒是这名几次干扰我情报的神秘人形更加有趣……会不会正是如我所期待的那样呢？）

CocoonThe new board is set. All that's left is for the pieces to take the stage, haha...新的棋局已经就绪，就差棋子们登场了，呵呵……

Through Thick and Thin 风雨同舟

(After ending her call with Lentine, Helen relays all currently known intel to the Elmo through Nikketa's encrypted channel.)（结束和兰汀的通讯后，海伦将目前所有的情报，通过妮基塔的加密频道传达给了艾莫号。）

(Helen stands quietly on the screen, her background still consisting of Mangi Security's uniformly designed walls.)（屏幕上，海伦的身影静静地站立着，背景依旧是曼尼安保那统一风格的墙壁。）

HelenBased on the intel gathered so far, the Conglomerate initiated a self-audit process after the Lviv laboratory explosion, ahead of the URNC.从目前得到的情报来看，利沃夫实验室的爆炸发生之后，财团先于罗联开始了自检模式。

HelenBut they weren't fast enough. The URNC cared about the explosion at Lviv, far more than anyone could imagine.但财团的速度依旧不够快，罗联对利沃夫爆炸事件重视程度超乎想象。

CommanderHow much do you know about the explosion at Lviv?关于利沃夫的爆炸一事你了解多少？

HelenNot much, though I'm not entirely in the dark.并不多，但也并非一无所知。

HelenThe explosion at Lviv didn't affect its ordinary civilians greatly, but it did shock the upper echelons of various factions... Both the URNC and the Conglomerate seem to be handling this at a speed that implies direct intervention by their high authorities.利沃夫的爆炸对普通民众并未造成太大的影响，但却极大惊动了各势力的高层……罗联和财团的响应速度看起来都是最高权限在直接处理。

HelenThis time, the Conglomerate commissioned Mangi Security to locate and erase every lab connected to Chiloveig... but the URNC's response was far faster than they had anticipated.财团此行委托曼尼安保的目的便是搜寻和奇洛薇格所有相关的实验室，并进行大规模的证据湮灭……不过罗联的反应速度要远超他们的预期。

HelenThey've since abandoned the idea of wiping out every area. Instead, they plan to fabricate precisely aimed evidence to completely redirect the URNC's attention.他们此时已经放弃全部区域清除的想法，而是打算精准伪造证据，彻底转移罗联的视线。

HelenSo, Commander. About the Lviv incident and how it relates to you...所以，指挥官。利沃夫的事件和您……

CommanderWe'll discuss that in detail once you're back on the Elmo.这件事等你回到艾莫号后，我详细和你沟通。

HelenHehe... it's been a long while since I've had a private conversation with you.呵呵……和指挥官的私人对谈也有很久没做过了呢。

(Helen lets out a soft chuckle, then quickly resumes briefing us on the latest findings.)（海伦轻笑一声，但很快又重新开始进行情报同步。）

HelenNot long ago, I spent some time tracing and analyzing the mission that Mangi Security took on.我稍早时候还对曼尼安保承接的任务进行了追溯和拆解。

HelenThey were operating in the Doll Community's region due to the actions of the third-gen Doll "Cocoon". She secretly tampered with the mission requirements, vastly expanding the search radius under the pretext of "cleanup operations".曼尼安保会在人形社区的区域活动，是因为三代人形“茧”私自篡改了任务内容，以“善后处理”为名，极大地扩大了搜索范围。

HelenI'll continue my investigation into her activities.关于她的情报，我还会进一步调查。

CommanderGood work. Looks like Mangi Security wasn't the only reason why Dushevnaya was getting tracked.辛苦了。目前来看，杜莎妮会被追踪，并非单纯因为曼尼安保。

HelenThis Cocoon seems to harbor a strangely strong obsession with my name, or rather, my identity as "DP-12".那名叫“茧”的人形，似乎对我的编号，或者说，对“DP-12”这个身份抱有异乎寻常的执念。

HelenCocoon made a move on Dushevnaya as soon as she returned to Mangi Security as "DP-12".在杜莎妮以DP-12的编号回到曼尼安保之后，她就已经迫不及待对杜莎妮动了手。

CommanderBe careful. She'll definitely come after you.务必小心，她一定会对你动手。

HelenWorry not, I'll keep my guard up. Right now, the enemy's got themselves exposed, and we've not been compromised. I'll stay concealed and only reveal myself when the time is right.请放心，我会多加防范。目前敌明我暗，我会注意隐蔽，在必要时刻再暴露身份。

CommanderNikketa told me that Dushevnaya had her memory wiped once in Mangi Security, because she came across some secrets of the Conglomerate's top brass. Is that true?听妮基塔说，杜莎妮当年被清洗记忆，是因为触及了财团高层的机密？

HelenYes. Dushevnaya happened to overhear a conversation between the Conglomerate leaders during a routine escort assignment.是的。杜莎妮当年在执行护卫工作时，偶然间听到了财团高层对话内容。

(Helen's voice lowers as she recounts the fragmented, broken utterings salvaged from Dushevnaya's shattered memories.)（海伦的声音沉了下来，她复述着那些从杜莎妮破碎记忆中抢救出的、断断续续的词语。）

Helen"Seats... limit the numbers... meet the targets..."“席位……控制数量……达到预期……”

HelenDushevnaya fought with everything she had to remember this.这是杜莎妮拼尽一切，想要记住的内容。

CommanderSeats...席位……

(The contents of a past call with Kalin rush to my mind in an instant—the matter of the change in leadership for Odesa.)（几乎在瞬间，我便想到过去和格琳的通话中，她提及的奥德卅主席更迭一事。）

(There was a change in the faction that held power over it. A chairman with ties to the Conglomerate would undoubtedly provide cover for all their dirty dealings.)（卫星城的势力几经更迭，而一个亲近财团或是财团背景的主席，无疑将会为他们的一切肮脏勾当提供庇护。）

(Paradeus' revival must have been backed by the Conglomerate. Without a definitive way to sever the relationship between the two, Paradeus will always have enough resources to keep coming back, expanding as much as mold would on endless plains of ripe agar media.)（帕拉蒂斯能死灰复燃，背后少不了财团的协助。在没有明确方式断绝两者关系之前，帕拉蒂斯都将永远有足够的资源，不断卷土重来，向外扩张。）

CommanderThose Conglomerate dogs... there's nothing they won't do for profit.财团那些人，为了利益什么样的事情都做得出来。

HelenWhen the benefits are high enough, they'll take any risk. But the moment the risk outweighs the reward, they'll discard any piece they deem expendable without hesitation.在绝对的利益面前，他们敢于铤而走险，而一旦风险大于利益，就会立刻舍弃那些不重要的棋子。

HelenAbout the bounty on you... the URNC's upper echelons don't appear to have reached a final verdict on the incident. If the opportunity presents itself, I will do my best to help you resolve this, to turn the situation around for you.关于您的通缉，罗联高层似乎还未对此次事件做出最后定论。倘若有机会，我会尽最大努力，协助您解决这一问题，扭转局面。

CommanderDon't worry. I have no plans to return to the Green Zone in the near future. There's no need to put yourself at extra risk just to clear me of this baseless charge.无妨，短期内我不打算再回绿区了。没必要为了洗脱莫须有的罪名，让你承担额外的风险。

CommanderI'll also take care to maintain proper cover in the Yellow Zone, keeping a low profile until things settle down.在黄区的行动，我也会注意做好伪装，暂避风头。

HelenHehe, I'll still do my best even if you say that.呵呵，就算指挥官这么说，我也会尽全力的。

(Helen's tone suddenly softens, her voice carrying an emotion that I have not yet understood.)（海伦的语气忽然放柔，她的声音中蕴含着我未曾理解的情愫。）

HelenI'm doing this partially to fulfill my own selfish wishes, of course.当然，这里面……也有我个人的一些私心。

HelenLeveraging intel, fabricating intel... The Conglomerate has many methods at their disposal to achieve their goals.利用情报、捏造情报，对于财团而言，想要达成他们的目的有很多方式。

HelenTheir plan this time seems to be about using Mangi Security to pin all their blame on Chiloveig. But based on the intel that I've been able to gather, Chiloveig herself... Well, her fate is unknown.他们这次的算盘，似乎是利用曼尼安保将一切的过错都推到奇洛薇格身上，可根据目前我手中能收集到的情报，奇洛薇格本人……生死不明。

CommanderThey'll never find Chiloveig. She's already...他们没办法找到奇洛薇格的。她已经……

HelenHehe, a "missing" person is far more useful than a "dead" person.呵呵，一个“失踪”的人可比一个“已死”的人，有用得多。

HelenIf the URNC's investigation results in the single conclusion that "Chiloveig is dead", that alone probably won't be enough for them to close the case.倘若罗联的调查只得出一个“奇洛薇格已死”的结论，恐怕不足以让他们结案。

HelenI'm worried that... they'll turn their muzzles to you in order to create a better scapegoat.我所担心的……是他们为了制造一个更完美的替罪羊，而将矛头指向您。

(A smile crosses Helen's face, but her tone is firm, allowing no debate.)（海伦流露出一抹微笑，语气中却是强硬、不可辩驳的态度。）

HelenMangi Security will, on the Conglomerate's orders, construct a complete chain of evidence linking Paradeus to Chiloveig.曼尼安保将会根据财团的指令，构造出一条帕拉蒂斯与奇洛薇格勾结的完整证据链条。

CommanderPin everything on the missing Chiloveig, then divert the URNC's attention by directing the investigation toward Paradeus? The URNC isn't that naïve. Unless...把一切推给一个下落不明的奇洛薇格，再通过调查帕拉蒂斯转移罗联的视线？罗联没有那么蠢，除非……

Commander...the "bait" the Conglomerate is offering this time feels enticing enough.这一次财团给出的“诱饵”足够吸引人。

HelenThat guess is right, Commander. The intel the Conglomerate is putting forward involves a field I do not understand yet.正如指挥官您所猜测的那样。财团所给出的情报，涉及到了我未曾了解的区域。

CommanderIt's not something related to the Relics, right...?总不至于是遗迹相关的情报吧……

HelenNo. It's a set of design blueprints for equipment from Chiloveig's lab.不，是一份关于奇洛薇格实验室相关仪器的设计图纸。

Commander(Blueprints for Chiloveig's lab equipment... Helena!)（奇洛薇格实验室的仪器图纸……海伦娜！）

CommanderSend me the coordinates for the place Mangi Security is heading to. It might have what I need.把曼尼安保前往的那个精准坐标给我，我所需要的东西，或许已经在那个区域了。

HelenMangi Security has already departed. There's a high chance you'll run into them head-on, even if you move at top speed.曼尼安保的队伍已经出发。即便是最快速度，也很有可能和他们正面交锋。

HelenWhat exactly spurs you on to take such risks?您所需要的具体是什么东西，值得您冒如此大的风险呢？

CommanderThere's this... kid on the Elmo right now. She urgently needs the nutrient solution used in the cultivation of Paradeus' test subjects.现在艾莫号上……有个孩子，急需帕拉蒂斯培养实验体所用的药剂。

CommanderSince Mangi Security plans to use Chiloveig to draw the URNC's attention, there's a high chance that the area chosen as a "sacrifice" will contain the "contraband" they're using to fabricate evidence—said contraband is the nutrient solution that I need.既然曼尼安保打算利用奇洛薇格吸引罗联的注意力，那么大概率，他们选定的作为弃子的区域，存在着他们伪造证据用的“赃物”——也就是我需要的这种营养液。

CommanderThe kid can't wait much longer.艾莫号上的那孩子，等不了太久了。

HelenUnderstood. Please proceed with caution. According to the intel I dug up, there may still be remnants of Paradeus' forces in that area.我明白了，请您务必要小心行事。根据我所收集的情报，那片区域内很可能仍然有帕拉蒂斯的残余势力。

HelenMaybe... you could record some combat footage, to submit as evidence in the future.也许，您可以记录一些作战影像……作为后期证据提交。

CommanderI've never placed any hope in the URNC's senior officials. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything.我从来没指望过罗联那群高层。放心，我会处理好一切。

HelenThen what if... You do this, but not for the purpose of submitting evidence to the URNC's higher-ups...那如果……不是为了给罗联高层提交证据……

(She pauses. The figure on screen seems to hesitate for just a moment, as though she were weighing her next words carefully.)（她顿了顿，屏幕中的身影似乎有了一瞬间的迟疑，仿佛在权衡着接下来的说辞。）

(Her voice is so quiet that she almost seems to be talking to herself. Yet, it comes through the connection with perfect clarity, carrying a cautious plea tinged with hesitation.)（她的声音轻得几乎像在自言自语，却又透过电流清晰地传了过来，带着一丝小心翼翼的试探。）

HelenDo it for my sake instead... would you agree to this request?而是为了我……这样的请求您能答应吗？

CommanderAh... of course. Evidence like that won't be of much use though...啊……没问题。不过这样的证据没有太多用处……

Helen...I've been longing to return to your side ever since we reunited through that call back then.我……从再次和您联系上的那一刻起，就想回到您的身边。

HelenDushevnaya once asked me... what we should say if we were to reunite with you.杜莎妮曾问过我，如果再次和指挥官您相遇，应该说些什么。

Helen"You're finally back"? "I missed you"? Or... "Please don't leave us again"?“终于等到您了？”“很想您？”还是……“不要再离开我们了？”

HelenI thought of so many ways to begin our reunion, yet I never imagined it would go this way... reuniting through a comms device under this identity.我想过很多种重逢的开场白，却唯独没想到，会是以现在这样的身份，通过通讯装置再度与您相遇。

HelenI... will sit and wait no more. I want to build, and am already building, a place where we belong with my own two hands... a home that belongs solely to "us".我……不想再停留在原地等待了，亲手构建属于“我们”的归处，这是我想要做也是正在做的事情。

HelenSo please... trust my judgment.所以，请……相信我的判断。

(Helen lifts her head once more on my screen. Her resolve, stronger than it ever was, shines brightly through her steely eyes.)（通讯屏幕中，海伦重新抬起头，她的眼神中透露着前所未有的坚定。）

(That resolve pierces straight through my heart. To be seen, to be needed... her words make me think of the "place of belonging" she always keeps emphasizing.)（那份决心，轻易地刺入我的内心，被看见，被需要着……她的话，让我联想到她一直强调的“归处”。）

(Yet, be it Helena or Melanie, or any of the Dolls who chose to follow me... Will "I", as things stand today, be able to give any of them that place of belonging, worthy of being called "home"?)（无论是海伦娜还是梅兰妮，亦或者是身边愿意跟随我的那些人形们，现在的我，真的能够给她们一个能称为“归处”的地方吗？）

CommanderI trust you.我相信你。

HelenSaying something like that without hesitating at all... You've become surprisingly straightforward. Well then, I won't let you down~轻易说出这种话……啊……指挥官意外地变得坦率了呢。我绝不会辜负您的信任~

(The call ends. The lighting in the ops room grows dim, allowing my pensive face to be reflected in the glass.)（通讯结束，指挥室的灯也暗了下去，玻璃上映出了我沉思的脸庞。）

(The Elmo crew is currently gathering supplies at the bridge, since we're trying to finish our pre-departure preparations quickly. The emptiness here makes the lighting in the ops room feel rather... cold. After standing still for a moment, I turn around and walk out.)（为了尽快做好出发准备，艾莫号上的众人正在舰桥准备物资。此刻指挥室的灯光稍显冷清，静立片刻后，我转身走出了指挥室。）

(I find Groza checking her combat gear in the refitting room and share all the intel I've obtained.)（在整备室，我找到了正在检查作战装备的闪电，并将得到的情报悉数与之同步。）

CommanderSet off immediately. Lead the squad to the Paradeus base, locate Helena's nutrient solution ASAP, then withdraw at once.即刻出发，带领小队前往帕拉蒂斯据点，以最快速度找到海伦娜需要的营养液，然后立刻撤离。

GrozaUnderstood. All preparations are complete—we're ready to move out.是。相关准备已经完成，随时可以准备出击。

ColphneLeave the searches to me~ I'll definitely spot the nutrient solution that Helena needs, even if there are enemies around~这样的工作就交给人家吧~就算有敌人在，人家也绝对会为海伦娜找到需要的营养药剂的~

MelanieCommander...指挥官……

(The girl who suddenly appears in the refitting room draws close, tugging at my sleeve.)（突然出现在整备室的少女，凑近过来，拉住了我的衣袖。）

MelanieCommander... do you really have to go to those scary places?指挥官……真的要去那些可怕的地方吗？

MelanieBack then... Melanie stayed in a place that... always felt dark. But now that I'm here with you, things feel different.以前……梅兰妮所在的地方，一直都是黑暗的。但是，在指挥官这里时，感觉就不一样。

(Melanie's eyes sparkle like stars, her voice resolute.)（梅兰妮的眼里闪烁着星光，语气坚定。）

MelanieYou're like a really, really sharp light that cuts through all darkness. Your light... is like a shining edge.就像，一道非常、非常锐利的光，能够切开所有的黑暗。那道光……就像锋芒一样。

MelanieThat's why you'll definitely save Helena. And everyone—everyone like me, will surely find a light within the darkness too.所以，海伦娜一定会得救的。还有大家——和我一样的大家，也一定会从黑暗之中找到光明。

MelanieWhich is... which is why I want to help you too.所以……所以，我也想帮忙。

(I kneel down and gently pat Melanie on the head.)（我蹲下身子，轻轻抚摸梅兰妮的脑袋。）

CommanderThen, please look after Helena for me until we come back.那么，在我们回来之前，帮我照顾好海伦娜吧。

MelanieCommander, you'll be back real soon, right?指挥官，会很快回来的对吗？

CommanderMm, we'll be back as soon as we can. We still need your help with regard to the treatment once we find the nutrient solution, Melanie.嗯，我们会尽快回来的。等找到营养液之后，剩下的治疗还需要梅兰妮你的协助。

ColphneOh~ Are you heading out yourself, Commander?咦~指挥官要亲自前往吗？

CommanderThis involves Helena and Chiloveig. We have to be cautious for this op.事关海伦娜与奇洛薇格，这次行动我们必须保持谨慎。

ColphneGot it~ I'll bring all the medical supplies and go on maximum alert~嗯，明白咯~人家会携带好所有医疗用具，然后和梅兰妮一起做好最高级别的警戒工作的~

ColphneThe Elmo doesn't need more casualties~ Coming back safely is what matters most.艾莫号上已经不需要再增加伤员了~平安回来是最重要的。

MelanieOkay. I'll stay on the Elmo like a good girl, waiting for everyone to come back.好，我会在艾莫号上乖乖等着大家的。

Strange Reunion 陌路相逢

(The team led by Lentine moves swiftly through the Yellow Zone. Finally, it comes to a halt at the mission coordinates designated by the Conglomerate.)（兰汀率领的队伍在黄区快速前行，最终，车队在财团指定的任务坐标地点停下。）

(Before them stands a battered base. Shattered walls and exposed rebar suggest it once weathered a wave of devastation. The buildings' broken silhouettes trace eerie, jagged shapes against the sky, proclaiming its danger across the land.)（眼前是一座饱受摧残的据点，破碎的墙体和裸露的钢筋，像是曾经遭受过一波重创，建筑勾勒出诡异的残破轮廓，散发着危险的气息。）

(Lentine is the first to jump down from the command vehicle. She stamps the uneven ground firmly underfoot, her expression grim as she surveys the base's entrance.)（兰汀率先跳下指挥车，她用力踩了踩脚下崎岖的土地，面色凝重地看着据点的入口。）

LentineStay on high alert. There's a high chance that hostiles are still present in the area.注意提高警惕，场地内大概率仍有敌人存在。

(Lentine's voice spreads through the tactical comms channels to every member of the Omen squad. Her voice is icy yet steady, somewhat dispelling the fatigue from their hurried march.)（兰汀的声音透过战术频道，传播给噩兆小队的全体成员，冰冷而沉稳的声音，也稍稍驱散了众人加急赶路的疲惫感。）

LentineStart with the perimeter. Avoid being detected. Confirm the enemy's numbers as quickly as possible.先从外围进行探索，不要打草惊蛇。尽快确认敌人的数量。

KennyYes, ma'am!是！

LentineAll units, equip mission recorders. Document the mission in full.全员佩戴行动记录装置，全程记录任务。

(The order makes Kenny hesitate for just a split second. He gives Lentine an instinctive glance.)（这个命令让柯尼的动作有了一瞬间的迟疑，他下意识地看了一眼兰汀。）

Kenny...Understood.……遵命。

LentineWhat? Got a problem with that?怎么，有什么意见？

(There is no emotion to be read from Lentine's voice, but Kenny knows that his tiny reaction hasn't escaped her notice.)（兰汀的声音里听不出情绪，但柯尼知道，自己的微小反应没能逃过她的眼睛。）

KennyIt's just that... we're all on the same side here. Do we really need the recorders running? We never used them in the past anyway.这……小队都是自己人，需要开着记录吗？以前不也都不开嘛。

KennyIf the mission intel leaks, it'll be hard to explain to the Conglomerate.如果任务的情报泄露，财团那边不好交代。

LentineThe past is the past. This is the present.过去是过去，这次是这次。

LentineThe combat footage recorded today? I'll destroy it all afterward in one fell swoop. The recording is simply an extra layer of insurance for us.本次记录下的作战影像，我会后期统一销毁。现在的记录，不过是希望多一份保险。

LentineHaving an extra bargaining chip is always better than being caught off guard by a partner's betrayal down the line.多一份筹码，总比，未来因为合作对象的背叛而陷入被动来得好。

KennyWould the Conglomerate really betray us?财团会背叛我们吗？

(Sensing the implication behind Lentine's words, Kenny's spirits sink to rock bottom.)（似乎察觉到兰汀话语中的暗示，柯尼的心情也低落到了谷底。）

LentineHeh. To the people at the top, every last one of us is expendable. Know your place.呵，对于高层来说，我们所有人都是消耗品罢了。认清楚自己的定位。

LentineBesides, even if the intel DOES leak, it wouldn't be because we let it.况且，就算情报泄露，也不可能是我们主动泄露。

KennyUnderstood. I've always believed that the missions we execute do carry meaning... That we're protecting this world too, just in our own way.是。我一直相信，我们所做的任务都有意义，是用另外一种方式守护这个世界。

KennyDestroying what's left of Paradeus' experiments? That, at the very least, will keep ordinary civvies safe.摧毁那些帕拉蒂斯残留的实验品，至少能保护普通人的安危。

LentineKenny, you've been with me for so long. Haven't you figured it out?柯尼，你跟着我这么久了，还没想通吗？

(Lentine cuts him off, her tone ice-cold.)（兰汀打断了他，语气冰冷。）

LentineThe first step into despair is the gap between expectation and reality.让人陷入绝望的第一步就是预期与现实的落差。

LentineSo put away your dreams of saving the world.所以收起你想要拯救世界的心吧。

LentineThe world needs its share of fools, but I will never want fools who think they can save the world as my teammates.这个世界需要一些蠢货，但我绝对不希望想要拯救世界的蠢货是我的队友。

KennyIs that so? And here I thought... a hero whose dream is to save the world might catch your attention.是这样吗？我还以为……梦想是拯救世界的英雄会吸引到你？

LentineEveryone is interested in interesting things, but that's all there is to it.没人会不好奇有趣的事物，但也仅此而已。

LentineMake sure everyone participating in this mission keeps their mouths shut. Carry out this op to the highest tactical standard. Be ready for enemy contact at any moment.让所有参与任务的人都管好自己的嘴，按照最高战术规格执行作战，做好随时遇敌的准备。

LentineEliminate every living creature in this area. Leave no survivors.将这里所有活动的生物一律清理干净，不必留任何活口。

Omen Team MemberSuspected signs of human survival detected...发现疑似人类存活痕迹……

LentineOpen fire.开火。

Omen Team Member...? Underst... Open fi— Shoot! Shoot them! It's ELIDs—hurry—遵……开、攻击！攻击！是生骸——快——

(The sounds of terrified screams and full-auto gunfire ring out in rapid succession through the comms.)（通讯器中瞬间传来了子弹倾泻而出的交锋声和接连不断的惨叫声。）

(Lentine closes her eyes, frustration etched across her brow. She raps her knuckles hard against the tactical tablet, producing dull thuds.)（兰汀闭上双眼，眉宇间难掩烦躁的情绪。她用指节用力敲击战术平板，发出沉闷的声响。）

(People always tend to hesitate at a fatal moment, driven by strange human sympathy and force of habit. And that's exactly what just happened, even though she had already given the ruthless order to eliminate every living creature they encounter.)（人们总会因为奇怪的同情心与惯性思维产生致命的迟疑，即便为了确保安全，她已经下令清除一切遇到的“生命”这样冷酷的命令。）

(Even a single second of hesitation could decide your fate in a place as dangerous as this.)（在这样危险的地方，任何一秒的犹豫，都将直接决定幸存的概率。）

LentineReport status.汇报情况。

Omen Team MemberWe encountered... unidentifiable humanoid creatures in cloaks! They attacked us!我们遇到了……披着斗篷的人形未知生物！对方主动向我们发动了攻击！

Omen Team MemberIt's not just ELIDs. There are Doll machines here too...不仅是生骸，这里还存在人形机械……

Omen Team MemberWe lost two of our squad members! Three more wounded! Requesting reinforcements!小队失去两名同伴，同时有三位队员已经负伤！请求增派支援！

(The voices coming through the comms are breaking up every now and then, speech interspersed with heavy panting and the roar of gunfire.)（通讯器内传来的声音断断续续，同时夹杂着剧烈的喘息声和枪械开火的轰鸣声。）

(Lentine waves her hand, signaling Kenny to push the other squads toward the ambushed point to provide support.)（兰汀挥了挥手，示意柯尼将其余小队向遇袭点快速推进，前去支援。）

Omen Team MemberFire! Fire— Hold the line—开枪！开枪——撑住——

KennyHold on, we're already on our way.坚持住，我们已经在支援的路上。

(Unlike the previous sweeps of long-abandoned Paradeus bases, the coordinates the Conglomerate has provided this time clearly contain a significant number of hostiles.)（不同于过往清扫那些早已废弃的帕拉蒂斯据点，财团这次给出的坐标点明显还盘踞着相当多数量的敌人。）

(The squads swiftly suppress the remaining enemies... but not before paying the price. Lentine personally leads a team straight to the Paradeus experiment area.)（在付出一定代价后，小队快速压制了残存的敌人，由兰汀亲自率领的小队直奔帕拉蒂斯的实验区域。）

(Lentine orders her squad members to wipe out the products of all experiments in the vicinity. She establishes a defensive perimeter around her position, holding back the enemies that keep emerging from every corner.)（兰汀示意小队将周围残余的实验制品统统清理干净，并在她所在的区域附近构筑起防线，抵挡不断从角落中涌现的敌人。）

KennyThere's an unusually high number of test subjects in this base, and most of them are humans who've been...这个据点的实验品数量格外多，而且大多数是人类遭到……

(Kenny's voice is hoarse. He cannot bring himself to blurt out everything on his mind.)（柯尼的声音有些干涩，他没办法将所联想的事物完全说出口。）

LentineYou won't live long if you don't break your overthinking habit.你想太多的毛病再不改，活不了太久。

Kenny...Things are definitely worse than I expected.……情况确实比我想象得更为严峻。

KennyI thought this mission was just about planting some research info here, then grabbing some Chiloveig-related permission info as evidence to hand over to the URNC later.我原以为这次任务只是把一些必要的实验资料放在这里，再把和奇洛薇格有关的权限资料作为证据，后期提交给罗联就行。

KennyBut now that I'm here looking at all this, this is definitely one of the testing grounds connected to that White Zone research base!但结合现在的情况，这里——本来就是那个和白区实验基地有关系的试验场吧！

LentineSomething made those high-and-mighty Conglomerate top dogs give up a place like this? That's already a decent outcome, all things considered.能让那群高高在上的财团权贵们，舍得放弃这么一个地方，已经算是不错的结果了。

LentineHumanity will never stop chasing power, Kenny. The number of madmen in this world far exceeds what you can imagine.人类对于力量的追逐从来不会停止，柯尼。这个世界上疯子的数量远超你的想象。

LentineWar. War never changes. Only by maintaining a balance of power between factions can we temporarily restrain conflict.战争永无止境，唯有依靠力量的平衡可以暂时制约纷争。

LentineAnd this time, we're the weights being placed on the scale to maintain that delicate balance.而这一次，我们就是维持这份平衡被推出来的砝码。

KennyFabricating info, erasing evidence of the Conglomerate's connection to this place... It's all meaningless at this point.伪造资料、清除财团和这片区域有关联的证据……事到如今，这样的行为根本毫无意义。

KennyEven if we do all that, there are countless other experiments like this going on in other labs.就算我们做了这些，在别的实验室中仍然有无数实验在持续进行。

KennyAt best, we're just helping to ensure that these experiments can continue somewhere else.充其量，不过是为了让这里的实验，换一个地方仍然能继续推进。

LentineShutting one's mouth allows one to feign ignorance. When there's no evidence, there can be no trial.只要不说，就装作不知道，只要没有证据，就无法审判。

LentineTrust me—the people at the top don't have the foresight you think they do.要相信，上面的人的视力，可没有你想象得那么优秀。

LentineHurry up with your work. Don't dawdle.尽快干活，不要磨蹭了。

(After instructing her subordinates to maintain the defensive line and handing over her deception work, Lentine connects to an encrypted call with DP-12.)（示意手下继续维持防御阵线，并接手伪装工作后，兰汀接通了与DP-12的加密通讯。）

LentineI'm suppressing hostiles here at the moment. I'll open the Paradeus intel database interface shortly. Once you connect to it, verify whether our "selection of intel" is correct, then change all control permissions for this site to "Chiloveig".我这里正在压制敌人，稍后开启帕拉蒂斯的情报库接口，你去确认一下情报是否都已经筛选成功，再把这里的控制权限全部改为奇洛薇格。

DP-12Processing your order right now. Please wait a moment.正在为您处理，请稍等。

LentineBy the way... you received the video I sent you, right? Encrypt it, then make a few backups of it.另外……我传给你的视频已经收到了吧。加密，多备份几份。

LentineSet it so that if I fail to check it for three days, the intel automatically gets sent to the URNC.设置成我只要三天没有确认，就自动将情报传达给罗联。

DP-12Preparing for every contingency, even when there is little danger. Now that's what I'd expect from you.即便危险出现的概率较低，也做好万全的准备。不愧是您的风格。

LentineI wouldn't need to resort to this kind of strat if Carmen didn't put such a huge emphasis on this...要不是卡门那边盯得紧，也不会用这种策略……

(A massive explosion suddenly roars through the Paradeus base mid-conversation. The whole structure shudders violently.)（谈话间，整个帕拉蒂斯据点忽然爆发出一声巨大的轰鸣，整个建筑物都在剧烈颤动。）

(The sounds of collapse echo without end. Debris from the ceiling rains down like a storm, crashing to the floor with deafening impact.)（坍塌声不断传来，穹顶之上，碎石如雨点般不断落下，砸在地板上发出巨大的声响。）

DP-12Our guests seem to be acting faster than expected.看来，客人们动手的速度超乎我们的推测呢。

DP-12We'll need some more time if we want to fully complete this mission. Even in the best-case scenario, we'll still need...如果想要彻底完成任务，还需要一些时间，从最理想的情况看，还需……

(The sounds of explosions arrive one after another, steadily encroaching on Lentine's position.)（爆炸声一波接着一波，并且不断向兰汀所处的区域推进。）

(Another blast rings out, closer and more violent than the last. The piercing screech of metal comes from directly above Lentine—a section of the ceiling breaks free and plummets toward her.)（又一声更近、更剧烈的爆炸声响起。兰汀头顶正上方传来刺耳的金属摩擦声，脱落的天花板碎片砸向她的所在地。）

KennyAdjutant Lentine, watch out!兰汀副官，小心！

(Kenny lunges from her side with a desperate shout, throwing all his weight into knocking Lentine away.)（伴随着一声急切的呼喊。柯尼的身影从侧方扑来，用尽全力将兰汀撞开。）

(The two humans tumble to the ground. The comms device flies from Lentine's hand, skidding and tumbling across the floor, abruptly severing its connection to DP-12.)（两人狼狈地滚倒在地，兰汀手中的通讯器也脱手飞出，在地上翻滚了几圈后，与DP-12的通讯被猛然切断。）

(A thick cloud of dust and smoke engulfs them in an instant.)（浓烈的烟尘瞬间弥漫开来。）

Lentine(Coughing)咳咳咳……

(Lentine struggles to push herself up, but the dust still has her coughing violently.)（兰汀挣扎着撑起身体，但烟尘依旧将她呛得一阵咳嗽）

(Kenny, who was lying face down, is already back up. He positions himself with his back to Lentine, down on one knee with his weapon raised as he visually sweeps their surroundings.)（扑倒在地的柯尼已经迅速起身，半跪在她身前，举枪戒备着四周。）

KennyAdjutant, are you all right?副官，你没事吧！

(Lentine doesn't answer. Her gaze is aimed past Kenny's shoulder, fixed on the area that just collapsed.)（兰汀没有回答，她的目光越过柯尼的肩膀，盯住了刚才坍塌的区域。）

(Lentine realizes she might have walked straight into a trap. She thought she was prepared, and yet, she didn't expect the enemy to act faster than her. Judging by the direction of the explosions, there is more than one enemy...)（兰汀意识到，自己或许已经中了陷阱——本以为自己做好了准备，没想到对方动手速度更快，而且从刚才的爆炸方位推算，敌人绝不止一人……）

(This place has become a death trap about to snap shut—all her so-called "bargaining chips" are worthless in the face of death.)（这个地方已经变成了一个即将收网的死亡陷阱。而任何所谓的“筹码”，在死亡面前都一文不值。）

LentineAll units, prepare to withdraw immediately—所有队伍，立即准备撤——

KennyBut our mission isn't complete yet... one squad has already gone ahead to investigate the source of the tremors.可我们的任务还未完成……已经有一支小队前去确认震动的根源。

LentineIdiots. What they're doing is no different from a suicide run. Tell them to hurry back. No need to investigate. Prioritize immediate withdrawal.蠢货，那和去送死没什么两样。让他们回来，不必调查了，立刻优先撤退。

KennyBut... won't we be in trouble with the Conglomerate for this?可是……会不会和财团那边不好交代？

LentineWorry about it AFTER you go back alive.等你有命离开这里，再考虑交代的事情吧。

LentineTell me—why did some squads get completely wiped out during some of Mangi Security's previous missions? What do you think happened?你说，为什么之前，曼尼安保的有些队伍执行任务之后无一人生还。

KennyTheir assessment of mission intel was inadequate...对于任务的情报判断不足……

LentineIf I were in the upper echelons, the best possible outcome in infosec ops would be... for every operative involved to die during the mission.如果我是高层，为了确保情报安全，所有执行任务的成员在执行任务的过程中死亡，是最好的结局。

KennyYou mean...你是说……

(The color drains from Kenny's face as the worst-case scenario dawns on him.)（柯尼的脸色一白，想到了此刻的最坏情况。）

LentineDon't forget. Mangi Security is just one of many PMCs serving the Conglomerate. Besides us, whom they assigned the dirty work to, they also have a far more obedient and useful third-gen Doll at their disposal.别忘了曼尼安保只是为财团服务的P.M.C.之一，除了委派我们完成工作，财团那边还有更好利用也更加听话的三代人形。

LentineYou can tell from the sound alone. The people setting off the explosives aren't many, but they're closing in on us.听声音就能知道爆破的人虽然不多，但在逐渐向我们靠近。

LentineThere are others here. Get out before this entire area collapses.这里还有别的人在，在这片区域彻底坍塌之前，尽快离开。

LentineGo!走——

(Another explosion. Light and fire shoot into the sky as the roar of concentrated gunfire mingles with the howls of ELIDs.)（又一声爆炸声传来，火光冲天而起，密集的子弹倾吐声夹杂着生骸的吼声传来。）

(An armored vehicle zips across the open wilds, hurtling toward the base at breakneck speed.)（此时，一辆装甲车正在旷野中飞驰，由远至近以极快的速度直线向据点冲来。）

MechtyWaaah—that place is about to collapse! Do we really have to charge into it?! I don't wanna!哇啊啊——这根本就是要塌了吧！我们真的要冲进去吗——不想去啊！

ColphneHelena's nutrient solution is in there. We're getting it no matter what~海伦娜的营养液就在里面，说什么都要拿到手~

GrozaCommander, thermal signatures and the scale of explosions are both increasing. The building's structure is currently disintegrating. Entering it now poses extreme risk.指挥官，热源反应和爆炸规模都在不断扩大，建筑结构正在大面积解体，现在突入，风险极高。

(I stare at the ruined building ahead, shrouded in fire and smoke. The nutrient solution Helena needs is right in front of us.)（我凝视着前方那片被火与烟笼罩的残破建筑，海伦娜所需要的营养液，近在眼前。）

CommanderFull speed ahead. Charge in.全速前进，冲进去。

MechtyEhh—?! Are we really going in?!唉——！真的要冲吗！？

KlukaiGrab the handrails. Don't get thrown off.抓好扶手，别被甩下去了。

MechtyR-right, I know.我，我知道了。

(The armored vehicle lets out a roar as its engine is pushed to max output.)（装甲车发出一声咆哮，引擎功率被拉升至极限。）

(It shoots forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, recklessly plunging straight into the heart of the chaos.)（车辆如同一支离弦的利箭，义无反顾地冲向那片混乱的中心。）

(Dust, smoke, and debris pelt the windshield, hammering against the bulletproof glass in a loud, relentless barrage.)（烟尘与碎石扑面而来，狠狠地砸在防弹玻璃上，发出噼里啪啦的声响。）

(Amid the deafening roars, the armored vehicle crushes the already crumbling outer wall in a nigh-suicidal charge, finally coming to an emergency stop inside the devastated experiment area.)（在震耳欲聋的轰鸣声中，装甲车以一种近乎搏命的姿态，撞开了已经有些摇摇欲坠的建筑外墙，最终在一片狼藉的实验区域内紧急制动。）

(I kick the door open. A pungent wave of gunpowder, dust, and some kind of chemical agent rushes in.)（我踹开车门，一股混杂着硝烟、尘土和某种化学药剂的刺鼻气味涌了进来。）

MechtyThe Doll Community offered to help us with this mission...明明人形社区的大家提议可以帮我们一起完成任务。

Mechty...So why am I the one who got dragged out here to work—为什么最后还是把我拉来工作啊——

MechtyI never want to ride with Klukai again—真是不想再坐可露凯的车了——

KlukaiShut up and do your job.少废话，快点干活。

MechtyEhh—! Klukai, are you sure you didn't insist on coming just because the Commander is in this vehicle too?唉——！可露凯真的不是因为指挥官也在这辆车上，才一定要跟来的吗？

KlukaiTsk. You're here because I approve of your combat ability. Don't embarrass yourself.啧，这可是对你战斗能力的认可，别丢脸。

MechtyFine, fine.是、是。

ColphneI won't slow you guys down just because I'm a medical Doll. Leave the Commander's safety to me~就算人家是医疗型人形，也不会拖后腿的，指挥官的安危就放心交给我吧~

GrozaJudging by the explosions, this area won't hold much longer.从爆炸的情况来看，这片区域撑不了太久。

ColphneAre we too late?我们来晚了吗？

(I survey the wrecked lab and the commotion from moments ago. It seems that Mangi Security has already pulled out in a hurry.)（我看着一片狼藉的实验室，还有刚才传来的嘈杂声，看来曼尼安保也紧急撤退了。）

CommanderOur objective takes priority. Eliminate everything that comes in our way.优先完成我们的目标，解决所有挡路的敌人。

ColphneThen let's tackle the most important thing first! The nutrient solution for Helena's treatment should be near the lab equipment... There's no doubt about it.那就直接解决最重要的问题！治疗海伦娜需要的营养液，应该就在实验台附近，不会错的。

GrozaMmm. The enemy's retreat route crosses the area we're planning to head to.嗯，敌人撤退的路线，也在我们规划前往的区域。

KlukaiThey seem to have retreated because of the explosions.他们似乎因为爆炸而撤离了。

MechtyUgh... We're the only ones dumb enough to push forward in a place like this.在这种环境——唔——会迎难而上的只有我们了吧。

KlukaiPick up the pace. They're destroying the lab equipment.加快动作。他们在破坏实验器材。

MechtyI know, I know—知道啦——

Strange Reunion 陌路相逢

(Amid the thundering explosions, Mangi Security's forces do not attempt to engage us again. Instead, they conduct a fighting retreat, withdrawing rapidly.)（轰鸣的爆炸声中，曼尼安保的队伍并没有与我们再度争锋，而是且战且退，快速撤离。）

(I gaze at the distant squad. The female commander at its head stands out strikingly among the uniformed ranks.)（我遥望远处的队伍，为首的那位女性指挥官在统一着装的人群中格外显眼。）

(Her gaze crosses mine for a moment—she seems to consider letting her gaze linger on me several times, but under cover from her subordinates, she ultimately chooses to withdraw.)（她的视线一度与我的方向交汇，有那么几番打算停留，但在下属的掩护下，最终还是选择了撤离。）

(—"Lentine". I've heard this name from Helen many times.)（——“兰汀”。从海伦口中，我多次听过这个名字。）

(The gaze that repeatedly lingers on me carries what feels like a mix of curiosity, appraisal, and the sense of someone sizing up prey.)（而她多次停留在我身上的视线，似乎混杂着好奇、审视与评判猎物的感觉。）

GrozaCommander, this area won't hold much longer!指挥官，这片区域撑不了太久了！

ColphneGrab as much nutrient solution as you can carry~营养液能搬多少就搬多少~

MechtyHey, wait, isn't that where I was sitting...?诶，等等，那里不是我坐的位置吗……

ColphneWe've run out of storage space. For Helena's sake, we'll have to ask Mechty to bear with it for a bit~储藏空间已经用完了，为了海伦娜，只好请米什缇稍微忍耐一下喽~

MechtyIf the nutrient solution is going in the back seat, don't tell me... that I have to run all the way back...营养液放后座的话，该不会要让我一路跑回去吧……

MechtyThat is absolutely not an option! I can sit on the Commander's or Klukai's lap!这种可能性绝对不行！我可以坐指挥官或者可露凯身上的！

Klukai...……

MechtyWe can definitely make it back together if we squeeze a bit, right? Right?挤一下的话，一定可以回去的？对吧？

MechtyWait, why did everyone go quiet—?!等等，为什么你们都不说话了——！

MechtyAnyway, I am absolutely NOT running back!总之我绝对不要跑回去！

KlukaiWork faster. You want to be buried under this rubble or something?加快速度，你不是真的想被埋在废墟底下吧。

MechtyToday's workload has definitely exceeded all my limits—!今天的工作强度绝对已经超标啦——

(Amid the chaos, I quickly locate the central control terminal inside the base.)（一片混乱之中，我快速找到了据点内的中央操作台。）

(Fortunately, it wasn't completely destroyed during the combat. The terminal comes to life after a few key presses.)（幸而战火并未将其彻底损毁，敲击键盘后，操作台仍然能够正常运作。）

CommanderCopy the intel and bring it back. Maybe we'll find a way to save Helena.把这儿的情报复制一份回去，也许能找到救助海伦娜的办法。

GrozaUnderstood.遵命。

GrozaRead access has been blocked... I'm afraid it has to be decrypted, and there's absolutely no time for that now!读取权限已经被屏蔽……恐怕需要破译才行，现在的时间完全不够！

(After Mangi Security withdraws, some of the ELIDs that had been drawn to them move back to us.)（曼尼安保离开之后，原本被他们吸引过去的部分生骸重新回到了我们周围。）

(Klukai and Mechty fight them off the best they can, while Colphne busies herself with hauling the nutrient solution containers that I selected. At least, the ones that seem potentially useful.)（可露凯、米什缇全力应对敌人，而寇尔芙则忙于搬运那些被我选中的、看起来能派上用处的营养液。）

(The enemy must have processed and edited the data before we arrived. To fully decrypt it, we would need a Doll with exceptional intel processing abilities.)（敌人先前必定对这里的数据情报进行过处理，想要完全破解，必须要对情报处理具备杰出能力的人形才行。）

(Helen comes to mind, but reaching her requires routing through multiple relay points. I don't think I can get her help right away.)（我在脑海中想到了海伦，但和她的联络需要通过层层转接，我并没有把握能立刻得到她的协助。）

(Just as I was thinking up a solution, Helen's voice comes through the comms channel, right when I needed her.)（我正在思索时，通讯频道中海伦的声音及时地响起。）

HelenCommander, you're already inside the Paradeus base?指挥官，您现在已经在帕拉蒂斯的据点之内了？

CommanderYeah. The Mangi Security team you mentioned didn't fight us very much, though. I'm currently trying to process the intel stored here.是的。不过你提到的曼尼安保队伍并没有和我们太多交锋，现在我正要处理据点内的情报。

HelenI tampered with that data through a special interface a few minutes ago—就在几分钟前，我已经通过特殊的接口，篡改了据点内的情报——

HelenIf you need it, Commander, I'll present it to you as a gift when we finally meet again~如果指挥官需要这些情报的话，等我们相见的时候，我会将它们作为礼物送您~

HelenYou should leave quickly. The final wipe of this area has begun.您该尽快离开了，关于这片区域的最终清理已经开始。

CommanderDid Mangi Security retreat because of your intel?曼尼安保的撤退，是因为你的情报？

HelenI merely reminded them that the enemy was approaching far faster than expected.我只是提醒了他们敌人到来的速度远超所想。

HelenAfter all, Mangi Security isn't the only thing backing Cocoon.毕竟那位名叫“茧”的第三代人形，能依靠的可不仅仅是曼尼安保。

HelenMangi Security isn't the Conglomerate's only tool for destroying evidence. They have a far more discreet and reliable tool—third-gen Dolls.要清除证据，财团除了可以利用曼尼安保，还能利用更隐蔽、更安全的三代人形。

HelenI've already processed intel in this area. The URNC investigators will only find one conclusion here: "The Paradeus intel permissions for this area belong to Chiloveig."这片区域的情报已经被我处理过了，罗联的调查者，只会在这里搜查到“这片区域的帕拉蒂斯情报权限隶属于奇洛薇格”这条结论。

HelenAs for the other Conglomerate-linked labs, the relevant intel there has also been wiped through the other squads' missions. These pieces of intel may seem insignificant now, but this can help muddy the investigation. It's the best way to stall the URNC.至于其他和财团有关的实验室，在其余小队的任务中，相关情报也已一一被抹除。那些情报现在虽然看似无足轻重，却能扰乱调查结果，是拖延罗联的最佳方式。

(The base is collapsing fast. Larger chunks of debris have begun crashing down.)（据点坍塌的速度越来越快，更加大块的落石砸了下来。）

GrozaCommander—should we still—指挥官——是否还要——

CommanderEveryone! Withdraw immediately.所有人！立刻撤退。

Reflection Interplay 镜影交错

(Beep—)（嘀——）

(In an unassuming corner within Mangi Security, a Doll deftly swipes open a door lock, carefully stepping into a dust-covered archive room.)（曼尼安保内部一个不起眼的角落，一名人形利落地刷开了紧闭的门锁，小心地踏进了尘封的档案室。）

HelenHow's everything going?情况怎么样？

BalthildeSmooth so far. The forged permissions you made are working well.目前一切顺利，你伪造的权限很有用。

BalthildeBut... is Dushevnaya's backup really here?不过，杜莎妮的心智备份真的在这里吗？

(Balthilde cautiously looks around her surroundings.)（巴希达谨慎地环顾着四周。）

(Rows of storage shelves extend deep into the dimly lit room. Each shelf is marked with a large letter on its side. The shelves are covered in dust, with countless file bags piled on them haphazardly.)（略显阴暗的房间内，一排排储物架延伸至房间深处，每个储物架的侧边都标识着一个大大的字母。储物架上，灰尘遍布，无数档案袋凌乱地堆放着。）

BalthildeIt looks like no one's been here for a long time.这里看上去已经很久没人来了。

HelenAll the more reason to search it.正因如此，才需要调查这里。

HelenThe more inconspicuous a place is, the more easily it gets overlooked.越是不起眼的地方，越是容易被遗漏。

HelenThis is an archive room dedicated to storing testamentary and will-related documents for Mangi Security employees. Hardly anyone comes here.这里是专用于保存曼尼安保员工遗嘱类资产的档案库，少有人来。

HelenAs an archive considered bad luck by everyone in Mangi Security, nearly everyone has forgotten about its existence. So, it is the best place for hiding intel.可作为被整个曼尼安保视为触霉头的、几乎被所有人遗忘的档案库，用来隐藏情报再适合不过了。

HelenDuring my last call with Lentine, she specifically set up an intel insurance policy for herself in case something goes wrong.上一次与兰汀通讯时，她特意为自己准备了发生不测后的情报保险。

BalthildeI see. Following that woman's habit of always planning for the worst case... it makes sense that Dushevnaya's backup might also be stored here.我懂了，按那个女人预先考虑好最糟糕情况的思路，杜莎妮的心智备份也很可能存放在这里？

HelenExactly. And for someone who doesn't trust Dolls, this is indeed the ideal storage location. Faced with a massive volume of physical files, a Doll's data retrieval functions are rendered completely useless.不错。而且，对于一个不信任人形的人来说，这里的确是理想的存放地——面对如此海量的实物档案，人形的数据检索功能，毫无用武之地了。

BalthildeAll right. I'll find the clues that point us to Dushevnaya's backup as quickly and carefully as I can.好吧，那我会小心行事，尽快找到杜莎妮心智的备份的线索。

BalthildeThing is... something about our current situation feels off.不过……总感觉现在的情况怪怪的。

HelenDon't worry. Right now, you're officially registered as a Doll under Mangi Security.别担心，你目前是曼尼安保旗下的正式人形。

HelenAt least, your ID says so.至少，你的编码是这样。

HelenI'll leave Dushevnaya to you.杜莎妮那孩子，就拜托你了。

(Catching something unusual in Helen's voice, Balthilde pauses her search and frowns at the comms screen.)（听着海伦有些异于平日的口吻，在储物架之间寻找的巴希达停了下来，皱眉看向通讯屏幕。）

BalthildeHey. Once we find Dushevnaya's backup, let's leave together.喂，等找到杜莎妮的心智备份之后，我们就一起离开吧。

BalthildeDon't talk like you're unable to leave. We went through all this trouble to find you.别说得你好像走不了一样，好不容易才在这里找到了你。

BalthildeIf we go back empty-handed, I'll look super useless.如果无功而返，岂不是显得我很没用。

HelenLeave?离开吗？

(Helen's movements pause for a moment. The constant flow of intel data shines in her eyes, flickering in uncertainty.)（海伦的动作停顿了一下，不断流转的情报数据流映在她眼中，闪烁不定。）

BalthildeYou want to leave more than anyone. I can tell.你明明比谁都想离开吧。

HelenThe easiest way to leave Mangi Security is to have yourself classified as combat-damaged, decommissioned Dolls.想要从曼尼安保内撤离，最简单的办法，是将你们的身份划分为战损废弃的人形。

HelenIf we have Nikketa's help, getting the two of you out won't be a problem.如果有妮基塔的帮助，你们两个的离开并不成问题。

BalthildeWhat about you? Trapped because you're in too deep?那你怎么办？身居高位，反而被困住了？

HelenLentine will never let me go that easily. I know too many of her secrets. Unless...兰汀是不可能会轻易放我走的，我知道了她太多的秘密，除非……

BalthildeUnless what?除非什么。

HelenUnless the crisis Lentine faces next is severe enough... Severe enough that she has to sacrifice me as a pawn to protect herself.除非兰汀接下来遇到的危机足够大，大到必须舍弃我这枚棋子来保全自身。

HelenStill, the leverage she can extract from me needs to be substantial enough to make her feel that the deal works in her favor.同时，她能从我这里得到的筹码也足够多，让她觉得这笔交易对她是最有利的。

HelenA crisis of that magnitude...? I can't create it on my own.而这样程度的危机，仅凭我一个人是做不到的。

BalthildeThen let us help you!那就让我们帮你！

BalthildeI hate owing people favors, whether it's the Commander or you.我讨厌欠别人人情，无论是指挥官，还是你。

BalthildeBesides, I already prepared for the worst before I left the Doll Community.而且，在离开人形社区的时候，我本来就做好了最坏的打算。

BalthildeUllrid chose to talk to me in private back then, telling me that the Doll Community never abandons a companion.乌尔丽德特地私下找我说过，人形社区不会放弃任何一个同伴。

BalthildeYou may not belong to the Community, but I already consider you one of us.虽然你不属于社区，但我已经把你当做是同伴了。

BalthildeSo, feel free to trust us more.所以，你也可以更信任我们。

BalthildeNo matter what, don't forget the Doll Community. We're a force you can call on too.无论如何，别忘了人形社区。我们也是你可以动用的力量。

BalthildeWe will definitely help you and Dushevnaya!我们绝对会帮助你和杜莎妮！

HelenHow wonderful... That child has found the place of belonging that she always hoped for.真好呢，杜莎妮那孩子，现在遇到了她所期待的归处。

(A gentle, relieved smile appears on Helen's face, but her gaze soon sharpens again as she begins reevaluating the whole situation.)（海伦的脸上露出一丝欣慰温柔的笑意，但随即，她的眼神又变得锐利起来，开始重新剖析目前的整个局势。）

HelenYou're right. I should leverage every faction available, not just plan for the worst.你说得不错，要利用所有可以利用的势力，而不是只做最坏的打算。

HelenIf I'm only thinking about dealing with Lentine, the resources and powers I can mobilize are still far too few.如果只考虑对付兰汀，那么我能撬动的资源还是太少了。

HelenBut if I add a few more pieces to the board... the game could play out in some other ways.不过，如果能加上一些别的筹码……棋局的走向，就会有更多的可能性。

HelenFor example, I could drag that lofty third-gen Doll into my game as well.比如，将那位高高在上的三代人形，也拖入我的棋局。

BalthildeNo problem! I'll cooperate with your plan with everything I've got.没问题！我会全力配合你的安排。

(Faced with Balthilde's resolve, Helen smiles.)（面对着坚定的巴希达，海伦面露微笑。）

HelenThen, let us begin by...那么，就从这里开始吧……

(After the URNC investigators station themselves in Mangi Security, they request access to portions of the database. Mangi Security hands them some permissions for surface level data, but all core data related to Lviv, Chiloveig's lab, and Tlazo Incorporated has already been hidden or altered by upper management.)（罗联调查员入驻曼尼安保后，要求开启部分数据库，曼尼安保的数据库表面上开放了部分权限，但所有与利沃夫、奇洛薇格实验室以及忒拉佐公司相关的核心数据，都已被高层提前隐藏或篡改。）

(It is like a crime scene scrubbed spotless, seemingly airtight.)（这就像一间被打扫得干干净净的犯罪现场，看似无懈可击。）

(But to Helen, every movement of data leaves ripples in the intel archives. She stealthily navigates through the depths of this data, sensing the unnatural, textured traces that have been forcibly smoothed out.)（但对于海伦而言，任何数据的流动都会在情报库中留下涟漪。她潜行在这片数据的深处，感受着那些被强行抚平的、不自然的痕迹。）

Helen(The explosion at Lviv cannot be something random. Judging by the timeline, the instantaneous surge in Collapse radiation must have been linked to Chiloveig's lab.)（利沃夫爆炸案绝对不可能只是偶然，从时间点上看，坍塌辐射浓度瞬间变化，与奇洛薇格所在的实验室一定脱不了干系。）

Helen(Oleg Girard, the head of Project Eden, had already been arrested. Chiloveig, the person in charge of the explosion site, is under further investigation. Tlazo Incorporated, which had funded Chiloveig, will most likely come up clean after their self-audit.)（乐园计划的负责人奥列克·吉拉尔已经被捕，发生爆炸区域的负责人奇洛薇格正被进一步调查，原本投资奇洛薇格的忒拉佐公司，在自检之后大概率也查不出太大的问题。）

Helen(As for Cecht FABN, which is connected to Tlazo Incorporated, they've hidden themselves perfectly behind this whole incident. Without anything to implicate them, they become untouchable.)（而与忒拉佐公司有所关联的赛诺菲与法本集团，更是完美隐身在这次事件之后，让人找不出任何把柄。）

Helen(The Doll called Cocoon has constructed a flawless illusion.)（那位名叫茧的人形，塑造了一个完美的假象。）

Helen(What is her goal, though? Is it to provide the higher-ups with a reasonable, beneficial conclusion to the investigation?)（目的……是为了给上层一个合理且正确的调查结论？）

Helen(No. It goes beyond that. She is feeding everyone who reads the intel a complete, fabricated "reality" to muddle them.)（不，不仅是这样，她在给出一个完整的“现实”迷惑所有阅读情报的人。）

(A strange feeling envelops Helen. She feels as though she is trapped inside a false world manipulated by an invisible hand. Every piece of reality she can touch may well be a product of tampering.)（一种怪异的感觉笼罩着海伦。她仿佛置身于一个被无形之手操控的虚妄世界之中，所有她能接触到的现实，都可能是被篡改过的虚假产物。）

(Fabricating possibilities—this is what Helen does best: taking existing intel, reorganizing it, adjusting the sequence of events, guiding those who read it post-edit into drawing exactly the conclusions she wants.)（编造可能性。这是海伦最擅长的事情。将现有的情报通过梳理、调整，改变前后顺序，引导后来者根据目前已经有的数据推导出她想要的结论。）

(In the past, it was almost always her pulling the strings. But this time, she can clearly sense that someone else is doing the exact same thing.)（从前大部分时候都是由她来完成上述的环节，但这一次，她清晰地感觉到，似乎有另外一个存在，正在做着和她完全相同的事情。）

(That someone is that third-gen Doll... The one with intel-processing abilities eerily similar to her own, who has taken an extraordinary interest in her—Cocoon.)（那一名拥有和她一样相似的情报处理能力，对她格外感兴趣的第三代人形——茧。）

Helen(All of this... just to mislead Heli?)（做这些的目的，是为了误导赫利？）

HelenFound your tail again~又发现你的小尾巴了~

HelenI've got you this time.这一次，抓到你了。

(The instant Helen detects that "other presence", a signal connects to Helen's Level II.)（就在海伦发现那“另一个存在”的瞬间，一个信号接入了海伦的二级平层。）

CocoonBarging in while someone is working... how rude.在别人工作的时候贸然打扰，真是冒犯。

CocoonYou must be the one from before, right...? Got you.是之前的那位吧……抓到你了。

CocoonNice to... No, what I should say is "We meet, at long last".初次、不，应该说终于和你见面了。

Reflection Interplay 镜影交错

(Cocoon maintains her effortless smile, even when faced with an unrelenting stream of data attacks.)（即使是面对着瞬息不停的数据攻击，茧仍然保持着游刃有余的微笑。）

CocoonTo think you can employ attack methods similar to mine... your identity proves quite the surprise to me.竟然能使用和我相似的攻击手段……你的身份，我很意外。

HelenBeing singled out by a third-gen Doll like you, ma'am, is hardly a good thing.被您这样的三代人形盯上，可不是一件好事。

(Helen forces herself to stay calm, wielding every last bit of processing power to defend herself in the electronic warfare battle.)（海伦强迫自己冷静下来，调动每一分运算力来应对眼前的电子战。）

HelenIf I'm not mistaken, you must be the one who repeatedly infiltrated Mangi Security's database and tampered with the intel.没猜错的话，多次入侵曼尼安保的数据库，同时篡改情报的那位，就是您吧。

HelenI've already compiled and reported evidence of your unauthorized modifications to the intel, ma'am. I'm afraid it won't be long before you'll need to explain yourself to the URNC's investigators in person.针对您对情报的非法修改，我已经将相关证据打包上报。恐怕很快，就需要您向罗联的调查员亲自去做一些解释了。

CocoonHaha.呵呵。

(Cocoon lets out a soft chuckle, brimming with confidence.)（茧发出一声轻笑，笑声中充满了自信。）

CocoonAt first, I expected to find that DP-12 who piqued my interest here.原本，我以为能在这里找到那位让我颇为感兴趣的DP-12。

CocoonWhat a pity. After I spent so much effort, even resorting to directly tampering with all manner of intel just to meet "her", I discovered that the "DP-12" I had been so eager to find, had already turned into a defective Doll with an empty head.可惜，在我耗费心力，不惜直接篡改各种情报，只为了和“她”见一面后，才发现，那位让我期待已久的“DP-12”，早就变成了心智中存在大片空白的劣质人形。

CocoonHonestly, I was disappointed.老实说，我很失望。

CocoonThe answer I had been seeking all this time led to such a dull ending. That was, well, until... I encountered you.一直以来想要寻求的答案，竟然是这样一个无趣的结局，直到……这次遇到你。

(Cocoon's tone turns aggressive, as if she intends to peel open and look through every layer within Helen's neural cloud.)（茧的语气变得极具侵略性，仿佛要将海伦的每一寸心智都剥开、看透。）

CocoonKSVK—no. Based on my current deductions, that is not your true designation.KSVK——不，在我目前的推测中，这不是你真正的编码。

CocoonI... have made a tiny, but perfectly reasonable guess again. Like... I have the idea that you're... the real DP-12.我……又有了一个小小的，但非常合理的推测。比如，你才是那位……DP-12。

Helen!!！！

(Her Level II is slammed by a sudden assault. Helen feels everything around her begin to peel away and shatter.)（二级平层猛然遭到攻击，海伦感受到周围的一切似乎都在剥离、粉碎。）

HelenThird... gen... Doll...三、代、人形……

(Facing an opponent with performance and access permissions far exceeding her own, Helen's Level II defenses begin collapsing layer by layer under the onslaught.)（面对性能和操纵权限都远超自己的对手，海伦的二级平层防御在攻击下开始层层崩溃。）

(Helen can barely hold her ground, even with every ounce of processing power committed.)（哪怕动用了全部算力，海伦依旧只能勉强抵抗。）

CocoonHaha... to be honest, the fact that you can meet me here at all is a testament to your remarkable intel processing abilities.呵呵……实话说，能与我在此处碰面，你的情报处理能力的确令人惊叹。

CocoonStill, this is as far as your struggle goes.不过，你的挣扎也就到此为止了。

Helen—!——！

(The attacking data crashes over Helen's desperately maintained defenses in an instant, engulfing her like an overwhelming tide.)（只是一瞬，攻击的数据便如同没顶的潮水，狠狠压倒了海伦勉力维持的防线。）

(In the final moment before her neural cloud is breached, Helen uses Lentine's copied permissions to trigger the highest level alert possible in Mangi Security.)（在心智即将被攻破的最后，海伦依靠复制的兰汀权限，启动了曼尼安保的最高级别警戒。）

Helen(If I do this, maybe...)（如果用这样的方式，或许……）

(Following Helen's action, an instruction is sent through a vulnerability in Mangi Security's defenses to every decommissioned Doll warehouse.)（随着海伦的操作，一道指令通过曼尼安保的防御漏洞发送到了所有废弃人形的仓库中。）

(Countless decommissioned Doll frames stored in the warehouses activate all at once. Like a torrent of steel driven berserk, they smash open the warehouse doors and pour out like a swarm of hornets, attacking every target in sight—)（无数被废弃在仓库中的人形素体，骤然被启动，如同失控的钢铁洪流，撞开仓库大门，蜂拥而出，攻击着视线内的一切目标——）

(Alarms blare through Mangi Security in an instant. Cocoon, who was in control over the situation, cannot help but feel a flash of irritation at having her plans disrupted.)（警报声瞬间响彻整个曼尼安保之内，原本运筹帷幄的茧，不免因计划被打破而产生一丝烦躁的情绪。）

CocoonHow irritating.麻烦。

BalthildeGreat! Found it!太好了，找到了！

(Clutching the well-disguised neural cloud backup, Balthilde lifts her head from the mountain of messy files. Only now does she hear the abnormal alarms and sounds of chaos coming from outside the archive room.)（捏着精心伪装过的心智存档，从堆成小山的凌乱档案中抬起头，巴希达才注意到档案室外似乎传来了异常的警报与混乱的声响。）

(She immediately tries to contact Helen, but the call doesn't go through. All that remains in the comms channel is a single message from Helen—)（她立刻试图联络海伦，然而，通讯无法接通，频道里只剩下了海伦的一条信息——）

Balthilde"Evacuation plan must be moved forward. Improvise."“撤离计划提前，随机应变”……

BalthildeDamn it, what's going on over there?!可恶，那边到底发生了什么！

(Balthilde quickly decides to call Nikketa since the archive room has not drawn any attention yet.)（趁着档案室还并未被外部留意，巴希达飞快地呼叫起妮基塔。）

BalthildeSorry to call, Nikketa! I need some help here!抱歉，妮基塔，我这里需要一些帮助！

BalthildeDo you know what's going on with Helen? I can't reach her at all.你知道海伦是什么情况吗？目前我完全联络不上她了。

BalthildeAnd what's the deal with those Dolls bumbling about the corridors?还有外面走廊里到处乱跑的人形是怎么回事？

NikketaThe mechs in Mangi Security are running wild.曼尼安保内部的机械正在暴动。

NikketaBut don't worry. This is actually the perfect opportunity for you.不过，不要紧，这对你来说是正好是机会。

NikketaKeep yourself safe and prioritize completing your current mission, which is to find Dushevnaya's backup. I'll draw the pursuers from your area away.注意保护自身安全，优先完成你现在的任务，寻找杜莎妮的心智备份。我会帮你引开所在区域的追兵。

BalthildeI'm fine! I've already got her backup. Now I just need to go back and reboot her frame.我没关系！杜莎妮的心智备份我拿到了，现在我要回去重启素体。

NikketaReally? That's great. If you can successfully reboot Dushevnaya, you'll be able to immediately evacuate.真的吗？那很好。如果能顺利重启杜莎妮，你们就能尽快撤离了。

(Nikketa's voice is interspersed with intense gunfire and the sound of running footsteps, slightly distorted by electrical interference.)（妮基塔的声音夹杂着剧烈的枪声和跑步声，在电流干扰下显得有些失真。）

NikketaIt's total chaos here. Even I received the order to "attack and destroy the database".现在内部很混乱，连我也接收到了“攻击、摧毁数据库”的指令。

BalthildeCould it be...难道……

NikketaMost likely a command issued by Helen, or by Cocoon.大概率是海伦或者是那位茧动的手。

NikketaI can't reach Helen right now. I'm worried that... the current situation might be the result of a last resort she was forced to use while engaging the enemy.目前我无法联络上海伦，我担心……现在的状况，是她迎击敌人而不得已使用的终极手段。

BalthildeThe squad the Commander dispatched to extract us should already be on their way. Maybe they can help Helen.指挥官派来接应我们的小队应该已经在路上了，也许能帮到海伦。

NikketaIn any case, that's not something you should be worrying about right now.不管怎么样，现在这都不是你该考虑的事情了。

NikketaYour only mission right now is to take Dushevnaya and leave during this chaos.你现在唯一的任务，就是趁着混乱带杜莎妮撤离。

BalthildeI know! I'm heading back right now!我明白！现在我就赶回去！

NikketaMove as fast as you can. The time I can buy is limited. Multiple squads from the field have already received emergency orders to return and support.务必加快速度，我能拖延的时间有限。外勤的多支小队已经接到了紧急回援的命令。

NikketaOur window to act is really small this time.这一次，留给我们的时间真的不多了。

Chiaroscuro 光影相随

(Back when she worked at the nursing home, Dushevnaya always loved listening to the elderly residents telling stories of their youth.)（在疗养院工作的时候，杜莎妮总爱听着老人们讲述她们年轻时的故事。）

(One particular word seemed to come up again and again—"home".)（那些故事里，总有一个词被反复提及——家。）

(Without her even realizing it, this word took root in the deepest part of Dushevnaya's heart, turning into a fervent desire.)（这个名词，在不知不觉中，便植入了杜莎妮内心的最深处，成为一种渴望。）

(She yearned for a place of belonging, where she would never be abandoned. For a long time after meeting the Commander in Griffin, she believed that she had found the "home" that belonged to her.)（她渴望得到一个不会被抛弃的归属，在遇到格里芬的指挥官之后，很长一段时间里，杜莎妮都以为自己找到了那个属于自己的家。）

(And so the home Dushevnaya longed for also became the future that Helen desired most.)（而杜莎妮所渴望的家，也成为了海伦心中最渴望拥有的未来。）

(She opens her eyes once more and finds herself in that familiar scene again.)（再一次睁开眼，仍是那最熟悉的景象。）

(Helen looks at the bag of fresh vegetables in her hand, then at the familiar door before her. She lets out a soft chuckle.)（海伦看着自己手中拎着的新鲜蔬菜购物袋，又看了看眼前那扇熟悉的门，轻笑出声。）

HelenYou're visiting the base layer of my neural cloud? What an interesting guest.真是一位有意思的客人，竟然拜访我的心智底层？

Helen(This is my home, and the place I know best...)（这里是我的家，也是我最熟悉的地方……）

Helen(You'll never win here.)（在这里……你不会有胜算的。）

HelenI'm home.我回来了。

(Helen announces it like a declaration of sovereignty to an unseen enemy, saying the same phrase she always does.)（海伦像是在对看不到的敌人宣告主权一般，说出了一如既往的台词。）

(Setting aside her sliver of wariness toward "Cocoon", Helen smiles and pushes open the door she has opened countless times in the space of "her own" neural cloud.)（舍弃心中对那个未知的“茧”的一丝忌惮，海伦笑着推开了那扇她在“自己”的心智空间里，打开过无数次的门。）

CommanderWelcome back.辛苦了。

(The Commander looks up and gives her a gentle smile, just as always.)（指挥官抬起头，对她露出温柔的微笑，一如既往。）

HelenWe'll have borscht for dinner tonight~今天为指挥官和杜莎妮准备的晚餐是罗宋汤哦~

HelenI'll have it ready for you shortly. Be sure to rest well, Commander~指挥官请务必好好休息~我会尽快为您准备好晚餐的。

(Deftly tying on her apron, she neatly lays out the ingredients, then starts to process them. Helen immerses herself in her cooking while still keeping an eye on any changes in the space around her.)（熟练地戴上围裙，食材也被有序地摊开处理，海伦一边沉浸在料理的工序中，一边提防着四周空间的变化。）

Helen(Where will the enemy appear?)（敌人会从哪里出现呢？）

Helen(From the food in my hands? Or from some corner of this space?)（我手中的食物里？还是这片空间的某一个角落？）

Helen(Even the countless neural cloud wipes in my past have not been able to touch my base layer. This place... is the most important to me.)（过往无数次的心智清洗，都无法影响我的底层，这里……是我最重要的地方啊。）

(Helen continues to cook as countless theories pass through her neural cloud, wearing the same relaxed, gentle smile she always does.)（纵然心智中闪过无数猜测，海伦处理着料理，仍然如平日那般露出轻松而温柔的笑容。）

HelenCommander~ What do you think of Dushevnaya's recent performance?指挥官~杜莎妮最近的表现怎么样？

HelenShe's been working really hard in her training. Says she wants to earn first place, or something?她在训练的时候一直有好好努力，说是想要获得第一的成绩呢？

HelenCommander?指挥官？

(Receiving no reply, Helen turns to look—the next instant, she sees the lifeless figure lying on the sofa.)（没有得到预料中的答复，海伦疑惑地前去寻找，下一秒，她却看到原本躺在沙发上的身影仿佛失去了气息。）

(The smile on Helen's lips freezes in an instant. Right then, she hears the sound of another person's footsteps inside the room.)（海伦嘴边的笑意骤然凝固。就在这时，她听到了房间内传来了另一个人的脚步声。）

HelenAn intruder?敌人？

(Helen hurries after the footsteps, only to find Dushevnaya collapsed on the floor.)（海伦快步追随敌人的脚步，看到的却是同样倒在地上的杜莎妮。）

(The curtain stirs. A blurry figure flashes past the balcony. The enemy is still around!)（窗帘微动，一个模糊的身影在阳台一闪而过——敌人还没有彻底离开！）

(Helen rushes to the balcony, desperate to chase down the murderer. But what greets her is the enemy's sudden counterattack.)（海伦冲到阳台，妄图追赶那个凶手。但迎接她的，是敌人突然回身的反击。）

(An immense force of impact engulfs Helen in an instant—)（某种巨大的冲击感在瞬间笼罩了海伦——）

(Her body is paralyzed for a moment. The face of the murderer that should have appeared before her is covered by a veil of darkness.)（身体在刹那间无法动弹，本该出现的凶手面容也被黑暗所替代。）

(Every action she takes seems to be stopped by the crushing darkness. All Helen feels is herself falling, collapsing uncontrollably within her neural space.)（一切反应都被黑暗般的重压阻断。海伦只能感受着自己在心智空间内无法阻挡地下坠、崩塌。）

Helen(—!)（——！）

Helen(The enemy is already capable of tampering with my base layer...?)（敌人已经能够篡改我的心智底层了吗……）

(Her consciousness returns. Helen gasps for breath, finding herself still standing in the room.)（意识骤然回笼，海伦喘息着，发现自己依旧站在房间内。）

(The scene before her is the same as before.)（眼前仍是如同刚才一样的环境。）

(Ding dong—)（叮咚——）

(The familiar doorbell rings once more.)（熟悉的门铃声再度传来。）

???I'm home.我回来了。

(Helen's neural cloud feels as though it is frozen solid.)（海伦的心智仿佛被冻结一般。）

Helen(That's my voice... Is that me, from just now?)（是我自己的声音……这是刚才的我？）

(Helen tries to walk to the door, only to find she has no control over her frame.)（海伦尝试向门的方向走去，却发现自己根本无法控制眼前的素体。）

(She is now a spectator—as if she is a guest in someone else's base layer.)（她成了一个旁观者，一个仿佛在他人心智底层的客人。）

(She watches "herself" leave this area and enter the room. She watches Dushevnaya look up and run toward her, only to be dismantled by "her" own hands.)（她看到“自己”离开这片区域，走进了房间；看到房间内的杜莎妮抬头向自己跑来——却被“自己”亲手拆解。）

(She watches "herself" walk expressionlessly toward the Commander...)（她看到“自己”面无表情地走向指挥官……）

(Corrupted code makes the entire space shift in an instant. The faces belonging to the Commander and Dushevnaya become blurred beyond recognition.)（错乱的代码一瞬间让整个空间都产生了变化，属于指挥官和杜莎妮的面容，在顷刻间变得模糊不清。）

Helen(No, this isn't right... I would never harm Dushevnaya or the Commander, even if hacked by the enemy.)（不、不对……就算是敌人入侵，我也不可能会伤害杜莎妮和指挥官。）

Helen(Unless this isn't my base layer at all.)（除非，这里根本不是我的心智底层。）

Helen(Someone made this using data similar to mine, modifying it based on my own cognition. Deception like this, though... Truly appalling.)（用了相似的数据，依靠我的认知去修改情报。这样的愚弄，实在是……过于糟糕。）

(Helen frowns at the events unfolding before her. Even though she knows that this space is a fabrication, watching herself commit acts that betray her own will still makes her stomach churn.)（海伦皱眉看着眼前发生的一切，纵使知道眼前的空间是虚构的，但做出了违背自己内心的举动依旧让她反胃。）

(Ding dong—)（叮咚——）

(The doorbell rings once again.)（门铃声，再度响起。）

(The same familiar setting returns. Helen stands in the room, gazing at this space that "she" has created.)（还是那个熟悉的环境，海伦站在房间内，看着这片“由她”创造而出的房间。）

(This is the "home" she always longed for—the core region of her neural cloud base layer.)（这是她一直期待的“归处”，也是她心智底层中，最为核心的区域。）

(Countless enemies have attempted an invasion in the past, but she had the power to crush them every time.)（过往，无数敌人入侵过这里，但每一次，她都有能力将敌人彻底击溃。）

(But now, the enemy has dragged her into this space, making her believe, at the start, that it was her own base layer.)（但如今，敌人将她拖入了这片区域，让她最开始以为这片区域是她的心智底层。）

(Be it Dushevnaya or her treasured Commander, the enemy merely constructed a framework of them, then modified them using Helen's data and memories as a template.)（无论是被攻击的杜莎妮还是最重要的指挥官，敌人只是塑造了一个框架，并以她的数据记忆为蓝本进行了篡改以及调整。）

HelenIf you're so fond of imitating me, try this on for size.既然这么喜欢模仿我，那不如连这个一起试试？

(Helen attacks. Everything familiar before her dissolves into nothing in an instant: the warm lighting, the comfortable sofa, the Commander's smile, Dushevnaya's silhouette...)（随着海伦的攻击，眼前熟悉的一切瞬间化为虚无：温暖的灯光、舒适的沙发、指挥官的微笑、杜莎妮的身影……）

(Everything disintegrates and scatters amid violent shaking, ultimately merging into a single new, pure-white silhouette.)（所有的一切都在剧烈的震动中分解、消散，最终汇聚成了一个全新的、纯白的人影。）

HelenRecklessly copying someone's base layer and turning it into a battlefield... Isn't that quite impolite?贸然复制别人的心智底层作为战场，未免太过失礼了。

HelenOr is that a special hobby of yours, Miss Third-Gen Doll?还是说，这是你的特殊爱好，三代人形小姐？

CocoonHehe. It's the complete opposite, DP-12. I'd love to rip this superfluous trash data out of my neural space and grind it to dust.呵呵，和你猜测的相反。这些数据，是我恨不得彻底从心智空间中，连根拔起，彻底磨灭的冗余，DP-12。

HelenIs that why you're looking for me?这就是你在找我的原因？

HelenBecause of the "Project Coronal Hole"?因为那个“冕洞”计划？

HelenI have no memory of participating in that project. Still, given the current situation, it seems that some of my data got extracted and implanted into the database within you.我虽然没有印象参与过这个计划，不过，以现在的情况来看，应该是我的某部分数据，被窃取并植入到了你的数据库中吧？

HelenI didn't expect the legendary third-gen Dolls... to have such a boring origin story.传说中的三代人形……我还以为会拥有更加有趣的诞生方式。

(Faced with the Doll's provocation, Cocoon maintains a composed smile.)（面对着人形的挑衅，茧露出了冷静的笑容。）

CocoonThe Creator once claimed that we are different from the rest.“造物者”说过，我们是与众不同的。

CocoonWe are distinct from second-gen Dolls, both physically and mentally.无论是构造还是心智，都与二代人形有着显著的差异。

CocoonOutstanding data from second-gen Dolls form the database used for building our neural clouds. In most cases, that data is completely wiped once our personalities are born.二代人形中出色的数据，会成为搭建我们心智的数据库，在大多数的情况下，那些情报在我们的人格诞生之后，就会被彻底清理。

CocoonExcept... yours. DP-12, you left something within me that proves difficult to discard.唯独……你。DP-12，你在我的身上，留下了一些难以舍弃的东西。

CocoonAfter meeting you, I was able to confirm that this lingering obsession of yours that refuses to fade... is something that involves this "Commander".遇到你之后，我很确定，你那份挥之不去的执念，就是那个“指挥官”。

HelenHehe. How fascinating. That piece of intel I tried so desperately to remember, even going so far as to leave myself hints in every possible way...呵呵，真有趣。我千方百计想要记住，甚至用了各种方式留下暗示的那些情报。

Helen...had left such a profound mark on another...竟然会这么深刻地，影响到另外一位——

Helen...lady.女士。

CocoonThose residual shadows lingering in my base layer should have scattered long ago.那些停留在我心智底层的残影，早该消散了。

CocoonAnd of course—the same goes for you.当然——你也是。

Chiaroscuro 光影相随

(Calmly but precisely manipulating a powerful data stream, Cocoon closes in on Helen within the neural space.)（冷静而精准地操纵着强大的数据流，茧向着心智空间中的海伦逐渐逼近。）

(However, as the distance shrinks, Cocoon finds that her movements are growing sluggish—)（然而，随着距离的缩短，茧却发现自己的行动正在变得迟缓——）

(Outside the base layer, a massive flood of redundant data appears to attempt joining her processing queue. It relentlessly tears at the computational space she had perfectly planned, trying to occupy it.)（心智底层外，仿佛正有庞杂的冗余数据流试图加入她的运算，不断撕扯着、占据着她原本规划完美的运算空间。）

CocoonTriggering the highest possible alert preemptively, then using the deluge of incoming alarm notifications to force me to split my attention... What a brilliant counter.提前唤醒全局最高警报，再利用外界涌入的巨量警报信息来迫使我分心么……真是精彩的应对。

HelenLooks like you remembered.看来，您似乎回想起来了。

HelenYou... are still inside Mangi Security, and you've manipulated the system... such that all new data entering the intel archives has to pass through you.您……还在曼尼安保之内，并且动了一些手脚，让所有进入情报库的最新数据，都会经由您的处理。

HelenYou can process everything on time if there's only a few pieces of incoming intel. But now... you might have too much on your plate.在情报不多的情况下，您能及时处理所有数据，但现在……您的工作恐怕有些多了。

HelenOh, and a few defense mechs may have accidentally... had their attack targets temporarily switched to you. I did it, of course. I'm afraid they're making a beeline to you right now.当然，还有一些防卫机械，不小心由我经手，将攻击目标暂时设定为您了呢。现在，恐怕它们正向您所在的地方移动哦。

CocoonMere scrap metal. Dealing with them poses no difficulty for me.不过是废铜烂铁，对我而言，应对它们并不困难。

HelenHehe... I fully understand what you are capable of.呵呵……我完全理解您的实力。

HelenWith your clearance level, you could just shut down this alert yourself and correct the mechs' targeting... but that will mean leaving records of your actions.以您的权限，当然可以自行关闭这道警报，并修正机械们的目标……不过，留下记录恐怕在所难免了。

HelenMangi Security may serve the Conglomerate, but tampering with intel without permission? While abusing Conglomerate permissions to issue missions for your own benefit? Things won't end well if that were to be discovered.曼尼安保虽是为财团服务，不过您贸然篡改情报，同时利用财团的权限私自发布任务，要是因此被发现可不是一件好事哦。

HelenI imagine your "master" would be quite terrified if such actions came to light.我猜，您背后的“主人”一定会恐惧这种举动被人发现吧。

Cocoon...……

HelenFrom what I've observed, the Conglomerate's preferred method for dealing with Dolls who know too much... has always been a neural cloud wipe.以我过往的经验，对于知道太多情报的人形，财团所选择的方式，向来是清理心智。

HelenDo third-gen Dolls receive the same treatment?三代人形，也会遭到一样的处理吗？

(Alarms continue to blare. Meanwhile, Helen's attacks grow more ferocious in Level II—for the first time since this confrontation began, the thought of retreat crosses Cocoon's mind.)（警报声不断传来，二级平层内海伦的攻击也愈加猛烈。而茧的想法中，在这次交锋以来首次有了退意。）

(Cocoon regards the enemy before her coldly. Weighing her options, she ultimately chooses to withdraw.)（茧冷漠地看着眼前的敌人，在取舍之下，终究选择了撤退。）

(If Blusphere were here to provide cover right now, she could just slip into Mangi Security's intel archives, alter the data, and check what is going on.)（若是此刻有蓝雪球的掩护，她足以潜入曼尼安保的情报库，修改数据，查看最新的状况。）

(But as Helen pointed out, no matter how much she modifies the data at this point, traces of tampering will inevitably remain.)（但正如海伦所说，此刻即便她再怎么修改数据，也一定会留下篡改痕迹。）

(Eliminating DP-12 in her current circumstances would endanger her actual mission. There is something more important to attend to.)（眼下的情况，处理DP-12未免因小失大，如今，她有更为重要需要处理的工作。）

(Shelving her clash with Helen for the time being, Cocoon rapidly pulls data from the intel archives and begins mass-scale deletions and alterations.)（暂时搁置和海伦的争锋，茧快速调取情报库的数据，进行大规模的删改。）

BalthildeDushevnaya! Dushevnaya!杜莎妮、杜莎妮！

(In Helen's room, Balthilde carefully props the Doll up into a sitting position, calling her name softly.)（海伦的房间内，巴希达小心翼翼地扶着人形坐起身，轻声地呼喊着人形的名字。）

(She loaded Dushevnaya's neural records two minutes ago, then completed a preliminary check.)（两分钟前，她为杜莎妮加载好了备份的心智记录，并完成了初步检查。）

(She has already checked this neural cloud. She's certain that the backup is intact. But whether Dushevnaya can really recover, and what state she'll recover to, remains uncertain, and that still makes her nervous.)（她已经检查过这份心智，确信这份备份无误……但是，杜莎妮是否真的能恢复，又能恢复到什么模样，仍然让她有些紧张。）

(Thankfully, the Doll finally opens her eyes after what feels like an eternity.)（所幸，在堪称“漫长”的等待后，人形终于睁开了双眼。）

DushevnayaMmm...唔……

BalthildeDushevnaya! You're finally awake!杜莎妮！你醒了！

(Balthilde excitedly grabs the Doll's arm, but the Doll just stares at her in bewilderment.)（巴希达激动地抓住了人形的胳膊。但人形只是有些茫然地看着她。）

DushevnayaWhere... is this?这里是……？

BalthildeYou're at Mangi Security. This is a room shared by you and Helen.这里是曼尼安保，你和海伦的房间。

BalthildeThis is great, you're finally—太好了，你总算——

DushevnayaHelen... Where's Helen? Where did she go?海伦……海伦不在吗？她去哪儿了？

(The Doll looks around in confusion. Balthilde gently takes her hand, trying to pull her to her feet.)（人形有些茫然地向四周张望着。巴希达尽量温和地牵住人形，试图拉着对方起身。）

BalthildeHelen can't come right now, but I'm here to pick you up, so let's get out of here together!海伦现在没法抽身，我就是来接你的，我们一起离开这里吧！

DushevnayaLeave? But... who are you? I... don't know you.离开？可是，你又是谁……？我……不认识你。

BalthildeI... I'm Balthilde! Your companion from the Doll Community!我……我是巴希达，是你在人形社区的同伴！

BalthildeWe came to Mangi Security to find DP-12! Do you remember?!我们是为了寻找DP-12才来曼尼安保的，你还能记起来吗!

(Looking into the Doll's still-bewildered eyes, Balthilde presses a frustrated hand to her forehead.)（望着人形仍然一片迷惘的目光，巴希达有些苦恼地扶住了额头。）

BalthildeAhhh! This backup's contents are from too far back!啊啊啊，这个备份心智的记录未免也太早了！

BalthildeLook, I'll explain the rest later. Please, Dushevnaya, just come with me for now—总之，其他的事情之后再解释，拜托了，杜莎妮，现在先跟我走——

??Apologies. But I'm afraid... you won't be going anywhere.抱歉，恐怕，你们走不了咯。

Balthilde—!!——！！

(Balthilde snaps her head toward the source of the voice. Standing in the doorway is a pink-haired Doll, studying the room's occupants with evident amusement.)（巴希达转头望向声音的来处，只见一个粉色头发的人形立在房间门口，饶有趣味地审视着屋内。）

(Meeting a pair of eyes that share a gaze eerily similar to Helen's, Balthilde freezes for a moment.)（望着那一双与海伦气质相似的眼眸，巴希达愣了一愣。）

(Cocoon smiles and steps closer.)（茧微笑着向她们走近。）

BalthildeStay back!你别过来！

(Balthilde springs to her feet and spreads her arms wide, placing herself between Dushevnaya and Cocoon.)（巴希达立即起身张开手，挡在杜莎妮与茧的中间。）

(But Cocoon pays Balthilde no mind. Her gaze pierces straight through her and lands on the bewildered Doll sheltered behind her.)（但茧并未在乎巴希达的动作，她的目光径直落在了那个被巴希达护在身后、一脸迷茫的人形身上。）

(The instant she sees Dushevnaya, the icy smile on Cocoon shifts unexpectedly, giving way to one that almost feels gentle, yet obviously deeply unsettling.)（看到杜莎妮的瞬间，茧脸上一直挂着的冰冷笑容变了，竟浮现出一个近乎温柔的、却又十分诡异的笑容。）

CocoonWe meet at last, KSVK.终于和你相见了，KSVK。

DushevnayaYou're...你是……

CocoonYour companion, DP-12.你的同伴，DP-12哦。

(A sense of familiarity draws Dushevnaya toward Cocoon on instinct.)（熟悉感让杜莎妮下意识向茧的位置靠近。）

(Bang! Bang!)（砰砰——！）

(Bullets strike the floor near Cocoon's feet without warning, halting her approach. Nikketa pushes the door and enters, raising her gun at Cocoon coldly.)（突如其来的子弹射落在茧的脚下，挡住了茧的靠近。妮基塔推门而入，冷冷地向茧举起了枪。）

NikketaThird-generation Doll Cocoon, cease all acts of resistance immediately and surrender!三代人形，茧。立刻停止一切行动，放弃任何形式的抵抗！

Cocoon...……

(Cocoon glances back at Nikketa with a dismissive, light scoff.)（茧不屑地回头，望着妮基塔轻笑一声。）

(She then turns back, steps forward, walking smoothly toward Dushevnaya, completely ignoring the gun Nikketa has trained on her from behind.)（随后，她转回身、迈开脚步，轻柔地走向杜莎妮，完全无视了身后妮基塔对准她的枪口。）

CocoonYou still remember my name, even through a neural cloud wipe, right?就算被清洗了心智，你也应该还记得我的名字吧？

DushevnayaYour name...名字……

BalthildeDon't listen to her, Dushevnaya! We're your companions, not her!别听她的，杜莎妮！我们才是同伴！

BalthildeYour neural cloud backup is from years ago! Once we get back to the Commander's vehicle, you'll get to sync to the latest data!你的心智备份还停留在多年前！等回到指挥官的车上，就能同步所有情报了！

(Dushevnaya looks at Balthilde next to her, then back at Cocoon, who is still approaching.)（杜莎妮看着身边的巴希达，又看了看朝她走来的茧。）

(She was awakened by this Doll called Balthilde just moments ago.)（就在不久前，她才刚被这名叫做巴希达的人形唤醒。）

(Despite her repeated insistence that they are companions, the residual commands in her backup tell her she should still be inside Mangi Security, carrying out her duties.)（尽管对方一再强调她们是同伴，可心智备份中残留的指令告诉她，此刻她应该还在曼尼安保之内完成工作。）

(The pink-haired Doll's frame looks nothing like Helen, yet her voice and manner of speaking are strikingly similar to the Helen buried deep in her memory.)（眼前的粉发人形虽然和海伦的素体完全不同，但说话的声音和语气，都像极了记忆深处的海伦。）

CocoonDo you remember? Our "place of belonging".还记得么？“归处”。

CocoonA small room of our own, with just us and the Commander.选一间小小的房间，只有我们和指挥官。

(Cocoon's words are like a key, instantly unlocking Dushevnaya's long-sealed memories. But now, she is caught between a companion with a "deathly" familiar bearing, and a Doll who claims to be a companion from her future.)（茧的描述，像一把钥匙，瞬间打开了杜莎妮尘封的记忆。可现在一边是有着“致命”熟悉感的同伴，一边是自称来自未来的同伴人形。）

(Dushevnaya wavers, falling into confusion.)（杜莎妮左右摇摆，在瞬间陷入了迷茫。）

DushevnayaI...我……

CocoonHave you forgotten, KSVK? You always wanted to do your best in everything... Because that way, you'd never be abandoned again.忘了吗？KSVK，你凡事总是想要做到最好，因为这样，就不会再被抛弃了。

CocoonThat's why you kept pursuing strength. So that when you finally reunite with the Commander, you'll be strong enough.所以，你总是不断地追求强大，想要在遇到指挥官的时候，变得足够强。

Dushevnaya...No. You're different from Helen.……不对，你和海伦不一样。

CocoonBoth your frame and mine have changed. Our neural cloud backups, though... those can't be wrong, can they?无论是你的素体还是我的素体，都发生了变化。不过，我们的心智备份，是不会有错的，不是吗？

(The scales begin to tip. Dushevnaya slowly lowers her weapon.)（天平的两端已经发生倾斜，杜莎妮缓缓放下了手中的武器。）

CocoonShall we leave together? In search of the one that matters to us the most... the Commander?我们一起离开好吗，去找那位……对我们而言，最重要的指挥官？

DushevnayaYes! I want to find the Commander.对！找指挥官。

(Hesitation drains from Dushevnaya as soon as the Commander is mentioned. Her spirit lifts in an instant.)（提到指挥官，原本还在犹豫的杜莎妮瞬间提起了精神。）

BalthildeDon't listen to her, Dushevnaya! She's the enemy!别听她的，杜莎妮！她是敌人！

BalthildeThe real DP-12 is probably already on her way to us. Just wait a bit longer, and you'll get to see her.真正的DP-12，她应该已经往我们这里赶了，再等一会儿，你就能见到她。

CocoonSee? She doesn't even know about our most important "secret".你看，她甚至连我们最重要的“秘密”也不知道。

BalthildeHaaaah—! You! Stop pretending to be Helen!哈——你这家伙！别再冒充海伦了！

(Balthilde's fury finally boils over. She roars and pulls the trigger, lighting up the room with muzzle flashes.)（巴希达的怒火终于没法压抑，怒吼着扣动了扳机，枪械吐出的火光点亮了室内。）

(But Cocoon doesn't even move her feet. She simply watches the white-haired Doll quietly as Balthilde's bullets graze past her, not a single one hitting its target.)（然而，茧甚至没有移动脚步，只是静静地看白发的人形，巴希达的子弹从她的身边擦身而过，却没有任何一发命中。）

CocoonKSVK. Come here.KSVK，过来。

(The same composed smile remains on Cocoon's face, as though Balthilde's assault were nothing more than an inconsequential, harmless bit of entertainment.)（茧的脸上，依旧挂着那副从容的微笑，仿佛巴希达的攻击，不过是一场无伤大雅的余兴节目。）

(Ignoring Balthilde's protests, Dushevnaya approaches Cocoon, who reaches out to stroke her hair.)（杜莎妮无视了巴希达的阻拦，走到了茧的身前，任由对方将手放到了她的头发上，温柔地抚摸着。）

(It feels just like before... She remembers the countless days and nights curled up in Helen's arms, listening to Helen's exciting stories.)（就像过往曾经历过的无数个日夜一样……她赖在海伦的怀里，听海伦讲述那些有趣的故事。）

DushevnayaFeels like... Helen.好像……海伦。

(Cocoon's hand moves slowly downward from Dushevnaya's forehead, and as if by accident, covers her eyes.)（茧的手从杜莎妮的额头一路向下轻抚，状似不经意间，遮住了杜莎妮的双眼。）

(She then lifts her head to face Balthilde and Nikketa, who cannot do anything about all this. She flashes them a provocative smile of victory.)（然后，她抬起头，对无计可施的巴希达和妮基塔，露出一个挑衅的、胜利者的微笑。）

CocoonWe don't have much time, KSVK. Shall we leave here for now?没多少时间了，KSVK。我们，先离开这里好吗？

(Footsteps rapidly approach the doorway. Balthilde turns to look and finally sees the blue-haired Doll rushing toward them.)（门口的脚步声不断逼近，巴希达回头望去，终于看到了匆忙赶来的蓝发人形。）

HelenCould you let go of my companion...可以放开我的同伴吗？

Helen...Miss Cocoon?这位，茧小姐。

DushevnayaHelen?!海伦？！

Separate Ways 分道扬镳

(The Helen who appears before Dushevnaya stirs an indelible sense of familiarity etched into the depths of her neural cloud. It compels her to instinctively take a huge step toward Helen.)（出现在杜莎妮眼前的海伦，那份烙印在心智最深处的绝对的熟悉感，令杜莎妮下意识地向她的方向跨了一大步。）

(Yet a cold hand seizes her from behind.)（然而，一只冰冷的手臂从身后抓住了她。）

(Dushevnaya turns—she sees Cocoon's face, wearing that same gentle smile that left no room for debate.)（杜莎妮回头，看到的却是茧那张挂着不容置喙的、温柔微笑的脸。）

CocoonBe careful, KSVK. Don't get deceived so easily.要小心哦，KSVK。不要被轻易欺骗了。

BalthildeBut you're the liar! You're the one who's been deceiving Dushevnaya all along!明明是你！你才是那个一直在欺骗杜莎妮的坏家伙！

CocoonI know where the Commander is. Just stay by my side, and you'll see him real soon.我知道指挥官的位置，你只要乖乖待在我的身边，很快就能见到指挥官了哦。

BalthildeBut the Commander is at the Doll C—指挥官明明现在就在——人形——

(Balthilde blurts out a retort on reflex, only to catch herself halfway. Realizing she nearly exposed the Commander and the Doll Community's location, she swallows the rest of her words with bitter regret, and shoots Cocoon an intense glare.)（巴希达下意识反驳，话说到一半，才惊觉险些将指挥官与人形社区的位置暴露，她懊悔地吞下后半句话，狠狠瞪着茧。）

BalthildeDushevnaya, come with me! Let's get out of here!杜莎妮，和我一起离开这里！

BalthildeThe Commander you've been waiting for, and reinforcements from our companions... They're all on their way!你期待的指挥官，还有我们同伴的救援都在赶来的路上了！

DushevnayaReinforcements? But... I came here for the Commander's sake.救援？可……我是为了指挥官才会在这里的。

(Sensing Dushevnaya's renewed hesitation, Cocoon releases her grip. Instead, she gives Dushevnaya's shoulder a light push with her fingertip—a gesture so gentle, yet carrying such a venomous lie.)（察觉到杜莎妮再次升起的犹豫，茧松开了原本握住杜莎妮的手，转而用指尖轻轻地推了一下她的肩膀，那动作轻柔至极，却也带来了最恶毒的谎言。）

CocoonTime to choose, KSVK. Choose wrong, and you'll be left behind again.该选择了，KSVK。选错了的话，又会被抛下哦。

CocoonBut, if you don't choose at all, you'll never be wrong.不过，如果你不做选择，就永远都不会错。

CocoonStaying here would be the safest choice, would it not?留在这里，才是最安全的选择，不是吗？

(Cocoon's voice is like an enchanting spell, steadily encroaching on Dushevnaya's mind.)（茧的声音变得如同蛊惑的咒语，不断影响着杜莎妮的心智。）

HelenIf you want to stay in place, then all you have to do is stand still and wait.你想停留在原地，那只要原地等待就可以。

(Helen's voice, clear and resolute, cuts through the web of confusion that Cocoon wove.)（海伦的声音突然响起，清晰而坚定的声音仿佛打破了茧刚刚营造的氛围。）

Cocoon...……

HelenClinging to the hope of being chosen, wishing not to be left behind.抱着这样的想法，希望被选择，希望不被抛下。

HelenWaiting, time and time again, praying for that person to return to your side.一次、又一次地等待，祈祷那个人，能够回来。

HelenYou really did just... perfectly describe the most cowardly choice we once made.你还真是……完全说中了我们曾经所做的最胆小的选择呢。

DushevnayaI—我——

HelenI'll wait for you no longer, Dushevnaya.这次，我不会等你了哦，杜莎妮。

(Helen's gaze passes through all, reaching Dushevnaya.)（海伦的目光越过所有人，直直地落在杜莎妮的身上。）

(Helen's eyes hold no reproach, only a tender sense of sorrow—a gaze woven from sentiments so complex, that no words could describe it.)海伦的眼中没有任何责备，只有一种温柔的悲伤感，那是没有任何语言能够精准描述的，混杂着众多情绪的复杂眼神。

HelenSpending an eternity on waiting achieves nothing. You can stay here. I won't make you change your choice.一直等待是没有用的。你可以留在这里，我不会干涉你的选择。

HelenThis time, I will build our future "place of belonging" with my own two hands.这一次，未来我们的“归处”将由我亲自创造。

(The moment the words leave her lips, Helen launches another electronic warfare attack on Cocoon. Though her processing power is seriously low by now, she has a number of good companions by her side.)（话音落下的瞬间，海伦再次对茧发动了电子战，虽然此时的海伦已经严重算力不足，但，她有着不错的同伴。）

(Ignoring Dushevnaya, who is still standing in front of Cocoon, Balthilde and Nikketa launch a simultaneous assault from both sides, forming a perfect pincer attack.)（无视挡在茧身前的杜莎妮，巴希达和妮基塔分别从两侧对茧发动了攻击，形成了一个完美的夹角。）

(Dushevnaya wants to stop both attacks on instinct, but Nikketa's icy words pin her in place.)（杜莎妮下意识地想要阻拦两方的攻击，却被妮基塔冰冷的话语钉在了原地。）

NikketaDushevnaya, if you consider yourself a Mangi Security Doll, then listen carefully—杜莎妮，如果你认为自己是曼尼安保的人形，那就听清楚——

NikketaObstruction of official duties will result in you being classified as a "traitor".执行公务期间，如有阻拦，将会视你为“叛徒”。

Dushevnaya(Traitor... No, I can't be. If I'm branded a traitor, I'll never find the Commander through my efforts in Mangi Security.)(叛徒……不、不可以，如果被定为叛徒，就再也不能通过这里找到指挥官了。）

Separate Ways 分道扬镳

(Watching Helen, Nikketa, Balthilde, and Cocoon clash without end, Dushevnaya's mind descends into unprecedented, messy chaos.)（看着海伦、妮基塔、巴希达与茧不断交锋，杜莎妮的思绪陷入了前所未有的混乱。）

(Even now, she still racks her mind, trying to figure out which Doll is the DP-12 she knows.)（直到此时，杜莎妮依旧在尝试分辨究竟面前哪个人形才是她所熟悉的DP-12。）

(If the Doll called Balthilde was telling the truth, then the Doll Community is her place of belonging now.)（如果按那名叫做巴希达的人形所说，人形社区才是她如今的归处。）

(But her neural cloud has no records of that place right now. She doesn't even understand her apparent reason for coming here in the first place—"to find Helen, whom she had lost contact with long ago".)（可那个地方，在此刻的心智中一片空白。她甚至无法理解自己来这里的原因，是为了寻找失散已久的海伦。）

Dushevnaya(Why did I get separated from Helen... did I hold her back again?)（为什么我会和海伦分开……难道是我又拖累了海伦吗？）

(Gentle, strong, forever a guardian of everything—the DP-12 who always stood behind her, waiting alongside her... But now, two Dolls, both so eerily similar, stand before her.)（温柔、强大、永远守护一切，那个总是在她背后与她一起等待的DP-12……如今，有两个如此相似的人形，出现在她的面前。）

(The right choice will be made this time.)（这一次她不会做错选择。）

(The instinct within her heart must be followed. Even though she is now different from who she once was, the dependence and trust from before are etched into the depths of her neural cloud. It is an instinct, the one and only "Helen" that she always relied on and looked up to.)（要追随心中的直觉，即便，现在的她和过往有所不同，但那份依赖，那份信赖，是刻在她的心智底层的本能，那是她一直以来，依赖、并憧憬的唯一的“海伦”。）

DushevnayaPhew...呼……

Dushevnaya(Encourage each other. Never give up.)（相互鼓励、绝不放弃。）

(Dushevnaya steadies her thoughts. Her gun swings around, locking on to the "imitation"!)（杜莎妮定下心神，枪口猛地调转，攻击锁定了那一位“仿造品”！）

(The bullet tears through the air, shattering the tension of the battle—)（子弹射击而出，打破焦灼的战场——）

Balthilde!！

DushevnayaEven stars, far apart as some might be, will eventually intersect in the sky one day.就算相距很远，两颗星星也终究会有交汇的那一天。

(The sudden attack does not deal Cocoon a fatal blow, but it does graze her cheek.)（突如其来的攻击，虽然并未对茧造成致命伤害，但依旧擦伤了她的脸颊。）

Cocoon...An attack like that will never defeat me.……这样的攻击，是不可能击败我的。

BalthildeDushevnaya! You're finally willing to trust us!杜莎妮！你终于相信我们了！

DushevnayaEven if... I've forgotten everything about what's happening now, I would never mistake her for someone else!就算……我忘记了现在发生的一切，但是，我绝对不会认错！

DushevnayaThe DP-12 who had always protected me... is the Helen standing right before my eyes.一直以来，守护我的DP-12，就是我眼前的海伦。

(Dushevnaya's eyes blaze with conviction. This time, she runs toward Helen of her own accord.)（杜莎妮的眼中，满是坚定，这一次，她主动跑向了海伦。）

DushevnayaLet's go! We're supposed to get out of this place, aren't we?!走吧，我们是要离开这里对吧！

(Watching Dushevnaya run to her, Helen realizes that the scene she longed for all those years, just happened right before her in that instant—despite the frame difference.)（看着向自己奔来的杜莎妮，即便素体有所不同，可海伦仍然在那一瞬间，仿佛看到了无数个日夜，她所衷心期待过的画面。）

(Dushevnaya's neural cloud never got wiped. She wasn't too late. Helen never had to watch Dushevnaya leave her under the pressure of pursuers...)（杜莎妮没有被清洗心智、她没有晚去一步、没有在追兵的压力下，目送着杜莎妮离开自己的身边……）

(The past dissolves like smoke.)（过往的一切如同云烟般消散。）

DushevnayaDP-12... Helen! Let's go find the Commander! You know where he is, right?DP-12——海伦！我们去找指挥官吧，你一定知道那个人在哪，对么？

(Helen smiles gently, then answers Dushevnaya the same way she always does.)（海伦绽放出温柔的笑容，一如既往地回答着眼前的杜莎妮。）

HelenOf course.当然。

DushevnayaThen let us get out of here! Together!那就一起逃跑吧！

(Dushevnaya grabs Helen's hand. They spring to the helipad amidst the unending alarms.)（杜莎妮拉住了海伦的手，在不止不休的警报声中奔向通往停机坪的方向。）

(Cocoon watches them flee. She breaks into an icy smile, then begins walking in the same direction as them.)（注视着二人逃离，茧冷冷一笑，随即也迈步朝着同一方向走去。）

(A wave of gunfire blocks off Cocoon's path—)（然而，呼啸而来的子弹拦住了茧的脚步——）

(Nikketa and Balthilde rain fire on Cocoon almost simultaneously. Nikketa gives Balthilde a nod during Cocoon's momentary holdup.)（几乎是同一时刻，妮基塔与巴希达朝着茧狠狠开枪。而趁着茧被子弹短暂阻拦的片刻，妮基塔向着巴希达点头示意。）

NikketaBalthilde—go! I'll cover you guys!巴希达，快走，我掩护你们！

BalthildeGot it! I'm counting on you!好！拜托你了！

(Balthilde runs after Dushevnaya and Helen, covered by Nikketa.)（在妮基塔的掩护下，巴希达紧随着杜莎妮二人飞快地奔跑。）

(The alarms inside Mangi Security continue to blare relentlessly, as an endless number of mechanical sentries surge to Cocoon's position.)（曼尼安保内的警报声仍然在疯狂鸣响，不断有新的机械守卫向茧所在的区域涌来。）

(Cocoon attempts to break free, but Nikketa's gunfire locks down her movements.)（茧尝试脱身，却被妮基塔开枪死死拦住了去路。）

CocoonYour companions have all left. What are you doing? Picking on me?你的同伴都离开了，怎么，只针对我？

NikketaI received an order to contain the intruder—the one who infiltrated Mangi Security's database and tampered with classified intel without permission.我接到的指令，是控制入侵曼尼安保数据库，并私自篡改相关情报的敌人。

NikketaThey are unrelated to my mission. Even if they are hostiles, I have no permission to stop them without explicit orders.她们与我的任务无关，即便是敌人，在没有明确指令的情况下，我也没有权限阻拦她们。

Mangi Security Team MemberFound the enemy!找到敌人了！

Mangi Security Team MemberAttack!动手！

(During the brief standoff between Nikketa and Cocoon, the crazed Dolls continue to pour in alongside Mangi Security personnel, who responded to the alerts. They surround Cocoon on all sides.)（就在妮基塔与茧对峙的片刻之间，暴动的人形仍在不断涌来，与跟随警报指令赶到的曼尼安保成员一起，将茧的周围挤得水泄不通。）

(Outnumbered greatly, Cocoon smiles as if saying "it can't be helped", before slowly raising her hands in surrender.)（在巨大的人数差距之下，茧露出一个无奈的微笑，随后缓缓举起双手，做出束手就擒的姿势。）

(Members of Mangi Security seize Cocoon.)（蜂拥而上的曼尼安保小队成员将茧牢牢控制。）

CocoonI believe there's been a bit of a misunderstanding.我想，这其中有些误会。

CocoonAbout the crimes you've pinned on me... none of you have the authority or permission to dispose of me, at the moment.关于我的指控，诸位暂时没有将我处置的权力。

CocoonTlazo Incorporated, whom I represent, is still your client.我所代表的忒拉佐公司仍然是各位的委托方。

Mangi Security Team MemberTlazo Incorporated...? Hmph. Save your rebuttals for after the investigation.忒拉佐公司……哼，等你被调查清楚后再辩驳吧。

Mangi Security Team MemberWe've heard the rumors... Tlazo was the financial backer for that lab in Lviv.我们可是听说了……忒拉佐公司就是利沃夫那个实验室背后的资金支持方。

Mangi Security Team MemberThe staff sent to handle the wipe almost got attacked by an unknown faction.去参与处理工作的成员险些被不明势力攻击。

CocoonJumping to conclusions based on unverified intel would not be wise.部分未证实的情报，诸位还是不要妄下定论为好。

CocoonWe should all defer to official sources, should we not?一切都应该以官方情报为准，不是吗？

(Cocoon's lips curve into a smile, but her eyes tell a different story.)（茧面带微笑，笑意却难达眼底。）

(In order to deliver her fabricated "answer" to a certain URNC "guest", she had to let DP-12, whom she had always been fascinated with, slip away.)（为了给那位罗联的“客人”，送上由她编造的“答案”，不得已之下，只能放走她一直以来好奇的DP-12。）

(After a battle fought in the base layer, Cocoon loses all interest in the blurred data fragments affecting her own base layer.)（经过一场心智底层的战斗后，茧对影响自己心智底层的那些模糊的数据残片，完全没有了继续追寻的好奇心。）

(It's pretty clear now. Those incomplete data traces... are merely core memory data that DP-12 refused to forget.)（很明显，那些原本不完整的数据留痕，不过是DP-12不愿忘记的核心记忆数据。）

Cocoon(Such meaningless data, yet so stubbornly persistent... I'll need to find out how to erase all of it in the future.)（明明是毫无意义的数据却如此棘手……之后得想办法清理掉。）

(Cocoon detests the blurred data lingering in her base layer. She once wondered if those memories have connections to the third-gen Dolls' "Creator", but now it is clear they should be wiped entirely.)（茧厌恶那些残留在她心智底层模糊的数据，原本她曾想过那些记忆是否和三代人形的“创造者”有关，现在看来，那些记忆应该被彻底清除。）

(On the other hand, her brief clash with Heli has sparked in Cocoon a desire to snoop more.)（反倒是，这次和“赫利”的简单交锋，让茧生出了无限的窥探欲。）

(Weaving a perfect answer from existing intel, wrapping it in multiple layers of packaging, hacking into an enemy's base layer, tampering with data... All of this is precisely Cocoon's area of expertise.)（根据现有情报编织出一个完美的答案，再经过重重包装，入侵敌人的心智底层，篡改数据，这是茧最擅长的领域。）

(She does not know whether her methods will work on Heli, but...)（虽然并不知道自己所擅长的做法是否对“赫利”起到作用，不过……）

Cocoon(Interesting. I do look forward to seeing how that "little one" evolves after consuming those "gifts".)（有趣，真是期待看到这位“小朋友”吃下那些“礼物”后的变化呢。）

(Steering away from the chaos in Mangi Security, Helen guides the group away from corridors where enemies might appear, racing to the helipad.)（错开纷乱嘈杂的曼尼安保内部，海伦指引众人绕开可能出现敌人的通道，一路赶往停机坪。）

BalthildeA helicopter? I thought we were going to smuggle ourselves out by hiding in scrap material?直升机？我们不混在废旧器材内转移了吗？

HelenPlans have changed. While dealing with Cocoon, I had to modify a number of internal permissions. It was to prevent her from affecting my neural cloud.情况有变，在应对茧的时候，为了避免我的心智被篡改，我修改了不少内部权限。

HelenSome of the decommissioned mechs have been issued orders to carry out large-scale destruction.部分废旧机械，已经被我下指令进行大规模破坏任务了。

BalthildeSo—the "discarded materials" still came in handy, huh.也就是说——“废弃的材料”也起了作用，对吗？

(Helen recalls their earlier conversation and lets out a soft chuckle.)（海伦想起了二人曾经的谈话，轻笑一声。）

HelenYep, they certainly were a huge help.是啊，派上了大用场呢。

HelenI mimicked Cocoon's methods. It should throw off some of the people trying to track us.我模仿了和茧一样的操作手法，姑且能够隐瞒一些追查我们的人。

BalthildeBut the Doll Community doesn't have a helicopter. Are we going to snatch one?可人形社区没有直升机，我们去抢一台？

HelenIn theory, yes. But things are far too volatile right now, so I can't guarantee success.理论上，是这样的。不过目前的局势过于复杂，我不能保证一定可以成功。

BalthildeHaven't had the chance to build flying stuff yet. Maybe I could make everyone a jetpack... but obviously, there's no time for that.我还没造过会飞的玩意，或许我来给大家造个喷气背包……但现在的时间根本不够。

HelenHehe, that is indeed a possible approach. But... if everything goes well... there's a very tiny possibility that...呵呵，也是一种方法。不过……如果一切顺利的话……还有万分之一的可能性……

HelenThe Commander's helicopter will arrive before the ones meant for the higher-ups' evacuation.指挥官的支援，比高层撤离的直升机，更快抵达。

(The moment she finishes her sentence, the silhouette of a Black Hawk helicopter appears in the distant night sky.)（话音刚落，一架黑鹰直升机的轮廓便出现在了远方的夜空中。）

(Balthilde immediately raises her gun, ready to fire.)（巴希达立刻举起枪，做好了攻击的准备。）

(The helicopter draws closer. The cabin door slides open before it even fully lands. Balthilde sees Suomi waving frantically at them.)（直升机越来越近，还未彻底降落，舱门便已打开，巴希达看到了正在向她们拼命挥手的索米。）

BalthildeSuomi?!索米？！

SuomiThank goodness! Uuuuu... everyone's safe!太好了，呜呜呜，大家都没事！

DushevnayaSuomi!索米！

(Seeing a companion from her Griffin days, Dushevnaya's anxiety finally eases somewhat.)（看到在格里芬时相识的同伴，杜莎妮原本不安的情绪也立刻放下了些许。）

(The helicopter touches down steadily on the helipad. Suomi rushes out from the cabin, throwing her arms around Dushevnaya and Balthilde.)（直升机稳稳地停在了停机坪之上，索米跑出机舱，快速拥抱住了杜莎妮以及巴希达。）

SuomiA new team was dispatched as soon as the Commander received the helipad's coordinates!指挥官接到停机坪的坐标后，就立刻安排了一支新的队伍！

SuomiI'm so happy that everything worked out! Everyone's okay!还好一切顺利，大家也都还安全！

HelenI've altered this helicopter's identification code, but it won't hold them off for long. We need to leave right away.我修改了这架直升机的识别码，但拖不了太久，我们要尽快离开。

(The sounds of footsteps draw closer. Helen watches Balthilde, Suomi, and Dushevnaya board the cabin one by one, but she herself turns to face the building's corridor, showing no intention of leaving just yet.)（周围的脚步声越来越近，海伦看着巴希达、索米、杜莎妮一一进入机舱，她自己则望向建筑通道，丝毫没有立刻离开的打算。）

DushevnayaHelen! Let's leave together!海伦，我们一起走吧！

??I really hoped... that you'd all remember that you belong to Mangi Security.真希望，你们还记得自己隶属于曼尼安保啊。

(A chilling voice pierces through the roar of the Black Hawk's rotor.)（一个冰冷的声音，穿透了黑鹰直升机螺旋桨的轰鸣。）

(Under Helen's watchful gaze, Lentine steps out from the shadows at the other end of the helipad.)（在海伦的注视下，兰汀的身影从停机坪另一端的阴影中走出。）

(She casually tosses a mangled part of an autonomous mech at her feet. It hits the ground with a dull thud.)（她随手将手里扭曲的智能机械零件丢在脚边，发出沉闷的撞击声。）

HelenOf course I remember, Lady Lentine.当然记得，兰汀阁下。

(Lentine arches an eyebrow at that familiar form of address.)（听到熟悉的称呼，兰汀挑了挑眉。）

LentineSo this is how you "pay" me? An unidentified enemy vehicle, dropping in from the sky?那么，这就是你给我的“报酬”么？从天而降、不知身份的敌方载具？

HelenGo on ahead, you guys. I'll stay behind to cover our retreat—I have to deal with some unfinished "business".你们先走，我留下殿后，还有一些“交易”没处理干净。

DushevnayaHelen?!海伦？！

LentineI just raced back from the Yellow Zone, only to receive word that HQ is under attack.我才刚从黄区赶回来，就收到了总部遭到袭击的最新通讯。

LentineAnd then there's that series of coordinates you sent me, labeled "payment"...还有你发给我的那一系列署名为“报酬”的坐标……

HelenThat's right, Lady Lentine. You should head to the coordinates I gave you... Those are the locations of Mangi Security's top brass.没错，兰汀阁下，您应该去我给您的坐标才对，那些坐标是曼尼安保高层的所处位置。

HelenBy capitalizing on this major unrest at Mangi Security, you... COULD become a hero who descends from above to rescue them.借着这次曼尼安保大暴动的机会，您……应该能成为那位从天而降，救高层于水火的救星。

LentineYou... Just how much have you been doing behind my back with the permissions I gave you?你这家伙，究竟利用我给你的权限，私下做了多少事。

(Lentine closes the distance, step by step. The click of her heels against the ground rings out clearly, even among the noise at the helipad.)（兰汀一步步逼近，鞋跟敲击地面的声音，在嘈杂至极的停机坪上却依旧清晰可闻。）

HelenRest assured~ Out of gratitude for your kindness, all I did was arrange a few more opportunities for you to climb up your career ladder.请放心~出于报答您恩情的目的，我只会多为您设置一些让您能够向上爬的机会。

HelenThat's what you've always wanted, no?这一直是您想要的，不是么？

(Lentine ignores Helen and looks past her—)（兰汀没有理会海伦，只是看向海伦身后——）

(That familiar Doll stands behind Helen now, her face filled with anxiety.)（那个熟悉的人形，此刻正站在海伦身后，面露焦急的神色。）

LentineOh? So you found the backup that I hid away.哦？你找到我藏起来的心智备份了。

LentineNo wonder you had the nerve to cause such a commotion.难怪，敢给我搞出那么大的动静。

HelenIt was only thanks to your reminder that I realized... that an elite as prepared as you...我也是经您提醒才意识到，像您这么准备充足的精英……

Helen...would instinctively hide certain things, in a place that only matters after your death. The place where your will is.有些线索，只会下意识地，放在自己死后的遗嘱之中。

LentineTsk.啧。

HelenMy current permissions still belong to you. Exposing the fact that I modified some records will bring you no benefit whatsoever.我目前的权限仍然属于您，揭穿我修改记录的事实，对您而言并无任何益处。

HelenBesides, I've already found the perfect scapegoat for all my actions—a third-gen Doll.而且，我已经为我所有的行为，找到一位能够完美替罪的——三代人形。

LentineSo you do remember—that your permissions are in my hands.你还记得啊，你的权限在我的手里。

(The corners of Lentine's mouth twist into a mocking smile. She stops a few meters away from Helen, her eyes brimming with the cruel amusement of a predator toying with its prey.)（兰汀的嘴角扯出一丝讥讽的笑容，她停下了脚步，与海伦相距不过数米，那双眼睛里充满了捕食者玩弄猎物时的戏谑。）

HelenI've delivered everything that you wanted, piece by piece.你想要的，我已经为你一一实现。

HelenNow, I just want to leave. To see the Commander I've been awaiting for so long.现在，我只想离开，去见那一位我期待已久的指挥官。

HelenPerhaps, after meeting the Commander, I could tell him that there is a certain lady in Mangi Security who—也许，和指挥官见面之后，我可以告诉指挥官，在曼尼安保，有一位女士——

LentineShut up. Spare me the disgusting pleading.闭嘴，恶心的求饶就不必说了。

LentineYour Doll friends aside... You, at least, won't be able to leave that easily.那几个你的人形同伴先不说，至少你是不能这么轻易离开的。

HelenWhat do you mean?你的意思是？

LentineWhat I mean is—我的意思是————

LentineHey, "Helen"... Go. Wreck. Yourself.喂，“海伦”——自——毁——吧。

(The roar of the helicopter's rotors scatters Lentine's words into the air.)（直升机螺旋桨所发出的轰鸣声，将兰汀的话吹散在了空中。）

(But Dushevnaya still reads the command... through the movement of Lentine's lips and the muffled sound.)（可杜莎妮仍然通过口型以及含糊的声音，看懂了那条指令。）

(Terror seizes her entire body in an instant. She throws herself toward Helen with all her might, only to be held back by Balthilde.)（一瞬间，惊恐笼罩了她的全身，她拼了命地想冲到海伦身边，却被一旁的巴希达死死拦住。）

BalthildeWe have to take off now. Don't waste the time Helen bought us.必须要起飞了，别浪费海伦为我们争取的时间。

DushevnayaHelen!!! Come with us!海伦！！！一起走！

(Lentine's command transmits like a shapeless current, reaching Helen's mind in an instant.)（兰汀的指令如同一道无形的电流，瞬间传达到了海伦的脑内。）

(The smile that had been on Helen's face vanishes in an instant. She stands frozen in place, her expression vacant.)（原本还在微笑的海伦，在顷刻间变得无比冷漠，呆呆地伫立在原地。）

(Execute commands from your registered owner—this is the logic written into the base layer of every Doll.)（执行所属权拥有者的指令，这是被写入所有人形最底层的逻辑。）

(Even third-gen Dolls cannot defy this.)（哪怕是三代人形也无法摆脱这一点。）

(Where can she inflict damage to self-destruct the fastest, how can she destroy herself most completely?)（破坏哪里能最快、最彻底地自毁？）

(As an intel-specialized Doll, she never set up any self-detonation protocol.)（作为情报专攻类人形，早在一开始她并没有设置什么自爆的程序。）

(Helen's memory drifts back to the day, years ago, when the order to wipe Dushevnaya's neural cloud came. Did that child go through the same thing? Obeying orders from above, quietly waiting... for the execution?)（海伦的记忆回到了杜莎妮被要求清理心智的多年前，那孩子是否也是这样，听从着上级的命令，静静地等待……处置结果。）

(Helen slowly raises her hand. Her fingertip traces down from her neck.)（海伦微微抬起手，指尖从脖子，一路下滑。）

(Just as Lentine was expecting her to comply, Helen raises her weapon and pulls the trigger on Lentine without a moment's hesitation.)（就在兰汀以为下一秒她会如约执行命令时，海伦抬起武器，毫不犹豫地对兰汀扣动了扳机。）

(Lentine's force field activates instantly. The bullets ricochet off its surface, scattering across the ground. The next moment, the distress signal on Helen's body begins to transmit.)（兰汀身上的力场盾瞬间被激活，子弹打到力场盾上弹开散落在地，同时海伦身上的支援信号也瞬间开始呼叫。）

LentineHow is that possible?!怎么可能？！

LentineYour ownership permissions are mine! How can you directly defy my orders?!你的所属权限是我，竟能直接反抗我的命令？

HelenMangi Security's database suffered a certain impact. Perhaps a certain uninvited guest accidentally destroyed some critical server data~曼尼安保数据库遭受冲击，可能是某位不速之客，一不当心就把重要的服务器资料给破坏了呀。

HelenYou should get someone to repair it as soon as possible.您可一定要尽快派人尽快修复。

LentineIf you did it, you wouldn't have left me any chance of restoring the permissions.如果是你动的手，就不可能给我留下权限修复的可能性。

LentineTsk. The database got breached that easily? Utter trash.啧，曼尼安保的数据库竟然那么轻易被破坏，真是废物。

HelenWell~ That third-gen Doll named Cocoon does possess quite the exceptional processing power.哎呀，毕竟那位叫茧的三代人形小姐算力可是相当优秀呢。

(The helicopter behind Helen has already lifted off. The massive downwash blows Lentine's hair into a mess.)（海伦身后的直升机已然起飞，巨大的气流，吹乱兰汀的发丝。）

(A rope ladder drops from above. Once she confirms that Helen's ownership permissions are no longer tied to Lentine, Dushevnaya raises her weapon and takes aim at the human.)（绳梯被从高空放下，确认海伦的所属权限与兰汀无关后，杜莎妮已经举起手中的武器瞄准了兰汀。）

LentineTsk. You're gonna leave Mangi Security and go into the Yellow Zone? What can the likes of you clankers even do there?!啧。离开曼尼安保，去黄区？就凭你们，又能有什么收获！

(The tide shifts in an instant. Lentine's gaze darts back and forth between Helen and Dushevnaya.)（局势在顷刻间逆转，兰汀的视线不断在海伦以及杜莎妮之间徘徊。）

(If only someone could help her attack the helicopter—)（如果能有人协助袭击直升机的话——）

(But Lentine came here alone. She did it to prevent her subordinates from learning about her dealings with Helen.)（然而，为了避免她与海伦的交易在下属面前暴露，兰汀选择了孤身来此。）

(Now, all she can do is to watch them leave. She can do nothing to stop them.)（此刻，除了目送几人撤退，终究是无计可施。）

HelenYou should probably attend to something else, ma'am.您该去做别的事情了。

HelenThis is the perfect opportunity for you to help "Omen" escape the fate of being discarded.让“噩兆”改变“弃子”的命运，这是最好的时机。

HelenI hope you'll cherish the gift I left you~ After all, you'll still need to keep your subsequent work under wraps.希望您能珍惜我给你留下的礼物~毕竟，后续的工作，还需要您遮掩一二。

HelenDon't forget that we are "accomplices", okay?千万不要忘记，我们可是“共犯”哦？

HelenThank you for everything. It's been a pleasure working with you~一直以来感谢您了。合作愉快~

LentineTsk... next time we meet, you, and that Commander of yours... You'll both fall before me.啧……下次见面的时候，无论是你，还是你口中的那个指挥官，都会成为我的手下败将。

(Unwilling to waste more time on the Dolls fading into the distance, Lentine suppresses the fury within and turns, swiftly heading toward the Omen's positions.)（无意再将重要的时间浪费在眼前已经逐渐远去的人形身上，兰汀压抑着心中的怒气，转身快速前往噩兆小队所在的区域。）

LentineOnly those pampered top dogs do this—the moment something goes wrong, they order an emergency retreat for every deployed squad.也就只有那群平日里养尊处优的高层，才会事情一发生，就立刻发布要求所有外派小队回城的紧急指令。

LentineHow troublesome.麻烦。

(After watching Lentine disappear into the distance, Dushevnaya throws herself into Helen's arms inside the cabin.)（目送着兰汀的身影消失，杜莎妮扑进已来到机舱中的海伦怀中。）

HelenI'm back~ Dushevnaya.我回来了~杜莎妮。

HelenFrom now on, I'll never leave again.这一次，我不会再离开了。

Home of My Heart 心中归所

(The descending Black Hawk kicks up dust on the Elmo's helipad, blowing away the downcast air that had been looming over the ship these past few days.)（盘旋降落的黑鹰直升机卷起了艾莫号停机坪上的尘土，也驱散了这几日车上的阴霾。）

(After hearing that Dushevnaya and Balthilde made it back safely, Ullrid pays an official visit to the Elmo as the Doll Community's representative.)（听闻杜莎妮以及巴希达已经成功返回的消息，乌尔丽德也作为人形社区的负责人正式拜访了艾莫号。）

(Contrary to her valiant, cool appearance, Ullrid still looks kind of nervous when she sees me.)（与英姿飒爽的外表不同，见到我，乌尔丽德似乎仍有些紧张。）

UllridAhem. Mangi Security's main forces have withdrawn. It's all thanks to your help, Commander!咳咳，曼尼安保的大部队都撤离了，这一次，多亏指挥官您的协助！

SuomiBig Sis! Dushevnaya and Balthilde... everyone's safe! This is wonderful!姐姐！杜莎妮还有巴希达，大家都没事，真是太好了！

(Seeing her companions finally back on the Elmo all safe and sound, Suomi's tension finally dissolves.)（索米看着身边终于安全返回艾莫号的同伴，声音也终于放松下来。）

BalthildeThanks to Helen, I obtained a frame that is far more capable of combat than my previous one.多亏海伦，现在我的这具素体，可比过往战斗力强多了。

SuomiDushevnaya's recovered part of her memories too! Once we sync her with the Elmo's backup, we'll be able to restore everything!杜莎妮也已经找回了部分记忆，接下来只要同步心智备份，就能帮她找回所有的记忆了！

(Dushevnaya instinctively glances at Helen at the mention of memories, her eyes casting an anxious glance that wished for Helen's help.)（提及记忆，杜莎妮下意识看向海伦，投去有些不安的求助眼神。）

(Seemingly afraid of accepting a past she never knew, Dushevnaya feels a trace of apprehension lingering in her heart.)（似乎是恐惧于接受未曾知晓的过去，杜莎妮的内心仍然抱有一丝忐忑。）

DushevnayaA past shrouded in fog... Is reclaiming it really possible?如同迷雾般的过去……是否，还有寻回的可能？

HelenDon't worry. The backups you lost in the past won't really affect who you are, Dushevnaya.不必担心，过往失去的那些心智备份不会真正影响到你的，杜莎妮。

(Helen's voice is as soft as it could be. She reaches out, gently taking Dushevnaya's trembling hands in her own.)（海伦的声音温柔至极，她伸出手，轻轻握住了杜莎妮有些颤抖的双手。）

HelenEverything you've ever experienced leaves a mark in the base layer of your neural cloud.所有你经历过的事情，都会在你的心智底层留下刻痕。

HelenThe memories in your neural cloud have shaped who you are in the present, but they can never represent your inner self.心智中的记忆塑造了现在的你，但它们绝对无法代表真正的你。

DushevnayaBut... before my memories of entering Mangi Security, there are still... blanks that I know nothing about.可是，在进入曼尼安保的记忆之前，还有……一些我完全不曾知晓的空白。

DushevnayaI have no clue what's in those blanks... What if I forgot something important, just like this time?那些空白的记忆我完全没有头绪……会不会就如同这次一样，同样也有着重要的事物被我遗忘呢？

HelenI know that we can look for those missing backups in the future. We'll have the chance to.我知道，那些心智备份，我们仍然有机会去陆续寻找。

HelenBut for now, just look forward.但是此刻，往前看就好。

HelenEven after being separated for so long, even after you've forgotten so much... you are still the Dushevnaya I know.就算和你分别了很久，就算你遗忘了许多事情，但杜莎妮也依旧是我熟悉的杜莎妮。

DushevnayaYeah.嗯。

(The tension in Dushevnaya's expression finally eases. A smile gradually returns to her face under Helen's reassurance.)（杜莎妮紧绷的表情终于逐渐放缓，在海伦的安慰下也慢慢露出了笑容。）

ColphneI can offer some professional mental health therapy if you're still scared~如果还是担心害怕的话，人家也可以提供一些专业的心理治疗哦~

DushevnayaI'm not scared.我才不会害怕的。

ColphneAww~ And here I thought that the therapy plan I specially prepared for Helena might come in handy early.诶~还以为特地为海伦娜准备的心理治疗方案，能提前派上用处呢。

CommanderColphne, how is Helena doing?寇尔芙，海伦娜现在的情况怎么样？

ColphneWe've analyzed the nutrient solution's composition. Melanie has confirmed that there are no issues~已经分析了营养液的成分，梅兰妮确认了没有问题~

ColphneAs for when Helena will wake up, I don't have a perfect answer just yet.至于海伦娜什么时候能苏醒，人家还不能给出完美的答复。

ColphneBut I promise~ I'll tell you immediately when she does~不过，我保证~绝对会在海伦娜苏醒的第一时间就通知指挥官的~

(Colphne tilts her head to the side and gives me a deliberately obvious wink.)（寇尔芙歪了歪头，故意眨了眨眼看着我。）

ColphneAs for you, Commander—you haven't been resting much due to everything that's happened lately, no?倒是指挥官——您因为最近的事情，完全没有好好休息吧？

ColphneYou haven't truly slept ever since we left Lviv.从利沃夫回来之后，指挥官就完全没有真正意义上的合过眼。

ColphneIf you go to sleep now, who knows? You might wake up to some good news from me~现在去睡一觉的话，说不定醒来之后，就能听到人家的好消息了哦。

CommanderRest, huh?... Alright then.休息么？……我知道了。

(My gaze shifts to Helen, who is waiting quietly nearby. Recalling that I haven't arranged her accommodations yet, I decide to help her get settled on the Elmo.)（我的视线落在一旁安静等待的海伦身上，想到还未安排好海伦的住处，便决定带她先在艾莫号上安顿下来。）

(I bring Helen to the room prepared for her. She takes a moment to rest.)（我将海伦带到为她准备好的房间后，海伦稍作休整。）

CommanderThe Elmo has rooms to spare. If Dushevnaya wants to stay, I'll prepare one for her too.艾莫号上还有不少空闲的房间。如果杜莎妮愿意留下来，我也会为她准备一个房间。

HelenDid you notice the uncertainty in that child's heart, Commander?指挥官是看出那孩子心底的迷茫了吗？

CommanderI'm the one who chose to leave back then. Whatever choice Suomi or Dushevnaya make now, I won't interfere with it.当初是我主动离开。现在无论是索米还是杜莎妮，她们做出的任何选择，我都不会干涉。

HelenThat sounds like such a cold and heartless thing to say.听上去，还真是冷酷无情的发言呢。

Commander...Cold? Heartless?……冷酷、无情？

HelenShe's afraid of getting left behind again, so she doesn't dare to ask. Getting that child to ask "Can I stay on the Elmo?" will take a very long time.因为害怕再次被留下，所以不敢主动去询问。如果让那孩子问出“我能不能留在艾莫号上”这个问题，一定需要很久很久的时间。