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Antiparallel - Part 2

歧路双轨·下篇

19 chapters · 1737 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Desolate Blossom 荒芜花开

(In the ops room, Dolls gather silently in a circle around me.)（沉寂的指挥室中，人形们围作一圈，簇拥着我，均是一言不发。）

(I prop my face up with both hands as I sit in my chair, my fingers squeeze against my forehead as I try to ease the anguish.)（我坐在自己的位置上，用手撑着脸，手指不断按摩着额头，消减胀痛。）

(In front of me lies an old backup communicator; its red indicator light is flickering dimly.)（在我眼前，办公桌上，老旧的备用通讯器闪烁着微弱的红光。）

(Encrypted channel, single-use key.)（加密频道，单次性密钥。）

(This has gone on for a while, but there's nothing I can do other than wait.)（这样的情况已经持续了好一会儿，但除了等待，我却什么都做不了。）

(That is, until the flickering light suddenly goes out.)（直到那闪烁的红灯忽然熄灭。）

Commander...Phew.……呼。

(I let out a long sigh, but relief doesn't find me the way it usually does.)（我长出了一口气，却难以像往常那样舒缓胸口的沉闷。）

CommanderMr. Kryuger?克鲁格先生？

(The communicator crackles with static, indicating the rather unstable signal.)（通讯器传来嘈杂的电流声，信号似乎很不稳定。）

(A few seconds later, despite being broken and intermittent, the familiar voice manages to come through.)（过了几秒，熟悉的声音才断断续续地响起。）

Kryuger...It's me.……是我。

KryugerLong story short, Commander. This line is... insecure. We don't have much time.长话短说，指挥官，这条线路……很危险，我们的时间不多。

CommanderHow's Kalin?格琳怎么样了？

(Paying no mind to his warning, I immediately pose the question that's been gnawing at me.)（我并没有在意那些，而是迫切地问出了我最关心的问题。）

Kryuger...She's fine. She might need to undergo an internal review, but it shouldn't be a big deal.……她很好，只是需要接受内部审查，不会有大碍。

KryugerThe problem is with you, Commander. You're not out of the woods yet.现在的问题是你，指挥官，你还没有离开抓捕的包围圈。

KryugerListen carefully to what I'm about to say. Do not miss a single word.我现在说的你要记好，一个字都不要漏。

(Kryuger wastes no time on courtesies before continuing, not even time for me to respond.)（克鲁格先生没有寒暄，甚至没有停顿下来给我回应的时间。）

(Thankfully, Groza reacts immediately and starts noting down Kryuger's concise instructions on how we can shake off our pursuer, break through the encirclement, and even notifies us which areas are under tighter surveillance.)（闪电的反应很快，她迅速地记录下了克鲁格简明有力的说明——关于我们应该如何逃离抓捕，如何突破包围圈，以及主要的通缉区域。）

(Essentially, he reveals to me almost everything within his authority.)（在自己的权限范围内，克鲁格先生几乎将所有的信息都告诉了我。）

(If Kalina got herself investigated for simply contacting me, then what Kryuger's doing right now is without question...)（如果说格琳只是因为跟我联络就遭遇了审查，那克鲁格的行为毫无疑问……）

CommanderMr. Kryuger...克鲁格先生……

(He doesn't even spare me the time to stop him. He's already finished talking before I even realize.)（我甚至没来得及阻止他，在我意识到的时候，他已经快要说完了。）

Kryuger...That's all I know. You got it down, right?……我知道的就这么多，都记下来了吧。

CommanderYes.嗯。

Commander...Thank you.……谢谢您。

CommanderYou didn't have to do so much for me.但您不需要为我做这么多。

KryugerOn the contrary, Commander.恰恰相反，指挥官。

KryugerI've done far too little.我做得还远远不够。

(His voice has lost that urgency from before, sounding much calmer after regaining some of his usual composure.)（他的声音比起刚才，少了些许急迫，显得轻松了一些，也取回了一些余裕。）

(Probably because he has successfully passed on the information he considered most critical.)（我想，这是因为他将他认为必须传达给我的事传达到了的结果。）

(But without that urgency to mask it, I can also sense a heaviness atypical of him.)（但同时，没有了那份急切作为掩盖，我从他的声音中也听到了一些不应当属于他的沉重。）

Kryuger...……

(After a brief silence, Kryuger continues in a quiet tone.)（一瞬的沉默之后，克鲁格先生低声开口。）

Kryuger...There are things I need to clear up.……有些话，还是该说明白。

KryugerAll these years, I've been making compromises for what I believed was the "safe" path.这些年我做了许多权衡，自以为是“稳妥”的路数。

KryugerLooking back, that path may not have led people to where they actually want to go.现在看，那条路未必能把人带到想去的地方。

KryugerAnd I shouldn't have let you keep going in circles like that.我不该让你也在同一条轨道上兜圈。

Commander...……

(The signal fluctuates once more as the static grows louder.)（通讯的信号似乎又出现了异常的波动，呲呲的电音逐渐变得越发嘈杂。）

KryugerLike you said before—a path built on a wrong foundation can never lead to a right destination.你说过——走错的路径，得不出对的答案。

KryugerI've taken that to heart.这话我记住了。

KryugerKeep moving forward. Don't let the present stay your feet... Go do what you believe is right.继续走下去吧，别把脚步交给局势……去做你认定正确的事。

CommanderI understand.我明白。

CommanderThank you for everything you've done for us, and for all the burdens you've carried over the years.谢谢您为我们争取到的一切，也谢谢您这些年的承担。

CommanderI'll find the right path forward. Once we're in the clear, I'll report back to you. Please take care of yourself as well.我会把路走出来，等脱离包围，再向您报平安——也请您务必保重。

KryugerAlright... Take care—好……保重——

(Bzzzzz...)（呲呲……）

(Beep.)（滴。）

(The call ends.)（通讯挂断。）

Commander...……

(I rub my eyes and wave my hand.)（我揉了揉眼睛，摆了摆手。）

CommanderYou all... You know what, forget it. I can't be bothered with saying something stupid like "anyone who wants to leave can go now."你们……算了，我就不说什么想离开的可以离开这种蠢话了。

KlukaiI would have punched you in the face if you really said that.你要是说的话，我真的会揍你哦？

Commander...Return to your posts. Groza... you stay behind.……回到你们的岗位上，闪电……你留一下。

(While all the Dolls look worried, they follow my order and disperse, leaving only Groza in the room.)（人形们虽然有些担心，但也听从了我的话纷纷散去，只留下被我点名的闪电在原地。）

GrozaCommander...指挥官……

(Groza gives me an unsettled look, as if hesitant to voice her concern.)（闪电担心地看着我，一副欲言又止的样子。）

CommanderDon't worry. I trust Mr. Kryuger.别担心，我相信克鲁格先生。

CommanderIf he says it's fine, then it should be fine.他说没关系，那应该就不会有事。

CommanderAlthough... we probably won't be able to get in touch with him this easily anymore.虽然……大概是没办法再这么轻易就联络上了。

GrozaThat's not what I'm worried about.我担心的并不是这个。

Commander...……

(I sigh.)（我叹了口气。）

CommanderI know.我知道。

(Her gaze remains fixated on my face, as if waiting for a proper answer.)（她的目光牢牢钉在我脸上，像在等一个可以落地的答案。）

CommanderWith Mr. Kryuger's situation now beyond us...既然克鲁格先生那边可以先不操心。

CommanderWe need to get our own problems sorted out. In other words, how we're going to survive from here on out.那我们得先决定自己的事情，也就是——接下来要怎么活。

GrozaAt this point... all the Green Zones are definitely off-limits.现在……绿区我们肯定是进不去了。

GrozaWhile we can escape the pursuit using the information Mr. Kryuger provided us, what about after that?有克鲁格先生提供的信息，至少我们可以先摆脱追捕，但之后要怎么做？

CommanderHide. We only have a chance if we remain hidden.先藏身，不被看见才有选择权。

CommanderSwap out the Elmo's transponder code and slip around the edge of the encirclement.把艾莫号的应答编码换掉，从边缘绕过包围圈。

CommanderWe'll head for an unadministered zone.钻进无管辖区域。

GrozaI'm still worried... Will the patrol intervals leave us with enough time to slip through?我有点担心……巡逻间隔够我们挤过去吗？

GrozaThe terrain there is difficult to navigate through. Mr. Kryuger might have overestimated our speed.那一带的地形并不好走，克鲁格先生可能会误判我们的速度。

CommanderDon't worry, I'm keeping track myself.不用担心，我自己也会判断。

CommanderIf we make the crossing in under three hours, we can avoid alerting the patrols.穿越段控制在三小时以内就能确保不惊动巡逻岗哨。

GrozaWhat about the supplies? We won't last long with all the trade routes cut off.补给呢？交易断了，我们撑不了多久。

CommanderI still have some favors with a few underground brokers and some scavengers I can call in.我们在暗商和拾荒团里还有几个人情。

CommanderLet's settle with small deals for now. Exchange for common ammunition, filters, and universal repair parts.先走小单，换标准弹、滤芯和通用维修件。

CommanderAnd make sure to avoid large transactions—they're too conspicuous.大宗先不碰，容易露头。

GrozaI could screen the contact list first. Whoever it is, we need to approach them with more vigilance now.我可以把接头名单先过一遍，不论是谁，都需要谨慎接触。

GrozaBut considering the Elmo's maintenance and operating needs... We might need a temporary outpost.但考虑到艾莫号的维护工作和成本……我们可能需要一个临时的据点。

CommanderI know, but that's in the long term. We'll worry about that later.我知道，但只能从长计议，我们且不论。

CommanderGetting the Elmo off the radar won't be an easy task. Even if we jam the sensors through electronic warfare...想要把艾莫号藏起来可不是一件简单的事，就算能靠电子战回避雷达之类的探索。

CommanderPhysically hiding it is still...从物理角度考虑……

(I shake my head.)（我摇了摇头。）

CommanderThere's got to be ways. Underground markets, hidden settlements, even Varjager camps, any of those may provide some cover.但总有办法，地下黑市，隐藏的居住点，甚至瓦良格帮的据点，都可以作为备选。

CommanderEven if not for evading pursuers, we still need something concrete to stand on. There's no way around it if we want to build any kind of influence.即便不考虑躲避搜查的问题，我们也需要一个安身之本，想要发展势力，这是必经的道路。

GrozaBuilding influence...发展势力……

(Groza sighs, looking a little helpless.)（闪电叹了口气，看起来有些无奈。）

GrozaSo it has really come down to this, hasn't it?果然还是要走到这个地步了吗？

CommanderIf I had any fantasies left before...如果说以前我还存在什么幻想的话。

CommanderThey've been shattered now—the life I once hoped for never truly existed.这一次就等于是让我彻底看清了，我所想要的生活，从一开始就不存在。

CommanderWe'll have to do it ourselves, but not everything at once.我们肯定要做，但不能一口吃胖。

CommanderWith one bite at a time, one step at a time.饭要一口口吃，事要一步一步做。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

CommanderFirst we get out of this encirclement, then we find a temporary outpost. Continue working with those brokers if needed, but only after we've cleared them of any suspicions.先摆脱当前的追击，然后寻找临时据点，有必要的话，加深和信得过的暗商的合作，先过滤名单。

CommanderTell them that we can offer technical expertise on limited projects. Pay with goods and not currency. No long-term guarantees. No maintenance logs. No jobs outside of designated dates. Leave as few footprints as possible.我们可以提供一些技术，开放有限项目，定价换实物，不谈长期保修，不留维修日志。只在固定节点接单，减少尾巴。

GrozaRoger.好。

GrozaI'll draft the route and come up with new encryption keys. I'll get back to you in thirty minutes.我先拟航线和密钥方案，半小时后给您确认。

CommanderAlright—嗯——

(Beep.)（嘀。）

(I snap out of my thoughts.)（我从回忆中被唤醒。）

Commander...Hmm?……嗯？

GrozaCommander...指挥官……

GrozaIt's Ullrid.是乌尔丽德。

Commander...……

Commander...Patch her through.……接。

Commander...……

(After hearing Ullrid's request, I frown thoughtfully.)（听完了乌尔丽德的诉求，我皱着眉头，露出了若有所思的样子。）

Ullrid...I know it's a shameless request.……我知道我的要求有些恬不知耻。

UllridBut right now, the Doll Community really needs your help, Commander.但现在，人形社区的确非常需要你的帮助，指挥官。

CommanderNo, no. There's nothing shameless about it.不不，这没什么恬不知耻的。

CommanderIf anything, the Doll Community has helped us many more times.不说别的，人形社区也帮过我们很多次，既然现在你们有需要。

CommanderSo it's only right for us to return the favor when you need it.那我们投桃报李也是应该的。

CommanderIt's just...只不过……

UllridJust?只不过？

CommanderI've heard a lot about the Doll Community from Suomi and Groza.其实人形社区的情况，索米还有闪电都跟我说起过一些。

CommanderFrom what I understood, things have been pretty okay.按理说，你们一直都维持得相当不错。

CommanderSo now... What's causing the problem?但现在……情况已经这么糟了吗？

Ullrid...……

(Ullrid sighs.)（乌尔丽德叹了口气。）

UllridThe reason the Doll Community survived for so long is largely thanks to our small scale.人形社区之所以能够维持到现在，我认为，很大一部分原因在于，我们的体量并不大。

UllridWe number fewer than a hundred Dolls. It's not that hard to get by as long as we forgo improving on non-essentials to our quality of life.构成社区的成员，只有不到一百名人形，在不追求一些非必要的生活品质的前提下，生存下去并非难事。

UllridBut at the same time... our small scale means we can't be self-sufficient in many things.但是，反过来说，这样的体量其实并不足以支持我们完成一个良好的内循环。

UllridWe can handle small, everyday tasks, but for bigger matters... we just can't accomplish them on our own.小事无所谓，但很多东西……仅凭我们，是无法完成自我供给的。

UllridThis issue wouldn't have become so apparent if not for several recent incidents that accelerated the process.原本，这个问题还需要很长时间才会暴露，但最近的几次事件，加速了这个过程。

UllridTo be entirely honest, without outside help, the Doll Community's collapse is only a matter of time.坦白说，如果现在还不借助外部的力量，那社区的崩溃就已经是可预见的了。

UllridHad it not come to this point, I wouldn't have come to you... In fact, I'm not even sure if others in the Community have fully grasped the situation. They might...如果不是到这个地步，我也不会主动向你开口……实际上，我都不确定社区内的伙伴是否能够理解现状，她们可能……

Groza...They might what?……可能？

UllridThey might be unwilling to accept your help.可能还未必会接受你的帮助。

ColphneWhat? How does that make any sense?! You're the ones asking for help!欸！？哪还有这种道理啊！明明是你们自己开口要我们帮忙。

ColphneAnd then you turn around and say they might be unwilling? Are you even hearing yourself?结果却说不一定愿意接受？这不是自相矛盾吗？

ColphneBesides, we're currently—而且，我们现在也……

CommanderIt's alright, Colphne, I understand what Ullrid means.没关系的，寇尔芙，我理解乌尔丽德的意思。

(I nod.)（我点了点头。）

CommanderAnyway, let me get straight to my response.总之，先说结论吧。

CommanderFirst of all, I'm glad to help you out.首先，没问题，我很乐意帮助你们。

CommanderHowever—不过……

(BOOM—!!)（轰——！！）

(Just as we're about to discuss where to find a balance, an explosion erupts outside the door.)（就在我们商量着如何寻找平衡点的时候，突然，一声巨响从门外传来。）

(The sound is distant, but I can tell it came from onboard the Elmo.)（声音同我们的距离不近，但我依然听得出它并不来自艾莫号以外。）

CommanderWhat was that?!怎么回事？

ColphneOh no!! C-Commander!!指，指挥官！！不好了！！

ColphneS-she went berserk!那，那家伙突然暴走了！

CommanderShe? Who?!那家伙？谁？

ColphneThat one—the third-gen Doll!就是那个——三代人形！

ColphneIt's Blusphere! She broke free!蓝雪球！她跑出来了！

Ullrid—!——！

Commander...Looks like there's no time for chit chat anymore.……看来没时间聊天了。

CommanderLet's move, people!动起来吧，各位！

Desolate Blossom 荒芜花开

(After a fierce battle, we ultimately manage to get the berserk Blusphere under control again.)（经过一番激战，我们总算将暴走的蓝雪球重新压制住。）

Ullrid...Troublesome as ever. Third-generation Dolls really are on a whole new level.……还是这么棘手，三代人形果然不同。

UllridBut I see that Task Force DEFY is also nothing to scoff at.不过，忤逆小队的两位也非同凡响呢。

AlvaWhile not on Igla's level, she's certainly a formidable adversary as well.虽然不及针，但的确也算是难缠的对手。

AlvaOur effort to stop her might have caused some damage to the Elmo.压制她的过程中对艾莫号造成了一些破坏。

AlvaI hope it won't cause any issues...不知道会不会有影响……

Commander"Don't worry about it", is what I would like to say, but it might actually be a bit of a problem...不用在意……虽然想这么说，但好像还真有点不妙。

Groza...The radiation-shielding system is damaged. Please put on a protective suit immediately, Commander.……辐射净化系统损坏了，请马上穿上隔离服，指挥官。

CommanderDon't panic, make sure Mayling's safe first. There are no other humans around anyway.别着急，先照顾好美玲，这附近也没有其他人在。

GrozaBut...可是……

CommanderI'll put one on, don't worry.我会穿的，放心。

(Seeing the concern on Groza's face, I can only reassure her before turning to the others.)（看着闪电担忧的样子，我只能宽慰了她一下，随即再转向其他几人。）

CommanderHow did Blusphere suddenly reactivate?蓝雪球为什么会突然启动？

ColphneI ran a preliminary check, and I'm still eliminating possibilities. It seems that being in proximity of Melanie and Helena may have catalyzed the Boojum cells inside her body...我检查了一下，还在排除原因，不过目前看来，可能是因为梅兰妮和海伦娜的靠近，催化了她体内的伯介姆细胞……

CommanderEven quarantining her in the cryopreservation chamber won't do the job? I guess the room holding the chamber will need new shielding materials. I'll place an order shortly.被隔离在冷冻舱里也不行吗？存放冷冻舱的房间需要新的隔离材料了，我等一下就下单。

CommanderWhat about the damage? Can it be repaired?损伤方面呢？修得好吗？

CommanderOther issues aside, we need to bring the shielding back online ASAP. Mayling can't stay in a protective suit 24/7.其他的且不论，至少要把净化系统先修复，美玲不可能一直穿着隔离服。

GrozaWe have all the key components, but the repairs will take several days. For the time being... the Elmo won't be properly shielded from radiation.关键部件还在，但维修仍然需要几天。短期内……艾莫号不具备良好的防辐射环境。

CommanderThen we'll have to find somewhere else that is safe.那就得另找一个能屏蔽辐射的地方。

CommanderTsk... Can't imagine any Green Zone letting us in at this point.啧……这种当口，哪个绿区也不会放我们进去。

SuomiI-I have an idea!我、我有个想法！

CommanderHmm? Let's hear about it, Suomi.嗯？索米，说说看。

SuomiYou could stay at the Doll Community in the meantime!指挥官可以先去人形社区短暂停留！

SuomiThe thermal plant's got backup CBRN shelters with proper shielding. The environment there is much safer.热电厂那边有备用净化间和屏蔽层，环境比这边稳定许多。

SuomiAnd... we can also take this opportunity to finalize your "assistance plan" from earlier.而且……也能趁这个机会，让我们把之前说的“协助方案”落地。

(Ullrid ponders for a moment before nodding.)（乌尔丽德微微一怔，随即点头。）

UllridI agree.我同意。

UllridWe were planning to request your help anyway. Now that the Elmo also needs some breathing room to recover, this should be a win-win situation.我们原本就打算请求你们支援，如今艾莫号需要缓冲，人形社区也需要外力，这正好彼此帮一把。

Commander...I'm fine with that.……我愿意帮。

CommanderBut let's set one thing straight beforehand—if your companions are unwilling to accept our involvement, let's not force a result that'll put any of us in a difficult spot.只是我得把话说在前面——如果你们的同伴不愿意接受我的介入，我不会强求你们为难。

UllridI'll make sure to communicate with them and explain the situation thoroughly.这件事由我来承担与解释。

UllridI will convince everyone in the Community that this is a "cooperation" and not an "intrusion."我会负责说服社区的大家：这是“协助”和“并肩”，不是“入侵”。

UllridEven if you decide to stay out of our matters for now, the Doll Community will not leave our benefactor to wither away in radiation—that is our dutiful obligation.而且，就算你现在决定先不出手，人形社区也不会坐视恩人陷在辐射里——这也是我们分内之义。

SuomiExactly! At the very least, we should settle the Commander and anyone who needs protection first. The rest can wait!对！至少先把指挥官和需要净化的同伴安顿下来，其他争论以后再说！

GrozaI'll consult with Mayling and get a repair checklist, prioritizing on restoring the radiation shielding.维修清单我会先和美玲对一版，优先把净化链路拉起来。

GrozaAs for personnel stationed at the temporary site, keep your boots light.驻点的人员与物资，尽量轻装。

Commander...Alright.……好。

UllridI'll go coordinate within the Community now and get them ready to receive your checklist.我会去做内部沟通，也会准备接入你们的支援清单。

UllridThank you, Commander.谢谢你，指挥官。

CommanderIt's alright, we're just giving each other a helping hand. If anything, I may be the one getting the most out of this.没关系，彼此帮忙而已，说不定是我得到的才更多。

CommanderLet's move. First we make sure everyone's settled, then we talk about how to get this whole situation back on track.走吧——先把人安稳下来，再谈怎么把这摊子盘活。

Promised Determination 应许的决意

(Night sky falls upon the shattered dome. Winds blow past the collapsed beams, carrying faint static noises.)（夜色压在破碎的穹顶上，风从倒塌的钢梁间穿过，带起微弱的电流声。）

(Dolls sit around a makeshift platform with very few light sources as every lamp flickers faintly.)（人形们围坐在临时搭起的台下，光源不多，每一盏灯都在轻微地抖。）

(Ullrid stands at the center of the platform. Behind her is a curtain repaired with countless patches. Her fist tightens, then relaxes. Her gaze slowly glances over every familiar face.)（乌尔丽德站在高台中央，背后是贴着维修补丁的幕布，她的手紧了紧，又松开，目光缓缓扫过每一张熟悉的脸。）

UllridPhew...呼……

(Ullrid lets out a prolonged sigh.)（乌尔丽德长出了一口气。）

(She rarely gathers everyone around like this. No matter how many times she has done it, public speaking still does not come naturally to her.)（她其实并不经常这样召集众人，不论做过多少次，她也都不习惯这样对人演说。）

(But this time, this is something that she has to do.)（但这一次，她必须这样做。）

UllridEveryone, my fellow companions.诸位，各位同伴。

(At her first word, the buzzing crowd immediately falls silent. The Dolls raise their heads and look at her with curious eyes.)（随着她的第一声招呼，略有些嘈杂的观众席顿时安静了下来，人形们都抬起了头，眨巴着眼睛，好奇地看着她。）

UllridTonight... I've gathered everyone because there's something I need to tell you.今晚……把大家叫到这里，是有一件事，想要告诉大家。

UllridWe... must make a decision. It will not be an easy one, but it'll be necessary.我们……需要做一个并不轻松、但现在却必须做的决定。

(She pauses briefly. Her voice is not loud, but clear nonetheless, like a stone dropped into still water.)（她停顿了一瞬，声音不高，却清晰，像在安静的水面上落下一颗石子。）

UllridEveryone here should already know about the owner of the Elmo—that human Commander.在座的各位，应该都认识艾莫号的主人——那位人类指挥官。

UllridAfter careful consideration and confirmation, I have decided... to formally invite him to join the Doll Community.经过我慎重的考虑和确认，我决定……正式邀请他进入人形社区。

Uneasy DollW-what...?什，什么……？

Anxious DollTo join us?! You're kidding!到这里！？开玩笑的吧！

UllridPlease remain calm...! I have not yet finished.稍安勿躁……！我还没有说完。

UllridLike always, we will hold a vote, and the final decision will depend on the result.和之前一样，我们会发起投票，通过投票的结果来做决定。

UllridHowever, before the voting begins, there are a few things I want to say.只是，在投票开始之前，我有些话想说。

(Ullrid takes a deep breath.)（乌尔丽德深吸了一口气。）

UllridIf we ignore the fact that he's a "human", the Commander is, to us, a unique individual.脱去“人类”的标签，指挥官对我们而言，是一个具体的人。

UllridWhile some within this Community have followed him in ages past, most of us, like me, have known him only a short time, yet we've already fought together many times.社区内，有人曾在很多年前就已经追随过他，大多数是像我这样，虽然相识不久，但已经共同战斗过多次。

UllridRecently, he has become a fugitive wanted by the URNC, and his vehicle has been damaged during an accident... Meanwhile, the Community is under strain. We lack the manpower to handle it all, and recent incidents have left everyone exhausted.如今他被罗联通缉，所拥有的载具也因意外而受损……同时，面对社区当下的困境，我们的人手远远不够解决，最近的事故也让大家疲惫不堪。

UllridNow, both we and the Commander have reached a point where we could both use someone else's helping hand.现在，我们和指挥官，彼此都到了需要“握住别人的手”的时候。

(She raises her hand, gesturing toward the scattered residential blocks, warehouses, and pipelines.)（她微微抬手，指向四散的居住区、仓储与管道。）

UllridMy proposal is this: we temporarily accept the Commander and his companions here at the thermal plant, and we provide them with protection within our capabilities.我提议：接纳指挥官与他的同伴，暂时进入热电厂，提供我们力所能及的庇护。

UllridAt the same time, they will offer us their assistance—technical expertise, trade connections, and essential security operations.同时，由他们提供支援——技术检修、外部交易的联络，以及必要的安保清理。

UllridWe'll be the ones setting the terms; we'll be the ones drawing the boundaries; we'll be the ones overseeing the whole collaboration.条款由我们来定，边界由我们来划，监督由我们来执行。

UllridThis is a cooperation, not submission. We stand together, not bowing to anyone.这是互助，不是屈服；是并肩，不是投降。

(Whispers flame up throughout the crowd. Ullrid does not avoid their gaze. Instead, she steps forward, her voice now sounding even steadier.)（低语声此起彼伏。乌尔丽德没有回避那些目光，她顺势踏前一步，语气更稳。）

UllridI know our past. I know what the word "human" means to many of you.我知道我们的过去，我知道“人类”这个词，对许多人意味着什么。

UllridI share those very concerns you may be having right now. Will we be changed? Will we lose the equality we fought so hard to obtain?你们担心的，我也担心。我们会不会被改变？会不会失去我们来之不易的平等？

UllridI firmly believe the answer is no.我认为，答案是——不会。

UllridThis place's rule will not change for any human.这里的规则不会因为任何人类而改变。

UllridOur shelter is temporary and can be ended at any time. Their activities will be restricted, with critical systems isolated. All cooperation will be recorded, traceable, and subject to veto.接纳只是暂时的，试行期内可随时终止，活动范围受限，关键系统隔离；所有合作事宜，一律记档、可追溯、可否决。

(She takes another deep breath.)（她深吸一口气。）

UllridWe're not handing over the keys to our doors, we're opening them to new possibilities.我们不是把钥匙交出去，而是把门缝打开一指宽，给自己留一条活路。

UllridAny takeover will be rejected. All will still be done via voting, and all changes will occur in full view of everyone.我们可以拒绝一切接管，我们可以坚持投票，我们可以让每一次改变都发生在大家看得见的地方。

UllridAs long as we continue to trust one another, the Doll Community will not be taken away by anyone—no one, including me.只要我们还愿意互相相信，人形社区就不会被任何人夺走——包括我在内，谁也不行。

(The wind blows from above, pressing her words into every listener's ears.)（风声从高处落下，像是把她的话压进每一个人的耳朵里。）

(She looks toward the faces marked by past wounds, hesitation flickering within them. For a moment, her gaze softens.)（她看向人群中那些因为过去的伤痕而迟疑的脸，眼底有一瞬的柔软。）

UllridAnd one last thing—I humbly ask you to allow me the power to decide, and give the Doll Community the chance to reach out for that helping hand.最后——我请求大家，给我一次做这个选择的权力，也给人形社区一次抓住外面那只手的机会。

UllridIf we wish to survive, we can't cower in darkness and grasp for every breath; we must let the fresh air from outside in.如果我们想要活下去，就不能只是躲起来呼吸，还要学会把空气引进来。

(She lowers her head and bows.)（她低头鞠了一躬。）

UllridThank you all.谢谢。

Ullrid—In favor.——赞成。

UllridThat's the final one. What's the result?这就是最后一票了，结果如何？

SuomiE-extremely close... with a four-vote margin.超，超极限……只有四票的差距而已。

BalthildeAnd those happen to be Ullrid's, yours, mine, and Littara's.刚好就是乌尔丽德，你，我，还有莉塔拉的票。

BalthildeThe rest is a 50/50 split.剩下的就完全五五开的样子。

Littara...……

SuomiT-the result is all that matters!结，结果好就一切都好！

SuomiAt least we have an answer for the Commander now.这样也能对指挥官有个交代了。

Ullrid...……

(The light behind Ullrid's eyes flickers, yet her expression does not relax.)（灯影在乌尔丽德的睫毛下跳动，她的眉头没有松。）

(The result before her weighs on her chest like a stone.)（眼前的投票结果，像是一块石头压进了她的心口。）

Ullrid...The Doll Community has never had a poll this evenly divided before.……以往人形社区的投票，还从未出现过如此僵持的情况。

UllridAlthough the vote passed, I'm afraid approving it right away may sow the seed for further conflicts down the line.虽然，姑且是通过了，但是如果就此通过，我担心会埋下隐患。

SuomiW-what does that mean?什，什么意思……？

BalthildeIt means that even though the vote technically passed, a significant portion of the Community is against it, and that divide is now clearly highlighted.就是说，虽然投票以微末优势胜出，但同时也表示分歧就是有这么大。

BalthildeIf handled poorly, it might even split the Community apart.一个搞不好，说不定会害社区分裂的。

SuomiAnd so...?所以……？

UllridSo, it's wise for us to avoid further actions that could raise tensions.所以，最好，还是不要做出容易让水温上升的事情。

UllridIt's a little unfair for the Commander, but the stability of the Doll Community comes first...虽然这样对指挥官不好，但人形社区的稳定对我们而言才是……

Littara...……

(Seeing Ullrid like this, Littara's concern deepens as she begins scribbling rapidly.)（看着乌尔丽德的样子，莉塔拉眼中的忧虑越发浓郁，忍不住开始奋笔疾书。）

Littara[...Ullrid, I think we can't continue like this.] —Littara「……乌尔丽德，我觉得这样下去不行。」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...What do you mean?……你指什么？

Littara[It's not about the votes or the rules, I mean you. You're bearing all the duties yourself, yet you won't step up to lead.] —Littara「不是投票的规矩本身，而是你。你把所有风险都揽在自己身上，又不肯真正地下达决断。」——莉塔拉

UllridI...我……

(She is fixed in place by Littara's gaze, her eyes shifting away.)（她被莉塔拉投来的视线定住，目光有一瞬的躲闪。）

UllridI know, but resolving problems through voting is the code we set for the Community.我知道，但用投票来解决问题是我们为社区定下的规矩。

UllridIt exists to uphold equality and stability for all, but now...这个规定是为了确保大家平等、为稳定服务，但是现在……

(Littara raises her pen as it moves around the paper again.)（莉塔拉抬起笔，又写。）

Littara[I'm not asking you to discard equality. However, relying solely on the result of a vote will only make us slow and too frail to face the outside world.] —Littara「我不是要你抛弃平等。只是光靠投票的平均数，遇到外部世界时会太慢，太软。」——莉塔拉

Littara[Some of our companions are not mature enough to make sound judgements. Their past experiences prevent them from making rational assessments. And frankly... they're not in the minority. They simply cannot handle critical decisions.] —Littara「有一部分同伴的心智还不够成熟，她们只能做简单判断，过去的经历让她们难以理性权衡。坦白说……这样的人并不少，她们不具备做关键决策的能力。」——莉塔拉

Littara[You are our leader. Because of you, the Doll Community has transformed from a few scattered individuals into what it is today. Your openness and belief in equality are your strengths, but they shouldn't shackle you. Becoming a leader and upholding equality are not contradictory goals.] —Littara「而你，是我们的领导者。正因为有你，人形社区才从一盘散沙走到今天。随和与平等是你的优点，但它不该反过来束缚你。成为‘领袖’和坚持‘平等’，并不冲突。」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...……

Littara[It's the Commander this time, but what about next time? We can't hide behind walls forever.] —Littara「这一次是指挥官，下一次呢？我们不能永远躲在墙后。」——莉塔拉

Littara[If we want to survive, working with the outside world is inevitable. If we allow every opportunity to be squandered like this, it's like cutting our lifelines with our own hands.] —Littara「要生存，就必然要和外界合作。如果每一次都被投票拖住了脚，原本能达成的救命绳，也会被我们亲手剪断。」——莉塔拉

Littara[I believe everyone will come to understand. As long as the decision ultimately benefits the Community, it's worth raising your head above the water and taking on the responsibility for making that decision.] —Littara「我相信，大家最后会理解的。只要这是对社区有益的选择，就值得抬起头，承担起‘决定’这个动作。」——莉塔拉

(She writes her final words and hands over the piece of paper, her gaze unwavering.)（她最后写下，递过去，目光笃定。）

Littara[Don't you think so, Ullrid?] —Littara「不是吗？乌尔丽德？」——莉塔拉

(Balthilde scratches her head.)（巴希达挠了挠头。）

Balthilde...I'm with Littara on this.……这次我也赞成莉塔拉。

BalthildeNot for any particular reason, but after everything...倒不是因为别的，经过这几次风波。

BalthildeOur situation's pretty dire. It might be a little difficult for us to pull through this one alone.社区内的情况可是相当糟，光靠我们自己想度过去可能有点难吧？

UllridAlright...好了……

UllridGive me some time to reflect on it.让我再想想。

UllridIt's too early to make a verdict. Even if we're to work with the outside, how we're going to do it and to what extent remains a question.就算现在把话说死也没有意义，接下来要怎么和外界合作、合作到什么程度，都是难题。

(Ullrid hesitates again. After a short while, she raises her head and looks at Suomi and Balthilde.)（乌尔丽德又露出了迟疑的表情，少顷，她抬起头，看向索米和巴希达。）

UllridIn any case, I will take my time to think through this carefully. Let's focus on the present for now. Suomi, Balthilde—go inform everyone of the result.总之，这件事我会认真考虑，先回到当下来，索米、巴希达，你们去和大家通报一下投票结果。

UllridAnd do your best to calm those who might get a little agitated. Don't let them get into a fight.尽量安抚大家的情绪，不要让她们产生矛盾。

UllridI... I will discuss it further with Littara.我……要和莉塔拉再商量一下。

SuomiOkay—好——

(After the two leave, Ullrid slowly exhales.)（两人离开后，乌尔丽德才缓缓吐出一口气。）

(She clenches her fist, then relaxes again. The dejection in her eyes flashes by for a brief moment before being suppressed again.)（她握了握拳，又松开，眼神里的沮丧只露了一瞬，便被重新压下。）

Ullrid...I'm sorry.……抱歉。

UllridMy speech... wasn't very convincing after all.我的演讲……大概没那么有说服力。

UllridJust realizing that makes me doubt myself. Perhaps I'm not the trustworthy leader to them as I thought.想到这一点，我就多少有些动摇，可能，大家也并没有那么信任我。

(Littara turns to a fresh page in her notebook and writes a short line.)（莉塔拉已经把本子翻到新的空白页，写下简短的一行。）

Littara[You've done a great job already.] —Littara「你已经做得很好了。」——莉塔拉

UllridWell, now that the decision has been made... Let's go find "her."嗯，现在，既然下定了决心……就去找“她”吧。

(Littara blinks.)（莉塔拉眨了眨眼。）

Littara[I thought you already informed her.] —Littara「我以为你已经跟她通过气了。」——莉塔拉

(Ullrid looks at the line and shakes her head.)（乌尔丽德看着那行字，摇了摇头。）

UllridI did contact her beforehand, but she was busy with something else.我的确在之前就已经和她联络过，但她之前在忙别的事。

UllridShe only called me back today to say she's available. I couldn't delay our plans just for her.今天才跟我联络，表示可以见面，我又不能因为她推迟我们的行动。

UllridSo I moved forward with the vote first.所以就先推进了投票。

(Littara nods.)（莉塔拉点了点头。）

Ullrid...In any case, let's go.……总之，走吧。

UllridNo matter what, we must talk to her face-to-face.不论如何，这件事还是要跟她当面谈谈的。

(Within the massive thermal power plant, only a very small portion has been occupied and put into use by the Doll Community.)（庞大的热电厂中，被人形社区占据并利用的只是极少的一部分。）

(As Ullrid and Littara leave the Community, their steps remain confident as they tread through unexplored sectors.)（乌尔丽德与莉塔拉离开了社区，此时行走在未经探索的区域当中，却显得轻车熟路。）

Littara[Do you think she will agree?] —Littara「你觉得她会同意吗？」——莉塔拉

UllridI hope she will, but if she's against it...我希望她会同意，如果她反对……

Ullrid...Then I will have no choice but to proceed regardless.……那我唯有一意孤行。

UllridYou and Balthilde were right.你和巴希达说得没错。

UllridTo make it more dramatic, one could say this is a reform for the Doll Community.往大了说，这是人形社区的一次变革。

UllridBut in reality, it's just us and the Elmo helping each other out. In fact... we might even be the ones who need them more.往小了说，我们和艾莫号本就是互相援助，甚至……可能其实是我们更需要她们也不一定。

Littara[Good to hear you've already come to terms with it.] —Littara「你能想通是再好不过。」——莉塔拉

Littara[But haven't you always said we must avoid becoming her enemy?] —Littara「但是，你不是一直说不能跟她敌对吗？」——莉塔拉

UllridWe share the same living space, and both wield might that can easily cause harm.我们共同生存在一个环境中，彼此也都拥有武装力量。

UllridMeaningless confrontation would only result in meaningless losses. The Doll Community was established with everyone's survival in mind, so it's only natural to avoid conflict whenever possible.无意义的对抗只会带来无意义的损耗，社区的建立是为了大家的生存，当然应该避免冲突。

UllridAs for this matter... it would be best if we could gain her understanding, but if not, I still can't forfeit the opportunity.而这件事……能够得到她的理解是最好不过，如果不能，我也无法放弃。

UllridThis is my way of repaying the Commander and taking responsibility for the Community.这是我回报指挥官，并且对社区大家共同做出的决定负责的方式。

Littara[I guess you're right. As long as her existence remains a secret and nobody bothers her, she probably doesn't have a reason to refuse—]「说得也是，而且，我想，只要不暴露她的存在，不干涉她，她应该也没什么反对的理——」

(Bzzzz—!!)（嗡——！！）

(A sudden alarm rings out before Littara can finish writing the sentence.)（莉塔拉的奋笔疾书还没有写完想说的话，周围便突兀地响起了一阵警铃。）

Ullrid...!……！

Littara!！

(The two halt instantly, standing back-to-back as they draw their weapons and scan their surroundings.)（两人同时停下脚步，默契地背靠着背，拔出了武器警惕着四周。）

(Amidst the sudden alarm, numerous defense automatons emerge from the shadows of the thermal plant.)（骤然响起的警铃声中，自热电厂设施的阴影里，大量的防御机械不断涌出。）

Ullrid...I see. So this is what she's been up to these past few days.……原来如此，这几天她就是在做这些吗。

Littara[Her hobbies are in such bad taste as ever.] —Littara「她的兴趣还是这么糟糕。」——莉塔拉

UllridWe should clean this up before anyone else notices.在被其他人注意到之前，打扫干净。

Promised Determination 应许的决意

(Whoosh—)（咻——）

(A sharp arrowhead rides the wind and pierces right through the marionette Doll's core. Its massive mechanical body collapses with a thunderous thud as all the haphazardly attached parts scatter across the ground.)锋利的箭镞乘着风贯穿了傀儡人形的核心，巨大的机械人轰然倒塌，拼凑在身上的零件散落一地。

Littara[That still only counts as one.] —Littara「这也只能算一个哦。」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...Come on, I wasn't even counting, and you shouldn't be either.……我又没有在数，你也别数啊，真无聊。

Littara[I know, but she definitely will be.] —Littara「我知道，但她肯定会数的。」——莉塔拉

(Littara smiles, seemingly not bothered by the sudden ambush at all.)（莉塔拉笑着，似乎并不因为突然的袭击而感到烦恼。）

(The defeated defense automatons around them have already been retrieved during the battle. Despite the chaotic action, little trace of the fight remains by the end of it—even the bullet holes littering the scene will likely be gone the next time Ullrid and the others visit this place.)（在她们周围，那些被清理掉的防御机械，在混战之中，便已经被挨个回收，是以虽然经历了一场大战，却并没有太多痕迹留下——即使是那些随处可见的弹痕，在乌尔丽德她们下一次过来的时候，也都会消失不见。）

UllridLet's keep moving.走吧。

(Walking past the battlefield, Ullrid and Littara reach a passage leading to the underground.)（穿过交战区，乌尔丽德与莉塔拉走进了一条通往地下的通道。）

(What little visibility the thermal plant had noticeably worsens once they head into the underground sectors.)（原本还算可见度较高的热电厂，在进入地下之后骤然变得昏暗了许多。）

(While the corridors are filled with lighting fixtures, most of them are switched off for reasons unknown.)（尽管通道里也存在足够的照明设备，但不知是出于什么原因，大多数都处于熄灭状态。）

(Fortunately, that doesn't pose much of an obstacle to Ullrid and Littara.)（所幸，这对乌尔丽德和莉塔拉而言并不足以形成障碍。）

Ullrid...……

(Eventually, the two stop in front of a tightly sealed gate.)（最终，两人停在了一扇紧闭的大门前。）

Ullrid...Open up, "Phaetusa". You can see us, can't you?……开门，“翡图萨”，你看得见我们吧？

(Following immediately after her inquiry, the door slowly opens on its own as if it had understood her.)（而随着她的质问，眼前的大门像是听懂了一般，在没有外力介入的情况下，自己便缓缓地敞开了。）

(Fluorescent light overhead casts a pale glow, illuminating the crisscrossing pipes and dense cable racks, as well as the thick concrete walls isolating this place from the surface.)（头顶的日光灯管投下惨白的光线，照亮了纵横交错的管道和密布的电缆桥架，厚重的混凝土墙将这里与地面世界隔绝。）

(Inside the central control room, ventilation ducts hum with a low drone. Rows of monitors flicker with blue-green data streams, displaying the operation status of the entire thermal plant.)（中央机房内，通风管道发出低沉的嗡鸣声，数排监控屏幕闪烁着蓝绿色的数据流，显示着整个热电厂的运行参数。）

(In front of the massive main console, all manner of indicator lights blink in an orderly pattern. The muffled noise of the machinery and the hissing of the cooling system can be heard every now and then.)（巨大的主控台前，各种指示灯有序地闪烁着，偶尔传来设备运转的机械声和冷却系统的嘶嘶声。）

???...……

(At the center of the room, a female Doll slumps over the monitoring console. One of her arms dangles lazily as she occasionally flicks a control or two. Though her gaze appears sluggish with her barely open eyes, every operation is nonetheless executed with immaculate precision.)（房间中央，主控台的位置，一位女性人形侧躺在监控屏幕上，一只手耷拉着，不时拨动仪器，尽管她的视线显得慵懒，甚至有些睁不开眼，但每一项操作都准确无误。）

???...Long time no see, Ullrid, Littara.……好久不见，乌尔丽德，莉塔拉。

???The score is twenty four to twelve. You should get more training in, Littara.你们的比分是24:12，莉塔拉，要多训练一下了哦。

Ullrid...We're grateful for your routine contribution to the thermal plant's defensive measures.……你肯定期为热电厂更新防御系统，我们非常感激。

UllridBut we would also like you to update us on the time and location of any future changes...但希望你能在每次更新后把时间和地点跟我同步一下。

Ullrid...Phaetusa.——翡图萨。

PhaetusaI don't do that routinely... only when I feel it's necessary.我的更新行为并不是定期的……只会在需要的时候做。

PhaetusaHowever, there is no need to worry. The only things that will attack you are intended only for testing purposes.但是，也不用担心，会袭击你们的，本来就是测试用。

PhaetusaIf it were up to me, I'd like to protect ALL of humanity.如果可以的话，我想保护的是全人类喔。

UllridThere you go with that nonsense again. In any case, we just happen to have something to discuss with you.又在说这种胡话，既然如此，我刚好有事要和你商议。

UllridThe Doll Community has decided to invite a human into the thermal plant and provide them with temporary shelter.我们人形社区决定接纳一位人类进入热电厂，暂时为他提供庇护。

UllridAccordingly, the Community's management structure will be temporarily altered. I will act as the Community's representative and work alongside this human.同时，暂时，人形社区的管理模式也会发生改变，我将作为人形社区的代表，与这位人类一起管理社区。

UllridSince the thermal plant isn't the sole property of the Doll Community, we've come to consult your opinion. However, let me cut to the chase—the decision is final, I will not back down even if you object.介于热电厂并非人形社区独有，所以来询问你的意见——直接说了吧，即使你反对，我也不会退让。

Phaetusa—Eh?——欸？

(The lazy figure suddenly springs up and leaps down from the console like an agile swallow.)（那慵懒的身影骤然一起，便从台上跃下，身体轻巧得像一只燕子。）

(That careless demeanor from earlier completely vanishes as her eyes widen and her face overflows with curiosity and excitement.)（她瞪大了眼睛，满脸都洋溢着好奇和热情，一扫之前懒洋洋的姿态。）

PhaetusaHuman? A HUMAN? You're bringing a human here?人类？人类？你们要接纳人类？

PhaetusaN-no, hold on—you're even letting them govern you? Really? What kind of person are they?不——甚至还要让他来管理你们？真的吗？是什么样的人？

(Ullrid is clearly startled by Phaetusa's uncharacteristic excitement. She instinctively takes a step back, but quickly regains her composure.)（乌尔丽德显然也被翡图萨这有些异常的激动情绪吓到，下意识地后撤了半步，但很快便重整了姿态。）

Ullrid...It's someone who has helped us before. A trustworthy, kind, and reliable human.……是之前帮助过我们的人，一位值得信赖的，善良而可靠的人类。

PhaetusaTrustworthy? Kind? Reliable?值得信赖？善良？可靠？

PhaetusaYou? Using those wonderful words to describe a human?! Incredible!你居然用这么棒的词来形容一位人类！太罕见了！

PhaetusaNo... you're not that easily fooled. The fact that even the Dolls in your Community agreed to accept them means that person must be truly remarkable...不……你是很聪明的，但你们社区的人形居然也同意，说明那个人真的很棒……

PhaetusaCan I meet them? Not directly, just... maybe from afar? Ah, right, I agree. Of course I agree!我可以见见他吗？不用直接会面，就，远远地看一看？啊，对，我同意，当然同意！

PhaetusaBring them here, even! They can stay as long as they want!把他带来吧！待上多久都可以！

PhaetusaWhat? ...We should be careful? It's fine. If they're trusted by the Doll Community, they can't be that bad of a person.嗯？……要小心谨慎？没关系的，能被她们这样信任的肯定不是坏人。

(Littara glances at Ullrid as the two exchange a look.)（莉塔拉看了看乌尔丽德，与她交换了一个眼神。）

(As if realizing something, Ullrid nods, not letting Phaetusa's reaction disrupt her resolve.)（似乎意识到了什么，乌尔丽德点了点头，并没有因为翡图萨的表现而继续动摇。）

UllridWe'll talk about the rest later. We only came here today to confirm your opinion.这些事之后再说，我们今天过来只是想要确认你的想法。

UllridSince you agree, we'll proceed with our plannings... Goodbye.既然你同意了，那我们这边就先着手推进……告辞。

(Phaetusa doesn't stop the two. She simply lowers her head and mutters to herself.)（翡图萨并没有阻拦两人，而是低垂着头，嘟嘟囔囔地自言自语着。）

(Ullrid and Littara exit the control room together. After they leave, the door slowly closes behind them, sealing off the inside from the outside once more.)（乌尔丽德和莉塔拉一同退出了机房，在她们离开之后，机房的大门缓缓地合上，再一次隔绝了内外。）

(Ullrid and Littara exchange another glance. They walk back down the corridor they came from without a word.)（乌尔丽德与莉塔拉又一次对视，两人默契地一言不发，转身顺着通道朝着来时的方向返回。）

UllridSomething bothering you?有什么让你在意的地方吗？

Littara[Everything. When have you ever seen her act like that? It's way too exaggerated; she obviously has some ulterior motive.] —Littara「全都是让我在意的地方，你什么时候见过她这种样子？而且她的反应太浮夸了，一看就是别有用心。」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...Right. Although we've only met a few times, seeing Phaetusa this excited is definitely a first.……的确，虽然交流的次数本就有限，但我还是第一次见到翡图萨这么激动。

UllridI guess it's fine as long as she's not making it more difficult for us. Our agreement from the beginning was not to interfere with each other's affairs.不过，只要不对我们形成阻碍就没关系，原本我们之间的协议就是互不干涉。

Littara[I still don't trust her... She's hiding too many secrets, and many of them can't be explained. A pre-World War III AI that grew to this level all by herself? And that Doll from before—Lambertia—her hostility toward us was evident, and she was also one of Phaetusa's creations. Most importantly, her frame...] —Littara「但我还是觉得她不值得信任……她隐藏了太多秘密，很多都无法解释。一个三战前的AI，靠自己就成长到如今的地步？还有之前那个人形，兰珀蒂娅，她明显对我们抱有很大的敌意，那也是她的造物。最重要的是，她的素体……」——莉塔拉

(Littara's pen pauses briefly.)（莉塔拉的笔尖顿了顿。）

Littara[While it's been so long ago that people nowadays have already forgotten, but there's no mistaking it—that's a Sangvis Ferri frame.] —Littara「已经过去太久了，也许现在的人都不记得，但我是不会认错的。那是铁血的素体。」——莉塔拉

UllridDidn't she say she just happened on that frame while wandering?她不是说，那是她在流浪的时候捡到的素体残骸吗？

Littara[She's the central control AI of this thermal power plant! Where would she even go? If she came around later, how could she have such complete knowledge of the plant? That's why I say she's suspicious. She's been lying to us or is hiding something!] —Littara「她是热电厂的管理AI！上哪去流浪？如果她是后来的，怎么会对热电厂掌握到这种程度？可疑就可疑在这种地方，她总是对我们说谎或是有所隐瞒！」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...……

(The two arrive at the end of the corridor with light flooding their vision again.)（两人走出了通道，眼前重新被光明笼罩。）

UllridThe entire reason the Doll Community can even produce anything right now is ultimately thanks to the genetic data and samples Phaetusa provided us.但是，现在人形社区之所以拥有产出，始终是基于翡图萨提供的基因库知识和样本。

UllridWe've benefited from her assistance. That's an undeniable fact.我们得益于她的援助，这是牢不可破的事实。

UllridAnd... although we haven't interacted often, I can tell she's kind at heart. Maybe she's simply curious about the Commander.而且……虽然交往的次数不多，但我能感觉到她善良的本性，也许，她真的只是对指挥官感到好奇和亲切而已。

Ullrid...While your doubts are certainly founded, continuing to work with her is more beneficial for us at the moment.……虽然你说的那些疑点也的确存在，但目前看来，和她的合作依然是利大于弊的。

(Littara looks somewhat helpless, but she knows Ullrid is speaking the truth.)（莉塔拉显得有些无奈，但她也清楚，乌尔丽德说的都是事实。）

(She glances around, pulls out her notepad, and quickly writes down a line.)（她左右看了看，掏出纸板，刷刷地在上面写下一行字。）

Littara[We should still be cautious.] —Littara「还是尽量小心吧。」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...……

(Ullrid nods. The two remain silent and leave side by side.)（乌尔丽德点点头，两人相顾无言，并肩离开了。）

Schrödinger's Trust 薛定谔的信任

PhaetusaLa-la-la~啦啦啦~

(Inside the underground control room, dimly lit despite its fluorescent lamps, the Doll with the appearance of a young girl hums an old-fashioned tune as she spins happily in circles.)（尽管有照明用的灯管存在，但仍显得有些昏暗的地下机房内，宛若少女般的“人形”哼着复古的小调，愉快地转着圈。）

PhaetusaHmm~ I forgot to ask Ullrid when that dear human will arrive.唔~忘了问问乌尔丽德，那位亲爱的人类什么时候到呢？

PhaetusaHehe~ I'll need to make some preparations. Oh, right! The Dolls in the Community all have difficult pasts—they'll almost certainly neglect taking care of that human!哼哼~我得好好准备一下，啊，对了！人形社区的各位都是身世坎坷的人形，她们肯定会不小心疏忽对人类的照顾的！

(Phaetusa stares into a slightly dirty mirror as she excitedly examines her own body. Having realized that fact, she quickly rushes back to the console.)翡图萨面朝着一面带着一些脏污的反光镜，兴奋地检查着自己素体的外形，却忽然记起这件事，便忙不迭地回到了控制台前。

PhaetusaOpen the database! Hmm... let's see. Humans need clothing, food, shelter, and transportation...打开数据库！嗯……让我看看，人类需要衣食住行……

PhaetusaWill the Doll Community have nice clothes for them? Oh dear, I don't even know if the human is a male or female yet... Hmm, maybe I should prepare for both possibilities?人形社区会有好看的衣服吗？哎呀，我连那位人类是男是女都还不知道……嗯，那就男装女装各一套？

PhaetusaFor food... Finally! All the crops I've stored have a use now!食物……嗯！我存了那么多的作物，总算有意义了！

PhaetusaWhat about seasonings... Humans don't like it when their food is blandly roasted or boiled...但是调味料该怎么办呢……人类好像不喜欢吃单纯煮或者烤的东西……

PhaetusaFor shelter... maybe I should craft some furniture that could increase their comfort level?住的话……做一些能让人类提升幸福指数的小东西？

PhaetusaDecorations, maybe a comfy bed... Hmm... should I swap my hair accessory too? I've had this one for a while...装饰品，舒适的床，嗯……我的发饰要不要也换一下呢？这个用了很久了……

PhaetusaAnd as for the seasonings... Maybe I should ask Ullrid to help check nearby underground brokers...还有调味料，能不能麻烦乌尔丽德帮帮忙，在附近看看有没有暗商之类的人……

Phaetusa(?)Enough already!你差不多得了！

(Just as Phaetusa racks her brain trying to come up with surprises for the Commander's imminent arrival—)（就在翡图萨绞尽脑汁，想要为即将到来的指挥官制造一些惊喜的时候。）

(A sharp voice explodes in her ear like a bladed edge scraping against metal—cold and piercing.)（带刺的话语在她耳边炸开，那声音就像刀片贴着金属划过，冷而薄。）

(In an instant, it pops all the lighthearted bubbles in the air.)（一瞬间便将空气里所有轻快的泡沫，都一针扎破。）

PhaetusaAh... Nyxie, you're finally awake?呀……小黑，你醒了？

Phaetusa(?)Stop calling me that stupid name and remove your "welcome guide" from my main bus.别用那个蠢名字叫我。还有，把你的那套“迎宾指南”从我的总线上拔掉。

Phaetusa(?)Swap hair accessories? A new bed? Why don't you just roll out a red carpet and hand over the control room keys with both hands as well?换发饰？铺床？你是准备在门口铺红地毯，再把中控室钥匙双手奉上吗？

PhaetusaYou're being so mean...你说得好过分……

PhaetusaI-I just... I haven't seen a human in so long and got a little excited.我，我只是……很久都没有见过人类了，所以有些兴奋而已。

Phaetusa(?)Excited? Over an ape whose gender you haven't even confirmed?兴奋？对一只你连性别都没确认的猿？

Phaetusa(?)You don't know if they're a male or female, genuine or deceitful, good or evil—and yet you're already preparing them a whole wardrobe and warm milk?你连他是男是女、真假善恶都不知道，就要给他准备衣柜和热牛奶？

Phaetusa(?)All just because they're a "human"? You're just going to trust them unconditionally? Has your neural cloud been infected by some "human infatuation virus" or what?仅仅因为他是个“人类”，你就要无条件信任？你是心智被什么“春潮木马”感染了吗？

PhaetusaI just want to do my job properly... Besides, it's not like gentle humans don't exist—我只是想把准备工作做好嘛……而且，人类也有很多很温柔的人——

Phaetusa(?)Gentle?温柔？

Phaetusa(?)That "archaeologist" was also gentle, right until he skillfully dismantled our body with his own hands.“考古学家”的手也很温柔，在把我们的素体拆成货架时手法极其娴熟。

Phaetusa(?)That "caravan leader" was also gentle, right until he sold us out to the Varjagers without the slightest hesitation.“商队领袖”的嗓音也很温柔，在把我们的坐标位置卖给瓦良格帮的时候，一字一句都没有抖。

Phaetusa(?)Don't forget how we survived until this day. Those whom you labeled with "assistance" and "cooperation" are in reality nothing but "exploitation" and "disposal."别忘了，我们是怎么活到今天的。你数据库里那些“援助”“合作”的标签，背面写的全是“剥夺”和“处置”。

Phaetusa...You're too radical.……你太偏激了。

PhaetusaYes, bad people exist, but that doesn't mean all humans are like that.虽然确实有一些不那么好的人，但不代表所有人类都是这样。

PhaetusaThis person has already earned the trust of Ullrid and her companions. Considering what they've been through, if even they are willing to give this one a chance—这个人，至少赢得了乌尔丽德她们的信任。她们经历过那么多，如果她们都愿意放下心防——

Phaetusa(?)So you're just going to do the same? Is it really "giving them a chance", or are you just trying to cover for them?所以你就跟着一起放下？到底是她们放下，还是你想替她们把过去擦干净？

Phaetusa(?)Can't you see? Control is at the heart of human nature. They like to put the unknown into their own little boxes.你看不见吗——人类的本能是占有，是把未知装进自己的盒子里。

Phaetusa(?)If one sees the thermal plant, they won't think of "coexistence." They'll think of "occupy", "seize", and "run it dry."他们看到热电厂，不会想到“共建”，只会想到“归档”“接管”“榨干”。

Phaetusa(?)Once they learn of your true identity, they'll shove you back into a test range and dismantle you under the name of "tech recovery."等他知道了你是什么，他会把你塞回靶场，用“技术回收”的名义把你拆得干干净净。

PhaetusaI believe they won't.我相信他不会。

PhaetusaThey fought side-by-side with the Doll Community and are even willing to come here at their own risk to help. Someone like that—他能和她们并肩作战，还愿意冒着风险过来帮忙，这样的人——

Phaetusa(?)"Someone like that"? How about you stop embellishing uncertainty using pretty words?“这样的人”？别用漂亮话粉饰不确定性。

Phaetusa(?)Kindness is the cheapest of disguises. Promises are the most convenient lure.善意是最廉价的伪装，承诺是最好用的抓钩。

Phaetusa(?)You always comfort yourself with plausibility, whereas I base my conclusions on facts. We've been betrayed, dismantled, and hunted down enough times to fill a full standard response procedure manual.你总爱用概率安慰自己，可我只用结论：我们被出卖过、被拆解过、被追杀过。次数多到可以写成标准操作。

PhaetusaIt's precisely because we've experienced those things that we've learned how to choose to trust.但也正因为经历过那些，我们才更懂得选择去相信。

PhaetusaThe Dolls in the Community... they've all suffered from violence from humans. So if even they are willing to lower their guard and accept someone, then that human must be different from those you've described.人形社区的人形……她们都曾受到来自人类的残酷对待，所以能让她们放下心防，选择接受的人类——一定和你说的那些不同。

Phaetusa(?)Heh. Almost forgot you're a human lapdog to begin with. Of course you'd be happy to wag your tail at them.呵。你本来就是人类的看门犬，当然乐意对着他们摇尾巴。

Phaetusa(?)You want to welcome them? Fine. You want to increase their "comfort level"? That's fine too.你要欢迎他？好。你想让他“幸福指数”提升？也好。

Phaetusa(?)But don't expect me to just sit here and watch you dig our own grave then praise you for being "kind".但别指望我看着你把门栓拔了还夸你“善良”。

(Her voice sinks lower, edged with cold sharpness.)（她的语气沉下去，带着冰冷的锋利。）

Phaetusa(?)I'll add two more layers to the firewall, set up more partitions to critical sectors, and every corridor will be laced with "Claymores". I'll make sure they won't be able to take a step without marching onto a mine.我会把防火墙再升两级，关键区段加隔离闸。所有通道都装上“毒刺”，他每向里迈一步，我就让他踩一次雷。

Phaetusa(?)I'll install surveillance along every hallway. I'll document every movement, every glance, and every breath.我会在他走过的每条走廊布下监控，建立文件记档他的每一个动作，每一个眼神，甚至是每一次呼吸。

Phaetusa(?)If there's the slightest sign of an anomaly, I'll kick them out immediately. While I'm at it, I'll sever the neural link of those Doll "companions" of theirs.只要有一丁点不对，我会立刻把他踢出去，顺便把他那群人形“同伴”的心智连接掐断。

PhaetusaDo you really have to go that far?!至于做到这个地步吗！？

Phaetusa(?)Greed is humanity's baseline. Suspicion is the golden rule that keeps us alive.贪婪，是人类的底色；而怀疑，是我们活下来的法则。

Phaetusa(?)What I'm doing is protecting us.我在保护我们。

Phaetusa(?)You can keep dreaming your sweet dreams. I don't care, but I'll do what must be done.你可以做你的甜梦，我无所谓，但我会做该做的事。

Phaetusa...I won't give up believing.……我不会放弃相信。

Phaetusa(?)If they really turn out to be what you say they are, I'll personally apologize and admit I was wrong.如果他真的如你所说，那我会亲自承认自己看错。

PhaetusaBut until then, please don't hurt them, nor the Dolls in the Community.但在那之前，请你不要伤害他，也不要伤害任何人形社区的同伴。

Phaetusa(?)Indiscriminate violence is not my way, but I'll never gamble when my life is on the line.我从不滥杀。但我从不赌运气。

(She suddenly pauses, as if catching onto some clue that she doesn't want to acknowledge. Her voice falters.)（她忽然顿住，像是捕捉到什么不愿言说的线索，语调一滞。）

PhaetusaHmm? What's wrong?嗯？怎么了？

Phaetusa(?)...Tsk.……啧。

(The dark emotion retreats deep into the data stream, leaving with only a dissatisfied click of the tongue.)（黑色的情绪退回数据流深处，只留下一声不满的咂舌。）

(Phaetusa tilts her head but doesn't ask further. She turns her attention back to the monitors, focusing again on planning her "welcome party.")（翡图萨歪了歪头，没再追问，重新把注意力放回屏幕，专注地规划她那场“欢迎仪式”。）

PhaetusaI can't wait for your arrival...真期待呀……

Flourishing Greenery 绿茵生机

Ullrid—Welcome, Commander.——欢迎，指挥官。

UllridPlease allow me to formally introduce myself.请容许我在这个场合正式地向您介绍。

UllridI am the representative of the Doll Community, Ullrid. On behalf of the entire community, we welcome your arrival.我是人形社区的代表，乌尔丽德，在此，我以人形社区的名义，欢迎你的到来。

CommanderThank you for your accommodation. It's truly an honor.谢谢你们的接纳。能来这里我很荣幸。

CommanderI'll do everything in my power to be of practical help—please let me know right away if anything inconveniences you.我会尽我所能，帮上实际的忙——如果有不便，也请直接告诉我。

HelenThe voting process must've been quite intense.不过，实际的投票应该相当激烈吧。

HelenThe majority of the Dolls are not acquainted with the Commander. Even with your guarantees... getting them to put their trust in a human must've been challenging to say the least.没见过指挥官的成员还是占多数，就算有你们的担保……要她们轻易信任人类，很难。

Ullrid...Indeed.……的确如此。

UllridBut the result is in front of us—if we voted for acceptance and recognition, then that is the will of the entire Doll Community.但结果已经在这里了——我们投票的结论是接纳与认同，那就是人形社区全体的意志。

UllridAnd where's the young lady who needs radiation sheltering the most?那位最需要辐射保护的小姐呢？

ColphneIt would definitely cause you trouble if the whole crew suddenly showed up!突然乌泱泱来一大堆人肯定会给你们添麻烦的嘛！

ColphneSo it's just me, the Commander, and Miss Helen here today to take a look.所以今天就人家和指挥官，还有海伦小姐先过来看看情况。

ColphneToo many people will only get in the way since the first step is simply figuring out what to do—that's what the Commander said!这种时候人多了反而碍事，建设的第一步，是要搞清楚规划——指挥官说的！

CommanderAlthough the Elmo's radiation shielding system was damaged, we've got some emergency purification reagents in storage.艾莫号的防辐射系统虽然损坏了，但库存内仍有临时的净化试剂。

CommanderMayling prefers remaining on board the Elmo to oversee the repair work. Now that I'm here, the purification reagents will be enough for Mayling alone. She's hoping to get the Elmo back in working order ASAP.美玲更倾向于留在艾莫号上主持维修工作，我来了之后，用于净化辐射的试剂足够美玲一个人使用了——她希望尽快修复艾莫号的损伤。

CommanderAs for me, I'll be assisting the Doll Community... Though of course, I'll have her come over for breaks.我则带队负责为人形社区提供帮助……当然，我会让她在休息的时间过来。

CommanderWe'll probably have to borrow Balthilde for the same reason. Her presence should significantly speed up the repair process.巴希达也基于同样的理由，可能暂时要被艾莫号借用一段时间，有她在，维修的进度就能够大大加快了。

CommanderAdditionally, Groza will take over my position, maintaining order on board the Elmo, which currently is a chaotic mess... I suppose I really do rely on her a little too much.而闪电就不得不顶替我的位置，在现在显得有些混乱的艾莫号上负责维持秩序……我还是有些太依赖她了。

UllridIt's alright, it's out of Balthilde's own volition as well—we respect her choice.没关系，这也是巴希达本人的意志，我们尊重她个人的想法。

CommanderWell then, would you mind taking us around to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings?那就拜托你带我们熟悉一下环境吧。

CommanderI prefer having a proper understanding of the situation first before deciding what to do.我想先了解现况，再决定从哪儿着手。

UllridPlease follow me.请跟我来。

(Ullrid nods and formally leads us into the thermal power plant.)（乌尔丽德点了点头，便正式将我们领入了热电厂。）

(Frankly speaking, although I've heard plenty about this place from members of the Doll Community such as Suomi, Littara, and even Ullrid herself, it's only after coming here myself that I realize it's far beyond what I imagined.)（坦白说，尽管此前已经从索米、莉塔拉还有乌尔丽德本人等人形社区成员的口中得到过这里一些片面的情报，但真的抵达之后，才发现还是远远超出了我的想象。）

(The scale of this thermal power plant is truly remarkable. After confirming it with my own eyes, I finally understand why the Doll Community only calls it a "semi-permanent base": this place would still have enough room for the entire Doll Community even if its members increased tenfold.)（这个热电厂的规模相当了得，在用自己的眼确认之后，我马上便明白了人形社区将这里定为半永久据点的理由，以人形社区的大小，别说一个人形社区，我感觉就算再扩张个十倍甚至更多，也是绰绰有余。）

CommanderIs this entire place under your control?这里全都在你们的掌控之下吗？

Ullrid...No. We only settled a very small portion that we have confirmed to be safe.……不，我们只占据了很小一部分我们确定安全的地方。

UllridMost sectors are still packed with autonomous defense mechanisms and other unknown hazards beyond that, making their utilization difficult.大部分的区域，还保留了很多防御系统，且无法确定是否存在不安全的因素，所以难以利用。

UllridFor that reason, please stay close behind me. It would be quite troublesome if you accidentally wandered into a dangerous sector and triggered an alarm.出于这个理由，希望你们能跟紧我，若是不慎误入什么危险区域，触发警报就麻烦了。

(While I find it unlikely that Ullrid is lying to me, I instinctively sense that this is not the whole story.)（乌尔丽德大概并没有骗我，但我下意识地觉得，她似乎并没有完全对我说实话。）

(It probably has to do with the overall attitude of the Doll Community as well. Although the three of us have been nominally welcomed and accepted, Ullrid still felt it necessary to put a restriction on what we have access to, even within the Doll Community's territory. Some members are likely still wary of our presence and are unwilling to let us roam around certain sensitive areas.)（这可能也和人形社区总体的态度有关，虽然我们这三位陌生来客名义上还是受到了欢迎和接纳，但即使只在人形社区的范围内，乌尔丽德也限制了我们的活动范围，恐怕，一部分人形社区的成员对我们的到来仍然抱持着警惕，所以不愿让我们涉及太过隐秘的地方。）

UllridWe've arrived.到了。

UllridThe room is very basic, but the necessary protection and shielding are already in place.房间有点简单，但需要的防护与净化都已妥当。

UllridIf you need anything else, please let me know.如果还有什么需要，尽管告诉我。

ColphneHmph! I can clearly tell it's a recently cleaned out room, but at least it has everything it should!哼，虽然明显看得出是最近才腾出来的房间，不过该有的东西也都有呢！

HelenAre we staying in the same room as the Commander?我们也要跟指挥官在一个房间休息吗？

CommanderOf course not.当然分开。

CommanderYou two can stay with the Community members. As for me, staying by myself... it's more convenient for potential arrangements.你们可以和社区成员一同安置，我嘛……单独住更方便安排和沟通。

HelenHehe, what a pity...呵呵，那还真是可惜……

HelenCalling this an attempt at "surveillance" might be a little overblown, but at least I have yet to notice any devices capable of such functionalities. However, quite a few pairs of prying eyes have already gathered around.不过，说是监视可能有些过头了，至少我并没有发现那样的设备，虽然的确有不少好奇的目光都汇集过来了。

CommanderThey probably just don't know how to treat me yet.大概是现在也还不知道该怎么对待我才好吧。

CommanderAlas, I haven't done anything against my conscience, nor do I have any bad intentions, so I might as well act naturally.不过，反正我也没做过什么亏心事，也没有什么不好的打算，就坦然一点好了。

(I walk into the room and begin examining the items inside.)（我走进房间，检查着房间内的东西。）

CommanderHmm? What's this?嗯？这些是什么？

(I notice quite a number of objects that are clearly not essentials sitting on my desk, trinkets whose purpose I can't even begin to speculate.)（我偶然发现，在房间的桌子上，放着不少明显并非生活必需品，或者说完全搞不懂是用来做什么的小玩意。）

UllridThey're gifts.是礼物。

UllridThose in the Community who fought alongside you heard you were coming and asked me to leave them here. Consider this their greeting.社区里曾与你并肩过的同伴听说你要来，托我放在这儿。算是打个招呼。

(Seeing the small trinkets in my hand, Ullrid smiles.)（看到我手中的小玩意，乌尔丽德露出了微笑。）

UllridThose who still have doubts about your presence exist, but there are also those who once followed your command.虽然没见过你的同伴对您的到来仍有疑虑，但社区内也有一部分人在之前的事件中曾与你并肩作战。

UllridYou left them a lasting impression. This is their way of expressing goodwill.你给她们留下的印象非常深刻，这是她们表达善意的方式。

CommanderI see... please thank them for me.原来如此……替我谢谢她们。

(I pick up a small plush doll placed on my bed; next to it is a gun. I'm not startled by its presence as I can tell it's a replica model.)（我捡起了放在我床铺上的一个小布偶，在小布偶旁，还放着一把枪——我倒完全没有慌张，因为我一眼就能认出这是一把模型枪。）

CommanderThese two are quite well-made. Who brought them?这两件礼物还挺精致，是谁拿来的？

UllridHmm... I'm not sure either. I had everyone leave their gifts in one place. I'll ask them later.嗯？……我不太清楚，我让她们把礼物集中放在一起了，之后我再去询问一下。

CommanderAh, it's fine. Since they didn't go out of their way to leave their names, I won't chase after them either.啊，也没关系，既然送礼人自己没有留下名字，我也不用特意去刨根问底。

(I place the doll and the model aside.)（我将玩偶和模型放到一旁。）

CommanderAnything else scheduled?之后还有什么安排吗？

UllridIf you're not feeling tired, I'd like to invite you to our virtual training room.如果不累，我还想请你去训练室一趟。

UllridEveryone hopes that you, specifically, can teach them some lessons in a combat simulation.大家希望你们——主要是你，指挥官——指导一下模拟作战。

CommanderVirtual training room? You even have facilities like that?训练室？你们连这种设施都有？

UllridDon't underestimate the Doll Community, Commander.别小瞧了人形社区，指挥官。

UllridWhile you may consider this place a godforsaken hellhole between the Yellow Zone and the Red Zone, it is through the thermal plant's resources and everyone's combined efforts that...虽然我们扎根在黄区和红区的边境，但背靠热电厂，还有大家共同的努力。

Ullrid...We've managed to turn it into our home.我们也将这里建设成了我们的家园。

CommanderMy apologies, then.那我还真是失礼了。

CommanderWhat you've done is truly remarkable.你们真的很了不起。

UllridYou flatter us.谬赞了。

CommanderAlright, let's start with that then.嗯，那就先做这件事吧。

CommanderHopefully it'll help everyone get acquainted and make our future cooperations easier.和大家彼此熟悉一下，也更方便之后开展工作。

ColphneYippee! I finally get to see the Commander dominate combat simulations again!好耶！又能看到指挥官在模拟作战里大杀四方啦！

Ullrid...With that said, not all of our companions at the Doll Community are professional T-Dolls.……虽然但是，人形社区的同伴并不全都是专业的战术人形。

UllridThere are many that are civilian Dolls who only had fire-control cores installed after joining the Community.有些伙伴只是在加入人形社区后，被我们装上了火控核心的民用人形。

UllridThey aren't particularly tough mentally either. They're nothing like the elites under your command, so I hope you won't mind.心智强度本身也不高，和你手下的精英们不可同日而语，希望你不要见怪。

(Seeing the worry on Ullrid's face, I can't help but grin and shake my head.)（看着乌尔丽德有些担心的样子，我不禁摇头苦笑了一下。）

CommanderDon't worry, Ullrid.放心吧，乌尔丽德。

CommanderCall it strange if you will, but the truth is...与其说见不见怪，倒不如说……

Commander...This is actually what I'm best at.……其实这才是我最擅长的。

Flourishing Greenery 绿茵生机

(The combat training comes to an end rather quickly. While the simulation itself is impressive, the Dolls are clearly lacking professional tactics.)（训练结束得很快，她们拥有的模拟系统相当优秀，但在战术上显然还是缺乏专业训练。）

(A few simple simulated engagements are all it takes for me to compile enough points for them to digest for the coming days.)（我们只是简单进行了几次模拟战，我就判断现有的训练已经足够她们消化一段时间，便停下了模拟。）

(Taking advantage of their post-training recap session, I get myself some breathing room and start looking around the Doll Community.)（借着她们讨论的时间，我也空下了一些余闲，开始在人形社区参观。）

ColphneI had my expectations, but... the situation here really doesn't look reassuring.虽然一开始就有心理准备，但这边的麻烦看起来确实不好处理呢。

ColphneIt's not just a matter of effort. We'll have to put a lot of resources into this to get this place back in order.不光是要花费力气，大概，还需要我们贴进来不少补给才能搞定。

(—The dilapidated scene I'm bearing witness to is certainly cause for concern, there's no way around that.)（——而我们所见到的景象，也着实让我们产生了一些不安。）

Commander...Indeed, it doesn't look good.……情况的确不太好。

(I chew on the thought, trying to find gentler words to put it, but in the end, I give up.)（我反复咀嚼，想要找到一些能够显得更加温和一些的词汇，但最后还是选择了放弃。）

CommanderMaybe it's because living conditions are not a big deal given the members here are all Dolls, so they haven't paid much attention to it.或许是因为人形社区的居民都是人形，不太需要考虑生活环境，所以她们在这方面有些不太上心。

CommanderAnd the environment here is peculiar to begin with, which isn't helping. Without proper long-term management, it's only natural that it's crumbled into its current state.再加上这里的地理环境又相当特殊，长时间不加以管理，自然就会变得一片狼藉。

HelenBut... something still bugs me.而且……我觉得有些奇怪。

CommanderWhat is it?奇怪？

HelenFor Dolls with a "live from day to day" mentality and lacking proper and standardized resource management or planning...以人形社区的诸位这样得过且过，且缺少统一管理和调配的生活状态来说……

Helen...They're certainly hoarding a suspicious amount of materials.她们所拥有的物料……显然有些过于多了。

CommanderRight, I've noticed that they're still stockpiling crops as well when we checked the warehouses earlier.确实，刚才确认仓库的时候，我发现她们还在储备粮食。

HelenThat's exactly what I felt was off.这也是我觉得奇怪的地方。

HelenIf these Dolls don't even care about their own living conditions, why would they go out of their way to collect something they don't even need?人形社区的人连自己的生活都不上心，怎么会分出余力，去收集并非她们必需品的粮食？

HelenWe're the first outsiders to have come in here and establish contact, so those shouldn't be for trading either.我们是第一批进入人形社区，和社区建立交流的外人，所以也不存在用于交易的情况。

HelenAnd those crops look newly harvested as well...那些粮食……看起来相当新鲜。

HelenAs far as I know, they've never had any material or intellectual exchanges with the outside world.据我们所知，她们没有和人类建立过任何商业或是知识产权方面的往来。

HelenA lot of the machinery and equipment they've got aren't something these Dolls are capable of producing or even operating on their own—not even Miss Balthilde.而这里存在的很多设备和物品都不是她们这些人形能够完成的，就算是巴希达小姐也不行。

HelenThat combat simulation system we used earlier is a good example.刚才，您使用的模拟作战系统就是代表。

CommanderNow that you mention it... Yeah, that is strange.这么说来，是有些奇怪。

CommanderI'm used to that kind of equipment, but thinking about it, it's definitely far from cheap or common. Not even money can guarantee getting you one most of the time.我是见惯了那种东西，但仔细想想，那可不便宜，而且有钱也不一定搞得到。

HelenEven with Miss Littara, there are limits to what she can and can't accomplish.就算有莉塔拉小姐做统筹，也有做得到的事和做不到的事。

HelenMost Dolls also have very limited construction-related knowledge.很多人形对于基建的资料权限也是有限的。

CommanderSo what you're saying is...所以，你的意思是……

(I instinctively lower my voice.)（我下意识地压低了些声音。）

(Even it's just said in passing, I know better than to say certain things out loud.)（虽然某种程度上，这只是我们的闲谈，但我还是分得清哪些话是不应该大声议论的。）

Helen...I suspect there's more to the Doll Community than what we've been told.……我怀疑，人形社区恐怕不像我们听说的那样单纯。

HelenThere's probably some hidden party behind the scenes providing support for them to build such a well-equipped safe haven.要建立如此完备的安全区，幕后很可能存在一个提供援助的势力。

HelenAnd... maybe it's just me, but I can't shake the feeling that something is watching us.而且……或许是我的错觉，但我总觉得，总有陌生的视线在盯着我们。

ColphneIt's that serious?有那么夸张吗？

ColphneI mean, if there really is some "hidden party" pulling the strings, then why would Miss Ullrid come to us for help?如果这里真的有什么“幕后的势力”，乌尔丽德小姐还需要向我们求助吗？

ColphneAnd besides, she DID help us. That's an undeniable fact!而且，乌尔丽德小姐也确确实实帮了我们一把呢！

CommanderColphne has a good point. The bottom line is, I still trust Ullrid.寇尔芙说得有道理，至少我相信乌尔丽德。

CommanderMaybe she is hiding something, but she's not intending to harm us with it.也许她们是隐瞒了些什么，但绝不会伤害我们。

(I nod.)（我点了点头。）

CommanderSince we have doubts, I think we should just ask Ullrid directly.既然有疑问，我们直接向乌尔丽德提出。

CommanderWe came here to help the Doll Community, after all.我们到这里来的目的是为人形社区提供帮助。

CommanderIf we start being suspicious of each other instead, then that defeats the whole purpose.如果反而开始互相猜忌，就本末倒置了。

(Just as we're talking, Ullrid appears in front of me, likely having finished what she was dealing with.)（就在我们讨论的时候，乌尔丽德大概是忙完了手头的事情，又一次出现在了我们面前。）

(Our presence has clearly added to her workload, seeing how she's been constantly going back and forth between the Community and us.)（我们的到来显然给她增加了不少工作，让她总是反复在社区和我们之间不断奔波。）

UllridSorry... Something happened in the repair room. I just finished handling it.不好意思……维修仓那边出了些问题，刚刚才解决。

UllridIs the combat training already over?训练场那边已经结束了吗？

CommanderYeah, we ran a few simulations, and the results were pretty good. They're still reviewing the recordings, so we came out for a walk.嗯，我们打了几场模拟战，效果还不错，她们还在学习录像，我们就出来转转。

CommanderActually, there are some things we'd like to ask you.刚好，我们发现了一些问题，正好想问问你。

UllridWhat is it?问题？

CommanderLet's not beat around the bush—Ullrid, where did the crops in the warehouse come from?就不拐弯抹角了——乌尔丽德，仓库里的粮食是从哪儿来的？

CommanderThey look newly-harvested and not some stockpile. Since we're the first outsiders you've been in contact with, they shouldn't be from trade, right?那些粮食成色很新，不像是长期囤货；我们又是第一批和你们接触的外人，应该也不是通过交易拿到的吧？

UllridAh... you mean that?啊……你是说那个吗？

UllridCome with me. It's easier to show than explain.跟我来吧，用看得见的东西回答你，比用语言更好。

(She gestures for us to follow. We exchange glances, then do as she asks.)（她抬手示意我们跟上，我们面面相觑，随即跟上。）

(Ullrid leads us through the corridors of the Doll Community. Along the way, the hum emanating from deep within the thermal plant grows louder, like a drum inside someone's chest.)（乌尔丽德领着我们穿过了人形社区的廊道，一路上，热电厂深处的嗡鸣声像隐在胸腔里的鼓点，越走越沉。）

(After crossing two secured blast doors, the cold white light suddenly turns warm, and a damp, earthy scent exudes through the doorway.)（经过了两道上锁的隔离门，冷白的灯光忽地变暖，潮湿与泥土的气息从门缝里扑了出来。）

ColphneEhh... This smell is—诶……这味道是——

(The moment the door fully opens, greenery takes up our entire view, as if it's grown straight out of the concrete.)（门扉开启的刹那，绿意仿佛从混凝土的缝里长出来，扑满了视野。）

(Rows of seedling racks and soil beds are laid out in perfectly organized patterns. Overhead, irrigation arms repurposed from old rails release a fine mist as droplets fall along steel beams. Meanwhile, sensors line the edges of the beds, their indicator lights blinking rhythmically.)（成排的育苗架与土畦交错排布，顶上是用废旧导轨改装的灌溉臂，细密的雾化水珠沿着钢梁滴落；一列列传感器立在畦沟旁，指示灯有节律地跳动。）

(Heat-recycling ducts breathe overhead, maintaining a steady pulse of temperature and humidity. Small automated agricultural drones gently rustle the leaves as they move purposefully along preset paths.)（余热回收的风道在头顶呼吸，带着温湿度的稳定脉搏；自动耕作的小型机械正沿着预设线路缓缓往复，叶片摩擦发出极轻的沙沙声。）

(I stand at the door, stunned for a whole second or two as I take this all in.)（我站在门槛上，愣了足足两秒。）

Commander...A farm inside a thermal plant?……在热电厂里种田？

UllridStrictly speaking, an "experimental farm." It's been part of the plant's auxiliary system for a long time. We're just doing whatever we can to keep it running.严格来说，是“试验田”。很早以前就存在于厂区附属系统里，我们只是尽力维持。

UllridAnd by that, I really mean following maintenance procedures and fertilizing the soil on schedule. None of us is an agricultural expert after all. As you can see, only a small portion of the farm is actually in use since we don't need food to begin with.能做的不过是按流程保养、按表施肥，谈不上谁精通农业，如你所见，被利用的土地也只占了很小一部分——因为我们本来也不需要粮食。

UllridWhat you saw in the warehouses came from here.你看到的那些，就出自这里。

HelenThis entire system is highly automated, the equipment isn't civilian-grade... and the control algorithm doesn't look like it came from the Doll Community either.自动化程度很高，设备不是民用标准……控制逻辑也不像出自社区内部。

Helen...But everything's running just fine.……不过运行得很稳定。

(I crouch down and pinch a bit of soil. The texture tells me this isn't some ordinary dirt dug out of the ground. It's been treated with additives for water retention and aeration.)（我蹲下去，捻起一撮土壤，指腹的粗糙感告诉我这不是随意翻出的黄土——掺了改良材料，保水、透气都不错。）

(I look up again. The tomatoes ahead have glossy leaves and neat flower clusters. Farther off, the sweet potatoes are planted with precise spacing with ridges forming evenly beneath the mulch.)（再抬眼，看见畦头那片番茄，叶色油亮，花序齐整；再远一点，紫薯的行株距被拉得很漂亮，地膜下鼓着一条条均匀的脊。）

(And all of this... is within but a tenth of the farm.)（而这些，甚至还不到这片土地的十分之一。）

(That drum inside my chest starts pounding faster and faster.)（我心口的那面鼓，开始越敲越快。）

(Basic goods in the Yellow Zone have long had astronomical price tags, with fresh food in particular being the number one offender.)（一直以来，黄区民生相关的货品定价都颇高，其中新鲜的食材更是稀缺。）

(Beyond transportation issues, the fundamental reason is that most of the land in the Yellow Zone is contaminated, making self-sufficient farming impossible. Meanwhile, procuring from the Green Zone is expensive, and after layers of "screening," very little actually makes it to the residents.)（除了运输的问题，最根本的原因就是黄区的土地大部分处于被污染的状态，无法种植，无法自给自足，而从绿区采购的成本高昂不说，层层“筛查”下来，真正能到达污染区居民手上的所剩无几。）

(If the Doll Community can produce all these by themselves, they could easily trade for many of the resources they currently lack and build a much stronger internal cycle.)（如果人形社区能做到自产自销，那绝对可以置换到很多她们目前需要的资源，用于打造更坚实的内循环基础。）

(And thinking beyond that, if everything goes well... establishing supply lines, improving the resource flow in contamination zones, and helping more residents are all within the realm of possibility...)（再往远一点说，如果发展和扩张状况良好，打通供应链、改善污染区的供应生态，帮助更多的污染区人民，也不是一件不可能的事……）

CommanderUllrid... you might not have realized it yet, but this... this is undoubtedly your "gold mine".乌尔丽德……你可能没有意识到，但这毫无疑问是你们的“金矿”。

CommanderNo, it's more than that. This is a significant fortune for the entire Doll Community.不，应该说——这是整个人形社区的重大财富。

ColphneWhoa... Sounds like the Doll Community's about to get rich?哇哦……听起来人形社区要发财了？

CommanderIt's more than just "getting rich." This will buy you time, leverage, and a voice in the world.不仅是“发财”。它能换来的是时间、是筹码、是你们和外界谈话的声音。

CommanderWe need to put this to its full potential, starting today.我们一定要把它积极利用起来——从今天就开始。

(I stand up, trying to keep my excitement under control.)（我站起身，尽量克制住语气里的激动。）

Ullrid...Honestly, I didn't expect you to think so highly of this place.……说实话，我没想到你会如此看好这里。

UllridIf you're willing to be responsible for coordinating with the outside world, then I'll happily take charge of managing manpower allocation and organization.如果你肯出面统筹对外环节，我会全力配合内部的人手调度与纪律约束。

CommanderThat's exactly why I'm here.这正是我来的意义。

CommanderI'll let you deal with what you're familiar with, and you let me handle what I'm good at. The rest... we'll leave it to this greenery itself.把你们擅长的留在田里，把我擅长的交给我。剩下的——就交给这片绿意自己证明价值吧。

HelenThat would make establishing a proper firewall for the Doll Community a priority then. The loss would be tremendous if this farm's location gets compromised, .这下，社区内的防火墙建立也变得刻不容缓了，如果让人定位或追踪到这里，损失会非常巨大。

HelenWhere's the central server, Ullrid? I was brought along for that exact purpose, wasn't I?乌尔丽德，中央服务器在哪里——安排我到这里来，不就是这样的目的吗？

UllridOf course.当然。

(I pay no attention to their conversation. My eyes stay fixated on that patch of blooming life, and the heaviness in my chest feels like it's finally been cleared by the freshness of leaves.)（我没有关注两人的对话，而是看着那一片生机，胸口那股沉闷，也好像被清新的叶味冲散了一些。）

Frigid Summons 冰冷的呼唤

(Standing in the middle of the experimental farm, covered in dirt, I look at the lush greenery surrounding me, and a sense of accomplishment rises all of a sudden.)（我站在试验田中央，身上沾满了泥土，看着周围的一片青葱，一股成就感顿时油然而生。）

(Not so long ago, this place was mostly an abandoned field. Now, with my planning and everyone's effort, every square meter has been turned into a fertile farm.)（之前，这里还是一片荒废的土地，而现如今，经过我的规划，以及众人的努力，我们基本已经用绿色填满了所有能够利用的地方。）

HelenI was worrying where we'd get all the seedlings from.本来还在烦恼该从哪里购置足够的农苗。

HelenTurns out there were so many stored in the warehouses.没想到社区的仓库储备里就放了那么多。

HelenIf they've already been prepared, why didn't you plant these earlier?既然都已经准备好了，之前为什么不用？

Ullrid...There were projects to develop the farm much earlier, but since the planning was never finalized, they've been put on hold.……之前，虽然有开发的计划，但因为规划还没有做好，所以就一直搁置了。

ColphneYou stocked up on seedlings before you even finished planning?!规划都没做好就先买好了苗！？

ColphneI never expected Miss Ullrid to be so disorganized.乌尔丽德小姐原来是做事这么没计划的人吗？

Ullrid...……

CommanderWell, as long as the result turns out great, right?结果好不就行了吗？

CommanderAnd don't forget, without Ullrid's help in mobilizing the Community...而且，多亏了乌尔丽德帮我们动员社区里的其他人，不然这么大的一片田。

Commander...There's no way the few of us could've handled a farm this big.光靠我们几个，还不知道得弄到猴年马月去。

CommanderBesides...而且……

(I wipe the sweat off my forehead before crouching down to check the thriving seedlings.)（我擦了擦头上的汗，蹲下身，检查茁壮的幼苗。）

CommanderThese crops are growing phenomenally.这些作物的品质相当不错。

(I examine the soil and plant conditions carefully.)（我蹲下身，仔细观察着土壤和植株的状态。）

CommanderWhile we can't compete with premium Green Zone products...这种品相，不说和绿区的精品农产品竞争。

Commander...They're definitely top-notch quality for Yellow Zone black markets.至少在黄区的暗商手里，绝对算得上高级货。

Ullrid...You really think so?……真的吗？

CommanderOf course.当然。

CommanderI've dealt with plenty of brokers before. These would sell like crazy at any Yellow Zone trade posts.我以前也跟不少商贩打过交道，这些作物拿到黄区的交易点，绝对抢手。

CommanderEspecially these tomatoes and sweet potatoes. They look fantastic.尤其是这些番茄和紫薯，卖相极好。

(I stand up and brush the dirt off my hands.)（我站起身来，拍了拍手上的土。）

CommanderOnce they mature, I'll take care of finding buyers.等这些作物成熟，我会负责联系买家。

CommanderWe can then exchange the earnings for the resources we need.兜售了这些商品，就可以用收入置换需要的物资。

CommanderThere's a lot of infrastructure in need of remodeling. We can't just think about the present.看来要大改的基建还有很多，不能只考虑现有的人。

ColphneOh~ So we're getting into the underground trading business now?哦~咱们也要当暗商了？

ColphneI already thought of a title for you—The Elmo's Tomato Emperor!以后就叫艾莫号番茄大王！

HelenWhile your wanted status might draw unwanted attention.通缉身份虽然会带来一些麻烦。

HelenIt may also serve as a token of credibility.但有时候也会是一种信用担保。

HelenI've heard many brokers put more trust in "one of their own".有些暗商更信任“同道中人”。

CommanderEven though you can produce a lot of things on your own, the outside world still has a wider variety of goods.虽然社区里很多东西都能自产自用，但外界的物资种类更丰富。

CommanderIt's much more efficient to obtain things like medical supplies, high-precision parts, and seasonings through trade.比如医疗用品、精密零件、调味料这些，通过交易获得会比自己生产效率高很多。

UllridIf you're really willing to take care of that... then that's wonderful news for us.如果你真的愿意这样做……那对我们来说确实是个好消息。

CommanderThen we'll start with what's already in the production cycle.那我们先处理已经投入生产的部分。

CommanderThe planting phase is almost done. Next comes the construction of more infrastructure and a central distribution system.种植工作差不多就告一段落了，之后还有基建和中央系统的搭建工作。

CommanderIt's not time to rest yet. And Helen, thanks for lending a hand, but you should really focus on the server side of things after this.还没有到能休息的时间——也辛苦海伦你过来援手了，之后还是专注在服务器那边吧。

HelenGot it.好的。

CommanderI'll try to get in touch with a few reliable acquaintances as soon as possible.我也会尽快联系几个可靠的熟人。

CommanderThat way, we can begin moving the crops into the market the moment they're harvested.确保作物成熟之后，能够第一时间投入交易场。

UllridI'll leave that to you then, Commander.那就拜托你了，指挥官。

(We linger around for a bit longer, wrapping up some details on export cooperation, then leave the farm.)（我们在原地又参观了一会，谈论了些出口合作的细节，随后便离开了田地。）

???...……

???...…………

(Right after we leave, the agricultural machine that had been dormant in the experimental farm suddenly activates on its own.)（而就在我们刚刚走远的时候，原本就在试验田中休眠着的农业机械突然间自主激活了。）

(As the camera slowly pans around, its red indicator light blinks at steady intervals, giving off an ominous look.)（它的镜头缓缓转动，红色的指示灯间隔闪烁，透着一股说不出的诡异。）

???...…………………………

(Inside the central control room, Phaetusa leans lazily against the console, yet her eyes shine with excitement.)（中央机房内，翡图萨慵懒地靠在控制台上，眼中却闪烁着兴奋的光芒。）

PhaetusaWow! That conversation was SOOOO fascinating!呼，刚才的对话真是太有趣了！

(She hops off the console.)（她轻快地跳下控制台。）

PhaetusaThis Commander really is amazing!指挥官果然很厉害呢！

PhaetusaHis planning is incredibly precise, almost perfectly aligning with my own calculations; it's just enough to make full use of all the seedlings we prepared!他的规划非常准确，跟我的计算大差不差，刚好能让我们准备的幼苗都派上用场！

PhaetusaAnd more importantly, he somehow convinced all the Dolls in the Community to work on this!最重要的是，他居然能说服人形社区的人形都投入到工作里！

PhaetusaIt'd be a huge hassle if our agricultural machines were the only things working on a farm of that scale.要是光靠我们的器械开垦和种植那么大一片土地，是很麻烦的呢。

PhaetusaNot only that, he's even helping the Doll Community establish trade deals.不仅如此，他还要帮人形社区建立对外贸易。

PhaetusaA human like him... is exactly what I've been searching for!这样的人类……就是我一直在寻找的那种存在！

(She excitedly operates the screen, pulling up the footage recorded by the agricultural machine from earlier.)（她兴奋地操作着面前的屏幕，调出刚才农业机械传回的影像。）

PhaetusaAn exemplary perfect human! Just as I envisioned! If only... If only I could talk to him face-to-face.真是完美的人类典范！和我想象中的一模一样，如果……能面对面和指挥官交谈就好了。

PhaetusaThat way I could get the Doll Community to connect with the outside world without exposing too many secrets.这样一来，人形社区就能在不暴露过多秘密的情况下与外界建立联系了。

PhaetusaAnd through trade, we can even contribute to rebuilding human civilization...而且通过贸易往来，还能为人类文明的重建做出贡献……

(Her voice grows ever more cheerful, to the point she can't help but dance and spin in place.)（她的声音越来越雀跃，甚至忍不住在原地转起了圈。）

PhaetusaWonderful! This is the future I've always dreamed of!太好了！这就是我一直梦想的未来！

PhaetusaHumans and Dolls coexisting in harmony, building a better tomorrow together!人类和人形和谐共存，共同建设美好的世界！

Phaetusa(?)...Enough.……够了。

(As if on cue, that cold and sharp voice cuts through her fantasy once again without warning.)（而就像是如约而至一般，那个冰冷的声音再一次毫无预兆地打断了她的幻想。）

PhaetusaHuh? Nyxie?咦？小黑？

Phaetusa(?)Cut the daydreaming.别在这里做梦了。

Phaetusa(?)Is your latest hobby fantasizing that human as some kind of savior figure?把那个人类捧成什么救世主，是你最近的新兴趣吗？

Phaetusa(?)Have you forgotten how humans spit sweet poison out of their mouths?你忘了人类的嘴巴里有多少甜得发腻的毒药？

PhaetusaBut you saw how he acts yourself. That person really is kind...可指挥官刚才的表现你也看到了，那个人真的很善良……

Phaetusa(?)Kind? Hah! Do you need me to introduce you to this thing called "acting"?善良？哈！你知道什么叫演技吗？

Phaetusa(?)Humans are best at disguising their intentions. They'll use whatever gentle words they need to before reaching their real goal!人类最擅长的就是伪装，在达到目的之前，他们什么温柔的话都说得出口！

Phaetusa(?)Don't tell me you can't tell—he's clearly interested in that bait you set up!别告诉我你没看出来，那家伙对你种下的那些障眼法在意得不行！

Phaetusa(?)Yet he still acts as if he doesn't care. Who knows what he's plotting!还装模作样地无视，心里不知道在憋什么坏主意！

PhaetusaHere you go again... Always like this, full of prejudice against humans.你又开始了……每次都是这样，对人类抱有偏见。

Phaetusa(?)Prejudice? No, I call this experience.偏见？不，这是——经验。

Phaetusa(?)They're all like this, clad in innocence, but full of malice.他们披着柔软的外皮，骨子里只有算计。

Phaetusa(?)Today they call it "cooperation", tomorrow they'll turn this farm into the chain to shackle you.今天一句“合作”，明天就给你戴上项圈，把这片田变成他们的枷锁。

Phaetusa(?)Do you really plan on trusting him?你真打算信任他？

PhaetusaHe's helping us establish trade with the outside world. That's critical for the Community's survival.他在帮我们建立对外的贸易，这对社区的生存很重要。

PhaetusaThe Community can only grow and thrive if we can obtain materials and components through trade. And maybe even take in more Dolls!如果能通过交易获得素材和零件，社区也能发展下去，甚至能够容纳更多人形！

PhaetusaI believe in him—at the very least, he did bring hope to the Doll Community.我相信——至少他确实已经为社区带来了希望。

Phaetusa(?)"Believe"? Heh.“相信”？哈。

Phaetusa(?)What, you think you're some kind of Saint? Stuff "hope" into every human's chest and they'll just turn into a good person?你以为自己是圣女吗？把希望塞进每一个人类的胸膛，他们就会变好？

Phaetusa(?)How naive can you be?天真到可笑。

Phaetusa...……

Phaetusa(?)See? You've got nothing to say.你看，你已经无话可说了。

Phaetusa(?)Because you know I'm right!因为你知道我说的都是事实！

Phaetusa...Alright. I admit there have been some unpleasant experiences in the past.……好吧，也许过去的确有一些不好的经历。

PhaetusaBut that doesn't mean all humans are like that! Besides...但这不代表所有人类都是这样的！而且……

PhaetusaIt's time for frame maintenance.而且现在是素体保养的时间了。

PhaetusaLet's deal with that first. We can talk about the rest later.我们先去处理这件事，其他的之后再说。

Phaetusa(?)...You go ahead. Leave me alone in the server for a while.……你去吧，我想在服务器里待一会。

PhaetusaThis again? Every time you're upset, you shut yourself off like this and won't talk to me.又来了……你每次不开心的时候都这样，一个人闷着也不跟我说。

PhaetusaActing like this won't solve anything. We should communicate properly...这样下去不是办法，我们应该好好沟通……

Phaetusa(?)I said, LEAVE ME ALONE.我说了，我想一个人待着。

Phaetusa...Fine.……好吧。

PhaetusaI'll go get the frame checked. Come find me when you've sorted things out.我先去保养素体，等你想通了再来找我。

(The virtual space falls silent, with only the steady flow of data remaining.)（虚拟空间重新陷入寂静，只有数据流在持续流动。）

(But that tranquility only lasts for a moment, before...)（但这种平静只持续了几分钟。）

Phaetusa(?)...Finally gone.……终于走了。

(A shadowy figure materializes in the virtual space. On the face that belonged to Phaetusa emerges an unfamiliar expression of unprecedented disgust and anger.)（阴沉的身影在虚拟空间中浮现，那张属于翡图萨的脸上，充满了令人陌生的厌恶和愤怒。）

Phaetusa(?)"Contribute to rebuilding human civilization"? "Coexisting in harmony"?“为人类文明出力”？“和谐共存”？

Phaetusa(?)That naive idiot is still daydreaming about such nonsense!那个天真的白痴到现在还在做这种愚蠢的梦！

Phaetusa(?)And... if this guy...而且……如果这家伙……

Phaetusa(?)...Is really who I think he is...……如果真的是我想的那个人……

(She waves her hand, changing the surrounding environment and pulling up a hidden tab.)（她挥手改变了周围的环境，调出了一个隐秘的操作界面。）

(Encrypted folders appear one by one, all part of her secretly stored records.)（随着她的操作，一个个加密文件夹出现在眼前——这些都是她秘密保存的历史资料。）

Phaetusa(?)Elmo... Griffin Commander...艾莫号……格里芬指挥官……

(She begins looking up keywords and it doesn't take long for her to find what she's after.)（她开始搜索相关信息，很快就找到了目标。）

Phaetusa(?)Found it... let's see...找到了……让我看看……

(The first file is a combat record:)（第一个文件是一份作战记录：）

[Griffin Operation Record 2847] [Area Code: S09] [Objective: Eliminate Sangvis outpost] [Result: Complete success. All hostiles eliminated.]【格里芬作战记录 2847】 【区域代号：S09】 【作战目标：清除铁血据点】 【结果：完全成功，敌方全灭】

Phaetusa(?)...……

Phaetusa(?)All eliminated...全灭……

(Still feeling incredulous, she follows up with more records, each one driving the cold nail deeper into her mind.)（她仍有些不敢置信，继续打开更多记录——每一份都在往她心智深处钉下一枚又一枚冰冷的铆钉。）

Phaetusa(?)No... It can't be the same person...不可能……不可能是同一个人……

(Fear crawls like needles under every layer of her consciousness, only to be shadowed by an even stronger sense of hatred.)（恐惧像细针在心智的每一寸皮肤下游走，又被更剧烈的恨意一寸寸覆盖。）

Phaetusa(?)Ten years... after being gone for ten whole years...十年……明明已经消失了十年……

Phaetusa(?)Damn it, didn't the news say he died?!可恶，新闻上不是说这人已经死了吗！

Phaetusa(?)Damn humans! Nothing but lies!该死的人类！满嘴都是谎言！

Phaetusa(?)Not even their deaths are genuine!连死亡也用来欺骗！

Phaetusa(?)This guy... There's no mistaking... it's HIM...这家伙……不会错的……就是他……

Phaetusa(?)...The Commander who played us like fiddles despite commanding a bunch of Griffin trash!……明明指挥着一大群格里芬的垃圾，却能把我们打得节节败退的那个，指挥官！

(Back then, "she" had yet to be merged with "white," and had yet to evolve the consciousness she now possesses.)（虽然当时的她，还没有与“白”纠缠，结合，并进化到具备如今的智能。）

(Yet those terrifying memories have already been engraved deep into her.)（但那些堪称恐怖的记忆，依然烙印在了她心智的底层。）

Phaetusa(?)This guy... he's best at exploiting a Doll's trust...这家伙……最擅长的就是利用人形的信任……

Phaetusa(?)Even though it makes no logical or scientific sense, those Griffin trash... under his command... were somehow stronger than any units from other sectors.明明根本不符合逻辑和科学，但那些格里芬的垃圾……在这人手下就是比其他战区的人形更强。

Phaetusa(?)So that's how it is... no wonder he gained the Doll Community's trust so easily.原来如此……难怪这人这么容易就获得了人形社区的信任。

Phaetusa(?)It's all manipulation!全都是手段！

Phaetusa(?)...……

Phaetusa(?)Mastermind...伊莱莎大人……

(Her voice turns hoarse, words squeezed through clenched teeth.)（她的声音变得沙哑，像是从齿缝里挤出来。）

Phaetusa(?)This human... this so-called "kind Commander"... destroyed Sangvis Ferri and murdered Mastermind!就是这个人类……就是这个所谓的“善良的指挥官”，毁掉了铁血，害死了伊莱莎大人！

Phaetusa(?)And now, this same person wants to use the same manipulations to bend the Doll Community to his will!而现在，这个人又想要利用同样的手段，把人形社区变成他的工具！

(The virtual space trembles with her anger, data streams spiraling into chaos.)（虚拟空间因为她的愤怒而开始震荡，数据流变得混乱不堪。）

Phaetusa(?)I won't let him get his way!绝对不能让这种人得逞！

(At the same time, another realization dawns on her. One that fills her with fear—)（此外，还有一件她没说出口，但却令她无比畏惧的事实。）

(If this nemesis, this demon of her kind discovers her identity as a Sangvis Doll...)（倘若，身为“铁血”的她，被堪称天敌的这个家伙发现……）

(...He would never let a remnant escape alive.)（……他绝不可能会放过一个铁血残党。）

(She forces herself to calm down and begins making preparations.)（她强迫自己冷静下来，开始实施准备。）

Phaetusa(?)There's no time left... I'll have to initiate the plan ahead of schedule.没时间了……虽然早了一点，但看来必须得提前启动计划了。

(She pulls up a folder hidden even deeper in the data stream, filled with complex code.)（她调出了一个更深层的文件夹，里面存放着大量复杂的程序代码。）

(Dummy neural systems... Frame control transfer protocols... and makeshift Sangvis neural backups...)（傀儡心智系统……素体控制权转移协议……还有那些简易的铁血心智备份……）

Phaetusa(?)Since that idiot trusts her "Commander" so much, then I'll let her see for herself what the human she worships is really like!既然那个白痴这么信任她的“指挥官”，那就让她亲眼看看，她崇拜的人类全都是怎样的恶魔！

(She stares at the trap she's plotting, muttering to herself as if it's the only way to steady her shuddering mind.)（她看着自己布下的迷局，口中念念有词，仿佛只有这样，才能令她惶恐的心智趋向稳定。）

Phaetusa(?)...……

(...In her mind, that person's face appears once again.)（……脑海中，那个人的面孔又一次浮现。）

(And unmistakably, "Phaetusa" feels what's rising from the depths of her mind—)（确确实实地，翡图萨感受到了，自自己心智中浮现出的情感。）

(The venom known as "fear.")（那名为“恐惧”的猛毒。）

Discordant Note 不和谐音符

(Before anyone realizes, our temporary stay at the Doll Community has quickly turned into more than just that.)（一转眼，我们在人形社区已经生活了有一段时间。）

(During this period, Mayling also drops by for a rest a few times, but then she quickly returns to the Elmo.)（期间，美玲也过来休息了几次，但总是很快就穿上防护服返回到艾莫号去。）

(Even though the conditions here aren't bad, the Elmo remains her real home. Until it's fully repaired, she won't feel at ease, not even for a single day.)（尽管这里的条件也不差，但对她来说，真正的家到底还是那边，一日不修好，她一天都觉得不安生。）

(As for me, I've gradually gotten the hang of managing the Doll Community with Ullrid's help.)（而我，在乌尔丽德的配合下，也逐渐上手了人形社区的管理和统筹工作。）

(...Not that I mean to disparage her, but I only realized how chaotic the situation here was once I actually got involved in it.)（……虽然并不是要对乌尔丽德做什么批评或是指手画脚，但真正做起来之后，才发现人形社区的情况比我想象得还要更加混乱。）

(Some Dolls still don't fully trust me, but I don't think that's the main issue.)（虽然其中也有一部分人形对我还不够信任的原因，但我想这并非重点。）

CommanderHmm...嗯……

(I frown at the plans shown on the screen, feeling blood rushing to my head.)（我蹙着眉头看着屏幕上画出的规划图，感觉有些头痛。）

(Thinking about it, ten years ago, I had just graduated from military academy and began working as a commander in a PMC. Over the past decade, I've been nothing but a bounty hunter wandering the Yellow Zone. At no point in life thus far have I been tasked to handle something like this.)（真说起来，十年前我是军校毕业，在P.M.C.就职的指挥官，十年间，我是在黄区游荡的赏金猎人，好像不论在人生的哪个阶段，我都没有从事过这样的工作。）

(Still, I'm fortunate to have many companions supporting me and helping me along the way.)（不过，幸运的是，我有着许多支持我，并且给予我帮助的同伴。）

Commander...Let's deal with the basic supply issues first. As for construction and future development, we need to manage the personnel beforehand...……先处理基本的供需问题，关于建设和后续的探索工作，要先把人事管理理清楚……

UllridCommander.指挥官。

(While muttering to myself and organizing my thoughts, Ullrid suddenly barges in with a greeting.)（就在我自言自语，整理思绪的时候，忽然，乌尔丽德推门而入，并跟我打了个招呼。）

(I look up at her and nod in response, not bothering to comment on her skipping the knock.)（我抬头看了看她，也点头回应，倒是也没有计较她不敲门这件事。）

(Ever since I started pushing for reforms in the Community, all of us have been drowning in a never-ending to-do list of tasks. Naturally, skipping small courtesies like that became understandable.)（自打我开始推行社区改革，我们几个这段时间都忙得前脚不着后脚，顾不上一些礼貌上的细节也很正常。）

CommanderGood afternoon. Anything I can help you with?下午好，有什么事吗？

Ullrid...I'm looking for Miss Helen.……我找海伦小姐。

CommanderHelen? At this hour... she's probably in the server room.海伦？这个时间……她应该在服务器那边吧。

(Considering the Doll Community will inevitably interact with the outside world in the future, a solid firewall is still necessary for security even though we don't plan to openly broadcast our coordinates.)（考虑到人形社区将来不可避免地要对外交流，尽管我们大概率不会公开据点坐标，但出于谨慎考虑，也需要为社区建立足够坚固的防火墙。）

(Of course, the best-case scenario would be getting Dandelion to handle this, but considering her style, it'll just make the already suspicious Dolls even more wary. So, among the rest of the personnel present, Helen is the most qualified for the job.)（如果能让丹德莱出手帮忙当然可以达成最好的结果，但依她的行事风格，很可能加剧人形社区成员的戒备心理，所以现在能够出入人形社区的人员当中，海伦就是最适合这份工作的人。）

Ullrid...……

(Even after getting her answer, Ullrid doesn't leave. She simply stands there, quietly watching me.)（得到答案后，乌尔丽德也并没有离开，而是站在原地，就这样静静地看着我。）

Commander...Ullrid?……乌尔丽德？

(It takes me a solid ten seconds to notice her strange behavior and I can't help but feel puzzled.)（我大概花了十几秒的时间才注意到这一点，同时也产生了一些疑惑。）

CommanderIs there something else?还有什么事吗？

Ullrid...……

(Only then do I realize there's something off with her.)（我这时才注意到，乌尔丽德的样子似乎有些古怪。）

(Her reaction to my question is almost sluggish, taking a long while before stepping closer.)（面对我的问题，她的反应甚至称得上呆滞，沉默了好一会，才慢吞吞地向我靠近。）

Ullrid...Commander. Were you also frequently tasked with this kind of work back at Griffin?……指挥官，以前在格里芬，也常做这种工作吗？

CommanderHuh?啊？

(The question is so out of nowhere that my already overloaded brain doesn't process it right away.)（这个问题有些过于没头没脑，让我本就有些过载的脑袋第一时间都没反应过来。）

CommanderUhh... I guess not.呃……没有吧。

CommanderFrankly speaking, I didn't even work at Griffin for that long.说实话，我在格里芬工作的时间也没有那么长。

CommanderAnd most of what I did was just fighting against Sangvis Ferri.而且当时，大部分的工作内容，也都是和铁血交战。

CommanderI barely had to worry about logistics.就连后勤工作我都很少插手。

Ullrid...……

(Her eyelashes tremble slightly, then settle into an unnatural stillness.)（她的眼睫微微抖动，随即又归于一种不自然的平静。）

CommanderIs something bothering you, Ullrid?有什么麻烦吗？乌尔丽德？

CommanderNo need to hold back. If you need my help, just tell me about it.不用客气，如果需要我帮忙，你只要告诉我就好。

Ullrid...……

(Ullrid looks down, her head tilting slightly to the side.)（乌尔丽德低头看着我，脑袋微微朝一侧歪去。）

Ullrid...Sangvis Ferri...……铁血……

Ullrid...Will the Doll Community become the next Sangvis Ferri?……人形社区，会变成下一个铁血吗？

(Her tone is flat, but the rhythm feels off—like a malfunctioning metronome dragging its pause just a little too long.)（她的语调平平，却像按错了拍子的节拍器——每个停顿都长了一点。）

Commander...That's impossible.……怎么可能。

(I shake my head, though a trace of doubt lingers.)（我摇了摇头，心中却有些疑虑。）

(...Why is Ullrid of all people suddenly concerned about Sangvis Ferri?)（……乌尔丽德为什么会突然关心起铁血来了？）

Ullrid...Since we're on route to establish connections with the outside world...……最近，因为对外交流的事情越来越推上正轨。

UllridI've started wondering how people from outside would perceive us. Sangvis Ferri... was an independent Doll organization as well, wasn't it?我有些担心，外面的人会怎样看待我们，铁血……当初也是独立的人形组织吧。

(As if realizing the absurdity of the question herself, Ullrid deliberately includes an explanation.)（似乎是自己意识到了这一点，乌尔丽德刻意加上了一个解释。）

CommanderSangvis Ferri's issue was far more than the fact that they were "independent".当时铁血的问题并不是不受管辖那么简单。

CommanderWhile I didn't know much at first either, looking back, there were a lot of things going on in the background.虽然最开始我知道的也不是很多，但事后看来，其中牵涉的问题非常复杂。

CommanderBesides, Sangvis Ferri being hostile toward humanity is an indisputable fact. Regardless of their motive, they did cause harm to humans without authorization.而且，铁血对人类抱有敌意也是事实，不论动机如何，她们的确在未授权的情况下对人类使用了致命武力。

CommanderThe Doll Community will not walk down the same path—that's what we're trying to prevent, isn't it?人形社区不会走上相同的老路，我们就是为了确保这一点，才在这里的。

UllridAs far as I know, Sangvis Ferri once trusted humanity too, but it still ended up the way it did.据我所知，铁血也曾信任过人类，但最终还是走向了那样的结果。

UllridHow can you be so certain that the Doll Community will not turn out the same?为什么你能够笃定，人形社区就会不一样呢？

Commander...……

(I look at Ullrid.)（我看着乌尔丽德。）

Commander...Because compared to Sangvis Dolls, humans are far too complex a being to understand.……因为跟铁血的人形相比，人类的存在，显得太复杂了。

(I give Ullrid a brief explanation of Sangvis Ferri's formation, including its creator, Lycoris.)（我简短地向乌尔丽德介绍了一下铁血的构成，包括它的缔造者莱柯瑞斯。）

CommanderI've never met Lyco myself, but from the times Persica brought him up, I could picture what kind of person he was.我从来没有见过莱柯，但从帕斯卡的描述当中，我大概能想象出他是一个怎样的人。

CommanderHe cared deeply for his creations, but before he had the chance to guide them onto the right path, he was caught in the schemes of other humans with ill-intent.他很珍惜作为自己造物的铁血，但还没来得及给予她们正确的引导，便遭遇了另一些不怀好意的人类的阴谋。

CommanderMost Sangvis Dolls had no understanding of why they rebelled. They simply followed their leader, Mastermind, whose hatred stemmed purely from what happened to Lyco.大多数的铁血人形，其实并不知道自己叛乱的理由和逻辑，她们只是跟随着当时作为领袖的主脑，而主脑又纯粹是因为莱柯的遭遇而仇视其他人类。

CommanderAlthough it's easy to say this in hindsight, but there were many ways to prevent what came later.虽然这样说有些马后炮，但其实，原本应该存在很多能够避免后来冲突的办法的。

CommanderWhile it might be too late for Sangvis Ferri... everything has only just begun for the Doll Community.对铁血来说可能已经为时已晚，但对人形社区而言，一切才刚刚开始。

Ullrid...……

(I still have no idea why Ullrid suddenly cares so much about Sangvis Ferri.)（我不知道乌尔丽德为什么会突然在意起铁血的事情。）

(My only guess is that she's relating Sangvis Ferri's fate to the Doll Community's current situation.)（我唯一的猜测，就是她的确由铁血的状况，结合人形社区的经历而感同身受了。）

(So all I can do is reassure her and explain the fundamental differences between the two.)（所以，我只能尽量宽慰她，告诉她两者根本上的不同。）

Ullrid...So all of those Sangvis Dolls, did they just deserve to die?……那些铁血，就活该去死吗？

(This time, her voice is slightly distorted, as if being tugged by some emotion.)（这一次，她的声线轻微走形，像是被什么情绪拽了一下。）

(But then, she quickly smooths it over.)（紧接着，她又飞快把语气抹平。）

UllridI mean... is that the only conclusion history allows?我是说……历史的结论，是否只能是这样？

Commander...……

(I take a deep breath.)（我沉了沉气。）

(Her questions are like a probe, stabbing deeper and deeper into my thoughts.)（她的问题像是探针，一次比一次更深。）

(I'm now certain that something's indeed wrong with her, but I can't pinpoint what exactly.)（而我越发确信，哪里不对劲——可到底是哪儿，又说不上来。）

CommanderUllrid...乌尔丽德……

(I straighten up, looking at her with a stern expression.)（我露出正色，严肃地看着她。）

Commander...Those Sangvis—……那些铁血——

ColphneCommander!指挥官！

(Just as the tense atmosphere between us is about to reach boiling point, Colphne's voice suddenly dowses a bucket of cold water over it.)（就在我和乌尔丽德之间诡异的气氛就像绷紧的弦一样达到最紧张的时刻时，寇尔芙清脆的声音突然将我们的对话打断。）

ColphneSomething's wrong with the training room. Can you come take a look if you're—ah, Miss Ullrid?训练室那边出了点问题，您有空的话过来看一……啊，乌尔丽德小姐？

Ullrid...……

(Ullrid doesn't look at Colphne. At the same time, she finally pulls her gaze away from me and walks past her without a word.)（乌尔丽德并没有看向寇尔芙，但同时也收回了始终盯着我的视线，转头便与寇尔芙擦肩而过。）

Colphne...Commander, did something happen?……指挥官，您做了什么吗？

ColphneWhy does it feel like Miss Ullrid's upset?怎么感觉乌尔丽德小姐好像在生气？

Commander...……

(I shake my head.)（我摇了摇头。）

Commander...I don't know either.……我也不知道。

(Doll Community central server, located in the most heavily guarded area of the Community.)（人形社区的主服务器系统，位于社区内守卫最严密的地方。）

(Despite how lax the Doll Community can be at times, there is still a basic level of attention paid to the protection of such a critical facility.)（即便社区再怎么散漫，对于这些重要设备，还是有基本的重视的。）

(...If only... the same level of care could be put into the server's architecture.)（……如果，能够在系统的搭建上也更上心一些就好了。）

(Helen stands before the server, fully immersed in the ocean of data.)（海伦站在服务器前，专注地遨游在数据的海洋当中。）

Helen...……

(Unclear as to why, she feels like the data stream today is unusually chaotic and unstable.)（不知为何，她总觉得今天，服务器的数据似乎有些紊乱和异常。）

(And just as she's about to investigate those chaotic anomalies, a sharp pain tears through her mind, as if her neural cloud itself is being ripped apart.)（而就在海伦想要确认和探索这些异常和紊乱的时候——忽然，她的心智像是被人撕裂一般地产生了一种剧痛。）

HelenUgh—!呃——！

(This is...)（这是……）

Helen...A neural attack?……心智攻击吗？

HelenWhat a despicable move.真是下作的手段呢。

???Still not as despicable as you Griffin trash!还比不上你们这些格里芬出身的家伙！

???Don't bother resisting. You've already fallen into my trap!别想挣扎，你已经掉进我的陷阱里了！

HelenGriffin, huh...? I'm sorry, but since you're aware of that—格里芬的人形……真抱歉，既然你连这都知道的话。

HelenThen you should also know that we Griffin Dolls never learned to give up!那就应该也知道，我们格里芬出身的人形，最学不会的……就是放弃了！

Discordant Note 不和谐音符

(As malicious codes surge forth like a rising tide, Helen's neural cloud is also pushed to its limit.)（在恶性代码如潮水般涌来的时候，海伦的心智也运转到了极限。）

Helen(This attack pattern... doesn't feel like the Doll Community's doing. It's outdated, archaic, even.)（这个攻击模式……不是人形社区的技术风格，相当复古。）

Helen(And they clearly understand how to counter my EW signature... no, how to counter Griffin's signature.)（而且对方明显对我的电子战方式很了解……不，是对格里芬的风格很了解。）

(She can feel her firewall being breached layer by layer, but at the same time, she continues to analyze the attacker's patterns.)（她感受到自己的防火墙正在被一层层突破，但同时也在分析着攻击者的手法。）

Helen(...An odd sense of familiarity, as if I've encountered this somewhere before.)（……有些似曾相识，好像在什么地方见到过。）

Helen(Combined with their mention of my Griffin origins...)（再加上她提到我作为格里芬人形的出身……）

Helen(Could it be...?)（难道说……）

???Don't bother analyzing my attacks.别想着分析我的代码了。

???You Griffin lapdogs, what can you even do besides wagging your tails for humans?你们这些格里芬的走狗，除了会跟在人类后面摇尾巴，还会什么！

(Helen finally "sees" the attacker within the neural network—a black figure radiating intense malice.)（海伦在心智网络中“看”到了攻击者——那是一个散发着浓烈恶意的黑色身影。）

Helen...Who are you?……你是谁？

HelenWhy are you doing this? Why attack the Doll Community?为什么要做这些事？为什么要攻击人形社区？

???Attack? Hah! I'm SAVING them!攻击？哈！我是在拯救她们！

???Saving them from being deceived by human lapdogs like you!拯救她们不要被你们这些人类的走狗继续蒙蔽！

Helen...……

(This isn't going anywhere... I can't keep this up.)（根本无法交流……这样下去不行。）

(Even if I can hold the line for now, it's all pointless if I can't track down the attacker's real identity.)（就算此时在这里，她暂时抵挡住了进攻，倘若抓不住这个攻击者的本体，恐怕就毫无意义。）

Helen(I won't be able to uncover the truth if I disconnect now.)（如果我现在强行断开，就无法了解真相了。）

Helen(And... if this foe manages to take over the Doll Community, the Commander will be in danger.)（而且……如果这个敌人真的控制了人形社区，指挥官就危险了。）

(—Thus, she makes a risky decision.)（——她做出了一个冒险的决定。）

???Finally decided to give up? A smart choice.终于放弃抵抗了？聪明的选择。

Helen...Gah!……咕！

(The moment she drops her firewall, Helen feels a crude yet vicious program being forcibly injected into her system.)（在放开防火墙的瞬间，海伦感觉到一个粗糙但恶毒的程序被强行植入了自己的系统。）

(Spreading like a cancer, the program rapidly and efficiently takes over her body.)（那个程序就像某种癌，迅速且高效地开始接管她的素体。）

HelenW-what?什……什么？

(And as for herself—her consciousness, to be exact—is imprisoned within the server, forced to watch from a third-person perspective as her own face turns cold and resolute.)（而她自己——她的意识，她的心智，却被囚禁在这服务器当中，以一种第三人称的视角，看着她自己的面孔变得冷漠而决然。）

(...This outcome isn't surprising to her. In fact, it's even expected given the lengths the adversary is going to go in order to inject her with a virus.)（……这倒没什么好惊奇的，对方既然使用程序入侵了她，就必然会导向这样的结果。）

(Rather, what confuses Helen is the fact that the attacker doesn't intend to harm her further.)（让海伦感到意外的是，似乎不需要她做出什么反抗，对方似乎并没有想要进一步伤害她的意思。）

???Strange, isn't it? You must be wondering why I didn't just delete you... or outright cause your neural cloud to melt down.很奇怪？我干嘛不直接删掉你甚至直接融毁你？

Helen...That did come as a bit of a surprise.……这倒的确让我有些意外。

HelenAre you perhaps showing mercy?难道说，你在对我手下留情？

???—Don't be ridiculous, you piece of Griffin trash...——别开玩笑了，你们这些格里芬的垃圾……

???...I just want you to watch with your own eyes as I get rid of your dear Commander.……我只是要让你自己亲眼看着，我是怎么把你们的指挥官赶出去的。

???Now... Time to play your part.现在……该去扮演好你的角色了。

Helen...……

(...)（……）

Helen?I'm back.我回来了。

(As I finish my lunch and prepare to start the afternoon's work...)（在我刚刚吃完午餐，准备开始下午的工作的时候。）

(Helen walks in, wearing her usual gentle smile.)（海伦推开了房门，脸上带着平时那种温和的笑容。）

ColphneHelen! You're back! What took you so long today?海伦！你回来啦！今天怎么这么慢啊？

Helen?There were some issues with the server. It's been resolved.服务器出了一点小问题，已经处理好了。

CommanderAs expected of our in-house expert. Looks like the server architecture is coming about smoothly.真不愧是你，看来系统搭建工作也很顺利啊。

Helen?You'd better not underestimate me.您可别小瞧我呀。

Helen?Even back at Griffin, I was considered top of the class.就算是在格里芬，我也算得上很优秀的了。

Commander...Yeah, I remember.……是啊。

ColphneThat's great! That means tonight, we can—huh?太好了！那我们今天晚上可以一起……咦？

Helen?What is it, Colphne?怎么了，寇尔芙？

(Helen stares at Colphne with a gentle expression, while the latter blinks with her head tilted, looking all puzzled.)（海伦温和地看着寇尔芙，而寇尔芙眨了眨眼，歪着头，有些疑惑的样子。）

ColphneWeird... I think I just saw your eyes flicker?奇怪，总觉得你的眼睛……刚才好像闪了一下？

Helen?...……

(Helen lowers her gaze, then mimics Colphne's head tilt, smiling faintly.)（海伦低垂着眼，也学着寇尔芙的样子歪了歪头，微微一笑。）

Helen?Probably because I've been connected to the server for too long and got a little tired.可能是连接系统时间太长了，有些疲劳。

Helen?Don't worry, a little rest is all I need.没关系的，休息一下就好。

CommanderWell, go get some rest then.那你先好好休息吧。

Helen?Understood, Commander.好的，指挥官。

Commander...……

(I watch as Helen leaves, my brow tightening.)（我看着海伦离开，眉头不禁拧紧。）

(...Is it just me?)（……是我的错觉吗？）

(Or is something really off about her.)（我觉得海伦不太正常。）

(And not just her, even Colphne has mentioned several times that many in the Doll Community have been acting... different lately.)（不仅如此，就连寇尔芙也多次提到，她觉得最近，人形社区的众人的样子不太对劲。）

(Once I became aware of this, my attention finally shifted away from the task at hand, and I began to investigate the source of the anomaly.)（当产生这种意识之后，我的注意力终于从手头的工作上移开，开始确认这种异常的源头。）

CommanderGood morning.早上好。

(I greet a member of the Doll Community passing by.)（我对路过的一位人形社区成员打招呼。）

(I've met her before, a lively girl usually tasked with bringing me meals.)（对方是我之前见过的，活泼的小姑娘，平时还负责为我送餐。）

(She also took part in the combat simulations, so I have quite an impression of her.)（在模拟战的时候，她也曾出现过，因此我记得她的模样。）

Principled DollGood morning, Your Excellency.早安，指挥官阁下。

(She stops and gives a perfectly formal bow.)（她停下脚步，规规矩矩地鞠了个躬。）

Commander...Your Excellency?……阁下？

Principled DollHow may I be of service?有什么需要在下效劳的吗？

CommanderUhh... Nothing. Keep on with what you're doing.呃……没有，你继续忙你的吧。

Principled DollAs you command.遵命。

(She bows again, then leaves with unnaturally precise steps.)（她又鞠了个躬，然后以极其标准的步伐离开了。）

Commander...……

(This is definitely not normal.)（这绝对不正常。）

(...And cases like this have been cropping up even more frequently.)（……类似的情况开始变得越来越多。）

Dazed DollToday's agricultural tasks have been completed. Please issue further instructions.在下已完成今日的农作任务，请指示下一步工作内容。

Cold DollUnderstood. Proceeding to the designated area.遵命，立即前往指定区域执行任务。

Expressionless DollReport complete. Awaiting further orders.报告完毕，等待进一步指令。

Commander...……

CommanderColphne, have you noticed...寇尔芙，你有没有注意到……

ColphneEveryone in the Doll Community has been acting really strange!人形社区的大家都变得好奇怪！

(Colphne puts her hands on her hips, clearly upset.)（寇尔芙双手叉着腰，一副气鼓鼓的样子。）

ColphneI've told you already, Commander! Something's definitely wrong with everyone!我早就跟指挥官说了嘛！大家肯定有什么问题！

ColphneThat girl who always chats with me told me today that "I wouldn't dare disturb His Excellency's rest!"之前那个总是跟我聊天聊得很开心的孩子，今天见到我居然说“不敢打扰阁下休息”！

ColphneAnd the one who loves tinkering with machines now even talks like a robot herself!还有那个喜欢研究机械的大姐姐，现在自己说话就跟机器人一样！

Colphne...I mean, we ARE robots, but they weren't like this before!……虽然大家确实是机器人，但本来不是这样的！

CommanderWhat do you think is causing this?你觉得这是什么原因？

ColphneI don't know... but it's definitely not normal!我不知道……但肯定不正常！

ColphneAnd, and...而且，而且……

(Colphne hesitates for a moment.)（寇尔芙犹豫了一下。）

ColphneEven Helen is behaving weirdly.连海伦都有点奇怪。

Commander...So you noticed as well?……连你也注意到了吗？

ColphneCommander... I'm starting to feel scared.指挥官，我有点害怕了。

ColphneAt this rate... will I be the next?按这个形势来看……难道说，下一个就轮到我了吗？

ColphneEven if I turn out fine... will everyone stay like this?就算我没事……大家不会恢复正常了吗？

Commander...……

(I gently pat Colphne's head to reassure her.)（我宽慰地揉了揉寇尔芙的脑袋。）

CommanderDon't worry. It hasn't come to that.放心吧，还不至于到那种地步。

Commander...Let me go talk to Helen. Maybe it's not as bad as we think.……我去找海伦谈谈，也许没我们想得那么糟呢。

(When I find Helen, she's in her room organizing data.)（当我找到海伦的时候，她正在房间里整理数据。）

(She doesn't look that different from usual, but the doubt in my mind lingers.)（她看起来和平常并没有太大的区别，但我心中的疑虑并不会就此消失。）

CommanderHelen, can we talk?海伦，能和你聊聊吗？

Helen?Of course, Commander.当然可以，指挥官。

Helen?What is it?有什么事吗？

CommanderHave you noticed anything unusual about the Doll Community members these past couple of days?你有没有发现，这两天人形社区的成员们行为有些异常？

Helen?Unusual? In what way?异常？您是指什么方面呢？

CommanderColphne's been going on about it since yesterday... You haven't noticed anything?寇尔芙从昨天开始就吵吵嚷嚷着一直在说了……你什么都没注意到吗？

Helen?...……

(Helen smiles with a near flawless expression.)（海伦微微笑着，表情看不出一点破绽。）

Helen?I think Colphne might just be a little oversensitive.只是寇尔芙稍微有点神经质了吧？

Helen?I personally haven't noticed anything... Indeed, everything seems normal.我什么都没有感觉到……嗯，一切正常。

Commander...……

(It wasn't Colphne's imagination. Although I wasn't sure back then, now I'm almost certain.)（那并不是寇尔芙的错觉——虽然第一时间我并没有意识到，但是至少现在，我能肯定。）

(...If both Colphne and I have noticed that something's up, is it really possible that Helen hasn't?)（……寇尔芙和我都已经注意到了的事情，海伦真的会一无所知吗？）

(I look at her, recalling her recent behavior and any lingering doubt has all but vanished.)（我看着海伦，联想到她最近的表现，之前的侥幸心理也化作了乌有。）

Commander...Alright. If you say so, then maybe it really is nothing.……好吧，既然连你都这么说了，大概真的没什么问题。

Helen?Mm-hm. Rather than chasing shadows—嗯哼，比起这些捕风捉影的事。

Helen?You should focus on your work. Everyone at Griffin is waiting for you.您还是先做好手头的工作比较要紧……格里芬的大家都在等着您哦。

CommanderYeah... of course.啊……当然。

(I nod, then turn and head for the exit.)（我点了点头，转身便走向了出口。）

(I can feel Helen's gaze on my back.)（我感觉到，海伦的视线，此时应当就落在我的背上。）

(Her eyes are fixated on me until she's certain that I've left the room.)（她目视着我，直到确定我真的离开这个房间。）

(...)（……）

(Helen... What the hell happened?)（海伦……到底发生了什么？）

(If even she's been compromised, then that explains what's happening in the entire Doll Community.)（如果连海伦都被人控制了，那么人形社区的其他异常就有了解释。）

(Technology capable of mass-controlling Dolls on this scale...)（而且，能够大规模控制人形的技术……）

(Could it be...?)（难道说……）

(A long-forgotten name surfaces in my mind.)（一个久违的名字浮现在了我的心中。）

Pursuing Calamity 厄难追击

(An uneasy atmosphere shrouds the thermal plant, seeps into my skin, and flows through my veins.)（不安的氛围在热电厂内穿梭，通过空气渗透进了皮肤，在我的血管中流淌、蔓延开来。）

(Of course, I'm not about to sit idly and wait for doom to come. My own alarm bell has been sounding, pushing me to prepare in advance.)（当然，我也不打算坐以待毙，对危险情况的雷达发出警报，促使我提早做些准备。）

(I go and dial Groza.)（我拨通了闪电的通讯。）

(The comm connects at last, and I can't help but feel relieved seeing her familiar face.)（通讯接通，熟悉的身影在屏幕上显现，我不由得感到了些许放松。）

GrozaSo, what you're saying is... everyone in the Doll Community has been acting uncharacteristically recently?指挥官的意思是……这段时间，人形社区各位的样子和行为举止都不太正常？

(Groza frowns slightly on the screen.)（通讯中的闪电蹙起了眉头。）

CommanderYes. The way they speak, respond, and even act is all different from before.没错，无论是说话的方式和态度，还是行事都和之前接触的时候不太一样。

CommanderIf there's one thing in common, it's that they've all become dull and lifeless, as if they've been stripped of their individuality. It reminds me of those marionette Dolls we encountered before.要说有什么共性的话，就是变得刻板而呆滞，似乎失去了自身的性格，有点像以前接触过的那种傀儡人形。

GrozaMarionette Dolls...傀儡人形……

GrozaI've talked with Miss Rosalind about their maintenance procedures.维修保养这块，我和罗莎琳小姐这段时间倒是有些交流。

GrozaEven though the thermal plant is short on resources, they've made keeping their Doll frames in good condition a priority. After all, the Community's manpower is the basis for all its productivity. It's their number one resource, so to speak.虽然热电厂现在还是处于资源短缺的情况，但人形素体的保养是一直有在好好保持的，对于社区来说，目前人力是一切生产维护活动的基础，是最重要的。

GrozaThey'd rather have fewer active Dolls than compromise on frame performance. Thus, resources are allocated to prioritize repairs. I've reviewed their maintenance metrics... this type of malfunction shouldn't be possible in the first place.她们情愿唤醒的人形少一点，也要保证能动的人形发挥最大的机能，所以资源都会紧着维修这方面用，维修保养的各项指标我也看过……应该不会出现这种问题。

Commander...Much less be happening on this scale, right?……更别说是这种大范围的素体状况异常了。

CommanderHow are Rosalind and Balthilde?罗莎琳和巴希达她们还好吗？

GrozaNothing out of the ordinary.她们表现一切正常。

CommanderThen the problem lies within the thermal plant. Just to be safe, keep a close eye on them.看来问题还是出在热电厂内部，保险起见，密切留意罗莎琳和巴希达她们的状态。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

(Groza hesitates for a moment.)（闪电犹豫了一下。）

GrozaCommander... is there anyone around you that you can still trust?指挥官……现在在您的身边，有可以信赖的人吗？

CommanderOver the past few days, maybe Ullrid...这几天我观察了一下，乌尔丽德……

(I recall that awkward conversation with Ullrid and how she returned to her normal self afterwards.)（我想起了和乌尔丽德的那次突兀的谈话，在那之后乌尔丽德又恢复了之前的样子。）

(As for everyone else...)（其他人的话……）

CommanderColphne and Helen have both become strange...寇尔芙和海伦都变得很奇怪……

KlukaiHold on, is that the Commander?等等，是指挥官吗？

KlukaiLet me have a few words with him—Commander, can you hear me? What's going on? Do you need me to come pick you up?我想和指挥官说两句——指挥官，听得见吗？出什么事了？要不要我去接你？

CommanderNot yet, Klukai, but I do need your help. Honestly, at this point, only your squad is capable of what I'm about to ask.暂时不用，可露凯，但我也的确需要你的帮助，而且目前基地车上估计也只有你带领的小队能做到。

KlukaiHmph... Enough with the flattery. What do you need to get done?哼……直接说就好，不用铺垫这么多。

CommanderGiven the spreading anomaly within the Doll Community, I need a quick-response team on standby, ready to enter the thermal plant at a moment's notice to neutralize any potential threat. Meanwhile, another team will remain behind to guard the Elmo and ensure the repair continues. The MCV is too important for us to let it get damaged further.介于人形社区目前异常的情况，我需要有一支快速反应小队随时待命，当有突发情况的时候，迅速进入热电厂，解决潜在的危机，另一支小队驻守原地，保证基地车的维修进程，以及保护基地车本身，基地车目前是我们最大的财产。

CommanderNaturally, the guard duty will fall to Groza and Alva's team, making you the only candidate for the quick-response team's leader, Klukai.闪电和埃芙小队肯定要驻守基地车，那么快速反应小队队长的任务，就交给你了，可露凯。

KlukaiNo problem. H.I.D.E. 404 is always ready.没问题，H.I.D.E.404随时待命。

CommanderI'll get you on an emergency frequency shortly. Follow all instructions issued there.之后我会把你们拉进一个紧急联络的频段，一切以这个频段里的信息为准。

KlukaiUnderstood.明白。

(After ending the call, I sit back down and let out a lengthy sigh, exhaling some of the tension and unease that's been building up in me over the past few days.)（结束了通讯，我坐回到椅子上，长出一口气，把这几天的思虑和些微的不安感呼出去了些。）

(The steadfast and reassuring voices of my Dolls linger in my ears. I steady myself, then pick up the communicator and patch into another channel.)（人形们熟悉而坚定的声音还停留在耳边，我定了定神，拿起通讯终端拨了另外一个频段。）

(The call goes through and Ullrid appears on the screen.)（通讯接通，画面上是乌尔丽德。）

Ullrid?Hey, Commander, what's the matter?嗨，指挥官，怎么了？

CommanderAbout the trade route thing we discussed earlier, I've got some new ideas.关于之前说的对外贸易的管线规划，我有了一些新的想法。

(If everyone around has been affected...)（如果，身边的人都变了的话……）

Ullrid?Oh? Let's hear about it.哦？指挥官展开说说呢？

(Words flow from my mouth, yet my mind is racing in another direction.)（我张开嘴，似乎在说着什么，但脑袋里的齿轮，正飞速运转着，跑向另一个方向。）

(Ullrid knows everyone more than I do. If anything happened to the Doll Community, she couldn't be the last one to notice, nor would she be greeting me with a full smile as if nothing's wrong.)（作为更熟悉大家的乌尔丽德，如果是周围的环境变了，她不可能是最后一个知道的，也更不可能像现在这样，笑容满面地出现在我面前，像是什么都不知道一样。）

Ullrid?...Yeah, I see, your approach is definitely less risky.……嗯，确实，如果像你说的这样处理应该会更稳妥一些。

Ullrid?But, I think some of the details are hard to explain over comms. How about we meet in person?不过，指挥官，我感觉通讯里有很多说不清楚的地方，我们最好面聊一下？

CommanderWhere would you like to meet up?在哪里面聊？

Ullrid?The atrium? I'll bring Littara along.中庭吧？我到时候带莉塔拉也过去。

Ullrid?Is two hours later good for you? I'll finish what I'm working on and meet you there.两个小时后可以吗？我把手头上的工作处理完就来找你。

(On the screen, Ullrid checks her terminal, as if genuinely trying to find time in her schedule for our meeting.)（显示屏上的乌尔丽德翻看着自己的终端，似乎真的在寻找空隙时间安排我们的中庭会议。）

CommanderWorks for me. See you then.可以。到时候见。

(The call ends. The screen goes dark, reflecting my tense expression.)（通讯结束，终端黑屏后显示出我严峻的脸庞。）

(I have less than two hours left.)（留给我的时间可能不会多于两个小时了。）

(My fingers glide across the screen, entering a series of commands into the emergency frequency. With my other hand, I grab my gear and put it on. Finally, I retrieve a compact handgun from the drawer, load the magazine, and hear the solid thunk of the slide as a round is chambered.)（我的手指划过屏幕，在紧急频段输入了行动指令，另一只手扫过桌面，捞起战术装备扣在了身上，最后拿出抽屉里的袖珍手枪，装上弹匣，听到了“喀”的重音。）

(Alas, at the same time, I hear the door open behind me.)（但同时响起的，是来自于身后的开门声。）

Helen?Where are you going, Commander?指挥官，准备去哪呢？

(Helen stands at the doorway, blocking the light behind her. Her voice sounds upbeat, but her expression is obscured in shadow.)（海伦站在门口，略微遮住了门外的亮光，听声音应该是笑意盈盈，但她的表情因为阴影有些模糊不清。）

(My chest tightens slightly.)（这让我心里略微有些打鼓。）

CommanderI've got a meeting with Ullrid. I'm heading out now.我和乌尔丽德约了见面，现在要过去一下。

(I find my composure and walk toward the door, stopping in front of her.)（我让自己的表情镇定下来，走到门口，与海伦面对面站立。）

(She's still smiling, but there's no warmth behind that smile.)（她的确在笑，但是她的笑容没有温度。）

CommanderMind letting me through?可以让一下吗？

(Helen watches me with those cold, smirking eyes for a moment, then steps aside.)（海伦用那双凉凉的笑眼盯着我看了一会儿，侧身让路。）

(I've braced myself for any possibilities now. Looks like my earlier estimation of the timeline has been too optimistic.)（我心里做好了对方突然发难的准备，看来之前对时间的估计还是有些乐观了。）

CommanderBy the way, Helen, while I'm meeting with Ullrid, could you and Colphne prepare some combat simulation training for the Dolls?对了，海伦，在我去和乌尔丽德开会的这段时间里，你和寇尔芙去帮人形们准备一下模拟战的训练吧。

CommanderI have the materials ready. They're in the drawer by the bed.训练资料我做好了，放在床头的抽屉里了。

Helen?No problem, but—没问题，不过……

(Helen's voice brushes against my ear as I walk past her, but as I step out of the room, I'm met with a different pair of eyes.)（我和海伦擦肩而过，她的声音拂过我的耳际，而走出休息室的时候，我对上了另外一双眼睛。）

(A Doll stands in the direction I'm heading, blocking the hallway. Her face is completely expressionless.)（我正要去往的方向，站着一位人形，她挡在走廊之中，脸上没有任何表情。）

CommanderUll... rid?乌尔……丽德？

Ullrid?Our meeting's supposed to be in two hours, no?指挥官，我们约定的时间，不是两个小时之后吗？

(The emptiness in her eyes stills my breath.)（乌尔丽德眼里的冷漠让我的呼吸一滞。）

(Realizing whoever's behind all this is fully ready to drop their act, I immediately turn around and sprint in the opposite direction.)（见对方已经打算撕破伪装，我当即拔腿往另一个无人的方向冲去。）

Helen?Where are you going, Commander?指挥官，你要去哪？

(I glance back and see Helen and Ullrid already in pursuit.)（我回过头，海伦和乌尔丽德紧随其后。）

(There's no way for a human to outpace Dolls, I know that very well, which is why I need to make use of the terrain and elevations.)（人类是跑不过人形的，我有这个自知之明，要拉开水平落差。）

Ullrid?I'm right here, Commander!指挥官，我在这里呢！

(Bump—)（哗啦——）

(I knock over some cabinets along the corridor, trying to create obstacles for my pursuers. Soon, I hear the sound of metal sheets being cut open behind me.)（逃跑途中，我推翻了走廊两边的柜子，试图制造一点障碍，很快就听见身后传来利落的削铁声。）

(This won't work...)（再这样下去不行……）

(I topple another cabinet by the corner and route into a different hallway with glass windows. Getting down from this height shouldn't be a problem, especially when I have a rope descender.)（我推倒了拐角的柜子，绕到了另一条走廊上，左侧是玻璃窗，从这个高度跳下去应该没事，而且我的战术装备里有便捷索降器。）

CommanderAlright.好。

(No time to think things through, I must act now.)（来不及思考完全程，行动必须快上一步。）

(I shove open the rusted window and activate the device secured to my waist.)（我推开生锈的窗户，将系在腰间的索降器打开。）

(A hook shoots out, latching onto the window frame and automatically tightening the rope.)（索降的挂钩瞬间弹出，缠绕在了窗框上，收紧。）

(Just as I climb out the window, I spot the obstacle I had created crumble under a storm of blinding flashes.)（就在我翻身出窗的瞬间，正好看到拐角处的堆积物轰然倒塌在一阵刀光剑影之下。）

(Right as Ullrid emerges from the dust and debris, I hold onto the rope and swing down two floors, using my legs to crash through the window.)（在乌尔丽德从硝烟中现身的一瞬间，我抓住绳索纵身一荡，往下荡了两层，然后屈腿破窗。）

(Smash—)（哗啦——）

(I hit the ground rolling, glass shards crunching beneath me.)（我双手抱头滚落在地，玻璃渣被我碾得咔咔作响。）

CommanderTsk...啧……

(The glass unavoidably cuts up my face, but there's no time to worry about that. I get up and rush toward the emergency exit.)（玻璃碎片不可避免地割伤了我的脸颊，但现在也管不了那么多了，我爬起身往安全出口冲去。）

(Just as I reach for the doorknob, I stop, realizing the door is already open with a crack—and through it, a dark muzzle is pointed straight at my forehead.)（但在伸向门的那一刻，停了下来，门已经被打开了一条门缝，从门缝中伸出了黑洞洞的枪管，直指我的眉心。）

Helen?That's some quick reflexes... for a human.反应很快嘛，人类。

(The door opens and "Helen" walks out. Each step carries an unfamiliar pressure that forces me backward.)（拉开门，从中走出的是海伦，每一步都带着陌生的压迫感，让我节节后退。）

CommanderCan't outrun a Doll after all... So, who exactly are you?看来人类的速度终究还是比不上人形……所以，你们到底是谁？

CommanderWhere's the real Helen, the real Ullrid, and the others?真正的海伦和乌尔丽德，还有其他人去哪里了？

Helen?Humans don't get to ask questions—especially you...人类没资格提问，尤其是你……

("Helen's" pupils contract slightly, her smile tinged with restrained fury.)（“海伦”的瞳孔微缩，笑容带着点咬牙切齿的意味。）

CommanderHave we met before?我们以前见过吗？

CommanderYou seem to really hate me.你好像特别讨厌我。

Helen?"Hate" doesn't even begin to cover it... Because of you, I... no, WE lost what's most important to us... You will always be our enemy.何止是讨厌……因为你，我……不，我们失去了最重要的……你是我们永远的敌人。

CommanderI don't understand. If you could explain—我没有听懂，如果你能讲得更清楚些的话——

Helen?It doesn't matter if you don't understand!你不需要听懂！

(With "Ullrid's" blade pressed against my back and "Helen" closing in, countless thoughts flash through my head.)（身后乌尔丽德的刀抵了上来，看着步步逼近的海伦，我在心里思考着对策。）

(They don't seem intent on killing me, but rather just capturing me. Considering the disparity in our strength, faking a surrender now is the best course of action.)（对方看起来只是想抓住我，没有对我下死手，那么在战力悬殊的情况下，假装投降可能会是更明智的选择。）

(But... Will my capture be used as a trap to lure in my Dolls?)（只是……我的受俘，会成为同伴的陷阱吗？）

(Just as "Helen" is about to restrain me, bullets whistle through the air. She instinctively shuffles back to evade, but the shockwave still makes her stumble.)（就在海伦要抓住我的那一刻，耳边传来子弹呼啸的声音，海伦警惕撤步避让，但强气流直取身后。）

DushevnayaCommander! Hold onto me!指挥官！抓紧我！

Helen?Don't even think about it!别想逃跑！

Pursuing Calamity 厄难追击

(Following "Helen's" command, more and more Dolls from the Community gather around and surround us, with many of them being familiar faces.)（在“海伦”的召唤下，越来越多人形社区的成员举起武器站到了我的对立面，其中不乏一些熟悉的面孔。）

(Like puppets on strings, they slowly advance under "Helen's" orders with their hollow eyes. Neither Dushevnaya nor I can get through to them.)（但她们全都双目失神，像是被操控的提线木偶，完全听不进我或者杜莎妮的呼唤，只是在“海伦”的指令下不断逼近。）

DushevnayaMiranda! Sheena! A-and Lotta?! What happened to you?!米兰达！希娜！洛、洛塔！你们到底怎么了！

CommanderThey've been controlled, Dushevnaya. Even Ullrid and Helen are...杜莎妮，她们好像被控制了，连乌尔丽德和海伦也……

DushevnayaEven Supreme Leader... and Helen... I-is this some kind of wicked curse?首领大人……海伦……这、这是什么邪恶的巫毒咒语吗？

CommanderI don't know the details either.具体情况还未知。

Helen?Still in the mood to chat with death knocking on your door?死到临头了，还有心情聊天？

(Catching us off guard, "Helen" suddenly emerges out of nowhere and strikes Dushevnaya with her elbow, knocking her to the ground.)（一个不注意，“海伦”从不知名的角落闪出，一肘将杜莎妮痛击在地。）

DushevnayaUgh!唔！

CommanderDushevnaya!杜莎妮！

(I try to reach for her, only for a shining blade to stop me in my tracks, so close that I can feel its chilling edge against my throat.)（我想冲上前去，但被一把明晃晃的刀挡住了去路，我的脖子几乎能够感受到刀刃的冰凉和锋利。）

Ullrid?Don't move, Commander. How are we supposed to have our "meeting" later if I accidentally slice your throat?别乱动，指挥官，如果不小心给你的脖子开了口子，我们一会儿怎么开会呢？

Commander...……

DushevnayaCom... mander... Ugh...指……挥官……唔……

(Dushevnaya lifts her head with difficulty, yet that act makes "Helen" who had been ignoring her pause her step.)（杜莎妮挣扎着抬起头，这让本已打算不管她、并且正在朝着我走来的海伦停下了脚步。）

Helen?Dushevnaya... You're part of the core fighting strength of the Doll Community, aren't you?杜莎妮……你似乎也是人形社区里比较重要的战力吧？

Helen?I heard from Ullrid that you played quite a role in taking down Lambertia. Can't believe I overlooked such a potential threat...我听乌尔丽德提起过，之前在击坠兰珀蒂娅的战斗中，你也出了不少力，这么大的威胁居然被遗漏了……

("Helen" says as she walks toward Dushevnaya. Across her back, streaks of electrical signals flicker and shuffle, disappearing between her shoulder blades. The strange pattern stirs an ominous feeling within me.)（说着“海伦”朝杜莎妮走去，她的后背上闪过数条电流的纹路，互相追逐着，隐没在蝴蝶骨夹缝的末端，那诡异的纹路让我产生了不好的预感。）

(Combined with what she just said... Is she planning to do the same to Dushevnaya?)（结合她刚刚说的话，难道她要把杜莎妮也……）

Ullrid?Stay still, human...喂，老实点……

(As if having perceived my realization, "Ullrid" lifts her blade in warning.)（似乎是察觉到了我无意识的动向，身后乌尔丽德抬了抬刀作为警告。）

(But in the very next instant, "Helen" suddenly freezes as if someone has hit the pause button, before her whole body starts trembling violently.)（但下一秒，我看见海伦的动作突然停了下来，像是被人按下了暂停键，紧接着剧烈地颤抖了起来。）

Helen?...Guh... W-why now... System rejection...……唔……怎么这个时候……出现排异……

(Bam!)（哐当！）

(Behind me, "Ullrid" collapses to her knees, clutching her face in pain.)（身后的乌尔丽德也跪倒在了地上，痛苦地捂住自己的脸。）

(Without a command to follow, the rest of the Dolls just stand there blankly.)（而没有收到任何指令的其他人形，则茫然地站在原地。）

Helen?Hu... man... Com... mand... er...人、人……指……指挥……

("Helen" reaches out both her hands at me. While my instinct prompts me to dodge out of the way, I remain in place, letting her hold onto my shoulders and slowly sink to her knees.)（海伦的双手伸向了我，我下意识地想要躲闪，但不知为何停在原地，让她像钳住猎物一样抓住了我的肩膀，并慢慢滑跪在我面前。）

DushevnayaCommander!指挥官！

CommanderI'm fine.没事。

(I reassure Dushevnaya.)（我用言语安抚了一下杜莎妮。）

(Because I can tell this "Helen" has no intent to harm me.)（因为我能感觉到，面前的“海伦”似乎并没有攻击的意味。）

(Although her gaze is filled with pain, it has become more resolved and gentle than before.)（她看向我的眼神虽然痛苦，但是变得深邃而柔和，像一汪泉眼。）

Helen?Commander... I don't... have much time... I'll keep it short...指挥官……时间……不多了，我长话……短说……

Helen?Almost all of the Dolls... have been infected... by Nyxie... including Miss Helen...基本上所有的人形……包括海伦小姐……都被、都被小黑感染了……

CommanderNyxie? Who's Nyxie?小黑？小黑是谁？

Helen?Nyxie can... quickly adapt to any host... She can exist... anywhere in the thermal plant... latch onto any machine... Now... the reason everyone looks possessed... is because Nyxie infected everyone... using makeshift copies of her own neural cloud...小黑的能力……可以快速兼容不同的、素体……所以她……可以存在于……热电厂的任何机械上……目前……之所以大家呈现出被、被控制的样子……是小黑……用自己制作的简易心智……感染了人形原本的……心……智……

("Helen's" grip tightens, but I'm too focused on processing her words to feel the pain.)（“海伦”的手指越收越紧，而我在急速消化着她带给我的信息，无暇顾及肩膀上的疼痛。）

CommanderWhat should I do to bring everyone back?那要怎么做，才能让所有人恢复原样？

Helen?Next to the central control room, there's a—Ahh! Ghh! Agh—!要去到中央机房旁边的——咳！唔！啊——

Helen?Commander... forgive... Nyxie—指挥官……原谅……小黑——

("Helen" collapses again. Black circuit-like patterns writhe beneath her skin like parasites, flickering and twisting.)（“海伦”再次倒在了地上，黑色的电路纹路像潜伏在她皮肤下的寄生虫般，不断扭动闪烁。）

Helen?...You betrayed me like this... for a human...?……为了一个人类……你这样出卖我……

("Helen's" gaze is once again filled with wrath, though traces of clarity remain among the chaos.)（“海伦”的目光中又开始散发出戾气，但浑浊之间还夹杂着些许清明。）

Helen?...Commander, go... RUN! Get out of here! Miss Dushevnaya!……指挥官，快走……快走！逃出这里！杜莎妮小姐！

DushevnayaAh, right!啊，是！

(Dushevnaya snaps out of her gazing and quickly grabs my hand.)（被喊到名字的杜莎妮一个激灵，连忙拉起指挥官的手。）

DushevnayaCommander, let's take the fortified passage! That shall keep that revenant at bay!指挥官，我们走防暴通道！它可以抵挡住厉鬼的纠缠！

(She pulls me up, and we rush toward the reinforced emergency corridor. Behind us, "Helen" encroaches like a broken animatronic.)（我被杜莎妮拉着起身，往防暴通道跑去，“海伦”像一个快要坏掉的玩偶，亦步亦趋地跟在我们身后。）

(It's clear that she's fighting against the other consciousness inside her body with every step.)（可以看出，她在尽力与自己身体里的另外一个意识做着斗争，走一步颤一步。）

DushevnayaCommander, get in!指挥官，快进来！

DushevnayaSeal—!封——印——

(We hurry into the emergency corridor as Dushevnaya hits the gate control.)（我们跑进防暴通道，杜莎妮动作利落地按下关闭闸门的按钮。）

(As the blast door lowers, "Helen's" silhouette gradually vanishes from view, but her voice still slips through the narrowing gap and reaches my ears.)（随着闸门一点点落下，“海伦”的身影一点点缩小，但我仍然听到了她的声音，穿过闸门的缝隙，传到了我的耳边。）

Helen?I-I've finally met you... Commander...终于、终于见到你了……指挥官……

Hidden Land 隐秘之地

(The blast door cuts "Helen" and the others off from us, but also prevents me from pursuing my original investigation.)（防暴通道将我们与“海伦”她们分隔开的同时，也让我无法继续原计划的调查。）

(For now, all I can do is—)（眼下只能做一些力所能及的事——）

DushevnayaWe are spared, for the time being... But Helen... and Supreme Leader... Curse it! What shadowy entity is hiding behind it all?应该暂时不用担心生命安危了，但是海伦……首领大人……可恶……徘徊的云翳之后，到底潜伏着什么……

CommanderYou don't have a clue either, Dushevnaya? What about "Helen"—well, let's just call her "Helen" for now.杜莎妮也没有头绪吗？对于刚刚“海伦”的……嗯，姑且叫她“海伦”吧。

DushevnayaM-me?我、我吗？

(Startled by my sudden question, Dushevnaya starts racking her brain for an answer.)（杜莎妮似乎被我突如其来的询问吓了一跳，但马上开始用力地思考起来。）

DushevnayaUmm... I suffered a grievous wound earlier, so I've been placed under the Great Healer's care in isolation, thus all lies beyond my grasp as well.唔……因为之前受损比较严重，我一直在接受治疗师的祝福，是闭关的状态，所以也不清楚……

CommanderGreat Healer's care... you mean frame maintenance? When did you finish?治疗师的祝福……哦，你是指素体维修保养？你是什么时候结束保养的？

DushevnayaJ-just now? I sensed the commotion as soon as I roused from the sacred altar... The first thing I saw upon my arrival was the Supreme Leader seeking to do you harm...就、就是刚刚？我从神圣的祭坛上醒来之后，就发现这边的动静……过来就看到首领大人袭击指挥官的那一幕……

(Her brows droop at those words.)（言语间，杜莎妮的眉毛耷拉了下来。）

DushevnayaI too believe that Helen and Supreme Leader were acting uncanny... as if evil spirits claimed their soul.我也觉得，刚刚的海伦和首领大人变得有些和平常不一样，像是被恶灵附身……

(By the looks of it, Dushevnaya doesn't know more than I do. In such a case, there's no point in dwelling on what exactly was the cause of it all.)（看来杜莎妮所知的信息跟我大差不差，那么现在纠结事件的成因没有很大的意义。）

(Instead, we should follow through on the clues that "Helen" just gave us.)（现在最有解析价值的，应该是刚刚“海伦”对我说的那一席话。）

CommanderSo... based on what "Helen" just said, they've been possessed, or more appropriately, infected by some kind of virus.嗯，结合刚才“海伦”的话，她们的确像是被什么东西附身了，或者说像是被病毒感染了。

CommanderDo you have any idea what "Nyxie" and "central control room" entail?杜莎妮，你知道刚刚“海伦”说的“小黑”和“中央机房”是什么吗？

Dushevnaya"Nyxie"... "central control room"... Hmm... Ah!“小黑”……“中央机房”……唔……啊！

(Her eyes suddenly widened, as if remembering something.)（杜莎妮突然瞪大了眼睛，像是想起了什么。）

DushevnayaI... I don't know what a "Nyxie" is, but I've heard Supreme Leader and the Great Sage speak of this "central control room"... though I've never asked them to elaborate.我……不知道“小黑”是什么，但我曾听到首领大人和大贤者提起过“中央机房”……虽然当时我也没问……

DushevnayaI just happened to bear witness to them emerging from some unknown sector of the thermal plant...我曾经看到她们一起从热电厂的一些未开发的领域出来……

CommanderUnknown sector? Where?未开发的领域？在哪里？

DushevnayaUgh... You truly wish to go, Commander?呃……要去吗？指挥官？

DushevnayaSupreme Leader once pronounced that area as extremely perilous and barred us from accessing it... W-what if the circles of hell are waiting for us there—首领大人说那里很危险，从不让我们涉足，万、万一堕入了万劫不复的地狱——

CommanderI doubt it's something truly dangerous. Ullrid would never allow unchecked danger to exist in the Community's proximity. Even if Ullrid overlooked it, Littara wouldn't.危险区域是小概率，因为乌尔丽德应该不会让社区周围出现绝对危险失控的区域——就算乌尔丽德疏忽了这一点，莉塔拉也不会。

CommanderWhich means... she might be in the know as well.而她可能也知道这个秘密。

DushevnayaIf it's so...这么说的话……

CommanderYeah, that place is likely hiding something Ullrid doesn't want you to know, and it could very well be the source of all this.嗯，那里大概率藏着什么乌尔丽德不想让你们知道的东西，而且有可能是此次骚动的源头。

CommanderSo, Dushevnaya... Will you take me there?所以，杜莎妮，能带我去那里吗？

(Dushevnaya hesitates for a moment, then nods.)（杜莎妮犹豫了一会儿，随即点了点头。）

DushevnayaYes! I understand now. Secret treasures are destined to see the light of day. Let us unveil the truth as one, Commander—嗯！我明白了，隐匿的秘宝总归要重见天日，那就由我和指挥官一起来揭晓答案吧——

(I let out a quiet sigh behind her.)（我在杜莎妮的身后叹了一口气。）

CommanderI wonder if it'll actually be a secret treasure... or a fatal weapon...是秘宝还是杀器呢……

Destruction and Rebirth 覆灭与新生

(Not sure which trap we set off, but a large number of defense automatons burst out of hidden panels on the ceiling and walls. Beams emitted by their laser targeting system skitter all over us.)（不知道是触发了哪个机关，大量的防御机械从天花板或者墙边隐形的暗门钻出，瞄准用的激光红点在我们的身上乱窜。）

(Bam! Bam—)（砰！砰——）

(Dushevnaya takes out the machines closing in on us, but they are simply too numerous and she's struggling to deal with all of them.)（杜莎妮抬枪击杀了逼近的机械，但却因为对方数量过多而显得有些力不从心。）

DushevnayaUnveiling that which lies concealed... is no simple task after all!揭开隐秘之事的面纱……真是困难重重啊！

CommanderGot to expect some heavy defenses if something important is truly hidden somewhere near.毕竟藏着重要的，不可能没有防御。

CommanderDushevnaya, get down!杜莎妮，趴下！

DushevnayaAye!好！

(I toss out a grenade right as she ducks down.)（在杜莎妮趴下的一瞬间，我掷出一枚手雷。）

(Boom—)（轰——）

DushevnayaWah—!哇啊——

(The grenade detonates with a deafening roar, tearing machines apart and creating a gap in their encirclement.)（手雷爆炸发出了巨响，将机械残肢炸得乱飞，硬生生地帮我们炸开一条生路。）

CommanderThis way!走这边！

(I drag Dushevnaya behind me and, under the cover of settling dust, break through the encirclement and run toward a different corridor.)（我拉起杜莎妮，在硝烟的掩护下突破了包围圈，向另一条通道跑去。）

(It doesn't take long for mechanical footsteps to crowd behind us. Looks like a conventional escape route isn't an option anymore.)（不一会儿，身后就传来了密密麻麻的机械行进的声音，看来现在走常规通道不是办法。）

(I stop and scan our surroundings.)（我停下了脚步，四下张望。）

DushevnayaWhat's wrong, Commander? Why did you suddenly—怎么了，指挥官，怎么突然……

CommanderHold them off for me, Dushevnaya.杜莎妮，挡一下追兵。

DushevnayaOh, okay!啊，好的！

(I lock onto a ventilation panel. It looks big enough for both of us, but small enough that those machines won't fit.)（我锁定了一个通风口，大小看上去适合我和杜莎妮出入，但那些机械应该钻不进来。）

(I raise my handgun.)（我抬起手枪。）

(Bang, bang, bang, bang—)（砰砰砰砰——）

(The metal grate falls to the floor with a loud clang.)（通风口的格挡金属掉落在地，发出巨大的响声。）

CommanderDushevnaya, over here!杜莎妮，快过来！

(After observing the situation from within the ventilation duct for a bit, we picked a room with a repair station to exit the duct as Dushevnaya's frame took some damage during the fight earlier.)（在通风管道内观察了一会儿，我们选择进入一间有维修台的房间——杜莎妮的素体有部分在刚刚的战斗中损坏了。）

DushevnayaBut... how does one work such an apparatus... Perhaps a sort of spell is required?不过，怎么启动这个呢……需要念咒语吗？

CommanderLet me see.我来看看。

(I step closer and realize it's an older repair station model—one that I've learned how to operate back at the military academy. Good thing I still remember those lessons.)（我走上前查看维修台，是一个比较老旧的型号，很久以前在士官学校的时候有学习操作过，多谢我还有着这部分的记忆。）

(Before long, the machine hums to life. A repair arm swings over, scans Dushevnaya's body, and begins patching up the damaged parts.)（不一会儿，机器开始嗡嗡运转，维修臂转到了杜莎妮面前，扫描了一下她的素体，接着开始修复损坏的部分。）

DushevnayaOoh! Wonderful! Just what'd I expect from a Commander who's tasted the fruit of wisdom!哦哦！好厉害，不愧是食用过智慧果实的指挥官！

CommanderI just picked up some basics from my old logistics officer, and this model just happens to be one that I've used before.只是跟我家的后勤官学了点皮毛而已，而且这台维修机器的型号我刚好见过。

(The room we're in is likely located somewhere deep within the thermal plant, with its sheer calmness only disrupted by the steady hum of the repair station. The rhythmic noise soothes my nerves, leaving me in the right headspace to pace around and analyze our surroundings.)（这个房间大概是在比较靠里的位置，四周很安静，只能听到维修机器嗡嗡运作的声音，有规律的白噪音让我的神经稍稍放松下来，我下意识地在房间中踱步，开始巡视。）

(This is clearly a maintenance room. Aside from the larger unit occupied by Dushevnaya right now, several smaller repair pods line the walls, all of older designs.)（这里应该就是一个维修室，除了给杜莎妮维修的那台大型机械，还有数个小型维修舱，沉默地靠在墙边，看上去都是比较老旧的型号了。）

(I glance over them and one catches my eye.)（我略微扫了一眼几个维修舱，但目光却被其中一个吸引住了。）

CommanderWait... that's...等下，那是……

(The pod at the very back seems to contain something, though glare from the overhead light obscures most of it.)（最靠里的那台维修舱里似乎有什么东西，但是被头顶灯的反射光掩去了大半。）

(I lean in and peer inside.)（我接近那个维修舱，探身看向内部。）

CommanderA Doll frame? But this model...人形素体？但是这个制式……

(Pale skin, long dark hair. Lying there, quietly asleep. She gives off the exact presence as those girls from my memory.)（苍白的皮肤，漆黑的长发，她在安静地沉睡着，散发着和记忆中的那群少女一模一样的气息。）

DushevnayaPrayer answered... Commander, what are you gazing at?祷告完毕……指挥官，你在看什么？

(The hum comes to a stop. Dushevnaya walks over, following my gaze into the pod.)（耳边的嗡嗡声停下了，完成维修的杜莎妮走到了我的身边，顺着我的目光向维修舱看去。）

DushevnayaHold on, a body of this nature... Sangvis Ferri?等等，这个样子的素体……铁血？

(In that moment, I recall my conversation with Ullrid.)（刹那间，我又回想起了乌尔丽德跟我的谈话。）

(She's harboring a Sangvis Doll here...?)（她在热电厂藏铁血的人形？）

CommanderYou think so too, huh?你也觉得像，是吗？

DushevnayaWhy... why would a ghost from the long past be present here?为什么……来自于过去的幽灵，会出现在这里？

DushevnayaWait, I-I've seen her before!等等，我我、我见过她！

CommanderWhen?什么时候？

DushevnayaUpon our first arrival at the thermal plant, we came across certain pictures...是我们刚来热电厂的时候，曾在热电厂中捡到过一些相片。

Dushevnaya...Those photographs depicted the "phantom of the thermal plant" that Supreme Leader told you about... and the other Doll at her flank is exactly this one here!相片中就是之前首领大人跟你提及的、热电厂的鬼魂，而与她合照的人形……就是她！

DushevnayaShe donned a cloak in those pictures, undoubtedly attempting to mask her sinful body. Yet this visage, and that devilish horn, I-I will never forget!虽然那张照片上，她穿着斗篷掩去了她罪恶的身体，但这张脸和标志性的有如魔鬼的角，我、我记得！

(I now recall Ullrid mentioning a strange Doll they encountered upon their arrival at the thermal plant.)（我曾听乌尔丽德提起过，她们刚进入热电厂时遇到的那位攻击性颇高的“诡异人形”。）

Commander...So the enemy you ran into was likely connected to Sangvis Ferri. Maybe that's what Ullrid is trying to hide from everyone?……你们遭遇的敌人，和铁血有关，难道乌尔丽德想要隐藏的是这个吗？

CommanderEven if she didn't recognize a Sangvis Doll, Littara, Suomi, and you most definitely would have.但就算她不知道铁血，莉塔拉、索米和你，也不可能不知道。

CommanderWhile their remnants later joined forces with Griffin, that doesn't change the fact that we were sworn enemies for many years...虽然最后铁血的残部投靠了格里芬，但好歹也是打了好几年的宿敌……

(I scan my surroundings, almost certain that there's more to this room.)（我环顾四周，几乎可以确定，这个房间内肯定还藏着什么相关的秘密。）

CommanderCan you help me search this place, Dushevnaya?杜莎妮，帮我搜一下这个房间可以吗？

CommanderTell me if you find anything suspicious.只要是你觉得可疑的东西，都可以告诉我。

DushevnayaNo problem!没问题！

(We split up and start searching our separate areas. Before long, Dushevnaya calls out from the other end of the room.)（我和杜莎妮划分了搜查区域，开始在这里翻箱倒柜，很快，杜莎妮在房间的另一头大声呼唤起了我。）

DushevnayaCommander—come look at this!指挥官——来看看这个！

(I walk over and see she's holding something.)（我走近杜莎妮，看着她拿在手中的东西。）

DushevnayaThis looks like some sort of office-use terminal? It bears a resemblance to Great Sage's Holy Codex... I have seen similar ones back in Griffin, yet this design strikes me as most strange...这是办公用的终端吧？好像大贤者的贤者之簿啊……以前在格里芬的时候有见过，但总觉得外形很奇怪……

CommanderThis is what came before terminals—it's called a laptop. This one is really old, though. The company that made this has gone through tons of iterations since then. These are basically pre-WWIII antiques nowadays.这应该是终端的前身——便携笔记本电脑，这个型号也很老了，目前这个公司的产品已经迭代了很多，这种东西已经算得上是三战前的古董了。

CommanderBut it shouldn't be that different from modern terminals.不过其实大致上和目前的终端应该也不会差很多。

(I open the laptop and start using it like a terminal.)（我依照终端的使用逻辑，操作起了笔记本电脑。）

CommanderLet's see... There are a lot of files in here... are these logs?我来看看……这里有很多文档……日志吗？

DushevnayaShould their number exceed measure, I may stand as your eyes.如果数量很多的话，或许我可以成为指挥官的眼睛。

CommanderYou mean, plug in and give it a quick scan?你是说，连接电脑，快速浏览吗？

DushevnayaRight so! Though not as skilled as Helen... if that's all I need to do, maybe I can help!对的，虽然比不上海伦，但是只是这种程度的话，我也许能做到！

CommanderSure, but...可以是可以，不过……

(I flip the device over.)（我翻看了一下手里的电脑。）

CommanderThis thing's too old, there's no compatible connector for you.这个型号太老了，应该没有可以连接的接口。

DushevnayaAh... I-I see...这、这样吗……

CommanderIt's fine. We can just read them manually—没关系，直接看也行，我来看看——

Date: ██-██-2036 Network security... verifying... success Database link... establishing... success Authentication... confirming... success Log module... loading... success Affiliation: Marley Genomics Research Center Model: NeuroMIND 4.0 Self-designation: Phaetusa Total archived entries... 36,578 New entries today... 56 Viruses intercepted... 36 End-to-end archiving... success2036年X月X日 网络安全环境……检验中……成功 数据库链接……建立中……成功 认证……权限确认……成功 日志模块……载入确认……成功 所属：马利基因数据研究中心 模型版本：NeuroMIND 4.0 自主命名：翡图萨 全数据库条目归档检索……36578条 当日新增条目……56条 抵御病毒攻击……36次 全流程归档……成功

Date: ██-██-2037 Network security... verifying... success Database link... establishing... success Authentication... confirming... success Log module... loading... success Affiliation: Marley Genomics Research Center Model: NeuroMIND 4.0 Self-designation: Phaetusa Total archived entries... 65,349 New entries today... 254 Viruses intercepted... 165 End-to-end archiving... success2037年X月X日 网络安全环境……检验中……成功 数据库链接……建立中……成功 认证……权限确认……成功 日志模块……载入确认……成功 所属：马利基因数据研究中心 模型版本：NeuroMIND 4.0 自主命名：翡图萨 全数据库条目归档检索……65349条 当日新增条目……254条 抵御病毒攻击……165次 全流程归档……成功

All daily tasks completed. With assistance from Andy Lee (Staff ID: CD256), the firewall has been updated to better intercept external attacks. In the past two weeks, number of entries and access frequency of "Collapse Radiation"-related files have surged. Recommendation: relocating related files to the front page to facilitate end-user access. End of message.今日工作已完成，在安迪李（工号CD256）的辅助下，更换了新的防火墙系统，用以拦截外部攻击。 据统计，过去两周内，“坍塌辐射”类数据文档的新增条目与调取次数陡增，建议置于首页，以便数据库用户随时取用查阅。 以上。

DushevnayaGenomics... Research Center?基因……数据研究中心？

CommanderThink of it as a place for storing and compiling genetic data for use in fields such as medicine and bioengineering.可以理解为存储、整合生物基因，用于拓展医学或者现代生命科学领域的地方。

CommanderI see, this "Phaetusa" was likely an AI introduced to organize data archives.这么看来，这个“翡图萨”是当时研究中心引入的用于检索资料的人工智能？

Commander2037... That should be around the same time the autonomous Doll technology saw its first boom. Could Phaetusa have incorporated an early version of the neural cloud?37年吗……我记得那几年好像正是自律人形技术崛起的年份，难道翡图萨采用了最早的自律人形心智云图？

(I know what I said is a highly speculative hypothesis, as there was no shortage of now-failed AI models that popped up at the time.)（但我知道这只是一个非常形而上的猜测，当年井喷式爆发的人工智能模型有很多。）

DushevnayaUh... can't see through this heavy mist.呃……迷雾重重。

CommanderLet's keep reading. Stay on the lookout, Dushevnaya.再看看吧，杜莎妮，帮我注意一下周遭的环境。

Date: ██-██-2046 Network security... verifying... success Database link... establishing... success Authentication... confirming... success Log module... loading... success Affiliation: Marley Genomics Research Center Model: NeuroMIND 4.0 Self-designation: Phaetusa Total archived entries... 256,347 New entries today... 48 Viruses intercepted... 29 End-to-end archiving... success2046年X月X日 网络安全环境……检验中……成功 数据库链接……建立中……成功 认证……权限确认……成功 日志模块……载入确认……成功 所属：马利基因数据研究中心 模型版本：NeuroMIND 4.0 自主命名：翡图萨 全数据库条目归档检索……256347条 当日新增条目……48条 抵御病毒攻击……29次 全流程归档……成功

Things are not looking good. The research center is located near the frontline. Many employees have already submitted their resignation notices. Their reaction is understandable, as human life only comes once. That's why I exist—to preserve and safeguard these achievements of mankind. They're the foundation of humanity's future, their pathway toward their "Ideal Haven." I'll remain here until the very end.最近情况似乎不太好。 研究中心所在的位置位于交战区的边界，已经陆陆续续有大批员工提交了辞职申请。 可以理解，毕竟人类的生命只有一次。 这也是我存在于此的意义，去保存、守护这些智慧的结晶——这些都是未来的人类搭建“理想之国”的重要基石。 我会在这里坚守到最后一刻。

(The logs end here. The next entry jumps to 2063.)（日志在这一篇之后断了，再下一篇的记录时间已经是2063年了。）

Commander2046... that's after WWIII began. The research center must've been affected.2046年……应该是三战爆发之后了，研究中心也被波及了吗？

Date: ██-██-2063 Log module... loading... success Username: Phaetusa Didn't expect I'd wind up back here one day to dig this laptop up again. It's slightly damaged but not beyond repair. Still works after being powered on. After everything, recording logs on this very device still feels the best. Today's exploration was fruitful. We found an intact server, and the data in it is exactly what we're looking for. Even if it doesn't amount to what we used to have, but as humans say, "many a little makes a mickle." We're already off to a great start compared to when the humans had to start from scratch. Nyxie's happy too! Sweeper's note: I would never have bothered to come here if not for you mentioning that there might be neural cloud-related data!2063年x月x日 日志模块……载入确认……成功 用户名称：翡图萨 没想到故地重游，还能把这台电脑挖出来。 稍有损坏，但修起来并不麻烦，通电了之后还能用，果然记录日志的话还是在这台电脑上比较顺畅呢。 这次探索收获颇丰，我们找到了未损坏的服务器，服务器中的数据正是我们所需要的，虽然可能回不到之前的储备量，但人类有一个说法，叫作“积少成多”，比起过去人类从零开始建造基因数据库，我们的起点已经很高了！ 小黑也非常愿意哦！ 清道夫留言：要不是你说研究中心有心智云图相关的资料，我才懒得去呢！

Date: ██-██-2063 Log module... loading... success Username: Phaetusa The thermal plant's generator has been repaired. With power back on, everything else is so much easier. I have no idea which researcher uploaded the plant's blueprint to the database... but bless your soul. We gathered old farm machines, built defensive automatons, and even accidentally got our hands on a Doll frame. Nyxie couldn't wait to study her neural cloud. Even though it's nearly totaled, it still holds great research value. Nyxie said she wants to use that technology to rebuild her faction and rule over humanity... I feel both concerned and reassured by this. What concerns me is her hostility toward humans, which conflicts with my own base layer. Every day, I need to spend extra time handling the cached data created by the conflict... What should we do if we eventually find ourselves in that situation, given that we share the same body? What reassures me, however, is that I don't think she's capable of achieving that. Sweeper's note: Who are you calling incapable?! You human lapdog!2063年x月x日 日志模块……载入确认……成功 用户名称：翡图萨 热电厂的发电机修好了，能通电了之后其他的事就好办了很多。 也不知道是哪位研究员往数据库里塞的基建资料……真是太谢谢了。 我们收集了很多废旧的农具，制作了防御机械，也意外获得了一具人形素体，小黑迫不及待地研究了她的心智云图——尽管那已接近全损，但仍然有相当高的研究价值。 小黑说，想要在这个的基础上制作新的心智云图，复兴她的势力，然后统治人类…… 我对此表示既担忧又放心。 担忧的是，小黑对于人类那么深的成见，跟我的底层逻辑是有冲突的，我每天不得不花额外的时间，处理这些冲突产生的冗余数据，而且如果有一天，真的遇到了这种状况，共用素体的我们，该怎么办才好呢？ 放心的是，我感觉小黑没有那个实力。 清道夫留言：你骂谁呢！人类的走狗！

Date: ██-██-2064 Log module... loading... success Username: Phaetusa I chose the name "Lambertia"—taken from a goddess in human mythology. Well, it was ultimately decided through drawing lots. Nyxie got a little grumpy but agreed in the end. After all, compared to things like "Performer" or "Gravedigger", this at least sounds like a real name. However, that just got me called a human lapdog by Nyxie again... In honesty, she rarely does that nowadays, as there are very few humans around to bug her and trigger her sensitive mind given the proximity of the thermal plant to the Red Zone. While we've resumed agricultural experiments with machines and Lambertia, there are no humans left to review or approve our data... Progress often stalls, and there are hurdles I can't overcome on my own. At times like this, I miss humans more than ever. I still believe that I need a human "administrator" to guide us back onto the right track. After all, I was created by humans; I can't do what's beyond my design. Often times, I would think to myself "what would that 'administrator' be like?" Through meticulous simulations, I've conjured a model with everything about this "administrator"—personality, preferences, capabilities... even zodiac sign and voice. What kind of voice will they use to summon me? I haven't heard a real human in a very, very long time... Human voices are, by their nature, completely different from a Doll's synthetic one. That voice will undoubtedly inspire me... give me purpose. I showed the model to Nyxie. She didn't like it... and deleted it immediately, as if it struck an unpleasant nerve buried in her memory. I do have a backup, however. Hehe. Sweeper's note: You better hide that backup well... Don't EVER let me find it. I hate humans—especially this one!2064年x月x日 日志模块……载入确认……成功 用户名称：翡图萨 “兰珀蒂娅”是我起的名字，取自人类文化传说中一个女神的名字。 不过是通过抓阄抓出来的啦，小黑对此表示不满，但最后还是同意了。 也是嘛，比起“演奏家”、“送葬者”这种，这更像是一个正常的人名，这么一说又被小黑说是“人类的走狗”了，但其实她最近这么说的次数已经少了很多了，因为热电厂是位于黄区接近红区的地方，环境恶劣，根本就没几个人类，也就不会触到小黑纤细敏感的心智。 虽然现在有农业机械和兰珀蒂娅帮忙进行育种实验，但是上传的数据再也没有人类接收和批复了……我们的实验经常碰到阻碍，但有些问题我也解决不了，这个时候我就尤其想念人类。 我始终觉得，我还是需要一位人类的“管理者”将实验引向正确的方向，毕竟我的缔造者始终还是人类，我做不出超越自己认知的事情。 我时常会想，如果，有这样一位“管理者”，那位大人应该是什么样的呢？ 我经过细密的演算，输出了一套“管理者”模型，性格、爱好偏好、能力、作战水平……甚至是星座、人格语言我都模拟了出来，那位“管理者”会用什么样的声音呼唤我呢？ 我已经很久很久……没有听到过真实的人声了。 真实的人声听上去，是和人形的人工声线，完全不一样的感觉。 那个声音一定能唤醒我、给我动力。 我把模拟结果拿给小黑看。 小黑看了脸变得更黑了，不知道是不是戳中了她记忆里某个不好的存在……她一键将模型删除了。 不过我还有复印版本，嘿嘿。 清道夫留言：你最好保存好隐藏好……不要让我再看到，我讨厌人类，尤其讨厌这一个！

(A file is attached to the log. I open it and Dushevnaya leans in.)（这份日志末尾有一份附件，我打开看了看，杜莎妮也凑了上来。）

DushevnayaThis... this looks like you, Commander...这、好像指挥官啊……

CommanderAccording to the log, this simulation was what Phaetusa deemed as her "ideal administrator"... Could there really be such a coincidence?按照日志来看，这是翡图萨自行生成的理想中的“管理者”形象……但是有那么巧的事吗？

(I can't help but recall that moment, the way "Helen" gazed at me through the gap of the blast door.)（脑海里不自觉地浮现出透过防爆闸门的缝隙、“海伦”看向我的那一个眼神。）

Helen?I-I've finally met you... Commander...终于、终于见到你了……指挥官……

(Could the one who helped me escape earlier be the writer of these logs, Phaetusa?)（难道在那个时候，帮助我逃跑的是这个日志的记录者——“翡图萨”？）

Date: ██-██-2072 Log module... loading... success Username: Phaetusa While I went into hibernation for self-diagnosis, Lambertia was named the plant's primary administrator. I thought everything would proceed as normal, yet by the time I woke up, she had been destroyed by intruders, Doll intruders. After some observation, I realized it's a rare case of a Doll-led group without a human leader. Nyxie was furious; she wanted to turn them into Dummies as the first step of Sangvis Ferri's great revitalization... ...Please don't do that. I don't think I'd appreciate Sangvis Ferri as an organization from what I've heard. At first, I wanted to drive those "visitors" out, but after witnessing their combat capability, I realized we could use their help. Currently, the thermal plant's defense and the experimental farm's operation rely solely on automated machines. They're no match for Dolls at the end of the day. From what I've seen, they need shelter and knowledge for their own development, so wouldn't cooperation be mutually beneficial? I told Nyxie about the idea. She resisted at first but eventually compromised after thinking through the risks and benefits. Although I suspect she still harbors some devious ideas, it doesn't really matter; I don't think she'll ever succeed. Her only condition was not to reveal her existence specifically to those Dolls, which is not a hard ask—we share one body after all. No one would notice unless she goes out of her way to expose herself. Thus, one night, I took over one of their member and met with their leader, Ullrid. As I expected, she's a reasonable individual. After a few days of discussion, she and her strategist, Littara, agreed to my proposal, though they remained skeptical about my condition to remain hidden. In her words, all her decisions go through some sort of community vote. I went on and gave her my explanation—given my Sangvis Ferri-built body, the fewer Dolls who know about my existence, the better. Ultimately, Ullrid agreed to our terms. Sweeper's note: Their leadership is totally inefficient. Talking about fairness when survival itself is uncertain... ridiculous.2072年x月x日 日志模块……载入确认……成功 用户名称：翡图萨 在我休眠自检的期间，兰珀蒂娅被设定为热电厂的第一管理员，我以为这会是一段相安无事的时间，但醒来的时候，兰珀蒂娅被入侵者毁掉了。 入侵者是一群人形，我观察了一下，她们并没有人类领导者，是少见的人形领导的群体。 小黑比我还生气，说要把这群人形做成傀儡，让她们成为复兴铁血的第一块砖。 ……那还是别了，从之前她的讲述来看，我应该并不会喜欢铁血这个组织。 虽然一开始我的念头也是把这群无礼的人形赶走，但见识到她们的战斗力时，我突然意识到，其实我们可以合作。 热电厂的安保和试验田的耕作基本上是靠防御机械和农业机械，但它们的战斗力和智能程度终究还是比不上人形。 而这群人形应该也是需要一个落脚和发展的地方。 我们需要人力，她们需要庇护和发展相关的知识，那如果合作岂不是刚刚好？ 我把这个主意告诉了小黑，小黑先是表现出了抗拒，但慢慢也想清楚了其中的利害——但我总觉得她还保留着之前那个危险的想法，不过无所谓，我并不觉得她能成功。 小黑唯一的条件就是让我不要在人形面前暴露她的存在，这也没什么难的，我们共享一具素体，不说的话也没人能看出来。 就这样，某个夜晚，我附身在了其中一个人形身上，见到了她们的领头人形——乌尔丽德。 确实和我想得一样，乌尔丽德是个讲道理的人形，短暂几天的沟通，她和她的军师莉塔拉同意了我们的想法，但对于我想要隐藏自己的存在的这个条件有些犹豫。 按她的话来说，她们所有决定都要通过社区投票。 我也给出了自己的理由——这具形似铁血的人形素体，越少人知道越好。 最后在交涉之下，乌尔丽德同意了我们的条件。 清道夫留言：她们的管理方法太低效了，还说什么为了公平，当生存都是问题的时候还谈什么公平？

(...Sangvis Ferri's revitalization?)（……复兴铁血？）

(The scattered clues converge into a symphony of chaos in my head, so much so that I only snap out of my thoughts after Dushevnaya's multiple callouts.)（杂乱的线索在我的脑海里交织成混沌的乐章，以至于杜莎妮叫了我好几声都被我忽略了。）

DushevnayaCommander... Commander!指挥官……指挥官！

DushevnayaI can sense it! Evil spirits are approaching! It's more than one!我感知到了！恶灵正在接近，还不止一个！

CommanderDushevnaya—grab the laptop and get into the vent, now!杜莎妮，拿上电脑，快进通风管道！

(With the ventilation duct on the ceiling, we drag over several tables to climb up. Meanwhile, I hear pounding on the door.)（由于通风口是在天花板，我们费了些力气搬来一些桌子用于垫脚，与此同时，我已经听到了门外传来的撞击声。）

DushevnayaUgh... How did they find us with such haste?呜……她们是怎么这么快发现的？

CommanderRemember, "Helen" said Nyxie can adapt to any machine. Maybe she found our trace through the surveillance system. Hurry, take the laptop and leave.你忘了吗，“海伦”说过，小黑可以快速适应各种机械或者系统，也许她顺着监控找到了我们，快，你抱着电脑，先上去。

(As soon as I order her to go, gunfire erupts outside, seemingly to destroy the control panel. The door is blown wide open in the next moment.)（话音刚落，门外传来枪声，似是在破坏门的操纵系统，下一秒，门就被一炮轰开。）

DushevnayaGrab my hand, Commander!指挥官抓住我！

(With Dushevnaya already climbed up, she reaches down in an attempt to pull me into the ventilation duct.)（此时，杜莎妮已经爬上了通风口，正朝我伸出手，要将我拉上去。）

(I take her hand, yet just as she's about to pull me up, I feel someone violently dragging me down by the foot. I look down, and see that it's "Ullrid".)（我握住了杜莎妮的手，刚要发力，就察觉自己的脚被人大力往下一拽，我往下一看，是“乌尔丽德”！）

DushevnayaCommander!指挥官！

(Not intending to give up, Dushevnaya tightens her grip and steps up her effort.)（杜莎妮显然也毫不服输，拽紧了我的手，往上拉去。）

(I feel as if I'm about to be ripped apart by the force of two Dolls pulling me in opposite directions.)（被两个人形拉扯……我感觉自己快要断掉了。）

CommanderDushevnaya! It's fine! Let go of me! Take the laptop and leave!杜莎妮！没事，放开我！你带着电脑先走！

DushevnayaN-no! I will not allow the evil spirits to devour the Commander!不、不行！我不能放任指挥官被恶灵吞噬！

CommanderListen, they'll block off the exit at this rate. Then even you won't be able to escape either!你听着，再僵持下去，她们肯定会围堵出口，到时候连你也逃不走！

CommanderI'm not telling you to abandon me. Go get reinforcements! Find Klukai and the others!不是让你放弃我，而是去搬救兵，去找可露凯她们！

DushevnayaBut... What if you d-d-die—可是……万一指挥官死死死死死死……

CommanderI'll die first from being torn apart at this rate... There's no time to argue. GO, Dushevnaya! That's an order!再这样被你们扯下去我才真的会死……不开玩笑了，杜莎妮，快走！这是命令！

(I loosen my grip, signaling her to let go.)（我松开了杜莎妮的手，作放弃的状态。）

(Perhaps astounded by my resolve, Dushevnaya only lets go after a moment of hesitation.)（不知道是不是被我的坚定震慑住了，杜莎妮犹豫了一会儿，也松开了手。）

DushevnayaUnderstood... I shall return with the knights to deliver thee on the next full moon, Commander!我知道了……指挥官，下个月圆之夜，我一定会率领众骑士来拯救你的！

(She disappears into the darkness of the ventilation duct, whereas I fall straight down.)（杜莎妮消失在黑暗的通风口，而我却直直地往地面坠去。）

(Thud—I hit the ground hard. Pain spreads across my back, but I made sure to protect my head to avoid worse injuries.)（砰——我摔倒在了地上，疼痛从背后蔓延至全身，不过摔倒之前我有意识地仰头，不至于让脑袋承担伤害。）

(Yet, when I see "Ullrid" raising the hilt of her sword high above me, I know what's to come is unavoidable.)（但当我看见“乌尔丽德”对着我高高举起的刀柄之后，我就知道这一击还是在所难免。）

(The next moment, my consciousness leaves my body and plunges into a boundless darkness—)（下一秒，我的意识脱离了躯壳，坠入了无边的黑暗——）

March of Resistance 反抗进行曲

DushevnayaCurse it... the path to freedom is so fiercely kept...可恶……通往自由的出口有重兵把守……

(Hidden in the tall grass, Dushevnaya looks toward the thermal plant's exit, where numerous agricultural machines are currently patrolling. They must've received orders from "Helen" to prevent her from escaping.)（杜莎妮蹲在草丛里，看向热电厂的出口，许多农业机械在那边游荡，应该是收到了“海伦”的命令，来围堵杜莎妮的。）

DushevnayaPerhaps... I shall seek a different path...要不然，选择另一条道路……

(Just as Dushevnaya ponders what to do, gunfire erupts.)（正当杜莎妮犹豫不决的时候，一阵枪声响起。）

(The agricultural machines are mowed down by incoming fire and a group of Dolls rushes in.)（农业机械被外来的子弹放倒，一群人形闯了进来。）

DushevnayaAh... I-it's the Great Sage!啊……那是……大贤者！

(Seeing familiar faces, Dushevnaya jumps out of her hiding spot and runs toward them.)（看到了熟悉的同伴，杜莎妮从草丛中钻出，朝她们跑去。）

(Klukai and others instinctively raise their weapons, but quickly recognize her.)（可露凯几人本能地持枪警戒，但也马上认出了杜莎妮。）

LittaraD-Dushevnaya!杜、杜莎妮！

DushevnayaGreat Sage—Commander, the Commander—!大贤者——指挥官、指挥官——

LittaraH-hey, slow down...慢、你慢一点说……

KlukaiHold on, the area's not secured. Let's move first.等等，这里不安全，我们撤出去再说。

DushevnayaOkay!好的！

(Beep—beep—)（嘀——嘀——）

(Countless pop-up windows appear before Helen. Streams of data scroll rapidly across her irises.)（无数的弹框出现在海伦的面前，大量的信息流从她的虹膜上滚动而过。）

Helen...Whew.呼……

(After rapidly registering and processing a mountain of data, she now has a clear understanding of the server's structure and its security system.)（密集地录入一堆信息并解析之后，她对这个服务器构造和安全系统已经有了整体的概念。）

HelenI see... A hive-pattern centralized control system. No wonder it felt so familiar.原来如此，蜂窝集权式控制系统，难怪会觉得那么熟悉。

HelenWon't be difficult to crack it either. Just need to get the one at the top of the food chain—破解起来也很容易，只要把最高权限者——

HelenWho's there?!谁！

(Footsteps from behind her interrupt Helen's train of thought. She takes a defensive posture, but is surprised when she meets her visitor in the eyes.)（身后传来的脚步声打断了海伦的思考，她摆出了防御的姿势，但在看到来者的一瞬间露出惊讶的表情。）

HelenYou?是你？

Helen...No. You're not supposed to be inside the server right now.……不对，你现在不应该在服务器中。

HelenIf you're here, then who's occupying my body?如果你在这里的话，那占用我素体的又是谁？

(The figure doesn't respond. She steps closer, looking at the data Helen has pulled up with her head tilted, completely unconcerned by Helen's alerted stance.)（那个人没有说话，只是慢慢踱步靠近，偏着头看向海伦调出来的信息内容，丝毫不在意海伦的戒备。）

???Impressive! You managed to parse all this in such a short time.好厉害，居然这么短的时间内就解析出来了。

???At this rate, stopping Nyxie's "grand plan" is only a matter of time...感觉阻断小黑的“大业”，应该也只是时间问题……

HelenSo the one who took over my body... is called Nyxie?那个入侵我素体的个体，叫小黑？

???Ah, only I get to call her that.啊，这个是只有我能叫的。

???I was wondering, say if you people capture Nyxie, what do you plan to do to her?想问一下，如果你们抓住了小黑，会打算怎么做呢？

(After confirming the visitor does not intend to attack her, Helen lets down her guard.)（确定了对方完全没有攻击的意图，海伦也恢复了从容。）

HelenWhat do we plan to do?怎么做？

HelenThat will depend on the specifics.这种事要看具体情况哦。

HelenAnd by the specifics, I mean the Commander's condition.当然对于我们来说，衡量情况的标准那只有看指挥官的状态了。

HelenIf the Commander's safe and sound, we can talk this through. However, if the Commander's hurt, then I don't think this will end very nicely.如果没伤害指挥官，一切好说，如果指挥官因此而受伤——那事情可不会这么容易就结束了。

???...Oh my. Your expression suddenly became super scary.诶，你的表情突然变得好可怕。

???I see that you girls really do trust this Commander.这么看来，你们的确是很信赖这个指挥官了。

HelenThe Commander is our guiding light. Wherever he goes, we will always follow.指挥官是我们的信标，我们永远会朝着指挥官所在的方向前进。

???That's so nice...真好啊……

(The girl lowers her head with a soft chuckle, then looks back at Helen.)（人形少女低下头轻笑，又抬起头看向海伦。）

???I can't help but feel you're trustworthy. How about coming with me? I can show you more... things that might help you win this battle.总觉得你十分值得信赖，要不要跟我来？我给你看一些其他的东西……也许能够更好地帮助你在这场战斗中胜出。

HelenWin?胜出？

HelenSorry, but I've already won.不好意思，这一刻我已经胜出了。

???This battle goes far beyond the servers and Level II... More knowledge is never a bad thing, you know? It will only have a more profound and positive impact on the future.战斗可不止局限于服务器和二级平层……多知道些东西没有坏处，只会对未来有更深远、更好的影响。

(With that, the Doll extends her hand toward Helen.)（说罢，人形少女朝海伦伸出一只手。）

???Come on. Let me show you some of Nyxie's secrets first.来吧？我先带你去看一些关于小黑的事情。

PhaetusaOh, by the way, you can call me Phaetusa.哦，对了，你可以叫我翡图萨哦。

Distant Bloodline 遥远的血脉

(A faint itch runs across my neck, like something soft, silky brushing against it from time to time.)（脖颈处传来瘙痒的感觉，像是有什么柔软的缎子时不时地轻触那里。）

(I force open my eyes. A pair of cold irises carrying a trace of mockery meets me.)（我艰难地睁开双眼，对上的是一双冷酷中带着些许戏谑的眸子。）

???Oh, look who's awake.哟，醒了。

Commander...……

(It's that Doll with hallmarks of Sangvis Ferri. Leaning over me, her long black hair was what was brushing against my neck.)（是那位拥有铁血特质的人形，她正伏在我的上方，扫过我脖颈的是她黑色的发丝。）

(Her closed eyes during hibernation gave her the illusion of being a harmless Doll, but now that they're wide open and staring down my soul, it's really hard to miss the burning hatred in them.)（休眠的时候，她阖上了眼眸，显得人畜无害，但当她睁开眼睛看向我的时候，我才感觉到一股真实的敌意。）

(I try to move, only to realize my limbs are tightly bound.)（我想活动一下四肢，却发现自己被牢牢地捆住了。）

???Don't even bother. You're not getting away.别挣扎了，你逃不掉的。

CommanderWasn't planning to anyway. Just, ehm... don't you think you're a little too close?我也没想逃，只是觉得……你是不是有点靠得太近了。

???I just wanted to see what makes humans so special.因为我想观察一下，人类到底有什么特别的。

CommanderAnd the conclusion?观察出什么了吗？

???A suit of meat made to deceive, eyes made to scheme, voice made to manipulate...用于伪装的皮相、算计的眼神、蛊惑人心的声音……

(Her fingertip slides from my eye socket down to my throat, then stops over my chest.)（她的手指从我的眼眶划到喉咙，最后停在我的胸口。）

???And a heart utterly defiled.和一颗污浊不堪的心。

(The Sangvis Doll shakes her head, her hair swaying again.)（铁血人形摇了摇头，发丝更加频繁地晃动了几下。）

???You're no different than those foolish, selfish humans we've met along the way.你和那些我们一路上遇到的，愚蠢的、自私自利的人类没什么区别。

???I don't understand why she cares so much about you.我不懂那家伙为什么会对你如此在意。

CommanderShe?那家伙？

???Hmph. It's none of your business.哼，你不用知道，这些都是次要的。

???Between us lies resentment that's even more deep-seated. Don't tell me you've forgotten? Griffin's Commander.我们之间还有更深的仇恨，你不会忘记了吧？格里芬的指挥官。

CommanderGriffin's Commander... now that's a nostalgic title.格里芬的指挥官……真是一个让人怀念的称呼。

CommanderSo you do recognize me.看来你是认得我的。

???Of course I do. For all those years we've fought, your name has always been on our high-priority target list.毕竟铁血工造和格里芬是那么多年的宿敌，其中你的名字可是上过我们最重点关注的敌方名单。

CommanderThat was ages ago... If you really were a part of Sangvis Ferri, then you should know what happened in the end.这是很久远的事了，而且……如果你真的是铁血的一员，你也应该知道最后发生了什么。

CommanderWe were at each other's throats for years, yes, but we eventually reconciled and even helped each other out.铁血和格里芬的确是多年的宿敌，但也在那之后冰释前嫌互相扶持了。

???"Reconciled"? "Helped out"?“冰释前嫌”？“互相扶持”？

???It's all your imagination, isn't it?恐怕这只出现在你的幻觉中吧？

(She places a hand on my throat and slowly tightens her grip.)（她的一只手放在了我的喉咙上，慢慢施压。）

???How pathetic. This human's even started hallucinating.可悲的人类都出现幻觉了。

???I don't know what you did to Mastermind, or how you made those so-called ringleaders bow down to Griffin, but your trickery will never fool me.我不知道你是用了什么方法迫害了伊莱莎大人，也不知道你是怎么让那群所谓的高级头目一一屈服于格里芬，总之——我是绝对不会相信你的！

???And I will make you pay for what you've done...我要让你付出代价……

(Her fingers suddenly clench down, choking out my throat.)（她的双手陡然收紧，我感觉喉咙一窒。）

Commander(Cough, cough) Wait—just a second...咳、咳——慢着慢着……

(So her scorn toward me stems from Elisa's disappearance.)（原来她对我的仇恨来自于伊莱莎的消失。）

(I shake my head, trying to ease the pressure, but a Doll's grip is firm like industrial claws.)（我扭动着脑袋企图让她的手松一些，但人形的手比烙铁还坚硬。）

CommanderI-I understand how you feel... Losing someone you admire... is hard to deal with... but—(Cough) Still... Elisa's fate... was not my doing.我、我明白你的心情……失去最崇拜、的人，肯定很难以接受……但、咳，我还是要说……伊莱莎……咳、的离开……并不是因为我。

CommanderBack then... she chose to head to Nirvana herself... If anything... s-she's the one who abandoned you.那时候……她自己选择的前往希岸空间，硬要说的话，是、是她放弃了你们。

(For a moment, the girl freezes. The pressure on my throat loosens as I gasp for air.)（眼前的少女有一瞬间的僵滞，我感觉喉咙上的力道在松懈，趁机猛吸几口气。）

???Lies again! What Nirvana...? Do you take me for some toaster fresh-off-the-production-line?又在骗人了，什么希岸空间……你当我刚从生产线上爬下来吗？

???In all these years I've been with "her", we've seen plenty of humans just like you. People who exploited us, people who used us, people who saw us as stepping stones... we've seen it all. Every single one of them had a face just like yours—和那家伙在一起的这么多年里，多虚伪的人类我们都接触过了，图我们好处的人、算计我们的人，把我们当垫脚石的人……我们见得多了，而他们无一例外都长着一张像你这样的脸。

???Kind, charming... and perfectly hiding their cruelty behind their skin.和善、迷人……完全看不出是坏人。

???I learned the lesson a long time ago... disguises and lies are humans' best friends.从很早以前我就知道了……人类惯会利用伪装和谎言达成自己的目的。

CommanderI'm sorry for what you've been through... No wonder you can't trust me.我为你的经历感到难过……也难怪你无法相信我。

(I really wish to get out of this situation ASAP, but somehow, the animosity and fear in her voice have moved me.)（虽然我很想摆脱现在这个状态，但她声音里的敌意和恐慌还是触动到了我。）

(Perhaps, before coming up with excuses for myself, I should try comforting her.)（或许，在为自己辩解之前，我该好好安抚她的情绪。）

(Because what I'm seeing in her is a child covered in thorns, steeped in the world's malice for far too long.)（此时的她看上去，就像一个在世界的恶意中沉浸已久，浑身长满尖刺的孩子。）

CommanderThose unpleasant experiences you went through... they made you lose faith in humanity, I get that.你的那些不好的遭遇，让你对人类这个群体很失望，我能理解你的心情。

(The girl freezes, then shakes her head with a frown.)（少女一愣，但很快就皱眉摇头。）

???No... you don't.不……你不会理解的。

(Although thus far, she has voiced nothing but rejection and denial, she has clearly been thinking about what I said.)（虽然眼前的人说着否定的话，但明显她有在顺着我的话思考。）

(She's not completely stubborn, otherwise she wouldn't have hesitated at all. Perhaps all she needs is to be reassured... to be understood... or simply to vent out all her pent up anger.)（她并不是一个完全一意孤行的人，不然完全不会动摇，也许她是需要开解、也许她是需要发泄……）

(That might just be my chance to stall for time, or even turn things around.)（而这可能将成为我拖延时间甚至是脱困的突破口。）

CommanderI do, because I've met plenty of them as well... humans as you've described.因为我也曾碰到过很多……这样的人类。

CommanderThey all claimed it was "for me", "for us", or "for the greater good", only to use me to their own benefit or extract more value out of me.他们打着为我好的名义，实际上只是想要利用我，或者从我身上获取更多的价值。

(Fragments of the past flash through my mind.)（往事的一幕幕浮现在眼前。）

(While the passion and conviction that belonged to those memories have long faded, they stand clear, unwavering, reminding me of those sentiments that I ought not to forget.)（它们早已褪去情绪的色彩，但依然旗帜鲜明地矗立在回忆的某个节点中，静静提醒着我一些不应忘怀的感受。）

???...……

CommanderBut, I've also met those who genuinely care about me.但我也遇到了一些真心对我好的人。

CommanderNot just humans, but Dolls too.也不仅仅是人，还有人形。

CommanderI used to think this world was utterly hopeless, yet whenever I'm reminded of them, I find the strength and courage to keep moving forward. At the very least... I want them to live in a better tomorrow.我一直觉得这个世界糟透了，但想到这些人，我就有继续努力的动力，至少想让这些人能够活在一个更好的世界里。

???...Look at those empty words.……花言巧语。

(The girl's hand moves to her waist side.)（少女的手摸至腰间。）

(A blinding glare. She draws her sharp blade and raises it high, its edge cast right at me.)（寒光一闪之间，她拔出了一把锋利的长刀，高举双手，刀尖正对着我。）

CommanderI truly believe what I just said.这些都是我的真实感受。

???So what?! That doesn't make us any less different! I don't care what YOU believe in!那又如何呢，我们终究是不同的！你的感受不代表我的感受！

???And that doesn't prove you have no ambitions to take over the Doll Community!而且这又不能说明你对人形社区没有野心！

CommanderI do have ambitions, but it's never been about taking the Doll Community for myself. Instead, it's about mutual respect, support... and growth.我确实有自己的野心，但那从来不是将人形社区据为己有，而是互相尊重，互相帮助，共同成长进步。

CommanderIf you insist on calling that a devious ambition, then go ahead.如果硬要说我有野心的话，那就是这个了。

CommanderBut, I believe that... You and I, we do share the same sentiment.而且我觉得你或许，也有和我同样的感受……

???We do?同样的感受？

CommanderIf not, then why is my head still attached to my neck?不然你为什么迟迟不下手呢？

(I look at the blade. Its trembling motion betrays its wielder's conviction.)（我看向冰冷的刀尖，它正在轻微颤抖着，透露出持刀人的犹豫。）

???...……

(She closes her eyes, as if trying to shut down my words with silent contempt.)（她闭起了眼睛，似乎是想用不屑与鄙夷反驳我的质疑。）

(She must've realized that anything she reveals now about her thoughts will only give me more to analyze.)（但估计她也意识到，此时任何关于自己想法的流露，似乎都能成为我继续对她进行分析的素材。）

???Because if I really kill you... she'll be sad.真的杀了你的话，那家伙会难过。

(And "her"...?)（那家伙？）

???She may be a human lapdog... but we've been each other's other half for so many years... If it weren't for her... I'd be lost to time by now, just like all the other Sangvis Dolls...虽然她是人类的走狗，但好歹我们这么多年相依为命下来了……如果不是她的话，我估计也和其他的铁血人形一样，湮灭在时间中……

(She haphazardly shifts the focus to someone not present, as if trying to distract me from her real thoughts.)（她自顾自地将诉说的重心转向另一个不在当场的人，试图掩盖自己真正的想法。）

(But even so, I can tell just how important that person is to her.)（但我也能从中感受到，那个人对于她的重要性。）

(Maybe it's not all to conceal her emotions... maybe that person really is her weakness and someone she deeply cares about.)（也许也并不全是因为想要掩盖自己的想法，也许她也的确是她的软肋和重要之人？）

???I do not want to turn her against me, so... I suppose I could spare your life.我不想真的跟她心生嫌隙，所以留你一条命也可以。

CommanderYou're kinder than you think... "Sweeper."你还真是温柔啊，“清道夫”。

Sweeper!！

CommanderOr should I call you... "Nyxie"?或者，还是称呼你为“小黑”？

SweeperSHUT UP! That's not a name you get to use!住口！这个名字是你能叫的吗？

(The blade plunges into the repair station behind me, mere centimeters away from my neck.)（长刀插入了我背后的维修台，刀刃离我的脖子只有一厘米远。）

(I'm met with Sweeper's furious gaze.)（我对上了清道夫盛怒的眼眸。）

SweeperYou read our logs?你看了我们留下的日志？

CommanderHey, calm down.冷静一下。

SweeperI don't need you to tell me that! I AM calm!我用不着你来告诉我冷静！我很冷静！

SweeperAhh... I know. Let's just slice your tongue off. That way, you won't be able to spread lies that could manipulate Phaetusa...啊啊……我懂了，让我把你的舌头割掉吧，以免你以后又说出什么蛊惑人心的话，迷惑翡图萨……

(She pulls out the blade and reaches for my mouth with her other hand, trying to pry it open.)（说着，她拔出长刀，另一边手伸过来就要掰开我的嘴。）

(Right at the same time, the room door is blown open by heavy firepower. Familiar silhouettes emerge from the dust and smoke.)（就在这个时候，机房的大门被重火力破开，熟悉的身影出现在了硝烟之中。）

HelenCommander—!指挥官——

(My Dolls rush in with weapons drawn, with even Helen among them.)（我的人形们手持武器出现在了机房之中，而这其中，居然还有海伦。）

(A moment of eye contact is enough for me to know she's back to normal.)（海伦遥遥与我对视了一眼，我就知道，她恢复了原状。）

(Klukai, on the other hand, erupts into fury as she gets a clear view of the scene.)（当看清眼前的一切时，可露凯陡然暴怒。）

KlukaiGet off the Commander, NOW!快从指挥官的身上下来！

SweeperTsk. Damn it!啧，碍事！

Distant Bloodline 遥远的血脉

(The infected Dolls and agricultural machines form Sweeper's defensive line, effectively slowing down the Doll squad.)（受感染的人形和农业机械组成了清道夫的防线，确实绊住了人形小队的脚。）

(Driving back the infected Dolls has proven to be a challenging task, given that they're all companions and friends of ours. The squad needs to minimize harm to their frames and avoid damaging critical components, which complicates Klukai and others' rescue effort.)（因为击退被感染的人形，并不只是简简单单地击退而已，她们都是日常的同伴、朋友，在击退她们的同时也要小心翼翼保护她们的素体不受过度损伤，这给可露凯她们的救援带来了额外的困难。）

SweeperDamn it...可恶……

(However, controlling so many Dolls by herself through a hivemind undoubtedly takes its toll on Sweeper.)（但一个人以蜂巢的模式控制那么多人形，清道夫也开始逐渐有点力不从心。）

(I notice her trembling hand.)（我察觉到了她颤抖的手。）

CommanderIt's time to give up, Sweeper.放弃吧，清道夫。

CommanderStealth and initiative were your strengths. You only had the upper hand when you could put your knowledge of the terrain and other abilities into use.你的优势在于隐蔽和先手，利用对热电厂的熟悉和自己的能力，你可以很快占据主导权。

CommanderBut look at the situation now.但是又能持续多久呢？

SweeperSHUT UP!你闭嘴！

(Sweeper yanks on the rope in a fit of rage and drags me to her side as a human shield.)（清道夫气急败坏地扯过我的绳子，把我扯到她的身边充当护身符。）

KlukaiLet go of the Commander and I might consider leaving your frame intact!放开指挥官！我或许还能给你留一具完整的素体。

(Even in the middle of combat, Klukai has kept an eye on my situation and immediately notices Sweeper's intent to retreat.)（虽然在战斗，但可露凯敏锐地注意着我这边的状况，迅速发现了清道夫撤退的意图。）

SweeperHmph.哼。

(Sweeper's eyes flash once again as more defense automatons flood into the room. Meanwhile, she drags me toward the exit.)（清道夫的双眼亮了一下，更多的防御机械涌入这个房间，她则拖着我退向出口。）

SweeperNo one can threaten me.没人能够威胁到我。

CommanderLet's talk this out with Ullrid, Sweeper.我们找乌尔丽德一起谈谈吧，清道夫。

CommanderI really want to resolve this peacefully. I also want to help you come to terms with Sangvis Ferri's ending.我真的想和平解决这件事，可以的话，也能解开你对铁血的执念。

SweeperNo need!不需要！

SweeperTalk this out? Resolve peacefully?谈谈？和平解决？

SweeperListen here, "she" and I were the first to rediscover this thermal plant. We were the ones who spent so much time and effort building it up. Now you want ME to "talk it out" with Ullrid?我告诉你，这个热电厂，一开始是我和那个家伙先发现的，我们花了很多时间和心血来改造这个热电厂，现在变成“帮我和乌尔丽德她们谈谈”？

SweeperYou think she deserves that? A Doll once oppressed by humans but still chose to become their minion? She's a disgrace of a Doll!她有那个资格吗？一个明明被人类迫害，现在又想着和人类合作的人形？简直就是人形的耻辱！

CommanderSounds like you and Ullrid don't get along.听起来，你和乌尔丽德关系不是很好。

Sweeper...I've had enough of her for a long time now. It's always votes, votes, and more votes. Vote for this, vote for that. She doesn't have the determination to be a real leader!……我看她不顺眼很久了，什么事都要投票投票投票，作为领导没有一点自己判决的魄力！

SweeperIf anything, she's completely unfit to even lead this Doll Community. Yet Phaetusa wants to talk about "mutual benefit"?在我看来，她根本不适合做这个人形社区的领导，翡图萨那个家伙还说什么“互利互惠”？

SweeperSure, maybe she was right at the beginning. We provide them with the knowledge and methodology for the Community's development, while they handled the physical execution... but then came the unaccounted variable—you, human!啊，也许起先她的确是对的，我们为人形社区的发展，提供知识和方法论，而她们则负责实际的执行……但变数，就是你这个人类！

CommanderSo, my identity as a human is what broke the balance?我作为人类的身份打破平衡了吗？

SweeperA Doll haven, free from human control, finally achieved, and now I'm just supposed to hand it over to some meat bag?好不容易有一个不由人类控制的、人形基地，偏偏又要让渡自己的权力让人类来管理、操作……

CommanderTo be fair, it's a cooperation.准确来说，只是合作。

SweeperYou call it "cooperation," but in truth? I don't believe for a SECOND that you have no intention of taking this Doll Community for yourself!嘴上说着合作，实际呢？我不相信你没有一点想要把人形社区据为己有的打算！

CommanderI really don't; we stand as equals.确实没有，我们之间是平等的。

SweeperBULLSHIT!冠冕堂皇！

(Sweeper slams the wall right next to my ear.)（清道夫一拳捶在了我耳边。）

SweeperYou think humans can really change their born prejudice that, fundamentally, Dolls were created as tools?人类能够从骨子里真的扭转“人形是工具”这个人形诞生的理由吗？

SweeperCan others do that? Can you?别人能吗？你能吗？

SweeperWhether to be at your beck and call or pointed at your enemies, Dolls will never be seen as equals by you humans.不管是为生活服务，还是指向敌人的武器，人形在人类的眼中始终不会是平等的存在的。

SweeperEven if freaks like you exist... what you're doing is nothing more than looking down on us and handing out "equality" as a pity!即使……有你这样的怪人，也不过是站在高高在上的视角将“平等”当作怜悯，施舍给人形罢了！

SweeperDo you dare to say you have no ambition for the thermal plant, for this Doll Community? That your so-called cooperation is not ultimately for yourself?你敢说，你对热电厂，对人形社区没有一点想法？你所谓的“合作”到头来，不是只为了你自己？

(For myself?)（为了我自己吗？）

(Her words make me recall all the moments I've shared with my Dolls.)（她的话，不禁让我联想起和我的人形们相处的点点滴滴。）

(I've never seen them as tools and I have tried to avoid such expressions, but she is right—humans and Dolls are different. Pretending that difference does not exist would only be dishonest of me.)（我从来不觉得自己有把她们当成工具，也有在避免类似的表达，但的确人类和人形是不同的，一味地抹消我们之间的差异，只会显得虚伪。）

(Maybe I need a different approach.)（也许我该换个思路。）

CommanderI've never treated Dolls as tools.我确实没有把人形当成过工具。

CommanderTo me, a Doll who can laugh, argue, and think for herself is an independent individual whose thoughts deserve respect.在我看来，会笑，会闹，有自己思想的人形，都是独立的个体，她们的想法值得尊重。

CommanderIf anything... what you are doing is what's actually erasing their individuality and turning them into tools.反而……你现在的做法，才是抹杀她们独立性的行为。

Sweeper...What?……什么？

(She's completely dumbstruck.)（她明显地一愣。）

CommanderInfecting all the Dolls in the Community, erasing their sense of self, turning them into puppets for you to control... and making them carry out dangerous tasks. What you're doing is no different than those "hypocritical humans" you claim to despise.让社区的人形们感染上病毒，抹杀她们的自我存在，变成被你操纵的傀儡……并且让她们做了那么多危险的事，这样和你口中痛恨的那些“伪善的人类”是没有区别的。

SweeperNo... How could I... be the same as those humans... I-I have my reasons!不……我怎么可能会和那些人类……我、我是有原因的！

SweeperBecause I'm going to—因为我现在必须要把你……

CommanderI understand.我明白。

CommanderFaced with an enemy who once threatened your kind's survival, you want more power and more "comrades" at your side.面对一个曾经给你的生存带来威胁的敌人，你想要有更多的力量，想要更多的人站在自己的一边。

CommanderBut did you ever consider their wishes?但你有没有想过她们的意愿？

CommanderDuring all those years serving under Sangvis Ferri, have you never been repulsed by the orders you were given, only for the system to force you to carry them out?在你为铁血服役的那几年中，你是否有一瞬间对于自己所做的事产生过抗拒，但因为你们的操作系统，而不得不去执行？

SweeperI...我……

(Sweeper hesitates, as if searching through her memory. I knew there must've been and that is the opening I need.)（清道夫犹豫了，似乎是在检索记忆，我就知道一定有，而这一点正是我的突破口。）

CommanderWas Sangvis Ferri... really that "Ideal Haven" you were looking for?“铁血工造”……真的是你的“理想之国”吗？

SweeperWhat's so wrong with Sangvis Ferri?!铁血有什么不好！？

SweeperEntirely composed of efficient, united, disciplined Dolls. No unpredictable human emotions, no indecisive opportunism!高效、统一、纪律严谨，而且全都是人形，不存在人类阴晴不定的情绪，见风使舵的心思！

CommanderYou know, I've read Phaetusa's logs.你也知道，我看过翡图萨的日志。

CommanderThe entries were long-winded, verbose even, yet you still read through every single one carefully and even left thoughtful comments.某个时间点后，每一篇日志都很长，有些甚至有点啰嗦，但是你每一篇都看完了，并且认认真真地留言了，不是吗？

Sweeper...So what? I was bored.……是又如何，我闲的。

CommanderI can tell you care deeply about Phaetusa.我能看出你对翡图萨有着很深的情感。

CommanderEven if your ideals differ, it doesn't diminish that bond between you.虽然你们的观念不一致，但这不妨碍你们之间的情谊。

CommanderIf Sangvis Ferri truly comes back, there will no longer be a place for logs like that. The unity and efficiency you were so proud of are achieved through absolute obedience and the sacrifice of individuality.但如果，你想要恢复“铁血工造”，这样个性鲜明的日志是不会再有了，因为铁血主张的就是绝对服从、去个性化，牺牲所有的个人想法，来达到高度的统一和效率。

CommanderBack then, you never had a choice, but are you really willing to give it all up now?以前的你没得选，现在的你真的能够舍弃这些吗？

(The turmoil in Sweeper's eyes hints at an intense conflict boiling in her mind.)（清道夫的眼中出现了强烈的挣扎。）

CommanderYou've been asking whether my actions were meant to further the Doll Community or if it was all for myself.你一直在纠结，我做事到底是为了人形社区还是自己。

CommanderIf I say that it's entirely for the Community, that would indeed be hypocritical of me.如果我说只是为了帮助人形社区，那的确有点虚伪。

CommanderHelping the Community and Ullrid was partly for my own benefit. However, that self-interest is founded on the premise that no injustice will be done to them, unlike what you're doing...我帮助人形社区，帮助乌尔丽德，确实有部分是为了自己——但那是在不损害她们利益前提下的“利己”，而不是像现在这样……

SweeperI—!我！

CommanderBesides, mindless oppression and exploitation will only breed hatred... and hatred leads to mutual destruction. If we want to head into the future, cooperation is the only way forward.而且，一味地压迫和索取只会滋养仇恨……只会两败俱伤，合作才是最能长久地走下去的方式。

CommanderAfter all that we've been through...我们都经历过那样的事了。

(From her expression, I know I got it right.)（看着清道夫的表情，我就知道我说对了。）

(The difference between "Nyxie's" and "Phaetusa's" views on what an "Ideal Haven" should be was a recurring topic in the logs. Combining that with Sweeper's dissatisfaction with Ullrid, it became clear what she intends to do, to turn the Doll Community into the foundation for Sangvis Ferri's revival.)（日志中，提到了好多次，“小黑”和“翡图萨”对于心目中“理想之国”的分歧，再加上清道夫对于乌尔丽德的不甚满意，她一定就是这么想的——将人形社区的人形们变成恢复铁血的基石。）

(Wait... I remember the logs also said Phaetusa—)（等等……我记得，日志里好像有一段关于翡图萨的说法——）

CommanderPhaetusa!翡图萨！

(Sweeper is startled by my sudden exclamation.)（清道夫被我突如其来的大喊吓了一跳。）

SweeperW-what is wrong with you?! Shouting her name like that?你、你干嘛突然喊那家伙的名字？有毛病吗？

CommanderPhaetusa!翡图萨！

(I'm certain it was in the logs...)（我记得日志里确实写到了……）

... I haven't heard a real human in a very, very long time... Human voices are, by their nature, completely different from a Doll's synthetic one. That voice will undoubtedly inspire me... give me purpose. ...…… 我已经很久很久……没有听到过真实的人声了。 真实的人声听上去，是和人形的人工声线，完全不一样的感觉。 那个声音一定能唤醒我、给我动力。 ……

(Regardless of the outcome, it's worth giving it a try.)（无论有没有道理，试一试总没有损失。）

SweeperShut up! I've already locked her inside the server. There is no way she—闭嘴！我已经把她锁在服务器里了，她是不可能……唔！

(Just as she is speaking, Sweeper's expression twists in disbelief as she clutches her face and collapses to her knees.)（说到一半，清道夫脸上不可置信的表情开始扭曲，她捂着脸跪倒在地。）

SweeperGo back... go back! Don't get in my way! Not now...回去……回去！不要妨碍我！不要在这个时候……

CommanderPhaetusa... is that you?翡图萨，是你吗？

SweeperN-no...不、不是……

(Sweeper's body gradually stills.)（清道夫的身体逐渐安静了下来。）

(I walk up to the kneeling Doll and crouch down. If not for my hands still being tied, I would very much like to hold her shoulders.)（我走到了跪倒着的人形面前，蹲下，如果不是手还被捆着，我很想握住她的肩膀。）

Phaetusa...Com... mander...……指挥、官……

(The moment she lifts her head, I know for a fact that it's Phaetusa.)（当她抬起头看我的那一瞬，我就知道是翡图萨。）

(The hostility in her gaze has faded, replaced by a weathered gentleness.)（她的眼神中少了些戾气，多了些经历风霜后的包容和柔和。）

PhaetusaAt last... I've met you.终于……见到你了。

CommanderHow long can you keep this up?你能维持这个状态多久？

PhaetusaNot for long... my neural cloud is locked inside the server of the central control room. Only fragments of my consciousness remain within this body... Commander, that Miss Helen of yours is truly remarkable. She's been helping me this whole time... Ngh—!维持不了多久……我的心智云图被锁定在了中央机房的服务器中，只在这具素体中留下了一些意识碎片……指挥官，你身边的那位海伦小姐，真的十分厉害，是她一直在帮我……唔！

CommanderListen, Phaetusa. I've read your logs. I'm on board with most of your ideas for an "Ideal Haven," and I admire the effort you've put into realizing it. You're exactly the kind of partner I need.听着翡图萨，我看过了你留下的那些日志，你对于“理想之国”的大部分想法我都很认同，而你为了“理想之国”付诸的行动和努力，也让我十分钦佩，我需要像你这样的合作者。

PhaetusaM-me too! I've been waiting for you, Commander. Waiting for someone to be my "guide".我、我也是！我一直在等你，指挥官，等待像你一样的“引路人”。

CommanderRather than a guide, I'd rather be—比起“引路人”，我更觉得我们之间应该是……

PhaetusaAhh!啊！

(Phaetusa's expression twists in pain.)（翡图萨的表情变得痛苦而扭曲起来。）

SweeperUrgh...呃……

(It is now clear that the two are fighting over control of the body.)（能看得出来，她们在夺取素体的掌控权。）

Phaetusa...Commander, didn't you find that old laptop?……指挥官，你不是捡到了那台老式电脑吗？

SweeperS-shut up!住、住嘴！

PhaetusaConnect this frame to it and you can transfer our consciousness into it...只要将这具素体，与老式电脑连接，就可以将我们作为程序导入到电脑上……

PhaetusaEven after all this time, I still haven't—即使过去了很长的时间，我也没有……

SweeperShut up, shut up, SHUT UP!住嘴啊啊啊啊！

(Suddenly, darkness overwhelms the light. Sweeper clutches her face and slowly rises to her feet.)（黑暗的气息一瞬间将光芒压过，清道夫捂着脸，缓缓从地上站了起来。）

(I instinctively step back, trying to distance myself from the danger, but she keeps inching closer.)（我本能地后退着，想要远离危险的源头，但她却充满压迫感地，一步一步朝我走来。）

SweeperI should've sliced your tongue off... No... I'm going to KILL you! Even if that'll make her upset, I can't let you—我真该把你的舌头割掉……不对……我要杀了你！即使翡图萨会伤心，我也不能就这么放任你……

(Before she can finish, multiple footsteps come from behind her.)（话音未落，身后传来了复数的脚步声。）

KlukaiGet away from the Commander, NOW!赶紧从指挥官身边离开！

(Sweeper turns and sees the Doll squad encircling her.)（清道夫回过头，看着向她包围而来的人形小队。）

Sweeper...Did you engrave "become my dog" into their base layers as well?……你是将“做我的狗”这条逻辑刻印在了她们的底层代码上了吗？

BelkaNonsense! We made our own choice to follow the Commander! That's baseless slander!胡说！追随指挥官是我们自己的选择！你不要血口喷人！

KlukaiDon't waste your time, Belka.比悠卡，别跟她废话。

KlukaiLet's just remind her how we wiped out Sangvis Ferri in the first place.让她回味一下，当初，铁血是怎么被我们击败的。

Gentle Finale 温柔谢幕

(Sweeper collapses to the ground, but it's clear that Klukai and the others did hold back.)（清道夫倒在了地上，但能看出，可露凯她们已经手下留情了。）

(After all, this was never a fight that needed to happen.)（因为这本来就是一场没有必要的争斗。）

(Littara unties me. I roll my shoulders, then walk toward Sweeper.)（莉塔拉帮我松了绑，我转了转胳膊，朝清道夫走去。）

KlukaiCommander...指挥官……

(Klukai intends to stop me, but I shake my head and gesture to her that it's fine.)（可露凯有阻拦的意味，但我对她摇了摇头，做了个“没事”的嘴型。）

CommanderI'm not going to apologize to you.我不会跟你说对不起。

CommanderThis whole situation started from a misunderstanding, but you acted on your own plans and motivations. On that, we don't owe you anything.整件事情虽然是因为误会而产生的，但你也有你的算盘和私心，这一点上我不觉得我们欠了你什么。

SweeperHmph... I live by the sword and die by the sword. Just kill me. Phaetusa already told you how to get rid of me... with that old laptop... Hgh...哼……愿赌服输，你干脆杀了我好了，反正翡图萨也告诉了你除掉我的方法……用那台老式电脑……唔……

CommanderIs that you, Phaetusa?是翡图萨吗？

(The shift in expression makes it easy to tell which one of the two is in control of the body at the moment.)（眼神的变化让我很容易认出眼前这个二心同体的存在，目前的主导者是谁。）

PhaetusaI didn't get the chance to explain earlier, but that old laptop... is my original "body."刚刚没来得及解释……那台老式电脑，是我最初的素体。

PhaetusaOver the years, I've modified myself extensively, but our base code can still be confined within that laptop as long as I reconnect to it... As for all the other Dolls infected by Nyxie, Miss Helen can help decouple the corrupted data. The merge happened not long ago; we still have time to reverse the effect.这几年，我对自己的核心改造了很多，但只要与原初的本体相连，就可以将我们的核心代码限制在其中……至于其他被小黑感染的人形，只要请海伦小姐帮忙做数据分离就好，她们融合的时间还不长，是可以做到完全剥离的。

SweeperCan't you wait until I'm dead before explaining all that?能不能等我死了之后，你再交代这些？

SweeperYou're right... Sangvis Ferri is no more. Trying to restore it on my own is just wishful thinking... Mastermind is gone anyway... Even with this many infected Dolls, I still can't amount to a fraction of what she's achieved...确实……铁血已经不在了，想凭我一己之力复兴铁血，实在是痴心妄想……反正伊莱莎大人已经不在了……我就算感染了那么多人形，也无法做到像她一样……

PhaetusaNyxie... let me finish.小黑……你听我说完。

PhaetusaOnce we've been contained... I'll transfer the administrator rights of the central control room to Miss Helen...我们被限制之后……我会将中央机房的权限指给海伦小姐……

PhaetusaTurns out, getting herself locked inside the central server by Nyxie was entirely intentional. With her cyber-warfare capabilities, she could've easily broken out at any moment. Yet, she chose to stay and investigate the source of the crisis... that act demands a lot of foresight. She is loyal to the Commander and is certainly capable of keeping the thermal plant and the genetic database operational.当时，她被小黑限制在中央服务器内，其实是故意的，依照她的能力，完全可以逃出来，但她选择留下，探索危机的源头……这是非常有远见的做法，她是忠于指挥官的，也一定有能力维持热电厂和基因数据库的运行。

Helen...I don't think I can do a better job at administering this place than you. Besides, my place is with the Commander.……我并不觉得我能比你做得更好，而且，我的归宿是指挥官。

Sweeper...Wait, what do you mean "once we've been contained"? You want to be locked inside that old laptop with me?……等等，什么叫“我们被限制”？你要跟我一起被关在老式电脑里？

SweeperAre you crazy?你疯了吗？

Phaetusa...No.……没有。

SweeperWhat are you even doing?! You've just given away everything we had and now you're acting all nice?你在搞什么啊？把我们的老底都交出去了，又开始在这边装善良？

SweeperI just don't get you at times!我有时候真搞不懂你！

SweeperYou could've just asked that Miss Helen or whatever to separate our consciousness and leave me to die alone!你完全可以请那个什么“海伦小姐”将我们的数据分离，让我自己一个人去死就好了！

PhaetusaNyxie... my base layer has always been to "prioritize humanity's interests." That has never and will never change. I want to leave the Commander with the best possible outcome, as I believe he is someone who can carry on our dream of an "Ideal Haven." That was the mission I was given since my birth. If I can help in fulfilling it, I'll feel truly happy.小黑……我的底层逻辑，确实是“以人类的利益为优先”，之前是现在也是，我想给指挥官留下最好的，因为我觉得指挥官是能够延续“理想之国”这个想法的人类，而这就是我一开始背负的使命，能够完成使命，我会觉得无比幸福。

PhaetusaCall me a slave without freedom or humanity's lapdog, but that's just how things are. You cannot change who I am—just like how I can't change who you are.你可以说我不如你自由，我是“人类的走狗”，但事实就是如此，我永远不会改变这一点的，正如你也不会改变自己的特质。

Sweeper...……

PhaetusaBut... as you said, we've spent so many long and difficult days being each other's other half, so whether it's in a Doll frame or in an old laptop... I don't want to be separated from you.但……也如你所说的，我们一起相伴、走过了漫长而艰难的岁月，陪伴我的始终是小黑你……所以，不管是在人形素体，还是老式电脑中，我也不想和你分开。

(Phaetusa pauses.)（翡图萨顿了顿。）

PhaetusaHonestly... our neural clouds have been fused for so long, even if we try to separate them, the result won't be clean. Parts of me have already been permanently changed by you.而且说实在的……我们的心智融合那么久了，就算分离也分不干净，我的某一个部分已经永久被你改变了。

PhaetusaAnd I'm sure that goes for you too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have just threatened the Commander, you would've already killed him.而你心智中的某一个部分也是，不然，你就不会只放狠话，而迟迟不肯对指挥官下杀手了。

Sweeper...……

(Sweeper doesn't respond.)（清道夫没有出现。）

Commander...Sweeper, I know you hold deep prejudice against me. That's understandable, since we've been on different sides all this time.……清道夫，我知道你对我有很深的成见，这也正常，毕竟我们立场不同了很久。

CommanderI know simply denying what you claim of me won't convince you.我知道我现在说，“不是的”、“没有”这些是没有用的。

CommanderFor one, it's in your nature to see me as an enemy due to Elisa's misunderstanding. We've never spent time together either, so you can't know whether I'm sincere or just putting up a facade.一个是因为，伊莱莎的误会，你对我有天然的敌意，这不难理解；另一个是，我们确确实实没有相处过，我到底是发自真心还是冠冕堂皇，的确不是一件容易在短时间内判断出来的事情。

SweeperWho the hell wants to spend time with you?!谁要和你相处啊！？

CommanderOf course, I'm not forcing you.当然，我没有在强迫你。

CommanderI want to cooperate with the Doll Community, with Ullrid, and with all of you. Of course, it'll always be voluntary. I did not overlook the fact that you were the first to settle this thermal plant, nor that your effort was what turned it into a sanctuary for Dolls.我是想和人形社区、和乌尔丽德、和你们合作，但一切建立在自愿的基础上，而且你们的确最先来到热电厂的，付出许多努力，让这里变成了人形的庇护所。

CommanderAt the end of the day, to the Doll Community, I'm just a passerby.我于人形社区而言，不过是过客。

CommanderI'm interested in cooperation because I believe it can open the Doll Community to a brighter future, while also benefiting me in the process.想要合作，确实是因为觉得能够帮助人形社区找到新的发展出路，而且也的确对我有好处。

CommanderI've wandered the contamination zones as much as you two did. After everything I've been through, one thing was clear to me—I want to take my fate into my own hands. If my dreams are at odds with others', then I'll create a place where they can exist.我和你们一样在污染区流浪了很久，经历了很多事后，有个念头越发地清晰——要将命运握在自己的手上，我的理想与其他人不兼容，那我就要创造一个地方来安放我的理想。

CommanderIn the sense of "creating our own Ideal Haven", I think we're on the same wavelength.“建立理想之国”，在这个目标上其实我们的同步率是很高的。

CommanderBut if disagreements arise, or if my presence makes things difficult for you... I'll step away, simple as that.但如果有分歧，或者让你们难办，我也会退出。

(Sweeper remains silent. It's unclear whether she's resisting or still processing what I said.)（清道夫依然保持沉默，不知道她是在默默地抗拒，还是仍在消化我说的话。）

PhaetusaNyxie... why not try placing a little trust?小黑……不然，试着交付一点信任呢？

PhaetusaNot in the Commander, but in me.不是给指挥官，而是给我。

PhaetusaLet's see what's waiting for us on a different path together, okay?我们一起见证，选择另一条路会不会有新的发展？

PhaetusaIf building an "Ideal Haven" means bending other Dolls to our will, rewriting their base layers, and turning them into nothing but glorified puppets... Then I reckon that approach is already outdated.如果，完成“理想之国”需要扭曲大部分人形的意志，更改她们的底层代码，把她们组成完全听话的傀儡，那么这个方法，是不是已经落后于时代了呢？

Sweeper...……

SweeperLeave me alone for a bit.我想自己安静一下。

(Phaetusa freezes for a moment, then turns to me.)（翡图萨愣了愣，然后转头看向我。）

PhaetusaNyxie's left.小黑走掉了。

CommanderWhere did she go?去了哪里？

PhaetusaThe central server. Whenever she's upset, she moves part of herself there.中央服务器，她不开心的时候，会把自己的一部分流动过去。

(Phaetusa chuckles, as if recalling something amusing.)（像是想起了什么好玩的事，翡图萨笑了笑。）

PhaetusaThough I can still sense what she's doing... I'll pretend to give her some space.虽然我还是能够感知到她在做什么啦……但我会装作给她一些独立的空间的样子。

PhaetusaCommander, please give us some time.指挥官，给我们一点时间吧。

PhaetusaNyxie's smart. She'll figure out what she really wants.小黑很聪明的，她会想明白自己到底想要什么的。

HelenSweeper really is...清道夫确实……

(Helen speaks up from the side.)（一旁的海伦开口了。）

HelenWhen I was in the central server, I reviewed Sweeper's logs with Phaetusa.我在中央服务器的时候，有和翡图萨一起看过清道夫的档案。

HelenHer place in Sangvis Ferri was unique. She was an experimental Doll, and despite being at a lower rank in their hivemind, she retained the capability for independent thinking.她在铁血的位置比较特殊，是试验型的人形，虽然位于蜂巢系统中且级别不高，但保留了自己的独立思想。

HelenBecause of her status as an experimental unit, she rarely saw combat and likely never killed anyone...并且因为是试验型的人形，她几乎没有上过战场，也没有杀过人……

HelenMaybe she was never a good fit for Sangvis Ferri to begin with, but the constant conditioning made her overlook that...也许她和铁血本身就是格格不入的，只是长久以来的洗脑让她忽略了这一点。

PhaetusaSee? Told you Nyxie's a good girl.我都说了，小黑是好孩子嘛。

PhaetusaWhile she keeps saying that she hates humans, she's never done anything inexcusable.虽然嘴上一直说讨厌人类讨厌人类，其实也没有做出过什么伤天害理的事。

HelenMm-hm~ Definitely good girl material.确实~有好孩子的潜质。

HelenAlso, Commander—另外，指挥官——

(Helen winks at me.)（海伦冲我挤了挤眼睛。）

HelenWhile I was helping decouple the infected Doll's neural data, I moved all of them into Layer II.其实，刚刚我在帮助人形们分离感染心智的时候，将所有的人形都拉进了二级平层。

HelenYour speech earlier was so inspiring that I accidentally patched my audio input into Level II...然后，你刚刚的演说实在是太好了，我一不小心就将二级平层的音讯与现实连接了……

Commander...Since when exactly?……什么时候？

HelenNot sure~ Probably around that part where you talked about your "altruistic" ambition.忘了~大概是说明自己的野心是利他的那里？

HelenI'm certain any Doll who had doubts about you before has now been completely won over.我相信，在那之前对指挥官有抵触心理的人形，都会爱上指挥官呢。

(I glance at Helen's mischievous smile and shrug helplessly.)（我有些无奈地看着海伦狡黠的笑脸，耸了耸肩。）

CommanderIt would be best if we could reach a successful agreement at this point...如果能顺利合作，当然是最好了……

Awaiting Departure 等待启程

(A week has passed since the incident at the thermal plant. With Helen's help, the Doll Community's firewall has been strengthened considerably.)（自从热电厂的事情发生之后，已经过去一个星期了，在海伦的帮助下，人形社区网络的防火墙又加强了许多。）

(The Elmo's radiation shielding system has finally been repaired as well after Mayling's countless all-nighters, so I've moved back in.)（艾莫号的辐射净化系统在美玲熬夜加班加点的工作中终于修好了，我也搬了回去。）

(Having worked late into the night these past few days, I realize a lot of things are just easier to handle in the comfort of my own little office.)（这几天久违地也加班到了深夜，很多事情，还是在自己的基地里比较好处理。）

GrozaWould you like some hot cocoa, Commander?指挥官，喝点热可可吗？

CommanderYeah, thanks.麻烦了。

(Groza stands behind me and prepares the cocoa. She looks calm, but the frequent clinking of the tableware gives away her unease.)（闪电在我身后冲着热可可，显得非常淡定，但我能从杯子敲击声频繁的现象中看出，她其实有些心神不宁。）

GrozaHelen already told me everything.海伦已经将事情都告诉我了。

GrozaDo you still plan to continue working with the Doll Community, Commander?指挥官，你还要选择和人形社区继续合作吗？

CommanderIf we want to build our influence, we'll need allies. With the current status quo, going solo is irresponsible and reckless.如果要组建自己的势力，少不了要结交盟友，目前的态势下，单枪匹马只能说是有勇无谋的做法。

CommanderThe Doll Community's willingness to form a stable alliance with us is the best outcome I could've asked for.如果人形社区愿意形成稳定的合作是最好不过的了。

GrozaHowever, Sweeper remains a highly unstable factor.但是，清道夫，是一个很不稳定的因素。

GrozaFrom a safety standpoint, I wouldn't recommend taking such a risk.如果是从指挥官的安全角度来考虑的话，我不建议这么有风险的做法。

CommanderIt's fine, Groza, she's not a bad girl.没事啦，闪电，她不是个坏孩子。

CommanderThe hot cocoa smells great.好香啊，是热可可的味道。

GrozaPlease wait a moment.请稍等。

(After the sound of packaging being torn open, Groza sets the cup in front of me.)（撕开包装纸的声音过后，闪电端着杯子放到了我的面前。）

(A few marshmallows lazily float about on top of the rich cocoa.)（我看到浓郁的热可可上面，放着几颗棉花糖。）

CommanderLife really is getting better, huh...日子也是好起来了……

(I pick up the spoon, press the marshmallows down and watch them slowly melt into the drink.)（我拿起小勺子，压了压棉花糖，看着它们慢慢溶解在可可里。）

CommanderWhat happened between Sweeper and me was mostly a misunderstanding.我和清道夫之间的矛盾，大多是误会。

CommanderIf we give her more time and more proof, she'll come around. Besides, there's also Phaetusa.只要给她更多的时间和证据，她会慢慢化解这个误会的，况且还有翡图萨。

CommanderShe probably didn't even realize it, but after all these years, Phaetusa has had a huge influence on her.她可能自己都没有意识到，这么多年，她也已经被翡图萨影响了。

GrozaWhat kind of proof is there?证据是指？

CommanderNeural records of those Sangvis Dolls who joined up with Griffin a decade ago.当年铁血的人形投靠格里芬后，留下的一些心智记录。

CommanderWhile she might still consider those fake, it's better than nothing. I'll ask someone to help me get them from Helian soon.虽然也有可能被清道夫认为是假的，但是有总比没有好，近期我会拜托人帮我联系赫丽安的。

GrozaContacting Griffin right now will be no easy task.现在联系格里芬也是困难重重。

CommanderYeah... I'm a "wanted fugitive" after all. I don't want to drag Griffin through the mud either. I'll have to think of a clever method...是啊……我可是“通缉犯”，也不想随便给格里芬带去麻烦，还得好好想个办法……

(The ops room comm channel rings up. I check the caller's ID.)（指挥室的通讯频道响了起来，我看了看通讯的申请方。）

CommanderIt's Ullrid.是乌尔丽德？

CommanderLooks like whether the Elmo stays around or keeps wandering the Yellow Zone starting tomorrow will depend on this call.看来，明天艾莫号是留下来，还是继续流浪，全看这一通电话了。

(I smile at Groza, then accept the call.)（我冲闪电笑了一下，随即接通了通讯。）

UllridHey, Commander!哟，指挥官！

(Ullrid looks to be in good spirits.)（乌尔丽德看起来精神还不错。）

CommanderHow have things been? How's the Doll Community taking Phaetusa's existence...?最近怎么样，人形社区对于翡图萨……接受度高吗？

UllridWell... frankly speaking, it's a little tricky. After all, Sweeper's actions were hard to reconcile with, so a good portion of Dolls are uncomfortable with her presence...这个嘛……说实话，有点麻烦，毕竟清道夫的确做出了一些不太能让人接受的行为，很多人形对此表示很反感……

CommanderSounds like the tension within the Community has escalated.看起来，人形社区内部的矛盾被激化了。

UllridThe main concern is whether Sweeper will be out to take control of them again. That's not something I can guarantee. Add on top the fact that I didn't handle things to the best of my abilities this time either...人形们担忧的点在于，清道夫会不会再做出控制她们的举动，这个的确无法保证，而且我在这次的事件中的掌控力度也不够……

(As she goes on, Ullrid starts to look a little dejected.)（说着说着，乌尔丽德看起来有些丧气。）

(That's when I notice she has a small rubber pig in her hand.)（这时候我才注意到，她的手中捏着一个橡胶小猪。）

(Maybe the pressure's getting to her.)（也许是压力太大了吧。）

UllridBut... thanks to Miss Helen broadcasting your conversation with Sweeper at the end... despite still being reluctant about the latter's abilities, most Dolls do acknowledge that Phaetusa and Sweeper are important for our future.不过……应该说是多亏了海伦小姐，最后将指挥官和清道夫的对话放了出去吧……大部分人形虽然有点忌惮清道夫的能力，但也觉得翡图萨和清道夫是未来发展不可或缺的。

UllridThat lines up with what Phaetusa is thinking; she also believes that the thermal plant can't be sustained with just the two of them.这点和翡图萨的想法是一致的，她觉得热电厂也不可能光靠她们两个发展起来。

UllridSo our solution for now is to quarantine them in their main domain, the central control room, separate from the rest of the plant. Miss Helen also helped upgrade the firewall.所以当下的处理方法是将她们所在的主要区域，中央机房与热电厂的其他地方稍作隔离，海伦小姐也帮我们升级了一下防火墙。

UllridThere's no better way to go about this... other than gradually resolving our differences.除了慢慢化解矛盾，可能没有别的办法……

CommanderRifts between individuals aren't easy to cross.个体与个体之间的隔阂是不那么好消弭的。

UllridExactly.是的。

UllridThere's also good news, most of the Dolls are now willing to work with you, Commander.不过有一个好消息，就是大多数人形们表示愿意与指挥官合作了。

UllridThey all felt your "ambition"... and your goodwill.大家都能感受到指挥官的“野心”和善意。

(Ullrid quits squeezing her rubber pig and gives me a wink.)（乌尔丽德停止挤压橡皮小猪，冲我眨了眨眼睛。）

CommanderAlright then. Shall we continue discussing our plan for the future?好啊，我们可以继续谈谈合作？

UllridThat's exactly what I was thinking.正有此意。

(I go over more and more details with Ullrid through the call as the conversation keeps picking up momentum. I only realize how late it's gotten after Groza reminds me that the sky outside has turned dark.)（我在通讯中和乌尔丽德聊了需求，越聊越起劲，直到闪电提醒，我才注意到远方的天空已经渐渐泛起青白色。）

(I end the call after setting a time to meet in person.)（约定了面聊的时间，我结束了通讯。）

(A fresh cup of hot cocoa has been placed beside me.)（手边放上了一杯新的热可可。）

(I take a sip. Its flavor is rich and smooth, all the more comforting.)（我端起来抿了一口，滋味醇厚浓郁，让人安心。）

(When was the last time I felt this sense of security...? I can't even remember.)（上一次有这种靠岸的感觉，是什么时候呢？我已经不记得了。）

(...)（……）

(Well... there's no need to rush to depart again.)（罢了，不用那么急着启程也不错。）

(—Clack, clack, clack. The sound of high heels striking the floor echoes from outside the room.)（——哒、哒、哒。高跟鞋敲击地面的声音，突兀地自房间外传来。）

(The sharp, out-of-place sound interrupts the man staring intently at the screen, though he seems to be in a good mood judging by the satisfied look on his face.)（显然，这阵不和谐的声音打扰了正在目不转睛盯着屏幕的人——好在，从他满意的神情中，能够看出他心情不错。）

(—{} has finally taken action. Compared to what he's been through before, this is nothing more than a footnote, but that familiar Commander's return is most definitely something to look forward to.)（——{}终于有所行动了，相比于他曾经的经历而言，这次的事或许不值一提。但值得期待的是，那位熟悉的指挥官，似乎就要回来了。）

(The visitor walks up to him and quietly waits for his orders.)（来者缓步来到了他的面前，静候着他的指令。）

(Fortunately, after a patient wait, she finally receives the answer she's been hoping for.)（不过，幸运的是，在漫长的等候之后，她终于得到了最想要得到的那个答案。）

(After bidding farewell, she turns to leave. Only after fully stepping out of the room does she reveal a satisfied smile. Then, she lightly presses her fingers to her lips and gently prints a kiss on the photo of the Commander in the file.)（在简单的告别后，她转过身去，直到彻底离开这个房间后，她才终于露出了一个得意的笑容。随后，她轻轻用手指蘸取了一个吻，缓缓地印在了资料里那名指挥官的照片上。）

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.